bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of ion-acoustic wave and its fractal representations in spin polarized electron plasma
Authors: Pradhan B , Gowrisankar A , Abdikian A , Banerjee Santo , Saha A
Published: May 2023

Propagation of small-amplitude quantum ion-acoustic waves and its fractal representations is investigated in an electron-ion quantum plasma with separated spin electrons in the framework of the KdV and EKdV equations derived using reductive perturbation technique. These two equations are transformed into planar dynamical systems by using suitable traveling wave transformation. Qualitatively different phase portraits of these two systems are drawn with their respective Sagdeev’s pseudopotential curves and surface plots. Distinct orbits in the phase portraits give rise to distinct wave solutions. Periodic and superperiodic wave solutions are investigated numerically and solitary wave solutions are derived analytically. The effect of parameters such as Mach number, direction cosine, spin polarization and frequency ratio on these wave solutions are presented. For instance, it is seen that the spin density polarization ratio has an impressive effect on the amplitude of the wave solution, while the frequency ratio has no effect on its amplitude. Also, we have provided a physical explanation for our finding. Further, the dynamical features of the original system and reconstructed system using fractal interpolation function are investigated under the external forcing term. Chaotic and quasiperiodic phenomena are observed for different initial conditions. The results may help to better understand the degenerate electron gas that exists in dense astrophysical bodies.
Propagation of quasi-diffraction-free lommel-airy vortex wavepackets in chiral media
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Qiu Yuanhuang , Li Wenbo , Qiu Yuzhong , Liu Zhirong
Published: May 2023

Lommel beams have significant applications in optical communication and optical manipulation due to the changeable symmetry of transverse intensity distribution and constantly varying orbital angular momentum. In this paper, a novel quasi-diffraction-free Lommel-Airy vortex (LAiV) wavepackets is proposed, and spatiotemporal dynamics of the LAiV wavepackets propagating in chiral media are investigated. Results indicate that several variables such as topological charge

n
,

group velocity

v

g

,

asymmetry factor

c
,

and chiral parameter

γ

could be used to regulate the profiles of the 3D spatiotemporal vortex rings. Particularly, the spatiotemporal propagation trajectories and intensity patterns of the LAiV wavepackets could be manipulated by altering the asymmetry factor

c

and the chiral parameter

γ
.

These results would deepen the understanding of the spatiotemporal propagation properties of the LAiV wavepackets and are expected to promote the development of the novel optical communications in chiral media.
Parity-odd and even trispectrum from axion inflation
Authors: Niu Xuce , Rahat Moinul Hossain , Srinivasan Karthik , Xue Wei
Published: May 2023

The four-point correlation function of primordial scalar perturbations has parity-even and
parity-odd contributions and the parity-odd signal in cosmological observations is opening a novel
window to look for new physics in the inflationary epoch. We study the distinct parity-odd and
even prediction from the axion inflation model, in which the inflaton couples to a vector field
via a Chern-Simons interaction, and the vector field is considered to be either approximately
massless (mA
≪ Hubble scale H) or very massive (mA
∼ H). The parity-odd signal
arises due to one transverse mode of the vector field being predominantly produced during
inflation. We adopt the in-in formalism to evaluate the correlation functions. Considering the
vector field mode function to be dominated by its real part up to a constant phase, we simplify
the formulas for numerical computations. The numerical studies show that the massive and massless
vector fields give significant parity-even signals, while the parity-odd contribution is about one
to two orders of magnitude smaller.
Proca-Higgs balls and stars in a UV completion for Proca self-interactions
Authors: Herdeiro Carlos , Radu Eugen , dos Santos Costa Filho Etevaldo
Published: May 2023

We consider a Proca-Higgs model wherein a complex vector field gains mass via spontaneous symmetry breaking, by coupling to a real scalar field with a Higgs-type potential.
This vector version of the scalar Friedberg-Lee-Sirlin model, can be considered as a UV completion of a complex Proca model with self-interactions. We study the flat spacetime and self-gravitating solitons of the model, that we dub Proca-Higgs balls and stars respectively, exploring the domain of solutions and describing some of their mathematical and physical properties. The stars reduce to the well-known (mini-)Proca stars in some limits. The full model evades the hyperbolicity problems of the self-interacting Proca models, offering novel possibilities for dynamical studies beyond mini-Proca stars.
Laser parameters affecting the asymmetric radiation of the electron in tightly focused intense laser pulses
Authors: Li 李 Xing-Yu 星宇 , Xia 夏 Wan-Yu 婉瑜 , Tian 田 You-Wei 友伟 , Ren 任 Shan-Ling 山令
Published: May 2023

The nonlinear radiation of the electron is a distinctive feature of the action of tightly focused linearly polarized lasers. In this paper, from the perspective of radiation symmetry, the effect of laser parameters on the electron radiation power in the time domain is studied systematically. An asymmetric bimodal structure is found in the time domain in the direction of the maximum radiation. For this special structure, an explanation is given based on the electron dynamics perspective. The structure is compared with the symmetric bimodal structure in the classical theory. The increase in laser intensity, while significantly increasing the radiated power of the electron, exacerbates the asymmetry of the electron radiation. The variation in the initial phase of the laser leads to a periodic variation in the electron motion, which results in a periodic extension of the electron spatial radiation with a period of π. Moreover, the existence of jump points with a phase difference of π in the range of 0–2π is found. The increase in pulse width reduces the radiated power, extends the radiation range, and alleviates the radiation asymmetry. The results in this paper contribute to the study of electron radiation characteristics in intense laser fields.
Simulation of space heavy-ion induced primary knock-on atoms in bipolar devices
Authors: Zhang 张 Bin 彬 , Jiang 姜 Hao 昊 , Xu 徐 Xiao-Dong 晓东 , Ying 应 Tao 涛 , Liu 刘 Zhong-Li 中利 , Li 李 Wei-Qi 伟奇 , Yang 杨 Jian-Qun 剑群 , Li 李 Xing-Ji 兴冀
Published: May 2023

Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) are often used in spacecraft due to their excellent working characteristics. However, the complex space radiation environment induces primary knock-on atoms (PKAs) in BJTs through collisions, resulting in hard-to-recover displacement damage and affecting the performance of electronic components. In this paper, the properties of PKAs induced by typical space heavy ions (C, N, O, Fe) in BJTs are investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. The simulated results show that the energy spectrum of ion-induced PKAs is primarily concentrated in the low-energy range (17 eV–100 eV) and displays similar features across all tested ions. The PKAs induced by the collision of energetic ions have large forward scattering angles, mainly around 88°. Moreover, the distribution of PKAs within a transistor as a function of depth displays a peak characteristic, and the peak position is linearly proportional to the incident energy at a certain energy range. These simulation outcomes serve as crucial theoretical support for long-term semiconductor material defect evolution and ground testing of semiconductor devices.
Scaling of thermoelectric inhomogeneities with temperature in platinum–rhodium alloyed thermocouples
Authors: Edler F
Published: May 2023

Thermoelectric inhomogeneities of type S, type R and Pt-20%Rh/Pt thermocouples were determined in the temperature range between 200 °C and 1000 °C in temperature steps of 50 °C. Immersion profiles with each thermocouple at each of the 16 scanning temperatures were measured. From the measured temperature dependencies of the inhomogeneities, methods were derived how thermoelectric inhomogeneities measured at only one or two scanning temperatures are quantitatively transferred to other temperatures or temperature ranges. For this purpose, thermoelectric inhomogeneities were classified as irreversible and reversible inhomogeneities, as they must be treated differently. Irreversible thermoelectric inhomogeneities can be extrapolated linearly with temperature or electromotive force from only one immersion profile measurement at an arbitrary temperature to other temperatures in the temperature range investigated. Reversible inhomogeneities in Pt/Rh alloyed thermocouples must be taken as a kind of unavoidable background inhomogeneity (noise) whose amplitude essentially depends on the alloy composition. The distinction between reversible and irreversible inhomogeneities is made by measuring immersion profiles at two scanning temperatures: first at a temperature between 400 °C and 450 °C, where reversible inhomogeneities have a maximum value and at a temperature between 600 °C and 700 °C, where reversible inhomogeneities have a minimum in contrast to irreversible inhomogeneities.
Plasma turbulence simulations in a diverted tokamak with applied resonant magnetic perturbations
Authors: Boinnard T. , Coelho A.J. , Loizu J. , Ricci P.
Published: May 2023

The first results of three-dimensional, flux-driven, electrostatic, global, two-fluid turbulence simulations of a diverted tokamak configuration with applied resonant magnetic perturbations generated by a set of saddle coils are presented. The simulations of an L-mode plasma show that the heat flux pattern on the divertor targets is affected by the resonant magnetic perturbations, as a result of the interplay between turbulent cross field transport and parallel flows. The simulation results reveal the potential of resonant magnetic perturbations to reduce the heat flux to the wall. In fact, the peak of the toroidally- and time-averaged heat flux as well as its value integrated over the divertor decrease as the amplitude of the magnetic perturbation increases, while the plasma sources are held constant.
Assessing quality of contributions to avian monitoring by non-scientists: a case study on individually banded wild birds
Authors: Puehringer-Sturmayr Verena , Rittenschober Julia , Gegendorfer Gudrun , Kleindorfer Sonia , Frigerio Didone
Published: May 2023

Long-term records of animal behaviour are useful sources of data for generating new testable hypotheses, though often human and financial resources limit opportunities to acquire such datasets. Citizen science can potentially fill the gap by generating win:win outcomes for science and society. In the present study, non-scientist participants (i.e. school classes and citizen scientists) joined the long-term monitoring of three avian model species (greylag goose, Anser anser; common ravens, Corvus corax; northern bald ibis, Geronticus eremita) by collecting sightings of individually marked birds. Objectives of the study were to address accuracy (in terms of correct identification of bands/species for individual birds) of the observations compiled by the participants depending on the specific tool used for data collection; compare the results obtained with analogue vs digital tools about the spatial abundances of the greylag geese; investigate potential differences in data collection depending on the species’ habits (ground-dwelling or not); and to merge both analogue and digital datasets to model spatial patterns of abundance for one of the monitored species, the greylag goose. Digital or analogue tools were used to collect data over three years. Training modules were offered before starting data collection. Data accuracy varied across focal species and tasks (range 12.5%–100% correct). Among the three monitored avian species, greylag geese (ground-dwelling) were observed the most compared to the common ravens and northern bald ibis (both aerial and/or arboreal). Furthermore, greylag geese showed differences in their abundance between locations as well as preferences for specific spatial hotspots within the study area. Spatial patterns did not differ between breeders and non-breeders. Our study underscores that participants of citizen science projects can contribute accurate behavioural data which could be used to develop a robust model of spatial patterns and abundance of the greylag goose. Involvement of non-scientist participants in research projects is expected to generate further benefits for science (management related decision) and society (enhanced knowledge and awareness of the process of scientific enquiry).
Landscape restoration and greening in Africa
Authors: Ruijsch Jessica , Teuling Adriaan J , Verbesselt Jan , Hutjes Ronald W A
Published: May 2023

As a reaction to ongoing environmental change, many local land restoration projects have emerged that aim to prevent or reverse land degradation, combat climate change through carbon sequestration or improve the local climate. However, the contribution of these projects to the greening of Africa at larger scales is still unknown due to the absence of a (public) complete database of land restoration projects, the lack of monitoring and the low survival rate of planted vegetation. Here, we use climate independent greening time series to detect local greening hotspots in Africa. We find that 2.1% of Africa, an area of roughly 400 000 km2, experiences local greening, especially in semi-arid environments. We show that various forms of sustainable land management (SLM) lead to significant local greening and demonstrate that some forms, e.g. active revegetation, are more effective than others, e.g. natural regeneration. This study, therefore, provides a first continental-scale insight in the greening potential of land restoration, which is needed for a thorough understanding of the effectiveness of SLM.
Extending global river gauge records using satellite observations
Authors: Riggs Ryan M , Allen George H , Wang Jida , Pavelsky Tamlin M , Gleason Colin J , David Cédric H , Durand Michael
Published: May 2023

Long-term, continuous, and real-time streamflow records are essential for understanding and managing freshwater resources. However, we find that 37% of publicly available global gauge records (N = 45 837) are discontinuous and 77% of gauge records do not contain real-time data. Historical periods of social upheaval are associated with declines in gauge data availability. Using river width observations from Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellites, we fill in missing records at 2168 gauge locations worldwide with more than 275 000 daily discharge estimates. This task is accomplished with a river width-based rating curve technique that optimizes measurement location and rating function (median relative bias = 1.4%, median Kling-Gupta efficiency = 0.46). The rating curves presented here can be used to generate near real-time discharge measurements as new satellite images are acquired, improving our capabilities for monitoring and managing river resources.
A systematic comparison of deforestation drivers and policy effectiveness across the Amazon biome
Authors: Hänggli Aline , Levy Samuel A , Armenteras Dolors , Bovolo C Isabella , Brandão Joyce , Rueda Ximena , Garrett Rachael D
Published: May 2023

The Amazon biome, spanning nine countries, has one of the highest rates of deforestation worldwide. This deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss, climate change, the spread of infectious diseases, and damage to rural and indigenous livelihoods. Hundreds of articles have been published on the topic of deforestation across Amazonia, yet there has been no recent synthesis of deforestation drivers and deforestation-control policy effectiveness in the region. Here we undertook the first systematic review of papers published between 2000 and 2021 that have causally linked proximate and underlying drivers and policies to deforestation outcomes in Amazonia. In the 155 articles that met our inclusion criteria, we find that causal research is concentrated in Brazil, and to a lesser degree Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. There has been little study of the Guianas, Venezuela or Colombia. Large- and small-scale agriculture linked to improved market access and high agricultural prices are frequently researched underlying drivers of deforestation across the heavily researched regions. In the Guianas research focuses on mining with little focus on underlying causes. Research on infrastructure expansion, mining, and oil extraction and on technological, sociocultural, and institutional factors remains sparse. Many public and private policies have been found to be effective in controlling deforestation across the biome, with protected areas and public policies standing out as particularly successful in slowing deforestation vis-à-vis supply chain approaches. Frontier age, land tenure, and policy interactions are key moderating factors affecting the outcomes of different underlying causes and policies. Our findings indicate a greater need for research on (i) additional deforestation drivers beyond agriculture and economic factors, (ii) the complex interactions between different drivers and deforestation control policies, (iii) causes underlying deforestation in low or new deforestation areas, and (iv) the dynamics between Amazonian subregions and countries. Understanding the extent and diversity of deforestation drivers and effectiveness of existing deforestation mitigation policies across Amazonia is a necessary first step toward designing policies to further reduce deforestation in the biome.
Generation of nonlinear Airy beams with switchable acceleration direction
Authors: Wu Dong , Zhang Zihang , Wang Chaowei , Zhang Leran , Xu Liqun , Wei Dunzhao , Xiong Wei , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Chu Jiaru , Chen Yang
Published: May 2023

Airy beams, which propagate along a curved trajectory, have been widely utilized in optical tweezers, biomedical analysis, and material processing. However, the dynamic regulation of nonlinear Airy beams is still challenging. Here, we demonstrate directionally switchable nonlinear Airy beams via three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear photonic crystals (NPCs) fabricated by the femtosecond laser erasing technique. The 3D NPCs contain several sequential arrays of spatially modulated nonlinearities with different spatial frequencies and cubic coefficients. By tuning the wavelength of the fundamental beam, the quasi-phase-matching condition can be switched to modulate the acceleration direction and wavelength of the generated nonlinear Airy beam. This offers a versatile platform for dynamic nonlinear Airy beam generation, paving the way for applications in optical trapping, optical communication, and biomedical imaging.
Comparison of collagens extracted from swim bladder and bovine Achilles tendon
Authors: Li Yuling , Tian Youxi , Xiong Xin , Chen Huizhi , Zhou Yubin , Zhou Yanfang , Peng Xinsheng
Published: May 2023

Collagen is a type of natural biopolymer material, which is widely used in tissue engineering and medicine owing to its exceptional properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, hemostatic properties, and low immunogenicity. Collagens from different sources can differ in type, structure, and function. In this study, collagen was extracted from swim bladder and bovine Achilles tendon by acid-enzyme binding method at low temperature. UV spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, scanning electron microscope, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize these two collagens. The blood compatibility and cytotoxicity of the two kinds of collagen were studied.The results showed that the collagens from the two sources belong to the characteristics of type I collagen and had biological safety. Their differences in structure and thermal stability can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of collagen in practical application.
Electrochemical oxidation of methylene blue dye in wastewater using mechanically alloyed high entropy alloy modified carbon paste electrode using cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Rajendrachari Shashanka , Adimule Vinayak M , Jayaprakash Gururaj Kudur , Pandith Anup
Published: May 2023

Mechanical alloying is one of the popular, simple, and easy powder metallurgy methods to prepare nanostructured high entropy alloys (HEA). HEAs are modern-day alloys that exhibit significantly improved properties and are used in many unique applications. One such application is using HEA powders for determining the methylene blue dye in wastewater using cyclic voltammetry. We have successfully synthesized the HEA powder of composition 25Fe-19Cr-19Ni-18Ti-19Mn by planetary ball mill and studied their phases, surface morphology, and particle sizes by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) respectively. We have fabricated the HEA-modified carbon paste electrode (HEA-MCPE) to study the electrochemical oxidation of methylene blue (MB) dye present in the wastewater. MB is a cationic dye that is toxic, and carcinogenic in high doses; generally used in textile, paper, and leather industries for coloring purposes and discharged into the water sources and thus creating a threat to aquatic animals and humans. Therefore, we must determine the MB dye in waste water regularly. Our fabricated electrode can detect MB dye in wastewater over a pH range of 6 to 7.6 with a significant current response. We have found that, the 4 mg HEA-MCPE and pH 6 are the optimal experimental conditions for achieving a higher rate of electro-oxidation of MB dye. The calculated active surface area for bare and HEA-MCPE is found to be 0.180 and 0.918 cm2respectively. We have found out that, increase in the concentration of MB from 1 mM to 5 mM increases the anodic peak current linearly due to the increased molecular interaction and the mobility of electrons between the analyte and the electrode surface.
Effects of interfacial area and energetic barrier on thermoelectric performance of PEDOT:PSS–MXene composite films
Authors: Park Juhyung , Ko Youngjun , Jeong Jeehyun , Song Jeong Han , Park Jong S , Kwak Jeonghun
Published: May 2023

Thermoelectric (TE) devices based on conducting polymers have significant potential for low-temperature energy harvesting. To enhance the TE performance, the incorporation of low-dimensional inorganic fillers into the polymer matrix has been considered as a promising strategy by exploiting the energy filtering effect. Since the energy filtering effect is strongly influenced by the carrier scattering at the interface between polymer and inorganic fillers, the TE properties are likely to be affected by the interfacial properties of two constituents. In this study, we investigated the TE performance in the composite films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene, in order to reveal the effects of the interfacial area and the energetic barrier on the TE performance by controlling the MXene sizes and the oxidation level of PEDOT:PSS. We found that the composite film with smaller MXene exhibits a higher power factor (PF) than that with larger MXene, originating from the increased interfacial area which facilitates the energy filtering effect. We also showed that an optimal energy barrier (0.14 eV) between PEDOT:PSS and MXene can accelerate the energy filtering effect, which allows to maximize the PF of the composite films up to 69.4 μW m−1 K−2. We believe that our study not only contributes to the development of the composite-based TE devices utilizing the energy filtering effect, but also helps to understand the charge transport in polymer–inorganic composites.
Quasi-biennial modulation of rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones by the western North Pacific monsoon
Authors: Song Jinjie , Klotzbach Philip J , Liu Qingyuan , Duan Yihong
Published: May 2023

Previous publications have highlighted the relationship between several climate modes such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation and tropical cyclones (TCs) experiencing rapid intensification (RI) over the western North Pacific (WNP), particularly on a 3–7-yr timescale. This study investigates the modulation of TCs experiencing RI by the WNP monsoon on biennial timescales. There is a significant positive relationship between rapidly intensifying TC (RITC) frequency over the WNP during July–November from 1980 to 2021 and the simultaneous WNP monsoon index. After classifying different WNP monsoon years on biennial timescales, we find significantly more TCs forming over the key region from 5°–25°N, 140°–160°E during strong WNP monsoon years. Some of these TCs then move westward into the portion of the WNP that climatologically has the most RI-favorable environmental conditions. Alternatively, other TCs forming in the key region move northward and undergo RI quickly after genesis, subsequently leading to an increase in rapidly intensifying WNP TC frequency. The WNP monsoon influences rapidly intensifying TC activity predominantly through modulation of large-scale atmospheric conditions. During strong WNP monsoon years, increased low-to-mid-level humidity, low-level vorticity and upper-level divergence and decreased vertical wind shear all favor TC genesis and RI development over the key region. A strong WNP monsoon is also associated with an anomalous 850-hPa cyclone, an anomalous 200-hPa anticyclone, increased 600-hPa moisture convergence and a decrease in the magnitude of 200-hPa winds over the key region. Our study highlights that the WNP monsoon significantly modulates TC and RITC activity at distinct timescales.
Human mortality attributable to outdoor air pollution in China during the period 2016–2020
Authors: Liu Gang , Jiang Lingling , Xu Zhuoying , Liu Yifan , Wang Haikun , Peng Zhen
Published: May 2023

In this study, a latest reanalysis dataset of atmospheric composition, the Global Exposure Mortality Model and a log-linear exposure-response function were employed to estimate the national deaths attributable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution in China for the period 2016–2020, including the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The national mortality attributable to long-term PM2.5 exposure decreased year by year from 2.18 million (95% confidence interval (1.83, 2.51), the same hereinafter) in 2016 to 1.99 million (1.66, 2.30) in 2020. In particular, the number in 2020 was 133.16 thousand less than 2019 owing to the reduced emissions during the pandemic, and the mortality attributable to short-term PM2.5 exposure dropped from 46.86 thousand in 2019 to 36.56 thousand in 2020. However, because O3 concentrations have kept increasing during the period, the national mortality attributable to long-term O3 exposure increased from 132.79 thousand (128.58, 137.00) in 2016 to 197.00 thousand (190.98, 203.03) in 2020. In addition, compared to before the pandemic, the national mortality attributable to short-term O3 exposure showed an increase in February, April and May of 2020, and the sharpest year-on-year increase of 162% occurred in April. The different trends of mortality after anthropogenic emissions were reduced pose a challenge for policy-makers and researchers.
Polo-like kinase 4 homodimerization and condensate formation regulate its own protein levels but are not required for centriole assembly
Authors: Ryniawec John M. , Buster Daniel W. , Slevin Lauren K. , Boese Cody J. , Amoiroglou Anastasia , Dean Spencer M. , Slep Kevin C. , Rogers Gregory C.
Published: May 2023

Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4) is the master regulator of centriole assembly. Here, the authors generate separation-of-function mutants to dissect the function of Plk4 homodimerization and condensate formation. It is shown that Plk4 dimerization and condensate formation are not required for centriole assembly but function to down-regulate Plk4 and suppress centriole overduplication.
Evaluating Chatbot Efficacy for Answering Frequently Asked Questions in Plastic Surgery: A ChatGPT Case Study Focused on Breast Augmentation
Authors: Seth Ishith , Cox Aram , Xie Yi , Bulloch Gabriella , Hunter-Smith David J , Rozen Warren M , Ross Richard J
Published: May 2023

Background

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into healthcare is transforming patient-practitioner interaction and could offer an additional platform for patient education and support.

Objectives

This study investigated whether ChatGPT-4 could provide safe and up-to-date medical information about breast augmentation that is comparable to other patient information sources.

Methods

ChatGPT-4 was asked to generate 6 commonly asked questions regarding breast augmentation and respond to them. Its responses were qualitatively evaluated by a panel of specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons and reconciled with a literature search of 2 large medical databases for accuracy, informativeness, and accessibility.

Results

ChatGPT-4 provided well-structured, grammatically accurate, and comprehensive responses to the questions posed; however, it was limited in providing personalized advice and sometimes generated inappropriate or outdated references. ChatGPT consistently encouraged engagement with a specialist for specific information.

Conclusions

Although ChatGPT-4 showed promise as an adjunct tool in patient education regarding breast augmentation, there are areas requiring improvement. Additional advancements and software engineering are needed to enhance the reliability and applicability of AI-driven chatbots in patient education and support systems.
METTL9 derived circular RNA circ-METTL9 sponges miR-551b-5p to accelerate colorectal cancer progression by upregulating CDK6
Authors: Li Ming , Zhi Zheng , Jiang Xuan , Duan Guo-Cai , Zhu Wei-Na , Pang Zheng , Wang Lian , Ge Rui , Dai Xin , Liu Jia-Meng , Chen Ting-Yue , Jia Jin-Jing , Li Jian-Ming , Sun Li-Na
Published: May 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been accepted to play key roles in the development and progression of mutiple cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we identified circ-METTL9, derived from 2 to 4 exons of METTL9 gene, may promote CRC progression by accelerating cell cycle progression. However, the role and mechanism of circ-METTL9 in CRC remains unclear. Based on our data, the expression of circ-METTL9 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and markedly increased in advanced tumors in CRC patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that circ-METTL9 overexpression promoted CRC cells proliferation and migration in vitro, and simultaneously enhanced CRC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays proved that circ-METTL9 might be a miRNA sponge, and RNA pulldown assays showed the interaction between circ-METTL9 and miR-551b-5p. Notably, cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), a key regulator in cell cycle, is a conserved downstream target of miR-551b-5p. Taken together, our findings highlight a novel oncogenic function of circ-METTL9 in CRC progression via circ-METTL9/miR-551b-5p/CDK6 axis, which may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC patients.
Atypical presentations and pitfalls of achalasia
Authors: Müller M , Förschler S , Wehrmann T , Marini F , Gockel I , Eckardt A J
Published: May 2023

Achalasia is a rare disease with significant diagnostic delay and association with false diagnoses and unnecessary interventions. It remains unclear, whether atypical presentations, misinterpreted symptoms or inconclusive diagnostics are the cause. The aim of this study was the characterization of typical and atypical features of achalasia and their impact on delays, misinterpretations or false diagnoses. A retrospective analysis of prospective database over a period of 30 years was performed. Data about symptoms, delays and false diagnoses were obtained and correlated with manometric, endoscopic and radiologic findings. Totally, 300 patients with achalasia were included. Typical symptoms (dysphagia, regurgitation, weight loss and retrosternal pain) were present in 98.7%, 88%, 58.4% and 52.4%. The mean diagnostic delay was 4.7 years. Atypical symptoms were found in 61.7% and led to a delay of 6 months. Atypical gastrointestinal symptoms were common (43%), mostly ‘heartburn’ (16.3%), ‘vomiting’ (15.3%) or belching (7.7%). A single false diagnosis occurred in 26%, multiple in 16%. Major gastrointestinal misdiagnoses were GERD in 16.7% and eosinophilic esophagitis in 4%. Other false diagnosis affected ENT-, psychiatric, neurologic, cardiologic or thyroid diseases. Pitfalls were the description of ‘heartburn’ or ‘nausea’. Tertiary contractions at barium swallows, hiatal hernias and ‘reflux-like’ changes at endoscopy or eosinophils in the biopsies were misleading. Atypical symptoms are common in achalasia, but they are not the sole source for diagnostic delays. Misleading descriptions of typical symptoms or misinterpretation of diagnostic studies contribute to false diagnoses and delays.
Refractory left atrial mural endocarditis secondary to a mitral valve jet lesion requiring thoracotomy: a case report
Authors: Matsumura Mikiko Nakahara , Horiuchi Kohei , Domae Keitaro , Higuchi Yoshiharu
Published: May 2023

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) lesions rarely exist only in the endocardium, except on the valves. Such lesions are usually treated with the same strategy used to treat valvular IE. Depending on the causative organisms and degree of intracardiac structure destruction, it might be cured with conservative treatment consisting of antibiotics alone.

Case summary

A 38-year-old woman had a continuous high fever. Echocardiography revealed a vegetation located on the endocardial side of the posterior wall of the left atrium, from the valve ring on the side of the posteromedial scallop, which was exposed to a mitral regurgitation jet. Mural endocarditis caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was diagnosed based on blood cultures. Splenic infarction developed despite various types of appropriate antibiotics. The vegetations increased in size over time to >10 mm. The patient underwent surgical resection and had an uneventful post-operative course. There was no evidence of exacerbation or recurrence during the post-operative outpatient follow-up visits.

Discussion

Even in cases of isolated mural endocarditis, infections caused by MSSA that are resistant to multiple antibiotics can be challenging to manage with antibiotics alone. Specifically, for cases of MSSA IE that show resistance to various antibiotics, early consideration should be given to surgical intervention as part of the treatment process.
Percutaneous rheolytic thrombectomy and cerebral embolic protection in a massive thrombosis of a fenestrated Fontan conduit: a case report
Authors: Marzullo Raffaella , Capestro Alessandro , Muçaj Andi , Piva Tommaso
Published: May 2023

Background

Clinical thromboembolism in Fontan patients is often a catastrophic event resulting in death and adverse long-term outcomes. The treatment of acute thromboembolic complications in these patients is very controversial.

Case summary

We describe the use of rheolytic thrombectomy in a Fontan patient with life-threatening pulmonary embolism, employing a cerebral protection system to reduce the risk of stroke through the fenestration.

Discussion

Rheolytic thrombectomy may be a successful alternative to systemic thrombolytic therapy and open surgical resection for the treatment of acute high-risk pulmonary embolism in the Fontan population. Embolic protection device to capture and remove thrombus/debris may be an innovative tool to reduce the risk of stroke through the fenestration while performing a percutaneous procedure in fenestrated Fontan patient.
Systemism and International Relations: How a Graphic Method Can Enhance Communication
Authors: Canbolat Sercan , Gansen Sarah , James Patrick
Published: May 2023

This article brings a broad array of works, which pertain to different research areas of international relations (IR), into contact with each other via a graphic method, systemism, to obtain insights that otherwise might prove elusive. Completion of these tasks is anticipated to exemplify how the systemist approach can enhance communication throughout IR. Systemism is introduced as a graphic technique for communicating arguments. Systemist graphics are used to convey the contents of (a) two studies that focus on theory per se and (b) a range of topics—foreign policy analysis, forecasting, and conflict processes. Systematic synthesis focusing on the two works about theory and bricolagic bridging that is based on all five studies reveal the contributions of a systemist approach, respectively, to the logics of confirmation and discovery. Value added from the systemist approach is confirmed for both IR research and pedagogy.
The chickpeaWIP2gene underlying a major QTL contributes to lateral root development
Authors: Dwivedi Vikas , Pal Lalita , Singh Shilpi , Singh Nagendra Pratap , Parida Swarup Kumar , Chattopadhyay Debasis
Published: May 2023

Lateral roots are a major component of root system architecture, and lateral root count (LRC) positively contributes to yield under drought in chickpea. To understand the genetic regulation of LRC, a biparental mapping population derived from two chickpea accessions having contrasting LRCs was genotyped by sequencing, and phenotyped to map four major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) contributing to 13–32% of the LRC trait variation. A single- nucleotide polymorphism tightly linked to the locus contributing to highest trait variation was located on the coding region of a gene (CaWIP2), orthologous to NO TRANSMITTING TRACT/WIP domain protein 2 (NTT/WIP2) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. A polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) in the CaWIP2 promoter showed differentiation between low versus high LRC parents and mapping individuals, suggesting its utility for marker-assisted selection. CaWIP2 promoter showed strong expression in chickpea apical root meristem and lateral root primordia. Expression of CaWIP2 under its native promoter in the Arabidopsis wip2wip4wip5 mutant rescued its rootless phenotype to produce more lateral roots than the wild-type plants, and led to formation of amyloplasts in the columella. CaWIP2 expression also induced the expression of genes that regulate lateral root emergence. Our study identified a gene-based marker for LRC which will be useful for developing drought-tolerant, high-yielding chickpea varieties.
vissE.cloud: a webserver to visualise higher order molecular phenotypes from enrichment analysis
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Bhuva Dharmesh D , Lee Sam , Liu Ning , Tan Chin Wee , Davis Melissa J
Published: May 2023

Gene-set analysis (GSA) dominates the functional interpretation of omics data and downstream hypothesis generation. Despite its ability to summarise thousands of measurements into semantically interpretable components, GSA often results in hundreds of significantly enriched gene-sets. However, summarisation and effective visualisation of GSA results to facilitate hypothesis generation is still lacking. While some webservers provide gene-set visualization tools, there is still a need for tools that can effectively summarize and guide exploration of GSA results. To enable versatility, webservers accept gene lists as input, however, none provide end-to-end solutions for emerging data types such as single-cell and spatial omics. Here, we present vissE.Cloud, a webserver for end-to-end gene-set analysis, offering gene-set summarisation and highly interactive visualisation. vissE.Cloud uses algorithms from our earlier R package vissE to summarise GSA results by identifying biological themes. We maintain versatility by allowing analysis of gene lists, as well as, analysis of raw single-cell and spatial omics data, including CosMx and Xenium data, making vissE.Cloud the first webserver to provide end-to-end gene-set analysis of sub-cellular localised spatial data. Structuring the results hierarchically allows swift interactive investigations of results at the gene, gene-set, and clusters level. vissE.Cloud is freely available at https://www.vissE.Cloud.
DksA is a conserved master regulator of stress response in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Maharjan Ram P , Sullivan Geraldine J , Adams Felise G , Shah Bhumika S , Hawkey Jane , Delgado Natasha , Semenec Lucie , Dinh Hue , Li Liping , Short Francesca L , Parkhill Julian , Paulsen Ian T , Barquist Lars , Eijkelkamp Bart A , Cain Amy K
Published: May 2023

Coordination of bacterial stress response mechanisms is critical for long-term survival in harsh environments for successful host infection. The general and specific stress responses of well-studied Gram-negative pathogens like Escherichia coli are controlled by alternative sigma factors, archetypically RpoS. The deadly hospital pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is notoriously resistant to environmental stresses, yet it lacks RpoS, and the molecular mechanisms driving this incredible stress tolerance remain poorly defined. Here, using functional genomics, we identified the transcriptional regulator DksA as a master regulator for broad stress protection and virulence in A. baumannii. Transcriptomics, phenomics and in vivo animal studies revealed that DksA controls ribosomal protein expression, metabolism, mutation rates, desiccation, antibiotic resistance, and host colonization in a niche-specific manner. Phylogenetically, DksA was highly conserved and well-distributed across Gammaproteobacteria, with 96.6% containing DksA, spanning 88 families. This study lays the groundwork for understanding DksA as a major regulator of general stress response and virulence in this important pathogen.
WebTetrado: a webserver to explore quadruplexes in nucleic acid 3D structures
Authors: Adamczyk Bartosz , Zurkowski Michal , Szachniuk Marta , Zok Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Quadruplexes are four-stranded DNA/RNA motifs of high functional significance that fold into complex shapes. They are widely recognized as important regulators of genomic processes and are among the most frequently investigated potential drug targets. Despite interest in quadruplexes, few studies focus on automatic tools that help to understand the many unique features of their 3D folds. In this paper, we introduce WebTetrado, a web server for analyzing 3D structures of quadruplex structures. It has a user-friendly interface and offers many advanced features, including automatic identification, annotation, classification, and visualization of the motif. The program applies to the experimental or in silico generated 3D models provided in the PDB and PDBx/mmCIF files. It supports canonical G-quadruplexes as well as non-G-based quartets. It can process unimolecular, bimolecular, and tetramolecular quadruplexes. WebTetrado is implemented as a publicly available web server with an intuitive interface and can be freely accessed at https://webtetrado.cs.put.poznan.pl/.
ACFIS 2.0: an improved web-server for fragment-based drug discovery via a dynamic screening strategy
Authors: Shi Xing-Xing , Wang Zhi-Zheng , Wang Fan , Hao Ge-Fei , Yang Guang-Fu
Published: May 2023

Drug discovery, which plays a vital role in maintaining human health, is a persistent challenge. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is one of the strategies for the discovery of novel candidate compounds. Computational tools in FBDD could help to identify potential drug leads in a cost-efficient and time-saving manner. The Auto Core Fragment in silico Screening (ACFIS) server is a well-established and effective online tool for FBDD. However, the accurate prediction of protein-fragment binding mode and affinity is still a major challenge for FBDD due to weak binding affinity. Here, we present an updated version (ACFIS 2.0), that incorporates a dynamic fragment growing strategy to consider protein flexibility. The major improvements of ACFIS 2.0 include (i) increased accuracy of hit compound identification (from 75.4% to 88.5% using the same test set), (ii) improved rationality of the protein-fragment binding mode, (iii) increased structural diversity due to expanded fragment libraries and (iv) inclusion of more comprehensive functionality for predicting molecular properties. Three successful cases of drug lead discovery using ACFIS 2.0 are described, including drugs leads to treat Parkinson's disease, cancer, and major depressive disorder. These cases demonstrate the utility of this web-based server. ACFIS 2.0 is freely available at http://chemyang.ccnu.edu.cn/ccb/server/ACFIS2/.
αCharges: partial atomic charges for AlphaFold structures in high quality
Authors: Schindler Ondřej , Berka Karel , Cantara Alessio , Křenek Aleš , Tichý Dominik , Raček Tomáš , Svobodová Radka
Published: May 2023

The AlphaFold2 prediction algorithm opened up the possibility of exploring proteins’ structural space at an unprecedented scale. Currently, >200 million protein structures predicted by this approach are deposited in AlphaFoldDB, covering entire proteomes of multiple organisms, including humans. Predicted structures are, however, stored without detailed functional annotations describing their chemical behaviour. Partial atomic charges, which map electron distribution over a molecule and provide a clue to its chemical reactivity, are an important example of such data. We introduce the web application αCharges: a tool for the quick calculation of partial atomic charges for protein structures from AlphaFoldDB. The charges are calculated by the recent empirical method SQE+qp, parameterised for this class of molecules using robust quantum mechanics charges (B3LYP/6-31G*/NPA) on PROPKA3 protonated structures. The computed partial atomic charges can be downloaded in common data formats or visualised via the powerful Mol* viewer. The αCharges application is freely available at https://alphacharges.ncbr.muni.cz with no login requirement.
TransCRISPR–sgRNA design tool for CRISPR/Cas9 experiments targeting specific sequence motifs
Authors: Woźniak Tomasz , Sura Weronika , Kazimierska Marta , Kasprzyk Marta Elżbieta , Podralska Marta , Dzikiewicz-Krawczyk Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Eukaryotic genomes contain several types of recurrent sequence motifs, e.g. transcription factor motifs, miRNA binding sites, repetitive elements. CRISPR/Cas9 can facilitate identification and study of crucial motifs. We present transCRISPR, the first online tool dedicated to search for sequence motifs in the user-provided genomic regions and design optimal sgRNAs targeting them. Users can obtain sgRNAs for chosen motifs, for up to tens of thousands of target regions in 30 genomes, either for the Cas9 or dCas9 system. TransCRISPR provides user-friendly tables and visualizations, summarizing features of identified motifs and designed sgRNAs such as genomic localization, quality scores, closest transcription start sites and others. Experimental validation of sgRNAs for MYC binding sites designed with transCRISPR confirmed efficient disruption of the targeted motifs and effect on expression of MYC-regulated genes. TransCRISPR is available from https://transcrispr.igcz.poznan.pl/transcrispr/.