bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protoplanetary disks in Ks-band total intensity and polarized light
Authors: Ren Bin B. , Benisty Myriam , Ginski Christian , Tazaki Ryo , Wallack Nicole L. , Milli Julien , Garufi Antonio , Bae Jaehan , Facchini Stefano , Ménard François , Pinilla Paola , Swastik C. , Teague Richard , Wahhaj Zahed
Published: October 2023

Context. The diverse morphology among protoplanetary disks may result from planet-disk interactions, suggesting the presence of planets undergoing formation. The characterization of disks can provide information on the formation environments of planets. To date, most imaging campaigns have probed the polarized light from disks, which is only a fraction of the total scattered light and not very sensitive to planetary emission.

Aims. We aim to observe and characterize protoplanetary disk systems in the near-infrared in both polarized and total intensity light to carry out an unprecedented study of the dust scattering properties of disks, as well as of any possible planetary companions.

Methods. Using the star-hopping mode of the SPHERE instrument at the Very Large Telescope, we observed 29 young stars hosting protoplanetary disks and their reference stars in the Ks-band polarized light. We extracted disk signals in total intensity by removing stellar light using the corresponding reference star observations, by adopting the data imputation concept with sequential non-negative matrix factorization (DI-sNMF). For well-recovered disks in both polarized and total intensity light, we parameterized the polarization fraction phase functions using a scaled beta distribution. We investigated the empirical DI-sNMF detectability of disks using logistic regression. For systems with SPHERE data in the Y, J, and H bands, we have summarized their polarized color at an approximately 90° scattering angle.

Results. We obtained high-quality disk images in total intensity for 15 systems and in polarized light for 23 systems. The total intensity detectability of disks primarily depends on the host star brightness, which determines adaptive-optics control ring imagery and thus stellar signals capture using DI-sNMF. The peak of polarization fraction tentatively correlates with the peak scattering angle, which could be reproduced using certain composition for compact dust, yet more detailed modeling studies are needed. Most of the disks are blue in polarized J – Ks color and the fact that they are relatively redder as stellar luminosity increases indicates larger scatterers.

Conclusions. High-quality disk imagery in both total intensity and polarized light allows for disk characterizations in the polarization fraction. Combining these techniques reduces the confusion between the disk and planetary signals.
Un ascenseur miniature jumeau réel d’une maquette numérique
Authors: Chemla Jean-Paul , Lescieux Matthieu , Riera Bernard
Published: October 2023

Cet article péesente une démarche originale pour la céeation d’une maquette pédagogique pour les TP de programmation d'automate. Cet ascenseur est piloté par un automate programmable (mode standard) mais a aussi un micro-contrôleur intégée pour gérer la sécurité et un mode démo qui permet aux étudiants de mieux comprendre le cahier des charges. Cette maquette d’ascenseur a été éealisée par des étudiants en projet en prenant comme modèle le fonctionnement d’une partie opérative simulée céeée à l’aide du logiciel Factory I/O. Le matériel et son jumeau ont été testés en TP avec des étudiants de Polytech Tours.
Infiltración Analgésica PENG Intraoperatoria en Artroplastía Total de Cadera
Authors: Rojas Claudio A. , Cabrera Francisca C. , Fuentes Paola O. , Hormazábal José M. , González Jaime A. , Núñez Manuel J.
Published: October 2023

Objetivo Describir una novedosa forma de aplicación de la infiltración analgésica PENG en el intraoperatorio de artroplastía total de cadera (ATC) y presentar los resultados obtenidos en una serie de casos.

Método Serie de casos retrospectiva. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de pacientes operados de prótesis de cadera electiva, sometidos a una infiltración analgésica PENG por cirujano entre Septiembre y Diciembre de 2020.

Resultados 74 pacientes, edad promedio de 60.1 años. 63 corresponden a prótesis simples y 11 a complejas. La mediana de dolor postoperatorio según EVA fue de 0 en la unidad de recuperación, 2 en las primeras 24 hrs y 1 para las siguientes 24 hrs. El 95,9% de los pacientes lograron deambular en las primeras 24 horas y el 98,7% logró irse de alta en las primeras 48 hrs.

Conclusión En nuestra serie de casos donde se aplicó la novedosa forma de implementación de la infiltración analgésica PENG en una ATC, observamos una mediana de EVA máximo de 2, deambulación en las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias en el 95% de los pacientes y una estadía hospitalaria menor a 48 horas en 98% de los pacientes, sin casos de readmisión por dolor.
RECOSAN: Registro de cirugías de columna de Santiago, trabajo multicéntrico y prospectivo, primer informe
Authors: Salinas Marcelo Molina , Claros Lucio Gonzales , Barrientos Ratko Yurac , Marcuson Karen Weissmann , Martin Juan Pablo Otto San , Tallard Daniel Lobos , Luengo Carlos Cortes , Gougain Alberto Marti , Rodriguez Ramón Torres , León Oscar Eugenin , Pérez Carlos Tapia
Published: October 2023

Objetivo El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los estadísticos de frecuencia de las cirugías de columna y factores asociados a complicaciones postoperatorias en Santiago de Chile

Material y métodos se realizó un estudio con diseño observacional, prospectivo, multicéntrico mediante registro de datos de cirugías de columna en Santiago, desde septiembre de 2020 hasta octubre del 2021, se utilizó la base de datos RedCap (Vanderbilt University, v11.0.3), como criterios de inclusión se ingresaron pacientes de toda edad operados de columna, como criterios de exclusión los pacientes que rechazaron participar del estudio e infiltraciones de columna. El análisis estadístico se desarrolló usando el programa SPSS v 26.0 y se realizaron asociaciones entre variables.

Resultados Se encontró asociación entre pacientes ASA I comparado con pacientes ASA II-V respecto a complicaciones postoperatorias a 30 días con un OR 1,71 (IC 95% 1,05-2.78), p = 0,029, se encontró asociación entre antecedentes mórbidos preoperatorios y complicaciones a 30 días con un OR 1,69 (IC 95% 1,08-2,66), p = 0,021.

Discusión Este es el primer registro prospectivo de datos de cirugías de columna en Santiago con información detallada, estandarizada demográfica y clínica de todas las cirugías de columna, se encontró una fuerte asociación entre pacientes ASA II-V con complicaciones postoperatorias a 30 días y asociación directa entre antecedentes mórbidos preoperatorios y complicaciones a 30 días.

Conclusiones Este primer informe con 832 cirugías de columna nos brinda información valiosa sobre el comportamiento de la cirugía de columna en Chile, esperamos mejorar el número y calidad de recolección de datos en informes posteriores, podría existir un sub-registro de datos sobre complicaciones postoperatorias comparado con datos y cifras de complicaciones postoperatorias publicadas en la literatura.
Riesgo de caídas en pacientes operados por fractura de fémur proximal sobre el año de cirugía
Authors: Cifuentes Enrique , Foncea Héctor , Becerra Carolina , Silva Pablo , Maza Eduardo de la , Becerra Manuel , Villarroel Leonardo
Published: October 2023

Introducción Las caídas en población geriátrica son un problema de salud pública, tomando mayor relevancia luego de una fractura de fémur proximal (FFP). El test “timed up and go” (TUG) se ha relacionado al riesgo de caídas y se utiliza en diversas sociedades de geriatría.

Objetivo Evaluar el riesgo de caídas en pacientes con FFP pasado el año de cirugía.

Materiales y Métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional y transversal de pacientes operados por FFP entre enero 2017 y mayo 2020. Se incluyeron pacientes de 60 a 85 años, con un año o más de evolución desde su cirugía. Se excluyeron individuos con enfermedades neurológicas severas y progresivas, IMC > 40, deterioro cognitivo avanzado y con enfermedades o factores mecánicos que pudieran impedir la adecuada evaluación o rehabilitación. Los pacientes fueron citados y se les realizó evaluación clínica, nutricional y radiológica. Posteriormente se midió la fuerza cuadricipital de extremidades inferiores y se aplicaron los test de aceleración vertical y TUG. Los resultados fueron analizados utilizando modelos estadísticos, test de hipótesis y modelos de aprendizaje automático.

Resultados En los modelos de aprendizaje automático las variables de mayor importancia para clasificar y segmentar a los pacientes en bajo o mediano-alto riesgo de caídas fueron la fuerza cuadricipital del lado operado, fuerza cuadricipital del lado contralateral y la aceleración vertical. Por otra parte, en los modelos de regresión lineal, el IMC y aceleración vertical tuvieron efecto significativo positivo y negativo respectivamente.

Conclusión La fuerza extensora cuadricipital, la aceleración vertical y el IMC se relacionan al riesgo de caídas. Este trabajo nos muestra elementos accesibles y de bajo costo para identificar estos factores de riesgo y focalizar los recursos destinados para su prevención.
On relaxation times of heteroclinic dynamics
Authors: Aravind Manaoj , Meyer-Ortmanns Hildegard
Published: October 2023

Heteroclinic dynamics provide a suitable framework for describing transient dynamics such as cognitive processes in the brain. It is appreciated for being well reproducible and at the same time highly sensitive to external input. It is supposed to capture features of switching statistics between metastable states in the brain. Beyond the high sensitivity, a further desirable feature of these dynamics is to enable a fast adaptation to new external input. In view of this, we analyze relaxation times of heteroclinic motion toward a new resting state, when oscillations in heteroclinic networks are arrested by a quench of a bifurcation parameter from a parameter regime of oscillations to a regime of equilibrium states. As it turns out, the relaxation is underdamped and depends on the nesting of the attractor space, the size of the attractor’s basin of attraction, the depth of the quench, and the level of noise. In the case of coupled heteroclinic units, it depends on the coupling strength, the coupling type, and synchronization between different units. Depending on how these factors are combined, finite relaxation times may support or impede a fast switching to new external input. Our results also shed some light on the discussion of how the stability of a system changes with its complexity.
Revisiting Néel 60 years on: The magnetic anisotropy of L10 FeNi (tetrataenite)
Authors: Woodgate Christopher D. , Patrick Christopher E. , Lewis Laura H. , Staunton Julie B.
Published: October 2023

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of atomically ordered L10 FeNi (the meteoritic mineral tetrataenite) is studied within a first-principles electronic structure framework. Two compositions are examined: equiatomic Fe0.5Ni0.5 and an Fe-rich composition, Fe0.56Ni0.44. It is confirmed that, for the single crystals modeled in this work, the leading-order anisotropy coefficient K1 dominates the higher-order coefficients K2 and K3. To enable comparison with experiment, the effects of both imperfect atomic long-range order and finite temperature are included. While our computational results initially appear to undershoot the measured experimental values for this system, careful scrutiny of the original analysis due to Néel et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 35, 873 (1964)] suggests that our computed value of K1 is, in fact, consistent with experimental values, and that the noted discrepancy has its origins in the nanoscale polycrystalline, multivariant nature of experimental samples, that yields much larger values of K2 and K3 than expected a priori. These results provide fresh insight into the existing discrepancies in the literature regarding the value of tetrataenite’s uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy in both natural and synthetic samples.
Laser-induced transient currents in CdZnTe quasi-hemispherical radiation detector
Authors: Grill R. , Betušiak M. , Bettelli M. , Praus P. , Abbene L. , Pipek J. , Belas E. , Zappettini A.
Published: October 2023

Laser-induced transient currents were measured after applying pulsed or direct-current bias to a CdZnTe quasi-hemispherical radiation detector with gold contacts. The temporal evolution of current transients was analyzed to evaluate the dynamics of the space charge formation and its spatial distribution. The observed effects were explained by a model involving hole injection from positively biased contacts. Experimental results were complemented by numerical simulations, which supported the model. This paper discusses how the detected phenomena affect the detector performance and proposes an improved detector design.
High-throughput investigation of second harmonic generation enhancement in indium tin oxide films: Effects of Sn doping
Authors: Wei Xumin , Gu Chuanchuan , Xiang X.-D.
Published: October 2023

The doping effect of the Sn atom in indium tin oxide (ITO) plays a crucial role in influencing the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) behaviors and the related nonlinear optical properties. A ternary (In1−xSnx)2O3 film is fabricated by high-throughput magnetron sputtering technique. The relationship between Sn doping and second harmonic generation (SHG) enhancement is systematically interpreted through comprehensive characterization of structural and optical properties. Significantly, clear microstructural changes associated with different levels of Sn doping are identified by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. These changes directly contribute to shifts in the ENZ wavelength (λENZ). The results indicate that the optimal region for SHG enhancement lies within 7.3–10.6 at. % Sn doping. Moreover, it is demonstrated that λENZ can be adjusted by manipulating the formation of electrically inactive defect clusters via Sn substitution at the 24d sites. This study not only provides valuable insight into the mechanism linking Sn doping and SHG enhancement of ITO but also exemplifies the high-throughput exploration of optical functional materials.
Gate-electric-field and magnetic-field control of versatile topological phases in a semi-magnetic topological insulator
Authors: Watanabe Ryota , Yoshimi Ryutaro , Takahashi Kei S. , Tsukazaki Atsushi , Kawasaki Masashi , Kawamura Minoru , Tokura Yoshinori
Published: October 2023

Surface states of a topological insulator demonstrate interesting quantum phenomena, such as the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect and the quantum magnetoelectric effect. Fermi energy tuning plays a role in inducing phase transitions and developing future device functions. Here, we report on controlling the topological phases in a dual-gate field-effect transistor of a semi-magnetic topological insulator heterostructure. The heterostructure consists of magnetized one-surface and non-magnetic other-surface. By tuning the Fermi energy to the energy gap of the magnetized surface, the Hall conductivity σxy becomes close to the half-integer quantized Hall conductivity e2/2h, exemplifying parity anomaly. The dual-gate control enables the band structure alignment to the two quantum Hall states with σxy = e2/h and 0 under a strong magnetic field. These states are topologically equivalent to the QAH and axion insulator states, respectively. Precise and independent control of the band alignment of the top and bottom surfaces successively induces various topological phase transitions among the QAH, axion insulator, and parity anomaly states in magnetic topological insulators.
Effect of concentration-driven magnetic phase changes on adsorption and diffusion in VSe2 monolayers: Implications for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Nair A. K. , Silva C. M. Da , Amon C. H.
Published: October 2023

A vanadium diselenide (VSe2) monolayer is a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic material that exhibits ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature and exceptional metal-ion storage capacity, making it useful in spintronics and energy storage applications. However, a robust correlation between the magnetic and electrochemical properties of VSe2 remains to be established. In this study, first-principles density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the effect of increasing Li-ion concentrations on the magnetic properties, particularly the magnetic ground state of the VSe2 monolayer. The results indicate that, as the concentration of Li ions on the surface of VSe2 monolayer increases, magnetic phase transitions occur, leading to a shift from the intrinsic ferromagnetic (FM) state to antiferromagnetic (AFM) and non-magnetic ground states. Analyses of the diffusion properties of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic VSe2 monolayers revealed a considerable (∼71%) increase in the Li-ion diffusion energy barrier for the AFM state compared to the FM state. This implies that FM-VSe2 facilitates relatively faster diffusion of Li ions than AFM-VSe2. Therefore, the Li-ion concentration-induced phase change in the VSe2 monolayer leads to variable adsorption and diffusion characteristics, which will have significant implications for its use in Li-ion battery anodes.
Unexpectedly rapid aerosol formation in the Hunga Tonga plume
Authors: Asher Elizabeth , Todt Michael , Rosenlof Karen , Thornberry Troy , Gao Ru-Shan , Taha Ghassan , Walter Paul , Alvarez Sergio , Flynn James , Davis Sean M. , Evan Stephanie , Brioude Jerome , Metzger Jean-Marc , Hurst Dale F. , Hall Emrys , Xiong Kensy
Published: October 2023

The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai (HT-HH) volcanic eruptions on January 13 and 15, 2022, produced a plume with the highest signal in stratospheric aerosol optical depth observed since the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Suites of balloon-borne instruments on a series of launches from Réunion Island intercepted the HT-HH plume between 7 and 10 d of the eruptions, yielding observations of the aerosol number and size distribution and sulfur dioxide (SO
2
) and water vapor (H
2
O) concentrations. The measurements reveal an unexpected abundance of large particles in the plume, constrain the total sulfur injected to approximately 0.2 Tg, provide information on the altitude of the injection, and indicate that the formation of sulfuric acid aerosol was complete within 3 wk. Large H
2
O enhancements contributed as much as ~30% to ambient aerosol surface area and likely accelerated SO
2
oxidation and aerosol formation rates in the plume to approximately three times faster than under normal stratospheric conditions.
Beyond spreading rate: Controls on the thermal regime of mid-ocean ridges
Authors: Chen Jie , Olive Jean‐Arthur , Cannat Mathilde
Published: October 2023

The thermal state of mid-ocean ridges exerts a crucial modulation on seafloor spreading processes that shape ~2/3 of our planet's surface. Standard thermal models treat the ridge axis as a steady-state boundary layer between the hydrosphere and asthenosphere, whose thermal structure primarily reflects the local spreading rate. This framework explains the deepening of axial melt lenses (AMLs)—a proxy for the basaltic solidus isotherm—from ~1 to ~3 km from fast- to intermediate-spreading ridges but fails to account for shallow crustal AMLs documented at slow-ultraslow spreading ridges. Here, we show that these can be explained by a numerical model that decouples the potentially transient ridge magma supply from spreading rate, captures the essential physics of hydrothermal convection, and considers multiple modes of melt emplacement. Our simulations show that melt flux is a better thermal predictor than spreading rate. While multiple combinations of melt/dike emplacement modes, permeability structure, and temporal fluctuations of melt supply can explain shallow crustal AMLs at slow-ultraslow ridges, they all require elevated melt fluxes compared to most ridge sections of comparable spreading rates. This highlights the importance of along-axis melt focusing at slow-ultraslow ridges and sheds light on the natural variability of their thermal regimes.
Plausible photomolecular effect leading to water evaporation exceeding the thermal limit
Authors: Tu Yaodong , Zhou Jiawei , Lin Shaoting , Alshrah Mohammed , Zhao Xuanhe , Chen Gang
Published: October 2023

We report in this work several unexpected experimental observations on evaporation from hydrogels under visible light illumination. 1) Partially wetted hydrogels become absorbing in the visible spectral range, where the absorption by both the water and the hydrogel materials is negligible. 2) Illumination of hydrogel under solar or visible-spectrum light-emitting diode leads to evaporation rates exceeding the thermal evaporation limit, even in hydrogels without additional absorbers. 3) The evaporation rates are wavelength dependent, peaking at 520 nm. 4) Temperature of the vapor phase becomes cooler under light illumination and shows a flat region due to breaking-up of the clusters that saturates air. And 5) vapor phase transmission spectra under light show new features and peak shifts. We interpret these observations by introducing the hypothesis that photons in the visible spectrum can cleave water clusters off surfaces due to large electrical field gradients and quadrupole force on molecular clusters. We call the light-induced evaporation process the photomolecular effect. The photomolecular evaporation might be happening widely in nature, potentially impacting climate and plants’ growth, and can be exploited for clean water and energy technologies.
Arithmetic geometric model for the renormalisation of irrationally indifferent attractors
Authors: Cheraghi Davoud
Published: October 2023

In this paper we build a geometric model for the renormalisation of irrationally indifferent fixed points. The geometric model incorporates the fine arithmetic properties of the rotation number at the fixed point. Using this model for the renormalisation, we build a topological model for the dynamics of a holomorphic map near an irrationally indifferent fixed point. We also explain the topology of the maximal invariant set for the model, and also explain the dynamics of the map on the maximal invariant set.
Obtaining organ-specific radiobiological parameters from clinical data for radiation therapy planning of head and neck cancers
Authors: Quashie Edwin E , Li X Allen , Prior Phillip , Awan Musaddiq , Schultz Christopher , Tai An
Published: October 2023

Objective. Different radiation therapy (RT) strategies, e.g. conventional fractionation RT (CFRT), hypofractionation RT (HFRT), stereotactic body RT (SBRT), adaptive RT, and re-irradiation are often used to treat head and neck (HN) cancers. Combining and/or comparing these strategies requires calculating biological effective dose (BED). The purpose of this study is to develop a practical process to estimate organ-specific radiobiologic model parameters that may be used for BED calculations in individualized RT planning for HN cancers. Approach. Clinical dose constraint data for CFRT, HFRT and SBRT for 5 organs at risk (OARs) namely spinal cord, brainstem, brachial plexus, optic pathway, and esophagus obtained from literature were analyzed. These clinical data correspond to a particular endpoint. The linear-quadratic (LQ) and linear-quadratic-linear (LQ-L) models were used to fit these clinical data and extract relevant model parameters (alpha/beta ratio, gamma/alpha, d
T and BED) from the iso-effective curve. The dose constraints in terms of equivalent physical dose in 2 Gy-fraction (EQD2) were calculated using the obtained parameters. Main results. The LQ-L and LQ models fitted clinical data well from the CFRT to SBRT with the LQ-L representing a better fit for most of the OARs. The alpha/beta values for LQ-L (LQ) were found to be 2.72 (2.11) Gy, 0.55 (0.30) Gy, 2.82 (2.90) Gy, 6.57 (3.86) Gy, 5.38 (4.71) Gy, and the dose constraint EQD2 were 55.91 (54.90) Gy, 57.35 (56.79) Gy, 57.54 (56.35) Gy, 60.13 (59.72) Gy and 65.66 (64.50) Gy for spinal cord, optic pathway, brainstem, brachial plexus, and esophagus, respectively. Additional two LQ-L parameters d
T were 5.24 Gy, 5.09 Gy, 7.00 Gy, 5.23 Gy, and 6.16 Gy, and gamma/alpha were 7.91, 34.02, 8.67, 5.62 and 4.95.Significance. A practical process was developed to extract organ-specific radiobiological model parameters from clinical data. The obtained parameters can be used for biologically based radiation planning such as calculating dose constraints of different fractionation regimens.
Nuclear growth and import can be uncoupled
Authors: Chen Pan , Mishra Sampada , Prabha Haritha , Sengupta Sourabh , Levy Daniel L.
Published: October 2023

What drives nuclear growth? Studying nuclei assembled in Xenopus egg extract and focusing on importin α/β–mediated nuclear import, we show that, while import is required for nuclear growth, nuclear growth and import can be uncoupled when chromatin structure is manipulated. Nuclei treated with micrococcal nuclease to fragment DNA grew slowly despite exhibiting little to no change in import rates. Nuclei assembled around axolotl chromatin with 20-fold more DNA than Xenopus grew larger but imported more slowly. Treating nuclei with reagents known to alter histone methylation or acetylation caused nuclei to grow less while still importing to a similar extent or to grow larger without significantly increasing import. Nuclear growth but not import was increased in live sea urchin embryos treated with the DNA methylator N-nitrosodimethylamine. These data suggest that nuclear import is not the primary driving force for nuclear growth. Instead, we observed that nuclear blebs expanded preferentially at sites of high chromatin density and lamin addition, whereas small Benzonase-treated nuclei lacking DNA exhibited reduced lamin incorporation into the nuclear envelope. In summary, we report experimental conditions where nuclear import is not sufficient to drive nuclear growth, hypothesizing that this uncoupling is a result of altered chromatin structure.
A Sensibility of Humour
Authors: Walker Zoe
Published: October 2023

What does it say about you if you enjoy sexist humour? One answer to this question holds that finding sexist humour funny reveals that you have sexist beliefs, whilst another holds that it reveals nothing deeper about you at all. I argue that neither of these answers are correct, as neither can capture the feeling of unwilling complicity we often get from enjoying sexist jokes. Rather, we should navigate between these two positions by understanding the sense of humour as a kind of sensibility or taste, analogous to Anne Eaton’s account of erotic taste. This allows for a fleshing out of the purely belief-centred understanding of the sense of humour, adding emotional, perceptual and motivational aspects to it. Finally, I propose that one’s sense of humour is shaped the representations one engages with, which suggests a possible avenue for habituating it in a more egalitarian direction.
Fall risk stratification of community-living older people. Commentary on the world guidelines for fall prevention and management
Authors:   Topic Group on “Falls among the elderly” of the ITU/WHO Focus Group “Artificial Intelligence for Health”, Albites-Sanabria Jose , Greene Barry R , McManus Killian , Palmerini Luca , Palumbo Pierpaolo , Sousa Inês , van Schooten Kimberley S , Weicken Eva , Wenzel Markus
Published: October 2023

The Task Force on Global Guidelines for Falls in Older Adults has put forward a fall risk stratification tool for community-dwelling older adults. This tool takes the form of a flowchart and is based on expert opinion and evidence. It divides the population into three risk categories and recommends specific preventive interventions or treatments for each category. In this commentary, we share our insights on the design, validation, usability and potential impact of this fall risk stratification tool with the aim of guiding future research.
A functional view of flower–pollinator trait matching. A commentary on ‘Mismatching explained: constricted corolla tubes in Roscoea elevate the nectar’
Authors: Opedal Øystein H
Published: October 2023

This article comments on:

Bo Wang, Ze-Yu Tong, Ying-Ze Xiong, Xiao-Fan Wang, W. Scott Armbruster and Shuang-Quan Huang. The evolution of flower–pollinator trait matching, and why do some alpine gingers appear to be mismatched?, Annals of Botany, Volume 132, Issue 6, 3 November 2023, Pages 1073–1087, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcad141
Is it really ever ‘just acne’? Considering the psychodermatology of acne
Authors: Hughes Olivia , Bewley Anthony
Published: October 2023

Acne can create a significant burden for people of all ages. However, the psychological consequences might often be overlooked. This review comments on recent evidence in the field of psychodermatology, to highlight the importance of considering a person's mental health in the treatment of acne. A range of presenting issues are discussed, and cases of underserved patients needing additional considerations are highlighted. This article considers how the psychological sequelae can contribute to the pathogenesis of acne, and discusses how psychotherapeutic approaches can be of benefit to people experiencing appearance-related distress. Importantly, attention is paid to the need for clinicians to assess a patient’s wellbeing alongside their physical symptoms. In doing this, early intervention can be facilitated if psychological comorbidities are present, with referral to appropriate specialist services, where available. To improve treatment outcomes, the skin and the mind must be addressed together in a multidisciplinary approach to dermatology care.
How China Perceives European Strategic Autonomy: Asymmetric Expectations and Pragmatic Engagement
Authors: Yang Na
Published: October 2023

Intensified strategic competition between China and the US and the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict have polarised international attention on the promotion and prospects for European strategic autonomy (ESA). This change in the international and regional environment raises an important question: How does ESA affect China–EU relations? Answering it requires clarification of the main impacts of ESA promotion on China–EU relations. These include: the EU’s reduced dependence on key materials and technologies from certain countries, and the formulation and expression, in line with core EU interests, of an independent stance and policies on China; China’s adjustment of its European Strategy; and persistent external pressure from the United States. Starting from its particular interests, the EU has, to some extent, independently assessed and accordingly refined its relations with China, having pursued cooperation in global public welfare governance and other areas of similarly low ideological significance, and pragmatically explored ways of moderating competition and enhancing cooperation with China. Fields highly sensitive to geopolitical influence, or which involve key technologies and globally important supply chains, are those wherein China is treated as a competitor. Upon analysis, it can be concluded that the EU’s most consistent approach to its goals of strategic autonomy is that of maintaining an alliance with the United States while avoiding full dependence on it, and competing with China in key areas that allow leeway for practical cooperation.
Cytosponge procedures produce fewer respiratory aerosols and droplets than esophagogastroduodenoscopies
Authors: Gordon George S D , Warburton Samantha , Parkes Sian , Kerridge Abigail , Parra-Blanco Adolfo , Ortiz-Fernandez-Sordo Jacobo , Fitzgerald Rebecca C
Published: October 2023

Esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD) are aerosol-generating procedures that may spread respiratory pathogens. We aim to investigate the production of airborne aerosols and droplets during Cytosponge procedures, which are being evaluated in large-scale research studies and National Health Service (NHS)implementation pilots to reduce endoscopy backlogs. We measured 18 Cytosponge and 37 EGD procedures using a particle counter (diameters = 0.3–25 μm), taking measurements 10 cm from the mouth. Two particle count analyses were performed: whole procedure and event-based. Direct comparison with duration-standardized EGD procedures shows that Cytosponge procedures produce 2.16× reduction (P < 0.001) for aerosols and no significant change for droplets (P = 0.332). Event-based analysis shows that particle production is driven by throat spray (aerosols: 138.1× reference, droplets: 16.2×), which is optional, and removal of Cytosponge (aerosols: 14.6×, droplets: 62.6×). Cytosponge burping produces less aerosols than EGD (2.82×, P < 0.05). Cytosponge procedures produce significantly less aerosols and droplets than EGD procedures and thus reduce two potential transmission routes for respiratory viruses.
Five critical quality criteria for artificial intelligence-based prediction models
Authors: van Royen Florien S , Asselbergs Folkert W , Alfonso Fernando , Vardas Panos , van Smeden Maarten
Published: October 2023

To raise the quality of clinical artificial intelligence (AI) prediction modelling studies in the cardiovascular health domain and thereby improve their impact and relevancy, the editors for digital health, innovation, and quality standards of the European Heart Journal propose five minimal quality criteria for AI-based prediction model development and validation studies: complete reporting, carefully defined intended use of the model, rigorous validation, large enough sample size, and openness of code and software.
Detection of brain lesions after catheter ablation depends on imaging criteria: insights from AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial
Authors: Haeusler Karl Georg , Eichner Felizitas A , Heuschmann Peter U , Fiebach Jochen B , Engelhorn Tobias , Callans David , De Potter Tom , Debruyne Philippe , Scherr Daniel , Hindricks Gerhard , Al-Khalidi Hussein R , Mont Lluis , Kim Won Yong , Piccini Jonathan P , Schotten Ulrich , Themistoclakis Sakis , Di Biase Luigi , Kirchhof Paulus
Published: October 2023

Aims

Left atrial catheter ablation is well established in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) but associated with risk of embolism to the brain. The present analysis aims to assess the impact of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) slice thickness on the rate of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–detected ischaemic brain lesions after ablation.

Methods and results

AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial (NCT02227550) participants underwent MRI using high-resolution (hr) DWI (slice thickness: 2.5–3 mm) and standard DWI (slice thickness: 5–6 mm) within 3–48 h after ablation. In 321 patients with analysable brain MRI (mean age 64 years, 33% female, median CHA2DS2-VASc 2), hrDWI detected at least one acute brain lesion in 84 (26.2%) patients and standard DWI in 60 (18.7%; P < 0.01) patients. High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging detected more lesions compared to standard DWI (165 vs. 104; P < 0.01). The degree of agreement for lesion confirmation using hrDWI vs. standard DWI was substantial (κ = 0769). Comparing the proportion of DWI-detected lesions, lesion distribution, and total lesion volume per patient, there was no difference in the cohort of participants undergoing MRI at 1.5 T (n = 52) vs. 3 T (n = 269).

Conclusion

The pre-specified AXAFA-AFNET 5 sub-analysis revealed significantly increased rates of MRI-detected acute brain lesions using hrDWI instead of standard DWI in AF patients undergoing ablation. In comparison to DWI slice thickness, MRI field strength had a no significant impact in the trial. Comparing the varying rates of ablation-related MRI-detected brain lesions across previous studies has to consider these technical parameters. Future studies should use hrDWI, as feasibility was demonstrated in the multicentre AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial.
Evolution, Inheritance, and Strata Formation of the W Chromosome in Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Gu Hongchang , Wen Junhui , Zhao Xiurong , Zhang Xinye , Ren Xufang , Cheng Huan , Qu Lujiang
Published: October 2023

The nonrecombining female-limited W chromosome is predicted to experience unique evolutionary processes. Difficulties in assembling W chromosome sequences have hindered the identification of duck W-linked sequences and their evolutionary footprint. To address this, we conducted three initial contig-level genome assemblies and developed a rigorous pipeline by which to successfully expand the W-linked data set, including 11 known genes and 24 newly identified genes. Our results indicate that the W chromosome expression may not be subject to female-specific selection; a significant convergent pattern of upregulation associated with increased female-specific selection was not detected. The genetic stability of the W chromosome is also reflected in the strong evolutionary correlation between it and the mitochondria; the complete consistency of the cladogram topology constructed from their gene sequences proves the shared maternal coevolution. By detecting the evolutionary trajectories of W-linked sequences, we have found that recombination suppression started in four distinct strata, of which three were conserved across Neognathae. Taken together, our results have revealed a unique evolutionary pattern and an independent stratum evolutionary pattern for sex chromosomes.
Internal versus external knowledge sourcing of organizational rules: an exploratory study of CPGs in a healthcare organization
Authors: Zhu Kejia , Schulz Martin
Published: October 2023

In this study, we examine how organizational rules source knowledge. By knowledge sourcing of a rule, we mean the formation of reference ties from the rule to knowledge sources located outside of the focal rule. Rules can source knowledge from sources within the organization (e.g., other rules) and outside (e.g., research publications, policies, standards, etc.). Our theoretical model proposes that knowledge sourcing of rules is driven by inherent incompleteness of rules as a result of bounded rationality of rule makers and rule making process. Incomplete rules can lead to experiences of insufficient rule knowledge, termed “knowledge gaps,” which are shaped by rule dynamics at the levels of individual rules, the rule system, and rule networks. Our theoretical model leads to several hypotheses that we test with longitudinal archival data of clinical practice guideline (CPG) changes in a Canadian healthcare organization. The findings support our theoretical model of incomplete organizational rules which encounter knowledge gaps and close them through internal and external knowledge sourcing. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Disruptive evolution: harnessing functional excess, experimentation, and science as tool
Authors: Felin Teppo , Kauffman Stuart
Published: October 2023

We explore the limitations of the adaptationist view of evolution and propose an alternative. While gradual adaptation can explain some biological and economic diversity, it cannot account for radical innovation (especially during the past 10,000 years). We argue that ubiquitously available but dormant “functional excess” provides the raw material for evolutionary disruptions. Harnessing this excess requires directed experimentation and what we call “protoscientific” problem solving. We highlight the implications of these arguments for evolutionary theory, including evolutionary economics and strategy.
The Relationship Between University Education and Pro-Immigrant Attitudes Varies by Generation: Insights From Japan
Authors: Kato Gento , Lu Fan
Published: October 2023

While there is lively debate on whether higher education cultivates support for immigrants in North America and Western Europe, there is little discussion on the extent to which the relationship generalizes beyond these continents. In light of Japan’s growing reliance on foreign workers, increase in university enrollment rates, as well as efforts to internationalize universities over the last half-century, we explore the relationship between university education and Japanese attitudes toward immigrants. Using two surveys asking an overlapping set of questions in 2009 and 2022, we find the relationship between university education and pro-immigrant attitudes varies by generation. Otherwise positive connections are significantly weakened for Japanese who entered universities in the 1990s through 2000s. Even though Japan is a modern democracy with well-developed higher education institutions, these institutions do not always correlate with more supportive attitudes toward immigrants. Our findings underscore the dynamic nature of higher education’s role in shaping public opinion outside of North America and Western Europe.
96 Impacts of Postweaning Dry Matter Intake Classification on Beef Heifer Performance and Cyclicity
Authors: Duncan Hattie I , Shike Daniel W
Published: October 2023

The objective was to evaluate the relationship of postweaning dry matter intake (DMI) classifications on performance and cyclicity in fall-born beef heifers. Heifers were classified based on DMI as either low (LoDMI; < -0.5 SD from mean), average (AvgDMI; ± 0.5 SD from mean), or high (HiDMI; > +0.5 SD from mean). Hifers (n = 147), either Angus or Hereford sired by commercial dams, were utilized in the analysis. Heifers were early weaned at 82 ± 7 days of age. Following weaning, heifers were managed in partially covered, drylot pens and fed a high-energy grain diet. At postweaning intake evaluation initiation (day 1), heifers were 170 ± 22 kg and 156 ± 7 days of age. Heifer DMI was determined over 56 days using GrowSafe system, and weights were collected every 14 days. Following the postweaning intake evaluation, heifers rotationally grazed endophyte-infected tall fescue paddocks. During the 166-day grazing period, heifers were weighed and assigned a hair shedding score monthly. Heifers returned to drylot pens on day 223 for a prebreeding feed efficiency evaluation on a high-forage diet. Foot scores were assigned on day 1 and 237. Heat detection patches were used to determine percentage of heifers cycling before synchronization. Cyclicity data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and all other response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. By design, postweaning DMI differed (P < 0.01) between treatments (5.5, 6.2, and 6.9 kg/d for LoDMI, AvgDMI, and HiDMI, respectively). Average daily gain (ADG) differed (P < 0.01) during the postweaning evaluation period, with LoDMI being least, AvgDMI intermediate, and HiDMI greatest. On days 1 and 56, body weights (BW) differed (P < 0.01); LoDMI were lightest, AvgDMI were intermediate, and HiDMI were heaviest. However, gain to feed during the postweaning evaluation period was not different (P = 0.33) by DMI classification. During the grazing period, BW differed (P < 0.01) on days 84 and 141; HiDMI were heavier than LoDMI and AvgDMI. On day 113, BW differed (P < 0.01); LoDMI were lightest, AvgDMI were intermediate, and HiDMI were heaviest. However, ADG and final grazing BW did not differ (P ≤ 0.12) during the grazing period by DMI classification. Hair shredding score was greater (P ≤ 0.04) for LoDMI than HiDMI on days 56, 84, and 113. Foot scores differed (P = 0.02) on day 1; LoDMI was less than AvgDMI and HiDMI. However, they only tended (P = 0.08) to be different on day 237. Percent cycling prior to synchronization did not differ (P = 0.25) by classification. In summary, LoDMI heifers performed poorer during postweaning evaluation than HiDMI heifers. However, grazing performance and cyclicity was similar among DMI classifications.
20 How do Producers and Nutritionists Determine Which Levers to Pull to Optimize Feed Cost and Profitability Under Differing Economic Conditions?
Authors: Kellner Trey A , Pilcher Chad M
Published: October 2023

Numerous factors including geopolitical unrest, supply chain disruption, government policies, and hyperinflation have resulted in a global increase in the cost of feed ingredients. Pork producers and swine nutritionists continuously answer the tricky question of how to best manage feed costs to maximize profitability under an everchanging economic landscape. Applied nutritionists must design and implement feeding programs that take into account and balance several key nutrition levers including energy, SID lysine to energy ratio, SID amino acid to lysine ratios, and feed processing along with factors including ingredient prices, pork price, barn space, feed mill throughput, and pig livability. Biological and economical models are developed and utilized to assist with prediction of key performance and profitability outcomes leveraging results from published and unpublished controlled research trials along with historical production data. The objective of this presentation is to provide insights into the decision-making process for feeding program design and implementation under current and theoretical economic situations.
179 Identification of Regulatory Mutations Affecting Complex Traits
Authors: Coutinho Luiz Lehmann
Published: October 2023

Understanding genetic bases controlling complex traits of economic importance is fundamental to improve breeding programs. Recent efforts from FAANG consortium resulted in significant progress in the identification of regulatory regions in farm animals. However, most studies in cattle have focused on Bos taurus, and limited information is available for Bos indicus. Considering that Bos indicus is the predominant subspecies in tropical regions, the objective of this work was to identify regulatory variants associated with meat quality by combining information from whole genome sequence (WGS), gene expression (RNA-seq), and open chromatin regions (ATAC-seq). For genome wide association study (GWAS), an imputed panel of SNPs was obtained from WGS of 26 sires, a Bovine HD 770K panel of 374 progenies, and SNPs called from RNA-seq data of Longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) of 192 progenies. The SNPs were identified using GATK4, and the dataset included almost 4.5 million variants that were pruned to 553,581 tag-SNPs (PLINK, r2 = 0.8). ATAC-seq data was obtained from duplicated samples of LT collected from two animals. Phenotype data included back fat thickness (BFT), intramuscular fat (IMF), ribeye area (REA) and shear force (SF). Association of genotypes (553,581 SNPs) and gene expression (12,991 genes), performed in Matrix eQTL resulted in 36,916 cis-eQTL and 14,408 trans-eQTL (FDR < 0.05). For GWAS analysis of the eQTLs with phenotypic traits, we used a linear model in PLINK program (considering population stratification, contemporary group and hot carcass weight). GWAS resulted in 24 eQTLs associated with IMF, three with BFT, 12 with REA, and eight with SF (FDR < 0.10). ATAC-seq analysis (using nfcore/atacseq pipeline implemented in Nextflow) resulted in 33,734 consensus peaks with a mean size of 2.4 kb. The overlap analyses among GWAS, eQTL, and ATAC-seq positions resulted in two, four and one putative regulatory regions that control gene expression and are associated with BFT, IMF and SF, respectively. Functional studies are still necessary to establish if identified mutations are the causal mutation. In conclusion, integration of GWAS, RNAseq, and ATAC-Seq data can result in identification of regulatory mutations associated with phenotypes of economic importance.