bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity recovery for differently shaped objects in quantitative SPECT
Authors: Mínguez Gabiña Pablo , Monserrat Fuertes Teresa , Jauregui Inés , del Amo Cristina , Rodeño Ortiz de Zarate Emilia , Gustafsson Johan
Published: May 2023

Objective. The aim was to theoretically and experimentally investigate recovery in SPECT images with objects of different shapes. Furthermore, the accuracy of volume estimation by thresholding was studied for those shapes. Approach. Nine spheres, nine oblate spheroids, and nine prolate spheroids phantom inserts were used, of which the six smaller spheres were part of the NEMA IEC body phantom and the rest of the inserts were 3D-printed. The inserts were filled with 99mTc and 177Lu. When filled with 99mTc, SPECT images were acquired in a Siemens Symbia Intevo Bold gamma camera and when filled with 177Lu in a General Electric NM/CT 870 DR gamma camera. The signal rate per activity (SRPA) was determined for all inserts and represented as a function of the volume-to-surface ratio and of the volume-equivalent radius using VOIs defined according to the sphere dimensions and VOIs defined using thresholding. Experimental values were compared with theoretical curves obtained analytically (spheres) or numerically (spheroids), starting from the convolution of a source distribution with a point-spread function. Validation of the activity estimation strategy was performed using four 3D-printed ellipsoids. Lastly, the threshold values necessary to determine the volume of each insert were obtained. Main results. Results showed that SRPA values for the oblate spheroids diverted from the other inserts, when SRPA were represented as a function of the volume-equivalent radius. However, SRPA values for all inserts followed a similar behaviour when represented as a function of the volume-to-surface ratio. Results for ellipsoids were in agreement with those results. For the three types of inserts the volume could be accurately estimated using a threshold method for volumes larger than 25 ml. Significance. Determination of SRPA independently of lesion or organ shape should decrease uncertainties in estimated activities and thereby, in the long term, be beneficial to patient care.
Single-stage stellarator optimization: combining coils with fixed boundary equilibria
Authors: Jorge R , Goodman A , Landreman M , Rodrigues J , Wechsung F
Published: May 2023

We introduce a novel approach for the simultaneous optimization of plasma physics and coil engineering objectives using fixed-boundary equilibria that is computationally efficient and applicable to a broad range of vacuum and finite plasma pressure scenarios. Our approach treats the plasma boundary and coil shapes as independently optimized variables, penalizing the mismatch between the two using a quadratic flux term in the objective function. Four use cases are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, including simple and complex stellarator geometries. As shown here, this method outperforms previous two-stage approaches, achieving smaller plasma objective function values when coils are taken into account.
Collision off-axis position dependence of relativistic nonlinear Thomson inverse scattering of an excited electron in a tightly focused circular polarized laser pulse
Authors: Wang 王 Yubo 禹博 , Yang 杨 Qingyu 青屿 , Chang 常 Yifan 一凡 , Lin 林 Zongyi 宗熠 , Tian 田 Youwei 友伟
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a novel view of the impact of electron collision off-axis positions on the dynamic properties and relativistic nonlinear Thomson inverse scattering of excited electrons within tightly focused, circularly polarized laser pulses of varying intensities. We examine the effects of the transverse ponderomotive force, specifically how the deviation angle and speed of electron motion are affected by the initial off-axis position of the electron and the peak amplitude of the laser pulse. When the laser pulse intensity is low, an increase in the electron’s initial off-axis distance results in reduced spatial radiation power, improved collimation, super-continuum phenomena generation, red-shifting of the spectrum’s harmonic peak, and significant symmetry in the radiation radial direction. However, in contradiction to conventional understandings, when the laser pulse intensity is relatively high, the properties of the relativistic nonlinear Thomson inverse scattering of the electron deviate from the central axis, changing direction in opposition to the aforementioned effects. After reaching a peak, these properties then shift again, aligning with the previous direction. The complex interplay of these effects suggests a greater nuance and intricacy in the relationship between laser pulse intensity, electron position, and scattering properties than previously thought.
Studies of time resolution, light yield, and crosstalk using SiPM-on-tile calorimetry for the future Electron-Ion Collider
Authors: Arratia Miguel , Garabito Ruiz Luis , Huang Jiajun , Paul Sebouh J. , Preins Sean , Rodriguez Miguel
Published: May 2023

We recently proposed a high-granularity calorimeter insert
for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) that is based on plastic
scintillator tiles readout with silicon photomultipliers. In this
work, we concretize its design by characterizing its building blocks
with measurements of light yield, optical crosstalk, and timing
resolutions using cosmic-rays, an LED, and a beta source. We also
compared two approaches for the optical isolation of cells:
“megatiles” with grooved boundaries between cells, and a
3D-printed plastic frame hosting individual cells. We found that the
latter suppresses optical crosstalk to negligible levels while
providing an easier assembly method. Overall, these performance
studies can help inform calorimeter design and realistic simulations
of 5D showers (time, energy, position) for the EIC and other
experiments.
Normal spectral emissivity characteristics of tungsten in the mid-infrared region
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Yuxin , Wu Long , Wang Jin , Liu Qing , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: May 2023

Tungsten is an important material constituting the first wall of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak due to its excellent corrosion resistance. The temperature distribution of the first wall during the discharge process are the key to ensuring the safe and stable operation of the EAST. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the dependence of material emissivity on temperature and wavelength for improving temperature measurement accuracy. This work quantitatively explores the normal spectral emissivity of tungsten within the 3 μm to 5 μm in the temperature range between 100°C and 500°C based on the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The dependence of emissivity on wavelength and temperature are experimentally analyzed, and the possible functional relationship between the emissivity of tungsten and the surface temperature and the wavelength are established respectively. This work could lay the foundation for the application of multi-wavelength thermometry on temperature measurement of the first wall of the EAST.
Pathophysiology and treatment of adults with arrhythmias in the emergency department, part 2: Ventricular and bradyarrhythmias
Authors: Ray Lance , Geier Curtis , DeWitt Kyle M
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This is the second article in a 2-part series reviewing the pathophysiology and treatment considerations for arrhythmias. Part 1 of the series discussed aspects related to treating atrial arrhythmias. Here in part 2, the pathophysiology of ventricular arrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias and current evidence on treatment approaches are reviewed.

Ventricular arrhythmias can arise suddenly and are a common cause of sudden cardiac death. Several antiarrhythmics may be effective in management of ventricular arrhythmias, but there is robust evidence to support the use of only a few of these agents, and such evidence was largely derived from trials involving patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Bradyarrhythmias range from asymptomatic mild prolongation of nodal conduction to severe conduction delays and impending cardiac arrest. Vasopressors, chronotropes, and pacing strategies require careful attention and titration to minimize adverse effects and patient harm.

Conclusion

Ventricular arrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias can be consequential and require acute intervention. As experts in pharmacotherapy, acute care pharmacists can participate in providing high-level intervention by aiding in diagnostic workup and medication selection.
Flower morphology as a predictor of pollination mode in a biotic to abiotic pollination continuum
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Jesús , Park Seongjun , Hartogs Samantha R , Soza Valerie L , Park Seon Joo , Di Stilio Verónica S
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Wind pollination has evolved repeatedly in flowering plants, yet the identification of a wind pollination syndrome as a set of integrated floral traits can be elusive. Thalictrum (Ranunculaceae) comprises temperate perennial herbs that have transitioned repeatedly from insect to wind pollination while also exhibiting mixed pollination, providing an ideal system to test for evolutionary correlation between floral morphology and pollination mode in a biotic to abiotic continuum. Moreover, the lack of floral organ fusion across this genus allows testing for specialization to pollination vectors in the absence of this feature.

Methods

We expanded phylogenetic sampling in the genus from a previous study using six chloroplast loci, which allowed us to test whether species cluster into distinct pollination syndromes based on floral morphology. We then used multivariate analyses on floral traits followed by ancestral state reconstruction of the emerging flower morphotypes and determined whether these traits are evolutionarily correlated under a Bayesian framework with Brownian motion.

Key Results

Floral traits fell into five distinct clusters, which were reduced to three after considering phylogenetic relatedness and were largely consistent with flower morphotypes and associated pollination vectors. Multivariate evolutionary analyses found a positive correlation between the lengths of floral reproductive structures (styles, stigmas, filaments and anthers). Shorter reproductive structures tracked insect-pollinated species and clades in the phylogeny, whereas longer structures tracked wind-pollinated ones, consistent with selective pressures exerted by biotic vs. abiotic pollination vectors, respectively.

Conclusions

Although detectable suites of integrated floral traits across Thalictrum were correlated with wind or insect pollination at the extremes of the morphospace distribution, a presumed intermediate, mixed pollination mode morphospace was also detected. Thus, our data broadly support the existence of detectable flower morphotypes from convergent evolution underlying the evolution of pollination mode in Thalictrum, presumably via different paths from an ancestral mixed pollination state.
Fast migration episodes within earthquake swarms
Authors: Fischer Tomáš , Hainzl Sebastian , Vlček Josef
Published: May 2023

The hypocentres of natural earthquake swarms and injection-induced seismicity usually show systematic migration, which is considered to be a manifestation of their triggering mechanism. In many of these cases, the overall growth of the earthquake distribution is accompanied by short episodes of rapid migration, the origin of which is still not sufficiently clarified. We review the possible triggering mechanisms of these migrating episodes and propose a graphical method for distinguishing internal and external triggering forces. We also analyse the theoretical relationship between the evolution of the cumulative seismic moment and the rupture area and propose two models, the crack model and the rupture front model, which can explain the spreading of hypocentres. We developed an automatic algorithm for detecting fast migration episodes in seismicity data and applied it to relocated catalogues of natural earthquake swarms in California, West Bohemia, and Iceland, and to injection-induced seismicity. Fast migration episodes is shown to be relatively frequent during earthquake swarms (8–20 per cent of all events) compared to fluid-induced seismicity (less than 5 per cent of the events). Although the migration episodes were detected independently of time, they grew monotonically with time and square-root dependence of radius on time was found suitable for majority of sequences. The migration velocity of the episodes of the order of 1 m s−1 was found and it anticorrelated with their duration, which results in a similar final size of the clusters scattering around 1–2 km. Comparison of seismic moment growth and activated fault area with the predictions of the proposed models shows that both the rupture front model and the crack model are able to explain the observed migration and that the front model is more consistent with the data. Relatively low estimated stress drops in the range of 100 Pa to 1 MPa suggest that aseismic processes are also responsible for cluster growth. Our results show that the fast migrating episodes can be driven by stress transfer between adjacent events with the support of aseismic slip or fluid flow due to dynamic pore creation.
Engaging adults in organized physical activity: a scoping review of recruitment strategies
Authors: Mackenzie-Stewart Ruth , de Lacy-Vawdon Cassandra , Murphy Niamh , Smith Ben J
Published: May 2023

Scaling up established physical activity (PA) opportunities for broader population reach requires practitioners to carefully consider strategies implemented to recruit and attract new participants to their PA programs. This scoping review examines the effectiveness of recruitment strategies for engaging adults in organized (established and sustained) PA programs. Electronic databases were searched for articles published between March 1995 and September 2022. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods papers were included. Recruitment strategies were assessed against Foster et al. (Recruiting participants to walking intervention studies: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2011;8:137–137.) assessment of quality for reporting recruitment and the determinants of recruitment rates were examined. 8394 titles and abstracts were screened; 22 articles were assessed for eligibility; 9 papers were included. Three of the 6 quantitative papers adopted a combination of passive and active recruitment strategies and 3 relied solely on active strategies. All 6 quantitative papers reported on recruitment rates; 2 evaluated the efficacy of recruitment strategies based on the achieved levels of participation. The evaluation evidence on how individuals are successfully recruited into organized PA programs, and how recruitment strategies influence or address inequities in PA participation, is limited. Culturally sensitive, gender sensitive and socially inclusive recruitment strategies based on building personal relationships show promise for engaging hard-to-reach populations. Improving the reporting and measurement of recruitment strategies into PA programs is essential to better understand which strategies are attracting various population groups thus allowing program implementers to employ recruitment strategies best suited to the needs of their community while making efficient use of program funding.
Optimization of environmental and the other variables in the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as an ecotechnological tool for sustainable paddy cultivation: a critical review
Authors: John Sayona Anna , Ray Joseph George
Published: May 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to assist plants in improving crop productivity and immunity against pests and diseases. However, a comprehensive idea of the variables under which they show optimum activity, especially concerning particular soil, climate, geography, and crop characteristics, has yet to be adequately standardized. Since paddy is the staple food for half of the world’s population, such standardization is highly significant globally. Research concerning determinants affecting AMF functioning in rice is limited. However, the identified variables include external variables such as abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors and internal variables such as plant and AMF characteristics. Among the abiotic factors, edaphic factors like soil pH, phosphorus availability, and soil moisture significantly affect AMF functioning in rice. In addition, anthropogenic influences such as land use patterns, flooding, and fertilizer regimes also affect AMF communities in rice agroecosystems. The principal objective of the review was to analyse the existing literature on AMF concerning such variables generally and to assess the specific research requirements on variables affecting AMF in rice. The ultimate goal is to identify research gaps for applying AMF as a natural alternative in the sustainable agriculture of paddy with optimum AMF symbiosis enhancing rice productivity.
Natural variation of nutrient homeostasis among laboratory and field strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Esteves Sara M , Jadoul Alice , Iacono Fabrizio , Schloesser Marie , Bosman Bernard , Carnol Monique , Druet Tom , Cardol Pierre , Hanikenne Marc
Published: May 2023

Natural variation among individuals and populations exists in all species, playing key roles in response to environmental stress and adaptation. Micro- and macronutrients have a wide range of functions in photosynthetic organisms, and mineral nutrition thus plays a sizable role in biomass production. To maintain nutrient concentrations inside the cell within physiological limits and prevent the detrimental effects of deficiency or excess, complex homeostatic networks have evolved in photosynthetic cells. The microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamydomonas) is a unicellular eukaryotic model for studying such mechanisms. In this work, 24 Chlamydomonas strains, comprising field isolates and laboratory strains, were examined for intraspecific differences in nutrient homeostasis. Growth and mineral content were quantified in mixotrophy, as full nutrition control, and compared with autotrophy and nine deficiency conditions for macronutrients (–Ca, –Mg, –N, –P, and –S) and micronutrients (–Cu, –Fe, –Mn, and –Zn). Growth differences among strains were relatively limited. However, similar growth was accompanied by highly divergent mineral accumulation among strains. The expression of nutrient status marker genes and photosynthesis were scored in pairs of contrasting field strains, revealing distinct transcriptional regulation and nutrient requirements. Leveraging this natural variation should enable a better understanding of nutrient homeostasis in Chlamydomonas.
On the origin of the Galactic thin and thick discs, their abundance gradients and the diagnostic potential of their abundance ratios
Authors: Prantzos Nikos , Abia Carlos , Chen Tianxiang , de Laverny Patrick , Recio-Blanco Alejandra , Athanassoula E , Roberti Lorenzo , Vescovi Diego , Limongi Marco , Chieffi Alessandro , Cristallo Sergio
Published: May 2023

Using a semi-analytical model of the evolution of the Milky Way, we show how secular evolution can create distinct overdensities in the phase space of various properties (e.g. age versus metallicity or abundance ratios versus age) corresponding to the thin and thick discs. In particular, we show how key properties of the Solar vicinity can be obtained by secular evolution, with no need for external or special events, like galaxy mergers or paucity in star formation. This concerns the long established double-branch behaviour of [alpha/Fe] versus metallicity and the recently found non-monotonic evolution of the stellar abundance gradient, evaluated at the birth radii of stars. We extend the discussion to other abundance ratios and we suggest a classification scheme, based on the nature of the corresponding yields (primary versus secondary or odd elements) and on the lifetimes of their sources (short-lived versus long-lived ones). The latter property is critical in determining the single- or double- branch behaviour of an elementary abundance ratio in the Solar neighbourhood. We underline the high diagnostic potential of this finding, which can help to separate clearly elements with sources evolving on different time-scales and help determining the site of e.g. the r-process(es). We define the ‘abundance distance’ between the thin and thick disc sequences as an important element for such a separation. We also show how the inside-out evolution of the Milky Way disc leads rather to a single-branch behaviour in other disc regions.
Chemodynamical properties and ages of metal-poor stars in S-PLUS
Authors: Almeida-Fernandes F , Placco V M , Rocha-Pinto H J , Fernandes M B , Limberg G , Silva L Beraldo e , Amarante J A S , Perottoni H D , Overzier R , Schoenell W , Ribeiro T , Kanaan A , Mendes de Oliveira C
Published: May 2023

Metal-poor stars are key to our understanding of the early stages of chemical evolution in the Universe. New multifilter surveys, such as the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS), are greatly advancing our ability to select low-metallicity stars. In this work, we analyse the chemodynamical properties and ages of 522 metal-poor candidates selected from the S-PLUS data release 3. About 92 per cent of these stars were confirmed to be metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≤ −1) based on previous medium-resolution spectroscopy. We calculated the dynamical properties of a subsample containing 241 stars, using the astrometry from Gaia Data Release 3. Stellar ages are estimated by a Bayesian isochronal method formalized in this work. We analyse the metallicity distribution of these metal-poor candidates separated into different subgroups of total velocity, dynamical properties, and ages. Our results are used to propose further restrictions to optimize the selection of metal-poor candidates in S-PLUS. The proposed astrometric selection (parallax >0.85 mas) is the one that returns the highest fraction of extremely metal-poor stars (16.3 per cent have [Fe/H] ≤ −3); the combined selection provides the highest fraction of very metal-poor stars (91.0 per cent have [Fe/H] ≤ −2), whereas the dynamical selection (eccentricity >0.35 and discness < 0.75) is better for targeting metal-poor (99.5 per cent have [Fe/H] ≤ −1). Using only S-PLUS photometric selections, it is possible to achieve selection fractions of 15.6, 88.5, and 98.3 per cent for metallicities below −3, −2, and −1, respectively. We also show that it is possible to use S-PLUS to target metal-poor stars in halo substructures such as Gaia-Sausage/Enceladus, Sequoia, Thamnos, and the Helmi stream.
Testing multiband (G, GBP, GRP, B, V, and TESS) standard bolometric corrections by recovering luminosity and radii of 341 host stars
Authors: Eker Z , Bakış V
Published: May 2023

Main-sequence bolometric corrections (BC) and a standard BC–Teff relation are produced for TESS wavelengths using published physical parameters and light ratios from SED models of 209 detached double-lined eclipsing binaries. This and previous five-band (Johnson B, V, Gaia G, GBP, GRP) standard BC–Teff relations are tested by recovering luminosity (L) of the most accurate 341 single host stars (281 MS, 40 subgiants, 19 giants, and one pre-main-sequence). Recovered L of photometry are compared to L from published R and Teff. A very high correlation (R2 = 0.9983) is achieved for this mixed sample. Error histograms of recovered and calculated L show peaks at ∼2 and ∼4 per cent, respectively. The recovered L and the published Teff were then used in $L = 4\pi R^2 \sigma T^4_{\rm eff}$ to predict the standard R of the host stars. Comparison between the predicted and published R of all luminosity classes are found successful with a negligible offset associated with the giants and subgiants. The peak of the predicted R errors is found at 2 per cent, which is equivalent to the peak of the published R errors. Thus, a main-sequence BC–Teff relation could be used in predicting both L and R of a single star at any luminosity class, but this does not mean BC–Teff relations of all luminosity classes are the same because luminosity information could be more constrained by star’s apparent magnitude ξ than its BC since mBol = ξ + BCξ.
The relationship between cluster environment and molecular gas content of star-forming galaxies in the eagle simulation
Authors: Manuwal Aditya , Stevens Adam R H
Published: May 2023

We employ the eagle hydrodynamical simulation to uncover the relationship between cluster environment and H2 content of star-forming galaxies at redshifts spanning 0 ≤ z ≤ 1. To do so, we divide the star-forming sample into those that are bound to clusters and those that are not. We find that, at any given redshift, the galaxies in clusters generally have less H2 than their non-cluster counterparts with the same stellar mass (corresponding to an offset of ≲0.5 dex), but this offset varies with stellar mass and is virtually absent at M⋆ ≲ 109.3 M⊙. The H2 deficit in star-forming cluster galaxies can be traced back to a decline in their H2 content that commenced after first infall into a cluster, which occurred later than a typical cluster galaxy. Evolution of the full cluster population after infall is generally consistent with ‘slow-then-rapid’ quenching, but galaxies with M⋆ ≲ 109.5 M⊙ exhibit rapid quenching. Unlike most cluster galaxies, star-forming ones were not pre-processed in groups prior to being accreted by clusters. For both of these cluster samples, the star formation efficiency remained oblivious to the infall. We track the particles associated with star-forming cluster galaxies and attribute the drop in H2 mass after infall to poor replenishment, depletion due to star formation, and stripping of H2 in cluster environments. These results provide predictions for future surveys, along with support and theoretical insights for existing molecular gas observations that suggest there is less H2 in cluster galaxies.
SGLT2i for evidence-based cardiorenal protection in diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease: a comprehensive review by EURECA-m and ERBP working groups of ERA
Authors: Mark Patrick B , Sarafidis Pantelis , Ekart Robert , Ferro Charles J , Balafa Olga , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz , Herrington William G , Rossignol Patrick , Del Vecchio Lucia , Valdivielso Jose M , Mallamaci Francesca , Ortiz Alberto , Nistor Ionut , Cozzolino Mario
Published: May 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue affecting an estimated 850 million people globally. The leading causes of CKD is diabetes and hypertension, which together account for >50% of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Progressive CKD leads to the requirement for kidney replacement therapy with transplantation or dialysis. In addition, CKD, is a risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, particularly from structural heart disease and heart failure (HF). Until 2015, the mainstay of treatment to slow progression of both diabetic and many non-diabetic kidney diseases was blood pressure control and renin-angiotensin system inhibition; however, neither angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) nor angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduced cardiovascular events and mortality in major trials in CKD. The emergence of cardiovascular and renal benefits observed with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) from clinical trials of their use as anti-hyperglycaemic agents has led to a revolution in cardiorenal protection for patients with diabetes. Subsequent clinical trials, notably DAPA-HF, EMPEROR, CREDENCE, DAPA-CKD and EMPA-KIDNEY have demonstrated their benefits in reducing risk of HF and progression to kidney failure in patients with HF and/or CKD. The cardiorenal benefits—on a relative scale—appear similar in patients with or without diabetes. Specialty societies’ guidelines are continually adapting as trial data emerges to support increasingly wide use of SGLT2i. This consensus paper from EURECA-m and ERBP highlights the latest evidence and summarizes the guidelines for use of SGLT2i for cardiorenal protection focusing on benefits observed relevant to people with CKD.
OsIPK2, a Rice Inositol Polyphosphate Kinase Gene, Is Involved in Phosphate Homeostasis and Root Development
Authors: Chen Yao , Han Jianming , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Xinyu , Li Yonghui , Yuan Congying , Dong Junyi , Yang Qiaofeng , Wang Peng
Published: May 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a growth-limiting nutrient for plants, which is taken up by root tissue from the environment as inorganic phosphate (Pi). To maintain an appropriate status of cellular Pi, plants have developed sophisticated strategies to sense the Pi level and modulate their root system architecture (RSA) under the ever-changing growth conditions. However, the molecular basis underlying the mechanism remains elusive. Inositol polyphosphate kinase (IPK2) is a key enzyme in the inositol phosphate metabolism pathway, which catalyzes the phosphorylation of IP3 into IP5 by consuming ATP. In this study, the functions of a rice inositol polyphosphate kinase gene (OsIPK2) in plant Pi homeostasis and thus physiological response to Pi signal were characterized. As a biosynthetic gene for phytic acid in rice, overexpression of OsIPK2 led to distinct changes in inositol polyphosphate profiles and an excessive accumulation of Pi levels in transgenic rice under Pi-sufficient conditions. The inhibitory effects of OsIPK2 on root growth were alleviated by Pi-deficient treatment compared with wild-type plants, suggesting the involvement of OsIPK2 in the Pi-regulated reconstruction of RSA. In OsIPK2-overexpressing plants, the altered acid phosphatase (APase) activities and misregulation of Pi-starvation-induced (PSI) genes were observed in roots under different Pi supply conditions. Notably, the expression of OsIPK2 also altered the Pi homeostasis and RSA in transgenic Arabidopsis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that OsIPK2 plays an important role in Pi homeostasis and RSA adjustment in response to different environmental Pi levels in plants.
Diel, seasonal and vertical changes in the pelagic amphipod communities in the subarctic Pacific: insights from imaging analysis
Authors: Taniguchi Ryo , Amei Kanako , Tokuhiro Koki , Yamada Yuichiro , Kitamura Minoru , Yamaguchi Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Vertically stratified day and night samples were collected from a depth of up to 1000 m during four seasons at a single station in the western subarctic Pacific. Subsequently, the abundance, biovolume, community structure and population structure of the pelagic amphipods were evaluated from the imaging analysis using ZooScan. The stable isotope ratio (δ15N) was also measured for each species. In total 10 amphipod species were identified in total, and their community structures were separated into four groups. The four communities were characterized by the upper-layer community dominated by Themisto pacifica, and the deep-water community that was characterized by the absence of T. pacifica. The other two groups were observed for the intermediate depths at night only, which was characterized by the low abundance of T. pacifica performing diel vertical migration from those depths. The deep-dwelling species displayed higher δ15N and positive relationships were detected with the habitat depth of each species. For the predominant T. pacifica, population structure (cohort) analysis was possible based on equivalent spherical diameter data from ZooScan. This study demonstrates that imaging analysis by ZooScan is applicable for analyses of minor taxonomic groups (amphipods) in zooplankton communities.
The Jersey foundation: your flexible friend in wealth planning
Authors: Laignel Richard , Baxter Katie , Yates George
Published: May 2023

A Jersey foundation might be created for a number of reasons: be it for benefiting a particular person or class of persons, for carrying out a specific purpose or as a vehicle for holding a particular asset. This article aims to act as an easy guide to the nature of a Jersey foundation and to identify ways in which it may be utilised beyond those which one might, at first blush, consider.
Decoding the transcriptome of muscular dystrophy due to Ptrf deficiency using single‐nucleus RNA sequencing
Authors: Li Xiaokai , Zhong Zhining , Zhang Ruowei , Zhang Jiaman , Zhang Yu , Zeng Sha , Du Qinjiao , Wang Haoming , Zhang Songling , Lu Lu , Li Mingzhou , Long Keren
Published: May 2023

Lacking PTRF (polymerase I and transcript release factor), an essential caveolae component, causes a secondary deficiency of caveolins resulting in muscular dystrophy. The transcriptome responses of different types of muscle fibers and mononuclear cells in skeletal muscle to muscular dystrophy caused by Ptrf deletion have not been explored. Here, we created muscular dystrophy mice by Ptrf knockout and applied single‐nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA‐seq) to unveil the transcriptional changes of the skeletal muscle at single‐nucleus resolution. 11 613 muscle nuclei (WT, 5838; Ptrf KO, 5775) were classified into 12 clusters corresponding to 11 nuclear types. Trajectory analysis revealed the potential transition between type IIb_1 and IIb_2 myonuclei upon muscular dystrophy. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that apoptotic signaling and enzyme‐linked receptor protein signaling pathway were significantly enriched in type IIb_1 and IIb_2 myonuclei of Ptrf KO, respectively. The muscle structure development and the PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway were significantly enriched in type IIa and IIx myonuclei of Ptrf KO. Meanwhile, metabolic pathway analysis showed a decrease in overall metabolic pathway activity of myonuclei subtypes upon muscular dystrophy, with the most decrease in type IIb_1 myonuclei. Gene regulatory network analysis found that the activity of Mef2c, Mef2d, Myf5, and Pax3 regulons was enhanced in type II myonuclei of Ptrf KO, especially in type IIb_2 myonuclei. In addition, we investigated the transcriptome changes in adipocytes and found that muscular dystrophy enhanced the lipid metabolic capacity of adipocytes. Our findings provide a valuable resource for exploring the molecular mechanism of muscular dystrophy due to Ptrf deficiency.
Self-Reported Disadvantage in Medical School Admissions: A Call to Review, Revise, and Further Advance Holistic Review
Authors: Harrison Leila E. , Fletcher Laura , Dunleavy Dana , Price-Johnson Tanisha , Vashi Kundu Roopal , Fogerty Glen T. , Berardi-Demo Linda
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examined how applicants interpret the self-reported disadvantaged (SRD) question in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application.

Method

Data from 129,262 applicants who applied through AMCAS from 2017 through 2019 were used, including financial and family history, demographic characteristics, and work status and residence. Fifteen applicants from the 2020 and 2021 AMCAS cycles were interviewed about their experiences with the SRD question.

Results

Large effects were found for SRD applicants with fee assistance waivers (h = 0.89), Pell grants (h = 1.21), state or federal aid (h = 1.10), and parents with less education (h = 0.98) and non-SRD applicants with a large proportion of their education paid by family (d = 1.03). Another large difference was found for reported family income distribution (73% of SRD applicants reporting family income < $50,000 vs 15% of non-SRD applicants). More SRD applicants were Black or Hispanic (26% vs 16% and 5% vs 5%), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients (11% vs 2%), born outside the United States (32% vs 16%), and raised in a medically underserved area (60% vs 14%). There was a moderate effect for first-generation to college SRD applicants (h = 0.61). SRD applicants had lower Medical College Admission Test scores (d = 0.62) and overall and science grade point averages (d = 0.50 and 0.49, respectively) but no meaningful differences in acceptance or matriculation rates. The interviews identified 5 themes: (1) unclear disadvantage definition; (2) different perceptions of disadvantage and overcoming challenges or obstacles; (3) identification as disadvantaged or not; (4) SRD essay content; and (5) concerns about lack of transparency in how the SRD question is used in admissions.

Conclusions

Revising the SRD question by including context, phrasing, and instructions for broader experience categories might be beneficial because of lack of transparency and understanding.
Midterm Development of Ultrasound-unstable Hip Joints After Overhead Traction and Treatment With Tübingen Splint and Fettweis Plaster: A Radiologic Follow-up Analysis Over 5.5 Years
Authors: Oezel Lisa , Kubo Hannes , Krauspe Rüdiger , Pilge Hakan , Holthoff Jan-Philipp , Latz David , Schiffner Erik , Westhoff Bettina
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the success rate for treatment of ultrasound unstable hips (type D, III and IV) with Fettweis plaster in terms of a midterm follow-up from the very beginning in the neonatal period until the age of 4 to 8 years.

Methods:

In total, 69 unstable hips, which were successfully treated with Fettweis plaster and after with a flexion-abduction splint, were included into the study. Hip delvelopment was followed by determining the acetabular index (ACI) on routine pelvic radiographs at the age of 12 to ≤24, 24 to ≤48 and 48 to ≤96 months and the center edge angle on the latter, and classifying both angles according to Tönnis.

Results:

After initially successful treatment, the first radiograph at the age of 12 to ≤24 months showed 39.1% (n=27) hips with normal findings, 33.2% (n=23) hips with slightly dysplastic findings, and 27.5% (n=19) hips with severe dysplastic findings. Comparison between first and second radiograph showed improvement of the ACI in 9/69 hips and between the second and third time point in 20/69 hips. Overall, 20 hip joints showed deteriorations. Hereby, 16 deteriorations took place after the first radiograph and 4 after the second radiograph. Deteriorations were observed independently of the initial hip type (D, III, and IV).

Conclusions:

Midterm results indicate that radiologic controls should be provided to detect deteriorations after finishing treatment. ACI and center edge angle are helpful parameters in the assessment of hip joint development in the age range of 4 to 8 years.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Back Up at the Pump? I Have a Gut Feeling About This: A Review of the Gastrointestinal Manifestations From Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Yee Aaron C. , Peterson Stephen J. , Frishman William H.
Published: May 2023

Heart failure, which is a clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to maintain adequate cardiac output, is known to affect various organ systems in the body due to its ischemic nature and activation of the systemic immune response, but the resultant complications specifically on the gastrointestinal tract and the liver are not well discussed and poorly understood. Gastrointestinal-related phenomena are common symptoms experienced in patients with heart failure and frequently found to increase morbidity and mortality in these populations. The relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and heart failure are strongly linked and influence each other much so that the bidirectional association of the two is oftentimes referred to as cardiointestinal syndrome. Manifestations include gastrointestinal prodrome, bacterial translocation and protein-losing gastroenteropathy by gut wall edema, cardiac cachexia, hepatic insult and injury, and ischemic colitis. More attention is needed from a cardiology perspective to recognize these common presenting gastrointestinal phenomena that affect much of our patient population with heart failure. In this overview, we describe the association between heart failure and the gastrointestinal tract, the pathophysiology, lab findings, clinical manifestations and complications, and the management involved.
An Overview of Targeted Therapies in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Turkalj Sven , Radtke Felix A. , Vyas Paresh
Published: May 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most aggressive adult leukemia, characterized by clonal differentiation arrest of progenitor or precursor hematopoietic cells. Intense preclinical and clinical research has led to regulatory approval of several targeted therapeutics, administered either as single agents or as combination therapies. However, the majority of patients still face a poor prognosis and disease relapse frequently occurs due to selection of therapy-resistant clones. Hence, more effective novel therapies, most likely as innovative, rational combination therapies, are urgently needed. Chromosomal aberrations, gene mutations, and epigenetic alterations drive AML pathogenesis but concurrently provide vulnerabilities to specifically target leukemic cells. Other molecules, either aberrantly active and/or overexpressed in leukemic stem cells, may also be leveraged for therapeutic benefit. This concise review of targeted therapies for AML treatment, which are either approved or are being actively investigated in clinical trials or recent preclinical studies, provides a flavor of the direction of travel, but also highlights the current challenges in AML treatment.
Age-specific Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection During Omicron Outbreaks, South Korea
Authors: Jang Eun Jung , Choe Young June , Yun Go-Woon , Kim Ryu Kyung , Park Sun Kyeng , Lee Ju Hee , Lee Kil Hun , Yi Seonju , Lee Sangwon , Park Young-Joon
Published: May 2023

We assessed the risk of reinfection among all residents in South Korea who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 from January to August 2022. Children 5–11 years [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.20], and 12–17 years old (aHR = 2.00), were at higher risk; whereas 3-dose vaccination (aHR = 0.20) lowered the risk of reinfection.
Medium-Term Outcomes of Conservative and Surgical Treatments for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Medicare Claims Analysis
Authors: Hall Evelyn F. , Biller Daniel H. , Buss Joanna L. , Ferzandi Tanaz , Halder Gabriela E. , Muffly Tyler M. , Nickel Katelin B. , Nihira Mikio , Olsen Margaret A. , Wallace Shannon L. , Lowder Jerry L.
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the 3- to 5-year retreatment outcomes for conservatively and surgically treated urinary incontinence (UI) in a population of women 66 years and older.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used 5% Medicare data to evaluate UI retreatment outcomes of women undergoing physical therapy (PT), pessary treatment, or sling surgery. The data set used inpatient, outpatient, and carrier claims from 2008 to 2016 in women 66 years and older with fee-for-service coverage. Treatment failure was defined as receiving another UI treatment (pessary, PT, sling, Burch urethropexy, or urethral bulking) or repeat sling. A secondary analysis was performed where additional treatment courses of PT or pessary were also considered a treatment failure. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the time from treatment initiation to retreatment.

Results

Between 2008 and 2013, 13,417 women were included with an index UI treatment, and follow-up continued through 2016. In this cohort, 41.4% received pessary treatment, 31.8% received PT, and 26.8% underwent sling surgery. In the primary analysis, pessaries had the lowest treatment failure rate compared with PT (P<0.001) and sling surgery (P<0.001; survival probability, 0.94 [pessary], 0.90 [PT], 0.88 [sling]). In the analysis where retreatment with PT or a pessary was considered a failure, sling surgery had the lowest retreatment rate (survival probability, 0.58 [pessary], 0.81 [PT], 0.88 [sling]; P<0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

In this administrative database analysis, there was a small but statistically significant difference in treatment failure among women undergoing sling surgery, PT, or pessary treatment, but pessary use was commonly associated with the need for repeat pessary fittings.
Metabolic perturbations and key pathways associated with the bacteriostatic activity of Clitoria ternatea flower anthocyanin fraction against Escherichia coli
Authors: Jeyaraj Ethel Jeyaseela , Han Mei-Ling , Li Jian , Choo Wee Sim
Published: May 2023

Clitoria ternatea flowers are rich in anthocyanins and possess various biological activities. Specifically, the antibacterial mechanism of action of C. ternatea anthocyanins remains unknown and was investigated in Escherichia coli. Time-kill assay was used to assess the antibacterial activity and the metabolic perturbations in E. coli were investigated utilising LC-MS-based metabolomics. Pathway analyses were carried out for metabolites showing ≥ 2-fold changes. The anthocyanin fraction remarkably reduced the growth of E. coli at 4 h by 95.8 and 99.9% at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 2 × MIC, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the anthocyanin fraction (MIC) was shown to have perturbed glycerophospholipids (1-Acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diacylglycerol and cardiolipin), amino acids (valine, tyrosine and isoleucine) and energy (ubiquinone and NAD) metabolites at 1 and 4 h. This study demonstrated significant metabolic perturbations of the glycerophospholipid, amino acid and energy metabolism being the key pathways involved in the antibacterial activity of anthocyanins from C. ternatea and has promising potential as antibacterial agents for E. coli-related infections.
A handheld luminometer with sub-attomole limit of detection for distributed applications in global health
Authors: Lebel Paul , Elledge Susanna , Wiener Diane M. , Jeyakumar Ilakkiyan , Phelps Maíra , Jacobsen Axel , Huynh Emily , Charlton Chris , Puccinelli Robert , Mondal Prasenjit , Saha Senjuti , Tato Cristina M. , Gómez-Sjöberg Rafael
Published: May 2023

Luminescence is ubiquitous in biology research and medicine. Conceptually simple, the detection of luminescence nonetheless faces technical challenges because relevant signals can exhibit exceptionally low radiant power densities. Although low light detection is well-established in centralized laboratory settings, the cost, size, and environmental requirements of high-performance benchtop luminometers are not compatible with geographically-distributed global health studies or resource-constrained settings. Here we present the design and application of a ∼$700 US handheld, battery-powered luminometer with performance on par with high-end benchtop instruments. By pairing robust and inexpensive Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors with a low-profile shutter system, our design compensates for sensor non-idealities and thermal drift, achieving a limit of detection of 1.6E-19 moles of firefly luciferase, or approximately 1fW of radiant optical power. Using these devices, we performed split luciferase serology studies to monitor sars-cov-2 antibodies in a cohort in the United States, as well as a field study in Bangladesh.