bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversal of hyperactive higher-order thalamus attenuates defensiveness in a mouse model of PTSD
Authors: Xi Kaiwen , Xiao Haoxiang , Huang Xin , Yuan Ziduo , Liu Mingyue , Mao Honghui , Liu Haiying , Ma Guaiguai , Cheng Zishuo , Xie Yuqiao , Liu Yang , Feng Dayun , Wang Wenting , Guo Baolin , Wu Shengxi
Published: February 2023

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disease often accompanied by severe defensive behaviors, preventing individuals from integrating into society. However, the neural mechanisms of defensiveness in PTSD remain largely unknown. Here, we identified that the higher-order thalamus, the posteromedial complex of the thalamus (PoM), was overactivated in a mouse model of PTSD, and suppressing PoM activity alleviated excessive defensive behaviors. Moreover, we found that diminished thalamic inhibition derived from the thalamic reticular nucleus was the major cause of thalamic hyperactivity in PTSD mice. Overloaded thalamic innervation to the downstream cortical area, frontal association cortex, drove abnormal defensiveness. Overall, our study revealed that the malfunction of the higher-order thalamus mediates defensive behaviors and highlighted the thalamocortical circuit as a potential target for treating PTSD-related overreactivity symptoms.
Achieving giant electrostrain of above 1% in (Bi,Na)TiO
3
-based lead-free piezoelectrics via introducing oxygen-defect composition
Authors: Luo Huajie , Liu Hui , Huang Houbing , Song Yu , Tucker Matthew G. , Sun Zheng , Yao Yonghao , Gao Baitao , Ren Yang , Tang Mingxue , Qi He , Deng Shiqing , Zhang Shujun , Chen Jun
Published: February 2023

Piezoelectric ceramics have been extensively used in actuators, where the magnitude of electrostrain is key indicator for large-stroke actuation applications. Here, we propose an innovative strategy based on defect chemistry to form a defect-engineered morphotropic phase boundary and achieve a giant strain of 1.12% in lead-free Bi
0.5
Na
0.5
TiO
3
(BNT)–based ceramics. The incorporation of the hypothetical perovskite BaAlO
2.5
with nominal oxygen defect into BNT will form strongly polarized directional defect dipoles, leading to a strong pinning effect after aging. The large asymmetrical strain is mainly attributed to two factors: The defect dipoles along crystallographic [001] direction destroy the long-range ordering of the ferroelectric and activate a reversible phase transition while promoting polarization rotation when the dipoles are aligned along the applied electric field. Our results not only demonstrate the potential application of BNT-based materials in low-frequency, large-stroke actuators but also provide a general methodology to achieve large strain.
Sensing single domains and individual defects in scaled ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhu Zhongyunshen , Persson Anton E. O. , Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: February 2023

Ultra-scaled ferroelectrics are desirable for high-density nonvolatile memories and neuromorphic computing; however, for advanced applications, single domain dynamics and defect behavior need to be understood at scaled geometries. Here, we demonstrate the integration of a ferroelectric gate stack on a heterostructure tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) with subthermionic operation. On the basis of the ultrashort effective channel created by the band-to-band tunneling process, the localized potential variations induced by single domains and individual defects are sensed without physical gate-length scaling required for conventional transistors. We electrically measure abrupt threshold voltage shifts and quantify the appearance of new individual defects activated by the ferroelectric switching. Our results show that ferroelectric films can be integrated on heterostructure devices and indicate that the intrinsic electrostatic control within ferroelectric TFETs provides the opportunity for ultrasensitive scale-free detection of single domains and defects in ultra-scaled ferroelectrics. Our approach opens a previously unidentified path for investigating the ultimate scaling limits of ferroelectronics.
Lung epithelial cell–derived C3 protects against pneumonia-induced lung injury
Authors: Sahu Sanjaya K. , Ozantürk Ayşe N. , Kulkarni Devesha H. , Ma Lina , Barve Ruteja A. , Dannull Linus , Lu Angel , Starick Marick , McPhatter Ja’Nia , Garnica Lorena , Sanfillipo-Burchman Maxwell , Kunen Jeremy , Wu Xiaobo , Gelman Andrew E. , Brody Steven L. , Atkinson John P. , Kulkarni Hrishikesh S.
Published: February 2023

The complement component C3 is a fundamental plasma protein for host defense, produced largely by the liver. However, recent work has demonstrated the critical importance of tissue-specific C3 expression in cell survival. Here, we analyzed the effects of local versus peripheral sources of C3 expression in a model of acute bacterial pneumonia induced by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Whereas mice with global C3 deficiency had severe pneumonia-induced lung injury, those deficient only in liver-derived C3 remained protected, comparable to wild-type mice. Human lung transcriptome analysis showed that secretory epithelial cells, such as club cells, express high levels of C3 mRNA. Mice with tamoxifen-induced C3 gene ablation from club cells in the lung had worse pulmonary injury compared with similarly treated controls, despite maintaining normal circulating C3 levels. Last, in both the mouse pneumonia model and cultured primary human airway epithelial cells, we showed that stress-induced death associated with C3 deficiency parallels that seen in Factor B deficiency rather than C3a receptor deficiency. Moreover, C3-mediated reduction in epithelial cell death requires alternative pathway component Factor B. Thus, our findings suggest that a pathway reliant on locally derived C3 and Factor B protects the lung mucosal barrier.
Rare case of anti-CV2 paraneoplastic polyneuropathy associated with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lizwan Marco , Lin Shawn Zhi Zheng , Sonu Sumit Kumar
Published: February 2023

We describe the first case of anti-CV2 paraneoplastic polyneuropathy associated with lung adenocarcinoma. Our patient presented with progressive unsteadiness and numbness involving bilateral upper and lower limbs. He had symmetrical length-dependent lower motor neuron pattern of weakness and numbness involving both small and large fibres with prominent sensory ataxia. An extended workup for the polyneuropathy involving a serum paraneoplastic antineuronal antibody panel showed a positive reaction for anti-CV2 antibody. CT scan of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis revealed a right upper lung nodule and histopathological examination of the nodule revealed lung adenocarcinoma. He was scheduled for chemotherapy following his discharge and there was improvement of his sensorimotor polyneuropathy following his chemotherapy.
Proactive career management for female health professionals: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chong Wayne Freeman , Chua Junjie , Leong Li Zi , Smith Helen Elizabeth , Yu Kang Yang Trevor
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Many women in frontline healthcare positions face work demands that are incompatible with their needs and aspirations, resulting in poorer work satisfaction and engagement, and greater probability of leaving their jobs. Proactive career management is associated with elevated well-being and career success but may not be accessible to female health professionals who encounter social, cultural and structural barriers. The complex and diverse nature of proactive career management and absence of a comprehensive review on the topic necessitates a synthesis of extant literature. This study aims to identify (i) proactive career management behaviours and activities among female health professionals and (ii) outcomes of proactive career management initiatives. This study will contribute to a larger study on encouraging proactive career management behaviours among Singapore female health professionals.

Methods and analyses

Scoping review is used as our method of evidence synthesis to provide a comprehensive overview of all available constructs and markers of interest. This study started in January 2022. Original research, reviews, short reports, letters, methodologies and case studies relevant to our objectives will be examined with guidance from Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The literature contained in scientific databases and grey literature sources will be thoroughly searched. Two independent reviewers will screen citations for eligibility and extract data from the included articles. Extracted data will be narratively synthesised by two independent reviewers using Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis. We will observe the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews standards in reporting the results. An advisory panel will provide insights on the applicability of the results to negate confirmation bias.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics clearance is not required. Dissemination plans include peer-reviewed journal publication and conference presentations.

Registration details

This review was registered on open science framework (Registration DOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2SY8V).
Status of continuous glucose monitoring use and management in tertiary hospitals of China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Liping , Liu Xiaoqin , Lin Qin , Dai Hongmei , Zhao Yong , Shi Zumin , Wu Liping
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to reveal the use and management status of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in tertiary hospitals in China and to determine the potential factors affecting the application of CGM, based on which more effective solutions would be produced and implemented.

Design

An online, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to December 2021.

Setting

Eighty-three tertiary hospitals in China were involved.

Participants

Eighty-three head nurses and 281 clinical nurses were obtained.

Outcome

Current condition of CGM use and management, the factors that hinder the use and management of CGM, scores of current CGM use and management, as well as their influencing factors, were collected.

Results

Among the 83 hospitals surveyed, 57 (68.7%) hospitals used CGM for no more than 10 patients per month. Seventy-three (88.0%) hospitals had developed CGM standard operating procedures, but only 29 (34.9%) hospitals devised emergency plans to deal with adverse effects related to CGM. Comparably, maternal and children’s hospitals were more likely to have a dedicated person to assign install CGM than general hospitals (52.2% vs 26.7%). As for the potential causes that hinder the use and management of CGM, head nurses’ and nurses’ perceptions differed. Head nurses perceived patients’ limited knowledge about CGM (60.2%), the high costs of CGM and inaccessibility to medical insurance (59.0%), and imperfect CGM management systems (44.6%) as the top three factors. Different from head nurses, CGM operation nurses considered the age of CGM operators, the type of hospital nurses worked in, the number of patients using CGM per month and the number of CGM training sessions as potential factors (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The study provides a broad view of the development status of CGM in China. Generally speaking, the use and management of CGM in China are not yet satisfactory, and more efforts are wanted for improvement.
An investigation of SMART Recovery: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study of individuals making a new recovery attempt from alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kelly John F , Levy Samuel A , Hoeppner Bettina B
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains one of the most pervasive of all psychiatric illnesses conferring a massive health and economic burden. In addition to professional treatments to address AUD, mutual-help organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and newer entities like Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) play increasingly important roles in many societies. While much is known about the positive effects of AA, very little is known about SMART. Hence, this study seeks to estimate real-world patterns of utilisation and benefit from SMART Recovery as well as explore for whom (moderators) and how (mechanisms) SMART confers recovery benefits.

Methods and analysis

Naturalistic, longitudinal, cohort study (n=368) of individuals with AUD recruited between February 2019 and February 2022, initiating a new recovery attempt who self-select into one of four groups at study entry: (1) SMART Recovery; (2) AA; (3) SMART+AA; (4) Neither SMART nor AA; (stratified by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5) severity markers), with assessments conducted at intake, and 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. Primary outcomes are: frequency of SMART and AA meetings attendance; per cent days abstinent and per cent days heavy drinking. Secondary outcomes include psychiatric distress; quality of life and functioning. Moderator variables include sex/gender; race/ethnicity; spirituality. Mediational variables include social networks; coping skills; self-efficacy; impulsivity. Multivariable regression with propensity score matching will test for patterns of attendance and effects of participation over time on outcomes and test for mechanisms and moderators.

Ethics and dissemination

This study involves human participants and was approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board (Protocol #: 2017P002029/PHS). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Registration

This is a non-randomised, naturalistic, longitudinal, cohort study, and thus was not registered in advance. Results, therefore, should be considered exploratory.
Assessment of return to play after an acute shoulder injury: protocol for an explorative prospective observational German multicentre study
Authors: Kurz Eduard , Bloch Hendrik , Buchholz Ines , Maier Dirk , Praetorius Arthur , Seyler Sebastian , Standtke Susanne , Achenbach Leonard
Published: February 2023

Introduction

To date, there is no valid single test or battery of tests for informing return-to-play (RTP) decisions following an acute shoulder injury. The purpose of this exploratory study is to evaluate a diagnostic test battery based on a Delphi consensus at the time of unrestricted return to team training after acute shoulder injury.

Methods and analysis

Data for this prospective multicentre cohort study are collected at two measurement time points: when the respective physician clears the patient for RTP (t1) and 12 months after RTP (t2). The study participants are 18–35 years old athletes participating at a professional level in the following team sports: handball, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, volleyball and American football. Maximum comparability will be ensured via uninjured matched pair teammates. To assess the subjective assessment of shoulder functioning and the athlete’s readiness to RTP, patient-reported outcome measures (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Psychological Readiness of Injured Athlete to Return to Sport and Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury) will be completed. After a medical check-up with a range of motion and anthropometric measurements as well as clinical tests, the participants will perform a structured warm-up protocol. The functional tests comprise handgrip strength, upper quarter Y-balance test, isometric strength, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test, wall hop test, functional throwing performance index and the unilateral seated shot put test and isokinetic tests.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations at national and international conferences. Ethical approval was obtained through the Institutional Review Board of Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg (reference number: 2022–016).

Trial registration number

DRKS00028265.
How are regulatory oversight organisations using long-term care performance indicators: a qualitative descriptive study in 10 high-income countries
Authors: Poldrugovac Mircha , Pot Anne Margriet , Klazinga Niek , Kringos Dionne
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Regulatory oversight organisations play an important role in quality stewardship in long-term care (LTC) facilities. Performance indicators are a key tool for any quality-related work. Our aim was to better understand how and what performance indicators are used by regulatory oversight organisations for long-term care facilities oversight and which features are affecting their fitness for use.

Design

Qualitative descriptive.

Setting and participants

We explored the use of LTC facility performance indicators by 10 regulatory oversight organisations from England, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden and the Netherlands. We collected information by means of a questionnaire, 13 follow-up interviews with 20 experts from these organisations and document review.

Results

Performance indicators are used by participating oversight organisations to choose priority topics for audits, prioritise facilities to be audited and to identify areas within an audited facility, that require more attention. The indicators of most interest to oversight organisations are related to the dimensions of care articulated in the preset requirements on which audits are based. When the purpose of using indicators is to design a risk assessment model, the fitness for use of indicators ultimately depends on their ability to predict non-compliances on subsequent audits. When indicators are used directly by auditors, the ease of access, clear guidance to evaluate the data and the provision of contextual information are used by oversight organisations to increase fitness for use.

Conclusions

Oversight organisations do not use LTC facility performance indicators to assess quality, but rather to assess the risk of lower quality or of non-compliance with requirements. This risk-related purpose has to be considered when the indicators used in oversight are chosen and when other aspects of fitness for use, such as data analysis and displaying findings, are developed.
Argentine consensus recommendations for lung cancer screening programmes: a RAND/UCLA-modified Delphi study
Authors: Boyeras Iris , Roberti Javier , Seijo Mariana , Suárez Verónica , Morero José Luis , Patané Ana Karina , Kaen Diego , Lamot Sebastián , Castro Mónica , Re Ricardo , García Artemio , Vujacich Patricia , Videla Alejandro , Recondo Gonzalo , Fernández-Pazos Alfonso , Lyons Gustavo , Paladini Hugo , Benítez Sergio , Martín Claudio , Defranchi Sebastián , Paganini Lisandro , Quadrelli Silvia , Rossini Sebastián , Garcia Elorrio Ezequiel , Sobrino Edgardo
Published: February 2023

Background

Lung cancer (LC) screening improves LC survival; the best screening method in terms of improving survival is low-dose CT (LDCT), outpacing chest X-ray and sputum cytology.

Methods

A consensus of experts in Argentina was carried out to review the literature and generate recommendations for LC screening programmes. A mixed-method study was used with three phases: (1) review of the literature; (2) modified Delphi consensus panel; and (3) development of the recommendations. The Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework was used to generate 13 evaluation criteria. Nineteen experts participated in four voting rounds. Consensus among participants was defined using the RAND/UCLA method.

Results

A total of 16 recommendations scored ≥7 points with no disagreement on any criteria. Screening for LC should be performed with LDCT annually in the population at high-risk, aged between 55 and 74 years, regardless of sex, without comorbidities with a risk of death higher than the risk of death from LC, smoking ≥30 pack-years or former smokers who quit smoking within 15 years. Screening will be considered positive when finding a solid nodule ≥6 mm in diameter (or ≥113 mm3) on baseline LDCT and 4 mm in diameter if a new nodule is identified on annual screening. A smoking cessation programme should be offered, and cardiovascular risk assessment should be performed. Institutions should have a multidisciplinary committee, have protocols for the management of symptomatic patients not included in the programme and distribute educational material.

Conclusion

The recommendations provide a basis for minimum requirements from which local institutions can develop their own protocols adapted to their needs and resources.
Long-term success after trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma: results of a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wagner Felix Mathias , Schuster Alexander K , Kianusch Keywan , Stingl Julia , Pfeiffer Norbert , Hoffmann Esther M
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of trabeculectomy (TE) surgery in a large cohort with a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University Eye Hospital, Germany.

Participants

Three hundred and seventy-nine patients with open-angle glaucoma underwent TE with mitomycin C (MMC) between January 2013 and February 2017 with a minimal follow-up of 3 years. Eligible patients were identified via an electronic surgical case register.

Interventions

All patients had undergone TE with MMC following a set surgical protocol. To assess the influence of cataract surgery following TE, eyes which underwent cataract surgery at least 6 months after TE were matched 1:3 by sex and age to eyes who did not undergo cataract surgery during the follow-up period.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was the proportion of surgical success based on intraocular pressure (IOP), surgical complications, the need for revision surgery, loss of light perception and the need for additional pressure-lowering medication.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 6 (±0.8, IQR: 5.4–6.5) years. Seventy-three per cent of eyes achieved qualified surgical success at the last follow-up (IOP≥5 mm Hg and ≤18 mm Hg, without surgical complications or complete loss of vision) but necessitated additional medical therapy, complete surgical success with no additional medical therapy was achieved in 69% of eyes. There was no significant difference in the success probability between eyes that had undergone cataract surgery after TE and those that had not (p=0.45).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate a high and stable success rate of TE after a mean follow-up time of approximately 6 years, that is, not affected by later cataract surgery.
Feasibility study of high-intensity interval training to reduce cardiometabolic disease risks in individuals with acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Maher Jennifer L , Whitmarsh Catherine , Smith Paula , Taylor Hazel , Fard Aram , Bilzon James
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Individuals ageing with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience an accelerated trajectory of diseases and disorders, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, that resemble those experienced with ageing alone. Currently, an evidence-based approach toward managing this problem does not exist and therefore the purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a high-intensity exercise intervention in individuals with acute (<6 months postinjury) SCI to improve cardiometabolic health.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a single-centre, two parallel-arm, randomised feasibility study of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in individuals with acute SCI. We will enrol 40 individuals (20 intervention, 20 control) with acute SCI attending inpatient rehabilitation at Salisbury District Hospital. Participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention group (HIIT) or control group for 18 weeks. Both groups will participate in standard care throughout the duration of the study. The HIIT group only will also perform supervised HIIT exercise on an arm cycle ergometer three times per week. Over the course of the intervention, most participants will be discharged from the hospital, and at this time, an arm cycle ergometer will be installed in their home and the intervention will transition into outpatient care. We will assess cardiorespiratory fitness, glycaemic control, lipid profile and body habitus as well as qualitative assessments of acceptability at weeks 0, 9 and 18 with the primary outcome being the feasibility of a full Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT).

Ethics and dissemination

This study will inform a longer-term, definitive, multicentre RCT to establish the impact of this exercise intervention in maintaining the cardiometabolic health of patients during the acute phase following SCI. Results will be disseminated in different formats including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations and internet media, to a wide audience including clinicians, researchers and individuals with SCI.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN57514022.
Health outcomes among offspring of US Coast Guard responders to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, 2010–2011
Authors: Hall Clinton , Conlin Ava Marie S , Burrell Monica , Romano Celeste J , Bukowinski Anna T , Gumbs Gia R , Harville Emily W , Thomas Dana L , Denic-Roberts Hristina , Rusiecki Jennifer A
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the potential for adverse health outcomes among infants born to US Coast Guard (USCG) responders to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill disaster.

Methods

Department of Defense Birth and Infant Health Research programme data identified a cohort of singleton infants born 2010–2011 to USCG personnel in the DWH Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study. Infants were included if their military parent (‘sponsor’) responded to the oil spill during a selected reproductive exposure window (ie, 3 months preconception for male sponsors and periconception through pregnancy for female sponsors), or if their sponsor was a non-responder. χ2tests and multivariable log-binomial regression were used to compare the demographic and health characteristics of infants born to spill responders and non-responders.

Results

Overall, 1974 infants with a male sponsor (n=182 responder, n=1792 non-responder) and 628 infants with a female sponsor (n=35 responder, n=593 non-responder) in the DWH Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort were identified. Health outcomes were similar among the offspring of male responders and non-responders. The frequency of any poor live birth outcome (ie, low birth weight, preterm birth or birth defect) was higher among infants born to female responders (17.1%, n=6) than non-responders (8.9%, n=53); the maternal age-adjusted association was suggestively elevated (risk ratio 1.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 4.16).

Conclusion

Infant health outcomes were comparable between the offspring of male USCG oil spill responders and non-responders. Findings were limited by the small number of infants identified, particularly among female responders, and should be interpreted with caution.
Sex-specific differences in the metabolic enzyme activity and transporter levels in mouse skeletal muscle during postnatal development
Authors: Takahashi Kenya , Kitaoka Yu , Hatta Hideo
Published: February 2023

Although sex-associated differences in energy metabolism in adults are well-characterized, developmental sex-specific changes in skeletal muscle metabolism are largely unknown. This study investigated sex differences in high-energy phosphate, glycolytic, and mitochondrial enzyme activities and metabolite transporter protein levels in mouse skeletal muscles during the early postnatal period (day 10), post-weaning (day 28), sexual maturity (day 56), and adult life (day 140). No significant sex-specific differences were observed on days 10 and 28, except for glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 level. The hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities of skeletal muscle were higher and the citrate synthase, cytochrome c oxidase, and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities were lower in female mice than those in male mice on days 56 and 140. The GLUT4 and FAT/CD36 protein levels were higher and the monocarboxylate transporter 4 level was lower in the skeletal muscles of female mice than those of male mice, particularly on days 56 and 140. At 140 days of age, the respiratory exchange ratio during treadmill running (15 m/min, 60 min) was lower in females than that in males, despite no sex differences at rest. In summary, sex differences were not evident in the early postnatal and post-weaning periods but became apparent after the mice reached sexual maturity. These findings indicate that sexually mature animals are a better model for investigating sex differences, particularly in the context of studying energy metabolism in mice.
Seasonal variation in size and composition of elk (Cervus canadensis) home range in central Appalachia
Authors: Padilla Benjamin Juan , Banfield Jeremiah E. , Corondi Avery , Larkin Jeffery L.
Published: February 2023

Home ranges are vitally important to an animal's behavior, survival, and reproduction. Variation in environmental conditions and landscape composition coupled with differences between sexes can influence home range structure, and understanding these differences is important for species management. Elk ( Cervus canadensisErxleben, 1777) are a widespread culturally important ungulate that has been well studied over portions of its range. Reintroduced populations in eastern North America, where conditions differ dramatically from those in the west, are comparatively understudied. Using Ornstein–Uhlenbeck movement models, we calculated season- and sex-specific home range and core areas for elk in Pennsylvania, USA. Results showed strong seasonal variation in sizes of core areas and home ranges, with summer ranges consistently smaller than other seasons. Home ranges were largely forested. However, forest cover of core areas was lower than home ranges. Proportion of open cover types was greater in core areas than home ranges. Use of timber harvests overall was low. However, among individuals with highly forested home ranges, timber harvests were strongly selected for in spring. This work highlights the regional specificity in the size, composition, and seasonality of elk home ranges, and stresses the need for additional context-specific research in understudied elk populations of forested eastern landscapes.
Muonic atom spectroscopy with microgram target material
Authors: Adamczak A. , Antognini A. , Berger N. , Cocolios T. E. , Deokar N. , Düllmann Ch. E. , Eggenberger A. , Eichler R. , Heines M. , Hess H. , Indelicato P. , Kirch K. , Knecht A. , Krauth J. J. , Nuber J. , Ouf A. , Papa A. , Pohl R. , Rapisarda E. , Reiter P. , Ritjoho N. , Roccia S. , Seidlitz M. , Severijns N. , von Schoeler K. , Skawran A. , Vogiatzi S. M. , Warr N. , Wauters F.
Published: February 2023

Muonic atom spectroscopy–the measurement of the x rays emitted during the formation process of a muonic atom–has a long standing history in probing the shape and size of nuclei. In fact, almost all stable elements have been subject to muonic atom spectroscopy measurements and the absolute charge radii extracted from these measurements typically offer the highest accuracy available. However, so far only targets of at least a few hundred milligram could be used as it required to stop a muon beam directly in the target to form the muonic atom. We have developed a new method relying on repeated transfer reactions taking place inside a 100 bar hydrogen gas cell with an admixture of 0.25% deuterium that allows us to drastically reduce the amount of target material needed while still offering an adequate efficiency. Detailed simulations of the transfer reactions match the measured data, suggesting good understanding of the processes taking place inside the gas mixture. As a proof of principle we demonstrate the method with a measurement of the 2p-1s muonic x rays from a 5 $$\upmu \hbox {g}$$

μ
g

gold target.
A comparative study of nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation in optics
Authors: Irshad Sadaf , Shakeel Muhammad , Bibi Aysha , Sajjad Muhammad , Nisar Kottakkran Sooppy
Published: February 2023

The optical soliton solutions to the fractional nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation in the presence of nonlinear oscillating coefficient with Beta and M-truncated derivatives are studied by applying a complex wave transformation that converts the fractional NLS equation to an ordinary differential equation. The optical solution structures are attained with the use of the Sardar sub-equation (SSE) method. The NLS equation is an important nonlinear complex model which governs the propagation of an optical pulse in a birefringent optical fiber. The fractional NLS equation is used in optical telecommunication, high-energy physics, gas dynamics, electrodynamics and ocean engineering. The graphical presentation of the attained results is also discussed in detail.
Self-Supervised Texture Image Anomaly Detection by Fusing Normalizing Flow and Dictionary Learning
Authors: Guo Yaohua , Song Lijuan , Ma Zirui
Published: February 2023

A common study area in anomaly identification is industrial images anomaly detection based on texture background. The interference of texture images and the minuteness of texture anomalies are the main reasons why many existing models fail to detect anomalies. We propose a strategy for anomaly detection that combines dictionary learning and normalizing flow based on the aforementioned questions. The two-stage anomaly detection approach that is already in use is enhanced by our method. In order to improve baseline method, this research adds normalizing flow in representation learning and combines deep learning and dictionary learning. Improved algorithms have exceeded 95[Formula: see text] detection accuracy on all MVTec AD texture type data after experimental validation. It shows strong robustness. The baseline method’s detection accuracy for the Carpet data was 67.9[Formula: see text]. The paper was upgraded, raising the detection accuracy to 99.7[Formula: see text].
Well-posedness of a Navier–Stokes–Cahn–Hilliard system for incompressible two-phase flows with surfactant
Authors: Di Primio Andrea , Grasselli Maurizio , Wu Hao
Published: February 2023

We investigate a diffuse-interface model that describes the dynamics of viscous incompressible two-phase flows with surfactant. The resulting system of partial differential equations consists of a sixth-order Cahn–Hilliard equation for the difference of local concentrations of the binary fluid mixture coupled with a fourth-order Cahn–Hilliard equation for the local concentration of the surfactant. The former has a smooth potential, while the latter has a singular potential. Both equations are coupled with a Navier–Stokes system for the (volume averaged) fluid velocity. The evolution system is endowed with suitable initial conditions, a no-slip boundary condition for the velocity field and homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions for the phase functions as well as for the chemical potentials. We first prove the existence of a global weak solution, which turns out to be unique in two dimensions. Stronger regularity assumptions on the initial data allow us to prove the existence of a unique global (respectively, local) strong solution in two (respectively, three) dimensions. In the two-dimensional case, we derive a continuous dependence estimate with respect to the norms controlled by the total energy. Moreover, we establish instantaneous regularization properties of global weak solutions for [Formula: see text]. In particular, we show that the surfactant concentration stays uniformly away from the pure states 0 and 1 after some positive time.
Scattering of neutrinos by a rotating black hole accounting for the electroweak interaction with an accretion disk
Authors: Dvornikov Maxim
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study spin effects in the neutrino gravitational scattering by a supermassive black hole with a magnetized accretion disk having a finite thickness. We exactly describe the propagation of ultrarelativistic neutrinos on null geodesics and solve the spin precession equation along each neutrino trajectory. The interaction of neutrinos with the magnetic field is due to the nonzero diagonal magnetic moment. Additionally, neutrinos interact with plasma of the accretion disk electroweakly within the Fermi approximation. These interactions are obtained to change the polarization of incoming neutrinos, which are left particles. The fluxes of scattered neutrinos, proportional to the survival probability of spin oscillations, are derived for various parameters of the system. In particular, we are focused on the matter influence on the outgoing neutrinos flux. The possibility to observe the predicted effects for astrophysical neutrinos is briefly discussed.
HAUSDORFF DIMENSION OF A FAMILY OF NETWORKS
Authors: ZENG QINGCHENG , XI LIFENG
Published: February 2023

For a family of networks [Formula: see text], we define the Hausdorff dimension of [Formula: see text] inspired by the Frostman’s characteristics of potential for Hausdorff dimension of fractals on Euclidean spaces. We prove that our Hausdorff dimension of the touching networks is [Formula: see text] Our definition is quite different from the fractal dimension defined for real-world networks.
Axiomatization and Core Stability of Allocation Rules for Hypergraph Situations
Authors: Jorzik Nathalie
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we explore network situations where the architecture of the network is described by a hypergraph. In a hypergraph, nodes are the players and — in contrast to bilateral graphs — links between players may involve more than just two players. The value function is defined on the architecture of the network such that different hypergraphs that connect the same individuals can generate different values. We provide axiomatic characterizations for the Myerson value and the position value. Furthermore, we define the notion of the core of a hypergraph situation. By means of an example, we also show that the Myerson value and the position value can lie in the core of a hypergraph situation.
Modeling and Free Vibration Analysis of Variable Stiffness System for Sandwich Conical Shell Structures with Variable Thickness
Authors: Wang Z. Q. , Yang S. W. , Hao Y. X. , Zhang W. , Ma W. S. , Zhang X. D.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents modeling and free vibration analysis of variable stiffness system for the truncated sandwich conical shell made of porous aluminum foam core with variable thickness and carbon fiber face sheets under the simply supported boundary condition. The thickness of the core layer varies along the longitudinal direction. Five different types of porosity distribution of the aluminum foam core, which contains Type-X, Type-O, Type-U, Type-V and Type-[Formula: see text] along the direction of thickness, are considered. Considering the effect of thermal environment, we derive the nonlinear dynamic equations based on first-order shear deformation theory and Hamilton’s principle, and obtain the natural frequencies of the system by employing the Galerkin method. The comparison and validation are conducted by contrast with the determined results of the literature. The influences of porosity distribution pattern, porosity coefficient, the total number of layers, temperature increment, semi-vertex angle, the exponent of thickness function, the minimum radius-thickness and length-thickness ratio of the core layer on the natural frequencies, modal and mode shapes are studied comprehensively.
Chaotic dynamics of a quantum Cournot duopoly game with heterogeneous expectations
Authors: Zhang Yuhuai , Yuan Jing , Zhang Yili
Published: February 2023

On the basis of the bounded rationality and adaptive expectations, we investigate the dynamics of quantum Cournot duopoly game with heterogeneous players by using the Li et al. scheme. Further, we discuss the effect of quantum entanglement on local stability of the system. The results show that: (i) The special form of quantum Cournot duopoly game is the classical Cournot duopoly game, and the quantum Cournot duopoly game with naïve expectation is also a special form of quantum Cournot duopoly game with adaptive expectation. (ii) The increase or decrease of the stable region is dependent on the degree of quantum entanglement. It is related to the difference of relative marginal cost. (iii) The numerical simulation reveals the complexity characteristics of quantum dynamic Cournot game system through the analysis of stability region, bifurcation, strange attractor and sensitivity to initial conditions, and shows the difference from the classical dynamic Cournot model.
Socially Assistive Robots’ Deployment in Healthcare Settings: A Global Perspective
Authors: Aymerich-Franch Laura , Ferrer Iliana
Published: February 2023

One of the major areas where social robots are finding their place in society is for healthcare-related applications. Yet, very little research has mapped the deployment of socially assistive robots (SARs) in real settings. By using a documentary research method, we traced back 279 experiences of SARs deployments in hospitals, elderly care centers, occupational health centers, private homes, and educational institutions worldwide that involved 52 different robot models. We retrieved, analyzed, and classified the functions that SARs develop in these experiences, the areas in which they are deployed, the principal manufacturers, and the robot models that are being adopted. The functions we identified for SARs are entertainment, companionship, telepresence, edutainment, providing general and personalized information or advice, monitoring, promotion of physical exercise and rehabilitation, testing and pre-diagnosis, delivering supplies, patient registration, giving location indications, patient simulator, protective measure enforcement, medication and well-being adherence, translating and having conversations in multiple languages, psychological therapy, patrolling, interacting with digital devices, and disinfection. Our work provides an in-depth picture of the current state of the art of SARs’ deployment in real scenarios for healthcare-related applications and contributes to understanding better the role of these machines in the healthcare sector.
A Simple Prediction Model for Mechanical Response of Lined Tunnels Incorporating Yielding Elements
Authors: Qin Su , Shao Zhushan , Yuan Bo , Zheng Xiaomeng , Zhao Nannan , Wu Kui
Published: February 2023

The lining incorporating yielding elements has been proved to be the most effective solution for tunneling through severe squeezing ground. Unfortunately, there has not been a well-organized method to transfer its beneficial effects into the practical tunnel design. This study aims to provide an analytical model for predicting the behavior of yielding lining supported tunnel. The internal force analysis of the lining is first carried out to determine the optimal installation positions of the yielding elements. Second, the lining incorporating yielding elements is processed as a simplified shell using the equivalent deformation principle. The equation for calculating the elastic modulus of the simplified shell is presented. The analytical solutions for the tunnel displacement and lining pressure are provided in the viscoelastic Burgers rocks, where the installation delay of the lining and the tunnel face advancement effect are taken into account. The proposed analytical model is applied in the Saint Martin La Porte access adit of Lyon-Torino Base tunnel, where the yielding lining was employed. The analytical result provides a good prediction of the time-dependent tunnel convergences in the Saint Martin La Porte access adit. Finally, a comprehensive parametric investigation is performed, including the influences of installation time of yielding lining, yield stress and length of yielding elements. Some inspiring results for the tunnel design are provided.
A nonflammable liquid electrolyte for lithium-metal battery
Authors: Yi Qiang , Wang Yumei , Lu Li
Published: February 2023

Lithium-metal batteries with high-energy density have been widely studied in the field of electric vehicles in recent years. However, the hazard of the conventional flammable liquid electrolyte causes serious safety concern and impedes their wide applications. New liquid electrolytes with improved safety-level, in terms of the ability to restrict the Li dendrite growth and the nonflammability are strongly desired. In this work, a new trimethyl phosphate (TMP)-based liquid electrolyte with lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) as additives is developed. The results show that this electrolyte can effectively restrict the Li dendrite growth and avoid catching fire. The Li//Li symmetric cell using such an electrolyte can be stably cycled over 200 h with a low overpotential as small as 0.02 V at a current density of 0.5 mA [Formula: see text] and an aerial capacity of 0.5 mAh [Formula: see text]. The capacity retention of the LiFePO4//Li cell could reach [Formula: see text]100% after 160 cycles at 0.5 C.
Adjacency spectra of semigraphs
Authors: Shinde Pralhad M.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we define the adjacency matrix of a semigraph. We give the conditions for a matrix to be semigraphical and give an algorithm to construct a semigraph from the semigraphical matrices. We derive lower and upper bounds for largest eigenvalues. We study the eigenvalues of adjacency matrix of two types of star semigraphs.
Magneto-Impedance Tomography of Composite CuBe/FeCoNi Wires
Authors: Bukreev D. A. , Derevyanko M. S. , Moiseev A. A. , Matsyuk I. M. , Ballesteros A. , Svalov A. V. , Semirov A. V.
Published: February 2023

The results of investigation of the distribution of electrical and magnetic properties over the cross-section are presented for Cu[Formula: see text]Be2/Fe[Formula: see text]Co6Ni[Formula: see text] composite wire of the “highly conductive core-magnetically soft coating” type, obtained by electrolytic deposition of the FeCoNi layer. Studies performed by the magneto-impedance tomography (MIT) made it possible to determine the specific electrical conductivity of the materials of the core and coating. It was established that the electrodeposited coating had a magnetic structure that was inhomogeneous over the thickness.
An Exploration of Customers’ Satisfaction with Water and Wastewater Services in the UK
Authors: Tian Kang , Goodwin Daniel , Gallagher Elaine , Smith Heather
Published: February 2023

In this research, we examine the relationship between customer satisfaction with water and wastewater services, demographic factors, communication with the utility, and perceived trustworthiness. Through a survey of the UK public ([Formula: see text]), we found that 77% of the respondents stated they were satisfied with their water and wastewater services. Statistical analysis highlighted significant demographic differences in the level of satisfaction, particularly by age, with higher satisfaction in older respondents. We found that the degree to which respondents think their water utility can be trusted to provide accurate information predicted satisfaction, as did more frequent engagement with a water utility’s social media. More frequently contacting a water utility or discussing water services with friends and family both negatively predicted satisfaction. Meeting the public’s expectations for accurate and timely information is coupled with their perceptions of a water utility’s trustworthiness and their satisfaction with water and wastewater services. Water utilities may increase the satisfaction of their customers through strategies and initiatives that are attentive to the credibility of the information they provide and the means through which they provide it. In summary, our research indicates that the water sector’s ambition to develop more diverse (and inclusive) customer engagement experiences, including through online platforms and social media, may deliver benefits (particularly with the less engaged and younger age groups across varying regional water governance contexts) that complement the overall efforts to build trust and satisfaction, but we acknowledge that these are complex long-term processes.