bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity evidence for observational ERCP competency assessment tools: a systematic review
Authors: Walsh Catharine M. , Grover Samir C. , Khan Rishad , Homsi Hoomam , Gimpaya Nikko , Lisondra James , Sabrie Nasruddin , Gholami Reza , Bansal Rishi , Scaffidi Michael A. , Lightfoot David , James Paul D. , Siau Keith , Forbes Nauzer , Wani Sachin , Keswani Rajesh N.
Published: February 2023

Background Assessment of competence in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is critical for supporting learning and documenting attainment of skill. Validity evidence supporting ERCP observational assessment tools has not been systematically evaluated.

Methods We conducted a systematic search using electronic databases and hand-searching from inception until August 2021 for studies evaluating observational assessment tools of ERCP performance. We used a unified validity framework to characterize validity evidence from five sources: content, response process, internal structure, relations to other variables, and consequences. Each domain was assigned a score of 0–3 (maximum score 15). We assessed educational utility and methodological quality using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education framework and the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument, respectively.

Results From 2769 records, we included 17 studies evaluating 7 assessment tools. Five tools were studied for clinical ERCP, one for simulated ERCP, and one for simulated and clinical ERCP. Validity evidence scores ranged from 2 to 12. The Bethesda ERCP Skills Assessment Tool (BESAT), ERCP Direct Observation of Procedural Skills Tool (ERCP DOPS), and The Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and ERCP Skills Assessment Tool (TEESAT) had the strongest validity evidence, with scores of 10, 12, and 11, respectively. Regarding educational utility, most tools were easy to use and interpret, and required minimal additional resources. Overall methodological quality (maximum score 13.5) was strong, with scores ranging from 10 to 12.5.

Conclusions The BESAT, ERCP DOPS, and TEESAT had strong validity evidence compared with other assessments. Integrating tools into training may help drive learners’ development and support competency decision making.
Minimally Invasive Technique for Spontaneous Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage
Authors: Raval Himanshu , Shah Kalpesh , Bhatt Mona
Published: February 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to introduce a cost-effective and less invasive method for the evacuation of intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH).

Background IPH in the presence or absence of intraventricular hemorrhage has severe morbidity and has almost 50% mortality whether the patient is managed surgically or medically. Development of minimally invasive surgical techniques offers better outcomes but requires the use of special instruments and a unique skill set that is costly and requires special training.

Method We inserted infant feeding tube within the hematoma via the left Kocher's burr hole. We instilled 40,000 IU of urokinase serially at an 8 hours interval for 3 days to evacuate the left gangliocapsular hematoma.

Result We have treated a 50 years old hypertensive male patient with left gangliocapsular IPH and right hemiparesis (power: ⅖ on admission). After a month, on follow-up, the patient was conscious and oriented with improved right hemiparesis (power: ⅘).

Conclusion This technique of evacuating hematoma is instrumental in peripheral centers in developing as well as under-developed countries where there are limited resources and a better outcome is expected with minimal morbidity.
Complications of Different Types of Cranioplasty and Identification of Risk Factors Associated with Cranioplasty at a Tertiary Care Centre: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Shukla Yatendra , Sundaram Ponraj Kamatchi , Ramalingam Jinendra Kumar , Costa Jorson D. , Parab Amey , Jakhar Subhash , Chauhan Ganesh , Bharti Rohit
Published: February 2023

Objective Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an urgent procedure which is done to decrease intracranial pressure. A study of the complications would suggest measures to improve the care. This study was focused on analyzing the complications after cranioplasty (CP) and to identify risk factors that may be associated with the failure of the procedure.

Method: This study was conducted over 41 months at level-1 trauma center and medical college. It included patients undergoing CP for a defect arising out of previous DC or inability to replace the bone flap (Glasgow Coma Scale > 13, size > 5 cm, without surgical site infection). All patients underwent CT imaging before and after the procedure. The CP technique largely depended on the patients, based on the cost of prosthesis and availability.

Result: Hundred patients were included in the study. Postoperatively, total 22 patients suffered complications of which few had more than one complication. Titanium implant appeared to be a better implant, with no complication (p < 0.05). Complication was common in younger age group, chemically cured PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) and ethylene oxide) sterilized bone flap). Complications were higher among patients with multiple comorbidity and stroke patients.

Conclusion: Titanium flap had no complication and in case of autologous abdominal subcutaneous flap, apart from bone flap absorption, patients had no major complication. Therefore, both implants are preferred implants for CP. Heat-cured PMMA can be used in case of nonavailability of a better option, as it is economical feasible and can be molded at any dental lab.
Hemoglobin Change after Red Blood Cell Transfusion for Postpartum Anemia: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Rush Margaret , Srinivas Sindhu K. , Hamm Rebecca F.
Published: February 2023

Objective We aimed to describe hemoglobin (Hb) change after transfusion in the nonacute postpartum anemic population in order to provide clinicians with appropriate expectations regarding Hb rise posttransfusion.

Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing initial transfusion with 1 unit of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) to 2 units pRBCs for postpartum women requiring nonacute transfusion (n = 66). Inclusion criteria were: age 18 years and older, Hb level either <7 g/dL or >7 g/dL with signs or symptoms of anemia, and > 6 hours postpartum without contraindication to transfusion. Hb assessment was performed 4 to 6 hours after initial transfusion. Hb change (ΔHb) was calculated as posttransfusion Hb minus randomization Hb. Our primary goal was to describe mean ΔHb per pRBC transfused at the 4- to 6-hour posttransfusion blood count. We also compared ΔHb per pRBC transfused by number of units transfused, body mass index (BMI), and symptoms (dizziness and/or fatigue) at time of posttransfusion assessment.

Results Participants were mean age 29, mean BMI of 27, and over 70% self-identified as black, 12% identified as white, and 9% as Asian race. Mean Hb prior to transfusion was 6.9 ± 0.6 g/dL. Mean ΔHb per pRBC transfused was 0.9 ± 0.4g/dL. There was no difference in ΔHb per pRBC by BMI category (normal weight < 25 kg/m2: 1.1 ± 0.2 g/dL; overweight 25–29.9 kg/m2: 0.9 ± 0.5 g/dL; obese ≥ 30 kg/m2: 0.9 ± 0.5 g/dL; p = 0.12). Finally, there was also no significant difference in ΔHb per pRBC by whether or not symptoms of anemia persisted after initial transfusion (1.0 ± 0.7 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 g/dL, p = 0.39).

Conclusion Our data supports the classically accepted rise in Hb after pRBC of approximately 1 g/dL, regardless of BMI category or anemia symptomatology. The study population includes patients at highest risk of postpartum anemia. The results of our study provide important information for clinicians caring for postpartum patients with nonacute anemia.

Key Points
Study of the characteristics of the system: Ion source–ion decelerator
Authors: Obukhov V. A. , Svotina V. V.
Published: February 2023

The features of the method for the formation of dense low-energy ion beams in the system consisting of ion source–ion decelerator are considered. According to this method, a wide ion beam is formed using an ion source with an ion energy of 500 eV and higher, and then the ions are decelerated just before landing on the substrate surface by an electric field created in the ion decelerator. In the considered ion decelerator, the electric field that slows down the ions is created in a gas discharge in E × B fields due to the Hall effect. The decelerated electrode imitating the substrate is located in the field of action of a magnetic field with an induction of 0.45 T. The ion decelerator is characterized as a Hall magnetohydrodynamic converter of the ion beam kinetic energy into electrical energy. The analysis of plasma processes in the converter has been carried out on the basis of the model of the ion-vacuum regime of a discharge in E × B fields for estimating the expected properties of the converter and their verification based on experimental results. In experiments, an ion source of the Kaufman type formed an argon ion beam with a density of 0.5–2 mA/cm2 and ion energy of 300–1500 eV was used. The voltage–current characteristics of the converter are given. The ratio of electron and ion components of the current in the circuit of the decelerated electrode was determined when the beam space charge neutralizer in the form of a heated filament was switched on and off. Using a Langmuir probe and a thermionic probe, the distributions of the ion beam current density and the potential of the plasma surrounding the ion beam in the beam transport space has been studied. A significant influence of the potential of the decelerator electrode on the plasma potential in the region of ion beam transport is shown. The features of the discharge in a specific design of the ion decelerator for a deceleration degree of ions to an energy of 50–75 eV are revealed.
Switchable thermal waveguides in GaAs based devices
Authors: Hildenstein Philipp , Feise David , Mauerhoff Felix , Werner Nils , Paschke Katrin , Tränkle Günther
Published: February 2023

The modulation of light within microscopic devices is the key to designing versatile and powerful photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Contemporary techniques are able to generate a wide range of waveguiding and waveforming elements. They are implemented by the etching of trenches, laser induced waveguide writing, and many other techniques. However, most of the fabricated structures feature a static waveguiding behavior that remains unaltered after processing the devices. In this work, we demonstrate the simulation, design, and experimental behavior of truly switchable microscopic waveguides. We demonstrate the presence of waveguiding and forming elements by localized heating, leading to a tunable refractive index profile in GaAs based devices. We give insights into the microscopic behavior by multi-physics simulations in the mechanical, thermal, and optical domains. This approach opens the way to further possibilities in the design of PICs and useful modifications within existing diode laser and amplifier setups.
Cylindrical and spherical modified Gardner solitons in five component dusty plasmas
Authors: Tanisha N. Y. , Ferdousi M. , Hossain K.
Published: February 2023

The propagation of nonplanar (cylindrical or spherical) Gardner solitons (GSs) in a plasma system containing nonthermally distributed heavy ions, light ions, q nonextensive distributed electrons, and arbitrarily charged dusts is studied theoretically and numerically. The modified Gardner equation is derived using the reductive perturbation method. The basic properties (amplitude, polarity, speed, and so on) of nonplanar dust-acoustic Gardner solitons (DA GSs) are analyzed numerically. Numerical analysis shows that the properties of the DA GSs in cylindrical and spherical geometry differ from those in planar geometry. The findings of the present study considerably contribute to space plasma and laboratory plasma.
Strong-to-fragile transition in a metallic-glass forming supercooled liquid associated with a liquid–liquid transition
Authors: Ouyang L. F. , Shen J. , Huang Y. , Sun Y. H. , Bai H. Y. , Wang W. H.
Published: February 2023

Liquid–liquid transitions are present in a variety of substances. However, investigating the liquid–liquid transitions occurring in a supercooled liquid is difficult because of the interference from rapid crystallization. Here, we report a strong-to-fragile transition in a Pd32Ni52P16 metallic glass-forming supercooled liquid associated with a liquid–liquid transition. Since the liquid–liquid transition takes place at temperatures smaller than the crystallization temperature, the liquid viscosity can be acquired by creep experiments conducted at temperatures close to the glass transition temperature without interference from crystallization. The strong-to-fragile transition results in a 37% increase of the fragility index and a 56% elongation after thermal-plastic processing. An investigation on the loss-modulus peaks by a dynamic mechanical analyzer implies that the enhanced thermal plasticity is contributed by both glass transition and strong-to-fragile transition. This work highlights how liquid–liquid transition affects liquid fragility and how it may aid the thermal-plastic processing of metallic glass.
Modified pressure and vorticity variables using Helmholtz decomposition for solution of the incompressible flow equations
Authors: Gautam Kaurab , Abdallah Shaaban
Published: February 2023

Incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are reformulated using the Helmholtz decomposition of a velocity vector into rotational and potential components. By substituting the decomposed velocity in the time derivative term in a momentum equation, the potential component representing a gradient of a pressure-like term is combined with the gradient of the pressure modifying the physical pressure field. The rotational component representing a curl of a vortex-like vector is combined with the vorticity vector, making a non-physical vorticity vector that modifies the fluid viscosity. Thus, the unsteady Navier–Stokes equation is transformed into an explicitly steady-state form in terms of non-primitive variables. The stream function vector is governed by a parabolic equation in time, while the vorticity vector is governed by the Poisson function with a source term function of the convection stretching and time dependency of the physical flow vorticity. Therefore, the resulting system of equations is numerically independent of the cell Reynolds number stability condition that hunted the convection–diffusion Navier–Stokes equation. Numerical results are obtained for the two-dimensional driven cavity problem for Reynolds number of 1000 with 21 × 21, 41 × 41, 81 × 81, and 161 × 161 grid points. The computational grids correspond to cell Reynolds numbers 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.125, respectively. The computed results are smooth in all cases and validate the method.
Research on steering coordination control strategy for distributed drive electric vehicles
Authors: Dang Meng , Zhang Chuanwei , Yang Zhi , Chang Bo , Wang Jianlong
Published: February 2023

The key problems of the steering system and vehicle handling stability of distributed drive electric vehicles are studied in the paper. According to the performance of the distributed drive electric vehicle, a seven-degree-of-freedom is established to match the parameters with the model of CarSim software. Based on the maneuverability improvement control algorithm of the active front wheel system [Active Front Steering (AFS)]/differential power steering system coupling redundancy between differential drive assist steering (DDAS), a AFS/DDAS system coordination control strategy is formulated to reduce the influence of undesirable cross-pendulum moments on vehicle stability. Through the requirements for vehicle stability, a distributed control strategy for the steering stratification of electric vehicles is developed. In the upper layer, the direct transverse moment controller is designed by the linear quadratic regulator algorithm, and the stability control area is divided into a stable region, a transition region, and an unstable region according to the center-of-mass deviation angle. Then the weights of the three subsystems are determined by judging the control area of the vehicle. The lower controller distributes the additional torque from the final calculation of the upper controller to the driving wheels through an allocation algorithm. Finally, using the CarSim/Simulink simulation platform and the dSPACE hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulation platform, the effectiveness and real-time performance of the steering coordination control strategy are verified by simulation experiments under typical working conditions, such as double shift line, step, and sinusoid.
Abnormal strain-dependent thermal conductivity in biphenylene monolayer using machine learning interatomic potential
Authors: Yang Guangyu , Hu Yanxiao , Qiu Zhanjun , Li Bo-Lin , Zhou Ping , Li Dengfeng , Zhang Gang
Published: February 2023

Applying tensile strain on an intrinsic lattice always results in the reduction in thermal conductivity due to the red-shift of phonon frequency and enhanced phonon anharmonicity. However, in this work, we explored an unexpected strain-enhanced thermal conductivity of a planar biphenylene network (BPN) in the frame of a Boltzmann transport equation combined with the machine learning interatomic potential. Under 5% biaxial tensile strain, the room temperature thermal conductivity of BPN reaches to about 4–5 times of that in an intrinsic sample. This phenomenon can be understood by considering a mirror symmetry induced phonon selection rule. This work highlights the significant effect of the selection rule on thermal transport and enriches the understanding of the thermal conductivity regulation in strained two-dimensional materials.
Flow control effect of pulsed arc discharge plasma actuation on impinging shock wave/boundary layer interaction
Authors: Ma Xiaogang , Fan Jian , Wu Yunkai , Zhu Shaohua , Xue Rui
Published: February 2023

The current study investigates the control effect of the pulsed arc discharge plasma on the impinging shock wave and boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) generated by a 14° wedge in a Mach 2.5 flow. The response characteristics of SWBLI on pulsed arc discharge actuation were illustrated, and the controlling mechanism of shock-induced flow separation under different plasma power settings was revealed. The results, which were well validated by the relative published experiment, showed that when setting the exciting power density ph as 1.0 × 1011 W/m3, the oblique shock wave obtained an obvious fluctuation, and the foot of the reattachment shock wave was partially removed. In addition, as the controlling gas bubble passed through the interaction region, the reverse flow zone was enlarged, and the separation shock wave was shifted upward. When ph was set to 4.8 × 109 W/m3, the flow separation induced by SWBLI was effectively suppressed and the size of the reverse flow zone was significantly reduced. Moreover, as the energy input was increased, the arc-induced blast wave (BW) velocity was obviously enhanced. Additionally, it is further found that the arc plasma energy deposition density in the discharge region was the determining factor for SWBLI control, even for a relatively small exciting energy input. Better drag reduction of the flow field would be achieved with the pulsed arc discharge plasma of higher power density, and a drag reduction rate of nearly 10.05% was obtained at ph = 1 × 1011 W/m3 control condition.
The conformational phase diagram of neutral polymers in the presence of attractive crowders
Authors: Garg Hitesh , Rajesh R. , Vemparala Satyavani
Published: February 2023

Extensive coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the conformational phase diagram of a neutral polymer in the presence of attractive crowders. We show that, for low crowder densities, the polymer predominantly shows three phases as a function of both intra-polymer and polymer–crowder interactions: (1) weak intra-polymer and weak polymer–crowder attractive interactions induce extended or coil polymer conformations (phase E), (2) strong intra-polymer and relatively weak polymer–crowder attractive interactions induce collapsed or globular conformations (phase CI), and (3) strong polymer–crowder attractive interactions, regardless of intra-polymer interactions, induce a second collapsed or globular conformation that encloses bridging crowders (phase CB). The detailed phase diagram is obtained by determining the phase boundaries delineating the different phases based on an analysis of the radius of gyration as well as bridging crowders. The dependence of the phase diagram on strength of crowder–crowder attractive interactions and crowder density is clarified. We also show that when the crowder density is increased, a third collapsed phase of the polymer emerges for weak intra-polymer attractive interactions. This crowder density-induced compaction is shown to be enhanced by stronger crowder–crowder attraction and is different from the depletion-induced collapse mechanism, which is primarily driven by repulsive interactions. We also provide a unified explanation of the observed re-entrant swollen/extended conformations of the earlier simulations of weak and strongly self-interacting polymers in terms of crowder–crowder attractive interactions.
Pair trajectories of uncharged conducting spheres in an electric field
Authors: Thiruvenkadam Natarajan , Patra Pijush , Puttanna Vishwanath Kadaba , Roy Anubhab
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the role of electrostatic forces on pair trajectories of two uncharged conducting spheres subject to an external electric field. We consider the hydrodynamic interactions between the spheres as they move relative to one another. Previous studies have shown that electric-field-induced forces on a two-sphere system are always attractive, except for the configuration when the line joining the centers is perpendicular to the external electric field. In the current study, we derive the asymptotic form of the interparticle force induced by the electric field in the lubrication limit for arbitrary size ratios. The attractive electric force diverges as the separation approaches zero. Thus, our calculation shows that the electric-field-induced forces can overcome the continuum lubrication resistance and allow finite time contact between the surfaces of two spherical conductors. We calculate the asymptotic variation of interparticle separation using the near-field asymptotic expressions for the electric-field-induced forces, exploring the role of hydrodynamic interactions in interparticle motion parallel and perpendicular to the electric field.
Vorticity dynamics of fully developed leading-edge vortices on revolving wings undergoing pitch-up maneuvers
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Yanlai , Zhou Chao , Wu Jianghao
Published: February 2023

In nature, birds and insects usually execute pitch-up maneuvers, which is either an active perching or a passive response against gusts. During such maneuvers, their wings flap with a concomitant nose-up rotation around an axis, and thus, both vortex structures and aerodynamic forces of the wings are influenced. This research focuses on the impact of pitch-up maneuvers on the evolution and underlying vorticity dynamics of a fully developed leading-edge vortex (LEV), which has received limited interest in previous research. Based on data obtained from numerical simulations, an analysis of vortex dynamics and vorticity transport is conducted at different pitch rates and pitch axis locations. Our findings show that an increase in pitch rate and a shift of pitch axis toward the trailing edge can both terminate the growth of LEV and then initiate its movement toward the trailing edge via strong downward convection. However, the contributions of spanwise convection and vortex stretching (or compression) are distinct in these two scenarios, leading to different lift generations. Other vortex-tilting-based mechanisms, e.g., the planetary vorticity tilting and the dual-stage radial-tangential vortex tilting, are reduced during pitch-up maneuvers. Moreover, a rapid pitch-up around the leading edge is encouraged to maximize the lift during the maneuver, although this should be accompanied by constraints in flight height and kinetic energy when being applied to guide the perching of bio-inspired flapping wing micro air vehicles.
Nb2CTx MXene-assisted double S-tapered fiber-based LSPR sensor with improved features for tyramine detection
Authors: Li Guoru , Singh Ragini , Guo Jiajun , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh
Published: February 2023

Niobium carbide (Nb2CTx), a type of MXene with high optical transparency, large specific surface area, and good electrical conductivity, is expected to perform as an excellent medium in the field of optical fiber biosensing. Here, we fabricated double S-tapered fiber sensors functionalized with gold nanoparticles/graphene oxide/tyrosinase (AuNPs/GO/tyrosinase) and AuNPs/Nb2CTx/tyrosinase, respectively. The double S-tapered structure can provide more evanescent wave leakage and enhance light–matter interaction. By implementing transmittance experiment, the sensitivity of the two probes were tested to be 17 and 34 pm/μM over 0–300 μM tyramine concentrations. The comparative results demonstrate that Nb2CTx-enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor has more excellent performance due to the existence of surface functional groups and large specific surface area of Nb2CTx. Our work provides a research platform for improving the sensitivity of LSPR sensors.
The relationship of neuroanatomy on resting motor threshold and induced electric field strength on treatment outcomes in mild to moderate traumatic brain injury patients during transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Lewis Connor J. , Franke Laura M. , Lee Joseph V. , Mittal Neil , Gitchel George T. , Perera Robert A. , Holloway Kathryn L. , Walker William C. , Peterson Carrie L. , Hadimani Ravi L.
Published: February 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment protocol for treating several psychiatric conditions, including depression, migraine, smoking cessation, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Past research suggests that TMS treatment outcomes vary based on neuroanatomy, functional connectivity, and tractography-based structural connectivity. In a previous study, 26 mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients underwent repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and showed improvements in depression, post-concussive symptoms, and sleep dysfunction. The present study was a secondary analysis of that data. Anatomically accurate head models were derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and finite element analysis simulations were performed to mimic empirical data collection. This allowed for examination of the roles that age, brain scalp distance (BSD), gray matter volume (GMV), site-specific electrical field strength (EFS), and depolarized gray matter volume (DGMV) had on resting motor threshold (RMT) at the precentral gyrus (PreCG). We also investigated how EFS simulated at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and RMT influenced rTMS treatment outcomes. Linear regression showed BSD was associated with EFS, RMT, and DGMV supporting efforts to derive accurate parameters from MRI-based modeling. Furthermore, linear mixed effects modeling showed RMT was associated with EFS and DGMV at the PreCG when age and individual neuroanatomy was accounted for suggesting MRI based anatomy and simulated EFS potentially determine TMS dosage. We did not observe any significant relationship between any of the measures from this study on empirically collected rTMS outcomes in mTBI suggesting further investigations into the mechanisms behind these outcomes are needed.
Efficacy and acceptability of ‘nudges’ aimed at promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use: a survey of overseas born men who have sex with men
Authors: Fidler Nicholas , Vlaev Ivo , Schmidtke Kelly Ann , Chow Eric P. F. , Lee David , Read Daniel , Ong Jason J.
Published: February 2023

Background This study explores the potential for behavioural economics techniques called ‘nudges’ to encourage the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by overseas-born men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia. We investigated the preferences of overseas-born MSM for different nudges and the effect of nudges on reported likelihood of seeking information about PrEP. Methods We conducted an online survey of overseas-born MSM, in which they were asked: (1) how likely they and a relevant friend would be to click on PrEP advertisements that used behavioural economics strategies; and (2) what they most and least liked about each ad. We conducted ordered logistic regression of reported likelihood scores against participant age and sexual orientation, use of a model in an advertisement, use of statistics about PrEP, reference to the World Health Organization (WHO), rewards for seeking further information, and use of a call-to-action. Results Participants (n = 324) reported higher likelihoods of clicking on advertisements with images of people, statistics about PrEP, rewards for seeking further information, and calls-to-action. They reported lower likelihoods of clicking on advertisements referencing the WHO. They had negative emotional responses to sexualised humour, gambling metaphors, and the slogan ‘Live Fearlessly’. Conclusions Overseas-born MSM prefer public health messages that feature representative messengers and statistics about PrEP. These preferences are consistent with previous data on descriptive norms (i.e. statistics about the number of peers doing the desired behaviour) and gain-framed information (i.e. focusing on what can be gained from an intervention).
Mucosal and systemic neutralizing antibodies to norovirus induced in infant mice orally inoculated with recombinant rotaviruses
Authors: Kawagishi Takahiro , Sánchez-Tacuba Liliana , Feng Ningguo , Costantini Veronica P. , Tan Ming , Jiang Xi , Green Kim Y. , Vinjé Jan , Ding Siyuan , Greenberg Harry B.
Published: February 2023

Rotaviruses (RVs) preferentially replicate in the small intestine and frequently cause severe diarrheal disease, and the following enteric infection generally induces variable levels of protective systemic and mucosal immune responses in humans and other animals. Rhesus rotavirus (RRV) is a simian RV that was previously used as a human RV vaccine and has been extensively studied in mice. Although RRV replicates poorly in the suckling mouse intestine, infection induces a robust and protective antibody response. The recent availability of plasmid only-based RV reverse genetics systems has enabled the generation of recombinant RVs expressing foreign proteins. However, recombinant RVs have not yet been experimentally tested as potential vaccine vectors to immunize against other gastrointestinal pathogens in vivo
.
This is a newly available opportunity because several live-attenuated RV vaccines are already widely administered to infants and young children worldwide. To explore the feasibility of using RV as a dual vaccine vector, we rescued replication-competent recombinant RRVs harboring bicistronic gene segment 7 that encodes the native RV nonstructural protein 3 (NSP3) protein and a human norovirus (HuNoV) VP1 protein or P domain from the predominant genotype GII.4. The rescued viruses expressed HuNoV VP1 or P protein in infected cells in vitro and elicited systemic and local antibody responses to HuNoV and RRV following oral infection of suckling mice. Serum IgG and fecal IgA from infected suckling mice bound to and neutralized both RRV and HuNoV. These findings have encouraging practical implications for the design of RV-based next-generation multivalent enteric vaccines to target HuNoV and other human enteric pathogens.
Two differentially stable rDNA loci coexist on the same chromosome and form a single nucleolus
Authors: Lazar-Stefanita Luciana , Luo Jingchuan , Haase Max A. B. , Zhang Weimin , Boeke Jef D.
Published: February 2023

The nucleolus is the most prominent membraneless compartment within the nucleus—dedicated to the metabolism of ribosomal RNA. Nucleoli are composed of hundreds of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeated genes that form large chromosomal clusters, whose high recombination rates can cause nucleolar dysfunction and promote genome instability. Intriguingly, the evolving architecture of eukaryotic genomes appears to have favored two strategic rDNA locations—where a single locus per chromosome is situated either near the centromere (
CEN
) or the telomere. Here, we deployed an innovative genome engineering approach to cut and paste to an ectopic chromosomal location—the ~1.5 mega-base rDNA locus in a single step using CRISPR technology. This “megablock” rDNA engineering was performed in a fused-karyotype strain of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. The strategic repositioning of this locus within the megachromosome allowed experimentally mimicking and monitoring the outcome of an rDNA migratory event, in which twin rDNA loci coexist on the same chromosomal arm. We showed that the twin-rDNA yeast readily adapts, exhibiting wild-type growth and maintaining rRNA homeostasis, and that the twin loci form a single nucleolus throughout the cell cycle. Unexpectedly, the size of each rDNA array appears to depend on its position relative to the
CEN
, in that the locus that is
CEN
-distal undergoes size reduction at a higher frequency compared to the
CEN
-proximal counterpart. Finally, we provided molecular evidence supporting a mechanism called paralogous
cis
-rDNA interference, which potentially explains why placing two identical repeated arrays on the same chromosome may negatively affect their function and structural stability.
Surface crossing and energy flow in many-dimensional quantum systems
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Gruebele Martin , Logan David E. , Wolynes Peter G.
Published: February 2023

Energy flow in molecules, like the dynamics of other many-dimensional finite systems, involves quantum transport across a dense network of near-resonant states. For molecules in their electronic ground state, the network is ordinarily provided by anharmonic vibrational Fermi resonances. Surface crossing between different electronic states provides another route to chaotic motion and energy redistribution. We show that nonadiabatic coupling between electronic energy surfaces facilitates vibrational energy flow and, conversely, anharmonic vibrational couplings facilitate nonadiabatic electronic state mixing. A generalization of the Logan–Wolynes theory of quantum energy flow in many-dimensional Fermi resonance systems to the two-surface case gives a phase diagram describing the boundary between localized quantum dynamics and global energy flow. We explore these predictions and test them using a model inspired by the problem of electronic excitation energy transfer in the photosynthetic reaction center. Using an explicit numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for this ten-dimensional model, we find quite good agreement with the expectations from the approximate analytical theory.
“You betcha I’m a ’Merican”
Authors: Hirota Tomoharu , Brinton Laurel J.
Published: February 2023

This article studies you bet and related phrases when they are used as a parenthetical and as a free-standing response. Drawing on a range of corpora, we provide both contemporary and historical perspectives on the set of pragmatic expressions that has largely escaped scholars’ attention. Synchronically, we demonstrate that they are colloquial American pragmatic markers to express speaker certainty/affirmation or to respond to thanks. Diachronically, these markers are hypothesized to have developed out of main clause usage with a clausal complement (‘the matrix clause hypothesis’); however, our historical corpus evidence does not straightforwardly support this hypothesis. Instead, we suggest that multiple constructions might have been involved in the emergence of the pragmatic markers, namely, wh-interrogatives (e.g. what will you bet (that) …?), modal constructions (e.g. you may/can bet (that) …), and main clauses with a reduced complement (e.g. You bet I do).
Fe–Al intermetallic suppression of dissimilar RSW joints using stainless-steel interlayers
Authors: Lara Bryan , Giorjao Rafael , Ghassemi-Armaki Hassan , Ramirez Antonio
Published: February 2023

Austenitic and ferritic stainless-steel interlayers for resistance spot welding of an AlSi-coated 2000MPa UTS press-hardened boron steel and a 6022-T4 aluminium alloy were investigated to improve joint performance. CALPHAD and kinetic-based simulations were explored to determine the effects of Cr on the formation of Fe–Al intermetallic compounds. Selected area diffraction reveals the formation of FeCrAl9 along the interlayer-Al interface and suppresses the formation of FeAl3. The implementation of stainless-steel interlayers significantly improved the mechanical performance of the joint, with the 430 foil condition experiencing a substantial decrease in the Fe–Al intermetallic.
Mitochondrial membrane biogenesis: A new pathway for lipid transport mediated by PERK/E-Syt1 complex
Authors: Leterme Sébastien , Michaud Morgane
Published: February 2023

Despite decades of extensive research, mitochondrial lipid transport is a process far from fully understood. In this issue, Sassano et al. (2023. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202206008) identified a new complex, composed of E-Syt1 and PERK, which mediates lipid transport at ER–mitochondria contact sites and regulates mitochondrial functions in human cells.
Rattling-induced suppression of thermal transport in cubic In2O3 with Sn-Ga diatomic defect
Authors: Cocemasov Alexandr , Brinzari Vladimir , Nika Denis L
Published: February 2023

We present the first principles study of cubic In2O3 with a diatomic defect composed of a Sn atom substituting the In atom at the b-site and a Ga atom embedded in the nearest c-site (structural vacancy) with lattice positions according to the Wyckoff notations. Structural, electronic, phononic and thermal properties were investigated within density functional theory formalism. The lattice anharmonicity effects were taken into account for all possible three-phonon scattering processes. The phonon transport was considered within the Peierls-Boltzmann transport equation with relaxation time approximation. In the relaxed lattice, a strong rearrangement of the initial positions of the atoms in the defect vicinity was revealed, which primarily manifests itself in the displacement of the Sn atom toward another interstitial site. Thus, a cage is formed around the defect by 12 O and 12 In atoms. The calculations of elastic constants and mean square displacements of cage region atoms showed the rattling-like behavior of the Sn atom. Bader charge analysis and electron localization function allowed a deeper understanding and explanation of such behavior. Phonon energy spectra as compared to In2O3 and In2O3:(Sn) demonstrated flattening of phonon branches with spatial localization of phonon modes. They also revealed a decrease in average group velocities of phonons, including those of acoustic type, the presence of avoided-crossing features in the low energy range, and an increase of available phase space for three-phonon scattering. Accounting for all these vibrational features due to defect atoms resulted in a thermal conductivity drop at room temperature by more than seven times compared to In2O3.
Analogies of phonon anomalies and electronic gap features in the infrared response of Sr

14−x

Ca
x
Cu24O41 and underdoped YBa2Cu3O

6+x
Authors: Adamus Petr , Xu Bing , Marsik Premysl , Dubroka Adam , Barabasová Paulína , Růžičková Hana , Puphal Pascal , Pomjakushina Ekaterina , Tallon Jeffery L , Mathis Yves-Laurent , Munzar Dominik , Bernhard Christian
Published: February 2023

We present an experimental and theoretical study which compares the phonon anomalies and the electronic gap features in the infrared response of the weakly coupled two-leg-ladders in Sr

14
−
x

Ca
x
Cu24O41 (SCCO) with those of the underdoped high-T

c
superconductor YBa2Cu3O

6
+
x

(YBCO) and thereby reveals some surprising analogies. Specifically, we present a phenomenological model that describes the anomalous doping- and temperature-dependence of some of the phonon features in the a-axis response (field along the rungs of the ladders) of SCCO. It assumes that the phonons are coupled to charge oscillations within the ladders. Their changes with decreasing temperature reveal the formation of a crystal (density wave) of hole pairs that are oriented along the rungs. We also discuss the analogy to a similar model that was previously used to explain the phonon anomalies and an electronic plasma mode in the c-axis response (field perpendicular to the CuO2 planes) of YBCO. We further confirm that an insulator-like pseudogap develops in the a-axis conductivity of SCCO which closely resembles that in the c-axis conductivity of YBCO. Most surprisingly, we find that the c-axis conductivity (field along the legs of the ladders) of SCCO is strikingly similar to the in-plane one (field parallel to the CuO2 planes) of YBCO. Notably, in both cases a dip feature develops in the normal state spectra that is connected with a spectral weight shift toward low frequencies and can thus be associated with precursor superconducting pairing correlations that are lacking macroscopic phase coherence. This SCCO–YBCO analogy indicates that collective degrees of freedom contribute to the low-energy response of underdoped high T

c
cuprates and it even suggests that the charges in the CuO2 planes tend to segregate forming quasi-one-dimensional structures similar to the two-leg ladders, as predicted for the stripe-scenario or certain intertwinned states.
Density polarization effect of spin-up and spin-down electrons on magnetosonic solitons in a dense plasma with oblique magnetic field
Authors: Hussain S , Mahmood S
Published: February 2023

Nonlinear wave propagation of fast and slow magnetosonic waves is investigated in a magnetized quantum plasma with spin polarization effects of degenerate electrons. The multi-fluid quantum magnetohydrodynamic model is considered and two separate fluid dynamic equations for degenerate electrons i.e. spin-up and spin-down states (Pauli paramagnetism) with their different Fermi pressures. The ions are assumed to be classical and external magnetic field lies in a plane. The magnetization energy and current density of electrons due to the spin-1/2 effects are included in the momentum equation of the degenerate electrons and Maxwell equations, respectively. A Korteweg-de-Vries (KdV) equation is derived for nonlinear magnetosonic waves in a dense magnetized plasma with the inclusion of electron spin effects and oblique external magnetic field. The electron inertial effect (which causes wave dispersion) of both spin-up and spin-down state electrons is also included in the model. It is found that electron spin polarization density has significant effects on the phase speed and soliton structures (i.e. its width and amplitude) of fast (hump) and slow (dip) magnetosonic waves in a dense magnetized plasma. The present theoretical study along with the obtained numerical results may have possible applications towards many realistic astrophysical scenarios.
The Variability and Radial Velocity of Planetary Nebula Central Stars
Authors: Ali A. , Mindil A.
Published: February 2023

The extremely accurate estimates of stellar variability and radial velocity in the Gaia Data Release 3 (Gaia DR3) have enabled us to examine the close binarity and radial velocity (RV) of central stars (CSs) of planetary nebulae (PNe). This study is twofold: (1) searching for new close binary CS candidates to better understand how binarity affects the formation and evolution of PNe; and (2) extending the sample size of known RVs of PNe in order to understand their kinematics and the dynamics of the Milky Way. As a target sample, we used all true, possible, and likely PNe available in the literature. Then, we looked for their matched Gaia DR3 sources that provide measurements of variability and RV. As a result, we detected the first large collection of trustworthy photometric variability of 26 symbiotic stars and 82 CSs. In this CS group, there are 24 sources already classified as true close binary CSs in the literature. Hence, we discovered 58 new close binary CS candidates. This close binary (CB) sample represents more than half of what is currently available in the literature. In addition, we identified the radial velocities for 51 PNe. To our knowledge, 24 of these were measured for the first time. The RV measurements predicted by Gaia, based on the Doppler shift of the CS absorption lines, and those derived from nebular emission lines, show satisfactory agreement except for a few extremely high-velocity PNe.
A Morphological Study of Two Young Multipolar Planetary Nebulae
Authors: Wen Shi-Bo , Hsia Chih-Hao , Kang Xiao-Xi , Chen Rui , Luo Tao
Published: February 2023

We carry out an optical morphological and infrared spectral study for two young planetary nebulae (PNs) Hen 2-158 and Pe 1-1 to understand their complex shapes and dust properties. Hubble Space Telescope optical images reveal that these nebulae have several bipolar-lobed structures and a faint arc with a clear boundary is located at the northwestern side of Pe 1-1. The presence of this arc-shaped structure suggests that the object interacts with its nearby interstellar medium. Spitzer IRS spectroscopic observations of these young nebulae clearly show prominent unidentified infrared emission features and a weak silicate band in Pe 1-1, indicating that Hen 2-158 is a carbon-rich nebula and Pe 1-1 has a mixed chemistry dust environment. Furthermore, we construct two three-dimensional models for these PNs to realize their intrinsic structures. The simulated models of the nebulae suggest that multipolar nebulae may be more numerous than we thought. Our analyses of spectral energy distributions for Hen 2-158 and Pe 1-1 show that they have low luminosities and low stellar effective temperatures, suggesting that these nebulae are young PNs. A possible correlation between typical multipolar young PNs and nested nebulae is also discussed.
Data-driven approximation for extracting the transition dynamics of a genetic regulatory network with non-Gaussian Lévy noise
Authors: Lu Linghongzhi , Li Yang , Liu Xianbin
Published: February 2023

In the study of biological systems, several methods based on statistical physics or machine learning have been developed for inference or prediction in the presence of complicated nonlinear interactions and random noise perturbations. However, there have been few studies dealing with the stochastic non-Gaussian perturbation case, which is more natural and universal than Gaussian white noise. In this manuscript, for a two-dimensional biological model (the MeKS network) perturbed by non-Gaussian stable Lévy noise, we use a data-driven approach with theoretical probabilistic foundation to extract the rare transition dynamics representing gene expression. This involves theories of non-local Kramers–Moyal formulas and the non-local Fokker–Planck equation, as well as the corresponding numerical algorithms, aimed at extracting the maximum likelihood transition path. The feasibility and accuracy of the method are checked. Furthermore, several dynamical behaviors and indicators are investigated. In detail, the investigation shows a bistable transition probability state of the ComK protein concentration and bifurcations in the learned transition paths from vegetative state to competence state. Analysis of the tipping time illustrates the difficulty of the gene expression. This method will serve as an example in the study of stochastic systems with non-Gaussian perturbations from biological data, and provides some insights into the extraction of other dynamical indicators, such as the mean first exit time and the first escape probability with respect to their own biological interpretations.