bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MeerKAT view of the diffuse radio sources in Abell 3667 and their interactions with the thermal plasma
Authors: de Gasperin F. , Rudnick L. , Finoguenov A. , Wittor D. , Akamatsu H. , Brüggen M. , Chibueze J. O. , Clarke T. E. , Cotton W. , Cuciti V. , Domínguez-Fernández P. , Knowles K. , O’Sullivan S. P. , Sebokolodi L.
Published: February 2022

Context. During their lifetimes, galaxy clusters grow through the accretion of matter from the filaments of the large-scale structure and from mergers with other clusters. These mergers release a large amount of energy into the intracluster medium (ICM) through merger shocks and turbulence. These phenomena are associated with the formation of radio sources known as radio relics and radio halos, respectively. Radio relics and halos are unique proxies for studying the complex properties of these dynamically active regions of clusters and the microphysics of the ICM more generally.

Aims. Abell 3667 is a spectacular example of a merging system that hosts a large pair of radio relics. Due to its proximity (z = 0.0553) and large mass, the system enables the study of these sources to a uniquely high level of detail. However, being located at Dec = −56.8°, the cluster could only be observed with a limited number of radio facilities.

Methods. We observed Abell 3667 with MeerKAT as part of the MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey. We used these data to study the large-scale emission of the cluster, including its polarisation and spectral properties. The results were then compared with simulations.

Results. We present the most detailed view of the radio relic system in Abell 3667 to date, with a resolution reaching 3 kpc. The relics are filled with a network of filaments with different spectral and polarisation properties that are likely associated with multiple regions of particle acceleration and local enhancements of the magnetic field. Conversely, the magnetic field in the space between filaments has strengths close to what would be expected in unperturbed regions at the same cluster-centric distance. Comparisons with magnetohydrodynamic cosmological and Lagrangian simulations support the idea of filaments as multiple acceleration sites. Our observations also confirm the presence of an elongated radio halo, developed in the wake of the bullet-like sub-cluster that merged from the south-east. Finally, we associate the process of magnetic draping with a thin polarised radio source surrounding the remnant of the bullet’s cool core.

Conclusions. Our observations have unveiled the complexity of the interplay between the thermal and non-thermal components in the most active regions of a merging cluster. Both the intricate internal structure of radio relics and the direct detection of magnetic draping around the merging bullet are powerful examples of the non-trivial magnetic properties of the ICM. Thanks to its sensitivity to polarised radiation, MeerKAT will be transformational in the study of these complex phenomena.
A polynomial time algorithm for geodetic hull number for complementary prisms
Authors: Coelho Erika M.M. , Coelho Hebert , Nascimento Julliano R. , Szwarcfiter Jayme L.
Published: February 2022

Let G be a finite, simple, and undirected graph and let S ⊆ V (G). In the geodetic convexity, S is convex if all vertices belonging to any shortest path between two vertices of S lie in S. The convex hull H(S) of S is the smallest convex set containing S. The hull number h(G) is the minimum cardinality of a set S ⊆ V (G) such that H(S) = V (G). The complementary prism GG̅ of a graph G arises from the disjoint union of the graph G and G̅ by adding the edges of a perfect matching between the corresponding vertices of G and G̅. Previous works have determined h(GG̅) when both G and G̅ are connected and partially when G is disconnected. In this paper, we characterize convex sets in GG̅ and we present equalities and tight lower and upper bounds for h(GG̅). This fills a gap in the literature and allows us to show that h(GG̅) can be determined in polynomial time, for any graph G.
Substanzkonsum – Sucht – Gewalt:
Zusammenhänge, Risiken, Prävention
Authors: Klein Michael
Published: February 2022

Zwischen Substanzkonsum und Gewaltverhalten besteht ein enger Zusammenhang, der
durch Schlüsselsituationen, veränderte Risikowahrnehmung und
-beurteilung sowie verminderte Aggressionshemmungen gekennzeichnet ist. Zu den
aktuellen Konzepten zur Einschätzung des Zusammenhangs zwischen
Substanzkonsum und Gewalt zählt das I3-Modell, das die Faktoren
Anstiftung, Schlagkraft und Hemmung in einen Zusammenhang zwischen der
konsumierenden Person und der Risikosituation bringt. Inzwischen liegen
Programme zur Prävention und Intervention bei suchtmittelassoziierter
Gewalt vor, wie z. B. TAVIM, die im Behandlungssystem stärkere
Verankerung erfahren sollten.
The Scope of HbA1c Variability and Risk of Vascular Complications
Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Prospective Studies
Authors: Guo Kai , Zhao Qian , Wang Meng , Lu Yuchun , Wo Meihong , Zhou Xiaoyan , Ying Changjiang
Published: February 2022

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability is emerging as an indicator of long-term
glycemic control, which may play a significant role during vascular
complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the
association between the scope of HbA1c variability and vascular complications in
patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PubMed and Embase were searched for
studies that evaluated the association of HbA1c variability with vascular
complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Two reviewers independently
completed data extraction. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted with
stratification according to the type of vascular complications. Nine studies
were eligible for inclusion in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Six
studies evaluated the impact of the standard deviation of HbA1c (HbA1c-SD) on
cardiovascular events and showed an association of HbA1c-SD with cardiovascular
events (HR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.32, 5 studies). Six studies
evaluated renal disease associated with HbA1c-SD and showed that HbA1c-SD was
correlated with an increased risk of renal disease (HR: 1.19, 95% CI
1.13–1.24). Two studies evaluated HbA1c-SD and the risk of retinopathy
and showed that no significant association was found between retinopathy and
HbA1c-SD (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.92–125). For HbA1c-SD ranging from
0.6 to 0.8%, HbA1c-SD was associated with an increased risk of
cardiovascular events (HR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.15–1.35) and renal
disease (HR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.11–1.22). For individuals with index
HbA1c variability greater than or equal to 0.6%, HbA1c variability was
significantly associated with vascular complications in patients with type 2
diabetes mellitus.
Towards Tianeptine Analogues: Synthesis of New Ring Systems Containing a Dibenzo[c,f][1,2]thiazepine S,S-Dioxide Core
Authors: Volk Balázs , Berecz Gábor , Dancsó András , Németh Dóra R. , Kiss Loránd , Simig Gyula
Published: February 2022

In the course of the synthesis of fused-ring analogues of the antidepressant drug tianeptine, representatives of three new heterocyclic ring systems, indolo[1,7-bc][1,2]benzothiazepines (and their 4,5-dihydro analogues), 5,6-dihydroquino[1,8-bc][1,2]benzothiazepines, and [1,2]benzothiazepino[4,3,2-jk]carbazoles, as well as their intermediates, have been prepared. The tetracyclic and pentacyclic ring systems containing either an oxo or a hydroxy functional group are suitable for introducing various side chains, including potential pharmacophores. For this latter transformation, examples are demonstrated by conversion of the hydroxy group into a chloro moiety and subsequent reaction with amines or with primary alcohols bearing a tertiary amino side chain. Two fused-ring derivatives exhibiting the side-chain characteristics of tianeptine have also been synthesized. Altogether 40 compounds are described in the present manuscript, eight of them are also characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Prognostic Value of Inflammation-based Prognostic Scores in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Afonso João Pedro Lima , Pereira Ana , Pereira Joaquim Costa , Martins Sandra F.
Published: February 2022

Background Anatomopathological staging is the primary method to determine the prognosis of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, new tools have been developed that can complement it, such as the analysis of the elevation of systemic inflammatory markers.

Objective To evaluate the impact of the elevation of scores based on inflammatory markers (the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], the Glasgow Prognostic Score [GPS], and isolated C-reactive protein [CRP]) in the prognosis of patients diagnosed with CRC and submitted to potentially curative surgery in Hospital de Braga, Portugal, between January 1st, 2005, and December 31st, 2010.

Methods A retrospective analysis of the data of 426 patients was performed, with a collection of several clinico-pathological variables, as well as the levels of lymphocytes, neutrophils, albumin and CRP, in the pre- and postoperative periods, to apply the different scores to the sample.

Results From the analysis of the survival curves, we concluded that patients with increased NLR in the pre- and postoperative periods present a lower cancer-related survival than patients with normal NLR (preoperative period: 93.7 versus 122 months; p < 0.001; postoperative period: 112 versus 131 months; p = 0.002). Patients with increased NLR in the pre- and postoperative periods also had a lower disease-free survival (preoperative period: 88.0 versus 122 months; p < 0.001; postoperative period: 111 versus 132 months; p = 0.002). In addition, increased pre- and postoperative NLR was associated with a higher risk of death due to CRC (preoperatively: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.25; p < 0.001; postoperatively: HR = 2.18; p = 0.003). However, the multivariate analysis shows that only postoperative NLR (ajusted HR = 2.66; p = 0.002) does so independently of the remaining variables.

Conclusion Regarding the scores applied to the sample, the NLR was the one that most consistently related to the prognosis of the patients. However, it would be useful to develop a prospective study that could confirm this relationship.
The Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) Technique for Simple and Complex Fistula-in-ano
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Kumar Manoj , Arora Abhishek , Ranjan Alok , Kant Kumar Chandra , PP Sreepriya
Published: February 2022

Background Fistula-in-ano is one of the most common clinical condition encountered in a surgical outpatient department. Many treatment modalities have been described with variable outcomes but gold standard surgical treatment is yet to be agreed upon. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique in the treatment of simple and complex fistula-in-ano with the primary objective of recurrence rate and broad objective of other postoperative complications during the period of study and after long-term follow-up.

Methods It is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from the patients who have been operated for fistula-in-ano using the LIFT technique at our institute from February 2018 to March 2020 and followed-up until September 2020.

Results A total of 56 patients with fistula-in-ano were treated with the LIFT procedure during the study period, of which 20 patients had simple fistula and 36 had complex fistula. A success rate of 83% was obtained with completely healed fistulas in 46 patients. No patient developed postoperative incontinence.

Conclusion Ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract is an effective treatment modality for fistula-in-ano with less procedure-related morbidity, but it is associated with a higher recurrence rate in simple fistula than in complex fistula.
Electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of GNP-NiFe hybrid composite with segregate structure of conductive networks
Authors: Matzui Ludmila Yu. , Syvolozhskyi Oleksii A. , Vovchenko Ludmila L. , Yakovenko Olena S. , Lazarenko Oleksandra A. , Len Tetyana A. , Ischenko Olena V. , Dyachenko Alla G. , Vakaliuk Anna V. , Oliynyk Victor V. , Zagorodnii Volodymyr V.
Published: February 2022

Conductive polymer composites are widely used for electromagnetic radiation protection. Several strategies can be employed for creating shield materials with enhanced efficiency: the use of a hybrid filler that contains nanoparticles of different types, specific structural design, and methods for decreasing the percolation threshold. We present the study of segregated polymer composites (SPCs) with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix and hybrid fillers of NiFe-decorated graphite nanoparticles (GNPs). The microstructure, electrical percolation behavior, and electromagnetic shielding efficiency of the developed SPCs as a function of conductive filler content are determined. The combination of the advantages of the segregated structure with a synergistic effect of a hybrid filler in (GNP-NiFe)/UHMWPE allows decreasing the percolation threshold to 0.45 vol. %. The enhanced shielding efficiency of 37 dB in the frequency range of 26–37.5 GHz is achieved at the filler content of 3.4 vol. % in 1 mm thick composite samples. The dominant shielding characteristic of absorption renders hybrid composites with a segregated structure promising materials.
A new configuration for high power propulsion plasmas driven by ion cyclotron resonance energization
Authors: Wu Mingyang , Xiao Chijie , Wang Xiaogang , Tan Chang , Xu Tianchao , He Renchuan , Yuan Ruixin , Xu Andong
Published: February 2022

The ion cyclotron resonance mechanism can play a crucial role in high-power electric propulsion of space vehicles. Compared with the existing high-power thruster design such as the single-pass configuration in Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket, we propose a new ion cyclotron resonance configuration that is still efficient under high radio frequency power. A single-ion acceleration theory and particle-in-cell simulations reveal the mechanism of the new configuration by making the phases of the ion and the wave match to each other for more energy gain in the ion cyclotron resonance and a raise of the energy conversion efficiency. Thus, this new configuration can have important applications not only to electric propulsion but also to ion cyclotron resonance heating in nuclear fusion.
Catalytic characterization in plasma wind tunnels under the influence of gaseous recombination
Authors: Viladegut A. , Chazot O.
Published: February 2022

The catalytic properties of materials used in re-usable thermal protection systems (TPSs) of re-entry vehicles are mainly characterized in plasma wind tunnels. These facilities are adequate to reproduce the thermo-chemical environment found in hypersonic flights. Catalytic recombination coefficients (W) determined empirically for the TPS design process are used to validate catalytic models. Recent experiments in plasma wind tunnels present some contradictions with current catalytic models used in computational fluid dynamics simulations. This work explores the coupling between homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions and its influence on the heat flux measurements, in order to explain such contradictions. For that, three copper calorimeters (at 350 K) are inserted in probes of different sizes, and they are tested in the Plasmatron facility at the von Karman Institute under different chemical regimes, which are modified by the probe diameter. A dimensional analysis of the acquired data based on previous non-equilibrium boundary formulations shows that an empirical recombination coefficient can be falsified by the presence of homogeneous reactions. Then, in the framework for the post-flight analysis of the European Space Agency's intermediate experimental vehicle, the local heat transfer simulations methodology is applied under peak heating conditions. A new probe is designed, manufactured, and tested in the Plasmatron to measure the recombination coefficient on C/SiC under the closest flow conditions with respect to the flight.
Atomic-scale defects generated in the early/intermediate stages of dielectric breakdown in Si/SiO2 transistors
Authors: Moxim Stephen J. , Sharov Fedor V. , Hughart David R. , Haase Gaddi S. , McKay Colin G. , Lenahan Patrick M.
Published: February 2022

Electrically detected magnetic resonance and near-zero-field magnetoresistance measurements were used to study atomic-scale traps generated during high-field gate stressing in Si/SiO2 MOSFETs. The defects observed are almost certainly important to time-dependent dielectric breakdown. The measurements were made with spin-dependent recombination current involving defects at and near the Si/SiO2 boundary. The interface traps observed are Pb0 and Pb1 centers, which are silicon dangling bond defects. The ratio of Pb0/Pb1 is dependent on the gate stressing polarity. Electrically detected magnetic resonance measurements also reveal generation of E′ oxide defects near the Si/SiO2 interface. Near-zero-field magnetoresistance measurements made throughout stressing reveal that the local hyperfine environment of the interface traps changes with stressing time; these changes are almost certainly due to the redistribution of hydrogen near the interface.
Low voltage control of magnetism in BaFe10.2Sc1.8O19/BaTiO3 bilayer epitaxial thin film at temperatures up to 390 K
Authors: Zhu Qishan , Tang Rujun , Wang Shun , Liang Guoqing , Wang Han , Wang Haiyan , Zhao Run , Yang Hao , You Lu , Su Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

Electric field control of magnetism (EFCM) at low voltage (≤5 V) and high temperature (≥353 K) is crucial to micro-integrated magnetoelectric devices. In this work, the BaFe10.2Sc1.8O19 (BFSO)/BaTiO3(BTO) bilayer epitaxial thin films are fabricated. Results show that compared to the single BFSO film, there are significant increases in magnetic susceptibility, multiferroic transition temperature (Tcone), and EFCM in BFSO/BTO bilayer films. The room temperature magnetoelectric coupling coefficient in BFSO (80 nm)/BTO (300 nm) bilayer films (189.6 ns/m) is 14.7 times higher than that in the single layer BFSO film and 345 times larger than single crystalline BiFeO3. A change in magnetization ΔM% about 38% at 20 K and 7.1% at 390 K is obtained in the BFSO (80 nm)/BTO (300 nm) bilayer film. Moreover, repeatable low voltage (≤4 V) EFCM with a high signal-to-noise ratio in the BFSO/BTO bilayer film device is verified at temperatures ranging from 20 K to above 390 K. This high temperature EFCM is mainly contributed by the high Tcone of BFSO and strong piezoelectric/magnetostrictive coupling at the BFSO/BTO interface. The above findings enable the potential usage and integration of BFSO/BTO bilayer films into micro-integrated microwave devices.
Effects of concave curvature on the formation and propagation of capillary wave induced by electrowetting-on-dielectric
Authors: Tian Penghao , Li Mulin , Tan Jie , Sun Mingyang , Chen Guijun , Jiang Dongyue
Published: February 2022

Capillary-wave propellers (CWPs) based on the phenomenon of electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) have shown great potential for floating-object propulsion, heat-transfer enhancement, and fluid thermophysical property measurement. However, the small amplitude of the EWOD-induced capillary-wave limits the performance of the CWP in practical applications. Herein, a CWP with a concave curvature is proposed to enlarge the capillary-wave amplitude. The formation and propagation of the capillary wave are visualized by using a high-speed camera and a free-surface synthetic schlieren method. The wave amplitude and wave propagation are modeled theoretically. The effects of the concave curvature and the frequency of the electrical signal are investigated, and the results show that the concave curvature increases the wave amplitude, velocity vector, and wave intensity as compared with flat EWOD units. In addition, the results show that 20 Hz electrical signals are favorable for pursuing large wave energy density. The underlying mechanism for increasing the wave energy via concave CWPs is revealed experimentally and explained theoretically. The proposed concave CWP is helpful for increasing the propulsion speed of small-scale floating objects and is promising for improving the performance of CWPs in other applications.
Intermolecular interactions of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and fumaronitrile (FN) with minor amines: A combined UV–Vis and EPR study
Authors: Kałka Andrzej J. , Mozgawa Bartosz , Pietrzyk Piotr , Turek Andrzej M.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the nature of interactions between two cyanocarbons—tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and fumaronitrile (FN)—and a series of four secondary amines possessing a general formula C4HxN (x = 5–11) is thoroughly scrutinized. For all of the TCNE–amine pairs, tricyanovinylation (TCV) reaction is observed; however, only for pyrrole, it is accompanied with a visible charge-transfer (CT) complex formation—no such chemical individuals, characteristic for TCNE, have been noticed for aliphatic and alicyclic amines. On the contrary, FN forms such complexes with all the amines studied. Interestingly, a rather unexpected reaction of FN with alicyclic amines has been observed. The recorded electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra indicate the presence of both TCNE●− and FN●− radicals in the analyzed samples, assigned to a complete charge (electron) transfer process within the CT complexes, whose efficiency can be additionally enhanced by photoirradiation. The origination of the former radical, whose presence is observed also in the TCNE–diethylamine mixture, is as well proposed to result indirectly from the TCV reaction, occurring for this system. Finally, the superhyperfine structure of EPR spectra, indicating the existence of some secondary interactions of the radicals with surrounding compounds, is discussed. Formation of CT complexes and tricyanovinylates has been investigated and characterized with UV–Vis spectroscopy, while the presence of (cyano)radicals in the analyzed mixtures has been evidenced by (photoinduced) EPR measurements. Interpretation of the experimental results is also supplemented with computer simulations including density functional theory calculations.
Conflicting perceptions of quota-based systems in Australian fisheries
Authors: Pascoe Sean , Hoshino Eriko , Hutton Trevor , Hobday Alistair J.
Published: February 2022

Individual transferable quotas (ITQs) have been implemented in many fisheries in Australia and elsewhere, primarily in response to stock management challenges. However, unanticipated economic and social outcomes are also apparent, particularly for small-scale fishers. In December 2020, the Australian Senate initiated an Inquiry into the operations of ITQ management systems in Australian fisheries. Submissions were made by individual fishers, industry organisations, fisheries managers, research groups and others, detailing their perceptions on performance in terms of environmental, social and economic outcomes. We summarise the key points raised in the submissions, identifying areas where claims and perceptions were similar or diverse for the different groups. We find that the individual fishers who made submissions were largely negative about the impacts of ITQs in terms of all three outcome domains, whereas industry organisations and others were mostly positive overall. Social issues, particularly ownership of quota by non-fishers (i.e. investors), were flagged by most groups as a problem with the current system. Addressing these concerns with ITQ systems may be difficult. Enshrinement as user rights means that small-scale fisheries and local communities may be disadvantaged in the long-term due to past trade-offs favouring economic and ecological sustainability over social impacts.
Novel microsatellites and investigation of faecal DNA as a non-invasive population monitoring tool for the banded hare-wallaby (
Authors: Cowen Saul , Smith Michael , McArthur Shelley , Rayner Kelly , Jackson Chantelle , Anderson Georgina , Ottewell Kym
Published: February 2022

Monitoring programs for populations of small or medium-sized animals often use live-capture or photo-monitoring trapping methods to estimate population size. The banded hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus), a small macropodiform marsupial, does not readily enter traps or have individually unique distinguishing physical features and is consequently difficult to monitor using these methods. Isolating DNA from faecal material to obtain individual genotypes is a promising monitoring technique and may present an alternative approach for this species. We developed novel species-specific microsatellite markers and undertook trials to assess faecal DNA degradation in ambient environmental conditions at two locations where this species has been translocated. The quality of DNA yielded from faecal pellets was evaluated through amplification failure and genotyping error rates of microsatellite markers. Error rates were compared for different treatments and exposure duration across multiple individuals. DNA was successfully obtained from all samples and error rates increased with exposure duration, peaking after 14–30 days depending on the site and treatment. The level of solar exposure was the most significant factor affecting degradation rate but both this and exposure duration had significant effects on amplification failure. Analysing DNA obtained from faecal pellets may represent a practical non-invasive method of deriving population estimates for this species and warrants further development.
Intravesical delivery of
KDM6A
-mRNA via mucoadhesive nanoparticles inhibits the metastasis of bladder cancer
Authors: Kong Na , Zhang Ruonan , Wu Gongwei , Sui Xinbing , Wang Junqing , Kim Na Yoon , Blake Sara , De Diba , Xie Tian , Cao Yihai , Tao Wei
Published: February 2022

Significance

This study provides proof-of-principle evidence for intravesical delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) via a mucoadhesive nanoparticle (NP) strategy and reveals the therapeutic potential of KDM6A in treating bladder cancer metastasis, which remains difficult due to the physiological bladder barriers. The mucoadhesive NPs could protect loaded mRNA, prolong exposure of mRNA in disease sites, and benefit the penetration and effective expression, which all represent challenging hurdles for intravesical delivery of mRNA therapeutics. mRNA local delivery can also avoid potential toxicity issues via systemic delivery and unwanted protein expression throughout the body. We expect this mucoadhesive mRNA nanotechnology can be useful for the effective up-regulation of targeted proteins in bladder tissues in situ for both mechanistic understanding and translational study of bladder-related diseases.
Disentangling the individual and contextual effects of math anxiety: A global perspective
Authors: Lau Nathan T. T. , Hawes Zachary , Tremblay Paul , Ansari Daniel
Published: February 2022

Significance

Using three large-scale international assessments of student achievement, the current study examined the antecedents of math anxiety and the relation between math anxiety and math achievement across the globe. Results suggest that individual math anxiety is negatively associated with math achievement across the globe. Importantly, we uncovered a contextual effect of math anxiety where the level of math anxiety in one’s educational peer group predicts math achievement above and beyond what could be predicted by one’s own math anxiety. Further, there is significant between-country variability in this contextual effect—only half of the examined countries’ contextual effect was statistically significant. Our results reveal an effect of educational peer’s math anxiety on math achievement and reinforce extant research findings.
Signaling events that occur when cells ofEscherichia coliencounter a glass surface
Authors: Vrabioiu Alina M. , Berg Howard C.
Published: February 2022

Significance

Microbial cells organized on solid surfaces are the most ancient form of biological communities. Yet how single cells interact with surfaces and integrate a variety of signals to establish a sessile lifestyle is poorly understood. We developed and used sensitive biosensors to determine the kinetics of second messengers’ responses to surface attachment. This allowed us to examine cell-by-cell variability of the initial signaling events and establish that some of these events depend on flagellar motor function while others do not. Environmentally determined factors, like the energetic status of the cell, can modulate all signaling events. The complex interplay between the surface interaction inputs and external conditions can now be studied using our system.
Testing fractional doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Więcek Witold , Ahuja Amrita , Chaudhuri Esha , Kremer Michael , Simoes Gomes Alexandre , Snyder Christopher M. , Tabarrok Alex , Tan Brandon Joel
Published: February 2022

Significance

Switching to fractional doses could dramatically accelerate vaccination, and clinical evidence suggests that fractional doses of COVID-19 vaccines could be highly effective. However, there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of fractional doses. In this paper, we present the existing evidence and use epidemiological models to quantify benefits under various scenarios. We argue for more experimental or observational data to be collected urgently. Because switching to fractional dosing could dramatically accelerate vaccination, the potential benefits of further testing of fractional doses far outweigh the costs.
A distinct RNA recognition mechanism governs Np
4
decapping by RppH
Authors: Levenson-Palmer Rose , Luciano Daniel J. , Vasilyev Nikita , Nuthanakanti Ashok , Serganov Alexander , Belasco Joel G.
Published: February 2022

Significance

Dinucleoside tetraphosphate alarmones function in bacteria as precursors to 5′-terminal nucleoside tetraphosphate (Np
4
) caps, becoming incorporated at high levels into RNA during stress and thereby influencing transcript lifetimes. However, little is known about how these noncanonical caps are removed as a prelude to RNA degradation. Here, we report that the RNA pyrophosphohydrolase RppH assumes a leading role in decapping those transcripts under conditions of disulfide stress and that it recognizes Np
4
-capped 5′ ends by an unexpected mechanism, generating a triphosphorylated RNA intermediate that must undergo further deprotection by RppH to trigger degradation. These findings help to explain the uneven distribution of Np
4
caps on bacterial transcripts and have important implications for how gene expression is reprogrammed in response to stress.
Partitive sharing – How to help in Kinande
Authors: Irimia Monica Alexandrina , Schneider-Zioga Patricia
Published: February 2022

This paper examines a structure in the Bantu language Kinande, namely the so-called sociative causative, where partitive morphology occurs on a nominal without giving the nominal an NP-related partitive interpretation. We argue that the source of the partitivity in this construction lies in the co-extensiveness relation (incrementality relation) between the causing and the caused subevent. Partitive morphology on the nominal signals obligatory licensing of the theme so that it can be properly mapped to the co-extensive subevents.
Contested paths
Authors: Richardson Peter , Mueller Charles M.
Published: February 2022

Recent studies of metaphor usage (e.g.,Cameron, 2011;Semino et al., 2013) have shifted focus from relatively static mappings between source and target domains towards an emphasis on how metaphors are appropriated and recontextualized across different genres to convey new meanings and serve new functions. More recently, this emphasis has begun to be applied to the study of metaphor usage in religious discourse (Pihlaja, 2014;Richardson, 2017;Richardson et al., 2021). The current article investigates how metaphors of movement are used in conjunction with metonymy, force dynamics, and conceptual blending to create particular rhetorical effects in a debate between the atheist Richard Dawkins and the Christian apologist John Lennox. It demonstrates how previous figurative language is expanded and reconfigured during the course of the debate in an attempt to establish situated, dominant conceptualizations.
Disparities in Traditional and Alternative Tobacco Product use across Sexual Orientation Groups of Young Adult Men and Women in the Us
Authors: Romm Katelyn F , Huebner David M. , Pratt-Chapman Mandi L. , Rodriguez-Diaz Carlos E. , Wang Yan , Ma Yan , Berg Carla J.
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite literature documenting disparities in tobacco use among sexual minority young adults, research is just emerging regarding alternative tobacco product (ATP) use among specific sexual minority men versus women. The current study examined associations between sexual orientation and traditional and ATP use among young adult men and women. Methods: We analyzed survey data (September–December 2018) from 2,809 young adults (ages 18–34) recruited via social media. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the binary outcomes of any past 30-day use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah, and any tobacco product (logistic regression), and the continuous outcome of number of categories of tobacco products used (linear regression), in relation to sexual orientation (bisexual, gay/lesbian, heterosexual) among men versus women, controlling for age and race/ethnicity. Results: In this sample ( Mage = 24.60, SD = 4.73; 56.0% women, 71.5% White, 5.4% Black, 12.6% Asian, 11.5% Hispanic), 9.3% of participants identified as gay/lesbian (13.1% of men, 6.2% of women) and 17.6% bisexual (8.3% of men, 25.0% of women). Gay men were less likely to use e-cigarettes, cigars, and any tobacco product, and used fewer products relative to heterosexual men. Bisexual women were more likely to use each tobacco product and any tobacco product, and used more categories of products relative to heterosexual women. Conclusions: Specific tobacco use disparities differ with respect to type of product, gender, and sexual orientation, underscoring the need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these differences (e.g., marketing, social influences) and developing interventions to address them.
Differences in Perceived Clinical Knowledge Uptake among Health Profession Students and Licensed Clinicians Receiving Buprenorphine Waiver Training in Oregon
Authors: Robbins Jonathan L. , Bonuck Kathryn , Thuillier Philippe , Buist Catriona , Carney Patricia A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Addressing the opioid crisis requires an understanding of how to train both health professional students and practicing clinicians on medications for opioid use disorder (mOUD). We designed a robust evaluation instrument to assess the impact of training on perceived clinical knowledge in these different categories of learners. Methods: We enrolled 3rd and 4th year medical, physician assistant (PA), and nurse practitioner (NP) students, as well as practicing PAs, NPs, and physicians to undertake the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) Waiver Training for mOUD. We designed and implemented a cross-sectional survey to assess perceived change in clinical knowledge as a result of training in opioid use disorder and satisfaction with training. Results: Twenty-one MD/DO and 45 NP/PA students, and 24 practicing MD/DO and 27 NP/PAs completed the survey. Among health professional students ( n = 66) and practicing clinicians ( n =51), perceived clinical knowledge scores increased significantly ( p < 0.001) for all 13 variables. Program evaluation scores for the buprenorphine waiver training were high with no statistical differences between students and practicing clinicians. Overall, the majority of participants indicated they would recommend the training to a colleague (Students’ score = 4.84; practicing clinician scores = 4.53; scale = strongly disagree = 1 to strongly agree = 5). Conclusions: Our novel instrument allowed us to determine that the implementation of buprenorphine waiver trainings for health professional students and practicing clinicians leads to significant increases in perceived knowledge, interest and confidence in diagnosing and treating OUD. Although the buprenorphine waiver can now be obtained without training, many waivered providers still do not prescribe buprenorphine; integrating training into medical, NP, and PA curriculum for students and offering the training to practicing clinicians may increase confidence and uptake of mOUD.
Effects of low load exercise with and without blood‐flow restriction on microvascular oxygenation, muscle excitability and perceived pain
Authors: Kolind Mikkel I. , Gam Søren , Phillip Jeppe G. , Pareja‐Blanco Fernando , Olsen Henrik B. , Gao Ying , Søgaard Karen , Nielsen Jakob L.
Published: February 2022

This paper aimed to examine the acute effect of low‐load (LL) exercise with blood‐flow restriction (LL‐BFR) on microvascular oxygenation and muscle excitability of the vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles during a single bout of unilateral knee extension exercise performed to task failure. Seventeen healthy recreationally resistance‐trained males were enrolled in a within‐group randomized cross‐over study design. Participants performed one set of unilateral knee extensions at 20% of one‐repetition maximum (1RM) to task failure, using a LL‐BFR or LL free‐flow (LL‐FF) protocol in a randomized order on separate days. Changes in microvascular oxygenation and muscle excitability in VL and VM were assessed using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and surface electromyography (sEMG), respectively. Pain measures were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and following set completion. Within‐ and between‐ protocol comparisons were performed at multiple time points of set completion for each muscle. During LL‐BFR, participants performed 43% fewer repetitions and reported feeling more pain compared to LL‐FF (p<0.05). Normalized to time to task failure, LL‐BFR and LL‐FF generally demonstrated similar progression in microvascular oxygenation and muscle excitability during exercise to task failure. The present results demonstrate that LL‐BFR accelerates time to task failure, compared with LL‐FF, resulting in a lower dose of mechanical work to elicit similar levels of oxygenation, blood‐pooling, and muscle excitability. LL‐BFR may be preferable to LL‐FF in clinical settings where high workloads are contraindicated, although increased pain experienced during BFR may limit its application.

Highlights

Compared to free flow (FF), neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms are accelerated during blood flow restricted (BFR) training. This can be observed as changes in microvascular oxygenation and muscle excitability occurring at a ∼43% faster mean rate during BFR compared to FF.

BFR exercise seems to elicit the same level of neuromuscular fatigue as FF training within a shorter timeframe. This reduces total joint load and may be especially helpful in cases where high training volumes may be contraindicated (e.g. recovering from a sports injury or orthopedic surgery).
Probing a Dissipative Phase Transition with a Trapped Ion through Reservoir Engineering
Authors: Cai M.-L. , Liu Z.-D. , Jiang Y. , Wu Y.-K. , Mei Q.-X. , Zhao W.-D. , He L. , Zhang X. , Zhou Z.-C. , Duan L.-M.
Published: February 2022

Dissipation is often considered as a detrimental effect in quantum systems for unitary quantum operations. However, it has been shown that suitable dissipation can be useful resources in both quantum information and quantum simulation. Here, we propose and experimentally simulate a dissipative phase transition (DPT) model using a single trapped ion with an engineered reservoir. We show that the ion’s spatial oscillation mode reaches a steady state after the alternating application of unitary evolution under a quantum Rabi model Hamiltonian and sideband cooling of the oscillator. The average phonon number of the oscillation mode is used as the order parameter to provide evidence for the DPT. Our work highlights the suitability of trapped ions for simulating open quantum systems and shall facilitate further investigations of DPT with various dissipation terms.
Identification of Above-Threshold Ionization by Imaging Photoelectrons from Ammonia Molecules in an Intense Femtosecond Laser Field
Authors: Yang Qin , Leng Jing , Wang Yan-Hui , Sun Ya-Nan , Du Hai-Bin , Zhang Dong-Dong , Song Le-Le , He Lan-Hai , Liu Fu-Chun
Published: February 2022

The above-threshold ionization process of ammonia molecules induced by a femtosecond laser field at 800 nm is studied in the intensity range from 1.6 × 1013 to 5.7 × 1013 W/cm2. Channel switching under different laser intensities is observed and identified in the photoelectron kinetic energy spectra of ammonia. Based on the photoelectron kinetic energy distributions and the photoelectron angular distributions, the characteristic peaks observed are exclusively assigned to the multiphoton resonance through certain intermediate states, followed by multiphoton above-threshold ionization.
Transverse Rutherford Scattering of Electron-Ion Collision in a Uniformly Magnetized Plasma
Authors: Jiang Chang , Dong Chao , Li Ding
Published: February 2022

Rutherford scattering formula plays an important role in plasma classical transport. It is urgent to investigate influence of magnetic field on the Rutherford scattering since the high magnetic field has been widely used in nowadays magnetic confinement fusion, inertial confinement fusion, and magneto-inertial fusion. In order to elucidate the magnetic field effect in a concise manner, we study the electron-ion collisions transverse to the magnetic field. The scattering angle is defined using the directions of electron velocity before and after collision, which is obtained analytically. It is found that the scattering angle can be influenced by finite magnetic field significantly. The theoretical results agree well with numerical calculation by checking the dependence of scattering angle on the magnetic field.
Non-Maxwell–Boltzmann dependence of channel carrier concentration in a quasi one dimensional charge density wave channel in the ballistic transport regime
Authors: Biswas Saumya
Published: February 2022

With the aid of a coherent transport model utilizing the non-equilibrium Green function approach, a three terminal device with metallic gate, source and drain and a quasi one dimensional charge density wave (CDW) channel is simulated focussing on the transistor behaviour brought about by a sweep of the channel potential or equivalently the chemical potential in the channel. The channel is strongly insulating only at half-filling and moving to lower and higher carrier concentrations both incur a mean field phase transition to a conducting state. With the aid of conductance calculations for a pinned CDW condensate, we present calculations for the sub-threshold slope in terms of the hopping parameter or equivalently the width of the tight-binding chain. The effects of source to drain bias and length are examined. The conductance profiles are analyed in relation to transmission profiles. The observed CDW profiles are explained in terms of filling and Fermi surface nesting. Boundary conditions, gap equations and response functions are shown to reveal the commensurability conditions and size of the transport gap. The channel carrier concentration is modulated in an athermal (non-Maxwellian–Boltzmann) fashion, thereby making it an interesting prospect for steep transistors.
Plant based radioprotectors as an adjunct to radiotherapy: advantages and limitations
Authors: Wickramasinghe Jivendra S , Udagama Preethi V , Dissanayaka Vajira H W , Weerasooriya Aruna D , Goonasekera Hemali W W
Published: February 2022

Radioprotectors are agents that have the potential to act against radiation damage to cells. These are equally invaluable in radiation protection, both in intentional and unintentional radiation exposure. It is however, complex to use a universal radioprotector that could be beneficial in diverse contexts such as in radiotherapy, nuclear accidents, and space travel, as each of these circumstances have unique requirements. In a clinical setting such as in radiotherapy, a radioprotector is used to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. The protective agent must act against radiation damage selectively in normal healthy cells while enhancing the radiation damage imparted on cancer cells. In the context of radiotherapy, plant-based compounds offer a more reliable solution over synthetic ones as the former are less expensive, less toxic, possess synergistic phytochemical activity, and are environmentally friendly. Phytochemicals with both radioprotective and anticancer properties may enhance the treatment efficacy by two-fold. Hence, plant based radioprotective agents offer a promising field to progress forward, and to expand the boundaries of radiation protection. This review is an account on radioprotective properties of phytochemicals and complications encountered in the development of the ideal radioprotector to be used as an adjunct in radiotherapy.
Optical design of a laser wavefront sensor applicable under strong diffraction effects by irreproducible microscale high-density plasma
Authors: Shimada Keitaro , Inada Yuki , Ishijima Ayumu , Nakagawa Keiichi
Published: February 2022

Accurate measurements of electron density in irreproducible microscale high-density plasmas are indispensable for improving laser processing and plasma processing technology because the dynamics of these plasmas are strongly influenced by their electron density. Because single-path laser wavefront sensors are capable of acquiring the two-dimensional electron density distribution with a single shot, the electron density of irreproducible millimeter-scale low-density plasmas has been measured by using such sensors. However, the strong diffraction effects caused by the irreproducible microscale high-density plasmas pose challenges for the measurement. In this study, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate a suitable optical configuration of single-path laser wavefront sensors for accurate measurements of irreproducible microscale high-density plasmas with minimal measurement errors. Our Fresnel diffraction-based numerical simulation indicates that the serious measurement errors caused by the strong diffraction effects can be significantly reduced through the use of relay lenses with high magnification and a short-wavelength laser source. In addition, we propose an alignment procedure for the optical setup to minimize the measurement errors and experimentally validated the procedure by measuring a laser wavefront shaped by a spatial light modulator. Finally, we applied the verified laser wavefront sensor to the measurement of a laser-induced plasma with a two-dimensional line-integrated electron density higher than 1 × 1021 m−2 in an approximately 40 × 50 μm region. This study provides a new strategy to rigorously analyze the dynamics of irreproducible microscale high-density plasmas using a laser wavefront sensor.