bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the construct of interactional competence in different types of oral communication assessment
Authors: Vo Sonca
Published: June 2024

Research on interaction in speaking assessment suggests that both verbal and nonverbal interaction are integral parts of
the construct of interactional competence (Galaczi & Taylor, 2018; Plough et al., 2018; Young, 2011). However, little has been done to
investigate which features significantly contribute to interactional competence scores. This study, therefore, examined which interaction
features that raters noticed in individual scripted interview and paired discussion tasks to gain an insight into the interactional
competence construct, providing validity evidence for an inclusion of interactional competence in speaking assessment. Sixty-eight student
performances were rated based on interaction rating scales. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors: nonverbal communication,
topic management, interactional management, and interactive listening. Logistic regressions showed that while raters attended to more topic
management features in the individual scripted interview task, they noticed more interactional management features in the paired discussion
task. Simple regressions showed that nonverbal communication and topic management features predicted interactional competence scores in the
individual scripted interview task, whereas nonverbal communication, topic management, interactional management, and interactive listening
features were predictors of scores in the paired discussion task. The findings suggest that both nonverbal and verbal interaction features
are important in the interactional competence construct with the paired task providing test-takers with more opportunities to demonstrate
their interactional ability.
Delineating the field of language evolution research
Authors: Hartmann Stefan , Wacewicz Sławomir , Ravignani Andrea , Valente Daria , Rodrigues Evelina Daniela , Asano Rie , Jadoul Yannick
Published: June 2024

Research on language evolution is an established subject area yet permeated by terminological controversies about
which topics should be considered pertinent to the field and which not. By consequence, scholars focusing on language evolution
struggle in providing precise demarcations of the discipline, where even the very central notions of evolution and language are
elusive. We aimed at providing a data-driven characterisation of language evolution as a field of research by relying on
quantitative analysis of data drawn from 697 reviews on 255 submissions from the Joint Conference on Language Evolution 2022
(Kanazawa, Japan). Our results delineate a field characterized by a core of main research topics such as iconicity, sign language,
multimodality. Despite being explored within the framework of language evolution research, only very recently these topics became
popular in linguistics. As a result, language evolution has the potential to emerge as a forefront of linguistic research,
bringing innovation to the study of language. We also see the emergence of more recent topics like rhythm, music, and vocal
learning. Furthermore, the community identifies cognitive science, primatology, archaeology, palaeoanthropology, and genetics as
key areas, encouraging empirical rather than theoretical work. With new themes, models, and methodologies emerging, our results
depict an intrinsically multidisciplinary and evolving research field, likely adapting as language itself.
Cryogenic DRIE processes for high-precision silicon etching in MEMS applications
Authors: Horstmann Benjamin , Pate David , Smith Bennett , Mamun Md Ataul , Atkinson Gary , Özgür Ümit , Avrutin Vitaliy
Published: June 2024

Cryogenic deep reactive ion etching (Cryo DRIE) of silicon has become an enticing but challenging process utilized in front-end fabrication for the semiconductor industry. This method, compared to the Bosch process, yields vertical etch profiles with smoother sidewalls not subjected to scalloping, which are desired for many microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications. Smoother sidewalls enhance electrical contact by ensuring more conformal and uniform sidewall coverage, thereby increasing the effective contact area without altering contact dimensions. The versatility of the Cryo DRIE process allows for customization of the etch profiles by adjusting key process parameters such as table temperature, O2 percentage of the total gas flow rate (O2 + SF6), RF bias power and process pressure. In this work, we undertake a comprehensive study of the effects of Cryo DRIE process parameters on the trench profiles in the structures used to define cantilevers in MEMS devices. Experiments were performed with an Oxford PlasmaPro 100 Estrelas ICP-RIE system using positive photoresist SPR-955 as a mask material. Our findings demonstrate significant influences on the sidewall angle, etch rate and trench shape due to these parameter modifications. Varying the table temperature between −80 °C and −120 °C under a constant process pressure of 10 mTorr changes the etch rate from 3 to 4 μm min−1, while sidewall angle changes by ∼2°, from positive (<90° relative to the Si surface) to negative (>90° relative to the Si surface) tapering. Altering the O2 flow rate with constant SF6 flow results in a notable 10° shift in sidewall tapering. Furthermore, SPR-955 photoresist masks provide selectivity of 46:1 with respect to Si and facilitates the fabrication of MEMS devices with precise dimension control ranging from 1 to 100 μm for etching depths up to 42 μm using Cryo DRIE. Understanding the influence of each parameter is crucial for optimizing MEMS device fabrication.
Efficient synthesis of CO and H2O2 via nanosecond pulsed CO2 bubble discharge
Authors: Gao Yuting , Zhou Renwu , Hong Longfei , Chen Bohan , Sun Jing , Zhou Rusen , Liu Zhijie
Published: June 2024

In the context of escalating global efforts to mitigate carbon emissions and explore sustainable energy resources, the transformation of CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels via plasma technology has garnered significant attention. This study demonstrated a new pathway of CO2 conversion into CO and H2O2 via the bubble-enabled gas-liquid discharge driven by a nanosecond pulse. Results showed that the increased discharge frequency and larger pulse widths could enhance CO2 conversion rates and H2O2 yields, albeit potentially at the cost of reduced energy efficiency. Conversely, the rising time of pulse showed negligible impact on the process, whereas varying gas flow rates significantly altered CO and H2O2 yields, underscoring the nuanced influence of these parameters on the efficiency and selectivity of conversion processes. Through illuminating the dynamics of bubble discharge-assisted CO2 transformation, this study contributes to the broader understanding of gas-liquid discharge driven by nanosecond pulse, underlining its potential for addressing environmental and energy challenges.
Simulation of electrical rectification effect in two-dimensional MoSe2/WSe2 lateral heterostructures
Authors: Zhou Yao-Hong , Dang Zhi-Min , Wang Hai-Dong
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides lateral heterostructures exhibit excellent performance in electrics and optics. The electron transport of the heterostructures can be effectively regulated by ingenious design. In this study, we construct a monolayer MoSe2/WSe2 lateral heterostructure, covalently connecting monolayer MoSe2 and monolayer WSe2. Using the Extended Huckel Theory method, we explored current-voltage characteristics under varied conditions, including altering carrier density, atomic replacement and interface angles. Calculations demonstrate a significant electrical rectification ratio (ERR) ranging from 200 to 800. Additionally, Employing Density Functional Theory with non-equilibrium Green’s function method, we investigated electronic properties, attributing the rectification effect to electronic state distribution differences, asymmetric transmission coefficients and band bending of projected local density of states. The expandability of the interfacial energy barrier enhances the rectification effect through adjustments in carrier concentration, atomic replacements and interface size. However, these enhancements introduce challenges such as increased electron-boundary scattering and reduced ambipolarity, resulting in a lower ERR. This study provides valuable theoretical insights for optimizing 2D electronic diode devices, offering avenues for precise control of the rectification effect.
Comparative study on the magnetic properties of Fe-substituted Co2Sn1−x
Fe
x
O4 spinel oxides and its exchange bias effect
Authors: Ali Wajahat , Xinghan Chen , Hongxia Yin , Zhilong Zheng , Songliu Yuan
Published: June 2024

Herein, we report the Fe-substituted Co2Sn1−x
Fe
x
O4 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.4) inverse spinel’s oxide using the solid-state reaction method. X-ray reveals the single-phase cubic structure with space group Fd3m. With increasing Fe in Co2Sn1−x
Fe
x
O4 spinel oxide, the transition temperature rise. The ac susceptibility at different frequencies also confirms a spin-glassy state at lower temperatures. The strong exchange bias effect appears in the sample having Fe substitution (x = 0.2) under the presence of constant temperature ∼10 K. The high-temperature susceptibility of Curie-Wise fitting shows that the system changes from antiferromagnetic exchange (x < 0.2) to ferromagnetic exchange (x > 0.2).
Pencil and paper electronics: an accessible approach to teaching basic physics concepts
Authors: Bastante Pablo , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: June 2024

This teaching article describes a simple and low-cost methodology for studying electrical transport and constructing basic sensor devices using everyday stationery items, including pencils, paper, and a handheld multimeter. The approach is designed for high school and undergraduate teachers and offers an easy-to-implement, hands-on method for teaching fundamental concepts in physical electronics. The materials and experiments outlined in this article are widely accessible and can be easily replicated in various teaching labs, even with limited budgets.
AC transport loss analysis of HTS stack busbars for all-electric aircraft with harmonics and DC offset considerations
Authors: Abdioglu Murat , Gautam Gaurav , Zhang Min , Yuan Weijia
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a study of the current carrying capacity and AC loss of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) stacks to be used in busbar applications for all-electric aircraft. A 2D model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics with a T-A formulation for detailed analysis. The study began by applying a stable 20 kA DC offset current to the HTS stacks to simulate practical operating conditions. Firstly, the behaviour of the critical current was studied under self-field conditions for stacks with different numbers of HTS tapes and spacing. Secondly, AC ripple currents were introduced with DC offsets, and the effects of 3rd and 5th harmonic distortions (HD) were studied. The results show that configurations with 40 tapes and gaps of more than 2 mm are considered suitable for safe current transport under DC conditions. On the other hand, increasing the tape spacing leads to an increase in the safe transport current ripple due to the reduced magnetic field interaction within the stack. In addition, the transport loss decreases as the air gap increases due to the reduction in the self-field, whereas it increases as the number of strips increases. The influence of the 3rd HD on the transport loss is minimal at a ripple current of 1% and slightly noticeable at 2%. However, it becomes more obvious as the ripple current approaches the critical value. Remarkably, even cases with equivalent total HD show significantly higher transport losses when characterised by higher 5th HD than their counterparts with 3rd HD. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable information on the performance characteristics of HTS stacks in all-electric aircraft busbar applications and offers important insights for the development and optimisation of these systems in practical aerospace applications.
Derivation of dirac exchange interaction potential from quantum plasma kinetic theory
Authors: Haas Fernando
Published: June 2024

The Dirac exchange interaction is derived from recent quantum kinetic theory for collisionless plasmas. For this purpose, the kinetic equation is written in the semiclassical and long wavelength approximations. The validity of the model for real systems is worked out, in terms of temperature and density parameters. Within the region of applicability, the correlation potential energy is shown to be always smaller than the exchange contribution. From the moments of the quantum kinetic equations, macroscopic, hydrodynamic equations are found, for an electron-ion plasma. The Dirac exchange term is explicitly derived, in the case of a completely degenerate electron gas. These results show, within quantum kinetic theory for charged particle systems, a new view of the Dirac exchange interaction frequently used in density functional theory parametrization. Finally, a simpler form of the quantum plasma exchange kinetic theory is also found.
Soft contributions to the thermal Higgs width across an electroweak phase transition
Authors: Eriksson M. , Laine M.
Published: June 2024

We estimate the equilibration rate of
a nearly homogeneous Higgs field,
displaced from its ground state during the onset
of an electroweak phase transition.
The computation is carried out with Hard Thermal Loop
resummed perturbation theory, and a significant
part of the result originates from Bose-enhanced
t-channel 2 ↔ 2 scatterings.
The expression is shown to be IR finite and gauge independent.
Possible applications to Langevin simulations of bubble nucleation
are mentioned, and we also contrast with
the friction affecting bubble growth.
Mapping the antiparallel aligned domain rotation by microwave excitation
Authors: Zhang 张 Jing 景 , Cui 崔 Yuanzhi 远志 , Wang 王 Xiaoyu 晓雨 , Wang 王 Chuang 创 , Liu 刘 Mengchen 梦晨 , Xu 徐 Jie 洁 , Li 李 Kai 凯 , Zhao 赵 Yunhe 芸鹤 , Lu 陆 Zhenyan 振烟 , Pan 潘 Lining 丽宁 , Jin 金 Chendong 晨东 , Liu 刘 Qingfang 青芳 , Wang 王 Jianbo 建波 , Cao 曹 Derang 德让
Published: June 2024

The evolution process of magnetic domains in response to external fields is crucial for the modern understanding and application of spintronics. In this study, we investigated the domain rotation in stripe domain films of varying thicknesses by examining their response to microwave excitation in four different orientations. The resonance spectra indicate that the rotation field of stripe domain film under an applied magnetic field approaches the field where the resonance mode of sample changes. The saturation field of the stripe domain film corresponds to the field where the resonance mode disappears when measured in the stripe direction parallel to the microwave magnetic field. The results are reproducible and consistent with micromagnetic simulations, providing additional approaches and techniques for comprehending the microscopic mechanisms of magnetic domains and characterizing their rotation.
Effect of antioxidants on the efficiency of jet milling and the powder characteristics of Sm2Co17 permanent magnets
Authors: Xu 许 Da-Shuai 大帅 , Liu 刘 Lei 雷 , Yuan 袁 Jian-Hui 建辉 , Zhou 周 Bo 波 , Dong 董 Chuang-Hui 创辉 , Wang 王 Feng-Qing 凤青 , Ding 丁 Yong 勇 , Sun 孙 Ying-Li 颖莉 , Yan 闫 A-Ru 阿儒
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the effect of antioxidants on the grinding efficiency, magnetic powder characteristics, microstructure, and magnetic properties of 2:17 type SmCo permanent magnet materials. The results show that adding antioxidants helps improve the dispersion among magnetic powders, leading to a 33.3% decrease in jet milling time and a 15.8% increase in magnet powder production yield. Additionally, adding antioxidants enhances the oxidation resistance of the magnetic powders. After being stored in a constant temperature air environment at 25 °C for 48 h, the O content in the powder decreased by 33% compared to samples without antioxidants. While in the magnet body, the O content decreased from 0.21 wt.% to 0.14 wt.%, which helps increase the effective Sm content and domain wall pinning uniformity in the magnet. Excellent magnetic properties were obtained in the magnet with added antioxidants: B
r = 11.6 kGs, SF = 79.6%, H
cj = 16.8 kOe, and (BH)max = 32.5 MGOe.
Observation of modes in the sub-cyclotronic range of frequencies in JET
Authors: Nabais F. , Borba D. , Coelho R. , Ferreira J. , Figueiredo A. , Rodrigues P. , Sharapov S.E. ,   JET Contributors
Published: June 2024

The excitation of modes in the JET tokamak in the sub-cyclotronic range of frequencies (frequencies comprised between the Alfvén frequency and the cyclotron frequency) is for the first time reported. The modes were identified as compressional Alfvén eigenmodes and have characteristics similar to those of the sub-cyclotronic modes observed in other tokamaks, in particular those first reported in the NSTX tokamak. On the other hand, the modes observed in JET present some unique features and were observed to be excited by ion cyclotron resonance heating instead of by the injection of beams (neutral beam injection).
The Jahn-Teller Effects in Chemical Reactions and Materials Science
Authors: Bersuker I. B.
Published: June 2024

In a semi-review paper (a review with novel results included), we note first that the so-called Jahn-Teller effects (JTEs), in their presently recognized four modifications, emerge as particular cases of a more general law, stating that “Nature tends to avoid degeneracies and pseudo-degeneracies in atomic matter by means of spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB)”. This “Law of Nature” obviously influences all the relevant properties of polyatomic systems, including those with direct applications in materials science and engineering, as well as in materials transformations, notably, in chemical reactions. The exploration to the latter is quite novel: we show that the energy barriers in chemical transformations are controlled by the pseudo-JTE (PJTE), opening uncharted ways of catalytic action. The applications of JTEs theory in materials science is already more advanced, utilizing the SSB-induced special nuclear dynamics, which is very sensitive to external perturbations. One of its novel aspects is to modify the properties of the system by means of external influence targeting its JTEs parameters, their underlying degeneracies. We show here some notable trends with illustrative examples, including the JTEs in local centers in crystals used as qubits in quantum information storage, alteration of whole crystal lattice properties by inducing the JTE in one of its sublattices, planarization of puckered (buckled) two-dimensional systems by coordination to atoms that quench their PJTE-induced out-of-plane distortion, and the origin of a whole series of solid state properties of perovskite crystals, triggered by the local PJTE.
Quantum dynamics of the Jahn-Teller complexes investigated by ultrasonic technique
Authors: Gudkov V V , Averkiev N S , Zhevstovskikh I V , Sarychev M N
Published: June 2024

Ultrasonic technique has been used for investigation of the dynamics of the Jahn-Teller complexes in doped fluorite crystals. We use ultrasonic technique to measure temperature dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the dynamic elastic modulus of Jahn-Teller complexes. These data are used to determine the relaxation time of the distribution function over the vibronic states, which are characterized by the symmetrized deformations of the complexes. Three mechanisms of relaxation have proved to define the total relaxation time. They are thermal activation over the potential energy barriers, two-phonon mechanism, and tunneling through the barriers. The last mechanism leads to the non-zero ultrasonic attenuation and linear temperature dependence of phase velocity of the wave at low temperatures. Quantum nature of the relaxation mechanisms makes it possible to refer the Jahn-Teller effect manifestation in the mechanical properties of a crystal to the field of quantum acoustics.
Design and evaluation of a symmetric amplification mechanism based anthropomorphic shoulder
Authors: Wu Jiahao , Wan Guangfu , Liang Jiejunyi
Published: June 2024

Shoulder joints determine the motion range of the upper limb. Thus, the compact and well-stiffened spherical parallel mechanism (SPM) has emerged as the mainstream shoulder prosthesis design approaches. However, the SPM’s moving pairs of redundant motions impose excessive constraints that limit its workspace. Therefore, amplifying the workspace of the SPM to cover the motion range required by human daily activities is a pressing problem in shoulder prosthesis design. To address this challenge, this study proposed a workspace amplification approach through the kinematic analysis of a symmetrically arranged 2 degrees of freedom (DoFs) passive mechanism, together with the designed and optimized 3-RRR SPM, to construct an anthropomorphic shoulder. The effectiveness and reliability of the proposed mechanism was verified through thorough analyses. Simulation and experiment results demonstrated that the workspace amplification mechanism could significantly increase the maximum motion match index between the shoulder prosthesis and the daily workspace of the human shoulder from only 26.3% to 94.79%, solving the problem that the traditional SPM-based prostheses cannot satisfy the motion range required by daily activities. Moreover, the proposed mechanism has the potential to amplify the workspace of most parallel mechanisms with multiple DoFs after proper modification.
Stability and chaos in dynamical last passage percolation
Authors: Ganguly Shirshendu , Hammond Alan
Published: June 2024

Many complex disordered systems in statistical mechanics are characterized by intricate energy landscapes. The ground state, the configuration with lowest energy, lies at the base of the deepest valley. In important examples, such as Gaussian polymers and spin glass models, the landscape has many valleys and the abundance of near-ground states (at the base of valleys) indicates the phenomenon of chaos, under which the ground state alters profoundly when the disorder of the model is slightly perturbed. In this article, we compute the critical exponent that governs the onset of chaos in a dynamic manifestation of a canonical model in the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang [KPZ] universality class, Brownian last passage percolation [LPP]. In this model in its static form, semidiscrete polymers advance through Brownian noise, their energy given by the integral of the white noise encountered along their journey. A ground state is a geodesic, of extremal energy given its endpoints. We perturb Brownian LPP by evolving the disorder under an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck flow. We prove that, for polymers of length

n
n

, a sharp phase transition marking the onset of chaos is witnessed at the critical time

n

−
1

/

3

n^{-1/3}

. Indeed, the overlap between the geodesics at times zero and

t
>
0

t > 0

that travel a given distance of order

n
n

will be shown to be of order

n
n

when

t
≪

n

−
1

/

3

t\ll n^{-1/3}

; and to be of smaller order when

t
≫

n

−
1

/

3

t\gg n^{-1/3}

. We expect this exponent to be universal across a wide range of interface models. The present work thus sheds light on the dynamical aspect of the KPZ class; it builds on several recent advances. These include Chatterjee’s harmonic analytic theory [Superconcentration and related topics, Springer, Cham, 2014] of equivalence of superconcentration and chaos in Gaussian spaces; a refined understanding of the static landscape geometry of Brownian LPP developed in the companion paper (see S. Ganguly and A. Hammond [Electron. J. Probab. 28 (2023), 80 pp.]); and, underlying the latter, strong comparison estimates of the geodesic energy profile to Brownian motion (see J. Calvert, A. Hammond, and M. Hegde [Astérisque 441 (2023), pp. v+119]).
Heritage Type, Demographics, and Context
Authors: Sayer Faye
Published: June 2024

This chapter compares how diverse heritage places including heritage sites, archaeological sites, museums, and art galleries impact visitors’ subjective wellbeing. Comparative analysis will identify trends in capabilities of subjective visitor wellbeing impacted by different types of heritage place, seeking to uncover how specific types of heritage places impact hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. The chapter examines how the national context in which heritage places are situated impacts on their potential to improve visitors’ subjective wellbeing and uncovers how organizational practices and interpretative approaches applied at heritage places can impact visitors’ wellbeing. The chapter provides evidence of how visitors’ age, gender, or disability impacts heritage places’ ability to improve their subjective wellbeing. It considers if demographic patterns in the wellbeing impact of heritage places can be identified across national boundaries. It provides empirical evidence to help organizations to understand the role of heritage places nationally in improving individuals’ subjective wellbeing and considers the potential of these sites to tackle societal wellbeing inequalities related to age, gender, and disability.
Healthier Societies through Heritage
Authors: Sayer Faye
Published: June 2024

This book has sought to provided internationally applicable evidence of the impact of heritage places on visitors’ subjective wellbeing. The breath and robust nature of this research enables this chapter to present guidelines and strategies for future best practice for heritage projects to support visitor’s personal and social wellbeing, but also to develop programmes and projects specifically tailored to support wider community wellbeing. At this critical juncture in well-being policy and practice, the research presented in this book has demonstrated that the heritage sector has value to society and can support the global societal goals such as reducing wellbeing inequality and creating healthier societies.
Interventional pharmacoepdemiology: design and evaluation of interventions to improve prescribing
Authors: Alexander G Caleb , Grant Aileen , Hughes Carmel , Dreischulte Tobias
Published: June 2024

Despite the value of modern therapeutics, many obstacles prevent their optimal use. Overuse, underuse, and misuse are common, resulting in morbidity and mortality affecting billions of individuals across the world. Pharmacoepidemiology provides important insights into drug utilization, safety, and effectiveness in large populations, and it is an important method to identify opportunities to improve the value of therapeutics in clinical practice. However, for these opportunities to be realized, interventions to improve prescribing must be developed, evaluated, and implemented in the real world. We provide an overview of this process, focusing especially on how such interventions can be designed and deployed to maximize scalability, adoption, and impact. Prescribing represents a complex behavior with barriers and enablers, and interventions to improve prescribing will be most successful when developed, piloted and refined to maximize provider and patient acceptability. Carefully developed evaluations of interventions are also critical, and varied methods are available to empirically evaluate the intended and potential unintended consequences of interventions. With illustrative examples from the peer-reviewed literature, we provide readers with an overview of approaches to the essential and growing field of interventional pharmacoepidemiology.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Pharmacoepidemiology.
Induction of in vivo-like ciliation in confluent monolayers of re-differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cells
Authors: Leemans Bart , Gadella Bart M , Marchand Josephine H E A M , Van Soom Ann , Stout Tom A E
Published: June 2024

We recently developed re-differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cell (REOEC) monolayers demonstrating various in vivo morphological characteristics, but lacking secondary ciliation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fetal bovine serum, reproductive steroid hormones, Wnt- and Notch ligands and inhibitors, and different EOEC seeding densities, in both conventional wells and on microporous membranes, on EOEC morphology and, in particular, secondary ciliation. REOEC monolayers were assessed by confocal microscopy after combined staining of nuclei, cilia, and the cytoskeleton. Only Wnt ligands, Notch inhibitors and oviduct explant cell concentration affected EOEC morphology. Undesirable epithelial-mesenchymal transition was observed in REOEC monolayers exposed to Wnt3a containing medium and Wnt ligand CHIR 99021. With respect to secondary ciliation, only the combined effect of oviduct explant cell concentration and Notch inhibition steered REOEC monolayers to in vivo-like ciliation patterns. De-differentiated EOECs, formed 10 days after oviduct explant cell seeding, were reseeded on inserts; only at initial oviduct explant cell concentrations of 1 and 5 × 106 cells per well was the formation of REOEC monolayers with a high rate of diffuse ciliation supported. Within 1 month after air-liquid interface introduction, >40% and >20% of the REOECs showed secondary cilia, respectively. At higher oviduct explant cell seeding densities secondary ciliation was not supported after re-differentiation. Additionally, Notch inhibition helped boost secondary ciliation rates to >60% in REOEC monolayers with diffuse ciliation only. These monolayers demonstrated higher clathrin expression under follicular phase conditions. Overall, the ciliated REOEC monolayers better resemble in vivo oviduct epithelial cells than previous models.
The role of CT-assessed sarcopenia and visceral adipose tissue in predicting long-term survival in patients undergoing elective endovascular infrarenal aortic repair
Authors: Vaccarino Roberta , Wachtmeister Melker , Karelis Angelos , Marinko Elisabet , Sun Jianming , Resch Timothy , Sonesson Björn , Dias Nuno V
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To evaluate if ileo-psoas muscle size and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) can predict long-term survival after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods

Patients who underwent EVAR between 2004 and 2012 in a single centre were included. Total psoas muscle area (TPA), abdominal VAT area, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and total adipose tissue were measured on the preoperative CT. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Values are presented as median and interquartile range or absolute number and percentage. Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the associations with mortality.

Results

Two hundred and eighty-four patients could be included in the study. During a median follow-up of 8 (4-11) years, 223 (79.9%) patients died. Age (P ≤ .001), cardiovascular (P = .041), cerebrovascular (P = .009), renal diseases (P = .002), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P ≤ .001) were independently associated with mortality. TPA was associated with mortality in a univariate (P = .040), but not in a multivariate regression model (P = .764). No significant association was found between mortality and TPA index (P = .103) or any of the adiposity measurements with the exception of SAT (P = .040). However, SAT area loss in a multivariate analysis (P = .875).

Conclusions

Assessment of core muscle size and VAT did not contribute to improving the prediction of long-term survival after EVAR.

Advances in knowledge

The finding of this study contradicts the previously claimed utility of core muscle size and VAT in predicting long-term survival after EVAR.
Propionic acid promotes neurite recovery in damaged multiple sclerosis neurons
Authors: Gisevius Barbara , Duscha Alexander , Poschmann Gereon , Stühler Kai , Motte Jeremias , Fisse Anna Lena , Augustyniak Sanja , Rehm Adriana , Renk Pia , Böse Celina , Hubert Diana , Peters Kathrin , Jagst Michelle , Gömer André , Todt Daniel , Bader Verian , Tokic Marianne , Hirschberg Sarah , Krogias Christos , Trampe Nadine , Coutourier Charlotta , Winnesberg Carmen , Steinmann Eike , Winklhofer Konstanze , Gold Ralf , Haghikia Aiden
Published: June 2024

Neurodegeneration in the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis still poses a major therapeutic challenge. Effective drugs that target the inflammation can only partially reduce accumulation of neurological deficits and conversion to progressive disease forms. Diet and the associated gut microbiome are currently being discussed as crucial environmental risk factors that determine disease onset and subsequent progression. In people with multiple sclerosis, supplementation of the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid, as a microbial metabolite derived from the fermentation of a high-fiber diet, has previously been shown to regulate inflammation accompanied by neuroprotective properties. We set out to determine whether the neuroprotective impact of propionic acid is a direct mode of action of short-chain fatty acids on CNS neurons. We analysed neurite recovery in the presence of the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid and butyric acid in a reverse-translational disease-in-a-dish model of human-induced primary neurons differentiated from people with multiple sclerosis-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. We found that recovery of damaged neurites is induced by propionic acid and butyric acid. We could also show that administration of butyric acid is able to enhance propionic acid-associated neurite recovery. Whole-cell proteome analysis of induced primary neurons following recovery in the presence of propionic acid revealed abundant changes of protein groups that are associated with the chromatin assembly, translational, and metabolic processes. We further present evidence that these alterations in the chromatin assembly were associated with inhibition of histone deacetylase class I/II following both propionic acid and butyric acid treatment, mediated by free fatty acid receptor signalling. While neurite recovery in the presence of propionic acid is promoted by activation of the anti-oxidative response, administration of butyric acid increases neuronal ATP synthesis in people with multiple sclerosis-specific induced primary neurons.
Altered functional connectivity of the default mode network in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Guo Pengde , Zhou Jian , Su Yan , Wang Weixin , Hua Haiqin , Zhao Pengbo , Wang Yan , Kang Shaohong , Liu Ming
Published: June 2024

The functional connectivity of the default mode network is important in understanding the neuro-pathophysiological abnormalities in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Independent component analysis can effectively determine within and between network connectivity of different brain components. Therefore, in order to explore the association between the default mode network and other brain regions, we utilized independent component analysis to investigate the alteration of functional connectivity of the default mode network. Thirty-one patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and 31 healthy controls, matched for age, sex and years of education, were recruited. For patients and healthy controls, functional connectivity within and between the default mode network and other brain regions were evaluated by independent component analysis. Compared with healthy controls, patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy showed reduced functional connectivity within the default mode network in the right cerebellar tonsil and left cerebellum posterior lobe and increased functional connectivity in the left inferior temporal and right middle frontal gyri. Furthermore, patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy showed reduced functional connectivity between the default mode network and other brain regions in the left cerebellar tonsil and increased functional connectivity in the right putamen, left thalamus, right middle temporal and left middle frontal gyri. In conclusion, negative correlations between several clinical parameters and functional connectivity of the default mode network were observed. The study contributes to understanding the mechanism of functional reorganization in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
Virologic Failure and Drug Resistance After Programmatic Switching to Dolutegravir-based First-line Antiretroviral Therapy in Malawi and Zambia
Authors: Skrivankova Veronika Whitesell , Huwa Jacqueline , Muula Guy , Chiwaya Geldert D , Banda Esau , Buleya Shameem , Chihota Belinda , Chintedza Joseph , Bolton Carolyn , Tweya Hannock , Kalua Thokozani , Hossmann Stefanie , Kouyos Roger , Wandeler Gilles , Egger Matthias , Lessells Richard J
Published: June 2024

Background

People with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) on first-line, nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor–based antiretroviral therapy (ART) were routinely switched to tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir. We examined virologic outcomes and drug resistance in ART programs in Malawi, where switching was irrespective of viral load, and Zambia, where switching depended on a viral load <1000 copies/mL in the past year.

Methods

We compared the risk of viremia (≥400 copies/mL) at 1 and 2 years by viral load at switch and between countries using exact methods and logistic regression adjusted for age and sex. We performed HIV-1 pol Sanger sequencing on plasma samples with viral load ≥1000 copies/mL.

Results

A total of 2832 PWH were eligible (Malawi 1422, Zambia 1410); the median age was 37 years, and 2578 (91.0%) were women. At switch, 77 (5.4%) were viremic in Malawi and 42 (3.0%) in Zambia (P = .001). Viremia at switch was associated with viremia at 1 year (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 6.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.13–11.4) and 2 years (7.0; 95% CI, 3.73–12.6). Viremia was less likely in Zambia than in Malawi at 1 year (OR, 0.55; 0.32–0.94) and 2 years (OR, 0.33; 0.18–0.57). Integrase sequencing was successful for 79 of 113 eligible samples. Drug resistance mutations were found in 5 PWH (Malawi 4, Zambia 1); 2 had major mutations (G118R, E138K, T66A and G118R, E138K) leading to high-level dolutegravir resistance.

Conclusions

Restricting switching to dolutegravir-based ART to PWH with a viral load <1000 copies/mL may reduce subsequent viremia and, consequently, the emergence of dolutegravir drug resistance mutations.

Clinical Trials Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04612452).
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Association BetweenMycoplasma Genitaliumand Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Authors: Htaik Kay , Vodstrcil Lenka A , Plummer Erica L , Sfameni Amelia M , Machalek Dorothy A , Manhart Lisa E , Bradshaw Catriona S
Published: June 2024

Background

Differences in opinion concerning the contribution of Mycoplasma genitalium to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has resulted in inconsistencies across global testing and treatment guidelines. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between M. genitalium and PID and M. genitalium positivity within PID cases to provide a contemporary evidence base to inform clinical practice (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022382156).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were searched to 1 December 2023 for studies that assessed women for PID using established clinical criteria and used nucleic acid amplification tests to detect M. genitalium. We calculated summary estimates of the (1) association of M. genitalium with PID (pooled odds ratio [OR]) and 2) proportion of PID cases with M. genitalium detected (pooled M. genitalium positivity in PID), using random-effects meta-analyses, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Nineteen studies were included: 10 estimated M. genitalium association with PID, and 19 estimated M. genitalium positivity in PID. M. genitalium infection was significantly associated with PID (pooled OR = 1.67 [95% CI: 1.24–2.24]). The pooled positivity of M. genitalium in PID was 10.3% [95% CI: 5.63–15.99]. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that M. genitalium positivity in PID was highest in the Americas, in studies conducted in both inpatient and outpatient clinic settings, and in populations at high risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusions

M. genitalium was associated with a 67% increase in odds of PID and was detected in about 1 of 10 clinical diagnoses of PID. These data support testing women for M. genitalium at initial PID diagnosis.
Riches and Poverty in English Protestant Culture, c.1550–1800: Vernacularising the Parable of Dives and Lazarus
Authors: Hitchcock David , Waddell Brodie
Published: June 2024

The story of the rich glutton Dives and the poor beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) was a popular subject in sermons, pamphlets, poems and ballads in early modern England. This article is the first substantial analysis of how the short but powerful biblical narrative was adapted and explained over the course of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It shows that—despite the huge religious, social and economic changes of this period—the message remained remarkably consistent. The beggar Lazarus himself was always depicted as a straightforwardly positive figure, offering an unusually clear association of poverty with virtue. However, many authors also used him to present a model of acceptable behaviour that imposed severe limits on the agency of the poor, and some turned him into a foil to criticise sharply those who failed to conform to such a model. Meanwhile, most portrayals of the rich man Dives presented his sinful misuse of his wealth as a lesson about not only the dangers of luxury but also the virtue of charity. A few authors offered more extreme interpretations that fitted with their specific circumstances, including radical condemnations of the rich and powerful during the political unrest of the mid-seventeenth century. Even more noticeable, however, is the striking resilience of a very ‘traditional’ core message, which previous scholarship on early modern religious attitudes towards wealth and poverty has tended to neglect.
The Quebec Act (1774) and the Hanoverian Church–State Relationship
Authors: Walsh Ashley
Published: June 2024

By providing for freedom of worship among Catholics in the conquered Province of Quebec, the Quebec Act (1774) later proved to be one element in the long and complicated process of Catholic emancipation in Britain, Ireland and the empire. Historians have examined the press campaign against the Quebec Act, contrasting the culture of Enlightenment toleration among its drafters and defenders with the Protestant zealotry of its opponents and, latterly, the Gordon rioters in 1780. But this characterisation neglects the ecclesiological debate about the connection between the legislation and the Hanoverian church–state relationship. Drawing on Enlightenment critiques of priestcraft and superstition, opponents of the Quebec Act claimed that it established, rather than tolerated, Catholicism. By contrast, defenders of the Quebec Act argued that priestcraft and superstition were declining among Canadian Catholics and that enshrining the right of Catholic priests to collect tithes did not represent a church establishment. The debate turned on the problem of Catholic loyalty in a Protestant state. Opponents of the Quebec Act held that Protestants alone could reconcile secular and spiritual loyalties through the royal supremacy. Supporters of the Quebec Act not only claimed that conquered Catholics could be loyal to the imperial state, but also that they merited a bishop and endowed priests to perform the public offices of their faith, holding out the possibility that Catholicism could be a civil religion.
Industrial, regional, and gender divides in British unemployment between the wars
Authors: Paker Meredith M
Published: June 2024

Despite a substantial body of literature on the severe unemployment crisis in interwar Britain, our understanding of its distributional impacts remains limited. Using newly digitized government data, this paper analyzes the gender, industrial, and regional composition of unemployment 1923–1936. I find that the unemployment rate was higher for men owing in part to a strongly gender-segmented labor market, that unemployment was widespread across industries and not just a product of the declining staple industries, that unemployment exhibited strong seasonality, and that regional unemployment differentials cannot be primarily attributed to regions’ varying industrial compositions. These results offer a more granular view of this mass unemployment episode.
Loop diuretic therapy with or without heart failure: impact on prognosis
Authors: Friday Jocelyn M , Cleland John G F , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Wolters Maria K , McMurray John J V , Jhund Pardeep S , Forsyth Paul , McAllister David A , Graham Fraser J , Jones Yola , Lewsey Jim
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Many patients are prescribed loop diuretics without a diagnostic record of heart failure. Little is known about their characteristics and prognosis.

Methods

Glasgow regional health records (2009–16) were obtained for adults with cardiovascular disease or taking loop diuretics. Outcomes were investigated using Cox models with hazard ratios adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation, and comorbid disease (adjHR).

Results

Of 198 898 patients (median age 65 years; 55% women), 161 935 (81%) neither took loop diuretics nor had a diagnostic record of heart failure (reference group), 23 963 (12%) were taking loop diuretics but had no heart failure recorded, 7844 (4%) had heart failure recorded and took loop diuretics, and 5156 (3%) had heart failure recorded but were not receiving loop diuretics. Compared to the reference group, five-year mortality was only slightly higher for heart failure in the absence of loop diuretics [22%; adjHR 1.2 (95% CI 1.1–1.3)], substantially higher for those taking loop diuretics with no record of heart failure [40%; adjHR 1.8 (95% CI 1.7–1.8)], and highest for heart failure treated with loop diuretics [52%; adjHR 2.2 (95% CI 2.0–2.2)].

Conclusions

For patients with cardiovascular disease, many are prescribed loop diuretics without a recorded diagnosis of heart failure. Mortality is more strongly associated with loop diuretic use than with a record of heart failure. The diagnosis of heart failure may be often missed, or loop diuretic use is associated with other conditions with a prognosis similar to heart failure, or inappropriate loop diuretic use increases mortality; all might be true.