bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye lens dose in spine surgeons during myelography procedures: a dosimetry study
Authors: Nagamoto Keisuke , Kawachino Tomonori , Suetsugu Yoshiki , Saruwatari Hiromi , Nihei Shun-ichi , Kunugita Naoki
Published: November 2023

To determine the eye lens dose (3 mm dose equivalent [Hp(3)]) received by spine surgeons during myelography and evaluate the effectiveness of radiation-protective glasses and x-ray tube system positioning in reducing radiation exposure. This study included spine surgeons who performed myelography using over- or under-table x-ray tube systems. Hp(3) was measured for each examination using a radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeter (GD-352M) mounted on radiation-protective glass. This study identified significantly high Hp(3) levels, especially in the right eye lens in spinal surgeons. The median Hp(3) values in the right eye were 524 (391–719) and 58 (42–83) μSv/examination for over- and under-table x-ray tube systems, respectively. Further, Hp(3)AK, which was obtained by dividing the cumulative air kerma from Hp(3), was 8.09 (6.69–10.21) and 5.11 (4.06–6.31) μSv mGy−1 for the over- and under-table x-ray tube systems, respectively. Implementing radiation-protective glasses resulted in dose reduction rates of 54% (50%–57%) and 54% (51%–60%) for the over- and under-table x-ray tube systems, respectively. The use of radiation protection glasses significantly reduced the radiation dose in the eye lens during myelography, with the most effective measures being the combination of using radiation protection glasses and an under-table x-ray tube system.
FBG array arrangement optimization for impact localization
Authors: Duan Chao , Cao Jian , Wang Hui , Yan Xiaojian , Tian Ye , Lewis Elfed , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: November 2023

A method to optimize the arrangement of an fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array is described to address the need to improve the accuracy of impact localization for aerospace vehicles. The sensitive area of the FBG, which is approximately elliptical, is analyzed using finite element simulation and experimental measurement. Based on this analysis, three optimized FBG sensing arrangements are proposed to improve the coverage of the FBG sensitive area at the center, located on the side and corner positions of an experimental test sample when subject to an impact. By employing the inverse problem analysis method in multiple repetitions of impact localization experiments, the accuracy of impact localization is improved from 74% with the traditional 4-corner arrangement to 84%, 88%, and 91% respectively for the three arrangements, demonstrating the effectiveness of the optimized FBG array arrangement method.
Space-time is doomed! Introducing Planck scale physics in the classroom
Authors: Low Andrew M
Published: November 2023

This article provides an overview of some tentative ideas relating to Planck scale physics at a level suitable for advanced high school students, beginning undergraduate students, and teachers. After discussing the ratio of the electric and gravitational forces, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle is combined with Einstein’s theory of special relativity to estimate the scale at which the strength of gravity becomes comparable to the electrostatic force. It is shown that the energy required to probe a region of space smaller than the Planck length may lead to the formation of a black hole, placing a fundamental lower limit on the distances that can be meaningfully probed in Nature. The Planck length, mass and time are then obtained using a combination of dimensional analysis and the fundamental constants appearing in theories of quantum mechanics, relativity and gravity. Finally, a heuristic derivation of the generalised uncertainty principle is provided.
Comment on ‘Expressing Newton’s second law of motion as Fnet =2ma and kinetic energy as KE = mv2
’
Authors: Yusmantoro
Published: November 2023

The paper entitled Expressing Newton’s second law of motion as

F

n
e
t

=
2
m
a

and kinetic energy as

K
E
=
m

v
2

illustrates that the factor

1

in Newton’s second law equation and

1

/

2

in kinetic energy should not be thought as fundamental constants of physics. The author applied his formalism to several exercises problem which are only about classical mechanics and still obtained the valid solutions. However, those examples still belong to a small scope of classical mechanics. This comment focus on how that formalism may lead to invalid solutions when we work on other part of classical mechanics. Furthermore, we also show the unwanted results obtained in solving modern physics problems using modified Newton’s law. We suggest that changing those factors is not a valid way to demonstrate that those constants are not fundamental.
Performance of demountable solder joints for no-insulation superconducting coils produced by vacuum pressure impregnation
Authors: Mouratidis Theodore , G Whyte Dennis , LaBombard Brian , K Beck William
Published: November 2023

No-insulation high temperature superconductor (HTS) stack coils show both increased thermal and electrical stability, and present a simplified geometry for the integration of demountable joints. Demountability is a desirable feature for many superconducting applications including fusion magnets, which motivate this research. In this work, a novel vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) solder process was developed to couple superconducting paths via a low resistance, mechanically simply, demountable joint for a non-insulated coil design. The three low temperature solders considered were

I

n

52

S

n

48

(mp = 118 

∘

C),

I

n

100

(mp = 156.6 

∘

C), and

G

a

100

(mp = 29.8 

∘

C), all with a lower melting point than the

P

b

37

S

n

63

(mp = 183 

∘

C) used to solder the HTS tapes into the coil, thus allowing for the advantages of solder in the joint, yet facilitating demountability without disturbing the primary solder in the non-insulated coil stack. A multidisciplinary campaign was undertaken to design, build, test and identify the major challenges with these small-scale demountable solder joints. A multi probe voltage tap system was used to infer the effective resistances to exit a superconducting stack, cross the solder layer, and enter the second superconducting stack, at 77 K. The experimental resistivities show good agreement with a newly developed finite element model that breaks down domains to the level of individual layers of an HTS tape. When taking into account the thermal degradation that can occur to the HTS stacks during the VPI processes, the normalized joint resistances are found to be 528, 668, and 671 

n

Ω

c
m

2

for the

I

n

100

,

I

n

52

S

n

48

and

G

a

100

solders, respectively. The benchmarked finite element model is used to predict normalized joint resistivities for fusion-relevant temperatures and magnetic fields using a 100 µm solder layer thickness, finding 38, 125, and 103

n

Ω

c
m

2

for the respective solders; these results are competitive with the lowest resistance cable joints presented in the literature.
Modeling methodology for the transformer-rectifier flux pump considering electromagnetic and thermal coupling
Authors: Li Chao , Li Gengyao , Xin Ying , Li Bin
Published: November 2023

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are promising in the application of high-intensity magnetic field. HTS flux pumps are devices that can charge closed HTS magnets without direct electrical contact. Simulation is an effective way to clarify the physical mechanism and provide further insight into the design of the device. In this work, we propose an accurate and efficient modeling methodology to simulate the transformer-rectifier HTS flux pump, which has considered electromagnetic and thermal coupling. The validity of the model has been verified by experimental results and theoretical calculations. The working characteristics of the HTS flux pump are investigated based on the proposed model, including DC bias component in the charging loop, the voltage recovery delay of the dynamic bridge and the temperature distribution in the dynamic bridge. The simulation results clearly depict working details of the device, in terms of electricity, magnetism and heat. The proposed model can serve as a powerful tool to design the HTS flux pump in practical applications.
Improving Nb3Sn cavity performance using centrifugal barrel polishing
Authors: Viklund Eric , Seidman David N , Burk David , Posen Sam
Published: November 2023

In this study we will show a new method of polishing for Nb3Sn cavities known as centrifugal barrel polishing (CBP). Using this method, Nb3Sn coated samples are polished to a surface roughness comparable to a traditional Nb cavity after electropolishing. We also investigate different methods of cleaning the Nb3Sn surface after CBP to remove residual abrasive particles. The polished Nb3Sn surface is analyzed using confocal laser microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy is used to image the surface and measure the surface roughness after polishing. Transmission electron microscopy is also used for high resolution analysis of the surface after polishing. Finally, we show that CBP can improve the performance of a Nb3Sn superconducting radiofrequency cavity.
Tunable phonon-driven magnon–magnon entanglement at room temperature
Authors: Liu Yuefei , Bergman Anders , Bagrov Andrey , Delin Anna , Thonig Danny , Pereiro Manuel , Eriksson Olle , Streib Simon , Sjöqvist Erik , Azimi-Mousolou Vahid
Published: November 2023

We report the existence of entangled steady-states in bipartite quantum magnonic systems at elevated temperatures. We consider dissipative dynamics of two magnon modes in a bipartite antiferromagnet, subjected to interaction with a phonon mode and an external rotating magnetic field. To quantify the bipartite magnon–magnon entanglement, we use entanglement negativity and compute its dependence on temperature and magnetic field. We provide evidence that the coupling between magnon and phonon modes is necessary for the entanglement, and that, for any given phonon frequency and magnon–phonon coupling rate, there are always ranges of the magnetic field amplitudes and frequencies for which magnon–magnon entanglement persists at room temperature.
The dependence of tungsten fuzz layer thickness and porosity on tungsten deposition rate and helium ion fluence
Authors: Patino M.I. , Nishijima D. , Baldwin M.J. , Tynan G.R.
Published: November 2023

Fuzz formation on a heated tungsten surface in the presence of a helium-containing plasma and tungsten deposition source was investigated. Tungsten samples were exposed at 1123 K to pure helium plasma with ion incident energy of 76 eV, W/He ion flux ratio of

∼

0.4
×

10

−
4

, and varied helium ion fluence from 0.18 to

3.4
×

10

26

m−2. Fuzz thickness was measured by cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy to increase from 0.22 to 15 µm with increasing helium ion fluence. No indication of saturation in fuzz thickness at high fluence was observed, in contrast to fuzz produced on a tungsten surface without tungsten deposition. Additional tungsten samples were exposed at 1123 K to pure helium plasma with ion incident energy of 76 eV, helium ion fluence of

∼

3.4
×

10

26

m−2, and varied W/He ion flux ratio from 0.26 to

3.0
×

10

−
4

. Fuzz thickness increased from 7.5 to 120 µm with increasing W/He ion ratio. A final sample exposed at 1123 K to a mixed helium-deuterium plasma with ion incident energy of 76 eV, helium ion fluence of

0.18
×

10

26

m−2, and W/He ion flux ratio of

2.2
×

10

−
4

developed nearly identical fuzz structures to that developed in a pure He plasma. As a function of deposited tungsten fluence, all results were found to trace out a single layer-growth curve given by a power law relation, indicating that fuzz thickness is independent of the W/He ion flux ratio in the range investigated and independent of any deuterium present in the plasma. As a result, for tungsten plasma facing walls in magnetic fusion devices at 1000–2000 K with 10−4 W/He ion flux ratio, fuzz with thicknesses greater than hundreds of microns may form in as little as 104 s (in the absence of ELM-induced erosion or annealing), and may more significantly affect its thermophysical properties than fuzz generated without a tungsten deposition source.
Synergistic coupling between 3D bioprinting and vascularization strategies
Authors: Yeo Miji , Sarkar Anwita , Singh Yogendra Pratap , Derman Irem Deniz , Datta Pallab , Ozbolat Ibrahim T
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers promising solutions to the complex challenge of vascularization in biofabrication, thereby enhancing the prospects for clinical translation of engineered tissues and organs. While existing reviews have touched upon 3D bioprinting in vascularized tissue contexts, the current review offers a more holistic perspective, encompassing recent technical advancements and spanning the entire multistage bioprinting process, with a particular emphasis on vascularization. The synergy between 3D bioprinting and vascularization strategies is crucial, as 3D bioprinting can enable the creation of personalized, tissue-specific vascular network while the vascularization enhances tissue viability and function. The review starts by providing a comprehensive overview of the entire bioprinting process, spanning from pre-bioprinting stages to post-printing processing, including perfusion and maturation. Next, recent advancements in vascularization strategies that can be seamlessly integrated with bioprinting are discussed. Further, tissue-specific examples illustrating how these vascularization approaches are customized for diverse anatomical tissues towards enhancing clinical relevance are discussed. Finally, the underexplored intraoperative bioprinting (IOB) was highlighted, which enables the direct reconstruction of tissues within defect sites, stressing on the possible synergy shaped by combining IOB with vascularization strategies for improved regeneration.
A Dual-pronged approach for evaluation of contact stresses in nylon hybrid composite gears under misalignment
Authors: Simhadri Phani Kumar , Suman K.N.S. , Rao M.S.S. Srinivasa , Ramanjaneyulu S
Published: November 2023

Polymer based composite gears have been a subject of intense studies by virtue of their wide gamut of applications. The authors have therefore embarked on developing a polymer-based composite with Graphene oxide (GO) and Tungsten Di-sulphide (TD) as reinforcements specifically for gear-based applications. The work outlined in this paper mainly deals with the fabrication of spur gears with the developed composite and investigating the contact stresses induced in these gears under misalignment of shafts. A dual-pronged approach is adopted in this procedure. The first being simulation studies using ANSYS WORKBENCH, while, the second and the most vital approach is through experimentation. The experimental approach required the design and development of a universal gear test rig (GTR) equipped with Data Acquisition System [DAS], which was successfully accomplished. The GTR was particularly premeditated to accommodate and adjust the alignment of the shaft axes. The experimentation was conducted under radial, axial and angular misalignments and combinations thereof. The composite material developed for this specific application was observed to function effectively in-comparison to the existing gear materials particularly under misalignment. The strains and stresses obtained from analytical and experimental methods were compared and found to be nearly identical under corresponding misalignments. Furthermore, it can be deduced from the studies that the combined effect of radial and yaw misalignments produces the highest strain, which is in fact, almost ten times that of strain in other forms of misalignment. The results of this research work will contribute in enhancing the understanding of nylon composite gear’s performance under misalignment conditions, enabling the best maintenance practices in industries.
Encapsulation structure and dynamics in hypergraphs
Authors: LaRock Timothy , Lambiotte Renaud
Published: November 2023

Hypergraphs have emerged as a powerful modeling framework to represent systems with multiway interactions, that is systems where interactions may involve an arbitrary number of agents. Here we explore the properties of real-world hypergraphs, focusing on the encapsulation of their hyperedges, which is the extent that smaller hyperedges are subsets of larger hyperedges. Building on the concept of line graphs, our measures quantify the relations existing between hyperedges of different sizes and, as a byproduct, the compatibility of the data with a simplicial complex representation–whose encapsulation would be maximum. We then turn to the impact of the observed structural patterns on diffusive dynamics, focusing on a variant of threshold models, called encapsulation dynamics, and demonstrate that non-random patterns can accelerate the spreading in the system.
Derivative of the Minkowski function for numbers with bounded partial quotients
Authors: Gayfulin D.
Published: November 2023

It is well known that the derivative of the Minkowski function

?
(
x
)

?(x)

(whenever exists) may take only two values:

0
0

and

+
∞

+\infty

. Let

E

n

\textbf {E}_n

be the set of irrational numbers on the interval

[
0
;
1
]

[0; 1]

whose partial quotients (related to the continued fraction expansion) do not exceed

n
n

. It is also known that the quantity

?
′

(
x
)

?’(x)

at a point

x
=
[
0
;

a
1

,

a
2

,
…
,

a
t

,
…
]

x=[0;a_1,a_2,\dots ,a_t,\dots ]

is linked with the limit behavior of the arithmetic means

(

a
1

+

a
2

+
⋯
+

a
t

)

/

t

(a_1+a_2+\dots +a_t)/t

. In particular, A. Dushistova, I. Kan, and N. Moshchevitin showed that if

x
∈

E

n

x\in \textbf {E}_n

satisfies

a
1

+

a
2

+
⋯
+

a
t

>
(

κ
1

(
n
)

−
ε
)
t

a_1+a_2+\dots +a_t>(\kappa ^{(n)}_1-\varepsilon ) t

, where

ε
>
0

\varepsilon >0

and

κ
1

(
n
)

\kappa ^{(n)}_1

is a certain explicit constant, then

?
′

(
x
)
=
+
∞

?’(x)=+\infty

. They also showed that the quantity

κ
1

(
n
)

\kappa ^{(n)}_1

cannot be increased. In the present paper, a dual problem is treated: how small may the quantity

a
1

+

a
2

+
⋯
+

a
t

−

κ
1

(
n
)

t

a_1+a_2+\dots +a_t-\kappa ^{(n)}_1 t

be if

?
′

(
x
)
=
0

?’(x)=0

? Optimal estimates in this problem are found.
Representation of analytic functions in bounded convex domains on the complex plane
Authors: Krivosheev A. , Rafikov A.
Published: November 2023

The paper is devoted to entire functions of exponential type and regular growth. Exceptional sets are investigated outside of which these functions have estimates from below that asymptotically coincide with their estimates from above. An explicit construction of an exceptional set, which consists of disks with centers at zeros of the entire function, is indicated. The concept of a properly balanced set is introduced, which is a natural generalization of the concept of a regular set by B. Ya. Levin. It is proved that the zero set of an entire function is properly balanced if and only if each function analytic in the interior of the conjugate diagram of the entire function in question and continuous up to the boundary is represented by a series of exponential monomials whose exponents are zeros of this entire function. This result generalizes the classical result of A. F. Leont′ev on the representation of analytic functions in a convex domain to the case of a multiple zero set.
Sufficient conditions for the minimality of biconcave functions
Authors: Novikov M.
Published: November 2023

This paper describes sufficient conditions under which a biconcave function
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="script upper B colon German upper S equals StartSet left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis element-of double-struck upper R squared colon x minus 2 less-than-or-equal-to y less-than-or-equal-to x plus 2 EndSet right-arrow double-struck upper R">

B

:

S

=
{
(
x
,
y
)
∈

R

2

:
x
−
2
≤
y
≤
x
+
2
}
→

R

\mathcal {B}\colon \mathfrak {S}=\{ (x,y)\in \mathbb {R}^2\colon x-2\le y\le x+2 \}\to \mathbb {R}

is minimal with respect to an obstacle

L
:

S

→
[
−
∞
,
+
∞
)

L\colon \mathfrak {S}\to [-\infty ,+\infty )

, that is, it is the pointwise minimal among all biconcave functions

B
:

S

→

R

B\colon \mathfrak {S}\to \mathbb {R}

that satisfy the inequality

B
≥
L

B\ge L

.
The intensity and duration of occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular disease in the United States: a nationally representative study, 2015 to 2020
Authors: Guo Xiaocong , Davies Hugh W , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Occupational noise exposure may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet the findings are inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the association between self-reported occupational noise exposure and CVD (using a broad composite case definition and by each condition) and identify how these associations vary with the intensity and duration of noise exposure, and combinations thereof.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included a nationally representative sample (n = 6,266) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015 to 2020), aged 20 and greater, in the United States. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were constructed from multiple imputed datasets.

Results

Relative to the unexposed, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of composite CVD was 1.33 (1.05 to 1.67) among the noise-exposed population, and ranged from 1.23 to 1.56 when examining CVD conditions separately. The odds ratios of composite CVD were 1.43 (1.06 to 1.93), 1.43 (1.04 to 1.95), and 1.51 (1.03 to 2.21) among those who had noise exposure with very loud intensity of any duration, with duration ≥10 years at any intensity, and with a combination of very loud noise ≥10 years, respectively, compared to those unexposed.

Conclusions

Increased risk of CVD is associated with occupational noise exposure, particularly at higher intensities and longer durations. Policies and interventions for noise mitigation at workplaces are warranted, targeting individuals with chronic exposure to high-level noise.
‘English is our 2nd language, konglish is our mother tongue’: Recolonizing English Through Translingual Activism in a Social Movement
Authors: Lee Carmen
Published: November 2023

This paper probes alternative meanings and processes for decolonizing English that arise from the particular geopolitical histories and identities of Hong Kong and engagement with political and translingual activism. I illustrate the positioning and tension between English, ‘Kongish’ (a mix of English and localized linguistic resources in Hong Kong), and Chinese in 1,355 comments from four live-streamed videos of clashes between the police and protesters. Despite the default language of the news page being Chinese (standard written Chinese and written Cantonese), a vast majority of the comments are written in English and Kongish. I analyse the commenters’ metalinguistic discourse that represents their alignment and non-alignment stances towards the various linguistic practices in the comment threads. I draw on ‘translingual activism’ (Pennycook 2019) to understand the linguistic resourcefulness of the commenters who support the protests and the indexing of an us–them relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China. Rather than decolonizing English, I argue that the Hong Kong commenters recolonize English for new subversive purposes to maintain an ideological ‘separation’ between their Hong Kong and Chinese identities in times of political transformations.
Competing endogenous RNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review
Authors: Agrawal Avantika , Vindal Vaibhav
Published: November 2023

Our understanding of RNA biology has evolved with recent advances in research from it being a non-functional product to molecules of the genome with specific regulatory functions. Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), which has gained prominence over time as an essential part of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism, is one such example. The ceRNA biology hypothesis states that coding RNA and non-coding RNA co-regulate each other using microRNA (miRNA) response elements. The ceRNA components include long non-coding RNAs, pseudogene and circular RNAs that exert their effect by interacting with miRNA and regulate the expression level of its target genes. Emerging evidence has revealed that the dysregulation of the ceRNA network is attributed to the pathogenesis of various cancers, including the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is the most prevalent cancer developed from the mucosal epithelium in the lip, oral cavity, larynx and pharynx. Although many efforts have been made to comprehend the cause and subsequent treatment of HNSCC, the morbidity and mortality rate remains high. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand the holistic progression of HNSCC, mediated by ceRNA, that can have immense relevance in identifying novel biomarkers with a defined therapeutic intervention. In this review, we have made an effort to highlight the ceRNA biology hypothesis with a focus on its involvement in the progression of HNSCC. For the identification of such ceRNAs, we have additionally highlighted a number of databases and tools.
Risk factors for anastomotic leak and postoperative morbidity after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: results from a prospective, multi-centre, snapshot study in China
Authors: Gao Jiale , Gu Xiaodong , Pang Minghui , Zhang Hong , Lian Yugui , Zhou Lei , Feng Bo , Wang Guiying , Zhang Zhicao , Huang He , Xiao Gang , Han Fanghai , Li Xinxiang , Zhou Xiaojun , Wang Quan , Liu Qian , Deng Haijun , Wang Zhenjun , Song Wu , Wei Zhengqiang , Li Yong , Dai Yong , Lin Moubin , Zheng Jianyong , Tang Bo , He Xianli , Wang Hui , Liu Fanlong , Li Yongxiang , Zhou Dongbing , Zhang Wei , Ding Kefeng , Tong Weidong , He Guodong , Jing Changqing , Wu Bin , Wu Tao , Dong Ming , Li Zhifei , Shen Zhanlong , Wei Hongbo , Bai Lian , Hu Zhiqian , Tu Shiliang , Qiu Jian , Sun Xuejun , Li Ang , Zhuang Jing , Yan Su , Bonjer Hendrik , Tuynman Jurriaan , Yao Hongwei , Zhang Zhongtao ,   the RHC-SNAPSHOT investigators, Tuynman Jurriaan , Bonjer Hendrik , Yao Hongwei , Zhang Zhongtao
Published: November 2023

Background

Right hemicolectomy is the standard treatment for right-sided colon cancer. There is variation in the technical aspects of performing right hemicolectomy as well as in short-term outcomes. It is therefore necessary to explore best clinical practice following right hemicolectomy in expert centres.

Methods

This snapshot study of right hemicolectomy for colon cancer in China was a prospective, multicentre cohort study in which 52 tertiary hospitals participated. Eligible patients with stage I–III right-sided colon cancer who underwent elective right hemicolectomy were consecutively enrolled in all centres over 10 months. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative 30-day anastomotic leak.

Results

Of the 1854 patients, 89.9 per cent underwent laparoscopic surgery and 52.3 per cent underwent D3 lymph node dissection. The overall 30-day morbidity and mortality were 11.7 and 0.2 per cent, respectively. The 30-day anastomotic leak rate was 1.4 per cent. In multivariate analysis, ASA grade > II (P < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss > 50 ml (P = 0.044) and D3 lymph node dissection (P = 0.008) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity. Extracorporeal side-to-side anastomosis (P = 0.031), intraoperative blood loss > 50 ml (P = 0.004) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.004) were identified as independent risk factors for anastomotic leak.

Conclusion

In high-volume expert centres in China, laparoscopic resection with D3 lymph node dissection was performed in most patients with right-sided colon cancer, and overall postoperative morbidity and mortality was low. Further studies are needed to explore the optimal technique for right hemicolectomy in order to improve outcomes further.
Neurophysiological evidence of motor preparation in inner speech and the effect of content predictability
Authors: Chung Lawrence K-h , Jack Bradley N , Griffiths Oren , Pearson Daniel , Luque David , Harris Anthony W F , Spencer Kevin M , Le Pelley Mike E , So Suzanne H-w , Whitford Thomas J
Published: November 2023

Self-generated overt actions are preceded by a slow negativity as measured by electroencephalogram, which has been associated with motor preparation. Recent studies have shown that this neural activity is modulated by the predictability of action outcomes. It is unclear whether inner speech is also preceded by a motor-related negativity and influenced by the same factor. In three experiments, we compared the contingent negative variation elicited in a cue paradigm in an active vs. passive condition. In Experiment 1, participants produced an inner phoneme, at which an audible phoneme whose identity was unpredictable was concurrently presented. We found that while passive listening elicited a late contingent negative variation, inner speech production generated a more negative late contingent negative variation. In Experiment 2, the same pattern of results was found when participants were instead asked to overtly vocalize the phoneme. In Experiment 3, the identity of the audible phoneme was made predictable by establishing probabilistic expectations. We observed a smaller late contingent negative variation in the inner speech condition when the identity of the audible phoneme was predictable, but not in the passive condition. These findings suggest that inner speech is associated with motor preparatory activity that may also represent the predicted action-effects of covert actions.
Boosting interpersonal emotion regulation through facial imitation: functional neuroimaging foundations
Authors: Wang Jiazheng , Yang Jiemin , Yang Zhenzhen , Gao Wei , Zhang HeMing , Ji Katherine , Klugah-Brown Benjamin , Yuan JiaJin , Biswal Bharat B
Published: November 2023

Empathic function, which is primarily manifested by facial imitation, is believed to play a pivotal role in interpersonal emotion regulation for mood reinstatement. To explore this association and its neural substrates, we performed a questionnaire survey (study l) to identify the relationship between empathy and interpersonal emotion regulation; and a task-mode fMRI study (study 2) to explore how facial imitation, as a fundamental component of empathic processes, promotes the interpersonal emotion regulation effect. Study 1 showed that affective empathy was positively correlated with interpersonal emotion regulation. Study 2 showed smaller negative emotions in facial imitation interpersonal emotion regulation (subjects imitated experimenter’s smile while followed the interpersonal emotion regulation guidance) than in normal interpersonal emotion regulation (subjects followed the interpersonal emotion regulation guidance) and Watch conditions. Mirror neural system (e.g. inferior frontal gyrus and inferior parietal lobe) and empathy network exhibited greater activations in facial imitation interpersonal emotion regulation compared with normal interpersonal emotion regulation condition. Moreover, facial imitation interpersonal emotion regulation compared with normal interpersonal emotion regulation exhibited increased functional coupling from mirror neural system to empathic and affective networks during interpersonal emotion regulation. Furthermore, the connectivity of the right orbital inferior frontal gyrus–rolandic operculum lobe mediated the association between the accuracy of facial imitation and the interpersonal emotion regulation effect. These results show that the interpersonal emotion regulation effect can be enhanced by the target's facial imitation through increased functional coupling from mirror neural system to empathic and affective neural networks.
Unraveling the universality of chemical fear communication: evidence from behavioral, genetic, and chemical analyses
Authors: de Groot Jasper H B , Haertl Tobias , Loos Helene M , Bachmann Christin , Kontouli Athanasia , Smeets Monique A M
Published: November 2023

Abundant evidence indicates that humans can communicate threat-related information to conspecifics through their body odors. However, prior research has been primarily conducted on Western (WEIRD) samples. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether threat-related information can be transmitted by individuals of East Asian descent who carry a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 538G → A in the ABCC11 gene, which significantly reduces (noticeable) body odor. To examine this, we recruited 18 self-identified male East Asian AA-homozygotes and 18 self-identified male Western individuals who were carriers of the functional G-allele. We collected samples of their fear-related and neutral body odors. Subsequently, we conducted a double-blind behavioral experiment in which we presented these samples to 69 self-identified female participants of Western Caucasian and East Asian backgrounds. The participants were asked to rate faces that were morphed between expressions of fear and disgust. Notably, despite the “odorless” phenotypical expression of the ABCC11-mutation in East Asians, their fear odor caused a perceptual fear bias in both East Asian and Caucasian receivers. This finding leaves open the possibility of universal fear chemosignaling. Additionally, we conducted exploratory chemical analysis to gain initial insights into the chemical composition of the body odors presented. In a subsequent pre-registered behavioral study (N = 33), we found that exposure to hexadecanoic acid, an abundant compound in the fear and neutral body odor samples, was sufficient to reproduce the observed behavioral effects. While exploratory, these findings provide insight into how specific chemical components can drive chemical fear communication.
Recent Travel and Tuberculosis in Migrants: Data From a Low-Incidence Country
Authors: Schwalb Alvaro , Kayumba Kumvana , Houben Rein M G J , Bothamley Graham H
Published: November 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates among migrants are higher than those in low-incidence countries. We evaluated smear-positive, pulmonary TB notifications of foreign-born individuals, comparing time since arrival and time since last return travel to the country of origin. TB incidence suggests a time course consistent with recent infection during travel.
A case report of transcatheter closure of post-Bentall ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm due to coronary button dehiscence
Authors: Lin Huan-Chiu , Lee Yung-Tsai , Yin Wei-Hsian , Wei Jeng
Published: November 2023

Background

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm due to coronary button dehiscence is a rare, yet life-threatening complication of reconstructive cardiac surgery. Because of its rare entity, large data are lacking, and therefore, treatment guidelines are missing.

Case summary

We describe a case of a 53-year-old male with a past medical history of ascending aortic aneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation who underwent Bentall procedure with 26 mm conduit and mechanical aortic valve 1 year before. Follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) revealed coronary button dehiscence with a giant aortic root pseudoaneurysm and mural thrombus inside. Given the risk of rupture, the heart team decided to go for a percutaneous approach. Based on a pre-interventional 3D reconstructed CT scan and guided by transoesophageal echocardiography and intravascular ultrasound, the pseudoaneurysm was successfully occluded with a 6 × 4 mm Amplatzer Duct Occluder II and simultaneous left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenting with a 4.0 × 15 mm drug-eluting stent. Post-procedural chest CT and echocardiography revealed minimal contrast leakage posterior to the aortic root and para LMCA region, confirmed thrombosis formation post occluder and stent deployment, and patent flow of LMCA.

Discussion

We describe the successful 3D reconstructed CT scan and peri-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography–guided percutaneous treatment of a giant aortic root pseudoaneurysm with an occluder and a drug-eluting stent with excellent results.
Quantifying uncertainties in greenhouse gas savings and abatement costs with cellulosic biofuels
Authors: Lee Yuanyao , Khanna Madhu , Chen Luoye , Shi Rui , Guest Jeremy , Blanc-Betes Elena , Jiang Chongya , Guan Kaiyu , Hudiburg Tara , De Lucia Evan H
Published: November 2023

Cellulosic biofuels from non-food feedstocks, while appealing, continue to encounter uncertainty about their induced land use change (ILUC) effects, net greenhouse gas (GHG) saving potential and their economic costs. We analyse the implications of multiple uncertainties along the biofuel supply chain from feedstock yields, land availability for production to conversion to fuel in the refinery on these outcomes. We find that compared to corn ethanol, cellulosic biofuels have a substantially smaller and less uncertain ILUC-related GHG intensity and lead to larger GHG savings at lower welfare costs of abatement, indicating the potential to make robust and substantial contributions to cost-effective climate change mitigation.
Platelet biology and function: plaque erosion vs. rupture
Authors: Baaten Constance C F M J , Nagy Magdolna , Bergmeier Wolfgang , Spronk Henri M H , van der Meijden Paola E J
Published: November 2023

The leading cause of heart disease in developed countries is coronary atherosclerosis, which is not simply a result of ageing but a chronic inflammatory process that can lead to acute clinical events upon atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion and arterial thrombus formation. The composition and location of atherosclerotic plaques determine the phenotype of the lesion and whether it is more likely to rupture or to erode. Although plaque rupture and erosion both initiate platelet activation on the exposed vascular surface, the contribution of platelets to thrombus formation differs between the two phenotypes. In this review, plaque phenotype is discussed in relation to thrombus composition, and an overview of important mediators (haemodynamics, matrix components, and soluble factors) in plaque-induced platelet activation is given. As thrombus formation on disrupted plaques does not necessarily result in complete vessel occlusion, plaque healing can occur. Therefore, the latest findings on plaque healing and the potential role of platelets in this process are summarized. Finally, the clinical need for more effective antithrombotic agents is highlighted.
Amiodarone and pulmonary toxicity in atrial fibrillation: a nationwide Israeli study
Authors: Tsaban Gal , Ostrovsky Daniel , Alnsasra Hilmi , Burrack Nitzan , Gordon Michal , Babayev Amit Shira , Omari Yara , Kezerle Louise , Shamia David , Bereza Sergey , Konstantino Yuval , Haim Moti
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Amiodarone-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most severe adverse effect of amiodarone treatment. Most data on amiodarone-related ILD are derived from periods when amiodarone was given at higher doses than currently used.

Methods

A nationwide population-based study was conducted among patients with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) between 1 December 1999 and 31 December 31 2021. Amiodarone-exposed patients were matched 1:1 with controls unexposed to amiodarone based on age, sex, ethnicity, and AF diagnosis duration. The final patient cohort included only matched pairs where amiodarone therapy was consistent throughout follow-up. Directed acyclic graphs and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) modelling were used. Patients with either prior ILD or primary lung cancer (PLC) were excluded. The primary outcome was the incidence of any ILD. Secondary endpoints were death and PLC.

Results

The final cohort included 6039 amiodarone-exposed patients who were matched with unexposed controls. The median age was 73.3 years, and 51.6% were women. After a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, ILD occurred in 242 (2.0%) patients. After IPTW, amiodarone exposure was not significantly associated with ILD [hazard ratio (HR): 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97, 2.44, P = 0.09]. There was a trivial higher relative risk of ILD among amiodarone-exposed patients between Years 2 and 8 of follow-up [maximal risk ratio (RR): 1.019]. Primary lung cancer occurred in 97 (0.8%) patients. After IPTW, amiodarone was not associated with PLC (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.08, P = 0.53). All-cause death occurred in 2185 (18.1%) patients. After IPTW, amiodarone was associated with reduced mortality risk (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.72, P < 0.001). The results were consistent across a variety of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

In a contemporary AF population, low-dose amiodarone was associated with a trend towards increased risk of ILD (15%-45%) but a clinically negligible change in absolute risk (maximum of 1.8%), no increased risk of PLC, and a lower risk of all-cause mortality.
Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Aging Among Cognitively Impaired Versus Unimpaired Older Adults
Authors: Lee Soomi , Nelson Monica E , Hamada Fumiko , Wallace Meredith L , Andel Ross , Buxton Orfeu M , Almeida David M , Lyketsos Constantine , Small Brent J
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Sleep disorders often predict or co-occur with cognitive decline. Yet, little is known about how the relationship unfolds among older adults at risk for cognitive decline. To examine the associations of sleep disorders with cognitive decline in older adults with unimpaired cognition or impaired cognition (mild cognitive impairment and dementia).

Research Design and Methods

A total of 5,822 participants (Mage = 70) of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database with unimpaired or impaired cognition were followed for 3 subsequent waves. Four types of clinician-diagnosed sleep disorders were reported: sleep apnea, hyposomnia/insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, or “other.” Cognition over time was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or an estimate of general cognitive ability (GCA) derived from scores based on 12 neuropsychological tests. Growth curve models were estimated adjusting for covariates.

Results

In participants with impaired cognition, baseline sleep apnea was related to better baseline MoCA performance (b = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.07, 1.23]) and less decline in GCA over time (b = 0.06, 95% CI = [0.001, 0.12]). Baseline insomnia was related to better baseline MoCA (b = 1.54, 95% CI = [0.88, 2.21]) and less decline in MoCA over time (b = 0.56, 95% CI = [0.20, 0.92]). Furthermore, having more sleep disorders (across the 4 types) at baseline predicted better baseline MoCA and GCA, and less decline in MoCA and GCA over time. These results were only found in those with impaired cognition and generally consistent when using self-reported symptoms of sleep apnea or insomnia.

Discussion and Implications

Participants with sleep disorder diagnoses may have better access to healthcare, which may help maintain cognition through improved sleep.
Online health information-seeking behaviour and mental well-being among Finnish higher education students during COVID-19
Authors: Rouvinen Hanna , Turunen Hannele , Lindfors Pirjo , Kinnunen Jaana M , Rimpelä Arja , Koivusilta Leena , Kulmala Markus , Dadaczynski Kevin , Okan Orkan , Sormunen Marjorita
Published: November 2023

Online health information-seeking behaviour has increased since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020. This study examined whether health-related information on COVID-19 searched on the internet was associated with mental well-being among higher education students. A cross-sectional internet survey was conducted among 18- to 34-year-old students in Finland (N = 2976; mean age 24.61 years and median 24) in the spring of 2020. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric H tests, and a two-way ANOVA. The results indicated that most students (86% of females, 82% of males) used the internet to search for information on COVID-19. Students’ self-perceived abilities to determine the relevance of online information on COVID-19 were associated with mental well-being.
Pan-cancer scRNA-seq analysis reveals immunological and diagnostic significance of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Zhang Yuanhang , Zhou Xiaorui , Zhong Yu , Chen Xi , Li Zeyu , Li Rui , Qin Pengfei , Wang Shanshan , Yin Jianhua , Liu Shang , Jiang Miaomiao , Yu Qichao , Hou Yong , Liu Shiping , Wu Liang
Published: November 2023

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) reflect systemic immune response during cancer progression. However, a comprehensive understanding of the composition and function of PBMCs in cancer patients is lacking, and the potential of these features to assist cancer diagnosis is also unclear. Here, the compositional and status differences between cancer patients and healthy donors in PBMCs were investigated by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), involving 262,025 PBMCs from 68 cancer samples and 14 healthy samples. We observed an enhanced activation and differentiation of most immune subsets in cancer patients, along with reduction of naïve T cells, expansion of macrophages, impairment of NK cells and myeloid cells, as well as tumor promotion and immunosuppression. Based on characteristics including differential cell type abundances and/or hub genes identified from weight gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) modules of each major cell type, we applied logistic regression to construct cancer diagnosis models. Furthermore, we found that the above models can distinguish cancer patients and healthy donors with high sensitivity. Our study provided new insights into using the features of PBMCs in non-invasive cancer diagnosis.
Clinical features, functional consequences, and rescue pharmacology of missense GRID1 and GRID2 human variants
Authors: Allen James P , Garber Kathryn B , Perszyk Riley , Khayat Cara T , Kell Steven A , Kaneko Maki , Quindipan Catherine , Saitta Sulagna , Ladda Roger L , Hewson Stacy , Inbar-Feigenberg Michal , Prasad Chitra , Prasad Asuri N , Olewiler Leah , Mu Weiyi , Rosenthal Liana S , Scala Marcello , Striano Pasquale , Zara Federico , McCullock Tyler W , Jauss Robin-Tobias , Lemke Johannes R , MacLean David M , Zhu Cheng , Yuan Hongjie , Myers Scott J , Traynelis Stephen F
Published: November 2023

GRID1 and GRID2 encode the enigmatic GluD1 and GluD2 proteins, which form tetrameric receptors that play important roles in synapse organization and development of the central nervous system. Variation in these genes has been implicated in neurodevelopmental phenotypes. We evaluated GRID1 and GRID2 human variants from the literature, ClinVar, and clinical laboratories and found that many of these variants reside in intolerant domains, including the amino terminal domain of both GRID1 and GRID2. Other conserved regions, such as the M3 transmembrane domain, show different intolerance between GRID1 and GRID2. We introduced these variants into GluD1 and GluD2 cDNA and performed electrophysiological and biochemical assays to investigate the mechanisms of dysfunction of GRID1/2 variants. One variant in the GRID1 distal amino terminal domain resides at a position predicted to interact with Cbln2/Cbln4, and the variant disrupts complex formation between GluD1 and Cbln2, which could perturb its role in synapse organization. We also discovered that, like the lurcher mutation (GluD2-A654T), other rare variants in the GRID2 M3 domain create constitutively active receptors that share similar pathogenic phenotypes. We also found that the SCHEMA schizophrenia M3 variant GluD1-A650T produced constitutively active receptors. We tested a variety of compounds for their ability to inhibit constitutive currents of GluD receptor variants and found that pentamidine potently inhibited GluD2-T649A constitutive channels (IC50 50 nM). These results identify regions of intolerance to variation in the GRID genes, illustrate the functional consequences of GRID1 and GRID2 variants, and suggest how these receptors function normally and in disease.