bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple echoes in beam spin-echo spectroscopy and their effect on measurements of ultra-fast dynamics
Authors: Chadwick Helen , Cantin Joshua T , Alkoby Yosef , Alexandrowicz Gil
Published: June 2022

Helium (3He) spin-echo is a powerful experimental technique used to probe ultra-fast atomic scale surface dynamics. The analysis of these measurements is typically performed assuming there is only a single spin-echo condition, expected to produce a constant signal for pure elastic scattering, a monotonically decaying signal for quasi-elastic scattering and oscillations from inelastic scattering events. In the present work, we show that there are in fact four spin-echoes which must be correctly accounted for, and that even in the case of elastic scattering these additional echoes lead to oscillations which could mistakenly be interpreted as being due to inelastic scattering. We demonstrate that it is possible to accurately simulate the experimental data by propagating the 3He through the measured magnetic field profile of the apparatus and considering the geometry of the machine, allowing the effect of these additional echoes to be disentangled from inelastic scattering events in future 3He spin-echo measurements.
Quantum teleportation between the narrow armchair graphene nanoribbons with zigzag ends
Authors: Tan Xiao-Dong , Zhang Le
Published: June 2022

We study quantum teleportation between the narrow armchair graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with zigzag ends. Several influences including Coulomb repulsion among electrons, temperature and ribbon length on the output state and teleportation fidelity are discussed in detail. Moreover, we derive the entanglement of the output state and corresponding fidelity as a function of the input and channel entanglement. For practical applications, we also propose a scheme for implementing the single-qubit gates (X, Z and H gates) and two-qubit controlled-NOT gate in GNRs, based on the Bang-Bang control strategy and synchronous step magnetic field.
An accurate calibration method of a combined measurement system for large-sized components
Authors: Zhou Zhilong , Liu Wei , Wang Yuxin , Yue Yi , Zhang Jiabo
Published: June 2022

Large-sized components with numerous supports are essential in advanced manufacturing. Efficient product quality control requires accurate three-dimensional (3D) measurements and error control. For 3D shape and spatial position measurements of the key local features on the support mounting surface, we propose an accurate measurement method combining a global laser tracker, local scanning system, and mobile robot system comprising an industrial robot and a mobile platform. To enhance the measurement accuracy, an accurate calibration method was introduced based on prior knowledge which establishes correlation constraints between local and global calibration. The local calibration method, including rail orientation and extrinsic parameters calibration based on a multi-dimensional combined collaboration target, achieves accurate calibration of both rail orientation and extrinsic parameters. Additionally, the enhanced global calibration method based on multi-dimensional cooperative calibrators constructs correlation constraints among global control points and provides an accurate global measurement field. We constructed a combined measurement system and conducted large-scale measurement experiments. As shown by the accuracy verification results of the proposed system, the maximum and mean measurement errors decreased from 0.142 and 0.132 mm to 0.111 and 0.095 mm within 8 m, respectively, which is highly accurate. Moreover, the large-scale scanning instance of a large-sized spacecraft cabin has also demonstrated that the developed method can significantly expand the measurement range as well as improve the measurement flexibility.
Data-oriented description of texture-dependent anisotropic material behavior
Authors: Schmidt Jan , Biswas Abhishek , Vajragupta Napat , Hartmaier Alexander
Published: June 2022

In metallurgical processes, as for example cold rolling or deep drawing of sheet metal, it is frequently observed that the crystallographic texture, and with it the anisotropic mechanical properties of a material, evolve dynamically. Hence, to describe such processes, it is necessary to model the functional dependence of anisotropic material parameters on the texture, which itself can vary locally with the different plastic strain histories. In this work, we present a new data-oriented approach to parametrize the anisotropic yield function Barlat Yld2004-18p from micromechanical simulations for different textures. This is accomplished by applying supervised machine learning (ML) methods to express the relationship between different crystallographic textures and the material parameters of the yield function. The crystallographic textures are chosen to vary continuously between a random texture on the one hand side, and a unimodal Goss or Copper texture the other. These crystallographic textures are rather common in sheet metal forming. In this way, furthermore, the transition from isotropic plasticity to a rather severe case of anisotropy can be modeled, which is thought to mimic the dynamical evolution of the texture in a metallurgical process. It is found that a regularization strategy is necessary to circumvent the known non-uniqueness between Yld2004-18p parameters and the resulting plastic yield behavior. After this regularization, a unique relationship between the material parameters and the yield onset is established, making it possible to train different ML models with excellent accuracy and generalization properties to anisotropic plastic material behavior. The trained ML models are able to reliably predict the coefficients of unknown textures even with a small amount of training data and, thus, to correctly represent the yield behavior resulting from the various textures. The proposed method represents an efficient extension of the description of anisotropic plastic yielding as it establishes a data-oriented way to explicitly consider microstructural parameters in the material description, which opens new pathways to formulate material models that include the process history.
Fracture behaviour of silver nanowire films during shear deformation
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Ma Lijun , Shi Jun , Li Shuxin , Ji Shulin
Published: June 2022

Silver nanowire films have a wide application prospect in flexible electronics, while it is a noticeable problem that the silver nanowires break due to the shear force under the mass production film cutting or extreme service conditions. In this paper, the shear fracture behaviour of silver nanowire films with different structural parameters was studied under the extreme shear failure tests. The load–displacement curve was obtained from the nano-indentation test, while the hardness H, the elastic modulus E and the plastic properties represented by the ratio of H
3/E
2 of silver nanowire films with different diameters and thicknesses were calculated. On the other hand, based on the load–displacement curve, the stress–strain curve can be obtained through the finite element method simulation. The plastic properties can also be judged by the lower limit of yield strength from simulated stress–strain curve. Combined with characteristic crack propagation range, the relationship between plasticity and shear fracture was found, which was further disclosed by in-depth microstructure analysis. The results show that the better the plasticity of silver nanowire films, the stronger the resistance to shear fracture.
On the continuity of topological entropy of certain partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms
Authors: Wu Weisheng
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we consider certain partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms (PHDs) with centre of arbitrary dimension and obtain continuity properties of the topological entropy under C
1 perturbations. The systems considered have subexponential growth in the centre direction and uniform exponential growth along the unstable foliation. Our result applies to PHDs which are Lyapunov stable in the centre direction. It applies to another important class of systems which do have subexponential growth in the centre direction, for which we develop a technique to use exponential mixing property of the systems to get uniform distribution of unstable manifolds. A primary example are the translations on homogeneous spaces which may have centre of arbitrary dimension and of polynomial orbit growth.
What hides within a photograph: analysis of a light curve in the classroom
Authors: Ollé H , Kovács T
Published: June 2022

Data from the Kepler satellite were analysed using the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes database. With the participation of 53 students, we determined the parameters of the HAT-P-7b (Kepler-2) exoplanet system (transit duration, planet-to-star radius ratio, orbital period, semi-major axis and star mass). We used approaches that are easy to understand and apply to secondary school students as well. In this way, they were able to gain an insight into the essential process of light curve analysis.
Additional unexpected benefits of rewarding students for effective problem solving strategies: supporting gender equity in physics
Authors: Good Melanie , Maries Alexandru , Singh Chandralekha
Published: June 2022

An important goal of introductory physics courses is to encourage effective approaches to problem solving. To achieve this goal, many aspects of desired problem solving approach should be rewarded, e.g. via grade incentives rather than basing grades mainly or solely on correct final answers. Here we discuss findings of a study that suggests that shifting pedagogical emphasis to reward the process of problem solving approach rather than basing the grade primarily on the final answer may have an additional unexpected benefit of supporting gender equity in physics. Our study involves administering a previously-validated attitudes and approaches to problem solving (AAPS) survey in six large enrollment calculus-based introductory physics classes at a large research university in the United States. On average, women had a statistically significantly higher average AAPS score at the end of the instruction when compared with men. Moreover, on clusters of questions related to effective approaches to problem solving such as drawing diagrams and doing scratchwork, women had a significantly higher average score. Since drawing and scratchwork are part of a systematic approach to physics problem-solving, this finding suggests that women, on average, may take a more favourable approach to physics problem-solving when compared with men. Interview data with a subset of students corroborate this interpretation. Our findings suggest that awarding appropriate credit to the entire problem solving process, e.g. by giving credit for drawings and scratchwork, may support gender equity in physics. In particular, heavier reliance on open-ended questions on assessments, along with grading rubrics that are sensitive to the details of the problem-solving process, not only rewards the desired approaches to problem solving, but also supports gender equity since women are rewarded appropriately for their work. We encourage physics instructors to adopt instructional strategies that reward the problem solving process instead of only rewarding the product to ensure that students learn effective problem solving skills while also supporting a practice that is more equitable.
4He dose- and track-averaged linear energy transfer: Monte Carlo algorithms and experimental verification
Authors: Fattori S , Petringa G , Agosteo S , Bortot D , Conte V , Cuttone G , Di Fini A , Farokhi F , Mazzucconi D , Pandola L , Petrović I , Ristić-Fira A , Rosenfeld A , Weber U , Cirrone G A P
Published: June 2022

Objective. In the present hadrontherapy scenario, there is a growing interest in exploring the capabilities of different ion species other than protons and carbons. The possibility of using different ions paves the way for new radiotherapy approaches, such as the multi-ions treatment, where radiation could vary according to target volume, shape, depth and histologic characteristics of the tumor. For these reasons, in this paper, the study and understanding of biological-relevant quantities was extended for the case of 4He ion. Approach. Geant4 Monte Carlo based algorithms for dose- and track-averaged LET (Linear Energy Transfer) calculations, were validated for 4He ions and for the case of a mixed field characterised by the presence of secondary ions from both target and projectile fragmentation. The simulated dose and track averaged LETs were compared with the corresponding dose and frequency mean values of the lineal energy,

y

D

¯

and

y

¯

F

, derived from experimental microdosimetric spectra. Two microdosimetric experimental campaigns were carried out at the Italian eye proton therapy facility of the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN-LNS, Catania, I) using two different microdosimeters: the MicroPlus probe and the nano-TEPC (Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter). Main results. A good agreement of

L

¯

d

Total

and

L

¯

t

Total

with

y

¯

D

and

y

¯

T

experimentally measured with both microdosimetric detectors MicroPlus and nano-TEPC in two configurations: full energy and modulated 4He ion beam, was found. Significance. The results of this study certify the use of a very effective tool for the precise calculation of LET, given by a Monte Carlo approach which has the advantage of allowing detailed simulation and tracking of nuclear interactions, even in complex clinical scenarios.
Quenching of O2(b1Σg

+
) by O(3P) atoms. Effect of gas temperature
Authors: Booth J P , Chatterjee A , Guaitella O , Lopaev D , Zyryanov S , Volynets A , Rakhimova T , Voloshin D , Chukalovsky A , Mankelevich Yu. , Guerra V
Published: June 2022

We present a detailed study of the density and kinetics of O2(b1Σg
+) in steady-state and partially-modulated DC positive column discharges in pure O2 for gas pressures of 0.3–10 Torr and 10–40 mA current. The time-resolved density of O2(b1Σg
+) was determined by absolutely-calibrated optical emission spectroscopy (OES) of the A-band emission at 762 nm. Additionally, the O2(b1Σg
+) density was determined by VUV absorption spectroscopy using the Fourier-transform spectrometer at the DESIRS beamline at Synchrotron Soleil, allowing the absolute calibration of OES to be confirmed. The O(3P) atoms were detected by time-resolved sub-Doppler cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) using the O(3P2) → O(1D2) transition at 630 nm. The CRDS measurements were synchronized to the discharge modulation allowing the O(3P) dynamics to be observed. As a function of gas pressure the O2(b1Σg
+) density passes through a maximum at about 2 Torr. Below this maximum, the O2(b1Σg
+) density increases with discharge current, whereas above this maximum it decreases with current. The gas temperature increases with pressure and current, from 300 to 800 K. These observations can only be explained by the existence of fast quenching process of O2(b1Σg
+) by O(3P), with a rate that increases strongly with gas temperature, i.e. with a significant energy barrier. The data are interpreted using a 1D self-consistent model of the O2 discharge. The best fit of this model to all experimental data (including the O2(b1Σg
+) average density as a function of pressure and current, the radial profiles, and the temporal response to current modulation) is achieved using a rate constant of k
Q = 10−10 exp(−3700/T) cm3 s−1.
Transport and performance study of double-walled black phosphorus nanotube transistors
Authors: Alam Khairul
Published: June 2022

Monolayer- and a few layers-black phosphorus (BP) is an emerging two-dimensional material for the post-silicon era. We study the transport mechanism and performance metrics of double-walled BP n-channel and p-channel gate-all-around nanotube (NT) transistors using a

k

⋅

p

Hamiltonian and a non-equilibrium Green’s function quantum simulation. We effectively use the anisotropic effective masses along the zigzag and armchair directions of BP for high performance NT field-effect transistors. The heavy mass along the zigzag direction is used for quantization to increase the carrier density, while the lighter mass along the armchair direction is used for transport to maximize the carrier injection velocity. The on-state current is governed by the thermionic transport mechanism over the top of the potential barrier, while the off-state current is predominantly governed by intra-band tunneling current. Although the lighter mass in transport direction initiates intra-band tunneling current, the device can be successfully turned on and off with a high on/off current ratio of

1.4
×

10
5

. The n-channel transistor has an on-state current of 724 µA µm−1, a subthreshold slope of 63 mV dec−1, a transconductance of 7.97 mS µm−1, a switching delay time of 3.92 ps, a cut-off frequency of 0.201 THz, and a dynamic power loss of 0.64 fJ µm−1, respectively. The corresponding performance metrics for the p-channel are 726 µA µm−1, 64 mV dec−1, 8.20 mS µm−1, 3.96 ps, 0.205 THz, and 0.65 fJ µm−1. Both the transistors are potential candidates for the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors 2026 low operating power devices.
Analyzing the influence of the core pre-structure on the dynamic response of a magnetorheological elastomer sandwich structure
Authors: Sulatchaneenopdon Narongdet , Shen Zhiming , Son Hyoung-Won , Khantachawana Anak , Garcia-Barruetabena Jon , Elejabarrieta Maria Jesus , Takahashi Tsutomu , Nakayama Tadachika , Niihara Koichi
Published: June 2022

Recently, vibration control has been useful in various engineering fields such as aerospace, adaptive dynamic vibration absorbers, and infrastructure. Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is an interesting material for controlling and suppressing undesirable vibrations through the application of a magnetic field. The present study aims at analyzing the pre-structure of the magnetorheological viscoelastic core in the dynamic response of an MRE-sandwich structure. The forced vibration tests were performed under a non-homogenous magnetic field to evaluate the dynamic properties of the MRE-sandwich structure in a frequency bandwidth range of 0–250 Hz. Experimental results show that the proposed MRE-sandwich structures are capable of eliminating unwanted resonances due to induced magnetic field intensity in the activated region, especially at the fundamental mode. Moreover, results highlight that an oriented pre-structure in an MRE-sandwich has an attenuation effect on vibrations in the low frequency range. Additionally, the external magnetic field increased the structural vibrations damping capability by approximately 200%. In addition, the oriented pre-structures of the MRE core were also used to dissipate vibration. Consequently, they could potentially be used in vibration attenuation applications such as stop operations in dynamic structures.
4D printed self-helix structure based on internal stress reversibility
Authors: Feng Yixiong , Yan Weiyu , Qiu Hao , Hong Zhaoxi , Zeng Siyuan , Xu Junjun , Cui Kaiyue , Tan Jianrong
Published: June 2022

Organisms with self-helix structures are widely found in nature. Four-dimensional (4D) printing have been realized by designing structures and programming deformation of smart materials. This paper presents an innovative method of controlled self-helix structures by designing and fabricating of a bilayer structure with smart material polylactic acid. The process of applying internal stress in 4D printing was analyzed. The repeatability of helical deformation of bilayer structure was investigated. The effect of printing angle on helical deformation behavior was simulated by finite element method. And the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results, which also verifies the reliability of the established finite element model. Then, the stress distribution in the process of screw deformation was simulated by using the finite element model. An intelligent soft gripper was used as a case study to illustrate this methodology. This method is a guide for the design and manufacture of intelligent structures and can be applied to the design of complex biological structures.
Effects of annealing on SnS films produced by chemical bath deposition (CBD)
Authors: Ildan Ozmen S , Temiz S H , Gubur H Metin
Published: June 2022

Tin sulfide (SnS) thin films were produced on glass substrates at 65 °C by chemical bath deposition (CBD). Two of the obtained five identical films were annealed in an air atmosphere while the other two were annealed in a nitrogen atmosphere at different temperatures. The effects of annealing (at 150 °C and 250 °C in air and nitrogen atmospheres) on the optical, structural, and electrical properties of the films were investigated by UV-visible spectrophotometer, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Hall-effect measurement. The energy band gap of as-deposited SnS thin film was determined to be 1.16 eV, and it was observed to change with annealing. All of the as-deposited and annealed SnS films had orthorhombic structures. The optical phonon modes to orthorhombic SnS phases were determined by Raman shifts. The carrier type of all SnS films was identified as p-type using Hall measurement, and the changing carrier concentration, mobility, and resistivity values of the films were investigated depending on annealing conditions. The p-type SnS film can be used as an alternative material for the absorber layer in p-n heterojunction solar cell applications.
A new approach to overcome the inconsistency between SPECT and the anatomical map in maximum A-posterior expectation-maximization reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Entezarmahdi Seyed Mohammad , Shahamiri Negar , Faghihi Reza
Published: June 2022

Noise reduction while preserving spatial resolution is one of the most important challenges in the reconstructing of emission tomography images. One of the resolving methods is the Bowsher maximum a-posteriori expectation-maximization reconstruction (MAPEM) algorithm. This method considers a binary selection of the neighbors of each voxel based on the prior anatomical values to use in the regularization function. This method is particularly susceptible to imposing the wrong data into the reconstructed image due to the spatial or functional inconsistencies between the anatomical image and the actual activity distribution. Because of the poor spatial resolution of single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) images and the different nature of emission and anatomical imaging, there is not enough certainty of inconsistency with anatomical images. Therefore, we proposed a new weighted Bowsher method that can overcome this weakness while the image quality indexes, especially the spatial resolution, are almost preserved. In the proposed method, each of the neighbors of a specific voxel takes a constant weight depending on the order of its value and independent of its intensity quantity. The proposed method was evaluated using some different physical phantoms and a patient scan. The results show that the proposed method has superiority in the presence of inconsistency; moreover, the proposed method gives nearly similar results to the regular Bowsher MAPEM in case of consistency. In conclusion, we show that using a suitable constant weighting factor in Bowsher MAPEM, one can operatively reduce the image noise while preserving the image quality parameters where the emission tomography images are either consistent or inconsistent with the prior anatomical map.
The American Mathematical Society and Applied Mathematics from the 1920s to the 1950s: A Revisionist Account
Authors: Parshall Karen
Published: June 2022

The “standard” historical narrative has it that: 1) applied mathematics emerged as an academic discipline in the United States only after, and as a result of, World War II; and 2) a major factor in this emergence was the presence of European émigré mathematicians. While this standard narrative is not wrong, it masks a key part of the picture, namely, the foundation for this development was laid within the context of the American Mathematical Society in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.
Phylogenetic evidence of the re-evolution of planktotrophy in Australian periwinkles
Authors: Cummins Deanne , Duong Ha , Kennington W Jason , Johnson Michael S
Published: June 2022

The mode of development of marine invertebrates has major effects on dispersal and population structure. Species without a feeding larval stage (direct developers) are generally more genetically subdivided than species with planktotrophic (swimming and feeding) development. Evidence of the re-evolution of planktotrophy from a direct-developing ancestor has been accumulating within marine invertebrates. However, it remains unclear whether such evolutionary transitions are rare or common. The Bembicium genus (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) provides an additional opportunity to examine the re-evolution of planktotrophy. The genus includes two species with planktotrophic development (Bembicium auratum and Bembicium nanum) and three species with direct development (Bembicium vittatum, Bembicium melanostoma and Bembicium flavescens). Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear marker (ANT) provide evidence for a switch from direct development back to planktotrophy. Also, pairwise genetic distances between haplotypes reveal that the two planktotrophic species have greater genetic diversity (at the species level) than the direct developers, and the three direct-developing species are genetically structured based on geographical distance. Our study adds to growing evidence for the re-evolution of planktotrophy and suggests that the genetic basis for a switch between modes of development might be simple in marine snails.
Sertoli cell PUMILIO proteins modulate mouse testis size through translational control of cell cycle regulators
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Xiao Tianheng , Cao Dandan , Xia Wenjuan , Gao Liuze , Cheng Liping , Zang Min , Li Xin , Xu Eugene Yujun
Published: June 2022

Testis size determination is an important question of reproductive biology. Sertoli cells are known to be a key determinant of mammalian testis size but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Previously we showed that highly conserved germ cell RNA-binding proteins, PUMILIO1(PUM1) and PUMILIO2 (PUM2), control mouse organ and body size through translational regulation, but how different cell types of the organs contribute to their organ size regulation has not been established. Here, we report a somatic role of PUM in gonad size determination. PUM1 is highly expressed in the Sertoli cells of the developing testis from embryonic and postnatal mice as well as in germ cells. Removal of Sertoli cell, but not germ cell, Pum1 gene, led to reduced testis size without significantly affecting sperm number or fertility. Knockout of PUM1 target, Cdkn1b, rescued the phenotype of reduced testis size, supporting a key role of Sertoli cell PUM1 mediated Cdkn1b repression in the testis size control. Furthermore, removal of Pum2 or both Pum1 and Pum2 in the Sertoli cells also only affected the testis size, not sperm development, with the biggest size reduction in Pum1/2 double knockout mice. We propose that PUM1 and PUM2 modulate the testis size through their synergistic translational regulation of cell cycle regulators in the Sertoli cell. Further investigation of the ovary or other organs could reveal if PUM-mediated translational control of cell proliferation of the supporting cell represents a general mechanism for organ size modulation.
Prionoids in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gosset Philippe , Camu William , Raoul Cedric , Mezghrani Alexandre
Published: June 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most frequent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. ALS is characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motoneurons in the spinal cord, brainstem and cerebral cortex. Clinical manifestations typically occur in midlife and start with focal muscle weakness, followed by the rapid and progressive wasting of muscles and subsequent paralysis. As with other neurodegenerative diseases, the condition typically begins at an initial point and then spreads along neuroanatomical tracts. This feature of disease progression suggests the spreading of prion-like proteins called prionoids in the affected tissues, which is similar to the spread of prion observed in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Intensive research over the last decade has proposed the ALS-causing gene products Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1, TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa, and fused in sarcoma as very plausible prionoids contributing to the spread of the pathology. In this review, we will discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to the propagation of these prionoids in ALS.
Parental Distress in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Associations With Time From Diagnosis, Disease Activity, and Demographic Factors
Authors: Cesa Kevin T , Cunningham Catherine A , Noll Robert B , Kim Sandra C
Published: June 2022

Background

There are limited studies examining caregiver distress when raising a child with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of symptoms of distress (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) among parents with children with IBD and associations with disease severity, time from diagnosis, and demographic factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with parents of children (2–17 years) diagnosed with IBD. There were 2 cohorts: (1) recently diagnosed cohort (<6 months from diagnosis); (2) established diagnosis cohort (>1 year from diagnosis). Parents completed measures of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while children completed surveys on the symptoms of their IBD.

Results

Fifty-two parents in the recently diagnosed cohort and 103 parents in the established diagnosis cohort completed surveys. For the entire cohort of parents, we found the mean scores on all measures of distress were within the normal ranges with 20%, 13%, and 8% of parents reporting moderate-to-severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, respectively. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were not significantly associated with time from diagnosis; symptoms of anxiety and PTSD were significantly associated with patients’ IBD clinical activity.

Conclusions

Parents with children with IBD are remarkably resilient to distress even soon after their child’s diagnosis. Despite considerable resilience, routine brief caregiver screening for symptoms of anxiety during annual visits seems reasonable and feasible.
An analysis of cigarette sales during Poland’s menthol cigarette sales ban: small effects with large policy implications
Authors: Liber Alex C , Stoklosa Michal , Levy David T , Sánchez-Romero Luz María , Cadham Christopher J , Pesko Michael F
Published: June 2022

Background

In May 2020, the European Union Tobacco Products Directive mandated that EU member states, including Poland, ban the sale of menthol cigarettes. With menthol making up 28% of cigarette sales before the ban, Poland is the country with likely the largest menthol cigarette sales share in the world to ban their sale. We analyze how this ban changed the Polish tobacco market.

Methods

We use monthly NielsenIQ data (May 2018–April 2021) on sales of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco by menthol and standard flavor in eight regions of Poland. We set up a bite-style regression model controlling for pre-ban menthol share, climate, border opening status, and Apple movement data to estimate the effect of the May 2020 menthol ban.

Results

We find menthol cigarette sales fell at least 97% after the menthol cigarette ban across Poland and standard cigarette sales replaced them. Regression modeling indicates that total cigarette sales fell, after the ban, an average of 2.2 sticks per capita per month, equal to a 2.9% decline, however, results were not significant (P = 0.199). The bite component of our model reveals total cigarette sales did decline significantly in the regions with the highest pre-ban menthol sales shares. Roll-your-own tobacco sales increased by a statistically insignificant 0.03 stick-equivalents after the ban (P = 0.798). Product prices also fell in the wake of the menthol ban.

Conclusions

In Poland, the EU state with the one of the largest pre-ban menthol shares, we find mixed evidence that the ban is working as intended.
Population Genomics of Variegated Toad-Headed Lizard Phrynocephalus versicolor and Its Adaptation to the Colorful Sand of the Gobi Desert
Authors: Jin Yuanting , Aguilar-Gómez Diana , Y C Brandt Débora , Square Tyler A , Li Jiasheng , Liu Zhengxia , Wang Tao , Sudmant Peter H , Miller Craig T , Nielsen Rasmus
Published: June 2022

The variegated toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus versicolor, lives in the arid landscape of the Chinese Gobi Desert. We analyzed populations from three different locations which vary in substrate color and altitude: Heishankou (HSK), Guazhou County (GZ), and Ejin Banner (EJN). The substrate color is either light-yellow (GZ-y), yellow (EJN-y), or black (HSK-b); the corresponding lizard population colors largely match their substrate in the degree of melanism. We assembled the P. versicolor genome and sequenced over 90 individuals from the three different populations. Genetic divergence between populations corresponds to their geographic distribution. We inferred the genetic relationships among these populations and used selection scans and differential expression to identify genes that show signatures of selection. Slc2a11 and akap12, among other genes, are highly differentiated and may be responsible for pigment adaptation to substrate color in P. versicolor.
Genetic Drift and Host-Adaptive Features Likely Underlie the Cladogenesis of Insect-Associated Lachnospiraceae
Authors: Vera-Ponce de Leon Arturo , Schneider Mathias G , Jahnes Benjamin C , Sadowski Victoria , Camuy-Vélez Lennel A , Duan Jun , Sabree Zakee L
Published: June 2022

Phylogenetic and functional group analyses of the genomes of anaerobic bacteria isolated from Periplaneta americana digestive tracts suggest that they represent novel Lachnospiraceae genera. PAL113 and PAL227 isolate genomes encoded short-chain fatty acid biosynthetic pathways and plant fiber and chitin catabolism and other carbohydrate utilization genes common in related Lachnospiraceae species, yet the presence of operons containing flagellar assembly pathways was among several distinguishing features. In general, PAL113 and PAL227 isolates encode an array of gene products that will enable them to thrive in the insect gut environment and potentially play a role in host diet processing. We hypothesize that the cladogenesis of these isolates can be a result of their oxygen sensitivity and reliance upon the host for dispersal and genetic drift and not necessarily a result of an ongoing mutualism.
Characterizing key misconceptions of equity in health financing for universal health coverage
Authors: Ataguba John E , Kabaniha Grace A
Published: June 2022

Fairness or equity in health financing is critical to ensuring universal health coverage (UHC). While equity in health financing is generally about financing health services according to ability-to-pay, misconceptions exist among policymakers, decision-makers and some researchers about what constitutes financing health services according to ability-to-pay or an equitably financed health system. This commentary characterizes three misconceptions of equitable health financing—(1) the misconception of fair contribution, (2) the pro-poor misconception and (3) the misconception of cross-subsidization. The paper also uses these misconceptions to clearly illustrate what constitutes equity in health financing, highlighting the importance of income distribution. The misconceptions come from the authors’ extensive engagements with policymakers and practitioners, especially in Africa. A clear understanding of equity in health financing provides an avenue to significant progress towards UHC and improving a country’s income distribution.
Exploring barriers to, and enablers of, evidence-informed hip fracture care in five low- middle-income countries: China, India, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam
Authors: Armstrong Elizabeth , Yin Xuejun , Razee Husna , Pham Cuong Viet , Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon , Tabu Irewin , Jagnoor Jagnoor , Cameron Ian D , Yang Minghui , Sharma Vijay , Zhang Jing , Close Jacqueline C T , Harris Ian A , Tian Maoyi , Ivers Rebecca
Published: June 2022

Globally, populations are ageing and the estimated number of hip fractures will increase from 1.7 million in 1990 to more than 6 million in 2050. The greatest increase in hip fractures is predicted in Low- and Middle–Income Countries (LMICs), largely in the Asia-Pacific region where direct costs are expected to exceed $US15 billion by 2050. The aims of this qualitative study are to identify barriers to, and enablers of, evidence–informed hip fracture care in LMICs, and to determine if the Blue Book standards, developed by the British Orthopaedic Association and British Geriatrics Society to facilitate evidence-informed care of patients with fragility fractures, are applicable to these settings. This study utilized semi-structured interviews with clinical and administrative hospital staff to explore current hip fracture care in LMICs. Transcribed interviews were imported into NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. Interviews were conducted with 35 participants from 11 hospitals in 5 countries. We identified five themes—costs of care and the capacity of patients to pay, timely hospital presentation, competing demands on limited resources, delegation and defined responsibility and utilization of available data—and within each theme, barriers and enablers were distinguished. We found a mismatch between patient needs and provision of recommended hip fracture care, which in LMICs must commence at the time of injury. This study describes clinician and administrator perspectives of the barriers to, and enablers of, high-quality hip fracture care in LMICs; results indicate that initiatives to overcome barriers (in particular, delays to definitive treatment) are required. While the Blue Book offers a starting point for clinicians and administrators looking to provide high-quality hip fracture care to older people in LMICs, locally developed interventions are likely to provide the most successful solutions to improving hip fracture care.
Mendelian randomization study of maternal coffee consumption and its influence on birthweight, stillbirth, miscarriage, gestational age and pre-term birth
Authors: Brito Nunes Caroline , Huang Peiyuan , Wang Geng , Lundberg Mischa , D’Urso Shannon , Wootton Robyn E , Borges Maria Carolina , Lawlor Deborah A , Warrington Nicole M , Evans David M , Hwang Liang-Dar , Moen Gunn-Helen
Published: June 2022

Background

Coffee consumption has been associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes, although data from randomized–controlled trials are lacking. We investigate whether there is a causal relationship between coffee consumption and miscarriage, stillbirth, birthweight, gestational age and pre-term birth using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

A two-sample MR study was performed using summary results data from a genome-wide association meta-analysis of coffee consumption (N = 91 462) from the Coffee and Caffeine Genetics Consortium. Outcomes included self-reported miscarriage (N = 49 996 cases and 174 109 controls from a large meta-analysis); the number of stillbirths [N = 60 453 from UK Biobank (UKBB)]; gestational age and pre-term birth (N = 43 568 from the 23andMe, Inc cohort) and birthweight (N = 297 356 reporting own birthweight and N = 210 248 reporting offspring’s birthweight from UKBB and the Early Growth Genetics Consortium). Additionally, a one-sample genetic risk score (GRS) analysis of coffee consumption in UKBB women (N up to 194 196) and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N up to 6845 mothers and 4510 children) and its relationship with offspring outcomes was performed.

Results

Both the two-sample MR and one-sample GRS analyses showed no change in risk of sporadic miscarriages, stillbirths, pre-term birth or effect on gestational age connected to coffee consumption. Although both analyses showed an association between increased coffee consumption and higher birthweight, the magnitude of the effect was inconsistent.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that coffee consumption during pregnancy might not itself contribute to adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, sporadic miscarriages and pre-term birth or lower gestational age or birthweight of the offspring.
Detection of highly macrolide-resistant Legionella pneumophila strains from a hotel water network using systematic whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Ginevra Christophe , Beraud Laetitia , Pionnier Isabelle , Sallabery Kassandra , Bentayeb Houcine , Simon Bruno , Allam Camille , Chastang Joelle , Ibranosyan Marine , Decroix Véronique , Campese Christine , Jarraud Sophie , Descours Ghislaine
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Implementation of an antibiotic resistance detection tool in Legionella daily surveillance at the French National Reference Centre for Legionella.

Methods

Systematic WGS of Legionella pneumophila isolates and bioinformatics detection of specific mutations linked to antibiotic resistance. Phenotypic validation of antibiotic resistance detected by WGS was performed by the broth microdilution method.

Results

More than 3000 L. pneumophila strains were screened for antibiotic resistance. A macrolide resistance-associated A2052G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene was identified in the genome of eight isolates from a hotel water network. High-level macrolide resistance (i.e. MICs of 1024–2048 mg/L for azithromycin and erythromycin) with no cross-resistance to other antimicrobials was phenotypically confirmed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing for the eight isolates.

Conclusions

Systematic WGS of L. pneumophila is a powerful tool for first-line high-throughput screening of antibiotic resistance before phenotypic validation.
Standardizing, harmonizing, and protecting data collection to broaden the impact of COVID-19 research: the rapid acceleration of diagnostics-underserved populations (RADx-UP) initiative
Authors: Carrillo Gabriel A , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , D’Agostino Emily M , Marsolo Keith , Wruck Lisa M , Johnson Laura , Topping James , Richmond Al , Corbie Giselle , Kibbe Warren A
Published: June 2022

Objective

The Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program is a consortium of community-engaged research projects with the goal of increasing access to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tests in underserved populations. To accelerate clinical research, common data elements (CDEs) were selected and refined to standardize data collection and enhance cross-consortium analysis.

Materials and Methods

The RADx-UP consortium began with more than 700 CDEs from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CDE Repository, Disaster Research Response (DR2) guidelines, and the PHENotypes and eXposures (PhenX) Toolkit. Following a review of initial CDEs, we made selections and further refinements through an iterative process that included live forums, consultations, and surveys completed by the first 69 RADx-UP projects.

Results

Following a multistep CDE development process, we decreased the number of CDEs, modified the question types, and changed the CDE wording. Most research projects were willing to collect and share demographic NIH Tier 1 CDEs, with the top exception reason being a lack of CDE applicability to the project. The NIH RADx-UP Tier 1 CDE with the lowest frequency of collection and sharing was sexual orientation.

Discussion

We engaged a wide range of projects and solicited bidirectional input to create CDEs. These RADx-UP CDEs could serve as the foundation for a patient-centered informatics architecture allowing the integration of disease-specific databases to support hypothesis-driven clinical research in underserved populations.

Conclusion

A community-engaged approach using bidirectional feedback can lead to the better development and implementation of CDEs in underserved populations during public health emergencies.
Dynamic response of slender body passing through ice and water mixture at high velocity
Authors: Tang Enling , Zhang Zhen , Chen Chuang , Han Yafei , Chang Mengzhou , Guo Kai , He Liping
Published: June 2022

In the process of underwater motion, the trajectory of the projectile will be greatly disturbed due to the complicated underwater environment and cavitation effect. In order to study the effect of the ice water mixture on projectile motion, the experiments of a titanium alloy slender body with a truncated conical and plat warhead passing through ice and water mixture have been performed by using a one-stage light gas gun loading system, an overpressure sensor measurement system and a high-speed camera acquisition system in this paper. The experimental results show that the volume of the cavity generated by the slender body with a small length-to-diameter ratio is larger, and the slender body deflects in the process of movement. For a slender body with a large length-to-diameter ratio, the cavity formed is closer to the central axis and the maximum radial size of the cavity. No matter the warhead shapes are truncated conical or plat warhead, the diameter and lasting time of the cavity increase with the increase of the slender body's velocities. Under the condition that the length-to-diameter ratio and the velocity of the slender bodies are similar, the overall evolutionary trend of the overpressure generated by two kinds of slender bodies is similar. But the fluctuation range of the overpressure amplitude of the plat warhead is small, the curve oscillation amplitude of the adjacent time is large and the peak value of the overpressure for the truncated conical warhead is large. Under the same ratio of length to diameter, the velocity has no obvious influence on the trajectory of the slender body after hitting the ice particles. When the slender body collides with ice particles, the deflection angle of its trajectory is larger than that of impacting on the edge of ice particles. When the slender body collides with the ice particles, the interaction between the ice particles and the slender body is large, and the deflection angle of the slender body is larger after impact.
Tuning the roughness of aluminum surfaces for superrepellency and absorptivity
Authors: Chang Chun-Ti , Bhak Andrew J , Hanggi Daniel J , Kemler Kayla M , Malkani Arnav S , Kang Edward W
Published: June 2022

Superrepellent surfaces are known to be made by surface roughening. However, optimizing roughness solely for non-wetting and low hysteresis, which promotes self-cleaning, typically occurs at a cost to other properties. The other property, considered here as illustrative, is energy absorption from impinging sunlight. Roughness can be tuned for self-cleaning or alternatively for energy absorption, yet the roughness scales for superrepellency and absorptivity do not align cooperatively. Demonstrated here are a twin of simple fabrication methods that tune aluminum surfaces for good self-cleaning and for solar energy absorption. Our results show that superrepellency is favored by roughness scales of microns or smaller alone. On the other hand, roughness of a few microns to tens of microns significantly improves absorption. Our characterizations of surfaces made by the two methods demonstrate how tuning microscale roughness trades superrepellency for absorptivity. The surfaces are robust and the fabrication method is economical. Solar heat harvesting applications may benefit.