bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computing x-ray absorption spectra from linear-response particles atop optimized holes
Authors: Hait Diptarka , Oosterbaan Katherine J. , Carter-Fenk Kevin , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: May 2022

State specific orbital optimized density functional theory (OO-DFT) methods, such as restricted open-shell Kohn–Sham (ROKS), can attain semiquantitative accuracy for predicting x-ray absorption spectra of closed-shell molecules. OO-DFT methods, however, require that each state be individually optimized. In this Communication, we present an approach to generate an approximate core-excited state density for use with the ROKS energy ansatz, which is capable of giving reasonable accuracy without requiring state-specific optimization. This is achieved by fully optimizing the core-hole through the core-ionized state, followed by the use of electron-addition configuration interaction singles to obtain the particle level. This hybrid approach can be viewed as a DFT generalization of the static-exchange (STEX) method and can attain ∼0.6 eV rms error for the K-edges of C–F through the use of local functionals, such as PBE and OLYP. This ROKS(STEX) approach can also be used to identify important transitions for full OO ROKS treatment and can thus help reduce the computational cost of obtaining OO-DFT quality spectra. ROKS(STEX), therefore, appears to be a useful technique for the efficient prediction of x-ray absorption spectra.
Highly active CAR T cells that bind to a juxtamembrane region of mesothelin and are not blocked by shed mesothelin
Authors: Liu Xiufen , Onda Masanori , Watson Nathan , Hassan Raffit , Ho Mitchell , Bera Tapan K. , Wei Junxia , Chakraborty Anirban , Beers Richard , Zhou Qi , Shajahan Asif , Azadi Parastoo , Zhan Jingyu , Xia Di , Pastan Ira
Published: May 2022

Significance

Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell-surface protein that is a popular target for antibody-based therapies. We have identified shed MSLN as a major obstacle to successful antibody therapies and prepared a monoclonal antibody that inhibits shedding and makes very active CAR T cells whose activity is not blocked by shed MSLN and merits further preclinical development.
上古漢語「且」的來源及發展
Authors: Yew Boon Hock
Published: May 2022

抽象的

本文從字詞對應關係切入，探討上古漢語遞進標記「且」與未來時標記「且」之關係，提出二者屬於同音同形字，來源並不相同。前者源自「」的篇章指示用法，而後者則由表前往之動詞「徂」虛化而成。遞進標記「且」其基本功能為註記「與此同時還有另一需要注意的事況」，後來又發展出註記「超乎預期」的轉折標記與註記「說話人還要提供更多、更進一步訊息」的追加標記。未來時標記「且」其基本功能是註記「行為或事況發生在參照點之後」，後來又發展出註記「選擇關係」的選擇標記。二者循著各自的演變路徑發展。
語義有定還是語用有定
Authors: Zhang Qingwen , Jin Jia
Published: May 2022

抽象的

本文以澄海話的量名短語為研究對象，考察了澄海話量名短語的句法位置及其語義解讀之間的關係。調查發現，主語位置上的量名短語通常是有定的，賓語位置上的量名短語通常是無定的，但如果量名短語是控制句中的賓語控制語，或者量名短語是受損或受惠題元角色時，可以有無定、有定兩種解讀。我們認為，量名短語有定、無定兩種解讀情況的出現，是句法條件與語境因素共同作用的結果。句法上來說，量名短語都是中心語D為空的DP短語，無定量名短語的D由存在量詞為其賦值，而有定量名短語的空D由DisP中的先行詞為其賦值，量名短語的有定解讀應該看作是語用有定。
Psychologizing childhood in the reality show Biggest Loser
Authors: Kilger Magnus
Published: May 2022

Obesity and overweight are central issues in contemporary western societies, and the public debates in media are
extensive. This paper investigates stories from participants in the reality TV-show Biggest Loser, and how the participants invoke
temporal identity changes and childhood traumas to produce discursively accepted narratives about the causes for being obese. This
study analyses personal stories about being overweight, and narratives of living a life of obesity. The findings illustrate
narrative trajectories in personal stories used to explain overweight within a contemporary therapeutic discourse, and how the
participants use chronology and childhood as narrative resources to explain their obesity. These narratives do not only produce
preferred explanatory narrative elements, but also highlight that a number of psychologized explanatory storylines must be used in
order to produce a culturally valid and discursively accepted personal obesity-narrative.
Cell cortex regulation by the planar cell polarity protein Prickle1
Authors: Huang Yunyun , Winklbauer Rudolf
Published: May 2022

The planar cell polarity pathway regulates cell polarity, adhesion, and rearrangement. Its cytoplasmic core components Prickle (Pk) and Dishevelled (Dvl) often localize as dense puncta at cell membranes to form antagonizing complexes and establish cell asymmetry. In vertebrates, Pk and Dvl have been implicated in actomyosin cortex regulation, but the mechanism of how these proteins control cell mechanics is unclear. Here we demonstrate that in Xenopus prechordal mesoderm cells, diffusely distributed, cytoplasmic Pk1 up-regulates the F-actin content of the cortex. This counteracts cortex down-regulation by Dvl2. Both factors act upstream of casein kinase II to increase or decrease cortical tension. Thus, cortex modulation by Pk1 and Dvl2 is translated into mechanical force and affects cell migration and rearrangement during radial intercalation in the prechordal mesoderm. Pk1 also forms puncta and plaques, which are associated with localized depletion of cortical F-actin, suggesting opposite roles for diffuse and punctate Pk1.
Expansion of a one-dimensional Bose gas: the role of interactions and kinetic-energy driving
Authors: B Molinero E , Creffield C E , Sols F
Published: May 2022

We study the expansion of a one-dimensional boson gas by initialising it in a small region of a chain, and then suddenly allowing it to expand into the remainder of the chain. We consider three initial ground-state configurations: the Mott insulator, the conventional superfluid, whose momentum density is sharply peaked at zero momentum, and the cat-like state with momentum peaks at ±π/2, produced by kinetic driving, the latter being a particular case of a flat-band system. In turn, we consider three types of expansion: spectroscopic (with interactions tuned to zero), dynamic (with standard short-range repulsive interactions), and under kinetic driving. The numerical calculations are exact. We compute the momentum and real-space one-particle densities, as well as the two-particle momentum correlations. We find that the spectroscopic time-of-flight experiment reflects the initial momentum distribution except for the larger number of momentum states and at high momenta. For the dynamic expansion starting from an insulator, we recover the non-equilibrium quasi-condensation into momenta ±π/2, provide a physical explanation in terms of interacting bosons that is confirmed by the numerical simulation, and note the existence of nontrivial correlations in the momentum distribution. Under kinetic driving the expansion is comparatively slow, but we conjecture that at high densities it will be much faster. We compare various measures of the two-particle momentum correlations, noting that some of them tend to conceal the possible cat-like structure of a many-body state.
Branching structure of genealogies in spatially growing populations and its implications for population genetics inference
Authors: Eghdami Armin , Paulose Jayson , Fusco Diana
Published: May 2022

Spatial models where growth is limited to the population edge have been instrumental to understanding the population dynamics and the clone size distribution in growing cellular populations, such as microbial colonies and avascular tumours. A complete characterization of the coalescence process generated by spatial growth is still lacking, limiting our ability to apply classic population genetics inference to spatially growing populations. Here, we start filling this gap by investigating the statistical properties of the cell lineages generated by the two dimensional Eden model, leveraging their physical analogy with directed polymers. Our analysis provides quantitative estimates for population measurements that can easily be assessed via sequencing, such as the average number of segregating sites and the clone size distribution of a subsample of the population. Our results not only reveal remarkable features of the genealogies generated during growth, but also highlight new properties that can be misinterpreted as signs of selection if non-spatial models are inappropriately applied.
Observation of Stark splitting in micro upconversion photoluminescence spectra of polycrystalline Ln3+ doped Y2O3 microspheres
Authors: Jayswal Shefali , Ningthoujam Raghumani Singh , Moirangthem Rakesh S
Published: May 2022

In this study, Yb3+-Er3+-Tm3+ doped Y2O3 microspheres were synthesized using the solvothermal method. Structural, morphological, and elemental analysis was done using XRD, FESEM, and EDX characterization techniques. The optical properties of the samples were determined using UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy and upconversion photoluminescence measurements. The anti-Stokes emission peaks from these polycrystalline phosphor microspheres were obtained using a commercial micro-photoluminescence setup equipped with a 976 nm laser as an excitation source at room temperature. It was compared with the emission spectra taken from a 2–3 mm spot size of 976 nm laser irradiation on the same sample. The micro-emission spectra were analyzed based on possible Stark splitting energy level transitions between the 2S+1LJ manifolds of Er3+ and Tm3+ ions. A detailed mechanism is outlined for emission in the entire visible region under 976 nm laser excitation.
A multi-scale and multi-domain heart sound feature-based machine learning model for ACC/AHA heart failure stage classification
Authors: Zheng Yineng , Guo Xingming , Wang Yingying , Qin Jian , Lv Fajin
Published: May 2022

Objective. Heart sounds can reflect detrimental changes in cardiac mechanical activity that are common pathological characteristics of chronic heart failure (CHF). The ACC/AHA heart failure (HF) stage classification is essential for clinical decision-making and the management of CHF. Herein, a machine learning model that makes use of multi-scale and multi-domain heart sound features was proposed to provide an objective aid for ACC/AHA HF stage classification. Approach. A dataset containing phonocardiogram (PCG) signals from 275 subjects was obtained from two medical institutions and used in this study. Complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition and tunable-Q wavelet transform were used to construct self-adaptive sub-sequences and multi-level sub-band signals for PCG signals. Time-domain, frequency-domain and nonlinear feature extraction were then applied to the original PCG signal, heart sound sub-sequences and sub-band signals to construct multi-scale and multi-domain heart sound features. The features selected via the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were fed into a machine learning classifier for ACC/AHA HF stage classification. Finally, mainstream machine learning classifiers, including least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM), deep belief network (DBN) and random forest (RF), were compared to determine the optimal model. Main results. The results showed that the LS-SVM, which utilized a combination of multi-scale and multi-domain features, achieved better classification performance than the DBN and RF using multi-scale or/and multi-domain features alone or together, with average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.821, 0.955 and 0.820 on the testing set, respectively. Significance. PCG signal analysis provides efficient measurement information regarding CHF severity and is a promising noninvasive method for ACC/AHA HF stage classification.
On density distribution of Ti atom and ion ground states near the target in HiPIMS discharge using cavity ring-down spectroscopy and laser induced fluorescence
Authors: Pajdarová A D , Kozák T , Čapek J , Tölg T
Published: May 2022

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy combined with laser induced fluorescence was applied during a high-power impulse magnetron sputtering of Ti target to determine the time evolutions and spatial distributions of Ti atom and ion densities of levels belonging to the ground state multiplets (GSM) near the sputtered target. From these densities, an estimate of the time evolution and spatial distribution of the ionization degree near the target was calculated. It was found that the densities (number of particles per unit volume) of levels in GSM of Ti atom and ion increases with their level energies and the highest levels in GSMs show an inversion in their populations (the density of level divided by its statistical weight) during a voltage pulse. The population inversion (a higher population of levels with a higher energy than those with lower ones) is distinct for the highest level in GSM of Ti+ ion and it persists even at 40 μs after the voltage pulse end. The sum of ground state level densities reaches values up to 8.3 × 1011 cm−3 for Ti+ ions above the target racetrack and up to 4.8 × 1011 cm−3 for Ti atoms above the target center for the regime with the peak power density of 498 W cm−2. A frequent ionization of Ti atoms above the target racetrack is manifested by distinct drops in the Ti atom spatial distribution. This leads to a very high ionization degree up to 94% at the racetrack position and the ionization degree stays also high 40 μs after the voltage pulse termination.
A direct ink writing based fabric-embedded soft sensor for improved durability and sewability
Authors: Oh Jihye , Bae Joonbum
Published: May 2022

Soft sensors made of silicone and liquid metal have been used in wearable systems because they do not interfere the natural motion of users due to the remarkable elasticity. The soft sensors are usually used as wearable systems by being attached to fabric with adhesive, but the attached sensor can be easily delaminated from the fabric upon repeated stretching, which leads the limited range of use. Also, it was not easy to make complicated wearable systems with the fabric-attached soft sensor due to the bad sewability. In this paper, a new method is proposed for fabricating fabric-embedded soft sensors with improved durability and sewability. In the proposed method, the fabric is embedded by blade coating, and liquid metal wires are formed by direct ink writing, which enables inexpensive and fast design modification and an automated manufacturing procedure. The fabric-embedded soft sensor is more resistant to delamination than the fabric-attached soft sensor, which was experimentally verified. The tear resistance of the soft sensor improved by the embedded fabric was also experimentally verified. Based on the improved tear resistance, the fabric-embedded soft sensor could be easily sewn, which was also confirmed by experiments. As an application, a wearable wrist angle measurement system was developed by directly sewing the fabric-embedded soft sensors.
The role of different plasma forming gases on chemical species formed in plasma activated water (PAW) and their effect on its properties
Authors: Rathore Vikas , Nema Sudhir Kumar
Published: May 2022

The present work showed the role of plasma-forming gases (air, nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), helium (He), and their mixture with oxygen (O2)) on the properties of plasma-activated water (PAW). Electrical diagnosis and optical emission spectroscopy were performed to characterize plasma and identify plasma radicals/species. The PAW is characterized by studying its physicochemical properties and dissolved reactive oxygen-nitrogen species (RONS) concentration in it. The results showed introducing O2 in N2, Ar and He plasma suppresses the emission lines intensity of NOϒ band in N2 plasma, OH band in Ar and He plasma, and N2 second positive system in He plasma. Also, adding O2 to Ar and He plasma changes the plasma discharge characteristic from glow discharge to filamentary micro-discharge. The PAW prepared by air and its mixture with O2 showed improved physicochemical properties and RONS concentration in it compared to other plasma forming gases and their mixture with O2. In addition, increasing plasma-water exposure time significantly affects the physicochemical properties and RONS concentration in PAW. Therefore, plasma forming gas and plasma-water exposure time gives better control over the properties of PAW. Hence, these parameters play a significant role in deciding the applications of PAW.
Electronic structure, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of BaMn2As2 compound: a first-principles study
Authors: Khan Abdul Ahad , Saqib Muhammad , Zada Zeshan , Chahed Faiza , Ismail Muhammad , Ishaq Muhammad , Khan Qaisar , Ismail Muhammad , Faizan Muhammad
Published: May 2022

We report the magnetic stability, antiferromagnetic ordering, electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of BaMn2As2 employing the full-potential linearized augmented-plane wave method under the framework of density functional theory. The exchange-correlation energy was treated using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) and GGA plus Hubbard U parameter method. From structural relaxation, we reveal that antiferromagnetic (A-AFM) state is more appropriate for BaMn2As2 than other known configurations. Under electronic properties, BaMn2As2 shows metallic nature in paramagnetic (PM) and antiferromagnetic phase (AFM). Further, the decrease in electrical conductivity over the entire temperature range characterize the metallic nature of BaMn2As2. The electronic band structure calculation demonstrates that Mn-3d and As-4p orbital hybridization are essential for the band gap formation, suggesting BaMn2As2, a hybridization-gap semiconductor. The total magnetic moment of BaMn2As2 in ferromagnetic phase is ~9.54 μB, with a major contribution from Mn atom. In thermoelectric, we obtain a negative Seebeck coefficient (S), n-type electrical conductivity, and a maximum ZT value of 0.40. Our study suggests BaMn2As2 as a novel candidate for spintronics and waste heat management.
Graphene, Dirac equation and analogue gravity
Authors: Gallerati Antonio
Published: May 2022

We provide an updated study of some electronic properties of graphene nanoscrolls, exploiting a related curved space Dirac equation for the charge carriers. To this end, we consider an explicit parametrization in cylindrical coordinates, together with analytical solutions for the pseudoparticle modes living on the two–dimensional background. These results are then used to obtain a compact expression for the sample optical conductivity, deriving from a Kubo formula adapted to the 1 + 2 dimensional curved space. The latter formulation is then adopted to perform some simulations for a cylindrical nanoscroll geometry.
Tunneling dynamics of an oscillating universe model
Authors: Bojowald Martin , Petersen Pip
Published: May 2022

Quasiclassical methods for non-adiabatic quantum dynamics can reveal new
features of quantum effects, such as tunneling evolution, that are harder to
analyze in standard treatments based on wave functions of stationary
states. Here, these methods are applied to an oscillating universe model
introduced recently. Our quasiclassical treatment correctly describes
several expected features of tunneling states, in particular just before and
after tunneling into a trapped region where a model universe may oscillate
through many cycles of collapse and expansion. As a new result, the
oscillating dynamics is found to be much less regular than in the classical
description, revealing a succession of cycles with varying maximal volume
even when the matter ingredients and their parameters do not change.
Electromagnetic field produced in high-energy small collision systems within charge density models of nucleons *
Authors: Zhang Zong-Wei , Cen Xian-Zhuo , Deng Wei-Tian
Published: May 2022

Recent experiments show that

, an observable designed to detect the chiral magnetic effect (CME), in small collision systems (

) is similar to that in heavy ion collisions (

). This introduces a challenge to the existence of the CME because it is believed that no azimuthal correlation exists between the orientation of the magnetic field (

) and participant plane (

) in small collision systems. In this work, we introduce three charge density models to describe the inner charge distributions of protons and neutrons and calculate the electric and magnetic fields produced in small

collisions at both RHIC and LHC energies. Our results show that the contribution of the single projectile proton is the main contributor to the magnetic field after averaging over all participants. The azimuthal correlation between

and

is small but not vanished. Additionally, owing to the large fluctuation in field strength, the magnetic-field contribution to

may be large.
Physics and applications of squid-inspired jetting
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Xiao Qing
Published: May 2022

In the aquatic world jet propulsion is a highly successful locomotion method utilized by a variety of species. Among them cephalopods such as squids excel in their ability for high-speed swimming. This mechanism inspires the development of underwater locomotion techniques which are particularly useful in soft-bodied robots. In this overview we summarize existing studies on this topic, ranging from investigations on the underlying physics to the creation of mechanical systems utilizing this locomotion mode. Research directions that worth future investigation are also discussed.
Boosting the performance of anomalous diffusion classifiers with the proper choice of features
Authors: Kowalek Patrycja , Loch-Olszewska Hanna , Łaszczuk Łukasz , Opała Jarosław , Szwabiński Janusz
Published: May 2022

Understanding and identifying different types of single molecules’ diffusion that occur in a broad range of systems (including living matter) is extremely important, as it can provide information on the physical and chemical characteristics of particles’ surroundings. In recent years, an ever-growing number of methods have been proposed to overcome some of the limitations of the mean-squared displacements approach to tracer diffusion. In March 2020, the anomalous diffusion (AnDi) challenge was launched by a community of international scientists to provide a framework for an objective comparison of the available methods for AnDi. In this paper, we introduce a feature-based machine learning method developed in response to task 2 of the challenge, i.e. the classification of different types of diffusion. We discuss two sets of attributes that may be used for the classification of single-particle tracking data. The first one was proposed as our contribution to the AnDi challenge. The latter is the result of our attempt to improve the performance of the classifier after the deadline of the competition. Extreme gradient boosting was used as the classification model. Although the deep-learning approach constitutes the state-of-the-art technology for data classification in many domains, we deliberately decided to pick this traditional machine learning algorithm due to its superior interpretability. After the extension of the feature set our classifier achieved the accuracy of 0.83, which is comparable with the top methods based on neural networks.
Effect of multi-beam propagation on free-space coherent optical communications in a slant atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Wu Jiali , Ke Xizheng , Yang Shang Jun , Ding Deqiang
Published: May 2022

Based on the multi-beam propagation theory, a mathematic model of log-intensity fluctuation variance under multi-beam propagation in slant path atmospheric turbulence near the ground for free-space optical communication is established. Taking single beam, double beam, three beam, and four beams as examples, the intensity fluctuation characteristics of single beam and multi-beam are obtained, and the relationship between the log-intensity fluctuation and the bit error rate (BER) of the heterodyne detection coherent optical communications based on binary phase shift keying modulation is deduced. The results show that, with the increase of beam number, the variance of signal log-intensity fluctuation is significantly mitigated, and the BER of the system is significantly reduced. It proves that the multi-beam propagation method can be effectively applied to the long-distance coherent optical communications, and improve the performance of the system.
Temperature-controlled exfoliation of graphite oxide: studies of defects and transport properties of graphene oxide
Authors: Kumar Satendra , Goswami Manoj , Singh Netrapal , Siddiqui Hafsa , Natarajan Sathish , Ashiq Mohammad , Kumar Surender
Published: May 2022

The quality, structural defects, and transport properties of GO can be tailored by maintaining ultrasonic bath temperature. Herein, the effect of temperature-controlled exfoliation on the structural defects and transport properties of the resulting graphene oxide (GO) sheets are examined. The large crystallite size (12.23 nm) and low defect density (2.16 × 1011 cm−2) are found at 20 °C exfoliations. Highly oriented GO sheets were exfoliated at 20 °C which was confirmed through Bernal-stacking proportions (∼30%). Furthermore, electrical transport properties are high at 10 °C exfoliation temperature while optimum at other temperatures, calculated through impedance spectroscopy. Comparatively, smooth, wrinkle-free, and lesser bulges are found at 20 °C and 30 °C exfoliation temperatures.
Design of Thomson scattering diagnostic system on linear magnetized plasma device
Authors: XU Mengmeng , ZHANG Qiaofeng , XIE Jinlin
Published: May 2022

In addition to the magnetic confinement fusion plasma, Thomson scattering has been applied to measure electron density and temperature of low-temperature plasmas. Based on a linear magnetized plasma device, a set of Thomson scattering diagnostic system is designed to diagnose the plasma with

n

e

=

10

18

–

10

19

m

−
3

and

T

e

=
2
–
5

eV. Due to low plasma temperature and density, this diagnostic system needs high spectral resolution and collection efficiency to meet the requirements of electron velocity distribution function measurements. Through the bench test, it is confirmed that the spectral resolution reaches 0.01 nm, and theoretical collection efficiency is high enough to obtain a Thomson scattering spectrum by 1000 accumulations.
Effect of different fixatives on yield of DNA from human fecal samples
Authors: Kumar Gauraw , Bhadury Punyasloke
Published: May 2022

Fixation and transportation of human fecal samples is often difficult in geographically remote locations due to unavailability of options for immediate freezing. In this study effectiveness of five different chemical fixatives were evaluated on human fecal samples including for supernatant using RNAprotect® Bacteria Reagent (Qiagen), 95% ethanol, acetone, TRIzol® and a mixture of all these fixatives, in addition to immediate freezing. DNA was extracted from the fecal samples using QIAamp® Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit as well as quality and yield of extracted DNA was monitored for a period of 30 days. It was found that except TRIzol®, all other preservatives showed good DNA quality and yield for a period of one month based on agarose gel electrophoresis, Nanodrop and Qubit fluorometric measurements. It was also found that supernatant of fecal sample fixed with RNAprotect Bacteria Reagent gave reliable DNA yield in comparison to other various fixatives. The study also revealed that quality and yield of DNA from fecal samples fixed in acetone were very promising since it is a cost-effective fixative. Overall, the study shows future applicability for downstream DNA analyses of the RNAprotect® Bacteria Reagent, 95% ethanol, acetone, and a mixture of all these fixatives for fixing human fecal samples to be collected from geographically remote locations or in regions where available resources are largely limited.
Ethnicity and Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty
Authors: Ziade Georges , Mojallal Ali , Ho-Asjoe Mark , Arenas Juan Carlos , Ascher Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Background

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is a procedure that is gaining popularity in aesthetic clinics particularly because of its minimally invasive nature compared with surgery. It is recognized that there are ethnic variations in nose injection techniques and planned aesthetic outcomes.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore experts’ views about the ethnic differences in the anatomical features of the nose and procedure-related considerations in nonsurgical rhinoplasty.

Methods

Using a priori set topics and questions, 4 expert aesthetic physicians, from 4 different ethnic backgrounds and working in 4 different regions, were asked to describe the essential elements to be considered when planning a nonsurgical rhinoplasty, including product choice, injection technique, safety measures, and any practical hints to facilitate achieving the desired outcome.

Results

All invited experts responded to the full set of questions. There were similarities between the treating physicians in some of the technical steps. Nevertheless, there were several differences identified regarding baseline anatomy and patient expectations that could be attributed to ethnicity. Patients’ and physicians’ expectations regarding a successful nonsurgical rhinoplasty can vary depending on their ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, with the current global ethnic and cultural diversities, in addition to the knowledge of the nasal anatomy and safe injection techniques, it is imperative that aesthetic practitioners have full awareness and a good understanding of these ethnic variations.

Conclusions

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is a highly demanded aesthetic procedure. Patients’ ethnic differences need to be carefully taken into consideration when discussing, planning, and performing nasal fillers injection.
Biased Enforcement Expansion? Sociodemographic Differences in Police Drug Testing for Suspected Narcotics Use 1993–2015
Authors: Estrada Felipe , Bäckman Olof , Nilsson Anders
Published: May 2022

Since the 1990s, Sweden has witnessed a steady increase in the control measures focused on drug offences. These changes are results of political dynamics once pushed by centre-right parties but thereafter embraced by Social Democrats in government. The article examines the structure of police controls of drug offences and the extent to which these controls have focused on different sociodemographic groups during the period 1995–2015. The study shows that this intensified control of minor drug crimes has resulted in successively larger proportions of youths from deprived areas being forced to provide samples of body fluids. The criminalization of drug use constitutes an example of the significance of crime policy for both crime levels and the composition of the offender population.
Factors Associated With Rape Case Attrition in the South African Criminal Justice System: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Machisa Mercilene , Jina Ruxana , Labuschagne Gerard , Vetten Lisa , Loots Lizle , Jewkes Rachel
Published: May 2022

The attrition of rape cases within the criminal justice system is driven by different factors. We aimed to describe the patterns of rape case attrition and associated factors in South Africa. We analysed a national sample of 3,952 cases reported in 2012. We found that 35 per cent of cases were closed by police, 31 per cent were declined by the prosecutors, 16 per cent were enrolled but later struck off the roll, 19 per cent went on trial and 9 per cent were finalised with conviction. Aggravating circumstances, availability of forensic evidence and success at perpetrator arrests were key for case progression and increased likelihood of convictions. Thorough police investigations and continual training which addresses negative gender or other rape stereotyping are critical to ensure rape convictions.
Implementing the Learning from the Mindfulness-based Social Work and Self-care Programme to Social Work Student Practice during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Maddock Alan , McCusker Pearse
Published: May 2022

This is the first study which has explored how social work students have applied the learning from a bespoke Mindfulness-Based Social Work and Self-Care (MBSWSC) programme to their social work practice. A qualitative research design was chosen, and a realist ontological position taken. The qualitative data were collected from reflective journals from seven social work students on placement who had completed the MBSWSC programme. An inductive thematic and comparative analysis methodology was used to identify key themes. This study found that the MBSWSC programme supported students to cope with the stress and anxiety that manifested before and during their placement. Students highlighted how switching from an avoidant to an approach oriented coping strategy allowed them to alleviate any negative thoughts or feelings they were experiencing. Students identified that this allowed them to employ more positive responses when dealing with stress. Students outlined that the learning from the programme allowed them to develop increased self-awareness, empathy, reflection and reflexivity skills, all of which will likely enhance their capacity for anti-oppressive social work practice. It is clear that improved access to the MBSWSC programme will allow social work students to develop the skills necessary to practice sustainably over the longer term.
An evidence cycle framework for community development initiatives
Authors: Browne Geoffrey R
Published: May 2022

Evidence is a central concept in epistemology, and good evidence is essential for developing effective community development programs. There is a range of theoretical approaches for helping to understand and ensure program effectiveness, but none uses evidence as a central pivot, and they may be difficult for the managers of community development programs to apply. An evidence-focussed theoretical framework and tool could help build the evidence literacy of communities and their advocates, assist community groups and members that struggle to gain representation, and help ensure that community development programs are inclusive, efficient, and effectively improve health and wellbeing outcomes. This paper presents an eight-step evidence cycle conceptual framework for helping communities ensure evidence is foundational to all stages of their programs. The steps are recognize, gather, appraise, integrate, use, create, manage, and share evidence. Each step is described, and example approaches applicable to both descriptive and intervention evidence are provided. A tool (specifically, a rubric) for program managers to self-assess their work against the cycle, informed by UK-based development network, Bond’s five principles for evidence use in community development (voice/inclusion, appropriateness, triangulation, contribution, and transparency), is also provided. The approach, which is applicable to all stages of a program, has the potential to not only increase managers’ and participants’ evidence literacy, but to also facilitate attention to evidence throughout the life of a program and beyond, leading to better results for community development.
Identification of ANXA2 on epithelial cells as a new receptor for secretory IgA using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry
Authors: Watanabe Shizuka , Kobayashi Koichi , Suzukawa Maho , Igarashi Sayaka , Takada Kazufumi , Imoto Sahoko , Kitani Masashi , Fukami Takeshi , Nagase Takahide , Ohta Ken
Published: May 2022

Secretory immunoglobulin A plays an important role in the protection against exogenous pathogens and antigens, but it has also been reported to have pathogenic potential. We previously found that secretory immunoglobulin A accumulated in the peripheral lungs during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and that transferrin receptor/CD71 was partially involved in secretory immunoglobulin A-induced inflammatory cytokine production in A549 cells. This study aimed to identify the receptor responsible for the induction of cytokine production by secretory immunoglobulin A-stimulated airway epithelial cells. To this end, immunoprecipitation followed by time-of-flight mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting were performed and Annexin A2 was detected as a novel receptor for secretory immunoglobulin A. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated binding of secretory immunoglobulin A to Annexin A2, and flow cytometry showed robust expression of Annexin A2 on the surface of BEAS-2B cells, A549 cells, and normal human bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells. Experiments in A549 cells using Annexin A2 small interfering RNA and neutralizing antibodies suggested that Annexin A2 was partially involved in the production of interleukin-8/CXCL8 and C–C motif chemokine ligand 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced by secretory immunoglobulin A. Immunohistochemistry using lung sections revealed clear expression of Annexin A2 on airway epithelial cells, although the staining remained equivalent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and healthy control lungs. In conclusion, we identified that Annexin A2 expressed in airway epithelial cells is a novel receptor for secretory immunoglobulin A, which is involved in cytokine synthesis.
Genetic correlation between thyroid hormones and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Xu Jiyi , Zhao Cheng , Liu Ye , Xu Congjie , Qin Bin , Liang Hui
Published: May 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) was reported to be connected with thyroid diseases clinically, which might be a critical clew to immune pathogenesis of PD. However, there was no further research to study the pathogenesis correlation between PD and thyroid diseases. In this study, except for investigating the difference in thyroid hormone between PD and the control group, we explored genetic correlation between thyroid and PD. We tried to find their shared molecular pathway by analyzing the effect of PD risk genes on thyroid function. Interestingly, most of those 12 meaningful SNPs we found could affect PD and thyroid function through immune mechanism, which is consistent with our original conjecture and provides significant evidence for the immune pathogenesis of PD.
Real-world Endoscopic and Histological Outcomes Are Correlated with Ustekinumab Exposure in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Alsoud Dahham , De Hertogh Gert , Compernolle Griet , Tops Sophie , Sabino João , Ferrante Marc , Thomas Debby , Vermeire Séverine , Verstockt Bram
Published: May 2022

Background

Histo-endoscopic outcomes are being proposed as new treatment targets in ulcerative colitis [UC]. Little is known about the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynnamic [PK-PD] relationship of ustekinumab [UST] in UC patients or whether serum UST concentrations reflect tissue drug exposure. We aimed to study UST serum concentrations and their relation to tissue exposure and drug effectiveness in a real-world setting.

Methods

A total of 42 UC patients starting UST were prospectively followed by clinical, endoscopic and histological assessments at Week 16. Histological remission was defined as Nancy Histology Index of 0. Analogous to the UNIFI programme, histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement was defined as a combination of histological improvement [Geboes ≤3.1] and endoscopic improvement [MES ≤1]. Paired trough serum samples and colonic mucosal biopsies were collected for UST levels measurement.

Results

After 16 weeks [IQR 15.8–16.4] of therapy, histological remission and histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement were observed in 19 [45%] and 18 [43%] patients, respectively. Patients who achieved these outcomes had higher serum UST levels than those who did not. Patients with shorter disease duration and clinical response at Week 8 had higher odds to achieve histological remission. UST concentrations from paired serum and biopsy samples revealed a strong positive correlation [r = 0.88, p < 0.001], in both inflamed and uninflamed tissue.

Conclusions

In this real-world cohort of refractory UC patients initiating UST, more than a third of the patients achieved histological remission. A drug exposure-response relationship was observed for histo-endoscopic outcomes, with no added value of measuring tissue exposure given the strong correlation with serum exposure.
Time is kidney: relation between pain-to-balloon time and acute kidney injury among ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention
Authors: Zahler D , Rozenfeld KL , Itach T , Lupu L , Banai S , Shacham Y
Published: May 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Among ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) early hemodynamic changes may result in acute kidney injury (AKI) even prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), however, no information to date is present regarding the association between pain to balloon (PBT) and AKI.

Purpose

We evaluated whether PBT predicts the risk of AKI among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Methods

Medical records of 2343 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were reviewed. Patients were stratified by PBT into 3 groups: ≤120, 121-360 and > 360 minutes. Patients' records were assessed for the occurrence of AKI (defined by the KDIGO criteria as serum creatinine elevation ≥ 0.3 mg/dl within 72 hours after admission).

Results

Mean age was 61 ± 13 years and 1919 (82%) were male. Patients having longer PBT had more AKI complicating the course of STEMI (7 % vs. 8 % vs. 13 %, p<0.001) and had significantly higher serum creatinine changes throughout hospitalization (0.08 mg/dl vs. 0.11 mg/dl vs.0.17 mg/dl p<0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression model each 1-hour increase in PBT was independently associated with a 2.2% increase in risk for AKI (OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p=0.02). In a second model, PBT >360 minutes turned out to be a strong an independent predictor for AKI occurrence (OR 1.6 ,95% CI 1.1-2.2, p=0.006, model 2). Other factors independently associated with AKI included age > 60 years, CKD, hypertension and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45%.

Conclusion

Longer PBT may be an independent marker for the development of AKI in STEMI patients undergoing primary.
Predictors of non-invasive ventilation failure in adult patients with cardiac dysfunction presenting with community acquired pneumonia; an Egyptian multicenter prospective study
Authors: Laimoud M , Abdel-Moaty M , Elshobary M , Mohamed T , Ahmed W
Published: May 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) might be successful if properly selected in adult patients with cardiac dysfunction presenting with community acquired pneumonia. The main objective was to identify contributing factors to NIV failure.

Methods

All adult patients with LV EF less than 50% admitted to the ICU with community acquired pneumonia and acute respiratory failure were enrolled in our multicenter prospective study after getting informed consents . The study was registered and given a number (ID ISRCTN14641518). Non-invasive ventilation failure was defined as requirement of intubation after institution of NIV intervention.

Results

We prospectively enrolled 177 patients between February 2019 to July 2020. Fifty-three patients (29.9%) were considered failed NIV. The mean age of studied patients was 64.1±12.6 years with a male predominance (73.4%) and a mean left ventricle EF of 36.4±7.8%. There were insignificant differences between the NIV success and NIV failure groups regarding the underlying morbidities nor the inflammatory markers. The patients who failed NIV were significantly older with higher mean SOFA and APACHE II scores compared to the patients with succeeded NIV. Non-invasive Ventilation failure was associated with longer ICU stay (p<0.001), higher SOFA at 48 hours (p<0.001) and higher mortality (p<0.001) compared to the NIV success group. NIV failure was independently predicted with APACHE II (OR:1.420, p 0.01, 95% CI:1.224 – 1.647), SOFA (OR:17.6 , p <0.001, 95% CI: 4.148-74.68), baseline HACOR (OR:2.041, P 0.026, 95% CI:1.225 –3.401), lung ultrasound score (OR:1.209,P 0.017,95% CI:1.014–1.441) and blood lactate (OR:9.702,P <0.001,95%CI:1.357–69.37).Conclusion: High initial APACHE II and SOFA scores , hindered lactate clearance as well as non-decrementing patterns of HACOR and LUS scores were associated with early NIV failure in patients with heart failure presenting with community acquired pneumonia.
Acute coronary syndromes in young patients and thrombophilia : the experience of our hospital
Authors: Stratinaki M , Stavrakis S , Bachlitzanaki E , Pitarokoilis M , Rogdakis E , Korela D , Detoraki M , Stavratis S , Papaoikonomou E , Kafarakis P , Garidas G , Lamprogiannakis E , Sfiridaki A , Foukarakis E
Published: May 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The number of young patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes is increasing. Among them, there is a large number of patients without major cardiovascular risk factors raising concerns about the cause of the acute coronary syndrome. It is known that thrombophilia is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction.

Purpose

To evaluate the frequency of thrombophilia in young patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

We performed genetic testing for the most frequent gene mutations responsible for thrombophilia (factor V Leiden, PAI I 4G/5G, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1257C, MTHFR A1298C) in all patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome that were aged <40 (men) or <45 (women), for a period of 10 years.

Results

We recorded 127 patients , 114 (89.76%) male and 13 (10.23%) female. Their mean age was 36±1.7years.Regarding the conventional cardiovascular risk factors, 67/127(52.75%) were smokers, diabetes mellitus was present in 26/127(20.47%), arterial hypertension in 12/127(15.24%), positive family history in 92/127(72.44%) and dyslipidemia in 79/127(62.2%).The genetic testing was positive for thrombophilia in 109/127 (85.82%). 25/109 (22.93%) were factor V Leiden homozygotes, 11/109 (10.09%) factor V Leiden heterozygotes, 17/109(15.59%), PAI I 4G/5G homozygotes, 8/109 (7.33%) PAI I 4G/5G heterozygotes, 36/109 (39.24%) G20210A homozygotes and 12/109 (13.08%) G20210A heterozygotes.

Conclusion

Thrombophilia seems to be present in the majority of young patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and should not be overlooked. More studies are needed t identify whether the presence of thrombophilia affects the prognosis of these patients as well as whether is necessary a different approach in their treatment and management.