bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced entanglement and quantum steering of directly and indirectly coupled modes in a magnomechanical system
Authors: Sohail Amjad , Ahmed Rizwan , Zainab Rida , Yu Chang- shui
Published: May 2022

This study is based on a theoretical proposal for quantum steering, non-locality, and entanglement in a two microwave cavities based magnomechanical system. The system is composed of two microwave (MW) cavity mode photons, phonons associated with mechanical mode and a magnon mode. We have employed a standard damping approach and found that steerability and entanglements among different bipartite subsystems strongly depend upon the detuning of indirectly coupled cavity mode and effective magnon detuning. One/two-way quantum Steering and non-local correlation have been found in the system for different choices of bipartitions. In addition, entanglement generated in the system enhances and has shown to be more robust against the thermal effects, as compared with the earlier studies. Interestingly, we have shown that the magnomechanical entanglements among different bipartitions have a complementary relation due to the transfer entanglement. This shows an additional insight into the system dynamics which shows that there exists a ‘tie-up’ relationship among these bipartitions. The present magnomechanical system will open new perspectives in quantum tasks that demand the entanglement of microwave cavity fields.
Study the effect of mercuric ions concentration on some optical properties of Polyvinyl (alcohol/pyrrolidone) blend film
Authors: Morad Ibrahim , Salah Mohamed , Ali H Elhosiny , Khairy Yasmin
Published: May 2022

In the present work, the casting process was used to prepare polymeric films based on Polyvinyl alcohol/Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) loaded with various weight percentages of HgCl2. The morphology and the microstructure of the synthesized samples were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic force microscope (AFM), x-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. UV/VIS/NIR spectrophotometer was implemented to scientifically check the optical elucidation. All films between the two phases are characterized by substantial integration of HgCl2 and PVA/PVP. The scanning electron microscope shows a morphology modification of the blend surface with the mercuric chloride substantive. The roughness calculated from AFM images increased with increasing HgCl2. The agglomeration of the particles made a significant influence on the optical transmittance properties of pure PVA/PVP. Due to the growth of distortion and imperfection in the structure of the blend matrix by the addition of HgCl2, there is a modification in the engineering bandgap, localized state’s order, coefficient of absorption, and optical conductivity. The dispersion and oscillator energies were calculated using the Wemple and Di Domenico (DDW) model for a single oscillator. Various theoretical relations between energy gaps and refractive indices were used to calculate the average refractive index of each sample. Further, the nonlinear refractive index and optical susceptibilities of polymer composite samples were enhanced by increasing the percentage of HgCl2. The influence of loading on the optical limiting of the blend was investigated via He-Ne and green diode lasers. The results indicate the ability to use our flexible films in various optoelectronic devices.
Constraining branon dark matter from observations of the Segue 1 dwarf spheroidal galaxy with the MAGIC telescopes
Authors: Miener T. , Nieto D. , Gammaldi V. , Kerszberg D. , Rico J.
Published: May 2022

We present the first search for signatures of brane-world extra-dimensional dark matter (DM) in the very-high-energy gamma-ray band by scrutinizing observations of the dwarf spheroidal galaxy Segue 1 with the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescope system. Branons are new degrees of freedom that appear within flexible brane-world models: they are weakly interacting massive particles and natural DM candidates. The ground-based gamma-ray telescopes MAGIC could indirectly detect branon DM in the multi-TeV mass range by observing secondary products of DM annihilation into Standard Model particles. In the absence of a signal, we place constraints on the branon DM parameter space by using a binned likelihood analysis of almost 160-hours deep exposure on the Segue 1 dwarf spheroidal galaxy by the MAGIC telescopes. Our most stringent limit to the thermally-averaged annihilation cross-section (at 95% confidence level) corresponds to 〈σv〉 ≃ 1.4 × 10-23 cm3 s-1 at a branon mass of ∼ 0.7 TeV.
A new estimator for phase statistics
Authors: Munshi D. , Takahashi R. , McEwen J.D. , Kitching T.D. , Bouchet F.R.
Published: May 2022

We introduce a novel statistic to probe the statistics of phases of Fourier modes
in two-dimensions (2D) for weak lensing convergence field κ.
This statistic contains completely independent information compared to that contained in observed power spectrum.
We compare our results against state-of-the-art numerical simulations as a function
of source redshift and find good agreement with theoretical predictions.
We show that our estimator
can achieve better signal-to-noise compared to the commonly employed
statistics known as the line correlation function (LCF). Being a two-point
statistics, our estimator is also easy to implement in the presence of complicated noise and mask,
and can also be generalised to higher-order.
While applying this estimator for the study of lensed CMB maps,
we show that it is important to include post-Born corrections in the study of statistics of phase.
Shell-model study on properties of proton dripline nuclides with $Z, N$ = 30-50 including uncertainty analysis
Authors: Cai Boshuai , Chen Guangshang , Yuan Cenxi , Jian-Jun He
Published: May 2022

The binding energies and proton separation energies of nuclides with $Z, N = 30-50$ \textcolor{blue}{are investigated,} based on the shell model with an uncertainty analysis through statistical methods. Several formulas are used to obtain the binding energies and proton separation energies according to the shell-model calculations. The non-parametric Bootstrap method is applied to establish an uncertainty decomposition and recomposition framework. Moreover, it \textcolor{blue}{is used to estimate the stability of proton(s) emission} for each nuclide. Two formulas for calculating the binding energies with a systematic uncertainty of $\sim0.3$ MeV are proposed, and a reliable extrapolation ability is examined. These binding energy formulas deduce similar forms of respective $S_{p}$ and $S_{2p}$ energies, which predict the extension of the nuclear boundary of this region. A nice description of the binding energies and proton separation energies is provided. \textcolor{blue}{The one- and two-proton separation energies and partial half-lives of proton emitting are predicted, thus showing a new dripline.} Besides, there are 30 unstable nuclides predicted to be bound against proton(s)-emission. These nuclear properties will be useful in nuclear astrophysics.
Color-flavor dependence of the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model and QCD phase diagram
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Murad Ali
Published: May 2022

We study the dynamical chiral symmetry breaking/restoration for various numbers of light quarks flavors

and colors

using the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model of quarks in the Schwinger-Dyson equation framework, dressed with a color-flavor dependence of effective coupling. For fixed

and varying

, we observe that the dynamical chiral symmetry is broken when

exceeds its critical value

. For a fixed

and varying

, we observe that the dynamical chiral symmetry is restored when

reaches its critical value

. Strong interplay is observed between

and

, i.e., larger values of

tend to strengthen the dynamical generated quark mass and quark-antiquark condensate, while higher values of

suppress both parameters. We further sketch the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phase diagram at a finite temperature T and quark chemical potential μ for various

and

. At finite T and μ, we observe that the critical number of colors

is enhanced, whereas the critical number of flavors

is suppressed as T and μ increase. Consequently, the critical temperature

,

, and co-ordinates of the critical endpoint

in the QCD phase diagram are enhanced as

increases and suppressed when

increases. Our findings agree with the lattice QCD and Schwinger-Dyson equations predictions.
Contaminant detection using a CZT photon counting detector with TDI image reconstruction
Authors: Nguyen Joanna , Richtsmeier Devon , Iniewski Kris , Bazalova-Carter Magdalena
Published: May 2022

Food x-ray inspection systems are designed to detect unwanted physical contaminants in packaged food to maintain a high level of food safety for consumers. Modern day x-ray inspection systems often utilize line scan sensors to detect these physical contaminants but are limited to single or dual energies. However, by using a photon counting detector (PCD), a new generation of food inspection systems capable of acquiring images at more than two energy bins could improve discrimination between low density contaminants. In this work, five type of contaminants were embedded in an acrylic phantom and imaged using a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) PCD with a pixel pitch of 330 μm. A set of images were acquired while the phantom was stationary, and another set of images were acquired while the phantom was moving to mimic the movement of a conveyor belt. Image quality was assessed by evaluating the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for each set of images. For imaging times larger than 25 ms, the results showed that the moving phantom data set yielded larger CNR values compared to a stationary phantom. While conventional x-ray inspections often utilize line scan sensors, we report that physical contaminant detection is possible with a CZT PCD x-ray imaging system.
Effect modification by sex for associations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization, and emergency room visits: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heo Seulkee , Son Ji-Young , Lim Chris C , Fong Kelvin C , Choi Hayon Michelle , Hernandez-Ramirez Raul U , Nyhan Kate , Dhillon Preet K , Kapoor Suhela , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Spiegelman Donna , Bell Michelle L
Published: May 2022

Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter no larger than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) has been linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) but evidence for vulnerability by sex remains unclear. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the state of scientific evidence on whether cardiovascular risks from PM2.5 differ for men compared to women. The databases Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and GreenFILE were searched for studies published January 1995 to February 2020. Observational studies conducting subgroup analysis by sex for impacts of short-term or long-term exposure to PM2.5 on target CVDs were included. Data were independently extracted in duplicate and pooled with random-effects meta-regression. Risk ratios (RRs) for long-term exposure and percent changes in outcomes for short-term exposure were calculated per 10 µg m−3 PM2.5 increase. Quality of evidence of risk differences by sex was rated following Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A total of 12 502 articles were screened, with 61 meeting inclusion criteria. An additional 32 studies were added from citation chaining. RRs of all CVD mortality for long-term PM2.5 for men and women were the same (1.14; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.22) indicating no statistically different risks. Men and women did not have statistically different risks of daily CVD mortality, hospitalizations from all CVD, ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure from short-term PM2.5 exposure (difference in % change in risk per 10 µg m−3 PM2.5: 0.04 (95% CI, −0.42–0.51); −0.05 (−0.47–0.38); 0.17 (−0.90, 1.24); 1.42 (−1.06, 3.97); 1.33 (−0.05, 2.73); and −0.48 (−1.94, 1.01), respectively). Analysis using GRADE found low or very low quality of evidence for sex differences for PM2.5-CVD risks. In conclusion, this meta-analysis and quality of evidence assessment of current observational studies found very limited evidence of the effect modification by sex for effects of PM2.5 on CVD outcomes in adults, which can inform clinical approaches and policies.
Discrimination of dephasing channels
Authors: Rexiti Milajiguli , Memarzadeh Laleh , Mancini Stefano
Published: May 2022

The problem of dephasing channel discrimination is addressed for finite-dimensional systems. In particular, the optimization with respect to input states without energy constraint is solved analytically for qubit, qutrit and ququart. Additionally, it is shown that resorting to side entanglement assisted strategy is completely useless in this case.
Exploring the structural and optoelectronic properties of natural insulating phlogopite in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Cadore Alisson R , de Oliveira Raphaela , Longuinhos Raphael , Teixeira Verônica de C , Nagaoka Danilo A , Alvarenga Vinicius T , Ribeiro-Soares Jenaina , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Paniago Roberto M , Malachias Angelo , Krambrock Klaus , Barcelos Ingrid D , de Matos Christiano J S
Published: May 2022

Naturally occurring van der Waals crystals have brought unprecedented interest to nanomaterial researchers in recent years. So far, more than 1800 layered materials (LMs) have been identified but only a few insulating and naturally occurring LMs were deeply investigated. Phyllosilicate minerals, which are a class of natural and abundant LMs, have been recently considered as a low-cost source of insulating nanomaterials. Within this family an almost barely explored material emerges: phlogopite (KMg3(AlSi3)O10(OH)2). Here we carry out a high throughput characterization of this LM by employing several experimental techniques, corroborating the major findings with first-principles calculations. We show that monolayers (1L) and few-layers of this material are air and temperature stable, as well as easily obtained by the standard mechanical exfoliation technique, have an atomically flat surface, and lower bandgap than its bulk counterpart, an unusual trend in LMs. We also systematically study the basic properties of ultrathin phlogopite and demonstrate that natural phlogopite presents iron impurities in its crystal lattice, which decreases its bandgap from about 7 eV to 3.6 eV. Finally, we combine phlogopite crystals with 1L-WS2 in ultrathin van der Waals heterostructures and present a photoluminescence study, revealing a significant enhancement on the 1L-WS2 optical quality (i.e. higher recombination efficiency through neutral excitons) similarly to that obtained on 1L-WS2/hexagonal boron nitride heterostructures. Our proof-of-concept study shows that phlogopite should be regarded as a good and promising candidate for LM-based applications as a low-cost layered nanomaterial.
Investigation of structural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of steel 316L reinforcement by hBN and TiC particles
Authors: Roohi Amir H , Mirsadeghi Amirhossein , Sadooghi Ali
Published: May 2022

The powder metallurgy process is commonly used to produce nanocomposite samples so that, their properties depend on the process parameters and the weight fraction of reinforcements. In the current study, producing metal matrix nanocomposite with steel 316L as a matrix and mixing of hBN/TiC nanoparticles as a reinforcement is conducted. The total weight percentages of reinforcements are 6% wt and 8% wt (i.e. with an equal proportion for each nanoparticle). The powders were mixed for 10 h and then compacted at different pressures (300 MPa and 400 MPa) by cold isostatic pressure (CIP) conditions. The compacted powders were sintered at different temperatures (1350 °C and 1450 °C), and times (2 h and 4 h) in the furnace. The microstructural analysis of nanocomposite was performed by SEM, XRD, EDX, DTA, and also FT-IR tests. The results showed that by increasing the weight fraction of nanoparticles the microhardness and wear rate improved and, on the contrary, the flexural strength and corrosion rate decreased. The optimum result for the microhardness and wear rate were achieved when the sample contains 8% wt nanoparticles, compacted at 400 MPa and sintered at 1350 °C for 4 h. As well, the highest flexural strength and corrosion rate belong to the sample compacted and sintered at 400 MPa, 1450 °C for 2 h.
Degradation of tiamulin by a packed bed dielectric barrier plasma combined with TiO2 catalyst
Authors: YANG Kun , SHEN Hongwei , LIU Yueyue , LIU Yang , GE Pingji , YANG Dezheng
Published: May 2022

Recently, a plasma catalyst was employed to efficiently degrade antibiotic residues in the environment. In this study, the plasma generated in a packed bed dielectric barrier reactor combined with TiO2 catalyst is used to degrade the antibiotic tiamulin (TIA) loaded on the surface of simulated soil particles. The effects of applied voltage, composition of the working gas, gas flow rate and presence or absence of catalyst on the degradation effect were studied. It was found that plasma and catalyst can produce a synergistic effect under optimal conditions (applied voltage 25 kV, oxygen ratio 1%, gas flow rate 0.6 l min−1, treatment time 5 min). The degradation efficiency of the plasma combined with catalyst can reach 78.6%, which is 18.4% higher than that of plasma without catalyst. When the applied voltage is 30 kV, the gas flow rate is 1 l min−1, the oxygen ratio is 1% and the plasma combined with TiO2 catalyst treats the sample for 5 min the degradation efficiency of TIA reached 97%. It can be concluded that a higher applied voltage and longer processing times not only lead to more degradation but also result in a lower energy efficiency. Decreasing the oxygen ratio and gas flow rate could improve the degradation efficiency. The relative distribution and identity of the major TIA degradation product generated was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The mechanism of TIA removal by plasma and TiO2 catalyst was analyzed, and the possible degradation path is discussed.
Experimental study on surface arc plasma actuation-based hypersonic boundary layer transition flow control
Authors: YANG Hesen , LIANG Hua , GUO Shanguang , LUO Yanhao , TANG Mengxiao , ZHANG Chuanbiao , WU Yun , LI Yinghong
Published: May 2022

Effective control of hypersonic transition is essential. In order to avoid affecting the structural profile of the aircraft, as well as reducing power consumption and electromagnetic interference, a low-frequency surface arc plasma disturbance experiment to promote hypersonic transition was carried out in the Φ0.25 m double-throat Ludwieg tube wind tunnel at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Contacting printed circuit board sensors and non-contact focused laser differential interferometry testing technology were used in combination. Experimental results showed that the low-frequency surface arc plasma actuation had obvious stimulation effects on the second-mode unstable wave and could promote boundary layer transition by changing the spectral characteristics of the second-mode unstable wave. At the same time, the plasma actuation could promote energy exchange between the second-mode unstable wave and other unstable waves. Finally, the corresponding control mechanism is discussed.
Beliefs About Medicines Predict Side-Effects of Placebo Modafinil
Authors: Heller Monika K , Chapman Sarah C E , Horne Rob
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients receiving placebo in clinical trials often report side-effects (nocebo effects), but contributing factors are still poorly understood.

Purpose

Using a sham trial of the cognition-enhancing “smart pill” Modafinil we tested whether medication beliefs and other psychological factors predicted detection and attribution of symptoms as side-effects to placebo.

Methods

Healthy students (n = 201) completed measures assessing beliefs about medication, perceived sensitivity to medicines, negative affectivity, somatization, and body awareness; 66 were then randomized to receive Deceptive Placebo (told Modafinil–given placebo, 67 to Open Placebo (told placebo–given placebo, and 68 to No Placebo. Memory and attention tasks assessed cognitive enhancement. Nocebo effects were assessed by symptom checklist.

Results

More symptoms were reported in the Deceptive Placebo condition (M = 2.65; SD = 2.27) than Open Placebo (M = 1.92; SD = 2.24; Mann–Whitney U = 1,654, z = 2.30, p = .022) or No Placebo (M = 1.68; SD = 1.75, Mann–Whitney U = 1,640, z = 2.74, p = .006). Participants were more likely to attribute symptoms to Modafinil side-effects if they believed pharmaceuticals to be generally harmful (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.70, p = .019), had higher perceived sensitivity to medicines (IRR = 1.68, p = .011), stronger concerns about Modafinil (IRR = 2.10, p < .001), and higher negative affectivity (IRR = 2.37, p < .001).

Conclusions

Beliefs about medication are potentially modifiable predictors of the nocebo effect. These findings provide insight into side-effect reports to placebo and, potentially, active treatment.
Unbiased Awarding of Art Prizes? It’s Hard to Judge
Authors: Sullivan-Bissett Ema , Rush Michael
Published: May 2022

We have higher-order evidence that aesthetic judgements in the context of awarding art prizes may be affected by implicit bias, to the detriment of artists from marginalized groups. Epistemologists have suggested how to respond to higher-order evidence by appeal to bracketing or suspending judgement. We explain why these approaches do not help in this context. We turn to three ways of addressing the operation of implicit bias: (i) anonymization, (ii) the production of objective criteria, (iii) direct implicit bias mitigation techniques. We show that, in the art prize case, strategy (i) is sometimes counterproductive and any benefits are partial, and strategy (ii) is difficult or impossible to implement. This means that the need for (iii) (direct implicit bias mitigation techniques) is more pressing here than elsewhere. The art prize context is one where mitigation of a particular kind is all we are left with. However, domain-specific problems arise for this strategy too, which call for further empirical work on the operation of implicit bias in the artworld. We conclude that the problem of implicit bias as it arises in the specific context of awarding prizes in the artworld is especially challenging and, given the unavailability of alternative mitigations in this context, the need for direct bias mitigation is even more pressing here than in society in general.
Increased viral load in a hospitalized patient on treatment with crushed bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rowe Sarah M , Clary Jackson C , Drummond Malashia , Derrick Caroline , Sanasi Kamla , Bookstaver P Brandon
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To describe a case of increased viral load in a patient with HIV-1 infection receiving treatment with crushed bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/FTC/TAF).

A 43-year-old man, newly diagnosed with HIV, was hospitalized due to failure to thrive, neurological changes, and hypotension. Before treatment, the HIV viral load (VL) was 769,704 copies/mL and the CD4+ T-cell count was 36 cells/μL. On hospital day (HD) 8, B/FTC/TAF by mouth daily was initiated. During the hospitalization, the patient’s course was complicated by opportunistic infections, bilateral pneumothorax, seizure activity, and acute respiratory distress, requiring multiple intubations and extended time in the intensive care unit. A repeat VL measurement on HD 28 was 5,887 copies/mL after the patient had received 14 of 20 scheduled B/FTC/TAF doses. Because of a failed swallow study and continued nutritional deficits, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was placed on HD 38 and continuous tube feeds via the PEG tube were initiated. Subsequently, the B/FTC/TAF order was modified to be crushed, mixed in 30 mL water, and administered daily via the PEG tube. A repeat VL measurement on HD 65 showed an increase to 8,047 copies/mL, despite receipt of 37 consecutive doses of B/FTC/TAF. B/FTC/TAF was discontinued and dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily, darunavir 800 mg plus ritonavir 100 mg (DRV/r), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/FTC 300 mg/200 mg were started due to virological increase, need for a viable option compatible with PEG tube delivery, and potential for integrase inhibitor resistance. At the time of regimen change (HD 67), a resistance panel showed minor mutations, E157Q and V118I. The regimen was streamlined with discontinuation of DRV/r on HD 92. The patient was discharged on HD 161. The PEG tube was removed 2 months after discharge, oral B/FTC/TAF was reinitiated, and the patient was virologically suppressed at 1 year after discharge.

Conclusion

Controlled studies are needed to verify acceptable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic metrics for crushed B/FTC/TAF given via tube, with and without tube feeds, before use in this manner.
Trends in postgraduate year 2 pharmacy residencies
Authors: Lambert Drew , James Shannon M , Welch Kristene A
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to quantify the growth and trends in postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residencies.

Methods

Summaries of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Resident Matching Program from 2008 to 2021 were obtained. Only standalone PGY2 residencies were included in the analysis. Descriptive analyses were completed for data related to the programs and positions.

Results

From 2008 to 2021, the total number of ASHP-accredited PGY2 programs increased from 282 to 1,131 (301%) and the overall number of unfilled positions decreased from 22% (77 of 351) to 2% (34 of 1,492). The percentage of positions filled early increased from 23% (81 of 351) to 40% (594 of 1,492) during this time. In 2021, programs with a clinical focus accounted for 91.6% of total positions. The Ambulatory Care category accounted for the largest percentage of all PGY2 residency positions, at 19.2% (287 of 1,492) in 2021 compared to 12.8% (45 of 351) in 2008. The total share of PGY2 residency positions in the Critical Care category decreased from 22.8% (80 of 351) in 2008 to 13.7% (205 of 1,492) in 2021; however, the share of PGY2 residency positions in the Emergency Medicine category increased from 1.4% (5 of 351) to 5.9% (88 of 1,492).

Conclusion

From 2008 to 2021 the total number of PGY2 residencies increased; however, this growth was uneven, as the share of positions within individual residency categories changed. It is important for pharmacy stakeholders to review the current state of postgraduate training and ensure it reflects the goals for future practice.
Tissue Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction at a Major Safety-Net Hospital: Managing the Outsized Risk of Infection
Authors: Urquia Lindsey N , Henderson Silas P , Farewell Jordyn T , Duque Sofia , Garibay Maycie , Nevin Julia , Zhang Andrew Y
Published: May 2022

Background

Immediate tissue expander (TE) breast reconstruction is reported to have the highest rate of postoperative infection among reconstructive modalities. The risk of infection is higher among patients treated at safety-net hospitals.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to identify significant contributing factors to the elevated infection risk at our major safety-net institution.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all TE-based reconstruction patients with a diagnosis of postoperative infection between 2015 and 2019. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative risk factors for infection were determined and compared across patient and procedure demographics.

Results

Two hundred forty-three patients, for a total of 412 breast reconstructions, were included in our study. Significant preoperative selection factors were identified to contribute to the elevated risk of infection, including the following: older age, higher BMI, and diabetes. Significant intraoperative and postoperative contributing factors included greater mastectomy weight, larger TE’s and intraoperative fill volume, and longer drain duration. Doxycycline treatment for infected patients resulted in a significantly higher rate of resolution.

Conclusions

Safety-net hospital population patients undergoing TE breast reconstruction are at higher risk for postoperative infection. Personal and procedural risk factors are identified. Balancing the benefits of immediate breast reconstruction with TEs with the elevated risk of postoperative infection remains challenging. Implementation of more stringent eligibility criteria may help mitigate the risk of infection.

Level of Evidence: 4
The requirement of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 in mouse ovarian development and fertility
Authors: Woodman Morgan F , Ozcan Meghan C H , Gura Megan A , De La Cruz Payton , Gadson Alexis K , Grive Kathryn J
Published: May 2022

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a de-ubiquitinating enzyme enriched in neuronal and gonadal tissues known to regulate the cellular stores of mono-ubiquitin and protein turnover. While its function in maintaining proper motor neuron function is well established, investigation into its role in the health and function of reproductive processes is only just beginning to be studied. Single-cell-sequencing analysis of all ovarian cells from the murine perinatal period revealed that Uchl1 is very highly expressed in the developing oocyte population, an observation which was corroborated by high levels of oocyte-enriched UCHL1 protein expression in oocytes of all stages throughout the mouse reproductive lifespan. To better understand the role UCHL1 may be playing in oocytes, we utilized a UCHL1-deficient mouse line, finding reduced number of litters, reduced litter sizes, altered folliculogenesis, morphologically abnormal oocytes, disrupted estrous cyclicity and apparent endocrine dysfunction in these animals compared to their wild-type and heterozygous littermates. These data reveal a novel role of UCHL1 in female fertility as well as overall ovarian function, and suggest a potentially essential role for the ubiquitin proteasome pathway in mediating reproductive health.
ESR1 mediates estrogen-induced feminization of genetic male Chinese soft-shelled turtle
Authors: Li Pan , Guo Yin , Jin Lin , Liang Xiao , Chen Gaoan , Sun Wei , Xiao Ling , Qian Guoying , Ge Chutian
Published: May 2022

Exogenous estrogen have shown their feminization abilities during the specific sex differentiation period in several reptiles. However, the specific regulatory mechanism and downstream regulatory genes of estrogen remain elusive. In the present study, 17β-estradiol (E2), as well as drugs of specific antagonists and/or agonists of estrogen receptors, were employed to figure out the molecular pathway involved in the E2-induced feminization in Chinese soft-shelled turtles, an important aquaculture species in China. E2 treatment led to typical female characteristics in the gonads of ZZ individuals, including thickened outer cortex containing a number of germ cells and degenerated medullary cords, as well as the disappearance of male marker SOX9, and the ectopic expression of ovarian regulator FOXL2 at the embryonic developmental stage 27 and 1 month after hatching. The specific ESR1 antagonist or a combination of three estrogen receptor antagonists could block the sex reversal of ZZ individuals induced by estrogen. In addition, specific activation of ESR1 by agonist also led to the feminization of ZZ gonads, which was similar to the effect of estrogen treatment. Furthermore, transcriptome data showed that the expression level of FOXL2 was significantly upregulated, whereas mRNA levels of DMRT1, SOX9, and AMH were downregulated after estrogen treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that E2 induced the feminization of ZZ Chinese soft-shelled turtles via ESR1, and decrease of male genes DMRT1, SOX9, and AMH and increase of ovarian development regulator FOXL2 might be responsible for the initiation of E2-induced feminization.
Expanding the Pulse–Reserve Paradigm to Microorganisms on the Basis of Differential Reserve Management Strategies
Authors: Garcia-Pichel Ferran , Sala Osvaldo
Published: May 2022

The pulse–reserve paradigm (PRP) is central in dryland ecology, although microorganismal traits were not explicitly considered in its inception. We asked if the PRP could be reframed to encompass organisms both large and small. We used a synthetic review of recent advances in arid land microbial ecology combined with a mathematically explicit theoretical model. Preserving the PRPs core of adaptations by reserve building, the model considers differential organismal strategies to manage these reserves. It proposes a gradient of organisms according to their reserve strategies, from nimble responders (NIRs) to torpid responders (TORs). It predicts how organismal fitness depends on pulse regimes and reserve strategies, partially explaining organismal diversification and distributions. After accounting for scaling phenomena and redefining the microscale meaning of aridity, the evidence shows that the PRP is applicable to microbes. This modified PRP represents an inclusive theoretical framework working across life-forms, although direct testing is still needed.
Disciplinary Neo-Liberalisation and the New Politics of Inequality
Authors: Nunn Alexander , Tepe Daniela
Published: May 2022

Overlaps exist between critical Criminology and critical International Political Economy (IPE). However, while criminologists are keen to engage with political economy, there has been less interest in criminology from scholars in IPE. Recently, though, a literature started to emerge within IPE that focusses on discipline, including research which focusses on ‘authoritarian neoliberalism’ yet without explicitly engaging with the criminological literature. This paper engages with criminological research to demonstrate areas of shared interest, particularly in understanding the role of discipline and consent in the structuring of the ‘social ensemble’ thereby offering something of a corrective to the literature on ‘authoritarian neoliberalism’. We argue that combining insights from Gramscian and (critical) Feminist social theory can help to explain the social reproduction of ‘hegemony’ in which discipline – including self-discipline – plays an important role. Long-term trends in the fracturing of the hegemonic post-war social ensemble were displaced by temporary ‘fixes’ related to consumerism, credit and discipline (including in state institutions, changing economic and ideological structures). However, in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 – the limits of these fixes are revealed and social polarisation is the result. In this context, disciplinary processes in and beyond state institutions are becoming more visible.
Surgical services during the war in Ukraine: challenges and call for help
Authors: Unukovych Dmytro
Published: May 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for humanity. The targeting of healthcare infrastructure became a part of the current warfare. The Ukraine healthcare system is facing manifold challenges with a need for long-standing commitment to continued international support.
Constructive resilience in response to oppression: the strategy of Bahá’ís in Iran
Authors: Tavernaro-Haidarian Leyla
Published: May 2022

Efforts to respond to oppression are often framed as strategies of ‘resistance’ or ‘liberation.’ This paper uses critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the assumptions implicit in these strategies and shows that they derive from a realism of ‘normative adversarialism,’ where confrontation is seen as a natural and inevitable approach for achieving social change. The paper then asks what an alternative conceptual lens might yield, where social transformation is reimagined as evolutionary, developmental and integrative. It concludes that, through such a lens, responding to oppression can be recast as an effort of ‘constructive resilience.’ Coined in relation to the systematic persecution of Iran’s largest religious minority—the Bahá’í faith—this term describes a strategy of transcending years of state-sponsored discrimination through activities such as literacy and empowerment initiatives for children and youth in socio-economically marginalized neighborhoods, as well as through a home-based university initiative. Consequently, this paper introduces a shift from confrontation to cohesion as the main driver for social change.
Alpha Variant Coronavirus Outbreak in a Nursing Home Despite High Vaccination Coverage: Molecular, Epidemiological, and Immunological Studies
Authors: Zürcher Kathrin , Abela Irene A , Stange Madlen , Dupont Carole , Mugglin Catrina , Egli Adrian , Trkola Alexandra , Egger Matthias , Fenner Lukas
Published: May 2022

Background

Vaccination may control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including in nursing homes where many high-risk people live. We conducted extensive outbreak investigations.

Methods

We studied an outbreak at a nursing home in Switzerland, where the uptake of messenger RNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was 82% among residents as of 21 January 2021. After diagnosis of COVID-19 in a vaccinated symptomatic healthcare worker (HCW) on 22 February, we performed outbreak investigations in house A (47 residents; 37 HCWs), using SARS-CoV-2–specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of nasopharyngeal swab samples. We performed whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and serological analyses.

Results

We identified 17 individuals with positive PCR results, 10 residents (5 vaccinated) and 7 HCWs (3 vaccinated). The median age (interquartile range) was 86 (70–90) years among residents and 49 (29–59) years among HCWs. Of the 5 vaccinated residents, 3 had mild disease and 2 had no symptoms, whereas all 5 unvaccinated residents had mild to severe disease, and 2 died. Vaccine effectiveness for the prevention of infection among residents was 73.0% (95% confidence interval, 24.7%–90.1%). The 12 available genomes were all alpha variants. Neutralizing titers were significantly higher in vaccinated individuals on reexposure (>1 week after diagnosis) than in vaccinated, unexposed HCWs (P = .01). Transmission networks indicated 4 likely or possible transmissions from vaccinated to other individuals and 12 transmission events from unvaccinated individuals.

Conclusions

COVID-19 outbreaks can occur in nursing homes, including transmission from vaccinated persons to others. Outbreaks might occur silently, underlining the need for continued testing and basic infection control measures in these high-risk settings.
Prioritizing Pregnant Women for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination in African Countries
Authors: Nachega Jean B , Sam-Agudu Nadia A , Siedner Mark J , Rosenthal Philip J , Mellors John W , Zumla Alimuddin , Hermans Michel P , Ntakwinja Mukanire B , Mukwege Denis M , Langenegger Eduard , Mofenson Lynne M ,   for the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth) Research Collaboration on COVID-19 and Pregnancy
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy is associated with excess maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in both African and higher-resource settings. Furthermore, mounting evidence demonstrates the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and infants. However, national guidelines in many African countries are equivocal or lack recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy. We summarize key data on COVID-19 epidemiology and vaccination among pregnant African women to highlight major barriers to vaccination and recommend 4 interventions. First, policymakers should prioritize pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccination, with a target of 100% coverage. Second, empirically supported public health campaigns should be sustainably implemented to inform and support pregnant women and their healthcare providers in overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Third, COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women should be expanded to include antenatal care, obstetrics/gynecology, and targeted mass vaccination campaigns. Fourth, national monitoring and evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, safety, surveillance, and prospective outcomes assessment should be conducted.
Hemizygous loss of function mutations in CLCN5 causing end-stage kidney disease without Dent disease phenotype
Authors: Leggatt Gary , Gast Christine , Gilbert Rodney D , Veighey Kristin , Rahman Tahmina , Ennis Sarah
Published: May 2022

Dent disease type 1 is suspected in the presence of a complete phenotype of low molecular weight (LMW) proteinuria, hypercalciuria and at least one of the following: nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, haematuria, hypophosphatemia or chronic kidney disease (CKD). We present two brothers who presented with CKD alone. In the absence of typical clinical features, further assessment of LMW proteinuria and hypercalciuria was not undertaken. Whole-genome sequencing revealed hemizygous loss of function mutations in chloride voltage-gated channel 5 (CLCN5) consistent with Dent disease. Dent disease should, therefore, be considered in patients with an incomplete phenotype, including unexplained CKD alone.
Marx, Sraffa and Classical Price Theory
Authors: Shaikh Anwar
Published: May 2022

Five major propositions in classical price theory are discussed. First, Marx explicitly follows Smith’s analytical starting point to show that prices differ from labor values not because of competition or capitalist relations (wages and profits), but only when the latter interact with intersectoral capital–labor differences. Second, Okishio, Morishima and others long ago demonstrated that Marx’s transformation procedure was an iterative process, and Marx himself refers to a ‘standard’ industry immune to this process. Third, Sraffa correctly argues, in favor of Marx, that empirical economic aggregates are essentially the same in prices and values. Fourth, as matrix size increases the subdominant eigenvalues of IO matrices approach a smooth limiting curve, so contrary to Bródy, the first step in any price or quantity iterative process (such as Marx’s) does not become increasingly exact. Finally, Sraffa prices in large US matrices are overwhelmingly simple and extremely well approximated by Bienenfeld’s quadratic form.
Unconventional modes of peptide–HLA-I presentation change the rules of TCR engagement
Authors: Hopkins Jade R , MacLachlan Bruce J , Harper Stephen , Sewell Andrew K , Cole David K
Published: May 2022

The intracellular proteome of virtually every nucleated cell in the body is continuously presented at the cell surface via the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) antigen processing pathway. This pathway classically involves proteasomal degradation of intracellular proteins into short peptides that can be presented by HLA-I molecules for interrogation by T-cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on the surface of CD8+ T cells. During the initiation of a T-cell immune response, the TCR acts as the T cell’s primary sensor, using flexible loops to mould around the surface of the pHLA-I molecule to identify foreign or dysregulated antigens. Recent findings demonstrate that pHLA-I molecules can also be highly flexible and dynamic, altering their shape according to minor polymorphisms between different HLA-I alleles, or interactions with different peptides. These flexible presentation modes have important biological consequences that can, for example, explain why some HLA-I alleles offer greater protection against HIV, or why some cancer vaccine approaches have been ineffective. This review explores how these recent findings redefine the rules for peptide presentation by HLA-I molecules and extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern TCR-mediated antigen discrimination.
Open left thoracoabdominal esophagectomy a viable option in the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Klevebro F , Han S , Ash S , Mueller C , Cools-Lartigue J , Maynard N , Ferri L , Low D
Published: May 2022

Minimally invasive surgical technique has become standard at many institutions in esophageal cancer surgery. In some situations, however other surgical approaches are required. Left thoracoabdominal esophagectomy (LTE) facilitates complete resection of esophageal cancer particularly for bulky distal esophageal tumors, but there are concerns that this approach is associated with significant morbidity. Prospectively entered esophagectomy databases from three high-volume centers were reviewed for patients undergoing LTE or MIE 2009–2019. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative outcomes, postoperative outcomes, and pathologic surrogates of oncologic efficacy (R0 resection rate, and number of resected lymph nodes) were compared. In total 915 patients were included in the study, LTE was applied in 684 (74.8%) patients, and MIE in 231 (25.2%) patients. LTE patients had more locally advanced tumor stage and received more neoadjuvant treatment. Patients treated with MIE had more comorbidities. The results showed no difference in overall postoperative complications (LTE = 61.7%, MIE = 65.7%, P = 0.289), severe complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥IIIa (LTE = 25.9%, MIE 26.8%, P = 0.806)), pneumonia (LTE = 29.0%, MIE = 24.7%, P = 0.211), anastomotic leak (LTE = 7.8%, MIE = 11.3%, P = 0.101), or in-hospital mortality (LTE = 2.6%, MIE = 3.5%, P = 0.511). Median number of resected lymph nodes was 24 for LTE and 25 for MIE (P = 0.491). LTE was used for more advanced tumors in patients that were more likely to have received neoadjuvant treatment compared with MIE, however postoperative morbidity, mortality, and oncologic outcomes were equivalent to that of MIE in this cohort. In conclusion open resection with left thoracoabdominal approach is a valid option in selected patients when performed at high-volume esophagectomy centers.