bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical dimensional crossover of an optically-trapped quantum gas with disorder
Authors: Li Kangkang , Liang Zhaoxin
Published: September 2022

Dimensionality serves as an indispensable ingredient in any attempt to formulate low-dimensional physics, and studying the dimensional crossover at a fundamental level is challenging. The purpose of this work is to study the hierarchical dimensional crossovers, namely the crossover from three dimensions (3D) to quasi-2D and then to 1D. Our system consists of a 3D Bose–Einstein condensate trapped in an anisotropic 2D optical lattice characterized by the lattice depths V
1 along the x direction and V
2 along the y direction, respectively, where the hierarchical dimensional crossover is controlled via V
1 and V
2. We analytically derive the ground-state energy, quantum depletion and the superfluid density of the system. Our results demonstrate the 3D-quasi-2D-1D dimensional crossovers in the behavior of quantum fluctuations. Conditions for possible experimental realization of our scenario are also discussed.
Performance evaluation of thermoelectric generator employing SEPIC converter and incremental conductance maximum power point tracking for electric vehicles
Authors: Jaswanth N. , Raam Dheep G.
Published: September 2022

This article introduced a unique MPPT controller for thermoelectric generators. Our method uses a modified incremental conductance (IC) algorithm to track MPP efficiently. The proposed method is simple to install, fast-tracking, and stable. Traditionally, MPPT trades off steady-state and transition-state properties. Various designs flows are explored. The study’s common parameters are fast convergence, efficiency, and low oscillations. Use a proposed strategy that effectively handles these difficulties. The proposed methodology improves TEG MPPT efficiency and convergence times.
Transients Analysis in AC Microgrid System
Authors: Rashid Umar , Dhillon Javed
Published: September 2022

In the modern power system, small scale versions of the power grid termed as Microgrid are being greatly used because of the practical, economic and environmental advantages over conventional structure. Microgrid as the word itself suggests (micro-small and grid-interconnection of different elements) is the advanced technology that is being currently endorsed for future power systems in electrical engineering world. Transients are produced in microgrids due to the fluctuating nature of loads and the irregular behaviour of renewable power generation, particularly whenever the transition from grid linked to islanded state happens. In this paper, for controlling the transients during the transition in islanded mode in microgrid comprising of various energy resources like Diesel Generator, Solar Photovoltaic System, Energy Storage System, Flux Coupling Type Super Conducting Fault Current Limiter (FSFCL) is used. By incorporating the FSFCL in the microgrid, transient behaviour of the microgrid is greatly improved. The model analysis is done using the MATLAB’s Simulink Software and the output results in presence and absence of Flux coupling type SFCL is compared. The output results which are obtained show the supremacy of the suggested device in reducing the transients in microgrid.
A Brief Study on Object Detection and Tracking
Authors: Kumar Chinthakindi Kiran , Rawal Kirti
Published: September 2022

The detection and tracking of objects in computer vision systems is a critical and challenging subject. Object identification and tracking currently has applications in a wide range of industries, including surveillance, autonomous robot navigation and vehicle navigation because to the increased accessibility of computing power and vast public datasets. When analyzing an image, the object tracking algorithm goal is to divide the region of interest, monitor its motion and location and identify any blobs. Every tracking necessitates an object detection mechanism either in each frame or whenever an object appears for the first time in the video sequence. The availability of high performance processors and low cost-high quality video cameras has enhanced the need of automated object tracking video sequences. Multiple object Identification and tracking in a dynamic environment has recently become focus of computer vision research. In this paper we discuss about the various object detection and tracking algorithms.
Comparative Analysis of Vedic Multiplier using Various Adder Architectures
Authors: Yadav Jatin , Kumar Anupam , Shareef Shaik , Bansal Sandeep , Rathour Navjot
Published: September 2022

The performance of a microprocessor depends on the efficient multiplier as it is one of the most principal component in various digital circuits. This paper reviews optimization techniques for high speed Vedic multiplier design which is based on Urdhva Tiryakbhyam Sutra of Ancient Indian Vedic Mathematics. This particular sutra is the most efficient one as it gives minimum delay for all types of complex multiplication. Adder being the most important component in a multiplier design, using the efficient adder will enhance the performance of Vedic multiplier. During the comparison, different adder topologies like Carry Look ahead Adder, Kogge Stone Adder, Carry Skip Adder are used to compare area, delay and power. The reviewed methods are implemented on 45nanometer(nm), 90nm and 180 nm CMOS technology. The results of all the prior approaches are reviewed and an efficient method out of them has been proposed.
Effects of Different Intensity Modulator On The Generation of MM-Waves in RoF System
Authors: Gupta Raghav , Singh Ajmer
Published: September 2022

The increasing demand of wireless network has strongly take interests of new transmission systems. A phase shift of 80 GHz – 120 GHz is achieved for the millimeter wave by using SBS technique that is beneficial for the 5G networks. RoF technique requires the optical modulators in the transmitter side. Performance of different modulators such as Amplitude Modulator, Phase Modulator, Electro Absorption Modulator, and Mach Zehnder Modulator is analyzed in this demonstrated work. Performance comparison of all modulators shows that the SNR (93.32) and output power (71.56) of the system is maximum in MZM. Results shows that the system has the high power, good SNR and enhanced frequency shifts.
Investigation of FSO Using Polarization Diversity Under Clear Weather, Haze and Rain
Authors: Chawla Sachin
Published: September 2022

Free space optical communication (FSO) is cost effective and potential technology for realization of transmission in hilly areas and for roof top communication in congested areas. In this work, a 32 channel WDM system employing polarization diversity technique is proposed in free space optical communication. Atmospheric turbulences plays vital role in system performance such as clear weather, haze and rain. Investigation has been done for different turbulences and effects are analysed. It is observed that system performs worst and better in case of rain and clear weather respectively.
Bandwidth Enhancement Technique for Microstrip Antenna for Higher X-Band and Ku-Band for Next Generation Wi-Fi and Wi-max Applications
Authors: Tiwari Praveen , Malik Praveen Kumar , Kaur Amandeep
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the novel design and fabrication of a square shaped array antenna for transmission in the higher X band and Ku-band. The influence of the constituent square’s size factor over the signal quality with the squares positioned in various array configurations is recorded and reported using a discretized design approach. The design was fabricated and tested to meet the needed standards after being optimized using the antenna simulator software. A novel DC shorting approach has been devised and reported to improve antenna performance. Major antenna performance parameters are being observed and found in accord with the literature.
Evaluation of the effect of 5G Hardware Impairments on achieving high Energy Efficiency
Authors: Vaishnavi Bogabathina , Sharma Kamal Kumar
Published: September 2022

The most demanding constraints for next-generation wireless communication systems (5G) are meeting ever-increasing requirement for high data rates while providing a seamless quality of service across the whole network. The deployment of huge Massive Input Massive Output array of antenna and Small cell spatial densification are significant facilitators of high information output, broader scope, as well as increased energy efficiency. However, there are certain critical drawbacks with this technology that must be solved, including performance decrease owing to hardware limitations. To that end, this essay investigates Hardware flaws and their consequences for massive multiple-input multiple-output. In addition, The EE expanding point of operation may be negligible in terms of spectral efficiency, and by increasing the number of base stations, energy may be considerably enhanced.
Prediction model of heart diseases based on hybrid model
Authors: Morya Rimpy , Singh Someet
Published: September 2022

Heart diseases are crucial cause of global death. Premature detection of heart diseases and uninterrupted analysis decreases the death rate. The detection of heart diseases using various machine learning algorithm is implemented for analysis of the heart attack in minimum time. Machine learning plays a very important role in the prevention of diseases and huge comprehension a health record. Recent trend in machine learning methodology being wield in contemporary evolution in different sector of internet of things. There is different algorithm in machine learning, which is analysis of heart diseases along with different accuracy. The purpose of this research to develop machine learning model to detect the heart diseases. In this a hybrid algorithm is proposed using combination of KNN and logistic regression algorithm. Furthermore, a protype is developed which consist of set of sensors to monitor the timely for prediction or analysis of heart attack.
Detection of Lung cancer using Digital image Processing techniques and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Reddy Badireddygari Anurag , Mandal Danvir
Published: September 2022

In today’s life digital image processing plays keys role. Digital Image processing using in medical field changes the medical world drastically. Medical imaging is growing speedily due to developments in image processing techniques including image recognition, analysis and enhancement. Now a day’s different types diseases that have facing humans in daily life. In this Lung cancer is one of the major diseases that show devastating in humans heavily. Lung cancer is one of the major causes of death in humans. Lung cancer is normally carried out by trained professionals and these are majorly helpful in early stage of detection. This detection method introduces the possibility of human errors which consequences an automated process. In this paper it is mainly aims to detect the lung cancer at an early stage through an automated process and reduces the human errors and gets the accurate results. There are different types of processing techniques are currently using. Artificial neural network processing plays important role to identify the cancer tissues which are in lungs. Early stage of detection will save the human life.
The current pulses characteristics of the negative corona discharge in SF6/CF4 mixtures
Authors: GAO Qingqing , WANG Xiaohua , ADAMIAK Kazimierz , YANG Aijun , LIU Dingxin , NIU Chunping , ZHANG Jiawei
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the results of numerical investigation of the current pulses characteristics in SF6/CF4 mixtures for the negative point-plane corona discharge. The pressure and the temperature of gas mixtures are 0.4 MPa and 300 K, respectively. The CF4 content varies from 20% to 80%. The 2D axisymmetric geometry with point-plane electrodes is investigated, and the three drift-diffusion equations are solved to predict the characteristics of the negative corona discharge. In addition, Poisson’s equation is coupled with the above three continuity equations to calculate the electric field. In order to calculate the electron impact coefficients, including the Townsend ionization and attachment coefficients, as well as the mobilities and diffusion coefficients for electrons, the two-term Boltzmann equation is solved. The characteristics of three ionic species at five stages of the first current pulse in 60%SF6-40%CF4 and 20%SF6-80%CF4 mixtures are selected to discuss the development mechanism of current pulses. Moreover, the reduced electric field strengths at the corresponding time instants are presented to help understand the discharge process. The current waveform and the total number of three species are compared in all the cases to analyze the effects of the CF4 content on the discharge. The reduced electric field strength is also helpful in understanding the effects of CF4 content. When the CF4 content increases to 80%, the discharge is more intensive and the pulse frequency also increases.
Psychotropic drug treatment for agitated behaviour in dementia: what if the guideline prescribing recommendations are not sufficient? A qualitative study
Authors: Dijk Margaretha T , Tabak Sarah , Hertogh Cees M P M , Kok Rob M , van Marum Rob J , Zuidema Sytse U , Sizoo Eefje M , Smalbrugge Martin
Published: September 2022

Background

Agitation is a common challenging behaviour in dementia with a negative influence on patient’s quality of life and a high caregiver burden. Treatment is often difficult. Current guidelines recommend restrictive use of psychotropic drug treatment, but guideline recommendations do not always suffice.

Objective

To explore how physicians decide on psychotropic drug treatment for agitated behaviour in dementia when the guideline prescribing recommendations are not sufficient.

Methods

We conducted five online focus groups with a total of 22 elderly care physicians, five geriatricians and four old-age psychiatrists, in The Netherlands. The focus groups were thematically analysed.

Results

We identified five main themes. Transcending these themes, in each of the focus groups physicians stated that there is ‘not one size that fits all’. The five themes reflect physicians’ considerations when deciding on psychotropic drug treatment outside the guideline prescribing recommendations for agitated behaviour in dementia: (1) ‘reanalysis of problem and cause’, (2) ‘hypothesis of underlying cause and treatment goal’, (3) ‘considerations regarding drug choice’, (4) ‘trial and error’ and (5) ‘last resort: sedation’.

Conclusion

When guideline prescribing recommendations do not suffice, physicians start with reanalysing potential underlying causes. They try to substantiate and justify medication choices as best as they can with a hypothesis of underlying causes or treatment goal, using other guidelines, and applying personalised psychotropic drug treatment.
New horizons for caring for people with dementia in hospital: the DEMENTIA CARE pointers for service change
Authors: Abbott Rebecca A , Rogers Morwenna , Lourida Ilianna , Green Colin , Ball Susan , Hemsley Anthony , Cheeseman Debbie , Clare Linda , Moore Darren , Hussey Chrissey , Coxon George , Llewellyn David J , Naldrett Tina , Thompson Coon Jo
Published: September 2022

Approximately two-thirds of hospital admissions are older adults and almost half of these are likely to have some form of dementia. People with dementia are not only at an increased risk of adverse outcomes once admitted, but the unfamiliar environment and routinised practices of the wards and acute care can be particularly challenging for them, heightening their confusion, agitation and distress further impacting the ability to optimise their care. It is well established that a person-centred care approach helps alleviate some of the unfamiliar stress but how to embed this in the acute-care setting remains a challenge. In this article, we highlight the challenges that have been recognised in this area and put forward a set of evidence-based ‘pointers for service change’ to help organisations in the delivery of person-centred care. The DEMENTIA CARE pointers cover areas of: dementia awareness and understanding, education and training, modelling of person-centred care by clinical leaders, adapting the environment, teamwork (not being alone), taking the time to ‘get to know’, information sharing, access to necessary resources, communication, involving family (ask family), raising the profile of dementia care, and engaging volunteers. The pointers extend previous guidance, by recognising the importance of ward cultures that prioritise dementia care and institutional support that actively seeks to raise the profile of dementia care. The pointers provide a range of simple to more complex actions or areas for hospitals to help implement person-centred care approaches; however, embedding them within the organisational cultures of hospitals is the next challenge.
Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for anxiety in long-term care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atchison Kayla , Watt Jennifer A , Ewert Delaney , Toohey Ann M , Ismail Zahinoor , Goodarzi Zahra
Published: September 2022

Background

older adults living in long-term care (LTC) commonly suffer from anxiety symptoms and disorders. We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify efficacious treatments for anxiety symptoms for older adults living in LTC.

Methods

we searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify treatments for anxiety that have been trialled in LTC. Included studies had to be randomised trials, include residents of LTC, and measure anxiety symptoms as an outcome.

Results

the electronic search returned 6,617 articles, 519 were reviewed in full text, and 80 were included in the descriptive synthesis. Limited studies were meta-analysed (n = 10) due to differences in described treatment and comparator conditions. Limited clinically relevant evidence supporting the use of pharmacologic treatments for symptoms of anxiety in LTC was identified. Of the treatments trialled, music compared with usual care (standardised mean difference, SMD: −0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.31, −0.34), music compared with social interaction (SMD: −0.41; 95% CI: −0.72, −0.10) and massage compared with usual care (SMD: −4.32; 95% CI: −7.44, −1.19) were found to improve anxiety symptoms, however, significant heterogeneity was detected in two comparisons.

Conclusions

a range of non-pharmacologic treatments that improved anxiety symptoms were identified for use in LTC. Although limited evidence exists to support the use of particular treatments, most non-pharmacologic treatments were low-risk interventions that may be readily implemented. Further research is required to assess the treatment effect on residents of LTC with anxiety disorders or clinically relevant symptoms at baseline.
Long-term outcomes of stroke unit care in older stroke patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Geraedts Max , Ebbeler Dijana , Timmesfeld Nina , Kaps Manfred , Berger Klaus , Misselwitz Björn , Günster Christian , Dröge Patrik , Schneider Michael
Published: September 2022

Background

older patients are less frequently treated in stroke units (SUs). Clinicians do not seem convinced that older patients benefit from specialised treatment in SU similarly to younger patients.

Objective

our study aimed to compare older patients’ long-term outcomes with and without SU treatment.

Methods

this study used routinely collected health data of 232,447 patients admitted to hospitals in Germany between 2007 and 2017 who were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke (ICD 10 I63). The sample included 29,885 patients aged ≥90 years. The outcomes analysed were 10-, 30- and 90-day, and 1-, 3- and 5-year mortality and the combinations of death or recurrence, inpatient treatment and increase in long-term care needs. Bivariate chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used, adjusting for the covariates age, sex, co-morbidity, long-term care needs before stroke and socioeconomic status of the patients’ region of origin.

Results

between 2007 and 2017, 57.1% of patients aged <90 years and 49.6% of those aged ≥90 years were treated in a SU. The 1-year mortality rate of ≥90-year-olds was 56.9 and 61.9% with and without SU treatment, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted risk of death in ≥90-year-olds with SU treatment was odds ratio (OR) = 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62–0.73) 10 days after the initial event and OR = 0.76 (95% CI = 0.71–0.82) 3 years after stroke.

Conclusions

even very old patients with stroke benefit from SU treatment in the short and long term. Therefore, SU treatment should be the norm even in older patients.
OncoPubMiner: a platform for mining oncology publications
Authors: Xu Quan , Liu Yueyue , Hu Jifang , Duan Xiaohong , Song Niuben , Zhou Jiale , Zhai Jincheng , Su Junyan , Liu Siyao , Chen Fan , Zheng Wei , Guo Zhongjia , Li Hexiang , Zhou Qiming , Niu Beifang
Published: September 2022

Updated and expert-quality knowledge bases are fundamental to biomedical research. A knowledge base established with human participation and subject to multiple inspections is needed to support clinical decision making, especially in the growing field of precision oncology. The number of original publications in this field has risen dramatically with the advances in technology and the evolution of in-depth research. Consequently, the issue of how to gather and mine these articles accurately and efficiently now requires close consideration. In this study, we present OncoPubMiner (https://oncopubminer.chosenmedinfo.com), a free and powerful system that combines text mining, data structure customisation, publication search with online reading and project-centred and team-based data collection to form a one-stop ‘keyword in–knowledge out’ oncology publication mining platform. The platform was constructed by integrating all open-access abstracts from PubMed and full-text articles from PubMed Central, and it is updated daily. OncoPubMiner makes obtaining precision oncology knowledge from scientific articles straightforward and will assist researchers in efficiently developing structured knowledge base systems and bring us closer to achieving precision oncology goals.
Quantitative analysis of the GABAergic innervation of the soma and axon initial segment of pyramidal cells in the human and mouse neocortex
Authors: Ostos Sandra , Aparicio Guillermo , Fernaud-Espinosa Isabel , DeFelipe Javier , Muñoz Alberto
Published: September 2022

Perisomatic GABAergic innervation in the cerebral cortex is carried out mostly by basket and chandelier cells, which differentially participate in the control of pyramidal cell action potential output and synchronization. These cells establish multiple synapses with the cell body (and proximal dendrites) and the axon initial segment (AIS) of pyramidal neurons, respectively. Using multiple immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy and 3D quantification techniques, we have estimated the number and density of GABAergic boutons on the cell body and AIS of pyramidal neurons located through cortical layers of the human and mouse neocortex. The results revealed, in both species, that there is clear variability across layers regarding the density and number of perisomatic GABAergic boutons. We found a positive linear correlation between the surface area of the soma, or the AIS, and the number of GABAergic terminals in apposition to these 2 neuronal domains. Furthermore, the density of perisomatic GABAergic boutons was higher in the human cortex than in the mouse. These results suggest a selectivity for the GABAergic innervation of the cell body and AIS that might be related to the different functional attributes of the microcircuits in which neurons from different layers are involved in both human and mouse.
Dissecting structural connectivity of the left and right inferior frontal cortex in children who stutter
Authors: Neef Nicole E , Angstadt Mike , Koenraads Simone P C , Chang Soo-Eun
Published: September 2022

Inferior frontal cortex pars opercularis (IFCop) features a distinct cerebral dominance and vast functional heterogeneity. Left and right IFCop are implicated in developmental stuttering. Weak left IFCop connections and divergent connectivity of hyperactive right IFCop regions have been related to impeded speech. Here, we reanalyzed diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data from 83 children (41 stuttering). We generated connection probability maps of functionally segregated area 44 parcels and calculated hemisphere-wise analyses of variance. Children who stutter showed reduced connectivity of executive, rostral-motor, and caudal-motor corticostriatal projections from the left IFCop. We discuss this finding in the context of tracing studies from the macaque area 44, which leads to the need to reconsider current models of speech motor control. Unlike the left, the right IFCop revealed increased connectivity of the inferior posterior ventral parcel and decreased connectivity of the posterior dorsal parcel with the anterior insula, particularly in stuttering boys. This divergent connectivity pattern in young children adds to the debate on potential core deficits in stuttering and challenges the theory that right hemisphere differences might exclusively indicate compensatory changes that evolve from lifelong exposure. Instead, early right prefrontal connectivity differences may reflect additional brain signatures of aberrant cognition–emotion–action influencing speech motor control.
First-time fathers show longitudinal gray matter cortical volume reductions: evidence from two international samples
Authors: Martínez-García Magdalena , Paternina-Die María , Cardenas Sofia I , Vilarroya Oscar , Desco Manuel , Carmona Susanna , Saxbe Darby E
Published: September 2022

Emerging evidence points to the transition to parenthood as a critical window for adult neural plasticity. Studying fathers offers a unique opportunity to explore how parenting experience can shape the human brain when pregnancy is not directly experienced. Yet very few studies have examined the neuroanatomic adaptations of men transitioning into fatherhood. The present study reports on an international collaboration between two laboratories, one in Spain and the other in California (United States), that have prospectively collected structural neuroimaging data in 20 expectant fathers before and after the birth of their first child. The Spanish sample also included a control group of 17 childless men. We tested whether the transition into fatherhood entailed anatomical changes in brain cortical volume, thickness, and area, and subcortical volumes. We found overlapping trends of cortical volume reductions within the default mode network and visual networks and preservation of subcortical structures across both samples of first-time fathers, which persisted after controlling for fathers’ and children’s age at the postnatal scan. This study provides convergent evidence for cortical structural changes in fathers, supporting the possibility that the transition to fatherhood may represent a meaningful window of experience-induced structural neuroplasticity in males.
Renal involvement is frequent in adults with primary mitochondrial disorders: an observational study
Authors: Bakis Hugo , Trimouille Aurélien , Vermorel Agathe , Goizet Cyril , Belaroussi Yaniss , Schutz Sacha , Solé Guilhem , Combe Christian , Martin-Negrier Marie-Laure , Rigothier Claire
Published: September 2022

Background

Mitochondrial functions are controlled by genes of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Pathogenic variants affecting any of these are responsible for primary mitochondrial disorders (MIDs), which can be diagnosed during adulthood. Kidney functions are highly dependent on mitochondrial respiration. However, the prevalence of MID-associated nephropathies (MIDANs) is unknown in the adult population. We aimed to address this point and to provide a full characterization of MIDANs in this population.

Methods

We retrospectively included for observational study adults (≥16 years of age) with genetically diagnosed MID between 2000 and 2020 in our tertiary care academic centre when they had a chronic kidney disease (CKD) evaluation. MIDANs were ascertained by CKD occurring in MIDs. The phenotypic, biological, histopathological and genotypic characteristics were recorded from the medical charts.

Results

We included 80 MID-affected adults and ascertained MIDANs in 28/80 (35%). Kidney diseases under the care of a nephrologist occurred in only 14/28 (50%) of the adults with MIDAN. MIDANs were tubulointerstitial nephropathy in 14/28 patients (50%) and glomerular diseases in 9/28 (32.1%). In adults with MID, MIDAN was negatively associated with higher albumin levels {odds ratio [OR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.95]} and vision abnormalities [OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.03–0.94)] and positively associated with hypertension [OR 4.23 (95% CI 1.04–17.17)].

Conclusion

MIDANs are frequent among adult MIDs. They are mostly represented by tubulointerstitial nephropathy or glomerular disease. Vision abnormalities, hypertension and albumin levels were independently associated with MIDANs. Our results pave the way for prospective studies investigating the prevalence of MIDANs among undetermined kidney disease populations.
Deep immune profiling of patients with renal impairment unveils distinct immunotypes associated with disease severity
Authors: Wu I-Wen , Wu Yi-Lun , Yang Huang-Yu , Hsu Cheng-Kai , Chang Lun-Ching , Twu Yuh-Ching , Chang Ya-Ling , Chung Wen-Hung , Yang Chih-Wei , Hsieh Wen-Ping , Su Shih-Chi
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is pathologically correlated with a sophisticated milieu of innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, but the underlying immunological disturbances remain poorly understood.

Methods

To address this, we comprehensively interrogated cellular and soluble elements of the immune system by using high-dimensional flow cytometry to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells and performing cytokine/chemokine profiling of serum samples, respectively, in a cohort of 69 patients and 19 non-CKD controls.

Results

Altered serum levels of several cytokines/chemokines were identified, among which concentrations of stem cell factor (SCF) were found to be elevated with the progression of CKD and inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Deep immunophenotyping analyses reveal a global change in immune modulation associated with CKD severity. Specifically, a decrease in the subsets of CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells (KLRG-1+CD38+CD64+CD15+CD197+) and monocytes (KLRG-1+CD38+PD-1+) was detected in severe CKD compared with controls and mild CKD. In addition, comparisons between mild and severe CKD demonstrated a loss of a mature B cell population (PD-1+CD197+IgD+HLA-DR+) in the advanced stages of disease. Further, we identified immunophenotypic markers to discriminate mild CKD from the controls, among which the portion of CD38+ monocytes was of particular value in early diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our data unveil severity-specific immunological signatures perturbed in CKD patients.
Thiazide diuretics are back in CKD: the case of chlorthalidone
Authors: Minutolo Roberto , De Nicola Luca , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine
Published: September 2022

Sodium and volume excess is the fundamental risk factor underlying hypertension in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, who represent the prototypical population characterized by salt-sensitive hypertension. Low salt diets and diuretics constitute the centrepiece for blood pressure control in CKD. In patients with CKD stage 4, loop diuretics are generally preferred to thiazides. Furthermore, thiazide diuretics have long been held as being of limited efficacy in this population. In this review, by systematically appraising published randomized trials of thiazides in CKD, we show that this class of drugs may be useful even among people with advanced CKD. Thiazides cause a negative sodium balance and reduce body fluids by 1–2 l within the first 2–4 weeks and these effects go along with improvement in hypertension control. The recent CLICK trial has documented the antihypertensive efficacy of chlorthalidone, a long-acting thiazide-like diuretic, in stage 4 CKD patients with poorly controlled hypertension. Overall, chlorthalidone use could be considered in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension when spironolactone cannot be administered or must be withdrawn due to side effects. Hyponatremia, hypokalaemia, volume depletion and acute kidney injury are side effects that demand a vigilant attitude by physicians prescribing these drugs. Well-powered randomized trials assessing hard outcomes are still necessary to more confidently recommend the use of these drugs in advanced CKD.
Firm Ex Ante Heterogeneity, Entry and the Labour Share
Authors: Grazzini Jakob , Rossi Lorenza
Published: September 2022

This paper considers a two-sector real business cycle model augmented with firm heterogeneity and firm dynamics, and studies the steady state and dynamic properties of the model in response to a decline in the relative price of investment. It shows that both firm heterogeneity and entry play a crucial role in the decline in the labour share and the increase in capital intensity observed in the US economy. Using ORBIS firm-level data of the US economy, the paper finds robust evidence consistent with the mechanisms described in the model.
Populist Persuasion in Electoral Campaigns: Evidence from Bryan's Unique Whistle-Stop Tour
Authors: Buggle Johannes C , Vlachos Stephanos
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the effect of campaign appearances in the context of the one-sided nationwide tour by William J. Bryan, the Democratic US presidential candidate in 1896. During this electoral campaign, Bryan undertook an unprecedented whistle-stop train tour, while the Republican candidate followed a front-porch campaign. To identify the causal effect of campaign speeches, we exploit several estimation strategies, including a within-county difference-in-differences design and a neighbour-pair fixed effect estimator. We find that campaign visits by Bryan increased his vote share by about one percentage point on average. This increase likely stems from the persuasion of previously non-aligned industrial workers.
Development and Validation of a Modified QuEChERS Method for Simultaneous Analysis of 250 Flavor Constituents in Tobacco by Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Li , Shi Tiancai , Zhao Jiaxing , Ren Zongcan , Cui Huapeng , Xie Fuwei , Fan Meijuan , Liu Shaofeng , Nie Cong , Liu Huimin
Published: September 2022

Background

Flavor constituents play an important role in the flavor characteristics of tobacco leaves and cigarettes. Sensitive, selective, and high-throughput multi-analyte analytical methods are needed to satisfy the demand for analyzing trace-level flavor constituents in tobacco. However, trace analysis of multi-targets in a complex tobacco matrix is significantly challenging.

Objective

This study was undertaken to develop and validate a fast, selective, sensitive, and accurate GC–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) method for the simultaneous analysis of 250 flavor constituents in tobacco using a modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction procedure and backflushing technique.

Methods

The samples were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer. GC–MS/MS served as a reliable tool to quantify the flavor constituents due to its high sensitivity, selectivity, and good repeatability.

Results

Our evaluation showed that 243 flavor constituents presented good linearity. Average recoveries of 216 target compounds in tobacco ranged from 70 to 120% with RSDs less than 20% at three fortification levels. The limits of quantitation of 225 and 25 compounds were in the range of 2–50 and 51–112 μg/kg, respectively. This method was then successfully applied to the analysis of 15 commercial cigarette samples with different style characteristics.

Conclusion

The modified QuEChERS method worked very well for a wide range of flavor constituents that have not been reported by QuEChERS pretreatment previously, and the use of concurrent backflushing offered significant increase in system robustness and sample throughput. The method greatly improved the detection performance and the range of the flavor constituents, and proved to be more accurate, sensitive, selective, convenient, and practical than the reported method, and thus, can be applied in routine analysis.

Highlights

A validated QuEChERS-based GC–MS/MS method for multiple flavor constituents analysis in tobacco was reported for the first time. The use of concurrent backflushing markedly improved the instrument robustness and sample throughput.
Clinical Toxicological Follow-Up Analysis of a Suicide Attempt Using Chloroquine
Authors: Jacobs Cathy M , Wagmann Lea , Frankenfeld Fabian , Meyer Markus R
Published: September 2022

Chloroquine, a drug approved for the treatment of malaria, is frequently used to commit suicide. We report about a suicide attempt by ingesting a high dose of chloroquine in combination with other drugs. Findings of the emergency toxicology screening of blood and urine and those of the follow-up analyses in blood are discussed. Systematic toxicological analysis approaches revealed the presence of chloroquine, butylscopolamine, cafedrine, diazepam, lorazepam, metoclopramide, nordazepam, norephedrine and 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9-tetrahydroxycannabinol in blood and/or urine of the subject. Suicide due to a combination of chloroquine and benzodiazepines is known as the so-called “Kusch method” in German-speaking countries. The initial chloroquine plasma concentration was determined to be 9.6 mg/L after precipitation and analysis by liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical procedure was developed ad hoc and validated in accordance with international recommendations. Clinical toxicological follow-up analyses in blood were performed over a period of 3 weeks. The chloroquine concentration remained above the therapeutic range (up to 0.5 mg/L) for 2 weeks and dropped to 0.3 mg/L after 3 weeks. Furthermore, monodesethylchloroquine (MDCQ) and bisdesethylchloroquine (BDCQ) were determined to be the most abundant metabolites in plasma. Within 3 weeks, the area ratios of MDCQ and chloroquine increased 4-fold (from 0.090 to 0.350), and those of BDCQ and chloroquine increased 100-fold (from 0.002 to 0.218). This information may help to estimate the chloroquine excretion progress in the future.
Managing Relational Contracts
Authors: Troya-Martinez Marta , Wren-Lewis Liam
Published: September 2022

Relational contracts are typically modeled as being between a principal and an agent, such as a firm owner and a supplier. Yet, in a variety of organizations, relationships are overseen by an intermediary such as a manager. Such arrangements open the door for collusion between the manager and the agent. This paper develops a theory of such managed relational contracts. We show that managed relational contracts differ from principal–agent ones in important ways. First, kickbacks from the agent can help solve the manager’s commitment problem. When commitment is difficult, this can result in higher agent effort than the principal could incentivize directly. Second, making relationships more valuable enables more collusion and hence can reduce effort. We also analyze the principal’s delegation problem and show that she may or may not benefit from entrusting the relationship to a manager.
Exploring the Cystic Fibrosis Lung Microbiome: Making the Most of a Sticky Situation
Authors: Thornton Christina S , Acosta Nicole , Surette Michael G , Parkins Michael D
Published: September 2022

Chronic lower respiratory tract infections are a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Traditional respiratory tract surveillance culturing has focused on a limited range of classic pathogens; however, comprehensive culture and culture-independent molecular approaches have demonstrated complex communities highly unique to each individual. Microbial community structure evolves through the lifetime of pwCF and is associated with baseline disease state and rates of disease progression including occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations. While molecular analysis of the airway microbiome has provided insight into these dynamics, challenges remain including discerning not only “who is there” but “what they are doing” in relation to disease progression. Moreover, the microbiome can be leveraged as a multi-modal biomarker for both disease activity and prognostication. In this article, we review our evolving understanding of the role these communities play in pwCF and identify challenges in translating microbiome data to clinical practice.
The Elusive Role of Airway Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbation
Authors: Caverly Lindsay J , VanDevanter Donald R
Published: September 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) are clinical events that commonly result in increased treatment burden, decreased quality of life, and accelerated lung disease progression. CF PEx have historically been approached as though dealing with acute infections, and antibiotic treatments have been associated with improved outcomes. In this review, we discuss data supporting a causal role of CF airway infection in PEx as well studies that highlight our knowledge gaps in regard to PEx definitions, pathophysiology, and optimal treatment approaches. In the era of highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy, and the continually increasing health and longevity of persons with CF, a better understanding of PEx and further optimization of PEx antibiotic treatment approaches are needed.
A typed lambda-calculus with first-class configurations
Authors: Abe Tatsuya , Kimura Daisuke
Published: September 2022

Filinski and Griffin have independently succeeded in extending the formulae-as-types notion to deal with continuations. Whereas Griffin adopted control operators primitively, Filinski adopted the duality of functions to construct a symmetric lambda-calculus in which continuations are first-class objects. In this paper, we construct a typed lambda-calculus with first-class configurations consisting of expressions and continuations of the same types. Our calculus corresponds to a natural deduction based on Rumfitt’s bilateralism. Function types are represented as the implication and but-not connectives in intuitionistic and paraconsistent logics, respectively. Our calculus is not only logically consistent, but also computationally consistent. Our calculus with call-by-value and call-by-name strategies correspond to Wadler’s call-by-value and call-by-name dual calculi, respectively. Furthermore, we propose a notion of relaxed configurations, which loosely take expressions and continuations of different types. We confirm that the relaxedness defines control operators for delimited continuations.
The recurrent nova V3890 Sgr: a near-infrared and optical study of the red giant component and its environment
Authors: Kaminsky B , Evans A , Pavlenko Ya V , Woodward C E , Banerjee D P K , Gehrz R D , Walter F , Starrfield S , Ilyin I , Strassmeier K G , Wagner R M
Published: September 2022

We present an analysis of the red giant component of the recurrent nova V3890 Sgr, using data obtained before and after its 2019 eruption. Its effective temperature is Teff = 3050 ± 200 K for log g = 0.7, although there are modest changes in Teff. There is an overabundance of both carbon (0.20 ± 0.05 dex) and sodium (1.0 ± 0.3 dex) relative to their solar values, possibly the result of ejecta from the 1990 nova eruption being entrained into the red giant photosphere. We find 12C/13C =25 ± 2, a value similar to that found in red giants in other recurrent novae. The interpretation of the quiescent spectrum in the 5–38$\, \mu$m region requires the presence of photospheric SiO absorption and cool (∼400 K) dust in the red giant environment. The spectrum in the region of the Na i D lines is complex, and includes at least six interstellar components, together with likely evidence for interaction between ejecta from the 2019 eruption and material accumulated in the plane of the binary. Three recurrent novae with giant secondaries have been shown to have environments with different dust content, but photospheres with similar 12C/13C ratios. The SiO fundamental bands most likely have a photospheric origin in the all three stars.
Infrared spectroscopy of the 2019 eruption of the recurrent nova V3890 Sgr: Separation into equatorial and polar winds revealed
Authors: Evans A , Geballe T R , Woodward C E , Banerjee D P K , Gehrz R D , Starrfield S , Shahbandeh M
Published: September 2022

We present infrared spectroscopy of the 2019 eruption of the recurrent nova V3890 Sgr, obtained over the period of 5.1–46.3 d after the eruption. The spectrum of the red giant became more prominent as the flux declined, and by day 46.3 dominated the spectrum. Hydrogen and helium emission lines consisted of a narrow component superposed on a broad pedestal. The full width at half-maximum of the narrow components declined with time t as the eruption progressed, as t−0.74, whereas those of the broad components remained essentially constant. Conversely, the line fluxes of the narrow components of Pa β remained roughly constant, while those of the broad components declined by a factor ∼30 over a period of ≲ 25 d. The behaviour of the broad components is consistent with them arising in unencumbered fast-flowing ejecta perpendicular to the binary plane, in material that was ejected in a short ∼3.3-d burst. The narrow components arise in material that encounters the accumulated circumstellar material. The outburst spectra were rich in coronal lines. There were two coronal line phases, one that originated in gas ionized by supersoft X-ray source, the other in shocked gas. From the relative fluxes of silicon and sulphur coronal lines on day 23.4 – when the emitting gas was shocked – we deduce that the temperature of the coronal gas was 9.3 × 105 K, and that the abundances are approximately solar.
Sub-parsec resolution cosmological simulations of star-forming clumps at high redshift with feedback of individual stars
Authors: Calura F , Lupi A , Rosdahl J , Vanzella E , Meneghetti M , Rosati P , Vesperini E , Lacchin E , Pascale R , Gilli R
Published: September 2022

We introduce a new set of zoom-in cosmological simulations with sub-pc resolution, intended to model extremely faint, highly magnified star-forming stellar clumps, detected at z = 6.14 thanks to gravitational lensing. The simulations include feedback from individual massive stars (in both the pre-supernova and supernova phases), generated via stochastic, direct sampling of the stellar initial mass function. We adopt a modified ‘delayed cooling’ feedback scheme, specifically created to prevent artificial radiative loss of the energy injected by individual stars in very dense gas (n ∼ 103–105 cm−3). The sites where star formation ignites are characterized by maximum densities of the order of 105 cm−3 and gravitational pressures Pgrav/k >107 K cm−3, corresponding to the values of the local, turbulent regions where the densest stellar aggregates form. The total stellar mass at z = 6.14 is 3.4$\times 10^7~\rm M_{\odot }$, in satisfactory agreement with the observed stellar mass of the observed systems. The most massive clumps have masses of $\sim 10^6~\rm M_{\odot }$ and half-mass sizes of ∼100 pc. These sizes are larger than the observed ones, including also other samples of lensed high-redshift clumps, and imply an average density one orders of magnitude lower than the observed one. In the size–mass plane, our clumps populate a sequence that is intermediate between the ones of observed high-redshift clumps and local dSph galaxies.