bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated experimental removals unveil sex and age-specific dispersal strategies in a social passerine bird
Authors: Etezadifar Farzaneh , Vickers Jacob A. T. , French Kristine , McDonald Paul G. , Barati Ahmad , Andrew Rose L. , Major Richard E.
Published: August 2022

Context Sex and age are frequently proposed as drivers of a number of behavioural and demographic patterns that can have important consequences for population dynamics including access to mates, sexual selection, parental care and lifetime productivity. Sex and age might also be important in shaping the movement patterns and colonisation processes of social species moving into vacant habitat. Such information is critical for the management of strongly interacting species such as the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), which structure ecological communities through aggressive exclusion of other taxa from areas that they occupy. Aims In Manorina colonies, young females are usually dispersive, while males remain in the natal colony as the philopatric sex. Following removal of individuals from an area, we aimed to determine whether female-biased dispersal, particularly of young females, would result in a more equal sex ratio and a younger age structure in the recolonising population. Methods These predictions were tested by anatomically ageing and sexing 1856 noisy miners that had been experimentally culled in two regions of New South Wales, Australia, to reduce the aggressive impact of this species on other native species. Key results Prior to removal, noisy miner populations were significantly male-biased in both regions (57% and 60%); however sex ratios after each of two removal episodes no longer differed from parity. Immature birds were a dominant feature (65%) of recolonising populations in both regions, however, the age structure of recolonising populations was different in each region, mostly likely due to the respective timing of culls during the year. Furthermore, the culling response in terms of age-specific sex ratio varied between regions. After the final cull, the sex ratio of mature birds had fallen to parity in one region but had become even more male biased (68%) in the other region. There was no sex-ratio bias among immature birds before or after culling. Conclusion These results confirm the expectation that immature birds are more likely to be colonisers, but the expectation of greater female dispersal was equivocal. Implications The differences in response between regions may reflect variation in population density, landscape connectivity or seasonality, highlighting challenges when implementing culling programs for conservation management.
Three-dimensional porous tungsten via DLP 3D printing from transparent ink
Authors: Zan Xiuqi , Wang Xinyu , Shi Kaihua , Feng Yan , Shu Jun , Liao Jun , Wang Richu , Peng Chaoqun , Magdassi Shlomo , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

Tungsten, an essential refractory metal material, has the characteristics of high melting and boiling points, high hardness, low expansion coefficient, and low vapor pressure. An indirect strategy to print three-dimensional (3D) refractory metal materials via digital light processing (DLP) followed by a post-treatment process was proposed. To analyze this strategy, a transparent ink with tungsten salts was developed, printed into a 3D precursor via DLP, and subsequently transited into 3D porous tungsten. The ultraviolet rheological properties and stability of the ink, transition process from the precursor to a 3D article, and the properties of the obtained 3D porous tungsten were investigated. This ink was preferable for DLP 3D printing, possessing consistency, stability and favorable absorbance at the wavelength of 385 nm. With increasing temperature, the weight of the tungsten salt in the 3D precursor decreased by 8.97% and was transited to tungsten oxide below 460 °C, reduced to pure nano-sized tungsten at approximately 700 °C, and finally sintered into porous articles. The organics initially contributed to polymerization during printing as well as reduction as a carbon reducer after pyrolysis. The pore size distribution of porous tungsten is nonlinear or multimodal, depending on the final sintering temperature. At 1200 °C, two distinct peaks are observed in the pore distribution curves of the products. At 1400 °C, the small pore as a whole decreases from approximately 100–1000 nm. Correspondingly, the relative density of the samples increased with temperature.
Recent advances in MXenes and their composites for wearable sensors
Authors: Meng Qi , Yang Cao , Tai Xiaolin , Cheng Kang , Li Pengfei , Li Hongpeng , Liu Xuying , Liu Shuiren
Published: August 2022

Flexible wearable sensors have attracted significant interests and created high technological impact on human health monitoring, environmental pollutant detection and bimolecular identification. For sensors, the choice of sensing materials is a crucial priority. As a rising star in the family of two-dimensional materials, MXenes has metal-like electrical properties, adjustable surface chemical property, hydrophilicity and excellent mechanical properties, making them attractive for building different high-performance sensors. This study provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in MXene-based sensor technology. The synthetic methods and basic properties of MXenes are first briefly introduced. The representative research progresses in MXene-based pressure sensors, strain sensors, gas sensors and electrochemical biosensors are then presented. Finally, the main challenges and future prospects of MXene-based materials in wearable sensor applications are discussed.
Costly reputation building still promotes the collective trust within the networked population
Authors: Xia Chengyi , Hu Zhengyang , Zhao Dawei
Published: August 2022

Trust is of vital importance to economic development, social harmony, political stability and cultural succession in the real world, and then understanding how trust emerges and evolves in a selfish population has long been a significant and challenging issue. From the perspective of trustees, we investigate how reputation building and cost for trustees with dynamic adaptive reputation affect the evolution of trust. Trustees can spend specific funds or costs to build or maintain their reputation, which then enhances their own social competitiveness during the trust evolution. Considering the heterogeneity of individual cost, sigmoid function is used to describe the relationship between reputation and cost. It is found that trust and trustworthiness could still emerge and persist even if reputation building is costly. Meanwhile, the moderate level of willingness to build the reputation or the middle reputation cost is more conducive to the evolution of trust, otherwise it could result in the deterioration of trust behaviors among agents. The current results are helpful to illustrate the evolution of trust and cooperation within the networked population.
A quantum model of lasing without inversion
Authors: Werren Nicholas , Gauger Erik M , Kirton Peter
Published: August 2022

Starting from a quantum description of multiple Λ-type three-level atoms driven with a coherent microwave field and incoherent optical pumping, we derive a microscopic model of lasing from which we move towards a consistent macroscopic picture. Our analysis applies across the range of system sizes from nanolasers to the thermodynamic limit of conventional lasing. We explore the necessary conditions to achieve lasing without inversion in certain regimes by calculating the non-equilibrium steady state solutions of the model at, and between, its microscopic and macroscopic limits. For the macroscopic picture, we use mean-field theory to present a thorough analysis of the lasing phase transition. In the microscopic case, we exploit the underlying permutation symmetry of the density matrix to calculate exact solutions for N three-level systems. This allows us to show that the steady state solutions approach the thermodynamic limit as N increases, restoring the sharp non-equilibrium phase transition in this limit. We demonstrate how the lasing phase transition and degree of population inversion can be adjusted by simply varying the phase of the coherent driving field. The high level of quantum control presented by this microscopic model and the framework outlined here have applications to further understanding and developing nanophotonic technology.
Investigation of ferromagnetism and dual donor defects in Y-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Sukumaran Arya , Sivanantham N , Vinoth E , Gopalakrishnan N
Published: August 2022

We report here the room temperature ferromagnetism in Y-doped ZnO thin films grown by RF magnetron sputtering. XRD and Raman spectra analysis revealed that pristine and Y-doped ZnO thin films are crystallised in hexagonal wurtzite structure. XPS was performed to confirm the electronic states of elements present in the films. FESEM images of the films were recorded to study their morphological properties. EDAX analysis was also performed to confirm the presence of Y in ZnO thin films. The point defects in the samples were analysed using photoluminescence spectrometer and EPR spectrometer to understand the mechanism behind the magnetic properties exhibited. It is found that zinc interstitial (Zni
+) and oxygen vacancy (VO
+) defects coexist in the samples and help in setting ferromagnetic properties in Y-doped ZnO thin films. VSM analysis indicated that Y-doped ZnO thin films show ferromagnetic nature while the pure ZnO thin film exhibits diamagnetic behaviour. The dual donor defect (Zni
+ and VO
+) assisted bound magnetic polaron model has been proposed to explain the Y-doped ZnO diluted magnetic semiconductor system. It has been observed that the results are more reliable and reproducible.
One spectrum to cure them all: signature from early Universe solves major anomalies and tensions in cosmology
Authors: Hazra Dhiraj Kumar , Antony Akhil , Shafieloo Arman
Published: August 2022

Acoustic peaks in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature spectrum as observed by the Planck satellite appear to be smoother than our expectation from the standard model lensing effect. This anomalous effect can be also mimicked by a spatially closed Universe with a very low value of Hubble constant that consequently aggravates the already existing discordance between cosmological observations. We reconstruct a signature from the early Universe, a particular form of oscillation in the primordial spectrum of quantum fluctuations with a characteristic frequency, that solves all these anomalies. Interestingly, we find this form of the primordial spectrum resolves or substantially subsides, various tensions in the standard model of cosmology in fitting different observations, namely Planck CMB, clustering and weak lensing shear measurements from several large scale structure surveys, local measurements of Hubble constant, and recently estimated age of the Universe from globular clusters. We support our findings phenomenologically, by proposing an analytical form of the primordial spectrum with similar features and demonstrate that it agrees remarkably well with various combinations of cosmological observations. We support further our findings theoretically, by introducing a single scalar field potential for inflation that can generate such a form of the primordial spectrum.
Experiment and simulation on degradation and burnout mechanisms of SiC MOSFET under heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Zhang Hong , Guo Hongxia , Lei Zhifeng , Peng Chao , Zhang Zhangang , Chen Ziwen , Sun Changhao , He Yujuan , Zhang Fengqi , Pan Xiaoyu , Zhong Xiangli , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: August 2022

Experiments and simulation studies on 283 MeV I ion induced single event effects of silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were carried out. When the cumulative irradiation fluence of the SiC MOSFET reached 5 × 106 ion⋅cm−2, the drain–gate channel current increased under 200 V drain voltage, the drain–gate channel current and the drain–source channel current increased under 350 V drain voltage. The device occurred single event burnout under 800 V drain voltage, resulting in a complete loss of breakdown voltage. Combined with emission microscope, scanning electron microscope and focused ion beam analysis, the device with increased drain–gate channel current and drain–source channel current was found to have drain–gate channel current leakage point and local source metal melt, and the device with single event burnout was found to have local melting of its gate, source, epitaxial layer and substrate. Combining with Monte Carlo simulation and TCAD electrothermal simulation, it was found that the initial area of single event burnout might occur at the source–gate corner or the substrate–epitaxial interface, electric field and current density both affected the lattice temperature peak. The excessive lattice temperature during the irradiation process appeared at the local source contact, which led to the drain–source channel damage. And the excessive electric field appeared in the gate oxide layer, resulting in drain–gate channel damage.
Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation study of hydrogen storage by Li-decorated pha-graphene
Authors: Zhang Meng-Meng , Zhang Feng , Wu Qiang , Huang Xin , Yan Wei , Zhao Chun-Mei , Chen Wei , Yang Zhi-Hong , Wang Yun-Hui , Wu Ting-Ting
Published: August 2022

Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation (GCMCs) is utilized for studying hydrogen storage gravimetric density by pha-graphene at different metal densities, temperatures and pressures. It is demonstrated that the optimum adsorbent location for Li atoms is the center of the seven-membered ring of pha-graphene. The binding energy of Li-decorated pha-graphene is larger than the cohesive energy of Li atoms, implying that Li can be distributed on the surface of pha-graphene without forming metal clusters. We fitted the force field parameters of Li and C atoms at different positions and performed GCMCs to study the absorption capacity of H2. The capacity of hydrogen storage was studied by the differing density of Li decoration. The maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 4Li-decorated pha-graphene was 15.88 wt% at 77 K and 100 bar. The enthalpy values of adsorption at the three densities are in the ideal range of 15 kJ⋅mol−1–25 kJ⋅mol−1. The GCMC results at different pressures and temperatures show that with the increase in Li decorative density, the hydrogen storage gravimetric ratio of pha-graphene decreases but can reach the 2025 US Department of Energy’s standard (5.5 wt%). Therefore, pha-graphene is considered to be a potential hydrogen storage material.
Momentum-space polarization fields in two-dimensional photonic-crystal slabs: Physics and applications
Authors: Liu Wen-Zhe , Shi Lei , Chan Che-Ting , Zi Jian
Published: August 2022

In addition to non-radiative guided modes, two-dimensional photonic-crystal slabs support guided resonant ones which can radiate into free space. From the polarization states of these guided resonances, a polarization field on a photonic band can be constructed in momentum space. Momentum-space polarization fields display complicated configurations and patterns with different types of polarization singularities inside, shedding new light on the manipulations of light flows. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress on momentum-space polarization fields and singularities in two-dimensional photonic-crystal slabs, focusing on their unique optical properties and potential applications as well.
Effect of laser focus in two-color synthesized waveform on generation of soft x-ray high harmonics
Authors: Chen Yanbo , Li Baochang , Li Xuhong , Tang Xiangyu , Zhang Chi , Jin Cheng
Published: August 2022

Synthesis of multi-color laser pulses has been developed as a promising way to improve low conversion efficiency of high-order harmonic generation (HHG). Here we systematically study the effect of laser focus in a two-color waveform on generation of macroscopic HHG in soft x-rays. We find that the dependence of HHG yields on laser focus at low or high gas pressure is sensitive to the characteristics of single-atom harmonic response, in which “short”- or “long”-trajectory emissions can be selectively controlled by changing the waveform of two-color synthesized laser pulse. We uncover the phase-matching mechanism of HHG in the gas medium by examining the propagation of the two-color waveform and the evolution of time-frequency emissions of high-harmonic field. We further reveal that the nonlinear effects, such as geometric phase, atomic dispersion, and plasma defocusing, are responsible for modification of two-color waveform upon propagation. This work can be used to find better macroscopic conditions for generating soft x-ray HHG by employing two-color optimized waveforms.
No country for old borosilicate triple-point-of-water cells
Authors: Dedyulin Sergey , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: August 2022

Temperature calibration labs all around the world typically maintain a set of several triple-point-of-water (TPW) cells for regular measurements using the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). This set often includes more-than-10-year-old TPW cells made from a borosilicate glass. In this paper we summarize the problems with old borosilicate TPW cells, using the available literature data, the results of CCT.K7-2021 key comparison and NRC TPW measurements, and highlight the solution to these issues—vitreous-silica TPW cells. The latter have an exceptional long-term stability, as we demonstrate by using: (a) comparative measurements of the same-age, same-manufacturer vitreous-silica and borosilicate TPW cells at NRC in a period from 2007 to 2021, and (b) inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of impurities present in the 18 year-old vitreous-silica outlier, cell Q325. Remarkably, not only all NRC vitreous-silica TPW cells remained stable over a 15 years time period, unlike their borosilicate counterparts, but the amount of impurities in the ‘coldest’ cell Q325 (−31 μK from the intercomparison reference value) is comparable to that in the newly purchased vitreous-silica cells. We argue that the most accurate TPW measurements, such as for defining the national TPW references and for the international key comparisons, should rely exclusively on vitreous-silica TPW cells.
The innards of the cell: studies of water dipolar relaxation using the ACDAN fluorescent probe
Authors: Otaiza-González Santiago , Cabadas Manuel , Robert German , Stock Roberto P , Malacrida Leonel , Lascano Ramiro , Bagatolli Luis A
Published: August 2022

This article reviews the use of the 6-acetyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (ACDAN) fluorophore to study dipolar relaxation in cells, tissues, and biomimetic systems. As the most hydrophilic member of the 6-acyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene series, ACDAN markedly partitions to aqueous environments. In contrast to 6-lauroyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (LAURDAN), the hydrophobic and best-known member of the series used to explore relaxation phenomena in biological (or biomimetic) membranes, ACDAN allows mapping of spatial and temporal water dipolar relaxation in cytosolic and intra-organelle environments of the cell. This is also true for the 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (PRODAN) derivative which, unlike LAURDAN, partitions to both hydrophobic and aqueous environments. We will (i) summarize the mechanism which underlies the solvatochromic properties of the DAN probes, (ii) expound on the importance of water relaxation to understand the intracellular environment, (iii) discuss technical aspects of the use of ACDAN in eukaryotic cells and some specialized structures, including liquid condensates arising from processes leading to liquid immiscibility and, (iv) present some novel studies in plant cells and tissues which demonstrate the kinds of information that can be uncovered using this approach to study dipolar relaxation in living systems.
Design of acrylamide-based thermoresponsive copolymer with potential capability for physical network formation in water: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Rasouli Sajad , Moghbeli Mohammad Reza , Hashemianzadeh Seyed Majid
Published: August 2022

In this work, a new smart copolymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-polyacrylamide-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm-b-PAM-b-PNIPAm) was designed as an efficient thermo-sensitive polymer with a potential for formation a physical network structure above a certain temperature in water. To design the desired copolymer, molecular behaviors of the copolymer blocks were investigated in water at different blocks fractions and temperatures via atomistic simulation. The blocks were evaluated from the interactional aspects via estimating the electrostatic and van der Waals contributions of their interaction energies with the media to consider the amount of hydrophilicity variation of the blocks with temperature variation. To find the origin of changes in blocks hydrophilicity, the structure and orientation of interfacial water were determined via calculating coordination number and order parameters of the water molecules in the first and second hydration shell of the blocks. In this regard, a novel parameter based on water ordering and hydration level was presented. The PAM block in the copolymer with shorter PNIPAm blocks, particularly 8 mol% (percentage by mole) PNIPAm, enforced the thermoresponsive end blocks to behave like a water-soluble polymer above their lower critical solution temperature. In contrast, increasing the PNIPAm content to 32 mol% caused an interactive competition between the blocks. Finally, the copolymer with the PNIPAm/PAM = 0.19 was found as the most efficient copolymer composition for the mentioned goal via using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the calculated responses.
Microstructure and shape memory properties of Cu-Al-Fe alloys with different Al contents made by additive manufacturing technology
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Huang Jinlei , Chen Sheng , Yuan Xiaoming , Zhu Jian , Xu Duo , Mao Jizhou
Published: August 2022

The Al contents play an exceedingly important role in Cu-Al system shape memory alloys (SMAs), and Cu-Al-Fe alloy represents the new development directions of Cu-Al system SMAs. The Cu-xAl-4Fe (x = 11, 13, 15 wt%) alloys, which take the powder core wire with a structure resistant to element burning as additive manufacturing materials, were prepared by arc melt deposition process. In this work, the as-deposited, quenched and deformed microstructure was studied in detail by utilizing OM, SEM, and XRD. The shape memory properties of the alloys were analyzed by the bending tests. The effect mechanism of the Al content on the shape memory properties of Cu-Al-Fe alloys was also investigated. Results show that the as-deposited microstructure presents sub-eutectic to hyper-eutectic characteristics with the rise in Al content. After quenching, the microstructure of 11 wt% Al, 13 wt% Al, and 15 wt% Al alloys are the α‘ martensite, the β
1’ martensite, and the β
1 austenite with high order degrees. Under 4% pre-strain, the shape memory recovery rate of the 13 and 15 wt% Al alloy is 100%, but the shape memory recovery rate of 11 wt% Al alloy is only 22.6%. However, compared with the ductility of 11 and 13 wt% Al alloy, that of 15 wt% Al alloy is poor, which causes failure to withstand 4% bending pre-strain. After bending deformation, cracks of 15 wt% Al alloy along the crystals appear and cause the memory strip to break. The analysis indicates that the properties of Cu-Al-Fe alloy have an intense sensitivity to the Al element. The martensitic order degree of the alloy is elevated with the increase in the Al content, and the grain interface gradually becomes sharper. Solidification impurities are formed at the grain boundary during the additive manufacturing process due to the influence of the interface energy. At the same time, the invading O2 combines with the more active Al element to form metal oxidation, which markedly reduces the grain boundary strength and the bending strength of the alloy. As a result, the shape memory properties cannot be reflected in the case of high Al content.
Design and efficiency enhancement of FTO/PC60BM/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au perovskite solar cell utilizing SCAPS-1D Simulator
Authors: Bouazizi Sarra , Tlili Wahiba , Bouich Amal , Soucase Bernabé Marí , Omri Ahmed
Published: August 2022

The poisoning potential of lead, which is the main component of the absorber layer of lead halide (Pb) perovskites, as well as the stability problems of the manufactured devices, constitute a major obstacle to the industrialization of this technology. As a result, recent research is concentrating on lead-free metal halide perovskites. Unfortunately, current lead-free perovskites suffer from poor performance, hence the interest of our study. The research presented here shows that optimizing several variables related to the performance of each layer of a perovskite solar cell (PSC) constructed from lead-free inorganic materials provides an efficiency of 18.13%. We designed a structure with outstanding performance using the FTO/PC60BM/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au configuration. The impact of various relevant factors, such as the thickness and defect density of the absorber layer their doping densities, the back contact work, and the operating temperature, have been thoroughly investigated to boost the performance of the proposed device. The performance of cesium-tin-germanium triiodide (CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3) solar cells with different electron transport materials, including ZnO, TiO2, CdS, C60; Cd0.5Zn0.5S, IGZO, has also been examined. It has been demonstrated that using ZnO as an electron transport layer improves electron extraction and, therefore, performance. The best outcomes are obtained after optimizing all the factors mentioned above, namely: Jsc of 28.70 mA/cm2, Voc of 1.115 V, FF of 87.86%, and PCE of 18.13%. Additionally, the explored structure may be an excellent candidate for the future development of lead-free perovskite solar cells.
Fundamentals of hydrogen storage in nanoporous materials
Authors: Zhang Linda , Allendorf Mark D , Balderas-Xicohténcatl Rafael , Broom Darren P , Fanourgakis George S , Froudakis George E , Gennett Thomas , Hurst Katherine E , Ling Sanliang , Milanese Chiara , Parilla Philip A , Pontiroli Daniele , Riccò Mauro , Shulda Sarah , Stavila Vitalie , Steriotis Theodore A , Webb Colin J , Witman Matthew , Hirscher Michael
Published: August 2022

Physisorption of hydrogen in nanoporous materials offers an efficient and competitive alternative for hydrogen storage. At low temperatures (e.g. 77 K) and moderate pressures (below 100 bar) molecular H2 adsorbs reversibly, with very fast kinetics, at high density on the inner surfaces of materials such as zeolites, activated carbons and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This review, by experts of Task 40 ‘Energy Storage and Conversion based on Hydrogen’ of the Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme of the International Energy Agency, covers the fundamentals of H2 adsorption in nanoporous materials and assessment of their storage performance. The discussion includes recent work on H2 adsorption at both low temperature and high pressure, new findings on the assessment of the hydrogen storage performance of materials, the correlation of volumetric and gravimetric H2 storage capacities, usable capacity, and optimum operating temperature. The application of neutron scattering as an ideal tool for characterising H2 adsorption is summarised and state-of-the-art computational methods, such as machine learning, are considered for the discovery of new MOFs for H2 storage applications, as well as the modelling of flexible porous networks for optimised H2 delivery. The discussion focuses moreover on additional important issues, such as sustainable materials synthesis and improved reproducibility of experimental H2 adsorption isotherm data by interlaboratory exercises and reference materials.
A National Survey of Outpatient Platelet Transfusion Practice
Authors: O’Brien Kerry , Bakhtary Sara , Benson Kaaron , Stephens Laura , Lu Wen
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Platelets are a limited resource frequently subject to inventory shortages. It benefits all to transfuse judiciously, according to evidence-based guidelines. Several organizations have published recommendations for platelet transfusions, but none specifically focused on outpatients. The Clinical Hemotherapy subsection of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Transfusion Medicine Subsection Coordinating Committee conducted a survey targeting outpatient transfusions to understand current practice in the United States.

Methods

To determine use of platelets in the outpatient setting, a survey was developed, piloted, validated, and distributed by email to 735 AABB members. Frequencies were calculated and free-text comments categorized.

Results

A total of 317 responses were received (43% response rate) from 44 states. Half the respondents’ institutions have formal outpatient platelet guidelines. Slightly more than half the respondents (51%) with guidelines used a threshold of less than 10,000/µL when transfusing stable, afebrile outpatients, with 29% using less than 20,000/µL. Fewer than half (45%) monitored outpatient platelet use by prospective and retrospective audits, with the next-largest group (25%) using retrospective audits only.

Conclusions

Approximately half the respondents had outpatient guidelines, and half used a threshold of less than 10,000/µL when transfusing platelets to stable outpatients. Greater adoption of this threshold and monitoring may improve the nation’s platelet inventory.
Vignettes of Insight
Authors: Webber Grégoire
Published: August 2022

How is one to facilitate another’s coming to understand a basic good? If a good is basic, it is to be discerned without demonstration, for any demonstration would appeal to propositions more basic than the good and so deny the good its underived status. By comparing two ways in which John Finnis attempts to elicit in his reader the understanding that knowledge is a basic good, I introduce a methodology whereby one draws on everyday experiences to re-enact the inquiries and the non-practical insights that, together, facilitate the intellectual achievement that is a practical insight into a basic good. Called a vignette of insight, this methodology is deployed with respect to the basic goods of play and beauty, goods that Finnis now encompasses within the basic goods of knowledge and excellence in performance. I explore whether the vignette methodology offers us reason to maintain the distinctive nature of play and beauty as themselves basic goods.
Deficiency of CHAMP1, a gene related to intellectual disability, causes impaired neuronal development and a mild behavioural phenotype
Authors: Nagai Masayoshi , Iemura Kenji , Kikkawa Takako , Naher Sharmin , Hattori Satoko , Hagihara Hideo , Nagata Koh-ichi , Anzawa Hayato , Kugisaki Risa , Wanibuchi Hideki , Abe Takaya , Inoue Kenichi , Kinoshita Kengo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Osumi Noriko , Tanaka Kozo
Published: August 2022

CHAMP1 is a gene associated with intellectual disability, which was originally identified as being involved in the maintenance of kinetochore–microtubule attachment. To explore the neuronal defects caused by CHAMP1 deficiency, we established mice that lack CHAMP1. Mice that are homozygous knockout for CHAMP1 were slightly smaller than wild-type mice and died soon after birth on pure C57BL/6J background. Although gross anatomical defects were not found in CHAMP1−/− mouse brains, mitotic cells were increased in the cerebral cortex. Neuronal differentiation was delayed in CHAMP1−/− neural stem cells in vitro, which was also suggested in vivo by CHAMP1 knockdown. In a behavioural test battery, adult CHAMP1 heterozygous knockout mice showed mild memory defects, altered social interaction, and depression-like behaviours. In transcriptomic analysis, genes related to neurotransmitter transport and neurodevelopmental disorder were downregulated in embryonic CHAMP1−/− brains. These results suggest that CHAMP1 plays a role in neuronal development, and CHAMP1-deficient mice resemble some aspects of individuals with CHAMP1 mutations.
Short-term outcomes by chronic betablocker treatment in patients presenting to emergency departments with acute heart failure: BB-EAHFE
Authors: Jacob Javier , Haro Antoni , Tost Josep , Rossello Xavier , Llorens Pere , Herrero Pablo , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Gil Víctor , López-Grima María Luisa , Millán Javier , Aguirre Alfons , Garrido José Manuel , Calvo-Rodríguez Rafael , Pérez-Llantada Enrique , Sánchez-Nicolás José Andrés , Mir María , Rodríguez-Adrada Esther , Fuentes-De Frutos Marta , Roset Alex , Miró Òscar
Published: August 2022

Aims

To evaluate the association between chronic treatment with betablockers (BB) and the severity of decompensation and short-term outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods and results

We consecutively included all patients presenting with AHF to 45 Spanish emergency departments (ED) during six different time-periods between 2007 and 2018. Patients were stratified according to whether they were on chronic treatment with BB at the time of ED consultation. Those receiving BB were compared (adjusted odds ratio—OR—with 95% confidence interval—CI—) with those not receiving BB group in terms of in-hospital and 7-day all-cause mortality, need for hospitalization, and prolonged length of stay (≥7 days). Among the 17 923 recruited patients (median age: 80 years; 56% women), 7795 (43%) were on chronic treatment with BB. Based on the MEESSI-AHF risk score, those on BB were at lower risk. In-hospital mortality was observed in 1310 patients (7.4%), 7-day mortality in 765 (4.3%), need for hospitalization in 13 428 (75.0%), and prolonged length of stay (43.3%). After adjustment for confounding, those on chronic BB were at lower risk for in-hospital all-cause mortality (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.79–0.92, P < 0.001); 7-day all-cause mortality (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.70–0.85, P < 0.001); need for hospitalization (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85–0.94, P < 0.001); prolonged length of stay (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.86–0.94, P < 0.001). A propensity matching approach yielded consistent findings.

Conclusion

In patients presenting to ED with AHF, those on BB had better short-term outcomes than those not receiving BB.
De-frailing intervention for hospitalized cardiovascular patients in the TARGET-EFT randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ahmad Fayeza , Fountotos Rosie , Goldfarb Michael , Bharaj Neetika , Munir Haroon , Marsala John , Rudski Lawrence G , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Aims

Frailty is disproportionately prevalent in cardiovascular disease patients and exacerbated during hospital admissions, heightening the risk for adverse events and functional decline. Using the Essential Frailty Toolset (EFT) to target physical weakness, cognitive impairment, malnourishment, and anaemia, we tested a multicomponent targeted intervention to de-frail older adults with acute cardiovascular conditions during their hospital admission.

Methods and results

The TARGET-EFT trial was a single-center randomized clinical trial at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada. We compared a multicomponent de-frailing intervention with usual clinical care. Intervention group patients received exercise, cognitive stimulation, protein supplementation, and iron replacement, as required. In this study, the primary outcome was frailty, as assessed by the SPPB score (Short Physical Performance Battery) at discharge, and the secondary outcome was the SARC-F score (Strength, Assistance walking, Rising from chair, Climbing, Falls) assessed 30 days later. The analysis consisted of 135 patients (mean age of 79.3 years; 54% female) who survived and completed the frailty assessments.

Compared with control patients, intervention group patients had a 1.52-point superior SPPB score and a 0.74-point superior SARC-F score. Subgroup analysis suggested that patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction may have attenuated benefits, and that patients who underwent invasive cardiac procedures had the greatest benefits from the intervention.

Conclusion

We achieved our objective of de-frailing older cardiac inpatients on a short-term basis by improving their physical performance and functioning using a pragmatic multicomponent intervention. This could have positive impacts on their clinical outcomes and ability to maintain independent living in the future.

One sentence summary

The multicomponent intervention targeted to the deficits of vulnerable older adults hospitalized with acute cardiovascular diseases successfully de-frailed them on a short-term basis, which can have positive implications on their post-discharge health outcomes.
Reduction for Branching Multiplicities
Authors: Chaput Pierre-Emmanuel , Ressayre Nicolas
Published: August 2022

A reduction formula for the branching coefficients of the restrictions of representations of a semisimple group to a semisimple subgroup is proved in [9, 17, 33]. This formula holds when the highest weights of the representations belong to a codimension $1$ face of the Horn cone, which by [32] corresponds to some Schubert coefficient equal to $1$. We prove a similar reduction formula when this Schubert coefficient is equal to $2$ and show some properties of the class of the branch divisor corresponding to a generically finite morphism naturally defined in this context.
Utilization patterns and efficiency gains from use of a fully EHR-integrated COVID-19 self-triage and self-scheduling tool: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Judson Timothy J , Pierce Logan , Tutman Avi , Mourad Michelle , Neinstein Aaron B , Shuler Gina , Gonzales Ralph , Odisho Anobel Y
Published: August 2022

Objective

Symptom checkers can help address high demand for SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) testing and care by providing patients with self-service access to triage recommendations. However, health systems may be hesitant to invest in these tools, as their associated efficiency gains have not been studied. We aimed to quantify the operational efficiency gains associated with use of an online COVID-19 symptom checker as an alternative to a telephone hotline.

Methods

In our health system, ambulatory patients can either use an online symptom checker or a telephone hotline to be triaged and connected to COVID-19 care. We performed a retrospective analysis of adults who used either method between October 20, 2021 and January 10, 2022, using call logs, electronic health record data, and local wages to calculate labor costs.

Results

Of the 15 549 total COVID-19 triage encounters, 1820 (11.7%) used only the telephone hotline and 13 729 (88.3%) used the symptom checker. Only 271 (2%) of the patients who used the symptom checker also called the hotline. Hotline encounters required more clinician time compared to those involving the symptom checker (17.8 vs 0.4 min/encounter), resulting in higher average labor costs ($24.21 vs $0.55 per encounter). The symptom checker resulted in over 4200 clinician labor hours saved.

Conclusion

When given the option, most patients completed COVID-19 triage and visit scheduling online, resulting in substantial efficiency gains. These benefits may encourage health system investment in such tools.
Intravenous tocilizumab for Takayasu arteritis with aortic aneurysms, bilateral renal artery stenosis, and atypical aortic coarctation in a 2-year-old girl
Authors: Fujita Yuji , Tomiita Minako , Saida Sayumi , Omura Shohei , Sato Megumi , Otsubo Yuto , Takagi Yuhi , Kano Yuji , Sekine Kaori , Fukushima Keitaro , Kuwashima Shigeko , Yoshihara Shigemi
Published: August 2022

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is classified as large vessel vasculitis, and continuous inflammation of the vessel results in aneurysm or stenosis, which leads to various serious complications. Recently, a TAKT [TAK treated with tocilizumab (TCZ)] study showed that subcutaneous TCZ, a humanised anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is an effective treatment in patients with TAK above 12 years of age; however, the effectiveness of TCZ for juvenile TAK under 12 years old remains unclear. Here, we described the case of a 2-year-old girl with TAK, which was successfully treated with intravenous TCZ. She was diagnosed with TAK type V (Numano’s angiographic classification system) with aortic aneurysms, bilateral renal arteries stenosis, and atypical descending aortic coarctation based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings. Treatment was started with 2 mg/kg/day prednisolone (PSL) and methotrexate instead of methylprednisolone pulse due to renovascular hypertension. She was immediately afebrile and her C-reactive protein level decreased, although it was elevated 4 weeks after starting PSL. Intravenous TCZ of 8 mg/kg/2 weeks was added because the progression of aneurysms or stenosis might lead to a poor prognosis. PSL was steadily reduced under intravenous TCZ. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that aortic aneurysms, renal arteries stenosis, and aortic coarctation ameliorated 4 months after starting TCZ, with the amelioration maintained at 1 year after starting TCZ. Aneurysms and stenosis improved; therefore, TCZ may be effective for the treatment of inflammation of vessels, aneurysms, and stenosis. It is desirable to examine the effect of TCZ on TAK patients under 12 years of age.
Enhancer looping protein LDB1 regulates hepatocyte gene expression by cooperating with liver transcription factors
Authors: Liu Guoyou , Wang Lei , Wess Jürgen , Dean Ann
Published: August 2022

Enhancers establish proximity with distant target genes to regulate temporospatial gene expression and specify cell identity. Lim domain binding protein 1 (LDB1) is a conserved and widely expressed protein that functions as an enhancer looping factor. Previous studies in erythroid cells and neuronal cells showed that LDB1 forms protein complexes with different transcription factors to regulate cell-specific gene expression. Here, we show that LDB1 regulates expression of liver genes by occupying enhancer elements and cooperating with hepatic transcription factors HNF4A, FOXA1, TCF7 and GATA4. Using the glucose transporter SLC2A2 gene, encoding GLUT2, as an example, we find that LDB1 regulates gene expression by mediating enhancer–promoter interactions. In vivo, we find that LDB1 deficiency in primary mouse hepatocytes dysregulates metabolic gene expression and changes the enhancer landscape. Conditional deletion of LDB1 in adult mouse liver induces glucose intolerance. However, Ldb1 knockout hepatocytes show improved liver pathology under high-fat diet conditions associated with increased expression of genes related to liver fatty acid metabolic processes. Thus, LDB1 is linked to liver metabolic functions under normal and obesogenic conditions.
Thermophysical properties of the regolith on the lunar far side revealed by the in situ temperature probing of the Chang’E-4 mission
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Yu Shuoran , Huang Jun , Zhang He , Zhang Youwei , Xiao Long
Published: August 2022

Temperature probes onboard the Chang’E-4 (CE-4) spacecraft provide the first in situ regolith temperature measurements from the far side of the Moon. We present these temperature measurements with a customized thermal model and reveal the particle size of the lunar regolith at the CE-4 landing site to be ∼15 μm on average over depth, which indicates an immature regolith below the surface. In addition, the conductive component of thermal conductivity is measured as ∼1.53 × 10–3 W m–1 K–1 on the surface and ∼8.48 × 10–3 W m–1 K–1 at a depth of 1 m. The average bulk density is ∼471 kg m–3 on the surface and ∼824 kg m–3 in the upper 30 cm of the lunar regolith. These thermophysical properties provide important additional ‘ground truth’ at the lunar far side, which is critical for the future analysis and interpretation of global temperature observations.
Molecular bases of morphologically diffused tumors across multiple cancer types
Authors: Liu Dingyun , Xing Feiyang , Wang Yueying , Xiao Jun , An Zheng , Xu Ying
Published: August 2022

Gastric cancer has two distinct subtypes: the diffuse (DGC) and the intestinal (IGC) subtypes. Morphologically, the former each consists of numerous scattered tiny tumors while the latter each has one or a few solid biomasses. The former tends to be more aggressive and takes place in younger patients than the latter. While these have long been documented, little is known about the underlying causes. Our hypothesis is that the level of sialic acid (SA) accumulation on the cancer cell surfaces is a key reason for the observed differences. Our transcriptomic data-based analyses provide evidence that (i) DGCs tend to deploy more SAs on cancer cell surfaces than IGCs; (ii) this gives rise to considerably stronger cell–cell electrostatic repulsion in DGCs due to the negative charge that each SA carries; and (iii) such repulsion drives stronger cell protrusion and metastasis. Similar observations as well as our transcriptomic data-based predictions hold for multiple other cancer types, namely breast, lung, prostate plus liver and thyroid cancers, each known to have diffuse-like vs. non-diffused subtypes as well as more aggressive behaviors like DGCs vs. IGCs. Hence, we speculate that the discovery presented here applies not only to gastric cancer but multiple and even potentially all cancer types having diffuse-like and non-diffused subtypes.
The plant trans-Golgi network component ECHIDNA regulates defense, cell death, and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Liu Lijiang , Qin Li , Safdar Luqman Bin , Zhao Chuanji , Cheng Xiaohui , Xie Meili , Zhang Yi , Gao Feng , Bai Zetao , Huang Junyan , Bhalerao Rishikesh P , Liu Shengyi , Wei Yangdou
Published: August 2022

The trans-Golgi network (TGN) acts as a central platform for sorting and secreting various cargoes to the cell surface, thus being essential for the full execution of plant immunity. However, the fine-tuned regulation of TGN components in plant defense and stress response has been not fully elucidated. Our study revealed that despite largely compromising penetration resistance, the loss-of-function mutation of the TGN component protein ECHIDNA (ECH) induced enhanced postinvasion resistance to powdery mildew in Arabidopsis thaliana. Genetic and transcriptome analyses and hormone profiling demonstrated that ECH loss resulted in salicylic acid (SA) hyperaccumulation via the ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 biosynthesis pathway, thereby constitutively activating SA-dependent innate immunity that was largely responsible for the enhanced postinvasion resistance. Furthermore, the ech mutant displayed accelerated SA-independent spontaneous cell death and constitutive POWDERY MILDEW RESISTANCE 4-mediated callose depositions. In addition, ECH loss led to a chronically prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress in the ech mutant. These results provide insights into understanding the role of TGN components in the regulation of plant immunity and stress responses.