bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Not just the sum of its parts: Geographic variation and nonadditive effects of pyrazines in the chemical defence of an aposematic moth
Authors: Ottocento Cristina , Winters Anne E. , Rojas Bibiana , Mappes Johanna , Burdfield-Steel Emily
Published: December 2022

Chemical defences often vary within and between populations both in quantity and quality, which is puzzling if prey survival is dependent on the strength of the defence. We investigated the within- and between-population variability in chemical defence of the wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis). The major components of its defences, SBMP (2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine) and IBMP (2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine), are volatiles that deter bird attacks. We hypothesized that (1) variation in the chemical defences of male wood tiger moths reflects the local predation pressure; (2) observed differences in quantity and quality of defence among populations have a genetic basis; and (3) increasing concentrations of SBMP and IBMP will elicit greater aversive reactions in predators, with the two pyrazines having an additive effect on predators' avoidance. We found that (1) the chemical defence of wild moths partly reflects local predator selection: high predation pressure populations (Scotland and Georgia) had stronger chemical defences, but not lower variance, than the low-predation populations (Estonia and Finland). (2) Based on the common garden results, both genetic and environmental components seem to influence the strength of chemical defence in moth populations; and (3) IBMP alone did not provide protection against bird predators but worked against bird attacks only when combined with SBMP, and while SBMP was more effective at higher concentrations, IBMP was not. Altogether this suggests that, when it comes to pyrazine concentration, more is not always better, highlighting the importance of testing the efficacy of chemical defence and its components with relevant predators, as extrapolating from chemical data may be less than straightforward.

Abstract

We investigated the within- and between-population variability in chemical defence of the wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis). The major components of its defences, SBMP (2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine) and IBMP (2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine), are volatiles that deter bird attacks. We found that (1) the chemical defence of wild moths partly reflects local predator selection; (2) both genetic and environmental components seem to influence the strength of chemical defence; and (3) IBMP alone did not provide protection against bird predators but worked against bird attacks only when combined with SBMP, and while SBMP was more effective at higher concentrations, IBMP was not. Altogether this suggests that, when it comes to pyrazine concentration, more is not always better, highlighting the importance of testing the efficacy of chemical defence with relevant predators.
Development of a time‐resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic test for simultaneous detection of norfloxacin and sulfamethazine in pork samples through green pretreatment
Authors: Chen Junjun , Lin Qinlu , Chen Yanni
Published: December 2022

A sensitive time‐resolved fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic strip test (TRFM‐ICST) was established for the simultaneously rapid detection of norfloxacin (NOR) and sulfamethazine (SM2) in pork samples. Time‐resolved fluorescent europium (III) enclosed polystyrene microspheres conjugated with monoclonal antibody were used as probe to fulfill the analysis. Meanwhile, a green pretreatment system without organic solvent was developed for pork samples. Pork samples were processed by extracting buffer [citric acid buffer (0.01 M, pH 4.4) containing 2% (vol/vol) of Tween‐20 and 2% (wt/vol) of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (mass weight = 10,000)] and diluting buffer [phosphate buffered solution (0.01 M, pH 7.2) containing 1% (wt/vol) of Tween‐20 and 1% (wt/vol) of polyethylene glycol (mass weight = 400)]. The working range of TRFM‐ICST for NOR and SM2 in pork samples was 2.74–18.70 and 0.49–3.02 μg kg−1, respectively. Negative pork samples spiked with NOR and SM2 were detected by established TRFM‐ICST and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The linear regression analysis yielded a good correlation between TRFM‐ICST and HPLC (Y = 0.9309X + 0.039, R2 = .9965, relative standard deviation (RSD) = 1.95%). The recovery of NOR and SM2 in pork samples was 94.1–114.4 and 93.0–102.0%, respectively, illustrating the proposed TRFM‐ICST can be applied for screening of high throughput pork samples.
Preparing Black and Latinx children for police encounters: Caregiver response profiles and child self‐regulation
Authors: Osborne Kimberly R. , Smith‐Bynum Mia A. , Walsdorf Ashley A. , Anderson Leslie A. , O'Brien Caughy Margaret
Published: December 2022

We hypothesized that the goodness‐of‐fit between profiles of observed, caregiver‐provided ethnic–racial socialization (ERS), and child self‐regulation (i.e., inhibitory control) would differentially associate with child behavioral outcomes. Conversations between 80 caregivers (45% Latinx; 55% Black) and their children (M age  = 11.09; 46% female) were rated for ERS. Measures included an inhibitory control composite (ages 2.5–3.5) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; age 12). Three profiles were determined: Comprehensive (n  = 34), Reactive (n  = 8), and Pragmatic (n  = 38). Only youth with low inhibitory control in preschool appeared to benefit from Pragmatic ERS, whereas youth with normative or high inhibitory control in early childhood displayed lower internalizing and externalizing behaviors when they had Comprehensive or Reactive rather than Pragmatic caregivers.
Growth and optimal policies in an R&D‐growth model with imperfect international capital mobility
Authors: Hu Mei‐ying , Chen Ping‐ho , Chu Hsun , Lai Ching‐chong
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we examine the effects of international capital mobility on innovation, growth, and optimal growth policies in a small open economy with R&D‐driven growth. Households can borrow funds from an imperfect international capital market to finance their investment in R&D firms. We show that the economy can reach a higher growth rate if international capital is more mobile. This result is consistent with recent empirical findings. Moreover, we show that the common growth‐enhancing policies, such as patent protection and the R&D subsidies, have an additional negative welfare effect when households can access the international capital market. Accordingly, the optimal patent protection and R&D subsidy should be smaller when the degree of international capital mobility is higher.
The Winchcombe meteorite—A regolith breccia from a rubble pile CM chondrite asteroid
Authors: Suttle M. D. , Daly L. , Jones R. H. , Jenkins L. , van Ginneken M. , Mitchell J. T. , Bridges J. C. , Hicks L. J. , Johnson D. , Rollinson G. , Taylor R. , Genge M. J. , Schröder C. , Trimby P. , Mansour H. , Piazolo S. , Bonsall E. , Salge T. , Heard R. , Findlay R. , King A. J. , Bates H. C. , Lee M. R. , Stephen N. R. , Willcocks F. M. , Greenwood R. C. , Franchi I. A. , Russell S. S. , Harrison C. S. , Schofield P. F. , Almeida N. V. , Floyd C. , Martin P.‐E. , Joy K. H. , Wozniakiewicz P. J. , Hallatt D. , Burchell M. J. , Alesbrook L. S. , Spathis V. , Cornwell L. T. , Dignam A.
Published: December 2022

The Winchcombe meteorite is a CM chondrite breccia composed of eight distinct lithological units plus a cataclastic matrix. The degree of aqueous alteration varies between intensely altered CM2.0 and moderately altered CM2.6. Although no lithology dominates, three heavily altered rock types (CM2.1–2.3) represent >70 area%. Tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths (TCIs) are common in several lithologies. Their compositions can vary significantly, even within a single lithology, which can prevent a clear assessment of alteration extent if only TCI composition is considered. We suggest that this is due to early alteration under localized geochemical microenvironments creating a diversity of compositions and because later reprocessing was incomplete, leaving a record of the parent body's fluid history. In Winchcombe, the fragments of primary accretionary rock are held within a cataclastic matrix (~15 area%). This material is impact‐derived fallback debris. Its grain size and texture suggest that the disruption of the original parent asteroid responded by intergranular fracture at grain sizes <100 μm, while larger phases, such as whole chondrules, splintered apart. Re‐accretion formed a poorly lithified body. During atmospheric entry, the Winchcombe meteoroid broke apart with new fractures preferentially cutting through the weaker cataclastic matrix and separating the breccia into its component clasts. The strength of the cataclastic matrix imparts a control on the survival of CM chondrite meteoroids. Winchcombe's unweathered state and diversity of lithologies make it an ideal sample for exploring the geological history of the CM chondrite group.
Zcf24, a zinc‐finger transcription factor, is required for lactate catabolism and inhibits commensalism in Candida albicans
Authors: Sun Qiangqiang , Dong Bin , Yang Dandan , Yu Jing , Ren Tianhao , Wang Tianxu , Yang Lianjuan , Lu Yang , Su Chang
Published: December 2022

Candida albicans is a normal resident of humans and also a prevalent fungal pathogen. Lactate, a nonfermentative carbon source available in numerous anatomical niches, can be used by C. albicans as a carbon source. However, the key regulator(s) involved in this process remain unknown. Here, through a genetic screen, we report the identification of a transcription factor Zcf24 that is specifically required for lactate utilization in C. albicans. Zcf24 is responsible for the induction of CYB2, a gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase that is essential for lactate catabolism, in response to lactate. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed a significantly higher signal of Zcf24 on the CYB2 promoter in lactate‐grown cells than that in glucose‐grown cells. Genome‐wide transcription profiling indicates that, in addition to CYB2, Zcf24 regulates genes involved in the β‐oxidation of fatty acids, iron transport, and drug transport. Surprisingly, deleting ZCF24 confers enhanced commensal fitness. This could be attributed to Crz1‐activated β‐glucan masking in the zcf24 mutant. The orthologs of Zcf24 are distributed in species most closely to C. albicans and some filamentous fungal species. Altogether, Zcf24 is the first transcription factor identified to date that regulates lactate catabolism in C. albicans and it is also involved in the regulation of commensalism.
Assessment model of rainwater resource utilization and influencing factors in arid and semiarid areas
Authors: Zhang Xingyuan , Li Fawen , Yuan Ximin
Published: December 2022

Arid and semiarid areas generally face problems of natural resource degradation. In this paper, two indicators are proposed to characterize the utilization of rainwater: rainwater resource utilization quantity (RRU, mm) and rainwater resource utilization rate (RRUR, dimensionless ratio). A spatiotemporal assessment model (rainwater utilization assessment [RUA] model) for the RRUR and its influencing factors is constructed. The RUA model is based on Soil and Water Assessment Tool and Geographically Temporal Weighted Regression. The Zuli River Basin, located on the Loess Plateau in China, was selected as the study basin. The results show that the annual averages of the RRU and RRUR are 164 mm and 0.44, respectively, in the study basin. The RRU ranged from 71.4 to 243.2 mm, and the RRUR ranged from 0.32 to 0.53 during the evaluation period. Eight explanatory variables were selected, of which the leaf area index (LAI) and rainfall had a significant positive effect on RRUR, but there was spatial and temporal variability in the effects. The forest rehabilitation and crop rotations that can increase the LAI can effectively increase the RRUR, which increased by 0.10 and 0.11, respectively, and the increase in RRU was at least 36.42 mm, with a water volume of 3.85 × 108 m3. The impact of grassland rehabilitation and parallel terracing on the RRUR was small. We found that there is an interval effect and a threshold effect on rainfall utilization in the basin. The interval effect causes the RRUR to fluctuate within a certain range for rainfall intervals of 300–400 or 400–500 mm (Zuli River Basin). Threshold effects can guide the determination of the potential for rainwater utilization in different areas to ensure that the RRUR can be effectively enhanced with management measures.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

We have constructed an assessment model of rainwater resource utilization (RRU) and influencing factors.

We have proposed two evaluation indices based on water balance, namely, the RRU quantity and rainwater resource utilization rate (RRUR).

The leaf area index of vegetation is the most important influence on rainwater utilization, and the more severe the drought is, the more effective the regulation of water cycle processes by vegetation.

The interval effect causes uncertainty in the RRUR for a certain interval of rainfall, with the RRUR fluctuating within a defined range.

The threshold effect can guide us in determining the potential for rainwater utilization, and areas where the current RRUR is below the threshold can take management measures to ensure that the RRUR can be effectively increased.
Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn: A retrospective study of 32 infants and care algorithm
Authors: Siegel Liza H. , Fraile Alonso Carmen , Tuazon Camelia Faye R. , Mancini Anthony J. , Kruse Lacey L. , Miller Jennifer L. , Wagner Annette M. , Yun Duri , Kenner‐Bell Brandi M. , Paller Amy S. , Chamlin Sarah L.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe the clinical and laboratory outcomes of infants with subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) and propose a care algorithm.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study of infants diagnosed with SCFN at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from 2009 to 2019.

Results

Of 32 infants who met inclusion criteria, most were born full‐term (84%), born via cesarean section (58%), had normal weight for gestational age (69%), and experienced delivery complications (53%). Twenty‐nine infants (91%) had calcium drawn, and all had hypercalcemia. Three infants developed clinical symptoms of hypercalcemia, two required hospital admission, two developed nephrocalcinosis, and one developed acute kidney injury. The majority of infants (62%) had a peak ionized calcium between 1.5 and 1.6 mmol/L. No infants with peak ionized calcium less than 1.5 mmol/L developed complications of hypercalcemia. Most patients were diagnosed with hypercalcemia (86%) and demonstrated peak ionized calcium levels (59%) within the first 28 days of life. No patients developed hypercalcemia after 3 months of age.

Conclusion

Hypercalcemia occurred in 100% of infants who had laboratory monitoring. We recommend obtaining an initial ionized calcium level when SCFN is suspected, and monitoring for the first 3 months of life if hypercalcemia has not been detected. In patients with asymptomatic hypercalcemia less than 1.5 mmol/L, there appears to be low likelihood of related complications. For symptomatic, markedly elevated (>1.6 mmol/L), or persistently elevated levels (>6 months) we suggest coordinated care with endocrinology or nephrology, consider hospitalization, and urinary system ultrasound.
Potassium ameliorates cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber length by regulating osmotic and K+/Na+ homeostasis under salt stress
Authors: Yu Kai , Ju Feiyan , Wang Zhuo , Sun Liyuan , Huo Yuyang , Zhu Junjun , Pang Jiali , Ali Saif , Chen Weiping , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Zhiguo , Tang Qiuxiang , Chen Binglin
Published: December 2022

Potassium (K) application can alleviate cotton salt stress, but the regulatory mechanisms affecting cotton fiber elongation and ion homeostasis are still unclear. A two‐year field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of K on the osmolyte contents (soluble sugar, K+ content, and malate) and related enzyme activities during the fiber elongation of two cotton cultivars with contrasting salt sensitivity (CCRI‐79; salt tolerant cultivar, and Simian 3; salt‐sensitive cultivar). Three K application treatments (0, 150, and 300 kg K2O ha−1) were applied at three soil salinity levels (low salinity, EC = 1.73 ± 0.05 dS m−1; medium salinity, EC = 6.32 ± 0.10 dS m−1; high salinity, EC = 10.84 ± 0.24 dS m−1). K application improved fiber length and alleviated salt stress by increasing the maximum velocity of fiber elongation (Vmax). The increase rate of K on fiber length decreased with elevating salt stress, and the increase rate of K on Vmax of CCRI‐79 was greater than that of Simian3. K application can increase the enzyme activities (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, PEPC, E.C. 4.1.1.31; pyrophosphatase, PPase, E.C. 3.6.1.1; and plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, PM H+‐ATPase, E.C. 3.6.3.14) as well as the content of osmolytes associated with the enzymes mentioned above. K increased the osmolyte contents under salt stress, and the increase in the K+ content of the fibers was much higher than that of soluble sugar and malate. The results of this study indicated K fertilizer application rates regulate the metabolism of osmolytes in cotton fiber development under salt stress, K+ is more critical to fiber elongation.
Mechanisms of cold‐induced immunity in plants
Authors: Sasaki Kentaro , Imai Ryozo
Published: December 2022

Overwintering plants acquire substantial levels of freezing tolerance through cold acclimation or winter hardening. This process is essential for the plants survival to harsh winter conditions. In the areas where persistent snow cover lasts several months, plants are protected from freezing but are, however, exposed to other harsh conditions, such as dark, cold, and high humidity. These conditions facilitate the infection of psychrophilic pathogens, which are termed “snow molds.” To fight against infection of snow molds, overwintering plants develop disease resistance via the process of cold acclimation. Compared with pathogen‐induced disease resistance, the molecular mechanisms of cold‐induced disease resistance have yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we outline the recent progress in our understanding of disease resistance acquired through cold acclimation.
Pain and gain: Monetary incentive moderates pain's impact on effort‐related cardiac response
Authors: Cancela Tamara , Gendolla Guido H. E. , Silvestrini Nicolas
Published: December 2022

Ample evidence suggests that pain leads to additional demand in cognitive functioning, presumably due to its negative affective component and its propensity to capture attention. To highlight the role of motivational incentive, two experiments tested the combined effect of pain and monetary incentive on effort‐related cardiovascular response during cognitive performance. In both studies, healthy volunteers received individually adjusted painful or nonpainful thermal stimulations during a difficult cognitive task (4‐back task in Experiment 1; short‐term memory task in Experiment 2) and expected high (12 Swiss Francs in both experiments) or low monetary incentive (1 Swiss Franc in Experiment 1; 0.10 Swiss Francs in Experiment 2) for successful performance. Effort was primarily assessed as changes in cardiac pre‐ejection period (PEP). We predicted pain to increase subjective task difficulty during cognitive performance. Moreover, according to motivational intensity theory, we expected this to increase effort only when high effort was justified by high monetary incentive. Correspondingly, pain should lead to low effort (disengagement) when monetary incentive was low. Effort in the nonpainful conditions was expected to fall in between these conditions. The results of both studies support our predictions. Our findings provide the first evidence for the moderating effect of monetary incentive on physical pain's impact on effort‐related cardiovascular response. Accordingly, motivational incentives can counteract effort deficits associated with pain.
Do insurers adjust prices for the adoption of loss prevention technologies? Evidence from Danish municipal contracts
Authors: Sølvsten Simon , Kaiser Brooks
Published: December 2022

Using data from 40 Danish municipalities on building characteristics, loss prevention technologies, insurance claims, and insurance bids from 2008 to 2019, we investigate whether and how loss prevention technologies influenced contract prices. The insurance bids cover a variety of municipal buildings across a range of risks including fire, water leakage, and building security as well as structure detection and alarm systems. The study shows that the magnitude of historical claims may affect both pricing offers and interest in loss prevention technologies. We do not find that loss prevention technologies have any significant influence on contract price. This suggests inefficiencies in the market from imperfect information.
Oral health status and dental anomalies among children with congenital heart disease in contemporary times
Authors: Sethi Megha , Sood Shveta , Sharma Naresh , Singh Akshara , Sharma Pooja , Kukshal Prachi
Published: December 2022

Aims

The aim of the study was to assess the oral health, hygiene status, and prevalence of dental anomalies in children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD).

Material and methods

The study was conducted on 300 children, aged 2–16 years, diagnosed with CHD.

Results

Overall, the oral health status of the children with CHD was found to be poor in this study. The prevalence of caries was found to be 56.7%. It was significantly higher in children with acyanotic CHD compared to cyanotic CHD. Mean DMFT was 0.6 ± 1.6. Mean Debris index was 0.8 ± 0.9. Mean calculus index was 0.3 ± 0.6. The prevalence of dental anomalies was 9%. Most common anomaly was enamel opacities/hypoplasia (8.0%) followed by hypodonita (0.7%) and fusion (0.3%). The mean dmft score and Calculus Index were found to be significantly higher in cyanotic CHD group compared to acyanotic CHD group. Prevalence of caries, Debris Index, Calculus Index, and Oral Health Index were found to be increasing with increasing age (> 5 vs. < 5 years).

Conclusion

Overall, the oral health status of the children with CHD was found to be poor in this study.
Two new HLA alleles, HLA‐B*58:140 and ‐DRB1*07:145, detected in inhabitants from Russia
Authors: Loginova Maria , Druzhinina Svetlana , Paramonov Igor
Published: December 2022

Two novel HLA alleles, HLA‐B*58:140 and HLA‐DRB1*07:145, were identified.
Significance of Coal-Ash Fusing Temperature in the Light of Recent Furnace Studies
Authors: Bailey E. G. , Ely F. G.
Published: December 2022

This paper reviews recent data relating to the fusing temperature of coal ash as well as of ash and slag from pulverized-coal-fired furnaces of both slag-tap and dry-ash-removal types. The highly oxidizing conditions in parts of both types of furnaces and the effect upon the slag-and-ash formation cause questions to be raised regarding the greatest usefulness of the present A.S.T.M. standard fusing-temperature method on a reducing atmosphere alone. Previous work of the Bureau of Mines is confirmed in showing that the form of the iron, whether ferrous or ferric, is of increasing importance with increased iron content. The paper also gives data showing the appreciably higher percentage of iron in the furnace ash and slag over the iron content in the coal ash burned. This increase applies to both dry-ash and slag-tap types of furnaces. More research is needed in both plant and laboratory.
Accurate Prediction of Transport Coefficients of an Evaporating Liquid Drop
Authors: Pal Ashwani Kumar , Biswas Gautam
Published: December 2022

Numerical simulations were carried out to study the evaporation of a drop that is released into a parallel stream of fluid at a higher temperature. A coupled level-set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) interface capturing method was deployed to capture the dynamic interface between the drop liquid and the surrounding fluid. Modified forms of mass, momentum, and energy equations were solved together with the species concentration equation. The pressure jump at the interface was handled by accurate estimation of the continuum surface force. The jumps in mass and energy at the interface were carefully resolved by considering appropriate source terms in the continuity and energy equations. At the interface, the procedure of velocity computation was incorporated by extending the liquid-phase velocity onto the entire domain and by calculating the Stefan flow to predict the interface velocity accurately. The calculation of the velocity using this step leads to the exact estimation of mass transfer through the interface. The model was validated against both temperature gradient-based and vapor mass concentration gradient-based evaporation test cases. Temporal histories of the average Nusselt number and Sherwood number during the lifetime of an evaporating drop were predicted in terms of the pertinent input parameters, namely, Reynolds number, Prandtl number, and Schmidt number.
On the Stability and Control of Two-Dimensional Channel Flow
Authors: Essa A. , Ibrahim Mohammed K.
Published: December 2022

A direct numerical simulation is used to solve the two-dimensional plane Poiseuille flow for three different stability cases; specifically, they are a supercritical case at a Reynolds number of 10,000, a critical-stable case at a Reynolds number of 5772.22, and subcritical case at a Reynolds number of 1000. The perturbations are developed using the eigenfunctions of Orr–Sommerfeld equation's solution. In many applications, the flow was required to be fully laminar. As a result, a model-based controller is developed for stabilizing the flow field using unsteady strong suction and blowing technique, through distributed slots on the two walls of the channel. This technique is introduced to cancel the propagating wave in the boundary-layers near the two walls. Promising results are achieved for the unstable and critical-stable cases. The stable case is tested. Slight improvements in its growth rate are recorded. In turn, a faster response for the flow field is achieved.
Thermal atomic layer deposition of molybdenum carbide films using bis(ethylbenzene)molybdenum and H2
Authors: Ahn Ji Sang , Kang Wangu , Han Jeong Hwan
Published: December 2022

To fully exploit the excellent characteristics of molybdenum carbide (MoCx) for advanced semiconductor applications, which require high conformality and very low thickness, the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of MoCx must be developed. In this study, the thermal ALD of MoCx was investigated for the first time using halogen-free bis(ethylbenzene)molybdenum (BEBMo) and H2 (4% in 96% Ar) at deposition temperatures ranging between 180 and 280 °C. ALD MoCx films prepared using BEBMo and H2 exhibited an ALD window of 200−240 °C, moderate growth of 0.034 nm/cycle, and high conformality (∼91%) on the trench substrate. Chemical analysis revealed that the ALD MoCx films predominantly consisted of Mo2C (Mo2+ oxidation state) with a Mo/C atomic ratio of 1.25 and 4% oxygen as an impurity. The as-deposited MoCx films were amorphous at all deposition temperatures, but they crystallized to hexagonal β-Mo2C after post-deposition annealing (PDA) at 600 and 700 °C. The resistivity of the as-deposited MoCx films grown at 250 °C was only 171 μΩ cm at 23 nm, but the resistivity significantly increased to 711 μΩ cm as the film thickness decreased to 4.4 nm. After PDA at 700 °C, the MoCx films showed remarkably low resistivities of 73−104 μΩ cm in the thickness range of 5−23 nm.
Low-cost automated spin coater and thermal annealer for additive prototyping of multilayer Bragg reflectors
Authors: Dawson Nathan J. , Lu Yunli , Lowther Zoe , Abell Jacob , Christianson Nicholas D. , Weiser Aaron W. , Aquino Gioia
Published: December 2022

We present and implement a design for an automated system that fabricates multilayer photonic crystal structures. The device is constructed with low-cost materials. A polystyrene/cellulose acetate multilayer Bragg reflector was fabricated to confirm the device's capability. A distributed feedback laser was also fabricated and characterized. The system has also been used to fabricate microlasers for a Modern Physics laboratory assignment in which students measure fluorescence, amplified spontaneous emission, lasing from one-dimensional Bragg reflectors, and lasing from scattering media.
The drift motion of a spinning ball on carpet
Authors: Zengel Keith , Tamer Chris
Published: December 2022

A ball that rolls on carpet while also spinning around a vertical axis will experience a drift force that acts perpendicular to its velocity, opposite to the tangential velocity component of the front point of the ball. Here, we present a model of this motion based on three assumptions: the ball rolls without slipping around the point of contact directly below its center of mass; the ball experiences rolling resistance due to a forward-shifted normal force; and the ball experiences a forward-shifted kinetic friction (drift) force. This model produces a simple analytic solution that is consistent with experimental data. Our measurements suggest that the kinetic friction force acts near the front of the contact patch between the ball and carpet.
Unexpected optimal measurement protocols in Bell's inequality violation experiments
Authors: Negre Alicia , Mathevet Renaud , Chalopin Benoit , Massenot Sébastien
Published: December 2022

Bell's inequality violation experiments are becoming increasingly popular in the practical teaching of undergraduate and master's degree students. Bell's parameter S is obtained from 16 polarization correlation measurements performed on entangled photons pairs. We first report here a detailed analysis of the uncertainty u(S) of Bell's parameter taking into account coincidence count statistics and errors in polarizers' orientation. We show using both computational modeling and experimental measurement that the actual sequence of the polarizer settings has an unexpected and strong influence on the error budget. This result may also be relevant to measurements in other settings in which errors in parameters may have non-random effects in the measurement.
Data blind: Universities lag in capturing and exploiting data
Authors: Borgman Christine L. , Brand Amy
Published: December 2022

Study finds a pervasive void of infrastructure thinking
Making modern medicines
For Blood and Money; Billionaires, Biotech, and the Quest for a Blockbuster Drug
Nathan Vardi
Norton, 2023. 288 pp.
Authors: Woolfson Adrian
Published: December 2022

The business side of drug development comes to the fore in a tale of two blockbuster blood cancer therapeutics
Compositional texture engineering for highly stable wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jiang Qi , Tong Jinhui , Scheidt Rebecca A. , Wang Xiaoming , Louks Amy E. , Xian Yeming , Tirawat Robert , Palmstrom Axel F. , Hautzinger Matthew P. , Harvey Steven P. , Johnston Steve , Schelhas Laura T. , Larson Bryon W. , Warren Emily L. , Beard Matthew C. , Berry Joseph J. , Yan Yanfa , Zhu Kai
Published: December 2022

The development of highly stable and efficient wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on bromine-iodine (Br–I) mixed-halide perovskite (with Br greater than 20%) is critical to create tandem solar cells. However, issues with Br–I phase segregation under solar cell operational conditions (such as light and heat) limit the device voltage and operational stability. This challenge is often exacerbated by the ready defect formation associated with the rapid crystallization of Br-rich perovskite chemistry with antisolvent processes. We combined the rapid Br crystallization with a gentle gas-quench method to prepare highly textured columnar 1.75–electron volt Br–I mixed WBG perovskite films with reduced defect density. With this approach, we obtained 1.75–electron volt WBG PSCs with greater than 20% power conversion efficiency, approximately 1.33-volt open-circuit voltage (
V
oc
), and excellent operational stability (less than 5% degradation over 1100 hours of operation under 1.2 sun at 65°C). When further integrated with 1.25–electron volt narrow-bandgap PSC, we obtained a 27.1% efficient, all-perovskite, two-terminal tandem device with a high
V
oc
of 2.2 volts.
The art of aquarium science
Oceans Under Glass
Samantha Muka
University of Chicago Press, 2022. 240 pp.
Authors: Hardy Penelope K.
Published: December 2022

Aquarist knowledge is an often overlooked but vital part of marine research
Acquisition of T6SS Effector TseL Contributes to the Emerging of Novel Epidemic Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ren Anmin , Jia Minlu , Liu Jihong , Zhou Tian , Wu Liwen , Dong Tao , Cai Zhao , Qu Jiuxin , Liu Yang , Yang Liang , Zhang Yingdan
Published: December 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is one predominant pathogen that causes hospital-acquired infections and is one of the commonest coinfecting bacteria in immunocompromised patients and chronic wounds. This bacterium harbors a diverse accessory genome with a high frequency of gene recombination, rendering its population highly heterogeneous.
The Superstrength of Nanostructured Metallic Materials: Their Physical Nature and Hardening Mechanisms
Authors: Valiev R. Z. , Usmanov E. I. , Rezyapova L. R.
Published: December 2022

Ultrafine grained (UFG) metallic materials obtained by severe plastic deformation (SPD) typically exhibit very high strength properties, whose values are much higher than those predicted by the well-known Hall–Petch relation. Our studies show that the basis for this to occur is that SPD not only forms the UFG structure, but also leads to the formation of other nanostructural features, such as dislocation substructures, nanotwins, and nanosized precipitates of second phases, which additionally contribute to strengthening of materials. At the same time, this analysis of hardening mechanisms indicates that the structure and condition of grain boundaries, namely, their nonequilibrium state and the presence of grain boundary segregations, also substantially contribute to hardening. Taking this into consideration, approaches are discussed to achieve very high strengths in metallic materials by SPD.
P,S-Bidentate Phosphoramidites with (Ra)-BINOL Core in Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution
Authors: Gavrilov K. N. , Chuchelkin I. V. , Trunina V. M. , Firsin I. D. , Bityak Y. P. , Fedorov D. A. , Zimarev V. S. , Goulioukina N. S.
Published: December 2022

New P,S-bidentate phosphoramidite ligands, including these having a stereogenic phosphorus atom in the 1,3,2-dioxaphosphepine ring, have been synthesized on the basis of (Ra)-BINOL and its adamantanyl derivatives. With their participation in the Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of (E)-1,3-diphenylallyl acetate with dimethyl malonate and the amination with pyrrolidine involving these ligands have afforded selectivity up to 84 and 75% ee, respectively.
Offshore detention: cross-sectional analysis of the health of children and young people seeking asylum in Australia
Authors: Amarasena Lahiru , Samir Nora , Sealy Louise , Hu Nan , Rostami Mohammad Reza , Isaacs David , Gunasekera Hasantha , Young Helen , Agrawal Rishi , Levitt David , Francis Joshua R , Coleman Jacinta , Mares Sarah , Larcombe Penny , Cherian Sarah , Raman Shanti , Lingam Raghu , Zwi Karen
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe the health and well-being of children and young people (CYP) seeking asylum subjected to Australia’s immigration policy of indefinite mandatory detention on Nauru.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of CYP seeking asylum.

Setting

Australian paediatric clinicians from 10 health services completed detailed health assessments around the time of transfer from Nauru, mostly to Australia.

Participants

Sixty-two CYP who were ≤18 years on entry into offshore immigration detention on Nauru between 2013 and 2019. Mean age at health assessment was 9 years.

Main measures

Health outcomes were categorised as physical, mental or neurodevelopmental concerns/conditions. Risk and protective factor data were collected using the adverse childhood experiences and refugee-specific adverse childhood experiences tools.

Results

Over half of the CYP (n=32, 52%) were held on Nauru for ≥4 years. The vast majority of CYP had physical health (n=55, 89%) and mental health (n=49, 79%) concerns including self-harm or suicidal ideation/attempt (n=28, 45%). Mental health concerns were more likely in CYP who were school-aged (p=0.001), had been held on Nauru for ≥1 year (p=0.01); originated from the Eastern Mediterranean region (p<0.05); witnessed trauma (p<0.05) or had exposure to ≥4 refugee-specific adverse childhood experiences (p<0.05). Neurodevelopmental concerns were seen in eight children (13%).

Conclusions

This study highlights the almost universal physical and mental health difficulties in a sample of CYP who experienced forced migration and were subjected to Australia’s offshore immigration detention policy. Immigration detention in recipient countries, a known adverse childhood experience, may contribute to or exacerbate harmful outcomes in CYP seeking asylum.
Clinical characteristics of patients with recurrent Kawasaki disease: a nationwide cohort study of 19 456 patients with minimum 3-year follow up
Authors: Kim Sin Young , Shin Ji Seong , Jang Min Sik , Kim Jihye
Published: December 2022

Objective

To identify the clinical characteristics of patients with recurrent Kawasaki disease (KD).

Design

A nationwide, population-based, cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database between 2013 and 2016.

Patients

A total of 19 456 patients under the age of 5 years who were diagnosed with initial episode of KD were included. A minimum follow-up period of 3 years was mandatory for inclusion.

Main outcome measures

The epidemiological and clinical profiles were compared between KD patients with and without recurrence.

Results

The overall recurrence rate of KD was 3.84% (n=748), and the median interval to recurrence was 498 days (IQR: 257–860 days). Approximately 70% of all recurrences occurred within 2 years of the initial diagnosis. The annual proportions of recurrence were 40%, 28%, 18%, 8% and 4% from the first to the fifth year following the initial episode, respectively. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in patients aged <1 year than in those aged 4–5 years (4.65% vs 2.22%) and those who showed resistance to an initial dose of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (10.00% vs 3.18%). Allergic comorbidities and coronary artery complications at the initial episode were not associated with increased rates of recurrence.

Conclusions

We clearly identified the annual recurrence rates and their intervals from the initial episode according to the various factors identified, including young age and resistance to initial IVIG. Our results, based on a nationwide cohort, can be used as reference for follow-up management in patients with KD and in future studies.
Can artificial intelligence pass the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists examination? Multi-reader diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Shelmerdine Susan Cheng , Martin Helena , Shirodkar Kapil , Shamshuddin Sameer , Weir-McCall Jonathan Richard
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine whether an artificial intelligence candidate could pass the rapid (radiographic) reporting component of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination.

Design

Prospective multi-reader diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Participants

One artificial intelligence candidate (Smarturgences, Milvue) and 26 radiologists who had passed the FRCR examination in the preceding 12 months.

Main outcome measures

Accuracy and pass rate of the artificial intelligence compared with radiologists across 10 mock FRCR rapid reporting examinations (each examination containing 30 radiographs, requiring 90% accuracy rate to pass).

Results

When non-interpretable images were excluded from the analysis, the artificial intelligence candidate achieved an average overall accuracy of 79.5% (95% confidence interval 74.1% to 84.3%) and passed two of 10 mock FRCR examinations. The average radiologist achieved an average accuracy of 84.8% (76.1-91.9%) and passed four of 10 mock examinations. The sensitivity for the artificial intelligence was 83.6% (95% confidence interval 76.2% to 89.4%) and the specificity was 75.2% (66.7% to 82.5%), compared with summary estimates across all radiologists of 84.1% (81.0% to 87.0%) and 87.3% (85.0% to 89.3%). Across 148/300 radiographs that were correctly interpreted by >90% of radiologists, the artificial intelligence candidate was incorrect in 14/148 (9%). In 20/300 radiographs that most (>50%) radiologists interpreted incorrectly, the artificial intelligence candidate was correct in 10/20 (50%). Most imaging pitfalls related to interpretation of musculoskeletal rather than chest radiographs.

Conclusions

When special dispensation for the artificial intelligence candidate was provided (that is, exclusion of non-interpretable images), the artificial intelligence candidate was able to pass two of 10 mock examinations. Potential exists for the artificial intelligence candidate to improve its radiographic interpretation skills by focusing on musculoskeletal cases and learning to interpret radiographs of the axial skeleton and abdomen that are currently considered “non-interpretable.”
Utility of extended HPV genotyping for the triage of self-sampled HPV-positive women in a screen-and-treat strategy for cervical cancer prevention in Cameroon: a prospective study of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Broquet Celine , Vassilakos Pierre , Ndam Nsangou François Marcel , Kenfack Bruno , Noubom Michel , Tincho Evelyn , Jeannot Emilien , Wisniak Ania , Petignat Patrick
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the utility of extended Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more (CIN2+) in a ‘screen-and-treat’ strategy for HPV-positive women in low-resource settings.

Design

Prospective study of diagnostic accuracy.

Setting

The study took place in West Cameroon between September 2018 and March 2020.

Participants

2014 women were recruited. Asymptomatic, non-pregnant women aged 30–49 years without history of CIN treatment, anogenital cancer or hysterectomy were eligible.

Interventions

Participants performed self-sampling for HPV testing with GeneXpert followed by visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol’s iodine (VIA) triage before treatment if required.

Main outcome measures

Liquid-based cytology, biopsies and endocervical brushing were performed in HPV-positive women as quality control. We assessed the detection rate of CIN2+ by HPV genotyping (two pools of genotypes obtained from the Xpert system, pool_1 (HPV 16, 18, 45) and pool_2 (HPV 16, 18, 45, 31, 33, 35, 52, 58)), VIA and cytology.

Results

382 (18.2%) women were HPV-positive among which 11.5% (n=44) were CIN2+. Of those 44 participants, 41 were triaged positive by extended genotyping, versus 35 by VIA and 33 by cytology. Overall, triage positivity was of 68.4% for extended genotyping, 59.3% for VIA and 14.8% for cytology, with false positive rates of 83.4%, 84.1% and 37.7%, respectively. Extended genotyping had a higher sensitivity for CIN2+ detection (93.2%, CI: 81.3 to 98.6) than VIA (79.5%, CI: 64.7 to 90.2, p=0.034) and cytology (75.0%, CI: 59.7 to 86.8, p=0.005). No significant difference was observed in the overtreatment rate in triaged women by extended genotyping or VIA (9.9%, CI: 8.6 to 11.3, and 8.8%, CI: 7.7 to 10.1), with a ratio of 6.0 and 6.3 women treated per CIN2+ diagnosed.

Conclusion

Triage of HPV-positive women with extended HPV genotyping improves CIN2+ detection compared with VIA with a minor loss of specificity and could be used to optimize the management of HPV-positive women.

Trial registration number

NCT03757299.
Metabolic adverse events associated with systemic corticosteroid therapy—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kulkarni Spoorthy , Durham Hannah , Glover Luke , Ather Osaid , Phillips Veronica , Nemes Szilard , Cousens Leslie , Blomgran Parmis , Ambery Philip
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To assess the risk of new-onset or worsening hyperglycaemia, hypertension, weight gain and hyperlipidaemia with systemic corticosteroid therapy (CST) as reported in published randomised control trial (RCT) studies.

Data sources

Literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science and Scopus

Study eligibility criteria

Published articles on results of RCT with a systemic CST arm with numerical data presented on adverse effect (AE).

Participants and interventions

Reports of hyperglycaemia, hypertension, weight gain and hyperlipidaemia associated with systemic CST in patients or healthy volunteer’s ≥17 years of age.

Study appraisal methods

Risk of bias tool, assessment at the level of AE and key study characteristics.

Results

A total of 5446 articles were screened to include 118 studies with 152 systemic CST arms (total participants=17 113 among which 8569 participants treated with CST). Pooled prevalence of hyperglycaemia in the CST arms within the studies was 10% (95% CI 7% to 14%), with the highest prevalence in respiratory illnesses at 22% (95% CI 9% to 35%). Pooled prevalence of severe hyperglycaemia, hypertension, weight gain and hyperlipidaemia within the corticosteroid arms was 5% (95% CI 2% to 9%), 6% (95% CI 4% to 8%), 13% (95% CI 8% to 18%), 8% (95% CI 4% to 17%), respectively. CST was significantly associated hyperglycaemia, hypertension and weight gain as noted in double-blinded placebo-controlled parallel-arms studies: OR of 2.13 (95% CI 1.66 to 2.72), 1.68 (95% CI 0.96 to 2.95) and 5.20 (95% CI 2.10 to 12.90), respectively. Intravenous therapy posed higher risk than oral therapy: OR of 2.39 (95% CI 1.16 to 4.91).

Limitations

There was significant heterogeneity in the AE definitions and quality of AE reporting in the primary studies and patient populations in the studies. The impact of cumulative dose effect on incidental AE could not be calculated.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Systemic CST use is associated with increased risk of metabolic AEs, which differs for each disease group and route of administration.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020161270.