bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated ion trap for the photon–ion spectrometer at PETRA III
Authors: Reinwardt S. , Baev I. , Linß F. , Cieslik P. , Raberg O. , Buhr T. , Perry-Sassmannshausen A. , Schippers S. , Müller A. , Trinter F. , Guda A. , Laasch R. , Martins M.
Published: February 2023

We have added a multipole ion trap to the existing photon–ion spectrometer at PETRA III (PIPE). Its hybrid structure combines a ring-electrode trap with a segmented 16-pole trap. The interaction of gases and ions with extreme ultraviolet radiation from the beamline P04 is planned to be investigated with the newly installed multipole trap. The research focus lies on radiation-induced chemical reactions that take place in the interstellar medium or in the atmospheres of planets, including natural as well as man-made processes that are important in the Earth’s atmosphere. In order to determine the mass-to-charge ratio of the stored ions as efficiently as possible, we are using an ion time-of-flight spectrometer. With this technique, all stored ions can be detected simultaneously. To demonstrate the possibilities of the trap setup, two experiments have been carried out: The photoionization of xenon and the ion-impact ionization of norbornadiene. This type of ion-impact ionization can, in principle, also take place in planetary atmospheres. In addition to ionization by photon or ion impact, chemical reactions of the trapped ions with neutral atoms or molecules in the gas phase have been observed. The operation of the trap enables us to simulate conditions similar to those in the ionosphere.
Electronic structure theory on modeling short-range noncovalent interactions between amino acids
Authors: Villot Corentin , Lao Ka Un
Published: February 2023

While short-range noncovalent interactions (NCIs) are proving to be of importance in many chemical and biological systems, these atypical bindings happen within the so-called van der Waals envelope and pose an enormous challenge for current computational methods. We introduce SNCIAA, a database of 723 benchmark interaction energies of short-range noncovalent interactions between neutral/charged amino acids originated from protein x-ray crystal structures at the “gold standard” coupled-cluster with singles, doubles, and perturbative triples/complete basis set [CCSD(T)/CBS] level of theory with a mean absolute binding uncertainty less than 0.1 kcal/mol. Subsequently, a systematic assessment of commonly used computational methods, such as the second-order Møller−Plesset theory (MP2), density functional theory (DFT), symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT), composite electronic-structure methods, semiempirical approaches, and the physical-based potentials with machine learning (IPML) on SNCIAA is carried out. It is shown that the inclusion of dispersion corrections is essential even though these dimers are dominated by electrostatics, such as hydrogen bondings and salt bridges. Overall, MP2, ωB97M-V, and B3LYP+D4 turned out to be the most reliable methods for the description of short-range NCIs even in strongly attractive/repulsive complexes. SAPT is also recommended in describing short-range NCIs only if the δMP2 correction has been included. The good performance of IPML for dimers at close-equilibrium and long-range conditions is not transferable to the short-range. We expect that SNCIAA will assist the development/improvement/validation of computational methods, such as DFT, force-fields, and ML models, in describing NCIs across entire potential energy surfaces (short-, intermediate-, and long-range NCIs) on the same footing.
Development of a generalized Richards equation for predicting spontaneous imbibition of highly shear-thinning liquids in gas recovery applications
Authors: Asadi H. , Pourjafar-Chelikdani M. , Taghavi S. M. , Sadeghy K.
Published: February 2023

A new generalized Richards equation (GRE) valid for highly shear-thinning liquids obeying the power-law model is developed using the concept of the effective viscosity. The mathematical model developed this way is validated against experimental data reported recently for one-dimensional spontaneous imbibition of two pusher liquids by a tight sandstone. The GRE model was then used for evaluating the applicability of shear-thinning liquids for enhanced gas recovery. For a homogenous tight sandstone, it is shown that shear-thinning can dramatically shorten the time needed for the gas recovery to reach equilibrium. Based on the obtained numerical results, the mass of the gas recovered using spontaneous imbibition is increased if use is made of highly shear-thinning liquids. At prolonged times, however, it is predicted that gas recovery might slightly drop below its Newtonian counterpart even for highly shear-thinning fluids. The effect was attributed to the fact that, in spontaneous imbibition, the viscosity of power-law fluids increases with time and can eventually become larger than its Newtonian counterpart. For a two-layered non-homogeneous system, numerical results suggest that depending on the microstructure of the two layers, the liquid mass uptake can be smaller than that of the homogenous case. It is predicted that if the liquid is sufficiently shear-thinning, gas recovery can reach levels much above the homogeneous case.
Human pancreatic islet microRNAs implicated in diabetes and related traits by large-scale genetic analysis
Authors: Taylor Henry J. , Hung Yu-Han , Narisu Narisu , Erdos Michael R. , Kanke Matthew , Yan Tingfen , Grenko Caleb M. , Swift Amy J. , Bonnycastle Lori L. , Sethupathy Praveen , Collins Francis S. , Taylor D. Leland
Published: February 2023

Genetic studies have identified ≥240 loci associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet most of these loci lie in non-coding regions, masking the underlying molecular mechanisms. Recent studies investigating mRNA expression in human pancreatic islets have yielded important insights into the molecular drivers of normal islet function and T2D pathophysiology. However, similar studies investigating microRNA (miRNA) expression remain limited. Here, we present data from 63 individuals, the largest sequencing-based analysis of miRNA expression in human islets to date. We characterized the genetic regulation of miRNA expression by decomposing the expression of highly heritable miRNAs into
cis-
and
trans-
acting genetic components and mapping
cis
-acting loci associated with miRNA expression [miRNA-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs)]. We found i) 84 heritable miRNAs, primarily regulated by
trans
-acting genetic effects, and ii) 5 miRNA-eQTLs. We also used several different strategies to identify T2D-associated miRNAs. First, we colocalized miRNA-eQTLs with genetic loci associated with T2D and multiple glycemic traits, identifying one miRNA, miR-1908, that shares genetic signals for blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Next, we intersected miRNA seed regions and predicted target sites with credible set SNPs associated with T2D and glycemic traits and found 32 miRNAs that may have altered binding and function due to disrupted seed regions. Finally, we performed differential expression analysis and identified 14 miRNAs associated with T2D status—including miR-187-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-668, and miR-199b-5p—and 4 miRNAs associated with a polygenic score for HbA1c levels—miR-216a, miR-25, miR-30a-3p, and miR-30a-5p.
Evaluating evasion strategies in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Jiao Yusheng , Colvert Brendan , Man Yi , McHenry Matthew J. , Kanso Eva
Published: February 2023

An effective evasion strategy allows prey to survive encounters with predators. Prey are generally thought to escape in a direction that is either random or serves to maximize the minimum distance from the predator. Here, we introduce a comprehensive approach to determine the most likely evasion strategy among multiple hypotheses and the role of biomechanical constraints on the escape response of prey fish. Through a consideration of six strategies with sensorimotor noise and previous kinematic measurements, our analysis shows that zebrafish larvae generally escape in a direction orthogonal to the predator’s heading. By sensing only the predator’s heading, this orthogonal strategy maximizes the distance from fast-moving predators, and, when operating within the biomechanical constraints of the escape response, it provides the best predictions of prey behavior among all alternatives. This work demonstrates a framework for resolving the strategic basis of evasion in predator–prey interactions, which could be applied to a broad diversity of animals.
Ultra-wideband hybrid polarization conversion-absorption metasurface with a transmission window and narrow transition bands
Authors: Shi Yan , Chu Peng Peng , Meng Zan Kui
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes an ultra-wideband hybrid polarization conversion-absorption (PCA) metasurface with a transmission band for radar cross section (RCS) reduction application. To achieve the in-band transmission of the incident wave and the out-of-band suppression of the scattering wave, the proposed metasurface is composed of a low-frequency PCA array, a high-frequency polarization conversion (PC) array, and a second-order frequency selective surface (FSS). The lumped resistors are used in the PCA array to generate the absorption characteristic, thus giving rise to the reduction of the co-polarization component of the scattering field and meanwhile the elimination of the high-frequency resonances. An interdigital structure is introduced into the PCA array to not only achieve a good transmission for a co-polarization component of the incoming wave but also result in an extra PC band for narrowing the transition band between the transmission window and the high-frequency PCA band. The orthogonal layout of the PCA array and the PC array is used to decrease the interaction between them, thus resulting in an ultra-wideband PCA band. The second-order FSS consisting of a stacked structure is designed to generate a good passband with the steep roll-off and the good out-of-band suppression. The proposed metasurface has an ultra-wideband PCA band, a good transmission band, and narrow transition bands. When the proposed metasurface is arranged into an array in a rotation way, the ultra-wideband RCS reduction performance can be obtained. Simulated and measured results are given to demonstrate a 10 dB RCS reduction band of 3.4–24.6 GHz with a −1 dB transmission band of 8.45–10 GHz.
Analysis of mechanical behavior and electromechanical properties of REBCO-coated conductor tapes under combined bending-tension loads using numerical methods
Authors: Pan Yingzheng , Gao Peifeng
Published: February 2023

Rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) high-temperature superconducting-coated conductor (CC) tapes are potential conductors for high-field magnets. In an operating high-field magnet, REBCO CC tapes are bent into coils and simultaneously subjected to hoop electromagnetic forces. Under these combined bending-tension loads, the critical current (

I

c

) of the REBCO CC tapes is at risk of irreversible degradation. Therefore, investigating the mechanical behavior and electromechanical properties of REBCO CC tapes under combined bending-tension loads is necessary. In this study, the mechanical behavior of REBCO CC tapes was analyzed using a finite element model (FEM). First, in the fabrication-cooling process of REBCO CC tapes, the thermal residual stress/strain accumulated in the constituent layers was analyzed. Then, considering the thermal residual stress/strain as the initial stress–strain state, the mechanical behavior of REBCO CC tapes under various mechanical loads, such as axial tension, bending, and combined bending-tension at 77 K, was analyzed. Furthermore, a phenomenological model of the internal strain in the REBCO films dependence of

I

c

was developed for analyzing the electromechanical properties of REBCO CC tapes under combined bending-tension loads at 77 K. Calculated results showed that the compressive thermal residual strain in REBCO films at 77 K was −0.25%, and the internal strain in the REBCO films corresponding to the irreversible degradation of

I

c

was 0.45% under axial tension loads, which was verified by experimental results. Under bending and combined bending-tension loads, the distribution of the internal strain in the REBCO films along the width direction was non-uniform owing to the Poisson effect, and the onset of the irreversible degradation of

I

c

occurred at the outer edge of the REBCO films. The phenomenological model was experimentally verified to be effective in

I

c

degradation behavior prediction under combined bending-tension loads, and model predictions based on the FEM results indicated that the electromechanical properties were significantly influenced by the bending modes (tensile bending or compressive bending) of the REBCO CC tapes.
Quantum simulation of the generalized-entangled quantum eraser and the related complete complementarity relations
Authors: S Chrysosthemos Diego S , Basso Marcos L W , Maziero Jonas
Published: February 2023

We utilize IBM’s quantum computers to perform a full quantum simulation of the optical quantum eraser (QE) utilizing a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with a variable partially-polarizing beam splitter (VPPBS) at the input. The use of the VPPBS motivates us to introduce the entangled quantum eraser, for which the path information is erased using a Bell-basis measurement. We also investigate the behavior of the wave aspect, i.e., the quantum coherence, as well as the particle character, represented by the predictability and entanglement, as delineated in complete complementarity relations (CCRs). As we show in this article, the utilization of the VPPBS uncover interesting aspects of the QE and CCRs. For instance, we can recover the full wave-behavior by the erasure procedure even when we have only partial knowledge about the path through entanglement.
Galactic Dark Matter Halos Containing H i Regions: A Possible Overestimation of the Column Densities
Authors: Oks Eugene
Published: February 2023

We analyze how the column density of hydrogen atoms in the H i regions, observed in dark matter halos of a number of galaxies, can be determined. Specifically we study how the determination of the column density of hydrogen atoms from the observed astrophysical data would be affected by the possible presence of the Second Flavor of Hydrogen Atoms (SFHA), whose existence had been previously demonstrated in four different types of atomic experiments and had helped in explaining two puzzling astrophysical observations: the anomalous absorption in the 21 cm line from the early Universe and the smoother, less clumpy distribution of dark matter in the Universe than predicted by Einstein's gravity. By a model example we demonstrate that the neglect of the SFHA leads to the overestimation of the column density of hydrogen atoms in dark matter halos by about 30%. We perform these relatively simple estimates just to get the message across and to motivate further corresponding theoretical and experimental studies.
Synergistic effect of Ag and Cu on improving in vitro biological properties of K2Ti6O13 nanowires for potential biomedical applications
Authors: Lei Shichang , Qi Yumin , Zhao Lichen , An Hailong , Qu Chang , Wang Xin , Wang Gaojiong , Cui Chunxiang , Shen Yutian
Published: February 2023

The development of novel antibacterial nano-materials with synergistic biological effects has attracted extensive interest of the researchers. In the study, 0.5 mol% Ag and 0.5 mol% Cu co-doped K2Ti6O13 (0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO) nanomaterial was successfully synthesized using two-step method of sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis. The crystal structure of 0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO was the same as that of monoclinic K2Ti6O13. Ag ions and Cu ions were uniformly loaded on K2Ti6O13 by replacing partial Ti ions, so that these antibacterial ions could be slowly released. High specific surface area of 0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO (337.6 m2/g) provided more surface active sites for Ag-Cu doping and adsorption. More negative surface zeta potential (-32.83 mV in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and -21.45 mV in physiological saline solution (PSS), respectively) would be beneficial to prevent the aggregation of the nanowires in physiological environment. Under the same doping amount, compared to 1.0 mol% Cu doped K2Ti6O13, 0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO exhibited better antibacterial performance against gram-positive and gram- negative bacteria at only 100 μg/mL dose concentration, near to 1.0 mol% Ag doped K2Ti6O13 (1.0 Ag-KTO). And 0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO showed more excellent biocompatibility than 1.0 Ag-KTO, which was attribute to the introduction of Cu ions effectively decreasing the hemolytic and cytotoxic risks from Ag ions. As expected, the synthesized 0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO nanowires demonstrated excellent structural stability, high antibacterial activity, good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility owing to the synergistic effects of Cu and Ag ions. 0.5 Ag-0.5 Cu-KTO nanowires will be a promising antimicrobial candidate for biomedical applications.
On slow minimal reals I
Authors: Golshani Mohammad , Shelah Saharon
Published: February 2023

Answering a question of Harrington, we show that there exists a proper forcing notion, which adds a minimal real

η
∈

∏

i
>
ω

n
i
∗

\eta \in \prod _{i>\omega } n^*_i

, which is eventually different from any old real in

∏

i
>
ω

n
i
∗

\prod _{i>\omega } n^*_i

, where the sequence

⟨

n
i
∗

∣
i
>
ω
⟩

\langle n^*_i \mid i>\omega \rangle

grows slowly.
The scheme of characters in 𝑆𝐿₂
Authors: Heusener Michael , Porti Joan
Published: February 2023

The aim of this article is to study the

SL
2

⁡
(

C

)

\operatorname {SL}_2(\mathbb {C})

–character scheme of a finitely generated group. Given a presentation of a finitely generated group

Γ
\Gamma

, we give equations defining the coordinate ring of the scheme of

SL
2

⁡
(

C

)

\operatorname {SL}_2(\mathbb {C})

–characters of

Γ
\Gamma

(finitely many equations when

Γ
\Gamma

is finitely presented). We also study the scheme of abelian and non-simple representations and characters. Finally we apply our results to study the

SL
2

⁡
(

C

)

\operatorname {SL}_2(\mathbb {C})

–character scheme of the Borromean rings.
CorrespondenceUpdosing of secukinumab to every 2 weeks results in superior efficacy in patients with severe psoriasis weighing 90 kg or more: a real-world prospective observational study
Authors: McGuire Niamh , Elamin Shahd , Gough Pamela , Cooke Nicola , McGrath Conor , McKenna Kevin , O’Kane Donal
Published: February 2023

This is the first real-world prospective observational study demonstrating the superior efficacy of secukinumab dosing every 2 weeks in patients with severe psoriasis whose weight is > 90 kg.
A novel integrated experimental and computational approach to unravel fibroblast motility in response to chemical gradients in 3D collagen matrices
Authors: Movilla Nieves , Gonçalves Inês G , Borau Carlos , García-Aznar Jose Manuel
Published: February 2023

Fibroblasts play an essential role in tissue repair and regeneration as they migrate to wounded areas to secrete and remodel the extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts recognize chemical substances such as growth factors, which enhance their motility towards the wounded tissues through chemotaxis. Although several studies have characterized single-cell fibroblast motility before, the migration patterns of fibroblasts in response to external factors have not been fully explored in 3D environments. We present a study that combines experimental and computational efforts to characterize the effect of chemical stimuli on the invasion of 3D collagen matrices by fibroblasts. Experimentally, we used microfluidic devices to create chemical gradients using collagen matrices of distinct densities. We evaluated how cell migration patterns were affected by the presence of growth factors and the mechanical properties of the matrix. Based on these results, we present a discrete-based computational model to simulate cell motility, which we calibrated through the quantitative comparison of experimental and computational data via Bayesian optimization. By combining these approaches, we predict that fibroblasts respond to both the presence of chemical factors and their spatial location. Furthermore, our results show that the presence of these chemical gradients could be reproduced by our computational model through increases in the magnitude of cell-generated forces and enhanced cell directionality. Although these model predictions require further experimental validation, we propose that our framework can be applied as a tool that takes advantage of experimental data to guide the calibration of models and predict which mechanisms at the cellular level may justify the experimental findings. Consequently, these new insights may also guide the design of new experiments, tailored to validate the variables of interest identified by the model.
Global Value Chains as a Constraint on Sovereignty: Evidence from Investor–State Dispute Settlement
Authors: Moehlecke Carolina , Thrall Calvin , Wellhausen Rachel L
Published: February 2023

That economic integration constrains state sovereignty has been a longstanding concern and the subject of much study. We assess the validity of this concern in the context of two very particular components of contemporary economic globalization: global value chain (GVC) integration and Investor–State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). First, we document that host states have abandoned nearly 24 percent of regulations disputed by private investors in ISDS between 1987 and 2017. This behavior is puzzling because ISDS only requires host states to provide monetary compensation to investor-claimants and not the abandonment of disputed regulations. We theorize that host states are more likely to abandon a disputed regulation when the claimant has a greater potential to disrupt GVCs in the host economy. We then employ the non-parametric difference-in-differences estimator by Imai, Kim, and Wang (2021) and find that ISDS filings cause substantial decreases in GVC trade. Following this result, we provide descriptive statistics and qualitative evidence that support our core theoretical proposition that multinational corporations (MNCs) with the potential to disrupt GVC integration are more likely to see host states changing regulations in their favor. Our argument and evidence suggest that GVC integration can grow an MNC’s power to such an extent that the host state abandons a regulation that the MNC disputes.
More than a Number: Aging Leaders in International Politics
Authors: Byun Joshua , Carson Austin
Published: February 2023

How does leader age affect international politics? Challenging the existing literature's focus on chronological age, we argue that leaders do not age the same in the eyes of their beholders. Combining insights from gerontology on age-related stereotypes and studies of face-to-face diplomacy, we show that judgments about age informed by high-level personal encounters have profound consequences for how elderly leaders are appraised and treated by their counterparts. A leader who betrays indicators of “senility” during face-to-face encounters will elicit harsh judgments by activating negative stereotypes about aging. Older leaders can also surprise their interlocutors: those long thought to be senile may show themselves as mentally and physically fit. Perceptions of age, in turn, shape how observers understand a leader's agency and shape decisions to “engage” or “bypass” the leader in the context of interstate cooperation. We draw on declassified primary documents to compare American views of three elderly leaders in Cold War Asia—Syngman Rhee, Mao Tse-tung, and Chou Enlai—and how such views informed Washington's approach to these leaders, finding powerful support for our arguments. Our findings suggest new insights for the IR research program on leaders as well as lessons for statecraft in an era of aging decision makers.
Withdrawn as duplicate: Transcription factor WOX11 regulates protein translation via ribosome protein acetylation in rice roots
Authors: Xu Qiutao , Wang Yijie , Yue Yaping , Chen Zhengting , Zhou Dao-Xiu , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2023

This article has been withdrawn due to a production error that caused the article to be duplicated. The definitive version of this article is published under DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiad025.
Vitamin D level and low-energy fracture risk in children and adolescents: a population-based case–control study of 45 cases
Authors: Assaf Elio , Nicolas Georges , Hoyek Fadi , Abi Fares Georges , Lahoud Jean Claude , Hajj Rabih , Mohs Elisabeth , Dally Franz-J. , Hetjens Svetlana , Gravius Sascha , Darwich Ali
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study is to document the rate of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children with low-energy fractures and compare it to fracture-free control group. We included all children under 15 years presenting to the emergency department with low-energy fractures; controls were children without history of fractures from the outpatient department. Conventional X-ray and laboratory blood tests were performed. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum level ≤20 ng/ml, and the mean values were compared through two-sample t-tests. The influence of vitamin D on the fractures was defined using Chi-square test, significance with P-value < 0.05. The relationships between variables and odds of fracture occurrence were examined using logistic regression models. The final sample included 37 cases (30 males, 7 females, 7.4 ± 3.7 years) and 70 control individuals (42 males, 28 females, 7.8 ± 4.6 years) without significant differences regarding age, sex, and month of inclusion. Children with fractures had lower levels of vitamin D (21.87 ± 8.40 ng/ml vs. 25.89 ± 7.62 ng/ml) (P = 0.01). Vitamin D played a protective role against low-energy fractures (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.14; P = 0.02), boys showed three times greater fracture risk than girls (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.12–8.07; P = 0.03). Finally, vitamin D deficiency correlated with almost five times increased risk of pediatric low-energy fractures (OR, 4.63; 95% CI, 1.92–11.18; P = 0.001). This is the first MENA study establishing a relation between vitamin D deficiency and low-energy fractures among children and adolescents. The findings show the protective role of vitamin D on the pediatric bone and may help physicians preventing morbidity on children and costs on their families and the socioeconomic health system.
Clinical decision support automates care gap detection among primary care patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Spann Ashley , Bishop Kristy M. , Weitkamp Asli O. , Stenner Shane P. , Nelson Scott D. , Izzy Manhal
Published: February 2023

Background:

Although guidelines recommend primary care–driven management of NAFLD, workflow constraints hinder feasibility. Leveraging electronic health records to risk stratify patients proposes a scalable, workflow-integrated strategy.

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively evaluated an electronic health record-embedded clinical decision support system’s ability to risk stratify patients with NAFLD and detect gaps in care. Patients missing annual laboratory testing to calculate Fibrosis-4 Score (FIB-4) or those missing necessary linkage to further care were considered to have a gap in care. Linkage to care was defined as either referral for elastography-based testing or for consultation in hepatology clinic depending on clinical and biochemical characteristics.

Results:

Patients with NAFLD often lacked annual screening labs within primary care settings (1129/2154; 52%). Linkage to care was low in all categories, with <3% of patients with abnormal FIB-4 undergoing further evaluation.

Discussion:

Significant care gaps exist within primary care for screening and risk stratification of patients with NAFLD and can be efficiently addressed using electronic health record functionality.
Social determinants of health impact mortality from HCC and cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Nephew Lauren D. , Gupta Dipika , Carter Allie , Desai Archita P. , Ghabril Marwan , Patidar Kavish R. , Orman Eric , Dziarski Alisha , Chalasani Naga
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims:

The social determinants of health can pose barriers to accessing cancer screening and treatment and have been associated with cancer mortality. However, it is not clear whether area deprivation is independently associated with mortality in HCC and cholangiocarcinoma when controlling for individual-level social determinants of health.

Approach and Results:

The cohort included individuals over 18 years old diagnosed with HCC (N=3460) or cholangiocarcinoma (N=781) and reported to the Indiana State Cancer Registry from 2009 to 2017. Area disadvantage was measured using the social deprivation index (SDI). SDI was obtained by linking addresses to the American Community Survey. Individual social determinants of health included race, ethnicity, sex, marital status, and insurance type. The primary outcome was mortality while controlling for SDI and individual social determinants of health by means of Cox proportional hazard modeling. In HCC, living in a neighborhood in the fourth quartile of census-track SDI (most deprived) was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.003–1.30, p=0.04) than living in a first quartile SDI neighborhood. Being uninsured (HR: 1.64, 95% CI, 1.30–2.07, p<0.0001) and never being married (HR: 1.31, 95% CI, 1.15–1.48, p<0.0001) were also associated with mortality in HCC. In cholangiocarcinoma, SDI was not associated with mortality.

Conclusions:

Social deprivation was independently associated with mortality in HCC but not cholangiocarcinoma. Further research is needed to better understand how to intervene on both area and individual social determinants of health and develop interventions to address these disparities.
Women with cirrhosis have lower self-rated health than men
Authors: Wang Melinda , Huang Chiung-Yu , Cullaro Giuseppe , Covinsky Kenneth , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Women systematically experience lower rates of liver transplantation (LT) and higher rates of waitlist mortality than men. Self-rated health has been associated with patient outcomes in the global population. We, therefore, assessed gender differences in self-rated and clinician-rated health among LT candidates.

Methods:

Ambulatory LT candidates without hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled from 2012 to 2018. Participants and their hepatologists were asked separately to rate the participant’s overall general health on a 6-point scale (0=”excellent” to 5=“very poor”). Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between covariates and superior self-assessment, defined as 1 SD above the mean self-assessment score.

Results:

Of 855 participants, the median (interquartile range) self-rated health score was 2 (1–3); 156 (18%) were categorized as superior self-rated health. The correlation between self-rated and clinician-rated health was positive (Spearman’s rho 0.3, P<0.001). In univariate analysis, being a woman was associated with lower odds of superior self-rated health (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0, P=0.04), which persisted on multivariable analysis (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4–1.0, P=0.05), controlling for race, frailty, work status, comorbidities, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Na, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the need for well-designed quality-based research to determine how our patients perceive health to highlight opportunities to offer more comprehensive, quality-based care.
Successful TCRαβ/CD19-Depleted Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for a Patient With Artemis Deficiency
Authors: Tomomasa Dan , Isoda Takeshi , Mitsuiki Noriko , Inoue Kento , Nishimura Akira , Uda Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Toru , Yamashita Motoi , Kamiya Takahiro , Endo Akifumi , Takagi Masatoshi , Imai Kohsuke , Kajiwara Michiko , Cowan Morton J. , Morio Tomohiro , Kanegane Hirokazu
Published: February 2023

Artemis deficiency is characterized by DNA double-strand breaks repairing dysfunction and increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation and alkylating reagents. We describe the first successful case of T-cell receptor [TCR]αβ/CD19-depleted hematopoietic cell transplantation [HCT] for Artemis deficiency in Japan. A 6-month-old Korean boy was diagnosed with Artemis-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency. He had no human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling or unrelated donor. Therefore, TCRαβ/CD19-depleted HCT from his haploidentical mother was performed. Despite mixed chimerism in whole blood, T cells achieved complete donor chimerism 6 months after HCT. TCRαβ/CD19-depleted HCT could be an effective treatment for patients with radiation-sensitive severe combined immunodeficiency.
Prioritizing obesity treatment: expanding the role of cardiologists to improve cardiovascular health and outcomes
Authors: Ryan Donna H. , Deanfield John E. , Jacob Stephan
Published: February 2023

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet management remains poor. Cardiologists and healthcare professionals treating people with high cardiovascular risk are in a position to address overweight and obesity to improve cardiovascular health. There are several treatment options for obesity, which are associated with numerous health benefits. Modest weight reductions of 5–10% improve cardiovascular risk factors, with greater weight loss bringing about greater benefits. Anti-obesity medications can support weight reduction when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient. The weight loss induced by these treatments can improve cardiovascular risk, and some therapies – such as glucagon-like-peptide-1 analogues – may promote these benefits independently of weight loss. Bariatric surgery can induce greater weight losses than other treatment modalities and is associated with numerous health benefits, but newer medications such as semaglutide and those in development, such as tirzepatide, produce robust weight loss efficacy that is approaching that of bariatric surgery. Healthcare professionals must approach this disease with compassion and collaborate with patients to develop sustainable plans that improve health and maintain weight loss over the long term.
Rise of Acellular Dermal Matrix: Cost Consciousness, Industry Payment, and Publication Productivity
Authors: Hirpara Milan M , Clark Robert Craig , Hogan Elise , Dean Riley , Reid Chris M
Published: February 2023

Background:

Despite lack of FDA approval for breast surgery and high cost, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become commonplace in reconstructive surgery and has been the focus of more than 500 plastic surgery publications since its wide adaptation. We hypothesized that ADM-related academic output would correlate with public interest and industry funding.

Study Design:

All PubMed indexed studies focusing on ADM, in eleven plastic surgery journals, were included (n=535). Data on industry funding to the 17 most productive authors were extracted from the Open Payments Database. Google Trends in “breast surgery cost” and related terms were queried. Relationships between publication quantity, author industry funding, and public interest were analyzed by Pearson’s Correlation and linear regression.

Results:

The most-published authors produced eight qualifying publications on average [5-17], with 80% focused on breast surgery. These individuals grossed a total of $19million industry dollars overall with $17million (89%) in non-consulting compensation from ADM-producing companies (NC-ADM). Median/quartile individual total compensation and NC-ADM compensation were $194K/$320K/$1.25M and $17K/$210K/$1.1M, respectively. These variables showed strong correlation with individual publication rate with a linear regression coefficient of $110K in NC-ADM per publication (p<0.01). Authors disclosed funding in a mean of 65+/-26% of their work with strong correlation between disclosure and NC-ADM (p<0.01). Google “Breast surgery cost” search volume has grown rapidly in significant correlation with ADM publications (p=0.02).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates significant correlations between ADM-related publication, industry funding, funding disclosure, and public interest. Education in the potential for such relationships and the importance of objectivity in plastic surgery warrants discussion.
Reinforcement-Based Processes Actively Regulate Motor Exploration Along Redundant Solution Manifolds
Authors: Roth Adam M. , Calalo Jan A. , Lokesh Rakshith , Sullivan Seth R. , Grill Stephen , Jeka John J. , van der Kooij Katinka , Carter Michael J. , Cashaback Joshua G. A.
Published: February 2023

From a baby’s babbling to a songbird practicing a new tune, exploration is critical to motor learning. A hallmark of exploration is the emergence of random walk behaviour along solution manifolds, where successive motor actions are not independent but rather become serially dependent. Such exploratory random walk behaviour is ubiquitous across species, neural firing, gait patterns, and reaching behaviour. Past work has suggested that exploratory random walk behaviour arises from an accumulation of movement variability and a lack of error-based corrections. Here we test a fundamentally different idea—that reinforcement-based processes regulate random walk behaviour to promote continual motor exploration to maximize success. Across three human reaching experiments we manipulated the size of both the visually displayed target and an unseen reward zone, as well as the probability of reinforcement feedback. Our empirical and modelling results parsimoniously support the notion that exploratory random walk behaviour emerges by utilizing knowledge of movement variability to update intended reach aim towards recently reinforced motor actions. This mechanism leads to active and continuous exploration of the solution manifold, currently thought by prominent theories to arise passively. The ability to continually explore muscle, joint, and task redundant solution manifolds is beneficial while acting in uncertain environments, during motor development, or when recovering from a neurological disorder to discover and learn new motor actions.
TRAF3 Suppression Encourages B Cell Recruitment and Prolongs Survival of Microbiome-Intact Mice with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zorea Jonathan , Motro Yair , Mazor Roei D. , Carmi Yifat Koren , Shulman Ziv , Mahajna Jamal , Moran-Gilad Jacob , Elkabets Moshe
Published: February 2023

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) has proven to be the most deadly of all gynecologic cancers. Clinical trials involving the use of immunotherapies in OC patients have produced disappointing outcomes, underscoring the necessity of identifying new immunomodulatory targets for the treatment of this cancer.

Methods

We conducted anin-vivoCRISPR screen of immunodeficient (NSG) and immune-intact wild type (WT) C57/BL6 mice to identify tumor-derived immune-escape mechanisms in a BRAC1- and TP53-deficient murine ID8 OC cell line (designated ITB1). To confirm gene expression and signaling pathway activation in ITB1 cells, we employed western blot, qPCR, immunofluorescent staining, and flow cytometry. Flow cytometry was also used to identify immune cell populations in the peritoneum of ITB1-bearing mice. To determine the presence of IgA-coated bacteria in the peritoneum of ITB1 -bearing mice and the ascites of OC patients, we employed 16S sequencing. Testing for differences was done by using Deseq2 test and two-way ANOVA test. Sequence variants (ASVs) were produced in Qiime2 and analyzed by microeco and phyloseq R packages.

Results

We identified tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) as a tumor-derived immune suppressive mediator in ITB1 cells. Knockout of TRAF3 (TRAF3KO) activated the type-I interferon pathway and increased MHC-I expression. TRAF3KO tumors exhibited a growth delay in WT mice vs. NSG mice, which was correlated with increased B cell infiltration and activation compared to ITB1 tumors. B cells were found to be involved in the progression of TRAF3KO tumors, and B-cell surface-bound and secreted IgA levels were significantly higher in the ascites of TRAF3KO tumors compared to ITB1. The presence of commensal microbiota was necessary for B-cell activation and for delaying the progression of TRAF3KO tumors in WT mice. Lastly, we observed unique profiles of IgA-coated bacteria in the ascites of OC-bearing mice or the ascites of OC patients.

Conclusions

TRAF3 is a tumor-derived immune-suppressive modulator that influences B-cell infiltration and activation, making it a potential target for enhancing anti-tumor B-cell responses in OC.
CX-ASAP: a high-throughput tool for the serial refinement and analysis of crystallographic data collected under varying conditions
Authors: Thompson Amy J. , Smith Kate M. L. , Clegg Jack K. , Price Jason R.
Published: February 2023

CX-ASAP is a new open-source software project designed to greatly reduce the time required to analyse crystallographic data collected under varying conditions. Scripted in Python3, CX-ASAP can automatically refine, finalize and analyse data collections with wide-ranging temperatures, pressures etc. This is achieved using a reference structure, allowing for quick identification of problems, phase changes and even model comparison. The modular design means that new features and customized scripts can be easily added, tailoring the capabilities to the specific needs of the user. It is envisioned that CX-ASAP will help to close the growing gap between fast collection times and slow data finalization.
Female directors and corporate cash holdings in the presence of internal dealings
Authors: Bona-Sánchez Carolina , Elistratova Marina , Pérez-Alemán Jerónimo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Internal dealings might shape female directors’ incentives to affect corporate financial policies. This study aims to explore what impact female directors have on corporate cash holdings in the presence of internal dealings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply panel data regressions that allow them to address endogeneity concerns. The initial sample includes all non-financial Spanish listed firms from 2005 to 2019.

Findings

Conditional on the existence of internal dealings, the authors show that the presence of two or more female directors decreases corporate cash holdings. Results seem consistent, with independent female directors becoming an effective monitoring mechanism for corporate financial policies in the presence of internal dealings. Furthermore, the findings could be explained by independent female directors providing valuable resources and external linkages, which, in the presence of internal dealings, help to reduce the firm’s need to hold cash to cope with external uncertainties.

Practical implications

The results provide practical implications by suggesting that in the presence of internal dealings, regulators and policy makers should pay greater attention to board gender diversity so as to reduce agency problems associated with free cash flows. The authors also contribute to prior academic debate regarding the importance of female directors in providing critical resources and external linkages to cope with uncertainty and to the importance of considering not only the presence of women on boards but also their number and specific roles.

Originality/value

The authors' work meets the increasing demand for more research on gender diversity to better capture the potential benefits that may result from appointing women on boards. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the influence of female directors on corporate cash holdings in the presence of internal dealings.
Policy components – a conceptual model for modularizing and tailoring of information security policies
Authors: Rostami Elham , Karlsson Fredrik , Gao Shang
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a conceptual model of policy components for software that supports modularizing and tailoring of information security policies (ISPs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a design science research approach, drawing on design knowledge from the field of situational method engineering. The conceptual model was developed as a unified modeling language class diagram using existing ISPs from public agencies in Sweden.

Findings

This study’s demonstration as proof of concept indicates that the conceptual model can be used to create free-standing modules that provide guidance about information security in relation to a specific work task and that these modules can be used across multiple tailored ISPs. Thus, the model can be considered as a step toward developing software to tailor ISPs.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed conceptual model bears several short- and long-term implications for research. In the short term, the model can act as a foundation for developing software to design tailored ISPs. In the long term, having software that enables tailorable ISPs will allow researchers to do new types of studies, such as evaluating the software's effectiveness in the ISP development process.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the model to develop software that assist information security managers in designing tailored ISPs. Such a tool can offer the opportunity for information security managers to design more purposeful ISPs.

Originality/value

The proposed model offers a detailed and well-elaborated starting point for developing software that supports modularizing and tailoring of ISPs.
Food delivery app continuance: a dual model and segmentation approach
Authors: Nguyen Trieu , Huang Echo , Nguyen Dung Minh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the pervasiveness of food delivery apps (FDAs) and the increased scholars’ attention for the topic of FDA continuance usage intention. However, the limited understanding about possible segments of FDA users has hindered food retailers from providing FDAs with a personalized manner, which impairs the effectiveness of marketing strategies. Thus, this study aims to first explore key antecedents of users’ continuance intention toward FDAs and then segment and profile Taiwanese users based on the identified antecedents of FDA continuance intention and demographics.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was implemented to collect responses from FDA users in Taiwan. With a response rate of 82.4%, the final sample of 326 respondents (average age = 28.3; female = 54.9%) was analyzed by using two techniques of structural equation modeling (SEM) and cluster analysis.

Findings

The results indicate six antecedents of users’ continuance usage intention towards FDAs, including information quality, system quality, information quality, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and satisfaction. Additionally, three distinct clusters of FDA users are successfully identified, labeled as “value sensitive users”, “time-sensitive users” and “security sensitive users”.

Originality/value

This study is one of the pioneers that explores the possible segments in FDA market, which helps FDA providers and food retailers develop more focused and appropriate strategies to encourage users to continue using FDAs. Our findings contribute to building an optimized version of “FDA Tech” that becomes an omni-channel solution to serve the increased home-delivery needs in the new normal era.