bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does higher income lead to more renewable energy consumption? evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Setyadharma A , Prasetyo P E , Oktavilia S , Fortuna B D , Wahyuningrum I F S
Published: November 2022

Indonesia is aimed to reach the use of renewable energy by up to 23 percent by 2025. Increasing society’s income is considered as one of the effective ways to encourage society to shift to renewable energy consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of income on renewable energy consumption in Indonesia. This study employed Engle Granger Error Correction Model and used hydroelectricity consumption as the proxy of the renewable energy consumption and real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as the proxy of the income. The result of this study suggested that hydroelectricity consumption can be written as a quadratic function of real GDP per capita. It means that at the beginning, increasing real GDP per capita reduced the hydroelectricity consumption, and at a certain level it turns to opposite direction, where the rise of the real GDP per capita increased hydroelectricity consumption. In conclusion, higher income leads to higher renewable energy consumption. The policy implication for policymakers is straightforward, i.e., it is important to increase the income of the society, not only for the sake of the wealth of the society, but also for the protection of the environment through more clean energy consumption.
Magnetic field and Faraday rotation from large-scale interstellar medium to plasma near the black-hole horizon
Authors: WU Qingwen
Published: November 2022

Magnetic fields appear to be ubiquitous in the astrophysical environments of our Universe, but are still poorly understood despite playing an important role in understanding different-scale celestial objects (e.g., Earth, planets, stars, normal galaxies, active galactic nuclei, clusters etc.). We briefly review the results and progress in magnetic field estimation based on rotation measures from the large-scale interstellar medium, megaparsec-scale radio jets to the plasma near the black-hole horizon. We find that there is no evident correlation between electron density and magnetic field in warm ionized plasma, which suggests that the estimation of the magnetic field from the ratio of the rotation measure and dispersion measure correctly reflects the intrinsic field. The estimation of the magnetic field from the rotation measure is also discussed near the black hole horizon in M 87. The Square Kilometre Array will greatly improve the understanding of the magnetic field in our Universe, which will provide high-quality polarization imaging and extragalactic rotation measures in the near future.
Exploring the quantum world with a third generation ultra-cold atom facility
Authors: Thompson R J , Aveline D , Chiow S W , Elliott E R , Kellogg J R , Kohel J m , Sbroscia M S , Phillips L , Schneider C , Williams J R , Bigelow N , Engels P , Lundblad N , Sackett C A , Woerner L
Published: November 2022

We briefly describe a ‘third generation’ follow-on to the Cold Atom Lab mission, currently operating aboard the ISS and the Bose–Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Lab mission, which is expected to launch in 2026. This mission would feature a modular design that would allow critical hardware to be optimized for specific investigations while allowing easy exchange with other hardware to enable a multi-user facility.
A characterization of finite simple set-theoretic solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation
Authors: Castelli Marco
Published: November 2022

In this paper we present a characterization of finite simple involutive non-degenerate set-theoretic solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation by means of left braces and we provide some significant examples.
Asymmetric Rogers–Ramanujan type identities. I. The Andrews–Uncu conjecture
Authors: Chern Shane
Published: November 2022

In this work, we start an investigation of asymmetric Rogers–Ramanujan type identities. The first object is the following unexpected relation
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sigma-summation Underscript n greater-than-or-equal-to 0 Endscripts StartFraction left-parenthesis negative 1 right-parenthesis Superscript n Baseline q Superscript 3 StartBinomialOrMatrix n Choose 2 EndBinomialOrMatrix plus 4 n Baseline left-parenthesis q semicolon q cubed right-parenthesis Subscript n Baseline Over left-parenthesis q Superscript 9 Baseline semicolon q Superscript 9 Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript n Baseline EndFraction equals StartFraction left-parenthesis q Superscript 4 Baseline semicolon q Superscript 6 Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript normal infinity Baseline left-parenthesis q Superscript 12 Baseline semicolon q Superscript 18 Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript normal infinity Baseline Over left-parenthesis q Superscript 5 Baseline semicolon q Superscript 6 Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript normal infinity Baseline left-parenthesis q Superscript 9 Baseline semicolon q Superscript 18 Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript normal infinity Baseline EndFraction">

∑

n
≥
0

(
−
1

)
n

q

3

(

n
2

)

+
4
n

(
q
;

q
3

)
n

(

q
9

;

q
9

)
n

=

(

q

4

;

q

6

)
∞

(

q

12

;

q

18

)
∞

(

q

5

;

q

6

)
∞

(

q

9

;

q

18

)
∞

\begin{equation*} \sum _{n\ge 0} \frac {(-1)^n q^{3\binom {n}{2}+4n}(q;q^3)_n}{(q^9;q^9)_n} = \frac {(q^{4};q^{6})_\infty (q^{12};q^{18})_\infty }{(q^{5};q^{6})_\infty (q^{9};q^{18})_\infty } \end{equation*}

and its

a
a

-generalization. We then use this identity as a key ingredient to confirm a recent conjecture of G. E. Andrews and A. K. Uncu [Ramanujan J. (2023), DOI 10.1007/s11139-022-00685-y].
Non-existence of Siegel zeros for cuspidal functorial products on 𝐺𝐿(2)×𝐺𝐿(3)
Authors: Luo Wenzhi
Published: November 2022

Let

π

1

\pi _{1}

and

π

2

\pi _{2}

be two cuspidal automorphic forms over a number field

F

\mathbf {F}

on

G
L
(
2
)

GL(2)

and

G
L
(
3
)

GL(3)

respectively. In this work, we prove the non-existence of Siegel zeros for the automorphic

L
L

-function associated to a cuspidal functorial product

π

1

×

π

2

\pi _{1} \times \pi _{2}

.
A description of 𝐴_{∞}-weights for VMO
Authors: Liu Jinsong , Tao Fei , Wei Huaying
Published: November 2022

We present a new characterization of Muckenhoupt

A

∞

A_{\infty }

-weights whose logarithm is in vanishing mean oscillation

(

R

)

(\mathbb {R})

in terms of vanishing Carleson measures on

R

+
2

\mathbb {R}_+^2

and vanishing doubling weights on

R

\mathbb {R}

. This also gives a novel description of strongly symmetric homeomorphisms on the real line by using a geometric quantity.
Period domains for gravitational instantons
Authors: Lee Tsung-Ju , Lin Yu-Shen
Published: November 2022

Based on the uniformization theorems of gravitation instantons by Chen–Chen [Acta Math. 227 (2021), pp. 263–307], Chen–Viaclovsky [Gravitational instantons with quadratic volume growth, 2021], Collins–Jacob–Lin [Forum Math. Sigma (2021)], and Hein–Sun–Viaclovsky–Zhang [Gravitational instantons and del Pezzo surfaces], we prove that the period maps for the

A
L
H

∗

\mathrm {ALH}^{\ast }

,

A
L
G

\mathrm {ALG}

, and

A
L
G

∗

\mathrm {ALG}^{\ast }

gravitational instantons are surjective. In particular, the period domains of these gravitational instantons are exactly their moduli spaces.
Testing Kronecker product covariance matrices for high-dimensional matrix-variate data
Authors: Yu Long , Xie Jiahui , Zhou Wang
Published: November 2022

The Kronecker product covariance structure provides an efficient way to model the inter-correlations of matrix-variate data. In this paper, we propose test statistics for the Kronecker product covariance matrix based on linear spectral statistics of renormalized sample covariance matrices. A central limit theorem is proved for the linear spectral statistics, with explicit formulas for the mean and covariance functions, thereby filling a gap in the literature. We then show theoretically that the proposed test statistics have well-controlled size and high power. We further propose a bootstrap resampling algorithm to approximate the limiting distributions of the associated linear spectral statistics. Consistency of the bootstrap procedure is guaranteed under mild conditions. The proposed test procedure is also applicable to the Kronecker product covariance model with additional random noise. In our simulations, the empirical sizes of the proposed test procedure and its bootstrapped version are close to the corresponding theoretical values, while the power converges to $1$ quickly as the dimension and sample size increase.
Tranexamic acid and blood loss in pancreaticoduodenectomy: TAC-PD randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ishii Kenta , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Yonekawa Yoshihiko , Hayashi Daisuke , Kinoshita Fumie , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Okuno Masataka , Natsume Seiji , Minami Takayuki , Sugawara Gen , Seita Kazuaki , Sato Fumiya , Aoba Taro , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Kurumiya Yasuhiro , Maeda Atsuyuki , Yamaguchi Ryuzo , Hiramatsu Kazuhiro , Ebata Tomoki
Published: November 2022

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) may reduce intraoperative blood loss, but it has not been investigated in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

A pragmatic, multicentre, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Adult patients undergoing planned PD for biliary, duodenal, or pancreatic diseases were randomly assigned to TXA or placebo groups. Patients in the TXA group were administered 1 g TXA before incision, followed by a maintenance infusion of 125 mg/h TXA. Patients in the placebo group were administered the same volume of saline as those in the placebo group. The primary outcome was blood loss during PD. The secondary outcomes included perioperative blood transfusions, operating time, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Between September 2019 and May 2021, 218 patients were randomly assigned and underwent surgery (108 in the TXA group and 110 in the placebo group). Mean intraoperative blood loss was 659 ml in the TXA group and 701 ml in the placebo group (mean difference −42 ml, 95 per cent c.i. −191 to 106). Of the 218 patients, 202 received the intervention and underwent PD, and the mean blood loss during PD was 667 ml in the TXA group and 744 ml in the placebo group (mean difference −77 ml, 95 per cent c.i. −226 to 72). The secondary outcomes were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Perioperative TXA use did not reduce blood loss during PD.

Registration number

jRCTs041190062 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp).
Post-operative prevention and monitoring of Crohn’s disease recurrence
Authors: Lee Kate E , Cantrell Sarah , Shen Bo , Faye Adam S
Published: November 2022

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are relapsing and remitting chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Although surgery for UC can provide a cure, surgery for CD is rarely curative. In the past few decades, research has identified risk factors for postsurgical CD recurrence, enabling patient risk stratification to guide monitoring and prophylactic treatment to prevent CD recurrence. A MEDLINE literature review identified articles regarding post-operative monitoring of CD recurrence after resection surgery. In this review, we discuss the evidence on risk factors for post-operative CD recurrence as well as suggestions on post-operative management.
Cars, Guns, Aging, and “Giving Up the Keys”
Authors: Betz Marian E , Polzer Evan R , Knoepke Christopher E , Prater Laura C , Simonetti Joseph A , Lee Teresa M , Meador Lauren E , Nearing Kathryn A
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Age-associated changes can impair abilities for safe driving and the use of firearms. We sought to examine multiple perspectives on reducing access to firearms, including similarities and differences compared to reducing driving.

Research Design and Methods

Online focus groups and 1-on-1 interviews were conducted (November 2020 to May 2021) in the United States with: older adults who drove and owned firearms; family members of older adult firearm owners/drivers; professionals in aging-related agencies; and firearm retailers/instructors. Recorded sessions were transcribed, coded, and analyzed following a mixed inductive–deductive thematic analysis process.

Results

Among 104 participants (81 in focus groups, 23 in interviews), 50 (48%) were female, and 92 (88%) White. Key similarities: decisions are emotional and challenging; needs change over time; safety concerns are heightened by new impairments; prior experiences prompt future planning; tension between autonomy and reliance on trusted others; and strategies like reframing may ease transitions and avoid confrontations. Key differences: “retirement” was not an acceptable term for firearms; reducing driving may affect daily independence more, but there are few alternatives for the psychological safety conferred by firearms; and there are specific firearm-related legal concerns but more driving-related regulations, policies, and resources.

Discussion and Implications

The similarities and differences in the processes and preferences related to reducing driving or firearm access have implications for the development of resources to support planning and action. Such resources for the public and providers might empower older adults and their families to make voluntary, shared decisions, and reduce injuries and deaths.
Effect of dl-methionine supplementation above requirement on performance; intestinal morphology, antioxidant activity, and gene expression; and serum concentration of amino acids in heat stressed pigs
Authors: Morales Adriana , Sánchez Verónica , Pérez Bayron , Camacho Reyna L , Arce Néstor , Avelar Ernesto , González-Vega Jollie-Carolline , Htoo John K , Cervantes Miguel
Published: November 2022

The intestinal morphology and function can be compromised in pigs exposed to heat stress (HS), partly due to increased production of reactive-oxygen species. Because methionine (Met) functions as intracellular antioxidant, the requirement of Met may be increased in HS-pigs. The effect of dietary supplementation with dl-Met above requirement on performance, small intestine morphology, antioxidant enzymes activity, amino acid transporters expression, and serum concentration (SC) of free AA in HS-pigs was evaluated. A basal wheat–soybean meal diet was formulated to meet 100% Met requirement with the other indispensable AA exceeding at least 20% their requirement. Sixty individually housed pigs (23.0 ± 2.4 kg BW, 12 pigs per treatment) were randomly assigned to five treatments: TN100, thermal-neutral (22.7 °C) housed pigs fed the basal diet; HS100, HS120, HS140, HS160; HS-pigs (29.6 °C to 39.4 °C) fed the basal diet supplemented with dl-Met to contain 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% dl-Met above the requirement, respectively. Pigs had free access to feed and water during the 21-d trial. Blood samples were collected on day 18 to analyze the absorptive AA-SC. The effect of ambient temperature (HS100 vs. TN100), as well as the linear and quadratic effects of increasing Met levels in the diets for HS-pigs were analyzed. The HS100 pigs gained less weight than TN100 and HS120 pigs (P < 0.01); gain:feed was also higher in HS120 pigs than in HS100 pigs (P ≤ 0.05). Feed intake of TN100 pigs was higher than that of HS-pigs fed the dl-Met supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Villi height reduced in pigs HS, but Met supplementation quadratically increased it (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, reduced glutathione concentration, and relative expression of B0AT2 in ileum decreased (P < 0.05), but glutathione peroxidase activity increased in HS-pigs. dl-Met supplementation linearly affected catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as the relative expression of b0,+AT in jejunum (P < 0.05) of HS-pigs. The SC of Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, and Val were higher in HS100 pigs than in TN100 pigs (P < 0.05). Graded levels of supplemental dl-Met in diets for HS-pigs linearly decreased SC of Ile, Leu, and Val (P < 0.05), tended to decrease His, Lys, and Thr (P < 0.10), and increased Met (P < 0.01). In conclusion, HS had negative effect on weight gain and intestinal morpho-physiology; however, it was ameliorated by adding 20% Met above the requirement in diets for growing pigs.
Endothelial cell malfunction in unruptured intracranial aneurysm lesions revealed using a 3D-casted mold
Authors: Ono Isao , Abekura Yu , Kawashima Akitsugu , Oka Mieko , Okada Akihiro , Hara Shintaro , Miyamoto Susumu , Kataoka Hiroharu , Ishii Akira , Yamamoto Kimiko , Aoki Tomohiro
Published: November 2022

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are major causes of devastating subarachnoid hemorrhages. They are characterized by a chronic inflammatory process in the intracranial arterial walls triggered and modified by hemodynamic force loading. Because IA lesion morphology is complex, the blood flow conditions loaded on endothelial cells in each portion of the lesion in situ vary greatly. We created a 3D-casted mold of the human unruptured IA lesion and cultured endothelial cells on this model; it was then perfused with culture media to model physiological flow conditions. Gene expression profiles of endothelial cells in each part of the IA lesion were then analyzed. Comprehensive gene expression profile analysis revealed similar gene expression patterns in endothelial cells from each part of the IA lesion but gene ontology analysis revealed endothelial cell malfunction within the IA lesion. Histopathological examination, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis indicated that endothelial cells within IA lesions are damaged and dysfunctional. Thus, our findings reveal endothelial cell malfunction in IA lesions and provided new insights into IA pathogenesis.
Unique Presentation of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis With Urticarial Dermographia
Authors: Minns Robert M , Barranco-Trabi Javier J , Siemann David N , Chamas Adam , Shin Terry
Published: November 2022

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an acute complication of hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is treatable, and the management consists of potassium correction, beta-blockers, and antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy. While TPP is well described in the literature, we describe a case of TPP with urticarial dermographia (UD) that resolved with a short course of antihistamines while continuing ATD therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of UD after methimazole (MMI) therapy in a TPP patient. A 25-year-old Cambodian active duty male with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with acute loss of lower extremity muscle tone with hypokalemia in the setting of previously undiagnosed Graves’ disease (GD). He was started on MMI but within 2 weeks developed a rash consistent with UD. This was successfully treated with a second-generation antihistamine while continuing his MMI. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is primarily treated by controlling the underlying thyroid disease causing paralysis. Methimazole is commonly chosen as a treatment due to its rapid efficacy and long duration of action. However, adverse effects like UD can occur. Current recommendations are that minor cutaneous reactions can be treated with antihistamines for the management of Graves’ disease. However, this case and others show that even moderate reactions can be managed in this manner. In a patient with TPP with UD after treatment with MMI, it is reasonable to attempt a trial of antihistamine before changing to another ATD.
Physical Trauma Following Rocket Warning Sirens in Israel
Authors: Manor Uri , Apterman Sagy , Ben-Haim Gal , Prat Dan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Civilians constitute a significant wartime target, and trauma accounts for most of their injuries. Air raid sirens have long been used to alert civilians of incoming attacks and have since expanded to warn from natural disasters. Sirens are known to cause significant emotional distress and physiological changes. Injuries inflicted from trauma while moving for shelter have yet to be described in the medical literature.

Methods

During the recent Israel–Gaza conflict of May 2021, most of Israel’s population experienced rocket warning sirens. We collected all adult (18<) patients arriving at a major tertiary medical center emergency department (ED), attesting to having suffered their injury while rushing for shelter. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

A total of 48 patients were identified, with a mean age of 59.6 ± 20.0. Ten (21%) patients were admitted, and their mean length of stay was 4.4 ± 3.7 days. Women had a higher probability of being hospitalized (42.9% vs. 5.9%, P = .04), and those hospitalized tended to be older (68.8 ± 16.4 vs. 54.8 ± 20.8, P = .06). Elderly patients (65<) had a higher risk of injury. Extremity injuries were most common (50%), before head trauma (29%) and torso injuries (25%). Most patients (38/48, 79.2%) were discharged from the ED, and the rest were hospitalized for observation or surgery. One patient died from a head injury.

Conclusions

This study implies that injuries while moving for shelter were a prevalent cause of physical injury to Israeli civilians during the Israel–Gaza 2021 conflict. Warning sirens injuries should be given appropriate attention—from prevention by directed media campaigns to post-conflict reimbursement.
How to interpret measurements of diffuse light in stacked observations of groups and clusters of galaxies
Authors: Ahad Syeda Lammim , Bahé Yannick M , Hoekstra Henk
Published: November 2022

The diffuse light within galaxy groups and clusters provides valuable insight into the growth of massive cosmic structures. Groups are particularly interesting in this context, because they represent the link between galactic haloes and massive clusters. However, low surface brightness makes their diffuse light extremely challenging to detect individually. Stacking many groups is a promising alternative, but its physical interpretation is complicated by possible systematic variations of diffuse light profiles with other group properties. Another issue is the often ambiguous choice of group centre. We explore these challenges using mock observations for 497 galaxy groups and clusters with halo masses from $\sim 10^{12}$ to $1.5 \times 10^{15}\, \textrm {M}_{\odot }$ at redshift 0.1 from the Hydrangea cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. In 18 per cent of groups with at least five galaxies above $10^{9} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ in stellar mass, the r-band brightest galaxy is not the one at the centre of the gravitational potential; line-of-sight projections account for half of these cases. Miscentring does not significantly affect the ensemble average mass density profile or the surface brightness profile for our sample: even within ambiguously centred haloes, different centring choices lead to only a 1 per cent change in the total fraction of diffuse intra-group light, fIGL. We find strong correlations of fIGL with the luminosity of the central group galaxy and halo mass. Stacking groups in narrow bins of central galaxy luminosity will therefore make the physical interpretation of the signal more straightforward than combining systems across a wide range of mass.
Longitudinal MR spectroscopy to detect progression in patients with lower-grade glioma in the surveillance phase
Authors: Avalos Lauro N , Luks Tracy L , Gleason Tyler , Damasceno Pablo , Li Yan , Lupo Janine M , Phillips Joanna , Oberheim Bush Nancy Ann , Taylor Jennie W , Chang Susan M , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E
Published: November 2022

Background

Monitoring lower-grade gliomas (LrGGs) for disease progression is made difficult by the limits of anatomical MRI to distinguish treatment related tissue changes from tumor progression. MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) offers additional metabolic information that can help address these challenges. The goal of this study was to compare longitudinal changes in multiparametric MRI, including diffusion weighted imaging, perfusion imaging, and 3D MRSI, for LrGG patients who progressed at the final time-point and those who remained clinically stable.

Methods

Forty-one patients with LrGG who were clinically stable were longitudinally assessed for progression. Changes in anatomical, diffusion, perfusion and MRSI data were acquired and compared between patients who remained clinically stable and those who progressed.

Results

Thirty-one patients remained stable, and 10 patients progressed. Over the study period, progressed patients had a significantly greater increase in normalized choline, choline-to-N-acetylaspartic acid index (CNI), normalized creatine, and creatine-to-N-acetylaspartic acid index (CRNI), than stable patients. CRNI was significantly associated with progression status and WHO type. Progressed astrocytoma patients had greater increases in CRNI than stable astrocytoma patients.

Conclusions

LrGG patients in surveillance with tumors that progressed had significantly increasing choline and creatine metabolite signals on MRSI, with a trend of increasing T2 FLAIR volumes, compared to LrGG patients who remained stable. These data show that MRSI can be used in conjunction with anatomical imaging studies to gain a clearer picture of LrGG progression, especially in the setting of clinical ambiguity.
Development of a Molecular Tool for Identification of a NewNeopestalotiopsissp. Associated with Disease Outbreaks on Strawberry
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Gelain Jhulia , Marin Marcus Vinicius , Peres Natalia A. , Schnabel Guido
Published: November 2022

A new Neopestalotiopsis sp. was recently reported causing outbreaks of leaf spot and fruit rot on strawberry in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. In contrast to other Pestalotiopsis pathogens, the new species appears more aggressive and destructive on strawberry. Current chemical options for management are disease suppressive at best, and affected growers have been experiencing major yield losses. In this study, we developed a molecular method based on polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) for identification of the new Neopestalotiopsis sp. from strawberry. Isolates of the new Neopestalotiopsis sp. collected in Florida; isolates of N. rosae, N. honoluluana, N. ellipsopora, N. saprophytica, N. samarangensis, and P. rhododendri; and isolates from South Carolina suspected to be the new Neopestalotiopsis sp. were included in this study. This method is based on PCR amplification of a β-tubulin gene fragment using a previously published set of primers (Bt2a and Bt2b), followed by use of the restriction enzyme BsaWI. The enzyme cuts the PCR product from the new Neopestalotiopsis sp. twice, yielding fragments of 290 base pairs (bp) and 130 and 20 bp in size, whereas fragments from other species are only cut once, yielding fragments of 420 and 20 bp. This method will aid research labs and diagnostic clinics in the accurate and fast identification of the aggressive Neopestalotiopsis sp. variant from strawberry.
Bundled Approach to Improve Inpatient Stroke Recognition and Time to Treatment
Authors: Drollinger Lindy , Prasun Marilyn A.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND: Early recognition of inpatient stroke is critical in reducing poor outcomes. A gap in knowledge and recognition of stroke by nursing staff was observed; protocols did not incorporate the Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time (BE-FAST) symptom mnemonic, and code stroke documentation was frequently incomplete. PURPOSE: This initiative aimed to improve timely recognition, evidence-based treatment, and nursing documentation of stroke-related symptoms. METHODS: This quality improvement initiative implemented an inpatient nurse-driven code stroke bundle. A pre-post prospective intervention design was implemented over 3 months. Code stroke bundle components included an evidence-based protocol, algorithm, visual aids, and education. Nursing communication and documentation used the BE-FAST mnemonic in a Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation format. RESULTS: Nursing stroke knowledge improved 8% (88% vs 96%, P < .001); stroke response times improved 15 minutes (25.9 vs 11 minutes, P = .383), although not significant; the code stroke documentation completion rate was increased 48.1% (0 [0%] vs 13 [48.1%], P < .001); and improved utilization of the BE-FAST tool with Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation communication (0 [0%] vs 20 [47.6%], P = < .001) was observed. The code stroke cancelation rate slightly worsened (10 [26.3%] vs 14 [26.9%], P = .949), code stroke notifications for altered mental status improved (15 [39.5%] vs 8 [15.7%], P = .015), and the stroke mimic rate improved (27 [71.1%] vs 35 [67.3%], P = .708). CONCLUSION: Nurses provide hospital patient care continuously and are in a key position to intervene when patients present changes in symptoms. Through education and creating an evidence-based protocol, nurses can impact patient outcomes in early recognition and activation of the code stroke system. Further studies are warranted to refine strategies leading to continued improvement in early stroke identification.
Impact of a Virtual Patient Simulation on Nursing Students' Attitudes of Transgender Care
Authors: Altmiller Gerry , Wilson Cheryl , Jimenez Francisco A. , Perron Tracy
Published: November 2022

Background:

Transgender individuals experience considerable prejudice and bias, creating barriers to health care.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a virtual patient simulation scenario of caring for a transgender adult on nursing students' attitudes and beliefs about transgender people.

Methods:

A validated 29-item instrument developed to assess an individual's view of transgender identity was administered in a pre-/posttest nonequivalent-groups design to junior- and senior-level nursing students.

Results:

Statistically significant differences were found between the control and treatment groups for the subscale human value.

Conclusions:

Findings support experiential learning in nursing as an effective tool in teaching cultural competence and sensitivity when caring for transgender patients. Attitudes and beliefs of senior nursing students and junior nursing students toward transgender individuals differed, with senior students being more receptive.
HPV-associated Vulvar Intraepithelial Carcinoma With Sebaceous Differentiation: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Hamza Mugahed A. , Quick Charles M. , Williams Heather R. , Patil Ninad M. , Shalin Sara C.
Published: November 2022

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a malignant neoplasm demonstrating sebocytic differentiation, commonly in the periocular area. Sebocytic differentiation is recognized by multivesicular cytoplasmic clearing with frequent nuclear scalloping. The vesicles can be highlighted by immunohistochemical stains against the perilipin family proteins including adipophilin. Extraocular SC is uncommon but well reported, often in the setting of Muir-Torre syndrome; however, vulvar SC is exceptionally rare. The literature review yielded only 12 prior cases of vulvar SC, all of which showed invasion. Here we report 2 additional similar cases from 2 different institutions of an intraepithelial carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation. Histologic examination of multiple specimens from both patients showed similar features: a multifocal intraepithelial basaloid nodular neoplasm sparing the basal layer with occasional pagetoid spread. The tumor cells demonstrated a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, mitoses, variably foamy vacuolated cytoplasm, and nuclear indentation. Multiple specimens from both patients showed evidence of sebaceous differentiation (substantiated by adipophilin positivity in a membranous vesicular pattern in case 1 and by androgen receptor and epithelial membrane antigen positivity in case 2), and squamous differentiation (substantiated by p63/p40 and weak CK 5/6 expression), as well as human papillomavirus (HPV) association (substantiated by p16 block positivity and detection of high-risk HPV by in situ hybridization). One case was a true in situ lesion without evidence of invasion, and the other case was predominantly an in situ carcinoma with prominent adnexal extension and focal superficial invasion of <1 mm seen in one of multiple specimens. To our knowledge, these 2 cases are the first to show a vulvar SC/carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation that is predominantly limited to the epidermis, and the first documentation of HPV infection in vulvar sebaceous neoplasms. Vulvar intraepithelial carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation is the umbrella term we chose for this entity. Whether this is a true SC in situ that is HPV positive/driven, or a vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia with sebaceous differentiation, is not entirely clear. We emphasize the importance of looking for this morphology to avoid misclassification. Due to the rarity of cases, optimal treatment at this site has not been established.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 in people with HIV infection
Authors: Del Amo Julia , Polo Rosa , Moreno Santiago , Martínez Esteban , Cabello Alfonso , Iribarren José Antonio , Curran Adria , Macías Juan , Montero Marta , Dueñas Carlos , Mariño Ana I. , de la Cámara Santiago Pérez , Díaz Asuncion , Arribas José Ramón , Jarrín Inma , Hernán Miguel A.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Effective, safe, and affordable antivirals are needed for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several lines of research suggest that tenofovir may be effective against COVID-19, but no large-scale human studies with appropriate adjustment for comorbidities have been conducted.

Methods:

We studied HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2020 at 69 HIV clinics in Spain. We collected data on sociodemographics, ART, CD4+ cell count, HIV-RNA viral-load, comorbidities and the following outcomes: laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. We compared the 48-week risks for individuals receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC), tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/FTC, abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC), and other regimes. All estimates were adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic characteristics via inverse probability weighting.

Results:

Of 51 558 eligible individuals, 39.6% were on TAF/FTC, 11.9% on TDF/FTC, 26.6% on ABC/3TC, 21.8% on other regimes. There were 2402 documented SARS-CoV-2 infections (425 hospitalizations, 45 ICU admissions, 37 deaths). Compared with TAF/FTC, the estimated risk ratios (RR) (95% confidence interval) of hospitalization were 0.66 (0.43, 0.91) for TDF/FTC and 1.29 (1.02, 1.58) for ABC/3TC, the RRs of ICU admission were 0.28 (0.11, 0.90) for TDF/FTC and 1.39 (0.70, 2.80) for ABC/3TC, and the RRs of death were 0.37 (0.23, 1.90) for TDF/FTC and 2.02 (0.88–6.12) for ABC/3TC. The corresponding RRs of hospitalization for TDF/FTC were 0.49 (0.24, 0.81) in individuals ≥50 years and 1.15 (0.59, 1.93) in younger individuals.

Discussion:

Compared with other antiretrovirals, TDF/FTC lowers COVID-19 severity among HIV-positive individuals with virological control. This protective effect may be restricted to individuals aged 50 years and older.
Therapeutic Effects of Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Under Administration of Tacrolimus
Authors: Hsu Yu-Chen , Chen Chien-Hung , Huang Hui-Fu , Lee Ying-Te , Wu Meng-Chuan , Su Chien-Wen , Chou Huei-Chi , Wang Li-Fang , Lee Hsuan-Shu , Lin Shu-Wha , Hsu Ping-Ning , Wu Yao-Ming , Sheu Jin-Chuan , Weng Meng-Tzu
Published: November 2022

Background.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recurrence of HCC after LT occurs in 10% to 20% of cases. Preclinical studies to evaluate immune checkpoint inhibitors in conjunction with immunosuppressant treatment in transplant recipients have been lacking. Here, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of programmed cell death-1 (PD1) blockade under tacrolimus treatment in transplant recipients.

Methods.

We used a murine allogeneic skin transplantation model and murine syngeneic subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC models and measured the tumor volume and the change in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes under PD1 blockade and tacrolimus treatment.

Results.

Tacrolimus treatment prolonged allograft survival in the allogeneic transplantation model and enhanced tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC models. PD1 blockade suppressed tumor growth and lung metastasis in correlation with the number of infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Under tacrolimus treatment, PD1 blockade still resulted in an antitumor effect accompanied by a significant increase in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer T cells. Tacrolimus treatment rescued the acceleration of transplant rejection induced by PD1 blockade in the allogeneic transplantation model.

Conclusions.

Our data suggest that treatment with high-dose tacrolimus in conjunction with PD1 blockade has an antitumor effect and reduces transplant rejection in mouse models of allograft skin transplantation and HCC. Thus, these results suggest that a clinical trial of PD1 inhibitors for HCC in LT merits consideration.
Females alter their mate preferences depending on hybridization risk
Authors: Calabrese Gina M. , Pfennig Karin S.
Published: November 2022

Mating with another species is often maladaptive because it generally results in no or low-fitness offspring. When hybridization is sufficiently costly, individuals should avoid mating with heterospecifics even if it reduces their ability to mate with high-quality conspecifics that resemble heterospecifics. Here, we used spadefoot toads,
Spea multiplicata,
to evaluate whether females alter their preferences for conspecific male sexual signals (call rate) depending on heterospecific presence. When presented with conspecific signals against a background including both conspecific and heterospecific signals, females preferred male traits that were most dissimilar to heterospecifics—even though these signals are potentially associated with lower-quality mates. However, when these same females were presented with a background that included only conspecific signals, some females switched their preferences, choosing conspecific signals that were exaggerated and indicative of high-quality conspecific mates. Because only some females switched their preferences between these two chorus treatments, there was no population-level preference for exaggerated conspecific male signals in the absence of heterospecifics. These results show that hybridization risk can alter patterns of mate choice and, consequently, sexual selection on male signals. Moreover, they emphasize that the strength and expression of reproductive barriers between species (such as mate choice) can be context-dependent.
Raymond Michael Gaze. 22 June 1927—11 September 2012
Authors: Anthony Hope Ronald
Published: November 2022

Mike Gaze devoted his career to understanding how nerves form precise connections. His experiments focused on the nerves connecting the eye to the brain in frogs and fish. Mike pioneered the use of electrophysiological recording in investigating how the nervous system develops. This technique enabled him a greater degree of anatomical precision than had previously been possible. The dominant theory on how nerve connections are formed was Sperry's chemoaffinity theory (Roger Wolcott Sperry (ForMemRS 1976)), based on the results of regeneration experiments. Mike repeated Sperry's experiments using his better technique. He then extended Sperry's work: first, to the development of retinotectal connections following various surgical operations on the embryonic eye; second, to regeneration following surgical reductions in the size of the tectum or retina; and third, to normal development. In each case he showed, for the first time, that connections are
plastic
. Even during normal development, retinal fibres are continually changing their connections. This was a radical finding. It implied, contrary to Sperry's theory, that retinal fibres interact with each other in forming tectal connections. Mike called this dynamic process
systems matching
. Mike then investigated how retinal fibres behave before they reach the brain. In further original work, Mike, with former student Mike Keating, showed, contrary to the prevailing view, that functional value can affect the development of specific nerve connections. In the 30 years since Mike retired there has been much work on the molecular bases underlying nerve connections. These have confirmed Mike's original findings and ideas.
Study of a novel front-roof-back natural ventilation system for Chinese solar greenhouses
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Xingan , Shi Wenbin , Li Tianlai , Ji Jianwei
Published: November 2022

A Chinese solar greenhouse (CSG) is a highly efficient and energy-saving horticultural facility. Ventilation is significantly important for crop production in the greenhouse, and the vent configuration is the basis of the greenhouse design. Current CSG ventilation structures mostly include front bottom vents and top vents to create a suitable temperature environment for the normal development of crops. However, the ventilation capacity and efficiency are limited. In the present study, we proposed a comprehensive front bottom + top + back roof (FTB) ventilation configuration. The greenhouse ventilation was investigated during the summer season by means of field testing and simulation, and the performance of three ventilation structures—front bottom + top (FT), front bottom + back roof (FB) and FTB—was compared. The results showed that FTB stabilized the greenhouse temperature for 20 s less time than FT and FB. The cooling rate of FTB showed a 24.84% and 5.52% improvement over FT and FB, respectively, and the average temperature showed a 13.81% and 3.65% decrease, respectively. Moreover, the ventilation performance of the side walls was investigated in order to determine if they might serve as auxiliary structures for FTB ventilation. Nevertheless, the improvements of cooling rate, wind speed and average temperature were only 0.52%, 2.09% and 0.11%, respectively. The results demonstrated that the novel FTB ventilation proposed in the present study significantly improved ventilation efficiency and uniformity compared with conventional ventilation structures. The results presented herein provide theoretical support for the use and design of greenhouses suitable for China's special climate.
Macaca mulattais a good model for human mandibular fixation research
Authors: Haravu Pranav N. , Abraha Hyab Mehari , Shang Michelle , Iriarte-Diaz Jose , Taylor Andrea B. , Reid Russell R. , Ross Callum F. , Panagiotopoulou Olga
Published: November 2022

Biomechanical and clinical studies have yet to converge on the optimal fixation technique for angle fractures, one of the most common and controversial fractures in terms of fixation approach. Prior pre-clinical studies have used a variety of animal models and shown abnormal strain environments exacerbated by less rigid (single-plate) Champy fixation and chewing on the side opposite the fracture (contralateral chewing). However, morphological differences between species warrant further investigation to ensure that these findings are translational. Here we present the first study to use realistically loaded finite-element models to compare the biomechanical behaviour of human and macaque mandibles pre- and post-fracture and fixation. Our results reveal only small differences in deformation and strain regimes between human and macaque mandibles. In the human model, more rigid biplanar fixation better approximated physiologically healthy global bone strains and moments around the mandible, and also resulted in less interfragmentary strain than less rigid Champy fixation. Contralateral chewing exacerbated deviations in strain, moments and interfragmentary strain, especially under Champy fixation. Our pre- and post-fracture fixation findings are congruent with those from macaques, confirming that rhesus macaques are excellent animal models for biomedical research into mandibular fixation. Furthermore, these findings strengthen the case for rigid biplanar fixation over less rigid one-plate fixation in the treatment of isolated mandibular angle fractures.
Copper oxide nanoparticles doped with lanthanum, magnesium and manganese: optical and structural characterization
Authors: Guzman Maribel , Tian Wei , Walker Chantal , Herrera Jose E.
Published: November 2022

Copper oxide (Cu
2
O) is a promising semiconductor for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications since this material has a high optical absorption coefficient and lower band gap (2.17 eV). Doped lanthanum (La), magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) Cu
2
O nanoparticles (Cu
2
O Nps) were prepared by a displacement reaction. The doped and undoped Cu
2
O Nps were characterized with scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The EDS results confirm the presence of La, Mg and Mn in the Cu
2
O Nps. The XRD results confirm the formation a single cubic phase of Cu
2
O with a cuprite structure. TEM images confirm the formation of Nps with mean diameters between 12.0 ± 6.1 and 30.8 ± 11.0 nm. Doped and undoped Nps present a narrow band gap (2.40 eV), blue shifted with respect to bulk Cu
2
O.
An evolutionary game model of individual choices and bed net use: elucidating key aspect in malaria elimination strategies
Authors: Laxmi  , Ngonghala Calistus N. , Bhattacharyya Samit
Published: November 2022

Insecticide-treated net (ITN) is the most applicable and cost-effective malaria intervention measure in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. Although ITNs have been widely distributed to malaria-endemic regions in the past, their success has been threatened by misuses (in fishing, agriculture etc.) and decay in ITN efficacy. Decision-making in using the ITNs depends on multiple coevolving factors: malaria prevalence, mosquito density, ITN availability and its efficacy, and other socio-economic determinants. While ITN misuse increases as the efficacy of ITNs declines, high efficacy also impedes proper use due to free-riding. This irrational usage leads to increased malaria prevalence, thereby worsening malaria control efforts. It also remains unclear if the optimum ITN use for malaria elimination can be achieved under such an adaptive social learning process. Here, we incorporate evolutionary game theory into a disease transmission model to demonstrate these behavioural interactions and their impact on malaria prevalence. We show that social optimum usage is a function of transmission potential, ITN efficacy and mosquito demography. Under specific parameter regimes, our model exhibits patterns of ITN usage similar to observed data from parts of Africa. Our study suggests that the provision of financial incentives as prompt feedback to improper ITN use can reduce misuse and contribute positively towards malaria elimination efforts in Africa and elsewhere.