bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreement and consistency in the triaging of musculoskeletal primary care referrals by vetting clinicians using a knowledge-based triage tool
Authors: Shorthouse F. M. , Griffin N. , McNicholas C. , Spahr N. , Jones G.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Primary care referrals received by secondary care services are vetted or triaged to pathways best suited for patients’ needs. If knowledge-based triaging is used by vetting clinicians, accuracy is required to avoid incorrect decisions being made. With limited evidence to support best practice, we aimed to evaluate consistency across vetting clinicians’ decisions and their agreement with a criterion decision.

Methods:

Twenty-nine trained vetting clinicians (18 female) representative of pay grades independently triaged five musculoskeletal physiotherapy referral cases into one of 10 decisions using an internally developed triage tool. Agreement across clinicians’ decisions between and within cases was assessed using Fleiss’s kappa overall and within pay grade. Proportions of triage decisions consistent with criterion decisions were assessed using Cochran’s Q test.

Results:

Clinician agreement was fair for all cases (κ = 0.385) irrespective of pay grade but varied within clinical cases (κ = −0.014–0.786). Proportions of correct triage decisions were significantly different across cases [Q(4) = 33.80, P < 0.001] ranging from 17% to 83%.

Conclusions:

Agreement and consistency in decisions were variable using the tool. Ensuring referrer information is accurate is vital, as is developing, automating and auditing standards for certain referrals with clear pathways. But we argue that variable vetting outcomes might represent healthy pathway abundance and should not simply be automated in response to perceived inefficiencies.
New Type of Tip Jet to Reduce Noise
Authors: Richards E J
Published: October 2023

During the past few years, it has become recognised that one of the major objections to the introduction of helicopters fitted with pressure jets at the blade tips is the high level of noise set up by the jets The source of this noise lies m the jet stream itself When air travelling at high speed mixes with the surrounding air, turbulence is formed in the region of high velocity shear and noise is emitted into the stationary or near stationary medium surrounding the jet The large velocity gradient or shear actually amplifies the sound (Ref 1) which increases as a very high power of the jet velocity, normally about the eighth power Needless to say, if turbulence exists initially in the jet stream, either from poor internal shaping of the engine or from incomplete burning of the fuel, the noise will be aggravated and a different noise law achieved With well designed jet umts, however, the eighth power law is obeyed surprisingly well
Helicopter Operations in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Bristow A E
Published: October 2023

Wing Commander BRIE said that Mr BRISTOW had been connected with many aspects of helicopter development for a number of years He first learned to fly helicopters in 1944 at Floyd Bennett Field, U S A, and in 1946 was a helicopter test pilot with Westland Aircraft Ltd In 1948 he received the Royal Aero Club Silver Medal for the relief of the Wolf Rock Lighthouse, and in 1949 the Croix de Guerre for jungle rescue in Indo China whilst he was Technical Manager and Chief Pilot with Hehcop-Air, Pans In 1950 he formed his own company, Air Whaling Ltd and pioneered the use of the helicopter for whaling m the Antarctic In 1955 he formed Bnstow Helicopters Ltd , and tonight we are to hear an account of the work being done by this Company in the Persian Gulf and the large part the helicopter plays in transporting men and materials from the mainland to the drilling rig fifty miles out in the Gulf
Problems of Noise in Helicopter Design
Authors: Richards E J
Published: October 2023

The Chairman said that a short biographical note would illustrate the Lecturer's very wide experience Professor RICHARDS was engaged in research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, and then went to the Bristol Aeroplane Co Ltd, from 1937 to 1939 He was a scientific officer at the National Physical Laboratory from 1939 to 1945 and then went to Vickers-Armstrong Ltd, where he was Assistant Chief Designer and Chief Aerodynamicist between 1945 and 1950 He became Professor of Aeronautical Engineering, University of Southampton, in 1950
Analogue Computer Development with Reference to Helicopter Applications
Authors: Venning B H
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the Author, said that Mr VENNING had spent from 1941 to 1946 in the Royal Signals on mobile communications and from 1946 to 1949 at the City and Guilds Engineering College From 1949 to 1952 he had been in the Royal Naval Scientific Service, working on underwater acoustics From 1952 to 1955 Mr Venning had been at the College of Technology, University of Manchester, as a Lecturer in Electrical Engineering In 1955 he joined the University of Southampton in the Department of Electronics where, in addition to lecturing in electronics he was undertaking a research contract for the Ministry of Supply basically on the subject of his present paper
Part I Engineering Aspects
Authors: Hearne P A
Published: October 2023

The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said it was a matter of major importance to all concerned not only to have suitable helicopters to use, but also to ensure that when the operators got them they were capable of being used in such a way as to make nonsense of the frequently heard comment that there was no economic future in scheduled operations It was, of course, a fact that unless helicopters could be operated round the clock, in foul weather as well as fair, by night as well as day, like normal means of transport, then they would not take their rightful place in the general transportation set-up
Military Helicopter Operations in Malaya
Authors: Williams W R
Published: October 2023

The Chairman, in introducing the Author, said that Wing Commander Williams joined the Royal Air Force in 1936 and, after serving m Bomber Command at the beginning of the war he was unfortunate enough to be shot down in a Halifax bomber and taken prisoner After the war he spent some time on instructional duties, and in 1952 he attended the Royal Air Force Staff College In 1953 he was sent to Malaya to form and to command the Helicopter Wing, which also included a Naval Squadron He had, therefore, been very closely associated with helicopter operations for two and a half years Wing Commander Williams was now serving at the Air Ministry, in the Directorate of Air Transport Operations He is a Member of the Association
Investigations of Ground Resonance in Helicopters with an Analogue Computer
Authors: Fuchs H
Published: October 2023

Mr H FUCHS was born in Czechoslovakia in 1930 and emigrated to this country in 1939 He was educated at Northampton Grammar School, and obtained his Honours Degree in Physics at the Manchester University in 1952 Prior to obtaining his Ph D in Electronics, on the subject of helicopter computers in ground resonance, at Southampton University, he was employed in the Guided Weapons Laboratory at Vickers Armstrongs as an Electronic Engineer Since 1956 he has been with Blackburn and General Aircraft as Chief Electronic Engineer in charge of the Electronic Laboratory and the Electronic Design of Aircraft His work has included the design and production of Blackburn's analogue computer, and is currently engaged in designing an airborne analogue digital converter, fully transistorised, and associated electronic data handling equipment to a system of flight testing of aircraft
A D F Installations
Authors: Creek P P
Published: October 2023

The Automatic Direction Finder is a primary radio navigational aid, providing a pilot or operator with a direct indication of the relative bearing of any radio transmitter to which the equipment is tuned, normally in the band 150 to 1,800 Kc/s

Using a single transmitter the co-ordinates of which are known, a simple homing can be obtained and with the use of two or more transmitters it is possible to obtain a position fix

To this end small beacon transmitters are often installed at airfields Most homing procedures terminate with the passage of the aircraft over the top of the beacon and this is indicated by a reversal of the bearing indicator needle
Economic Production of Helicopters—Some Future Possibilities
Authors: Harper L J
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the Author, said that Mr HARPER was educated at Latymer School, London, and at the London School of Economics in Sociology He spent seven years with I C I Ltd, in the Leather Cloth Division and Plastics Division in personnel management He became involved in work study problems and their application towards the end of the war and spent his last two years m I C I practising and teaching work study to management and other grades
Powered Lift Systems
Authors: Zimmerman Charles H
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in opening the meeting, said that Mr Zimmerman, a member of the scientific staff of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, at Langley Field, Virginia, had long been concerned with the development of S T O L aircraft, having originated and developed the Chance-Vought circular-wing project during the war at Stratford, Connecticut In the rotary wing field, he was perhaps best known as the originator of the Flying Platform, having designed and built at Nicholls, Connecticut, shortly after the war, his so-called “Aerial Motor-cycle,” which had two side-by-side lifting propellers of disc loading about 20, interconnected by a tiny platform which he strapped to his feet like skis By 1947, he was able to demonstrate to his satisfaction that this device required no controls other than a throttle for the two engines, and that he could hover safely by applying the same reactions to his feet as he used for balancing himself when standing on the ground
The Development of the Skeeter Helicopter
Authors: Nisbet T D
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the Author, expressed pleasure in welcoming Mr NISBET who was a Founder Member of the Association and an Associate Fellow of The Royal Aeronautical Society

Mr Nisbet was educated at Glasgow Academy and the Royal Technical College, Glasgow He joined G & J Weir, at Cathcart, in 1936, as an apprentice and was engaged in the early development work on Autogiros and the first helicopters in this country He was for a short period Assistant Ground Engineer at Scottish Aviation, and for a further short period he was engaged as a junior draughtsman with Mr Hafner in the AR III Construction Company
The Turbine Helicopter
Authors: Hollis Williams D L
Published: October 2023

The CHAIRMAN, in opening the meeting, said that the Author required no introduction As Technical Director of the Westland Aircraft Company since 1952, MR HOLLIS WILLIAMS had been responsible for a very successful family of helicopters, all based on well-established Sikorsky experience Previously, as Chief Engineer of the Fairey Aviation Company, he had been responsible for the development of naval aircraft, and prior to that, as Chief Engineer of General Aircraft at Hanworth, his developments had included the well-known troop-carrying gliders, the Hotspur and the Hamilcar He was a member of Council of this Association and a Fellow and Silver Medallist of the Royal Aeronautical Society He was also a helicopter pilot, having undertaken a conversion course under BASIL ARKELL in 1946, as a result of which he now held Royal Aero Club helicopter certificate No 13
French Helicopter Developments
Authors: Legrand L F G
Published: October 2023

The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said that the development of rotating wing aircraft in France had been well supported by military contracts ever since Liore et Olivier had taken a licence from Cierva to manufacture Autogiros The French version of the C 30 Autogiro with the Salmson engine, was given extensive military trials, so much so that on one occasion it had been a surprise to him to see as many as fifty of these machines in operation at an Army airfield in France The development of the helicopter had been undertaken with similar intensity and quite a number of successful types—a whole family of helicopters, in fact—had emerged
The Programme of Development Testing for a Helicopter
Authors: Newbery T G G
Published: October 2023

The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said he was very glad indeed to see so many members present at the first meeting of the new Session, especially as, some of them had, no doubt, been up half the previous night watching the television programme (to hear the election results)

It was a pleasure to welcome tonight’s lecturer, Mr Newberry, who, since 1951, had been in charge of the rotorcraft work within the Directorate of Engine Research and Development at the Ministry of Supply Mr Newbery had obtained his B Sc degree in 1932 at London University with first-class honours in mechanical and civil engineering and his subsequent career included working in the Airworthiness Department at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and as Resident Technical Officer at de Havilland’s, Stag Lane Since 1942, he had been at Ministry headquarters, where he was responsible particularly for transmissions With his long experience of mechanical systems and in establishing requirements for both rotors and propellers, Mr Newbery was an authority on the subject of his lecture— “The Programme of Development Testing for a Helicopter”
A Historical Review of Helicopter Development
Authors: Liptrot R N.
Published: October 2023

Before asking Gp/Capt Liptrot to give us his lecture a few words of introduction may not be out of place It would be difficult to think of anyone better qualified to talk on the subject of rotary wing history than Gp/Capt Liptrot, as he has been intimately associated with the development of this type of aircraft for the past 20 years, and latterly in his official capacity at the Air Ministry, Ministry of Aircraft Production, and Ministry of Supply It is probably correct to say that he has had inside knowledge of every project m this country as well as a good many abroad

Gp/Capt Liptrot is a member of our Association and his enthusiasm for rotary wing flight has shown itself in a practical way during the past two years during which time he has done quite a lot of solo flying on the R 4 helicopter
Introducing the “Franken‐Kiel” Carbonate Device: First Application to Δ47‐T Calibrations of Calcite and Dolomite
Authors: Fosu Benjamin R. , Jautzy Josué J. , Yong Wenjun , Secco Richard A.
Published: October 2023

Recent interlaboratory efforts have enabled methodological refinements in carbonate clumped isotope geochemistry, including the adoption of a carbonate‐based reference frame, the InterCarb Carbon Dioxide Equilibration Scale (I‐CDES). This calcite‐based standardization scheme aims at simplifying sample preparatory routines and ensuring identical treatment for all standards and unknowns. While the I‐CDES is a major step forward for the production of coherent results by laboratories for calcite, two aspects of this reference frame may only approximate but not ensure the principle of identical treatment of standards and unknowns because (a) the 90°C‐acid digestion temperature favored by I‐CDES is not achievable by all analytical setups and (b) the clumped isotope systematics of other carbonate minerals, if reported within a calcite reference frame only, may introduce uncertainties. We present an upgraded Kiel IV carbonate device—the “Franken‐Kiel”—performing acid digestions up to a theoretical 135°C, an enhancement over the factory‐default temperature of 70°C. The optimized setup considerably reduces the reaction time needed for digesting samples and yields good precision on Δ47 (i.e., long‐term standard deviations of 0.027 and 0.005‰ for calcite and dolomite standards, respectively). We further re‐evaluated the Δ47‐T relationship for calcite and dolomite directly in the I‐CDES and showed consistency between the produced temperature calibration and previous calibrations for calcite. We propose a mineralogy correction for dolomite in the I‐CDES that allows to partially reconcile theory with experimentation. Overall, the Franken‐Kiel showed excellent performance and warrants further tests on more recalcitrant carbonates, such as siderite and magnesite at higher acidification temperatures.
Does Reconnection Only Occur at Points of Maximum Shear on Mercury's Dayside Magnetopause?
Authors: Zomerdijk‐Russell S. , Masters A. , Sun W. J. , Fear R. C. , Slavin J. A.
Published: October 2023

MESSENGER observations of large numbers of flux transfer events (FTEs) during dayside crossings of Mercury's magnetopause have shown that the highly dynamic Hermean magnetosphere is strongly driven by frequent and intense magnetic reconnection. Since FTEs are products of reconnection, study of them can reveal information about whether reconnection sites favor points of maximum shear on the magnetopause. Here, we analyze 201 FTEs formed under relatively stable upstream solar wind conditions as observed by MESSENGER during inbound magnetopause crossings. By modeling paths of these FTEs along the magnetopause, we determine the conditions and locations of the reconnection sites at which these FTEs were likely formed. The majority of these FTE formation paths were found to intersect with high‐magnetic shear regions, defined as shear angles above 135°. Seven FTEs were found where the maximum shear angle possible between the reconnecting magnetic field lines was less than 80° and three of these had shear angles less than 70°, supporting the idea that very low‐shear reconnection could be occurring on Mercury's dayside magnetopause under this global‐scale picture of magnetic reconnection. Additionally, for the FTEs formed under these low‐shear reconnection conditions, tracing a dominant X‐line connecting points of maximum shear along the magnetopause that passes through a region of very low‐shear may be difficult to justify, implying reconnection could be occurring anywhere along Mercury's magnetopause and may not be confined to points of maximum shear.
Statistical Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variations of Air‐Sea CO2 Fluxes in the Kuroshio Region
Authors: Tokoro T. , Nakaoka S. , Takao S. , Saito S. , Sasano D. , Enyo K. , Ishii M. , Kosugi N. , Nojiri Y.
Published: October 2023

Spatiotemporal variations in air‐sea CO2 fluxes in the Kuroshio region were evaluated using measurements made by voluntary cargo ships and research vessels. The data were re‐gridded to produce a 1° × 1° horizontal grid and 0.1‐year timesteps. Spatial clustering showed that the area north of approximately 30°N was the strongest atmospheric CO2 sink. The spatial differences were largest in winter and insignificant in summer. The oceanic CO2 uptake in the Kuroshio region increased from 2000 to 2019. Changes in the wind speed and total alkalinity affected the decadal increase in CO2 absorption. The spatial distributions of the air‐sea CO2 fluxes were affected by the Kuroshio large meander (KLM). This effect was likely caused by the change in seawater fCO2 via the change in the Kuroshio Extension Path during the KLM period. The Fourier regression technique used in the data analysis was expected to facilitate analyses of the carbonate system in coastal waters, where comprehensive on‐site measurements and satellite analyses are difficult.
The 10‐ to 30‐Day Intraseasonal Weather Process Associated With Wintertime PM2.5 Pollution in Eastern China
Authors: Liu Jiajun , Zhang Qiang , Liu Huan , Tao Hengrui
Published: October 2023

Severe PM2.5 pollution strikes winter eastern China, while its physical process associated with the atmospheric evolution from several days to weeks is not clear. This study uses weather types as intermediate agents between large‐scale atmospheric circulation and regional air pollution, to explore the whole circulation evolutionary chain related to wintertime PM2.5 pollution in eastern China. We extract objectively 6 weather types (WTs) for wintertime surface synoptic patterns in eastern China and analyze quantitatively the impacts of WTs on PM2.5 pollution. Then the preferred transitions between WTs are explored to explain potential weather process. We find a most frequently recurring circulation evolution corresponding to Mongolia high pressure that stretches southward to eastern China, referred as the WTs transition of YSH− > BLH− > MH, with PM2.5 increased in North China and dissipated as the high pressure moves southward. Further to establish intraseasonal connections between large‐scale circulation and regional synoptic patterns, several leading evolutionary chains are discovered among tropical Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO), extratropical teleconnections, and WTs of eastern China at an extended period. The positive or negative phase of teleconnections can indicate the WTs change 4–10 days in advance, while MJO further extends that indicative effect to 10–15 days. The intraseasonal oscillations of teleconnections such as conventional Eurasia, Scandinavia, Arctic Oscillation, Polar/Eurasia, Western Pacific and East Atlantic are associated with the transition of YSH− > BLH− > MH, and MJO may act as a precursor of teleconnection phases to extend effectively the prediction time for surface weather conditions and air pollution in eastern China.
Mesoscale Eddy Modulation of Subsurface Chlorophyll Maximum Layers in the South China Sea
Authors: Xu Wenlong , Wang Guifen , Cheng Xuhua , Xing Xiaogang , Qin Jianhuang , Zhou Guidi , Jiang Long , Chen Bingzhang
Published: October 2023

Subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) layers contribute considerably to the integrated biomass of the water column and can be strongly modulated by mesoscale eddies that are ubiquitous in the global ocean. The mechanisms of eddy‐induced surface chlorophyll concentration have been extensively examined in the South China Sea (SCS). However, the potential impact of mesoscale eddies on SCM layers remains unclear. We examined the influence of mesoscale eddies on the depth, thickness and magnitude of SCM layers in the SCS using output from an eddy‐permitting biological–physical coupled model over a 22‐year period. Our study shows that nutrient distribution is largely driven by eddy dynamics, with cyclonic eddies enhancing the supply of inorganic nutrients in the upper layers by uplifting the thermocline, and downward displacement of the thermocline in anticyclonic eddies, reducing the nutrient supply into the euphotic zone from the depth. We found that anticyclonic (cyclonic) eddies are responsible for increased (decreased) SCM depth and decreased (increased) SCM magnitude; SCM thickness decreased in cyclonic eddies but slightly increased in anticyclonic eddies. The effects of mesoscale eddies depend on eddy amplitude. Maximal anomalies in depth, thickness and magnitude always occur near the center of eddies. Phytoplankton community structure at SCM layers is also affected by eddies, with more diatoms in cyclonic eddies and more coccolithophores in anticyclonic eddies. Our study will advance our understanding of mesoscale physical–biogeochemical interactions.
Retreatment rates and postprocedural complications are higher than expected after BPH surgeries: a US healthcare claims and utilization study
Authors: Kaplan Steve , Kaufman Ronald P. , Mueller Thomas , Elterman Dean , Chughtai Bilal , Rukstalis Daniel , Woo Henry , Roehrborn Claus
Published: October 2023

Background

Up to 50% of men over 50 and 80% over 80 are affected by BPH. Shared decision-making regarding BPH treatment options can benefit from an improved understanding of relative risks and benefits for various treatments.

Methods

Data for this longitudinal retrospective population-based cohort study were obtained from a random sample of US Medicare and commercial claims (IBM Watson MarketScan) and restricted to men undergoing BPH surgery (TURP, PVP, PUL, WVTT) from 2015 to 2021 across all sites of service. Retreatments included Holmium laser enucleation and index procedures. Main outcomes were rates of retreatment and procedural complications over 1 year, identified via CPT and ICD-9/10CM codes. Procedural complications that occurred at least 1 day post-index treatment were assessed, as were surgical retreatments with patients who had at least 1 and 5 year’s-worth of data. Baseline phenotype characterization did not control for symptomatology and was limited to age, comorbidities, and BMI. Univariate cumulative incidence estimates, cumulative proportion and log-rank tests justified inclusion for covariate (e.g., age, comorbidities) adjustment in Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

43,147 men diagnosed with BPH underwent 22,629 TURP, 11,392 PVP, 7,529 PUL, and 1,597 WVTT. At 1-year post-index: PUL was associated with the lowest rate of complication (PUL 15%, TURP 17%; PVP 19%, ; WVTT 26%); retreatment rates were not different (TURP 5.3%, PVP 5.3%, PUL 5.9%, WVTT 6.2%). At 5 years post-index: retreatment was lowest for TURP (7.0%) and was not significantly different between PVP and PUL (8.9% and 11.6%, respectively).

Conclusions

Real-world patients diagnosed with BPH may be selected to undergo one of the various available therapies based on patient preference or baseline phenotype. These therapies, however, are associated with different risks for complications. The results of this study suggest that within one year of BPH surgery, one-in-twenty patients may require retreatment regardless of treatment choice, and for some technologies as many as one-in-four may require treatment for a complication.
Supporting gut health with medicinal cannabis in people with advanced cancer: potential benefits and challenges
Authors: Wardill Hannah R. , Wooley Luke T. , Bellas Olivia M. , Cao Katrina , Cross Courtney B. , van Dyk Madele , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Bowen Joanne M. , Zannettino Andrew C. W. , Shakib Sepehr , Crawford Gregory B. , Boublik Jaroslav , Davis Mellar M. , Smid Scott D. , Price Timothy J.
Published: October 2023

The side effects of cancer therapy continue to cause significant health and cost burden to the patient, their friends and family, and governments. A major barrier in the way in which these side effects are managed is the highly siloed mentality that results in a fragmented approach to symptom control. Increasingly, it is appreciated that many symptoms are manifestations of common underlying pathobiology, with changes in the gastrointestinal environment a key driver for many symptom sequelae. Breakdown of the mucosal barrier (mucositis) is a common and early side effect of many anti-cancer agents, known to contribute (in part) to a range of highly burdensome symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, infection, malnutrition, fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Here, we outline a rationale for how, based on its already documented effects on the gastrointestinal microenvironment, medicinal cannabis could be used to control mucositis and prevent the constellation of symptoms with which it is associated. We will provide a brief update on the current state of evidence on medicinal cannabis in cancer care and outline the potential benefits (and challenges) of using medicinal cannabis during active cancer therapy.
Bi-allelic truncating variants in CASP2 underlie a neurodevelopmental disorder with lissencephaly
Authors: Uctepe Eyyup , Vona Barbara , Esen Fatma Nisa , Sonmez F. Mujgan , Smol Thomas , Tümer Sait , Mancılar Hanifenur , Geylan Durgun Dilan Ece , Boute Odile , Moghbeli Meysam , Ghayoor Karimiani Ehsan , Hashemi Narges , Bakhshoodeh Behnoosh , Kim Hyung Goo , Maroofian Reza , Yesilyurt Ahmet
Published: October 2023

Lissencephaly (LIS) is a malformation of cortical development due to deficient neuronal migration and abnormal formation of cerebral convolutions or gyri. Thirty-one LIS-associated genes have been previously described. Recently, biallelic pathogenic variants in CRADD and PIDD1, have associated with LIS impacting the previously established role of the PIDDosome in activating caspase-2. In this report, we describe biallelic truncating variants in CASP2, another subunit of PIDDosome complex. Seven patients from five independent families presenting with a neurodevelopmental phenotype were identified through GeneMatcher-facilitated international collaborations. Exome sequencing analysis was carried out and revealed two distinct novel homozygous (NM_032982.4:c.1156delT (p.Tyr386ThrfsTer25), and c.1174 C > T (p.Gln392Ter)) and compound heterozygous variants (c.[130 C > T];[876 + 1 G > T] p.[Arg44Ter];[?]) in CASP2 segregating within the families in a manner compatible with an autosomal recessive pattern. RNA studies of the c.876 + 1 G > T variant indicated usage of two cryptic splice donor sites, each introducing a premature stop codon. All patients from whom brain MRIs were available had a typical fronto-temporal LIS and pachygyria, remarkably resembling the CRADD and PIDD1-related neuroimaging findings. Other findings included developmental delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hypotonia, seizure, poor social skills, and autistic traits. In summary, we present patients with CASP2-related ID, anterior-predominant LIS, and pachygyria similar to previously reported patients with CRADD and PIDD1-related disorders, expanding the genetic spectrum of LIS and lending support that each component of the PIDDosome complex is critical for normal development of the human cerebral cortex and brain function.
A DNA turbine powered by a transmembrane potential across a nanopore
Authors: Shi Xin , Pumm Anna-Katharina , Maffeo Christopher , Kohler Fabian , Feigl Elija , Zhao Wenxuan , Verschueren Daniel , Golestanian Ramin , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Dietz Hendrik , Dekker Cees
Published: October 2023

Rotary motors play key roles in energy transduction, from macroscale windmills to nanoscale turbines such as ATP synthase in cells. Despite our abilities to construct engines at many scales, developing functional synthetic turbines at the nanoscale has remained challenging. Here, we experimentally demonstrate rationally designed nanoscale DNA origami turbines with three chiral blades. These DNA nanoturbines are 24–27 nm in height and diameter and can utilize transmembrane electrochemical potentials across nanopores to drive DNA bundles into sustained unidirectional rotations of up to 10 revolutions s−1. The rotation direction is set by the designed chirality of the turbine. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations show how hydrodynamic flows drive this turbine. At high salt concentrations, the rotation direction of turbines with the same chirality is reversed, which is explained by a change in the anisotropy of the electrophoretic mobility. Our artificial turbines operate autonomously in physiological conditions, converting energy from naturally abundant electrochemical potentials into mechanical work. The results open new possibilities for engineering active robotics at the nanoscale.
Mediated interactions between Fermi polarons and the role of impurity quantum statistics
Authors: Baroni Cosetta , Huang Bo , Fritsche Isabella , Dobler Erich , Anich Gregor , Kirilov Emil , Grimm Rudolf , Bastarrachea-Magnani Miguel A. , Massignan Pietro , Bruun Georg M.
Published: October 2023

The notion of quasi-particles is essential for understanding the behaviour of complex many-body systems. A prototypical example of a quasi-particle is a polaron, formed by an impurity strongly interacting with a surrounding medium. Fermi polarons, created in a Fermi sea, provide a paradigmatic realization of this concept. Importantly, such quasi-particles interact with each other via the modulation of the medium. However, although quantum simulation experiments with ultracold atoms have substantially improved our understanding of individual polarons, the detection of their interactions has so far remained elusive. Here we report the observation of mediated interactions between Fermi polarons consisting of K impurities embedded in a Fermi sea of Li atoms. Our results confirm two predictions of Landau’s Fermi-liquid theory: the shift in polaron energy due to mediated interactions, which is linear in the concentration of impurities; and its sign inversion with impurity quantum statistics. For weak-to-moderate interactions between the impurities and the medium, our results agree with the static predictions of Fermi-liquid theory. For stronger impurity–medium interactions, we show that the observed behaviour at negative energies can be explained by a more refined many-body treatment including retardation and dressed molecule formation.
Dry growing seasons predicted Central American migration to the US from 2012 to 2018
Authors: Linke Andrew , Leutert Stephanie , Busby Joshua , Duque Maria , Shawcroft Matthew , Brewer Simon
Published: October 2023

Controlling for factors such as criminal violence and poverty, we tested if drier than usual growing season weather was a predictor of emigration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to the US between 2012 and 2018. We focus on growing season weather because agriculture is a primary transmission pathway from the effects of climate change upon migration. We secured the migration apprehensions data for our analysis through a FOIA request to US Customs and Border Protection. Border Patrol intake interviews recorded the original home location of families that arrived at the southern US border. We used this geographic information to measure recent weather patterns and social circumstances in the area that each family departed. We found 70.7% more emigration to the US when local growing seasons in Central America were recently drier than the historical average since 1901.
General population normative data from seven European countries for the K10 and K6 scales for psychological distress
Authors: Lehmann J. , Pilz M. J. , Holzner B. , Kemmler G. , Giesinger J. M.
Published: October 2023

The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10) and its 6-item short-form version (K6) measure psychological distress, particularly anxiety or depressive symptoms. While these questionnaire scales are widely used in various settings and populations, general population normative data are rarely available. To facilitate the interpretation of K10 and K6 scores, we provide normative general population data from seven European countries. We used an online survey to collect K10 data from general population samples in Austria, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. We calculated the age- and sex-specific normative values separately for each country. For more specific estimates of K10 and K6 scores for individuals or groups, we also established a multivariable regression model based on socio-demographic and health data. In total, N = 7,087 adults participated in our study (51.6% women; mean age, 49.6 years). The mean K10 score in the total sample was 8.5 points (standard deviation, 7.3) on 0–40 points metric, with mean scores in individual countries ranging from 6.9 (the Netherlands) to 9.9 (Spain). Women showed higher scores than men and younger participants scored higher than older participants. Our study is the first to present normative K10 and K6 data from several European countries using a consistent sampling approach. These reference values will facilitate the interpretation of K10 and K6 scores in clinical research and practice and also highlight the variation in psychological distress levels across countries and groups according to their socio-demographic and health characteristics.
Hsa_circRNA_001676 accelerates the proliferation, migration and stemness in colorectal cancer through regulating miR-556-3p/G3BP2 axis
Authors: Hao Qin , Zhang Miao , Wu Yingcai , Guo Yuchen , Zheng Yanling , Wu Lijuan , Feng Li , Wang Zhenfei
Published: October 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, but little is known about the biological functions of hsa_circRNA_001676 in CRC. Therefore, we explored the potential role of hsa_circRNA_001676 in CRC development. RT-qPCR was performed to determine hsa_circRNA_001676, miR-556-3p and Ras-GTPase-activating SH3 domain-binding-proteins 2 (G3BP2) levels in CRC tissues. Meanwhile, to evaluate the roles of hsa_circRNA_001676, miR-556-3p and G3BP2 on CRC, functional analysis of cell proliferation, migration and stemness were then performed. Our results showed that compared to normal tissues, hsa_circRNA_001676 and G3BP2 level was elevated, but miR-556-3p level was reduced in CRC tissues. Additionally, luciferase reporter results showed that hsa_circRNA_001676 was shown to target miR-556-3p, and G3BP2 was targeted by miR-556-3p. Hsa_circRNA_001676 or G3BP2 overexpression promoted CRC cell proliferation and migration. Conversely, miR-556-3p overexpression suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, deficiency of hsa_circRNA_001676 or G3BP2 repressed the CRC cell proliferation, migration and stemness. Meanwhile, hsa_circRNA_001676 deficiency obviously reduced tumor growth and stemness in a CRC mouse xenograft model. Furthermore, hsa_circRNA_001676 deficiency notably reduced G3BP2 level, but elevated miR-556-3p level in tumor tissues from tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, hsa_circRNA_001676 targeted miR-556-3p to increase G3BP2 level, contributing to the progression of CRC. Collectively, hsa_circRNA_001676 was able to accelerate proliferation, migration and stemness in CRC through regulating miR-556-3p/G3BP2 axis, suggesting that hsa_circRNA_001676 may become a potential therapeutic target in treating CRC.
Regular laboratory testing and patient survival among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a Korean nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Do Hyoung , Cho AJin , Park Hayne Cho , Kim Bo Yeon , Lee Miri , Kim Gui Ok , Kim Jinseog , Lee Young-Ki
Published: October 2023

Routine laboratory tests are regularly performed in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) to detect anemia, chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorders, and cardiovascular disease. More frequent laboratory tests may be associated with better outcomes. However, there is little evidence supporting a specific monitoring interval. This study evaluated the impact of regular laboratory testing on mortality in Korean patients undergoing maintenance HD. We used HD quality assessments, and National Health Insurance Service claims data from October to December 2015. In HD quality assessment, 22 tests are recommended every 1–6 months. A total of 34,950 patients were divided into two groups based on the regularity of laboratory testing. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the effects of regular laboratory tests on patient mortality during a mean follow-up duration of 53.7 months. The proportion of patients with and without regular laboratory testing was 85.6% (n = 29,914) and 14.4% (n = 5036), respectively. Patients who underwent regular laboratory testing had a longer dialysis duration, lower serum phosphorus levels and diastolic blood pressure, and higher hemoglobin and single-pool Kt/V levels than those who did not. After adjusting for demographic and clinical parameters, regular laboratory testing independently reduced mortality risk (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.85–0.95; P < 0.001). Regular laboratory testing was associated with a decreased mortality risk among patients undergoing HD. Management of end-stage kidney disease-related complications based on laboratory tests can improve survival.
Investigation of mechanical, physical and thermoacoustic properties of a novel light-weight dense wall panels made of bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusides
Authors: Gholizadeh Parham , Hosseinabadi Hamid Zarea , Hebel Dirk E. , Javadian Alireza
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate the properties of lightweight sandwich panels made from low diameter bamboo particles, Phyllostachys Bambusides collected from Gilan province, Iran, as core layer, combined with thin wall bamboo strips as faces. The effects of three individual variables such as density of core layer (350–550 kg/m3), resin consumption in core layer (7.5–9.5%) and resin consumption in faces (175–275 g/m2) on some important physical, mechanical and thermos-acoustic properties of the panels were investigated. Response surface methodology was used to statistically analyse the results and optimization process. The average values for the mechanical properties of the sandwich panels were obtained as 17.16 MPa, 5669 MPa, 0.02 MPa, 17.60 MPa, 1.83 MPa, 0.03 MPa, and 913.3 MPA for modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding, compression strength parallel to face grain, compression strength perpendicular to face grain, shear strength, and screw holding, respectively. Finally, thermal conductivity and noise reduction coefficient of the panels were respectively gained as 0.01 W/mk and 0.31. The results of technical and thermo- acoustic properties of the panels showed that the light weight sandwich panels from bamboo residues would be a suitable and sustainable alternative as an insulation material for sustainable and green construction.
Study on lightening of coal tar with metal oxide supported γ-Al2O3 catalyst
Authors: Jihao Chen , Juan Li , Yue Li , Jinjing Zhang
Published: October 2023

In this experiment, a fixed bed of pyrolysis was used to conduct pyrolysis with coal and a mixture of coal and catalyst, and the distribution and composition of tar products were studied. The pyrolysis of raw coal was carried out at different temperatures and at different constant temperature times, and the effects of pyrolysis temperature and constant temperature pyrolysis time on tar product formation from raw coal pyrolysis were studied. γ-Al2O3 was used as the carrier, and 4 kinds of alkaline earth metal oxides (MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO), 3 kinds of subgroup metal oxides (Fe2O3, Co2O3, NiO) and 5 kinds of VIII metal oxides (Cr2O3, MnO2, CuO, ZnO, MnO2) were selected as active components. The supported γ-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by the method of equal volume impregnation and roasting in a muffle furnace. The γ-Al2O3 catalyst was characterized by means of XPS, BET and SEM, and the mechanism of the mixed pyrolysis of coal with different metal oxide supported catalysts to generate tar was studied. The results showed that: (1) under the conditions of 450 °C, 500 °C, 550 °C and 600 °C, the maximum tar yield was 0.32 g at 600 °C, and the tar yield was higher at constant temperature for 15 min than at final temperature of 600 °C, with an increase of 15.63%. (2) Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalyst resulted in the highest tar yield of 0.75 g, which was 134.38% higher than that of coal pyrolysis. (3) From the increase of light oil and phenol oil and the decrease of anthracene oil and asphalt, Co2O3/γ-Al2O3, Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 and Cr2O3/γ-Al2O3 can improve the tar quality better.
The transcriptome signature analysis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune cell infiltration in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Heryanto Yusri Dwi , Imoto Seiya
Published: October 2023

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is tightly connected to tumors’ immune microenvironment. In colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), both the EMT and immune cell infiltration contribute to tumor progression; however, several questions regarding the mechanisms governing the interaction between EMT and the immune response remain unanswered. Our study aims to investigate the cross-talk between these two processes in cases of COAD and identify the key regulators involved. We utilized the EMT and immune signatures of samples from the COAD-TCGA database to identify three subtypes of COAD: high mesenchymal, medium mesenchymal, and low mesenchymal. We observed that EMT was associated with increased tumor immune response and infiltration mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, EMT was also linked to immunosuppressive activity that involved regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, and the upregulated expression of multiple immune checkpoints, such as PD-1, PDL-1, CTLA-4, and others. Finally, we employed the multivariate random forest feature importance method to identify key genes, such as DOK2 and MSRB3, that may play crucial roles in both EMT and the intratumoral immune response.
Development of an accelerated cellular model for early changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xue Huijing , Gate Sylvester , Gentry Emma , Losert Wolfgang , Cao Kan
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Current cellular models for AD often require several months to exhibit phenotypic features due to the lack of an aging environment in vitro. Lamin A is a key component of the nuclear lamina. Progerin, a truncated protein resulting from specific lamin A mutations, causes Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a disease that prematurely ages individuals. Studies have reported that lamin A expression is induced in the brains of AD patients, and overlapping cellular phenotypes have been observed between HGPS and AD cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous progerin expression on neural progenitor cells carrying familial AD mutations (FAD). Within three to four weeks of differentiation, these cells exhibited robust AD phenotypes, including increased tau phosphorylation, amyloid plaque accumulation, and an elevated Aβ42 to Aβ40 ratio. Additionally, progerin expression significantly increased AD cellular phenotypes such as cell death and cell cycle re-entry. Our results suggest that progerin expression could be used to create an accelerated model for AD development and drug screening.
Social determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations deficiency in older Chilean people
Authors: Alvear-Vega Sandra , Benavente-Contreras Rodrigo , Vargas-Garrido Héctor
Published: October 2023

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations deficiency is a growing health problem that affects a significant part of the world’s population, with particularly negative consequences in children and older adults. Public health has prioritized healthy aging; thus, an investigation of the social determinants related to deficient and insufficient Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in older adults is needed to contribute to the implementation of comprehensive social programs focused on addressing those conditions adversely affecting the health of this group. This study was conducted using a sample of older adults (age ≥ 65 years, n = 1283) from the National Health Survey (NHS 2016–2017). The Average Marginal Effects of the social determinants of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations deficiency in older adults were predicted using a probit model in which the outcome variable assumed two values (deficiency or not deficiency), taking as independent variables those reported in previous studies. The model showed an adequate goodness of fit, Count R2 = 0.65, and the independent variables explained between 11% (Cox-Snell) and 14% (Nagelkerke) of the variance of the outcome variable. The social determinants associated with a greater likelihood of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations deficiency are the following conditions: women, people of native origin, urban dwellers, shorter sunlight exposure, and greater geographical latitude. Implications are discussed, and limitations are considered. Promotion and prevention programs should preferentially target older adults in the southernmost regions who live in urban areas, with a special focus on women. Due to the country’s characteristics (17°–57° south latitude), it is necessary to review in future research the three zones shown in this study as relevant social determinants for the older adults living in them to generate inputs in formulating public health policies. The authorities must define the cut-off points for considering the difference between the country’s ranges of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations insufficiency and deficiency.
Recent advances in the design of afterglow materials: mechanisms, structural regulation strategies and applications
Authors: Yang Xin , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Lu Siyu , Yu Jihong
Published: October 2023

Afterglow materials have attracted widespread attention owing to their distinctive and long-lived optical emission properties which create exciting opportunities in various fields.