bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast THz spectroscopy of carbon nanotube-graphene composites
Authors: Burdanova Maria G , Tsapenko Alexey P , Ahmad Saeed , Kauppinen Esko I , Lloyd-Hughes James
Published: June 2023

Mixed nanomaterial composites can combine the excellent properties of well-known low-dimensional nanomaterials. Here we highlight the potential of one-dimensional single-walled carbon nanotubes interfaced with two-dimensional graphene by exploring the composite’s ac conductivity and photoconductivity, and the influence of HAuCl4 doping. In the composite, the equilibrium terahertz conductivity from free carrier motion was boosted, while the localised plasmon peak shifted towards higher frequencies, which we attribute to shorter conductivity pathways in the composite. A negative terahertz photoconductivity was observed for all samples under 410 nm optical excitation and was reproduced by a simple model, where the Drude spectral weight and the momentum scattering rate were both lowered under photoexcitation. The composite had an enhanced modulation depth in comparison to reference carbon nanotube films, while retaining their characteristically fast (picosecond) response time. The results show that carbon nanotube-graphene composites offer new opportunities in devices by controlling charge carrier transport and tuning their optoelectronic properties.
Improvement of photoresist etching by impedance control of a bias electrode in an inductive discharge
Authors: He You , Jiang Yi-Lang , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min-Seok , Kim Ju-Ho , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: June 2023

To improve the photoresist (PR) etching in inductively coupled plasma (ICP) without the use of bias power, an impedance control unit is connected in series to the bias electrode of the ICP. This impedance control unit consists of an inductor and a variable capacitor to control the impedance of the bias electrode. With the series resonance of the sheath capacitance and inductance of the bias electrode impedance, the current flowing through the bias electrode increases dramatically, resulting in a higher voltage across the sheath and larger ion energy loss. The effect of series resonance on the decrease of electron density, as observed by a Langmuir probe, is illustrated by a global power balance model. As the capacitance approaches the series resonance condition, the larger ion energy leads to an enhanced PR etch rate, and the more uniform profile of the radio frequency (RF) plasma potential results in more uniform distributions of ion energy and PR etch rate. Additionally, the variation of the RF plasma potential profile is attributed to the enhanced capacitive electrical field in the ICP. These variation are analysed using an electromagnetic simulation.
Influence of crystallization on the shape memory effect of poly (lactic acid)
Authors: Cunha Rafael Braga da , Pê Filipe Rodrigues , Agrawal Pankaj , Figueiredo Brito Gustavo de , de Mélo Tomás Jeferson Alves
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of crystallization on the shape memory effect (SME) of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). Different thermal treatment times were applied to the PLA to obtain different degrees of crystallinity. Additionally, a PLA sample was cooled rapidly to obtain an amorphous PLA. The characterization techniques used in this study were Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, the differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, and the SME was evaluated by fold-deploy and torsion modes. Results show that crystallization positively affected the SME, both in shape fixity and shape recovery. Different crystallization times provided different degrees of crystallinity, and the SME gradually increased with increasing crystallinity. Additionally, it was found that the SME of PLA is higher in water. The study concludes that the crystallization process plays a crucial role in the SME of PLA, and this work contributes to the understanding of the relationship between crystallization and the SME of PLA, which can contribute to the development of new technologies and applications for shape memory polymers.
Radiative corrections to the level width in the presence of magnetic field
Authors: Solovyev D , Zalialiutdinov T
Published: June 2023

The effect of a constant magnetic field in combination with a field induced by an external thermal environment on atomic decay rates is studied. For this purpose, radiative corrections including magnetic interaction are considered for hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions with a small nuclear charge Z. Corrections to the decays of the metastable state 2s and the excited state 2p were calculated at various magnetic field strengths suitable for the conditions of the laboratory experiments. It is found that the combination of the magnetic field and thermal environment can lead to a broadening close to the level of experimental error, which makes it necessary to take them into account in the near future.
Primordial black holes in the curvaton model: possible connections to pulsar timing arrays and dark matter
Authors: Ferrante Giacomo , Franciolini Gabriele , Iovino Antonio Junior , Urbano Alfredo
Published: June 2023

We revise primordial black holes (PBHs) production in the axion-curvaton model, in light of recent developments in the computation of their abundance accounting for non-gaussianities (NGs) in the curvature perturbation up to all orders. We find that NGs intrinsically generated in such scenarios have a relevant impact on the phenomenology associated to PBHs and, in particular, on the relation between the abundance and the signal of second-order gravitational waves. We show that this model could explain both the totality of dark matter in the asteroid mass range and the tentative signal reported by the NANOGrav and IPTA collaborations in the nano-Hz frequency range. En route, we provide a new, explicit computation of the power spectrum of curvature perturbations going beyond the sudden-decay approximation.
On the constant roll complex scalar field inflationary models
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Ahmadi Nahid , Shokri Mehdi
Published: June 2023

In this paper we wish to point out the possibility of using a complex scalar field in a constant roll inflationary model, as needed for observational viability. We extend the idea of real field inflaton with constant rate of roll to a complex field, showing the feasibility of solving Einstein Klein-Gordon equations constrained by an appropriate form of constant roll definition. As compared to the well known (two-parametric class of) real field models, there is one more degree of flexibility in constant roll inflationary solutions which is represented by an arbitrary function of time, γ(t). We work with an arbitrary but constant function γ (where γ = 0 refers to the corresponding real field model) and find new inflationary class of potentials. In this class of models, the behavior of real and complex field models are similar in some aspects, for example the solutions with large constant roll parameter are not stable and should be considered as early time transients. These field solutions relax at late time on a dual attractor trajectory. However, complex fields phase space trajectories reach this stable regime after real fields. We performed the stability analysis on γ function space solutions and found that dynamically stable trajectories in phase space are stable under γ variations. We extended this study by considering multifield models of constant roll inflation with non-canonical kinetic terms. By enlarging the size of field space, we showed that a multifield constant roll model is dynamically a single field effective theory. If field space is parametrized by N non-canonical fields, there will be N free parameters in the potential that can be attributed to the interaction between the fields.
Scalable micro/nanostructured superhydrophobic surface modifications for enhanced energy efficiency and heat transfer performance in stainless steel and titanium
Authors: Shin Younghun , Lee Kwon-Yeong , Lee Jeong-Won , Hwang Woonbong
Published: June 2023

Condensation refers to the change of a substance from a gaseous phase to a liquid phase, an example of which is the condensation of water vapor in nature. Condensation is used in many industries, such as energy generation and seawater desalination. On a general surface, filmwise condensation is the main phenomenon in which gaseous water vapor is condensed in the form of a film. However, film condensation acts as a factor that reduces energy efficiency as the liquid film formed on the surface interferes with heat transfer. A phenomenon opposite to film condensation is dropwise condensation, which is immediately separated after condensation in the form of droplets, and thus a film is not formed, greatly improving heat transfer efficiency. Because of these advantages, many studies have been conducted, and most studies have induced dropwise condensation by modifying the surface to be superhydrophobic. However, in the case of a superhydrophobic surface, it takes a lot of time and money in the process, so there is a great difficulty in increasing the area. Among them, stainless steel and titanium, which are most materials for industrial heat exchangers, have high robustness, so there are few studies on improving the condensation performance after surface modification due to the difficulty of processing. For this reason, there is a large gap between the currently conducted studies and the actual industry. Our research team succeeded in modifying the surface of a stainless steel and titanium tube the size of an actual heat exchanger into superhydrophobicity with a simple process. We confirmed that the condensation performance was improved on the superhydrophobic surface through experiments under various conditions. By comparing the improvement in the heat transfer performance of stainless steel and titanium under several conditions, the main cause of the performance improvement was proved. This study is expected to play a major role in the eco-friendly future industry where energy efficiency is important by improving the heat transfer performance of stainless steel and titanium, which are mainly used throughout the industry.
An assessment of the impact of illegal artisanal gold mining on the environment in parts of Chewore Safari Area, Northern Zimbabwe
Authors: Chakuya Jeremiah , Munkuli Norman , Mutema Courage , Gandiwa Edson
Published: June 2023

Illegal artisanal gold mining threatens biodiversity conservation within protected areas. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the environmental impacts of illegal artisanal gold mining in Chewore Safari Area (CSA) and (ii) assess trends in illegal artisanal gold mining within CSA, northern Zimbabwe. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data (i) from law enforcement records kept at CSA focusing on the period 2014 to 2021, and (ii) from field visits to areas affected by illegal artisanal gold mining. The study found that there was a gold rush into CSA with many people from the adjacent communities being arrested and prosecuted in the year 2014. A gradual decline trend in illegal gold mining activities was observed. Equipment or tools were confiscated from illegal miners including gold metal detectors. Site observations indicated destructive gold mining practices associated with visible land degradation. The study recommended increased law enforcement and awareness programmes within communities adjacent to CSA and reclamation of mined sites.
Magnetic skyrmions: materials, manipulation, detection, and applications in spintronic devices
Authors: Zhang Huai , Zhang Yajiu , Hou Zhipeng , Qin Minghui , Gao Xingsen , Liu Junming
Published: June 2023

Magnetic skyrmions are vortex-like spin configurations that possess nanometric dimensions, topological stability, and high controllability through various external stimuli. Since their first experimental observation in helimagnet MnSi in 2009, magnetic skyrmions have emerged as a highly promising candidate for carrying information in future high-performance, low-energy-consumption, non-volatile information storage, and logical calculation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the progress made in the field of magnetic skyrmions, specifically in materials, manipulation, detection, and application in spintronic devices. Firstly, we introduce several representative skyrmion material systems, including chiral magnets, magnetic thin films, centrosymmetric materials, and Van der Waals materials. We then discuss various methods for manipulating magnetic skyrmions, such as electric current and electric field, as well as detecting them, mainly through electrical means such as the magnetoresistance effect. Furthermore, we explore device applications based on magnetic skyrmions, such as track memory, logic computing, and neuromorphic devices. Finally, we summarize the challenges faced in skyrmion research and provide future perspectives.
Convexity of Singular Affine Structures and Toric-Focus Integrable Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Ratiu Tudor , Wacheux Christophe , Zung Nguyen
Published: June 2023

This work is devoted to a systematic study of symplectic convexity for integrable Hamiltonian systems with elliptic and focus-focus singularities. A distinctive feature of these systems is that their base spaces are still smooth manifolds (with boundary and corners), analogous to the toric case, but their associated integral affine structures are singular, with non-trivial monodromy, due to focus singularities. We obtain a series of convexity results, both positive and negative, for such singular integral affine base spaces. In particular, near a focus singular point, they are locally convex and the local-global convexity principle still applies. They are also globally convex under some natural additional conditions. However, when the monodromy is sufficiently large, the local-global convexity principle breaks down and the base spaces can be globally non-convex, even for compact manifolds. As a surprising example, we construct a 2-dimensional “integral affine black hole”, which is locally convex but for which a straight ray from the center can never escape.
Effects of anti-osteoporosis therapy on the risk of secondary fractures and surgical complications following surgical fixation of proximal humerus fracture in older people
Authors: Katthagen Jan Christoph , Koeppe Jeanette , Stolberg-Stolberg Josef , Rischen Robert , Freistuehler Moritz , Faldum Andreas , Raschke Michael J
Published: June 2023

Background

age-related fragility fractures cause significant burden of disease. Within an ageing society, fracture and complication prevention will be essential to balance health expenditure growth.

Objective

to assess the effect of anti-osteoporotic therapy on surgical complications and secondary fractures after treatment of fragility fractures.

Patients and methods

retrospective health insurance data from January 2008 to December 2019 of patients ≥65 years with proximal humeral fracture (PHF) treated using locked plate fixation (LPF) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were analysed. Cumulative incidences were calculated by Aalen–Johansen estimates. The influence of osteoporosis and pharmaceutical therapy on secondary fractures and surgical complications were analysed using multivariable Fine and Gray Cox regression models.

Results

a total of 43,310 patients (median age 79 years, 84.4% female) with a median follow-up of 40.9 months were included. Five years after PHF, 33.4% of the patients were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis and only 19.8% received anti-osteoporotic therapy. A total of 20.6% (20.1–21.1%) of the patients had at least one secondary fracture with a significant reduction of secondary fracture risk by anti-osteoporotic therapy (P < 0.001). An increased risk for surgical complications (hazard ratio: 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25–1.47, P < 0.001) after LPF could be reversed by anti-osteoporotic therapy. While anti-osteoporotic therapy was more often used in female patients (35.3 vs 19.1%), male patients showed significantly stronger effects reducing the secondary fracture and surgical complication risk.

Conclusions

a significant number of secondary fractures and surgical complications could be prevented by consequent osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment particularly in male patients. Health-politics and legislation must enforce guideline-based anti-osteoporotic therapy to mitigate burden of disease.
African History and Meleko Mokgosi: Your Trip to Africa
Authors: Mutongi Kenda , de Gooyer Alan
Published: June 2023

This article argues that the group of paintings entitled Your Trip to Africa, by US-based Botswanan visual artist Meleko Mokgosi, advocate for a clearer, more realistic encounter with Africa and its people. The paintings, motivated by Peter Kubelka’s 1966 experimental film documenting a hunting party in Sudan (Our Trip to Africa), admonish the viewer to pay attention not just to what they see but to how they see. This admonition is an important reminder for African historians as well. We should beware of the pitfalls of writing the history of Africa through a racialized discourse, fashioned in the West, that ignores or distorts experiences and subjectivities of the dark-skinned Africans that, necessarily, precede any racialized discourse. Just as important, Mokgosi reminds us that in representing African history we should be wary of essentializing or aestheticizing Africans to confirm our preconceived notions of their lives and histories: Africans should not be made instruments to serve historical narratives that reinforce our own ways of looking. Ultimately, Mokgosi’s paintings remind us of the artifice underlying any effort to portray the reality of Africans, and their history.
Successful management of suspected propofol dependence with phenobarbital in an adult patient with COVID-19
Authors: Feeney Megan E , Steiling Katrina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In critically ill patients, high sedation requirements for prolonged durations are often needed to achieve ventilator synchrony, a practice that was particularly common during the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We report the successful use of phenobarbital to facilitate propofol weaning after prolonged medication exposure.

A 64-year-old male with hypertension was admitted for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 pneumonia. The patient received high doses of fentanyl and propofol with periods of concomitant midazolam and dexmedetomidine throughout his prolonged time on mechanical ventilation. Total days of exposure were 19 for fentanyl, 17 for propofol, 12 for midazolam, and 15 for dexmedetomidine. Upon improvement in lung function, attempts to wean the patient from propofol all failed due to symptoms such as tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypertension, with symptom resolution only upon return to the previous dose. Phenobarbital was trialed for possible propofol withdrawal syndrome, allowing for a dose reduction of 10 μg/kg/min within 2 hours of the first dose without any corresponding symptoms. The patient continued to receive intermittent doses of phenobarbital for another 36 hours until propofol was discontinued. He underwent tracheostomy shortly after weaning off all sedation and was discharged to rehab 34 days after his initial admission.

Conclusion

Information concerning propofol withdrawal syndrome in the literature is limited. Our experience demonstrates the successful use of phenobarbital to facilitate propofol weaning after prolonged exposure.
Illegal Market Governance and Organized Crime Groups’ Resilience: A Study of The Sinaloa Cartel
Authors: Pereda Valentin , Décary-Hetu David
Published: June 2023

Since its emergence in the early 1990s, the Sinaloa Cartel has effectively surmounted all challenges to its existence, while, simultaneously, successfully developing its illegal ventures in Mexico and beyond. Based on evidence from the accounts of witnesses who testified in the prosecution of Joaquin Guzmán Loera (also known as El Chapo), one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s most prominent figures, we argue that this OCG’s resilience partially derives from the illegal governance practices it has implemented in the criminal markets in which it operates. In particular, we contend that the Sinaloa Cartel’s reliance on four types of illegal governance have been pivotal in promoting its capacity to weather adversity, namely: (1) judicial, (2) financial, (3) political and (4) regulatory governance.
The Mortality of Infective endocarditis with and without Surgery in Elderly (MoISE) Study
Authors: Hémar Victor , Camou Fabrice , Roubaud-Baudron Claire , Ternacle Julien , Pernot Mathieu , Greib Carine , Dijos Marina , Wirth Gaetane , Chaussade Hélène , Peuchant Olivia , Bonnet Fabrice , Issa Nahéma ,   the MoISE Study Group, Tlili G , Ngo Bell C , Barret A , Videcoq M , Alexandrino C , Vareil M O , Wille H , André K , Nyamankolly E , Girard D , Ducours M , Caubet O , Ferrand H , Lacassin F , Picard W , Pavin C , Castan B , Aguilar C
Published: June 2023

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is increasingly affecting older patients. However, data on their management are sparse, and the benefits of surgery in this population are unclear.

Methods

We included patients with left-sided IE (LSIE) aged ≥ 80 years enrolled in a prospective endocarditis cohort managed in Aquitaine, France, from 2013 to 2020. Geriatric data were collected retrospectively to identify factors associated with the 1-year risk of death using Cox regression.

Results

We included 163 patients with LSIE (median age, 84 years; men, 59%; rate of prosthetic LSIE, 45%). Of the 105 (64%) patients with potential surgical indications, 38 (36%) underwent valve surgery: they were younger, more likely to be men with aortic involvement, and had a lower Charlson comorbidity index. Moreover, they had better functional status at admission (ie, the ability to walk unassisted and a higher median activities of daily living [ADL] score; n = 5/6 vs 3/6, P = .01). The 1-year mortality rate in LSIE patients without surgical indications was 28%; it was lower in those who were operated on compared with those who were not despite a surgical indication (16% vs 66%, P < .001). Impaired functional status at admission was strongly associated with mortality regardless of surgical status. In patients unable to walk unassisted or with an ADL score <4, there was no significant surgical benefit for 1-year mortality.

Conclusions

Surgery improves the prognosis of older patients with LSIE and good functional status. Surgical futility should be discussed in patients with altered autonomy. The endocarditis team should include a geriatric specialist.
Prior cancer history and suitability for kidney transplantation
Authors: Wong Germaine , Lim Wai H
Published: June 2023

Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for most patients with kidney failure. For patients with a prior history of treated cancers, listing and transplant eligibility decisions are complex. Patients and health professionals are obliged to consider the time-periods between cancer cure and transplantation, the risk of cancer recurrence under the influence of immunosuppression and anti-cancer treatment options if the disease recurs. Cancer recurrence is associated with a high mortality rate, thus potentially reduces the projected survival benefit of transplantation, and dampens the utility of scarce organs. In view of the uncertain risk of harms, clinicians may consider transplantation for candidates with prior cancer history only after an extended period of cancer-free interval, as the fear of disease recurrence and shortened life expectancy may outweigh the benefits of receiving a kidney transplant compared with dialysis. Over the past decade, the evolution of novel anti-cancer therapies coupled with improved understanding of cancer genomics have led to considerable improvement in cancer-free survival. It is therefore justifiable to make individualized transplant suitability decisions based the joint effects of cancer biology, available therapeutic options and prognostic covariates on clinical outcomes. In this review, we first summarized the cancer epidemiology in kidney transplant recipients. We then explored how the probability of cancer cure, risk of recurrence and outcomes in candidates with a prior cancer history may influence the decisions to transplant. Finally, the role of shared decision-making between health professionals and patients regarding the optimal management options, and considerations of patients’ preferences and values are discussed.
Case report: successful termination of ventricular tachycardia by intrinsic anti-tachycardia pacing beyond conventional anti-tachycardia pacing
Authors: Kazawa Shuichiro , Satomi Kazuhiro , Murakami Hidetaka , Tanaka Nobuhiro
Published: June 2023

Background

Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) is a pain-free alternative to defibrillation shock for monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). Intrinsic ATP (iATP) is a novel algorithm of auto-programmed ATP. However, the advantage of iATP over conventional ATP in clinical cases is still unknown.

Case summary

A 49-year-old man with no significant past medical history was transferred to our institution with sudden-onset fatigue from working on a farm. A 12-lead electrocardiogram showed monomorphic sustained wide QRS tachycardia with a right bundle branch block pattern and superior axis deviation with a cycle length (CL) of 300 ms. Sustained monomorphic VT originating from the left ventricle due to underlying vasospastic angina was diagnosed by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, coronary angiography, and the acetylcholine stress test, and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation was performed. Nine months later, a clinical VT episode with a CL of 300 ms was observed, which could not be terminated by three sequences of conventional burst pacing. Ventricular tachycardia was finally terminated by a third iATP sequence without any acceleration.

Discussion

Although standard burst pacing by conventional ATP reached the VT circuit, it failed to terminate the VT. Using the post-pacing interval, iATP automatically calculated the appropriate number of S1 pulses required to reach the VT circuit. In iATP, the S2 pulses are delivered with a calculated coupling interval based on the estimated effective refractory period during tachycardia. In this case, iATP might have led to less aggressive S1 stimulation, followed by aggressive S2 stimulation, which probably helped terminate the VT without any acceleration.
Stable Randomisation
Authors: Agranov Marina , Healy Paul J , Nielsen Kirby
Published: June 2023

We design a laboratory experiment to identify whether a preference for randomisation defines a stable type across different choice environments. In games and individual decisions, subjects face 20 simultaneous repetitions of the same choice. Subjects can randomise by making different choices across the repetitions. We find that randomisation does define a type that is predictable across domains. A sizeable fraction of individuals randomise in all domains, even in questions that offer a stochastically dominant option. For some mixers, dominated randomisation is responsive to intervention. We explore theoretical foundations for mixing, and find that most preference-based models are unable to accommodate our results.
Climate Change Policies and Older Adults: An Analysis of States’ Climate Adaptation Plans
Authors: Carlson Bryant , Kohon Jacklyn N , Carder Paula C , Himes Dani , Toda Eiji , Tanaka Katsuya
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

As climate change drives more frequent and intense weather events, older adults face disproportionate impacts, including having the highest mortality rates from storms, wildfires, flooding, and heat waves. State governments are critical in deploying local resources to help address climate change impacts. This policy study analyzes states’ climate adaptation plans to assess the methods through which they address the impact of climate change on older adults.

Research Design and Methods

This study uses content analysis to analyze available climate change adaptation plans for all U.S. states for strategies designed to increase the resilience of older adults to the impacts of climate change.

Results

A total of 19 states have climate adaptation plans, of which 18 describe older adults as a population group with specific health impacts and risk factors. There are 4 categories of adaptation strategies for older adults that includes communications, transportation, housing, and emergency services. State plans vary in terms of the risk factors and adaptation strategies included.

Discussion and Implications

To varying degrees, states’ climate change adaptation planning addresses health, social, and economic risks specific to older adults, as well as strategies for mitigating those risks. As global warming continues, collaborations between public and private sectors and across regions will be needed to prevent negative outcomes such as forced relocation and other social and economic disruptions as well as disparate morbidity and mortality.
Political discretion and risk: the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the distribution of global operations, and uranium company valuation
Authors: Aliyev Murod , Devinney Timothy , Ferguson Andrew , Lam Peter
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between political constraint and investor perception of policy risk using an analysis of the reaction of Australian and Canadian uranium company stocks to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Our dataset traces 933 projects of 322 uranium firms located across 36 countries and posits a U-shaped relationship between political constraint and investor perceptions of policy risk. Using an event study methodology as applied to the natural quasi-experiment arising from the event, we link heterogeneous changes in stock returns to the policy risk in the uranium project locations of the firms. The results corroborate the expected relationship and hold even after we control for home-country bias.
Bioinformatic identification and experiment validation revealed that ACTG1 is a promising prognostic signature and therapeutic target for sepsis
Authors: Yao Hua , Zhou Yue , Li Tingting , Li Yao , Li Fan , Zhang Geng , Fu Xin , Kang Yan , Wu Qin
Published: June 2023

In the intensive care unit, sepsis is a prevalent clinical syndrome (i.e. the final pathway to death from most infections). Peripheral blood gene expression profiling is becoming more and more accepted as a potential diagnostic or prognostic tool. This work aimed to recognize genes related to sepsis, providing potential translational therapeutic targets. RNA sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 20 healthy control subjects and 51 sepsis patients. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was employed to pick out sepsis-related and immunocyte-related gene modules. Genes in the yellow module are primarily involved in excessive inflammation and immune suppression. STRING and Cytoscape were combined to identify ACTG1 and IQGAP1 as hub genes with highest connective degree, and prognostic predication value of ACTG1 was confirmed. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. ACTG1 messenger RNA expression was increased in animal and in cell-related sepsis models. Small interfering RNA revealed decreasing ACTG1 can reduce the in vitro sepsis model apoptosis. We have authenticated ACTG1 as a reliable signature of a poor outcome of sepsis and promising therapeutic targets for sepsis.
ARTC1-mediated VAPB ADP-ribosylation regulates calcium homeostasis
Authors: Ma Xueyao , Li Mengyuan , Liu Yi , Zhang Xuefang , Yang Xiaoyun , Wang Yun , Li Yipeng , Wang Jiayue , Liu Xiuhua , Yan Zhenzhen , Yu Xiaochun , Wu Chen
Published: June 2023

Mono-ADP-ribosylation (MARylation) is a post-translational modification that regulates a variety of biological processes, including DNA damage repair, cell proliferation, metabolism, and stress and immune responses. In mammals, MARylation is mainly catalyzed by ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs), which consist of two groups: ART cholera toxin-like (ARTCs) and ART diphtheria toxin-like (ARTDs, also known as PARPs). The human ARTC (hARTC) family is composed of four members: two active mono-ADP-ARTs (hARTC1 and hARTC5) and two enzymatically inactive enzymes (hARTC3 and hARTC4). In this study, we systematically examined the homology, expression, and localization pattern of the hARTC family, with a particular focus on hARTC1. Our results showed that hARTC3 interacted with hARTC1 and promoted the enzymatic activity of hARTC1 by stabilizing hARTC1. We also identified vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB) as a new target of hARTC1 and pinpointed Arg50 of VAPB as the ADP-ribosylation site. Furthermore, we demonstrated that knockdown of hARTC1 impaired intracellular calcium homeostasis, highlighting the functional importance of hARTC1-mediated VAPB Arg50 ADP-ribosylation in regulating calcium homeostasis. In summary, our study identified a new target of hARTC1 in the endoplasmic reticulum and suggested that ARTC1 plays a role in regulating calcium signaling.
Potential role of kin selection in the transition from vegetative to reproductive allocation in plants
Authors: Chen Renfei , Shi Cenxi , Zhang Liang , Tu Chengyi , Weiner Jacob
Published: June 2023

According to the original optimal reproductive allocation theory, plants should shift from vegetative growth to reproductive allocation abruptly and completely. Some plants do this, and it is also considered a good strategy for crop plants to maximize yield, but most plants shift gradually. Modified versions of the theory predict such a gradual transition from growth to reproduction. We hypothesize that kin selection can also alter the predictions of optimal allocation theory. We investigated the theoretical implications of both positive and negative kin selection on the timing of plant reproductive development using mathematical models. Under reasonable assumptions of costs and benefits, plants under kin selection are more likely to shift from growth to reproduction in an abrupt way when the initial value of the ratio between reproductive and vegetative biomass is high. Supported by empirical observations, our theoretical predictions have important implications in linking life history and energy allocation as well as for improving yields in agriculture.
CCDC189 affects sperm flagellum formation by interacting with CABCOCO1
Authors: Wang Mengyue , Kang Junyan , Shen Zhiming , Hu Yingchun , Chen Min , Cui Xiuhong , Liu Hongbin , Gao Fei
Published: June 2023

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are one of the major causes of male infertility and are characterized by multiple defects. In this study, we found that the coiled-coil domain-containing 189 (Ccdc189) gene was predominantly expressed in mouse testes and that inactivation of the Ccdc189 gene caused male infertility. Histological studies revealed that most sperm from Ccdc189-deficient mice carried coiled, curved or short flagella, which are typical MMAF phenotypes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the CCDC189 protein was located at the radial spoke of the first peripheral microtubule doublet in the sperm axoneme. A CCDC189-interacting protein, CABCOCO1 (ciliary-associated calcium-binding coiled-coil protein 1), was discovered via co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, and inactivation of Cabcoco1 caused malformation of sperm flagella, which was consistent with findings obtained with Ccdc189-deficient mice. Further studies revealed that inactivation of CCDC189 caused downregulation of CABCOCO1 protein expression and that both CCDC189 and CABCOCO1 interacted with the radial-spoke-specific protein RSPH1 and intraflagellar transport proteins. This study demonstrated that Ccdc189 is a radial-spoke-associated protein and is involved in sperm flagellum formation through its interactions with CABCOCO1 and intraflagellar transport proteins.
Association of Soluble Markers of Inflammation With Peri-coronary Artery Inflammation in People With and Without HIV Infection and Without Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Freeman Michael L , Hossain Mian B , Burrowes Shana A B , Jeudy Jean , Bui Ryan , Moisi Daniela , Mitchell Sarah E , Khambaty Mariam , Weiss Robert G , Lederman Michael M , Bagchi Shashwatee
Published: June 2023

Background

Inflammation is linked to elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Fat attenuation index (FAI) is a measure of peri-coronary inflammation that independently predicts CVD risk in HIV-uninfected persons. Whether FAI is associated with soluble inflammatory markers is unknown.

Methods

Plasma levels of inflammatory markers were measured in 58 PWH and 16 controls without current symptoms or prior known CVD who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and had FAI measurements. A cross-sectional analysis was performed, and associations of markers with FAI values of the right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending artery (LAD) were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted for the potential confounders age, sex, race, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, and use of lipid-lowering medication.

Results

Several inflammatory markers had significant associations with RCA or LAD FAI in adjusted models, including sCD14, sCD163, TNFR-I, and TNFR-II, CCL5, CX3CL1, IP-10.

Conclusions

The associations between indices of systemic and peri-coronary inflammation are novel and suggest that these systemic markers and FAI together are promising noninvasive biomarkers that can be applied to assess asymptomatic CVD in people with and without HIV; they also may be useful tools to evaluate effects of anti-inflammatory interventions.
Geographic Targeting of COVID-19 Testing to Maximize Detection in Los Angeles County
Authors: Jia Katherine M , Kahn Rebecca , Fisher Rebecca , Balter Sharon , Lipsitch Marc
Published: June 2023

Background

Many severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections have not been detected, reported, or isolated. For community testing programs to locate the most cases under limited testing resources, we developed and evaluated quantitative approaches for geographic targeting of increased coronavirus disease 2019 testing efforts.

Methods

For every week from December 5, 2021, to July 23, 2022, testing and vaccination data were obtained in ∼340 cities/communities in Los Angeles County, and models were developed to predict which cities/communities would have the highest test positivity 2 weeks ahead. A series of counterfactual scenarios were constructed to explore the additional number of cases that could be detected under targeted testing.

Results

The simplest model based on most recent test positivity performed nearly as well as the best model based on most recent test positivity and weekly tests per 100 persons in identifying communities that would maximize the average yield of cases per test in the following 2 weeks and almost as well as the perfect knowledge of the actual positivity 2 weeks ahead. In the counterfactual scenario, increasing testing by 1% 2 weeks ahead and allocating all tests to communities with the top 10% of predicted positivity would yield a 2% increase in detected cases.

Conclusions

Simple models based on current test positivity can predict which communities may have the highest positivity 2 weeks ahead and hence could be allocated with more testing resources.
Errata and re-visitation of “What is the limit for photoautotrophic plankton growth rates?” (Flynn and Raven, 2017)
Authors: Flynn Kevin J , Raven John A
Published: June 2023

An error in our original work prompts a revisitation of factors constraining photoautotrophic plankton growth rates (μmax). Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase-Oxygenase does not itself provide that constraint, but we identify other factors that result in our previously suggested value of ~2 doublings per day still likely being representative of the maximum for most photoautotrophs. μmax likely evolves to balance the advantage of possessing a high competitive value while minimizing the stresses incurred when the organism is incapable of routinely achieving a higher μmax due to various limiting factors. Organisms with extreme high μmax are thus expected to grow under conditions that provide the necessary environment (stable pH, non-limiting nutrients and light) for sufficient time that the evolution of higher μmax becomes advantageous. Conditions in nature allowing the evolution of higher μmax include the exploitation of an exceptional opportunity and then entering stasis (e.g. desert microalgae), or a situation where high grazing pressures match high phytoplankton growth, thus maintaining non-limiting nutrient and light conditions. The latter, however, conflicts with the paradox of enrichment, as only under resource limitation would the necessary stability be attained in the predator–prey dynamic. Ultimately, ecology, not biophysics, constrains phototroph μmax.
Impact of interstitial lung disease on clinical remission and unfavourable events of rheumatoid arthritis: results from the IORRA cohort
Authors: Sugano Eri , Tanaka Eiichi , Inoue Eisuke , Honda Suguru , Abe Mai , Saka Kumiko , Sugitani Naohiro , Ochiai Moeko , Yamaguchi Rei , Ikari Katsunori , Harigai Masayoshi
Published: June 2023

Objectives

We aimed to examine the impact of concomitant interstitial lung disease (ILD) on achieving clinical remission and the occurrence of unfavourable clinical events in patients with RA.

Methods

Among the participants in the Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis (IORRA) cohort from 2011 to 2012, patients not achieving remission of 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) at baseline and those with chest CT images were enrolled. Based on the chest CT images, the patients were divided into two groups: the ILD group and non-ILD group. The associations among the presence of ILD with time to achieving DAS28 remission and development of death, hospitalized infection, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), or malignancy within 5 years were evaluated using time-dependent Cox regression models.

Results

We enrolled 287 patients in the ILD group and 1235 in the non-ILD group. DAS28 remission was achieved at least once in 55.7% and 75.0% of the ILD and non-ILD groups within 5 years, respectively. Presence of ILD was significantly associated with failure to achieve DAS28 remission (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.89). ILD was also a significant factor associated with death (aHR: 3.24; 95% CI: 2.08, 5.03), hospitalized infection (aHR 2.60; 95% CI: 1.77, 3.83), MACE (aHR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.76, 6.58), and lung cancer (aHR: 16.0; 95% CI: 3.22, 79.2), but not with malignant lymphoma (aHR: 2.27; 95% CI: 0.59, 8.81).

Conclusion

Concomitant ILD was a significant factor associated with failure to achieve clinical remission and the occurrence of the unfavourable clinical events in patients with RA.
Impacts of learning experiences within an online extension initiative on application of research-based principles by beef stakeholders
Authors: Brandão Alice P , Cooke Reinaldo F , Dunlap Kathrin A , Lamb G Cliff , Pohler Ky G , Donaldson Jonan P
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate, characterize and quantify the learning experiences and subsequent application of research-based technologies by beef producers upon conclusion of an online extension certification program (44 Farms International Beef Cattle Academy, IBCA). Upon conclusion of the program, paricipants were invited to complete a structured interview. Interview transcripts (n = 19) were coded, categorized, and merged into four overarching themes: Strengths, Struggles, Courses, and Geographical origin. Within Strengths, the most frequent codes were Connections, Application, and Instructor Experience, with 61, 53, and 50 coded segments respectively. Within Struggles, the most frequent codes were Time Management, Level of Knowledge, and Language issues, with 27, 18, and 15 coded segments, respectively. For Courses in the program, the most frequently mentioned were Nutrition, Reproduction, and Genetics, with 35, 28, and 24 coded segments respectively. Correlation between codes was evaluated using Pearson and only statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) correlations were included in the matrices for network analysis. Interpretation of the generated network analysis map (P ≤ 0.05; Q = 0.468) including all four categories of codes revealed close relationships between Application and the Strengths of Time management, Instructor Experience, and Connections. Application was also directly related to the Courses of Reproduction and Genetics, and the Struggle of Student Engagement and Guidance. Geographical origin was an important factor mediating different correlations. Developing countries (Brazil, Panama, Dominican Republic, and South Africa) were more closely related to the Struggle of Tuition cost, which, in turn was related to the perceived Prestige of the program. In Europe (Romania, Germany, and Kazakhstan), a stronger correlation to the Struggles of Material Relevance and Language Issues was described. Collectively, these results support the positive impact of a comprehensive and interactive extension initiative to leverage application of research-based principles by beef stakeholders around the world. Further, these outcomes indicate that the most valued aspects of the program regarding application are related to interpersonal experience with faculty and peers of the industry (Instructor Experience and Connections) and that perception of struggles and strengths is greatly influenced by socio-cultural aspects of the learning community.
Decision Regret in Plastic Surgery: A Summary
Authors: Jones Hannah Elizabeth , Cruz Claudia , Stewart Christopher , Losken Albert
Published: June 2023

Background:

Patient decision regret can occur following elective healthcare decisions. The current era is focused on patient-reported outcomes, and decision regret is another metric by which surgeons can and should measure postoperative results. Patients who experience decision regret after elective procedures can often blame themselves, the surgeon, or the clinical practice, and this can lead to downstream psychological and economic consequences for all parties involved.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted on PubMed using the following search terms: (aesthetic surgery) AND (decision regret), (rhinoplasty) AND (decision regret), (face-lift) AND (decision regret), (abdominoplasty) AND (decision regret), (breast augmentation) AND (decision regret), (breast reconstruction) AND (decision regret), (FACE-Q) AND (rhinoplasty), (BREAST-Q) AND (breast augmentation). The following article types were included in the search: randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews.

Results:

After review of the literature, preoperative education, decisional tools, and postoperative complications were found to be the most important factors affecting decision regret after surgery.

Conclusions:

A better understanding of the factors associated with decision regret can help surgeons provide more effective preoperative counseling and prevent postoperative decision regret. Plastic surgeons can use these tools within a context of shared decision-making and ultimately increase patient satisfaction. Decision regret for plastic surgical procedures was mainly in the context of breast reconstruction. The differences in medical necessity create unique psychological challenges, emphasizing the need for more studies and a better understanding of the topic for other elective and cosmetic surgery procedures.