bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntactic change and pragmatic maintenance
Authors: van Kemenade Ans M.C.
Published: July 2022

This chapter presents a corpus-based study of the history of then as a discourse marker in
English. It will be shown that the pragmatic use of then and its status as a discourse particle was more or
less stable throughout the history of English, even though its syntax changed profoundly.

The precursor of then in Old English occurs on a large scale in a fixed position in
questions, imperatives and conditional correlatives, and is presuppositional in the sense that it reflects a speaker’s
response to the context, such as surprise or disapproval in questions, reinforcement or downtoning of the directive in
imperatives.

From early Middle English onward, the pragmatic use of then in questions and imperatives
occurs in available alternative positions in the clause: initially (in yes/no questions and imperatives) and final (in
questions). The older particle position became restricted to questions. The finally position was extended to declarative SVO
clauses.

The division of labour between particle use and temporal adverb use will be shown to interact, over the
late Middle English and early Modern periods, with major syntactic changes that affected each of the clause types in different
ways: the loss of V2, the auxiliation of the modals and the rise of do-support, and the loss of V to T
movement. Through these developments, the pragmatic use of then has, if anything, expanded. This suggests
that its robust discourse function was a powerful drive for maintenance under syntactic change.
Final though
Authors: Puhl Maike , Gergel Remus
Published: July 2022

Starting out from observations in English linguistics, the paper makes a case that final
though is an English particle. An experimental study is conducted indicating that though
is permissive outside of concessive contexts as well. The focus of this study is placed on corpus examples which have remained
unaccounted for in previous approaches. A descriptive generalization is proposed in terms of noteworthiness and an initial
modelling in terms of a split notion of Common Ground following Bar-Asher Siegal &
Boneh (2016) is pursued.
Scalarity as a meaning atom in wohl-type particles
Authors: Grosz Patrick G.
Published: July 2022

German wohl ‘well’, Norwegian vel ‘well’ and French bien
‘well’ are all known to have a modal particle reading that roughly amounts to ‘surely, probably, I guess’ (see Zimmermann 2008; Fretheim 1991; Detges & Waltereit 2009). This paper addresses the question of how such a reading
could have arisen from the source meaning of these elements (i.e. ‘well’). I propose an analysis of wohl-type
(i.e. ‘well’-type) modal particles as scalar operators, which is based on the observation that each of them appears to have
diachronically gone through an intermediate stage in which it was clearly a scalar modifier (namely wohl
‘approximately’, vel ‘approximately, more than’, and bien ‘very’). The core idea of my
contribution is that the modal particle variant is still a scalar operator in nature, but has emerged through a shift in the
type of scale that the particle operates on (in line with Beltrama’s 2015 approach
to English totally). Scalarity thus emerges as a common meaning atom (or meaning molecule),
in the spirit of von Fintel & Matthewson (2008: 154,172), which serves as a
building block in the semantic makeup of wohl-type particles.
Mandarin exhaustive focus shì and the syntax of discourse congruence
Authors: Erlewine Michael Yoshitaka
Published: July 2022

This paper describes three constraints that together govern the distribution of the exhaustive focus marker
shì in Mandarin Chinese. First, I argue that shì is a sentential focus particle that is
subject to a requirement to adjoin as low as possible within its clause or phase. Second, I show that shì
requires a congruent Question Under Discussion (QUD). Third and finally, I show that there are certain reduced clauses where
shì is completely disallowed, although other focus particles such as ‘only’ may appear. To explain this
last restriction, I propose that reference to a QUD is mediated by a functional head in the clause periphery.
Shì is thus unavailable in reduced clauses which do not project this high functional layer.
Yield point phenomenon in low-alloyed TRIP-aided steel: Role of retained austenite
Authors: Ranjan Ravi , Beladi Hossein , Hodgson Peter D. , Singh Shiv Brat
Published: July 2022

Multiphase TRIP-aided steels are generally characterised by a continuous yielding behaviour. The processing route involving a deformation step in the intercritical (ferrite + austenite) region showed an undesirable discontinuous yielding. This is attributed to the formation of fresh dislocations in the soft ferrite matrix that trap the diffusing carbon and form Cottrell atmospheres. The discontinuous yielding disappears when fresh mobile dislocations are introduced through transformation of the retained austenite to martensite.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of the start bending point for X90 bend
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhou Peishan , Cui Chengwu , Hu Yiwen , Wang Bin
Published: July 2022

The effect of the hot induction bending process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the start bending point for high-strength bends was investigated. Acicular ferrite (AF) is found to be absent in the microstructure of the start bending point. After whole heating process, the microstructure is composed of lath bainite (LB) and quasi-polygonal ferrite (QPF), with an impact absorbed energy of 202 J cm−2 and a strength is very similar to that of the baseline pipe. After local heating process, the impact absorbed energy is 103 J cm−2, which is lower than that of the baseline pipe. For thick-walled high-strength pipeline steel, the whole heating process is determined to be the optimum heat treatment for guaranteeing excellent strength and toughness combination.
Synaptic mechanisms of four W/WO
x
/ITO memristors with different WO
x
structures
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Wang Yusheng , Wang Chunxia , Sun Nan , Cheng Chuanhui , Dai Jianxun , Huang Huolin
Published: July 2022

Memristor has been an important synaptic device for neuromorphological calculation, but its general model has not been established even though several mechanisms have been accepted widely. Fundamentally, the diversity of mechanisms lies in a wide range of materials that can be used in memristors. Obviously, the top/bottom electrodes and dielectric materials affect the properties/mechanisms of synapses. Hence, we fabricated four different W/WO
x
/ITO memristors among which the WO
x
-based layers have different structures due to the different deposition methods employed, i.e. hot wire chemical vapor deposition and magnetron sputtering. Surprisingly, a small change in WO
x
structure leads to significant differences of synaptic characteristics and mechanisms. By comparing the four W/WO
x
/ITO memristors, the diversity of mechanisms for memristor synapses is revealed and demonstrated deeply.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of n-type Mg3Bi2-based materials by Se doping and alloying engineering
Authors: Chen Yanqun , Li Lanwei , Li Shuyao , Yang Gui , Peng Panpan , Wang Chao
Published: July 2022

n-type Mg3Bi2-based materials have been considered to be a promising near-room-temperature thermoelectric material and have recently received a great deal of attention. In this paper, we first investigated the thermoelectric properties of Se doped Mg3Bi2. Compared to the undoped sample, a nearly three-times enhancement in ZT was achieved at 300 K for Mg3Bi1.99Se0.01, which can be attributed to the significantly increasing power factor (PF). The PF increased from 10 to 30 µW cm−1 K−2. The improved PF mainly benefited from the high Seebeck coefficient (150–160 µV K−1 at room temperature), which resulted from band convergence induced by Se doping. To further improve the thermoelectric performance, Mg3Bi1.99Se0.01 alloying with Mg3Sb2 has been explored. The results show that band gap of alloy increased with the increasing Sb ratio. Meanwhile, the effective scattering of phonon due to Bi/Sb disorder lead to the decrease of lattice thermal conductivity. Finally, a peak ZT of 1.3 at 525 K and average ZT of 1.02 in the temperature range of 300–525 K were obtained in Mg3.2Bi1.09Sb0.9Se0.01 sample.
3D porous carbon conductive network with highly dispersed Fe–N
x
sites catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Wenxin , Liang Zhiwei , Tian Wensheng , Liu Yuan , Du Yuanzhen , Chen Mingming , Cao Dawei
Published: July 2022

Intrinsic activity and reactive numbers are considered two important factors in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Herein, we report the rational design and synthesis of a strongly coupled hybrid material comprising of FeZn nanoparticles (FeZn NPs) supported by a three-dimensional carbon conductive network (FeZn NPs@3D-CN) for increased ORR performance. Fe–N–C sites can offer high intrinsic activity owing to the unique bonding and oxygen vacancies, and the carbon conductive network facilitating the exposure to active sites, and increasing electron transport. Because of the synergetic effect of the conductive networks containing Fe–N–C and polyaniline, the catalysts exhibited ORR activity in an alkaline medium via a four-electron transfer process. FeZn NPs@3D-CN exhibited outstanding performance with a limited current density (6.2 mA cm−2), the Tafel slope (81.19 mV dec−1), and stability (23 mV negative shift after 2000 cycles), which were superior to those of 20% Pt/C (5.7 mA cm−2, 75.1 mV dec−1, 36 mV negative shift after 2000 cycles). This research highlights the effect of conductive networks expanding pathways and reducing the resistance of mass transport, which is a facile method to generate superior ORR electrocatalysts.
Graph-enhanced U-Net for semi-supervised segmentation of pancreas from abdomen CT scan
Authors: Liu Shangqing , Liang Shujun , Huang Xia , Yuan Xinrui , Zhong Tao , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2022

Objective. Accurate segmentation of the pancreas from abdomen CT scans is highly desired for diagnosis and treatment follow-up of pancreatic diseases. However, the task is challenged by large anatomical variations, low soft-tissue contrast, and the difficulty in acquiring a large set of annotated volumetric images for training. To overcome these problems, we propose a new segmentation network and a semi-supervised learning framework to alleviate the lack of annotated images and improve the accuracy of segmentation. Approach. In this paper, we propose a novel graph-enhanced pancreas segmentation network (GEPS-Net), and incorporate it into a semi-supervised learning framework based on iterative uncertainty-guided pseudo-label refinement. Our GEPS-Net plugs a graph enhancement module on top of the CNN-based U-Net to focus on the spatial relationship information. For semi-supervised learning, we introduce an iterative uncertainty-guided refinement process to update pseudo labels by removing low-quality and incorrect regions. Main results. Our method was evaluated by a public dataset with four-fold cross-validation and achieved the DC of 84.22%, improving 5.78% compared to the baseline. Further, the overall performance of our proposed method was the best compared with other semi-supervised methods trained with only 6 or 12 labeled volumes. Significance. The proposed method improved the segmentation performance of the pancreas in CT images under the semi-supervised setting. It will assist doctors in early screening and making accurate diagnoses as well as adaptive radiotherapy.
Filterless ultra-narrow-band perovskite photodetectors with high external quantum efficiency based on the charge collection narrowing mechanism enabled by electron blocking/hole transport layer
Authors: Lu Xinmiao , Li Yiyuan , Zhang Yu , Gao Xiumin
Published: July 2022

Narrow-band perovskite photodetectors based on the charge collection narrowing (CCN) mechanism have developed rapidly owing to their narrow-band spectral response in the visible and near-infrared range. However, they face problems such as low external quantum efficiency (EQE) and an insufficiently narrow bandwidth. To solve these problems, a new method that uses the barrier effect between the electron blocking/hole transport layer and the perovskite absorption layer is proposed to realize the CCN mechanism. Based on this new method, a new narrow-band perovskite photodetector is designed. In the device, the electron blocking/hole transport layer plays the dual role of blocking the transport of photogenerated electrons in perovskite absorber layer-1 to the cathode and promoting the transport of photogenerated holes in perovskite absorber layer-2 to the anode. By changing the thickness of the perovskite absorber layer, an ultra-narrow-band perovskite photodetector with a full width at half maximum of 9 nm was finally realized. The simulation results showed that the peak EQE of the device with the optimal performance under zero bias was as high as 59.13%, and the spectral responsivity reached as high as 0.376 A W−1. Both of these metrics were higher than those of other existing narrow-band perovskite photodetectors based on the CCN mechanism.
Application status of zeolitic imidazolate framework in gas sensors
Authors: Huang Bo , Li Yanqiong , Zeng Wen
Published: July 2022

In recent years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have become emerging materials. Their applications in various fields are increasingly reported due to their special structure and excellent physical and chemical properties. Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) is a sub-system of MOF with good stability and similar structure to conventional type of zeolites. A variety of ZIF crystals have been obtained by adjusting metal ions as well as organic ligands. Through investigation, we found that the literature on gas sensing mainly focuses on the complexes of ZIF-8 and derivatives of ZIF-67, and there were also some reports on the application of other ZIF materials in gas response. In this paper, the reports of ZIF materials in the direction of gas sensing in recent years are summarized. By summarizing and considering the existing studies, it can help us better understand the current progress and limitations of ZIF materials in the development of gas sensing, and provide some possible development directions or ideas for the future development of ZIF materials.
Maximal Functions, Littlewood–Paley Theory, Riesz Transforms and Atomic Decomposition in the Multi-parameter Flag Setting
Authors: Han Yongsheng , Lee Ming-Yi , Li Ji , Wick Brett
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we develop via real variable methods various characterisations of the Hardy spaces in the multi-parameter flag setting. These characterisations include those via, the non-tangential and radial maximal function, the Littlewood–Paley square function and area integral, Riesz transforms and the atomic decomposition in the multi-parameter flag setting. The novel ingredients in this paper include (1) establishing appropriate discrete Calderón reproducing formulae in the flag setting and a version of the Plancherel–Pólya inequalities for flag quadratic forms; (2) introducing the maximal function and area function via flag Poisson kernels and flag version of harmonic functions; (3) developing an atomic decomposition via the finite speed propagation and area function in terms of flag heat semigroups. As a consequence of these real variable methods, we obtain the full characterisations of the multi-parameter Hardy space with the flag structure.
A 𝜏-tilting approach to the first Brauer-Thrall conjecture
Authors: Schroll Sibylle , Treffinger Hipolito
Published: July 2022

In this paper we study the behaviour of modules over finite dimensional algebras whose endomorphism algebra is a division ring. We show that there are finitely many such modules in the module category of an algebra if and only if the length of all such modules is bounded.
Extreme undersaturation in the intercellular airspace of leaves: a failure of Gaastra or Ohm?
Authors: Rockwell Fulton E , Holbrook N Michele , Jain Piyush , Huber Annika E , Sen Sabyasachi , Stroock Abraham D
Published: July 2022

Background

Recent reports of extreme levels of undersaturation in internal leaf air spaces have called into question one of the foundational assumptions of leaf gas exchange analysis, that leaf air spaces are effectively saturated with water vapour at leaf surface temperature. Historically, inferring the biophysical states controlling assimilation and transpiration from the fluxes directly measured by gas exchange systems has presented a number of challenges, including: (1) a mismatch in scales between the area of flux measurement, the biochemical cellular scale and the meso-scale introduced by the localization of the fluxes to stomatal pores; (2) the inaccessibility of the internal states of CO2 and water vapour required to define conductances; and (3) uncertainties about the pathways these internal fluxes travel. In response, plant physiologists have adopted a set of simplifying assumptions that define phenomenological concepts such as stomatal and mesophyll conductances.

Scope

Investigators have long been concerned that a failure of basic assumptions could be distorting our understanding of these phenomenological conductances, and the biophysical states inside leaves. Here we review these assumptions and historical efforts to test them. We then explore whether artefacts in analysis arising from the averaging of fluxes over macroscopic leaf areas could provide alternative explanations for some part, if not all, of reported extreme states of undersaturation.

Conclusions

Spatial heterogeneities can, in some cases, create the appearance of undersaturation in the internal air spaces of leaves. Further refinement of experimental approaches will be required to separate undersaturation from the effects of spatial variations in fluxes or conductances. Novel combinations of current and emerging technologies hold promise for meeting this challenge.
Quality and Vitality of Autologous Fat Grafts Harvested by Different Techniques: A Clinical Comparison Study
Authors: Luze Hanna , Einsiedler Johanna , Nischwitz Sebastian Philipp , Winter Raimund , Kolb Dagmar , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Kotzbeck Petra , Rappl Thomas
Published: July 2022

Background

Unpredictable outcomes with autologous fat grafting due to reabsorption processes present a major challenge for healthcare providers and patients. A higher number of viable adipocytes is considered to result in a higher volume being retained. Although various adverse factors have been extensively researched, other potential parameters have been less investigated or even neglected.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the harvesting process of adipose tissue as the primary cause of cell damage and to determine the risk factors associated with low cell survival.

Methods

Thirty-nine male and female subjects undergoing planned elective liposuction or abdominoplasty were enrolled. Forty-seven lipoaspirates harvested by different liposuction techniques were analyzed. RNA isolation and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to elucidate differences in the expression of various adipocyte markers. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy was performed on various samples to determine the cell damage caused by the different techniques.

Results

A statistically significant lower expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ was detected in subjects with a higher BMI. A trend towards a lower expression of perilipin 1 in lipoaspirates harvested by a super wet + ultrasound technique, compared with dry and super wet techniques, was shown. The lowest level of cell damage determined from scanning electron microscopy images was in lipoaspirates harvested by the super wet + ultrasound technique, and this level was statistically significantly different from those obtained by the 2 other techniques.

Conclusions

Optimization of the outcome in autologous fat grafting may be feasible by targeting and optimizing the harvesting process as a main risk factor for impaired adipocyte viability. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction might be considered a suitable harvesting technique.

Level of Evidence: 5
Approaching the Colonial
Authors: Shaw Ian
Published: July 2022

Notwithstanding the frequency with which the word ‘colonial’ and its variants occur in social work writing, it is treated with a curious lack of inspection and reflection. I will critically assess how social work writing has dealt with the colonial in the light of recent work in the field, before drawing several inferences. I will put forward a series of arguments as to useful ways of considering the nature and significance of late colonialism for social welfare, primarily but not only in countries formerly part of the British Empire in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I will suggest the need for a scholarship for imperial social work. In an endeavour to suggest an agenda for work in this area, and for its consequences for further arguments regarding ‘late colonialism’, I will signal the relevance of mutual influences between colonies and the metropole; the inter-relation of war and welfare; the role of central and colonial government officials; the significance of work by imperial anthropologists; women in late colonial social welfare; and the meaning of nation-building as part of late and post-colonial welfare programmes.
RFC1 nonsense and frameshift variants cause CANVAS: clues for an unsolved pathophysiology
Authors: Benkirane Mehdi , Da Cunha Dylan , Marelli Cecilia , Larrieu Lise , Renaud Mathilde , Varilh Jessica , Pointaux Morgane , Baux David , Ardouin Olivier , Vangoethem Charles , Taulan Magali , Daumas Duport Benjamin , Bergougnoux Anne , Corbillé Anne-Gaelle , Cossée Mireille , Juntas Morales Raul , Tuffery-Giraud Sylvie , Koenig Michel , Isidor Bertrand , Vincent Marie-Claire
Published: July 2022

Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is an inherited late-onset neurological disease caused by bi-allelic AAGGG pentanucleotide expansions within intron 2 of RFC1. Despite extensive studies, the pathophysiological mechanism of these intronic expansions remains elusive.

We screened by clinical exome sequencing two unrelated patients presenting with late-onset ataxia. A repeat-primer polymerase chain reaction was used for RFC1 AAGGG intronic expansion identification. RFC1 mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

We identified the first two CANVAS affected patients who are compound heterozygous for RFC1 truncating variants (p.Arg388* and c.575delA, respectively) and a pathological AAGGG expansion. RFC1 expression studies in whole blood showed a significant reduction of RFC1 mRNA for both patients compared to three patients with bi-allelic RFC1 expansions.

In conclusion, this observation provides clues that suggest bi-allelic RFC1 conditional loss-of-function as the cause of the disease.
Molecular stratification of arrhythmogenic mechanisms in the Andersen Tawil syndrome
Authors: Moreno-Manuel Ana Isabel , Gutiérrez Lilian K , Vera-Pedrosa María Linarejos , Cruz Francisco Miguel , Bermúdez-Jiménez Francisco José , Martínez-Carrascoso Isabel , Sánchez-Pérez Patricia , Macías Álvaro , Jalife José
Published: July 2022

Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare inheritable disease associated with loss-of-function mutations in KCNJ2, the gene coding the strong inward rectifier potassium channel Kir2.1, which forms an essential membrane protein controlling cardiac excitability. ATS is usually marked by a triad of periodic paralysis, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and dysmorphic features, but its expression is variable and not all patients with a phenotype linked to ATS have a known genetic alteration. The mechanisms underlying this arrhythmogenic syndrome are poorly understood. Knowing such mechanisms would be essential to distinguish ATS from other channelopathies with overlapping phenotypes and to develop individualized therapies. For example, the recently suggested role of Kir2.1 as a countercurrent to sarcoplasmic calcium reuptake might explain the arrhythmogenic mechanisms of ATS and its overlap with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Here we summarize current knowledge on the mechanisms of arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death in ATS. We first provide an overview of the syndrome and its pathophysiology, from the patient’s bedside to the protein and discuss the role of essential regulators and interactors that could play a role in cases of ATS. The review highlights novel ideas related to some post-translational channel interactions with partner proteins that might help define the molecular bases of the arrhythmia phenotype. We then propose a new all-embracing classification of the currently known ATS loss-of-function mutations according to their position in the Kir2.1 channel structure and their functional implications. We also discuss specific ATS pathogenic variants, their clinical manifestations, and treatment stratification. The goal is to provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of the syndrome toward the development of novel targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Teacher Effectiveness and Classroom Composition: Understanding Match Effects in the Classroom
Authors: Aucejo Esteban , Coate Patrick , Fruehwirth Jane Cooley , Kelly Sean , Mozenter Zachary
Published: July 2022

This paper provides evidence of match effects in the teacher labour market by considering how teacher effectiveness varies by classroom composition. We combine random assignment of teachers with rich measures of teaching practices based on a popular teacher-evaluation protocol to overcome endogeneity challenges. We find significant complementarities between teaching practice and classroom composition for maths achievement. We use these estimates to simulate the effects of reallocating classrooms among teachers within schools and find substantial differences between counterfactual and actual teacher effectiveness rankings. These findings support the importance of classroom composition for key teacher-related policies, including teacher allocations, accountability and training.
The global seismographic network reveals atmospherically coupled normal modes excited by the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption
Authors: Ringler A T , Anthony R E , Aster R C , Taira T , Shiro B R , Wilson D C , De Angelis S , Ebeling C , Haney M , Matoza R S , Ortiz H D
Published: July 2022

The eruption of the submarine Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai (Hunga Tonga) volcano on 15 January 2022, was one of the largest volcanic explosions recorded by modern geophysical instrumentation. The eruption was notable for the broad range of atmospheric wave phenomena it generated and for their unusual coupling with the oceans and solid Earth. The event was recorded worldwide across the Global Seismographic Network (GSN) by seismometers, microbarographs and infrasound sensors. The broad-band instrumentation in the GSN allows us to make high fidelity observations of spheroidal solid Earth normal modes from this event at frequencies near 3.7 and 4.4 mHz. Similar normal mode excitations were reported following the 1991 Pinatubo (Volcanic Explosivity Index of 6) eruption and were predicted, by theory, to arise from the excitation of mesosphere-scale acoustic modes of the atmosphere coupling with the solid Earth. Here, we compare observations for the Hunga Tonga and Pinatubo eruptions and find that both strongly excited the solid Earth normal mode 0S29 (3.72 mHz). However, the mean modal amplitude was roughly 11 times larger for the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption. Estimates of attenuation (Q) for 0S29 across the GSN from temporal modal decay give Q = 332 ± 101, which is higher than estimates of Q for this mode using earthquake data (Q = 186.9 ± 5). Two microbarographs located at regional distances (<1000 km) to the volcano provide direct observations of the fundamental acoustic mode of the atmosphere. These pressure oscillations, first observed approximately 40 min after the onset of the eruption, are in phase with the seismic Rayleigh wave excitation and are recorded only by microbarographs in proximity (<1500 km) to the eruption. We infer that excitation of fundamental atmospheric modes occurs within a limited area close to the site of the eruption, where they excite select solid Earth fundamental spheroidal modes of similar frequencies that are globally recorded and have a higher apparent Q due to the extended duration of atmospheric oscillations.
Correlation of femoral version measurements between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies in patients presenting with a femoroacetabular impingement-related complaint
Authors: Goldsmith Campbell , Cheng Jennifer , Mintz Douglas , Moley Peter
Published: July 2022

Computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for femoral version measurement. However, recent data have shown magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as another modality to measure femoral version. This study aimed to correlate MRI and CT femoral version measurements in patients presenting with a femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)-related complaint. Patients (18–35 years old) who presented to the hip preservation clinic and radiology department with a suspected FAI diagnosis from 26 December 2018 to 4 March 2020 were included. All patients had a CT and MRI of the hip, with images including both hips and knees, as per our institution’s protocol for possible hip preservation surgery. Patients were excluded if they were missing views of the knees, or if they had a history or imaging appearance of any condition affecting femoral version at the femoral head (e.g. slipped capital femoral epiphysis). Femoral version was measured by three reviewers. Fifty-eight patients were included, and 36 (62%) were female. Femoral version averaged 6.1° ± 11.8° on CT and 6.5° ± 10.8° on MRI. A strong positive correlation was reported between the two imaging modalities (r: 0.81; P < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability among the three reviewers was excellent and statistically significant for measurements on both MRI [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.95; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.99; P < 0.001] and CT (ICC: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99; P < 0.001). Our finding suggests that MRI is a sufficient method for measuring femoral version to determine disease etiology and treatment progression. To avoid exposing patients to ionizing radiation, physicians should not obtain CT scans to evaluate femoral version.
An X-ray view of the ambiguous nuclear transient AT2019pev
Authors: Yu Zhefu , Kochanek C S , Mathur S , Auchettl K , Grupe D , Holoien T W-S
Published: July 2022

AT2019pev is a nuclear transient in a narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy at z = 0.096. The archival ultraviolet, optical, and infrared data showed features of both tidal disruption events and active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and its nature is not fully understood. We present detailed X-ray observations of AT2019pev taken with Swift, Chandra, and NICER over 173 d of its evolution since the first Swift XRT epoch. The X-ray luminosity increases by a factor of 5 in 5 d from the first Swift XRT epoch to the light-curve peak. The light curve decays by a factor of 10 over ∼75 d and then flattens with a weak re-brightening trend at late times. The X-ray spectra show a ‘harder-when-brighter’ trend before peak and a ‘harder-when-fainter’ trend after peak, which may indicate a transition of accretion states. The archival ground-based optical observations show similar time evolution as the X-ray light curves. Beyond the seasonal limit of the ground-based observations, the Gaia light curve is rising towards an equally bright or brighter peak 223 d after the optical discovery. Combining our X-ray analysis and archival multiwavelength data, AT2019pev more closely resembles an AGN transient.
Uncovering translation roadblocks during the development of a synthetic tRNA
Authors: Prabhakar Arjun , Krahn Natalie , Zhang Jingji , Vargas-Rodriguez Oscar , Krupkin Miri , Fu Ziao , Acosta-Reyes Francisco J , Ge Xueliang , Choi Junhong , Crnković Ana , Ehrenberg Måns , Puglisi Elisabetta Viani , Söll Dieter , Puglisi Joseph
Published: July 2022

Ribosomes are remarkable in their malleability to accept diverse aminoacyl-tRNA substrates from both the same organism and other organisms or domains of life. This is a critical feature of the ribosome that allows the use of orthogonal translation systems for genetic code expansion. Optimization of these orthogonal translation systems generally involves focusing on the compatibility of the tRNA, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, and a non-canonical amino acid with each other. As we expand the diversity of tRNAs used to include non-canonical structures, the question arises as to the tRNA suitability on the ribosome. Specifically, we investigated the ribosomal translation of allo-tRNAUTu1, a uniquely shaped (9/3) tRNA exploited for site-specific selenocysteine insertion, using single-molecule fluorescence. With this technique we identified ribosomal disassembly occurring from translocation of allo-tRNAUTu1 from the A to the P site. Using cryo-EM to capture the tRNA on the ribosome, we pinpointed a distinct tertiary interaction preventing fluid translocation. Through a single nucleotide mutation, we disrupted this tertiary interaction and relieved the translation roadblock. With the continued diversification of genetic code expansion, our work highlights a targeted approach to optimize translation by distinct tRNAs as they move through the ribosome.
Stopping Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) After Defeating Poliomyelitis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Harmful Unintended Consequences? Review of the Nonspecific Effects of OPV
Authors: Aaby Peter , Nielsen Sebastian , Fisker Ane B , Pedersen Line M , Welaga Paul , Hanifi Syed M A , Martins Cesario L , Rodrigues Amabelia , Chumakov Konstantin , Benn Christine S
Published: July 2022

Background

The live vaccines bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and measles vaccine have beneficial nonspecific effects (NSEs) reducing mortality, more than can be explained by prevention of tuberculosis or measles infection. Live oral polio vaccine (OPV) will be stopped after polio eradication; we therefore reviewed the potential NSEs of OPV.

Methods

OPV has been provided in 3 contexts: (1) coadministration of OPV and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age; (2) at birth (OPV0) with BCG; and (3) in OPV campaigns (C-OPVs) initiated to eradicate polio infection. We searched PubMed and Embase for studies of OPV with mortality as an outcome. We used meta-analysis to obtain the combined relative risk (RR) of mortality associated with different uses of OPV.

Results

First, in natural experiments when DTP was missing, OPV-only compared with DTP + OPV was associated with 3-fold lower mortality in community studies (RR, 0.33 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .14–.75]) and a hospital study (RR, 0.29 [95% CI, .11–.77]). Conversely, when OPV was missing, DTP-only was associated with 3-fold higher mortality than DTP + OPV (RR, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.27–8.21]). Second, in a randomized controlled trial, BCG + OPV0 vs BCG + no OPV0 was associated with 32% (95% CI, 0–55%) lower infant mortality. Beneficial NSEs were stronger with early use of OPV0. Third, in 5 population-based studies from Guinea-Bissau and Bangladesh, the mortality rate was 24% (95% CI, 17%–31%) lower after C-OPVs than before C-OPVs.

Conclusions

There have been few clinical polio cases reported in this century, and no confounding factors or bias would explain all these patterns. The only consistent interpretation is that OPV has beneficial NSEs, reducing nonpolio child mortality.
Tecovirimat for the Treatment of Human Monkeypox: An Initial Series From Massachusetts, United States
Authors: Matias Wilfredo R , Koshy Jacob M , Nagami Ellen H , Kovac Victor , Moeng Letumile R , Shenoy Erica S , Hooper David C , Madoff Lawrence C , Barshak Miriam B , Johnson Jennifer A , Rowley Christopher F , Julg Boris , Hohmann Elizabeth L , Lazarus Jacob E
Published: July 2022

A large, ongoing multicountry outbreak of human monkeypox has the potential to cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Therapeutics for the treatment of smallpox, a related Orthopoxvirus, may be used and affect the natural history of monkeypox. We present 3 patients from our hospitals treated with tecovirimat, a pan-Orthopoxvirus inhibitor currently available under an expanded access investigational new drug protocol for monkeypox.
The adaptive nature of the plant circadian clock in natural environments
Authors: Oravec Madeline W , Greenham Kathleen
Published: July 2022

The plant circadian clock coordinates developmental, physiological, and metabolic processes with diel changes in light and temperature throughout the year. The balance between the persistence and plasticity of the clock in response to predictable and unpredictable environmental changes may be key to the clock’s adaptive nature across temporal and spatial scales. Studies under controlled conditions have uncovered critical signaling pathways involved in light and temperature perception by the clock; however, they don’t account for the natural lag of temperature behind photoperiod. Studies in natural environments provide key insights into the clock’s adaptive advantage under more complex natural settings. Here, we discuss the role of the circadian clock in light and temperature perception and signaling, how the clock integrates these signals for a coordinated and adaptive response, and the adaptive advantage conferred by the clock across time and space in natural environments.
Women in Refugee Law, Policy and Practice: An Introduction to The Refugee Survey Quarterly Special Issue
Authors: Dustin Moira , Querton Christel
Published: July 2022

As co-founders and conveners of the Women in Refugee Law (WiRL) network, we are delighted to introduce this Special Issue. The contributors are WiRL members who take forward the network’s objectives of recentring the study of refugee women by reviewing the state of protection in domestic jurisdictions and internationally, identifying setbacks to adequate protection for women at risk of persecution, and proposing inclusive ways forward.
Comparison of two distinct arrival and treatment programs for bovine respiratory disease in high-risk feeder cattle entering a feedlot
Authors: Pollreisz John P , Cull Charley , Lechtenberg Kelly , Short Thomas , Blanding Mitchell , Hinrichs Jess , Hughes Heather D
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial metaphylaxis of high-risk cattle entering the feedlot is a common management strategy implemented against bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Typically, following a prescribed postmetaphylactic interval (PMI), animals displaying clinical signs of BRD are pulled from the feedlot pen and treated with antimicrobials when treatment criteria are met. The objective of this study was to compare 2 distinct sequential BRD treatment protocols each consisting of a metaphylactic antimicrobial plus 2 potential subsequent as-needed treatment antimicrobials. Heifers at high-risk for BRD (n = 1000; initial BW = 229 kg ± 1.6) purchased from sale barns in the southeastern U.S. were transported to a contract research feedlot in Nebraska and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups (10 blocks of 100 animals each; 50 per treatment group). Experimental groups consisted of: (1) tulathromycin metaphylaxis (2.5 mg/kg) followed by ceftiofur crystalline free acid (6.6 mg/kg) and danofloxacin (8 mg/kg) for subsequent first and second as-needed BRD treatment, respectively (TCD) or (2) tildipirosin metaphylaxis (4 mg/kg) followed by florfenicol-flunixin meglumine (40 mg/kg florfenicol; 2.2 mg/kg flunixin meglumine) and enrofloxacin (12.5 mg/kg) for subsequent first and second as-needed BRD treatment, respectively (TFFE). Following expiration of the 7-d PMI, calves that showed signs of clinical BRD were pulled and examined to determine if treatment was necessary based on a clinical attitude score (CAS). Heifers with a CAS of 1 accompanied by ≥40°C rectal temperature, and all heifers with a CAS ≥ 2 regardless of rectal temperature, received the appropriate first-treatment antimicrobial. Upon relapse, following expiration of the post-treatment interval (PTI), heifers received the appropriate second-treatment antimicrobial. In the first 90 d, calves in the TFFE experimental group received more first-treatments than calves in the TCD experimental group (P = 0.054) and resulted in 50% greater mortality (P < 0.043) relative to the TCD heifers. From d 0 to closeout, first-treatment morbidity as well as mortality were greater in TFFE relative to TCD (P ≤ 0.032). Growth performance did not differ between treatments in the first 90 d; however, ADG was greater (P = 0.033) and G:F improved (P = 0.014) at closeout in TCD versus TFFE on a deads-in basis. Closeout economics revealed a $50.78/animal greater profit in the TCD experimental group relative to TFFE.
Comprehensive Treatment and Reconstructive Algorithm for Functional Restoration after Ballistic Facial Injury
Authors: Chaiyasate Kongkrit , Gupta Rohun , Boudiab Elizabeth M. , Vega Daniella , Hart Justin , Nossoni Farid , Lu Stephen , Powers Jeremy M. , Hobson Gregory , Sachanandani Neil S.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Ballistic facial injuries are rare, with most trauma centers reporting 1–20 cases annually. These patients present significant management challenges to reconstructive surgeons, not only due to their rarity but also due to the complex decision-making process that is involved. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the application of craniofacial microsurgery in management of facial gunshot wounds.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a single-surgeon experience at a level I trauma center from 2011 to 2020 for patients sustaining self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face requiring microsurgical reconstruction was performed. Outcomes included reconstructive techniques, free flap type and indication, airway evolution, feeding modality, respective timing of interventions, and complications.

Results:

Between 2012 and 2021, 13 patients presented for microsurgical reconstruction at our institution for gunshot wounds to the face. The majority (90%) of patients were men, and the average age at time of injury was 26. The median from the time of injury to first free flap was 93 days. Thirteen patients represented 23 free flaps. On average, patients underwent a total of two free flaps. The most common microsurgical flap was the fibula flap (14) followed by the radial forearm flap (6).

Conclusions:

Based on our findings, we describe a novel algorithm for function restoration and aesthetic revisions based on injury location. Underlying principles include avoiding early use of reconstruction plates, establishing occlusion early, and aligning bony segments using external fixation. An algorithmic approach to these injuries can improve outcomes.
Sodium phosphate cotransporter 2a inhibitors: potential therapeutic uses
Authors: Xue Jianxiang , Thomas Linto , Dominguez Rieg Jessica A. , Rieg Timo
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Targeting sodium phosphate cotransporter 2a (Npt2a) offers a novel strategy for treating hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here we review recent studies on the efficacy of Npt2a inhibition, its plasma phosphate (Pi)-lowering effects, as well as potential “off-target” beneficial effects on cardiovascular consequences.

Recent findings

Two novel Npt2a-selective inhibitors (PF-06869206 and BAY-767) have been developed. Pharmacological Npt2a inhibition shows a significant phosphaturic effect and consequently lowers plasma Pi and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels regardless of CKD. However, plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a master regulator of Pi homeostasis, shows inconsistent responses between these two inhibitors (no effect by PF-06869206 vs. reduction by BAY-767). In addition to the effects on Pi homeostasis, Npt2a inhibition also enhances urinary excretions of Na+, Cl−, and Ca2+, which is recapitulated in animal models with reduced kidney function. The effect of Npt2a inhibition by BAY-767 on vascular calcification has been studied, with positive results showing that oral treatment with BAY-767 (10 mg kg−1) attenuated the increases in plasma Pi and Ca2+ content in the aorta under the setting of vascular calcification induced by a pan-FGF receptor inhibitor. Together, Npt2a inhibition offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating hyperphosphatemia and reducing cardiovascular complications in CKD.

Npt2a inhibition significantly increases urinary Pi excretion and lowers plasma Pi and PTH levels; moreover, it exerts pleiotropic “off-target” effects, providing a novel treatment for hyperphosphatemia and exhibiting beneficial potential for cardiovascular complications in CKD.
Comprehensive Serial Treatment of Treacher Collins Syndrome
Authors: Lei Bowen , Huang Qinghua , Sun Tiecheng , Zhong Yehong , Chen Zhewei , Yang Bin
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To discuss and summarize the comprehensive serial surgical treatment of Treacher Collins syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

From September 2012 to January 2020, 12 patients with Treacher Collins syndrome were treated by autologous fat graft, mandibular distraction osteogenesis, orbitozygomatic reconstruction with calvarial external lamina, orthognathic surgery combined with postoperative orthodontics, transplantation of upper eyelid orbicularis myocutaneous flap, lateral canthal ligament reduction, and other methods. The authors evaluated the postoperative improvement, summarized experiences, and reviewed literatures about the comprehensive serial treatment of Treacher Collins syndrome.

Results:

All patients showed significant improvement in appearance and function, and no complications were found during the follow-up period of 5 months to 3 years.

Conclusions:

The deformities of Treacher Collins syndrome involves multiple craniofacial region, and only by formulating comprehensive serial treatment strategies according to the malformation characteristics of different patients can the best effect be achieved.