bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Viewing Angle Robot with Remote access
Authors: Chougule S , Mhaswade Y , Mitra A , Mogali C , Molwane A , Gunjal M
Published: October 2023

Robots have existed for a long time with their primary purpose to make the daily lives of humans easier. Today there are a variety of robots available each for a different purpose; some are used in the industry whereas some are used for home applications. Lately the trend of surveillance-based robots is going on, the best example of this is a drone. Drones have a camera attached to them and the operator is given the controls to guide the drone and get the appropriate footage. The main disadvantage of a drone is its stability and that it needs ample space to travel. These drawbacks are eliminated by a camera-mounted robot on a set of three wheels. These robots can be guided from the narrowest of the passage and stability is something the operator need not worry about.
Interlayer engineering of Ti3C2T
x
MXene using graphitic carbon nitride for flexible supercapacitor
Authors: Depijan M , Hantanasirisakul K , Pakawatpanurut P
Published: October 2023

The superior performance of the Ti3C2T
x
-based supercapacitor has recently gained much interest in the energy storage community. Nevertheless, its performance in most neutral electrolytes remains a challenge, plausibly due to unfavorable ion diffusion as a result of limited interlayer spacing within Ti3C2T
x
. Herein, protonated g-C3N4 (pg-C3N4) was composited into Ti3C2T
x
using layer-by-layer assembling process. The XRD measurement indicated the enlargement in the d-spacing after pg-C3N4 was introduced into Ti3C2T
x
. The elemental analysis found the presence of N atom within Ti3C2T
x
, which indicated successful incorporation of pg-C3N4. The cyclic voltammogram revealed the increase in potential window up to 1.1 V with an improved specific capacitance of 95 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 for Ti3C2T
x
/pg-C3N4 in neutral MgSO4 electrolyte. Given the fact that Ti3C2T
x
-only electrode yielded the specific capacitance of only 77 F g−1, a better performance of the Ti3C2T
x
/pg-C3N4 composite could be attributed to better ion diffusion within the material. In fact, our analysis indicated that the composite showed higher degree of ion diffusion-dependent pseudocapacitive contribution when compared to Ti3C2T
x
.
The Comparative Studies of TeO2: ZnF2: BaO doped Sm2O3 Glass Which Prepare in a Different Atmosphere
Authors: Yasaka Patarawagee , Wongwan Winut , Boonin Kitipun , Kaewkhao Jakrapong
Published: October 2023

Sm3+ ion doped TeO2: ZnF2: BaO glasses are prepared in different atmospheres by melt quenching technique. The glasses structure was analyzed using a Rigaku SmartLab SE X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Absorption spectra (Shimadzu, 3600) in the wavelength between 400 to 1800 nm were recorded using a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. They found a total of seven peaks, which corresponded with the energy transitions of Sm3+ ion from the ground level 6H5/2 → 6F11/2, 6F9/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 6H15/2, and 6F1/2 at 944, 1083, 1238, 1383, 1485 and 1543 nm respectively. A spectrofluorophotometer (Cary-Eclipse) was used to detect the photoluminescence, and the excitation spectra were obtained from measurements in wavelengths of 300 to 550 nm using the emission spectrum at 597 nm. from 6H5/2 (ground state) → 4D7/2 (345), 4D3/2 (362), 6P7/2 (375), 6P3/2 (403), 6P5/2 (417) 4G9/2 (438), 4I13/2 (462) 4I11/2 (474), 4G7/2 (501) and 4F3/2 (526) the excited states. Using a 405 nm exciting wavelength, the emission spectra were captured in the 500–750 nm. The lifetime of the sample between the sample prepared in the air atmosphere and the CO2 atmosphere at the excitation wavelength of 405 nm was 0.679 and 0.662 ms, respectively.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of Sr2ZnMoO6: Eu2O3 phosphors
Authors: Krongkitsiri P. , Yasaka P. , Boonin K. , Wongwan W. , Kaewkhao J.
Published: October 2023

The Sr(2-x)ZnMoO6 phosphors doped with Eu2O3 were produced through the sintering process in the electrical furnace at a temperature of 1100 °C for 6 hours in an air atmosphere. The characteristics of the synthesized phosphors, including their photoluminescence properties and lifetime profile analysis, were investigated, along with their structure using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and FTIR analysis. The crystalline structure of the Sr2ZnMoO6 phosphor was confirmed by a Rigaku SmartLab SE X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The phosphors doped with Eu3+ exhibited excitation bands at various wavelengths, including 362, 380, 394, 415, 465, 525, and 531 nm, and emitted light at 613 nm. The 465 nm was used for excitation, and the emission spectra displayed peaks at 590, 613, 652, and 699 nm, as measured by a Cary-Eclipse spectrofluorophotometer. The highest peak was observed at 613 nm, corresponding to 5D0 →7F2 (reddish-orange) transitions of the Eu3+ ion. The fluorescence decay time system (HORIBA Scientific) measured the decay time of the Eu3+ ion from the transition of 5D0 to 7F2 level. The decay time of phosphors was decreased with increasing the concentration of Eu2O3, which had a decay time of 0.453 to 0.340 ms when monitored at λex = 465 nm. The results obtained in photoluminescence properties. The results suggest that obtained photoluminescence properties of Eu2O3 doped Sr2ZnMoO6 phosphors have potential applications in optoelectronics.
Mechanical and water absorption properties of polymer composites reinforced with animal bone powder
Authors: Dakarapu Santha Rao , Karri Sreenivasa Reddy , Ampolu Lakshmana Sai Pradeep
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the mechanical properties of epoxy based composite material reinforced with natural filler of animal bone powder. The polymer composites were prepared using compression molding process. The plates of 6 mm thickness were prepared with varying amount of reinforcement from 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight at varying compression loads at constant cure time. The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength, water absorption of composites were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The microstructural evaluations of samples were done using scanning electron microscope. It was found that the mechanical properties of epoxy composite materials reinforced with animal bone powder were significantly improved. The polymer composite of 15 wt.% bone powder reinforcement exhibited higher strength but possesses lower ductility. The scanning electron microscope analysis showed that particles were distributed uniformly in the matrix material.
Effects of welding parameters on mechanical properties and microstructure of TIG welded joints of AA4043
Authors: Shete Hanmant , Powar Vinayak
Published: October 2023

Welding technology has played a vital role in the manufacture of complicated structures in automobile, petrochemical, aerospace, power plant, and ship industries. Tungsten Inert Gas welding process is superior technique and produces high quality weld economically. Aluminum alloy 4043 is currently preferred material in automobile, kitchen utensils and aviation industry sector due to its lightweight properties. The effective TIG welding process for AA4043 material is not studied yet with regard to micro-hardness, impact strength properties in correlation with the microstructure. Hence, consequence of welding parameters, namely welding current, voltage, and weld speed on micro-hardness, impact strength is studied based on Taguchi method. As per the developed experimental matrix, the TIG welded samples of AA4043 plates are produced using the tungsten electrode and filler wire of AA4043 in pure argon as shielding gas. Micro-hardness, impact tests are performed on welded samples and microstructures of different zones of weld are evaluated. Weld zone has highest micro hardness compared to heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal due to presence of small grain structure. As current increases, large amount of solute enrichment in weld zone and HAZ, whereas severe grain structure change is predominantly observed in transition zone. The optimal parameters are obtained as welding current of 180 A, the voltage of 45 V and welding speed of 3.5 mm/sec for maximum micro-hardness of weld zone and impact strength of weld joint.
Crash test analysis of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) chassis.
Authors: Babre P S , Mutagekar R R , Mujawar N A , Tinguria A A , Pendor H N , Somatkar A A , Ramtirthkar C R
Published: October 2023

All-terrain vehicle (ATVs) is a mature and well-cultivated product with prominent significance all over the world. As these products are made to be driven by hoonigans, safety is the main matter of concern. This research paper conducts a crash test analysis on an All- Terrain Vehicle (ATV) chassis to evaluate its structural integrity and occupant safety during collisions. Using advanced computational modeling and finite element analysis, various crash scenarios like Frontal and Side impact crash (considering the driver’s weight) with a wall, Modal analysis, and Static structural analysis are simulated. The 3D finite element model considers material properties and geometry, analyzing acceleration, displacement, deformation, and stress distribution within the chassis. The study assesses the chassis’s ability to absorb impact energy and protect occupants, examining the effectiveness of safety features like roll cages and seat restraints
Extended coupled SUSY, pseudo-bosons and weak squeezed states
Authors: Bagarello F , Gargano F , Saluto L
Published: October 2023

In this paper we consider squares of pseudo-bosonic ladder operators and we use them to produce explicit examples of eigenstates of certain operators satisfying a deformed

s
u

(
1
,
1
)

Lie algebra. We show how these eigenstates may, or may not, be square-integrable. In both cases, a notion of biorthonormality can be introduced and analyzed. Some examples are discussed in details. We also propose some preliminary results on bi-squeezed states arising from our operators.
Triboxidation and softening induced by dry sliding of copper coupling with steel at 3.36 m s−1 speeds
Authors: Shang Jian , Li Qian , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the copper coupled with steel under dry sliding are comparatively sdudied at 0.56 m s−1 and 3.36 m s−1 condition from the morphology, structure and composition of tribolayer of the copper. It is found that the wear rate of Cu at 3.36 m s−1 is twice that at 0.56 m s−1, and the temperature of Cu block at 3.36 m s−1 (240 °C) is much higher than that at 0.56 m s−1 (75 °C). The results show that when the grinding speed is 0.56 m s−1, the grain distortion occurs in the top area of the subsurface layer of Cu block. When the grinding speed is 3.36 m s−1, the grain refinement zone appears below the subsurface layer of Cu block wear. The study further proves that the softening caused by friction heat occurs in the grain refinement zone, and a large number of softened metal copper tends to transfer to the opposite side. At the same time, the friction heat changes the mechanical and thermal deformation, material transfer and friction oxidation of the contact surface, which has a great influence on the dry sliding behavior of Cu.
JAK-ing up chronic actinic dermatitis with upadacitinib
Authors: Pappa Georgia , Sgouros Dimitrios , Kanelleas Antonios , Koumaki Dimitra , Bozi Evangelia , Katoulis Alexandros
Published: October 2023

We describe a unique and significant case of a 75-year-old man successfully treated with upadacitinib for chronic actinic dermatitis.
Improving Sepsis Outcomes in the Era of Pay-for-Performance and Electronic Quality Measures: A Joint IDSA/ACEP/PIDS/SHEA/SHM/SIDP Position Paper
Authors: Rhee Chanu , Strich Jeffrey R , Chiotos Kathleen , Classen David C , Cosgrove Sara E , Greeno Ron , Heil Emily L , Kadri Sameer S , Kalil Andre C , Gilbert David N , Masur Henry , Septimus Edward J , Sweeney Daniel A , Terry Aisha , Winslow Dean L , Yealy Donald M , Klompas Michael
Published: October 2023

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1) as a pay-for-reporting measure in 2015 and is now planning to make it a pay-for-performance measure by incorporating it into the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program. This joint IDSA/ACEP/PIDS/SHEA/SHM/SIPD position paper highlights concerns with this change. Multiple studies indicate that SEP-1 implementation was associated with increased broad-spectrum antibiotic use, lactate measurements, and aggressive fluid resuscitation for patients with suspected sepsis but not with decreased mortality rates. Increased focus on SEP-1 risks further diverting attention and resources from more effective measures and comprehensive sepsis care. We recommend retiring SEP-1 rather than using it in a payment model and shifting instead to new sepsis metrics that focus on patient outcomes. CMS is developing a community-onset sepsis 30-day mortality electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) that is an important step in this direction. The eCQM preliminarily identifies sepsis using systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, antibiotic administrations or diagnosis codes for infection or sepsis, and clinical indicators of acute organ dysfunction. We support the eCQM but recommend removing SIRS criteria and diagnosis codes to streamline implementation, decrease variability between hospitals, maintain vigilance for patients with sepsis but without SIRS, and avoid promoting antibiotic use in uninfected patients with SIRS. We further advocate for CMS to harmonize the eCQM with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Adult Sepsis Event surveillance metric to promote unity in federal measures, decrease reporting burden for hospitals, and facilitate shared prevention initiatives. These steps will result in a more robust measure that will encourage hospitals to pay more attention to the full breadth of sepsis care, stimulate new innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately bring us closer to our shared goal of improving outcomes for patients.
The situational self-orientation model of digital publics
Authors: Lee Hyelim
Published: October 2023

This article proposes the conceptual model called the Situational Self-Orientation Model of Digital Publics (SOMP) as an extension of the Situational Theory of Problem Solving (STOPS). The model aims to explain the digital publics’ communicative behaviors. It suggests five propositions by introducing three different working self-concepts (individual, relational, and collective self) on the issue. The different self-concepts affect involvement recognition and induce different self-oriented motivations (self-interest, interpersonal, and intragroup motivations) and self-oriented communication (I-oriented, You-oriented, and Us/Them-oriented communicative actions). The model is expected to provide theoretical and practical contributions to understanding the digital publics’ communication behaviors better.
Use of a taurolidine containing antimicrobial wash to reduce cardiac implantable electronic device infection
Authors: Borov Stefan , Baldauf Benito , Henke Jana , Pavaci Herribert , Perani Arben , Zrenner Bernhard , Dietl Josef , Mehilli Julinda , Lau Ernest W , Vonthein Reinhard , Bonnemeier Hendrik
Published: October 2023

Aims

TauroPace (Tauropharm, Bavaria Germany), a taurolidine solution for combating cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, was compared with a historical control of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a prospective observational study.

Methods and results

The device pocket was irrigated, and all hardware accessible within (leads, suture sleeves, pulse generator) was wiped with H2O2, TauroPace, or taurolidine in a galenic formulation during any invasive CIED procedure at the study centre. Only CIED procedures covered by TauroPace or H2O2 from 1 January 2017 to 28 February 2022 were included for analysis. Patients who underwent >1 procedure were censored for the last treatment group and reassigned at the next procedure. The primary endpoint was major CIED infection within 3 months. The secondary endpoints were CIED infection beyond 3 months, adverse events potentially related to the antimicrobial solutions, CIED system, procedure, and death, till the end of follow-up. TauroPace covered 654 procedures on 631 patients, and H2O2 covered 551 procedures on 532 patients. The TauroPace group had more patient risk factors for infection than the H2O2 group (P = 0.0058) but similar device and procedure-specific risk factors (P = 0.17). Cardiac implantable electronic device infection occurred in 0/654 (0%) of the TauroPace group and 6/551 (1.1%) of the H2O2 group (P = 0.0075). Death occurred in 23/654 (3.5%) of the TauroPace group and 14/551 (2.5%) of the H2O2 group (P = 0.33). Non-infection related adverse events were rarer in the TauroPace (3.8%) than the H2O2 (6.0%) group (P = 0.0802).

Conclusion

TauroPace is safe but more effective than H2O2 in reducing CIED infection.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05576194
Precipitation seasonality and soil pH drive the large-scale distribution of soil invertebrate communities in agricultural ecosystems
Authors: Wu Bingxue , Jiao Xiaoyan , Sun Anqi , Li Fangfang , He Ji-Zheng , Hu Hang-Wei
Published: October 2023

Soil invertebrates contribute significantly to vital ecosystem functions such as the breakdown of organic matter and cycling of essential nutrients, but our knowledge of their large-scale distribution in agricultural systems is limited, which hinders our ability to robustly predict how they will respond to future global change scenarios. Here, we employed metabarcoding analysis of eukaryotic 18S rRNA genes to examine the diversity and community composition of invertebrates in 528 sorghum rhizosphere and bulk soils, collected from 53 experimental field sites across China. Our results revealed that Nematoda, Arthropoda and Annelida were the dominant soil invertebrate groups in agroecosystems. Among all the climatic and soil parameters we examined, precipitation seasonality (i.e. the irregular distribution of precipitation during a normal year) had the strongest relationship with the richness of soil invertebrates, with an increase in soil invertebrate richness predicted with increasing precipitation seasonality. Mean annual precipitation and soil pH were the most important predictors of soil invertebrate community structure, with numerous invertebrate phylotypes showing either significantly positive or negative relationships with these two variables. Our findings suggest that shifts in precipitation patterns and soil pH, induced by future climate change and agricultural practices, will have important consequences for the distribution of soil invertebrate communities, with implications for agricultural ecosystem sustainability.
Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome Assemblies of the Beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata, a Globally Important Biocontrol Agent of Invasive Weed Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Sahoo Ranjit Kumar , Manu Shivakumara , Chandrakumaran Naveen Kumar , Vasudevan Karthikeyan
Published: October 2023

Implementing a genetic-based approach to achieve the full potential of classical biocontrol programs has been advocated for decades. The availability of genome-level information brings the opportunity to scrutinize biocontrol traits for their efficacy and evolvability. However, implementation of this advocacy remains limited to few instances. Biocontrol of a globally noxious weed, Parthenium hysterophorus, by the leaf-feeding beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata, has been in place for more than four decades now, with varying levels of success. As the first step in providing genetic-based improvement to this biocontrol program, we describe the nuclear and mitochondrial assemblies of Z. bicolorata. We assembled the genome from the long-read sequence data, error corrected with high-throughput short reads and checked for contaminants and sequence duplication to produce a 936 Mb nuclear genome. With 96.5% Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs completeness and the long terminal repeat assembly index 12.91, we present a reference-quality assembly that appeared to be repeat rich at 62.7% genome-wide and consists of 29,437 protein-coding regions. We detected signature of nuclear insertion of mitochondrial fragments in 80 nuclear positions comprising 13 kb out of 17.9 kb mitochondria genome sequence. This genome, along with its annotations, provides a valuable resource to gain further insights into the biocontrol traits of Z. bicolorata for improving the control of the invasive weed P. hysterophorus.
Persuasive message effects via activated and modified belief clusters: toward a general theory
Authors: Keating David M
Published: October 2023

This article proposes a general theory of persuasive message effects based on four sets of arguments. The first set commits to theorizing that focuses on specifying causal order and the explanatory principle driving that order. The second set makes the case that specifying a complex causal order among a series of cognitions is unjustifiable in many cases. The third set contends that many cognitions in the persuasion process can be conceptually treated as distinct beliefs within a network. The fourth and final set theorizes that persuasive message effects occur via the activation and modification of belief clusters. This article works through these arguments in detail and then provides examples of how this framework could be implemented to guide theorizing about persuasive message effects.
Pangenome of water caltrop reveals structural variations and asymmetric subgenome divergence after allopolyploidization
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Chen Yang , Wang Lingyun , Yuan Ye , Fang Mingya , Shi Lin , Lu Ruisen , Comes Hans Peter , Ma Yazhen , Chen Yuanyuan , Huang Guizhou , Zhou Yongfeng , Zheng Zhaisheng , Qiu Yingxiong
Published: October 2023

Water caltrop (Trapa spp., Lythraceae) is a traditional but currently underutilized non-cereal crop. Here, we generated chromosome-level genome assemblies for the two diploid progenitors of allotetraploid Trapa. natans (4x, AABB), i.e., diploid T. natans (2x, AA) and Trapa incisa (2x, BB). In conjunction with four published (sub)genomes of Trapa, we used gene-based and graph-based pangenomic approaches and a pangenomic transposable element (TE) library to develop Trapa genomic resources. The pangenome displayed substantial gene-content variation with dispensable and private gene clusters occupying a large proportion (51.95%) of the total cluster sets in the six (sub)genomes. Genotyping of presence-absence variation (PAVs) identified 40 453 PAVs associated with 2570 genes specific to A- or B-lineages, of which 1428 were differentially expressed, and were enriched in organ development process, organic substance metabolic process and response to stimulus. Comparative genome analyses showed that the allotetraploid T. natans underwent asymmetric subgenome divergence, with the B-subgenome being more dominant than the A-subgenome. Multiple factors, including PAVs, asymmetrical amplification of TEs, homeologous exchanges (HEs), and homeolog expression divergence, together affected genome evolution after polyploidization. Overall, this study sheds lights on the genome architecture and evolution of Trapa, and facilitates its functional genomic studies and breeding program.
Between Documentation and Dispossession: the Language of the Nuu-chah-nulth People in the Journals of James Cook’s Third Voyage
Authors: Iannuzzi Giulia
Published: October 2023

Through a case study of James Cook's third voyage and his contact with the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Vancouver Island in 1778, this article sheds new light on the epistemological dispossession of indigenous peoples that accompanied European expansion in the eighteenth century. The documentation of the Nuu-chah-nulth language in the official account of the expedition (1784) contributed to the establishment of a monopoly on history, from which indigenous forms of knowledge were excluded. The study of languages contributed to the representation of indigenous peoples as having no history and as being situated in the past of a presumed European ‘modernity’.
Ozone Groups and Centers of Skew Polynomial Rings
Authors: Chan Kenneth , Gaddis Jason , Won Robert , Zhang James J
Published: October 2023

We introduce the ozone group of a noncommutative algebra $A$, defined as the group of automorphisms of $A$, which fix every element of its center. In order to initiate the study of ozone groups, we study polynomial identity (PI) skew polynomial rings, which have long proved to be a fertile testing ground in noncommutative algebra. Using the ozone group and other invariants defined herein, we give explicit conditions for the center of a PI skew polynomial ring to be Gorenstein (resp. regular) in low dimension.
Household Transmission of Mpox to Children and Adolescents, California, 2022
Authors: Wendorf Kristen A , Ng Rilene , Stainken Cameron , Haddix Meredith , Peterson Erin , Watson Jessica , Sachdev Darpun
Published: October 2023

Background

In California, the 2022 mpox outbreak cumulated 5572 cases, 20% of US cases, as of November 28, 2022; 0.3% of cases were among children <16 years old. The secondary attack rate (SAR) for children sharing households with infected adults is unknown.

Methods

A line list of pediatric mpox household contacts aged <16 years reported through August 31, 2022 was created. It included demographic and clinical information on the contacts. Pediatric contact lists were crossmatched with the state vaccination database to identify those who received postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Results

We identified 129 pediatric household contacts with median age of 7 years (range, 0–15 years). Among 18 symptomatic contacts, 12 (66.7%) underwent mpox testing; 5 (41.2%) were confirmed cases, 6 (50%) were negative, and 1 (0.8%) had an indeterminate result. Six symptomatic children were not tested for mpox (33.3%). Overall, 6 infected contacts were identified, resulting in a SAR of 4.7% (6 of 129). The majority of pediatric household contacts and 4 of 6 infected children identified as Hispanic/Latino. Only 18 children (14%) reported receiving PEP.

Conclusions

The SAR was overall low among pediatric household contacts; none had severe disease. This may be underestimated given low testing rates.
Effects and potential mechanism of dietary vitamin C supplementation on hepatic lipid metabolism in growing laying hens under chronic heat stress
Authors: Yin Chao , Zhou Changming , Shi Yun , Ge Yangqin , Gao Xiaona , Wu Cong , Xu Zheng , Huang Cheng , Hu Guoliang , Liu Ping , Guo Xiaoquan
Published: October 2023

The adverse effects of chronic heat stress (CHS)-induced fatty liver syndrome on laying hens during the egg-producing stages have been wildly documented. However, until nowadays, the CHS responses of growing laying hens as well as its alleviating effects of vitamin C are rarely reported. In this study, 12-wk-old laying hens were subjected to CHS at 36 °C for 10 h/d for 3 wk with or without dietary supplementation of 300 mg/kg vitamin C. Results showed that CHS significantly impaired the growth performances and the liver functions of birds, as characterized by reduced feed intake and body weight, increased hepatic lipid accumulation and serum concentrations of TG, ALT, and AST, as well as the abnormal expression patterns of the lipid metabolism-related genes. Vitamin C supplementation successfully mitigated the lipid accumulation, while showing no alleviating effect on the serum contents of ALT or AST, which are two key indicators of liver functions. Metabolomic analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 173 differential metabolites from the HS and HSV group samples, and they are mainly enriched in the pathways related to the cellular components, vitamin and amino acid metabolism and energy substance metabolism. The results indicate that CHS-induced hepatic lipid deposition in growing laying hens is effectively alleviated by dietary supplementation of vitamin C, which is probably resulted from the alterations of hepatocellular metabolic patterns.
Access and utilization of host-derived iron by Leishmania parasites
Authors: Goto Yasuyuki , Ito Tatsumi , Ghosh Souradeepa , Mukherjee Budhaditya
Published: October 2023

Iron is involved in many biochemical processes including oxygen transport, ATP production, DNA synthesis and antioxidant defense. The importance of iron also applies to Leishmania parasites, an intracellular protozoan pathogen causing leishmaniasis. Leishmania are heme-auxotrophs, devoid of iron storage proteins and the heme synthesis pathway. Acquisition of iron and heme from the surrounding niche is thus critical for the intracellular survival of Leishmania inside the host macrophages. Moreover, Leishmania parasites are also exposed to oxidative stress within phagolysosomes of macrophages in mammalian hosts, and they need iron superoxide dismutase for overcoming this stress. Therefore, untangling the strategy adopted by these parasites for iron acquisition and utilization can be good targets for the development of antileishmanial drugs. Here, in this review, we will address how Leishmania parasites acquire and utilize iron and heme during infection to macrophages.
Comparison of Rapid-, Kaolin-, and Native-TEG Parameters in Burn Patient Cohorts With Acute Burn-induced Coagulopathy and Abnormal Fibrinolytic Function
Authors: Keyloun John W , Le Tuan D , Moffatt Lauren T , Orfeo Thomas , McLawhorn Melissa M , Bravo Maria-Cristina , Tejiram Shawn ,   the SYSCOT Study Group, Bravo Maria-Cristina , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen E , Callcut Rachael A , Cohen Mitchell J , Freeman Kalev , Gautam Aarti , Hammamieh Rasha , Jett Marti , McLawhorn Melissa M , Moffatt Lauren T , Petzold Linda R , Pusateri Anthony E , Shupp Jeffrey W , Varner Jeffrey D , Shupp Jeffrey W , Pusateri Anthony E
Published: October 2023

Although use of thromboelastography (TEG) to diagnose coagulopathy and guide clinical decision-making is increasing, relative performance of different TEG methods has not been well-defined. Rapid-TEG (rTEG), kaolin-TEG (kTEG), and native-TEG (nTEG) were performed on blood samples from burn patients presenting to a regional center from admission to 21 days. Patients were categorized by burn severity, mortality, and fibrinolytic phenotypes (Shutdown [SD], Physiologic [PHYS], and Hyperfibrinolytic [HF]). Manufacturer ranges and published TEG cutoffs were examined. Concordance correlations (Rc) of TEG parameters (R, α-angle, maximum amplitude [MA], LY30) measured agreement and Cohen’s Kappa (κ) determined interclass reliability. Patients (n = 121) were mostly male (n = 84; 69.4%), with median age 40 years, median TBSA burn 13%, and mortality 17% (n = 21). Severe burns (≥40% TBSA) were associated with lower admission α-angle for rTEG (P = .03) and lower MA for rTEG (P = .02) and kTEG (P = .01). MA was lower in patients who died (nTEG, P = .04; kTEG, P = .02; rTEG, P = .003). Admission HF was associated with increased mortality (OR, 10.45; 95% CI, 2.54–43.31, P = .001) on rTEG only. Delayed SD was associated with mortality using rTEG and nTEG (OR 9.46; 95% CI, 1.96–45.73; P = .005 and OR, 6.91; 95% CI, 1.35–35.48; P = .02). Admission TEGs showed poor agreement on R-time (Rc, 0.00–0.56) and α-angle (0.40 to 0.55), and moderate agreement on MA (0.67–0.81) and LY30 (0.72–0.93). Interclass reliability was lowest for R-time (κ, −0.07 to 0.01) and α-angle (−0.06 to 0.17) and highest for MA (0.22-0.51) and LY30 (0.29-0.49). Choice of TEG method may impact clinical decision-making. rTEG appeared most sensitive in parameter-specific associations with injury severity, abnormal fibrinolysis, and mortality.
Molecular and morphological evidence support a new species of Asiatic short-tailed shrew (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae)
Authors: Chen Zhongzheng , Hu Jiangxiao , He Kai , Zhang Baowei , Zhang Yucai , Chu Jun , Zhao Kai , Onditi Kenneth O , Jiang Xuelong
Published: October 2023

Asiatic short-tailed shrews (Blarinella and Parablarinella) are small insectivorous mammals distributed mainly in central and southwestern China, and adjacent Myanmar and Vietnam, currently comprising three species. In 2021, we collected five specimens of Asiatic short-tailed shrews in the Dabie Mountains, eastern China, which is geographically distant from the known distribution of the taxa. Herein, we integrated molecular and morphometric approaches to assess the taxonomy, phylogeny, and divergence of Asiatic short-tailed shrews. Our results indicate that the specimens collected from Dabie Mountains represent a new species, formally described here. The new species is morphologically distinguishable from other Asiatic short-tailed shrews by the combination of a triangular upper P4, lighter feet color, relatively broader skull, and more curved outline of tooth row of P4–M3. Phylogenetic analyses indicate the new species is sister to P. griselda, and the p-distance of Cyt b between the two species is 8.3%. The divergence between the new species and P. griselda occurred ca. 3.08 million years ago and may have been affected by East Asia’s topographic and climate changes in the late Pliocene.
Patterns and factors associated with SSRI medication adherence: a retrospective study using pharmacy claims data
Authors: Hijazi Bayan M , Popovici Ioana , Nusair Mohammad B , Alvarez Goar
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess the patterns and risk factors associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication adherence among enrollees of a multiple employer welfare beneficiary association operating in Florida.

Methods

This study used a pharmacy claims database for beneficiaries of the Independent Colleges and Universities Benefits Association. The sample of 2541 patients were enrollees who filled two or more consecutive SSRI prescriptions during the analysis period 2015–20. Adherence was measured as the proportion of days covered by a medication. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between sociodemographic, healthcare access, and clinical and medication-related factors and adherence.

Key findings

Adherence was associated with higher odds of being female [odds ratio (OR): 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.995–1.464, P < .10] and higher pill burden (OR: 1.3, CI: 1.021–1.642, P< 0.05). Patients using only retail pharmacies (OR: 0.356, CI: 0.196–0.645, P < .01), having any out-of-pocket costs (OR: 0.552, CI: 0.348–0.875, P < .50), changing the prescriber over the duration of the treatment (OR: 0.708, CI: 0.589–0.851, P < .01), taking antihypertensive (OR: 0.708, CI: 0.5077–0.988, P < 0.50), and asthma (OR: 0.609, CI: 0.450–0.826, P < .01) medications were less likely to be adherent. Prescriber specialty was not found to be associated with adherence.

Conclusion

These findings can inform policymakers and healthcare insurance companies on barriers to medication access and recommend strategies to eliminate these barriers and design interventions to improve the adherence of groups at risk for nonadherence. Healthcare providers can identify patients who are less likely to be adherent and customize counseling interventions for these patients.
Traits linked to natural variation of sulfur content in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: de Jager Nicholas , Shukla Varsa , Koprivova Anna , Lyčka Martin , Bilalli Lorina , You Yanrong , Zeier Jürgen , Kopriva Stanislav , Ristova Daniela
Published: October 2023

Sulfur (S) is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development; it is important for primary and specialized plant metabolites that are crucial for biotic and abiotic interactions. Foliar S content varies up to 6-fold under a controlled environment, suggesting an adaptive value under certain natural environmental conditions. However, a major quantitative regulator of S content in Arabidopsis thaliana has not been identified yet, pointing to the existence of either additional genetic factors controlling sulfate/S content or of many minor quantitative regulators. Here, we use overlapping information of two separate ionomics studies to select groups of accessions with low, mid, and high foliar S content. We quantify series of metabolites, including anions (sulfate, phosphate, and nitrate), thiols (cysteine and glutathione), and seven glucosinolates, gene expression of 20 genes, sulfate uptake, and three biotic traits. Our results suggest that S content is tightly connected with sulfate uptake, the concentration of sulfate and phosphate anions, and glucosinolate and glutathione synthesis. Additionally, our results indicate that the growth of pathogenic bacteria is enhanced in the A. thaliana accessions containing higher S in their leaves, suggesting a complex regulation between S homeostasis, primary and secondary metabolism, and biotic pressures.
Investigation of the Efficacy of Lanthanoid Heavy Metal Acetates as Electron Staining Reagents for Biomembrane Vesicles
Authors: Ishii Noriyuki , Odahara Takayuki
Published: October 2023

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has revolutionized our understanding of protein structures by enabling atomic-resolution visualization without the need for crystallography, thanks to advancements in cryo-TEM and single particle analysis methods. However, conventional electron microscopy remains relevant for studying stained samples, as it allows the practical determination of optimal conditions through extensive experimentation. TEM also facilitates the examination of supramolecular complexes encompassing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In this study, we investigated the applicability of lanthanoid reagents as electron-staining alternatives to uranyl acetate, which is globally regulated as a nuclear fuel material. We focus on a model biomembrane vesicle system, the chromatophores from the purple photosynthetic eubacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum, which integrate proteins and lipids. Through density distribution analysis of electron micrographs, we evaluated the efficacy of various lanthanoid acetates and found that triacetates of neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium exhibited similar staining effectiveness to uranyl acetate. Additionally, triacetates of praseodymium, erbium, and lutetium, followed by europium show promising results as secondary candidates. Our findings suggest that lanthanoid transition heavy metal acetates could serve as viable alternatives for electron staining in TEM, offering potential advantages over uranyl acetate.
Two-Stage Endovascular Treatment of a Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of Superior Mesenteric Artery Branch in a Soldier After a Military Combat Mission
Authors: Przemysław Nowakowski , Uchto Wojciech , Maciąg Rafał , Stoliński Jarosław , Hrycek Eugeniusz
Published: October 2023

Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the visceral arteries are a rare pathology with a prevalence of 0.1-2% in the general population, most common in men. Despite low prevalence, visceral aneurysms pose a significant threat to the patient’s health and life; a ruptured superior mesenteric branch aneurysm carries mortality rates of 10-25% and up to 30-90%. This article presents a case of a 50-year-old former active duty soldier and veteran of a military combat mission in Afghanistan, during which he sustained a traumatic injury resulting from a mine explosion under a vehicle. After completing the mission and returning home, the patient developed abdominal pain. The diagnosis made in the general surgery department of the district hospital was upper gastrointestinal obstruction and aneurysmal rupture of the superior mesenteric branch with inflammatory infiltration of the pancreatic–intestinal area. The patient underwent emergency gastrointestinal anastomosis and Braun enteroenterostomy. The aneurysm was not resected. One month later, the patient underwent a follow-up abdominal angiotomography, which revealed an approximately 20-mm aneurysm of a branch of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery subocclusion (Dunbar syndrome) with extensive collateral circulation. A diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm/traumatic aneurysm was made, and the patient was referred to a vascular surgery center for endovascular treatment. Following CT angiography, a decision was made to perform a two-stage endovascular repair. The first stage was a bridge therapy aimed to release celiac artery subocclusion with a stent; after 3 weeks, pseudoaneurysm embolization was performed. The decision to use two-stage endovascular treatment was attributable to the risk of gastrointestinal ischemia that might result from intraoperative technical difficulties and complications, coil dislocation, and thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery or its branch; the coexisting subocclusion of the celiac artery was also considered. The patient was discharged in good condition and returned to normal everyday activities. He also continued follow-up appointments with a vascular surgeon. An angiotomography performed at 1 year of endovascular treatment confirmed good effects of the embolization procedure and coagulation of the aneurysm. Visceral aneurysms are a rare vascular pathology but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The incidence of ruptured aneurysms is probably underestimated as some patients may be operated on for acute abdominal symptoms, e.g., bowel obstruction.
Orbital parameters for an ELM white dwarf with a white dwarf companion: LAMOST J033847.06+413424.2
Authors: Yuan Hailong , Li Zhenwei , Bai Zhongrui , Dong Yiqiao , Cheng Yao , Chen Xuefei , Zhang Zhixiang , Wang Mengxin , Yang Mingkuan , Huang Xin , He Yuji , Zhang Liyun , Wang Junfeng , Zhao Yongheng , Chu Yaoquan , Zhang Haotong
Published: October 2023

Double white dwarf systems are of great astrophysical importance in the field of gravitational wave and Type Ia supernova. While the binary fraction of CO core white dwarf is about a few per cents, the extremely low mass white dwarfs are all thought to be within binary systems. In this work, we report the orbital solution of a double degenerate system: J033847.06+413424.24, an extremely low mass He core white dwarf orbiting a CO core white dwarf. With LAMOST and P200, time domain spectroscopic observations have been made and spectral atmosphere parameters are estimated to be Teff ∼ 22 500 K and log g ∼ 5.6 dex. Combining Gaia parallax, 3D extinction, and evolution tracks, we estimate a radius of ∼0.12 R⊙ and a mass of ∼0.22 M⊙. With the 37 single exposure spectra, the radial velocities are measured and the orbital parameters are estimated to be P = 0.1253132(1) d, K1 = 289 ± 4 km s−1 and Vsys = −41 ± 3 km s−1. The radial velocity based system ephemeris is also provided. The light curves from several photometric surveys show no orbital modulation. The orbital solution suggests that the invisible companion has a minimum mass of about 0.60 M⊙ and is ∼0.79 M⊙ for an inclination of 60.0°, indicating most probably a CO core white dwarf. The system is expected to merge in about 1 Gyr. With present period and distance (∼596 pc) it cannot irradiate strong enough gravitational wave for LISA. More double degenerate systems are expected to be discovered and parametrized as the LAMOST survey goes on.
The star formation histories of quiescent ultra-diffuse galaxies and their dependence on environment and globular cluster richness
Authors: Ferré-Mateu Anna , Gannon Jonah S , Forbes Duncan A , Buzzo Maria Luisa , Romanowsky Aaron J , Brodie Jean P
Published: October 2023

We derive the stellar population parameters of 11 quiescent ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) from Keck/KCWI data. We supplement these with 14 literature UDGs, creating the largest spectroscopic sample of UDGs to date (25). We find a strong relationship between their α-enhancement and their star formation histories: UDGs that formed on very short time-scales have elevated [Mg/Fe] abundance ratios, whereas those forming over extended periods present lower values. Those forming earlier and faster are overall found in high-density environments, being mostly early infalls into the cluster. No other strong trends are found with infall times. We analyse the stellar mass–metallicity, age–metallicity, and [Mg/Fe]–metallicity relations of the UDGs, comparing them to other types of low mass galaxies. Overall, UDGs scatter around the established stellar mass–metallicity relations of classical dwarfs. We find that GC-rich UDGs have intermediate-to-old ages, but previously reported trends of galaxy metallicity and GC richness are not reproduced with this spectroscopic sample due to the existence of GC-rich UDGs with elevated metallicities. In addition, we also find that a small fraction of UDGs could be ‘failed-galaxies’, supported by their GC richness, high alpha-abundance, fast formation time-scales and that they follow the mass–metallicity relation of z ∼2 galaxies. Finally, we also compare our observations to simulated UDGs. We caution that there is not a single simulation that can produce the diverse UDG properties simultaneously, in particular the low metallicity failed galaxy like UDGs.
Shedding far-ultraviolet light on the donor star and evolutionary state of the neutron-star LMXB Swift J1858.6−0814
Authors: Castro Segura N , Knigge C , Matthews J H , Vincentelli F M , Charles P , Long K S , Altamirano D , Buckley D A H , Modiano D , Torres M A P , Buisson D J K , Fijma S , Alabarta K , Degenaar N , Georganti M , Baglio M C
Published: October 2023

The evolution of accreting X-ray binary systems is closely coupled to the properties of their donor stars. Consequently, we can constrain the evolutionary track a system is by establishing the nature of its donor. Here, we present far-ultraviolet (far-UV) spectroscopy of the transient neutron-star low-mass X-ray binary J1858 in different accretion states (low-hard, high-hard, and soft). All of these spectra exhibit anomalous N v, C iv, Si iv, and He ii lines, suggesting that its donor star has undergone CNO processing. We also determine the donor’s effective temperature, Td ≃ 5700 K, and radius, Rd ≃ 1.7 R⊙, based on photometric observations obtained during quiescence. Lastly, we leverage the transient nature of the system to set an upper limit of $\dot{M}_{\rm acc} \lesssim 10^{-8.5}~{\rm M}_{\odot }~\mathrm{ yr}^{-1}$ on the present-day mass-transfer rate. Combining these with the orbital period of the system, Porb = 21.3 h, we search for viable evolution paths. The initial donor masses in the allowed solutions span the range 1 M⊙ ≲ Md,i ≲ 3.5 M⊙. All but the lowest masses in this range are consistent with the strong CNO-processing signature in the UV line ratios. The present-day donor mass in the permitted tracks are 0.5 M⊙ ≲ Md,obs ≲ 1.3 M⊙, higher than suggested by eclipse modelling. Since Porb is close to the so-called bifurcation period, both converging and diverging binary tracks are permitted. If the former is confirmed, J1858 will end its life as an ultracompact system with a substellar donor.
Magnetic fields in multiphase turbulence: impact on dynamics and structure
Authors: Das Hitesh Kishore , Gronke Max
Published: October 2023

Both multiphase gas and magnetic fields are ubiquitous in astrophysics. However, the influence of magnetic fields on mixing of the different phases is still largely unexplored. In this study, we use both turbulent radiative mixing layer (TRML) and turbulent box simulations to examine the effects of magnetic fields on cold gas growth rates, survival, and the morphology of the multiphase gas. Our findings indicate that, in general, magnetic fields suppress mixing in TRMLs, while turbulent box simulations show comparatively marginal differences in growth rates and survival of the cold gas. We reconcile these two seemingly contrasting results by demonstrating that similar turbulent properties result in comparable mixing, regardless of the presence or absence of magnetic fields. We, furthermore, find the cold gas clump size distribution to be independent of the magnetic fields, but the clumps are more filamentary in the MHD case. Synthetic Mg ii absorption lines support this picture being marginally different with and without magnetic fields; both cases align well with observations. We also examine the magnetic field strength and structure in turbulent boxes. We generally observe a higher mean magnetic field in the cold gas phase due to flux freezing and reveal fractal-like magnetic field lines in a turbulent environment.