bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmology on a gravitational wave background
Authors: Matos Tonatiuh , Escamilla Luis A , Hernández-Marquez Maribel , Vázquez J Alberto
Published: February 2024

It is a fact that the universe lives on a gravitational wave background (GWB), which is extra space–time energy that is not contained in Einstein’s field equations. In a previous work, this energy is treated as a property of space–time and not as a source. With this in mind, a new model was developed that incorporates this energy to explain the current accelerated expansion of the universe where the GWB was incorporated by extending Einstein’s equations to $R_{\mu \nu }-\frac{1}{2}Rg_{\mu \nu }+\frac{2\pi ^2}{{\lambda }^2}g_{\mu \nu }= \kappa ^2 T_{\mu \nu }$, where λ is the Compton wavelength of the cosmological scale graviton. In the present work, we show that this extended form agrees very well with the observations of cosmic chronometers, baryon acoustic oscillations, and Pantheon SN Type Ia, reproducing the observational data with a Δχ2 = 3.26 in favour of the current model compared to the ΛCDM. The favoured values by these observations are Ω0m = 0.311 ± 0.065, H0 = 68.3 ± 1.4 km s−1 Mpc−1, and Ω0k = 0.001 ± 0.011. We also find excellent agreement of this model with the cosmic microwave background and the mass power spectrum. We conclude that this model is an excellent alternative to explain the accelerated expansion of the universe without incorporating the cosmological constant or any type of extra matter.
Impact of socioeconomic determinants on the speed of epidemic diseases: a comparative analysis
Authors: Dufrénot Gilles , Gallic Ewen , Michel Pierre , Bonou Norgile Midopkè , Gnaba Ségui , Slaoui Iness
Published: February 2024

We study the impact of socioeconomic factors on two key parameters of epidemic dynamics. Specifically, we investigate a parameter capturing the rate of deceleration at the very start of an epidemic, and a parameter that reflects the pre-peak and post-peak dynamics at the turning point of an epidemic like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We find two important results. The policies to fight COVID-19 (such as social distancing and containment) have been effective in reducing the overall number of new infections, because they influence not only the epidemic peaks, but also the speed of spread of the disease in its early stages. The second important result of our research concerns the role of healthcare infrastructure. They are just as effective as anti-COVID policies, not only in preventing an epidemic from spreading too quickly at the outset, but also in creating the desired dynamic around peaks: slow spreading, then rapid disappearance.
Competency in medical training: current concepts, assessment modalities, and practical challenges
Authors: Ng Isaac K S , Mok Shao Feng , Teo Desmond
Published: February 2024

In the past two decades, competency-based medical education (CBME) has rapidly become the cornerstone of medical training and accreditation programmes worldwide. It has increasingly replaced traditional time-based educational approaches which were often rigid, fragmented, and overly emphasized clinical content knowledge over practical skillsets and attitudes. CBME adoption was in the hope of better preparing medical graduates for the demands and responsibilities of real-world clinical practice. For all the supposed merits of CBME, there hitherto remains difficulties in arriving at comprehensive and practical ‘competency’ definitions, and actual challenges with implementation of clinical competency assessment modalities pertaining to construct validity, reliability, and applicability with the use and interpretation of evaluation metrics. Therefore, in this article, we describe the various conceptualizations of ‘competency’ in medical education literature and attempt to refine its usage in practice to meet the evolving needs and expectations of healthcare stakeholders, as well as incorporate emerging concepts in the medical education discourse. We herein propose that clinical ‘competencies’ should be defined as multi-domain clinical expertise, comprising medical knowledge, skills, attitudes and metacognitive capabilities that reflects the prevailing needs of healthcare stakeholders, and is inferred from performance evaluations of medical trainees. In order to attain ‘competence’, there must then be a process of integrating multi-domain competencies into meaningful professional identity formation that is commensurate with the context and stage of medical training. In addition, we review the current competency assessment modalities, including common pitfalls with their usage, and sought to provide practical strategies to mitigate the identified challenges.
Renal tubular estrogen ß receptors are expressed at high levels in small vessel vasculitis and are primarily localized in the distal tubule
Authors: Kor Ahmet , Sungu Nuran , Karabulut Şefika , Erten Şükran
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the possible roles of renal estrogen receptors (ER) in glomerulonephritis associated with small vessel vasculitis. The relationships of ERs were investigated in antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated glomerulonephritis and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy groups, which are small vessel vasculitis subtypes with two different glomerulonephritis development pathophysiologies. The design of this study was prepared as a retrospective cohort study. The study included 42 patients with ANCA‐associated vasculitis and 18 with IgA nephropathy in the small vessel vasculitis group. For the control group, intact renal tissues of 28 patients who underwent nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma were used. Renal biopsy samples of the groups were stained with ER beta (ß) and ER alpha (α). Tubular ER ß expression score (TERßES) median values were found to be significantly higher in ANCA‐ associated vasculitis (B = 0.724, OR [95%CI]: 2.064 [1.141–3.731], p = .016) and IgA nephropathy (B = 0.898, OR [95%CI]: 2.454 [1.307–4.609], p = .005) than in intact kidney tissue. It was determined that tubular ERß was most frequently localized in the distal tubule at 57.9% and the second most common in the proximal tubule at 20.4%. The expression of tubular ERß is increased in glomerulonephritis due to small vessel vasculitis. Tubular ERßs are most commonly localized in the distal tubule. Further studies are needed to understand the physiological and pathophysiological effects of altered renal ER levels in small vessel vasculitis.
Impact of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis on Full Body Sagittal Alignment and Compensation for Sagittal Spinal Deformity
Authors: Balmaceno-Criss Mariah , Lafage Renaud , Alsoof Daniel , Daher Mohammad , Hamilton David Kojo , Smith Justin S. , Eastlack Robert K. , Fessler Richard G. , Gum Jeffrey L. , Gupta Munish C. , Hostin Richard , Kebaish Khaled M. , Klineberg Eric O. , Lewis Stephen J. , Line Breton G. , Nunley Pierce D. , Mundis Gregory M. , Passias Peter G. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Buell Thomas , Scheer Justin K. , Mullin Jeffrey P. , Soroceanu Alex , Ames Christopher P. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Bess Shay , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Schwab Frank J. , Lafage Virginie , Burton Douglas C. , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H. ,   International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
Published: February 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective.

To investigate the effect of lower extremity osteoarthritis on sagittal alignment and compensatory mechanisms in adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Background.

Spine, hip, and knee pathologies often overlap in ASD patients. Limited data exists on how lower extremity osteoarthritis impacts sagittal alignment and compensatory mechanisms in ASD.

Patients and Methods.

In total, 527 preoperative ASD patients with full body radiographs were included. Patients were grouped by Kellgren-Lawrence grade of bilateral hips and knees and stratified by quartile of T1-Pelvic Angle (T1PA) severity into low-, mid-, high-, and severe-T1PA. Full-body alignment and compensation were compared across quartiles. Regression analysis examined the incremental impact of hip and knee osteoarthritis severity on compensation.

Results.

The mean T1PA for low-, mid-, high-, and severe-T1PA groups was 7.3°, 19.5°, 27.8°, and 41.6°, respectively. Mid-T1PA patients with severe hip osteoarthritis had an increased sagittal vertical axis and global sagittal alignment (P<0.001). Increasing hip osteoarthritis severity resulted in decreased pelvic tilt (P=0.001) and sacrofemoral angle (P<0.001), but increased knee flexion (P=0.012). Regression analysis revealed that with increasing T1PA, pelvic tilt correlated inversely with hip osteoarthritis and positively with knee osteoarthritis (r
2=0.812). Hip osteoarthritis decreased compensation through sacrofemoral angle (β-coefficient=−0.206). Knee and hip osteoarthritis contributed to greater knee flexion (β-coefficients=0.215, 0.101; respectively). For pelvic shift, only hip osteoarthritis significantly contributed to the model (β-coefficient=0.100).

Conclusions.

For the same magnitude of spinal deformity, increased hip osteoarthritis severity was associated with worse truncal and full body alignment with posterior translation of the pelvis. Patients with severe hip and knee osteoarthritis exhibited decreased hip extension and pelvic tilt but increased knee flexion. This examines sagittal alignment and compensation in ASD patients with hip and knee arthritis and may help delineate whether hip and knee flexion is due to spinal deformity compensation or lower extremity osteoarthritis.
Serum aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity is associated with survival in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis
Authors: Yamazaki Tomoo , Kouno Tetsuya , Hsu Cynthia L. , Hartmann Phillipp , Mayo Susan , Zhang Xinlian , Stärkel Peter , Bosques-Padilla Francisco , Verna Elizabeth C. , Abraldes Juan G. , Brown Robert S. , Vargas Victor , Altamirano Jose , Caballería Juan , Shawcross Debbie L. , Louvet Alexandre , Lucey Michael R. , Mathurin Philippe , Garcia-Tsao Guadalupe , Bataller Ramon ,   AlcHepNet Investigators, Schnabl Bernd
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) have an altered fecal metabolome, including reduced microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites, which function as ligands for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The aim of this study was to assess serum AhR ligand activity in patients with AH.

Approach and Results:

The study included 74 controls without AUD, 97 patients with AUD, and 330 patients with AH from 2 different multicenter cohorts (InTeam: 134, AlcHepNet: 196). Serum AhR activity was evaluated using an AhR reporter assay with HepG2-Lucia cells incubated with serum for 24 hours. Serum AhR activity was significantly higher in patients with AH compared with both controls (1.59 vs. 0.96-fold change, p < 0.001) and patients with AUD (1.59 vs. 0.93, p < 0.001). In both AH cohorts, patients with AhR activity ≥ 2.09 had significantly lower cumulative survival rates at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days compared to those with AhR activity < 2.09. When serum AhR activity was used to further stratify patients with severe AH, the cumulative 30, 60, 90, and 180-day survival rates for patients with severe AH and the AhR activity ≥ 2.09 group were all significantly lower than those with an AhR activity < 2.09 group.

Conclusions:

Serum AhR activity was significantly higher in patients with AH compared with controls and individuals with AUD, and this increased activity was associated with higher mortality. Consequently, serum AhR activity holds potential as a prognostic marker.
Enhanced SLC35B2/SAV1 sulfation axis promotes tumor growth by inhibiting Hippo signaling in HCC
Authors: He Bo , Huang Zhao , Qin Siyuan , Peng Peilan , Duan Xirui , Wang Longqin , Ye Qin , Wang Kui , Jiang Jingwen , Li Bowen , Liu Rui , Huang Canhua
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Protein tyrosine sulfation (PTS) is a common posttranslational modification that regulates a variety of physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of PTS in cancer remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to determine whether and how PTS plays a role in HCC progression.

Approach and Results:

By mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis, we identified SAV1 as a novel substrate of PTS in HCC. Oxidative stress upregulates the transcription of SLC35B2, a Golgi-resident transporter of sulfate donor 3ʹ-phosphoadenosine 5ʹ-phosphosulfate, leading to increased sulfation of SAV1. Sulfation of SAV1 disrupts the formation of the SAV1-MST1 complex, resulting in a decrease of MST1 phosphorylation and subsequent inactivation of Hippo signaling. These molecular events ultimately foster the growth of HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, SLC35B2 is a novel transcription target gene of the Hippo pathway, constituting a positive feedback loop that facilitates HCC progression under oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal a regulatory mechanism of the SLC35B2/SAV1 sulfation axis in response to oxidative stress, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
Pseudopterygia in Fuchs Superficial Marginal Keratitis: Clinical Course and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Chang Jin-Yu , Huang Tzu-Yu , Kuo Yih-Shiuan , Lin Pei-Yu
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Surgery for pseudopterygia in Fuchs superficial marginal keratitis (FSMK) bears the risk of corneal perforation, as described in a few case reports. The aim of this case series was to understand the clinical course and surgical outcomes of pseudopterygia in FSMK.

Methods:

A retrospective case series included patients meeting FSMK criteria with pseudopterygia in at least 1 eye. The severity grading of pseudopterygia and peripheral infiltration events at follow-up were analyzed. Pseudopterygia involving corneal central 3 mm diameter (grade III) received surgery. Peripheral corneal infiltrate events within 1 week after surgery were recorded.

Results:

Thirty-three eyes of 19 patients (8 men, 11 women; age 40–85 years; mean, 65 years) were included, with an average 48.1-month follow-up (range 0–188.8 months). At presentation, 7 eyes (21%) had grade III pseudopterygia. One patient showed corneal perforation 3 days after “pterygium” surgery elsewhere. The contralateral eye met the diagnosis of FSMK. During follow-up, 16 eyes (49%) exhibited peripheral corneal infiltrates, and 7 eyes (21%) showed progression of pseudopterygia to higher grades before or without any surgery. Ten eyes with grade III pseudopterygia underwent surgery. The best-corrected visual acuity in Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution improved from 0.34 ± 0.18 (range 0.05–0.52) to 0.13 ± 0.11 (range 0.05–0.4) (P = 0.0023). Six eyes (60%) developed peripheral corneal infiltrates within 1 week after surgery, which responded well to topical corticosteroids.

Conclusions:

Pseudopterygia in FSMK may progress to threaten visual acuity. Surgical excision can be safe and can effectively improve vision on the condition that the patients are closely followed in the early postoperative period to notice the corneal infiltrates.
Dealing With Pericylindrical Melts in Keratoprosthesis: Tenon Patch Graft to the Rescue
Authors: Patel Nikunj Vinodbhai , Aggarwal Manvi , Jain Mayur , Gour Abha , Sangwan Virender
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of autologous Tenon patch graft in the management of Auro keratoprosthesis–related pericylindrical corneal melt.

Methods:

We report 3 cases of sterile pericylindrical corneal melt in patients with Auro keratoprosthesis implantation after a mean duration of 5 years (1.5–8 years). Case 1 was a patient with severe graft-versus-host disease. Cases 2 and 3 were cases of chemical injury.

All these cases of sterile pericylindrical corneal melt (4–6 mm) underwent autologous Tenon patch graft. The technique included freshening of the edges around the melt, followed by measuring the size of the defect. A Tenon graft harvested from the patient's own eye was used to seal the defect and act as a scaffold. The Tenon patch graft was spread over the melt and held in place by the application of fibrin glue and/or interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. A bandage contact lens was then placed on the eye.

Results:

Tenon patch graft was well taken in all patients. The mean duration of epithelial healing was 1 month. Globe integrity was well maintained with no postoperative complications at a mean follow-up duration of 12 months (6–18 months).

Conclusions:

Corneal melt is one of the most dreaded complications of KPro because its occurrence could threaten visual prognosis and globe integrity. Autologous Tenon patch is a simple yet innovative and effective option to steer such eyes away from potentially dreadful complications.
Oncoplastic Reconstruction in the Setting of Prior Cosmetic Augmentation
Authors: Camacho Luis , Chu Carrie K. , Mitchell Melissa P. , Nguyen Thuy , Correa Arlene , Mericli Alexander F.
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study explored the surgical management and reconstruction options for augmented breasts in the context of breast conservation therapy (BCT) for breast cancer. The authors hypothesized that there would be no difference in the rates of complications, revisions, or patient satisfaction in patients who maintained their breast augmentation versus those who had their implants removed in the context of BCT.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 142 patients who underwent BCT at a single center from March of 2016 to March of 2022. The study included patients who had a preexistent cosmetic augmentation at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and BCT. Patient demographics, clinical and treatment characteristics, breast implant details, reconstructive technique, complications, and revisions were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the BREAST-Q BCT module.

Results:

Ninety-three patients (65.5%) chose to maintain their implants, whereas 49 (34.5%) elected to have them removed during BCT. Patients with submuscular implants were more likely to maintain their implants. Oncoplastic mastopexy was associated with higher complication rates, particularly in patients opting for implant downsizing. However, multivariate logistic regression did not identify implant management strategy as an independent predictor for complications or revisions. Surgical-site infection was the only predictor of implant explantation. Patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between the different implant management cohorts.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that maintaining breast implants during BCT does not increase the risk of complications or revisions. Overall, BCT in augmented women was found to be a safe approach, with high patient satisfaction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
A disparity in prosthetic access for Ecuadorians with lower-limb amputation
Authors: Lipski Emily , Waters William F. , Kenworthy Sally , Mullen Ashley
Published: February 2024

Background:

Individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries face barriers to rehabilitation services, including prosthetic care. Many countries, such as Ecuador, have adapted policies toward achieving universal health care coverage. For optimal functional outcomes, understanding the physical potential of prosthetic users is critical for appropriate prosthetic services.

Objective:

To determine the association between the functional level of Ecuadorians with lower-limb amputations and the functional level of their prosthetic componentry.

Study design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

A data set containing functional level (K-Level) of Ecuadorians with lower-limb amputations and the K-Level of their prosthesis was analyzed.

Results:

A diverse cohort of 164 participants with unilateral lower-limb amputation was recruited. Most participants were male (76.8%) with transfemoral amputations (56.1%) due to traumatic causes (51.2%). There was a small, positive, and statistically significant correlation between participants’ functional levels and prosthetic componentry. Participants's functional levels were typically superior (median = 3) to their prostheses’ functional abilities (median = 1), and 37.2% of participants did not have a prosthesis at the time of assessment.

Conclusions:

These data indicated that participants whose physical ability exceeded basic ambulation lacked access to prostheses to match their functional abilities. The detailed disparity between physical potential and prosthetic access derived from the study’s analysis supports investment into high functioning prosthetic componentry and further investigation into where gaps in care exist.
Metastatic Infection Following Ear Piercing Detected by FDG PET/CT
Authors: Lee Jeong Won , Park Jung Wan , Lee Sang Mi
Published: February 2024

Ear piercing is currently a common practice. Although rare, ear piercing can cause systemic infections. We present a case of an 18-year-old woman who underwent FDG PET/CT for prolonged fever and bacteremia. FDG PET/CT showed multifocal FDG uptake at the site of piercing in the left ear, and in the spleen and left atrium and deep thigh vessel. The patient was diagnosed with an ear piercing infection with multiple metastatic infections.
Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Children and Adolescents: A Clinical and Radiographic Research Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Theologie-Lygidakis Nadia , Kamperos Georgios , Pavli Maria , Christopoulos Panos , Tzermpos Fotios , Tsiklakis Kostas , Iatrou Ioannis
Published: February 2024

Aim:

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, via cone-beam computed tomography, the long-term postoperative outcome in children treated with mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Materials and Methods:

All young patients treated with mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), during a 16-year period, at the University Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of a Pediatric Hospital, were recalled, and various clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded.

Results:

Eleven patients were included: 5 with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and 6 with mandibular micrognathia. In all cases, MDO had been successful in regular follow-up and decannulation, soon after MDO, was achieved in all tracheostomy cases. The long-term result in cases of HFM was found stable, functionally and esthetically accepted, although less satisfactory than in regular follow-up; in micrognathia patients, relapse of different degrees was registered in 4 of 6 cases, without any need for tracheostomy though. Detailed and accurate information was obtained by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The shape of the regenerated bone was irregular in HFM cases and relatively normal in the micrognathia cases. Quality of the regenerated bone was normal in all patients. The irregular shape registered in HFM cases did not compromise a safe orthognathic operation.

Conclusions:

Distraction osteogenesis remains an early treatment choice in cases of mandibular deformities. Long-term findings showed that there is a degree of relapse with growth, which was more obvious in mandibular micrognathia cases. Computed tomography contributes to detailed evaluation of changes at the distraction site.
Looking Across the Drape
Authors: Sinskey Jina L. , Schwartz Rachel , Boscardin Christy K. , Chang Joyce M. , Kumar Sandhya B. , Lebares Carter C.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To identify well-being threats for surgeons and anesthesiologists and develop interventions using the quality of life improvement (QOLI) approach.

Background:

Developing feasible perioperative well-being interventions requires identifying shared and specialty-specific well-being needs. The QOLI framework integrates human-centered design, implementation science, and quality improvement to address well-being needs.

Methods:

Anesthesia and surgery faculty in 8 perioperative departments at an academic medical center completed cross-sectional surveys containing validated measures of well-being and workplace satisfaction, and open-ended questions about professional motivations, pain points, strategies for improvement, and well-being priorities. Using template analysis, we analyzed open-ended survey data and presented resulting themes at a joint-specialty town hall for live voting to identify well-being priorities.

Results:

One hundred four perioperative faculty completed the survey. Across specialties, higher Mental Health Continuum–Short Form scores (representative of individual global well-being) were associated with higher satisfaction with workplace control, values, decision latitude, and social support. Anesthesiologists reported lower satisfaction and control than surgeons across multiple domains. Template analysis yielded 5 areas for intervention: (1) work culture, (2) work environment/resources, (3) sources of fulfillment, (4) work/life harmony, and (5) financial compensation. Surgeons and anesthesiologists both prioritized high-quality patient care but differed in their other top priorities. The most frequently cited well-being threats for surgeons were operating room inefficiencies/delays and excessive workload, whereas anesthesiologists cited understaffing and unpredictable work hours.

Conclusions:

Surgeons and anesthesiologists share many needs and priorities, with pain points that are often negatively synergistic. Applying the QOLI approach across specialties allows for well-being interventions that honor complexity and promote the development of feasible solutions.
IDEAL Phase 2a Results
Authors: Vigneswaran Yalini , Hussain Mustafa , Varsanik M Alyssa , Corvin Chase , Gottlieb Lawrence J , Alverdy John C
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To report the developmental phase results of posterior rectus sheath hiatal flap augmentation (PoRSHA), a promising surgical innovation for large and recurrent paraesophageal hernias.

Background:

Durable hernia repair for large paraesophageal hernias continues to be a surgical challenge. PoRSHA addresses the challenges of current and historical approaches to complex paraesophageal hernias and demonstrates significant promise as a successful alternative approach.

Methods:

Using the IDEAL framework, we outline the technical modifications made over the first 27 consecutive cases using PoRSHA. Outcomes measured included hernia recurrence on routine imaging at 6 months and 2 years, development of a postoperative abdominal wall eventration and incidence of solid food dysphagia.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients at our single institution with type III (n=12), type IV (n=7) or recurrent (n=8) paraesophageal hernias underwent PoRSHA. Surgery was safely and successfully carried out in all cases. Stability of the technique was reached after 16 cases resulting in four main repair types. At an average follow up of 11 months, we observed no radiologic recurrences, no abdominal eventrations or hernias at the donor site and one patient with occasional solid food dysphagia that resolved with dilation.

Conclusions:

PoRSHA can not only be safely added to conventional hiatal hernia repair with appropriate training, but also demonstrates excellent short-term outcome. While the long-term durability with 5 year follow up is still needed, here we provide cautious optimism that PoRSHA may represent a novel solution to the longstanding high recurrence rates observed with current complex PEH repair.
Activated STING in the thymus alters T cell development and selection leading to autoimmunity
Authors: Deng Zimu , Law Christopher S. , Kurra Santosh , Simchoni Noa , Shum Anthony K
Published: February 2024

Classifying systemic inflammatory disorders as autoinflammatory or autoimmune provides insight into disease pathogenesis and whether treatment should target innate molecules and their signaling pathways or the adaptive immune response. COPA syndrome is a monogenic disorder of immune dysregulation that leads to interstitial lung disease and high-titer autoantibodies. Studies show constitutive activation of the innate immune molecule STING is centrally involved in disease. However, the mechanisms by which STING results in loss of T cell tolerance and autoimmunity in COPA syndrome or more common autoimmune diseases is not understood. Using CopaE241K/+mice, we uncovered a functional role for STING in the thymus. Single cell data of human thymus demonstrates STING is highly expressed in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) involved in processing and presenting self-antigens to thymocytes. In CopaE241K/+mice, activated STING in mTECs triggered interferon signaling, impaired macroautophagy and caused a defect in negative selection of T cells. Wild-type mice given a systemic STING agonist phenocopied the selection defect and showed enhanced thymic escape of a T cell clone targeting a self-antigen also expressed in melanoma. Our work demonstrates STING activation in TECs shapes the T cell repertoire and contributes to autoimmunity, findings important for settings that activate thymic STING.
RfaA (YqhY), a novel adaptor protein, controls metabolite-sensitive protein degradation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Wicke Dennis , Lentes Sabine , Herrfurth Cornelia , Toedter Dominik , Stannek-Goebel Lorena , Commichau Fabian M. , Feussner Ivo , Stulke Jorg
Published: February 2024

The carboxylation of acetyl-CoA is the committed step of fatty acid synthesis catalyzed by the multisubunit acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase). However, the mechanisms that control the activity of this enzyme are poorly understood. Here, we identify the so far unknown protein RfaA (YqhY) of the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis as a regulator of fatty acid acquisition that targets the AccC subunit of ACCase for degradation. RfaA interacts with both AccC and the ClpE unfoldase subunit of the ClpEP protease complex. While the former interaction is not sensitive to the physiological conditions, RfaA interacts with ClpE only in the absence of the global amino group donor glutamate. This results in the degradation of AccC in the absence of glutamate. The inactivation of the rfaA gene results in the accumulation of fatty acids in the cell and in the formation of lipid droplets which are toxic for the bacteria. The reduced fatty acid synthesis in the absence of glutamate as a result of RfaA- and ClpEP-dependent degradation of AccC thus prevents intoxication of the cells by fatty acids. Our findings suggest that the degradation of enzymes that catalyze the committed step of biosynthetic pathways might be an important mechanism to control cellular homeostasis.
High power electrostatic beam splitter for a proton beamline
Authors: Hartmann M. , Reggiani D. , Snuverink J. , Zhang H. , Seidel M.
Published: February 2024

The High Intensity Proton Accelerator facility (HIPA) delivers a 590 MeV cw (50.6 MHz) proton beam with up to 1.4 MW beam power (2.4 mA) to spallation and meson production targets serving particle physics experiments and material research. The main accelerator is the ring cyclotron, an isochronous proton machine accelerating an injected 72 MeV beam to a final 590 MeV. A few meters downstream of the ring cyclotron, an electrostatic beam splitter was installed in the 1980s and originally designed to peel off from a 200  μA beam up to 20  μA (12 kW beam power). Future initiatives will also make use of the splitter. Specifically, as part of the Isotope and Muon Production using Advanced Cyclotron and Target technologies (IMPACT) upgrade project, Targeted Alpha Tumour Therapy and Other Oncological Solutions (TATTOOS), an online isotope separation facility will allow to produce promising radionuclides for diagnosis and therapy of cancer in quantities sufficient for clinical studies. The TATTOOS facility includes a dedicated beamline intended to operate at a beam intensity of 100  μA (60 kW beam power), requiring continuous splitting of the high-power main beam via the splitter. As a step forward toward reaching the desired beam intensity, a beam study was carried out to test the viability of the existing splitter for TATTOOS. The results of this study show that a record of 90  μA (53 kW beam power) was peeled off a horizontally and vertically enlarged beam by the splitter. The successful beam strategy employed during the study as well as the results of several key measurements are presented in this paper, with particular emphasis on diagnostic measurements. Additionally, to support the measurements, a computational model of the splitter has been implemented using Monte Carlo simulation tools, including realistic geometry, electrostatic fields, beam optics, and power deposition calculations. Overall, the results of this paper show that through the combination of beam measurements and simulations, the existing splitter can be used to reach the 100−μA beam intensity requirement for TATTOOS.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Erratum: Measurements of the suppression and correlations of dijets in
Pb+Pb
collisions at
sNN=5.02 TeV
[Phys. Rev. C
107
, 054908 (2023)]
Authors: Aad G. , et al.  ,   ATLAS Collaboration
Published: February 2024

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Light Roberge-Weiss tricritical endpoint at imaginary isospin and baryon chemical potential
Authors: Brandt Bastian B. , Chabane Amine , Chelnokov Volodymyr , Cuteri Francesca , Endrődi Gergely , Winterowd Christopher
Published: February 2024

Imaginary chemical potentials serve as a useful tool to constrain the QCD phase diagram and to gain insight into the thermodynamics of strongly interacting matter. In this study, we report on the first determination of the phase diagram for arbitrary imaginary baryon and isospin chemical potentials at high temperature using one-loop perturbation theory, revealing a nontrivial structure of Roberge-Weiss (RW) phase transitions in this plane. Subsequently, this system is simulated numerically with Nf=2 unimproved staggered quarks on Nτ=4 lattices at a range of temperatures at one of the RW phase transitions. We establish a lower bound for the light quark mass, where the first-order transition line terminates in a tricritical point. It is found that this tricritical mass is increased as compared to the case of purely baryonic imaginary chemical potentials, indicating that our setup is more advantageous for identifying critical behavior toward the chiral limit. Finally, the dynamics of local Polyakov loop clusters is also studied in conjunction with the RW phase transition.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Design and sensitivity of a 6-axis seismometer for gravitational wave observatories
Authors: Prokhorov Leonid , Cooper Sam , Ubhi Amit Singh , Mow-Lowry Conor , Bryant John , Dmitriev Artemiy , Di Fronzo Chiara , Collins Christopher J. , Gill Alex , Mitchell Alexandra , Heinze Joscha , Smetana Jiri , Yan Tianliang , Cumming Alan V. , Hammond Giles , Martynov Denis
Published: February 2024

We present the design, control system, and noise analysis of a 6-axis seismometer comprising a mass suspended by a single fused silica fiber. We utilize custom-made, compact Michelson interferometers for the readout of the mass motion relative to the table and successfully overcome the sensitivity of existing commercial seismometers by over an order of magnitude in the angular degrees of freedom. We develop the sensor for gravitational-wave observatories, such as LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA, to help them observe intermediate-mass black holes, increase their duty cycle, and improve localization of sources. Our control system and its achieved sensitivity makes the sensor suitable for other fundamental physics experiments, such as tests of semiclassical gravity, searches for bosonic dark matter, and studies of the Casimir force.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Parisi’s Hypercube, Fock-Space Frustration, and
Near-AdS2/Near-CFT1
Holography
Authors: Berkooz Micha , Jia Yiyang , Silberstein Navot
Published: February 2024

We consider a model of Parisi where a single particle hops on an infinite-dimensional hypercube, under the influence of a uniform but disordered magnetic flux. We reinterpret the hypercube as the Fock-space graph of a many-body Hamiltonian and the flux as a frustration of the return amplitudes in Fock-space. We will identify the set of observables that have the same correlation functions as the double-scaled Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (DS-SYK) model, and hence the hypercube model is an equally good quantum model for near-AdS2/near-CFT1 (NAdS2/NCFT1) holography. Unlike the SYK model, the hypercube Hamiltonian is not p local. Instead, the SYK model can be understood as a Fock-space model with similar frustrations. Hence we propose this type of Fock-space frustration as the broader characterization for NAdS2/NCFT1 microscopics, which encompasses the hypercube and the DS-SYK models as two specific examples. We then speculate on the possible origin of such frustrations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Revealing spoofing of classical radar using quantum noise
Authors: Blakely Jonathan N. , Pethel Shawn D. , Jacobs Kurt
Published: February 2024

Electromagnetic remote sensing technologies such as radar can be misled by targets that generate spoof pulses. Typically, a would-be spoofer must make measurements to characterize a received pulse in order to design a convincing spoof pulse. The precision of such measurements is ultimately limited by quantum noise. Here we introduce a model of electromagnetic spoofing that includes effects of practical importance that were neglected in prior theoretical studies. In particular, the model includes thermal background noise and digital quantization noise, as well as loss in transmission, propagation, and reception. We derive the optimal probability of detecting a spoofer allowed by quantum physics. We show that heterodyne reception and thresholding closely approaches this optimal performance. Finally, we show that a high degree of certainty in spoof detection can be reached by Bayesian inference from a sequence of received pulses. Together these results suggest that a practically realizable receiver could plausibly detect a radar spoofer by observing errors in the spoof pulses due to quantum noise.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Learning Hamiltonian neural Koopman operator and simultaneously sustaining and discovering conservation laws
Authors: Zhang Jingdong , Zhu Qunxi , Lin Wei
Published: February 2024

Accurately finding and predicting dynamics based on the observational data with noise perturbations is of paramount significance but still a major challenge presently. Here, for the Hamiltonian mechanics, we propose the Hamiltonian neural Koopman operator (HNKO), integrating the knowledge of mathematical physics in learning the Koopman operator, and making it automatically sustain and even discover the conservation laws. We demonstrate the outperformance of the HNKO and its extension using a number of representative physical systems even with hundreds or thousands of freedoms. Our results suggest that feeding the prior knowledge of the underlying system and the mathematical theory appropriately to the learning framework can reinforce the capability of machine learning in solving physical problems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theory of Tribovoltaics: Direct Current Generation at a
p
-
n
Semiconductor Interface
Authors: Willatzen Morten , Zhang Zhiwei , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2024

A simple theory of tribovoltaics is proposed by using a quantum mechanical model of energy release due to sliding-induced bonding between the surfaces of a p-doped semiconductor and a n-doped semiconductor. The energy release in forming a bond may lead to the excitation of electron-hole pairs at the p-n semiconductor interface if the released energy is higher than the effective band gap at the semiconductor interface. An expression for the generated current as a function of the relative sliding speed between the p and

n

sides is suggested and used to model current transport by solving the complete set of drift-diffusion equations with appropriate boundary and initial conditions. Analytical results are obtained and verified numerically using the finite-element-method software. It is shown that since the typical time period associated with periodic sliding is many orders of magnitude higher than the carrier lifetimes, the time-dependent variations in the electron and hole concentrations and the current density follow the time variation of the sliding speed. Since the electron-hole pair generation occurs near the semiconductor interface only, the current density is shown to be constant as a function of position even if the sliding speed changes in time.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detection and localization of fault in DC microgrid using discrete Teager energy and generalized least square method
Authors: Barik Subrat Kumar , Nanda Smrutimayee , Samal Padarbinda , Senapati Rudranarayan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a new fault protection scheme for microgrid DC networks with ring buses.

Design/methodology/approach

It is well recognized that the protection scheme in a DC ring bus microgrid becomes very complicated due to the bidirectional power flow. To provide reliable protection, the differential current signal is decomposed into several basic modes using adaptive variational mode decomposition (VMD). In this method, the mode number and the penalty factor are chosen optimally by using arithmetic optimization algorithm, yielding satisfactory decomposition results than the conventional VMD. Weighted Kurtosis index is used as the measurement index to select the sensitive mode, which is used to evaluate the discrete Teager energy (DTE) that indicates the occurrence of DC faults. For localizing cable faults, the current signals from the two ends are used on a sample-to-sample basis to formulate the state space matrix, which is solved by using generalized least squares approach. The proposed protection method is validated in MATLAB/SIMULINK by considering various test cases.

Findings

DTE is used to detect pole-pole and pole-ground fault and other disturbances such as high-impedance faults and series arc faults with a reduced detection time (10 ms) compared to some existing techniques.

Originality/value

Verification of this method is performed considering various test cases in MATLAB/SIMULINK platform yielding fast detection timings and accurate fault location.
A comprehensive review of delay analysis techniques for solving concurrent delays
Authors: Vo Huy Minh , Yang Jyh-Bin , Rangasamy Veerakumar
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Construction projects commonly encounter complicated delay problems. Over the past few decades, numerous delay analysis methods (DAMs) have been developed. There is no consensus on whether existing DAMs effectively resolve delays, particularly in the case of complex concurrent delays. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to undertake a comprehensive and systematic literature review on concurrent delays, aiming to answer the following research question: Do existing delay analysis techniques deal with concurrent delays well?

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a comprehensive review of concurrent delays by both bibliometric and systematic analysis of research publications published between 1982 and 2022 in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. For quantitative analysis, a bibliometric mapping tool, the VOSviewer, was employed to analyze 68 selected publications to explore the co-occurrence of keywords, co-authorship and direct citation. Additionally, we conducted a qualitative analysis to answer the targeted research question, identify academic knowledge gaps and explore potential research directions for solving the theoretical and practical problems of concurrent delays.

Findings

Concurrent delays are a critical aspect of delay claims. Despite DAMs developed by a limited number of research teams to tackle issues like concurrence, float consumption and the critical path in concurrent delay resolution, practitioners continue to face significant challenges. This study has successfully identified knowledge gaps in defining, identifying, analyzing and allocating liability for concurrent delays while offering promising directions for further research. These findings reveal the incompleteness of available DAMs for solving concurrent delays.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this study are highly beneficial for practitioners and researchers. For practitioners, the discussions on the resolution process of concurrent delays in terms of identification, analysis and apportionment enable them to proactively address concurrent delays and lay the groundwork for preventing and resolving such issues in their construction projects. For researchers, five research directions, including advanced DAMs capable of solving concurrent delays, are proposed for reference.

Originality/value

Existing research on DAMs lacks comprehensive coverage of concurrent delays. Through a scientometric review, it is evident that current DAMs do not deal with concurrent delays well. This review identifies critical knowledge gaps and offers insights into potential directions for future research.
A meta-analysis of antecedents and consequences of trust in the sharing economy
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Li Eldon Y. , Tang Li
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Trust plays a crucial role in overcoming uncertainty and reducing risks. Uncovering the trust mechanism in the sharing economy may enable sharing platforms to design more effective marketing strategies. However, existing studies have inconsistent conclusions on the trust mechanism in the sharing economy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and consequences of different dimensions of trust (trust in platform and trust in peers) in the sharing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

First, we conducted a meta-analysis of 57 related articles. We tested 13 antecedents of trust in platform (e.g. economic benefits, enjoyment, and information quality) and eight antecedents of trust in peers (e.g. offline service quality and providers’ reputation), as well as their consequences. Then, we conducted subgroup analyses to test the moderating effects of economic development level (Developed vs Developing), gender (Female-dominant vs Male-dominant), platform type (Accommodation vs Transportation), role type (Obtainers vs Providers), and uncertainty avoidance (Strong vs Weak).

Findings

The results confirm that all antecedents and consequences significantly affect trust in platform or peers to varying degrees. Moreover, trust in platform greatly enhances trust in peers. Besides, the results of the moderating effect analyses demonstrate the variability of antecedents and consequences of trust under different subgroups.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clear and holistic view of the trust mechanism in the sharing economy from an object-based trust perspective. The findings may offer insights into trust-building in the sharing economy.