bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of resources applied to rationalize elimination mechanisms
Authors: Gao Sean , Outlaw Taylor C. , Liang-Lin Jason G. , Feng Alina , Shimomura Reika , Roizen Jennifer L. , Cox Charles T.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to analyze second-semester organic chemistry students’ problem-solving strategies, specifically focusing on the resources activated while solving problems on E2, E1, and E1cB elimination reactions. Using the theoretical framework by Elby and Hammer, we defined a resource as a unit of information used in the problem-solving process. The resources activated to solve elimination reaction problems were probed using a mixed-methods approach using survey assessments and think-aloud interviews. The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively following a validated set of scoring criteria. The results align with existing findings that students focus on surface-level structural information and use resources that have been repetitively emphasized over multiple semesters. Resources related to acid–base chemistry were activated more often than reaction-specific resources, such as conformational analyses or carbocation rearrangements. Although acid–base resources aid students in successfully analyzing reaction mechanisms, additional resources must be activated to rationalize specific mechanisms and to explain the products formed. This calls for instructors to provide formative and summative assessments that evaluate the many resources required to elucidate elimination reaction mechanisms and product stereochemistry.
Mixing cage cations in 2D metal-halide ferroelectrics enhances the ferro-pyro-phototronic effect for self-driven photopyroelectric detection
Authors: Ma Yu , Li Wenjing , Liu Yi , Guo Wuqian , Xu Haojie , Han Shiguo , Tang Liwei , Fan Qingshun , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: September 2023

For the first time, this work presents enhanced FPP effects by mixing cage cations in 2D metal-halide ferroelectrics, which provides new insight into the fundamental principles of ferroelectrics.
Gas-phase preparation of azulene (C10H8) and naphthalene (C10H8) via the reaction of the resonantly stabilized fulvenallenyl (C7H5˙) and propargyl (C3H3˙) radicals
Authors: Li Wang , Yang Jiuzhong , Zhao Long , Couch David , Marchi Myrsini San , Hansen Nils , Morozov Alexander N. , Mebel Alexander M. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: September 2023

The gas-phase reaction of two resonantly stabilized radicals synthesizes the 10π Hückel aromatic azulene and naphthalene – which can be embedded into saddle-shaped carbonaceous nanostructures exhibiting positive and negative curvatures.
Modulating paired Ir–O–Ir via electronic perturbations of correlated Ir single atoms to overcome catalytic selectivity
Authors: Chen Shi-Hua , Yang Yuan-Fan , Song Zong-Yin , Xiao Xiang-Yu , Huang Cong-Cong , Cai Xin , Li Pei-Hua , Yang Meng , Chen Aicheng , Liu Wen-Qing , Huang Xing-Jiu
Published: September 2023

The active center of a paired Ir–O–Ir structure was generated via electronic perturbations of correlated Ir single atoms on Co3O4 nanosheets, and the O atom of which functioned as the main active site for the selective electrocatalysis of As(iii).
Selection criteria for current collectors for highly efficient anode-free Zn batteries
Authors: Blumen Omer , Bergman Gil , Schwatrzman Keren , Harpaz Sara , Akella Sri Harsha , Chae Munseok S. , Bruchiel-Spanier Netta , Shpigel Netanel , Sharon Daniel
Published: September 2023

This work provides comprehensive investigations of reversible zinc metal electrodeposition on various metallic and nonmetallic substrates and describes the main factors influencing the coulombic efficiency of the process.
Trace Mn decorating nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for self-powered bio-electro-fenton cells toward simulated wastewater treatment
Authors: Xiao Jun , Xiong Fengfeng , Yu Shenjie , Chen Kai , Ci Suqin , Wen Zhenhai
Published: September 2023

A self-aerated air-diffusion-floating electrode based on trace Mn decorating nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for simulated wastewater treatment in bio-electric-Fenton cells.
Remodeling arteries: studying the mechanical properties of 3D-bioprinted hybrid photoresponsive materials
Authors: Aizarna-Lopetegui Uxue , García-Astrain Clara , Renero-Lecuna Carlos , González-Callejo Patricia , Villaluenga Irune , del Pozo Miguel A. , Sánchez-Álvarez Miguel , Henriksen-Lacey Malou , Jimenez de Aberasturi Dorleta
Published: September 2023

A 3D-printed artery wall model that mimics arterial pulsation is reported where the expansion and contraction of thermoresponsive polymers through plasmonic nanoparticles results in the activation of mechanotransduction gene pathways.
Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in dynamic pathway engineering
Authors: Merzbacher Charlotte , Oyarzún Diego A.
Published: September 2023

Dynamic pathway engineering aims to build metabolic production systems embedded with intracellular control mechanisms for improved performance. These control systems enable host cells to self-regulate the temporal activity of a production pathway in response to perturbations, using a combination of biosensors and feedback circuits for controlling expression of heterologous enzymes. Pathway design, however, requires assembling together multiple biological parts into suitable circuit architectures, as well as careful calibration of the function of each component. This results in a large design space that is costly to navigate through experimentation alone. Methods from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are gaining increasing attention as tools to accelerate the design cycle, owing to their ability to identify hidden patterns in data and rapidly screen through large collections of designs. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the application of machine learning methods to the design of dynamic pathways and their components. We cover recent successes and offer perspectives for future developments in the field. The integration of AI into metabolic engineering pipelines offers great opportunities to streamline design and discover control systems for improved production of high-value chemicals.
The compactness of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies: A new challenge?
Authors: Revaz Yves
Published: September 2023

So far, numerical simulations of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies (UFDs) have failed to properly reproduce the observed size–luminosity relation. In particular, no hydrodynamical simulation run has managed to form UFDs with a half-light radius as small as 30 pc, as seen in observations of several UFD candidates. We tackle this problem by developing a simple but numerically clean and powerful method in which predictions of the stellar content of UFDs from ΛCDM cosmological hydrodynamical simulations are combined with very high-resolution dark-matter-only runs. This method allows us to trace the buildup history of UFDs and to determine the impact of the merger of building-block objects on their final size. We find that, while no UFDs more compact than 20 pc can be formed, slightly larger systems are only reproduced if all member stars originate from the same initial mini-halo. However, this imposes that (i) the total virial mass is smaller than 3 × 108 M⊙, and (ii) the stellar content prior to the end of the reionisation epoch is very compact (< 15 pc) and strongly gravitationally bound, which is a challenge for current hydrodynamical numerical simulations. If initial stellar building blocks are larger than 35 pc, the size of the UFD will extend to 80 pc. Finally, our study shows that UFDs keep strong imprints of their buildup history in the form of elongated or extended stellar halos. Those features can erroneously be interpreted as tidal signatures.
Cor Triatriatum Dextrum: A Case Report
Authors: McCormick J.S. , Campbell D.
Published: September 2023

This paper describes a diagnosis of and surgical treatment of Cor Triatriatum Dextrum in a term baby who, six hours postpartum, was determined to be cyanotic. The diagnosis was reached using twodimensional echocardiography and angiocardiography. This case is the second diagnosis of cor triatriatum dextrum made during the first day of life, and the first successful surgery of this type performed on a newborn.
Comparison of Terumo Hollow Fiber Membrane and Harvey 1500 Bubble Oxygenators Using Red Cell Microrheology Analysis during Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Belboul Ali , AI Khaja Najib , Hirayama Tetsuzo , Dahlin Annica , Karlsson Hans , Roberts Donald
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 79(2) p. 209–215, Summer 1987, 47 refs.) Seventy-three patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were prospectively randomized into two groups to compare the effect of membrane (Terumo hollow-fiber [MO]); versus bubble (Harvey 1500 [BO]) oxygenation on red blood cell (RBC) deformability. Comparison of blood trauma was done by measuring the red cell filtration rate (RFR) which reflects changes in RBC deformability. In patients with a high (> 30 ul/sec) RFR before CPB, the M0-1 subgroup showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower reductions of RFR during CPB compared to the B0-1 subgroup. In patients with a low (< 30ul/sec) RFR before CPB, the M0-2 subgroup showed a significantly (p < 0.01) lower loss of RFR compared to the B0-2 subgroup. The use of blood gas-estimations also revealed that hyperoxia was more frequent in the BO group. The frequency of normal pO2 levels (75-97 mmHg) at 30 min., 60 min. and 90 min. of CPB in the MO group was 65%, 43% and 77% compared to 22%, 11% and 11% (p < 0.01) respectively in the BO group. The earliest significant RFR differences between the MO and BO groups could be detected at 30 minutes of CPB; differences in plasma hemoglobin reached significance after one hour of CPB. This study demonstrates a greater deleterious effect on red blood cells when a BO is used for CPB.
Detecting Malocclusion of the Aorta after Cross-Clampin
Authors: Mills Dennis , Golden Thomas , Wolfe Roxanne
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[2] p. 231-232 Summer 1987). The aortic cross-clamp, when applied, may not, for a variety of reasons, totally occlude the aorta. Leakage during cardioplegic infusion increases the volume required for effectiveness. Between infusions, systemic perfusate can warm the heart. Such leakage can lead to more frequent infusions of greater volume while minimizing myocardial protection. Described is a simple technique to assess the quality of occlusion immediately after the application of the aortic cross-clamp.
Activated Clotting Time (ACT): The Reproducibility of Three Techniques
Authors: Sillick Paul V. , Amiot Daniel M. , Pancner George
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[3] p. 265-267 Fall 1987, 6 ref.) The ACT has routinely been used to monitor anticoagulation during surgical procedures, including open heart surgery. Since there is no laboratory substrate that can serve as a control for the test, it is important to know the reproducibility of the ACT. This study examined the reproducibility of three ACT techniques using the single syringe method.

Before heparinization, a 7cc sample of blood was collected from each of 50 open heart surgery patients. From this sample two Hemochron ACTs (H-ACT), two Sonoclot Coagulation ACTs (SonACT), and two manual ACTs (M-ACT) were simultaneously performed. The mean ± S.D. (seconds) was found to be 105.6 ± 31.8 for the SonACT, 109.7 ± 27.2 for the H-ACT, and 126.8 ± 15.4 for theM-ACT. Five minutes after heparinization the ACTs showed means of 485.5 ± 93.3 for the Son ACT, 455.6 ± 1 01.9 for the HACT, and 471.2 ± 84.9 for the M-ACT.

The absolute value of the difference between the paired observations, a function of the reproducibility, was seen to have a mean of 8.8 ± 13.4 for the SonACT, 6.1 ± 7.0 for the H-ACT, and 8.3 ± 7.6 for theM-ACT. Post heparinization, the absolute difference between the paired observations gave means of 90.7 ± 99.7 for the SonACT, 56.7 ± 59.8 for the HACT, and 40.4 ± 45.4 for the M-ACT.

Before heparinization, all three techniques gave acceptable results. With heparinization the M-ACT showed the most reproducibility, followed by the H-ACT, while the SonACT provided the least consistent results.
Evaluation of Three Types of Membrane Oxygenators and Their Suitability for Use with Pulsatile Flow
Authors: Gassmann Craig J. , Galbraith George D. , Smith Ricky G.
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[3] p. 297-304 Fall 1987, 26 ref.) Three types of single-pumphead arterial line microporous polypropylene membrane oxygenators were evaluated: 1) flat plate; 2) hollow fiber with blood path inside the fibers; and 3) hollow fiber with blood path outside the fibers. These oxygenator types were evaluated to determine what hemodynamic effects they would have on the pulse waveform in the extracorporeal arterial line and the radial artery monitoring line of the patient during pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass. Gaseous microemboli (GME) generated by these oxygenators during pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass were also measured.

Hemodynamically, the flat plate type exhibited the greatest tendency to dampen the pulsatile waveform because it is the most compliant membrane of the three types evaluated. The hollow fiber with blood path inside the fibers type had the highest line pressures proximal to the membrane and low pressure distal to the membrane because it is the most resistant to flow (i.e., high resistance across the membrane). The hollow fiber with blood path outside the fibers type had the least effect on the transmission of the pulsatile waveform because it has very low resistance across the membrane and very little compliance.

With regard to gaseous microemboli, the flat plate type and the hollow fiber with blood path outside the fibers type had negligible counts, during both continuous flow and pulsatile flow. The hollow fiber with blood path inside the fibers type had somewhat elevated gaseous microemboli counts, especially during initiation of pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass; however, these diminished with time.

We conclude that the hollow fiber with blood path outside the fibers type is the type oxygenator of choice when employing pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass with an arterial line membrane oxygenator.
Low Dose Protamine for Heparin Reversal in 40 Consecutive Cardiopulmonary Bypass Patients
Authors: Scalia Frank E. , Cimochowski George E.
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[3] p. 348-351 Fall 1987, 13 ref.) Reversal of systemic heparinization in cardiac surgery has been a subject of controversy for some time. For reversal, protamine sulfate (PS) is given in as high a dose as 2:1. We heparinize our patients with 2.0 mg./kg. of beef lung heparin and reverse this with 70% of the total heparin dose. The mean preoperative activated clotting time (ACT) was 148 seconds. The mean ACT on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was 446 seconds. After successfully weaning the patients from CPB at a bladder temperature of 37°C or greater, the 70% dose of PS was given resulting in a mean ACT of 134 seconds post bypass. The mean post-operative blood loss was 695cc (230cc-3120cc) with only 32% (13 patients) requiring platelet administration and 22% (9 patients) requiring fresh frozen plasma (FFP). No patient required re-operation for hemorrhage. There were 33 coronary artery bypass grafts, all of which were on aspirin and persantine, four aortic valve replacements and three atrial septal defects. These data strongly suggest that heparin reversal can be obtained with low dose PS when these patients are weaned from CPB at 37°C bladder temperature.
Pulmonary Artery to Descending Thoracic Aorta Bypass: An Alternative Approach to Vascular Access for Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Gil William J. , Lansing Allan M. , Gornet Patricia H.
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[3] p. 372-375 Fall 1987, 8 ref.) A variety of conditions can increase the mortality and morbidity of a midsternotomy approach for cardiothoracic surgery. Among these complicating conditions are reoperations, sternal infections and past mediastinal radiation therapy. In the face of the inherent risks of midsternotomy in these situations an alternate, left thoracotomy approach, has successfully been employed.

The left thoracotomy approach for cardiopulmonary bypass necessitates a unique cannulation technique. The pulmonary artery is cannulated for venous return to the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Systemic blood flow to the patient is via the descending thoracic aorta. The femoral artery may also be used for arterial access.

The physiological principles that allow the pulmonary artery to be used as the venous cannulation site, the cardiothoracic procedures this may avail itself to, and the safety techniques used when this approach is employed will be discussed. Several cases in which this technique was used will also be reviewed.
Surveying the Research Interests, Needs and Productivity of Perfusion Educators
Authors: Bennett Denise E. , Beckley Philip D.
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[3] p. 384-391 Fall 1987, 5 ref.) The continuing advances in perfusion have brought an increased need for research to validate professional roles and practices. Perfusion educators are faced with increased expectations that they will conduct this research even though many feel they do not have the background or support to do so.

In an effort to address these concerns, a national study was done to determine the research interests, needs, skills, and productivity of educators in the field of perfusion. The goal of the study was 1) to determine the level of involvement in research activities of perfusion faculty; 2) to identify research interests of these educators; 3) to characterize the current research environment; 4) to determine the research background of perfusion educators; and 5) to identify continuing education needs for research productivity.

Twenty-seven perfusion education programs were contacted for lists of their current faculty members. A survey questionnaire was mailed to the 63 names received. Completed surveys were received from 26 individuals (41%). The overall results of the survey indicate low research productivity, a lack of research skills and support for research, and a need for workshops dealing with the development of research skills.
Ten Common Perfusion Problems: Prevention and Treatment Protocols
Authors: Schabel Ramona Kay , Berryessa Richard G. , Justison George A. , Tyndal Charles M. , Schumann John
Published: September 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[3] p. 392-398 Fall 1987, 30 ref.) Research has been done regarding the unfortunate consequences of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) problems, but written recommendations for preventing these problems have not been addressed. There are few, if any, commonly accepted protocols (which may decrease morbidity and/or mortality) to deal with specific perfusion accidents. We studied reports dealing with the incidence and nature of perfusion complications and found the most common perfusion problems included: protamine reaction, hypoperfusion, oxygenator failure, blood clotting within the extracorporeal circuit, line separation, gross contamination, transfusion errors, drug errors, gas embolism, and electrical failure. The purpose of this paper is to identify the perfusion problems that are “most likely” to occur, to recommend preventive measures, and to give examples of emergency protocols for treatment of these events. It is felt that the risk of perfusion accidents can be decreased through the use and practice of written prevention and treatment protocols and we recommend that perfusionists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists together do a failure analysis of their own systems and develop prevention and treatment protocols designed for their own needs.
CT im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Tsiflikas Ilias
Published: September 2023

CT-Untersuchungen von Kindern und Jugendlichen sind trotz aller Weiterentwicklungen der CT-Technik immer noch eine Herausforderung. Themen dieses Beitrags sind die Vorbereitung dieser
Untersuchungen, dedizierte pädiatrische CT-Protokolle mit dem Hauptfokus auf der Verringerung der Strahlendosis und typische CT-Indikationen.
Predictors of success of conventional ERCP for bile duct stones and need for single-operator cholangioscopy
Authors: El Menabawey Tareq , Mulay Akhilesh , Graham David , Phillpotts Simon , Sethi Amrita , Webster George J
Published: September 2023

Background and study aims The characteristics of difficult stones requiring cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy are poorly defined. We sought to determine clinician perception of these characteristics and decision-making in biliary endoscopy.

Methods One hundred twenty-four delegates attending an online
course were invited to assess 20 clinical stone cases. Each image was graded on a 4-point
Likert for: grading of stone difficulty, confidence of clearance with conventional endoscopic
retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) methods, likelihood of needing
cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy, and confidence of clearance with one session of
lithotripsy. An independent reviewer rated each case on largest stone size, stone number,
presence of stricture distal to stone, size of stone relative to distal duct size, and acute
common bile duct (CBD) angulation < 135°. Multilevel (mixed) statistical methods with a
two-level model were utilized with multilevel ordinal logistic regression.

Results Stone size and location, stricture and stone
diameter:duct ratio impacted perceived procedural difficulty P <
0.01). Stone:duct ratio (< 50% odds ratio [OR] 0.22, P <
0.001), stricture (OR 7.26, P < 0.001) and stone location
impacted confidence of clearance with conventional ERCP. Intrahepatic and cystic duct stones
were least likely to engender confidence (P < 0.01). The same
factors plus CBD angulation < 135° predicted cholangioscopy requirement (P < 0.01). Stone number did not influence procedure difficulty or
cholangioscopy requirement. Strictures (OR 0.29, P < 0.001) and
location, especially intrahepatic (OR 0.42, P < 0.001) impaired
confidence in clearance with one cholangioscopy session.

Conclusions Ductal anatomy, the presence of a stricture distal to a stone, cystic and intrahepatic stones and stones larger than the distal duct are considered by endoscopists to be significant predictors of requiring cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy.
Exploring the Relationship between Masseter and Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Young Adults with Hearing Thresholds Less Than or Equal to 15 dB HL
Authors: Vispute Rutuja , Neupane Anuj Kumar
Published: September 2023

Abstract Background Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) and masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs) are considered to have a common saccular origin. While a few studies have examined both vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials
(VEMPs) in individuals with brainstem disorders as part of a test battery, the relation between these two potentials has rarely been the subject of discussion. Purpose The present study explored the relation between mVEMPs and cVEMPs using electromyography (EMG)-scaled parameters
in normal-hearing young adults. Research Design Within-subject study design. Study Sample Twenty young adults between 18 and 39 years of age (11 males, 9 females) participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis cVEMP and mVEMP were performed
on all the participants at 95 dBnHL with 500 Hz tone burst stimuli. Various VEMP parameters were evaluated including P13 and N23 peak latencies, the amplitude of the P13‐N23 complex, and the Interaural Amplitude Asymmetry Ratio in EMG-scaled and unscaled conditions.
Results All participants exhibited a 100% response rate for cVEMP and mVEMP responses. There were no significant ears and gender effect for both cVEMP and mVEMP. No correlation was found between cVEMP and mVEMP. There was no significant difference found between P1 and N1 latency
values of cVEMP and mVEMP; however, a significant variation was observed for peak-to-peak amplitude both in EMG-scaled and unscaled conditions between cVEMP and mVEMP. Conclusions Minimal to no association between any parameters of cVEMPs and mVEMPs suggests no significant
relationship between these two VEMPs.
Enhanced photoemission performance of an AlGaN photocathode by a superlattice emission layer
Authors: Du Jinjuan , Cheng Hongchang , Li Yang , Chen Peng , Zhang Ruoyu , Guo Xin , Zhu Yufeng , Miao Zhuang , Zhang Yijun , Liu Lei
Published: September 2023

The AlGaN photocathode with a superlattice emission layer was grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The existence of the superlattice structure was confirmed using a transmission electron microscope, and its optical and electrical properties were measured. The results showed that the introduction of a superlattice emission layer can reduce the transmittance and reflectance at 275 nm and improve the absorption of incident light. In particular, the Hall measurement results indicate that the introduction of a superlattice structure can significantly increase the concentration of holes in the AlGaN photocathode material. The activation experiment demonstrated that the photocurrent of the AlGaN photocathode subassembly with a superlattice structure increased significantly after Cs/O activation and that it showed better photoemission performance. The increase in the incident light absorption to produce more photoelectrons, the enhancement of photoelectron transport capacity by the polarized electric field generated by the superlattice structure, and the reduction in the surface barrier caused by the higher hole concentration were responsible for the significant improvement in photoemission performance.
Permittivity from first principles
Authors: Zypman Fredy R.
Published: September 2023

Dielectric properties of materials are generally introduced phenomenologically through empirical values of permittivity. While this approach is necessary for practical work, it must be recognized that it bypasses the question of whether it is possible to predict permittivity values from first principles and thus get a deeper grasp of the physics involved in bridging the microscopic system and its macroscopic properties. Theoretical frameworks to gain insight and to compute exactly permittivity values are desirable to understand the nuances that go into building this bridge. We introduce here such a theoretical model system to gain physical intuition on the microscopic origin of the permittivity. The system consists of electrons in a one-dimensional atomic chain in the presence of an external electric field, where each atom is a binding site. We first consider a single atom in an external field to study atomic polarization, justify the model, tune the parameters, and compare with perturbative approaches. We then consider the assembly of many such atoms in a periodic arrangement and study its band-structure, including explicitly the external electric field. Last, within this model we develop explicit formulas for the permittivity in terms of relevant physical parameters. Finally, we obtain a numerically value for the permittivity of the system for typical values of binding energy and electric field.
Bayesian and non-Bayesian analysis with MCMC algorithm of stress-strength for a new two parameters lifetime model with applications
Authors: Alsadat Najwan , Almetwally Ehab M. , Elgarhy Mohammed , Ahmad Hijaz , Marei Ghareeb A.
Published: September 2023

A parallel system is one of the special redundant systems that industrial systems frequently use to increase reliability and prevent unexpected failures. In this paper, a new two-parameter model called the Poisson Rayleigh distribution (PRD) is studied. Some of its statistical properties are given. Particularly, we emphasize the study of the stress–strength (SS) reliability parameter, R = p(Y < X), when X and Y have a PRD. Maximum likelihood, maximum product spacing, and Bayesian strategies are utilized to estimate the parameters. Maximum likelihood, maximum product spacing, and Bayesian techniques for R are computed. To assess how each estimation method performs, a simulation study is conducted. In order to demonstrate the adaptability of the suggested model, its goodness of fit for the PRD comparison with other models is demonstrated by application to real datasets. Finally, the SS model for the PRD was applied with two applications of real data depicting the failure times for two types of electrical insulators and pertaining to customer wait times at two banks.
Single-flux-quantum-based qubit control with tunable driving strength
Authors: Liu 刘 Kuang 匡 , Wang 王 Yifan 一凡 , Ji 季 Bo 波 , Gao 高 Wanpeng 万鹏 , Lin 林 Zhirong 志荣 , Wang 王 Zhen 镇
Published: September 2023

Single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuits have great potential in building cryogenic quantum-classical interfaces for scaling up superconducting quantum processors. SFQ-based quantum gates have been designed and realized. However, current control schemes are difficult to tune the driving strength to qubits, which restricts the gate length and usually induces leakage to unwanted levels. In this study, we design the scheme and corresponding pulse generator circuit to continuously adjust the driving strength by coupling SFQ pulses with variable intervals. This scheme not only provides a way to adjust the SFQ-based gate length, but also proposes the possibility to tune the driving strength envelope. Simulations show that our scheme can suppress leakage to unwanted levels and reduce the error of SFQ-based Clifford gates by more than an order of magnitude.
Direct measurement of nonlocal quantum states without approximation
Authors: Yang 杨 Gang 冈 , Yang 杨 Ran 然 , Gong 龚 Yan-Xiao 彦晓 , Zhu 祝 Shi-Ning 世宁
Published: September 2023

Efficient acquiring information from a quantum state is important for research in fundamental quantum physics and quantum information applications. Instead of using standard quantum state tomography method with reconstruction algorithm, weak values were proposed to directly measure density matrix elements of quantum state. Recently, similar to the concept of weak value, modular values were introduced to extend the direct measurement scheme to nonlocal quantum wavefunction. However, this method still involves approximations, which leads to inherent low precision. Here, we propose a new scheme which enables direct measurement for ideal value of the nonlocal density matrix element without taking approximations. Our scheme allows more accurate characterization of nonlocal quantum states, and therefore has greater advantages in practical measurement scenarios.
Assessing the potential benefits of methane oxidation technologies using a concentration-based framework
Authors: Abernethy Sam , Kessler Max I , Jackson Robert B
Published: September 2023

Lowering the atmospheric methane concentration is critical to reducing short-term global warming because of methane’s high radiative forcing and relatively short lifetime. Methane could be destroyed at its emissions sources or removed from the atmosphere by oxidizing it to carbon dioxide and water vapor, greatly lowering the warming effect. Here we provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first estimate of the amount of methane that is emitted at a given concentration. We use this to assess the potential benefits (global temperature, air quality, and economic) of various technologies that could oxidize methane above specific concentration thresholds. We estimate that global mean surface temperature could be reduced by 0.2 °C ± 0.1 °C by continuously oxidizing all anthropogenic methane emitted above 1000 parts per million (the lowest concentration addressable with current commercial technologies). Continuously oxidizing all methane currently emitted above ten parts per million could cause 0.4 °C ± 0.2 °C of cooling. For the economic benefit of removing atmospheric methane to outweigh the associated energy cost, we show that reactors that use heat to oxidize methane must operate at most 3 °C ± 2 °C above ambient temperature while those that use light must convert at least 9% ± 8% of photons into oxidized methane molecules. Our framework can be used by scientists, engineers, and policymakers to better understand the connections between methane sources, including their emission rates and concentrations, and the technologies that can oxidize those emissions.
Upward job mobility in local economies
Authors: Henning Martin , Kekezi Orsa
Published: September 2023

This article studies upward job mobility in different types of local economies. Relying on Swedish register data, we disentangle the impacts stemming from local labour market size, the presence of related industries and occupations and the size of own-industry and own-occupation concentrations. Results show that the local economic structure is important in shaping upward mobility outcomes. However, we observe different impacts from local industry-versus-occupation agglomerations and depending on whether people move from lower-paid or higher-paid jobs. The results have important implications for understanding the drivers of upward job mobility in times of increasing labour market polarization and regional divergence.
An overview of infective endocarditis in the context of COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Goncalves Ricardo , Meel Ruchika
Published: September 2023

Infective endocarditis (IE) in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging clinical entity. If not identified timeously, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Herein, we provide an overview of the literature supported by a clinical vignette, and highlight the importance of early recognition and management of IE in the context of COVID-19 infection.
Nanopore-based direct sequencing of RNA transcripts with 10 different modified nucleotides reveals gaps in existing technology
Authors: Burdick Joshua T , Comai Annelise , Bruzel Alan , Sun Guangxin , Dedon Peter C , Cheung Vivian G
Published: September 2023

RNA undergoes complex posttranscriptional processing including chemical modifications of the nucleotides. The resultant-modified nucleotides are an integral part of RNA sequences that must be considered in studying the biology of RNA and in the design of RNA therapeutics. However, the current “RNA-sequencing” methods primarily sequence complementary DNA rather than RNA itself, which means that the modifications present in RNA are not captured in the sequencing results. Emerging direct RNA-sequencing technologies, such as those offered by Oxford Nanopore, aim to address this limitation. In this study, we synthesized and used Nanopore technology to sequence RNA transcripts consisting of canonical nucleotides and 10 different modifications in various concentrations. The results show that direct RNA sequencing still has a baseline error rate of >10%, and although some modifications can be detected, many remain unidentified. Thus, there is a need to develop sequencing technologies and analysis methods that can comprehensively capture the total complexity of RNA. The RNA sequences obtained through this project are made available for benchmarking analysis methods.
Irrelevant Interests? A Qualitative Study Into How German Family Surrogates of Persons Living With Dementia Fulfill Their Legal Role as Advocates of an Advance Directive
Authors: Fischer Julia , Roßmeier Carola , Hartmann Julia , Riedl Lina , Tensil Maria , Diehl-Schmid Janine , Jox Ralf J
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

German legislation establishes advance directives (ADs) as legally binding instruments that all involved parties need to adhere to. This applies also to family members who have been authorized as official surrogates of the AD’s author. As surrogates, they are expected to make sure that the AD is being implemented. Our study aims at uncovering how family members experience their legally assigned role as an advocate of an AD.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted 25 episodic interviews with family surrogates of persons living with dementia and used thematic analysis to make sense of our interview data.

Results

Family surrogates expressed scepticism toward ADs as instruments for planning end-of-life care. They did not necessarily follow the decisions expressed in the AD. We found cases in which family surrogates intentionally refrained from bringing the ADs to the attention of health care providers as well as cases in which the ADs conflicted with self-related interests of family surrogates.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings lead us to critique the legal construction of family surrogates as advocates of the AD. Family members are directly and enduringly affected by the end-of-life care decisions that the AD sets out and are thus no neutral agents who have no stake in the matter. Expecting them to simply transmit decisions formulated in the AD means expecting them to render their own interests irrelevant—which, arguably, might be too much to ask.
Does Subsidized Housing Prevent Health Decline and 2-Year Mortality Among Low-Income Older Renters?
Authors: Jenkins Morales Meghan , Robert Stephanie A
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

A growing number of older adults in the United States need subsidized housing, but only 36% of eligible households receive assistance. The purpose of this study is to examine if older renters living in subsidized housing are less likely to experience health decline and mortality over 2 years compared to low-income older renters who are likely eligible, but do not receive assistance.

Research Design and Methods

Baseline data include 671 subsidized and unsubsidized low-income older renters from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Outcomes of interest include self-rated health decline, developing a new activity limitation, or 2-year mortality between 2015 and 2017. Weighted stepwise logistic regression models test (a) if subsidized older renters were less likely to experience health decline or 2-year mortality compared to unsubsidized older renters, and (b) if housing quality and neighborhood factors mediate the association between subsidized housing and health decline/mortality.

Results

Subsidized older renters were less likely to develop a new activity limitation compared to unsubsidized older renters, but there was not a statistically significant difference in experiencing self-rated health decline or 2-year mortality by subsidized housing status. Housing quality and neighborhood factors did not significantly mediate this association.

Discussion and Implications

The results provide some support that improving access to subsidized housing for low-income older renters may have additional health benefits, even in the short term. To inform program improvements and maximize potential health benefits, more research is needed to understand the specific health-promoting features of subsidized housing.
The Requirement of Originality in the Copyright Laws of the Arab Gulf States: Perspectives from Author’s Rights Jurisdictions
Authors: Olwan Rami , Al-Balushi Riyadh
Published: September 2023

Originality is crucial for the advancement of humanity, creativity and the development of knowledge and literature. No effective understanding of copyright law in any country would be complete without understanding the standard of ‘originality’ required to provide copyright protection. It is the only requirement that must be satisfied for any work to be protected in the copyright laws of the Arab Gulf States that adopt the droit d’auteur, or author’s rights system, and are mainly influenced by civil law. This article explains the different meanings of ‘originality’ and considers this important requirement in international intellectual property and copyright treaties and conventions, mainly the Berne Convention 1886, the Arab Copyright Treaty 1981, the TRIPS Agreement 1995, and the WCT 1996. It also discusses the ‘originality’ requirement in civil law and author’s rights jurisdictions in France and Germany.

It provides an overview of the ‘creativity’ (originality) requirement in the copyright laws of Arab Gulf States and analyses the eight principles of ‘creativity’ in those countries. Finally, the article provides various suggestions and recommendations for legislators and policymakers in the Arab Gulf States to harmonise and reform their copyright legislations and the ‘originality’ requirement.
VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 form a regulatory feedback loop to balance anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Mu Huayuan , Yuan Ling , Li Yang , Li Yuting , Li Shenchang , Ren Chong , Duan Wei , Fan Peige , Dai Zhanwu , Zhou Yongfeng , Liang Zhenchang , Li Shaohua , Wang Lijun
Published: September 2023

Anthocyanins are essential for the quality of perennial horticultural crops, such as grapes. In grapes, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and MYBA1 are two critical transcription factors that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis. Our previous work has shown that Vitis vinifera B-box protein 44 (VvBBX44) inhibits anthocyanin synthesis and represses VvHY5 expression in grape calli. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying this regulation was unclear. In this study, we found that loss of VvBBX44 function resulted in increased anthocyanin accumulation in grapevine callus. VvBBX44 directly represses VvMYBA1, which activates VvBBX44. VvMYBA1, but not VvBBX44, directly modulates the expression of grape UDP flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (VvUFGT). We demonstrated that VvBBX44 represses the transcriptional activation of VvUFGT and VvBBX44 induced by VvMYBA1. However, VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 did not physically interact in yeast. The application of exogenous anthocyanin stimulated VvBBX44 expression in grapevine suspension cells and tobacco leaves. These findings suggest that VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 form a transcriptional feedback loop to prevent overaccumulation of anthocyanin and reduce metabolic costs. Our work sheds light on the complex regulatory network that controls anthocyanin biosynthesis in grapevine.
Molecular and biochemical changes in Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) infected with Paranosema locustae
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Yang Kun , Wang Han , Liu Hui , Shi Wangpeng , Kabak Iliya , Ji Rong , Hu Hongxia
Published: September 2023

Microsporidia are a group of eukaryotic intracellular parasitic organisms that infect almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. Paranosema locustae are specialized parasites of Orthoptera that are often used as biological controls of locusts, with slow effects of action. In this study, we found that after infection with P. locustae, changes in energy metabolism in male and female Locusta migratoria as were consistent, with no gender differences. During the first 8 days of infection, L. migratoria used sugar as a source of energy. After 8 days, lipids and proteins were consumed to provide energy when the spore load was considerably heavy, and energy supply was insufficient. With increasing infection concentration and time, energy conversion from sugar, fats, and proteins was improved, which may explain why high mortality did not occur until about 15 days after P. locustae infection. The tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that most altered metabolism-related proteins were upregulated (27 of 29 in the metabolic pathway). This result suggests that P. locustae infection accelerated metabolism in L. migratoria, which facilitated the pathogen’s life cycle, inhibiting the growth and development of the locusts and eventually killing them. Our findings will be useful to better understand of the chronic pathogenic mechanisms of P. locustae and inform on applications of P. locustae to control locusts.
Optical and X-ray variations during five outbursts of Aql X-1 in 3.6 yr from 2016
Authors: Niwano Masafumi , Murata Katsuhiro L , Ito Naohiro , Yatsu Yoichi , Kawai Nobuyuki
Published: September 2023

We analysed optical/X-ray quasi-simultaneous light curves of Aql X-1, obtained by Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image, Zwicky Transient Facility, and Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope network in about 3.6 yr from 2016, for understanding electromagnetic radiation mechanisms during its outbursts. As a result, we confirmed that five outbursts had detected in the epoch, and that three outbursts underwent the X-ray state transition across Low-Hard, In-Transition, and High-Soft state while remaining two outbursts stayed in the Low-Hard state. We found that the optical spectral energy distribution in the High-Soft state is consistent with a simplified irradiated disc model, and that the optical colour/magnitude variation can be explained by variations in the X-ray luminosity and the disc geometrical thickness.
Efficient simulations of ionized ISM emission lines: a detailed comparison between the FIRE high-redshift suite and observations
Authors: Yang Shengqi , Lidz Adam , Smith Aaron , Benson Andrew , Li Hui
Published: September 2023

The Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in the submillimetre and the JWST in the infrared have achieved robust spectroscopic detections of emission lines from the interstellar medium (ISM) in some of the first galaxies. These unprecedented measurements provide valuable information regarding the ISM properties, stellar populations, galaxy morphologies, and kinematics in these high-redshift galaxies and, in principle, offer powerful tests of state of the art galaxy formation models, as implemented in hydrodynamical simulations. To facilitate direct comparisons between simulations and observations, we develop a fast post-processing pipeline to predict line emission from the H ii regions around simulated star particles, accounting for spatial variations in the surrounding gas density, metallicity, and incident radiation spectrum. Our ISM line emission model currently captures H α, H β, and all of the [O iii] and [O ii] lines targeted by ALMA and JWST at z > 6. We illustrate the power of this approach by applying our line emission model to the publicly available Feedback In Realistic Environments (FIRE) high-z simulation suite and perform a detailed comparison with current observations. We show that the FIRE mass–metallicity relation is in 1σ agreement with ALMA/JWST measurements after accounting for the inhomogeneities in the ISM properties. We also quantitatively validate the description of the one-zone model, which is widely used for interpreting [O iii] and H β line luminosity measurements. This model is publicly available and can be implemented on top of a broad range of galaxy formation simulations for comparison with JWST and ALMA measurements.
H i 21cm observations and dynamical modelling of the thinnest galaxy: FGC 2366
Authors: Aditya K , Banerjee Arunima , Kamphuis Peter , Mosenkov Aleksandr , Makarov Dmitry , Borisov Sviatoslav
Published: September 2023

Superthin galaxies are bulgeless low-surface brightness galaxies with unusually high major-to-minor axes ratio of the stellar disc, i.e. 10 < a/b < 20. We present Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) H i 21cm radio-synthesis observations of FGC 2366, the thinnest galaxy known with a/b = 21.6. Employing the 3D tilted-ring modelling using fully automated TiRiFiC (fat), we determine the structure and kinematics of the H i gas disc, obtaining an asymptotic rotational velocity equal to 100 km s−1 and a total H i mass equal to 109M⊙. Using z-band stellar photometry, we obtain a central surface brightness of 22.8 mag arcsec−2, a disc scale length of 2.6 kpc, and a scale height of 260 pc. Next, we determine the dark matter density profile by constructing a mass model and find that an Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) dark matter halo best-fits the steeply rising rotation curve. With the above mass inventory in place, we finally construct the dynamical model of the stellar disc of FGC 2366 using the stellar dynamical code ‘agama’. To identify the key physical mechanisms responsible for the superthin vertical structure, we carry out a Principal Component Analysis of the data corresponding to all the relevant dynamical parameters and a/b for a sample of superthin and extremely thin galaxies studied so far. We note that the first two principal components explain 80 per cent of the variation in the data, and the significant contribution is from the compactness of the mass distribution, which is fundamentally responsible for the existence of superthin stellar discs.