bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophotocatalytic perfluoroalkylation by LMCT excitation of Ag(II) perfluoroalkyl carboxylates
Authors: Campbell Brandon M. , Gordon Jesse B. , Raguram Elaine Reichert , Gonzalez Miguel I. , Reynolds Kristopher G. , Nava Matthew , Nocera Daniel G.
Published: December 2023

Molecular Ag(II) complexes are superoxidizing photoredox catalysts capable of generating radicals from redox-reticent substrates. In this work, we exploited the electrophilicity of Ag(II) centers in [Ag(bpy)
2
(TFA)][OTf] and Ag(bpy)(TFA)
2
(bpy, 2,2′-bipyridine; OTf, CF
3
SO
3
–
) complexes to activate trifluoroacetate (TFA) by visible light–induced homolysis. The resulting trifluoromethyl radicals may react with a variety of arenes to forge C(sp
2
)–CF
3
bonds. This methodology is general and extends to other perfluoroalkyl carboxylates of higher chain length (R
F
CO
2
–
; R
F
, CF
2
CF
3
or CF
2
CF
2
CF
3
). The photoredox reaction may be rendered electrophotocatalytic by regenerating the Ag(II) complexes electrochemically during irradiation. Electrophotocatalytic perfluoroalkylation of arenes at turnover numbers exceeding 20 was accomplished by photoexciting the Ag(II)–TFA ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) state, followed by electrochemical reoxidation of the Ag(I) photoproduct back to the Ag(II) photoreactant.
Pulsed dosing and extended daily dosing of oral vancomycin do not facilitate clearance of
Clostridioides difficile
colonization in mice
Authors: Pearlmutter Basya S. , Carlisle Matthew G. , Wilson Brigid M. , Sangwan Naseer , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: December 2023

Vancomycin taper and pulse regimens are commonly used to treat recurrent
Clostridioides difficile
infections, but the mechanism by which these regimens might reduce recurrences is unclear. Here, we used a mouse model to test the hypothesis that pulse dosing of vancomycin after a 10-day treatment course enhances clearance of
C. difficile
from the intestinal tract. Mice with
C. difficile
colonization received 10 days of once-daily oral vancomycin followed by 20 days of treatment with saline (controls), daily vancomycin, or pulse dosing of vancomycin every 2 or 3 days. Stool samples were collected to measure the concentration of C.
difficile
during and after treatment, vancomycin concentrations, and growth of vegetative
C. difficile
during every 3 days dosing. Pulse dosing of vancomycin was not effective in maintaining suppression of
C. difficile
(
P
> 0.05 in comparison to saline controls); growth of vegetative
C. difficile
occurred between pulse doses when vancomycin decreased to undetectable levels. Daily dosing of vancomycin suppressed
C. difficile
during treatment, but recurrent colonization occurred after treatment in more than 75% of mice, and by post-treatment day 14, there was no significant difference among the control, pulse dosing, and daily dosing groups (
P
> 0.05). These findings demonstrate that pulse dosing of vancomycin every 2 or 3 days does not facilitate the clearance of
C. difficile
spores in mice. Studies are needed to examine the impact of vancomycin taper and pulsed regimens in patients.
Validation of the VirCapSeq-VERT system for differential diagnosis, detection, and surveillance of viral infections
Authors: Kapoor Vishal , Briese Thomas , Ranjan Amit , Donovan William M. , Mansukhani Mahesh M. , Chowdhary Rashmi , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: December 2023

There is a need in clinical microbiology and public health for assays that enable sensitive and rapid detection of infectious agents. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is increasingly used in the fields of oncology and personalized genome medicine but has not gained a wider acceptance for clinical microbiology due to operational and bioinformatics complexity, as well as lower sensitivity compared to agent-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. VirCapSeq-VERT is a positive selection system for detection, typing, and strain differentiation of both RNA and DNA viruses with sensitivity comparable to qPCR. Here we report the analytical and clinical validation of the VirCapSeq-VERT system for detection of viruses in plasma and nasal secretions that cause systemic and/or respiratory infections.

IMPORTANCE

Broad range assay for accurate and sensitive diagnostics.
Draft genome sequence of multidrug-resistant
Vibrio navarrensis
strain DA9 isolated from a coastal canal in the Florida Keys (USA)
Authors: Lydon Keri Ann , Grim Christopher , Robertson Megan J. , Lipp Erin K.
Published: December 2023

A presumptive
Vibrio
isolate with a multidrug resistance profile was isolated from surface seawater collected from a coastal canal in 2014 and identified as
Vibrio navarrensis
, designated as strain DA9. Here, we report a 5.1-Mb draft genome sequence of strain DA9 with a G + C content of 47.5%.
European River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis (Petromyzontidae) of the Pskov Lakeland: Current State of Isolated Populations
Authors: Zvezdin A. O. , Kucheryavyy A. V. , Kolotei A. V. , Polyakova N. V. , Pavlov D. S.
Published: December 2023

Small freshwater (resident) populations of the European river lamprey Lampetrafluviatilis from an isolated from the sea upper part of a river system with numerous lakes (the upper reaches of tributaries of the Daugava River and Lake Peipus, Pskov Oblast, Russia) have been studied. Adult individuals of the lamprey have been attributed to common and large size groups; adults are similar to other resident lamprey from the Baltic Sea basin. The presence of larvae of different size and age groups indicates regular spawning of the European river lamprey in the studied watersheds. Analysis of the modern and historical (before the isolation) distribution of lamprey revealed a reduction in habitats and a decrease in the number of individuals. Dam-associated disruption of migration routes led to the disappearance of anadromous form, and consequently, disappearance of resident lamprey from most of the studied waterbodies. We attribute the decrease in the number of rivers inhabited by lamprey and abundance of the lamprey both to anthropogenic factors (direct blocking of an access of anadromous form of the lamprey to spawning grounds by hydraulic construction) and to the characteristics of the studied area. The richness of the river system with lentic waterbodies makes it suitable for lamprey inhabitation with an influx of large anadromous individuals capable of crossing such reservoirs in search of spawning sites.
Continuous non-invasive measurement of cardiac output in neonatal intensive care using regional impedance cardiography: a prospective observational study
Authors: Banerjee Jayanta , Khatib Nidal , Mansfield Roshni C , Sathiyamurthy Sundar , Kariholu Ujwal , Lees Christoph
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To compare agreement between echocardiography and regional impedance cardiography (RIC)-derived cardiac output (CO), and to construct indicative normative ranges of CO for gestational age groups.

Design, setting and participants

Prospective cohort observational study performed in a tertiary centre in London, UK, including neonates born between 25 and 42 weeks’ gestational age.

Exposures

Neonates on the postnatal ward had 2 hours of RIC monitoring; neonates in intensive care had RIC monitoring for the first 72 hours, then weekly for 2 hours, with concomitant echocardiography measures.

Main outcomes and measures

RIC was used to measure CO continuously. Statistical analyses were performed using R (V.4.2.2; R Core Team 2022). RIC-derived CO and echocardiography-derived CO were compared using Pearson’s correlations and Bland-Altman analyses. Differences in RIC-derived CO between infants born extremely, very and late preterm were assessed using analyses of variance and mixed-effects modelling.

Results

127 neonates (22 extremely, 46 very, 29 late preterm and 30 term) were included. RIC and echocardiography-measured weight-adjusted CO were correlated (r=0.62, p<0.001) with a Bland-Altman bias of −31 mL/min/kg (limits of agreement −322 to 261 mL/min/kg). The RIC-derived CO fell over 12 hours, then increased until 72 hours after birth. The 72-hour weight-adjusted mean CO was higher in extremely preterm (424±158 mL/min/kg) compared with very (325±131 mL/min/kg, p<0.001) and late preterm (237±81 mL/min/kg, p<0.001) neonates; this difference disappeared by 2–3 weeks of age.

Conclusions

RIC is valid for continuous, non-invasive CO measurement in neonates. Indicative normative CO ranges could help clinicians to make more informed haemodynamic management decisions, which should be explored in future studies.

Trial registration number

NCT04064177.
Point-of-care ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in respiratory assessment in awake paediatric patients: a comparative study
Authors: Edelman James , Taylor Hannah , Goss Anne-Marie , Tisovszky Natasha , Sun Kang Min , O’Toole Sophie , Herriotts Kate , Inglis Elizabeth , Johnson Chloe , Penfold Scott , Bull Jenny , Shires Peter , Towers Ashley , Griksaitis Michael J
Published: December 2023

Background

Chest X-ray (CXR) has typically been the main investigation in children with suspected respiratory pathology. Recent advances in lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) have shown the potential for it to be comparative, if not better, than CXR. The objective of this study was to compare CXR with lung POCUS in children with respiratory illness in a ward-based setting at a paediatric teaching hospital.

Methods

Any child <18 years of age presenting to Southampton Children’s Hospital requiring a CXR for clinical reasons also had lung POCUS performed. CXR was reported by a consultant paediatric radiologist and lung POCUS was reviewed retrospectively by a blinded POCUS clinician, with only the clinical information provided on the CXR request. Comparisons were made between the CXR and lung POCUS findings.

Results

100 paired lung POCUS and CXR were included in the study. 30% of lung POCUS were normal with 97% of these having a normal CXR. 70% of cases had POCUS abnormalities with 96% of POCUS cases identifying comparative lung pathology. Lung POCUS therefore had a sensitivity of 98.51% and a specificity of 87.9% with a diagnostic accuracy of 95% when compared with the CXR report.

Conclusions

Lung POCUS has excellent diagnostic accuracy. The diagnosis of normal lung on POCUS when performed by a trained practitioner can reliably reduce the need for a CXR, thus reducing CXR use and radiation exposure in children. An abnormal lung POCUS could then either give the diagnosis or lead to a CXR with the expectation of clinically relevant findings.
Neurosyphilis presenting as limbic encephalitis
Authors: Shrimpton Matthew , Malhotra Abhishek
Published: December 2023

A man in his 50s presented with focal seizures and was found to have an inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with bilateral mesiotemporal lobe hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Corticosteroid treatment was initiated for management of limbic encephalitis. Focal seizures, imaging abnormalities and inflammatory CSF persisted despite treatment and the patient was found to have neurosyphilis after developing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection with multisystem involvement including neurological and psychiatric manifestations. Case reports have emerged of neurosyphilis presenting as limbic encephalitis with CSF pleocytosis and temporal lobe hyperintensity on MRI of the brain. Persistence of CSF or MRI abnormalities despite immunosuppressive therapy for limbic encephalitis should prompt investigation for alternate causes of chronic meningoencephalitis, which can occasionally include neurosyphilis.
Lymphopenia and high Ki-67 expression in peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells associate with progressive sarcoidosis
Authors: Kullberg Susanna , Grunewald Johan , Eklund Anders
Published: December 2023

Background

Early identification of patients at risk for progressive sarcoidosis may improve intervention. High bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) lymphocytes and peripheral blood (PB) lymphopenia are associated with worse prognosis. The mechanisms behind are not disentangled, and to date, it is not possible to predict disease course with certainty.

Objectives

Insight into the frequency of T regulatory cells (Tregs), proliferating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in BALF and PB in clinically well-characterised patients, may provide clues to mechanisms behind differences in disease course.

Methods

Nineteen treatment-naïve patients with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis were assessed with BAL and PB samples at diagnosis. From the majority, repeated PB samples were collected over a year after diagnosis. The patients were followed for a median of 3 years and clinical parameters were used to classify patients into resolving, chronic progressive and chronic stable disease. Lymphocyte counts, frequency of Tregsdefined as forkhead box protein 3+ (FoxP3+) CD4+T cells, and proliferating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells assessed with Ki-67 were analysed.

Results

Eleven patients disclosed a chronic stable, and eight a progressive disease course, no one resolved during the study period. In PB, lower number of lymphocytes associated with chronic progressive disease, an increased frequency of Ki-67+CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and a tendency towards higher percentage of FoxP3+CD4+ T cells compared with chronic stable patients.

Conclusion

A reduction of PB lymphocytes despite increased proliferation of CD4+and CD8+ T cells was observed in patients with chronic active compared with chronic stable sarcoidosis, indicating an increased PB lymphocyte turn-over in patients with deteriorating disease. Measurement of PB Tregs, Ki-67+CD4+ and Ki-67+CD8+ T cells may help in predicting sarcoidosis disease course.
Endoscopic variceal ligation versus propranolol for the primary prevention of oesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: an open-label, two-centre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yang Tsung-Chieh , Chen Wen-Chi , Hou Ming-Chih , Chen Ping-Hsien , Lee Pei-Chang , Chang Chung-Yu , Lu Hsiao-Sheng , Chen Yu-Jen , Hsu Shao-Jung , Huang Hui-Chun , Luo Jiing-Chyuan , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Lee Fa-Yauh
Published: December 2023

Objective

This randomised trial aimed to address whether endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or propranolol (PPL) is more effective at preventing initial oesophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Design

Patients with HCC and medium-to-large oesophageal varices (EVs) but without previous EVB were randomised to receive EVL (every 3–4 weeks until variceal eradication) or PPL (up to 320 mg daily) at a 1:1 ratio. Long-term follow-up data on EVB, other upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), non-bleeding liver decompensation, overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs) were analysed using competing risk regression.

Results

Between June 2011 and April 2021, 144 patients were randomised to receive EVL (n=72) or PPL (n=72). In the EVL group, 7 patients experienced EVB, and 30 died; in the PPL group, 19 patients had EVB, and 40 died. The EVL group had a lower cumulative incidence of EVB (Gray’s test, p=0.009) than its counterpart, with no mortality difference (Gray’s test, p=0.085). For patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A/B, EVL was better than PPL in reducing EVB (p<0.001) and mortality (p=0.003). For patients beyond BCLC stage B, between-group outcomes were similar. Other UGIB, non-bleeding liver decompensation and AEs did not differ between groups. A competing risk regression model confirmed the prognostic value of EVL.

Conclusion

EVL is superior to PPL in preventing initial EVB in patients with HCC. The benefits of EVL on EVB and OS may be limited to patients with BCLC stage A/B and not to those with BCLC stage C/D.

Trial registration number

NCT01970748.
Intra-arterial tenecteplase following endovascular therapy in patients with acute posterior circulation arterial occlusion: study protocol and rationale
Authors: Tao Chunrong , Li Rui , Sun Jun , Zhu Yuyou , Wang Li , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianlong , Song Jianlong , Qureshi Adnan I , Abdalkader Mohamad , Nguyen Thanh N , Saver Jeffrey L , Nogueira Raul G , Hu Wei
Published: December 2023

Background

Recently, a randomized controlled trial showed a beneficial effect of intra-arterial thrombolysis following successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. Due to differences in response to thrombolytics in occlusion of the posterior circulation, the purpose of ATTENTION IA is to explore the adjunct benefit of intra-arterial thrombolysis after successful recanalization in patients presenting with large and medium vessel occlusion of the posterior circulation.

Methods

ATTENTION-IA is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial with open-label treatment and blinded endpoint assessment (PROBE). After achieving successful recanalization (expanded Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) 2b-3) of an occlusion of the vertebral, basilar, or posterior cerebral artery, patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive intra-arterial tenecteplase or standard of care. The primary effect parameter is a modified Rankin Score of 0–1 at day 90.

Results

The trial recently completed enrollment, and data collection/verification is ongoing. The final results will be made available on completion of enrollment and follow-up.

Conclusions

ATTENTION-IA will provide definitive evidence for the efficacy and safety of adjunct intra-arterial tenecteplase after successful EVT in patients with an acute posterior circulation arterial occlusion stroke presenting within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT05684172.
Integrating palliative care and heart failure: a systematic realist synthesis (PalliatHeartSynthesis)
Authors: McConnell Tracey , Blair Carolyn , Burden John , Duddy Claire , Hill Loreena , Howie Clare , Jones Bob , Ruane Bob , Wong Geoff , Reid Joanne
Published: December 2023

Objectives

(1) Develop a programme theory of why, for whom and in what contexts integrated palliative care (PC) and heart failure (HF) services work/do not work; (2) use the programme theory to co-produce with stakeholders, intervention strategies to inform best practice and future research.

Methods

A systematic review of all published articles and grey literature using a realist logic of analysis. The search strategy combined terms significant to the review questions: HF, PC and end of life. Documents were included if they were in English and provided data relevant to integration of PC and HF services. Searches were conducted in November 2021 in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, AMED, HMIC and CINAHL. Further relevant documents were identified via monthly alerts (up until April 2023) and the project stakeholder group (patient/carers, content experts and multidisciplinary practitioners).

Results

130 documents were included (86 research, 22 literature reviews, 22 grey literature). The programme theory identified intervention strategies most likely to support integration of PC and HF services. These included protected time for evidence-based PC and HF education from undergraduate/postgraduate level and continuing professional practice; choice of educational setting (eg, online, face-to-face or hybrid); increased awareness and seeing benefits of PC for HF management; conveying the emotive and intellectual need for integrating PC and HF via credible champions; and prioritising PC and HF guidelines in practice.

Conclusions

The review findings outline the required steps to take to increase the likelihood that all key players have the capacity, opportunity and motivation to integrate PC into HF management.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021240185.
Sexual network characteristics and partnership types among men who have sex with men diagnosed with syphilis, gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia in Lima, Peru
Authors: Freese Jonathan , Segura Eddy R , Gutierrez Jessica , Lake Jordan E , Cabello Robinson , Clark Jesse L , Blair Cherie
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Sexual networks are known to structure sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). We sought to estimate the risks of STI diagnosis for various partnership types within these networks.

Methods

Our cross-sectional survey analysed data from 1376 MSM screened for a partner management intervention in Lima, Peru. Participants were tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea (NG) and chlamydia (CT) and completed surveys on their demographics, sexual identity/role, HIV status, partnership types and sexual network from the prior 90 days. χ2and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared participants without an STI to those diagnosed with (1) syphilis, (2) NG and/or CT (NG/CT) and (3) syphilis and NG/CT coinfection (coinfection).

Results

40.8% (n=561/1376) of participants were diagnosed with an STI (syphilis: 14.9%, NG/CT: 16.4%, coinfection: 9.5%). 47.9% of all participants were living with HIV and 8.9% were newly diagnosed. A greater proportion of participants with syphilis and coinfection were living with HIV (73.5%, p<0.001; 71.0%, p<0.001) compared with those with NG/CT (47.8%) or no STI (37.8%). Participants with syphilis more often reported sex-on-premises venues (SOPVs) as the location of their last sexual encounter (51.7%, p=0.038) while those with NG/CT tended to meet their last sexual partner online (72.8%, p=0.031). Respondents with coinfection were the only STI group more likely to report transactional sex than participants without an STI (31.3%, p=0.039).

Conclusions

Sexual networks and partnership types of Peruvian MSM are associated with differential risks for STIs. Participants diagnosed with syphilis tended to meet single-encounter casual partners at SOPV, while MSM with NG/CT were younger and often contacted casual partners online. Coinfection had higher frequency of transactional sex. These findings suggest the potential importance of public health interventions through combined syphilis/HIV screening at SOPV, syphilis screening at routine clinic appointments for MSM living with HIV and directed advertisements and/or access to NG/CT testing through online platforms.
Painful proctitis associated with anorectal mpox, syphilis, HSV, LGV, gonorrhoea andMycoplasma genitaliumin a person living with virologically suppressed HIV and vaccinated against mpox
Authors: Huang Zoe Y , Cornelisse Vincent J , Burdon Rachel M
Published: December 2023

A gay man with well-controlled HIV and vaccinated against mpox presented with severe proctitis. Testing revealed anorectal mpox, herpes simplex virus, lymphogranuloma venereum,Neisseria gonorrhoeaeandMycoplasma genitalium. Serology was indicative of infectious syphilis. This case highlights the need to consider a wide range of concurrent sexually transmitted infections in patients with proctitis, including those vaccinated against mpox.
GLP-1 response during pregnancy: variations between trimesters and associations with appetite sensations and usual energy intake
Authors: Mangliar Inès Auclair , Plante Anne-Sophie , Chabot Myriam , Savard Claudia , Lemieux Simone , Michaud Andréanne , Weisnagel S. John , Camirand Lemyre Félix , Veilleux Alain , Morisset Anne-Sophie
Published: December 2023

Further research is required to understand hormonal regulation of food intake during pregnancy and its association with energy intake. The objectives are to ( i) compare postprandial responses of plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) between trimesters, ( ii) compare postprandial appetite sensations between trimesters, and ( iii) examine trimester-specific associations between GLP-1 levels, appetite sensations, and usual energy intake. At each trimester, participants ( n = 26) consumed a standard test meal following a 12 h fast. Plasma GLP-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method at fasting and at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min postprandial. A visual analogue scale assessing appetite sensations was completed at fasting and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min postprandial. Mean energy intake was assessed using three web-based 24 h dietary recalls at each trimester. Lower postprandial GLP-1 responses were observed in the 2nd ( p = 0.004) and 3rd trimesters ( p < 0.001) compared to the 1st trimester. Greater postprandial sensations of desire to eat, hunger, and prospective food consumption were noted in the 3rd trimester compared to the 1st trimester ( p < 0.04, for all). Fasting GLP-1 was negatively associated with fasting appetite sensations (except fullness) at the 2nd trimester ( p < 0.02, for all). Postprandially, significant associations were observed for incremental areas under the curve from 0 to 30 min between GLP-1 and fullness at the 2nd ( p = 0.01) and 3rd trimesters ( p = 0.03). No associations between fasting or postprandial GLP-1 and usual energy intake were observed. Overall, GLP-1 and appetite sensation responses significantly differ between trimesters, but few associations were observed between GLP-1, appetite sensations, and usual energy intake.
Gene regulation supporting sociality shared across lineages and variation in complexity
Authors: Pyenson Benjamin C. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: December 2023

Across evolutionary lineages, insects vary in social complexity, from those that exhibit extended parental care to those with elaborate divisions of labor. Here, we synthesize the sociogenomic resources from hundreds of species to describe common gene regulatory mechanisms in insects that regulate social organization across phylogeny and levels of social complexity. Different social phenotypes expressed by insects can be linked to the organization of co-expressing gene networks and features of the epigenetic landscape. Insect sociality also stems from processes like the emergence of parental care and the decoupling of ancestral genetic programs. One underexplored avenue is how variation in a group's social environment affects the gene expression of individuals. Additionally, an experimental reduction of gene expression would demonstrate how the activity of specific genes contributes to insect social phenotypes. While tissue specificity provides greater localization of the gene expression underlying social complexity, emerging transcriptomic analysis of insect brains at the cellular level provides even greater resolution to understand the molecular basis of social insect evolution.
Nonspherically-symmetric black hole in Einstein-massless scalar theory
Authors: Mazharimousavi S. Habib
Published: December 2023

We introduce a two-parameter static, nonspherically-symmetric black hole solution in the Einstein theory of gravity coupled with a massless scalar field. The scalar field depends only on the polar coordinate $$\theta $$
θ
in the spherical coordinates representation. The scalar invariant of the spacetime, namely, the Kretschmann scalar reveals that the black hole is singular on its axis of symmetry for all nonzero values of the scalar charge. It also manifests two surfaces of singularity for a certain interval of the value of the scalar charge. These singularities are hidden behind the event horizon’s surface except the singularity on the axis which is naked. The energy-momentum of the scalar field satisfies all energy conditions. A simple investigation reveals that the circular orbits of massive and massless particles in the equatorial plane are identical to those near a Schwarzschild black hole.
Low-energy matrix elements of heavy-quark currents
Authors: Meyer Harvey B.
Published: December 2023

In QCD at energies well below a heavy-quark threshold, the heavy-quark vector current can be represented via local operators made of the lighter quarks and of the gluon fields. We extract the leading perturbative matching coefficients for the two most important sets of operators from known results. As an application, we analytically determine the $$\textrm{O}(\alpha _s^3)m_c^2/m_b^2$$

O

(

α
s
3

)

m
c
2

/

m
b
2

effect of the bottom quark current on the R(s) ratio below the bottom but above the charm threshold. For the low-energy representation of the charm quark current, the two most important operators are given by the total divergence of dimension-six gluonic operators. We argue that the charm magnetic moment of the nucleon is effectively measuring the forward matrix elements of these gluonic operators and predict the corresponding bottom magnetic moment. Similarly, the contribution of the charm current to $$R(s\approx 1\,\textrm{GeV}^2)$$

R
(
s
≈
1

GeV
2

)

, which is associated with quark-disconnected diagrams, is dominantly determined by the decay constants of the $$\omega $$
ω
and $$\phi $$
ϕ
mesons with respect to the two gluonic operators.
When energy goes missing: new physics in $$b\rightarrow s \nu \nu $$ with sterile neutrinos
Authors: Felkl Tobias , Giri Anjan , Mohanta Rukmani , Schmidt Michael A.
Published: December 2023

Belle II recently reported the first measurement of $$B^+\rightarrow K^+ + \textrm{inv}$$

B
+

→

K
+

+
inv

, which is $$2.8\sigma $$

2.8
σ

above the Standard Model prediction. We explore the available parameter space of new physics within Standard Model effective field theory extended by sterile neutrinos ($$\nu $$
ν
SMEFT) and provide predictions for the other $$B\rightarrow K^{(\star )} +\textrm{inv}$$

B
→

K

(
⋆
)

+
inv

decay modes and invisible $$B_s$$

B
s

decays. We also briefly comment on charged current decays $$B\rightarrow D^{(\star )} \ell \bar{\nu }$$

B
→

D

(
⋆
)

ℓ

ν

¯

and possible ultraviolet completions of the relevant $$\nu $$
ν
SMEFT operators.
Reduction of couplings in the Type-II 2HDM
Authors: May Pech M. A. , Mondragón M. , Patellis G. , Zoupanos G.
Published: December 2023

The idea of reduction of couplings consists in the search for relations between seemingly independent couplings of a renormalizable theory that are renormalization group invariant. In this article, we demonstrate the existence of such 1-loop relations among the top Yukawa, the Higgs quartic and the gauge colour couplings of the Type-II Two Higgs Doublet Model at a high-energy boundary. The phenomenological viability of the reduced theory suggests the value of $$\tan \beta $$

tan
β

and the scale in which new physics may appear.
MODELING THE IMPACT OF RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE ON STERILE INSECT CONTROL STRATEGIES IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: DUMONT Y. , DUPREZ M.
Published: December 2023

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a biological control technique that can be used either to eliminate or decay a wild mosquito population under a given threshold to reduce the nuisance or the epidemiological risk. In this work, we propose a model using a differential system that takes into account the variations of rainfall and temperature over time and study their impacts on sterile males’ releases strategies. Our model is as simple as possible to avoid complexity while being able to capture the temporal variations of an Aedes albopictus mosquito population in a domain treated by SIT, located in Réunion island. The main objective is to determine what period of the year is the most suitable to start a SIT control to minimize the duration of massive releases and the number of sterile males to release, either to reduce the mosquito nuisance, or to reduce the epidemiological risk. Since sterilization is not [Formula: see text] efficient, we also study the impact of different levels of residual fertility within the released sterile males population. Our study shows that rainfall plays a major role in the dynamics of the mosquito and the SIT control, that the best period to start a massive SIT treatment lasts from July to December, that residual fertility has to be as small as possible, at least for nuisance reduction. Indeed, when the main objective is to reduce the epidemiological risk, we show that residual fertility is not necessarily an issue. Increasing the size of the releases is not always interesting. We also highlight the importance of combining SIT with mechanical control, i.e., the removal of breeding sites, in particular when the initial mosquito population is large. Last but not least our study shows the usefulness of the modeling approach to derive various simulations to anticipate issues and demand in terms of sterile insects’ production.
Community-Driven Concepts to Support TPC Coalition Building in a Post-
Roe
World
Authors: Novotny Maria , Davis Gina , Grobel Maya , Vesbit Jennifer
Published: December 2023

As threats against reproductive autonomy increase nationally, coalition building serves as an essential practice to advocate for the needs of reproductive persons. This experience report focuses on the work of coalition building for those seeking access to alternative family building services and fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization, which rely upon the availability of donor embryo/s. Our report sheds light on the often unseen moments essential to supporting community-driven coalitional efforts, identifies concepts to guide coalitional practice in technical and professional communication, and underscores the value of
slowness
in coalitional work despite the increasing threats limiting access to reproductive care.
Introduction to the Second Issue: A Conversation about Community-Engaged Research
Authors: Amidon Timothy R. , Blakeslee Ann , Carlson Erin Brock , Ledbetter Lehua , Moore Kristen R. , Rose Emma , Simmons Michele
Published: December 2023

This introductory dialogue invites readers to think with a range of scholars about the role of community engaged researchers in the field. It draws together a range of perspectives as way of honoring CER through both methodology and genre. The authors provide insight into their own experiences and draw attention to elements of CER that rarely get discussed and published.
Beyond Policy: What Plants and Communities Can Teach us About Sustainable Changemaking
Authors: Ledbetter Lehua , Neelis Alexandria
Published: December 2023

In this community insight paper, we share conversations that took place over the course of two years that we believe shed light on the informal and less-recognized ways that humans forge trust as they design communication to help each other survive as communities in times of scarcity. We hope that this paper will legitimize the communication pathways and resource exchange that we believe make for a sustainable food system centered around abundance rather than deficit. In doing so, we also hope to start a greater conversation on how communities build trust and communication nimbly and quickly in times of crisis as policymaking often lags behind the needs of the community. As we saw during the COVID-19 food crisis, ad hoc communities fill the gaps that policymakers (such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)) can't when infrastructures fail. We take inspiration from the plants around us, farmers, scientists, community members, and the individuals and mutual aid groups that came together during the food crisis to build trust and dialogue as the first (and often most responsive) step towards sustainable food systems.
Review of "User Experience as Innovative Academic Practice by Kate Crane and Kelli Cargile Cook," Crane, K., & Cargile Cook, K. (Eds.). (2022). User Experience as Innovative Academic Practice. The WAC Clearinghouse; University Press of Colorado. https://doi.org/10.37514/TPC-B.2022.1367
Authors: Das Meghalee
Published: December 2023

In
User Experience as Innovative Academic Practice
, editors Kate Crane and Kelli Cargile Cook present and curate fresh perspectives for instructional and curriculum design by arguing that technical and professional communication (TPC) programs will benefit if user experience (UX) methodologies are applied in pedagogical settings to gain greater insight into the student user's needs, challenges, and environments, thereby not only making student users the center of the course design process, but also co-creators of instructional materials and strategies. To support the effectiveness of UX methodologies in learning about student needs and assessing program success, Crane and Cargile Cook bring together authors who present case studies where UX methods such as user profiles, journey maps, usability studies, diary entries, affinity diagramming, and so on were applied in various aspects of pedagogic design and re-design.
Review of "Writing in the Clouds: Inventing and Composing in Internetworked Writing Spaces by John Logie," Logie, J. (2021). Writing in the clouds: Inventing and composing in internetworked writing spaces. Parlor Press.
Authors: Hines Jasara
Published: December 2023

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the new AI chatbot application, ChatGPT, I wonder how Logie would seek to include this new technology in his work. I ponder this because, throughout the book, Logie presents compelling evidence for why the concepts of invention, composition, and internetworked writing should be embraced and not feared. While some denounce the application and take to social media to disparage the possible negative impact on students, creativity, and composition, ChatGPT, I believe Logie would argue, would be a powerful tool we can implement to become "composers." He believes that through cloud computing services we are now more apt to collaborate, use, remix, and create rhetorical modes that extend far beyond the formulaic argument, therefore we are composers. So, Logie applies the idea of a composer as someone who is a "prosumer" (Toffler). This composer is media literate and transforms traditional rhetorical canons into multimodal compositions such as memes, Google Docs, and digital collages. However, his overarching argument is that internetworked writing tools have democratized writing through that same offering of innovative outlets. His book is arranged in a way that walks the reader through this argument.
Do Expressway Interchanges Increase Crash Injury Severities? Insights Using Temporal Instability and Unobserved Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Chenzhu , Easa Said M. , Lian Siqi , Chen Fei , Cheng Jianchuan
Published: December 2023

Expressway crashes in interchange areas are a critical concern in China, posing significant economic and social challenges. Utilizing three years of crash data from the Beijing–Shanghai Expressway, this study investigates the transferability and heterogeneity of crash characteristics between interchange and noninterchange areas, as well as the temporal shifts in factors influencing injury severity levels. The research employs four series of random parameters logit models to estimate three potential crash injury severity outcomes of severe injury, minor injury, and no injury (based on the most severely injured individual in each crash) and to identify key determinants, encompassing driver, vehicle, roadway, environmental, temporal, traffic, and crash attributes. Likelihood ratio tests and out-of-sample predictions are utilized to assess the temporal stability and transferability of crash area characteristics. Additionally, the marginal effects of various determinants are calculated to understand their influence across different year periods and crash types. Key variables such as overspeed, single-vehicle, AADT (annual average daily traffic volume),

Ls

min

, and other crash type indicators are identified as significant random parameters, demonstrating heterogeneity in means and variances. Notable distinctions are observed between interchange and noninterchange crashes, indicating nontransferability, with most significant indicators revealing temporal instabilities. Furthermore, factors such as multivehicle involvement, buses, and nighttime conditions are identified as risk indicators, notably increasing the likelihood of severe injuries. These insights are invaluable for expressway designers and decision-makers, aiding in understanding the contributing mechanisms of various elements. This study suggests that stricter enforcement measures are crucial to prevent random lane changes, particularly at interchange entrances and exits. Additionally, effective management strategies and enforcement countermeasures should be implemented to mitigate crash injury outcomes in both interchange and noninterchange areas.
Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Implant Crown Materials on Implant Components and Bone Stress Distribution: A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Nokar Kimia , Atri Faezeh , Nokar Saied
Published: December 2023

Background. Choosing implant crown materials for restoration remains challenging in clinical practice. This study assesses the impact of all-ceramic restoration instead of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restoration on the stress distribution within implant components and the surrounding bone. Methods. Four 3D models of a mandibular second premolar were meticulously prepared. The study groups comprised zirconia, lithium disilicate, and zirconia lithium silicate monolithic ceramic crowns cemented onto a zirconia hybrid abutment. A PFM crown cemented onto a cementable abutment was chosen as the control group. A total vertical load of 583 N was applied to the occlusal contact areas. Stress distribution within the crown and implant components was analyzed using von Mises stress analysis. Principal stress analyses were employed to assess stress distribution in the peripheral bone. Results. The PFM model exhibited the highest von Mises stress values for both the implant (428.7 MPa) and crown (79.7 MPa) compared to the other models. The all-ceramic models displayed the highest maximum von Mises stress within the abutment, approximately 335 MPa, compared to the PFM model. von Mises stresses of the abutment and implant in the all-ceramic models were 69% higher and 20% lower, respectively, than those in the PFM model. Screw stresses were relatively consistent across all groups. Principal stresses in spongy bone and minimum principal stress in cortical bone were consistent across all models. Conclusions. All-ceramic restoration with a hybrid abutment, as opposed to traditional PFM restoration with a cementable abutment, does not adversely affect the implant and abutment screw and reduces crown stresses. Stresses within hybrid abutments were notably higher than those within cementable abutments. Spongy bone stresses remained unaffected by the type of crown or abutment.
Lipid Enhancement in Oleaginous Nannochloropsis sp. under Nitrate Limitation for Future Bioenergy Production
Authors: Palanisamy Karthick Murugan , Bhuyar Prakash , Rahim MohdHasbi Ab. , Vadiveloo Ashiwin , Al-Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Govindan Natanamurugaraj , Maniam GaantyPragas
Published: December 2023

Microalgae possess high oil content, exhibit rapid growth rates and biomass productivity, and leave a minimal environmental footprint, making them highly attractive for biofuel applications. Consequently, this present study is aimed at evaluating the impact of nitrogen starvation on the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. to enhance lipid accumulation. The microalga culture was grown under an irradiance of 120 μmol photon m-2 s-1, temperature

25
±
1

°C, continuous air-CO2, and with different concentrations of sodium nitrites over a 14-day cultivation period. From the results, it was found that the growth of the strain decreased under limited nitrogen conditions. After harvesting, the cells in the supernatant were regenerated by cultivating in double concentration of media. The results showed that on the 12th day, the highest lipid content was achieved, reaching

68.0
±
2.3

 wt.% of the dry weight under nitrogen limitation. The composition of the obtained lipid consisted of 18.0 wt.% saturated fatty acids, 72.38 wt.% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 8.95 wt.% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipid composition was dominated by monounsaturated oleic acid (

70.97
±
4.6

 wt.%), saturated palmitic acid (

13.68
±
1.0

 wt.%), and polyunsaturated linoleic acid (

8.41
±
0.4

 wt.%). The findings of this study demonstrated that limiting nitrogen availability enhanced lipid accumulation in Nannochloropsis sp. Despite experiencing inhibited growth, this microalga species shows great potential for the large-scale cultivation of lipids and essential fatty acids. These results contribute to understanding the relationship between nitrogen availability and lipid metabolism in microalgae, providing valuable insights for optimizing lipid production in the context of biofuel and biotechnology applications.
ELSMOR European Project: Experimental Results on an Innovative Decay Heat Removal System Based on a Plate-Type Heat Exchanger
Authors: Ferri Roberta , Achilli Andrea , Congiu Cinzia , Marcianò Stefano , Gandolfi Stefano , Marengoni Mattia , Bersani Alberto , Passerin D’Entreves Alessandro
Published: December 2023

This paper summarises the results of an experimental campaign carried out at SIET on the ELSMOR facility built in 2022 to validate a decay heat removal system for the E-SMR. Based on the passive mechanisms of natural circulation, the system aims to dissipate the reactor decay heat to a water pool, using two heat exchangers: a plate-type one coupling the primary side to the secondary side, and a vertical tube one coupling the secondary side to the water pool. Such a system is considered to be the most effective passive system, capable of safely managing the SMR accident and accidental situations, and achieving long-term decay heat removal without the need for electricity or external inputs. A description of the primary and secondary loops of the plant is given, together with the installed instrumentation and data acquisition system. In addition, the paper summarises the tests performed in terms of test procedures, test type and associated objectives, test matrix, test results, achievements, and open issues.
GLP1R rs3765467 Polymorphism Is Associated with the Risk of Early Onset Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fang Yunyun , Zhang Jingjing , Ji Linlin , Zhu Chaoyu , Xiao Yuanyuan , Gao Qingge , Song Wenjing , Wei Li
Published: December 2023

Objective. To investigate the relationship between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to early onset type 2 diabetes. Methods. Samples from 316 type 2 diabetes patients with early onset type 2 diabetes (n = 137) and late-onset type 2 diabetes (n = 179) and 145 nondiabetic individuals were analyzed. Multiplex PCR combined with resequencing Hi-Reseq technology was used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor gene, and the allele frequency, genotype distribution, and clinical parameters were analyzed between each diabetes subgroup and the control group. Results. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the exonic region of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor gene according to the minor allele frequency (MAF > 0.05) in the participants. Among these, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor rs3765467 (G⟶A) mutation was statistically associated with early onset type 2 diabetes. Compared with that of the GG carriers, carriers of genotype AA at rs3765467 had a decreased risk of early onset type 2 diabetes after adjusting for sex and body mass index. In the dominant model, the frequencies of the rs3765467 AA + GA genotype were significantly decreased in the early onset type 2 diabetes group, and carriers of genotype AA + GA at rs3765467 had a decreased risk of early onset type 2 diabetes after adjusting for sex and body mass index. Moreover, fasting C peptide levels were significantly higher in GA + AA genotype carriers than those in GG genotype carriers. Conclusion. The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor rs3765467 polymorphism was significantly associated with age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis and thus may be used as a marker to screen and detect individuals at risk of developing early onset type 2 diabetes.
Constituyendo el Futuro
Authors: Muñoz-Cisterna Victor , Castillo-Vergara Mauricio
Published: December 2023

Durante el funcionamiento de la Convención Constituyente, se hizo frecuente que actores políticos que habían logrado unamayoría en este órgano manifestaran su intención de “correr el cerco”, en términos de realizar cambios normativos estructurales en la composición y rol del Estado, así como también en aspectos valóricos. En este nuevo proceso, hemos visto como actores de otro sector político que logró una amplia mayoría en el Consejo Constitucional siguen un camino similar, proponiendo “correr el cerco” en sentido contrario. Continuar leyendo...