bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aorto-Left Ventricular Tunnel – Prenatal Diagnosis and Outcome
Authors: Weber Eva Christin , Recker Florian , Herberg Ulrike , Oberhoffer Renate , Kurkevych Andrii , Axt-Fliedner Roland , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Berg Christoph , Gottschalk Ingo
Published: May 2022

Purpose Aorto-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is an extremely rare, albeit prenatally detectable, extracardiac channel that connects the ascending aorta to the cavity of the left ventricle.

Materials and Methods All ALVTs diagnosed prenatally (2006–2020) in five tertiary referral centers were retrospectively assessed for prenatal ultrasound findings, intrauterine course, postnatal outcome, and surgical treatment. We focused on the size of the tunnel and alterations of perfusion of the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic arch.

Results 11 fetuses were diagnosed with ALVT at a mean gestational age of 24.8 weeks. All cases were associated with severe dilatation of the left ventricle and a to-and-fro flow in the left outflow tract. Signs of congestive heart failure were present in five fetuses, four of which were terminated and one of which died in the neonatal period. One fetus died in utero at 34 weeks without prior signs of cardiac failure. Of the five survivors, two underwent the Ross procedure. In both cases the prenatal left ventricular outflow was exclusively via a large tunnel. The remaining three neonates underwent patch closure of the tunnel. In these cases, the prenatal outflow of the left ventricle was via the aortic valve and simultaneously over the tunnel.

Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis of ALVT should be considered in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, dilatation of the aortic root, and to-and-fro flow in the aortic outflow tract. Signs of heart failure are associated with an unfavorable outcome. Large tunnels, particularly in combination with the absence of flow over the aortic valve, may be an unfavorable predictor of surgical repair.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke in a 2-Month-Old Patient and Review of the Literature in Infancy
Authors: Rodríguez-López Alberto , Gimeno Isabel , Vila Sara , Seoane Andrea , Ballenilla Federico , Ramos Ana , Hilario Amaya , Núñez Noemí , Camacho Ana , Simón Rogelio
Published: May 2022

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in pediatric stroke is supported by studies in adults, but there is controversy regarding younger patients. The main growth of intracranial vessels occurs up to 2 years when there can be more difficulties in MT.

Description of the MT performed in a 2-month-old patient—the youngest infant published to date. We also review the literature on MT for stroke in infants.

A 2-month-old patient presented with an awakening stroke secondary to an occlusion of the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery. A successful MT was performed with an aspiration device without clinically significant complications. An etiological study was completed, and neuroimaging showed focal cerebral arteriopathy. The 3-month outcome was excellent: the pediatric modified Rankin score was 0.

Including this case, MT for acute stroke has been reported in only 10 infants. MT was successful in 90%, mostly using adult conventional stent retrievers. There were complications only in patients with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices; three patients died due to hemorrhagic transformation after MT and one patient died due to recurrent ischemic stroke.

MT seems effective and safe in infants similarly to other pediatric ages. In children under 2 years of age, the presence of comorbidities requiring MCS devices is the main factor underlying poor prognosis.
National Trends in Survival and Short-Term Outcomes of Periviable Births ≤24 Weeks Gestation in the United States, 2009 to 2018
Authors: Doshi Harshit , Shukla Samarth , Patel Shalinkumar , Cudjoe Grace Annan , Boakye Wendy , Parmar Narendrasinh , Bhatt Parth , Dapaah-Siakwan Fredrick , Donda Keyur
Published: May 2022

Objective Data from the academic medical centers in the United States showing improvements in survival of periviable infants born at 22 to 24 weeks GA may not be nationally representative since a substantial proportion of preterm infants are cared for in community hospital-based neonatal intensive care units. Our objective was to examine the national trends in survival and other short-term outcomes among preterm infants born at ≤24 weeks gestational age (GA) in the United States from 2009 to 2018.

Study Design This was a retrospective, repeated cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample for preterm infants ≤24 weeks GA. The primary outcome was the trends in survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes were the trends in the composite outcome of death or one or more major morbidity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis stage ≥2, periventricular leukomalacia, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and severe retinopathy of prematurity). The Cochran–Armitage trend test was used for trend analysis. p-Value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results Among 71,854 infants born at ≤24 weeks GA, 34,251 (47.6%) survived less than 1 day and were excluded. Almost 93% of those who survived <1 day were of ≤23 weeks GA. Among the 37,603 infants included in the study cohort, 48.1% were born at 24 weeks GA. Survival to discharge at GA ≤ 23 weeks increased from 29.6% in 2009 to 41.7% in 2018 (p < 0.001), while survival to discharge at GA 24 weeks increased from 58.3 to 65.9% (p < 0.001). There was a significant decline in the secondary outcomes among all the periviable infants who survived ≥1 day of life.

Conclusion Survival to discharge among preterm infants ≤24 weeks GA significantly increased, while death or major morbidities significantly decreased from 2009 to 2018. The postdischarge survival, health care resource use, and long neurodevelopmental outcomes of these infants need further investigation.

Key Points
Comparison of Arthroscopy versus Open Arthrotomy for Treatment of Septic Arthritis of the Native Knee: Analysis of 90-Day Postoperative Complications
Authors: Dobek Alexander , Cohen Jordan , Ramamurti Pradip , Gu Alex , Golladay Gregory J. , Doerre Teresa , Thakkar Savyasachi
Published: May 2022

Septic arthritis is an orthopaedic emergency, often necessitating surgical debridement, and the knee joint is most frequently affected. Arthroscopic and open irrigation and debridement (I&D) are the two commonest surgical treatments for septic arthritis of the native knee. Several studies have compared outcomes of open and arthroscopic management without coming to a clear conclusion which yields superior outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of these two surgical techniques to treat septic arthritis of the native knee using a large nationwide database. Patients who underwent arthroscopic or open I&D as treatment for knee septic arthritis from 2010 to 2019 were identified using a national insurance database. The primary outcome was the 90-day reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection, readmission, and other postoperative complications. A total of 1,139 patients were identified, 618 of whom (54%) underwent open treatment and 521 (46%) underwent arthroscopic treatment. The two groups did not differ significantly by age, gender, or most comorbidities. There was no significant difference in 90-day reoperation rate between the groups (15.0.% open and 18.0% arthroscopic, p = 0.174). Patients who underwent open treatment had increased odds of readmission to the hospital (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46 [1.14–1.86]; p = 0.003), postoperative anemia (OR = 1.71 [1.08–2.75]; p = 0.025), and blood transfusion (OR = 1.76 [1.04–3.06]; p = 0.040) compared with those who underwent arthroscopic surgery. Using administrative claims data, we found that arthroscopic and open I&D have similar rates of reoperation and most 90-day postoperative outcomes. Lower rates of readmission, postoperative anemia, and blood transfusion were found with arthroscopic I&D, suggesting that arthroscopy may be preferable to open treatment in the management of septic arthritis of the native knee in cases in which other case- and surgeon-specific factors do not otherwise dictate the best treatment modality.
COVID-19 Vaccinations in Pregnancy: Comparative Evaluation of Acute Side Effects and Self-Reported Impact on Quality of Life between Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women in the United States
Authors: Brinkley Emma , Mack Christina DeFilippo , Albert Lisa , Knuth Kendall , Reynolds Matthew W. , Toovey Stephen , Dreyer Nancy A.
Published: May 2022

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the acute side effects experienced by pregnant women who received a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in the United States and to compare their experience to nonpregnant women of similar age.

Study Design Adults who received a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States were invited via social media to enroll in an online, longitudinal, community-based registry (
www.helpstopCOVID19.com
). Participants self-reported pregnancy status, vaccination dates, manufacturer, acute side effects, impact on work and self-care, medical consultation, and hospitalization. This analysis was restricted to women aged 20 to 39 at the time of vaccination. Side effects reported by pregnant women were compared to those reported by nonpregnant women.

Results This analysis included 946 pregnant women, with 572 (60%) receiving at least one dose of Pfizer, 321 (34%) Moderna, and 53 (6%) J&J, and 1,178 nonpregnant women. Demographic and medical history were similar across manufacturers for both cohorts.

Overall, pregnant women reported similar side effects as nonpregnant women, with the most common being injection site reactions (83 vs. 87%), fatigue (72 vs.78%), and headache (45 vs. 59%). Pregnant women reported fewer side effects (median: 3 vs. 4, respectively). In both cohorts, very few reported seeking medical care (<5%) or being hospitalized (<0.3%) after vaccination. Fewer pregnant women reported working less after vaccination than nonpregnant women (32 vs. 40%) or trouble with self-care (32 vs. 46%), respectively.

Conclusion Pregnant women reported similar COVID-19 vaccine side effects as nonpregnant women, although fewer total side effects; pregnant women judged these side effects to have less impact on work and self-care. While these results do not address pregnancy outcomes or long-term effects, findings about acute side effects and impact offer reassurance for all three vaccines in terms of tolerability.

Key Points
Measurement of plasma flow and electron energy probability function in radio frequency plasma thruster with a magnetic cusp
Authors: Furukawa T. , Yarita Y. , Aoyagi H. , Nishida H.
Published: May 2022

The use of a cusp magnetic field is studied to improve the thrust performance of small electrodeless radio frequency (RF) plasma thrusters based on a theoretical analysis of a magnetized inductively coupled plasma. In this type of thruster, electrons play a critical role in determining the thrust performance. The electron energy probability function (EEPF) and two-dimensional profiles of the plasma parameters in the cusp-type magnetic field RF thruster are investigated to characterize the plasma flow. Non-Maxwellian EEPFs were obtained, which correspond to the pressure and plasma potential profiles in the plasma plume. In addition, the axial ion velocity was measured, and the presence of ion flux in the downstream direction is revealed, indicating ideal ion acceleration.
Optimization of transverse emittance for RF-driven negative hydrogen ion source developed at China Spallation Neutron Source
Authors: Zhu Renli , Chen Weidong , Li Hui , Ouyang Huafu , Liu Shengjin , Xiao Yongchuan , Lü Yongjia , Cao Xiuxia , Li Fang , Sun Jilei , Liu Shunming , Xue Kangjia
Published: May 2022

The China Spallation Neutron Source project Phase-II aims to deliver 500 kW beam power to the spallation target. To meet the beam power requirement, an RF-driven negative hydrogen ion source with an external-antenna has been developed. In order to optimize the beam transmission through the radio frequency quadrupole and the downstream linac, the low energy beam transport line needs to be carefully studied and the transverse emittance is focused in this paper. With computational simulation and experimental verification, the emittance growth caused by nonlinear magnetic fields of the solenoid and the residual magnetic fields at the measuring position has been carefully analyzed. The measurement uncertainty of the double-slit scanner has also been quantitatively estimated. Using the same plasma-beam boundary setting, the beam extraction system is also optimized with particle tracking simulation in CST PARTICLE STUDIO.
Tuning the structural, magnetic, and transport properties of Mn3Ga alloys
Authors: Song Linxuan , Li Weike , Lv Senhao , Xi Xuekui , Zhao Dongliang , He Jun , Wang Wenhong
Published: May 2022

Mn3Ga alloys with different crystal modifications, including a disordered L12-type cubic structure, a D022-tetragonal structure, and a D019-hexagonal structure showing two isomorphic heteromagnetic phases, ε-phase and η-phase, were investigated systematically. We found that the disordered cubic phase and the hexagonal ε-phase can be synthesized with Mn compositions ranging from 70 to 75 at. % by rapid melt-spinning. Moreover, the disordered cubic phase could transform to the tetragonal phase after being subjected to low-temperature postannealing. Most importantly, we found that proper postannealing conditions can enable these different crystal modification phases to transform to the hexagonal η-phase. As a result, the two isomorphic heteromagnetic hexagonal phases are clearly distinguished, and their interesting magnetic and transport properties are discussed.
Electron traps in Ag-doped Li2B4O7 crystals: The role of Ag interstitial ions
Authors: Gustafson T. D. , Kananen B. E. , Giles N. C. , Holloway B. C. , Adamiv V. T. , Teslyuk I. M. , Burak Ya. V. , Halliburton L. E.
Published: May 2022

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to establish models for electron traps in Ag-doped lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) crystals. When exposed at room temperature to ionizing radiation, electrons are trapped at interstitial Ag+ ions and holes are trapped at Ag+ ions on Li+ sites. The trapped electrons occupy a 5s1 orbital on the interstitial Ag ions (some of the unpaired spin density is also on neighboring ions). Three EPR spectra are assigned to electrons trapped at interstitial Ag ions. Their g values are near 1.99 and they have resolved hyperfine structure from 107Ag and 109Ag nuclei. The spectrum representing the largest concentration of trapped electrons has the unpaired spin shared by the interstitial Ag ion and an adjacent boron ion at its regular lattice site. A 10B enriched crystal verifies this assignment and an analysis of spin-Hamiltonian parameters yields information about the Ag and B orbitals occupied by the unpaired spin. The second spectrum has the unpaired spin shared equally by two Ag ions, one at an interstitial site and the other at an adjacent Li site. The third spectrum has a large Ag hyperfine interaction and a weak Li interaction. Optical absorption bands associated with the trapped electrons are observed between 225 and 500 nm. Thermal release of electrons from these traps is responsible for a prominent thermoluminescence peak near 150 °C, whereas optical release of the electrons at room temperature produces intense optically stimulated luminescence. Radiative recombination occurs at Ag2+ ions with emission peaking near 270 nm.
An unconventional optical sparse aperture metalens
Authors: Dong Yangeng , Lin Yu , Sun Ti , Zhang Chong , Hu Jingpei , Wang Chinhua , Zeng Aijun , Huang Huijie
Published: May 2022

Metalens consisting of arrays of subwavelength nanostructures with ultrathin, lightweight, and tailorable characteristics have been in the spotlight to develop next-generation optical elements beyond existing refractive or diffractive optics. However, billions of subwavelength nanostructures of the metalens pose a serious challenge for fabrication, especially for the large-area ones. Herein, we designed and fabricated an unconventional optical sparse aperture (UOSA) metalens that consists of four identical and concentric annular sectors sub-aperture metalens, and it has the larger nonzero domain of modulation transfer function compared with the OSA metalens. The numerical simulation and experiments jointly show that the UOSA metalens has a limited diffraction resolution (0.91 µm) as the conventional full aperture metalens. The UOSA method can not only enlarge the effective aperture of the metalens with lower cost and less processing time but also extend a new degree of freedom for the design of the OSA metalens.
Non-asymptotic quantum scattering theory to design high-mobility lateral transition-metal dichalcogenide heterostructures
Authors: Bharadwaj Sathwik , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin , Ram-Mohan L. R.
Published: May 2022

Atomistic determination of carrier scattering properties is essential for designing nano-electronic devices in two-dimensional (2D) materials. Traditional quantum scattering theory is developed in an asymptotic limit, thus making it inapplicable for 2D materials and heterostructures. Here, we introduce a new paradigm of non-asymptotic quantum scattering theory to obtain the carrier scattering properties at finite distances from active scattering centers. We develop an atomistic multiscale formalism built on the k⋅p Hamiltonian, supplemented with parameters from first-principles electronic structure calculations. We apply this framework to investigate electron transport in lateral transition-metal dichalcogenide heterostructures and demonstrate enhanced high mobility of the order of 103cm2V−1s−1 at room temperature. The non-asymptotic quantum scattering formalism provides a new frontier to design high-performance mesoscopic devices in 2D materials.
Stabilization mechanism revelation of a novel vortex-tube combustion technique: LES with sgs-pdf approach
Authors: Ren Shoujun , Jones William P. , Wang Xiaohan
Published: May 2022

The paper revealed the in-depth stabilization mechanisms of a novel vortex-tube combustion technique by using ethanol as fuel, which is implemented by a stratified vortex-tube combustor (SVC). The stability properties of the SVC are investigated, showing that the SVC has a wide stability limit and low-pressure fluctuation amplitudes with a uniform flame front. The equivalence ratio at the lean flammability limit is always below 0.2, and the amplitude of pressure fluctuation is less than 2000 Pa, indicating a highly steady combustion process. The non-premixed flame structure guarantees high mass concentrations near the reaction zone, while the vortex flow also decreases the local flow velocity, inhibiting flame blow-out, thus providing good self-adjusting capacity under various global equivalence ratios. The vortex–flame interaction transports the interior high-enthalpy burnt gas to the exterior unburnt gas region, thereby promoting ignition. The exterior unburnt gas is also transported to the flame front where it promotes reaction and yields an intensified combustion. The large tangential velocity and density gradient result in the large values of Richardson number, which suggests that laminarization of the flow occurs and results in good aero-dynamic and thermo-dynamic stabilities. The small values of the Rayleigh number indicate good flame-dynamic stability. Therefore, the resultant good self-adjusting capacity and three types of dynamic stabilities are the intrinsic causes of the ultra-steady combustion process in this combustor.
Possible Ferro-electro-magnetic performance of “reduced graphene oxide” deposited on “ZnO-nanorod (NR) decorated with nanocrystalline (nc) Au particles”
Authors: Ray Sekhar C. , Pong W. F.
Published: May 2022

Possible ferro-electromagnetic performance of “reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)” deposited on the surface of “ZnO-nanorod (NR) decorated with nanocrystalline (nc) Au particles” is studied using different spectroscopies and magnetic measurements. The presence of carbon/zinc-interstitials (Zni), nc-Au, and oxygen vacancies are established through electronic property studies using different spectroscopic measurements. The magnetic moment (M) applied magnetic field (H) curve and electrical measurement current (I)–voltage (V) loops show that nc-Au/ZnO-NRs:r-GO is ferromagnetic and partial ferroelectric, respectively. The work functions are obtained from the lower kinetic energy of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, which is correlated with the enhancement of ferro-electro-magnetic performance. Both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic performance of nc-Au/ZnO-NRs:r-GO nanocomposite material could be useful for ferro-electro-magnetic technological applications.
-Acetylcysteine improves oocyte quality through modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress caused by repeated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Authors: Fan Lijie , Guan Fengli , Ma Yucong , Zhang Yu , Li Li , Sun Ying , Cao Can , Du Huilan , He Ming
Published: May 2022

Context N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that can be used for many gynecological diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a critical step in infertility treatment. Our previous clinical studies have shown that repeated COH led to oxidative stress in follicle fluid and ovarian granulosa cells. Aims In this study, we investigated whether NAC could inhibit oxidative stress in mice caused by repeated COH and improve the mitochondrial function of oocytes. Methods Female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly assigned into three groups: normal group, model (repeated COH) group, NAC group. We examined the morphology, number and quality of mitochondria. The mechanism of regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by NAC to ameliorate oxidative stress was also investigated. Key results Repeated COH caused oxidative damage in ovaries and oocytes and decreased oocyte quality, while NAC prevented oxidative damage and increased oocyte mitochondrial function. In in vitro experiments, it was verified that NAC can promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which transcriptionally activates the expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which removed excessive reactive oxygen species that causes mitochondria damage. Conclusions The results suggest that NAC raises mitochondrial function in oocytes and improves oocyte quality through decreasing oxidative stress in mice with repeated COH. The underlying mechanism is related to the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Implication This study provides a meaningful foundation for the future clinical application of NAC during repeated COH.
Modeling methane dynamics in three wetlands in Northeastern China by using the CLM-Microbe model
Authors: Zuo Yunjiang , Wang Yihui , He Liyuan , Wang Nannan , Liu Jianzhao , Yuan Fenghui , Li Kexin , Guo Ziyu , Sun Ying , Zhu Xinhao , Zhang Lihua , Song Changchun , Sun Li , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: May 2022

Wetlands account for up to 70% of the natural source of methane (CH
4
) in terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale. Soil microbes are the ultimate producers and biological consumers of CH
4
in wetlands. Therefore, simulating microbial mechanisms of CH
4
production and consumptionwould improve the predictability of CH
4
flux in wetland ecosystems. In this study, we applied a microbial-explicit model, the CLM-Microbe, to simulate CH
4
flux in three major natural wetlands in northeastern China. The CLM-Microbe model was able to capture the seasonal variation of gross primary productivity (GPP), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and CH
4
flux. The CLM-Microbe model explained more than 40% of the variation in GPP and CH
4
flux across sites. Marsh wetlands had higher CH
4
flux than mountain peatlands. Ebullition dominated the CH
4
transport pathway in all three wetlands. The methanogenesis dominates while methanotroph makes a minor contribution to the CH
4
flux, making all wetlands a CH
4
source. Sensitivity analysis indicated that microbial growth and death rates are the key factors governing CH
4
emission and vegetation physiological properties (
flnr
) and maintenance respiration predominate GPP variation. Explicitly simulating microbial processes allows genomic information to be incorporated, laying a foundation for better predicting CH
4
dynamics under the changing environment.
Neutrophil phenotypes and functions in cancer: A consensus statement
Authors: Quail Daniela F. , Amulic Borko , Aziz Monowar , Barnes Betsy J. , Eruslanov Evgeniy , Fridlender Zvi G. , Goodridge Helen S. , Granot Zvi , Hidalgo Andrés , Huttenlocher Anna , Kaplan Mariana J. , Malanchi Ilaria , Merghoub Taha , Meylan Etienne , Mittal Vivek , Pittet Mikael J. , Rubio-Ponce Andrea , Udalova Irina A. , van den Berg Timo K. , Wagner Denisa D. , Wang Ping , Zychlinsky Arturo , de Visser Karin E. , Egeblad Mikala , Kubes Paul
Published: May 2022

Neutrophils are the first responders to infection and inflammation and are thus a critical component of innate immune defense. Understanding the behavior of neutrophils as they act within various inflammatory contexts has provided insights into their role in sterile and infectious diseases; however, the field of neutrophils in cancer is comparatively young. Here, we summarize key concepts and current knowledge gaps related to the diverse roles of neutrophils throughout cancer progression. We discuss sources of neutrophil heterogeneity in cancer and provide recommendations on nomenclature for neutrophil states that are distinct in maturation and activation. We address discrepancies in the literature that highlight a need for technical standards that ought to be considered between laboratories. Finally, we review emerging questions in neutrophil biology and innate immunity in cancer. Overall, we emphasize that neutrophils are a more diverse population than previously appreciated and that their role in cancer may present novel unexplored opportunities to treat cancer.
Efficiency improvement of inverted perovskite solar cells enabled by PTAA/MoS2double hole transporters
Authors: Hu Weidong , Jin Xin , Li Aijun , Liu Cheng-Liang , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: May 2022

Hole transport layer (HTL) plays a critical role in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We focus on the improvement of PSCs performance with MoS2nanosheets as the anode buffer layer in the inverted photovoltaic structure. PSC with single MoS2buffer layer shows poor performance in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the long-term stability. By combination of MoS2and Poly[bis(4-phenyl) (2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) amine] (PTAA) as double-layer HTL, the PCE is improved to 18.47%, while the control device with PTAA alone shows a PCE of 14.48%. The same phenomenon is also found in 2D PSCs. For double-layer HTL devices, the PCE reaches 13.19%, and the corresponding PCE of the control group using PTAA alone is 10.13%. This significant improvement is attributed to the reduced interface resistance and improved hole extraction ability as shown by the electric impedance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the improved device exhibits better stability because the PCE still maintains 66% of the initial value after 500 h of storage, which is higher than the 47% of the remaining PCE from device based on single PTAA or MoS2. Our results demonstrate the potential of polymer/inorganic nanomaterial as a double-layer buffer material for PSCs.
Interface superconductivity in FeSe thin films on SrTiO

3

grown by the PLD technique
Authors: Kobayashi T , Ogawa H , Nabeshima F , Maeda A
Published: May 2022

In this study, we fabricate 5–30 nm thick films of FeSe/STO using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The grown films exhibit superconductivity with an onset

T

c

that is much higher than that of bulk FeSe under ambient pressure. The observed

T

c

values are exceptionally high in terms of the strain vs.

T

c

relationship of the same material established so far. Furthermore,

T

c

increases as the film thickness decreases, except for films thinner than 10 nm. This thickness dependence of

T

c

is in good agreement with the results reported for films grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) that exhibit interface superconductivity. These results indicate the realization of interface superconductivity in PLD-grown FeSe/STO. Furthermore, our PLD technique requires no post-annealing to realize interface superconductivity, which is different from MBE techniques. Because the PLD technique has the advantage that various interfaces can be fabricated easily by simply altering the target materials, our results open novel routes to study interface superconductivity toward higher

T

c

by systematic control of the interface.
Impact of

mixing on the localized CP violations of the

decay *
Authors: Qi Jing-Juan , Zhang Xuan , Wang Chao , Wang Zhen-Yang , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: May 2022

In the framework of the QCD factorization approach, we study the localized

violations of the

decay with and without the

mixing mechanism and observe that the localized

violation can be enhanced by this mixing effect when the mass of the

pair is in the vicinity of the

resonance. The corresponding theoretical prediction results are

(

with the central value form) and

(

with the central value form), respectively. Meanwhile, we also calculate the branching fraction of the

decay, which is consistent with the experimental results. We suggest that the

mixing mechanism should be considered when theoretically and experimentally studying the

violation of the B or D meson decays.
Searching for axion-like particles with the blazar observations of MAGIC and Fermi-LAT *
Authors: Li Hai-Jun , Bi Xiao-Jun , Yin Peng-Fei
Published: May 2022

In this study, we explore the axion-like particle (ALP)-photon oscillation effect in the γ-ray spectra of the blazars Markarian 421 (Mrk 421) and PG 1553+113, which are measured by the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov Telescopes (MAGIC) and Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT) with high precision. The Mrk 421 and PG 1553+113 observations of 15 and five phases are used in the analysis, respectively. We find that the combined analysis with all the 15 phases improves the limits of the Mrk 421 observations. For the selected blazar jet magnetic field and extragalactic background light models, the combined limit set by the Mrk 421 observations excludes the ALP parameter region with the ALP-photon coupling of

for the ALP mass of

at 95% confidence level. The main uncertainties of the analysis originate from the blazar jet magnetic field model. We also find that the ALP hypothesis can slightly improve the fit to the PG 1553+113 results in several parameter regions. We do not set the limit in this case.
On the dynamics of relativistic particles with torsion in warped product spacetimes
Authors: Herrera Jónatan , de la Rosa Martín , Rubio Rafael M
Published: May 2022

In this work, we study spacelike trajectories of a relativistic particle model whose Lagrangian is given by the total torsion of its worldline. Once the field equations are established, we investigate the trajectories in two physically relevant families of four-dimensional spacetimes: generalized Robertson–Walker and standard static spacetimes. For the former we obtain both characterization as well as non-existence results for Frenet curves of different orders, which are the curves capable of modeling trajectories. For standard static spacetimes, we obtain a full characterization of the critical curves and present an example in which we can explicitly compute non-trivial trajectories.
The development of a deep reinforcement learning network for dose-volume-constrained treatment planning in prostate cancer intensity modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Sprouts Damon , Gao Yin , Wang Chao , Jia Xun , Shen Chenyang , Chi Yujie
Published: May 2022

Although commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs) can automatically solve the optimization problem for treatment planning, human planners need to define and adjust the planning objectives/constraints to obtain clinically acceptable plans. Such a process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this work, we show an end-to-end study to train a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based virtual treatment planner (VTP) that can behave like a human to operate a dose-volume constrained treatment plan optimization engine following the parameters used in Eclipse TPS for high-quality treatment planning. We considered the prostate cancer IMRT treatment plan as the testbed. The VTP took the dose-volume histogram (DVH) of a plan as input and predicted the optimal strategy for constraint adjustment to improve the plan quality. The training of VTP followed the state-of-the-art Q-learning framework. Experience replay was implemented with epsilon-greedy search to explore the impacts of taking different actions on a large number of automatically generated plans, from which an optimal policy can be learned. Since a major computational cost in training was to solve the plan optimization problem repeatedly, we implemented a graphical processing unit (GPU)-based technique to improve the efficiency by 2-fold. Upon the completion of training, the established VTP was deployed to plan for an independent set of 50 testing patient cases. Connecting the established VTP with the Eclipse workstation via the application programming interface, we tested the performance the VTP in operating Eclipse TPS for automatic treatment planning with another two independent patient cases. Like a human planner, VTP kept adjusting the planning objectives/constraints to improve plan quality until the plan was acceptable or the maximum number of adjustment steps was reached under both scenarios. The generated plans were evaluated using the ProKnow scoring system. The mean plan score (± standard deviation) of the 50 testing cases were improved from 6.18 ± 1.75 to 8.14 ± 1.27 by the VTP, with 9 being the maximal score. As for the two cases under Eclipse dose optimization, the plan scores were improved from 8 to 8.4 and 8.7 respectively by the VTP. These results indicated that the proposed DRL-based VTP was able to operate the in-house dose-volume constrained TPS and Eclipse TPS to automatically generate high-quality treatment plans for prostate cancer IMRT.
Exodus: sequencing-based pipeline for quantification of pooled variants
Authors: Vainberg-Slutskin Ilya , Kowalsman Noga , Silberberg Yael , Cohen Tal , Gold Jenia , Kario Edith , Weiner Iddo , Gahali-Sass Inbar , Kredo-Russo Sharon , Zak Naomi B , Bassan Merav
Published: May 2022

Next-Generation Sequencing is widely used as a tool for identifying and quantifying microorganisms pooled together in either natural or designed samples. However, a prominent obstacle is achieving correct quantification when the pooled microbes are genetically related. In such cases, the outcome mostly depends on the method used for assigning reads to the individual targets. To address this challenge, we have developed Exodus—a reference-based Python algorithm for quantification of genomes, including those that are highly similar, when they are sequenced together in a single mix. To test Exodus’ performance, we generated both empirical and in silico next-generation sequencing data of mixed genomes. When applying Exodus to these data, we observed median error rates varying between 0% and 0.21% as a function of the complexity of the mix. Importantly, no false negatives were recorded, demonstrating that Exodus’ likelihood of missing an existing genome is very low, even if the genome’s relative abundance is low and similar genomes are present in the same mix. Taken together, these data position Exodus as a reliable tool for identifying and quantifying genomes in mixed samples. Exodus is open source and free to use at: https://github.com/ilyavs/exodus.

Availability and implementation

Exodus is implemented in Python within a Snakemake framework. It is available on GitHub alongside a docker containing the required dependencies: https://github.com/ilyavs/exodus. The data underlying this article will be shared on reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Multivariate Optimization for Determination of Favipiravir, a SARS-CoV-2 Molecule, by the Reverse-Phase Liquid Chromatographic Method Using a QbD Approach
Authors: Nishanth G V V , Spandana Tatineni , Sri Chiriki Devi , Nataraj Varshini , Vikram P R Hemanth , Gurupadayya B M
Published: May 2022

The object of the analytical work is to develop an analytical multivariate optimization for the determination of Favipiravir (FAV), a SARS-CoV-2 molecule, by the reverse-phase liquid chromatographic method using the analytical quality by design approach. FAV is used as an antiviral drug. Box-Behnken design is utilized for the optimization of the experiment and to identify the critical method parameters like the volume of acetonitrile, temperature and flow rate. Further, these factors are used to design the suitable mathematical models and illustrate their effect on various responses. This newly developed method utilized C18 column (5μm, 100 × 4.6 mm) and a temperature of 40°C with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The mobile phase is composed of acetonitrile and ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4), in the ratio of 20:80v/v and the wavelength of HPLC UV-Detector was fixed to 323nm. This method is validated according to International Council for Harmonization Q2 (R1) guidelines. The System suitability is performed and the retention time of Favipiravir is 3.4min. The linearity range is obtained at 0.062 – 4 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient (r2 = 0.9979). The recovery is found to be in the range of 98.84–100%. Thus, the intended method is found to be simple and robust.
Bridging Fixed Dose to Body Weight-based Regimen of Adalimumab in Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Using a Pharmacometric Modelling Approach: Case Study with the Phase 3 ENVISION I Trial
Authors: Stodtmann Sven , Chen Mong-Jen , Siovitz Lucia , Bereswill Mareike , Lazar Andreas , Croft Nicholas , Kierkus Jaroslaw , Faubion William A , Mostafa Nael M
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

The Phase 3 study ENVISION I demonstrated efficacy and safety of adalimumab in paediatric patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The protocol-specified high-dose adalimumab regimen was numerically more efficacious than the standard-dose regimen. The objective of this work was to bridge a fixed-dosing regimen to the protocol-specified high-induction/high-maintenance, body weight-based dosing regimen studied in ENVISION I, using a pharmacometrics modelling and simulation approach.

Methods

A stepwise strategy was implemented, including developing an adalimumab paediatric population pharmacokinetic model; using this model to determine a fixed-dosing regimen in paediatric ulcerative colitis patients which achieves similar concentrations to those observed in ENVISION I patients; determining adalimumab exposure-response relationship using population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model and data from ENVISION I; simulating clinical remission rate in paediatric ulcerative colitis patients using the Markov exposure-response model and the dosing regimen determined to provide similar efficacy to that observed in ENVISION I.

Results

Both developed population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models adequately described the observed data. Adalimumab exposure was identified as a significant predictor of clinical remission at Week 8 based on logistic regression [p <0.01]. Simulated efficacy suggested that the fixed-dosing regimen performs similarly to the more efficacious dosing regimen used in ENVISION I, by providing comparable clinical remission per Partial Mayo Score response rates over time. No relationship between adalimumab exposure and adverse events was identified.

Conclusions

The population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model supports the appropriateness of the use of the fixed-dosing regimen in the paediatric ulcerative colitis population.
Cardiovascular disease, mortality, and their associations with modifiable risk factors in a multi-national South Asia cohort: a PURE substudy
Authors: Joseph Philip , Kutty Vellappillil Raman , Mohan Viswanathan , Kumar Rajesh , Mony Prem , Vijayakumar Krishnapillai , Islam Shofiqul , Iqbal Romaina , Kazmi Khawar , Rahman Omar , Yusuf Rita , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Mohan Indu , Rangarajan Sumathy , Gupta Rajeev , Yusuf Salim
Published: May 2022

Aim

To examine the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), of death, and the comparative effects of 12 common modifiable risk factors for both outcomes in South Asia.

Methods and results

Prospective study of 33 583 individuals 35–70 years of age from India, Bangladesh, or Pakistan. Mean follow-up period was 11 years. Age and sex adjusted incidence of a CVD event and mortality rates were calculated for the overall cohort, by urban or rural location, by sex, and by country. For each outcome, mutually adjusted population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated in 32 611 individuals without prior CVD to compare risks associated with four metabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, high non-HDL cholesterol), four behavioural risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol use, diet quality, physical activity), education, household air pollution, strength, and depression. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression models, and average PAFs were calculated for each risk factor or groups of risk factors. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death (35.5%) in South Asia. Rural areas had a higher incidence of CVD (5.41 vs. 4.73 per 1000 person-years) and a higher mortality rate (10.27 vs. 6.56 per 1000 person-years) compared with urban areas. Males had a higher incidence of CVD (6.42 vs. 3.91 per 1000 person-years) and a higher mortality rate (10.66 vs. 6.85 per 1000 person-years) compared with females. Between countries, CVD incidence was highest in Bangladesh, while the mortality rate was highest in Pakistan. The modifiable risk factors studied contributed to approximately 64% of the PAF for CVD and 69% of the PAF for death. Largest PAFs for CVD were attributable to hypertension (13.1%), high non-HDL cholesterol (11.1%), diabetes (8.9%), low education (7.7%), abdominal obesity (6.9%), and household air pollution (6.1%). Largest PAFs for death were attributable to low education (18.9%), low strength (14.6%), poor diet (6.4%), diabetes (5.8%), tobacco use (5.8%), and hypertension (5.5%).

Conclusion

In South Asia, both CVD and deaths are highest in rural areas and among men. Reducing CVD and premature mortality in the region will require investment in policies that target a broad range of health determinants.
Systemic Inflammation Is Associated With Future Risk of Fatal Infection: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Drozd Michael , Pujades-Rodriguez Mar , Morgan Ann W , Lillie Patrick J , Witte Klaus K , Kearney Mark T , Cubbon Richard M
Published: May 2022

Background

Many diseases are associated with chronic inflammation, resulting in widening application of anti-inflammatory therapies. Although they are effective as disease-modifying agents, these anti-inflammatory therapies increase the risk of serious infection; however, it remains unknown whether chronic systemic inflammation per se is also associated with fatal infection.

Methods

Using serum C-reactive protein (CRP) data from 461 052 UK Biobank participants, we defined incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for death from infection, cardiovascular disease, or other causes and adjusted for comorbidities and the use of anti-inflammatory therapies.

Results

Systemic inflammation, defined as CRP ≥2 mg/L, was common in all comorbidities considered. After adjusting for confounding factors, systemic inflammation was associated with a higher IRR point estimate for infection death (1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–1.92) than cardiovascular (1.48; CI, 1.40–1.57) or other death (1.41; CI, 1.37–1.45), although CIs overlapped. C-reactive protein thresholds of ≥5 and ≥10 mg/L yielded similar findings, as did analyses in people with ≥2, but not <2, comorbidities.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation per se identifies people at increased risk of infection death, potentially contributing to the observed risks of anti-inflammatory therapies in clinical trials. In future clinical trials of anti-inflammatory therapies, researchers should carefully consider risks and benefits in target populations, guided by research into mechanisms of infection risk.
Humoral Immunogenicity of the mRNA-1273 Vaccine in the Phase 3 Coronavirus Efficacy (COVE) Trial
Authors: El Sahly Hana M , Baden Lindsey R , Essink Brandon , Montefiori David , McDermont Adrian , Rupp Richard , Lewis Michael , Swaminathan Shobha , Griffin Carl , Fragoso Veronica , Miller Vicki E , Girard Bethany , Paila Yamuna D , Deng Weiping , Tomassini Joanne E , Paris Robert , Schödel Florian , Das Rituparna , August Allison , Leav Brett , Miller Jacqueline M , Zhou Honghong , Pajon Rolando ,   for the Coronavirus Efficacy (COVE) Study Group
Published: May 2022

Background

Messenger RNA (mRNA)–1273 vaccine demonstrated 93.2% efficacy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Coronavirus Efficacy (COVE) trial. The humoral immunogenicity results are now reported.

Methods

Participants received 2 mRNA-1273 (100 µg) or placebo injections, 28 days apart. Immune responses were evaluated in a prespecified, randomly selected per-protocol immunogenicity population (n = 272 placebo; n = 1185 mRNA-1273). Serum binding antibodies (bAbs) and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–spike protein were assessed at days 1, 29, and 57 by baseline SARS-CoV-2–negative (n = 1197) and SARS-CoV-2–positive (n = 260) status, age, and sex.

Results

SARS-CoV-2–negative vaccinees had bAb geometric mean AU/mL levels of 35 753 at day 29 that increased to 316 448 at day 57 and nAb inhibitory dilution 50% titers of 55 at day 29 that rose to 1081 at day 57. In SARS-CoV-2–positive vacinees, the first mRNA-1273 injection elicited bAb and nAb levels that were 11-fold (410 049) and 27-fold (1479) higher than in SARS-CoV-2–negative vaccinees, respectively, and were comparable to levels after 2 injections in uninfected participants. Findings were generally consistent by age and sex.

Conclusions

mRNA-1273 elicited robust serologic immune responses across age, sex, and SARS-CoV-2 status, consistent with its high COVID-19 efficacy. Higher immune responses in those previously infected support a booster-type effect.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04470427.