bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Materiality and Change in Social Fields
Authors: Stoltz Dustin S. , Taylor Marshall A.
Published: February 2023

As field change is often explained by recourse to agentic efforts of a few or revolutionary turbulence of many, this paper provides a complementary explanation of change grounded in the quotidian dynamics of physical objects and settings. Using the culinary and mountaineering fields, we demonstrate how attending to the materiality of objects and settings offers analytical leverage into the ways fields conflict and change. More specifically, we argue field instability is normal because, at the level of social action,massandenergyare inherently finite. As a result, actors responding to effects from distal fields may nevertheless collide over the objects and settings in which they are compelled to act.
Recombination humanized type III collagen promotes oral ulcer healing
Authors: Shuai Xinxing , Kang Ning , Li Yuhan , Bai Mingxuan , Zhou Xinyi , Zhang Yanjun , Lin Weimin , Li Hanwen , Liu Caojie , Lin Hai , Yuan Quan
Published: February 2023

Objective

Recombinant humanized type III collagen (rhCol III) is a highly adhesive biomaterial composed of 16 adhesion‐related tandem repeats refined from human type III collagen. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of rhCol III on oral ulcers and reveal the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Acid‐induced oral ulcers were induced on the murine tongue, and rhCol III or saline drops were administered. The effect of rhCol III on oral ulcers was assessed using gross and histological analyses. The effects on the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of human oral keratinocytes were investigated in vitro. The underlying mechanism was explored using RNA sequencing.

Results

Administration of rhCol III accelerated the lesion closure of oral ulcers, reduced the release of inflammatory factors, and alleviated pain. rhCol III promoted the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of human oral keratinocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, the enrichment of genes associated with the Notch signaling pathway was upregulated after rhCol III treatment.

Conclusion

rhCol III promoted the healing of oral ulcers, showing promising therapeutic potential in oral clinics.
Effects of Adding Morphine to Periarticular Infiltration Analgesia Combined with Single Dose Epidural Morphine in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Li Yicheng , Wulamu Wuhuzi , Yushan Nuerailijiang , Guo Xiaobin , Gu Wenchao , Cao Li , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: February 2023

Objective

Morphine plays an important role in postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are limited data that investigate the administration ways of morphine. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding morphine to periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) combined with single‐dose epidural morphine for the patients undergoing TKA.

Methods

In total, 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent the primary TKA from April 2021 and March 2022 were randomized into three groups (a cocktail containing morphine with single‐dose epidural morphine [Group A]; a cocktail containing morphine [Group B]; and a cocktail free of morphine [Group C]). The three groups were compared based on the Visual Analog Score at rest and during motion, requirement of tramadol, functional recovery including quadriceps strength and range of motion, and adverse events including nausea and vomiting and local and systemic adverse events. The repetitive measure analysis of variance and chi‐square test among three groups were used to analyze the results.

Results

Analgesia strategy in Group A (0.4 ± 0.8, and 0.9 ± 1.0 points, respectively) significantly reduced rest pain at 6 and 12 h after surgery relative to Group B (1.6 ± 1.2, and 2.2 ± 1.4 points, respectively) (p < 0.001), and the analgesic effect of Group B was stronger than that of Group C (2.1 ± 0.9, and 2.6 ± 0.9 points, respectively) (p < 0.05). Rest pain at 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in Group A (2.5 ± 0.8 points) and B (1.9 ± 1.0 points) than in Group C (2.5 ± 0.8) (p < 0.05). Within 24 h after surgery, the requirements for tramadol in Group A (0.25 g) and Group B (0.35 g) were significantly lower than those in Group C (0.75 g) (p < 0.05). Within 4 days of surgery, the quadriceps strength in the three groups increased gradually, and no statistical significance was noted among the three groups (p > 0.05). From the second day to the fourth day after surgery, although the three groups showed no statistical difference in the range of motion, the result of Group C was inferior to that of the other two groups. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and metoclopramide consumption among the three groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

PIA combined with single‐dose epidural morphine effectively reduces early postoperative pain and tramadol requirement as well as few complications, which can become a safe and effective measure to improve postoperative pain after TKA.
HSP90.2 promotes CO2 assimilation rate, grain weight and yield in wheat
Authors: Yan Yan , Wang Meng‐Lu , Guo Yue‐Ting , Ding Ci‐Hang , Niu Ke‐Xin , Li Xiao‐Ming , Sun Congwei , Dong Zhongdong , Cui Dangqun , Rasheed Awais , Hao Chenyang , Zhang Xueyong , Guo Ganggang , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Chen Feng , Gou(缑金营) Jin‐Ying
Published: February 2023

Wheat fixes CO2 by photosynthesis into kernels to nourish humankind. Improving the photosynthesis rate is a major driving force in assimilating atmospheric CO2 and guaranteeing food supply for human beings. Strategies for achieving the above goal need to be improved. Here, we report the cloning and mechanism of CO2 ASSIMILATION RATE AND KERNEL‐ENHANCED 1 (CAKE1) from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). The cake1 mutant displayed a lower photosynthesis rate with smaller grains. Genetic studies identified CAKE1 as HSP90.2‐B, encoding cytosolic molecular chaperone folding nascent preproteins. The disturbance of HSP90.2 decreased leaf photosynthesis rate, kernel weight (KW) and yield. Nevertheless, HSP90.2 over‐expression increased KW. HSP90.2 recruited and was essential for the chloroplast localization of nuclear‐encoded photosynthesis units, for example PsbO. Actin microfilaments docked on the chloroplast surface interacted with HSP90.2 as a subcellular track towards chloroplasts. A natural variation in the hexaploid wheat HSP90.2‐B promoter increased its transcription activity, enhanced photosynthesis rate and improved KW and yield. Our study illustrated an HSP90.2–Actin complex sorting client preproteins towards chloroplasts to promote CO2 assimilation and crop production. The beneficial haplotype of Hsp90.2 is rare in modern varieties and could be an excellent molecular switch promoting photosynthesis rate to increase yield in future elite wheat varieties.
Xylem resistance to cavitation increases during summer in Pinus halepensis
Authors: Feng Feng , Wagner Yael , Klein Tamir , Hochberg Uri
Published: February 2023

Cavitation resistance has often been viewed as a relatively static trait, especially for stems of forest trees. Meanwhile, other hydraulic traits, such as turgor loss point (Ψtlp) and xylem anatomy, change during the season. In this study, we hypothesized that cavitation resistance is also dynamic, changing in coordination with Ψtlp. We began with a comparison of optical vulnerability (OV), microcomputed tomography (µCT) and cavitron methods. All three methods significantly differed in the slope of the curve,Ψ12 and Ψ88, but not in Ψ50 (xylem pressures that cause 12%, 88%, 50% cavitation, respectively). Thus, we followed the seasonal dynamics (across 2 years) of Ψ50 in Pinus halepensis under Mediterranean climate using the OV method. We found that Ψ50 is a plastic trait with a reduction of approximately 1 MPa from the end of the wet season to the end of the dry season, in coordination with the dynamics of the midday xylem water potential (Ψmidday) and the Ψtlp. The observed plasticity enabled the trees to maintain a stable positive hydraulic safety margin and avoid cavitation during the long dry season. Seasonal plasticity is vital for understanding the actual risk of cavitation to plants and for modeling species' ability to tolerate harsh environments.
Abyssal geography†
Authors: Chandler David , Pugh Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Today, we are held to live in the Anthropocene, bringing to an end modern binary imaginaries, such as the separation between Human and Nature, and with them Western assumptions of progress, linear causality and human exceptionalism. Much Western critical theory, from new or vital materialism to post‐ and more‐than‐human thinking, unsurprisingly reflects this internal crisis of faith in Eurocentric or Enlightenment reasoning. At the same time, a radically different critique of modernity has gained prominence in recent years, emerging from critical Black studies, which places the Caribbean at the centre of the development of a new and distinct mode of critical thought. In attempting to grasp the ways in which Caribbean thought and practice have been seen to enable a distinctive alternative non‐Eurocentric imaginary, this paper heuristically sets out a paradigmatic framing of ‘abyssal geography’. We emphasize two key points. The first is that abyssal thought is not grounded in abstract and timeless philosophical assumptions but figuratively draws upon aspects of Caribbean practices of resistance and survival, for example, from the Middle Passage, Plantation, carnival, creolization, dance forms and speculative fiction. The second is that abyssal work engages the legacies of modernity and coloniality by explicitly seeking to question the lure of ontology: seeking to disrupt, suspend and to problematize the modern project of the human and the world.
Moral intuitions and vaccine hesitancy during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Iceland John , Silver Eric , Goff Kerby
Published: February 2023

Background

While the COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide, the rapid development and distribution of novel vaccines reduced the scale of severe illness and death. Even so, many people remain unvaccinated.

Objective

We investigate the extent to which various moral intuitions are associated with COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy.

Methods

We use data from a 2021 national YouGov sample of U.S. adults and logistic regression to examine the association between moral intuitions, net of other factors, and getting vaccinated for COVID‐19.

Results

Individualizing moral intuitions, which emphasize care and fairness, are positively associated with the likelihood of getting vaccinated. We also find that binding moral intuitions—which emphasize loyalty, respect for authority, and sanctity of the human body—are negatively associated with getting vaccinated and that this association is driven largely by sanctity. Finally, those whose moral intuitions emphasize liberty are significantly less likely to get vaccinated.

Conclusion

Moral intuitions are strongly associated with vaccine hesitancy, suggesting that the success of public health measures during a global health crisis depends on addressing the variety of underlying moral concerns that influence people's attitudes and behaviors.
Economic ideas and Taiwan's shift to export promotion in the 1950s
Authors: Irwin Douglas A.
Published: February 2023

Taiwan was the first developing country to adopt an export‐oriented trade strategy after World War II. The factors usually associated with big shifts in policy—a macroeconomic crisis, a change in political power or institutions, lobbying by export interests, pressure from international financial institutions—were not present; it was ideas that were key. In 1954, economist S. C. Tsiang proposed that Taiwan boost export earnings rather than squeeze import spending to deal with its chronic shortage of foreign exchange. He recommended a currency devaluation to establish a realistic exchange rate and a market‐based system of foreign exchange allocation to end the inefficient rationing by the government. Four years later, a policymaker, K. Y. Yin, fought for the adoption of Tsiang's proposal, helping to clear the way for Taiwan's phenomenal growth in trade.
International trade, intellectual property rights and the (un)employment of migrants
Authors: Guichard Lucas , Stepanok Ignat
Published: February 2023

We study the effect of trade liberalisation and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection on the unemployment rate of migrants relative to nonmigrants. We build a North–South trade and growth model with a positive steady state rate of migration. We find that bilateral trade liberalisation decreases the relative unemployment rate of migrants when migration is low and increases the relative unemployment rate when the migration rate is high. The results do not rely on assumptions about network effects, the probability to find a job for a migrant is independent of the relative size of the migrant diaspora. IPR protection leads to a higher relative unemployment rate of migrants regardless of the size of migration. We provide suggestive empirical evidence in line with the theoretical predictions on trade liberalisation and IPR protection using data for 20 OECD countries over the period 2000–2014.
Part Change Management: A Case Study on Automotive Engineering and Production; Domestic and International Perspectives
Authors: Knackstedt Stephan , Sutton Meredith , Summers Joshua D.
Published: February 2023

Due to interest in aspects such as process, strategies, and tools of engineering changes expressed in a literature review, a case study was done on a major automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to assess the perceived quality of its part engineering change management process and supporting system through its employees’ eyes. A combination of 12 interviews lasting 12 h and 46 written surveys was used to capture the views of participants from all major functions found at the research and development (R&D) headquarters of the OEM: Purchasing, Production, Development, and one group consisting of all other functions (“Other”). Statistical analysis was performed to identify statistically significant differences between employee perceptions of an engineering change management system among different departments, amount of use, and years of use. It was found that statistically significant differences exist in terms of understanding the usability of the system between different departments and also between different years of experience.
Hyperbolicity, Mach Lines, and Super-Shear Mode III Steady-State Fracture in Magneto-Flexoelectric Materials, Part II: Crack-Tip Asymptotics
Authors: Giannakopoulos A.E. , Knisovitis Ch. , Zisis Th. , Rosakis Ares J.
Published: February 2023

In our previous study (Part I), the anti-plane steady-state hyperbolic mode III fracture of a magneto-flexoelectric material was solved for the displacement, the polarization, and the magnetic fields. The solution, however, was based on the assumption of the development of strain discontinuities, and the propagation of the crack-tip was related to a critical shear strain. However, in the current study, the asymptotic details of the fields close to the crack-tip were investigated. The asymptotic analysis assumes strain continuity at the crack-tip (discontinuity in the strain gradients) and reveals the existence of a positive dynamic J-integral. The asymptotic analysis was performed not only for hyperbolic but also for elliptic conditions, and the energy release rate was calculated as a function of the crack-tip velocity in both regimes. These results are very different from those predicted by classical singular elastodynamics, where the dynamic J-integral is zero when super-shear is attained and there can be only an elliptic solution. Moreover, the results are very useful for couple-stress elastodynamics where equivalent length scales are present due to the analogy with flexoelectricity.
Dynein Dysfunction Prevents Maintenance of High Concentrations of Slow Axonal Transport Cargos at the Axon Terminal: A Computational Study
Authors: Kuznetsov Ivan A. , Kuznetsov Andrey V.
Published: February 2023

Here, we report computational studies of bidirectional transport in an axon, specifically focusing on predictions when the retrograde motor becomes dysfunctional. We are motivated by reports that mutations in dynein-encoding genes can cause diseases associated with peripheral motor and sensory neurons, such as type 2O Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. We use two different models to simulate bidirectional transport in an axon: an anterograde-retrograde model, which neglects passive transport by diffusion in the cytosol, and a full slow transport model, which includes passive transport by diffusion in the cytosol. As dynein is a retrograde motor, its dysfunction should not directly influence anterograde transport. However, our modeling results unexpectedly predict that slow axonal transport fails to transport cargos against their concentration gradient without dynein. The reason is the lack of a physical mechanism for the reverse information flow from the axon terminal, which is required so that the cargo concentration at the terminal could influence the cargo concentration distribution in the axon. Mathematically speaking, to achieve a prescribed concentration at the terminal, equations governing cargo transport must allow for the imposition of a boundary condition postulating the cargo concentration at the terminal. Perturbation analysis for the case when the retrograde motor velocity becomes close to zero predicts uniform cargo distributions along the axon. The obtained results explain why slow axonal transport must be bidirectional to allow for the maintenance of concentration gradients along the axon length. Our result is limited to small cargo diffusivity, which is a reasonable assumption for many slow axonal transport cargos (such as cytosolic and cytoskeletal proteins, neurofilaments, actin, and microtubules) which are transported as large multiprotein complexes or polymers.
Impact of Thermal-Hydraulic Feedback and Differential Thermal Expansion on European Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor Core Power Distribution
Authors: Lindley Ben , Álvarez Velarde Francisco , Baker Una , Bodi Janos , Cosgrove Paul , Charles Alan , Fiorina Carlo , Fridman Emil , Krepel Jiri , Lavarenne Jean , Mikityuk Konstantin , Nikitin Evgeny , Ponomarev Alexander , Radman Stefan , Shwageraus Eugene , Tollit Brendan
Published: February 2023

The objective of this paper is to quantify the coupling effect on the power distribution of sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs), specifically the European SFR. Calculations are performed with several state-of-the-art reactor physics and Multiphysics codes (TRACE/PARCS, DYN3D, WIMS, COUNTHER, and GeN-Foam) to build confidence in the methodologies and validity of results. Standalone neutronic calculations were generally in excellent agreement with a reference Monte Carlo-calculated power distribution (from Serpent). Next, the impact of coolant density and fuel temperature Doppler feedback was calculated. Reactivity coefficients for perturbations in the inlet temperature, coolant heat up and core power was shown to be negative with values of around −0.5 pcm/°C, −0.3 pcm/°C, and −3.5 pcm/%, respectively. Fuel temperature and coolant density feedback was found to introduce a roughly −1%/+1% in/out power tilt across the core. Calculations were then extended to axial expansion for cases where fuel is linked and unlinked to the clad. Core calculations are in good agreement with each other. The impact of differential fuel expansion is found to be larger for fuel both linked and unlinked to the clad, with the in/out power tilt increasing to around −4%/+2%. Thus, while broadly confirming the known result that standalone physics calculations give good results, the expansion coupling effect is perhaps more than anticipated a priori. These results provide a useful benchmark for the further development of Multiphysics codes and methodologies in support of advanced reactor calculations.
Dynamic Stress Analysis of Multisegment Curved Pipes Subjected to the Passage of an In-Line Inspection Tool
Authors: Mostaghimi Hamid , Rezvani Sina , Chune Ronald , Hugo Ron , Park Simon
Published: February 2023

Pipelines are susceptible to degradation over time due to different types of defects caused by environmental and loading conditions. In-line inspection (ILI) is a preventive examination method widely used to monitor the degradation of pipelines. The passage of an ILI tool through a segment of a pipeline with loose boundary condition can generate significant dynamic stress within the pipe. When pipelines pass through excavated sites, bridges, water, and bog, or have free-span segments, they are at a greater risk of dynamic stress. This research aims to study the effects of passing an ILI tool through pipelines consisting of straight and curved segments. A three-dimensionial finite element (FE) model based on the Timoshenko beam theory is developed to model the vibration response of curved pipes during the passage of an ILI tool. Lab-scale experiments are performed to verify the simulation results of the developed FE model. The developed model is further verified through the FE analysis performed in abaqus™ implicit. A comparison of the simulation and experimental results shows that the proposed FE model effectively and accurately predicts the dynamic stress and dynamic displacements of multisegment pipes during the passage of an ILI tool.
Stabilizing far-from-equilibrium (Mo,Ti)S2 thin films by metal sulfurization at reduced temperature
Authors: Li Yifei , Reidy Kate , Penn Aubrey , Lee Seng Huat , Wang Baoming , Ye Kevin , Mao Zhiqiang , Ross Frances M. , Jaramillo R.
Published: February 2023

We report the synthesis of large-area, high-Ti-content, Mo1−xTixS2 alloy thin films in the 2H phase at temperature as low as 500 °C using a scalable two-step method of metal film deposition, followed by sulfurization in H2S. Film processing at higher temperature accelerates Ti segregation, film coarsening, and the formation of TiS2 in the 1T phase. Crystal growth at higher temperature results in the formation of multiple binary sulfide phases, in agreement with the equilibrium phase diagram. Making highly metastable, smooth, and uniform single-phase alloy films, therefore, hinges on developing low-temperature processing. Our results are relevant to the development of technologies based on designer transition metal dichalcogenide alloys, including in photonic integrated circuits and gas sensing.
Speaking with mask in the COVID-19 era: Multiclass machine learning classification of acoustic and perceptual parameters
Authors: Calà F. , Manfredi C. , Battilocchi L. , Frassineti L. , Cantarella G.
Published: February 2023

The intensive use of personal protective equipment often requires increasing voice intensity, with possible development of voice disorders. This paper exploits machine learning approaches to investigate the impact of different types of masks on sustained vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/ and the sequence /a'jw/ inside a standardized sentence. Both objective acoustical parameters and subjective ratings were used for statistical analysis, multiple comparisons, and in multivariate machine learning classification experiments. Significant differences were found between mask+shield configuration and no-mask and between mask and mask+shield conditions. Power spectral density decreases with statistical significance above 1.5 kHz when wearing masks. Subjective ratings confirmed increasing discomfort from no-mask condition to protective masks and shield. Machine learning techniques proved that masks alter voice production: in a multiclass experiment, random forest (RF) models were able to distinguish amongst seven masks conditions with up to 94% validation accuracy, separating masked from unmasked conditions with up to 100% validation accuracy and detecting the shield presence with up to 86% validation accuracy. Moreover, an RF classifier allowed distinguishing male from female subject in masked conditions with 100% validation accuracy. Combining acoustic and perceptual analysis represents a robust approach to characterize masks configurations and quantify the corresponding level of discomfort.
Tribological variable-friction coefficient models for the simulation of dense suspensions of rough polydisperse particles
Authors: Ruiz-Lopez Jose A. , Prasanna Kumar Sagaya S. , Vazquez-Quesada Adolfo , de Vicente Juan , Ellero Marco
Published: February 2023

The rheology of concentrated suspensions of particles is complex and typically exhibits a shear-thickening behavior in the case of repulsive interactions. Despite the recent interest arisen, the causes of the shear-thickening remain unclear. Frictional contacts have been able to explain the discontinuous shear thickening in simulations. However, the interparticle friction coefficient is considered to be constant in most simulations and theoretical works reported to date despite the fact that tribological experiments demonstrate that the friction coefficient can not only be constant (boundary regime) but also decrease (mixed regime) or even increase (full-film lubrication regime), depending on the normal force and the relative velocity between the particles and the interstitial liquid between them. Interestingly, the transition between the boundary regime and the full-lubrication regime is governed by the particle average roughness. Particle-level simulations of suspensions of hard spheres were carried out using short-range lubrication and roughness-dependent frictional forces describing the full Stribeck curve. Suspensions with different particle’s roughness were simulated to show that the particle roughness is a key factor in the shear-thickening behavior; for sufficiently rough particles, the suspension exhibits a remarkable shear-thickening, while for sufficiently smooth particles, the discontinuous shear-thickening disappears.
The extracellular matrix and the immune system: A mutually dependent relationship
Authors: Sutherland Tara E. , Dyer Douglas P. , Allen Judith E.
Published: February 2023

For decades, immunologists have studied the role of circulating immune cells in host protection, with a more recent appreciation of immune cells resident within the tissue microenvironment and the intercommunication between nonhematopoietic cells and immune cells. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM), which comprises at least a third of tissue structures, remains relatively underexplored in immunology. Similarly, matrix biologists often overlook regulation of complex structural matrices by the immune system. We are only beginning to understand the scale at which ECM structures determine immune cell localization and function. Additionally, we need to better understand how immune cells dictate ECM complexity. This review aims to highlight the potential for biological discovery at the interface of immunology and matrix biology.
Menin “reads” H3K79me2 mark in a nucleosomal context
Authors: Lin Jianwei , Wu Yiping , Tian Gaofei , Yu Daqi , Yang Eunjeong , Lam Wai Hei , Liu Zheng , Jing Yihang , Dang Shangyu , Bao Xiucong , Wong Jason Wing Hon , Zhai Yuanliang , Li Xiang David
Published: February 2023

Methylation of histone H3 lysine-79 (H3K79) is an epigenetic mark for gene regulation in development, cellular differentiation, and disease progression. However, how this histone mark is translated into downstream effects remains poorly understood owing to a lack of knowledge about its readers. We developed a nucleosome-based photoaffinity probe to capture proteins that recognize H3K79 dimethylation (H3K79me2) in a nucleosomal context. In combination with a quantitative proteomics approach, this probe identified menin as a H3K79me2 reader. A cryo–electron microscopy structure of menin bound to an H3K79me2 nucleosome revealed that menin engages with the nucleosome using its fingers and palm domains and recognizes the methylation mark through a π-cation interaction. In cells, menin is selectively associated with H3K79me2 on chromatin, particularly in gene bodies.
A tunable reflector enabling crustaceans to see but not be seen
Authors: Shavit Keshet , Wagner Avital , Schertel Lukas , Farstey Viviana , Akkaynak Derya , Zhang Gan , Upcher Alexander , Sagi Amir , Yallapragada Venkata Jayasurya , Haataja Johannes , Palmer Benjamin A.
Published: February 2023

Many oceanic prey animals use transparent bodies to avoid detection. However, conspicuous eye pigments, required for vision, compromise the organisms’ ability to remain unseen. We report the discovery of a reflector overlying the eye pigments in larval decapod crustaceans and show how it is tuned to render the organisms inconspicuous against the background. The ultracompact reflector is constructed from a photonic glass of crystalline isoxanthopterin nanospheres. The nanospheres’ size and ordering are modulated to tune the reflectance from deep blue to yellow, enabling concealment in different habitats. The reflector may also function to enhance the acuity or sensitivity of the minute eyes by acting as an optical screen between photoreceptors. This multifunctional reflector offers inspiration for constructing tunable artificial photonic materials from biocompatible organic molecules.
Reducing nonradiative recombination in perovskite solar cells with a porous insulator contact
Authors: Peng Wei , Mao Kaitian , Cai Fengchun , Meng Hongguang , Zhu Zhengjie , Li Tieqiang , Yuan Shaojie , Xu Zijian , Feng Xingyu , Xu Jiahang , McGehee Michael D. , Xu Jixian
Published: February 2023

Inserting an ultrathin low-conductivity interlayer between the absorber and transport layer has emerged as an important strategy for reducing surface recombination in the best perovskite solar cells. However, a challenge with this approach is a trade-off between the open-circuit voltage (
V
oc
) and the fill factor (FF). Here, we overcame this challenge by introducing a thick (about 100 nanometers) insulator layer with random nanoscale openings. We performed drift-diffusion simulations for cells with this porous insulator contact (PIC) and realized it using a solution process by controlling the growth mode of alumina nanoplates. Leveraging a PIC with an approximately 25% reduced contact area, we achieved an efficiency of up to 25.5% (certified steady-state efficiency 24.7%) in p-i-n devices. The product of
V
oc
× FF was 87.9% of the Shockley-Queisser limit. The surface recombination velocity at the p-type contact was reduced from 64.2 to 9.2 centimeters per second. The bulk recombination lifetime was increased from 1.2 to 6.0 microseconds because of improvements in the perovskite crystallinity. The improved wettability of the perovskite precursor solution allowed us to demonstrate a 23.3% efficient 1-square-centimeter p-i-n cell. We demonstrate here its broad applicability for different p-type contacts and perovskite compositions.
Impact of Chronic Infection on Resistance and Tolerance to Secondary Infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wukitch Abigail M. , Lawrence Madyline M. , Satriale Francesco P. , Patel Alexa , Ginder Grace M. , Van Beek Emily J. , Gilani Owais , Chambers Moria C.
Published: February 2023

Prior exposure to a pathogen can greatly influence the outcome of a secondary infection, and although invertebrates lack classically defined adaptive immunity, their immune response is still influenced by prior immune challenges. While the strength and specificity of such immune priming depends highly on the host organism and infecting microbe, chronic bacterial infection of the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
with species isolated from wild-caught fruit flies provides broad nonspecific protection against a later secondary bacterial infection.
Kelp Culture Enhances Coastal Biogeochemical Cycles by Maintaining Bacterioplankton Richness and Regulating Its Interactions
Authors: Sun Yi , Li Hongjun , Wang Xiaocheng , Li Hongbo , Deng Ye
Published: February 2023

In this study, we tried to address the effects of seaweed cultivation on the microbial biogeochemical cycles and the underlying relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functions. We revealed clear enhancement of biogeochemical cycles in the seaweed cultivation areas compared to the non-mariculture coasts at both the beginning and ending of the culture cycle.
Identifying the Novel Gut Microbial Metabolite Contributing to Metabolic Syndrome in Children Based on Integrative Analyses of Microbiome-Metabolome Signatures
Authors: Wei Jia , Dai Wen , Pan Xiongfeng , Zhong Yan , Xu Ningan , Ye Ping , Wang Jie , Li Jina , Yang Fei , Luo Jiayou , Luo Miyang
Published: February 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a health concern worldwide. Gut microbiota and metabolites play an important role in human health.
Population-based screening methods in biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Arshad Adam , Gardiner Julian , Ho Carmen , Rees Philippa , Chadda Karan , Baker Alastair , Sutcliffe Alastair G
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate tested methods of population-based biliary atresia (BA) screening.

Design

We searched 11 databases between 1 January 1975 and 12 September 2022. Data extraction was independently done by two investigators.

Main outcome measures

Our primary outcomes were: sensitivity and specificity of screening method in BA detection, age at Kasai, BA associated morbidity and mortality, cost-effectiveness of screening.

Results

Six methods of BA screening were evaluated: stool colour charts (SCCs), conjugated bilirubin measurements, stool colour saturations (SCSs), measurements of urinary sulfated bile acids (USBAs), assessments of blood spot bile acids and blood carnitine measurements.

In a meta-analysis, USBA was the most sensitive and specific, with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% (95% CI 2.5% to 100.0%) and 99.5% (95% CI 98.9% to 99.8%) (based on one study). This was followed by conjugated bilirubin measurements: 100.0% (95% CI 0.0% to 100.0%) and 99.3% (95% CI 91.9% to 99.9%), SCS: 100.0% (95% CI 0.00% to 100.0%) and 92.4% (95% CI 83.4% to 96.7%), and SCC: 87.9% (95% CI 80.4% to 92.8%) and 99.9% (95% CI 99.9% to 99.9%).

SCC reduced the age of Kasai to ~60 days, compared with 36 days for conjugated bilirubin. Both SCC and conjugated bilirubin improved overall and transplant-free survival. The use of SCC was considerably more cost-effective than conjugated bilirubin measurements.

Conclusion

Conjugated bilirubin measurements and SCC are the most researched and demonstrate improved sensitivity and specificity in detecting BA. However, their use is expensive. Further research into conjugated bilirubin measurements, as well as alternative methods of population-based BA screening, is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021235133.
Does the addition of motor control or strengthening exercises to education result in better outcomes for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? A multiarm randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dubé Marc-Olivier , Desmeules François , Lewis Jeremy S , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: February 2023

Objective

To compare the short-term, mid-term and long-term effects between three interventions (education only, education and strengthening exercises, education and motor control exercises) for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) on symptoms and function.

Methods

123 adults presenting with RCRSP took part in a 12-week intervention. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups. Symptoms and function were evaluated at baseline and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) (primary outcome) and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC). Linear mixed modelling was used to compare the effects of the three programmes on the outcomes.

Results

After 24 weeks, between-group differences were −2.1 (-7.7 to 3.5) (motor control vs education), 1.2 (-4.9 to 7.4) (strengthening vs education) and −3.3 (-9.5 to 2.8) (motor control vs strengthening) for theQuickDASH and 9.3 (1.5 to 17.1) (motor control vs education), 1.3 (−7.6 to 10.2) (strengthening vs education) and 8.0 (−0.5 to 16.5) (motor control vs strengthening) for the WORC. There was a significant group-by-time interaction (p=0.04) withQuickDASH, but follow-up analyses did not reveal any clinically meaningful between-group differences. There was no significant group-by-time interaction (p=0.39) for the WORC. Between-group differences never exceeded the minimal clinically important difference ofQuickDASH or WORC.

Conclusion

In people with RCRSP, the addition of motor control or strengthening exercises to education did not lead to larger improvements in symptoms and function compared with education alone. Further research should investigate the value of providing stepped care by identifying individuals who may only need education and those who would benefit from the addition of motor control or strengthening exercises.

Trial registration number

NCT03892603.
Risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attack in patients with a diagnosis of resolved atrial fibrillation: retrospective cohort studies
Authors: Adderley Nicola J , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Marshall Tom
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To determine rates of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and all cause mortality in patients with a diagnosis of “resolved” atrial fibrillation compared to patients with unresolved atrial fibrillation and without atrial fibrillation.

Design

Two retrospective cohort studies.

Setting

General practices contributing to The Health Improvement Network, 1 January 2000 to 15 May 2016.

Participants

Adults aged 18 years or more with no previous stroke or TIA: 11 159 with resolved atrial fibrillation, 15 059 controls with atrial fibrillation, and 22 266 controls without atrial fibrillation.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was incidence of stroke or TIA. Secondary outcome was all cause mortality.

Results

Adjusted incidence rate ratios for stroke or TIA in patients with resolved atrial fibrillation were 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.67 to 0.85, P<0.001) versus controls with atrial fibrillation and 1.63 (1.46 to 1.83, P<0.001) versus controls without atrial fibrillation. Adjusted incidence rate ratios for mortality in patients with resolved atrial fibrillation were 0.60 (0.56 to 0.65, P<0.001) versus controls with atrial fibrillation and 1.13 (1.06 to 1.21, P<0.001) versus controls without atrial fibrillation. When patients with resolved atrial fibrillation and documented recurrent atrial fibrillation were excluded the adjusted incidence rate ratio for stroke or TIA was 1.45 (1.26 to 1.67, P<0.001) versus controls without atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Patients with resolved atrial fibrillation remain at higher risk of stroke or TIA than patients without atrial fibrillation. The risk is increased even in those in whom recurrent atrial fibrillation is not documented. Guidelines should be updated to advocate continued use of anticoagulants in patients with resolved atrial fibrillation.
Asymptomatic cerebral small vessel disease in adults with low cardiovascular risk
Authors: Hernández-Díaz Zenaida Milagros , Peña-Sánchez Marisol , Pimienta-Medina Mayelin , González-García Sergio , Brown Martínez Marta , Arteche Prior Marianela , Martin Arias Yasmany , Hodelin-Maynard Edwin Humberto , Abreu Duque Armando , Gonzalez-Quevedo Alina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) frequently occurs in individuals with vascular risk factors. This condition might go unrecognised or result in only mild functional deficits.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between cardiovascular (CV) risk calculated with the HEARTS app and CSVD burden in a population without cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, and to estimate the prevalence of CSVD in low risk (LR) individuals.

Methods

Asymptomatic subjects with vascular risk factors were included from primary health areas in Havana. The WHO’s revised CV disease risk prediction chart (HEARTS app) was applied to all individuals, who were classified into two groups: LR and moderate/high risk (M/HR). Brain MRI was performed in all subjects.

Results

170 patients were included: 43 (25.3%) classified as low CV risk and 127 (74.7%) had M/HR CV risk. Half of the neurologically healthy individuals included displayed cerebral small vessel involvement (51.2%). White matter hyperintensities (WMH) and enlarged perivascular spaces were the most frequent lesions observed in both groups. WMH were more severe and more severe global score for CSVD were more frequent in the M/HR group (57.5%). It was noteworthy that 32.6% of LR-patients also exhibited more severe CSVD. The multivariate regression analysis revealed an independent association of arterial hypertension and age with the severity of CSVD.

Conclusions

CV risk stratification through the HEARTS app has limited utility for predicting brain health in individuals with low CV risk. Identifying silent CSVD in individuals with apparently low CV risk is important, especially if they suffer from arterial hypertension.
Is urban regeneration associated with antidepressants or sedative medication users: a registry-based natural experiment
Authors: Nygaard Siv Steffen , Jorgensen Terese Sara Hoj , Wium-Andersen Ida Kim , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik , Lund Rikke
Published: February 2023

Background

Area deprivation is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. In Denmark, urban regeneration is being used to dissolve concentrated socio-economic area deprivation and ethnic segregation. However, evidence on how urban regeneration affects mental health of residents is ambiguous partly due to methodological challenges. This study investigates if urban regeneration affects users of antidepressant and sedative medication among residents in an exposed and control social housing area in Denmark.

Methods

Using a longitudinal quasi-experimental design we measured users of antidepressant and sedative medication in one area undergoing urban regeneration compared with a control area. We measured prevalent and incident users from 2015 to 2020 among non-Western and Western women and men and used logistic regression to measure annual change in users over time. Analyses are adjusted for a covariate propensity score estimated using baseline socio-demographic characteristics and general practitioner contacts.

Results

Urban regeneration did not affect the proportion of prevalent nor incident users of antidepressant and sedative medication. However, levels were high in both areas compared with the national average. Descriptive levels of prevalent and incident users were generally lower among residents in the exposed area compared with the control area for most years and stratified groups confirmed by the logistic regression analyses.

Conclusion

Urban regeneration was not associated with users of antidepressant or sedative medication. We found lower levels of antidepressant and sedative medication users in the exposed area compared with the control area. More studies are needed to investigate the underlying reasons for these findings, and whether they could be related to underuse.
Evaluating two approaches to the erector spinae plane block: an anatomical study
Authors: Harbell Monica W , Langley Natalie R , Seamans David P , Koyyalamudi Veerandra , Kraus Molly B , Carey Frederick J , Craner Ryan
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

Studies show variable spread with thoracic erector spinae plane (ESP) injections. Injection sites vary from lateral end of the transverse process (TP) to 3 cm from the spinous process, with many not describing the precise site of injection. This human cadaveric study examined dye spread of ultrasound-guided thoracic ESP block at two needle locations.

Methods

Ultrasound-guided ESP blocks were performed on unembalmed cadavers. Methylene blue (20 mL, 0.1%) was injected in the ESP at the medial TP at level T5 (medial transverse process injection (MED), n=7) and the lateral end of the TP between T4 and T5 (injection between transverse processes (BTWN), n=7). The back muscles were dissected, and the cephalocaudal and medial-lateral dye spread documented.

Results

Dye spread cephalocaudally from C4-T12 in the MED group and C5-T11 in the BTWN group, and laterally to the iliocostalis muscle in five MED injections and all BTWN injections. One MED injection reached serratus anterior. Dorsal rami were dyed in five MED and all BTWN injections. Dye spread to the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal root in most injections, though more extensively in the BTWN group. The ventral root was dyed in 4 MED and 6 BTWN injections. Epidural spread in BTWN injections ranged from 3 to 12 levels (median: 5 levels), with contralateral spread in two cases and intrathecal spread in five injections. Epidural spread in MED injections was less extensive (median (range): 1 (0–3) levels); two MED injections did not enter the epidural space.

Conclusion

An ESP injection administered between TPs exhibits more extensive spread than a medial TP injection in a human cadaveric model.
Randomized clinical trial comparing pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration for total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Bravo Daniela , Aliste Julián , Layera Sebastián , Fernández Diego , Erpel Hans , Aguilera Germán , Arancibia Hernán , Barrientos Cristián , Wulf Rodrigo , León Sebastián , Brañes Julián , Finlayson Roderick J , Tran De Q
Published: February 2023

Background

This randomized trial compared pericapsular nerve group block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. We hypothesized that, compared with pericapsular nerve group block, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration would decrease the postoperative incidence of quadriceps weakness at 3 hours fivefold (ie, from 45% to 9%).

Methods

Sixty patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive a pericapsular nerve group block (n=30) using 20 mL of adrenalized bupivacaine 0.50%, or periarticular local anesthetic infiltration (n=30) using 60 mL of adrenalized bupivacaine 0.25%. Both groups also received 30 mg of ketorolac, either intravenously (pericapsular nerve group block) or periarticularly (periarticular local anesthetic infiltration), as well as 4 mg of intravenous dexamethasone.

Postoperatively, a blinded evaluator carried out sensory assessment and motor assessment (knee extension and hip adduction) at 3, 6 and 24 hours. Furthermore, the blinded observer also recorded static and dynamic pain scores at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 hours; time to first opioid request; cumulative breakthrough morphine consumption at 24 hours and 48 hours; opioid-related side effects; ability to perform physiotherapy at 6, 24 and 48 hours; as well as length of stay.

Results

There were no differences in quadriceps weakness at 3 hours between pericapsular nerve group block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration (20% vs 33%; p=0.469). Furthermore, no intergroup differences were found in terms of sensory block or motor block at other time intervals; time to first opioid request; cumulative breakthrough morphine consumption; opioid-related side effects; ability to perform physiotherapy; and length of stay. Compared with pericapsular nerve group block, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration resulted in lower static pain scores (at all measurement intervals) and dynamic pain scores (at 3 and 6 hours).

Conclusion

For primary total hip arthroplasty, pericapsular nerve group block and periarticular local anesthetic infiltration result in comparable rates of quadriceps weakness. However, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration is associated with lower static pain scores (especially during the first 24 hours) and dynamic pain scores (first 6 hours). Further investigation is required to determine the optimal technique and local anesthetic admixture for periarticular local anesthetic infiltration.

Trial registration number

NCT05087862.