bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hubble PanCET program: The near-ultraviolet transmission spectrum of WASP-79b
Authors: Gressier A. , Lecavelier des Etangs A. , Sing D. K. , López-Morales M. , Alam M. K. , Barstow J. K. , Bourrier V. , Dos Santos L. A. , García Muñoz A. , Lothringer J. D. , Nikolov N. K. , Sotzen K. S. , Henry G. W. , Mikal-Evans T.
Published: February 2023

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) transit observations of the Hot-Jupiter WASP-79 b acquired with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) in the near ultraviolet (NUV). Two transit observations, part of the PanCET program, are used to obtain the transmission spectra of the planet between 2280 and 3070 Å. We correct for systematic effects in the raw data using the jitter engineering parameters and polynomial modelling to fit the white light curves of the two transits. We observe an increase in the planet-to-star radius ratio at short wavelengths, but no spectrally resolved absorption lines. The difference between the radius ratios at 2400 Å and 3000 Å reaches 0.0191 ± 0.0042 (~4.5−σ). Although the NUV transmission spectrum does not show evidence of hydrodynamical escape, the strong atmospheric features are likely due to species at very high altitudes. We performed a 1D simulation of the temperature and composition of WASP-79 b using Exo-REM. The temperature pressure profile crosses condensation curves of radiatively active clouds, particularly MnS, Mg2SiO4, Fe, and Al2O3. Still, none of these species produces the level of observed absorption at short wavelengths and can explain the observed increase in the planet’s radius. WASP-79 b’s transit depth reaches 23 scale height, making it one of the largest spectral features observed in an exoplanet at this temperature (~1700 K). The comparison of WASP-79 b’s transmission spectrum with three warmer hot Jupiters shows a similar level of absorption to WASP-178 b and WASP-121 b between 0.2 and 0.3 µm, while HAT-P-41 b’s spectrum is flat. The features could be explained by SiO absorption.
The effect of thermal non-equilibrium on kinetic nucleation
Authors: Kiefer S. , Gobrecht D. , Decin L. , Helling Ch.
Published: February 2023

Context. Nucleation is considered to be the first step in dust and cloud formation in the atmospheres of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, exoplanets, and brown dwarfs. In these environments dust and cloud particles grow to macroscopic sizes when gas phase species condense onto cloud condensation nuclei (CCNs). Understanding the formation processes of CCNs and dust in AGB stars is important because the species that formed in their outflows enrich the interstellar medium. Although widely used, the validity of chemical and thermal equilibrium conditions is debatable in some of these highly dynamical astrophysical environments.

Aims. We aim to derive a kinetic nucleation model that includes the effects of thermal non-equilibrium by adopting different temperatures for nucleating species, and to quantify the impact of thermal non-equilibrium on kinetic nucleation.

Methods. Forward and backward rate coefficients are derived as part of a collisional kinetic nucleation theory ansatz. The endother-mic backward rates are derived from the law of mass action in thermal non-equilibrium. We consider elastic collisions as thermal equilibrium drivers.

Results. For homogeneous TiO2 nucleation and a gas temperature of 1250 K, we find that differences in the kinetic cluster temperatures as small as 20 K increase the formation of larger TiO2 clusters by over an order of magnitude. Conversely, an increase in cluster temperature of around 20 K at gas temperatures of 1000 K can reduce the formation of a larger TiO2 cluster by over an order of magnitude.

Conclusions. Our results confirm and quantify the prediction of previous thermal non-equilibrium studies. Small thermal non-equilibria can cause a significant change in the synthesis of larger clusters. Therefore, it is important to use kinetic nucleation models that include thermal non-equilibrium to describe the formation of clusters in environments where even small thermal non-equilibria can be present.
The Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on theJames WebbSpace Telescope
Authors: Bonaventura N. , Jakobsen P. , Ferruit P. , Arribas S. , Giardino G.
Published: February 2023

We present an overview of the capabilities and key algorithms employed in the so-called eMPT software suite developed for planning scientifically optimized, multi-object spectroscopic (MOS) observations with the Micro-Shutter Array (MSA) of the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument on board theJames WebbSpace Telescope, the first multi-object spectrograph to operate in space. NIRSpec MOS mode is enabled by a programmable MSA, a regular grid of ~250 000 individual apertures that projects to a static, semi-regular pattern of available slits on the sky and makes the planning and optimization of an MSA observation a rather complex task. As such, the eMPT package is offered to the NIRSpec user community as a supplement to the MSA Planning Tool (MPT) included in the STScI Astronomer’s Proposal Tool (APT) to assist in the planning of NIRSpec MOS proposals requiring advanced functionality to meet ambitious science goals. The eMPT produces output that can readily be imported and incorporated into the user’s observing program within the APT to generate a customized MPT MOS observation. Furthermore, its novel algorithms and modular approach make it highly flexible and customizable, providing users the option to finely control the workflow and even insert their own software modules to tune their MSA slit masks to the particular scientific objectives at hand.
OJ 287: A new BH mass estimate of the secondary
Authors: Titarchuk Lev , Seifina Elena , Shrader Chris
Published: February 2023

We present a study of outburst activity in the BL Lacertae source OJ 287, which has been observed extensively with the X-ray telescope (XRT) on board the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. We demonstrate that the results of our analysis of X-ray flaring activity using the Swift/XRT data allow for the key characteristics of the OJ 287 secondary to be refined (its nature and mass). We discover that the energy spectra in all spectral states can be fitted using the XSPEC bulk motion Comptonization (BMC) model. As a result we find that the X-ray photon index of the BMC model, Γ, correlates with the mass accretion rate, Ṁ. We establish that Γ increases monotonically with Ṁ from the low-hard state, Γ ∼ 1.5, to the high-soft state, Γ ∼ 2.8, and finally saturates. The index behavior is similar to that in a number of black hole (BH) candidates in which we show that its saturation is observational evidence of the presence of a BH. Based on this correlation, we applied a scaling method and determine that a secondary BH mass in OJ 287 is about ∼1.25 × 108 solar masses, using the well-studied X-ray BH binaries XTE 1550–564, H 1743–322, 4U 1630–47, and GRS 1915+105 as well as extragalactic BHs ESO 243–49 and M101 ULX–1, as reference sources. Also, using the power spectrum analysis, we infer the size of the Compton cloud LCC ∼ 1013 cm where X-ray spectra were formed. Using this value of LCC, we confirm that a BH mass of the secondary in OJ 287 was on the order of 108 solar masses as we derived using the index, Γ–correlation (the scaling method) with respect of the mass accretion rate.
Populist attitudes, anti-technocratic attitudes, and Covid-related conspiracy beliefs across Europe
Authors: Oana Ioana-Elena , Bojar Abel
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on the puzzle of how what could have been initially regarded as a decline in populist support became compatible with widespread conspiracy beliefs during the Covid crisis. Analyzing survey data collected in 16 countries in June–July 2021, we explore how support for Covid conspiracies is embedded in the attitudinal map of individuals and offer three contributions to the literature on conspiracy beliefs and populism. First, we employ an original scale for measuring conspiracy beliefs benchmarked both on a general conspiratorial mindset item and on a non-conspiratorial item. Second, building on the multidimensionality of the concept of populism and its empirical distinction to neighboring anti-technocratic attitudes, we employ a new scale developed and tested by Bertsou and Caramani (2022) that allows us to highlight the differential role that these attitudes play into conspiracy beliefs. Third, we inquire into the role played by previous factors associated with populist attitudes, such as trust and ideology, but also understudied ones such as performance evaluations and (dis)satisfaction with the management of the crisis at the domestic and at the EU level. Our results show that conspiracy, populist, and anti-technocratic attitudes are highly prevalent and related to each other, despite an initial “rally” effect in the beginning of the pandemic. Furthermore, government and EU performance in the crisis matter, net of trust and ideology, playing a moderating role in the populism–conspiracy nexus.
Research and numerical analysis of floating offshore wind turbine based on a novel extended tuned mass damper
Authors: Mu Anle , Huang Zebo , Hu Juncan , Yang Bin , Wang Jiahui , Qian Ye , Wang Jianping , Li Nailu
Published: February 2023

Offshore wind turbines will be developed from shallow water to deep water to meet the rapid growth of wind power generation. Floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) faces complex load challenges, which endanger its safety and service life. Hence, it is urgent to develop a novel damping device to improve the stability of FOWT. In this paper, a novel extended tuned mass damper (ETMD) is proposed. On this basis, a linear quadratic regulator is added to realize the design and simulation of the extended active tuned mass damper (EATMD) control system to reduce the surge response of FOWT. Numerical analysis shows that under the control of ETMD, the surge response of the tower is reduced by 73%, and the frequency modulation width is increased by 55%. Here, under the control of EATMD, the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the surge response of the tower are decreased by 47.0%, 30.7%, and 24.2%, respectively.
Evaporation of twin drops: Effect of acoustics and spacing
Authors: Kureshee Aadil , Narayanan S. , Mandal Deepak Kumar
Published: February 2023

The study investigates how an acoustic field influences evaporation and internal circulation of twin drops when their in-between horizontal spacing varies. The acoustic source is a simple sine wave (i) with and (ii) without white noise at various frequencies. The circulation and outer flow are visualized. Maximum evaporation rate and circulation are found for the lowest frequency and highest spacing. The rate rises with the spacing for a given frequency up to a critical distance. The evaporation becomes almost identical beyond the critical spacing. A correlation among the spacing, evaporation rate, and outer flow velocity is demonstrated. The rate becomes lowest for a given frequency at the least spacing since the vapors accumulated in the surrounding are not swept out by the acoustic-induced flow. The visualization shows a horizontal outer flow, which becomes vertical with the rise in spacing because the acoustic wave can sweep the vapor out. The horizontal flow for the least spacing transforms itself to vertical when the wave amplitude is raised. The evaporation thus rises because the wave now sweeps the vapors out. We show that the perception that any acoustic wave enhances the evaporation of multiple nearby drops is incorrect. The evaporation and circulation decline faster with the rise in frequency since the surrounding flow becomes weak. Thus, we show how the spacing influences the evaporation when acoustic is incident and how the evaporation can be raised by sweeping the accumulated vapor out using higher amplitude acoustics for the closer drops.
Effect of combining multi-jet component with axial swirl blade on evaporation in a spouted bed
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Guo Rong , Wu Feng , Che Xinxin , Wei Renbo
Published: February 2023

To improve the fluidization behavior and the heat and mass transfer process in a spouted bed, a multi-jet–axial-swirl-blade spouted bed (MJ-ASB SB) was developed. The water evaporation process of the MJ-ASB SB was simulated and compared with those of the conventional spouted bed (CSB) and an integral multi-jet spout-fluidized bed (IMJSFB). The simulation results showed that the MJ-ASB SB combined the staged spouting action of multi-jet with the swirling action of the axial swirl blade, which promoted particle turbulence in the annulus region and ensured effective particle mixing. The swirl number of the MJ-ASB SB ranged from 0.0816 to 2.7239 with enhanced vortex intensity, thus promoting momentum and heat transfer of gas and particles in the spouted bed. The MJ-ASB SB had a higher slip velocity than the other two bed types, which indicates that the combined internal structure could improve the fluidization state of the bed and intensify the movement and mixing of phases in the spouted bed. The three-phase temperature, water evaporation rate, and gas humidity of the MJ-ASB SB were higher than those of the CSB and IMJSFB, and water evaporation occurred in an enlarged region in the MJ-ASB SB. The mass transfer intensification factors I of the MJ-ASB SB (2.62) and IMJSFB (1.92) were 91% and 161% higher than that of the CSB (1), respectively, indicating that the combined internal structure of the MJ-ASB SB significantly contributed to the water evaporation process.
A high-order nonlinear limiter for discontinuous Galerkin method on parallel adaptive Cartesian grids
Authors: Qi Xinyu , Wang Zhenming , Zhu Jun , Tian Linlin , Zhao Ning
Published: February 2023

The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method has been widely adopted due to its excellent properties. However, the problem of designing a class of high-order limiter that takes into account accuracy, compactness, efficiency, and robustness has long been an open question in simulating compressible flow with strong discontinuities. In this paper, a high-order multi-resolution weighted essentially non-oscillatory (MR-WENO) limiter is designed for the DG method on a parallel adaptive Cartesian grid, based directly on the weak solution to a polynomial obtained by the DG method. It can gradually be reduced to first-order accuracy in the vicinity of discontinuities while maintaining the excellent features of the DG method. Thus, it essentially has non-oscillatory characteristics in non-smooth regions with respect to the adaptive Cartesian grids. An improved shock detection technique is adopted as an indicator to identify troubled cells, which forms a high-order limiting procedure. A high-order MR-WENO limiter is used for both two- and three-dimensional cases to reconstruct different degrees of freedom on adaptive Cartesian grids. If the mesh is refined or coarsened, the details of the implementation algorithm are presented to determine how the hanging nodes are modulated and how the numerical solutions are redefined on such adaptive Cartesian grids. The parallelization of this method can be achieved by linking to the octree-based adaptive mesh refinement library called p4est. Finally, the low dissipation, shock capture ability, and load balancing of the high-order DG method with an MR-WENO limiter may enhance the resolutions of nearby strong discontinuities in adaptive Cartesian grids.
Drag reduction by flapping a pair of flexible filaments behind a cylinder
Authors: Mao Qian , Liu Yingzheng , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: February 2023

The hydrodynamic mechanism of drag reduction by flapping a pair of flexible filaments behind a cylinder was explored using the penalty immersed boundary method. The effects of the phase difference between two filaments, the attachment height, and the flapping amplitude on drag reduction were examined. The flapping filaments weaken the vortex shedding via the destructive interaction between the vortices with the opposite signal. The clapping (out-of-phase) flexible filaments experience a lower friction drag and reduce a form drag of the cylinder, showing a better drag reduction than the snaking (in-phase) flexible filaments and the clapping rigid filaments. A minimum drag is obtained at an appropriate attachment height and flapping amplitude that avoid collision of the filaments and weaken the shear-layer–filaments interaction. The effectiveness ratio of the clapping filaments is higher than that of the snaking filaments. Energy saving can be achieved by avoiding the shear layer–filament interaction at a low flapping amplitude, whereas the filaments can further reduce the drag with greater energy consumption at an appropriate flapping amplitude. In addition, the total drag decreases with increasing Reynolds number, accompanied by a transition of the wake pattern from the 2S mode to the P + S mode.
Investigation of cavitating vortex rope instabilities and its suppression inside a Francis turbine model with Thoma number variation
Authors: Shahzer Mohammad Abu , Cho Yong , Shamsuddeen Mohamed Murshid , Kim Jin-Hyuk
Published: February 2023

Cavitating vortex rope at part load (PL) condition at lower values of the Thoma number (σ) induces severe pressure fluctuation and efficiency reduction in a Francis turbine, which ultimately hinders continuous energy production. Installation of fins at draft tube (DT) can mitigate these instabilities and can safeguard the turbine operation with lower maintenance costs. The effect of fins on hydraulic performance and internal flow physics at PL condition with the variation of σ is examined in the present numerical investigation. For the two extreme opposite values of σ, the flow characteristics are predicted accurately for the turbine with and without fins by conducting transient simulations using ANSYS-CFX. The numerical findings on the structured and unstructured grid points are validated with the experimental results. The turbine's performance remains constant for higher values of Thoma numbers, and as the value decreases, the performance declines. The cavitation vortex rope formation inside the DT with fins is mitigated significantly at the minimum σ, while at the maximum value, the vortex rope with bubble generation is restricted. Compared to the without fin case, the swirl intensity is minimized remarkably (68%) with the presence of fins at the lowest σ. The maximum cavitation rate is manifested by the DT without fins, which is about 60% higher than the DT with fins. At minimum σ, extreme pressure pulsations are induced inside the DT without fins, which are reduced by 43% in the finned draft tube. Therefore, stable energy production is maximized with the installation of fins at both Thoma numbers.
Diffusion effects on mixed convective peristaltic flow of a bi-viscous Bingham nanofluid through a porous medium with convective boundary conditions
Authors: Ajithkumar M. , Lakshminarayana P. , Vajravelu K.
Published: February 2023

The study of heat transfer and peristaltic pumping of magnetohydrodynamic biofluids has many physiological applications, such as heart–lung machines during surgeries, dialysis, vitamin injections, and cancer treatment. Also, it has many industrial applications, such as pharmaceutical fluid production, filtration, and dispensing cosmetic/glue emulsions with no contamination. Furthermore, the bi-viscous Bingham nanofluid model is the best for several bio/industrial fluids. Therefore, the impact of Hall current, thermal radiation, and cross-diffusion on the mixed convection peristaltic pumping of a bi-viscous Bingham nanofluid in a porous medium is considered. Also, we focus on the flexibility of the walls along with the convective boundary conditions. We adopted the lubrication strategy to reduce the system’s complexity. The system of non-dimensional partial differential equations along with the pertinent boundary conditions is solved by using a regular perturbation method (RPM) for several sets of values of the dimensionless parameters. The expressions for the temperature, concentration, velocity, and heat transfer coefficient are obtained analytically. The impact of the relevant parameters on the velocity, temperature, coefficient of heat transfer, concentration, skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and trapping is discussed in depth with the help of graphical illustrations and tables. The results indicate that the velocity distribution is reduced with growing Darcy parameter and concentration Grashof number. Intensifying the magnetic parameter results in shrinking the trapped bolus. Decay in the heat transfer coefficient is observed for rising values of the radiation parameter. The current findings are compared with the existing studies in the literature and are found to agree very well for special cases. Moreover, the closed form solution (RPM) is compared with the numerical solution (BVC5C, MATLAB) for validation.
Moving Toward Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable Practices in Epidemiologic Research
Authors: García-Closas Montserrat , Ahearn Thomas U , Gaudet Mia M , Hurson Amber N , Balasubramanian Jeya Balaji , Choudhury Parichoy Pal , Gerlanc Nicole M , Patel Bhaumik , Russ Daniel , Abubakar Mustapha , Freedman Neal D , Wong Wendy S W , Chanock Stephen J , Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Almeida Jonas S
Published: February 2023

Data sharing is essential for reproducibility of epidemiologic research, replication of findings, pooled analyses in consortia efforts, and maximizing study value to address multiple research questions. However, barriers related to confidentiality, costs, and incentives often limit the extent and speed of data sharing. Epidemiological practices that follow Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) principles can address these barriers by making data resources findable with the necessary metadata, accessible to authorized users, and interoperable with other data, to optimize the reuse of resources with appropriate credit to its creators. We provide an overview of these principles and describe approaches for implementation in epidemiology. Increasing degrees of FAIRness can be achieved by moving data and code from on-site locations to remote, accessible (“Cloud”) data servers, using machine-readable and nonproprietary files, and developing open-source code. Adoption of these practices will improve daily work and collaborative analyses and facilitate compliance with data sharing policies from funders and scientific journals. Achieving a high degree of FAIRness will require funding, training, organizational support, recognition, and incentives for sharing research resources, both data and code. However, these costs are outweighed by the benefits of making research more reproducible, impactful, and equitable by facilitating the reuse of precious research resources by the scientific community.
Punishing the Non-convicted Through Disclosure of Police Records
Authors: Maurutto Paula , Hannah-Moffat Kelly , Quirouette Marianne
Published: February 2023

As police records expand with big data analytics, so too has the range of non-conviction information seeping into the public domain through criminal background checks. Numerous studies have documented the negative effects of background checks for those with criminal convictions, but less understood are the effects of non-conviction records. We draw on 8 focus groups and 52 interviews to understand how the release of non-conviction records are: (1) creating new institutional risk management pressures for police institutions, (2) expanding the role of employers as arbiters of risk, (3) redefining understandings of ‘the risky subject’ to include victims, those with mental health challenges and other innocent individuals subject to police contact and (4) raising critical legal questions about privacy and presumptions of innocence.
How Can Critical Reflection Improve Social Work Practice with Children and Families?
Authors: Morley Christine , Marshall Lee , Leggatt-Cook Chez
Published: February 2023

The impacts of neoliberal managerialism mean that practitioners working in child protection programmes are often challenged to balance social work values, with formal compliance activities to reduce risk. Within this context, what are the possibilities for practitioners to creatively navigate complex practice environments to achieve better outcomes for children and families? And how might transformative research empower practitioners to improve practice by reconnecting their work with the emancipatory values of the profession? This article seeks to address these questions by showcasing key findings of a state-wide study focused on empowering children’s voices, through the presentation and analysis of a case study. The research used a pre-test/post-test design with critical reflection as a methodology to transform the practice of front line workers and managers who work with children and families in an Australian-based non-government organisation. The case study illustrates the conceptual and practical processes involved in achieving change in a way that can be replicated by others and transferred to other contexts. The findings of the research suggest that critical reflection can be effective to enable practitioners to improve practice with children and families. The article concludes by highlighting implications for organisations in supporting critically reflective practitioners.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent: How Social Work Academics Cope with the Neoliberal University
Authors: Feldman Guy
Published: February 2023

In recent years, a vast and sprawling body of literature has shown that academic institutions have adopted market principles and practices. Scholars have commonly called these processes “the neoliberalization of higher education’ or ‘academic capitalism’. Yet, studies have given less attention to the neoliberalisation of higher education from the bottom-up, reflecting the views of faculty. The discipline of social work, which represents social values and objectives that are incompatible with the neoliberal transformation of higher education, offers a valuable case in point. The current study examines how social work academics experience and confront the ongoing neoliberalisation of higher education. We address this question by drawing on in-depth interviews with thirteen social work faculty members in all five universities across Israel. Findings highlight three main themes: (i) perceptions of the academy and higher education; ii) the tension between freedom and discipline in everyday academic life; and (iii) coping strategies with the neoliberal university. Findings indicate that social work academics’ opposition to the economisation of higher education is marginal and, in most cases, non-existent. We draw on Foucault’s concepts of ‘technologies of domination’ and ‘technologies of the self’ to illuminate our findings regarding neoliberal dynamics in higher education.
Brain network mapping and glioma pathophysiology
Authors: Mandal Ayan S , Brem Steven , Suckling John
Published: February 2023

Adult diffuse gliomas are among the most difficult brain disorders to treat in part due to a lack of clarity regarding the anatomical origins and mechanisms of migration of the tumours. While the importance of studying networks of glioma spread has been recognized for at least 80 years, the ability to carry out such investigations in humans has emerged only recently. Here, we comprehensively review the fields of brain network mapping and glioma biology to provide a primer for investigators interested in merging these areas of inquiry for the purposes of translational research. Specifically, we trace the historical development of ideas in both brain network mapping and glioma biology, highlighting studies that explore clinical applications of network neuroscience, cells-of-origin of diffuse glioma and glioma–neuronal interactions. We discuss recent research that has merged neuro-oncology and network neuroscience, finding that the spatial distribution patterns of gliomas follow intrinsic functional and structural brain networks. Ultimately, we call for more contributions from network neuroimaging to realize the translational potential of cancer neuroscience.
Fetal MRI based brain atlas analysis detects initial in utero effects of prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Stuempflen Marlene , Schwartz Ernst , Diogo Mariana C , Glatter Sarah , Pfeiler Birgit , Kienast Patric , Taymourtash Athena , Schmidbauer Victor U , Bartha-Doering Lisa , Krampl-Bettelheim Elisabeth , Seidl Rainer , Langs Georg , Prayer Daniela , Kasprian Gregor
Published: February 2023

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can change the normal trajectory of human fetal brain development and may lead to long-lasting neurodevelopmental changes in the form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Currently, early prenatal patterns of alcohol-related central nervous system changes are unclear and it is unknown if small amounts of PAE may result in early detectable brain anomalies.

This super-resolution fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study aimed to identify regional effects of PAE on human brain structure. Fetuses were prospectively assessed using atlas-based semi-automated 3-dimensional tissue segmentation based on 1.5 T and 3 T fetal brain MRI examinations. After expectant mothers completed anonymized PRAMS and TACE questionnaires for PAE, fetuses without gross macroscopic brain abnormalities were identified and analyzed. Linear mixed-effects modeling of regional brain volumes was conducted and multiple comparisons were corrected using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. In total, 500 pregnant women were recruited with 51 reporting gestational alcohol consumption. After excluding confounding comorbidities, 24 fetuses (26 observations) were identified with PAE and 52 age-matched controls without PAE were analyzed. Patients with PAE showed significantly larger volumes of the corpus callosum (P ≤ 0.001) and smaller volumes of the periventricular zone (P = 0.001). Even minor (1–3 standard drinks per week) PAE changed the neurodevelopmental trajectory.
Sensitivity of human sweet taste receptor subunits T1R2 and T1R3 to activation by glucose enantiomers
Authors: Dubovski Nitzan , Ben-Shoshan Galeczki Yaron , Malach Einav , Niv Masha Y
Published: February 2023

We have previously shown that l-glucose, the non-caloric enantiomer of d-glucose, activates the human sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3 transiently expressed in HEK293T cells. Here, we show that d- and l-glucose can also activate T1R2 and T1R3 expressed without the counterpart monomer. Serine mutation to alanine in residue 147 in the binding site of T1R3 VFT domain, completely abolishes T1R3S147A activation by either l- or d-glucose, while T1R2/T1R3S147A responds in the same way as T1R2 expressed without its counterpart. We further show that the original T1R2 reference sequence (NM_152232.1) is less sensitive by almost an order of magnitude than the reference sequence at the time this study was performed (NM_152232.4). We find that out of the four differing positions, it is the R317G in the VFT domain of T1R2, that is responsible for this effect in vitro. It is significant for both practical assay sensitivity and because glycine is found in this position in ~20% of the world population. While the effects of the mutations and the partial transfections were similar for d and l enantiomers, their dose–response curves remained distinct, with l-glucose reaching an early plateau.
Ionic Liquid-Based Magnetic Needle Headspace Single-Drop Microextraction Combined with HPLC/UV for the Determination of Chlorophenols in Wastewater
Authors: Firouzy Masoumeh , Hashemi Payman
Published: February 2023

A magnetic needle headspace single-drop microextraction (MN-HS-SDME) method coupled to HPLC/UV has been developed. Trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride was employed as an ionic liquid (IL) solvent for the headspace extraction of some chlorophenol (CP) compounds from wastewater samples. Despite of the nonmagnetic character of the IL, a significant improvement in the extraction efficiency was obtained by the magnetization of the single-drop microextraction needle using a pair of permanent disk magnets. A simplex method for the fast optimization of the experimental conditions (e.g., stirring speed, ionic strength, pH, extraction time and temperature) was used. The coefficients of determination (R2) varied between 0.9932 and 0.9989, the limits of detection were from 0.004 to 0.007 μg mL−1 and the relative recoveries were in the range of 88–120% for the studied analytes. The developed MN-HS-SDME HPLC/UV method was successfully applied to the determination of CPs in industrial wastewater.
Moderate-to-severe pruritus in untreated or non-responsive hemodialysis patients: results of the French prospective multicenter observational study Pruripreva
Authors: Lanot Antoine , Bataille Stanislas , Rostoker Guy , Bataille Pierre , Chauveau Philippe , Touzot Maxime , Misery Laurent
Published: February 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common condition in patients treated with hemodialysis, and has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Due to the lack of standardized diagnostic tools and frequent underreporting, pruritus prevalence remains poorly documented.

Methods

Pruripreva was a prospective multicenter observational study that aimed to evaluate the prevalence of moderate to severe pruritus in a cohort of French hemodialysis patients. The primary endpoint was the rate of patients with mean Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS) score ≥4 calculated over 7 days (moderate pruritus, 4–6; severe, 7–8; very severe, 9–10). Impact of CKD-aP on QoL was analyzed according to its severity (WI-NRS), using 5-D Itch scale, EQ-5D and Short Form (SF)-12.

Results

Mean WI-NRS was ≥4 in 306 patients (mean age, 66.6 years; male, 57.6%) out of 1304 and prevalence of moderate to very severe pruritus was 23.5% (95% confidence interval 21.2–25.9). Pruritus was unknown prior to the systematic screening in 37.6% of patients, and 56.4% of those affected were treated for this condition. The more severe the pruritus, the poorer the QoL according to the 5-D Itch scale, EQ-5D and SF-12.

Conclusion

Moderate to very severe pruritus was reported in 23.5% of hemodialysis patients. CKD-aP was underrated although it is associated with a negative impact on QoL. These data confirm that pruritus in this setting is an underdiagnosed and underreported condition. There is an urgent demand for new therapies to treat chronic pruritus associated with CKD in hemodialysis patients.
Microbial–Immune Crosstalk in Elderly-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Unchartered Territory
Authors: Meng Guanmin , Monaghan Tanya M , Duggal Niharika A , Tighe Paddy , Peerani Farhad
Published: February 2023

Elderly-onset inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients exhibit a distinct natural history compared to younger IBD patients, with unique disease phenotypes, differential responses to therapy, and increased surgical morbidity and mortality. Despite the foreseeable high demand for personalized medicine and specialized IBD care in the elderly, current paradigms of IBD management fail to capture the required nuances of care for elderly-onset IBD patients. Our review postulates the roles of systemic and mucosal immunosenescence, inflammageing and a dysbiotic microbial ecosystem in the pathophysiology of elderly-onset IBD. Ultimately, a better understanding of elderly-onset IBD can lead to improved patient outcomes and the tailoring of future preventative and treatment strategies.
Using Stable Isotopes to Determine Natal Origin and Feeding Habits of the Army Cutworm Moth,Euxoa auxiliaris(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Dittemore Clare M , Tyers Daniel B , Weaver David K , Nunlist Erika A , Sowell Bok F , Peterson Erik , Peterson Robert K D
Published: February 2023

The army cutworm, Euxoa auxiliaris (Grote), is a migratory noctuid that is both an agricultural pest and an important late-season food source for grizzly bears, Ursus arctos horribilis (Linnaeus, Carnivora: Ursidae), within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Beyond the confirmation of the moths’ seasonal, elevational migration in the mid-1900s, little else has been documented about their migratory patterns. To address this missing ecological component, we examined (1) migratory routes during their spring and fall migratory periods throughout their natal range, the Great Plains, and (2) natal origin at two of their summering ranges using stable hydrogen (δ2H) analyses of wings from samples collected within the areas of interest. Stable carbon (δ13C) and stable nitrogen (δ15N) analyses of wings were used to evaluate larval feeding habits of the migrants and agricultural intensity of natal origin sites, respectively. Results suggest that, rather than migrating exclusively east to west, army cutworm moths are also migrating north to south during their spring migration. Moths did not exhibit natal origin site fidelity when returning to the Great Plains. Migrants collected from the Absaroka Range had the highest probability of natal origin in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, the most southern region of the Northwest Territories, and second highest probability of origin in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Migrants collected in the Lewis Range had the highest probability of origin in the same provinces of Canada. Results suggest that migrants of the Absaroka Range fed exclusively on C3 plants as larvae and rarely fed in heavily fertilized agroecosystems.
Isolated cardiac involvement of a primary myeloid sarcoma: a case report of an unusual cause of pulmonary oedema
Authors: Salisbury Thomas , Al-Mohammad Abdallah , Pirzada Omar
Published: February 2023

Background

Myeloid sarcoma, also known as chloroma, is a pathologic diagnosis for an extramedullary proliferation of blasts of one or more of the myeloid lineages. It is an uncommon manifestation of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), although the diagnosis may occur prior to or after diagnosis of AML. Cardiac infiltration by myeloid sarcoma is extremely rare, and of the few published cases, a diagnosis of leukaemia was almost always already present.

Case summary

This is a 52-year-old patient admitted to the hospital with acute shortness of breath, with a large amorphous mass found on computed tomography scan invading the myocardium and causing heart failure. Echocardiography demonstrated multiple cardiac masses. A bone marrow biopsy was non-diagnostic. An endomyocardial biopsy confirmed a cardiac primary myeloid sarcoma. The patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy with complete resolution of the cardiac infiltration and of the heart failure.

Discussion

We present this rare case of primary cardiac myeloid sarcoma and discuss current literature relevant to this effectively unique presentation. We discuss the use of endomyocardial biopsy in the diagnosis of cardiac malignancy and the advantages of early diagnosis and management of this unusual cause of heart failure.
Utility of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing eosinophilic myocarditis in a patient recently recovered from COVID-19: a grand round case report
Authors: Rao Karan , Arustamyan Michael , Walling Abby , Christodoulidis Georgios , Ashwath Mahi , Hagedorn Joshua , Priya Sarv
Published: February 2023

Background

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) secondary to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare disease, for which cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is a useful non-invasive modality for diagnosis. We present a case of EM in a patient who recently recovered from COVID-19 and discuss the role of CMRI and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) to differentiate between COVID-19–associated myocarditis and EM.

Case summary

A 20-year-old Hispanic male with a history of sinusitis and asthma, and who recently recovered from COVID-19, presented to the emergency room with pleuritic chest pain, dyspnoea on exertion, and cough. His presentation labs were pertinent for leucocytosis, eosinophilia, elevated troponin, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. The electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia. Echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 40%. The patient was admitted, and on day 2 of admission, he underwent CMRI which showed findings of EM and mural thrombi. On hospital day 3, the patient underwent right heart catheterization and EMB which confirmed EM. The patient was treated with steroids and mepolizumab. He was discharged on hospital day 7 and continued outpatient heart failure treatment.

Discussion

This is a unique case of EM and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction as a presentation of EGPA, in a patient who recently recovered from COVID-19. In this case, CMRI and EMB were critical to identify the cause of myocarditis and helped in the optimal management of this patient.
Health-related quality of life in cardiac sarcoidosis: a systematic review
Authors: Quijano-Campos Juan Carlos , Sekhri Neha , Thillai Muhunthan , Sanders Julie
Published: February 2023

People living with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are likely to have worse clinical outcomes and greater impairment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than other sarcoidosis manifestations. CS can result in a constellation of intrusive symptoms (such as palpitations, dizziness, syncope/pre-syncope, chest pain, dyspnoea, orthopnoea, or peripheral oedema) and/or life-threatening episodes, requiring consideration of invasive cardiac procedures for diagnosis and for the management of acute events. Additionally, the presence of multisystemic involvement and persistent non-specific sarcoidosis symptoms negatively affect HRQoL. A systematic review was undertaken to explore the impact of CS on HRQoL in adults with CS. Multiple bibliographic databases were searched for studies with HRQoL as primary or secondary outcomes in CS (PROSPERO registration: CRD42019119752). Data extraction and quality assessments were undertaken independently by two authors. From the initial 1609 identified records, only 11 studies included CS patients but none specifically reported HRQoL scores for CS patients. The average representation of CS patients was 14.5% within these cohorts (range 2–22%). The majority (73%) was conducted in single-centre tertiary care settings, and only one study (9%) included longitudinal HRQoL data. CS patients were among those sarcoidosis patients with impaired HRQoL and worse outcomes, requiring higher doses of sarcoidosis-specific therapy which contribute to further deterioration of HRQoL. Sarcoidosis studies do not incorporate stratified HRQoL scores for CS patients. While there is a need for longitudinal and multicentre studies assessing HRQoL outcomes in CS cohorts, the development of CS-specific tools is also needed.
Association of socioeconomic status in the incidence, quality-of-care metrics, and outcomes for patients with cardiogenic shock in a pre-hospital setting
Authors: Bloom Jason E , Wong Nathan , Nehme Emily , Dawson Luke P , Ball Jocasta , Anderson David , Cox Shelley , Chan William , Kaye David M , Nehme Ziad , Stub Dion
Published: February 2023

Aims

The relationship between lower socioeconomic status (SES) and poor cardiovascular outcomes is well described; however, there exists a paucity of data exploring this association in cardiogenic shock (CS). This study aimed to investigate whether any disparities exist between SES and the incidence, quality of care or outcomes of CS patients attended by emergency medical services (EMS).

Methods and results

This population-based cohort study included consecutive patients transported by EMS with CS between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2019 in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from individually linked ambulance, hospital, and mortality datasets. Patients were stratified into SES quintiles using national census data produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

A total of 2628 patients were attended by EMS for CS. The age-standardized incidence of CS amongst all patients was 11.8 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 11.4–12.3] per 100 000 person-years, with a stepwise increase from the highest to lowest SES quintile (lowest quintile 17.0 vs. highest quintile 9.7 per 100 000 person-years, P-trend < 0.001). Patients in lower SES quintiles were less likely to attend metropolitan hospitals and more likely to be received by inner regional and remote centres without revascularization capabilities. A greater proportion of the lower SES groups presented with CS due to non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and overall were less likely to undergo coronary angiography. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an increased 30-day all-cause mortality rate in the lowest three SES quintiles when compared with the highest quintile.

Conclusion

This population-based study demonstrated discrepancies between SES status in the incidence, care metrics, and mortality rates of patients presenting to EMS with CS. These findings outline the challenges in equitable healthcare delivery within this cohort.
Anterolateral territory coronary artery bypass grafting strategies: a non-inferiority randomized clinical trial: the AMI-PONT trial
Authors: Stevens Louis-Mathieu , Chartrand-Lefebvre Carl , Mansour Samer , Béland Vincent , Soulez Gilles , Forcillo Jessica , Basile Fadi , Prieto Ignacio , Noiseux Nicolas
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to assess whether a composite coronary artery bypass grafting strategy including a saphenous vein graft bridge to distribute left internal mammary artery outflow provides non-inferior patency rates compared to conventional grafting surgery with separated left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending coronary graft and aorto-coronary saphenous vein grafts to other anterolateral targets.

METHODS

All patients underwent isolated grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and received ≥2 grafts/patients on the anterolateral territory. The graft patency (i.e. non-occluded) was assessed using multislice spiral computed tomography at 1 year.

RESULTS

From 2012 to 2021, 208 patients were randomized to a bridge (n = 105) or conventional grafting strategy (n = 103). Patient characteristics were comparable between groups. The anterolateral graft patency was non-inferior in the composite bridge compared to conventional grafting strategy at 1 year [risk difference 0.7% (90% confidence interval –4.8 to 6.2%)]. The graft patency to the left anterior descending coronary was no different between groups (P = 0.175). Intraoperatively, the bridge group required shorter vein length for anterolateral targets (P < 0.001) and exhibited greater Doppler flow in the mammary artery pedicle (P = 0.004). The composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction or target vessel reintervention at 30 days was no different (P = 0.164).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterolateral graft patency of the composite bridge grafting strategy is non-inferior to the conventional grafting strategy at 1 year. This novel grafting strategy is safe, efficient, associated with several advantages including better mammary artery flow and shorter vein requirement, and could be a valuable alternative to conventional grafting strategies. Ten-year clinical follow-up is underway.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01585285.