Onset Of Phase Research Articles

Oxytocin with calcium vs oxytocin for induction of labor in women with term premature rupture of membranes: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIntravenous calcium administration has shown promise in enhancing uterine contractions and reducing blood loss during cesarean section, but this regimen has not been compared in vaginal labor induction. ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of oxytocin combined with calcium versus oxytocin alone for inducing labor among women with term premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Study designThis single-blind, randomized control trial was conducted between October 2022 and May 2023 in a tertiary university hospital. Patients diagnosed with PROM were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received a bolus of 10 mL of calcium gluconate followed by a continuous infusion of oxytocin via a pump (n = 210), whereas the control group received only oxytocin infusion (n = 218). The primary outcome was successful vaginal deliveries within 24 hours of labor induction. Secondary outcomes included the interval from labor induction to delivery, vaginal delivery blood loss, and maternal and neonatal complications. ResultsBaseline characteristics, including maternal age, BMI, Bishop score before labor induction, were comparable between groups. The rate of vaginal delivery within 24 hours of labor induction was statistically higher in the intervention group (79.52% vs. 70.64%; P = 0.04). Participants in intervention group experienced a shortened interval between induction and delivery (10.48 h vs. 11.25h; P = 0.037), and demonstrated a higher success rate in induction of labor assessed by the onset of active phase (93.80% vs. 87.61%; P = 0.04) without increasing the cesarean rate. Reduced hemorrhage was presented in the intervention group (242.5ml vs. 255.0ml; P = 0.0015) while the maternal and neonatal outcomes were comparable between groups. ConclusionThe co-administration of calcium and oxytocin in labor induction among pregnancies with PROM was more efficient and safer than oxytocin alone. Our research suggests that the combination therapy of calcium and oxytocin may offer significant advantages during the process of labor induction and result in better outcomes.

The “SEP Clock”: A Discussion of First Proton Arrival Times in Wide-Spread Solar Energetic Particle Events

This work analyzes the appearance of wide-spread deka-MeV solar energetic proton (SEP) events, in particular the arrival of the first protons within ≈ 4.5 – 45 MeV measured at Earth–Sun L1, and their relationship with their relative solar source longitude. The definition of “wide-spread SEP event” for this study refers to events that are observed as a 25 MeV proton intensity increase at near 1 AU locations that are separated by at least 130∘ in solar longitude. Many of these events are seen at all three of the spacecraft, STEREO (Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory) A, STEREO B, and SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), and may therefore extend far beyond 130∘ in longitude around the Sun. A large subset of these events have already been part of a study by Richardson et al. (Solar Phys., 289, 3059, 2014). The event source region identifications draw from this study; more recent events have also been added. Our focus is on answering two specific questions: (1) What is the maximum longitude over which SEP protons show energy dispersion, i.e., a clear sign of arrival of higher-energy protons before those of lower energy? (2) What implications can be drawn from the ensemble of events observed regarding either direct magnetic connectivity to shocks and/or cross-field transport from the site of the eruption in the onset phase of the event?

Rate of cervical dilatation and duration of active phase of labor among low-risk pregnant women delivering at Dodoma regional referral hospital

Background: Cervical dilation at the onset of the active phase of labor determines the rate of cervical dilatation and the duration of the active phase of labor. Identifying the abnormality toward the natural progress of the active phase of labor is important because timely intervention has been observed to be controversial among developing countries during the current practice among health care providers due to different opinion on the onset of the active phase. Thus, indication like poor progress of labor has been poorly explained in which it has become a common indication for a steady increased rate of primary cesarean section and increased new born morbidity due to birth asphyxia. Objective: This study aimed at determining the rate of cervical dilatation and duration of active phase of labor among low-risk pregnant women delivered at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: This is a hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study where systematic sampling method was employed in obtaining sample of 300 pregnant women. Local partograph and a semi structured questionnaire were used to record the information and findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. One sample t-test was used to determine and compare the rate and duration of active labor with the WHO standard rate. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean rate of cervical dilatation during active phase for nulliparous was 0.81cm/hour and multiparous was 0.89cm/hour respectively, which is observed to be slower than standard WHO rates. The duration of the active phase of labor was 7.6 hours for nulliparous and 6.8 hours for multiparous. Conclusion: The rate of cervical dilatation was much slower hence the longer duration of active phase in both groups than the WHO standards.

Structural Characterization of Mixed Metal Cathodes via in Operando X-Ray Diffraction

Complex metal oxides used in lithium-based energy storage technologies undergo distinct crystallographic changes based on chemical composition, specific voltage and current states, degree of lithiation, and more. Crystallographic studies via X-ray diffraction (XRD) are a critical part of understanding structure-property relationships and engineering devices to meet specific performance requirements. For the raw electrode materials, XRD provides information about exact crystal structure (e.g. symmetry, unit cell parameters, atomic site mixing) as well as the presence of impurity phases that might arise from a poor sintering process or non-stoichiometric starting reagents. For formed devices such as button- or pouch-cells, XRD can be used in operando to measure changes in phase composition, phase quantification, and crystal lattice expansion/contraction as a function of charge state. This can provide useful information such as the level of reversibility of a device or the onset of impurity phases during aging and long cycling.In this presentation, we will review diffraction data for case studies based on NMC electrodes and highlight key insights into reversible structural changes during device cycling. The figure attached to this abstract shows diffraction data as a function of charge state during a single charge/discharge cycle. The observed peaks show modifications to the crystalline lattice (expansion in one direction, contraction in another orthogonal direction). Figure 1

Most of the Long-Term Solar Radiation Forcing on the Climate Is Due to the Strong Feedback Mechanisms

The main interactions of the Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) variations with the climatic system are considered. This research introduced new physically based indexes for 11-year cycles: the integral relative energetic power of the cycles solar activity (SA) and TSI, as well as the cycle-weighted mean value both of the TSI and sunspot number. The observed cycle-average TSI value in cycles XXII–XXIV has decreased by more than 0.5 W/m2, indicating its quasi-bicentennial decline. The onset of the Maunder-type Grand minimum phase of the SA and TSI of the quasi-bicentennial cycle (BCC) is expected in the 27th or 28th 11-year cycle in 2042 or 2053. The Earth's thermal inertia will cause a temperature reduction of around 0.25 K due to the deficit in TSI during the declining phase of the bicentennial cycle due to its negative impact on Earth's energy imbalance. As a result, the Bond's albedo will increase, and the abundance of atmospheric water vapor and carbon dioxide will decrease as a response to a direct solar forcing. BCC feedback mechanisms will also continue operating during both its minimum and maximum phases. The feedback mechanisms will continue further in short periods (about 30 years) at the beginning of BCC's growth and decline phases. These long-term self-reinforcing feedback effects will act as a response to the TSI, forcing in such a way as to trigger a strong amplification of the initial direct input to the corresponding temperature changes. They will lead to a significant increasing cooling in 2070 or 2080. Variations of the galactic cosmic rays and cloud cover practically do not affect the climate. The quasi-bicentennial cyclicity of the TSI also provides simultaneous climate variations on all Solar system planets.

Origin of Basaltic Subplinian Eruption at Shishaldin Volcano (Alaska): A Vigorously Degassing Magma Reservoir Hosting Small Bubbles

AbstractThe 1999 basaltic eruption of Shishaldin volcano (Alaska) displayed a transition between Subplinian and Strombolian activity. Strombolian bubbles indicate the presence of a periodically unstable foam at the top of magma reservoir. In contrast, a long foam, whose rupture led to the eruptive column, was also able to collect in the conduit. Laboratory experiments show that long foams can be produced in a conduit by the spreading of a stable foam accumulated at the top of the reservoir. The existence of a Taylor bubble at the onset of the Subplinian phase, also reproduced by my laboratory experiments, suggests that the foam in the reservoir was just at the transition between stable and unstable. This constrains the bubble diameter prior to the Subplinian phase to be 0.034–0.038 mm when using the foam dimensionless analysis and the underlying gas flux (0.52–0.80 m3/s). The increase in bubble diameter and potentially gas flux prior to the Strombolian activity, 0.81–1.4 m3/s, is sufficient to explain the foam in transition to be unstable. The radius of the magma reservoir is small, 200–210 m, as expected. The bubble diameter is the smallest of those estimated for classical basaltic eruptions (Etna, Kı̄lauea, Erta 'Ale), while the gas flux is among the largest. A dilute suspension of small and isolated bubbles cannot explain the large gas flux at Shishaldin. This implies numerous bubbles with a gas volume fraction ≥0.63−2%, a regime for which the bubbles form bubble clusters. The diameter of these bubble clusters, 3.0–5.4 mm, is sufficient to explain large gas fluxes.

Recombinant Interleukin - 2 2 Immunotherapy Ameliorates Inflammation and Promotes the Release of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in the Gut-Brain Axis of Schistosoma mansoni-Infected Mice.

Recombinant interleukin-22 (rIL-22) has been reported as a protective agent in murine models of diseases driven by epithelial injury. Parasites have a circadian rhythm and their sensitivity to a certain drug may vary during the day. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the effect of rIL-22 administration at different times of the day on the inflammation, oxidative status, and neurotransmitter release in the gut-brain axis of the Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Sixty male BALB/c mice aged six weeks weighing 25-30g were divided into a control group (injected intraperitoneally with PBS), mice infected with 80 ± 10 cercariae of S. mansoni (infected group) then injected intraperitoneally with PBS, and rIL-22 treated groups. rIL-22 was administrated intraperitoneally (400 ng/kg) either at the onset or offset of the light phase for 14 days. IL-22 administration reduced the levels of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ), and enhanced the production of IL-22 and IL-17. The treatment with IL-22 increased glutathione (GSH) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels both in the ileum and brain. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein level in the ileum was diminished after IL-22 administration. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotransmitter release (serotonin, 5HT, norepinephrine, NE, dopamine, DA, Glutamate, Glu, and -amino butyric acid, GABA) were improved by rIL-22. In conclusion, rIL-22 showed promising immunotherapy for inflammation, oxidative damage, and neuropathological signs associated with schistosomiasis. The efficacy of IL-22 increased significantly upon its administration at the time of light offset.

MIS 3 innovative behavior and highland occupation during a stable wet episode in the Lake Tana paleoclimate record, Ethiopia

Securely dated archaeological sites from key regions and periods are critical for understanding early modern human adaptive responses to past environmental change. Here, we report new radiocarbon dates of > 42,000 cal years BP for an intensive human occupation of Gorgora rockshelter in the Ethiopian Highlands. We also document the development of innovative technologies and symbolic behaviors starting around this time. The evidenced occupation and behavioral patterns coincide with the onset and persistence of a stable wet phase in the geographically proximate high-resolution core record of Lake Tana. Range expansion into montane habitats and the subsequent development of innovative technologies and behaviors are consistent with population dispersal waves within Africa and beyond during wetter phases ~ 60–40 thousand years ago (ka).

Empirical study on the influence of initial relative humidity on wood crib fire behavior in compartment under varied natural ventilation conditions

This empirical study investigates the influence of initial relative humidity (RH) variations (35 % and 95 %) on key fire behavior parameters, specifically focusing on the fully developed stage, occurrences of flashover, and the temperature of the upper gas layer. Wooden cribs weighing 10 kg–40 kg are used as fuel in a compartment with three openings to establish different natural ventilation conditions. The experimental findings reveal that increasing the initial RH within the chamber leads to a delay in the onset of the fire growth phase. Furthermore, it induces two noticeable effects on the fully developed fire stage: a reduction in its duration by up to 50 % and a delay in its initiation by at least 30 s. While heightened initial RH does not prevent flashover, it effectively postpones its occurrence by a minimum of 40 s. Experiments with maximum fuel loads demonstrate negligible effects of increased RH on the maximum temperature, even under varying ventilation conditions. Conversely, lower fuel loads exhibit a significant decline in temperature with rising humidity, notably from 626 °C to 474 °C. The quantitative and qualitative insights derived from this study have considerable potential to inform the development of more effective fire suppression strategies in enclosed compartments.

Pressure-Induced Exciton Formation and Superconductivity in Platinum-Based Mineral Sperrylite.

We report a comprehensive study of Sperrylite (PtAs2), the main platinum source in natural minerals, as a function of applied pressures up to 150 GPa. While no structural phase transition is detected from pressure-dependent X-ray measurements, the unit cell volume shrinks monotonically with pressure following the third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. The mildly semiconducting behavior found in pure synthesized crystals at ambient pressures becomes more insulating upon increasing the applied pressure before metalizing at higher pressures, giving way to the appearance of an abrupt decrease in resistance near 3 K at pressures above 92 GPa consistent with the onset of a superconducing phase. The pressure evolution of the calculated electronic band structure reveals the same physical trend as our transport measurements, with a non-monotonic evolution explained by a hole band that is pushed below the Fermi energy and an electron band that approaches it as a function of pressure, both reaching a touching point suggestive of an excitonic state. A Lifshitz transition of the electronic structure and an increase in the density of states may naturally explain the onset of superconductivity in this material.

A hypothalamic circuit for circadian regulation of corticosterone secretion.

The secretion of cortisol in humans and corticosterone (Cort) in rodents follows a daily rhythm which is important in readying the individual for the daily active cycle and is impaired in chronic depression. This rhythm is orchestrated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which governs the activity of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus that produce the corticotropin-releasing hormone (PVHCRH neurons). The dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH) serves as a crucial intermediary, being innervated by the SCN both directly and via relays in the subparaventricular zone, and projecting axons to the PVH, thereby exerting influence over the cortisol/corticosterone rhythm. However, the role and synaptic mechanisms by which DMH neurons regulate the daily rhythm of Cort secretion has not been explored. We found that either ablating or acutely inhibiting the DMH glutamatergic (DMHVglut2) neurons resulted in a 40-70% reduction in the daily peak of Cort. Deletion of the Vglut2 gene within the DMH produced a similar effect, highlighting the indispensable role of glutamatergic signaling. Chemogenetic stimulation of DMHVglut2 neurons led to an increase of Cort levels, and optogenetic activation of their terminals in the PVH in hypothalamic slices directly activated PVHCRH neurons through glutamate release (the DMHVglut2 → PVHCRH pathway). Similarly, ablating, inhibiting, or disrupting GABA transmission by DMH GABAergic (DMHVgat) neurons diminished the circadian peak of Cort, particularly under constant darkness conditions. Chemogenetic stimulation of DMHVgat neurons increased Cort, although with a lower magnitude compared to DMHVglut2 neuron stimulation, suggesting a role in disinhibiting PVHCRH neurons. Supporting this hypothesis, we found that rostral DMHVgat neurons project directly to GABAergic neurons in the caudal ventral part of the PVH and adjacent peri-PVH area (cvPVH), which directly inhibit PVHCRH neurons, and that activating the DMHVgat terminals in the cvPVH in brain slices reduced GABAergic afferent input onto the PVHCRH neurons. Finally, ablation of cvPVHVgat neurons resulted in increased Cort release at the onset of the active phase, affirming the pivotal role of the DMHVgat → cvPVHVgat → PVHCRH pathway in Cort secretion. In summary, our study delineates two parallel pathways transmitting temporal information to PVHCRH neurons, collectively orchestrating the daily surge in Cort in anticipation of the active phase. These findings are crucial to understand the neural circuits regulating Cort secretion, shedding light on the mechanisms governing this physiological process and the coordinated interplay between SCN, DMH, and PVH.

СЕЗОННЫЙ РИТМ РАЗВИТИЯ ЕВРОПЕЙСКИХ ВИДОВ РОДА SORBUS L. В ЮЖНО-УРАЛЬСКОМ БОТАНИЧЕСКОМ САДУ

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the results of phenological observations of introduced Sorbus L., their adaptation; to highlight the most stable and promising species for cultivation in the Bashkir Cis-Urals. A brief description of nine European rowan species from the collection of the South Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of the UFRC RAS (Ufa) is given, included in the sections: Sorbus C. Koch – S. aucuparia L.; Lobatae Gabr. – S. × thuringiaca (Ilse) Fritsch, S. × hybrida L., S. intermedia (Ehrh) Pers., S. mougeotii Soy – Willem. et Godr., S. teodorii Liljef.; Aria Pers. – S. aria L.; S. × latifolia (Lam.) Pers.; Chamaemespilus G. Hedi – S. chamaemespilus (L.) Crantz. The average growing season for European species is 151–171 days, the shortest for Western European S. aria is 151 days, the longest for local S. aucuparia is 171 days. As a result of cluster analysis of phenophases, the studied species were divided into 4 groups: early-blooming and early-flowering, mid-blooming and mid-finishing, late-blooming and late-blooming and late-ending. Differences in the timing of the onset of the main phenological phases may be genetically associated with species characteristics or with their origin, which, in different natural conditions of continental Europe, bloom, blossom, bear fruit and end the growing season at different times. Most of the studied European species (with the exception of S. aria) are characterized by unpretentiousness, so they can be used as an ornamental crop when creating landscape compositions and in private gardens. New to the collection, S. teodorii and S. × latifolia have proven themselves to be promising species with high winter hardiness and resistance, which will expand the range of tree and shrub plants in the Bashkir Cis-Urals.

Generation of deposit-derived pyroclastic density currents by repeated crater rim failures at Stromboli Volcano (Italy)

The gravitational instability of hot material deposited during eruptive activity can lead to the formation of glowing avalanches, commonly known as deposit-derived pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). These currents can travel hundreds of metres to several kilometres from the source at exceptionally high temperatures, posing a catastrophic hazard to areas surrounding steep-slope volcanoes. The occurrence of deposit-derived PDCs is often associated with crater rim failure, which can be triggered by various factors such as magma thrust from dike injection, magma fingering, bulging or less commonly, powerful explosions. Here, the in-depth study of data from the multi-parametric monitoring network operating on Stromboli (Italy), including video surveillance, seismicity and ground deformation data, complemented by remote topographic sensing data, has facilitated the understanding of the events leading to the crater rim collapse on 9 October and 4 December 2022. The failures resulted in the remobilisation of 6.4 ± 1.0 × 103 m3 and 88.9 ± 26.7 × 103 m3 of material for the 9 October and the 4 December 2022, respectively, which propagated as PDCs along the NW side of the volcano and reached the sea in a few tens of seconds. These events were characterised by a preparatory phase marked by an increase in magmatic pressure in the preceding weeks, which correlated with an increase in the displacement rate of the volcano’s summit. There was also an escalation in explosive degassing, evidenced by spattering accompanied by seismic tremors in the hours before the collapse.These events have been interpreted as an initial increase in magma vesicularity, followed by the release of gas once percolation threshold was reached. The degassing process induced densification of the magma, resulting in increased thrust on the conduit walls due to increased magmastatic pressure. This phase coincided with crater rim collapse, often followed or accompanied by the onset of lava overflow phases. A mechanism similar to the one proposed may shed light on similar phenomena observed at other volcanoes. The analysis performed in this study highlights the need for a multi-parametric and multi-platform approach to fully understand such complex phenomena. By integrating different data sources, including seismic, deformation and remote sensing data, it is possible to identify the phenomena associated with the different phases leading to crater rim collapse and the subsequent development of deposit-derived PDCs.

O-302 Feasibility and efficacy of a flexible and simplified ovarian stimulation protocol for oocyte donors, combining random-start corifollitropin alpha and progestin primed ovarian stimulation protocol (PPOS)

Abstract Study question Is the total number of retrieved oocytes in donors equivalent, according to the onset phase of stimulation with corifollitropin alpha in a random-start PPOS protocol? Summary answer The total number of retrieved and mature oocytes were not different after starting stimulation in the early, mid or late follicular or luteal phases. What is known already Recent studies have shown the ability to obtain oocytes of equivalent quality after follicular or luteal phase ovarian stimulation and have also demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the PPOS protocol in oocytes donors. In order to provide a more friendly, simplified and flexible ovarian stimulation protocol reducing the burden for donors, we studied the impact on oocyte yield of combining a random start corifollitropin alpha stimulation with the concomitant prevention of premature LH surge by progestin administration. Study design, size, duration This multicenter open-labelled RCT was performed in 4 oocytes donation centers from July 2020 to September 2023 to assess the equivalence in terms of number of retrieved oocytes of a delayed onset of corifollitropin alpha stimulation with concomitant administration of desogestrel in Mid Follicular Phase (MFP/D4-D7 of the natural cycle), Late Follicular Phase (LFP/D8-D11), Ovulatory Phase (OP/D12-D15) or Luteal Phase (LP/D16-D30) compared to the standard start in Early Follicular Phase (EFP/D1-D3). Participants/materials, setting, methods From 110 randomized oocyte donors,102 reached triggering of ovulation with triptoreline acetate and OPU : EFP n = 22, MFP n = 20, LFP n = 19, OP n = 18 and LP n = 23. The sample size was calculated to show an equivalence between groups in total number of retrieved oocytes. Secondary endpoints were the number of mature oocytes, premature LH surge and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome rates. Differences were tested using a ANOVA test or a Pearson’s Chi2 test, as appropriate. Main results and the role of chance Donors were 33 [29.2-35.0] years old [95% Confidence interval] with a mean BMI of 23.4 [21.1-26.3] kg/m2. The mean number (SD) of retrieved oocytes was 14.2 (9.1). In intention to treat analysis, there was no significant difference between the 5 groups, regarding the total number of retrieved oocytes. The mean numbers of retrieved oocytes from the 5 groups were 12.5 (7.7), 13.2 (8.0), 15.7(9.8), 17.8 (11.4), and 12.8(8.3), respectively in the EPF group, the MPF group, the LPF group, the OP group and the FP group, with no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.30). The mean (SD) number of mature oocytes was 11.8 (7.6) with no significant differences between the 5 groups. Only one premature LH surge was reported in the MFP group (0.98%). Four minor to moderate OHSS were reported (3.9%). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of our study is the small sample size responsible for a lack of power. But to our knowledge, this is the first RCT to compare the number of oocytes retrieved, according to the onset phase of ovarian stimulation in a random-start PPOS protocol, for oocyte donors. Wider implications of the findings The proportion of ovarian stimulation cycles with freeze-all is constantly increasing worldwide. Therefore simplified, ultra-flexible ovarian stimulation protocols could be proposed to maintain the spread of the workload along the working days without programming, with fewer injections and reduced burden for patients, with the same efficacy. Trial registration number NCT03895099

Jumping with control: the interplay between psychological constructs and run-up variability in elite jumpers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological aspects (emotional regulation, self-control, mood states, and perceived stress) and components of run-up variability in horizontal jumps and to conduct comparisons based on sex, events (long jump and triple jump), and contextual situations (training versus competition). A total of 10 elite-level athletes (five males and five females) with a mean age of 27.14 (±4.25) years were recruited for the study. All participants had competed nationally or internationally and had 13.10 (±3.48) years of athletic experience. Data were collected during competitions and training sessions for 5 weeks. The participants completed the Brunel Mood Scale, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Brief Self-Control Scale, and Visual Analogical Scale of Perceived Stress before each session. The components of run-up variability of successful and failed attempts were measured using video analysis. Data were analyzed using a t-test, Pearson's correlation, and Cohen's d. Athletes specializing in long jump and triple jump displayed similar psychological and run-up variability characteristics. However, females showed higher values for tension and depression, whereas males had higher run-up speeds and vigor. In competitions, athletes tended to have higher vigor, lower fatigue and confusion, an earlier beginning of the adjustment phase, fewer failed attempts, and higher run-up speed than during training. Emotional regulation is inversely related to depression in women during competitions, whereas higher self-control is associated with fewer failed jumps. Athletes competing in the long jump and the triple jump do not differ in psychological traits and run-up characteristics, which suggests that similar training strategies can be used in both events. However, different solutions should be used considering the sex of athletes, with a particular focus on utilizing emotion regulation tools to modulate depression in female jumpers. It is recommended to include training sessions that simulate competition demands, primarily to ensure the early onset of the run-up adjustment phase.

P-wave Pairing Near a Spin-Split Josephson Junction

Superconductivity and magnetism are competing effects that can coexist in certain regimes. Their co-existence leads to unexpected new behaviors that include the onset of exotic electron pair mechanisms and topological phases. In this work, we study the properties of a Josephson junction between two spin-split superconductors. The spin-splitting in the superconductors can arise from either the coupling to a ferromagnetic material or an external magnetic field. The properties of the junction are dominated by the Andreev bound states that are also split. One of these states can cross the superconductor’s Fermi level, leading to a ground-state transition characterized by a suppressed supercurrent. We interpret the supercurrent blockade as coming from a dominance of p-wave pairing close to the junction, where the electrons are at both sides. To support this interpretation, we analyze the different pairing channels and show that p-wave pairing is favored in the case where the magnetization of the two superconductors is parallel and suppressed in the anti-parallel case. We also analyze the noise spectrum that shows signatures of the ground-state transition in the form of an elevated zero-frequency noise.

Clinical Effect of the Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine "Goreisan" on Water Balance in Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Since severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) involves inflammatory mediators produced by local inflammation of the pancreas that trigger a systemic inflammatory response, intensive fluid management is required to maintain hemodynamics in the early stages of the onset of SAP. Goreisan is considered to have a diuretic effect in a state of excess water and an antidiuretic effect in a state of dehydration, regulating water balance in both directions. We investigated the clinical effects of Goreisan on water balance in SAP patients. Patients and methods: SAP patients admitted to our ICU within 72 hours of being diagnosed with SAP were divided into two groups: the Rikkunshito group (before October 2015) and theGoreisan group (after November 2015). Cumulative volume of fluid infusion, urine, fluid removal by CHF, nasogastric tube drainage, and water balance from day 1 to day 5 of ICU admission. Thirty patients were included. The median age was 57 (40-69) years, and 21/30 (70%) were male. The prognostic factor score in Japanese criteria for acute pancreatitis was 5.5 (3.3-7). Of the thirty patients, 14 were in the Rikkunshito group, and 16 were in the Goreisan group. There were no differences in the cumulative volume of fluid infusion, urine, fluid removal by CHF, or nasogastric tube drainage from day 1 to day 5 of ICU admission between the two groups. However, the cumulative water balance from day 1 to day 5 of admission was 4,957 ± 6,091 mL in the Rikkunshito group, whereas it was lower in the Goreisan group at 498 ± 3,918 mL (P = 0.023). Our study showed that Goreisan administration in patients with severe acute pancreatitis might improve water balance in the early phase of onset. Early administration of Goreisan at the onset of severe acute pancreatitis may regulate fluid movement between capillaries and interstitium and alleviate fluid overload due to water refill.

Evolution of Energetic Proton Parallel Pressure Anisotropy at Geosynchronous Altitudes: Potential Role in Triggering Substorm Expansion Phase Onset

AbstractThe sequence of events associated with the triggering of energy release during substorm expansion phase onset is still not well‐understood. Oberhagemann and Mann (2020b, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019gl085271) proposed a new substorm onset mechanism, where the transition toward parallel proton pressure anisotropy during tail stretching in the late growth phase could trigger a pressure anisotropic ballooning instability. Here we examine the evolution of energetic proton parallel pressure anisotropy at geosynchronous altitudes, seeking evidence in support of the proposed substorm onset mechanism. We use the Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite (GOES) proton flux and magnetometer data combined with substorm onset indicators derived from ground‐based magnetometers. Superposed epoch analysis of substorm onset times for 2014 using the isolated substorm list (Ohtani & Gjerloev, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020ja027902) clearly shows signatures of energetic proton parallel pressure anisotropy immediately before substorm onset, potentially supportive of the Oberhagemann and Mann theory.

Effects of Fetal Position on the Loading of the Fetal Brain During the Onset of the Second Stage of Labor.

During vaginal delivery, the delivery requires the fetal head to mold to accommodate the geometric constraints of the birth canal. Excessive molding can produce brain injuries and long-term sequelae. Understanding the loading of the fetal brain during the second stage of labor (fully dilated cervix, active pushing, and expulsion of fetus) could thus help predict the safety of the newborn during vaginal delivery. To this end, this study proposes a finite element model of the fetal head and maternal canal environment that is capable of predicting the stresses experienced by the fetal brain at the onset of the second phase of labor. Both fetal and maternal models were adapted from existing studies to represent the geometry of full-term pregnancy. Two fetal positions were compared: left-occiput-anterior and left-occiput-posterior. The results demonstrate that left-occiput-anterior position reduces the maternal tissue deformation, at the cost of higher stress in the fetal brain. In both cases, stress is concentrated underneath the sutures, though the location varies depending on the presentation. In summary, this study provides a patient-specific simulation platform for the study of vaginal delivery and its effect on both the fetal brain and maternal anatomy. Finally, it is suggested that such an approach has the potential to be used by obstetricians to support their decision-making processes through the simulation of various delivery scenarios.

Annealing-Tunable Charge Density Wave in the Magnetic Kagome Material FeGe.

The unprecedented phenomenon that a charge density wave (CDW) emerges inside the antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase indicates an unusual CDW mechanism associated with magnetism in FeGe. Here, we demonstrate that both the CDW and magnetism of FeGe can be effectively tuned through postgrowth annealing treatments. Instead of the short-range CDW reported earlier, a long-range CDW order is realized below 110K in single crystals annealed at 320 °C for over 48h. The CDW and AFM transition temperatures appear to be inversely correlated with each other. The onset of the CDW phase significantly reduces the critical field of the spin-flop transition, whereas the CDW transition remains stable against minor variations in magnetic orders such as annealing-induced magnetic clusters and spin-canting transitions. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction measurements reveal substantial disorder on the Ge1 site, which is characterized by displacement of the Ge1 atom from the Fe_{3}Ge layer along the c axis and can be reversibly modified by the annealing process. The observed annealing-tunable CDW and magnetic orders can be well understood in terms of disorder on the Ge1 site. Our study provides a vital starting point for the exploration of the unconventional CDW mechanism in FeGe and of kagome materials in general.