bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical and experimental investigation on AZ91 friction stir welding joints: Mechanics, properties
Authors: Desai Ashish , Khatri Bharat , Rana Harikrishna , Patel Vivek , Badheka Vishvesh
Published: June 2023

The present endeavour is to evaluate numerically and experimentally the influence of friction stir welding (FSW) parameters on peak temperatures, microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy joints. A full 3D finite element ABAQUS model was developed to simulate the temperature distribution along the joint line. Therefrom, a total of nine different parametric combinations were derived for experimentations. Important insights relating to the material flow patterns and grain morphologies observed while altering the processing parameters have been elaborated. The parametric influence on the peak temperatures, grain morphologies, intermittent phases, tensile strength, and hardness are discussed through several mechanisms. Remarkably, the specimens prepared with the highest tool rotation speeds exhibited superior properties owing to several strengthening mechanisms.
Machine learning to predict environmental dose rates from a radionuclide therapy service — a proof of concept study
Authors: Meades Richard , Page Joanne , Ross James C , McCool Daniel
Published: June 2023

The Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 requires prior risk assessment calculations and regular environmental monitoring of radiation doses. However, the accuracy of prior risk assessments is limited by assumptions and monitoring only provides retrospective evaluation. This is particularly challenging in nuclear medicine for areas surrounding radionuclide therapy patient bathroom wastewater pipework. Machine learning (ML) is a technique that could be applied to patient booking records to predict environmental radiation dose rates in these areas to aid prospective risk assessment calculations, which this proof-of-concept work investigates. 540 days of a dosimeters historical daily average dose rate measurements and the corresponding period of department therapy booking records were used to train six different ML models. Predicted versus measured daily average dose rates for the following 60 days were analysed to assess and compare model performance. A wide range in prediction errors was observed across models. The gradient boosting regressor produced the best accuracy (root mean squared error = 1.10 µSv.hr−1, mean absolute error = 0.87 µSv.hr−1, mean absolute percentage error = 35% and maximum error = 3.26 µSv.hr−1) and goodness of fit (R
2 = 0.411). Methods to improve model performance and other scenarios where this approach could prove more accurate were identified. This work demonstrates that ML can predict temporal fluctuations in environmental radiation dose rates in the areas surrounding radionuclide therapy wastewater pipework and indicates that it has the potential to play a role in improving legislative compliance, the accuracy of radiation safety and use of staff time and resources.
Narrow-band notch filter and refractive index sensor based on rectangular-semi-annular cavity coupled with MIM waveguide structure
Authors: Zhang Shu , Qi Yunping , Shi Qiang , Su Mingrui , Zhao Shiyu , Wang Xiangxian
Published: June 2023

In this work, a symmetric structure based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide is proposed for narrow-band notch filters and refractive index sensors. The structure comprises a symmetrically intersecting rectangular-semi-annular cavity and a long straight waveguide. The transmission spectrum and magnetic field distribution of the notch filter are studied and analyzed by the finite element method (FEM) with scattering boundary conditions (SBC). Our analysis reveals that the band-stop filter exhibits a minimum transmittance of 0.35%, a bandwidth of 34 nm, and a quality factor (Q) of 35.16. These characteristics include low stop-band transmittance, a narrow bandwidth, and a high Q value. Furthermore, our structure allows for independent adjustment of the narrow band filtering range by varying geometric parameters such as H, d, R1, and d. Additionly, we conduct theoretical analysis to investigate the sensing properties of the structure. The refractive index sensitivity of the structure reaches a high value of 1222 nm RIU−1, accompanied by a figure of merit(FOM*) of up to 175.9. These results demonstrate the structure’s excellent filtering properties and high-sensitivity sensing characteristics.Consequently, it holds significant potential for application in high-density integrated circuits and nano-optics.
Primordial black hole dark matter from catastrogenesis with unstable pseudo-Goldstone bosons
Authors: Gelmini Graciela B. , Hyman Jonah , Simpson Anna , Vitagliano Edoardo
Published: June 2023

We propose a new scenario for the formation of asteroid-mass primordial black holes (PBHs). Our mechanism is based on the annihilation of the string-wall network associated with the
breaking of a U(1) global symmetry into a discrete ZN
symmetry. If the potential has
multiple local minima (N > 1) the network is stable, and the annihilation is guaranteed by a bias
among the different vacua. The collapse of the string-wall network is accompanied by
catastrogenesis, a large production of pseudo-Goldstone bosons (pGBs) — e.g. axions,
ALPs, or majorons — gravitational waves, and PBHs. If pGBs rapidly decay into products that
thermalize, as predicted e.g. in the high-quality QCD axion and heavy majoron models, they do not
contribute to the dark matter population, but we show that PBHs can constitute 100% of the dark
matter. The gravitational wave background produced by catastrogenesis with heavy unstable axions,
ALPs, or majorons could be visible in future interferometers.
A fairy tale of winter - a theory about dark energy, dark matter, and inflation
Authors: Li Miao
Published: June 2023

This fairy tale begins with the journey of the famous Zhuang Zhou dreaming of a butterfly: I often do not know whether I am living in a dream, dreaming of a butterfly, or is a butterfly dreaming of me? Furthermore, there is the saying that those who believe it will see it, while for those who see it, it is then too late to believe it. The first thing I believe in is the holographic principle, and the holographic dark energy brought about by the holographic principle. Not until last year, I began to believe that there must be a new energy scale in between the Planck scale and the standard model scale. I also believe that this new scale is related to the minimal axion model. The results of the journey described in this paper are the following: 1. There is a new energy scale, which we will call the intermediate energy scale, and the best choice is

10

12

GeV. 2. The minimal axion exists, and under the new scale, there is no new physics. The axion plays both the roles of inflation and dark matter. New physics between the new scale and the Planck scale may exist because in this energy range, quantum gravity becomes important. 3. The dark energy is holographic dark energy. Then all of the observable effects of all three predictions about dark energy, dark matter, and cosmic inflation are to be observed.
Improving efficiency of n–i–p perovskite solar cells enabled by 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid additive
Authors: Li 李 Bin-Jie 斌杰 , Li 李 Jia-Wen 嘉文 , Yang 杨 Gen-Jie 根杰 , Wu 吴 Meng-Ge 梦鸽 , Yu 于 Jun-Sheng 军胜
Published: June 2023

In the past period of time, perovskite solar cells have gained tremendous developments in improving photovoltaic performance, but they still face severe challenges. Defects in perovskite layers, especially at grain boundaries, severely limit the stabilization and efficiency of solar cells. In this work, we adopt 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid (CPBA) for modifying defects in perovskite thin films. Through the interaction among the carboxyl group, boronic acid and lead ions in the perovskite film, the crystallization effect of the perovskite molecular is greatly optimized. Moreover, the film defects are spontaneously passivated and the band gap is reduced, increasing the open circuit voltage and fill factor. Therefore, power conversion efficiency has been increased from 17.25% to 20.20%. This discovery provides a potential strategy for passivating the trap states in perovskite and enhancing the properties of devices.
Predicting potential small molecule–miRNA associations utilizing truncated schatten p-norm
Authors: Wang Shudong , Liu Tiyao , Ren Chuanru , Wu Wenhao , Zhao Zhiyuan , Pang Shanchen , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: June 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have significant implications in diverse human diseases and have proven to be effectively targeted by small molecules (SMs) for therapeutic interventions. However, current SM–miRNA association prediction models do not adequately capture SM/miRNA similarity. Matrix completion is an effective method for association prediction, but existing models use nuclear norm instead of rank function, which has some drawbacks. Therefore, we proposed a new approach for predicting SM–miRNA associations by utilizing the truncated schatten p-norm (TSPN). First, the SM/miRNA similarity was preprocessed by incorporating the Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity method. This identified more SM/miRNA similarities and significantly improved the SM–miRNA prediction accuracy. Next, we constructed a heterogeneous SM–miRNA network by combining biological information from three matrices and represented the network with its adjacency matrix. Finally, we constructed the prediction model by minimizing the truncated schatten p-norm of this adjacency matrix and we developed an efficient iterative algorithmic framework to solve the model. In this framework, we also used a weighted singular value shrinkage algorithm to avoid the problem of excessive singular value shrinkage. The truncated schatten p-norm approximates the rank function more closely than the nuclear norm, so the predictions are more accurate. We performed four different cross-validation experiments on two separate datasets, and TSPN outperformed various most advanced methods. In addition, public literature confirms a large number of predictive associations of TSPN in four case studies. Therefore, TSPN is a reliable model for SM–miRNA association prediction.
Fracture risks and their mechanisms in atopic dermatitis, focusing on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand
Authors: Sakai Takashi
Published: June 2023

Recent multiple studies have shown that the long-term consequences of atopic dermatitis (AD) include an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture, especially an increase in hip, pelvic, spinal and wrist fractures. AD is very common worldwide, and some kinds of fractures, such as hip fractures, are associated with increased mortality, which has a substantial socioeconomic impact; however, the precise mechanisms for this remain unclear. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β (RANK) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are members of the tumour necrosis factor ligand and receptor family, members of which also are known as bone biomarkers. Alterations in the RANKL/RANK/OPG system and the balance among these factors (represented by the RANKL/OPG ratio) are central to the pathogenesis of bone loss from osteoporosis, and it is postulated that there is a potential association between the serum levels of RANKL and OPG, and bone density or fracture. Recently, our research group demonstrated that the serum RANKL/OPG ratio positively correlated with AD severity and suggests fracture risk in older women with AD. This review summarizes and discusses the risk and mechanisms of osteoporotic fracture in AD. RANKL may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, regarding not only bone abnormality but also inflammation. Although further investigation will be needed to verify the hypotheses, recent findings may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of AD and therapeutic targets.
Metal deposits associated with brain atrophy in the deep gray matter nucleus in Wilson’s disease
Authors: Huang Zihuan , Yang Jie , Chen Dingbang , Zhou Xiangxue , Xiao Xia , Wang Junqiao , Wang Mengzhu , Zhao Jing , Chu Jianping
Published: June 2023

Regional atrophy and metal deposition are typical manifestations in Wilson’s disease, but their relationship has not been systematically investigated. We aim to investigate the association of regional brain atrophy and metal deposition in the deep gray matter nucleus at MRI in Wilson’s disease. We acquired the structural and susceptibility mapping and performed a cross-sectional comparison of volume and susceptibility in deep gray matter nucleus. The most extensive and severe atrophy was detected in brain regions in neuro-Wilson’s disease, as well as the most widespread and heaviest metal deposits. Metal deposits were significantly negatively correlated with volume in the bilateral thalamus, caudate, and putamen. None of correlation was found between the clinical score with volume or susceptibility in the focused regions. In the 1-year follow-up analysis, the volume of right thalamus, globus pallidus, and brainstem and the susceptibility of the left caudate have decreased significantly as the symptom improvement. In Wilson’s disease, phenotypes have varied scope and extend of volumetric atrophy and metal deposits. This study is expected to take the lead in revealing that in neuro-Wilson’s disease, greater regional atrophy associated with heavier metal deposits in Wilson’s disease. Moreover, after 1-year treatment, the imaging data have changed as the patient’s condition improvement.
Using occipital ⍺-bursts to modulate behavior in real-time
Authors: Vigué-Guix Irene , Soto-Faraco Salvador
Published: June 2023

Pre-stimulus endogenous neural activity can influence the processing of upcoming sensory input and subsequent behavioral reactions. Despite it is known that spontaneous oscillatory activity mostly appears in stochastic bursts, typical approaches based on trial averaging fail to capture this. We aimed at relating spontaneous oscillatory bursts in the alpha band (8–13 Hz) to visual detection behavior, via an electroencephalography-based brain-computer interface (BCI) that allowed for burst-triggered stimulus presentation in real-time. According to alpha theories, we hypothesized that visual targets presented during alpha-bursts should lead to slower responses and higher miss rates, whereas targets presented in the absence of bursts (low alpha activity) should lead to faster responses and higher false alarm rates. Our findings support the role of bursts of alpha oscillations in visual perception and exemplify how real-time BCI systems can be used as a test bench for brain-behavioral theories.
Disentangling the connection between Marx’s ‘sixth’ countertendency to a falling rate of profit and the rise of financialisation
Authors: Di Bucchianico Stefano , Salvati Luigi
Published: June 2023

Marxian economics has been dealing extensively with the issue of falling profitability and its connection with financialisation. One finds in this line of research contributions linking financialisation with the list of counter-elements to the Law of the Tendency of the Rate of Profit to Fall, with financialisation being interpreted as the ‘sixth’. In the past, various authors have either briefly commented on the ‘sixth’ factor or left it aside. We aim to provide an alternative interpretation, based on three elements. First, the role of joint-stock companies’ issuance of long-term financing instruments yielding low remuneration. Second, the fact that sectors such as railways and public utilities, belonging to the category of natural monopolies, are excluded from gravitation towards an average rate of profit. Third, the role of the organic composition of capital in determining differences in sectoral profitability. Therefore, we claim that the sixth element should be read as a reference to natural monopolies remaining outside the field of profit rate equalisation.
On the policy relevance of agricultural economics
Authors: Just David R
Published: June 2023

The past decade has seen the transition of agricultural economics from perceived irrelevance to being seen as key to saving the world from an array of grand challenges. These challenges include global climate change, non-communicable diseases, hunger and poverty. These challenges require international cooperation. Such cooperation is undermined by global conflicts in which agricultural trade is disrupted either to incentivise policy change or through conflict. The world is vulnerable if trade can be exploited for political power or disrupted by other actions taken for political power. Agricultural economists are uniquely situated to address these issues.
Are high-severity burns in Alpine beech forests related to eruptive fire behavior?
Authors: Conedera Marco , Pezzatti Gianni Boris , Guglielmetti Andrea , Maringer Janet , Gehring Eric , Krebs Patrik
Published: June 2023

In the complex Alpine topography, canyon-like terrain morphology combined with steep slopes may cause sudden changes in fire behavior, for instance, turning fast-spreading surface fires into eruptive fires. This phenomenon was observed during the vegetation dormancy in mountain beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands, a forest type usually spared from wildfires. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of eruptive fire behavior on the post-fire trajectories of beech trees. To this end, over the course of 3 years, we monitored the post-fire dynamics of 100 beech trees subjected to different fire intensities in February 2020, including a small-scale eruptive fire behavior associated with a steep slope (~41.4° on average) and canyon-like terrain features. Dendrometric and sylvicultural parameters and fire-related damages such as the presence of bark blackening, scars, foliage loss, crashes of branches or whole trees, and parasitic attacks were assessed. The observed medium to high fire severity was highly dependent on the position of the tree within the eruptive fire sector, whereas the relationship with dendrometric and sylvicultural tree characteristics, such as the crown position or the stem diameter, was less clear. Due to the lethal temperatures generated by the heat convection within the eruptive fire sector, the exposed bud and cambium tissues of the beech trees partially or totally failed to develop in the first post-fire season. Beech crown and stem tissue killed by exposure to convective heat fluxes rapidly dries out, loses its elasticity, and becomes brittle. Starting from the second post-fire season, this greatly increases the risk of the crashing of these crown parts and/or entire trees. A detailed understanding of the factors leading to an eruptive fire behavior would highly benefit the fire risk assessment and the detailed planning of the firefighting tactics in mountain areas, eventually increasing the safety of firefighters and preventing post-fire natural hazards, such as rockfall, erosion, surface runoff, and debris flow.
The art collections and museum of King William II of the Netherlands (1792–1849)
Authors: Bergvelt Ellinoor
Published: June 2023

King William II of the Netherlands (1792–1849) created important art collections with the benefit of advice from leading dealers at home and abroad, for which special premises were built in one of the royal palaces in The Hague. Whenever the monarch was not in residence, these were made accessible to visitors. Following William’s sudden death in 1849 almost everything was sold and the paintings are now distributed around the world. An attempt is made here to reconstruct the contemporary presentation of these collections, both in The Hague and before that in the palace in Brussels; online appendices present, respectively, an account of the images of the collection in the Kneuterdijk Palace, The Hague (1842–1850); a chronological list of the acquisitions of William as prince and king in 1817–28 and 1837–48; and details of eleven paintings now in the Wallace Collection.
Contralateral breast cancer risk in patients with breast cancer and a germline-BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant undergoing radiation
Authors: van Barele Mark , Akdeniz Delal , Heemskerk-Gerritsen Bernadette A M ,   Genepso, Andrieu Nadine , Noguès Catherine ,   HEBON, van Asperen Christi J , Wevers Marijke , Ausems Margreet G E M , de Bock Geertruida H , Dommering Charlotte J , Gómez-García Encarnacion B , van Leeuwen Flora E , Mooij Thea M ,   EMBRACE, Easton Douglas F , Antoniou Antonis C , Evans D Gareth , Izatt Louise , Tischkowitz Marc , Frost Debra , Brewer Carole , Olah Edit , Simard Jacques , Singer Christian F , Thomassen Mads , Kast Karin , Rhiem Kerstin , Engel Christoph , de la Hoya Miguel , Foretová Lenka , Jakubowska Anna , Jager Agnes , Sattler Margriet G A , Schmidt Marjanka K , Hooning Maartje J
Published: June 2023

Background

Radiation-induced secondary breast cancer (BC) may be a concern after radiation therapy (RT) for primary breast cancer (PBC), especially in young patients with germline (g)BRCA–associated BC who already have high contralateral BC (CBC) risk and potentially increased genetic susceptibility to radiation. We sought to investigate whether adjuvant RT for PBC increases the risk of CBC in patients with gBRCA1/2-associated BC.

Methods

The gBRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers diagnosed with PBC were selected from the prospective International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between RT (yes vs no) and CBC risk. We further stratified for BRCA status and age at PBC diagnosis (<40 and >40 years). Statistical significance tests were 2-sided.

Results

Of 3602 eligible patients, 2297 (64%) received adjuvant RT. Median follow-up was 9.6 years. The RT group had more patients with stage III PBC than the non-RT group (15% vs 3%, P < .001), received chemotherapy more often (81% vs 70%, P < .001), and received endocrine therapy more often (50% vs 35%, P < .001). The RT group had an increased CBC risk compared with the non-RT group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12 to 1.86). Statistical significance was observed in gBRCA2 (HR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.13 to 2.77) but not in gBRCA1 pathogenic variant carriers (HR = 1.29; 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.77; P = .39 for interaction). In the combined gBRCA1/2 group, patients irradiated when they were younger than or older than 40 years of age at PBC diagnosis showed similar risks (HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 0.93 to 2.04 and HR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.19, respectively).

Conclusions

RT regimens minimizing contralateral breast dose should be considered in gBRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers.
Parents’ Preferences for Primary Care-Based Behavioral Services and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Hails Katherine A , Wellen Brianna C , Simoni Marisa , Gaultney Wendy M , Petts Rachel A , Hostutler Cody A , Riley Andrew R
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study examined how family factors impacted parents’ attitudes toward integrated behavioral health (IBH) in pediatric primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that COVID-19 impact would predict family functioning challenges, and that pre-existing familial contextual factors would predict parents’ interest in IBH modalities.

Methods

Parents of children ages 1.5–5 years (N = 301) from five primary care clinics completed a survey with measures assessing familial contextual factors (income, race and ethnicity, and parents’ childhood adversity), COVID-19 impact on family relationships and wellbeing, family functioning (child behavior, parenting self-efficacy, and parent psychological functioning), and parents’ preferences for behavioral support in primary care. A subsample of parents (n = 23) completed qualitative interviews to provide deeper insights into quantitative relationships.

Results

Higher COVID-19 impact was significantly associated with worse parent mental health and child behavior problems, as well as lower interest in IBH virtual support options. Overall, lower SES and racial and/or ethnic minority parents both indicated greater interest in IBH modalities compared to higher SES and White parents, respectively. Qualitative interviews identified how pandemic stressors led to increases in parents’ desire for behavioral support from pediatricians, with parents sharing perspectives on the nature of support they desired, including proactive communication from providers and variety and flexibility in the behavioral supports offered.

Conclusions

Findings have important implications for the provision of behavioral supports for families in primary care, underlying the need to increase parents’ access to IBH services by proactively providing evidence-based resources and continuing to offer telehealth support.
The extensin protein SAE1 plays a role in leaf senescence and is targeted by the ubiquitin ligase SINA4 in tomato
Authors: Lu Han , Niu Xiangli , Fan Youhong , Yuan Yulin , Huang Li , Zhao Bingyu , Liu Yongsheng , Xiao Fangming
Published: June 2023

Extensins are hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins and generally play a structural role in cell wall integrity. In this study, we determined a novel role of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED EXTENSIN1 (SAE1) in leaf senescence. Both gain- and loss-of-function analyses suggest that SAE1 plays a positive role in leaf senescence in tomato. Transgenic plants overexpressing SAE1 (SAE1-OX) exhibited premature leaf senescence and enhanced dark-induced senescence, whereas SAE1 knockout (SAE1-KO) plants displayed delayed development-dependent and dark-induced leaf senescence. Heterologous overexpression of SlSAE1 in Arabidopsis also led to premature leaf senescence and enhanced dark-induced senescence. In addition, the SAE1 protein was found to interact with the tomato ubiquitin ligase SlSINA4, and SlSINA4 promoted SAE1 degradation in a ligase-dependent manner when co-expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, suggesting that SlSINA4 controls SAE1 protein levels via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Introduction of an SlSINA4-overexpression construct into the SAE1-OX tomato plants consistently completely eliminated accumulation of the SAE1 protein and suppressed the phenotypes conferred by overexpression of SAE1. Taken together, our results suggest that the tomato extensin SAE1 plays a positive role in leaf senescence and is regulated by the ubiquitin ligase SINA4.
A JWST/NIRCam study of key contributors to reionization: the star-forming and ionizing properties of UV-faint z ∼ 7−8 galaxies
Authors: Endsley Ryan , Stark Daniel P , Whitler Lily , Topping Michael W , Chen Zuyi , Plat Adèle , Chisholm John , Charlot Stéphane
Published: June 2023

Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) imaging has revealed that the brightest z ∼ 7−8 galaxies often exhibit young ages and strong nebular line emission, hinting at high ionizing efficiency among early galaxies. However, IRAC’s limited sensitivity has long hindered efforts to study the fainter, more numerous population often thought largely responsible for reionization. Here, we use Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) JWST/NIRCam data to characterize 116 ultraviolet (UV)-faint (median MUV = −19.5) z ∼ 6.5−8 galaxies. The spectral energy distributions are typically dominated by young (∼10–50 Myr), low-mass (M* ∼ 108 M⊙) stellar populations, and we find no need for extremely high stellar masses (∼1011 M⊙). Considering previous studies of UV-bright (MUV ∼ −22) z ∼ 7−8 galaxies, we find evidence for a strong (5–10 times) increase in specific star formation rate (sSFR) toward lower luminosities (median sSFR = 103 Gyr−1 in CEERS). The larger sSFRs imply a more dominant contribution from OB stars in the relatively numerous UV-faint population, perhaps suggesting that these galaxies are very efficient ionizing agents (median ξion = 1025.7 erg−1 Hz). In spite of the much larger sSFRs, we find little increase in [O iii] + H  β equivalent widths towards fainter MUV (median ≈780 $\mathrm{\mathring{A}}$). If confirmed, this may indicate that a substantial fraction of our CEERS galaxies possess extremely low metallicities (≲3 per cent Z⊙) where [O iii] emission is suppressed. Alternatively, high ionizing photon escape fractions or bursty star formation histories can also weaken the nebular lines in a subset of our sample. While the majority of galaxies in our sample are very blue (median β = −2.0), we identify a significant tail of very dusty galaxies (β ∼ −1) at ≈0.5$L_\mathrm{UV}^\ast$ which may contribute significantly to the z ∼ 7−8 star formation rate density.
Changes in Social Network Structure in Response to Exposure to Formal Credit Markets
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Breza Emily , Chandrasekhar Arun G , Duflo Esther , Jackson Matthew O , Kinnan Cynthia
Published: June 2023

We show that the entry of formal financial institutions can have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on informal lending and social networks more generally. We first study the introduction of microfinance in 75 villages in Karnataka, India, 43 of which were exposed to microfinance. Using difference-in-differences, we show that networks shrank more in exposed villages. Moreover, links between households that were both unlikely to borrow from microfinance were at least as likely to disappear as links involving likely borrowers. We replicate these surprising findings in the context of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Hyderabad, where a microfinance institution randomly selected 52 of 104 neighbourhoods to enter first. Four years after all neighbourhoods were treated, households in early-entry neighbourhoods had credit access longer and had larger loans. We again find fewer social relationships between households in these neighbourhoods, even among those ex-ante unlikely to borrow. Because the results suggest global spillovers, atypical in usual models of network formation, we develop a new dynamic model of network formation that emphasizes chance meetings, where efforts to socialize generate a global network-level externality. Finally, we analyse informal borrowing and the sensitivity of consumption to income fluctuations. Households unlikely to take up microcredit suffer the greatest loss of informal borrowing and risk sharing, underscoring the global nature of the externality.
“You Have to Be Careful About Every Detail” How the COVID-19 Pandemic Shaped the Experiences of Canadian Personal Support Workers Working in Home Care
Authors: Nizzer Sonia , Ruco Arlinda , Moreira Nicole A. , Holness D. Linn , Nichol Kathryn A. , King Emily C. , McKay Sandra M.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Personal support workers (PSWs) are an essential but vulnerable workforce supporting the home care sector in Canada. Given the impact COVID-19 has had on healthcare workers globally, understanding how PSWs have been impacted is vital.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to understand the working experiences of PSWs over the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted, and analysis was guided by the collaborative DEPICT framework.

Results

Personal support workers are motivated by an intrinsic duty to work and their longstanding client relationships despite feeling vulnerable to transmission and infection. They experienced co-occurring occupational stressors and worsening work conditions, which impacted their overall well-being.

Conclusions

Pandemic conditions have contributed to increased occupational stress among PSWs. Employers must implement proactive strategies that promote and protect the well-being of their workforce while advocating for sector improvements.
Integrated System for the Proactive Analysis on Infection Risk at a University Health Care Establishment Servicing a Large Area in the South of Italy
Authors: Montella Emma , Iodice Sabrina , Bernardo Carlo , Frangiosa Alessandro , Pascarella Giacomo , Santalucia Ida , Triassi Maria
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Our study proposes the use of a proactive system to manage risk combining the new Risk Identification Framework by the World Health Organization, the Lean method, and the hospital’s Procedure Analysis.

The system was tested for the prevention of surgical site infections in the University Hospital of Naples “Federico II” on the surgical paths, where they were usually applied individually.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study from March 18, 2019, to June 30, 2019, at the University Hospital “Federico II” of Naples, Italy (Europe).

The study is structured in 3 phases: phase 1, application of each proactive risk management tool (March 18–April 15, 2019); phase 2, analysis and integration of the results, and elaboration of an overview of critical and control points (April 15–20, 2019); and phase 3, evaluation of the outcomes as variation of surgical site infection’s incidence between the 3-month period of the 2019 and the same period of the 2018, when each tool was implemented separately (April 30–June 30, 2019).

Results

(1) The application of the single tool has detected different criticalities; (2) the combined system allowed us to draw a risk map and identify “improving” macroareas; and (3) the infection rate, with the application of this system, was equal to 1.9%; in the same period of the previous year, it was equal to 4%.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that “integrated system” has been more effective to proactively identify surgical route risks compared with the application of each single instrument.
Increased Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Predicts Mortality in People With HIV/HCV Coinfection
Authors: Shengir Mohamed , Fillebeen Carine , Wagner John , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V. , Kaouache Mohammed , Klein Marina B. , Pantopoulos Kostas , Sebastiani Giada
Published: June 2023

Background:

People with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection experience excess mortality because of multiple causes. Identification of biomarkers associated with mortality beyond that attributable to liver fibrosis may be relevant for prognostication. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a phosphotropic hormone, predicts adverse outcomes in several chronic conditions. We aimed to investigate whether elevated FGF23 predicts all-cause mortality in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection.

Methods:

We included patients with HIV/HCV coinfection from the Canadian Coinfection Cohort with available serum FGF23, fibrosis biomarker fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and at least 1-year follow-up. Elevated FGF23 and advanced liver fibrosis were defined as FGF23 > 241 reference unit/mL and FIB-4 > 3.25, respectively. All-cause mortality was analyzed using survival analysis. The effect of advanced liver fibrosis as a mediator on mortality was estimated by mediation analysis.

Results:

Three hundred twenty-one patients were included (24% with elevated FGF23, 19% with advanced liver fibrosis). During a mean follow-up period of 8.4 years, 34% of the cohort died. The incidence rate of all-cause mortality was higher in patients with elevated FGF23 (66.1 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 45.8 to 92.3) relative to patients without elevated FGF23 (37.5 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval 29.6 to 46.9). After adjusting for potential confounders, elevated FGF23 was associated with significant direct and indirect effects (mediated through advanced liver fibrosis) on all-cause mortality, with 57% of deaths not mediated through advanced fibrosis.

Conclusions:

In patients with HIV/HCV coinfection, FGF23 may be used as prognostic biomarker for risk stratification accounting also for death causes other than those attributable to liver fibrosis.
Auditory beat stimulation and behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia: a case study
Authors: Chaieb Leila , Tacik Pawel , Heneka Michael , Fell Juergen
Published: June 2023

A growing number of studies suggest that auditory beat stimulation may be helpful in providing relief from symptoms of anxiety. However, evidence for this effect in clinical populations remains sparse. In this case study, we examined the effects of theta frequency monaural beat stimulation on anxiety levels and mind wandering of four patients diagnosed with behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Over the period of a fortnight, consisting of two one-week blocks, patients were exposed daily to monaural beats at 8Hz and a pure tone control condition, in a randomized order. To assess levels of anxiety, mind wandering and measures of general well-being, patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Mind Wandering Questionnaire at the beginning and end of each week, as well as the Rogers’ Happy/ Sad Face Scale, before and after each stimulation. The latter consisted of subscales for anxiety, mood and pain. Scores from the questionnaires and scales pertaining to anxiety, depression and well-being indicated mixed effects of the monaural beat stimulation. A trend towards an overall decrease in mind wandering was observed across the four patients for the monaural beat stimulation condition, when compared to the control tone. These data suggest that such adjunct approaches to current therapies for anxiety are indeed possible, in patient populations.
Effectiveness Of Telephone Instructions In Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Charalampopoulos Marios , Triantafyllaki Panagiota , Sampani Christina-Athanasia , Triantafyllou Christos , Papageorgiou Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) refers to the emergency procedure that must be applied to any person suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest to keep them alive. Although CPR is an urgent and critical procedure, it consists of specific steps and skills, which must be applied in a specific sequence and with the best possible quality in order to be effective. Due to this importance, some National First Aid Centers around the world provide the necessary instructions to the potential rescuer by telephone (Telecommunicator CPR - TCPR), in order to ensure the proper appliance and effectiveness.

Aim

To gather scientific information from the existing surveys regarding the effectiveness of telephone instructions in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Method

Articles were searched on the international bases of scientific studies such as PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. This review was carried out using meta-analysis and international guidelines.

Results

Four articles were included that met the inclusion criteria. It appears that the likelihood of a bystander implementing CPR is increased when supported by telephone instructions. Factors such as anxiety and knowledge affect the quality of CPR provided. Finally, short and encouraging instructions from the health services have greater effectiveness and a positive influence on the patient.

Conclusion

Telephone instructions are intended to provide CPR with the best possible quality and animate the resuscitator to perform the procedure correctly until a specialized health facility arrives. It appears that the likelihood of a bystander implementing CPR is increased when supported by telephone instructions. Regarding the limitations, there are differences between countries due to heterogeneous Health Service systems, level of education, and knowledge on the subject. In addition, there are barriers regarding the existing scientific knowledge, especially in Greece, where further investigation and awareness are necessary.
Twenty novel nsSNPs may affectFLT3gene leading to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) using in silico analysis
Authors: Alsheikh Tarig , Ameer Tebyan , NjmEldin Ahmed , Omer Dalia , Aghbash Abubaker , Suliman Hadil , Abdalmonem Zeinab , Hamad Howiada , A. ayoub Saif Eldowla , A. Hassan Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Background: Mutations within the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene represent one of the most common genetic alteration that disturb intracellular signaling networks with a key role in leukemia pathogenesis. laboratory studies considerable obstacle to identify functional SNPs in a specific gene. Thus, the “in silico” technique is possible now to carry out research investigations without the need for extensive lab work.Methodology: data retrieved from NCBI database and different algorithm used to analyse nsSNPs which they are: SIFT, Polyphen-2, Provean, SNAP2, P-Mut, I-Mutant, Project Hope, Raptor X, PolymiRTS and Gene MANIA.Result:Our study reveals twenty novel SNPs regarded to be the most damaging SNPs that affect structure and function ofFLT3gene using different bioinformatics algorithm.Conclusion: This study revealed 20 damaging SNPs considered to be novel nsSNP inFLT3gene that leads to AML, by using different algorithms. Additionally, 69 functional classes were predicted in 12 SNPs in the 3’UTR, among them, 31 alleles disrupted a conserved miRNA site and 37 derived alleles created a new site of miRNA. This might result in the de regulation of the gene function. These results could be valuable for molecular studying, diagnosis and treatment of AML patients.
Synapses without tension fail to fire in an in vitro network of hippocampal neurons.
Authors: Hossain Joy Md Saddam , Nall Duncan L. , Emon Basher , Lee Ki Yun , Barishman Alexandra , Ahmed Movviz , Rahman Saeedur , Selvin Paul R. , Saif M. Taher A.
Published: June 2023

Neurons in the brain communicate with each other at their synapses. It has long been understood that this communication occurs through biochemical processes. Here, we reveal a previously unrecognized paradigm wherein mechanical tension in neurons is essential for communication. Usingin vitrorat hippocampal neurons, we find that (1) neurons become tout/tensed after forming synapses resulting in a contractile neural network, and (2) without this contractility, neurons fail to fire. To measure time evolution of network contractility in 3D (not2D) extracellular matrix, we developed an ultra-sensitive force sensor with 1 nN resolution. We employed Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) and iGluSnFR, a glutamate sensor, to quantify neuronal firing at the network and at the single synapse scale, respectively. When neuron contractility is relaxed, both techniques show significantly reduced firing. Firing resumes when contractility is restored. Neural contractility may play a crucial role in memory, learning, cognition, and various neuropathologies.
Patterning and folding of intestinal villi by active mesenchymal dewetting
Authors: Huycke Tyler R. , Miyazaki Hikaru , Häkkinen Teemu J. , Srivastava Vasudha , Barruet Emilie , McGinnis Christopher S. , Kalantari Ali , Cornwall-Scoones Jake , Vaka Dedeepya , Zhu Qin , Jo Hyunil , DeGrado William F. , Thomson Matt , Garikipati Krishna , Boffelli Dario , Klein Ophir D. , Gartner Zev J.
Published: June 2023

Tissue folding generates structural motifs critical to organ function. In the intestine, bending of a flat epithelium into a periodic pattern of folds gives rise to villi, the numerous finger-like protrusions that are essential for nutrient absorption. However, the molecular and mechanical mechanisms driving the initiation and morphogenesis of villi remain a matter of debate. Here, we identify an active mechanical mechanism that simultaneously patterns and folds intestinal villi. We find that PDGFRA+ subepithelial mesenchymal cells generate myosin II-dependent forces sufficient to produce patterned curvature in neighboring tissue interfaces. At the cell-level, this occurs through a process dependent upon matrix metalloproteinase-mediated tissue fluidization and altered cell-ECM adhesion. By combining computational models within vivoexperiments, we reveal these cellular features manifest at the tissue-level as differences in interfacial tensions that promote mesenchymal aggregation and interface bending through a process analogous to the active de-wetting of a thin liquid film.
Large language models to differentiate vasospastic angina using patient information
Authors: Kiyohara Yuko , Kodera Satoshi , Sato Masaya , Ninomiya Kota , Sato Masataka , Shinohara Hiroki , Takeda Norifumi , Akazawa Hiroshi , Morita Hiroyuki , Komuro Issei
Published: June 2023

Background

Vasospastic angina is sometimes suspected from patients’ medical history. It is essential to appropriately distinguish vasospastic angina from acute coronary syndrome because its standard treatment is pharmacotherapy, not catheter intervention. Large language models have recently been developed and are currently widely accessible. In this study, we aimed to use large language models to distinguish between vasospastic angina and acute coronary syndrome from patient information and compare the accuracies of these models.

Method

We searched for cases of vasospastic angina and acute coronary syndrome which were written in Japanese and published in online-accessible abstracts and journals, and randomly selected 66 cases as a test dataset. In addition, we selected another ten cases as data for few-shot learning. We used generative pre-trained transformer-3.5 and 4, and Bard, with zero- and few-shot learning. We evaluated the accuracies of the models using the test dataset.

Results

Generative pre-trained transformer-3.5 with zero-shot learning achieved an accuracy of 52%, sensitivity of 68%, and specificity of 29%; with few-shot learning, it achieved an accuracy of 52%, sensitivity of 26%, and specificity of 86%. Generative pre-trained transformer-4 with zero-shot learning achieved an accuracy of 58%, sensitivity of 29%, and specificity of 96%; with few-shot learning, it achieved an accuracy of 61%, sensitivity of 63%, and specificity of 57%. Bard with zero-shot learning achieved an accuracy of 47%, sensitivity of 16%, and specificity of 89%; with few-shot learning, this model could not be assessed because it failed to produce output.

Conclusion

Generative pre-trained transformer-4 with few-shot learning was the best of all the models. The accuracies of models with zero- and few-shot learning were almost the same. In the future, models could be made more accurate by combining text data with other modalities.