bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers for disease progression identified in psoriasis patients: A pilot study
Authors: Mkhize Nomzamo , Kgokolo Mahlatse , Steel Helen , Meyer Pieter WA , Kwofie Luyanda
Published: June 2023

Background

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated polygenic skin disorder. It is influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental factors including infection and trauma. Psoriasis is associated with molecular biomarkers such as HLA‐C*06:02 and associated single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs). Furthermore, the circulatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐17 and IL‐23 are elevated in psoriasis patients.

Objectives

To investigate the incidence of biomarkers namely, HLA‐C*06:02, SNV's (rs30187, rs27044, rs2248374), and IL17 and IL23 as possible diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers of value, individually or in combination in psoriasis patients.

Methods

These biomarkers, HLA‐C*06:02, SNV's (rs3018, rs27044, rs2248374), and IL17 and IL23 (and their ratio) were tested in a cohort of 40 psoriasis patients attending a dermatology clinic situated in a tertiary academic hospital as well as 40 healthy controls by: HLA typing using sequence‐specific primers (PCR SSP), real time PCR, and Luminex technology, respectively.

Results

HLA‐C*06:02 was significantly elevated in our patient cohort with 53% (n = 21) of psoriasis patients expressing the HLA‐C*06:02 allele versus 15% (n = 6), p = 0.001 in the healthy controls. Both IL‐17 and IL‐23 were significantly elevated in the psoriasis patients compared to the normal controls (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0005, respectively). The SNV rs2248374 showed an association with both IL‐17 and HLA‐C*06:02 in patients with psoriasis.

Conclusions

Overall, these novel findings are the first to be published for South African and African populations in the public health sector. The finding of the current study corroborates international studies. Further validation through geographic and population expansion may assist in identifying individuals at risk of disease progression in psoriasis. These biomarkers may be used as potential prognosticators which will offer the opportunity for early medical intervention to reduce the burden of disease.
Knowledge management capability and outbound open innovation: Unpacking the role of desorptive capacity
Authors: Joseph Nidheesh
Published: June 2023

As firms seek multiple pathways for growth and competitiveness, effectively commercialising internal technologies leads to outbound open innovation. Both absorptive capacity and desorptive capacity are knowledge management capabilities crucial for open innovation. While absorptive capacity is well explored by researchers, studies around desorptive capacity are scarce. This study addresses recent calls for a more in‐depth exploration of the role of desorptive capacity, which is still in its cradle stage. Firstly, a synthesis of the literature on desorptive capacity was conducted from related fields like open innovation, external knowledge exploitation, technology transfer, technology commercialisation, and so on. Then, based on the synthesis, a theoretical framework was formulated to explain the role of desorptive capacity in enabling firms to identify, transfer and commercialise their internal technology outside their firm boundaries. Testable propositions were formulated around the role, antecedents and consequences of desorptive capacity. The findings were discussed along with a comparison between absorptive and desorptive capacities. The implications for both theory and practice are listed. The paper concludes by enumerating the limitations of this study and offering future research directions.
The Association of Multiple Sensory Impairment and Telomere Length: The Health ABC Study
Authors: Vohra Varun , Cheng Michael Z. , Xue Qian‐Li , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Lane Andrew P. , Agrawal Yuri , Rowan Nicholas R.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to characterize the associations of sensory impairments, including olfaction (OI), vision (VI), hearing (HI), and touch (TI), with telomere length (TL) in a group of community‐dwelling older adults who participated in the Health ABC study.

Methods

Across 1603 participants, OI was classified with the Brief Smell Identification Test (<11), HI with pure‐tone averages (<25 dB), VI with visual acuity (20/50 or worse), and TI with monofilament testing (inability to detect three of four touches). Shorter TL was defined as the lowest quartile of sample TLs. Adjusted multivariable regressions were used to examine the cross‐sectional association between the modality, severity, and number of sensory impairments with TL.

Results

Participants had an average age of 77.4 ± 2.84 years, and 89.7% (n = 1438) had at least one or more sensory impairments. Severe OI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.19, 2.6]) was independently associated with increased odds of shorter TL. Additionally, having one (OR = 2.79, 95% CI = [1.69, 4.70]), two (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = [1.51, 4.26]), three (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = [1.79, 5.36]), or four impairments (OR = 3.72, 95% CI = [1.52, 7.33]) was associated with increased odds of shorter TL in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

Severe OI and TI appear to be particularly robust markers of shortened TL. Additionally, multiple sensory impairment is strongly associated with shortened TL, suggesting that sensory dysfunction may represent a unique biomarker of unhealthy aging.

Level of Evidence

Level II Laryngoscope, 133:3132–3138, 2023
Plant litter predicts the changing trajectories of plant communities following grazing exclusion
Authors: Zhang Chunping , Zhang Yongchao , Qin Yan , Niu Decao , Fu Hua , Elser James J.
Published: June 2023

Litter decomposition is a key component of global biogeochemical cycles that affects the availability of soil nutrients for plant productivity. Significant variations in litter decomposability between plant taxa are attributed to diverse functional traits including litter quality, plant nutrient production, and nutrient resorption efficiency which should influence the ecological fitness of plants in the community. However, no reports to date have explored the relationships between litter decomposition and plant community dynamics, that is, plant succession and interspecific competition. We conducted a litter decomposition experiment that focused on 21 plant species in an alpine meadow. The litter decomposition rates of these species were compared with their initial litter quality and nutrient use efficiencies to examine whether the plant litter indicators of the community structures were altered following grazing exclusion. We found that among these 21 plant species, those with higher nutrient use efficiencies had a lower litter decomposition rate. Meanwhile, lower decomposition rates were correlated with higher plant importance values, and this correlation became stronger over time in plant communities following grazing exclusion, except for dominant species. Our results suggested that litter decomposability can be used to predict the changing trajectories of plant communities following grazing exclusion, except for dominant species.
Nigral Pathology Contributes to Microstructural Integrity of Striatal and Frontal Tracts in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lin Chen‐Pei , Knoop Lydian E.J. , Frigerio Irene , Bol John G.J.M. , Rozemuller Annemieke J.M. , Berendse Henk W. , Pouwels Petra J.W. , van de Berg Wilma D.J. , Jonkman Laura E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Motor and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with dopaminergic dysfunction that stems from substantia nigra (SN) degeneration and concomitant α‐synuclein accumulation. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect microstructural alterations of the SN and its tracts to (sub)cortical regions, but their pathological sensitivity is still poorly understood.

Objective

To unravel the pathological substrate(s) underlying microstructural alterations of SN, and its tracts to the dorsal striatum and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in PD.

Methods

Combining post‐mortem in situ MRI and histopathology, T1‐weighted and diffusion MRI, and neuropathological samples of nine PD, six PD with dementia (PDD), five dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and 10 control donors were collected. From diffusion MRI, mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were derived from the SN, and tracts between the SN and caudate nucleus, putamen, and DLPFC. Phosphorylated‐Ser129‐α‐synuclein and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was included to quantify nigral Lewy pathology and dopaminergic degeneration, respectively.

Results

Compared to controls, PD and PDD/DLB showed increased MD of the SN and SN‐DLPFC tract, as well as increased FA of the SN‐caudate nucleus tract. Both PD and PDD/DLB showed nigral Lewy pathology and dopaminergic loss compared to controls. Increased MD of the SN and FA of SN‐caudate nucleus tract were associated with SN dopaminergic loss. Whereas increased MD of the SN‐DLPFC tract was associated with increased SN Lewy neurite load.

Conclusions

In PD and PDD/DLB, diffusion MRI captures microstructural alterations of the SN and tracts to the dorsal striatum and DLPFC, which differentially associates with SN dopaminergic degeneration and Lewy neurite pathology. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Lie group analysis of flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid in cone–disk systems with Hall current and radiative heat flux
Authors: Basavarajappa Mahanthesh , Bhatta Dambaru
Published: June 2023

A study of the rheological and heat transport characteristics in cone–disk systems finds relevance in many applications such as viscometry, conical diffusers, and medical devices. Therefore, a three‐dimensional axisymmetric flow with heat transport of a magnetized nanofluid in a cone–disk system subjected to Hall current and thermal radiation effects is investigated. The simplified Navier–Stokes (NS) equations for the cone–disk system given by Sdougos et al. [18] Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 138, 379–404 are solved by using the asymptotic expansion method for the four different models, such as rotating cone with static disk (Model I), rotating disk with static cone (Model II), co‐rotating cone and disk (Model III), and counter‐rotating cone and disk (Model IV). The Khanafer–Vafai–Lightstone (KVL) model along with experimental data‐based properties of 37 nm Al2O3–H2O nanofluid is considered. To obtain the transformations leading to self‐similar equations from the Navier–Stokes (NS) and energy conservation equations, the Lie group technique is used. The self‐similar nonlinear problem is solved numerically to examine the effects of physical parameters. There are critical values of the power exponent at which no heat transport from the disk surface occurs. Nanoparticles significantly enhance heat transport when both the cone and disk rotate in the same or opposite directions. The centrifugal force and thermal radiation improve the heat transport in cone–disk systems.
Patient‐specific quality assurance for deformable IMRT/IMPT dose accumulation: Proposition and validation of energy conservation based validation criterion
Authors: Wu Xin , Amstutz Florian , Weber Damien C. , Unkelbach Jan , Lomax Antony J. , Zhang Ye
Published: June 2023

Background

Deformable image registration (DIR)‐based dose accumulation (DDA) is regularly used in adaptive radiotherapy research. However, the applicability and reliability of DDA for direct clinical usage are still being debated. One primary concern is the validity of DDA, particularly for scenarios with substantial anatomical changes, for which energy‐conservation problems were observed in conceptual studies.

Purpose

We present and validate an energy‐conservation (EC)‐based DDA validation workflow and further investigate its usefulness for actual patient data, specifically for lung cancer cases.

Methods

For five non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, DDA based on five selective DIR methods were calculated for five different treatment plans, which include one intensity‐modulated photon therapy (IMRT), two intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT), and two combined proton‐photon therapy (CPPT) plans. All plans were optimized on the planning CT (planCT) acquired in deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) and were re‐optimized on the repeated DIBH CTs of three later fractions. The resulting fractional doses were warped back to the planCT using each DIR. An EC‐based validation of the accumulation process was implemented and applied to all DDA results. Correlations between relative organ mass/volume variations and the extent of EC violation were then studied using Bayesian linear regression (BLR).

Results

For most OARs, EC violation within 10% is observed. However, for the PTVs and GTVs with substantial regression, severe overestimation of the fractional energy was found regardless of treatment type and applied DIR method. BLR results show that EC violation is linearly correlated to the relative mass variation (R^2 > 0.95) and volume variation (R^2 > 0.60).

Conclusion

DDA results should be used with caution in regions with high mass/volume variation for intensity‐based DIRs. EC‐based validation is a useful approach to provide patient‐specific quality assurance of the validity of DDA in radiotherapy.
Reliability polynomials of consecutive‐k‐out‐of‐n:Fsystems have unbounded roots
Authors: Jianu Marilena , Dăuş Leonard , Drăgoi Vlad‐Florin , Beiu Valeriu
Published: June 2023

This article studies the roots of the reliability polynomials of linear consecutive‐k‐out‐of‐n:Fsystems. We prove that these roots are unbounded in the complex plane, for any fixed . In the particular case , we show that the reliability polynomials have only real roots and highlight the closure of these roots by establishing their explicit formulas. We also point out that in this case, for any fixedn, the nonzero roots of the reliability polynomial are distinct numbers.
The NIH pediatric/young adult chordoma clinic and natural history study: Making advances in a very rare tumor
Authors: John Liny , Smith Hannah , Ilanchezhian Maran , Lockridge Robin , Reilly Karlyne M. , Raygada Margarita , Dombi Eva , Sandler Abby , Thomas Barbara J. , Glod John , Miettinen Markku , Allen Taryn , Sommer Josh , Levy Joan , Lozinsky Shannon , Dix David , Bouffet Eric , MacDonald Shannon , Mukherjee Debraj , Snyderman Carl H. , Rowan Nicholas R. , Malyapa Robert , Park Deric M. , Heery Christopher , Gardner Paul A. , Cote Gregory M. , Fuller Sarah , Butman John A. , Jackson Sadhana , Gulley James L. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Wedekind Mary Frances
Published: June 2023

Background

Chordomas are rare tumors arising from the skull base and spine, with approximately 20 pediatric chordoma cases in the Unitedn States per year. The natural history and optimal treatment of pediatric chordomas, especially poorly differentiated and dedifferentiated subtypes, is incompletely understood. Herein, we present findings from our first National Cancer Institute (NCI) chordoma clinic and a retrospective analysis of published cases of pediatric poorly differentiated chordomas (PDC) and dedifferentiated chordomas (DC).

Methods

Patients less than 40 years old with chordoma were enrolled on the NCI Natural History and Biospecimens Acquisitions Study for Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors protocol (NCT03739827). Chordoma experts reviewed patient records, evaluated patients, and provided treatment recommendations. Patient‐reported outcomes, biospecimens, and volumetric tumor analyses were collected. A literature review for pediatric PDC and DC was conducted.

Results

Twelve patients (median age: 14 years) attended the clinic, including four patients with active disease and three patients with PDC responsive to systemic therapy. Consensus treatment, management, and recommendations were provided to patients. Literature review returned 45 pediatric cases of PDC or DC with variable treatments and outcomes.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary expert clinic was feasible and successful in improving understanding of pediatric chordoma. While multimodal approaches have all been employed, treatment for PDC has been inconsistent and a recommended standardized treatment approach has not been defined. Centralized efforts, inclusive of specialized chordoma‐focused clinics, natural history studies, and prospective analyses will help in the standardization of care for this challenging disease.
The influence of yarn fiber volume fraction, shear angle, and yarn spacing on crack propagation resistance of plain‐woven fabric‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Arikan Volkan
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effect of fabric parameters on crack propagation in plain‐woven e‐glass reinforced epoxy composite plates. Through numerical analyses, the study contributes to understanding the effect of fabric structure on crack propagation and adopting a more precise approach in the design of composite materials. The yarn fiber volume fraction, shear angle, and yarn spacing parameters were selected as variables for the plain‐woven fabric, and material properties were determined for each parameter using the composite homogenization method. A finite element model was created using the Ansys software package, and stress intensity factors (SIFs) and tear stress values were obtained under mode I loading to investigate the effects of fabric structure on crack propagation. The results showed that as the yarn fiber volume fraction ratio increased, the SIF values decreased and the T‐stress values increased. When evaluated according to the shear angle of the yarn, the lowest SIF value was obtained for the 0‐degree shear angle. The same was observed for T‐stress values as well. Additionally, compared to the fabric structure aligned along the X‐axis, a significant decrease occurred in the SIF value due to the perpendicular fiber density increase to the crack propagation direction with symmetric orientation.
A novel use of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) as inoculative agent of baculoviruses
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Cárdenas Oscar Giovanni , Adán Ángeles , Medina Pilar , Muñoz Delia , Caballero Primitivo , Garzón Agustín
Published: June 2023

Background

Alphabaculoviruses are Lepidoptera‐specific virulent pathogens that infect numerous pests, including the Spodoptera complex. Due to their low environmental persistence, the traditional use of Alphabaculoviruses as bioinsecticides consist in high‐rate spray applications with repeated treatments. Several abiotic and biotic factors can foster its dispersion, promoting their persistence in the agroecosystem. Amongst biotic factors, predatory arthropods can disperse the viruses by excretion after preying on infected individuals. Therefore, this study focused on promoting predator's ingestion of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV)‐treated diets, and the later exposition of the insect host to leaf surfaces contaminated with predator excreta. The virus–host–predator system studied was Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV), Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) and Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter). The infective potential of N. tenuis feces and the retention time of SpliNPV were assessed under laboratory conditions after feeding on treated diets (sucrose solution and Ephestia kuehniella eggs).

Results

Mortality of S. littoralis larvae was lower via N. tenuis excretion than in positive control (spray application) in the first infection cycle, together with a delay in host death. In the second infection cycle, both SpliNPV‐treated diets triggered 100% mortality. Both diets allowed the transmission of SpliNPV, with a faster excretion via sucrose solution compared to E. kuehniella eggs. SpliNPV remained in N. tenuis digestive tract and was viable after excretion at least for 9 days for both diets.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential of the predator N. tenuis as inoculative agent of baculoviruses, representing a new alternative that, along with inundative applications, might contribute to improve pest management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Urolithin A: A promising selective estrogen receptor modulator and 27‐hydroxycholesterol attenuator in breast cancer
Authors: Vini Ravindran , Jaikumar Vishnu Sunil , Remadevi Viji , Ravindran Swathy , Azeez Juberiya M. , Sasikumar Anjana , Sundaram Shankar , Sreeja Sreeharshan
Published: June 2023

27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐HC) is an oxysterol that acts as an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), and its adverse effects on breast cancer via the estrogen receptor (ER) have provided new insights into the pathology of cholesterol–linked breast cancer. Our earlier in vitro experiments showed that the methanolic extract of pomegranate could exhibit SERM properties and compete with 27‐HC. The major constituents of pomegranate are ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which are converted into urolithins by the colonic microbiota. In recent years, urolithins, especially urolithin A (UA) and urolithin B (UB), have been reported to have a plethora of advantageous effects, including antiproliferative and estrogenic activities. In this study, we attempted to determine the potential of urolithins in antagonizing and counteracting the adverse effects of 27‐HC in breast cancer cells. Our findings suggested that UA had an antiproliferative capacity and attenuated the proliferative effects of 27‐HC, resulting in subsequent loss of membrane potential and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Further, UA induced estrogen response element (ERE) transcriptional activity and modulated estrogen‐responsive genes, exhibiting a SERM‐like response concerning receptor binding. Our in vivo hollow fiber assay results showed a loss of cell viability in breast cancer cells upon UA consumption, as well as a reduction in 27‐HC‐induced proliferative activity. Additionally, it was shown that UA did not induce uterine proliferation or alter blood biochemical parameters. Based on these findings, we can conclude that UA has the potential to act as a potent estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) modulator and 27‐HC antagonist. UA is safe to consume and is very well tolerated. This study further opens up the potential of UA as ER modulator and its benefits in estrogen‐dependent tissues.
The effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hjazi Ahmed
Published: June 2023

The electiveness of Capsicum annuum supplementation in controlling dyslipidemia in adults has been unclear. Therefore, this meta‐analysis focuses on the relationship between C. annuum supplementation and lipid profile in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to March 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the administration of C. annuum compared to control on lipid markers in adults with MetS and related disorders were examined. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of four eligible RCTs showed that C. annuum supplementation could significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −4.98 mg/dL, 95% CI: −7.08 to −2.88, p ≤ 0.001) levels, but did not regulate triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In summary, the present findings suggest the beneficial effects of C. annuum supplementation on the reduction of plasma levels of TC. However, to draw a firm link between C. annuum supplementation and lipid profile, more trials with adequate sample sizes, specifically in subjects with dyslipidemia are warranted.
Quantum Key Distribution Using a Quantum Emitter in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Al‐Juboori Ali , Zeng Helen Zhi Jie , Nguyen Minh Anh Phan , Ai Xiaoyu , Laucht Arne , Solntsev Alexander , Toth Milos , Malaney Robert , Aharonovich Igor
Published: June 2023

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is considered the most immediate application to be widely implemented among a variety of potential quantum technologies. QKD enables sharing secret keys between distant users by using photons as information carriers. An ongoing endeavor is to implement these protocols in practice in a robust, and compact manner so as to be efficiently deployable in a range of real‐world scenarios. Single photon sources (SPS) in solid‐state materials are prime candidates in this respect. This article demonstrates a room temperature, discrete‐variable quantum key distribution system using a bright single photon source in hexagonal‐boron nitride, operating in free‐space. Employing an easily interchangeable photon source system, keys with one million bits length, and a secret key of approximately 70000 bits, at a quantum bit error rate of 6%, with ε‐security of 10−10are generated. This study demonstrates the first proof of concept finite‐key BB84 QKD system realized with hBN defects.
Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis
Authors: Nadrous Anthony , Sonavane Sushilkumar , Khoor Andras , Yu‐Lee Mateus Alejandra , Lee Augustine
Published: June 2023

Key message

Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis (DPM) is an ultra‐rare pulmonary disease characterized by innumerable bilateral minute meningothelial‐like nodules, sometimes presenting a characteristic ‘cheerio‐sign’ on imaging. Most patients with DPM are asymptomatic and experience no disease progression. Although little is known about its nature, DPM may be associated with pulmonary malignancies, mostly lung adenocarcinoma.
Bio‐fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Alysicarpus vaginalis Extract: Preparation, Characterization and Comparative in vitro Antibacterial Evaluations
Authors: Mishra Krishna N. , Mohapatra Debadatta , Chaubey Pratibha , Sahu Alakh N. , Kumar Shailendra , Upadhyay Harish C.
Published: June 2023

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Alysicarpus vaginalis alcoholic extract as a reducing agent and a capping ligand was carried out. Notable peaks of λmax 442–602 nm indicated the reduction of silver ions to elemental AgNPs. Particle size (Zavg) was in the range of 32.3±0.76 to 252.3±0.342 nm). The negative Zeta potential (ZP, −2.9±0.31 to −21.7±0.13 mV) and low polydispersity index (PDI, 0.181±0.02 to 0.635±0.02) supported the homogeneous nature of AgNPs. Further, crystalline spherical nature of AgNPs with a smooth surface was confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies. The AgNPs showed 1.2 to 1.4‐fold enhanced antibacterial activity than extract (6–10 mm zone of inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhi by disc diffusion assay. The AgNP formulation F9 showed equal (against Gram‐positive L. monocytogenes) or even better (against Gram‐negative S. enterica Typhi) antimicrobial activity than the positive control, ciprofloxacin. Further investigations on F9 are suggested in order to develop a broad‐spectrum, cost‐effective antibacterial formulation of natural origin. This study represents a significant step forward in the field of bio‐fabrication and presents a promising alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods for the production of antimicrobial AgNPs.
Boron and Sodium Doping of Polymeric Carbon Nitride Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Shmila Tirza , Mondal Sanjit , Barzilai Shmuel , Karjule Neeta , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: June 2023

Polymeric carbon nitride is a promising photoanode material for water‐splitting and organic transformation‐based photochemical cells. Despite achieving significant progress in performance, these materials still exhibit low photoactivity compared to inorganic photoanodic materials because of a moderate visible light response, poor charge separation, and slow oxidation kinetics. Here, the synthesis of a sodium‐ and boron‐doped carbon nitride layer with excellent activity as a photoanode in a water‐splitting photoelectrochemical cell is reported. The new synthesis consists of the direct growth of carbon nitride (CN) monomers from a hot precursor solution, enabling control over the monomer‐to‐dopant ratio, thus determining the final CN properties. The introduction of Na and B as dopants results in a dense CN layer with a packed morphology, better charge separation thanks to the in situ formation of an electron density gradient, and an extended visible light response up to 550 nm. The optimized photoanode exhibits state‐of‐the‐art performance: photocurrent densities with and without a hole scavenger of about 1.5 and 0.9 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and maximal external quantum efficiencies of 56% and 24%, respectively, alongside an onset potential of 0.3 V.
Co‐created environmental health science: Identifying community questions and co‐generating knowledge to support science learning
Authors: Ramírez‐Andreotta Mónica D. , Buxner Sanlyn , Sandhaus Shana
Published: June 2023

Social, political, and cultural complexities observed in environmental justice (EJ) communities require new forms of investigation, science teaching, and communication. Defined broadly, participatory approaches can challenge and change inequity and mistrust in science. Here, we describe Project Harvest and the partnership building and co‐generation of knowledge alongside four EJ communities in Arizona. From 2017 to 2021, Project Harvest centered learning around these communities and the participant experience drove the data sharing practice. The framework of sense‐making is used to analyze how community scientists (CS) are learning within the context of environmental pollution and (in)justice. The environmental health literacy (EHL) framework is applied to document the acquisition of skills that enable protective decision‐making and the capacity of CS to move along the EHL continuum. Using data from surveys, focus groups, and semi‐structured interviews, we are asking how did: (1) Personal connections and local relevancy fuel sense‐making? (2) Data sharing make pollution visible and connect to historical knowledge to either reinforce or modify their existing mental map around pollution? and (3) The co‐creation process build data literacy and a relationship science? Results indicate that due to the program framing, CS personally connected with, and made sense of their data based on use and experience. CS synthesized and connected their pollution history and lived experiences with their data and evaluated contaminant transport. CS saw themselves as part of the process, are taking what they learned and the evidence they helped produce to adopt protective environmental health measures and are applying these skills to new contexts. Here, co‐created science nurtured a new/renewed relationship with science. This science culture rooted in co‐creation, fosters action, trust, and supports ongoing science engagement. The science learning that stems from co‐created efforts can set the pace for social transformation and provide the foundation for structural change.
How registrars can boost student retention
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: June 2023

AURORA, COLORADO — These days, your car can warn you when you’re leaving your lane or another vehicle is encroaching on yours. Your phone might be able to detect if you were in an accident, and even Netflix will take a shot at guessing what show you might want to watch next.
Benefits of the four‐day workweek
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: June 2023

In this month's column, which is adapted from my forthcoming book, Abundance Leaders: Creating Energy, Joy, and Productivity in an Unsettled World, which Wiley will release in fall 2023, I will discuss the four‐day workweek.
Melissa Manuel: Reshaping Higher Ed in Saudi Arabia
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: June 2023

After 16 years of working in admission and registrar offices in higher education, Melissa Manuel understands how hard it can be to change the ways institutions do business. [Correction added on August 16, 2023, after first online publication: 10 years was changed to 16 years.]
Finite temperature negativity Hamiltonians of the massless Dirac fermion
Authors: Rottoli Federico , Murciano Sara , Calabrese Pasquale
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The negativity Hamiltonian, defined as the logarithm of a partially transposed density matrix, provides an operatorial characterisation of mixed-state entanglement. However, so far, it has only been studied for the mixed-state density matrices corresponding to subsystems of globally pure states. Here, we consider as a genuine example of a mixed state the one-dimensional massless Dirac fermions in a system at finite temperature and size. As subsystems, we consider an arbitrary set of disjoint intervals. The structure of the corresponding negativity Hamiltonian resembles the one for the entanglement Hamiltonian in the same geometry: in addition to a local term proportional to the stress-energy tensor, each point is non-locally coupled to an infinite but discrete set of other points. However, when the lengths of the transposed and non-transposed intervals coincide, the structure remarkably simplifies and we retrieve the mild non-locality of the ground state negativity Hamiltonian. We also conjecture an exact expression for the negativity Hamiltonian associated to the twisted partial transpose, which is a Hermitian fermionic matrix. We finally obtain the continuum limit of both the local and bi-local operators from exact numerical computations in free-fermionic chains.
Universality in the tripartite information after global quenches: (generalised) quantum XY models
Authors: Marić Vanja , Fagotti Maurizio
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We consider the Rényi-α tripartite information $$ {I}_3^{\left(\alpha \right)} $$

I
3

α

of three adjacent subsystems in the stationary state emerging after global quenches in noninteracting spin chains from both homogeneous and bipartite states. We identify settings in which $$ {I}_3^{\left(\alpha \right)} $$

I
3

α

remains nonzero also in the limit of infinite lengths and develop an effective quantum field theory description of free fermionic fields on a ladder. We map the calculation into a Riemann-Hilbert problem with a piecewise constant matrix for a doubly connected domain. We find an explicit solution for α = 2 and an implicit one for α > 2. In the latter case, we develop a rapidly convergent perturbation theory that we use to derive analytic formulae approximating $$ {I}_3^{\left(\alpha \right)} $$

I
3

α

with outstanding accuracy.
Universal behavior of entanglement entropies in interface CFTs from general holographic spacetimes
Authors: Karch Andreas , Wang Mianqi
Published: June 2023

Abstract

In previous work universal behavior was conjectured for the behavior of the logarithmic terms in the entanglement entropy of intervals in 1+1 dimensional interface conformal field theories (ICFTs). These putative universal terms were exhibited both in free field theories as well as a large class of holographic models. In this work we demonstrate that this same behavior in fact is realized in any holographic ICFT, significantly strengthening the case for the conjecture.
Dualities between fermionic theories and the Potts model
Authors: Narovlansky Vladimir
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We show that a large class of fermionic theories are dual to a q → 0 limit of the Potts model in the presence of a magnetic field. These can be described using a statistical model of random forests on a graph, generalizing the (unrooted) random forest description of the Potts model with only nearest neighbor interactions. We then apply this to find a statistical description of a recently introduced family of OSp(1|2M) invariant field theories that provide a UV completion to sigma models with the same symmetry.
Cell targeting and immunostimulatory properties of a novel Fcγ-receptor-independent agonistic anti-CD40 antibody in rhesus macaques
Authors: Yan Xianglei , Ols Sebastian , Arcoverde Cerveira Rodrigo , Lenart Klara , Hellgren Fredrika , Ye Kewei , Cagigi Alberto , Buggert Marcus , Nimmerjahn Falk , Falkesgaard Højen Jesper , Parera Daniel , Pessara Ulrich , Fischer Stephan , Loré Karin
Published: June 2023

Targeting CD40 by agonistic antibodies used as vaccine adjuvants or for cancer immunotherapy is a strategy to stimulate immune responses. The majority of studied agonistic anti-human CD40 antibodies require crosslinking of their Fc region to inhibitory FcγRIIb to induce immune stimulation although this has been associated with toxicity in previous studies. Here we introduce an agonistic anti-human CD40 monoclonal IgG1 antibody (MAB273) unique in its specificity to the CD40L binding site of CD40 but devoid of Fcγ-receptor binding. We demonstrate rapid binding of MAB273 to B cells and dendritic cells resulting in activation in vitro on human cells and in vivo in rhesus macaques. Dissemination of fluorescently labeled MAB273 after subcutaneous administration was found predominantly at the site of injection and specific draining lymph nodes. Phenotypic cell differentiation and upregulation of genes associated with immune activation were found in the targeted tissues. Antigen-specific T cell responses were enhanced by MAB273 when given in a prime-boost regimen and for boosting low preexisting responses. MAB273 may therefore be a promising immunostimulatory adjuvant that warrants future testing for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccination strategies.
Ageing in the brain: mechanisms and rejuvenating strategies
Authors: Gaspar-Silva Filipa , Trigo Diogo , Magalhaes Joana
Published: June 2023

Ageing is characterized by the progressive loss of cellular homeostasis, leading to an overall decline of the organism’s fitness. In the brain, ageing is highly associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. With the rise in life expectancy, characterizing the brain ageing process becomes fundamental for developing therapeutic interventions against the increased incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases and to aim for an increase in human life span and, more importantly, health span. In this review, we start by introducing the molecular/cellular hallmarks associated with brain ageing and their impact on brain cell populations. Subsequently, we assess emerging evidence on how systemic ageing translates into brain ageing. Finally, we revisit the mainstream and the novel rejuvenating strategies, discussing the most successful ones in delaying brain ageing and related diseases.
On the Induction of p-Cells
Authors: Jensen Lars Thorge , Patimo Leonardo
Published: June 2023

We study cells with respect to thep-canonical basis of the Hecke algebra of a crystallographic Coxeter system (see Jensen and Williamson (2017) and Jensen (2020)) and their compatibility with standard parabolic subgroups. We show that after induction to the surrounding bigger Coxeter group the cell module of a rightp-cell in a standard parabolic subgroup decomposes as a direct sum of cell modules. Along the way, we state some new positivity properties of thep-canonical basis.
Einflussfaktoren der Schnitt-Naht-Zeiten der Metallentfernung nach Nuss-Operation
Authors: Heydweiller Andreas C. , König Tatjana T. , Yavuz S. Tolga , Schwind Martin , Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina , Rohleder Stephan
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Die Metallentfernung nach abgeschlossener Trichterbrustkorrektur fällt als elektiver Eingriff nicht selten zuerst den Kapazitätsengpässen der Operationsabteilung zum Opfer. Aufgrund dessen ist eine möglichst exakte Planung der zu erwartenden Schnitt-Naht-Zeit wünschenswert.

Ziel der Arbeit

Modellierung der Schnitt-Naht-Zeiten der Metallentfernung nach Nuss-Operation anhand der präspezifizierten unabhängigen Variablen Alter, Geschlecht, Anzahl der zu explantierenden Metallbügel sowie intraoperativ aufgetretener Komplikationen.

Material und Methoden

Wir schlossen retrospektiv alle Metallentfernungen nach Trichterbrustkorrektur zwischen Januar 2009 und Dezember 2020 in die Untersuchung ein. Diese wurden mittels linearer Regression modelliert und mittels Bootstrap intern validiert. Explorativ wurden zusätzlich die Erfahrung der Operateure, die Anzahl der Stabilisatoren sowie der Körpermasseindex und eine etwaige Revisionsoperation untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Wir schlossen 265 Patient:innen (14 % ♀) mit einem medianen Alter von 19 Jahren (Interquartilsabstand: 17–20) in die Untersuchung ein, wobei bei 81 % ein und bei 17 % zwei Metallbügel explantiert wurden. Das präspezifizierte Regressionsmodell war statistisch signifikant besser als das Nullmodell (Likelihood-Ratio 56; df = 5; p < 0,001) und hatte eine biaskorrigierte Modellgüte von R2 = 0,148. Das Patient:innenalter beeinflusste die Schnitt-Naht-Zeit um 2,1 min (95 %-Konfidenzintervall: 1,3–2,9; p < 0,001) pro Lebensjahr und jeder zu explantierende Metallbügel um 16 min (95 %-Konfidenzintervall: 10–22; p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerung

Das Patient:innenalter wie auch der Anzahl der zu explantierenden Metallbügel können die Schnitt-Naht-Zeit beeinflussen und können in der Zeitplanung der Operation Berücksichtigung finden.
Automatic apraxia detection using deep convolutional neural networks and similarity methods
Authors: Vicedo Cristina , Nieto-Reyes Alicia , Bringas Santos , Duque Rafael , Lage Carmen , Montaña José Luis
Published: June 2023

Dementia represents one of the great problems to be solved in medicine for a society that is becoming increasingly long-lived. One of the main causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 80% of cases. There is currently no cure for this disease, although there are treatments to try to alleviate its effects, which is why detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages is crucial to slow down its evolution and thus help sufferers. One of the symptoms of the disease that manifests in its early stages is apraxia, difficulties in carrying out voluntary movements. In the clinical setting, apraxia is typically assessed by asking the patient to imitate hand gestures that are performed by the examiner. To automate this test, this paper proposes a system that, based on a video of the patient making the gesture, evaluates its execution. This evaluation is done in two steps, first extracting the skeleton of the hands and then using a similarity function to obtain an objective score of the execution of the gesture. The results obtained in an experiment with several patients performing different gestures are shown, showing the effectiveness of the proposed method. The system is intended to serve as a diagnostic tool, enabling medical experts to detect possible mobility impairments in patients that may have signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bilateral simultaneous hip arthroplasty shows comparable early outcome and complication rate as staged bilateral hip arthroplasty for patients scored ASA 1-3 if performed by a high-volume surgeon
Authors: Kirschbaum Stephanie , Hube Robert , Perka Carsten , Ley Christophe , Rosaria Simone , Najfeld Michael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare early outcomes after simultaneous and staged hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with bilateral symptomatic pathology.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all patients scheduled for primary THA for bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA, n = 290). Patients either received simultaneous (n = 152, 52.4%) or staged (n = 138, 47.6%) bilateral THA based on individual preference. All operations (n = 428) were performed by one single, high-volume surgeon. Demographic data (e.g., age, ASA score) as well as perioperative parameters (haemoglobin drop (Hb), red blood cell transfusion, length of stay (LOS), operation time, six week complication rate and achievement of inpatient rehabilitation key points) were evaluated.

Results

Patients in the simultaneous bilateral THA group were younger (62.8 ± 8.9 vs. 65 ± 9.7 years, p = 0.022) and had lower ASA scores (1.8, (34.2% ASA 1, 55.3% ASA 2, 37.2% ASA 3) vs. 2.0 (18.8% ASA 1, 61.6% ASA 2, 19.6% ASA 3)) than the staged group. While the average LOS was 7.1 ± 1.7 days for simultaneous bilateral THA, the combined LOS for the staged group was 12.9 ± 2.4 days (p < 0.001). The cumulative operation time in the simultaneous bilateral THA group was 61.1 ± 11.5 min and 57.6 ± 7.3 min in the staged group (p < 0.015). Cumulative Hb loss was significantly higher in the staged group (2.1 ± 7.2 g/dl vs. 3.7 ± 1.3 g/dl, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found concerning the complication rate or early inpatient rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Simultaneous bilateral hip arthroplasty in patients with symptomatic bilateral hip osteoarthritis is as safe and successful as a staged procedure if performed by a high-volume surgeon.
Inefficient Admissions for Abdominal Pain Under an Acute General Surgical Unit
Authors: Panwar Yash , Shan Sam , Owens Lily , Kang Chiu , Hodgson Russell
Published: June 2023

Background

The acute general surgical unit (AGSU) model has become a standard of efficient acute surgical care. Whilst the AGSU has been compared to the traditional surgical model, there is a lack of research auditing referrals and admissions. This study evaluates abdominal pain referrals to AGSU and the necessity of admission.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of adult abdominal pain admissions was conducted over a two‐year period at a single centre in metropolitan Victoria, Australia. The data were extracted from electronic medical records and key endpoints of data included the diagnosis, length of stay, investigations and subjective pain outcomes.

Results

A total of 1587 patients met the study criteria of which 1116 (70.3%) had a non‐surgical diagnosis with the majority having non‐specific abdominal pain. The non‐surgical patients had a lower median length of stay (25.3 h) compared to surgical patients (44.2 h, p < 0.001). They were less likely to have an abnormal haemoglobin (p = 0.004), elevated white cell count (p = 0.02) or elevated C‐reactive protein > 50 mg/L (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, surgical patients had higher odds of having a CRP > 50 mg/L (p = 0.024) and a positive imaging result (p < 0.001). The patient’s pain control also correlated with length of stay.

Conclusion

A large population of patients with non‐specific abdominal pain are admitted to AGSU. These patients do not require surgery and have a short length of stay. Incorporating a negative CRP result and negative imaging result may be utilised in conjunction with optimised analgesia to help avoid these unnecessary admissions, thereby improving AGSU efficiency and workload.