bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a prognostic marker for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma receiving radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Chang Li-Wen , Hung Sheng-Chun , Chen Chuan-Shu , Li Jian-Ri , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Wang Shian-Shiang , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Lu Kevin , Chen Cheng-Che , Wang Shu-Chi , Lin Chia-Yen , Cheng Chen-Li , Ou Yen-Chuan , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: March 2023

To investigate the prognostic value of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in patients with upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Between January 2001 and December 2015, we enrolled 488 patients with UTUC underwent RNU in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. GNRI before radical surgery was calculated based on serum albumin level and body mass index. The malnutritional status was defined as GNRI < 92.0. Using Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the risk factors on disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). 386 patients were categorized as normal nutritional status (GNRI ≥ 92) and 102 patients as malnutritional status (GNRI < 92). We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for determined the association between GNRI and OS, with area under the curve (AUC) being 0.69. The 5-year survival rate of DFS, CSS and OS were 48.6%, 80.5% and 80.5% in the normal nutritional group and 28.0%, 53.2% and 40% in the malnutritional group. Using the multivariate analysis, malnutritional status was found as an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–5.74), together with age (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06), surgical margin positive (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.13–2.82), pathological T3 (HR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.53–4.21), pathological T4 (HR = 6.75, 95% CI 3.17–14.37) and lymphovascular invasion (HR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.16–2.81). We also found GNRI index as independent risk factor in DFS (HR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.42–2.54) and CSS (HR = 5.42, 95% CI 3.24–9.06). Preoperative malnutritional status with low GNRI is an independent marker in predicting DFS, CSS and OS in UTUC patients underwent RNU.
Computational and experimental investigations of the giant dielectric property of Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics
Authors: Boonlakhorn Jakkree , Suksangrat Punpatsorn , Sarakorn Weerachai , Krongsuk Sriprajak , Thongbai Prasit , Srepusharawoot Pornjuk
Published: March 2023

A modified sol-gel method was used to successfully produce Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics with high dielectric permittivity. The dielectric permittivity of Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics reaches values larger than 104 at room temperature and 1 kHz. Moreover, these ceramics exhibit two distinct thermally induced dielectric relaxations over a broad temperature range. The loss tangent is indeed small, ~0.032–0.035. At low temperatures, dielectric relaxation was attributed to the oxygen vacancy effect, while at high temperatures, it was attributed to grain boundary and sample-electrode contact effects. Our calculations revealed that Y and Na ions are likely to occupy Ca and Cu sites, respectively. As a result, other Cu related phases, especially CuO, were observed at the grain boundaries. Based on our analysis, there is a charge compensation between Na and Y ions in Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12. Additionally, the Cu+ and Ti3+ states observed in our XPS study originate from the presence of an oxygen vacancy in the lattice. Last, the primary cause of the enormous dielectric permittivity of Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics primarily comes from the internal barrier layer capacitor effect.
Comparative efficacy of a novel Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic and pharmacological zinc oxide on growth performance and gut responses in nursery pigs
Authors: Sudan Sudhanshu , Fletcher Lauren , Zhan Xiaoshu , Dingle Serena , Patterson Rob , Huber Lee-Anne , Friendship Robert , Kiarie Elijah G. , Li Julang
Published: March 2023

In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a novel Bacillus subtilis probiotic in improving growth performance and gut responses in comparison to pharmacological zinc oxide (ZnO) in nursery pigs. A total of 96 piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: Negative control (NC), Positive control (PC, 3000 mg Zn /kg feed), B.subtilis low dose (BS9-L, 2 × 107 CFU/pig) and B.subtilis high dose (BS9-H, 2 × 109 CFU/pig). Growth performance, diarrhea rate, gut mucosal gene expression and fecal microbial populations were evaluated. B.subtilis administration did not improve piglet bodyweight. BS9-L showed (P < 0.05) higher average daily gain (ADG) in Period 2 (D14-D28). BS9 groups had (P < 0.001) lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Period 2 (D14-D28) and overall. Like the ZnO-group, BS9 groups had lower (P < 0.01) diarrhea rate. A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fecal E. coli, total coliforms, and an increase in lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. in BS9 groups was observed. BS9 group had reduced (P < 0.05) mRNA levels of intestinal IL-8 and higher levels of MUC-1 and occludin and TJP-1 compared to negative control. These findings suggest that probiotic BS9, may promote growth performance, and ameliorate various indicators of intestinal health in piglets. Hence, it may serve as a prospective alternative to ZnO growth promoter in commercial swine production.
Electrospun nanofibers of cellulose acetate/metal organic framework-third generation PAMAM dendrimer for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous media
Authors: Heidari Yasaman , Noroozian Ebrahim , Maghsoudi Shahab
Published: March 2023

In this research, magnetic metal–organic framework nanofibers were produced by the electrospinning method. The nanocomposite was functionalized by third generation hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) to improve its dye adsorption efficiency from aqueous media. The characteristics of the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite was determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) along with elemental mapping analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to optimize the adsorption variables and the values of coefficient of determination (R2) and adjusted R2 were 0.9837 and 0.9490, respectively. The results obtained demonstrated remarkable properties of the synthesized nanofiber as adsorbent for methylene blue from aqueous solutions with the removal efficiency of 95.37% and maximum methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity of 940.76 mg g−1 under optimized conditions. In addition, it was shown that kinetics and adsorption isotherm of the dye removal process followed Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. Thermodynamic study of the dye removal indicated that the process was spontaneous and favorable at higher temperatures. Also, the reusability study shows favorable dye removal efficiency of 80.67% even after 4 cycles. To investigate the performance of the adsorbent for the removal of MB in real samples, a sewage sample from a local hospital was used. The result showed good efficiency of the adsorbent.
Prognostic nomogram and risk factors for predicting survival in patients with pT2N0M0 esophageal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Kang Mei , Wang Yichun , Yang Mingwei , Wang Xiumei , Zhu Liyang , Zhang Mei
Published: March 2023

This study analyzed the impact of factors affecting overall survival in patients with pT2N0M0 esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) and developed a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS). We reviewed the clinical data of 413 patients with pathological T2N0M0 ESCC after radical esophagectomy in two hospitals. Data from one institution was used as the training cohort. A nomogram was established using Cox proportional hazard regression for identifying the prognostic factors affecting for OS in ESCC patients. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate prognostic efficacy, which was validated in an independent validation cohort. In the training cohort (N = 304), the median OS was 69.33 months, and the 3-, 5- and 10-year OS rates were 76.80%, 67.00% and 56.90%, respectively. The median OS of the validation cohort (N = 109) was 73.50 months, and the 3-, 5- and 10-year OS rates were 77.00%, 67.80% and 55.60%, respectively. According to Cox univariate and multivariate analyses, sex, age, tumor length and the number of resected lymph nodes were identified as predictors of OS. We developed nomograms and performed internal and external validation. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) value, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed good prediction ability of the nomogram. The developed nomogram can effectively predict OS after esophagectomy in patients with pT2N0M0 ESCC.
Machine learning for accurate estimation of fetal gestational age based on ultrasound images
Authors: Lee Lok Hin , Bradburn Elizabeth , Craik Rachel , Yaqub Mohammad , Norris Shane A. , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Ohuma Eric O. , Barros Fernando C. , Lambert Ann , Carvalho Maria , Jaffer Yasmin A. , Gravett Michael , Purwar Manorama , Wu Qingqing , Bertino Enrico , Munim Shama , Min Aung Myat , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Villar Jose , Kennedy Stephen H. , Noble J. Alison , Papageorghiou Aris T.
Published: March 2023

Accurate estimation of gestational age is an essential component of good obstetric care and informs clinical decision-making throughout pregnancy. As the date of the last menstrual period is often unknown or uncertain, ultrasound measurement of fetal size is currently the best method for estimating gestational age. The calculation assumes an average fetal size at each gestational age. The method is accurate in the first trimester, but less so in the second and third trimesters as growth deviates from the average and variation in fetal size increases. Consequently, fetal ultrasound late in pregnancy has a wide margin of error of at least ±2 weeks’ gestation. Here, we utilise state-of-the-art machine learning methods to estimate gestational age using only image analysis of standard ultrasound planes, without any measurement information. The machine learning model is based on ultrasound images from two independent datasets: one for training and internal validation, and another for external validation. During validation, the model was blinded to the ground truth of gestational age (based on a reliable last menstrual period date and confirmatory first-trimester fetal crown rump length). We show that this approach compensates for increases in size variation and is even accurate in cases of intrauterine growth restriction. Our best machine-learning based model estimates gestational age with a mean absolute error of 3.0 (95% CI, 2.9–3.2) and 4.3 (95% CI, 4.1–4.5) days in the second and third trimesters, respectively, which outperforms current ultrasound-based clinical biometry at these gestational ages. Our method for dating the pregnancy in the second and third trimesters is, therefore, more accurate than published methods.
Enabling fully automated insulin delivery through meal detection and size estimation using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mosquera-Lopez Clara , Wilson Leah M. , El Youssef Joseph , Hilts Wade , Leitschuh Joseph , Branigan Deborah , Gabo Virginia , Eom Jae H. , Castle Jessica R. , Jacobs Peter G.
Published: March 2023

We present a robust insulin delivery system that includes automated meal detection and carbohydrate content estimation using machine learning for meal insulin dosing called robust artificial pancreas (RAP). We conducted a randomized, single-center crossover trial to compare postprandial glucose control in the four hours following unannounced meals using a hybrid model predictive control (MPC) algorithm and the RAP system. The RAP system includes a neural network model to automatically detect meals and deliver a recommended meal insulin dose. The meal detection algorithm has a sensitivity of 83.3%, false discovery rate of 16.6%, and mean detection time of 25.9 minutes. While there is no significant difference in incremental area under the curve of glucose, RAP significantly reduces time above range (glucose >180 mg/dL) by 10.8% (P = 0.04) and trends toward increasing time in range (70–180 mg/dL) by 9.1% compared with MPC. Time below range (glucose <70 mg/dL) is not significantly different between RAP and MPC.
Application of smart devices in investigating the effects of air pollution on atrial fibrillation onset
Authors: Liu Cong , Tai Meihui , Hu Jialu , Zhu Xinlei , Wang Weidong , Guo Yutao , Kan Haidong , Chen Renjie
Published: March 2023

Few studies have examined the link between short-term exposure to air pollutants and atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes. This study aims to examine the association of hourly criteria air pollutants with AF episodes. We employ a smart device-based photoplethysmography technology to screen AF from 2018 to 2021. Hourly concentrations of six criteria air pollutants are matched to the onset hour of AF for each participant. We adopt a time-stratified case-crossover design to capture the acute effects of air pollutants on AF episodes, using conditional logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses are conducted by age, gender, and season. A total of 11,906 episodes of AF are identified in 2976 participants from 288 Chinese cities. Generally, the strongest associations of air pollutants are present at lag 18–24 h, with positive and linear exposure-response relationships. For an interquartile range increase in inhalable particles, fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, the odds ratio (OR) of AF is 1.19 [95% confidential interval (CI): 1.03, 1.37], 1.38 (95%CI: 1.14, 1.67), 1.60 (95%CI: 1.16, 2.20) and 1.48 (95%CI: 1.19, 1.84), respectively. The estimates are robust to the adjustment of co-pollutants, and they are larger in females, older people, and in cold seasons. There are insignificant associations for sulfur dioxide and ozone. This nationwide case-crossover study demonstrates robust evidence of significant associations between hourly exposure to air pollutants and the onset of AF episodes, which underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to further improve air quality as an effective target for AF prevention.
Intermittent antibiotic treatment of bacterial biofilms favors the rapid evolution of resistance
Authors: Usui Masaru , Yoshii Yutaka , Thiriet-Rupert Stanislas , Ghigo Jean-Marc , Beloin Christophe
Published: March 2023

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a global health concern of increasing importance and intensive study. Although biofilms are a common source of infections in clinical settings, little is known about the development of antibiotic resistance within biofilms. Here, we use experimental evolution to compare selection of resistance mutations in planktonic and biofilm Escherichia coli populations exposed to clinically relevant cycles of lethal treatment with the aminoglycoside amikacin. Consistently, mutations in sbmA, encoding an inner membrane peptide transporter, and fusA, encoding the essential elongation factor G, are rapidly selected in biofilms, but not in planktonic cells. This is due to a combination of enhanced mutation rate, increased adhesion capacity and protective biofilm-associated tolerance. These results show that the biofilm environment favors rapid evolution of resistance and provide new insights into the dynamic evolution of antibiotic resistance in biofilms.
Setd2 inactivation sensitizes lung adenocarcinoma to inhibitors of oxidative respiration and mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Walter David M. , Gladstein Amy C. , Doerig Katherine R. , Natesan Ramakrishnan , Baskaran Saravana G. , Gudiel A. Andrea , Adler Keren M. , Acosta Jonuelle O. , Wallace Douglas C. , Asangani Irfan A. , Feldser David M.
Published: March 2023

SETD2 is a tumor suppressor that is frequently inactivated in several cancer types. The mechanisms through which SETD2 inactivation promotes cancer are unclear, and whether targetable vulnerabilities exist in these tumors is unknown. Here we identify heightened mTORC1-associated gene expression programs and functionally higher levels of oxidative metabolism and protein synthesis as prominent consequences of Setd2 inactivation in KRAS-driven mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma. Blocking oxidative respiration and mTORC1 signaling abrogates the high rates of tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth specifically in SETD2-deficient tumors. Our data nominate SETD2 deficiency as a functional marker of sensitivity to clinically actionable therapeutics targeting oxidative respiration and mTORC1 signaling.
Anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex oscillations underlie learning alterations in trait anxiety in humans
Authors: Hein Thomas P. , Gong Zheng , Ivanova Marina , Fedele Tommaso , Nikulin Vadim , Herrojo Ruiz Maria
Published: March 2023

Anxiety has been linked to altered belief formation and uncertainty estimation, impacting learning. Identifying the neural processes underlying these changes is important for understanding brain pathology. Here, we show that oscillatory activity in the medial prefrontal, anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex (mPFC, ACC, OFC) explains anxiety-related learning alterations. In a magnetoencephalography experiment, two groups of human participants pre-screened with high and low trait anxiety (HTA, LTA: 39) performed a probabilistic reward-based learning task. HTA undermined learning through an overestimation of volatility, leading to faster belief updating, more stochastic decisions and pronounced lose-shift tendencies. On a neural level, we observed increased gamma activity in the ACC, dmPFC, and OFC during encoding of precision-weighted prediction errors in HTA, accompanied by suppressed ACC alpha/beta activity. Our findings support the association between altered learning and belief updating in anxiety and changes in gamma and alpha/beta activity in the ACC, dmPFC, and OFC.
CD83 expression characterizes precursor exhausted T cell population
Authors: Wu Zhiwen , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Inoue Satoshi , Ito Yusuke , Kasuya Hitomi , Nakashima Takahiro , Zhang Haosong , Kotaka Saki , Hosoda Waki , Suzuki Shiro , Kagoya Yuki
Published: March 2023

T cell exhaustion is a main obstacle against effective cancer immunotherapy. Exhausted T cells include a subpopulation that maintains proliferative capacity, referred to as precursor exhausted T cells (TPEX). While functionally distinct and important for antitumor immunity, TPEX possess some overlapping phenotypic features with the other T-cell subsets within the heterogeneous tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TIL). Here we explore surface marker profiles unique to TPEX using the tumor models treated by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. We find that CD83 is predominantly expressed in the CCR7+PD1+ intratumoral CAR-T cells compared with the CCR7-PD1+ (terminally differentiated) and CAR-negative (bystander) T cells. The CD83+CCR7+ CAR-T cells exhibit superior antigen-induced proliferation and IL-2 production compared with the CD83- T cells. Moreover, we confirm selective expression of CD83 in the CCR7+PD1+ T-cell population in primary TIL samples. Our findings identify CD83 as a marker to discriminate TPEX from terminally exhausted and bystander TIL.
Acetate attenuates hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury by inhibiting macrophage infiltration via the miR-493-3p/MIF axis
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wu Chengjie , Zhou Zhen , Zhang Guangyuan , Luo Lianmin , Liu Yang , Huang Zhicong , Ai Guoyao , Zhao Zhijian , Zhong Wen , Liu Yongda , Zeng Guohua
Published: March 2023

Hyperoxaluria is well known to cause renal injury and end-stage kidney disease. Previous studies suggested that acetate treatment may improve the renal function in hyperoxaluria rat model. However, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Using an ethylene glycol (EG)-induced hyperoxaluria rat model, we find the oral administration of 5% acetate reduced the elevated serum creatinine, urea, and protected against hyperoxaluria-induced renal injury and fibrosis with less infiltrated macrophages in the kidney. Treatment of acetate in renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro decrease the macrophages recruitment which might have reduced the oxalate-induced renal tubular cells injury. Mechanism dissection suggests that acetate enhanced acetylation of Histone H3 in renal tubular cells and promoted expression of miR-493-3p by increasing H3K9 and H3K27 acetylation at its promoter region. The miR-493-3p can suppress the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), thus inhibiting the macrophages recruitment and reduced oxalate-induced renal tubular cells injury. Importantly, results from the in vivo rat model also demonstrate that the effects of acetate against renal injury were weakened after blocking the miR-493-3p by antagomir treatment. Together, these results suggest that acetate treatment ameliorates the hyperoxaluria-induced renal injury via inhibiting macrophages infiltration with change of the miR-493-3p/MIF signals. Acetate could be a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of oxalate nephropathy.
LncRNA-MIAT activates hepatic stellate cells via regulating Hippo pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zhan Yating , Tao Qiqi , Meng Qishan , Zhang Rongrong , Lin Lifan , Li Xinmiao , Zheng Lei , Zheng Jianjian
Published: March 2023

Long non-coding RNA-myocardial infarction-associated transcript (lncRNA-MIAT) has been reported to play an important role in the development of multiple cancers. However, the biological roles of MIAT in liver fibrosis are still unknown. In this study, the expression of MIAT is up-regulated during liver fibrosis. Silencing MIAT leads to the suppression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation and collagen expression. Double immunofluorescence analysis additionally demonstrates that MIAT inhibition leads to the suppression of type I collagen and α-SMA in vitro. In vivo, MIAT knockdown contributes to the inhibition of fibrosis progression and collagen accumulation. MIAT is confirmed as a target of miR-3085-5p, and the co-location of MIAT and miR-3085-5p is found in HSC cytoplasm. Interestingly, there is a negative correlation between MIAT expression and miR-3085-5p level in cirrhotic patients as well as activated HSCs. In addition, the effects of MIAT inhibition on HSC inactivation are blocked down by miR-3085-5p inhibitor. YAP is a target of miR-3085-5p. Reduced YAP caused by loss of MIAT is reversed by miR-3085-5p inhibitor. Notably, YAP knockdown results in the suppression of MIAT-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In conclusion, we demonstrate that MIAT enhances the activation of HSCs, at least in part, via miR-3085-5p/YAP/EMT signaling pathway.
Analysis of well-annotated next-generation sequencing data reveals increasing cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection with Omicron
Authors: Burkholz Scott , Rubsamen Michael , Blankenberg Luke , Carback Richard T. , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Harris Paul E.
Published: March 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has extensively mutated creating variants of concern (VOC) resulting in global infection surges. The Omicron VOC reinfects individuals exposed to earlier variants of SARS-CoV-2 at a higher frequency than previously seen for non-Omicron VOC. An analysis of the sub-lineages associated with an Omicron primary infection and Omicron reinfection reveals that the incidence of Omicron-Omicron reinfections is occurring over a shorter time interval than seen after a primary infection with a non-Omicron VOC. Our analysis suggests that a single infection from SARS-CoV-2 may not generate the protective immunity required to defend against reinfections from emerging Omicron lineages. This analysis was made possible by Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of a Danish cohort with clinical metadata on both infections occurring in the same individual. We suggest that the continuation of COVID-19 NGS and inclusion of clinical metadata is necessary to ensure effective surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 genomics, assist in treatment and vaccine development, and guide public health recommendations.
Tunning the tilt of the Dirac cone by atomic manipulations in 8Pmmn borophene
Authors: Yekta Yasin , Hadipour Hanif , Jafari Seyed Akbar
Published: March 2023

Two dimensional quantum materials possessing Dirac cones in their spectrum are fascinating due to their emergent low-energy Dirac fermions. In 8Pmmn borophene the Dirac cone is furthermore tilted, which is a proxy for spacetime geometry, since the future light-cone depends on the underlying metric. Therefore it is important to understand the microscopic origin of the tilt. Here, based on ab-initio calculations, we decipher the atomistic mechanism of the formation of tilt. First, nearest-neighbor hopping on a buckled honeycomb lattice forms an upright Dirac cone. Then, the difference in the renormalized anisotropic second-neighbor hopping, formed by virtual hoppings on one-dimensional chains of atoms, tilts the Dirac cone. We construct an accurate tight-binding model on honeycomb graph for analytical investigation, and we find that substitution of certain boron atoms by carbon provides a way to change the tilt of the cone.
Development and challenges in perovskite scintillators for high-resolution imaging and timing applications
Authors: Wibowo Arie , Sheikh Md Abdul Kuddus , Diguna Lina Jaya , Ananda Muhammad Bagas , Marsudi Maradhana Agung , Arramel Arramel , Zeng Shuwen , Wong Liang Jie , Birowosuto Muhammad Danang
Published: March 2023

Inorganic scintillators play a major role in ionizing radiation detection due to their high versatility to detect multiple radiation sources such as X-rays, gamma-rays, alpha, beta, and neutron particles, and their fast and high light yield, making them especially convenient for imaging, spectroscopy, and timing applications. Scintillators-based detection systems are found, among various applications, in medical imaging, homeland security, high-energy physics, industrial control, oil drilling explorations, and energy management. This Review discusses advances and prospects of perovskite scintillators, particularly low-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite crystals and all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals. We highlight the promise of two-dimensional lithium-doped (PEA)2PbBr4 crystals and CsPbBr3 nanocrystals as scintillators with high light yields, exceeding 20 photons/keV, and fast decay times of less than 15 ns. Such a combination may result in fast-spectral X-ray imaging, an output count rate exceeding 30 Mcps/pixel in photon-counting computed tomography, and coincidence timing resolution of less than 100 ps in positron emission tomography. We review recent strategies to further improve light yield, decay time, and coincidence timing resolution through light-matter interactions such as extraction efficiency enhancement and Purcell-enhanced scintillators. These advancements in light yields and decay times of perovskite scintillators will be particularly useful in the medical and security applications.
Routes to reduction of phosphate by high-energy events
Authors: Bindi Luca , Feng Tian , Pasek Matthew A.
Published: March 2023

Phosphate minerals such as those in the apatite group tend to be the dominant forms of phosphorus in minerals on the Earth’s surface. Phosphate can be reduced to phosphides during high-energy events, such as lightning and impacts. Here we show that, in addition to formation of metal phosphides, a new compound was formed by lightning in a fulgurite from New Port Richey, Florida, USA. A calcium phosphite material, ideally CaHPO3, was found in spherules mainly consisting of iron silicides that formed by lightning-induced fusion of sand around a tree root. This phosphite material bears a phosphorus oxidation state intermediate of that of phosphides and phosphates in a geologic sample and implicates phosphites as being potentially relevant to other high-energy events where phosphorus may partially change its redox state, and material similar to this phosphite may also be the source of phosphite that makes up part of the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle.
Andean headwater and piedmont streams are hot spots of carbon dioxide and methane emissions in the Amazon basin
Authors: Chiriboga Gonzalo , Borges Alberto V.
Published: March 2023

Rivers substantially contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet emissions from headwater streams are poorly constrained. Here, we report dissolved concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in Andean headwater and piedmont streams in the Napo River basin in Ecuador, part of the Amazon River catchment. Concentrations increased exponentially with elevation decrease between 3990 and 175 m above sea level. Concentration changes scaled with catchment slope, and were attributed to variations in gas transfer velocity, forest cover, inundation extent, and water temperature. We estimate river emissions across the whole Amazon basin using existing data for the lowland Central Amazon. We find that Andean mountainous headwater and piedmont streams are hotspots of CO2 and CH4 emission, with respective areal fluxes being 1.7 and 4.5 higher in headwater streams, and 1.2 and 6.6 higher in piedmont streams than in lowland streams. Together, Andean mountainous headwater and piedmont streams and rivers represented 35% CO2 and 72% CH4 of basin scale integrated fluvial diffusive emissions. Conversely, N2O emissions from headwater and piedmont streams were low compared to lowland streams.
Community dynamics of microbial eukaryotes in intertidal mudflats in the hypertidal Bay of Fundy
Authors: Kalu Eke I , Reyes-Prieto Adrian , Barbeau Myriam A
Published: March 2023

Protists (microbial eukaryotes) are a critically important but understudied group of microorganisms. They are ubiquitous, represent most of the genetic and functional diversity among eukaryotes, and play essential roles in nutrient and energy cycling. Yet, protists remain a black box in marine sedimentary ecosystems like the intertidal mudflats in the Bay of Fundy. The harsh conditions of the intertidal zone and high energy nature of tides in the Bay of Fundy provide an ideal system for gaining insights into the major food web players, diversity patterns and potential structuring influences of protist communities. Our 18S rDNA metabarcoding study quantified seasonal variations and vertical stratification of protist communities in Bay of Fundy mudflat sediments. Three ‘SAR’ lineages were consistently dominant (in terms of abundance, richness, and prevalence), drove overall community dynamics and formed the core microbiome in sediments. They are Cercozoa (specifically thecate, benthic gliding forms), Bacillariophyta (mainly cosmopolitan, typically planktonic diatoms), and Dinophyceae (dominated by a toxigenic, bloom-forming species). Consumers were the dominant trophic functional group and were comprised mostly of eukaryvorous and bacterivorous Cercozoa, and omnivorous Ciliophora, while phototrophs were dominated by Bacillariophyta. The codominance of Apicomplexa (invertebrate parasites) and Syndiniales (protist parasites) in parasite assemblages, coupled with broader diversity patterns, highlighted the combined marine and terrestrial influences on microbial communities inhabiting intertidal sediments. Our findings, the most comprehensive in a hypertidal benthic system, suggest that synergistic interactions of both local and regional processes (notably benthic-pelagic coupling) may drive heterogenous microbial distribution in high-energy coastal systems.
Persistent COVID-19 symptoms in community-living older adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Griffith Lauren E. , Beauchamp Marla , McMillan Jacqueline , Borhan Sayem , Oz Urun Erbas , Wolfson Christina , Kirkland Susan , Basta Nicole E. , Thompson Mary , Raina Parminder ,   on behalf of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Team, Anderson Laura , Balion Cynthia , Costa Andrew , Asada Yukiko , Cossette Benoȋt , Levasseur Melanie , Hofer Scott , Paterson Theone , Hogan David , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Menec Verena , St. John Philip , Mugford Gerald , Gao Zhiwei , Taler Vanessa , Davidson Patrick , Wister Andrew , Cosco Theodore
Published: March 2023

Background

Symptom persistence in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients, also known as Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19, is not well characterized or understood, and few studies have included non-COVID-19 control groups.

Methods

We used data from a cross-sectional COVID-19 questionnaire (September-December 2020) linked to baseline (2011–2015) and follow-up (2015–2018) data from a population-based cohort including 23,757 adults 50+ years to examine how age, sex, and pre-pandemic physical, psychological, social, and functional health were related to the severity and persistence of 23 COVID-19-related symptoms experienced between March 2020 and questionnaire completion.

Results

The most common symptoms are fatigue, dry cough, muscle/joint pain, sore throat, headache, and runny nose; reported by over 25% of participant who had (n = 121) or did not have (n = 23,636) COVID-19 during the study period. The cumulative incidence of moderate/severe symptoms in people with COVID-19 is more than double that reported by people without COVID-19, with the absolute difference ranging from 16.8% (runny nose) to 37.8% (fatigue). Approximately 60% of male and 73% of female participants with COVID-19 report at least one symptom persisting >1 month. Persistence >1 month is higher in females (aIRR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.73) and those with multimorbidity (aIRR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.49); persistence >3 months decreases by 15% with each unit increase in subjective social status after adjusting for age, sex and multimorbidity.

Conclusions

Many people living in the community who were not hospitalized for COVID-19 still experience symptoms 1- and 3-months post infection. These data suggest that additional supports, for example access to rehabilitative care, are needed to help some individuals fully recover.
Data-driven quantum approximate optimization algorithm for power systems
Authors: Jing Hang , Wang Ye , Li Yan
Published: March 2023

Quantum technology provides a ground-breaking methodology to tackle challenging computational issues in power systems. It is especially promising for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) dominant systems that have been widely developed to promote energy sustainability. In those systems, knowing the maximum sections of power and data delivery is essential for monitoring, operation, and control. However, high computational effort is required. By leveraging quantum resources, Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) provides a means to search for these sections efficiently. However, QAOA performance relies heavily on critical parameters, especially for weighted graphs. Here we present a data-driven QAOA, which transfers quasi-optimal parameters between weighted graphs based on the normalized graph density. We verify the strategy with 39,774 expectation value calculations. Without parameter optimization, our data-driven QAOA is comparable with the Goemans-Williamson algorithm. This work advances QAOA and pilots its practical application to power systems in noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices.
First principles calculation of the ZnV2O6(001) surface terminations: the thermodynamic stability and electronic structure study
Authors: Yang Anqi , Luo Jiaolian , Xie Zhenyu , Chen Qian , Xie Quan
Published: March 2023

We have investigated the surface structure and relative stability of ZnV2O6(001) using a thermodynamic technique based on density functional theory (DFT).
A staggered projection scheme for viscoelastic flows
Authors: Mokhtari Omar , Davit Yohan , Latché Jean-Claude , Quintard Michel
Published: March 2023

We develop a numerical scheme for the flow of viscoelastic fluids, including the Oldroyd-B and FENE-CR constitutive models. The space discretization is staggered, using either the Marker-And-Cell (MAC) scheme for structured nonuniform grids, or the Rannacher and Turek (RT) nonconforming low-order finite element approximation for general quadrangular or hexahedral meshes. The time discretization uses a fractional-step algorithm where the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations is first obtained by a projection method and then the transport-reaction equation for the conformation tensor is solved by a finite volume scheme. In order to obtain consistency, the space discretization of the divergence of the elastic part of the stress tensor in the momentum balance equation is derived using a weak form of the MAC scheme. For stability and accuracy purposes, the solution of the transport-reaction equation for the conformation tensor is split into pure convection steps, with a change of variable to the log-conformation tensor, and a reaction step, which consists in solving one ODE per cell via an Euler scheme with local sub-cycling. Numerical computations for the flow in the lid-driven cavity at Weissenberg numbers above one and the flow around a confined cylinder confirm the efficiency of the scheme.
Minimally Invasive Management of Hemorrhagic Pheochromocytoma—A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bhandarwar Ajay H. , Tandur Amarjeet E. , Rachapalli Keerthika Reddy , Wagh Amol , Shah Abhijit , Dhimole Nikhil
Published: March 2023

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor derived from chromaffin cells. The diagnosis is usually suggested by its classic history, presence of a strong family history, or discovery of an incidental mass on imaging in an asymptomatic patient. Hemorrhage into an occult pheochromocytoma is a rare complication with ∼1 to 2 per 100,000 individuals diagnosed annually. We report a case of a 29-year-old woman, who presented with abdominal pain (with no other significant history) due to a right hemorrhagic pheochromocytoma. Computed tomographic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the source of retroperitoneal hemorrhage as the right adrenal mass. They lacked the typical features of a pheochromocytoma which was eventually proven by the biochemical tests. The patient underwent preoperative stabilization with α and β adrenergic receptor blockers for 7 days following which laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed successfully with an uneventful postoperative period. This is the eighth reported case in literature managed laparoscopically. Histopathology confirmed it as pheochromocytoma. The treacherous and deceptive nature of pheochromocytomas and its hemorrhage make it crucial to detect and treat it promptly; otherwise, it will almost certainly be fatal from cardiovascular complications or metastasis.
Toward Allyship and Mentorship: Recognition, Relatability, and Respect
Authors: Mahmoud Najjia N.
Published: March 2023

Allyship and mentorship are two critical aspects needed not only to promote the growth of success of people around us, but also to advocate for those that are not as fortunate and are often excluded or marginalized. Understanding the distinctions and commonalities between the two, as well as the required interdependence, will go a long way toward ensuring that an impact toward positive change is made in the future.
Invasive Giant B-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Fulminant Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Irqsusi Marc , Gerlach Susanne von , Rastan Ardawan Julian , Ghazy Tamer
Published: March 2023

Background Cardiac non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare and has a poor prognosis. Here we report a rare case mimicking pulmonary embolism.

Case Description A 38-year-old woman suffered from severe dyspnea after cesarean section. With the clinical picture of fulminant central pulmonary embolism, lysis therapy was initiated. Further deterioration necessitated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and cardiosurgical intervention. Intraoperatively, a massive intravascular tumor obstructed the pulmonary bifurcation and was found to be B-cell lymphoma. Aggressive excision and pulmonary tree reconstruction improved the critical condition and initiated convalescence.

Conclusion High suspicion in central pulmonary embolism and early cardiosurgical therapy after ineffective lysis are essential.
Potential chemical risks from tattoos and their relevance to military health policy in the United States
Authors: Blando James D. , Guigni Blas A.
Published: March 2023

We summarize and consolidate disparate sources of information about the practice of tattooing and its potential implications for military population health and policy. Each branch of the United States military has policies about tattoos for service members, but these have varied over time and do not cover health protection. The number of veterans receiving disability payments and the cost of those payments has been rising over time; the broad category of skin conditions accounts for 11% of disability claims. Any additional factor, such as tattoos that may increase the occurrence of adverse skin reactions, can substantially impact veteran benefit expenses and budgets. This may be a consideration for the military as it evaluates its policies related to tattoos among service members.
From ‘I won’t protect you’ to ‘I will’: authoritarian protectionism and the end of neoliberal hegemony
Authors: Cooper Luke
Published: March 2023

The following article represents the author response to the roundtable on Authoritarian Contagion; the Global Threat to Democracy (Bristol University Press, 2021).
Inheritance-induced familial disputes in north-west Ethiopia: the role of legal-policy gaps and aggravating socio-economic dynamics
Authors: Tedla Wondale Temesgen , Mekonen Kasahun Desyalew
Published: March 2023

While Ethiopia has had family and inheritance laws since the 1960s, inheritance disputes among family members have exacerbated and the intended goals of protecting the security of property rights among marginalized family members have not been attained. Here, we explore the impact of legal-policy gaps and socio-economic dynamics in family inheritance disputes from the perspectives of litigants and lawyers. A mixed research approach was employed to investigate the distribution of conflicts across kinship ties and property types as well as to explore the experiences and feelings from both disputing parties and legal professionals involved in the conflict. Furthermore, data from closed court cases were scrutinized in order to identify disputants as well as substantiate the primary data. Our findings reveal that extended time to claim inheritance rights, absence time limit for establishing child status, unrestricted cancellation of wills and provisions for multiple wills on a single property, incompatibility between customary and statutory law, and limited opportunity for land acquisition, are all legal and policy gaps that overwhelmingly contribute to inheritance-induced familial disputes. The improvement in the legal consciousness of formerly marginalized groups and the growing corruption in the justice system as well as the weakening of family emotional ties have further aggravated such disputes. In light of these findings, we stress the value of thorough revision of conflict-provoking legal-policy gaps in family law (including the privatization of farmland meant to broaden land acquisition opportunities) and therapy for families whose relationships have broken down.
Appraising the lifetime private economic returns of postgraduate degrees: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Bashir Adnan , Siddique Zahid
Published: March 2023

In Pakistan, public sector investment has significantly increased in higher education over the last two decades. This study, therefore, aims to estimate the private economic returns of Ph.D. faculty members over their non-PhD counterparts in Pakistani universities. We use questionnaire-based survey data of 784 respondents comprising Ph.D. and non-Ph.D. faculty members. In the first step, earning function is estimated for the entire group. In the next step, the lifetime private economic returns are calculated with the help of the simulation process, which yields the net present values (NPV) of the lifetime earnings for the two subgroups. Our findings show that the lifetime private economic returns of a Ph.D. degree are higher than a non-Ph.D. degree. In the case of a domestic Ph.D. degree, the average lifetime economic returns of the Ph.D. are 46.5% higher than those of non-Ph.D. faculty members. In contrast, foreign-country Ph.D. degree holders earn 29.8% extra than non-Ph.D. faculty members. Therefore, the net lifetime returns of foreign Ph.D. holders are 16.7% points less than the domestic degree holders because the cost of doing a Ph.D. degree from a foreign university is higher. Our sensitivity analysis reveals that changing the retirement age from 60 to 55 and 65 does not affect these results. However, the difference between the net returns decreases if the retirement age is 55 and increases in the case of 65. Similarly, increasing the completion time of a Ph.D. also affects the net lifetime private economic return negatively.
Novels of Vaddey Ratner and Viet Thanh Nguyen—unpacking trauma language, facing ghosts, and killing shadows
Authors: Thi Hue Hoang , Klinbubpa-Neff Tuangtip , Phuong Thao Do
Published: March 2023

This article focuses on why exiled writers turn to literature to untangle their complicated pasts and reconstruct their identities. Ratner and Nguyen’s memories and reconstruction of Cambodia and Vietnam are fragmented, secondary, and indeterminately accurate. Growing up with transnational identities and relearning about their motherlands in the US altered their perceptions of SEA. Both writers turned to literature to untangle their complicated pasts and reconstruct their identities. During these journeys, ghosts, enemies, and guilt surfaced and stalked them until confronted and resolved. Nevertheless, their reconciliation plunged them deeper into crisis as it became clear that their memories were in fact nostalgia. Ratner and Nguyen are among the ultraminor world writers who witnessed chaos, yet still successfully articulated their failures and displacement in literature. The results of this research affirm that their works can help us understand Southeast Asian political and cultural dynamics then and now.
Green finance, renewable energy development, and climate change: evidence from regions of China
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Bao Qun , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: March 2023

In this study, using data from 2010 to 2021, and by utilizing the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) theory, and system generalized method of moments, the effect of green financing and deployment of renewable energy on carbon dioxide emissions in China and its provinces were analyzed. The results show that green financing reduces environmental pollution at the country level. Moreover, with a 1% increase in renewable energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission can be expected to decrease by 0.103%. It also demonstrates that green financing has a statistically significant coefficient only in provinces located in the eastern and western regions. Chinese policymakers should incentive policies for provinces in the eastern region of China in order to have a cleaner environment. The central region should be under supportive and pressure policies to move faster along the path to sustainable development.
Uneven extraction in coffee brewing
Authors: Lee W. T. , Smith A. , Arshad A.
Published: March 2023

A recent experiment showed that, contrary to theoretical predictions, beyond a cutoff point, grinding coffee more finely results in lower extraction. One potential explanation for this is that fine grinding promotes non-uniform extraction in the coffee bed. We investigate the possibility that this could occur due the interaction between dissolution and flow promoting uneven extraction. A low dimensional model in which there are two possible pathways for flow is derived and analyzed. This model shows that, below a critical grind size, there is a decreasing extraction with decreasing grind size as is seen experimentally. This is due to a complicated interplay between an initial imbalance in the porosities and permeabilities of the two pathways in the model, which is increased by flow and extraction, leading to the complete extraction of all soluble coffee from one pathway.