bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Temperature and Load on the Current Carrying and Erosion Behavior of Metal-Impregnated Pantograph Strip
Authors: Guan Wei , Long Jiangqi , Yin Meigui
Published: August 2023

As an important current-collecting component of the electric locomotive, the pantograph strip may increase its surface temperature due to catenary vibration, friction heat generation, arc burning, catenary hard spots, and other reasons during actual operation. Given the action of electric current, an electrochemical reaction is unavoidable on the contact surface. Under low voltage DC conditions, the influence of temperature and load on relevant electrical and tribological parameters of the pantograph strip was studied using self-developed multi-functional friction and wear tester and changing forward load, surface temperature, etc. The electrochemical reaction was performed at 3.5 wt% NaCl. The results showed that with the increase in temperature, the initial contact resistance, friction coefficient, wear, and corrosion resistance of the surface material of the sample decreased, and the wear amount increased significantly.
Preparation of Ternary Core-Shell Structure for Room Temperature 1-Butylamine Sensing Application
Authors: He Peng , Fu Haitao , Yang Xiaohong , An Xizhong
Published: August 2023

In this work, platinum (Pt) loaded indium oxide (In2O3)/zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocomposites were synthesized through simple and environmentally friendly methods. The platinum loading with optimal sensing performance was determined by changing the amount of chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate. These materials can detect volatile organic compounds near room temperature (50°C). When these sample sensors were exposed to 1-butylamine (100 ppm), the optimum operating temperature was 50°C for Pt/In2O3/ZnS nanocomposites and 130°C for Pt/In2O3 nanocomposites. The 5% Pt/In2O3/ZnS sensor exhibits the highest response among them. This study shows that the Pt-loaded In2O3/ZnS nanocomposites are promising 1-butylamine sensor materials at room temperature.
Nonlinear self-action of ultrashort guided exciton–polariton pulses in dielectric slab coupled to 2D semiconductor
Authors: Benimetskiy F A , Yulin A , Mikhin A O , Kravtsov V , Iorsh I , Skolnick M S , Shelykh I A , Krizhanovskii D N , Samusev A K
Published: August 2023

Recently reported large values of exciton–polariton nonlinearity of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers coupled to optically resonant structures approach the values characteristic for GaAs-based systems in the regime of strong light-matter coupling. Contrary to the latter, TMD-based polaritonic devices remain operational at ambient conditions and therefore have greater potential for practical nanophotonic applications. Here, we present the study of the nonlinear properties of Ta2O5 slab waveguide coupled to a WSe2 monolayer. We confirm that the hybridization between the waveguide mode and the exciton resonance in WSe2 gives rise to the formation of guided exciton–polaritons with Rabi splitting of 36 meV. By measuring transmission of ultrashort optical pulses through this TMD-based polaritonic waveguide, we demonstrate the strong nonlinear dependence of the output spectrum on the input pulse energy. We develop a theoretical model that shows agreement with the experimental results and gives insights into the dominating microscopic processes which determine the nonlinear pulse self-action: Coulomb exciton–exciton interaction and scattering to an incoherent excitonic reservoir. Based on the numerical simulation of nonlinear phenomena in our polariton system, we conclude that it may support a quasi-stationary solitonic regime of pulse propagation at intermediate pump energies. Our results provide an important step for the development of nonlinear on-chip polaritonic devices based on 2D semiconductors.
Experimental investigation and Taguchi optimization of FDM process parameters for the enhancement of tensile properties of Bi-layered printed PLA-ABS
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , Hussain Muhammad , Ullah Shafi , Ahmad Zeeshan , Kakakhail Hasnain , Riaz Asim Ahmad , Khan Imran , Ahmad Sajjad , Akram Waseem , Eldin Sayed M , Khan Ilyas
Published: August 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has gained significant popularity, among which Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has emerged as the predominant technique for 3D printing. FDM offers the unique ability to achieve the desired and tailored engineering properties required for specific applications. This experimental study investigates the influence of varying FDM process parameters on the mechanical properties and highlights the optimal set of parameters for better tensile strength for a bi-layered composite of PLA-ABS (polylactic acid and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Also, it investigates the most-to-least influential printing parameters. Four process parameters were played out i.e., Infill density (50%, 75%, and 100%), number of layers (20,25 and 30), printing speed (20 mm sec−1, 40 mm sec−1, and 60 mm sec−1), and bed temperature (90 °C, 95 °C, and 100 °C), while keeping other parameters constant. Taguchi optimization technique was used for optimization and experiments were designed according to Taguchi orthogonal array L9 (3 4). After printing, the samples were evaluated for tensile properties and the results were analyzed. It is found that the infill density is the most influential parameter while bed temperature is the least influential. Infill density of 75%, 30 layers per part, a printing speed of 20 mm sec−1, and a bed temperature of 100 °C are the optimal set of parameters for better tensile strength. Alongside, percent elongation, printing time, and strength-to-weight ratio were also analyzed and correlated.
Post-selection in noisy Gaussian boson sampling: part is better than whole
Authors: Yang Tian-Yu , Shen Yi-Xin , Cao Zhou-Kai , Wang Xiang-Bin
Published: August 2023

Gaussian boson sampling (GBS) is originally proposed to show quantum advantage with quantum linear optical elements. Recently, several experimental breakthroughs based on GBS pointing to quantum computing supremacy have been presented. However, due to technical limitations, the outcomes of GBS devices are influenced severely by photon loss. Here, we present a practical method to reduce the negative effect caused by photon loss. We first show with explicit formulas that a GBS process can be mapped to another GBS processes. Based on this result, we propose a post-selection method which discards low-quality data according to our criterion to improve the performance of the final computational results, say part is better than whole. As an example, we show that the post-selection method can turn a GBS experiment that would otherwise fail in a ‘non-classicality test’ into one that can pass that test. Besides improving the robustness of computation results of current GBS devices, this post-selection method may also benefit the further development of GBS-based quantum algorithms.
Cell type and gene regulatory network approaches in the evolution of spiralian biomineralisation
Authors: Sleight Victoria A
Published: August 2023

Biomineralisation is the process by which living organisms produce hard structures such as shells and bone. There are multiple independent origins of biomineralised skeletons across the tree of life. This review gives a glimpse into the diversity of spiralian biominerals and what they can teach us about the evolution of novelty. It discusses different levels of biological organisation that may be informative to understand the evolution of biomineralisation and considers the relationship between skeletal and non-skeletal biominerals. More specifically, this review explores if cell type and gene regulatory network approaches could enhance our understanding of the evolutionary origins of biomineralisation.
Dynamic applicability domain (dAD): compound–target binding affinity estimates with local conformal prediction
Authors: Oršolić Davor , Šmuc Tomislav
Published: August 2023

Motivation

Increasing efforts are being made in the field of machine learning to advance the learning of robust and accurate models from experimentally measured data and enable more efficient drug discovery processes. The prediction of binding affinity is one of the most frequent tasks of compound bioactivity modelling. Learned models for binding affinity prediction are assessed by their average performance on unseen samples, but point predictions are typically not provided with a rigorous confidence assessment. Approaches, such as the conformal predictor framework equip conventional models with a more rigorous assessment of confidence for individual point predictions. In this article, we extend the inductive conformal prediction framework for interaction data, in particular the compound–target binding affinity prediction task. The new framework is based on dynamically defined calibration sets that are specific for each testing pair and provides prediction assessment in the context of calibration pairs from its compound–target neighbourhood, enabling improved estimates based on the local properties of the prediction model.

Results

The effectiveness of the approach is benchmarked on several publicly available datasets and tested in realistic use-case scenarios with increasing levels of difficulty on a complex compound–target binding affinity space. We demonstrate that in such scenarios, novel approach combining applicability domain paradigm with conformal prediction framework, produces superior confidence assessment with valid and more informative prediction regions compared to other ‘state-of-the-art’ conformal prediction approaches.

Availability and implementation

Dataset and the code are available on GitHub (https://github.com/mlkr-rbi/dAD).
Community microgrid: an approach towards positive energy community in an urban area of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Zeyad Mohammad , Ahmed S M Masum , Hasan Sayeed , Mahmud Dewan Mahnaaz
Published: August 2023

The pollution and toxic greenhouse gases produced by fossil fuel combustion are troubling as global energy demand continues to rise. To mitigate the consequences of global warming, a transition to sustainable energy sources is necessary. This manuscript presents a feasible community microgrid design in Hazaribagh, Dhaka based on meteorological data that leads to photovoltaic installation on the rooftop of a local community building. This study shows a microgrid design of a system with the lowest cost of energy and a large renewable fraction, which is analysed using the HOMER Pro software. Using real-time data, analysis of the system cost, cost of energy, renewable fraction, unmet load, energy purchased and energy sold is discussed. A suitable case for electrification is also identified and presented for the selected community. The proposed case yields a cost of energy of $0.0357/kWh, which is 52% less than the current tariff rate, with a 70% renewable fraction. This study will provide people in this community with more green energy at a lower cost; in addition, this designed microgrid sells additional energy to the grid to avoid possible power outages. The potential for a positive energy community is also investigated in terms of energy consumption and renewable output of the planned microgrid.
Role of School Quality and Neighborhood Disadvantage in Educational Attainment: Do They Vary by Race?
Authors: Joo Young Sun , Kim Youngmi
Published: August 2023

Schools and neighborhoods are adolescents’ primary environments, and each has a significant influence on their academic success. The majority of studies on educational attainment have examined the impact of a single context—either the school or the neighborhood—suggesting mixed findings on school and neighborhood effects as well as potential disparities across racial groups. To address this gap, the present study examined the roles of school quality and neighborhood disadvantage on educational attainment for White and Black adolescents. This study used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data collected from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents, merging multiple data sources including in-home surveys, school administrator surveys, student-level educational records, and contextual data. Educational attainment was measured using college enrollment and graduation status. School quality was a significant predictor of college enrollment and graduation for both White and Black adolescents. Neighborhood disadvantage is significantly associated with college enrollment for both racial groups; however, college graduation is significant only for White adolescents. These findings suggest that improving school quality is particularly important for educational attainment regardless of racial background. The article concludes with a discussion on the differential roles of school quality and neighborhood disadvantage in relation to White and Black adolescents.
Gastrointestinal bleeding associated to aortic valve stenosis (Heyde’s syndrome): a case series and literature review
Authors: De Carlini Caterina Chiara , Cantù Edoardo , Erba Nicoletta , Maggiolini Stefano
Published: August 2023

Background

The association among aortic valve stenosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anaemia due to arteriovenous malformations, known as Heyde’s syndrome (HS), is poorly understood and controversial. Recently, acquired Type 2A von Willebrand syndrome (vWS 2A) was shown to be the most likely aetiological mechanism of anaemia.

Case summary

We report two cases of HS in whom the percutaneous replacement of the aortic valve was resolutive for iron deficiency anaemia.

Discussion

Iron deficiency anaemia and aortic stenosis are a common association in the elderly, so much that frequently; in such cases, the correction of the valvulopathy is often excluded as pre-operative anaemia is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. From this perspective, the correct diagnosis of HS is crucial to guide the decision to correct valvulopathy, as valvular substitution is resolutive for both anaemic disorders and aortic stenosis
Historical exposomics: a manifesto
Authors: Aurich Dagny , Horaniet Ibanez Aida , Hissler Christophe , Kreipl Simon , Pfister Laurent , Schymanski Emma L , Fickers Andreas
Published: August 2023

The exposome complements information captured in the genome by covering all external influences and internal (biological) responses of a human being from conception onwards. Such a paradigm goes beyond a single scientific discipline and instead requires a truly interdisciplinary approach. The concept of “historical exposomics” could help bridge the gap between “nature” and “nurture” using both natural and social archives to capture the influence of humans on earth (the Anthropocene) in an interdisciplinary manner. The LuxTIME project served as a test bed for an interdisciplinary exploration of the historical exposome, focusing on the Belval area located in the Minett region in southern Luxembourg. This area evolved from a source of mineral water to steel production through to the current campus for research and development. This article explores the various possibilities of natural and social archives that were considered in creating the historical exposome of Belval and reflects upon possibilities and limitations of the current approaches in assessing the exposome using purely a natural science approach. Issues surrounding significance, visualization, and availability of material suitable to form natural archives are discussed in a critical manner. The “Minett Stories” are presented as a way of creating new historical narratives to support exposome research. New research perspectives on the history of the Anthropocene were opened by investigating the causal relationships between factual evidence and narrative evidence stemming from historical sources. The concept of historical exposome presented here may thus offer a useful conceptual framework for studying the Anthropocene in a truly interdisciplinary fashion.
Distance in Disconnection: The Varied Impact of Core Network Losses on Loneliness Among Older Europeans
Authors: Sun Haosen , Schafer Markus H
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Research among older adults reveals that the loss of core network members is a risk factor for loneliness. Still, it is not clear whether all such losses induce similar levels of loneliness, particularly as network members are distributed at varied geographic distances. Neither is it clear whether tie addition—the other ubiquitous aspect of network turnover in later life—offsets the loneliness that arises from different network loss scenarios.

Methods

This paper scrutinized core network losses across multiple relationship–distance scenarios. We used the fourth and sixth waves of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe and estimated fixed-effect models.

Results

The loss of a child from a core network increases feelings of loneliness across variant distances, especially when not complemented by additional connections. Losing relatives or nonkin core connections in proximity (within 1 km and 5 km radius, respectively) is also associated with increased loneliness, yet such effects are also largely mitigated by the addition of new core network members.

Discussion

The relationship between core network member losses and loneliness can significantly differ based on the nature of the lost connection and its geographic distance. Active rebalancing of one’s core network following losses and proactive network expansion can serve as pivotal strategies to prevent loneliness for the aging population.
Prevalence and determinants of cardiovascular risk factors in Lesotho: a population-based survey
Authors: González Fernández Lucia , Firima Emmanuel , Gupta Ravi , Sematle Mamoronts'ane Pauline , Khomolishoele Makhebe , Molulela Manthabiseng , Bane Matumaole , Meli Raphaela , Tlahali Mosa , Lee Tristan , Chammartin Frédérique , Gerber Felix , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Ayakaka Irene , Weisser Maja , Amstutz Alain , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel
Published: August 2023

Background

There are no recent data on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVDRFs) in Lesotho. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CVDRFs and their determinants.

Methods

We conducted a household-based, cross-sectional survey among adults ≥18 y of age in 120 randomly sampled clusters in two districts.

Results

Among 6061 participants, 52.2% were female and their median age was 39 y (interquartile range 27–58). The overall prevalence of overweight, diabetes, elevated blood pressure (BP) and tobacco use was 39.9%, 5.3%, 21.6% and 24.9%, respectively. Among participants, 34.6% had none, 45.2% had one and 20.2% had two or more CVDRFs. Women were more likely to have two or more CVDRFs (20.7% vs 12.3%). Overall, 7.5% of participants had elevated total cholesterol, 52.7% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 1.6% had elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Among younger participants (18–29 y), 16.1% reported tobacco use, 28.6% were overweight, 1.5% had diabetes and 3.5% had elevated BP. Household wealth positively correlated with the prevalence of elevated BP, overweight and diabetes, whereas tobacco use was higher among people in the lowest three wealth quintiles.

Conclusions

CVDRFs are highly prevalent in Lesotho across age and sex groups, underlining the importance of strengthening prevention and care programs in Lesotho and similar settings in southern Africa.
Evaluating the predictive ability of natural language processing in identifying tertiary/quaternary cases in prioritization workflows for interhospital transfer
Authors: Lee Timothy , Lukac Paul J , Vangala Sitaram , Kowsari Kamran , Vu Vu , Fogelman Spencer , Pfeffer Michael A , Bell Douglas S
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Tertiary and quaternary (TQ) care refers to complex cases requiring highly specialized health services. Our study aimed to compare the ability of a natural language processing (NLP) model to an existing human workflow in predictively identifying TQ cases for transfer requests to an academic health center.

Materials and methods

Data on interhospital transfers were queried from the electronic health record for the 6-month period from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The NLP model was allowed to generate predictions on the same cases as the human predictive workflow during the study period. These predictions were then retrospectively compared to the true TQ outcomes.

Results

There were 1895 transfer cases labeled by both the human predictive workflow and the NLP model, all of which had retrospective confirmation of the true TQ label. The NLP model receiver operating characteristic curve had an area under the curve of 0.91. Using a model probability threshold of ≥0.3 to be considered TQ positive, accuracy was 81.5% for the NLP model versus 80.3% for the human predictions (P = .198) while sensitivity was 83.6% versus 67.7% (P<.001).

Discussion

The NLP model was as accurate as the human workflow but significantly more sensitive. This translated to 15.9% more TQ cases identified by the NLP model.

Conclusion

Integrating an NLP model into existing workflows as automated decision support could translate to more TQ cases identified at the onset of the transfer process.
A novel technique for socket-shield preparation used in conjunction with immediate implant placement. A case report
Authors: Lahham Cezar , Lahham Elias Edward , Ali Ali Abu
Published: August 2023

The socket-shield technique is considered one of the best treatment modalities that reduce the amount of facial bone loss and gingival recession following tooth extraction. However, the difficulty in preparing the shield by partial tooth extraction makes it technique-sensitive and limits its use. This case report presents a 29-year-old medically fit male patient with a destructed non-vital lateral incisor. It was planned for immediate implant placement in conjunction with the socket-shield technique. The shield was prepared in a new technique using a nickel–titanium endodontic file, which was repeatedly adjusted to increase the diameter of the canal gradually. The canal was enlarged to reach a sufficient diameter to perform root separation safely. Following the shield preparation, immediate implant placement was preformed, and screw-retained temporary crown was done.
Bilateral giant emphysematous bullae complicate severe bronchial asthma in a young patient: case report
Authors: Ngowi Novath , Mavura Maurice , Martin Catherine
Published: August 2023

Giant bullous emphysema is a progressive bullous disease that affects young male smokers. Bullae are unilateral and mostly present in the apical lobes. Inflammatory diseases are less common cause of underlying emphysematous deterioration of the lung than tobacco smoking or genetic conditions such as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The current instance, however, is relatively rare because it involved a nonsmoking 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with asthma for 8 years, and he was taking bronchodilators inhalers during acute exacerbation of asthma; he presented to the tertiary health facility with on-and-off episodes of difficulties in breathing and chest tightness for 2 weeks despite being on maximal therapy for his asthma. He was diagnosed with bilateral large emphysematous bullae by high-resolution computed tomography scan, where staged bilateral bullectomy was performed. Thoracotomy-based bullae excision is still a feasible option for improving pulmonary function and the overall quality of life of patients with giant bullae emphysema in resource-limited settings.
Viral load dynamics and shedding kinetics of mpox infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Hakyoung , Kwon Rosie , Lee Hojae , Lee Seung Won , Rahmati Masoud , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Kim Min Seo , López Sánchez Guillermo F , Elena Dragioti , Yeo Seung Geun , Shin Jae Il , Cho Wonyoung , Yon Dong Keon
Published: August 2023

Background

Viral load dynamics and shedding kinetics are critical factors for studying infectious diseases. However, evidence on the viral dynamics of mpox remains limited and inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the viral load and viability of the re-emerged mpox virus since 2022.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar for published articles that are related to mpox viral dynamics up to April 2023.

Results

From 19 studies, 880 samples and 1477 specimens were collected. The pooled median Ct values appeared in the following order: skin lesion [Ct value 21.7 (IQR 17.8–25.5)], anorectal [22.3 (16.9–27.6)], saliva [25.9 (22.5–31.1)], oral [29.0 (24.5–32.8)], semen [29.6 (25.9–33.4)], urine [30.5 (24.6–36.4)], pharyngeal [31.9 (26.5–37.3)], urethra [33.0 (28.0–35.0)] and blood [33.2 (30.4–36.1)]. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a lower Ct value in the skin [skin HIV+, 19.2 (18.3–20.0) vs skin HIV−, 25.4 (21.2–29.0)]. From the Ct values and test day since symptom onset, we identified temporal trends of viral load for each specimen type. Changes in the trend were observed at 4 days in saliva, 5 days in blood, 6 days in skin, 7 days in anorectal, urine, semen and pharyngeal and 8 days in the urethra. We determined optimal Ct cutoff values for anorectal (34.0), saliva (27.7) and urethra (33.0) specimens, where a Ct value above each cutoff suggests minimal viral viability. Using these cutoff values, we derived the duration of viable viral isolation in each specific specimen type (anorectal 19 days, saliva 14 days and urethra 14 days).

Conclusion

Skin lesion, anorectal and saliva samples contained the highest viral load. The peak viral load manifests within 4–8 days after symptom onset, and viable virus detection was presumed to cease within 14–19 days from symptom onset in anorectal, saliva and urethral samples.
Strengthening the Evidence: Similar Rates of Neural Tube Defects Among Deliveries Regardless of Maternal HIV Status and Dolutegravir Exposure in Hospital Birth Surveillance in Eswatini
Authors: Gill Michelle M , Khumalo Philisiwe , Chouraya Caspian , Kunene Mthokozisi , Dlamini Futhi , Hoffman Heather J , Scheuerle Angela E , Nhlabatsi Bonisile , Mngometulu Wiseman , Dlamini-Madlopha Ntombikayise , Mthunzi Nompumelelo , Mofenson Lynne
Published: August 2023

Birth defect surveillance in Eswatini in 2020–2021 identified 0.80% defects (197/24 599 live and stillborn infants). Neural tube defect (NTD) prevalence was 0.08%, 0.08%, and 0.15% for 4902 women on dolutegravir preconception, 17 285 HIV-negative women, and 1320 women on efavirenz preconception, respectively, more definitively refuting the dolutegravir preconception NTD safety signal.
The Effect of Rapid Point-of-Care Respiratory Pathogen Testing on Antibiotic Prescriptions in Acute Infections—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Renko Marjo
Published: August 2023

Background

Rapid point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens has gained increasing popularity, but its impact on antibiotic consumption is unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the effect of rapid point-of-care testing on antibiotic prescriptions.

Methods

The search for this systematic review with meta-analysis was performed in February 2023. Randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of testing for respiratory pathogens in all-aged patients were included regardless of the comparator. The main outcome was the antibiotic prescription rate. Analyses were stratified by test type, test setting, and patient age. A random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model was used to calculate risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias was assessed for included studies, and the quality of the evidence was rated according to GRADE.

Results

A total of 754 abstracts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the analysis. Risk of bias was high in 2, low in 4, and had some concerns in 4 studies. Four studies analyzed influenza and respiratory syncytial virus tests, and 6 studies analyzed multiplex (viral and/or bacterial) testing. The prescription rate was 48.2% (496/1029) in the influenza and respiratory syncytial virus test group and 48.7% (540/1109) in the control group (risk ratio [RR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92–1.02; moderate-quality evidence). The prescription rate in the multiplex testing group was 54.3% (1554/2859), and it was 57.3% (1336/2326) in the control group (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96–1.04; moderate-quality evidence). In an age-stratified analysis, the prescription rates showed no evidence of a difference (children: RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.81–1.30; adults: RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–1.01; very low- and moderate-quality evidence).

Conclusions

We found moderate-quality evidence that rapid point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens does not decrease the antibiotic prescription rate.
Lacunarity as a quantitative measure of mixing—a micro-CT analysis-based case study on granular materials
Authors: Vásárhelyi Lívia , Sebők Dániel , Szenti Imre , Tóth Ádám , Lévay Sára , Vajtai Róbert , Kónya Zoltán , Kukovecz Ákos
Published: August 2023

In practically every industry, mixing is a fundamental process, yet its 3D analysis is scarce in the literature. High-resolution computed tomography (micro-CT) is the perfect X-ray imaging tool to investigate the mixing of granular materials. Other than qualitative analysis, 3D micro-CT images provide an opportunity for quantitative analysis, which is of utmost importance, in terms of efficiency (time and budget) and environmental impact of the mixing process. In this work, lacunarity is proposed as a measure of mixing. By the lacunarity calculation on the repeated micro-CT measurements, a temporal description of the mixing can be given in three dimensions. As opposed to traditional mixing indices, the lacunarity curve provides additional information regarding the spatial distribution of the grains. Discrete element method simulations were also performed and showed similar results to the experiments.
Are capital gains the Achilles’ heel of taxing the rich?
Authors: Slemrod Joel , Chen Xinyu
Published: August 2023

This paper considers the role of capital gains taxation in enhancing tax progressivity, and argues that capital gains are the Achilles’ heel of taxing the rich more effectively. We revisit the key aspects of how capital gains are taxed and address the main arguments against taxing capital gains more heavily: (i) it would discourage socially beneficial activities, such as innovation, (ii) implementing structural changes is unadministrable, and (iii) the ‘lock-in’ effect means that increasing the tax rate is an inefficient way to raise revenue. To address concerns with the unpopularity of taxing unrealized gains during one’s lifetime and retroactive taxes, we conclude with a partial proposal for constructive realization at death that would apply only to gains accrued after a certain date, while allowing for discounted pre-payments of tax liability.
Molecular detection of dengue and chikungunya viruses in surveillance of wild-caughtAedesmosquitoes in Punjab, North India
Authors: Kaura Taruna , Sarkar Subhabrata , Sharma Vikrant , Mewara Abhishek , Devi Seema , Singh NazatInder , Kaur Kanwalpreet , Sehgal Rakesh , Ratho R K , Grover Gagandeep Singh
Published: August 2023

Background

Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses are transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes and are responsible for a significant global healthcare burden. The current study aimed to detect arboviruses in the Aedes mosquitoes in close proximity of patients during the transmission season.

Methods

Both immature and adult mosquitoes were collected from in and around the patients’ houses. Mosquito pools were homogenized and extracted RNA was subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for arboviral detection. Transovarian transmission (TOT) was assessed by screening F0 adults. Mosquito positivity was correlated with the aetiological agents identified in patients.

Results

Of 46 pools, 19 consisted of wild Aedes, with arboviral positivity in 53% (10/19) of pools. Among wild A. aegypti pools, positivity of DENV mono-infection, CHIKV mono-infection and DENV+CHIKV co-infection was noted in four, two and three pools, respectively. One wild pool of Aedes albopictus was positive for DENV-1. Similarly, A. aegypti F0 (adult Aedes developed from immatures) pools showed 59.2% (16/27) positivity for arboviruses. F0 Aedes showed positivity in three, six and seven pools for DENV-2, CHIKV and DENV+CHIKV, respectively, suggestive of TOT. DENV serotypes and CHIKV from 24 patients’ serum samples were matched with strains isolated from Aedes and correlation was observed in four instances.

Conclusions

The study detected DENV and CHIKV from wild-caught Aedes and found evidence of DENV and CHIKV TOT in F0 adults.
The Necrotrophic Pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum Is a Master Manipulator of Wheat Defense
Authors: Kariyawasam Gayan K. , Nelson Ashley C. , Williams Simon J. , Solomon Peter S. , Faris Justin D. , Friesen Timothy L.
Published: August 2023

Parastagonospora nodorum is a necrotrophic pathogen of wheat that is particularly destructive in major wheat-growing regions of the United States, northern Europe, Australia, and South America. P. nodorum secretes necrotrophic effectors that target wheat susceptibility genes to induce programmed cell death (PCD), resulting in increased colonization of host tissue and, ultimately, sporulation to complete its pathogenic life cycle. Intensive research over the last two decades has led to the functional characterization of five proteinaceous necrotrophic effectors, SnTox1, SnToxA, SnTox267, SnTox3, and SnTox5, and three wheat susceptibility genes, Tsn1, Snn1, and Snn3D-1. Functional characterization has revealed that these effectors, in addition to inducing PCD, have additional roles in pathogenesis, including chitin binding that results in protection from wheat chitinases, blocking defense response signaling, and facilitating plant colonization. There are still large gaps in our understanding of how this necrotrophic pathogen is successfully manipulating wheat defense to complete its life cycle. This review summarizes our current knowledge, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides a summary of well-developed tools and resources currently available to study the P. nodorum–wheat interaction, which has become a model for necrotrophic specialist interactions. Further functional characterization of the effectors involved in this interaction and work toward a complete understanding of how P. nodorum manipulates wheat defense will provide fundamental knowledge about this and other necrotrophic interactions. Additionally, a broader understanding of this interaction will contribute to the successful management of Septoria nodorum blotch disease on wheat.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
γδ T cells: Major advances in basic and clinical research in tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yueqi , Dong Peng , He Wei , Zhang Jianmin , Chen Hui
Published: August 2023

γδ T cells are a kind of innate immune T cell. They have not attracted sufficient attention because they account for only a small proportion of all immune cells, and many basic factors related to these cells remain unclear. However, in recent years, with the rapid development of tumor immunotherapy, γδ T cells have attracted increasing attention because of their ability to exert cytotoxic effects on most tumor cells without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction. An increasing number of basic studies have focused on the development, antigen recognition, activation, and antitumor immune response of γδ T cells. Additionally, γδ T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies are being developed, and the number of clinical trials investigating such strategies is increasing. This review mainly summarizes the progress of basic research and the clinical application of γδ T cells in tumor immunotherapy to provide a theoretical basis for further the development of γδ T cell-based strategies in the future.
A Rare Giant Nasofrontal Meningoencephalocele with Nasal and Visual Obstruction
Authors: Aldana Celso A. , Gimenez Carlos , Avalos Orlando , Mendez Elvio , Peña Adriana , Ramirez Pablo , Amarilla Jesus , Añazco Dulce , Sandoval Jose
Published: August 2023

The encephalocele is a malformation that is manifested by the protrusion of brain tissue through a defect in the skull. The meningoencephalocele contains the meninges and brain tissue. Frontoethmoidal or nasal meningoencephalocele is rare; the frequency is approximately one in 40,000 live births. Three subtypes are currently known: nasoethmoid, nasofrontal, and nasoorbital. The authors report the clinical case of a 2-month-old girl with a very rare giant nasofrontal meningoencephalocele, which affected vision and breathing. The patient underwent surgery at an early age to avoid significant functional sequelae and promote the normal development and growth of the girl.
Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Extensive Scalp Reconstruction in Acute Burns
Authors: Alessandri-Bonetti Mario , David Joshua , Egro Francesco M.
Published: August 2023

Extensive full-thickness head and neck burn defects represent some of the greatest challenges because of the exposure of burned calvaria and lack of good local reconstructive options. This study reports the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap to cover a large full-thickness scalp burn defect measuring 20 × 15 cm, including 15 × 13.7 cm of bone exposure and extending from the posterior neck to the mastoid and vertex of the scalp. The authors discuss the technique to safely maximize the reach, which includes distal dissection to the iliac crest and thoracolumbar fascia, dissection of the pedicle to the axillary vessels, tunnel creation through the pectoralis major muscle, re-attachment of the LD origin to the pectoralis major and teres major, and undermining of the neck skin and subcutaneous tissue to avoid damage of the accessory nerve. This case highlights the reach of a pedicled LD muscle flap for extensive scalp reconstruction for defects all the way to the vertex and beyond. The size and reliability of the LD muscle makes it a valuable alternative for large scalp defects for cases of complex scalp reconstruction in patients deemed not ideal candidates for free flap reconstruction.
Emotional, Behavioral, and Cognitive Symptom Associations With Community Participation in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Juengst Shannon B. , Wright Brittany , Vos Leia , Perna Robert , Williams Michael , Dudek Emily , DeMello Annalyn , Taiwo Zinat , Novelo Luis Leon
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

To determine the association between self-reported emotional and cognitive symptoms and participation outcomes in chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to explore the relative contribution of self-reported versus performance-based cognition to participation outcomes.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Community-dwelling adults (n = 135) with a lifetime history of mild to severe TBI.

Design:

Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study on neurobehavioral symptoms in chronic TBI.

Main Measures:

Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) (Negative Affect, Fatigue, Executive Dysfunction, Impulsivity, Substance Abuse subscales) measured self-reported neurobehavioral symptoms; Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools (Productivity, Social Relations, and Out and About) measured self-reported participation outcomes; and Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) measured performance-based cognition (Episodic Memory and Executive Function summary scores) in a subsample (n = 40).

Results:

The BAST Executive Dysfunction was significantly associated with less frequent participation and had the strongest effect on participation in all participation domains. No other BAST subscales were associated with participation, after adjusting for all subscale scores and age, with the exception of BAST Impulsivity, which was associated with more frequent Social Relationships. Exploratory analysis in the sample including the BTACT revealed that, after accounting for subjective Executive Dysfunction using the BAST, performance-based Executive Function was associated with Productivity and Working Memory was associated with Social Relations, but neither was associated with being Out and About; the BAST Executive Dysfunction remained significant in all models even after including BTACT scores.

Conclusions:

Self-reported Executive Dysfunction contributed to participation outcomes after mild to severe TBI in community-dwelling adults, whereas self-reported emotional and fatigue symptoms did not. Performance-based cognition measures may capture different variability in participation after injury.
The Use of Methylphenidate During Inpatient Rehabilitation After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Population Characteristics and Prescribing Patterns
Authors: Caliendo Eric , Lowder Ryan , McLaughlin Matthew J. , Watson William D. , Baum Katherine T. , Blackwell Laura S. , Koterba Christine H. , Hoskinson Kristen R. , Tlustos Sarah J. , Shah Sudhin A. , Suskauer Stacy J. , Kurowski Brad G.
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To understand how methylphenidate (MPH) is used in youth with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during inpatient pediatric rehabilitation.

Setting:

Inpatient pediatric rehabilitation.

Participants:

In total, 234 children with TBI; 62 of whom received MPH and 172 who did not. Patients were on average 11.6 years of age (range, 2 months to 21 years); 88 of 234 were female; the most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (49%); median (IQR) acute hospital length of stay (LOS) and inpatient rehabilitation LOS were 16 (10-29) and 23 (14-39), respectively; 51 of 234 were in a disorder of consciousness cognitive state at time of inpatient rehabilitation admission.

Design:

Multicenter, retrospective medical record review.

Main Measure(s):

Patient demographic data, time to inpatient pediatric rehabilitation admission (TTA), cognitive state, MPH dosing (mg/kg/day).

Results:

Patients who received MPH were older (P = .011); TTA was significantly longer in patients who received MPH than those who did not (P =.002). The lowest recorded dose range by weight was 0.05 to 0.89 mg/kg/d, representing an 18-fold difference; the weight-based range for the maximum dose was 0.11 to 0.97 mg/kg/d, a 9-fold difference. Patients in lower cognitive states at admission (P = .001) and at discharge (P = .030) were more likely to receive MPH. Five patients had side effects known to be associated with MPH; no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:

This multicenter study indicates that there is variable use of MPH during acute inpatient rehabilitation for children with TBI. Children who receive MPH tend to be older with lower cognitive states. Dosing practices are likely consistent with underdosing. Clinical indications for MPH use during inpatient pediatric rehabilitation should be better defined. The use of MPH, as well as its combination with other medications and treatments, during inpatient rehabilitation needs to be further explored.
The Role of Children in the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, a Shifting Paradigm
Authors: Arguedas Adriano , Swerdlow David L. , Curcio Daniel
Published: August 2023

Pediatric populations contribute to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission through a combination of exposure, susceptibility, and transmissibility. In this narrative review, SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is assessed to ascertain their role in transmission, by considering the characteristics of pediatric populations regarding their exposure and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19, and their transmission of the virus. A series of PubMed searches were conducted between November 2020 and February 2023 to identify articles describing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in children. The literature suggests that schools are key areas of exposure of children and adolescents to SARS-CoV-2, which contributed to school closures to mitigate spread and break transmission chains. However, the effectiveness of these measures is debated. Although SARS-CoV-2 appeared to infect children and adolescents less frequently than adults early in the pandemic, infection rates have risen considerably among the pediatric population with the emergence of variants of concern. Compared with adults and populations at high risk, children generally have a milder course of disease. The predominant role of children in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is thought to involve household and school settings, although the relative contribution of each to transmission is questioned. Through their exposure, susceptibility, and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, children and adolescents are a key population contributing to the transmission of the virus. Our continued and evolving understanding of the role of children in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has important implications to define appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for the pediatric population and the wider community.
Ray-tracing–guided myopic LASIK: real-world clinical outcomes
Authors: He George , Bala Chandra
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To assess effectiveness of individualized ray-trace based laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of myopia in everyday clinical practice.

Setting:

Single-site private practice.

Design:

Retrospective nonrandomised unmasked chart review.

Methods:

Consecutive, myopic eyes (range ≤−8.25 diopters [D] sphere; astigmatism 0 to −4.25 D) treated with ray-trace based LASIK were included. Patients underwent wavefront, tomography, and biometry assessment using the InnovEyes Sightmap diagnostic device. The ray-trace based algorithm (InnovEyes algorithm) then generated an individualized 3D eye model and calculated a customized LASIK ablation profile. Postoperative visual acuity, refractive error and whole eye higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated over 3 months.

Results:

The procedure was performed on 400 eyes (200 patients). Mean preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent was −3.39 ± 1.58 D (right eye −3.84 ± 1.63 D, left eye −3.98 ± 1.75 D). At month 3, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was ≥20/20 in all eyes, ≥20/16 in 89% (right eye 90%, left eye 89%), ≥20/12 in 51% (54% right eye; 47% left eye), and 20/10 in 8% (right eye 8%; left eye 9%) of eyes respectively. UDVA was within 1 line of preoperative corrected distance visual acuity in 98% of eyes (right eye 98.5%; left eye 98%) and 39% of eyes (right eye 38%; left eye 39%) gained 1 line improvement. There was a statistically but not clinically significant increase in total HOAs (right eye 0.06 ± 0.133 μm; left eye 0.057 ± 0.125 μm;P< .001). The spherical aberration decreased (right eye −0.047 ± 0.095 μm,P< .001; left eye −0.051 ± 0.091 μm,P< .001).

Conclusions:

Ray-trace based LASIK was safe and effective for correction of myopia with and without astigmatism. Approximately, half the eyes achieved ≥20/12.5 UDVA and 8% achieved 20/10. There was no clinically significant increase in total whole eye HOAs.