bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias-induced circular current in a loop nanojunction with AAH modulation: Role of hopping dimerization
Authors: Mondal Moumita , Maiti Santanu K.
Published: April 2024

In this work, we investigate the interplay between correlated disorder and hopping dimerization on bias-driven circular current in a loop conductor that is clamped between two electrodes. The correlated disorder is introduced in site energies of the ring in the form of Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) model. Simulating the quantum system within a tight-binding framework all the results are worked out based on the waveguide theory. Unlike transport current, circular current in the loop conductor can get enhanced with increasing disorder strength. This enhancement becomes much effective when hopping dimerization is included which is taken following the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model. The characteristic features of bias-driven circular current are studied under different input conditions and we find that the results are robust for a wide range of physical parameters. For the sake of completeness, uncorrelated disorder is also considered. Our analysis may provide a new insight in analyzing transport behavior in different disordered lattices in the presence of additional restrictions in hopping integrals.
Associations Between Beverage Consumption and Risk of Microvascular Complications Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lin Xiaoyu , Zhu Kai , Qiu Zixin , Li Rui , Li Lin , Lu Qi , Li Ruyi , Yu Hancheng , Liu Sen , Guo Tianyu , Yang Kun , Liao Yunfei , Pan An , Liu Gang
Published: April 2024

Context

The relationship between the consumption of different beverages and the risk of microvascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear.

Objective

To investigate the association of individual beverage consumption, including artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), tea, coffee, natural juice, and yogurt, with the risk of microvascular complications in adults with T2D.

Methods

This cohort study included 6676 participants with T2D who were free of macrovascular and microvascular complications at baseline in the UK Biobank. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a median follow-up of 11.7 years, 1116 cases of composite microvascular complications were documented. After multivariable adjustment, a linear dose-response relationship was demonstrated between the consumption of ASBs and SSBs and the risk of microvascular complications. Compared with nonconsumers, those who consumed ≥2.0 units/day of ASBs and SSBs had an HR (95% CI) of 1.44 (1.18-1.75) and 1.32 (1.00-1.76) for composite microvascular complications, respectively. In addition, higher tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy, with an HR (95% CI) of 0.72 (0.57-0.92) for whom consuming ≥4.0 units/day. There was no significant association between individual beverage consumption and the risk of diabetic neuropathy. No significant association was observed between the consumption of coffee, natural juice, or yogurt and the risks of microvascular complications. Moreover, substituting half units/day of ASBs or SSBs with tea or coffee was associated with a 16% to 28% lower risk of microvascular complications.

Conclusion

Higher consumption of ASBs and SSBs was linearly associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications in adults with T2D.
Basal Hyperglycemia Contributes More Than 50% to Time in Range in Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ling Ping , Yang Daizhi , Wang Chaofan , Zheng Xueying , Luo Sihui , Yang Xubin , Deng Hongrong , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua , Weng Jianping
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the relative contribution of basal hyperglycemia (BHG) and postprandial hyperglycemia (PHG) to the time in range (TIR) categories and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and Methods

This observational study included 112 pregnancies with T1DM from the CARNATION study who wore continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices during pregnancy. The data from CGM were analyzed for TIR (range, 3.5-7.8 mmol/L), areas under the curve of PHG, area under the curve of BHG, and BHG and PHG contribution rates. The contribution rates of BHG and PHG to the different levels of TIR (<60%, 60-78%, ≥78%) and adverse pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The participants’ average age was 28.8 ± 3.9 years with a diabetes duration of 8.4 ± 6.2 years. All women experienced a mean TIR of 75.6 ± 19.0% and a mean glycated hemoglobin of 6.2 ± 1.1% during pregnancy. The BHG contribution accounted for 74.9% (36.8, 100), 69.2% (13.4, 100), and 66.5% (10.0, 100) (P < .001) and PHG accounted for 25.1% (0, 63.2), 30.8% (0, 86.6), and 33.5% (0, 90.0) (P < .001) when participants experienced the TIR<60%, 60%-78%, and ≥78%, respectively. Participants with higher BHG contribution rates tended to have more adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

Basal hyperglycemia was the major contributor to TIR during pregnancy. Along with controlling PHG, pregnant women with T1DM who did not reach the target of TIR may benefit more from the optimization of insulin regimens focusing on reducing basal glucose.
Jump Performance and Its Relationship with Lower Body Joint Kinetics and Kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: THOMPSON SHELBY E. , WHITTEN SYDNI V. W. , CAMPBELL KATELYN S. , SINGH TARKESHWAR , SINGH HARSHVARDHAN , LI LI , VOVA JOSHUA , MODLESKY CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim was to quantify jump performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine if the expected deficit is related to their lower body joint kinetics and kinematics.

Methods

Twenty-four ambulatory (n = 17 level I and 7 level II in the Gross Motor Function Classification System) children with spastic CP (n = 13 unilateral and 11 bilateral) and 24 age-, sex-, and race-matched typically developing controls were studied. Jump height and peak power and range of motion at the hip, knee, and ankle of the more affected limb in children with CP and the nondominant limb in controls were assessed during a countermovement jump using three-dimensional motion capture and a force platform.

Results

Compared with controls, children with CP had lower jump height (33%, Cohen’s d (d) = 1.217), peak power at the knee (39%, d = 1.013) and ankle (46%, d = 1.687), and range of motion at the hip (32%, d = 1.180), knee (39%, d = 2.067), and ankle (46%, d = 3.195; all P < 0.001). Jump height was positively related to hip, knee, and ankle power and range of motion in children with CP (r
s range = 0.474–0.613, P < 0.05), and hip and ankle power and knee and ankle range of motion in controls (r
s range = 0.458–0.630, P < 0.05). The group difference in jump height was no longer detected when ankle joint power, ankle range of motion, or knee range of motion was statistically controlled (P > 0.15).

Conclusions

Jump performance is compromised in children with CP and is associated with low power generation and range of motion in the lower limb, especially at the ankle.
A Framework for Economic Growth with Capital-Embodied Technical Change
Authors: Jones Benjamin F. , Liu Xiaojie
Published: April 2024

Technological advance is often embodied in capital inputs, like computers, airplanes, and robots. This paper builds a framework where capital inputs advance through (i) increased automation and (ii) increased productivity. The interplay of these two innovation dimensions can produce balanced growth, satisfying the Uzawa Growth Theorem even though technological progress is capital-embodied. The framework can further address structural transformation, general-purpose technologies, the limited macroeconomic impact of computing, and declining productivity growth and labor shares. Overall, this tractable framework can help resolve puzzling tensions between micro-level observations of innovation and balanced growth while providing new perspectives on numerous macroeconomic phenomena. (JEL E22, E23, E24, E25, L16, O33, O41)
Selected humanization of yeast U1 snRNP leads to global suppression of pre-mRNA splicing and mitochondrial dysfunction in the budding yeast
Authors: Chalivendra Subbaiah , Shi Shasha , Li Xueni , Kuang Zhiling , Giovinazzo Joseph , Zhang Lingdi , Rossi John , Wang Jingxin , Saviola Anthony J. , Welty Robb , Liu Shiheng , Vaeth Katherine F. , Zhou Z. Hong , Hansen Kirk C. , Taliaferro J. Matthew , Zhao Rui
Published: April 2024

The recognition of the 5′ splice site (5′ ss) is one of the earliest steps of pre-mRNA splicing. To better understand, the mechanism and regulation of 5′ ss recognition, we selectively humanized components of the yeast U1 (yU1) snRNP to reveal the function of these components in 5′ ss recognition and splicing. We targeted U1C and Luc7, two proteins that interact with and stabilize the yU1 snRNA and the 5′ ss RNA duplex. We replaced the zinc-finger (ZnF) domain of yeast U1C (yU1C) with its human counterpart, which resulted in a cold-sensitive growth phenotype and moderate splicing defects. We next added an auxin-inducible degron to yeast Luc7 (yLuc7) protein (to mimic the lack of Luc7Ls in human U1 snRNP). We found that Luc7-depleted yU1 snRNP resulted in the concomitant loss of Prp40 and Snu71 (two other essential yU1 snRNP proteins), and further biochemical analyses suggest a model of how these three proteins interact with each other in the U1 snRNP. The loss of these proteins resulted in a significant growth retardation accompanied by a global suppression of pre-mRNA splicing. The splicing suppression led to mitochondrial dysfunction as revealed by a release of Fe2+into the growth medium and an induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Together, these observations indicate that the human U1C ZnF can substitute that of yeast, Luc7 is essential for the incorporation of the Luc7–Prp40–Snu71 trimer into yU1 snRNP, and splicing plays a major role in the regulation of mitochondrial function in yeast.
Barajar y dar de nuevo: la reconfiguración del derecho administrativo a partir de la incorporación de la perspectiva de género
Authors: Soledad Aprile Natalia
Published: April 2024

Para presentar este tema, se ofrecerá en las páginas siguientes un marco contextual con la intención de introducir de qué manera puede integrarse la perspectiva de género en el derecho administrativo. Por un lado, aportaremos tres aspectos para la reflexión en torno a la inclusión de este enfoque en su estudio y contenido. Por otro lado, ofreceremos algunos ejemplos concretos que reflejan aplicaciones puntuales del enfoque de género en la disciplina. En cuanto a los aspectos reflexivos, el primero de ellos está relacionado con la teoría crítica al derecho como ineludible punto de inicio para entender y observar los fenómenos jurídicos de acuerdo con una visión feminista. El segundo se vincula con el cambio que se produce a partir del tránsito del Estado liberal al Estado social y la posición de la mujer en ambos modelos. Y el tercero se refiere a la reinterpretación del principio de igualdad material en el marco de las instituciones del derecho administrativo. Todos ellos permitirán dar paso a la consideración de unos ejemplos que pretenden ilustrar la forma en que se resignifican las instituciones del derecho administrativo cuando se transversaliza en su estudio la perspectiva de género.
Multiattribute Search: Empirical Evidence and Information Design
Authors: Gardete Pedro M. , Hunter Megan
Published: April 2024

We propose a new model of gradual consumer search based on simulated beliefs in which consumers are selective about the product attributes they inspect.
Maternal Caregiving Capabilities are Associated with Energy-Protein Adequacy of Children with Stunting in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Mar’ah Has Eka Mishbahatul , Sabela Arinie , Qona’ah Arina , Efendi Ferry , Wahyuni Sylvia Dwi , Riadini Fara Amalia , Widodo Rafaleony Berlian Putri
Published: April 2024

Indonesian children suffer from stunting because of a chronic lack of energy and protein intake. Maternal caregiving capabilities are skills and attributes of the mother which determine their ability to use resources for positive nutrition to support their children's health. This study aimed to analyse the association between maternal caregiving capabilities and energy-protein adequacy among children with stunting. This study used a cross-sectional correlation design. The data was collected using a maternal caregiving capabilities questionnaire and 24-hour food recall in 130 mothers of children aged 2 to 5 years with stunted growth, registered at Puskesmas. The study found a significant association between maternal caregiving capabilities and a child's energy and protein adequacy. As mothers' maternal caregiving capabilities increased, their capacity to provide adequate energy and protein for their children increased. We believe that community health nurses can promote health and empower mothers to increase their capability to meet the nutritional needs of children.
Development of Functional Muffins from Wheat Flour-Carrot Pomace Powder using Fenugreek Gum as Fat Replacer
Authors: Bamal Pooja , Dhull Sanju Bala
Published: April 2024

Carrot stands out as one of the globally consumed vegetables, and its juice production yields significant quantities of valuable by-products, notably pomace. To mitigate environment impacts and enhance production cost efficiency, incorporating carrot pomace as an ingredient in diverse food items become a viable strategy. This study investigated the potential of carrot pomace powder (CPP) and fenugreek gum (FG) as fat-replacers and dietary fiber sources in muffins. The flour samples i.e. wheat flour (WF) and CPP were analyzed for their physico-chemical, functional and pasting properties. CCP contained crude fiber (27.6 %), moisture (8.75 %), protein (4.25 %), fat (0.2 %), and ash (1.2 %), indicating higher amounts of ash, and fiber contents than WF. Further, WF was replaced with CPP at different levels (5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 %), and FG was added at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 g levels to analyze their effects on different attributes of muffin. The results showed that muffin fortified with CPP showed an increase in crude fiber content, the highest observed for MF4 of 1.19 %. The water and oil absorption capabilities of WF (143 % and 151 %) were lower than CPP (181 % and 163 %) blends. Addition of CPP and FG increased the flour paste viscosity and specific volume (SV). Moreover, sensory analysis showed the firmness, taste and appearance of muffins were improved by the addition of CPP. The most popular muffins were those made with 10 % CPP and 0.2 g FG. In conclusion, CPP and FG can be effectively utilized to produce fiber-enriched low-fat muffins with improved nutritional profiles and acceptable sensory characteristics.
THE IMPORTANCE OF URINE RECOVERY FROM MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER
Authors: Bagastyo Arseto Yekti , Anggrainy Anita Dwi , Fatkhasari Yasokhi , Noviani Riskha
Published: April 2024

Urine contains a high concentration of nutrients that could increase water pollution and corrosion in the sewerage system. Along with the decrease in global phosphorus reserves, this condition may aggravate the worldwide population’s vulnerability in food security, drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. This paper aims to gain more knowledge on the importance of urine recovery from municipal wastewater. The previous implementation of the urine separation system, the importance of urine diversion, the potential product, and technologies for urine recovery was briefly described. Overall, urine diversion is expected to address those environmental problems by reducing water pollution and organic loading in wastewater treatment plants, providing valuable nutrients for agricultural production, and lessening the economic cost of improper sanitation.
Universal scale laws for colors and patterns in imagery
Authors: Michel Rémi , Tamaazousti Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Distribution of colors and patterns in images is observed through cascades that adjust spatial resolution and dynamics. Cascades of colors reveal the emergent universal property that Fully Colored Images (FCIs) of natural scenes adhere to the debated continuous linear log-scale law (slope −2.00±0.01) (L1). Cascades of discrete 2×2 patterns are derived from pixel square reductions onto the seven unlabeled rotation-free textures (0000, 0001, 0011, 0012, 0101, 0102, 0123). They exhibit an unparalleled universal entropy maximum of 1.74±0.013 at some dynamics regardless of spatial scale (L2). Patterns also adhere to the Integral Fluctuation Theorem (1.00±0.01) (L3), pivotal in studies of chaotic systems. Images with fewer colors exhibit quadratic shift and bias from L1 and L3 but adhere to L2. Randomized Hilbert fractal FCIs better match the laws than basic-to-AI-based simulations. Those results are of interest in Neural Networks, out-of-equilibrium physics, and spectral imagery.
Enhancement of laser ablation via high-frequency electromagnetic induction heating
Authors: Xie Chaoxiong , Chen Zhekun , Hong Minghui
Published: April 2024

The efficiency of pulsed laser ablation has always been the focus point of research. A novel high-frequency electromagnetic induction heating-assisted laser ablation scheme is proposed and investigated to enhance the efficiency and improve the surface processing quality during the nanosecond laser ablation of metal substrates. To reduce laser energy required to reach the ablation threshold of metal, this method utilizes the electromagnetic induction to rapidly elevate substrate temperature, making the metal easier to be ablated. The results show that ablation width increases 16% and ablation depth increases 31% with the assistance of electromagnetic induction heating at a laser fluence of 1.32 J/cm2, which increases 90% of the laser-ablated volume. Meanwhile, the surface ablation quality is significantly improved due to the smaller temperature gradient around the ablation region. This new method has great potentials in the laser micromachining at a higher processing efficiency and better laser-processed surface quality.
Hardware implementation of a mirror array-based optical intelligent reflecting surface for VLC: prototype and experimental results
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yang Fang , Liu Zehao , Sun Shiyuan , Zhang Hongming , Song Jian
Published: April 2024

Faced with growing demands for high-speed and reliable communication systems, optical intelligent reflecting surfaces (OIRS) have recently attracted a lot of interest in visible light communication (VLC). With potential applications in a variety of scenarios, including indoor wireless communications and the Internet of Things (IoT), OIRS is expected to have a transformative impact on optical wireless communications. However, current research is predominantly theoretical, and the hardware implementation of OIRS is insufficient. Therefore, this paper introduces an OIRS prototype based on a mirror array, which is capable of adjusting the reflected lightwave by manipulating the orientation of individual OIRS units to realize an adjustable optical wireless communication environment. Additionally, a hardware platform with a configurable control system for OIRS-based VLC has been developed in this paper. Finally, experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in the amplitude of the received signal and the signal-to-noise ratio of the developed prototype, thereby verifying the enhancement of communication efficiency and the potential of practical OIRS deployment.
Spatial–spectral complexity in Kerr beam self-cleaning
Authors: Labaz M. , Sidorenko P.
Published: April 2024

We report on a comprehensive experimental investigation into the spatial–spectral complexity of the laser beam during Kerr-induced beam self-cleaning in graded-index multimode fibers. We demonstrate the self-cleaning of beams using both transform-limited and chirped femtosecond pulses. By utilizing the spectrally resolved imaging technique, we examine variations in beam homogeneity during the beam cleanup process and reveal correlations observed among spatial beam profiles at different wavelengths for the various cleaned pulses. Our results significantly advance our understanding of Kerr-induced self-cleaning with chirped ultrafast pulses and offer new possibilities for diverse applications.
High sensitivity humidity sensor based on the U-shaped tapered no-core fiber coated with MXene
Authors: Cong Jiayi , Yang Mengxin , Zhou Daozi , Meng Lei , Feng Shuai , Lv Min
Published: April 2024

Ti3C2Tx MXene is an emerging two-dimensional material that has good potential in relative humidity (RH) measurement because of its unique layer structure, strong hydrophilic nature, and large specific surface area. Here, a high-performance RH sensor integrating Ti3C2TX MXene nanosheets and U-shaped tapered no-core fiber (UTNCF) is proposed. The sensing principle is based on mode interference. The change of ambient RH leads to the change of the refractive index (RI) of Ti3C2Tx MXene, which eventually leads to the shift of the transmission spectrum of the sensing probe. The average sensitivity is 1.11 nm/%RH in the RH range of 45% to 80%, and the response time is 25 ms. The proposed micro-nano fiber RH sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, fast response, good repeatability, and stability. In addition, the proposed sensor has a broad application prospect in human respiratory monitoring, industrial and agricultural production, and environmental monitoring.
Crystallization of Y3Fe5O12 thin films on silicon photonic waveguides using CO2 laser annealing
Authors: Wang Junxian , Cai Songgang , Yang Yucong , Wei Zixuan , Zhang Tianchi , Yan Wei , Bi Lei
Published: April 2024

We report the local crystallization of Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) thin films grown on Si substrates, and SOI waveguides by CO2 laser annealing (LA). The effect of laser power and oxygen pressure on the crystal structure of YIG films was systematically studied. Laser power dominated the YIG film crystallinity, while oxygen partial pressure during LA strongly influenced the crystal grain size and magnetic anisotropy. Fully crystallized YIG thin films with pure garnet phases were fabricated by LA. The refractive index n and extinction coefficient k were comparable to thin films fabricated by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Propagation loss measured at 1550 nm wavelength on YIG/SOI waveguides and YIG/SiN ring resonators were comparable to RTA annealed films, promising device development for silicon photonics.
Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma: A real-world single-center retrospective review
Authors: Patel Shivani , Armbruster Heather , Pardo Gretchen , Archambeau Brianna , Kim Na Hyun , Jeter Joanne , Wu Richard , Kendra Kari , Contreras Carlo M. , Spaccarelli Natalie , Dulmage Brittany , Pootrakul Llana , Carr David R. , Verschraegen Claire
Published: April 2024

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is highly curable by surgical excision or radiation. In rare cases, BCC can be locally destructive or difficult to surgically remove. Hedgehog inhibition (HHI) with vismodegib or sonidegib induces a 50–60% response rate. Long-term toxicity includes muscle spasms and weight loss leading to dose decreases. This retrospective chart review also investigates the impact of CoQ10 and calcium supplementation in patients treated with HHI drugs at a single academic medical center from 2012 to 2022. We reviewed the charts of adult patients diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic BCC treated with vismodegib or sonidegib primarily for progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary objectives included overall survival, BCC-specific survival, time to and reasons for discontinuation, overall response rate, safety and tolerability, use of CoQ10 and calcium supplements, and insurance coverage. Of 55 patients assessable for outcome, 34 (61.8%) had an overall clinical benefit, with 25 (45.4%) having a complete response and 9 (16.3%) a partial response. Stable disease was seen in 14 (25.4%) and 7 (12.7%) progressed. Of the 34 patients who responded to treatment, 9 recurred. Patients who were rechallenged with HHI could respond again. The median overall BCC-specific survival rate at 5 years is 89%. Dose reductions or discontinuations for vismodegib and sonidegib occurred in 59% versus 24% of cases, or 30% versus 9% of cases, respectively. With CoQ10 and calcium supplementation, only 17% required a dose reduction versus 42% without. HHI is highly effective for treating advanced BCC but may require dosing decreases. Sonidegib was better tolerated than vismodegib. CoQ10 and calcium supplementation can effectively prevent muscle spasms.
Creep constitutive modeling of the shear strength of the permafrost-concrete interface considering the stress level at -1°C
Authors: He Fei , Lei Wanyu , Mao Erqing , Liu Qingquan , Chen Hangjie , Wang Xu
Published: April 2024

The shear creep characteristics of the contact surface between the permafrost and the structure play an important role in the study of the law of deformation and the measures for the prevention and control of pile foundations. In order to study the creep law and the development tendency of the contact surface between permafrost and concrete, it is necessary to establish an accurate creep model. In this study, based on the Nishihara model, a nonlinear element and damage factor D were introduced to establish an intrinsic model of permafrost-concrete contact surfaces considering the effect of shear stress. Creep tests with graded loading of concrete and frozen silt with different roughness at -1°C were conducted using a large stress-controlled shear apparatus. The adequacy of the model was checked using the test data and the regularity of the parameters of the model was investigated. The results show that the creep curves of the contact surface obtained with the improved Nishihara model agree well with the test results and can better describe the whole process of creep of the contact surface of frozen concrete. The analysis of the experimental data shows that: the roughness of the concrete has an inhibiting effect on the creep deformation of the contact surface, When the roughness R varies from 0 mm to 1.225 mm, the specimen corresponds to a long-term strength of 32.84 kPa to 34.57 kPa. For the same roughness and creep time, the creep deformation of the contact surface is more significant with the increasing shear stress τ. The results of the study can provide a theoretical basis for the design and numerical simulation of pile foundations in permafrost regions.
An optimized approach to study nanoscale sarcomere structure utilizing super-resolution microscopy with nanobodies
Authors: Douglas Collin M. , Bird Jonathan E. , Kopinke Daniel , Esser Karyn A.
Published: April 2024

The sarcomere is the fundamental contractile unit in skeletal muscle, and the regularity of its structure is critical for function. Emerging data demonstrates that nanoscale changes to the regularity of sarcomere structure can affect the overall function of the protein dense ~2μm sarcomere. Further, sarcomere structure is implicated in many clinical conditions of muscle weakness. However, our understanding of how sarcomere structure changes in disease, especially at the nanoscale, has been limited in part due to the inability to robustly detect and measure at sub-sarcomere resolution. We optimized several methodological steps and developed a robust pipeline to analyze sarcomere structure using structured illumination super-resolution microscopy in conjunction with commercially-available and fluorescently-conjugated Variable Heavy-Chain only fragment secondary antibodies (nanobodies), and achieved a significant increase in resolution of z-disc width (353nm vs. 62nm) compared to confocal microscopy. The combination of these methods provides a unique approach to probe sarcomere protein localization at the nanoscale and may prove advantageous for analysis of other cellular structures.
Analysis of outcomes and prognostic factor in acute type A aortic dissection complicated with preoperative shock: A single-center study
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Kao Ming-Chang , Lee Hsin-Fu , Wu Meng-Yu , Tseng Chi-Nan
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a critical cardiovascular emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention for preserving life, particularly in patients with critical preoperative status. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical features, early and late outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients undergoing aortic repair surgery for ATAAD complicated with preoperative shock.

Methods

Between April 2007 and July 2020, 694 consecutive patients underwent emergency ATAAD repair at our institution, including 162 (23.3%) presenting with preoperative shock (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg), who were classified into the survivor (n = 125) and non-survivor (n = 37) groups according to whether they survived to hospital discharge. The clinical demographics, surgical information, and postoperative complications were compared. Five-year survival and freedom from reoperation rates of survivors were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier actuarial method. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Results

The in-hospital surgical mortality rate in patients with ATAAD and shock was 22.8%. The non-survivor group showed higher rates of preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation, acute myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction, and was associated with longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, higher rates of total arch replacement and intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implementation. The non-survivor group had higher blood transfusion volumes and rates of malperfusion-related complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, and total arch replacement were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. For patients who survived to discharge, the 5-year cumulative survival and freedom from aortic reoperation rates were 75.6% (95% confidence interval, 67.6%–83.6%) and 82.6% (95% confidence interval, 74.2%–91.1%), respectively.

Conclusions

Preoperative shock in ATAAD is associated with a high risk of in-hospital mortality, particularly in patients who undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation and complex aortic repair procedures with extended cardiopulmonary bypass. However, late outcomes are acceptable for patients who were stabilized through surgical treatment and survived to discharge.
Building a more engaged scientist from the bottom up: The impact of public engagement training on undergraduate students
Authors: Patson Nikole D. , Wagner Laura
Published: April 2024

Engaging with the public is increasingly seen as an important role of scientists. Despite that, few opportunities exist for undergraduate students to receive training in engaging with the public about science. Thus, little is known about the impact of such training on students. The goal of the current study was to investigate the impact of public engagement training on participants in a summer program for undergraduates that provides training in both research and engagement activities. The results of our interviews suggest that providing opportunities for undergraduates to engage with the public (1) has many personal, academic, and career benefits for students; (2) increases participants’ interest in public engagement; and (3) may contribute to helping students develop and maintain an identity as scientists. Importantly, students from minoritized racial groups may be even more impacted by this experience. These data suggest that early experiences with public engagement may not only be an important way to increase the number of publicly engaged scientists but may also broaden participation in science.
Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in animal patients and the hospital environment at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa
Authors: Karodia Ayesha Bibi , Shaik Tahiyya , Qekwana Daniel Nenene
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: Nosocomial infections caused by Salmonella spp. are common in veterinary facilities. The early identification of high-risk patients and sources of infection is important for mitigating the spread of infections to animal patients and humans. This study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella spp. among patients at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa. In addition, this study describes the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of Salmonella spp. in the veterinary facility. Materials and Methods: This study used a dataset of Salmonella-positive animals and environmental samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory between 2012 and 2019. The occurrence of Salmonella isolates at the veterinary hospital was described based on source, month, season, year, and location. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each variable. Results: A total of 715 Salmonella isolates were recorded, of which 67.6% (483/715) came from animals and the remainder (32.4%, 232/715) came from environmental samples. The highest proportion (29.2%) of Salmonella isolates was recorded in 2016 and most isolates were reported in November (17.4%). The winter season had the lowest (14.6%) proportion of isolates reported compared to spring (31.3%), summer (27.8%), and autumn (26.4%). Salmonella Typhimurium (20.0%) was the most frequently reported serotype among the samples tested, followed by Salmonella Anatum (11.2%). Among the positive animal cases, most (86.3%) came from equine clinics. Most reported isolates differed based on animal species with S. Typhimurium being common in equines and S. Anatum in bovines. Conclusion: In this study, S. Typhimurium emerged as the predominant strain in animal and environmental samples. Equines were the most affected animals; however, Salmonella serotypes were also detected in the production animals. Environmental contamination was also a major source of Salmonella species in this study. To reduce the risk of transmission, strict infection prevention and control measures (biosecurity) must be implemented. Keywords: environment, hospital, animals, risk factors, Salmonella enterica, Typhimurium, veterinary.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Aminothiazole Hybrids as Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Soni Arti , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Vivek , Rawat Ravi , Eyupoglu Volkan
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to synthesize aminothiazole derivatives with 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety and evaluated their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant activity in order to check their potency against Alzheimer's disease. Inhibition screening against AChE indicated that  synthesized derivatives expressed well to moderate AChE inhibitory activity in vitro. Of the examined synthetic compounds (3a-i), compound 3d expressed the best inhibition with IC50-0.35 µM. The antioxidant activity of all the synthesized compounds was also  analyzed by the DPPH assay. Finally, in molecular docking analysis, the best docking score was displayed by the most active compound  3d supported the in vitro inhibition results. Compound 3d emerged to be promising lead for the further development of anti- Alzheimer’s drugs.
Introduction
Authors: Schmidt Kerstin , Loon Joost van
Published: April 2024

Kerstin Schmidt and Joost van Loon provide a general introduction to this interdisciplinary volume by focusing on the question whether the controversies surrounding the solidarity, which stem from a multiplicity of perspectives that span across a wide range of disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences, can help us develop a better understanding of major issues for which this concept has been invoked as a possible solution. Reading across and between contributions gives us a sense of the immense potential that the concept might still hold for analysing many pertinent issues that our world is facing today.
Screening Solidarity
Authors: O'Connor Patrick
Published: April 2024

In this chapter Patrick O'Connor presents a theory of solidarity as a modal concept, drawing from the works of film makers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. It explores the viability of solidarity in late capitalism, and aims to enrich the philosophical comprehension of solidarity at the intersection of film-philosophy, film-theory, philosophy, and sociology. The Dardennes are argued to offer invaluable insights into solidarity's emergence in late capitalist societies, addressing challenges such as globalizing economies, outsourcing, privatization, declining collective bargaining, and the erosion of traditional working-class networks. Their contributions illuminate the path to solidarity amidst contemporary societal transformations.
Solidarity in the Digital Commons
Authors: Wittel Andreas , Bachmann Götz
Published: April 2024

Wittel and Bachman explore solidarity in the field of the digital commons. In particular, they focus on two flagship projects of the digital commons, on the knowledge commons represented by Wikipedia and on the software commons represented by the open-source software movement. The main result of this chapter is surprising. They argue that the digital commons is a rather problematic concept as the practice of commoning and working together is often not fully realised in these digital spaces. For this reason, examples of solidarity in the digital commons are hard to find.
Granny Midwives' Epistemic and Embodied Care
Authors: Gibson Helen A.
Published: April 2024

Helen A. Gibson analyzes granny (Grand) midwives' epistemic and embodied care as a disruption of racialized capitalism with cosmic significance. Superseding temporalities of crisis, granny midwives practiced what Calvin Warren calls spiritual breath (à la Ashon Crawley's theorization) and thinking as the same. This poisis speaks to Black feminist and Womanist historiographical interventions, such as those by Saidiya Hartman, Jennifer L. Morgan, and Alys Weinbaum, of the solidarity-laden mode of living known as the Black radical tradition.
The Poetry of Our Lives
Authors:   Durban University of Technology, Chapman Michael
Published: April 2024

the passions/of dolphins’ In the mid-1980s at the University of Natal, the student body was overwhelmingly of white, middle class and suburban upbringing. Most had attended well-performing, or reasonably performing, schools. The smattering of Indian and African faces in the lecture halls signalled the unravelling of ‘grand’ apartheid (to use an oxymoron of the time). The parents of these students had probably managed, by whatever means, to enter the peripheries of the white suburbs, or the white economy.
In Patagonia
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Brown Duncan
Published: April 2024

There is a sentence that has stirred the imagination of Europe as powerfully as any call to arms. I’ve seen it written a hundred times, and have always felt a pang of envy for its lucky author. It is so jaunty, so unreasonably larger than life. It promises to deliver the unexpected –some fantastic reversal of fortune, some miraculous transformation in the character of the writer. It deserves a paragraph to itself, and should be printed in ceremonious italics.
The Voices Who Live in Us
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Krog Antjie
Published: April 2024

My mother writes ... One morning a man who owed my husband a substantial amount of money, pitched up in a rattling, worn-out bakkie. ‘My husband is not here,’ I said. ‘No, it’s okay, Antie, I just brought the uncle a sirpraais.’ And he took some scaffolding down and a white wooden box. ‘Doesn’t she look beautiful, Antie?’ ‘Are there bees in it?’ I ask carefully. ‘Tjok and blok, my antie, tjok and blok. You see, this hive will create three, four other swarms a year and soon the uncle will have a whole bee farming business.’ ‘But bees sting!’ I interrupted. ‘Sting?’ he seemed utterly astonished. ‘These bees do not sting, Antie. These ones are not the small nasty kind of bee, it is the fat striped one. When they know you, they actually fly out of the hive towards you to welcome you...’ We both heard my husband’s bakkie coming up the road and before I could say anything, the money borrower was back in his own bakkie and revving away. My suspicion was correct, the uncle was not pleased about this goldmine dropped in his yard.
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: Imaging, Diagnosis, and Prognosis
Authors: Alomari Mohammad , El-Sayed Ahmed Magdy M. , Ali Mostafa , Wadiwala Ishaq J. , Pham Si M. , Sareyyupoglu Basar
Published: April 2024

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly with an incidence of 0.008% to 0.043%. Its clinical course varies depending on cusp anatomy, function, and associated cardiac malformations. It frequently progresses to aortic valve regurgitation that may require surgical valve replacement. Detection has shifted from incidental discovery during autopsies or cardiac surgeries in the early 20th century to various cardiac imaging methods in recent decades. In addition to contributing to the literature, this report supports the use of transesophageal echocardiography more liberally to detect aortic valve abnormalities. The case presents a 48-year-old female patient with an incidentally discovered quadricuspid aortic valve.
Three-Year Clinical Outcomes With the Cilotax Dual Drug-Eluting Stent vs Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yu HyeYon , Ahn Jihun , Choi Byoung Geol , Park Soohyung , Kang Dong Oh , Choi Cheol Ung , Rha Seung-Woon , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: April 2024

Background:

This study compared the safety and effectiveness of paclitaxel/cilostazol–eluting Cilotax stents with those of everolimus-eluting stents in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Real-world data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry were examined.

Methods:

A total of 5,472 patients with acute myocardial infarction underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with Cilotax stents (n = 212) or everolimus-eluting stents (n = 5,260). The primary end point was the 3-year rate of target lesion failure. The other end points were major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization), target vessel revascularization, and stent thrombosis. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders by using a logistic regression model; propensity score matching generated 2 well-balanced groups (Cilotax group, n = 180; everolimus-eluting stents group, n = 170; N = 350). After propensity score matching, baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the groups.

Results:

After percutaneous coronary intervention, compared with the everolimus-eluting stents group, the Cilotax group more often had major adverse cardiovascular events (24.1% vs 18.5%; P = .042), myocardial infarction (8.0% vs 3.2%; P < .001), target lesion revascularization (8.0% vs 2.6%; P < .001), target vessel revascularization (11.3% vs 4.5%; P < .001), and stent thrombosis (4.7% vs 0.5%; P < .001) before matching. Even after matching, the Cilotax group had more frequent target lesion revascularization (9.4% vs 2.9%; P = .22) and stent thrombosis (5.6% vs 1.2%; P = .34).

Conclusion:

In patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, use of the Cilotax stent was associated with higher rates of target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, and stent thrombosis than were everolimus-eluting stents. Use of the Cilotax dual drugeluting stent should be avoided in the treatment of myocardial infarction.
Book review of: Greif, Friedbert; Kurth, Detlef; Scholl, Bernd (Hrsg.) (2023): Planung für Morgen: Zukunft Stadt und Raum
Authors: Baumgart Sabine
Published: April 2024

Buchrezension
Effects of maternal exercise on infant mesenchymal stem cell mitochondrial function, insulin action, and body composition in infancy
Authors: Jevtovic Filip , Zheng Donghai , Claiborne Alex , Biagioni Ericka M. , Wisseman Breanna L. , Krassovskaia Polina M. , Collier David N. , Isler Christy , DeVente James E. , Neufer P. Darrell , Houmard Joseph A. , May Linda E.
Published: April 2024

Maternal exercise (ME) has been established as a useful non‐pharmacological intervention to improve infant metabolic health; however, mechanistic insight behind these adaptations remains mostly confined to animal models. Infant mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) give rise to infant tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle), and remain involved in mature tissue maintenance. Importantly, these cells maintain metabolic characteristics of an offspring donor and provide a model for the investigation of mechanisms behind infant metabolic health improvements. We used undifferentiated MSC to investigate if ME affects infant MSC mitochondrial function and insulin action, and if these adaptations are associated with lower infant adiposity. We found that infants from exercising mothers have improvements in MSC insulin signaling related to higher MSC respiration and fat oxidation, and expression and activation of energy‐sensing and redox‐sensitive proteins. Further, we found that infants exposed to exercise in utero were leaner at 1 month of age, with a significant inverse correlation between infant MSC respiration and infant adiposity at 6 months of age. These data suggest that infants from exercising mothers are relatively leaner, and this is associated with higher infant MSC mitochondrial respiration, fat use, and insulin action.
A greener RP-HPLC method for quaternary estimation of caffeine, paracetamol, levocetirizine, and phenylephrine acquiring AQbD with stability studies
Authors: Rosireddy Vineetha , Krishnan Manikandan
Published: April 2024

The main objective of this article was to develop method and validate quaternary estimation of caffeine (CFE), paracetamol (PCM), levocetirizine (LEV), and phenylephrine (PHE) and to conduct degradation experiments using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This was the first innovative approach to this drug combination, combining analytical quality by design with green analytical chemistry. This method was developed using HPLC Agilent 1220 Infinity II, a binary solvent delivery pump, an automatic sampling device injector, and a photodiode array detector. Agilent Inertsil ODS 3 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used for separation. The mobile phase is composed of ethanol and 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 3). To adjust the pH, 1% of orthophosphoric acid was used. The flow rate was set to 0.8 ml·min−1, the injection volume was 10 μl, and the detecting wavelength was 220 nm. The analytes were eluted via gradient elution. The retention time for PCM was 3.5 min, CFE was 8.1 min, PHE was 15.9 min, and LEV was 20.5 min. Green evaluation tools used in this research include Green Analytical Procedure Index, analytical eco-scale, analytical greenness, analytical method greenness score, and carbon footprint analysis. The developed method was greener than the previously reported method, as per the results of the greenness evaluation tools.
Alkaline treatment and fractionation of OCC for strength improvement
Authors: Hossen M. Nakib , Rahman M. Mostafizur , Islam Sharmin , Jahan M. Sarwar
Published: April 2024

The main drawback of recycled fibers is the deterioration of fiber bonding dependent papermaking properties (like tensile, tear and burst indexes) due to the hornification effect, as a results of drying during papermaking. In order to improve the papermaking properties through increasing fiber bonding, an alkaline treatment of Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) followed by fractionation were carried out in this investigation. Alkaline treatment dissolved 6.6 % organics (carbohydrates and lignin) and fibers became wider as a results of fiber swelling. The alkali treatment decreased fines from 39.9 % to 28.5 %, consequently, decreased drainage resistance from 26 °SR to 21 °SR. The papermaking properties of OCC pulp increased on alkaline treatment. Fiber fractionation of alkaline treated OCC further increased papermaking properties. At 40 °SR value, the tensile index, burst index and tear index of alkaline treated longer fiber fraction was 49 N m/g, 3.2 kPa m2/g, 7.2 mN m2/g, respectively while it was 40.4 N m/g, 2.1 kPa m2/g and 6.1 kPa m2/g, for non-treated longer fiber fraction, respectively.