bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Supervised Time Series Classification Based on LSTM and Contrastive Transformer
Authors: ZOU Yuanhao , ZHANG Yufei , ZHAO Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

Time series data has attached extensive attention as multi-domain data, but it is difficult to analyze due to its high dimension and few labels. Self-supervised representation learning provides an effective way for processing such data. Considering the frequency domain features of the time series data itself and the contextual feature in the classification task, this paper proposes an unsupervised Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and contrastive transformer-based time series representation model using contrastive learning. Firstly, transforming data with frequency domain-based augmentation increases the ability to represent features in the frequency domain. Secondly, the encoder module with three layers of LSTM and convolution maps the augmented data to the latent space and calculates the temporal loss with a contrastive transformer module and contextual loss. Finally, after self-supervised training, the representation vector of the original data can be got from the pre-trained encoder. Our model achieves satisfied performances on Human Activity Recognition (HAR) and sleepEDF real-life datasets.
Manufacturing Resource Scheduling Based on Deep Q-Network
Authors: ZHANG Yufei , ZOU Yuanhao , ZHAO Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

To optimize machine allocation and task dispatching in smart manufacturing factories, this paper proposes a manufacturing resource scheduling framework based on reinforcement learning (RL). The framework formulates the entire scheduling process as a multi-stage sequential decision problem, and further obtains the scheduling order by the combination of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and improved deep Q-network (DQN). Specifically, with respect to the representation of the Markov decision process (MDP), the feature matrix is considered as the state space and a set of heuristic dispatching rules are denoted as the action space. In addition, the deep CNN is employed to approximate the state-action values, and the double dueling deep Q-network with prioritized experience replay and noisy network (D3QPN2) is adopted to determine the appropriate action according to the current state. In the experiments, compared with the traditional heuristic method, the proposed method is able to learn high-quality scheduling policy and achieve shorter makespan on the standard public datasets.
Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy and its Effect on Endocrine Hormones in Selected Patient Population
Authors: Ashfaq Muhammad , Khan Qasim , Haroon Muhammad Zeeshan , Abid Syed Mobasher Ali , Sharif Muhammad Junaid Hassan , Alkahraman Yasser MSA
Published: January 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are commonly prescribed medications for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders around the globe. Long-term utilization of proton pump inhibitors is linked with different adverse events. Although, short-term therapy has been demonstrated to have little or no impact on endocrine hormones in men, yet its safety with long-term use has poorly been studied. We aimed to evaluate the impacts of long-term utilization of proton pump inhibitors on male reproductive hormones and its clinical outcomes. A cross-sectional study was performed in two out-patients gastroenterology clinics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Male patients who were using PPIs regularly for≥3 months were enrolled in this study. Among 65 enrolled participants, patients with sexual complaints have significant variations in mean serum levels of prolactin (p<0.001), sex hormone binding globulins (p=0.043), total testosterone (p<0.001) and progesterone (p=0.001) as compared to patients without sexual complaints. Significantly high values of prolactin mean ranks were observed in patient with sexual complaints (p<0.001). There were statistically significant correlations of serum levels of sex hormone binding globulins (p=0.003), total testosterone (p=0.008) and progesterone (p<0.001) with serum prolactin levels. Similarly, statistically significant variation was observed for decreased libido (p=0.001), erectile dysfunction (p=0.001) and decreased semen mass ((p<0.001) between normal and hyperprolactinemic PPI users. Highly significant differences were observed in serum sex hormone binding globulins (p<0.001), total testosterone (p<0.001) and progesterone (p<0.001) values in normal and hyperprolactinemic groups. In conclusion, long-term utilization of PPI may induce endocrine hormone disruption with subsequent sexual complications.
The Application of Dental Fluoride Varnish in Children: A Low Cost, High-Value Implementation Aided by Passive Clinical Decision Support
Authors: Lukac Paul J. , Bell Douglas , Sreedharan Priya , Gornbein Jeffrey A. , Lerner Carlos
Published: January 2023

Background Fluoride is vital in the prevention of dental caries in children. In 2014, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force deemed fluoride varnish a recommended preventive service (grade B). Electronic health record-based clinical decision support (CDS) tools have shown variable ability to alter physicians' ordering behaviors.

Objectives This study aimed to increase the application of fluoride varnish in children while analyzing the effect of two passive CDS tools—an order set and a note template.

Methods Data on outpatient pediatric visits over an 18-month period before and after CDS implementation (October 15, 2020–April 15, 2022) were queried, while trends in application rate of fluoride were examined. We constructed a multiple logistic regression model with a primary outcome of whether a patient received fluoride at his/her visit. The primary predictor was a “phase” variable representing the CDS implemented. Physician interaction with CDS as well as the financial effects of the resulting service use were also examined.

Results There were 3,049 well-child visits of children aged 12 months to 5 years. The addition of a fluoride order to a “Well Child Check” order set led to a 10.6% increase in ordering over physician education alone (25.4 vs. 14.8%, p = 0.001), while the insertion of fluoride-specific text to drop-down lists in clinical notes led to a 6.2% increase (31.5 vs. 25.4%, p = 0.005). Whether a patient received topical fluoride was positively associated with order set implementation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.20–8.21) and fluoride-specific drop-down lists (OR = 7.81, 95% CI: 5.41–11.28). Female providers were more likely to use order sets when ordering fluoride (56.2 vs. 40.9% for males, p ≤ 0.0001). Added revenue totaled $15,084.

Conclusion The targeted use of order sets and note templates was positively associated with the ordering of topical fluoride by physicians.
Causal Associations Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Hu Mengjin , Li Xiaosong , Yang Yuejin
Published: January 2023

Objective The aim of the study is to assess the causal effects of cardiovascular risk factors on venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its subtypes including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods A summary-level Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed by extracting data from public and large-scale genome-wide association studies for cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose, body mass index [BMI], smoking, alcohol, and physical activity), VTE, DVT, and PE to identify genetic instruments.

Results BMI (per standard deviation [SD] increase; odds ratio [OR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–1.54; p = 8.02 × 10−10) could increase the VTE risk, whereas SBP (per SD increase; OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–0.99; p = 0.0005) could decrease the VTE risk. For DVT, BMI (per SD increase; OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.28–1.72; p = 1.53 × 10−7) could increase the risk, whereas physical activity (per SD increase; OR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01–0.33; p = 0.0020) could decrease the risk. For PE, BMI (per SD increase; OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12–1.49; p = 0.0005) could increase the risk, whereas SBP (per SD increase; OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–1.00; p = 0.0032) could decrease the risk. Suggestive evidence between smoking and higher risks of VTE and DVT was also observed.

Conclusion Our study supports that BMI is a causal risk factor for VTE, DVT, and PE. SBP is a protective factor for VTE and PE. Physical activity is a protective factor for DVT. However, the effects of other cardiovascular risk factors are not identified.
The effectiveness of collaborative problem solving in promoting students’ critical thinking: A meta-analysis based on empirical literature
Authors: Xu Enwei , Wang Wei , Wang Qingxia
Published: January 2023

Collaborative problem-solving has been widely embraced in the classroom instruction of critical thinking, which is regarded as the core of curriculum reform based on key competencies in the field of education as well as a key competence for learners in the 21st century. However, the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving in promoting students’ critical thinking remains uncertain. This current research presents the major findings of a meta-analysis of 36 pieces of the literature revealed in worldwide educational periodicals during the 21st century to identify the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving in promoting students’ critical thinking and to determine, based on evidence, whether and to what extent collaborative problem solving can result in a rise or decrease in critical thinking. The findings show that (1) collaborative problem solving is an effective teaching approach to foster students’ critical thinking, with a significant overall effect size (ES = 0.82, z = 12.78, P < 0.01, 95% CI [0.69, 0.95]); (2) in respect to the dimensions of critical thinking, collaborative problem solving can significantly and successfully enhance students’ attitudinal tendencies (ES = 1.17, z = 7.62, P < 0.01, 95% CI[0.87, 1.47]); nevertheless, it falls short in terms of improving students’ cognitive skills, having only an upper-middle impact (ES = 0.70, z = 11.55, P < 0.01, 95% CI[0.58, 0.82]); and (3) the teaching type (chi2 = 7.20, P < 0.05), intervention duration (chi2 = 12.18, P < 0.01), subject area (chi2 = 13.36, P < 0.05), group size (chi2 = 8.77, P < 0.05), and learning scaffold (chi2 = 9.03, P < 0.01) all have an impact on critical thinking, and they can be viewed as important moderating factors that affect how critical thinking develops. On the basis of these results, recommendations are made for further study and instruction to better support students’ critical thinking in the context of collaborative problem-solving.
Global stability, periodicity, and bifurcation analysis of a difference equation
Authors: Amalraj J. Leo , Manuel M. Maria Susai , Baleanu Dumitru , Dilip D. S.
Published: January 2023

This research aims to discuss the existence, global stability, periodicity, and bifurcation analysis of a modified version of the ecological model proposed by Tilman and Wedlin [Nature 353, 653–655 (1991)].
Impact of reaction temperatures on the particle size of V2O5 synthesized by facile hydrothermal technique and photocatalytic efficacy in dye degradation
Authors: Jalil M. A. , Khan M. N. I. , Mandal S. K. , Chowdhury F.-U.-Z. , Hossain M. M. , Jana D. , Alam M. S. , Uddin M. M.
Published: January 2023

In this study, the influence of hydrothermal reaction temperatures on V2O5synthesized via a green facile mild hydrothermal method at six different reaction temperatures ranging from 100 to 200 °C, at steps of 20 °C and the physical properties the synthesized samples have been investigated. The x-ray diffraction pattern confirms the stable orthorhombic crystal structure of the synthesized samples at all reaction temperatures. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images demonstrate the particle-like morphology, and these characterizations affirmed that the particles’ size became larger with the increase in the reaction temperatures. To study the functional groups, Fourier-transform infrared investigation has been employed. The bandgap of the synthesized samples has been estimated using UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and was found to vary from 2.08 to 2.15 eV, which implies their suitability for absorbing a significant amount of visible light. The photocatalysis of methylene blue with synthesized samples has been carried out to investigate the photocatalytic efficiency. Pure V2O5 synthesized at a lower reaction temperature (100 °C) possesses a lower bandgap and, accordingly, higher photocatalytic efficiency.
Implementing Faraday effect measurement constraints into the Grad–Shafranov equilibrium fitting code EFIT
Authors: Benedett T. E. , Chen J. , Brower D. L. , Yoneda R. , Lao L. L. , McClenaghan J.
Published: January 2023

A new tool for the exploration and diagnosis of the internal magnetic field of plasmas in the DIII-D tokamak in the form of a constraint on the EFIT (Equilibrium Fitting) Grad–Shafranov code based on the Faraday-effect Radial Interferometer-Polarimeter (RIP) diagnostic is presented, including description, verification, and sample application. The physics underlying the diagnostic and its implementation into EFIT are discussed, and the results showing the verification of the model are given, and the model’s limitations are discussed. The influence of the diagnostic’s input on the resulting equilibrium parameters is characterized. The effect of electron density profile refinement is evaluated and found to be negligible. A sample application of the diagnostic is shown, indicating that the RIP constraint has similar effects on the equilibrium as motional Stark effect constraints do.
Rhizogenic
Agrobacterium
protein RolB interacts with the TOPLESS repressor proteins to reprogram plant immunity and development
Authors: Gryffroy Lore , Ceulemans Evi , Manosalva Pérez Nicolás , Venegas-Molina Jhon , Jaramillo-Madrid Ana Cristina , Rodrigues Savio D. , De Milde Liesbeth , Jonckheere Veronique , Van Montagu Marc , De Coninck Barbara , Vandepoele Klaas , Van Damme Petra , Goossens Alain
Published: January 2023

Rhizogenic
Agrobacterium
strains comprise biotrophic pathogens that cause hairy root disease (HRD) on hydroponically grown
Solanaceae
and
Cucurbitaceae
crops, besides being widely explored agents for the creation of hairy root cultures for the sustainable production of plant-specialized metabolites. Hairy root formation is mediated through the expression of genes encoded on the T-DNA of the root-inducing (Ri) plasmid, of which several, including
root oncogenic locus B
(
rolB
), play a major role in hairy root development. Despite decades of research, the exact molecular function of the proteins encoded by the
rol
genes remains enigmatic. Here, by means of TurboID-mediated proximity labeling in tomato (
Solanum lycopersicum)
hairy roots, we identified the repressor proteins TOPLESS (TPL) and Novel Interactor of JAZ (NINJA) as direct interactors of RolB. Although these interactions allow RolB to act as a transcriptional repressor, our data hint at another in planta function of the RolB oncoprotein. Hence, by a series of plant bioassays, transcriptomic and DNA-binding site enrichment analyses, we conclude that RolB can mitigate the TPL functioning so that it leads to a specific and partial reprogramming of phytohormone signaling, immunity, growth, and developmental processes. Our data support a model in which RolB manipulates host transcription, at least in part, through interaction with TPL, to facilitate hairy root development. Thereby, we provide important mechanistic insights into this renowned oncoprotein in HRD.
Comparing L2 translation, translation revision, and post-editing competences in translation trainees
Authors: Robert Isabelle S. , Schrijver Iris , Ureel Jim J. J.
Published: January 2023

Translation proper is rarely the sole activity that translators undertake in today’s translation market. Translators regularly function as revisers or post-editors, requiring them to check human or machine translations to make or recommend changes to improve translation quality. Various construct and performance models of and studies into translation competence (TC), translation revision competence (TRC), and post-editing competence (PEC) exist. However, a fundamental question remains unanswered to date: how similar or different TC, TRC, and PEC are. Using indirect translations (L1 Dutch, L2 French), we collected and analyzed translation, translation revision (TR), and post-editing (PE) data from 11 graduate translation trainees. Our exploratory study shows that TRC and PEC appear to have different competences, with trainees performing better for TR than PE. However, TRC and PEC do appear to have a common core, which does not differ significantly across tasks: problem detection.
Physical metallurgy of medium-Mn advanced high-strength steels
Authors: Sun Binhan , Kwiatkowski da Silva Alisson , Wu Yuxiang , Ma Yan , Chen Hao , Scott Colin , Ponge Dirk , Raabe Dierk
Published: January 2023

Steels with medium manganese (Mn) content (3∼12 wt-%) have emerged as a new alloy class and received considerable attention during the last decade. The microstructure and mechanical response of such alloys show significant differences from those of established steel grades, especially pertaining to the microstructural variety that can be tuned and the associated micromechanisms activated during deformation. The interplay and tuning opportunities between composition and the many microstructural features allow to trigger almost all known strengthening and strain-hardening mechanisms, enabling excellent strength-ductility synergy, at relatively lean alloy content. Previous investigations have revealed a high degree of microstructure and deformation complexity in such steels, but the underlying mechanisms are not adequately discussed and acknowledged. This encourages us to critically review and discuss these materials, focusing on the progress in fundamental research, with the aim to obtain better understanding and enable further progress in this field. The review addresses the main phase transformation phenomena in these steels and their mechanical behaviour, covering the whole inelastic deformation regime including yielding, strain hardening, plastic instability and damage. Based on these insights, the relationships between processing, microstructure and mechanical properties are critically assessed and rationalized. Open questions and challenges with respect to both, fundamental studies and industrial production are also identified and discussed to guide future research efforts.
Conformational changes linked to ADP release from human cardiac myosin bound to actin-tropomyosin
Authors: Doran Matthew H. , Rynkiewicz Michael J. , Rasicci David , Bodt Skylar M.L. , Barry Meaghan E. , Bullitt Esther , Yengo Christopher M. , Moore Jeffrey R. , Lehman William
Published: January 2023

Following binding to the thin filament, β-cardiac myosin couples ATP-hydrolysis to conformational rearrangements in the myosin motor that drive myofilament sliding and cardiac ventricular contraction. However, key features of the cardiac-specific actin-myosin interaction remain uncertain, including the structural effect of ADP release from myosin, which is rate-limiting during force generation. In fact, ADP release slows under experimental load or in the intact heart due to the afterload, thereby adjusting cardiac muscle power output to meet physiological demands. To further elucidate the structural basis of this fundamental process, we used a combination of cryo-EM reconstruction methodologies to determine structures of the human cardiac actin–myosin–tropomyosin filament complex at better than 3.4 Å-resolution in the presence and in the absence of Mg2+·ADP. Focused refinements of the myosin motor head and its essential light chains in these reconstructions reveal that small changes in the nucleotide-binding site are coupled to significant rigid body movements of the myosin converter domain and a 16-degree lever arm swing. Our structures provide a mechanistic framework to understand the effect of ADP binding and release on human cardiac β-myosin, and offer insights into the force-sensing mechanism displayed by the cardiac myosin motor.
Self-consistent computation of spin torques and magneto-resistance in tunnel junctions and magnetic read-heads with metallic pinhole defects
Authors: Lepadatu Serban , Dobrynin Alexey
Published: January 2023

A three-dimensional self-consistent spin transport model is developed, which includes both tunnelling transport, leading to tunnelling magneto-resistance, as well as metallic transport, leading to giant magneto-resistance. An explicit solution to the drift-diffusion model is also derived, which allows analysing the effect of both the reference and free layer thickness on the spin-transfer torque polarization and field-like coefficient. It is shown the model developed here can be used to compute the signal-to-noise ratio in realistic magnetic read-heads, where spin torque-induced fluctuations and instabilities limit the maximum operating voltage. The effect of metallic pinhole defects in the insulator layer is also analysed. Increasing the area covered by pinholes results in a rapid degradation of the magneto-resistance, following an inverse dependence. Moreover, the spin torque angular dependence becomes skewed, similar to that obtained in fully metallic spin valves, and the spin-transfer torque polarization decreases. The same results are obtained when considering tunnel junctions with a single pinhole defect, but decreasing cross-sectional area, showing that even a single pinhole defect can significantly degrade the performance of tunnel junctions and magnetic read-heads below the 40 nm node.
Risk communication regarding radiation exposure by experts using two concepts of regulatory science and ALARA
Authors: Yoshida Yoshitoku
Published: January 2023

In the Tohoku region of Japan, risk communication programs on radiation exposure are of great importance, especially with respect to reducing the stress and anxiety among those affected by radiation exposure. Although the concepts of ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) and regulatory sciences (RS) were very important for the smooth operation of risk communication among a wide range of stakeholders, our previous research showed that only 23.5% and 16.5% of medical doctors in Japan had an accurate awareness of them, respectively. To make risk communication more effective, this study examined the levels of awareness of the concepts of ALARA and RS among academic experts in Japan and compared their level of awareness of technical terms regarding radiation to that of the expected level for a layperson. This study also showed that, even among faculty working at graduate schools in Japan, only 29.8% and 39.4% had an accurate knowledge of ALARA and RS. To improve the knowledge of laypeople and experts on these concepts, they should be added to the primary education curriculum. This study demonstrated that among experts in many academic fields, a significant range of estimates existed of lay knowledge of technical terms regarding radiation. The highest scores were assigned by faculty in the field of humanities. Thus, before conducting risk communications, experts from all fields should identify the expected level of awareness among laypeople on the topic. In addition, risk communications regarding radiation should be conducted by academic experts and healthcare professionals together with facilitators or lecturers.
Effects of macroparticle weighting in axisymmetric particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision simulations
Authors: Hara Kentaro , Robertson Timothy , Kenney Jason , Rauf Shahid
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the effects of macroparticle (MP) weighting on the plasma discharge, particularly near the centerline, are investigated using a two-dimensional axisymmetric particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision (PIC/MCC) model. A variable MP weight according to the radial position of the MPs is employed to maintain sufficient number of MPs near the centerline of the plasma source. The plasma density obtained from the PIC/MCC simulations for low-pressure (25–100 mTorr) capacitively coupled plasmas is found to be artificially large when the MP weight near the centerline is not well resolved, demonstrating the need for particle convergence studies for axisymmetric PIC/MCC simulations.
Thermodynamic irreversibility analysis of water conveying argentum and titania nanoparticles subject to inclined stretching surface
Authors: Sarfraz Mahnoor , Khan Masood
Published: January 2023

Hybrid nanofluids deliberately improve the characteristics of heat transmission and pressure drop in comparison to conventional nanofluids. The current study aims to inspect the energy transport and thermodynamic irreversibility effects of the buoyancy induced hybrid nanofluid flow. The mixture contains titania and argentum/silver nanoparticles over a vertically inclined stretching surface. The effects of heat generation and absorption, buoyancy and Lorentz force are added as well. The fact that nanoparticles have higher thermal and electrical conductivities means that this study can also be used for applications involving energy storage and catalytic supports. The problem is solved via bvp4c, a built-in technique in MATLAB. The similarity ansatzes are used to develop a system of ordinary differential equations. A comparison of current results with the existing ones in literature are also found to be in exact agreement. The asymptotic behavior for low and high magnetic number is determined. The nanoparticles concentration enhanced the flow field and temperature distribution; however, it reduced the entropy generation phenomenon and pressure field, causing pressure drop. The numerical and asymptotic values (for low magnetic number) of heat transfer rate and coefficients of skin frictions of free convective flow are declined due to increment in Prandtl number.
Cluster of stars in f(, T) gravity
Authors: Manzoor Rubab , Sadiq M Awais , Mumtaz Saadia , Kausar H Rizwana
Published: January 2023

This paper is devoted to analyze the dynamical impacts of

f
(

,
T
)

gravity model on the cluster of stars. For this motive, we consider the spherically symmetric interior geometry with anisotropic fluid as analogous to cluster of stars distributions. We express the modified field equations by taking a particular model of

f
(

,
T
)

, i.e.

f
(

,
T
)
=
f
(
T
)
+
f
(

)

. In order to explore the evolutionary behavior of cluster of stars, the observational data of a compact star 4U1820 − 30 is used. We construct the modified scalar functions by orthogonal splitting of Riemann tensor in

f
(

,
T
)

theory of gravity and find the factors causing density irregularities in the framework. We calculate the evolution parameters by using these scalar functions. Moreover, we also investigate the structure scalars for dust ball. The dynamical effects on cluster of stars are examined via structure scalars in the presence of Gauss-Bonnet gravity. It is found that Gauss-Bonnet parameter representing exotic material in the cluster plays a vital role in governing the dynamics of cluster of stars.
Measurement-based interleaved randomised benchmarking using IBM processors
Authors: Strydom Conrad , Tame Mark
Published: January 2023

Quantum computers have the potential to outperform classical computers in a range of computational tasks, such as prime factorisation and unstructured searching. However, real-world quantum computers are subject to noise. Quantifying noise is of vital importance, since it is often the dominant factor preventing the successful realisation of advanced quantum computations. Here we propose and demonstrate an interleaved randomised benchmarking protocol for measurement-based quantum computers that can be used to estimate the fidelity of any single-qubit measurement-based gate. We tested the protocol on IBM superconducting quantum processors by estimating the fidelity of the Hadamard and T gates—a universal single-qubit gate set. Measurements were performed on entangled cluster states of up to 31 qubits. Our estimated gate fidelities show good agreement with those calculated from quantum process tomography. By artificially increasing noise, we were able to show that our protocol detects large noise variations in different implementations of a gate.
Bounding the photon mass with the dedispersed pulses of the Crab pulsar and FRB 180916B
Authors: Chang Chen-Ming , Wei Jun-Jie , Zhang Song-bo , Wu Xue-Feng
Published: January 2023

Tight limits on the photon mass have been set through analyzing the arrival time differences of photons with different
frequencies originating from the same astrophysical source. However, all these constraints have relied on using
the first-order Taylor expansion of the dispersion due to a nonzero photon mass. In this work, we present an analysis
of the nonzero photon mass dispersion with the second-order derivative of Taylor series. If the arrival time delay corrected
for all known effects (including the first-order delay time due to the plasma and photon mass effects) is assumed to be
dominated by the second-order term of the nonzero photon mass dispersion, a conservative upper limit on the photon mass can be estimated. Here we show that the dedispersed pulses with the second-order time delays from the Crab pulsar and
the fast radio burst FRB 180916B pose strict limits on the photon mass, i.e.,
mγ,2
≤ 5.7 × 10-46 kg ≃ 3.2 × 10-10 eV/c
2
and mγ,2
≤ 6.0 × 10-47 kg ≃ 3.4 × 10-11 eV/c
2, respectively.
This is the first time to study the possible second-order photon mass effect.
Limit-cycle-oscillation induced from the positive feedback amplification of radial electric field in the scrape-off-layer
Authors: Kim J.Y. , Han H.S. , Jung L.
Published: January 2023

Based on a heuristic model of the scrape-off-layer (SOL) plasma dynamics, a new type of limit-cycle-oscillation (LCO) is shown to be possible in the SOL region. The key trigger process is the positive feedback amplification of the SOL radial electric field through the SOL turbulence suppression and temperature profile steepening. This SOL-LCO can make the edge plasma inside the separatrix also have an oscillation motion, taking the features qualitatively similar to those observed in the recent ASDEX Upgrade experiment (Cavedon et al 2017 Nucl. Fusion
57 014002). With the above positive feedback process much more feasible when the ion magnetic curvature drift direction is toward the X-point, the present model also provides an explanation of why the LCO is mostly observed in such a favorable magnetic configuration.
Exposure to Particulate Matter and Respirable Crystalline Silica in Tunnel Construction Workers Using Tunnel Boring Machines
Authors: Leite Mimmi , Nordby Karl-Christian , Skare Øivind , Ulvestad Bente , Ellingsen Dag Gunnar , Dahl Kari , Johansen Thea , Petter Skaugset Nils
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the exposure to a selection of aerosols and gases in the work environment for workers performing tunnel construction using tunnel boring machines (TBMs), to identify determinants of exposure based on the information available and to calculate robust estimates of exposure using a statistical model. The focus was particulate matter (PM) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS). In addition, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), elemental carbon (EC), and oil mist were assessed.

Methods

Personal sampling was conducted from February 2017 to February 2019. PM in the thoracic and the respirable aerosol fractions was collected, and RCS was determined in the respirable aerosol fraction. Context information was collected on questionnaires. Because the workers could participate in the sampling more than once and multiple measurements were performed on the same date a mixed model was used in the analysis. Concentrations of PM and RCS are presented as estimated and measured geometric means (GMest and GMmea) and estimated arithmetic mean (AMest) in addition to the median. Measured concentrations of NO2, EC, and oil mist are presented as geometric means.

Results

A total of 290 and 289 personal samples of PM in the thoracic and respirable aerosol fractions were available for analysis, respectively. Work title/work location, type of work (production, maintenance, or a combination of the two), and date of sampling were identified as determinants of exposure. Workers in the front of the TBMs had the highest exposure to PM and RCS. The GMest of RCS exposure varied from 35 to 413 μg m–3 depending on the work title. The geometric standard deviations for measured RCS concentrations by work title ranged from 1.6 to 3.5. A total of 16 samples of NO2 and EC and 12 samples of oil mist were collected. Maximum values of NO2 and EC were 54 µg m–3 and 23 µg m–3, respectively. The maximum measured value of oil mist was 0.08 mg m–3.

Conclusions

All TBM workers were exposed to PM and RCS. Exposure to RCS may be substantial, and workers in front of the TBM were exposed to the highest concentrations of both PM and RCS. A day-to-day variation was found, probably caused by differences in drilling activities. Preventive measures are warranted to keep the exposure to PM and consequently the exposure to RCS as low as possible to protect the health of workers in tunnel construction.
#PRS: A Study of Plastic Surgery Trends With the Rise of Instagram
Authors: Thawanyarat Kometh , Hinson Chandler , Gomez Diego A , Rowley Mallory , Navarro Yelissa , Johnson Chandler , Venditto Chelsea M
Published: January 2023

Background

Instagram (Menlo Park, CA) has become a popular means of advertisement for aesthetic surgery procedures, influencing patients’ likelihood of undergoing a procedure. In this study, the authors aim to explore public interest in aesthetic procedures before and after the Instagram platform started gaining in popularity through Google Trends (Google, Mountain View, CA), a platform with previously demonstrated utility for tracking interest in surgical procedures.

Objectives

The authors hypothesize that as a result of increased medical marketing on Instagram, there is an increase in public interest in elective procedures of plastic surgery.

Methods

Trends in the United States for given search terms and volumes were gathered through Google Trends between April 2004 and January 2022. Search terms included popular aesthetic procedures based on the 2020 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics. The search volumes were normalized, and a bivariate regression analysis of panel data was then applied to the aggregate trendlines to determine whether a statistically significant change in search volume occurred following the increase in user traffic of the Instagram platform.

Results

The authors found significant variations in search volume for plastic surgery procedures before and after April 2012. Blepharoplasty, Botox, brachioplasty, breast implant removal, breast reduction, brow lift, butt lift, hair transplantation, lip augmentation, male breast surgery, mastopexy, mentoplasty, otoplasty, platysmaplasty, rhinoplasty, and thighplasty (P < .000) had statistically significant increases in search volume, whereas buccal fat removal (P = .003) had a statistically significant decrease in search volume after April 2012.

Conclusions

The authors observed a significant increase in public interest in both surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures after Instagram gained popularity in the April of 2012.
Defining the Optimal Duration of Therapy for Hospitalized Patients With Complicated Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Bacteremia
Authors: McAteer John , Lee Jae Hyoung , Cosgrove Sara E , Dzintars Kathryn , Fiawoo Suiyini , Heil Emily L , Kendall Ronald E , Louie Ted , Malani Anurag N , Nori Priya , Percival Kelly M , Tamma Pranita D
Published: January 2023

Background

Limited data are available to guide effective antibiotic durations for hospitalized patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs).

Methods

We conducted an observational study of patients ≥18 years at 24 US hospitals to identify the optimal treatment duration for patients with cUTI. To increase the likelihood patients experienced true infection, eligibility was limited to those with associated bacteremia. Propensity scores were generated for an inverse probability of treatment weighted analysis. The primary outcome was recurrent infection with the same species ≤30 days of completing therapy.

Results

1099 patients met eligibility criteria and received 7 (n = 265), 10 (n = 382), or 14 (n = 452) days of therapy. There was no difference in the odds of recurrent infection for patients receiving 10 days and those receiving 14 days of therapy (aOR: .99; 95% CI: .52–1.87). Increased odds of recurrence was observed in patients receiving 7 days versus 14 days of treatment (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.40–4.60). When limiting the 7-day versus 14-day analysis to the 627 patients who remained on intravenous beta-lactam therapy or were transitioned to highly bioavailable oral agents, differences in outcomes no longer persisted (aOR: .76; 95% CI: .38–1.52). Of 76 patients with recurrent infections, 2 (11%), 2 (10%), and 10 (36%) in the 7-, 10-, and 14-day groups, respectively, had drug-resistant infections (P = .10).

Conclusions

Seven days of antibiotics appears effective for hospitalized patients with cUTI when antibiotics with comparable intravenous and oral bioavailability are administered; 10 days may be needed for all other patients.
Disparities in treatment and outcome of kidney replacement therapy in children with comorbidities: an ESPN/ERA Registry study
Authors: Schild Raphael , Dupont Simeon , Harambat Jérôme , Vidal Enrico , Balat Ayşe , Bereczki Csaba , Bieniaś Beata , Brandström Per , Broux Francoise , Consolo Silvia , Gojkovic Ivana , Groothoff Jaap W , Hommel Kristine , Hubmann Holger , Braddon Fiona E M , Pankratenko Tatiana E , Papachristou Fotios , Plumb Lucy A , Podracka Ludmila , Prokurat Sylwester , Bjerre Anna , Cordinhã Carolina , Tainio Juuso , Shkurti Enkelejda , Spartà Giuseppina , Vondrak Karel , Jager Kitty J , Oh Jun , Bonthuis Marjolein
Published: January 2023

Background

Data on comorbidities in children on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) are scarce. Considering their high relevance for prognosis and treatment, this study aims to analyse the prevalence and implications of comorbidities in European children on KRT.

Methods

We included data from patients <20 years of age when commencing KRT from 2007 to 2017 from 22 European countries within the European Society of Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association Registry. Differences between patients with and without comorbidities in access to kidney transplantation (KT) and patient and graft survival were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

Comorbidities were present in 33% of the 4127 children commencing KRT and the prevalence has steadily increased by 5% annually since 2007. Comorbidities were most frequent in high-income countries (43% versus 24% in low-income countries and 33% in middle-income countries). Patients with comorbidities had a lower access to transplantation {adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.74]} and a higher risk of death [aHR 1.79 (95% CI 1.38–2.32)]. The increased mortality was only seen in dialysis patients [aHR 1.60 (95% CI 1.21–2.13)], and not after KT. For both outcomes, the impact of comorbidities was stronger in low-income countries. Graft survival was not affected by the presence of comorbidities [aHR for 5-year graft failure 1.18 (95% CI 0.84–1.65)].

Conclusions

Comorbidities have become more frequent in children on KRT and reduce their access to transplantation and survival, especially when remaining on dialysis. KT should be considered as an option in all paediatric KRT patients and efforts should be made to identify modifiable barriers to KT for children with comorbidities.
Drug-coated balloon angioplasty, intraoperatively through left anterior descending arteriotomy access, a novel hybrid revascularization strategy: a case report
Authors: Javed Asim , Siddiqueh Musfireh , Anjum Qudsia , Jalal Anjum
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) sometimes have critical proximal lesion in left anterior descending (LAD) artery or chronic total occlusion followed by either skip lesions or diffuse disease of late mid-to-distal LAD artery. Such lesions require endarterectomy or atheroma bridging via long venous or arterial patch (patch-plasty), for which clinical outcomes are conflicting in studies due to a more thrombogenic milieu created by patch-plasty as well as incomplete endarterectomy. We present a hybrid approach with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty of mid-to-distal LAD through LAD arteriotomy followed by left internal mammary artery (LIMA) insertion to LAD.

Case summary

A 35-year-old man who was thrombolyzed for anterior wall myocardial infarction in another city, reported to our hospital four weeks later with persistent angina. Coronary angiography showed severe multivessel coronary artery disease. There was diffuse disease in LAD distal to potential site of LIMA insertion and needed patch-plasty. We carried out a hybrid procedure by performing DCB angioplasty of mid-to-distal LAD through the LAD arteriotomy site during CABG followed by LIMA insertion to the LAD. The patient remained asymptomatic post procedure with a 6-month follow-up computerized tomography scan showing patent LIMA and mid-to-distal LAD.

Discussion

This case shows a novel technique, first in the world, of performing angioplasty during CABG through arteriotomy followed by graft insertion.
Sex differences in type A acute aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Carbone Andreina , Ranieri Brigida , Castaldo Rossana , Franzese Monica , Rega Salvatore , Cittadini Antonio , Czerny Martin , Bossone Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Background

In acute aortic dissection (AAD) sex heterogeneity reports are not exhaustive and in part even conflicting.

Aims

To explore sex differences in clinical features, management, and outcomes among patients with type A AAD.

Methods and results

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were conducted for studies (2004–2022) reporting type A AAD sex differences. Among the 1938 studies retrieved, 16 (16 069 patients, 7142 women, and 8927 men) fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Data were aggregated used the random-effects model as pooled risk ratio and mean difference. Due to information reported by considered manuscripts, analysis were performed only among surgically treated type A AAD patients. At the time of hospital presentation type A AAD women were older than men but had lower body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), and creatinine plasma levels. Active smoking, bicuspid aortic valve, and previous cardiac surgery were less common in women while diabetes mellitus was more frequent. Furthermore, women experienced more frequently pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade than men. Interestingly, in-hospital surgical mortality did not differ between sexes [risk ratio (RR), 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53–1.99; P = 0.95], whereas 5 (RR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92–0.97; P < 0.001) and 10-year survival (RR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74–0.92; P = 0.004) was higher among men. A descriptive analysis of in-hospital outcomes among medically treated type A AAD patients confirmed prohibitive high mortality for both sexes (men 58.6% vs. women 53.8%, P = 0.59).

Conclusions

A female sex phenotype appears to be evident in type A AAD implying the need for a personalized management patient approach along with tailored preventive strategies.

PROSPERO registry ID

CRD42022359072.
Resveratrol Alleviates Inflammation and ER Stress Through SIRT1/NRF2 to Delay Ovarian Aging in a Short-Lived Fish
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Li Xiaowen , Qiao Mengxue , Sun Xiaowen , Li Guorong
Published: January 2023

Aging is a complex process in which the structure and function of various tissues and organs gradually decline with age, and ovarian aging affects the reproductive capacity of females and induces age-related diseases. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol compound, extends the life span and has a protective effect on the ovaries of vertebrates. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of resveratrol delaying ovarian aging are unclear. In this study, using an annual fish Nothobranchius guentheri, we demonstrated that senescence-associated-beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and lipofuscin accumulation increased with age in the ovaries, and resveratrol reversed this phenomenon. Resveratrol increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and the oocyte proportions of the primary growth stage, cortical alveolus stage and vitellogenesis stage, and decreased the number of atretic follicles in the ovaries of 6-, 9-, and 12-month-old fish. Moreover, the expression of SIRT1 and NRF2 decreased and the levels of NF-κB, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers GRP78 and CHOP increased with aging, while resveratrol up-regulated SIRT1 and NRF2 expression and down-regulated NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, GRP78, and CHOP levels in the ovaries of 6- and 9-month-old fish. In HEK293T cells, knockdown SIRT1 decreased NRF2 and increased NF-κB p65, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), and ER stress marker GRP78 expression markedly. Silencing SIRT1 and then treating the cells with resveratrol significantly reversed the phenomenon. Collectively, resveratrol might activate SIRT1/NRF2 to reduce inflammation and ER stress, and finally delay ovarian aging in a short-lived fish. This study highlights the protective effect and mechanism of resveratrol on ovarian aging.
Body Mass Index and Cognition: Associations Across  Mid- to Late Life and Gender Differences
Authors: Crane Breanna M , Nichols Emma , Carlson Michelle C , Deal Jennifer A , Gross Alden L
Published: January 2023

Background

Higher mid-life body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower late-life cognition. Associations between later-life BMI and cognition are less consistent; evidence suggests reverse causation may play a role. We aimed to characterize associations between BMI and cognition across a wide age range during mid- to late life (55–85 years) and examine whether associations vary by gender.

Methods

We used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (N = 39,153) to examine the association between BMI and 3 cognitive outcomes: cognitive level, cognitive decline, and cognitive impairment. We used a series of linear regression, mixed effects regression, and logistic regression models, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Higher BMI before age 65 (midlife) was associated with lower cognitive performance, faster rates of cognitive decline, and higher odds of cognitive impairment in late life. Averaging across analyses assessing associations between BMI measured before age 60 and late-life cognition, a 5-unit higher level of BMI was associated with a 0.26 point lower cognitive score. Beyond age 65, associations flipped, and higher BMI was associated with better late-life cognitive outcomes. Associations in both directions were stronger in women. Excluding those with BMI loss attenuated findings among women in older ages, supporting the reverse causation hypothesis.

Conclusions

In this sample, age 65 represented a critical turning point between mid- and late life for the association between BMI and cognition, which has important implications for recruitment strategies for studies focused on risk factors for late-life cognitive outcomes. Evidence of gender differences raises the need to further investigate plausible mechanisms.