bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical model and simulations to extract chemical reaction parameters ruling resistive switching in sputter-deposited silicon oxide film on Si substrate
Authors: Omura Yasuhisa , Mallik Abhijit
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a physics-based model based on possible chemical processes responsible for the resistive switching of sputter-deposited silicon oxide films. Diffusion–reaction differential equations are utilized to pursue physical and chemical origins of the switching phenomenon. Based on the theoretical model, the chemical reaction process is analytically and numerically solved, and an analytical model is proposed to elucidate the phenomenon. Theoretical simulation results are examined from the point of view of suitability of parameter values, and the analytical model is used to interpret the simulation results. Simulation results greatly assist in understanding the switching processes of silicon oxide films; that is, the diffusion processes of hydrogen and water molecules primarily rule the switching processes, and the displacement of oxygen atoms is assisted by those processes. The analytical model predicts that high-speed switching requires a large number of traps in the oxide, a relatively large binding energy, and a low leakage current; all of them can easily be satisfied for sputter-deposited oxide films. A combination of the theoretical simulation model and the analytical model gives a guideline of how the sputter-deposited silicon oxide films can be made suitable for high-speed resistive switching applications.
Numerical and experimental study of wire mesh in the swirl effervescent atomization
Authors: Xie Jun , Liu Liansheng , Huo Xinpeng , Liu Xuanchen , Duan Runze
Published: August 2023

Effervescent atomization is widely used in industrial, agricultural, and national defense fields because of its low energy consumption. Quality improvement to spray has been pursued for decades as an important goal without increasing energy consumption. To investigate the relationship between the internal flow and spray characteristic, a swirl effervescent atomizer coupled with a wire mesh was designed in this paper. The effect of wire mesh on spray characteristics and internal flow with different structural parameters was investigated. The experimental results showed that the spray quality (small droplet diameter and stable atomization) was improved by installing a wire mesh in the mixing chamber. The droplet diameter decreased first and then increased with the increase in the effective porosity of the wire mesh, and Sauter mean diameter decreased from 23.1 to 20 μm. Moreover, this study adopts the simulation to explore the influence of bubble size on the spray droplet in the mixing chamber. The simulation results showed that as the effective porosity of the wire mesh increases, the proportion of small-scale bubbles (the bubble diameter Db ≤ 1 mm) increased from 11.3% to 83.37%, resulting in reduced spray droplet diameter. Notably, the number of small-scale bubbles increases first and then decreases, and the mean pressure drops decline.
Bidirectional motion characteristics of resonant inertial impact rotating piezoelectric motor based on self-clamping structure
Authors: He Liangguo , Wan Zhikai , Li Kun , Huang Liang , Pan Chengliang , Ge Xinfang , Yue Xukang , Qian An
Published: August 2023

A new working principle for multimodal excitation of a resonant bidirectional rotary inertial impact piezoelectric motor with a self-clamping structure was developed based on previous research on piezoelectric motors. Unlike previous piezoelectric motors that relied on single harmonic waves for unidirectional rotation, in this motor, we can simply change the driving signal characteristics of the motor without changing the structure of the piezoelectric motor to excite multiple vibration modes, thereby achieving rotation in both directions. Compared with other bidirectional resonant motors, the structure and control signal are simpler. The finite element simulation software COMSOL5.5 was used to simulate the working mode of the motor, and the results were in good agreement with the final experiment. During the experiments, the optimal operating frequency of the motor prototype was 900 Hz. The maximum output speed of the motor prototype was 3.9 rad/s, the maximum output torque was 15 N mm, and the maximum resolution was 0.248° under the conditions of 240 Vp-p voltage, 900 Hz frequency, and 7.8 N mm preload torque.
Variations of cosmic ray intensity with the solar flare index, coronal index, and geomagnetic indices: Wavelet and cross correlation approaches
Authors: Idosa C. , Giri A. , Adhikari B. , Mosisa E. , Gashu Ch.
Published: August 2023

In this study, the cosmic ray stuff and its associations with the solar flare index, coronal index, and geomagnetic indices, such as Kp, auroral electrojets, Ap, disturbance storm time (Dst), polar cap, Lyman-alpha, Hp60, and Ap60 indices, were studied using wavelet-based approaches over KIEL and MOSC stations during 2003 and 2004. The cosmic ray data used in this study were obtained from ground-based neutron monitor stations. Different sources are also used to get data on the different indices used in this study. The yearly variation in cosmic ray intensity revealed that the intensity of cosmic rays over KIEL and MOSC stations was greater in 2004 and lower in 2003. This variation might be due to the ring current's asymmetry, which causes an enormous asymmetry in the storm-time cosmic-ray increase. The wavelet coherence transform shows a positive and negative correlation as well as cosmic ray lags with solar flares and coronal indices throughout different months of the 2003 and 2004 periods over both suggested stations. The results of cross correlation indicate that cosmic ray intensity is positively correlated with all geomagnetic indices. However, cosmic ray intensity was negatively associated with the Dst index during 2003 and 2004 over both suggested stations. Moreover, multi-resolution analysis and power spectral density (PSD) analysis are consistent with wavelet analysis. Using the PSD result, we have seen high-power wavelet regions during geomagnetically quiet months and low-power wavelets during disturbed months at a common frequency over both stations during 2003 and 2004.
On homogenization approaches for manipulation with fields inside and outside metamaterials
Authors: Maslova Ekaterina E. , Rybin Mikhail V.
Published: August 2023

Application of metamaterial in realistic devices requires reliable approaches for effective material parameters. We demonstrate that a general homogenization procedure is non-versatile relative to the approach associated with the device functionality either inside or outside the structure. We exemplify it with internal and external treatments for the effective permittivity of a metamaterial in a lens consisting of dielectric rods. The dependence of the focal length on the permittivity and frequency of the incident field is determined, and the composite metalens with an ordinary lens are compared. The focal length is the same for both lens types. The approaches are compared to obtain effective permittivity values. The results show that different methods of homogenization are to be considered for a property description depending on the needs.
Sedimentation in particle-laden flows with and without velocity shear
Authors: Yang Adam J. K. , Olsthoorn J. , Timmermans M.-L.
Published: August 2023

The vertical transport of sediment from particle-laden flows in marine settings can be enhanced by a settling-driven convective instability. The presence of a horizontal velocity shear can further influence this vertical transport. We conduct numerical simulations to investigate the vertical sediment transport in the presence and absence of shear. We show how this transport is determined by a competition between the growth of the settling-driven convective instability (Rayleigh–Taylor) and the stratified shear instability (Kelvin–Helmholtz). In the absence of shear, the Rayleigh–Taylor instability drives enhanced vertical sediment transport; this effect increases with the Stokes settling velocity of the particles and decreases with the stratification strength. In the presence of shear, there are two regimes of effective settling. When the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability grows rapidly and suppresses the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, the effective settling velocity is significantly reduced. On the other hand, if the Rayleigh–Taylor instability dominates and completely inhibits the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, the effective settling velocity is enhanced due to the additional energy input by shear. We explore the parameter space of these regimes and interpret their physics.
Tuning donor level of nitrogen-doped diamond by deep strain engineering—An ab initio study
Authors: Yang Limin , Fan Rong , Hu Alice , Ma Junzhang , Liu Yingxia , Lu Yang
Published: August 2023

The development of diamond semiconductor devices has been hindered by the challenge of preparing n-type diamond with a shallow donor state. Recently, elastic strain engineering has emerged as a promising strategy for modulating the electrical properties of diamond. In this study, we used first-principles calculations to investigate the influence of large, uniaxial elastic strain on the electrical properties of nitrogen (N)-doped diamond, particularly the donor level. We found that both tensile and compressive strains can shift the donor level of N to a shallower state, but compressive strains of more than 9% along [100] appear more effective in making N a shallower donor in strained diamond. This study offers insights for future experimental design to combine strain engineering and doping toward practical diamond semiconductor devices.
Plasma air purification system: AI optimization, modular reuse, and mechanism research
Authors: Lan Cuntao , Zhu Haiwei , Huang Zhongzheng , Liu Dawei , Zhang Song
Published: August 2023

Pathogenic microbial aerosols (PMA), the typical environmental pollutants, are among the major threats to human health. Here, we developed a new plasma air purification system (PAPS) that simultaneously filters PMA and kills micro-organisms within. The large area needle corona discharge array was developed to fully cover the airflow channel. The proprietary modular design allows the easy cleaning and reuse of the PAPS components for long-term, low-cost operation. Artificial neural network was integrated with genetic algorithm to optimize the working parameters of PAPS. The numerical model was developed to study the purification mechanism of the PAPS and verify its key working parameters. Experiments designed under optimal working parameters proved that PAPS can effectively intercept and inactivate bacteria in PMAs.
Mach reflection of detonation waves over a porous concave wedge
Authors: Ji Tian , Ma Honghao , Wang Luqing
Published: August 2023

An experimental study of the differences in the Mach reflection process over smooth and porous concave wedges was systematically performed based on soot track measurement. Meanwhile, the interaction mechanism among the incident detonation, the Mach stem, and the porous wall was analyzed in detail. The results show that introducing multiple pores on the concave surface induces an additional attenuation region. In contrast, the triple-point over porous wedges starts traveling later and ends up colliding with the concave surface earlier. Moreover, the Mach stem height is shorter at the same wall position. For the transition angle of Mach-to-regular reflection over porous wedges, it is found to be negatively correlated with the length-scale ratio R/λ of the radius of curvature (R) to the cell size (λ), gas instability, and porosity. Although the experimental transition angle disagrees with the Chester–Chisnell–Whitham (CCW) and the reactive CCW theories, it is in agreement with the trend over smooth wedges that the experimental transition angle approaches to reactive CCW theory as R/λ increases. For the triple-point trajectory, it is almost a straight line when wall angle θ≤30° at R = 522 mm. It is also found that the triple-point trajectory is similar at the beginning for different mixture compositions at an equivalent initial pressure. The height of the Mach stem is shorter over a porous wedge with higher porosity, but it reaches a maximum value at a wall angle of 30° for wedges. Moreover, the Mach stem height decreases with increasing initial pressure or gas instability.
Aspect ratio influence on the vortex induced vibrations of a pivoted finite height cylinder at low Reynolds number
Authors: Cajas J. C. , Rodríguez I. , Salcedo E. , Lehmkuhl O. , Houzeaux G. , Treviño C.
Published: August 2023

The effect of the aspect ratio on the vortex induced vibrations (VIV) of a pivoted finite length circular cylinder is investigated. A fixed value of the Reynolds number Re = 100 with four values of the aspect ratio AR=2, 3, 5, 7 is considered. Different values of the reduced velocity ur* in the range 2≤ur*≤11 were used for each AR value with a fixed value of the reduced mass mr*=5. Results on the oscillatory response of the cylinder, hydrodynamic forces, and wake structures are reported. In order to compare the VIV of the different length cylinders, the displacement of the center of mass (which coincides on each case) was analyzed. It is found that the maximum oscillation amplitudes, the extent of the synchronization region, and the wake structures are influenced by the aspect ratio. Also, a steady symmetrical flow is obtained for the small AR=2, 3 cases with relatively low values of ur*, which is found to be unstable when increasing ur*.
Constructing the literary translator as a brand
Authors: Zhang Wenqian
Published: August 2023

Recent attention to the human aspects of translation and translators (e.g., Pym 2009; Kaindl et al. 2021) has resulted in a possible “human
turn” (Bergantino 2022, 7) in translation studies, which brings new questions and
avenues for researchers working in the subdomain of translator studies. Against this backdrop, this article first constructs the
concept of ‘the translator’s brand’ for investigating the evolution of literary translators into prominent status. It then
outlines a three-level framework of brand-building to analyse the personal development of individual literary translators.
Combining the transferrable points from the brand-related literature with the Bourdieusian sociology of cultural production, it
argues that the formation of a literary translator’s brand can be analysed from intra-field (brand input), inter-field (brand
investment) and inter-cultural (brand reception) levels. Lastly, the application of this methodological framework is demonstrated
in a case study of a prominent Chinese-English literary translator in science fiction, Ken Liu, in the twenty-first century.
TMEM16A activation for the fast block to polyspermy in the African clawed frog does not require conventional activation of egg PLCs
Authors: Komondor Kayla M. , Bainbridge Rachel E. , Sharp Katherine G. , Iyer Anuradha R. , Rosenbaum Joel C. , Carlson Anne E.
Published: August 2023

Fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm, a condition known as polyspermy, leads to gross chromosomal abnormalities and is embryonic lethal for most animals. Consequently, eggs have evolved multiple processes to stop supernumerary sperm from entering the nascent zygote. For external fertilizers, such as frogs and sea urchins, fertilization signals a depolarization of the egg membrane, which serves as the fast block to polyspermy. Sperm can bind to, but will not enter, depolarized eggs. In eggs from the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, the fast block depolarization is mediated by the Ca2+-activated Cl− channel TMEM16A. To do so, fertilization activates phospholipase C, which generates IP3 to signal a Ca2+ release from the ER. Currently, the signaling pathway by which fertilization activates PLC during the fast block remains unknown. Here, we sought to uncover this pathway by targeting the canonical activation of the PLC isoforms present in the X. laevis egg: PLCγ and PLCβ. We observed no changes to the fast block in X. laevis eggs inseminated in inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation, used to stop activation of PLCγ, or inhibitors of Gαq/11 pathways, used to stop activation of PLCβ. These data suggest that the PLC that signals the fast block depolarization in X. laevis is activated by a novel mechanism.
The Large Array Survey Telescope—Science Goals
Authors: Ben-Ami S. , Ofek E. O. , Polishook D. , Franckowiak A. , Hallakoun N. , Segre E. , Shvartzvald Y. , Strotjohann N. L. , Yaron O. , Aharonson O. , Arcavi I. , Berge D. , Ramazani V. Fallah , Gal-Yam A. , Garrappa S. , Hershko O. , Nir G. , Ohm S. , Rybicki K. , Sadeh I. , Segev N. , Shani Y. M. , Sofer-Rimalt Y. , Weimann S.
Published: August 2023

The Large Array Survey Telescope (LAST) is designed to survey the variable and transient sky at high temporal cadence. The array is comprised of 48 F/2.2 telescopes of 27.9 cm aperture, coupled to full-frame backside-illuminated cooled CMOS detectors with 3.76 μm pixels, resulting in a pixel scale of 1.″25. A single telescope with a field of view of 7.4 deg2 reaches a 5σ limiting magnitude of 19.6 in 20 s. LAST 48 telescopes are mounted on 12 independent mounts—a modular design which allows us to conduct optimized parallel surveys. Here we provide a detailed overview of the LAST survey strategy and its key scientific goals. These include the search for gravitational-wave (GW) electromagnetic counterparts with a system that can cover the uncertainty regions of the next-generation GW detectors in a single exposure, the study of planetary systems around white dwarfs, and the search for near-Earth objects. LAST is currently being commissioned, with full scientific operations expected in mid 2023. This paper is accompanied by two complementary publications in this issue, giving an overview of the system and of the dedicated data reduction pipeline.
Functional genomics in Spiralia
Authors: Martín-Zamora Francisco M , Davies Billie E , Donnellan Rory D , Guynes Kero , Martín-Durán José M
Published: August 2023

Our understanding of the mechanisms that modulate gene expression in animals is strongly biased by studying a handful of model species that mainly belong to three groups: Insecta, Nematoda and Vertebrata. However, over half of the animal phyla belong to Spiralia, a morphologically and ecologically diverse animal clade with many species of economic and biomedical importance. Therefore, investigating genome regulation in this group is central to uncovering ancestral and derived features in genome functioning in animals, which can also be of significant societal impact. Here, we focus on five aspects of gene expression regulation to review our current knowledge of functional genomics in Spiralia. Although some fields, such as single-cell transcriptomics, are becoming more common, the study of chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications and genome architecture are still in their infancy. Recent efforts to generate chromosome-scale reference genome assemblies for greater species diversity and optimise state-of-the-art approaches for emerging spiralian research systems will address the existing knowledge gaps in functional genomics in this animal group.
Death and memory: the role of Plato’s Phaedo in Athenaeus’ Deipnosophists
Authors: Cartlidge Ben
Published: August 2023

This chapter examines the ways in which Athenaeus makes use of Plato, pointing to links between his texts and the content of Plato’s dialogues. This is linked to Middle Platonic teaching in the Imperial period, and used as a tool to explain the use Athenaeus makes of the Phaedo in particular.
The wisdom of the eagle: a (Middle) Platonic reading of Apuleius, Florida 2
Authors: Pasetti Lucia
Published: August 2023

The eagle of Florida 2 is the literary synthesis of many Homeric eagles. The description of this raptor is not only a display of erudition and rhetorical technique, but reflects Middle Platonic thought on the animal’s λόγος. The use of Homer, in addition to stylistically ennobling the described subject, documents the relationship between the eagle and the divine that is emphasized by Plutarch and Aelius Aristides and also occurs more than once in Apuleius’ macro-text. The reference to Odyssey 6.42–46, which connects the ascent of the raptor to celestial heights with the Platonic motif of the Himmelfahrt, is particularly significant in this regard. The description of the downward flight of the eagle, based on several Homeric passages, also emphasizes the lightning speed and the infallibility that are also pertinent to divine intelligence, which is capable, as Maximus of Tyre observes, of catching its target anywhere and with the swiftness of a glance.
Cardiovascular nurses and organizational well-being: a systematic review
Authors: Zaghini Francesco , Fiorini Jacopo , Moons Philip , Sili Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Aims

This systematic review assesses the organizational well-being of nurses working in cardiovascular settings and identifies environmental variables influencing it.

Methods and results

The Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines have been followed. The search was conducted, from the database inception up to and including 1 December 2022, on Medline (via PubMed), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted using standardized tools. Six articles of high quality were included. These mostly concerned cross-sectional studies, conducted in heterogeneous contexts, which highlight the peculiarity of the cardiovascular nursing setting. Three thematic areas were identified: stressors of cardiovascular settings; outcomes of stressors on nurses; and coping strategies used by cardiovascular nurses to deal with such stress factors. Identified stress factors included a lack of autonomy, conflicts between professional and family roles, high workloads, and stressful relationships with patients and caregivers. These organizational variables could generate nurses’ burnout, depression, irritability, and/or sleep disorders. In trying to cope with such stressors, cardiovascular nurses used different strategies for compensating, avoiding, escaping, or ignoring the problem, or, in other cases, became somewhat aggressive.

Conclusion

Considering the limited data, cardiovascular nursing coping strategies should be further investigated, so that effective pathways for preventing or limiting stress factors can be identified and applied by the organizations. Monitoring and intervening on stress factors in this care setting could improve cardiovascular nurses’ organizational well-being and accordingly patients’ outcomes.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD42022355669
Serum biomarkers are altered in UK Biobank participants with mosaic chromosomal alterations
Authors: Hubbard Aubrey K , Brown Derek W , Zhou Weiyin , Lin Shu-Hong , Genovese Giulio , Chanock Stephen J , Machiela Mitchell J
Published: August 2023

Age-related clonal expansion of cells harbouring mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) is one manifestation of clonal haematopoiesis. Identifying factors that influence the generation and promotion of clonal expansion of mCAs are key to investigate the role of mCAs in health and disease. Herein, we report on widely measured serum biomarkers and their possible association with mCAs, which could provide new insights into molecular alterations that promote acquisition and clonal expansion. We performed a cross-sectional investigation of the association of 32 widely measured serum biomarkers with autosomal mCAs, mosaic loss of the Y chromosome, and mosaic loss of the X chromosome in 436 784 cancer-free participants from the UK Biobank. mCAs were associated with a range of commonly measured serum biomarkers such as lipid levels, circulating sex hormones, blood sugar homeostasis, inflammation and immune function, vitamins and minerals, kidney function, and liver function. Biomarker levels in participants with mCAs were estimated to differ by up to 5% relative to mCA-free participants, and individuals with higher cell fraction mCAs had greater deviation in mean biomarker values. Polygenic scores associated with sex hormone binding globulin, vitamin D, and total cholesterol were also associated with mCAs. Overall, we observed commonly used clinical serum biomarkers related to disease risk are associated with mCAs, suggesting mechanisms involved in these diseases could be related to mCA proliferation and clonal expansion.
An ACE2-Based Bimodular Fusion Protein Enables Reorientation of Endogenous Anti–Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Toward SARS-CoV-2 Spike
Authors: Chêne Arnaud , Desrames Alexandra , Tomlinson Alice , Ruffié Claude , Tangy Frédéric , Gamain Benoît
Published: August 2023

The use of soluble recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (rACE2) as a decoy capable of blocking SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells has been envisaged as a therapeutic strategy to reduce viral loads in patients with severe COVID-19. We engineered a novel form of rACE2, fused to the Epstein-Barr virus antigen P18F3 (rACE2-P18F3), to reorient a preexisting humoral response toward Epstein-Barr virus against SARS-CoV-2 particles. Recombinant ACE2-P18F3 was able to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, neutralize viral entry into cells, and promote the phagocytosis of spheres coated with different spike variants by monocytic cells. The results position rACE2-P18F3 as a promising therapeutic candidate to universally block coronavirus cell entry and clear viral particles.
Influence of type of cooking fuel on risk of hypertension among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa: insights from nationally representative cross-sectional surveys
Authors: Ayebeng Castro , Okyere Joshua , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi
Published: August 2023

Background

Nearly one-third of the world's population (2.4 billion people) rely on unclean cooking fuel sources. The study assessed the association of the type of cooking fuel and hypertension risk in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

The study analysed pooled data from 97 942 individuals in the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) between 2014 and 2021 in 10 SSA countries. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, including basic descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The independent variable of interest was the type of cooking fuel, while hypertension served as the outcome variable.

Results

Women using unclean cooking fuel were 1.21 times more likely to be hypertensive compared with those using clean cooking fuel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.21 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11 to 1.31]). Older age (aOR 5.78 [95% CI 5.04 to 6.62]), higher education (aOR 1.14 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.23]), being married (aOR 1.64 [95% CI 1.49 to 1.80]), working in sales and services occupations (aOR 1.34 [95% CI 1.24 to 1.44]), frequent health facility visits (aOR 1.59 [95% CI 1.51 to 1.68]), higher wealth index and exposure to media were significantly associated with hypertension risk.

Conclusions

Efforts to reduce reliance on unclean cooking fuel at both the household and population levels need to be intensified in SSA countries. Promoting the use of clean cooking technologies and fuels and implementing supportive policies for transitioning from unclean cooking fuels are crucial. Targeted interventions to reduce hypertension risk in SSA should focus on women using unclean cooking fuel, older women, individuals from wealthier households and those with higher education levels.
Monospecific renaming within the cyanobacterial genus Limnospira (Spirulina) and consequences for food authorization
Authors: Roussel Théotime , Halary Sébastien , Duval Charlotte , Piquet Bérénice , Cadoret Jean-Paul , Vernès Léa , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Aims

The cyanobacterial genus, Limnospira (anc. Arthrospira Stizenberger ex Gomont 1892), commonly called “Spirulina”, is widely used for commercial purposes because of its high protein content and beneficial probiotic metabolites. Thus, the taxonomy of this genus is important because of its consequences for food applications.

Methods and results

We constructed a database with formation on all Limnospira strains plus new ones from 72 new French isolates. We used a polyphasic approach (phylogenetic, phylogenomic, presence or absence of coding DNA sequences, morphological, and ultrastructure analyses) to confirm that the species A. platensis belonged to the genus Limnospira (L. platensis Gomont comb. nov. Basionym. Arthrospira platensis Gomont 1892) and that the genus Limnospira was monospecific, only represented by L. platensis.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the large intra-specific diversity of L. platensis, independent of the affiliations of the phylogenetic clades or geographical location of the habitats and the subsequent physiological and metabolic plasticity.
Is artificial intelligence more persuasive than humans? A meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Guanxiong , Wang Sai
Published: August 2023

The rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has enabled AI agents to take on various roles as communicators, such as virtual assistants, robot journalists, and AI doctors. This study meta-analyzed 121 randomized experimental studies (N = 53,977) that compared the effects of AI and human agency on persuasion outcomes, including perceptions, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. The results showed that AI agents were as persuasive as humans in terms of overall persuasion outcomes. With regard to different types of outcomes, AI was less effective than humans at shaping behavioral intentions, but did not differ significantly from humans in eliciting perceptions, attitudes, or actual behaviors. Additionally, heterogeneous patterns were observed for different roles of AI communicators, directions of communication, experimental settings, and demographic segments. The implications of these findings for human–machine communication and persuasion in the era of AI are discussed.
Excised leaves show limited and species-specific effects on photosynthetic parameters across crop functional types
Authors: Ferguson John N , Jithesh Tamanna , Lawson Tracy , Kromdijk Johannes
Published: August 2023

Photosynthesis is increasingly becoming a recognized target for crop improvement. Phenotyping photosynthesis-related traits on field-grown material is a key bottleneck to progress here due to logistical barriers and short measurement days. Many studies attempt to overcome these challenges by phenotyping excised leaf material in the laboratory. To date there are no demonstrated examples of the representative nature of photosynthesis measurements performed on excised leaves relative to attached leaves in crops. Here, we tested whether standardized leaf excision on the day prior to phenotyping affected a range of common photosynthesis-related traits across crop functional types using tomato (C3 dicot), barley (C3 monocot), and maize (C4 monocot). Potentially constraining aspects of leaf physiology that could be predicted to impair photosynthesis in excised leaves, namely leaf water potential and abscisic acid accumulation, were not different between attached and excised leaves. We also observed non-significant differences in spectral reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence traits between the treatments across the three species. However, we did observe some significant differences between traits associated with gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity across all three species. This study represents a useful reference for those who perform measurements of this nature and the differences reported should be considered in associated experimental design and statistical analyses.
Observational properties of accreting neutron stars with an optically thick envelope
Authors: Brice N , Zane S , Taverna R , Turolla R , Wu K
Published: August 2023

Pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources are thought to be X-ray bright, accreting, magnetized neutron stars. Their measured soft (<20 keV) X-ray luminosity can exceed the Eddington luminosity for a neutron star by a few orders of magnitude. Although several scenarios have been proposed to explain the different components observed in the X-ray spectrum and the characteristics of the X-ray pulse profile of these systems, detailed quantitative calculations are still missing. In particular, the observed soft X-ray pulse profiles are almost sinusoidal and show an increase in the pulsed fraction (from 8 up to even 30 per cent) with increasing energy. In this work, we discuss how emission originating from an optically thick envelope, expected to be formed during super-Eddington accretion, can match the observed spectra and pulse profiles.
E10 Temporo-mandibular joint involvement risk factors in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Artamonov Artem , Gordeeva Natalia , Kaneva Maria , Sorokina Lubov S , Sinelnikova Elena , Kostik Mikhail M
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Recent recommendations suppose temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a risk factor of poor outcomes and severe disease course.

Objectives

To compare the clinical characteristics of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis with and without TMJ involvement.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 753 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis aged 2–17 years, depending on TMJ arthritis (n = 43; 5.7%) or no TMJ arthritis (n = 710; 94.3%). Clinical, laboratory characteristics and treatment regimens were compared. Odds ratio (OR) analysis of sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) was performed to obtained the predictors of TMJ involvement.

Results

Despite the similar age of onset, TMJ arthritis was associated with longer course of the disease, polyarticular JIA category, use of systemic corticosteroids and longer achievement of remission with similar rate of biologic administration. TMJ arthritis was associated with involvement of cervical spine, hip and shoulder arthritis. The main risk factors, associated with TMJ involvement in JIA were active joints > 8 (OR = 14.9 (5.8; 38.3), P = 0.0000001), delayed remission > 7 years (OR = 3.1 (1.6; 5.8), P = 0.0004), delayed hip involvement (OR = 4.6 (0.9; 22.6), P = 0.041), hip osteoarthritis (OR = 4.0 (1.2; 13.0), P = 0.014), and avascular necrosis of the hip. Cervical spine arthritis (OR = 10.3 (5.4; 19.8), P = 0.000001), and corticosteroid treatment (OR = 2.3 (1.2; 4.4), P = 0.0007) were associated with TMJ arthritis. Patients with TMJ arthritis required more biologics (OR-3.2 (1.6; 6.2), P = 0.0006). Oligoarticular JIA category and uveitis were protective against TMJ involvement. Data are in the table.

Conclusion

TMJ involvement is marker of poor disease prognosis. Early initiation of biologics and avoidance of corticosteroids might improve the risk of TMJ involvement.

Ethics

Written consent was obtained according to the declaration of Helsinki. This retrospective study's protocol was approved by the local Ethical Committee of Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University (protocol number 11/10 from 23.11.2020).
E21 Pain catastrophism in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Boudriga Ons , Ferjani Hanene , Nessib Dorra Ben , Rabhi Emna , Kaffel Dhia , Maatallah Kaouther , Hamdi Wafa
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Catastrophism, or dramatization, is a cognitive and affective response that is based on an inadequate perception of pain. It is characterized by a negative mindset and magnification of pain through the interaction of physiological and psychological processes. Thanks to the development of a pediatric version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the interest in pain catastrophizing in the pediatric area is progressively increasing.

Persistent pain is the most common and bothersome symptom of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Our goal was to evaluate pain catastrophism in JIA patients as well as the factors that are associated.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional monocentric study on 12–18-year-old patients with JIA. Only those who agreed to participate were included. We collected socio-demographic and clinical data including Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS) and Patient Global Assessment (PGA). Catastrophism was evaluated by the French version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) adapted for adolescents (PCS-Ado). A PCS score of 30 or more represents a high level of catastrophism. Regarding quantitative variables, the normality of the variables was assessed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. We calculated the median and variance of data with no Gaussian distribution and the mean with Standard deviation in quantitative variables with the normal curve. For the comparison of 2 independent series, we used the Mann–Whitney test for independent series. The Spearman test was used to calculate the correlation coefficient (r) between two quantitative variables. The significance level in all statistical tests was set at 0.05.

Results

Our study included a total of 20 JIA patients with a male predominance of 65%. The mean age was 14.30 ± 1.87 years and the mean disease duration was 3.39 ± 2.49 years. The Enthesitis Related Arthritis (ERA) form was noted in 50% of JIA patients. The average PGA was 3.86 ± 2.88. Mean JADAS was 6.45 ± 6.05. The PCS-Ado score was 32/52 on average. In 60% of cases, there was a high level of catastrophism (PCS-Ado ≥30). No statistically significant differences were seen in PCS-Ado based on gender, age, disease duration, or JADAS. However, statistical analysis showed that the ERA form had significantly higher PCS-Ado than the non-ERA form (mean PCS-Ado: 36.87 vs 26.75; P = 0.026). We also found a positive correlation between PCS-Ado and PGA (P = 0.026; r = 0.591).

Conclusion

In our study, more than half of patients with JIA had high PCS scores with a significant relationship to ERA form and PGA. This leads us to systematically detect catastrophist thinking in this population to avoid amplifying pain and installing emotional distress and pain-related disability.
E28 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a preliminary study of 29 cases
Authors: Ramy Ben Tekaya , Mahbouba Jguirim , Saoussen Zrour , Ismail Bejia , Mongi Touzi , Naceur Bergaoui
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases in children. It is defined as arthritis that began before the age of 16 years, lasting at least 6 weeks and without an identifiable cause. Our objective is to describe the clinical and immunologic profile of JIA.

Patients and methods

Descriptive, retrospective study of 9 years [2013– 2022] of rheumatology services at the CHU Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir. We retrieved 29 files of children diagnosed with JIA according to International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria.

Results

There were 16 girls (55.17%) and 13 boys (44.83%). The mean age of onset of the disease was 9.38 ± 3,1 years with a range of 3–16 years. Five (19%) patients had a family history of chronic rheumatic diseases. Polyarthritis was seen in 16 (55.2%), oligoarthritis in 7 (24.1%) and mono-arthritis in 6 (20.6%). The forms of JIA in descending order: polyarticular in 11(37.9%), oligoarticular in 6 (20.7%), seropositive polyarticular form in 5 (17.2%), enthesitis related arthritis in 3 (10.3%), systemic JIA in 3(10.3%) and psoriatic arthritis in 1(3.4%).

The presence of biological inflammatory syndrome in 82.7%: an accelerated ESR (68.9%) and positive CRP (65.5%), anaemia (51.72%), hyperleukocytosis (10.7%) and thrombocytosis (3.44%), and 2 patients presented with bicytopenia (10.3%). The immunological workup was marked by presence of: RF (7 cases), Anti-CCP (3 cases), Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (4 cases). The symptomatic treatment included analgesics (91%), corticosteroids (62%), salazopyrine in 13.7%, methotrexate in 62% of cases and 3 patients under biotherapy. The evolution was good in most cases. The prognosis was life-threatening in two patients with a systemic JIA complicated by macrophagic activation syndrome.

Conclusion

Immunology was not sufficiently contributive. A cohort study in a general population is necessary to better to better elucidate the characteristics of JIA in Tunisia.
E52 Juvenile spondyloarthritis, when the pragmatic approach is absent: a case report
Authors: Hadef Djohra , Salhi Badereddine , Benbouzid Nourhane , Bahamma Hayette , Haddadi Meriem , Slimani Samy
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Juvenile spondyloarthritis is a rare condition in which differential diagnosis is the key step that every practitioner must take to avoid missing other pathologies that can be serious and require early and specific management, such as malignancy. In case of doubt, referring the patient to a referent seems to be the best attitude to adopt.

Aim

We report a case of a girl who was misdiagnosed as juvenile spondyloarthritis when it was acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with vertebral bone involvement.

Observation

A 7-year-old girl was referred to us for better management of her juvenile spondyloarthritis refractory to usual treatments. The child first consulted us for excruciating back pain. Diagnosed as juvenile spondylitis, the patient was placed on NSAIDs and then corticosteroids but without any response. On the contrary, her general condition got worsen and her back pain increased. At our level, further questioning found out that the girl had asthenia, anorexia, excruciating low back pain radiating to the lower limbs with neck pain, and abdominal pain that had been evolving for 40 days. On examination, the child was febrile at 40 °C with mucocutaneous palor, she had hepatosplenomegaly with painful palpation of the lumbar vertebrae. On biological examination, the blood count formula showed normochromic normocytic anaemia, hyperleukocytosis with a normal platelet count. Blood smear; presence of 07% blasts. Medullogram: infiltration of 66% of young lymphoid cells. Immunophenotyping was in favor of B-II acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-II ALL). The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the spinal cord showed a total and diffuse infiltration of all the dorsal-lumbar and pelvic vertebral parts, resulting in a real spinal cord replacement secondary to a probable hemopathy. The patient was transferred to the pediatric oncology department and commenced chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Through our observation, JIA is a diagnosis of exclusion and must be considered only after a complete investigation of the other pathologies which require a specific management.
Infrastructure Quality and FDI Inflows: Evidence from the Arrival of High-Speed Internet in Africa
Authors: Mensah Justice Tei , Traore Nouhoum
Published: August 2023

Does ambient infrastructural quality affect foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing countries? This paper investigates how the arrival of high-speed internet in Africa triggered FDI into the region. It also explores the role of complementary infrastructure, such as access to electricity and road connectivity, in amplifying the impact of internet connectivity on investment. To causally estimate impacts, the paper exploits plausibly exogenous variations in access to high-speed internet induced by the staggered arrival of submarine fiber-optic internet cables and spatial variations in terrestrial fiber cable networks across locations on the continent. Findings from the paper indicate that access to high-speed internet induces FDI, particularly in the service sector, with the finance, technology, retail, and health services subsectors as the main beneficiaries. Access to (hard) infrastructure, such as electricity and roads, amplifies the impact of internet connectivity on FDI, thus highlighting the role of complementarities in the impact of infrastructure. Further, the results suggest that improvement in quality of governance and increased performance of incumbent firms are plausible mechanisms.
PCSK9 causes inflammation and cGAS/STING pathway activation in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Feng Zhicai , Liao Xiangyu , Peng Juan , Quan Jingjing , Zhang Hao , Huang Zhijun , Yi Bin
Published: August 2023

Our previous research revealed that an increase in PCSK9 is linked to aggravated inflammation in the kidneys of mice affected by a high‐fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) or in HGPA‐induced HK‐2 cells. Furthermore, the cGAS/STING pathway has been reported to be involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the correlation between the proinflammatory effect of PCSK9 and the cGAS/STING pathway in DN. We used PCSK9 mAbs to inhibit PCSK9 in vivo and PCSK9 siRNA in vitro and measured the inflammatory phenotype in HFD/STZ‐treated mice or HGPA‐induced HK‐2 cells, and observed decreased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, UACR, and kidney injury in response to the PCSK9 mAb in HFD/STZ‐treated mice. Moreover, IL‐1 β, MCP‐1, and TNF‐α levels were reduced by the PCSK9 mAb in vivo and PCSK9 siRNA in vitro. We observed increased mtDNA damage and activation of the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway during DN, as well as the downstream targets p‐TBK1, p‐NF‐κB p65, and IL‐1β. In a further experiment with an HGPA‐induced DN model in HK‐2 cells, we revealed that mtDNA damage was increased, which led to the activation of the cGAS/STING system and its downstream targets. Notably, the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway was inhibited by the PCSK9 mAb in vivo and PCSK9 siRNA in vitro. In addition, inhibition of STING with C‐176 in HGPA‐induced HK‐2 cells markedly blocked inflammation. In conclusion, we report for the first time that PCSK9 triggers mitochondrial DNA damage and activates the cGAS‐STING pathway in DN, which leads to a series of inflammation cascades. PCSK9‐targeted intervention can effectively reduce DN inflammation and delay its progression. Moreover, the inhibition of STING significantly abrogated the inflammation triggered by HGPA in HK‐2 cells.
Having a Bad Day Is Not an Option: Learner Perspectives on Learner Handover
Authors: Shaw Tammy , LaDonna Kori A. , Hauer Karen E. , Khalife Roy , Sheu Leslie , Wood Timothy J. , Montgomery Anne , Rauscher Scott , Aggarwal Simran , Humphrey-Murto Susan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Learner handover is the sharing of learner-related information between supervisors involved in their education. The practice allows learners to build upon previous assessments and can support the growth-oriented focus of competency-based medical education. However, learner handover also carries the risk of biasing future assessments and breaching learner confidentiality. Little is known about learner handover’s educational impact, and what is known is largely informed by faculty and institutional perspectives. The purpose of this study was to explore learner handover from the learner perspective.

Method

Constructivist grounded theory was used to explore learners’ perspectives and beliefs around learner handover. Twenty-nine semistructured interviews were completed with medical students and residents from the University of Ottawa and University of California, San Francisco. Interviews took place between April and December 2020. Using the constant comparative approach, themes were identified through an iterative process.

Results

Learners were generally unaware of specific learner handover practices, although most recognized circumstances where both formal and informal handovers may occur. Learners appreciated the potential for learner handover to tailor education, guide entrustment and supervision decisions, and support patient safety, but worried about its potential to bias future assessments and breach confidentiality. Furthermore, learners were concerned that information-sharing may be more akin to gossip rather than focused on their educational needs and feared unfair scrutiny and irreversible long-term career consequences from one shared mediocre performance. Altogether, these concerns fueled an overwhelming pressure to perform.

Conclusions

While learners recognized the rationale for learner handover, they feared the possible inadvertent short- and long-term impact on their training and future careers. Designing policies that support transparency and build awareness around learner handover may mitigate unintended consequences that can threaten learning and the learner–supervisor relationship, ensuring learner handover benefits the learner as intended.