bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vectorial active matter on the lattice: polar condensates and nematic filaments
Authors: Nava-Sedeño Josué Manik , Hatzikirou Haralampos , Voß-Böhme Anja , Brusch Lutz , Deutsch Andreas , Peruani Fernando
Published: December 2023

We introduce a novel lattice-gas cellular automaton (LGCA) for compressible vectorial active matter with polar and nematic velocity alignment. Interactions are, by construction, zero-range. For polar alignment, we show the system undergoes a phase transition that promotes aggregation with strong resemblance to the classic zero-range process. We find that above a critical point, the states of a macroscopic fraction of the particles in the system coalesce into the same state, sharing the same position and momentum (polar condensate). For nematic alignment, the system also exhibits condensation, but there exist fundamental differences: a macroscopic fraction of the particles in the system collapses into a filament, where particles possess only two possible momenta. Furthermore, we derive hydrodynamic equations for the active LGCA model to understand the phase transitions and condensation that undergoes the system. We also show that generically the discrete lattice symmetries—e.g. of a square or hexagonal lattice—affect drastically the emergent large-scale properties of on-lattice active systems. The study puts in evidence that aligning active matter on the lattice displays new behavior, including phase transitions to states that share similarities to condensation models.
The energy dissipation topology and characteristics of GaInSn liquid metal and ZnO resistors based on high-voltage DC circuit breakers
Authors: Gao Guoqiang , Ma Yaguang , Dong Keliang , Xiang Yu , Li Zheng , Wang Xiangfei , Wang Aozheng , You Bingyan , Yang Zefeng , Wei Wenfu , Wu Guangning
Published: December 2023

High voltage direct current (HVDC) circuit breakers play a very crucial role in HVDC transmission systems. Energy dissipation circuit branches are the main part of the HVDC breaker. The volume and size of energy dissipation branches are the bottlenecks of the HVDC breaker, and the existing energy dissipation schemes can not meet the lightweight requirements. In this work, a combined energy dissipation scheme based on gallium indium tin (GaInSn) liquid metal and ZnO resistors is proposed for the energy dissipation branch of a circuit breaker. Firstly, the self-shrinking of GaInSn liquid metal mechanism is analyzed and the energy dissipation characteristics at different stages are investigated. The variation patterns of short circuit current, arc voltage, resistance and other parameters in the process of liquid metal arcing and energy dissipation are obtained. Secondly, the circuit model of liquid metal in arcing and energy dissipation process is established. The equivalent nonlinear time-varying conductance of the arcing process of the liquid metal dissipative element is simulated by combining the volt-ampere characteristic curves of the liquid metal dissipative module. Finally, the topology of energy dissipation circuit branches combined by GaInSn liquid metal and ZnO resistors is proposed. At the same time, the HVDC breaker model combined by a hybrid DC circuit breaker and energy dissipation circuit branches is constructed. The energy dissipation ratio and distribution law of GaInSn liquid metal and ZnO resistors in the composite type of circuit breaker are verified. The composite dissipation improves the overall energy dissipation density of the circuit breaker compared to the conventional ZnO resistors energy dissipation.
Physical Properties of Cu, Co, and Zn doped TiO2 nanocrystalline thin films prepared using spray pyrolysis
Authors: Aboud Ahmed A , El-Gawaad N S Abd , Al-Dossari M
Published: December 2023

This research focuses on the preparation and characterization of TiO2 thin films in both pure and doped forms. The films were deposited onto glass substrates using the spray pyrolysis technique. The pure film was doped with Cu, Co, and Zn at a constant ratio of 3 wt% in the starting solution. XRD analysis revealed the presence of anatase TiO2 phase in all deposited films. The crystallite size of the pure film was determined using Scherer’s equation and found to be 8.3 nm, while the doped films had sizes of 11.3 nm (Cu), 13.8 nm (Co), and 11.3 nm (Zn). SEM images showed the formation of fine grains with a normal distribution, with average sizes of 27.02 nm (pure), 39.37 nm (Cu), 33.4 nm (Co), and 29.37 nm (Zn) for the respective doped TiO2 films. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of the dopant elements in the deposited films. It was observed that all films exhibited a direct band gap, with a value of 3.79 eV for the pure film, which slightly decreased upon doping. Additionally, various optical constants such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, relaxation time, and optical mobility were estimated and presented in this study.
Tracking the multifield dynamics with cosmological data: a Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Giarè William , De Angelis Mariaveronica , van de Bruck Carsten , Di Valentino Eleonora
Published: December 2023

We introduce a numerical method specifically designed for investigating generic multifield models of inflation where a number of scalar fields ϕ
K
are minimally coupled to gravity and live in a field space with a non-trivial metric 𝒢>
IJ
(ϕ
K
). Our algorithm consists of three main parts. Firstly, we solve the field equations through the entire inflationary period, deriving predictions for observable quantities such as the spectrum of scalar perturbations, primordial gravitational waves, and isocurvature modes. We also incorporate the transfer matrix formalism to track the behavior of adiabatic and isocurvature modes on super-horizon scales and the transfer of entropy to scalar modes after the horizon crossing. Secondly, we interface our algorithm with Boltzmann integrator codes to compute the subsequent full cosmology, including the cosmic microwave background anisotropies and polarization angular power spectra. Finally, we develop a novel sampling algorithm able to efficiently explore a large volume of the parameter space and identify a sub-region where theoretical predictions agree with observations. In this way, sampling over the initial conditions of the fields and the free parameters of the models, we enable Monte Carlo analysis of multifield scenarios. We test all the features of our approach by analyzing a specific model and deriving constraints on its free parameters. Our methodology provides a robust framework for studying multifield inflation, opening new avenues for future research in the field.
Modeling the performance of perovskite solar cells with inserting porous insulating alumina nanoplates
Authors: Pan 潘 Zhaoyao 赵耀 , Yang 杨 Jinpeng 金彭 , Shen 沈 Xiaoshuang 小双
Published: December 2023

Peng et al. [Science 379 683 (2023)] reported an effective method to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells by using thicker porous insulator contact (PIC)-alumina nanoplates. This method overcomes the trade-off between the open-circuit voltage and the fill factor through two mechanisms: reduced surface recombination velocity and increased bulk recombination lifetime due to better perovskite crystallinity. From arguments of drift-diffusion simulations, we find that an increase in mobility and carrier recombination lifetime in bulk are the key factors for minimizing the resistance-effect from thicker PICs and achieving a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) at approximately 25% reduced contact area. Furthermore, the partially replacement of perovskite films with thicker PICs would result in a reduction in short-current density, but the relative low refractive index of the PICs imbedded into the high refractive index perovskite creates light trapping structures that compensate for this loss.
Numerical Studies on Effects of Blade Number Variations on Performance of Sludge Pumps
Authors: Nguyen Van-Dung , Nguyen Huu-That , Tran Thien-Phuc , Ton Thien-Phuong
Published: December 2023

The sedimentation of sludge in pangasius catfish ponds constitutes a notable challenge for the economic advancement of Vietnamese farmers. Sludge formation is the result of a composite process involving residual food, waste material, and algae, which undergo decomposition, thereby releasing hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These emissions subsequently diminish oxygen levels within the ponds, adversely affecting the growth of catfish. Removal of the accumulated sludge is deemed necessary every two months throughout the catfish cultivation cycle. A proficient sludge pump, designed to function effectively within the Vietnamese environmental context, becomes imperative to address this predicament. The primary objective of this research paper is to explore the influence of blade count on the performance metrics of a sludge pump. Given that pangasius ponds typically exhibit depths ranging from 2 to 4 meters, this study is predominantly centered on assessing pump performance within the specified head range of 2 to 4 meters. Employing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology, the research delves into the fluid dynamics of sludge pumps featuring impeller blades numbering 7, 8, 9, and 10. These pumps are modeled as semi-open impeller centrifugal pumps operating at a speed of 2200 revolutions per minute (rpm), with the k-e turbulence model and the time-averaged Navier-Stokes equation serving as the fundamental analytical framework.
Benthic Habitat Mapping and Bathymetry Retrieval in The Shallow Water of Cham Island, Vietnam
Authors: An Nguyen Van , An Tran Thi , Quang Nguyen Hao , Thang Ha Nam , Thap Le Van
Published: December 2023

Coral reef ecosystems are under enormous pressure from human use and global climate change, particularly in the nearshore region. Cu Lao Cham Island and its surrounding water is a highly biodiverse marine area, it is home to 290 coral species together 370 species of underwater plant life, and nearly 280 reef fish species. Human activities like indiscriminate fishery and excessive tourism activities have had a great impact on these coral reefs. Thereby breaking the structure of marine ecosystems, leading to a decline in the number and types of aquatic and marine products. Therefore, high spatial resolution benthic habitat information is essential for coral reef protection and management in Cham Island. Planet Scope (PS) with very high spatial resolution (3 m) and temporal resolution (almost daily) can provide an ideal system for benthic habitat and seagrass mapping. In our study, several algorithms were applied with PS to provide bathymetry estimation, bottom reflectance retrieval, and per-pixel classification algorithms (Vector Machine – SVM, and Random Forest – RF) to identify different benthic compositions in the shallow water of Cham Island. The field measurements were used to validate classification results. Our results illustrate the benefit of using the bottom reflectance to discriminate the benthic features, with overall accuracy of 90.95% with SVM, and 90.55% with RF.
Assessing the torque and thrust forces in micro-drilling of thermal barrier coated nickel superalloys
Authors: Patil Pratik Ashokrao , Patil Sachin K , Kamble Maithilee N
Published: December 2023

Nickel superalloys are crucial materials for aerospace applications, offering exceptional performance at high temperatures. Key components in aircraft engines, such as turbine blades, guiding vanes, afterburners, and casings, require the intricate process of micro-drilling to enable effusion cooling. However, when dealing with nickel-based superalloys, tool breakage during micro-drilling is a substantial drawback. This study investigates the cutting forces acting at the tool-workpiece interface during the micro-drilling of thermal barrier-coated Nimonic 90. The micro-drilling was conducted under three lubrication conditions: dry, flood, and 0.5% Graphene-based NMQL, utilizing a 700 μm diameter TiAlN-coated tungsten carbide drill. Experiments were performed at spindle speeds of 1000, 2000, and 3000 rpm, with a constant feed rate of 3 μm/rev. Results revealed that under dry conditions, the micro-drill failed after drilling just 16, 18, and 15 holes at spindle speeds of 1000, 2000, and 3000 rpm, respectively. In contrast, no failures occurred under flood and 0.5% Graphene-based NMQL lubrication conditions, likely due to improved heat dissipation, resulting in reduced thrust forces and torque acting on the micro-drill. Thrust force and torque values were measured using a Kistler 3-component mini dynamometer, with maximum values of 26 N and 0.31 N-m at 1000 rpm under dry lubrication conditions. These values decreased to 24 N and 0.25 N-m and 22 N and 0.19 N-m at spindle speeds of 2000 and 3000 rpm, respectively. NMQL lubrication conditions consistently exhibited lower thrust force and torque values compared to dry and flood conditions, with the lowest recorded values (12.5 N and 0.06 N-m) at 3000 rpm in the NMQL lubrication condition. The NMQL condition facilitated for efficient and better drilling operation due to the rolling effect produced by the graphene nanoparticles.
Multi-task bioassay pre-training for protein-ligand binding affinity prediction
Authors: Yan Jiaxian , Ye Zhaofeng , Yang Ziyi , Lu Chengqiang , Zhang Shengyu , Liu Qi , Qiu Jiezhong
Published: December 2023

Protein–ligand binding affinity (PLBA) prediction is the fundamental task in drug discovery. Recently, various deep learning-based models predict binding affinity by incorporating the three-dimensional (3D) structure of protein–ligand complexes as input and achieving astounding progress. However, due to the scarcity of high-quality training data, the generalization ability of current models is still limited. Although there is a vast amount of affinity data available in large-scale databases such as ChEMBL, issues such as inconsistent affinity measurement labels (i.e. IC50, Ki, Kd), different experimental conditions, and the lack of available 3D binding structures complicate the development of high-precision affinity prediction models using these data. To address these issues, we (i) propose Multi-task Bioassay Pre-training (MBP), a pre-training framework for structure-based PLBA prediction; (ii) construct a pre-training dataset called ChEMBL-Dock with more than 300k experimentally measured affinity labels and about 2.8M docked 3D structures. By introducing multi-task pre-training to treat the prediction of different affinity labels as different tasks and classifying relative rankings between samples from the same bioassay, MBP learns robust and transferrable structural knowledge from our new ChEMBL-Dock dataset with varied and noisy labels. Experiments substantiate the capability of MBP on the structure-based PLBA prediction task. To the best of our knowledge, MBP is the first affinity pre-training model and shows great potential for future development. MBP web-server is now available for free at: https://huggingface.co/spaces/jiaxianustc/mbp.
Benchmarking and improving the performance of variant-calling pipelines with RecallME
Authors: Vozza Gianluca , Bonetti Emanuele , Tini Giulia , Favalli Valentina , Frigè Gianmaria , Bucci Gabriele , De Summa Simona , Zanfardino Mario , Zapelloni Francesco , Mazzarella Luca
Published: December 2023

Motivation

The steady increment of Whole Genome/Exome sequencing and the development of novel Next Generation Sequencing-based gene panels requires continuous testing and validation of variant calling (VC) pipelines and the detection of sequencing-related issues to be maintained up-to-date and feasible for the clinical settings. State of the art tools are reliable when used to compute standard performance metrics. However, the need for an automated software to discriminate between bioinformatic and sequencing issues and to optimize VC parameters remains unmet.

Results

The aim of the current work is to present RecallME, a bioinformatic suite that tracks down difficult-to-detect variants as insertions and deletions in highly repetitive regions, thus providing the maximum reachable recall for both single nucleotide variants and small insertion and deletions and to precisely guide the user in the pipeline optimization process.

Availability and implementation

Source code is freely available under MIT license at https://github.com/mazzalab-ieo/recallme. RecallME web application is available at https://translational-oncology-lab.shinyapps.io/recallme/. To use RecallME, users must obtain a license for ANNOVAR by themselves.
Is the Party Really Over? Parties, Partisanship and the Politics of Crime
Authors: Guiney Thomas
Published: December 2023

Political parties occupy a contradictory position in the criminological literature: at once active participants in the political contestation of crime but virtually absent from contemporary debates concerning the relationship between crime and democratic theory. In this paper, I present a ‘rational reconstruction’ of party and partisanship as distinctive modes of political association that are vital to liberal democratic systems that take seriously (1) the value of political pluralism and (2) the limits of public reason to yield definitive answers to the crime question. Currently, political parties are failing to perform these mediating roles satisfactorily and I conclude that a stronger normative commitment to an ‘ethic of partisanship’ can help to revitalize our representative democracies and foster a better politics of crime.
CD133-containing microvesicles promote cancer progression by inducing M2-like tumor-associated macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Sang Yun , Park Sungyeon , Kim Suhyun , Ko Jesang
Published: December 2023

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most abundant cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The immunosuppressive TME formed by TAMs is an essential prerequisite for cancer progression. Tumor-derived microvesicles (MVs), a subtype of extracellular vesicle shed directly from the plasma membrane, are important regulators of intercellular communication and TME modulation during tumorigenesis. However, the exact mechanism by which tumor-derived MVs induce the generation of the immunosuppressive TME and polarization of TAMs remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of CD133-containing MVs derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in macrophage polarization and cancer progression. CD133-containing MVs from CRC cells were incorporated into macrophages, and M0 macrophages were morphologically transformed into M2-like TAMs. CD133-containing MVs were found to increase the mRNA expression of M2 macrophage markers. Additionally, cytokine array analysis revealed that M2-like TAMs induced by CD133-containing MVs increased the secretion of interleukin 6, which activated the STAT3 pathway in CRC cells. Furthermore, the conditioned medium of M2-like TAMs promoted cell motility, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and cell proliferation. However, MVs from CD133-knockdown cells had little effect on TAM polarization and CRC progression. These results demonstrate that CD133-containing MVs induce M2-like TAM polarization and contribute to cancer progression by mediating crosstalk between tumor cells and TAMs in the TME of CRC.
miR-222 inhibits pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Li Haobo , Hastings Margaret H , Xiao Chunyang , Damilano Federico , Platt Colin , Lerchenmüller Carolin , Zhu Han , Wei Xin Paul , Yeri Ashish , Most Patrick , Rosenzweig Anthony
Published: December 2023

Aims

Physiological cardiac hypertrophy occurs in response to exercise and can protect against pathological stress. In contrast, pathological hypertrophy occurs in disease and often precedes heart failure. The cardiac pathways activated in physiological and pathological hypertrophy are largely distinct. Our prior work demonstrated that miR-222 increases in exercised hearts and is required for exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyogenesis. Here, we sought to define the role of miR-222 in pathological hypertrophy.

Methods and results

We found that miR-222 also increased in pathological hypertrophy induced by pressure overload. To assess its functional significance in this setting, we generated a miR-222 gain-of-function model through cardiac-specific constitutive transgenic miR-222 expression (TgC-miR-222) and used locked nucleic acid anti-miR specific for miR-222 to inhibit its effects. Both gain- and loss-of-function models manifested normal cardiac structure and function at baseline. However, after transverse aortic constriction (TAC), miR-222 inhibition accelerated the development of pathological hypertrophy, cardiac dysfunction, and heart failure. Conversely, miR-222-overexpressing mice had less pathological hypertrophy after TAC, as well as better cardiac function and survival. We identified p53-up-regulated modulator of apoptosis, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, and the transcription factors, Hmbox1 and nuclear factor of activated T-cells 3, as direct miR-222 targets contributing to its roles in this context.

Conclusion

While miR-222 is necessary for physiological cardiac growth, it inhibits cardiac growth in response to pressure overload and reduces adverse remodelling and cardiac dysfunction. These findings support the model that physiological and pathological hypertrophy are fundamentally different. Further, they suggest that miR-222 may hold promise as a therapeutic target in pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Successful β-blocker introduction under intra-aortic balloon pumping and ivabradine in a patient with new-onset dilated cardiomyopathy and pulsus alternans: a case report
Authors: Kashimura Takeshi , Ishizuka Mitsuo , Tanaka Komei , Inomata Takayuki
Published: December 2023

Background

Pulsus alternans has been considered a sign of poor prognosis in patients undergoing treatments for heart failure. However, it may be overlooked in patients with intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs). The use of IABP and ivabradine for a β-blocker introduction in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and pulsus alternans and its consequence have never been reported.

Case summary

In a 16-year-old high school boy with idiopathic DCM [left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd), 72 mm; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 18%], the introduction of carvedilol therapy failed, causing cardiogenic shock under inotropes. Therefore, an IABP support was provided, and he was transferred to our hospital. The arterial pressure waveform under IABP demonstrated pulsus alternans with sinus tachycardia at 135/min. Ivabradine reduced the heart rate to ∼100/min and eliminated the pulsus alternans neither decreasing the cardiac index nor increasing the pulmonary artery wedge pressure. Subsequently, carvedilol was reintroduced, and IABP and inotropes were discontinued. Then, 112 days after his transfer to our hospital, left ventricular reverse remodelling was confirmed (LVDd, 54 mm; LVEF, 44%), and he returned to school. The carvedilol dose reached 20 mg/day in 4 months after discharge, and further improvement was observed a year after discharge (LVDd, 54 mm; LVEF, 52%).

Discussion

Pulsus alternans is considered a predictor of poor prognosis. However, IABP and ivabradine may stabilize the haemodynamics in pulsus alternans, leading to a successful β-blocker introduction.
Nurse-led home-based detection of cardiac dysfunction by ultrasound: results of the CUMIN pilot study
Authors: Tromp Jasper , Sarra Chenik , Nidhal Bouchahda , Mejdi Ben Messaoud , Zouari Fourat , Hummel Yoran , Mzoughi Khadija , Kraiem Sondes , Fehri Wafa , Gamra Habib , Lam Carolyn S P , Mebazaa Alexandre , Addad Faouzi
Published: December 2023

Aims

Access to echocardiography is a significant barrier to heart failure (HF) care in many low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we hypothesized that an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) device could enable the detection of cardiac dysfunction by nurses in Tunisia.

Methods and results

This CUMIN study was a prospective feasibility pilot assessing the diagnostic accuracy of home-based AI-POCUS for HF conducted by novice nurses compared with conventional clinic-based transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Seven nurses underwent a one-day training program in AI-POCUS. A total of 94 patients without a previous HF diagnosis received home-based AI-POCUS, POC N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing, and clinic-based TTE. The primary outcome was the sensitivity of AI-POCUS in detecting a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% or left atrial volume index (LAVI) >34 mL/m2, using clinic-based TTE as the reference. Out of seven nurses, five achieved a minimum standard to participate in the study. Out of the 94 patients (60% women, median age 67), 16 (17%) had an LVEF < 50% or LAVI > 34 mL/m2. AI-POCUS provided an interpretable LVEF in 75 (80%) patients and LAVI in 64 (68%). The only significant predictor of an interpretable LVEF or LAVI proportion was the nurse operator. The sensitivity for the primary outcome was 92% [95% confidence interval (CI): 62–99] for AI-POCUS compared with 87% (95% CI: 60–98) for NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, with AI-POCUS having a significantly higher area under the curve (P = 0.040).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the feasibility of novice nurse–led home-based detection of cardiac dysfunction using AI-POCUS in HF patients, which could alleviate the burden on under-resourced healthcare systems.
Sanctions and the exchange rate in time
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Ferrari Minesso Massimo , Mehl Arnaud , Vansteenkiste Isabel , Vicquéry Roger
Published: December 2023

We test the predictions of recent theoretical studies of the impact of sanctions on the exchange rate. We build a database of exchange rates and sanctions spanning 1914–45 – an era when both large and small economies were targeted by multilateral sanction packages, facilitating comparisons with today’s Russian war episode. We estimate the dynamic response of the exchange rate in a panel of sanction episodes at weekly frequency using local projections, conditioning on the type of sanctions taken. We tease out mechanisms through which sanctions affect the exchange rate by estimating their effects on macroeconomic variables plausibly acting as transmission channels. Our estimates suggest that import restrictions, export restrictions, asset freezes and trade embargoes lead to exchange rate effects consistent with theory, though the precision of the measured effects varies across sanction type. These findings suggest that recent models of the effects of sanctions on the exchange rate do not just match developments in today’s specific Russia episode but have broader applicability. It follows that the direction of exchange rate movements is not an adequate metric of the success or failure of sanctions but a reflection of the type and scale of the measures taken.
Root colonization by beneficial rhizobacteria
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Xu Zhihui , Chen Lin , Xun Weibing , Shu Xia , Chen Yu , Sun Xinli , Wang Zhengqi , Ren Yi , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: December 2023

Rhizosphere microbes play critical roles for plant’s growth and health. Among them, the beneficial rhizobacteria have the potential to be developed as the biofertilizer or bioinoculants for sustaining the agricultural development. The efficient rhizosphere colonization of these rhizobacteria is a prerequisite for exerting their plant beneficial functions, but the colonizing process and underlying mechanisms have not been thoroughly reviewed, especially for the nonsymbiotic beneficial rhizobacteria. This review systematically analyzed the root colonizing process of the nonsymbiotic rhizobacteria and compared it with that of the symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria. This review also highlighted the approaches to improve the root colonization efficiency and proposed to study the rhizobacterial colonization from a holistic perspective of the rhizosphere microbiome under more natural conditions.
Microbial populations, sensory, and volatile compounds profiling of local cooked rice
Authors: Mohammad Sabri Nur-Shahera , Mahyudin Nor Ainy , Abdullah Sani Muhammad Shirwan , Han Ming Gan , Chong Kah Hui , Padmanabhan Kousalya , Shan Jiang , Mahmud Ab Rashid Nor Khaizura
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study is designed to investigate the microbial populations, sensory, and volatile compounds profiling of locally cooked rice stored at room temperature (30 °C) on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 (D0, D1, D2, and D3) for the determination of specific spoilage organisms (SSOs).

Materials and Methods

Microbiological, physicochemical, sensory evaluation, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analyses were conducted for samples of cooked rice stored at room temperature on days 0, 1, 2, and 3. SSO of cooked rice was then identified by linking present organisms with the changes occurring throughout the storage period.

Results

Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of spore-forming bacteria, yeast, and moulds, which survived the cooking process. While total viable count exceeded the microbiological limit at 6.90 log CFU/g on D3, panellists deemed cooked rice unacceptable for consumption on D2 at a total sensory score of 11.00, which indicates that D2 was the day cooked rice spoiled. Through culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, Bacillus cereus was identified as the sole bacteria observed throughout the storage period, confirming that the bacteria were SSOs. The VOC analysis proposed several metabolites, 3-eicosene, 1-heptadecene, hexacosane, phenol, 4,4ʹ-(1-methylethylidene)bis-, n-nonadecanol-1, and cyclohexanone, as potential spoilage markers of cooked rice.

Conclusions

B. cereus is confirmed to be the SSO of cooked rice, in which spoilage occured after 48 h of storage at room temperature. The organoleptic rejection in cooked rice was shown to be linked to the production of various compounds by B. cereus which could be proposed as potential spoilage markers for cooked rice.
What is a star worth to Medicare beneficiaries? A discrete choice experiment of hospital quality ratings
Authors: Trenaman Logan , Harrison Mark , Hoch Jeffrey S
Published: December 2023

Hospital quality ratings are widely available to help Medicare beneficiaries make an informed choice about where to receive care. However, how beneficiaries’ trade-off between different quality domains (clinical outcomes, patient experience, safety, efficiency) and other considerations (out-of-pocket cost, travel distance) is not well understood. We sought to study how beneficiaries make trade-offs when choosing a hypothetical hospital. We administered an online survey that included a discrete choice experiment to a nationally representative sample of 1025 Medicare beneficiaries. On average, beneficiaries were willing to pay $1698 more for a hospital with a 1-star higher rating on clinical outcomes. This was over twice the value of the patient experience ($691) and safety ($615) domains and nearly 8 times the value of the efficiency domain ($218). We also found that the value of a 1-star improvement depends not only on the quality domain but also the baseline level of performance of the hospital. Generally, it is more valuable for low-performing hospitals to achieve average performance than for average hospitals to achieve excellence.
An image of industry: exploring the effects of knowledge sources in the medical imaging industry
Authors: Park U David , Rha Youngsir , Shah Sonali K , Chattopadhyay Shinjinee
Published: December 2023

Scholars have long been interested in understanding how a firm’s “pre-history” shapes its behavior and performance, with recent scholarship highlighting the fact that industry entrants stem from different knowledge sources. Knowledge sources, the context in which entrants develop the knowledge they bring as they enter an industry, are argued to be important, because they may have differential effects on firm strategy and performance. We explore the effects of five different knowledge sources on firm behavior and survival using a mixed-methods approach. Survival analysis shows that user-founded new ventures outsurvive academic-founded new ventures, employee-founded new ventures, related diversifying entrants, and unrelated diversifying entrants. Qualitative analysis suggests that user-founded new ventures often enter niche markets defined by the clinical expertise of their founders and remain in these markets over time, honing their product offerings to specific clinical needs. Our analyses are based on novel, hand-collected archival data on the population of entrants in the modern medical imaging industry. We discuss the implications of these findings for the evolutionary theory, strategic management, and entrepreneurship literatures.
Employee spinouts along the value chain
Authors: Adams Pamela , Bahoo-Torodi Aliasghar , Fontana Roberto , Malerba Franco
Published: December 2023

While much of the academic literature on spinouts focuses on new ventures launched by the ex-employees of incumbent firms within the same industry, recent research shows that spinouts may also enter a focal industry from “knowledge contexts” outside of the incumbent industry. In particular, recent studies show that spinouts may enter from both upstream and downstream industries related to a focal industry along the value chain. Such spinouts have been called user-industry and supplier-industry spinouts. In this article, evidence from existing studies is collected to provide an indication of the relevance of such spinouts across various industries. This survey also includes an analysis of industry studies in which user- and supplier-industry spinouts may have been present but were not identified as such by scholars due to a difference in focus. The paper then considers the evidence accumulated to date in order to explore the industry contexts in which these two types of spinouts appear and to develop propositions concerning differences in the entry timing and product/market strategies of these startups.
Is a subxiphoid approach equivalent to midline sternotomy for extended thymectomy for achieving disease remission in patients with myasthenia gravis?
Authors: Zhu Alison , Kemp Ursula
Published: December 2023

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘In patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing extended thymectomy, is a subxiphoid approach equivalent to midline sternotomy for achieving disease remission?’ Altogether 106 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Five studies of a total of 803 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) reported their experience with thymectomy by subxiphoid approach versus thymectomy by midline sternotomy. These studies demonstrated shorter operation duration, reduced intraoperative blood loss, reduced hospital length of stay and lower postoperative pain scores in the subxiphoid group. There was no significant difference in rates of postoperative MG crisis between the 2 groups, and similar rates of improvement in quantitative myasthenia gravis scores. We conclude that while further high-quality research is required, thymectomy by subxiphoid approach for MG may be considered in preference to midline sternotomy due to improved short-term postoperative outcomes and similar disease remission rates.
Playing a crop simulation model using symbols and sounds: the ‘mandala’
Authors: Bregaglio Simone , Carriero Giulia , Calone Roberta , Romano Maddalena , Bajocco Sofia
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Simulation models are primary tools for synthesizing plant physiological knowledge, supporting farmers’ decisions and predicting crop yields and functioning under climate change. The conventional approach within the scientific community consists of disseminating model outcomes through articles and technical reports, often impeding the share of knowledge among science, policy and society. This work presents the mandala (modelled and abstracted plant), a simulation model translating crop phenology and physiology as a function of environmental drivers into symbols and sounds, focussing on plant responses to cold, drought and heat stresses. The mandala has been realized with object-oriented (C#) and visual (vvvv) programming, and the source code is free for extension and improvement. We tested the mandala in six heterogeneous climates to show the potential to convey essential information on maize and wheat growth and responses to abiotic stresses. Despite lacking in artistic refinement, this work attempts to illustrate that visual and sound art can serve as unconventional means of disseminating crop model insights while showing their potential to enhance the breadth of information delivered to the public.
Clostridium neonatale antimicrobial susceptibility, genetic resistance determinants, and genotyping: a multicentre spatiotemporal retrospective analysis
Authors: Ferraris Laurent , Delannoy Johanne , Mazuet Christelle , Diancourt Laure , Mesa-Schein Victoria , Barbut Frédéric , Aires Julio
Published: December 2023

Background

Clostridium neonatale was isolated during an outbreak of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in 2002. C. neonatale was validated as a new species within the genus Clostridium sensu stricto in 2018. In the present study, we evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility, genetic determinants of resistance, and phylogenetic relationships of a collection of clinical isolates of C. neonatale.

Methods

C. neonatale strains (n = 68) were isolated from the stools of preterm neonates who either developed NEC or were asymptomatic carriers of C. neonatale in different periods and in different hospitals. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion method. The MICs of clindamycin, cefotaxime and tetracycline were determined. Genetic determinants of resistance were screened by PCR (n = 68) and WGS (n = 35). Genotyping of the isolates was performed by MLST.

Results

Antimicrobial resistance was found to clindamycin (n = 24; 35%), cefotaxime (n = 7; 10%) and tetracycline (n = 1; 1%). One clindamycin-resistant isolate carried erm(B) by PCR. In addition, one isolate carrying tet(M) was tetracycline resistant (MIC = 16 mg/L) and 44 isolates carrying either tet(O), tet(32) or tet(M) were tetracycline susceptible (MICs < 16 mg/L). MLST showed that ST2 and ST15 were significantly associated with tet(32) (P < 0.0001) and tet(O) (P < 0.0001), respectively. From WGS, we identified aph(3′)-IIa and blaTEM-116 genes and a blaCBP-1-like gene.

Conclusions

C. neonatale is susceptible to anti-anaerobic molecules but resistant to clindamycin, cefotaxime and tetracycline. Genes encoding tetracycline ribosomal protection, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B rRNA methyltransferase, aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase and β-lactamases have been identified in genomic regions flanked by mobile genetic elements.
Health communication for AMR behaviour change: Zimbabwean students’ relationships with the microbial world
Authors: Mickelsson Martin , Usai Tecklah , Chinofunga Dorothy , Oljans Emma
Published: December 2023

Background

Microbes have a global impact on health; microbial relationships benefit and impair quality of life. Negative health impacts of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in our relationships with the microbial world are primarily borne by the Global South

Objectives

To study experiences, understandings and practices of Zimbabwean students regarding health, food and microbes.

Methods

Using purposive sampling, Zimbabwean school students were recruited as participants in group interviews supported by participant observation, exploring the relationships between health, food and microbes.

Results

The study included 120 students from six upper secondary schools in the Midland Region and Gweru District. Findings identify two categories: microbial relationships and microbial encounters, each with three subcategories. Food emerged as both mediating artefacts and mediating experiences, enabling the students to link biomedical explanations of AMR and their everyday lives with friends and family. The necessity for health communication to explore and engage with participants’ contextual preferences and motivations is highlighted. When discussing food choices and practices, students considered the beneficial relationships with the microbial world.

Conclusions

A contextually relevant approach is outlined, where food mediates the relationship between student health and the microbial world, supporting health communication for AMR behaviour change. Expanding AMR education to include the everyday experiences of food enables students to link the pressing sustainability challenge of AMR to their health goals. The study showcases how the exploration of microbial relationships and food practices as a ubiquitous feature of community life can form a basis for AMR prevention and control.
Developing DPYD Genotyping Method for Personalized Fluoropyrimidines Therapy
Authors: Wong Betty Y L , Li Zhenyu , Raphael Michael Jonathon , De Angelis Carlo , Hwang David M , Fu Lei
Published: December 2023

Background

Fluoropyrimidine drugs are widely used in chemotherapy to treat solid tumors. However, severe toxicity has been reported in 10% to 40% of patients. The DPYD gene encodes the rate-limiting enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase responsible for fluoropyrimidine catabolism. The DPYD variants resulting in decreased or no enzyme activity are associated with increased risk of fluoropyrimidine toxicity. This study aims to develop a pharmacogenetic test for screening DPYD variants to guide fluoropyrimidine therapy.

Methods

A multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) assay, followed by capillary electrophoresis, was developed to detect 5 common DPYD variants (c.557A > G, c.1129–5923C > G, c.1679T > G, c.1905 + 1G > A, and c.2846A > T). Deidentified population samples were used for screening positive controls and optimizing assay conditions. Proficiency testing samples with known genotypes were analyzed for test validation. All variants detected were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

From the deidentified population samples, 5 samples were heterozygous for c.557A > G, 2 samples were heterozygous for c.1129–5923C > G (HapB3), and 1 sample was heterozygous for c.2846A > T. The 20 proficiency samples matched with their assigned genotypes, including 13 wild-type samples, 3 samples heterozygous for c.1679T > G, 2 samples heterozygous for c.1905 + 1G > A, and 2 samples heterozygous for c.2846A > T. One of the 3 patient samples was heterozygous for c.1129–5923C > G (HapB3). All the variants detected by the multiplex AS-PCR assay were concordant with Sanger sequencing results.

Conclusions

A robust multiplex AS-PCR assay was developed to rapidly detect 5 variants in the DPYD gene. It can be used for screening DPYD variants to identify patients with increased risk of toxicity when prescribed fluoropyrimidine therapy.
Development of an interactive dashboard for gun violence pattern analysis and intervention design at the local level
Authors: Senior Rashaud , Pickett Lisa , Stirling Andrew , Dash Shwetha , Gorgone Patti , Durst Georgina , Jones Debra , Shannon Richard , Bhavsar Nrupen A , Bedoya Armando
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Gun violence remains a concerning and persistent issue in our country. Novel dashboards may integrate and summarize important clinical and non-clinical data that can inform targeted interventions to address the underlying causes of gun violence.

Methods

Data from various clinical and non-clinical sources were sourced, cleaned, and integrated into a customizable dashboard that summarizes and provides insight into the underlying factors that impact local gun violence episodes.

Results

The dashboards contained data from 7786 encounters and 1152 distinct patients from our Emergency Department’s Trauma Registry with various patterns noted by the team. A multidisciplinary executive team, including subject matter experts in community-based interventions, epidemiology, and social sciences, was formed to design targeted interventions based on these observations.

Conclusion

Targeted interventions to reduce gun violence require a multimodal data sourcing and standardization approach, the inclusion of neighborhood-level data, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team to act on the generated insights.
Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Clinical Trials Updated for 2023
Authors: Enogieru Imarhia E , Comstock Christopher E , Grimm Lars J
Published: December 2023

There are many active or recently completed breast cancer screening and treatment trials in 2023 that have the potential to fundamentally change the way breast radiologists practice medicine. Breast cancer screening trials may provide evidence to support supplemental screening beyond mammography to include US, contrast-enhanced mammography, and breast MRI. Furthermore, there are multiple efforts to support risk-adaptive screening strategies that would personalize screening modalities, frequencies, and ages of initiation. For breast cancer treatment, aims to reduce overtreatment may provide nonsurgical treatment options for women with low-risk breast cancer. Breast radiologists must be familiar with the study designs, major inclusion and exclusion criteria, and principal endpoints in order to determine when and how the study results should influence clinical care. As multidisciplinary team members, breast radiologists will have major roles in the success or failure of these trials as they transition from research to actual clinical practice.
The incremental growth of unfair competition law in India
Authors: Gangjee Dev Saif
Published: December 2023

In keeping with other common law jurisdictions, India lacks a unified legal basis for protection against unfair competition. There is no single legislative reference point, or standalone tort of unfair competition. India instead offers up a menu of specific statutory options, common law torts and the equitable action against a breach of confidence, to satisfy its international obligations to prevent unfair competition. There have been two noteworthy developments in recent years: (i) the tort of malicious falsehood has gradually abandoned a strict malice requirement, such that (objectively assessed) disparaging advertising is now actionable; and (ii) an emerging right of publicity, to prevent image misappropriation, is taking shape but its foundations are unclear. One (non)development also deserves closer scrutiny. A claim drafting trend has emerged whereby plaintiffs petition courts to prevent ‘unfair competition’, or ‘misappropriation’. This implies that a nominate tort of unfair competition, or one of misappropriation, exists in Indian law. However, when directly approached to create a tort against misappropriation per se, Indian courts have declined this invitation, based on compelling reasons. Both litigants and courts need to be more careful in their use of such terminology. As things presently stand, there is no tort of unfair competition, nor of misappropriation, in Indian law.