bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse design of plasma metamaterial devices with realistic elements
Authors: Rodríguez Jesse A , Cappelli Mark A
Published: September 2022

In an expansion of a previous study (Rodríguezet al2021Phys. Rev. Appl.16014023), we apply inverse design methods to produce two-dimensional plasma metamaterial devices with realistic plasma elements which incorporate quartz envelopes, collisionality (loss), non-uniform density profiles, and resistance to experimental error/perturbation. Finite difference frequency domain simulations are used along with forward-mode differentiation to design waveguides and demultiplexers operating under the transverse magnetic polarization. Optimal devices with realistic elements are compared to previous devices with idealized elements, and several parameter initialization schemes for the optimization algorithm are explored, yielding a robust procedure for producing such devices. Demultiplexing and waveguiding are demonstrated for microwave-regime devices composed of plasma elements with reasonable space-averaged plasma frequencies∼10 GHz and a collision frequency∼1 GHz, allowing for futurein-situtraining and experimental realization of these designs.
Prospects for searching for axion-like particles at the CEPC
Authors: Wang Han , Yue Chong-Xing , Guo Yu-Chen , Cheng Xue-Jia , Li Xin-Yang
Published: September 2022

We explore the signals of axion-like particles (ALPs) via the process e
+
e
− → aγ → 3γ at the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC). The expected sensitivities of the CEPC with the center of mass energy

s

=
240

GeV for the ALP parameter space are obtained. Our results show that the promising sensitivities of the CEPC to the coupling g

aγγ
are in the range of 3.25 × 10−5 GeV−1 to 3.7 × 10−4 GeV−1 with the ALP mass m

a
from 2.9 GeV to 190 GeV.
Investigation of biological effects of chitosan magnetic nano-composites hydrogel
Authors: Gholami Milad , Abbasi Naser , Ghaneialvar Hori , Karimi Elahe , Afzalinia Ahmad , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi , Yadollahi Mehdi
Published: September 2022

The growing concern about microorganism infections, especially hospital-acquired infections, has driven the demand for effective and safe agents in recent years. Herein, novel nanocomposites were prepared based on layered double hydroxides (LDH NPs), Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs), and chitosan hydrogel beads in different concentrations. The characteristics and composition of the prepared materials were investigated by various techniques such as XRD, FESEM, and FTIR. The results indicate that the nanocomposites are synthesized successfully, and each component is present in hydrogel matrixes. Then, their biomedical properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity, were examined. Our findings demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites significantly depends on the concentration of each component and their chemical groups. It shows itself in the result of the inhibitory zone of all bacteria or fungi samples. The obtained results indicate that the nanocomposite of Chitosan-hydrogel beads with 20% LDH and Fe2O3 (CHB-LDH-Fe2O3%20) and Chitosan-hydrogel beads based on 20% LDH (CHB-LDH%20) showed excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties against all tested bacteria and fungi (P ≤ 0.01). In addition, the antioxidant effects of the synthesized materials (especially CHB-LDH Fe2O3%20 and CHB-LDH%20) were investigated, showing high antioxidant efficacy against DPPH free radicals (P ≤ 0.01). According to our findings, we can say that these materials are promising biomaterials for inhibiting some infectious bacteria and fungi.
Hexagonal silicon−germanium nanowire branches with tunable composition
Authors: Li A , Hauge H I T , Verheijen M A , Bakkers E P A M , Tucker R T , Vincent L , Renard C
Published: September 2022

Hexagonal SiGe-2H has been recently shown to have a direct bandgap, and holds the promise to be compatible with silicon technology. Hexagonal Si and Ge have been grown on an epitaxial lattice matched template consisting of wurtzite GaP and GaAs, respectively. Here, we present the growth of hexagonal Si and SiGe nanowire branches grown from a wurtzite stem by the vapor−liquid−solid growth mode, which is substantiated by in situ transmission electron microscopy. We show that the composition can be tuned through the whole range of stoichiometry from Si to Ge, and the possibility to realize Si and SiGe heterostructures in these branches.
Classical and quantum orbital correlations in molecular electronic states
Authors: Pusuluk Onur , Yeşiller Mahir H , Torun Gökhan , Müstecaplıoğlu Özgür E , Yurtsever Ersin , Vedral Vlatko
Published: September 2022

The quantum superposition principle has been extensively utilized in the quantum mechanical description of bonding phenomenon. It explains the emergence of delocalized molecular orbitals and provides a recipe for the construction of near-exact electronic wavefunctions. On the other hand, its existence in composite systems may give rise to nonclassical correlations that are regarded as a resource in quantum technologies. Here, we approach the electronic ground states of three prototypical molecules in the light of the framework set by fermionic information theory. By introducing the notion of orbital discord, we additively decompose the pairwise orbital correlations into their classical and quantum parts in the presence of superselection rules. We observe that quantum orbital correlations can be stronger than classical orbital correlations though not often. Moreover, quantum orbital correlations can survive even in the absence of orbital entanglement depending on the symmetries of the constituent orbitals. Finally, we demonstrate that orbital entanglement would be underestimated if the orbital density matrices were treated as qubit states.
Thermal self-oscillations in monolayer graphene coupled to a superconducting microwave cavity
Authors: Haque M T , Will M , Zyuzin A , Golubev D , Hakonen P
Published: September 2022

Nonlinear phenomena in superconducting resonator circuits are of great significance in the field of quantum technology. We observe thermal self-oscillations in a monolayer graphene flake coupled to molybdenum–rhenium superconducting resonator. The graphene flake forms a SINIS junction coupled to the resonator with strong temperature dependent resistance. In certain conditions of pump power and frequency, this nonlinearity leads to thermal self-oscillations appearing as sidebands in cavity transmission measurements with strong temperature dependence and gate tunability. The experimental observations fit well with theoretical model based on thermal instability. The modelling of the oscillation sidebands provides a method to evaluate electron phonon coupling in disordered graphene sample at low energies.
Thermal effects on neurons during stimulation of the brain
Authors: Kim TaeKen , Kadji Herve , Whalen Andrew J , Ashourvan Arian , Freeman Eugene , Fried Shelley I , Tadigadapa Srinivas , Schiff Steven J
Published: September 2022

All electric and magnetic stimulation of the brain deposits thermal energy in the brain. This occurs through either Joule heating of the conductors carrying current through electrodes and magnetic coils, or through dissipation of energy in the conductive brain. Objective. Although electrical interaction with brain tissue is inseparable from thermal effects when electrodes are used, magnetic induction enables us to separate Joule heating from induction effects by contrasting AC and DC driving of magnetic coils using the same energy deposition within the conductors. Since mammalian cortical neurons have no known sensitivity to static magnetic fields, and if there is no evidence of effect on spike timing to oscillating magnetic fields, we can presume that the induced electrical currents within the brain are below the molecular shot noise where any interaction with tissue is purely thermal. Approach. In this study, we examined a range of frequencies produced from micromagnetic coils operating below the molecular shot noise threshold for electrical interaction with single neurons. Main results. We found that small temperature increases and decreases of 1 ∘C caused consistent transient suppression and excitation of neurons during temperature change. Numerical modeling of the biophysics demonstrated that the Na-K pump, and to a lesser extent the Nernst potential, could account for these transient effects. Such effects are dependent upon compartmental ion fluxes and the rate of temperature change. Significance. A new bifurcation is described in the model dynamics that accounts for the transient suppression and excitation; in addition, we note the remarkable similarity of this bifurcation’s rate dependency with other thermal rate-dependent tipping points in planetary warming dynamics. These experimental and theoretical findings demonstrate that stimulation of the brain must take into account small thermal effects that are ubiquitously present in electrical and magnetic stimulation. More sophisticated models of electrical current interaction with neurons combined with thermal effects will lead to more accurate modulation of neuronal activity.
Overview of CNM LGAD results: boron Si-on-Si and epitaxial wafers
Authors: Grieco C. , Castillo García L. , Doblas Moreno A. , Gkougkousis E.L. , Grinstein S. , Hidalgo S. , Moffat N. , Pellegrini G. , Villegas Dominguez J.
Published: September 2022

Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGADs) are n-on-p silicon sensors with an extra p-layer below the collection electrode which provides signal amplification. When the primary electrons reach the amplification region new electron-hole pairs are created that enhance the generated signal. The moderate gain of these sensors, together with the relatively thin active region, provide precise time information for minimum ionizing particles. To mitigate the effect of pile-up at the HL-LHC the ATLAS and CMS experiments have chosen the LGAD technology for the High Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD) and for the End-Cap Timing Layer (ETL), respectively. A full characterization of recent productions of LGAD sensors fabricated at CNM has been carried out before and after neutron irradiation up to 2.5 × 1015 neq/cm2. Boron-doped sensors produced in epitaxial and Si-on-Si wafers have been studied. The results include their electrically characterization (IV and bias voltage stability) and performance studies (charge and time resolution) for single pad devices with a Sr-90 radioactive source set-up. The behaviour of the Inter-Pad region for irradiated 2 × 2 LGAD arrays, using the Transient Current Technique (TCT), is shown. The results indicate that the Si-on-Si devices with higher resistivity perform better than the epitaxial ones.
Investigation of mixed irradiation effects in p-MCz thin silicon microstrip detector for the HL-LHC experiments
Authors: Patyal S. , Saini N. , Kaur B. , Chatterjee P. , Srivastava A.K.
Published: September 2022

A lot of R&D work is carried out in the CERN RD 50 collaboration to find out the best material for the Si detectors that can be used in the harsh radiation environment of HL-LHC, n and p-MCz Si was identified as one of the prime candidates as a material for strip detector that can be chosen for the phase 2 upgrade plan of the new Compact Muon Solenoid Tracker detector in 2026. In this work, four level deep-trap mixed irradiation model for p-MCz Si is proposed by the comparison of experimental data on the full depletion voltage and leakage current to the Shockley Read Hall recombination statistics results on the mixed irradiated p-MCz Si PAD detector. The effective introduction rate (η
eff) of shallower donor deep trap E30K is extracted using SRH theory calculations for experimental N
eff and that can show the behavior of space charges and electric field distribution in the p-MCz Si strip detector and compared its value with the η
eff of shallower donor deep trap E30K in the nMCz Si microstrip detector. Prediction uncertainty in the p-MCz Si radiation damage mixed irradiation model is considered in the full depletion voltage and leakage current. A very good agreement is observed in the experimental and SRH results. This radiation damage model is also used to extrapolate the value of the full depletion voltage at different mixed (proton + neutron) higher irradiation fluences for the thin p-MCz Si microstrip detector.
Detector optimization to reduce the cosmogenic neutron backgrounds in the TAO experiment
Authors: Li Ruhui , Cao Guofu , Cao Jun , Li Yichen , Wang Yifang , Wang Zhimin , Zhan Liang
Published: September 2022

Short-baseline reactor antineutrino experiments with shallow overburden usually have large cosmogenic neutron backgrounds. The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory (TAO) is a ton-level liquid scintillator detector located at about 30 m from a core of the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant. It will measure the reactor antineutrino spectrum with high precision and high energy resolution to provide a reference spectrum for JUNO and other reactor antineutrino experiments, and provide a benchmark measurement to test nuclear databases. Background is one of the critical concerns of TAO since the overburden is just 10 meter-water-equivalent. The cosmogenic neutron background was estimated to be ∼10% of signals [1]. With detailed Monte Carlo simulations, we propose several measures in this work to reduce the neutron backgrounds, including doping Gadolinium in the buffer liquid, adding a polyethylene layer above the bottom lead shield, and optimization of the veto strategy. With these improvements, the neutron background-to-signal ratio can be reduced to ∼2%, and might be further suppressed with pulse shape discrimination.
Mapping rainfall interception for assessing ecological restoration sustainability in China
Authors: Li Yiran , Niu Yong , Wei Tianxing , Liang Yushi , Chen Peng , Ji Xiaodong , Zhang Chuanjie
Published: September 2022

Ecological restoration (ER) programs play an important role in local and global climate change and carbon management policy interventions. Water resource is a key criterion for assessing the sustainability of ERs. Herein, we explored the spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall interception (RI, an important component of ecosystem water budgets), and its drivers after ER implementation in China. Further, we assessed whether ERs are sustainable by analyzing the trends of RI and water supply. As expected, we found that ERs caused an increase in RI in China from 2001 to 2018 (0.64 mm yr−1, p < 0.01). Changes in the normalized difference vegetation index and leaf area index contributed to a higher change in RI compared with other drivers. The decrease in RI was mainly recorded in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Southwest, northern North, and southern Central and Southern China. Conversely, an increasing trend of RI was recorded in the Loess Plateau in Northwest, Northeast, and East China. Moreover, ERs are not always unsustainable in China, especially in Northeast, East, Central and Southern, and high-latitude regions of northern North China. Even in the Loess Plateau, which was criticized by previous studies, the unsustainability occurred only in the semi-humid region. Future ERs should be prioritized in southern parts of Eastern, Central, and Southern China, and must be appropriately considered in the Northeast and high-latitude regions in North China. It should be alert to the pressures of ERs on water supply, and its demand remains vigilant in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and semihumid areas of the Loess Plateau. This study provides new ideas for accurately evaluating the impact of ERs on water security and the sustainability of ERs.
Green synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using roots extract of Ziziphus Oxyphylla Edgew its characterization and antibacterial activity
Authors: Saeed Syed Yawar , Mazhar Kanwal , Raees Laiba , Mukhtiar Asma , Khan Farooq , Khan Muhammad
Published: September 2022

In this modern era, antibiotic resistance is a significant issue that poses a threat to public health. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science because nanoparticles could be the best alternative to antibiotics. Most nanoparticles are prepared by the green synthesis method because of their less toxicity, low cost, and non-hazardous nature. In this study, cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4-NPs) were synthesized from roots extract ofZiziphus Oxyphylla Edgewby using cobalt chloride hexahydrate. After the successful synthesis of nanoparticles, various methods were used to analyze these nanoparticles, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, and energy dispersive analysis of x-ray. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal the spherical and irregular structure of Co3O4-NPs shaving a particle size between 40 to 60 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystalline nature of cobalt oxide nanoparticles with face-centered cubic structure and a size of 15–20 nm. The antibacterial activity of Co3O4-NPs was analyzed for different dilutions against two different bacteria: gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition against gram-negativeE. coliwas calculated as 23.1 mm and 14.8 mm againstS. aureusat a dilution of 16 mg ml−1of cobalt oxide nanoparticle. This revealed the wide spectrum of antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticle. It is suggested that root extract of cobalt oxide nanoparticles could be of great importance in pharmaceutical and medical science for their antimicrobial activity.
Experimental investigation on de-icing by an array of impact rod-type plasma synthetic jets
Authors: LIU Xuecheng , LIANG Hua , ZONG Haohua , XIE Like , SU Zhi
Published: September 2022

Since flight accidents due to aircraft icing occur from time to time, this paper proposes an array of impact rod-type plasma synthetic jet de-icing methods for aircraft icing problems. The impact rod-type plasma synthetic jet actuator (PSJA) is based on the traditional PSJA with an additional impact rod structure for better de-icing in the flight environment. In this work, we first optimize the ice-breaking performance of a single-impact rod-type PSJA, and then conduct an array of impact rod-type plasma synthetic jet ice-breaking experiments to investigate the relationship between crack expansion and discharge energy, ice thickness and group spacing. The results show that the impact force and impulse of a single-impact rod-type PSJA are proportional to the discharge energy, and there exists a threshold energy Q
min for a single actuator to break the ice, which is proportional to the ice thickness. Only when the discharge energy reaches above Q
min can the ice layer produce cracks, and at the same time, the maximum radial crack length produced during the ice-breaking process is proportional to the discharge energy. When the ice is broken by an array of impact rod PSJAs, the discharge energy and group spacing together determine whether the crack can be extended to the middle region of the actuator. When the group spacing is certain, increasing the energy can increase the intersection of cracks in the middle region, and the ice-fragmentation degree is increased and the ice-breaking effect is better. At the same time, the energy estimation method of ice breaking by an array of impact rod-type PSJAs is proposed according to the law when a single actuator is breaking ice.
Gastric Histopathologic Findings Are Similar in Portal Hypertension Patients With and Without Endoscopic Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy
Authors: Morrow Matthew K , Gonzalez Raul S
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is a diagnosis made based on endoscopic findings in the appropriate clinical setting. Biopsy may be taken during endoscopy for correlation, but the pathologist may encounter a myriad of nonspecific histologic findings. We undertook this study to evaluate contexts where a histologic diagnosis of PHG might be rendered on biopsy.

Methods

Two cohorts were established: stomach biopsy specimens from patients with cirrhosis or undergoing varices screening (n = 188) and stomach biopsy specimens with findings interpreted as PHG in the pathology report (n = 29).

Results

In the first cohort, cases with endoscopic varices more frequently displayed foveolar hyperplasia and acute inflammation, with no other histologic differences between cases with and without endoscopic PHG, clinical varices, and clinical cirrhosis. Cases from the second cohort showed no histologic differences when stratified for endoscopic PHG, endoscopic varices, and clinical cirrhosis. Our second cohort displayed the majority of charted histologic findings more frequently than the first. Our results indicate that neither an endoscopic appearance of PHG nor particular clinical diagnoses associated with PHG translate into specific histologic findings.

Conclusions

Although the histologic findings charted displayed increased frequency in pathology reports with an interpretation of PHG, histology should not be used reliably in the diagnosis of PHG.
EXPERT: transfer learning-enabled context-aware microbial community classification
Authors: Chong Hui , Zha Yuguo , Yu Qingyang , Cheng Mingyue , Xiong Guangzhou , Wang Nan , Huang Xinhe , Huang Shijuan , Sun Chuqing , Wu Sicheng , Chen Wei-Hua , Coelho Luis Pedro , Ning Kang
Published: September 2022

Microbial community classification enables identification of putative type and source of the microbial community, thus facilitating a better understanding of how the taxonomic and functional structure were developed and maintained. However, previous classification models required a trade-off between speed and accuracy, and faced difficulties to be customized for a variety of contexts, especially less studied contexts. Here, we introduced EXPERT based on transfer learning that enabled the classification model to be adaptable in multiple contexts, with both high efficiency and accuracy. More importantly, we demonstrated that transfer learning can facilitate microbial community classification in diverse contexts, such as classification of microbial communities for multiple diseases with limited number of samples, as well as prediction of the changes in gut microbiome across successive stages of colorectal cancer. Broadly, EXPERT enables accurate and context-aware customized microbial community classification, and potentiates novel microbial knowledge discovery.
FP-GNN: a versatile deep learning architecture for enhanced molecular property prediction
Authors: Cai Hanxuan , Zhang Huimin , Zhao Duancheng , Wu Jingxing , Wang Ling
Published: September 2022

Accurate prediction of molecular properties, such as physicochemical and bioactive properties, as well as ADME/T (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties, remains a fundamental challenge for molecular design, especially for drug design and discovery. In this study, we advanced a novel deep learning architecture, termed FP-GNN (fingerprints and graph neural networks), which combined and simultaneously learned information from molecular graphs and fingerprints for molecular property prediction. To evaluate the FP-GNN model, we conducted experiments on 13 public datasets, an unbiased LIT-PCBA dataset and 14 phenotypic screening datasets for breast cell lines. Extensive evaluation results showed that compared to advanced deep learning and conventional machine learning algorithms, the FP-GNN algorithm achieved state-of-the-art performance on these datasets. In addition, we analyzed the influence of different molecular fingerprints, and the effects of molecular graphs and molecular fingerprints on the performance of the FP-GNN model. Analysis of the anti-noise ability and interpretation ability also indicated that FP-GNN was competitive in real-world situations. Collectively, FP-GNN algorithm can assist chemists, biologists and pharmacists in predicting and discovering better molecules with desired functions or properties.
DistilProtBert: a distilled protein language model used to distinguish between real proteins and their randomly shuffled counterparts
Authors: Geffen Yaron , Ofran Yanay , Unger Ron
Published: September 2022

Recently, deep learning models, initially developed in the field of natural language processing (NLP), were applied successfully to analyze protein sequences. A major drawback of these models is their size in terms of the number of parameters needed to be fitted and the amount of computational resources they require. Recently, ‘distilled’ models using the concept of student and teacher networks have been widely used in NLP. Here, we adapted this concept to the problem of protein sequence analysis, by developing DistilProtBert, a distilled version of the successful ProtBert model. Implementing this approach, we reduced the size of the network and the running time by 50%, and the computational resources needed for pretraining by 98% relative to ProtBert model. Using two published tasks, we showed that the performance of the distilled model approaches that of the full model. We next tested the ability of DistilProtBert to distinguish between real and random protein sequences. The task is highly challenging if the composition is maintained on the level of singlet, doublet and triplet amino acids. Indeed, traditional machine-learning algorithms have difficulties with this task. Here, we show that DistilProtBert preforms very well on singlet, doublet and even triplet-shuffled versions of the human proteome, with AUC of 0.92, 0.91 and 0.87, respectively. Finally, we suggest that by examining the small number of false-positive classifications (i.e. shuffled sequences classified as proteins by DistilProtBert), we may be able to identify de novo potential natural-like proteins based on random shuffling of amino acid sequences.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/yarongef/DistilProtBert.
A unique glimpse into the crosstalk between different epigenetic mechanisms in porcine embryonic development
Authors: Gan Jianyu , Zhang Xin , Lu Yongchang , Wu Zhenfang , Cai Gengyuan , Hong Linjun
Published: September 2022

The pig is an excellent animal model for simulating human physiology and a major animal for meat production and xenotransplantation. Therefore, researching porcine embryonic development is crucial for studying human reproductive diseases and improving litter size in commercial pigs. Embryonic development in pigs occurs under a complex regulatory mechanism, in which epigenetic regulatory mechanisms play an essential role. Recently, studies on the effects of epigenetic modifications on embryonic development have been conducted at different developmental stages and in different cell lines. Increasing evidence suggests that a certain amount of crosstalk exists between different epigenetic modifications. This review describes four regulatory mechanisms of epigenetics involved in porcine embryonic development: DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA function, and chromatin accessibility, and explores the possible crosstalk between them.
Efficacy of surgical skin preparation with chlorhexidine in alcohol according to the concentration required to prevent surgical site infection: meta-analysis
Authors: Hasegawa Tatsuki , Tashiro Sho , Mihara Takayuki , Kon Junya , Sakurai Kazuki , Tanaka Yoko , Morita Takumi , Enoki Yuki , Taguchi Kazuaki , Matsumoto Kazuaki , Nakajima Kazuhiko , Takesue Yoshio
Published: September 2022

Background

A combination of chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol (CHG–alcohol) is recommended for surgical skin preparation to prevent surgical site infection (SSI). Although more than 1 per cent CHG–alcohol is recommended to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections, there is no consensus regarding the concentration of the CHG compound for the prevention of SSI.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Four electronic databases were searched on 5 November 2020. SSI rates were compared between CHG–alcohol and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) according to the concentration of CHG (0.5 per cent, 2.0 per cent, 2.5 per cent, and 4.0 per cent).

Results

In total, 106 of 2716 screened articles were retrieved for full-text review. The risk ratios (RRs) of SSI for 0.5 per cent (6 studies) and 2.0 per cent (4 studies) CHG–alcohol were significantly lower than those for PVP-I (RR = 0.71, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.52 to 0.97; RR = 0.52, 95 per cent c.i 0.31 to 0.86 respectively); however, no significant difference was observed in the compounds with a CHG concentration of more than 2.0 per cent.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis is the first study that clarifies the usefulness of an alcohol-based CHG solution with a 0.5 per cent or higher CHG concentration for surgical skin preparation to prevent SSI.
Supplementary motor area driving changes of structural brain network in blepharospasm
Authors: Xu Jinping , Luo Yuhan , Peng Kangqiang , Guo Yaomin , Zhong Linchang , Liu Ying , Weng Ai , Ou Zilin , Yan Zhicong , Wang Ying , Zeng Jinsheng , Zhang Weixi , Hu Qingmao , Liu Gang
Published: September 2022

Blepharospasm is traditionally thought to be a movement disorder that results from basal ganglia dysfunction. Recently, accumulating morphometric studies have revealed structural alterations outside the basal ganglia, such as in the brainstem, cerebellum and sensorimotor cortex, suggesting that blepharospasm may result from network disorders. However, the temporal and causal relationships between structural alterations and whether there are disease duration-related hierarchical structural changes in these patients remain largely unknown. Structural MRI was performed in 62 patients with blepharospasm, 62 patients with hemifacial spasm and 62 healthy controls to assess the structural alterations using voxel-based morphology and structural covariance networks. The use of the causal structural covariance network, modularity analysis and functional decoding were subsequently performed to map the causal effect of grey matter change pattern, hierarchical topography and functional characterizations of the structural network throughout the disease duration of blepharospasm. Greater grey matter volume in the left and right supplementary motor areas was identified in patients with blepharospasm compared to that in patients with hemifacial spasm and healthy controls, whereas no significant difference was identified between patients with hemifacial spasm and healthy controls. In addition, increased grey matter volume covariance between the right supplementary motor area and right brainstem, left superior frontal gyrus, left supplementary motor area and left paracentral gyrus was found in patients with blepharospasm compared to healthy controls. Further causal structural covariance network, modularity analysis and functional decoding showed that the right supplementary motor area served as a driving core in patients with blepharospasm, extending greater grey matter volume to areas in the cortico-basal ganglia–brainstem motor pathway and cortical regions in the vision–motor integration pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that the right supplementary motor area is an early and important pathologically impaired region in patients with blepharospasm. With a longer duration of blepharospasm, increased grey matter volume extends from the right supplementary motor area to the cortico-basal ganglia motor and visual–motor integration pathways, showing a hierarchy of structural abnormalities in the disease progression of blepharospasm, which provides novel evidence to support the notion that blepharospasm may arise from network disorders and is associated with a wide range of grey matter abnormalities.
Personal insult disrupts regulatory brain networks in violent offenders
Authors: Hofhansel Lena , Weidler Carmen , Clemens Benjamin , Habel Ute , Votinov Mikhail
Published: September 2022

The failure to adequately regulate negative emotions represents a prominent characteristic of violent offenders. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we used technical, nonsocial frustration to elicit anger in violent offenders (n = 19) and then increased the provocation by adding personal insults (social provocation). The aim was to investigate neural connectivity patterns involved in anger processing, to detect the effect of increasing provocation by personal insult, and to compare anger-related connectivity patterns between offenders and noncriminal controls (n = 12). During technical frustration, the offenders showed increased neural connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex compared to the controls. Conversely, personal insults, and thus increased levels of provocation, resulted in a significant reduction of neural connectivity between regions involved in cognitive control in the offenders but not controls. We conclude that, when (nonsocially) frustrated, offenders were able to employ regulatory brain networks by displaying stronger connectivity between regulatory prefrontal and limbic regions than noncriminal controls. In addition, offenders seemed particularly sensitive to personal insults, which led to increased implicit aggression (by means of motoric responses) and reduced connectivity in networks involved in cognitive control (including dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, middle/superior temporal regions).
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders, Use of Psychiatric Hospitals, and Receipt of Psychiatric Medication in Patients With Brain Abscess in Denmark
Authors: Omland Lars Haukali , Bodilsen Jacob , Tetens Malte Mose , Helweg-Larsen Jannik , Jarløv Jens Otto , Ziebell Morten , Ellermann-Eriksen Svend , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Mortensen Preben Bo , Obel Niels
Published: September 2022

Background

It is unknown whether patients diagnosed with brain abscess have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.

Methods

In this nationwide, population-based matched cohort study from Denmark, we compared the incidence of psychiatric disorders, use of psychiatric hospitals, and receipt of psychiatric medications between patients diagnosed with brain abscess and individuals from the general population, matched on date of birth, sex, and residential area.

Results

We included 435 patients diagnosed with brain abscess and 3909 individuals in the comparison cohort: 61% were male and median age was 54 years. Patients diagnosed with brain abscess were more likely to suffer from comorbidity. The risk of a hospital diagnosis of psychiatric disorders was increased the first 5 years of observation. In the subpopulation, who had never been in contact with psychiatric hospitals or received psychiatric medication before study inclusion, the risk of developing psychiatric disorders was close to that of the background population, especially when we excluded dementia from this outcome. There was a substantial increase in the receipt of anxiolytics and antidepressants. The difference in the proportion of individuals who received anxiolytics and antidepressants increased from 4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0%–7%) and 2% (95% CI, −1% to 5%) 2 years before study inclusion to 17% (95% CI, 12%–21%) and 11% (95% CI, 7%–16%) in the year after study inclusion.

Conclusions

Patients with brain abscess without prior psychiatric disorders or receipt of psychiatric medicine are not at increased risk psychiatric disorders diagnosed in psychiatric hospitals, but they have an increased receipt of psychiatric medication.
Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Online Surveys Evaluating Patient Perspectives on Treatment Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Charabaty Aline , Schneider Beth , Zambrano Javier A , Keefer Laurie
Published: September 2022

Background

The quality of life of persons living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is impacted by the physical and psychosocial burdens of disease, as well as by their satisfaction with the quality of care they receive. We sought to better understand (1) the drivers of satisfaction with treatment, including treatment goals, treatment selection, and attributes of patient/health care professional (HCP) interactions, and (2) how IBD symptoms affect aspects of daily life and overall quality of life.

Methods

Two online questionnaires were accessed via MyCrohnsAndColitsTeam.com. The Treatment Survey assessed desired treatment outcomes, past and present therapies, and experiences with the patient’s primary treating HCP. The Quality of Life survey assessed respondents’ most problematic IBD symptoms and their influence on family and social life, work, and education. Respondents had Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), were 19 years or older, and resided in the United States. All responses were anonymous.

Results

The Treatment Experience survey was completed by 502 people (296 CD, 206 UC), and the Quality of Life survey was completed by 302 people (177 CD, 125 UC). Reduced pain, diarrhea, disease progression, and fatigue were the most desired goals of treatment. Biologics and 5-aminosalicylates were reported as a current or past treatment by the greatest proportion of patients with CD and UC, respectively. A numerically lower proportion of respondents with UC than CD reported use of biologic or small molecule therapy; conversely, a numerically greater proportion of respondents with UC than CD reported these drugs to be very or extremely effective. The HCP was key in the decision to switch to, and in the selection of, biologic or small molecule therapy. Overall satisfaction with an HCP was greatly driven by the quality and quantity of the communication and of the time spent with the HCP. Troublesome abdominal symptoms most impacted aspects of social and family life. Emotional challenges associated with IBD were experienced by most respondents.

Conclusions

Treatment goals of respondents seem to align with HCPs overall treatment goals, including control of gastrointestinal symptoms and prevention of disease progression. Persons with UC might be offered biologic and small molecule therapies less often, despite reported high efficacy by users. Feeling heard and understood by the HCP are key drivers of treatment satisfaction. Quality communication in the patient/HCP relationship enables a better understanding of the patients’ goals, disease burden, and emotional needs, which are all key factors to consider when developing a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan and optimizing quality of life.
Thymosin β4 and prothymosin α promote cardiac regeneration post-ischaemic injury in mice
Authors: Gladka Monika M , Johansen Anne Katrine Z , van Kampen Sebastiaan J , Peters Marijn M C , Molenaar Bas , Versteeg Danielle , Kooijman Lieneke , Zentilin Lorena , Giacca Mauro , van Rooij Eva
Published: September 2022

Aims

The adult mammalian heart is a post-mitotic organ. Even in response to necrotic injuries, where regeneration would be essential to reinstate cardiac structure and function, only a minor percentage of cardiomyocytes undergo cytokinesis. The gene programme that promotes cell division within this population of cardiomyocytes is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the gene expression profile of proliferating adult cardiomyocytes in the mammalian heart after myocardial ischaemia, to identify factors to can promote cardiac regeneration.

Methods and results

Here, we demonstrate increased 5-ethynyl-2’deoxyuridine incorporation in cardiomyocytes 3 days post-myocardial infarction in mice. By applying multi-colour lineage tracing, we show that this is paralleled by clonal expansion of cardiomyocytes in the borderzone of the infarcted tissue. Bioinformatic analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from cardiomyocytes at 3 days post ischaemic injury revealed a distinct transcriptional profile in cardiomyocytes expressing cell cycle markers. Combinatorial overexpression of the enriched genes within this population in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and mice at postnatal day 12 (P12) unveiled key genes that promoted increased cardiomyocyte proliferation. Therapeutic delivery of these gene cocktails into the myocardial wall after ischaemic injury demonstrated that a combination of thymosin beta 4 (TMSB4) and prothymosin alpha (PTMA) provide a permissive environment for cardiomyocyte proliferation and thereby attenuated cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusion

This study reveals the transcriptional profile of proliferating cardiomyocytes in the ischaemic heart and shows that overexpression of the two identified factors, TMSB4 and PTMA, can promote cardiac regeneration. This work indicates that in addition to activating cardiomyocyte proliferation, a supportive environment is a key for regeneration to occur.
Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective to Improve Development of Drugs for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Croft Nicholas M , de Ridder Lissy , Griffiths Anne M , Hyams Jeffrey S , Ruemmele Frank M , Turner Dan , Cheng Katharine , Lutsar Irja , Greco Marco , Gołębiewska Zuzanna , Laumond Floriane , Cavaller-Bellaubi Maria , Elgreey Adam , Altepeter Tara A , Pallidis Chrissi , Norga Koen , Nelson Robert , Crandall Wallace , Vassal Gilles
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Despite recent approvals for new drugs to treat adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, there are only two approved advanced treatment options [infliximab and adalimumab] for children with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. There are many potential new therapies being developed for adult and paediatric IBD. Moreover, regulatory agencies in both the European Union and USA have processes in place to support the early planning and initiation of paediatric studies. Nevertheless, unacceptable delays in approvals for use of drugs in children persist, with an average 7-year gap, or longer, between authorization of new IBD drugs for adults and children.

Methods

A 2-day virtual meeting was held during April 14–15, 2021 for multi-stakeholders [clinical academics, patient community, pharmaceutical companies and regulators] to discuss their perspectives on paediatric drug development for IBD.

Results

The multi-stakeholder group presented, discussed and proposed actions to achieve expediting the approval of new drugs in development for paediatric IBD.

Conclusions

Collaborative action points for all stakeholders are required to make progress and facilitate new drug development for children with IBD.
Predictors and associated clinical outcomes of low cardiac output syndrome following cardiac surgery: insights from the LEVO-CTS trial
Authors: Kochar Ajar , Zheng Yinggan , van Diepen Sean , Mehta Rajendra H , Westerhout Cynthia M , Mazer David Cyril , Duncan Andra I , Whitlock Richard , Lopes Renato D , Argenziano Michael , de Varennes Benoit , Alexander John H , Goodman Shaun G , Fremes Stephen
Published: September 2022

Aims

High-risk cardiac surgery is commonly complicated by low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), which is associated with high mortality. There are limited data derived from multi-centre studies with adjudicated endpoints describing factors associated with LCOS and its downstream clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

The Levosimendan in Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass (LEVO-CTS) trial evaluated prophylactic levosimendan vs. placebo in patients with a reduced ejection fraction undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery. We conducted a pre-specified analysis on LCOS, which was characterized by a four-part definition. We constructed a multivariable logistical regression model to evaluate risk factors associated with LCOS and performed Cox proportional hazards modelling to determine the association of LCOS with 90-day mortality. A total of 186 (22%) of 849 patients in the LEVO-CTS trial developed LCOS. The factors most associated with a higher adjusted risk of LCOS were pre-operative ejection fraction [odds ratio (OR) 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.46 per 5% decrease] and age (OR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04–1.24 per 5-year increase), whereas isolated CABG surgery (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.31–0.64) and levosimendan use (OR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.46–0.92) were associated with a lower risk of LCOS. Patients with LCOS had worse outcomes, including renal replacement therapy at 30-day (10 vs. 1%) and 90-day mortality (16 vs. 3%, adjusted hazard ratio of 5.04, 95% CI: 2.66–9.55).

Conclusion

Low cardiac output syndrome is associated with a high risk of post-operative mortality in high-risk cardiac surgery.
‘Your Marage Will Make a Change with Them All … When You Get Another Famely’: Illegitimate Children, Parenthood and Siblinghood in Ireland, c.1759–1832
Authors: calvert leanne
Published: September 2022

William Tennent (1759–1832) was a successful businessman and banker, who made his mark in Belfast as one of the city’s richest men. He was also a father and, later, a husband. By the time of his marriage in March 1805, Tennent had fathered at least thirteen illegitimate children, with at least four women. The child he would have with his wife, a daughter named Letitia, would be his only legitimate heir. Through this series of illicit sexual relationships, William Tennent created a complex family unit that consisted of legitimate and illegitimate children, half-siblings, step-siblings and step-parents, all of whom were united through a network of unmarried mothers. The example of the Tennent family therefore offers historians the unique opportunity not only to extend knowledge about the making of the family in Ireland, but also to refine ideas about contemporary attitudes to illegitimacy. Using the Tennents as a case-study, this article furthers understanding of the family in Ireland by considering the horizontal relationships which characterised family life, drawing attention to how legitimacy, as well as gender, social rank and birth order, shaped ties between parents and children, and between siblings.
Language Bias in International Legal Scholarship: Symptoms, Explanations, Implications and Remedies
Authors: Ammann Odile
Published: September 2022

In her much-acclaimed book published in 2017, Anthea Roberts examines whether international law is indeed international. The answer to this question is ‘no’, one reason being the deep language biases that pervade international legal scholarship. One of the clearest symptoms of this distortion is the unprecedented dominance of English. While such a lingua franca has numerous advantages, it is connected to significant drawbacks. In this article, I first define what I mean by language bias in international legal scholarship before highlighting some of its symptoms. I then show that language bias is an underexplored topic in international legal scholarship and that this lack of engagement with the issue warrants further analysis. Next, I identify possible explanations for language bias, and I delineate its main implications for international legal scholarship and international law-making. Finally, I examine various strategies that can be pursued to minimize the negative consequences of language bias. While there are no easy answers, this article is a first attempt at highlighting the problematic effects of language bias on international legal scholarship, at outlining several strategies for tackling these effects and, importantly, at generating a scholarly debate on the dangers of language bias for the international, legal and scholarly character of our research.