bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vergleich der Sehleistung mit monofokalen Intraokularlinsen mit und ohne verbesserte optische Eigenschaften in einem Nachtfahrsimulator: eine
Proof-of-Concept-Studie
Authors: Ungewiss Judith , Röck Tobias , Wörner Michael , Wetzel Denise , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Schiefer Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund Ziel dieser Studie war die Einführung einer Methode zum „Benchmarking“ von Intraokularlinsen beim Autofahren, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Sehschärfe (visual acuity,
VA) und die Kontrastempfindlichkeit (contrast sensitivity, CS). Dazu wurden Patienten mit IOL-Implantaten: ICB00 (Tecnis Eyhance, Johnson & Johnson, Santa Ana, CA, USA) vs. CNA0T0
(Clareon, Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA) klinisch und in einem Nachtfahrsimulator untersucht.

Patienten und Methoden Klinische Tests zum Fernvisus bei hohem (high contrast visual acuity, HCVA) und niedrigem Kontrast (low contrast visual acuity, LCVA) sowie zur mesopischen CS
wurden bei Probanden mindestens 2 Monate nach einer binokularen IOL-Operation durchgeführt (Einschlusskriterien: Visus > 20/25, ophthalmologisch normal, außer Kataraktoperation). Alle
Patienten fuhren im Simulator eine gerade Strecke ab. Die VA, CS und Halogröße wurden binokular während des nächtlichen Autofahrens mit Landolt-Ringen in 4 verschiedenen (Fern- und
Intermediärbereichs-)Positionen und Entfernungen gemessen.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse werden als Median/Interquartilsbereich angegeben: ICB00-Daten (CNA0T0-Daten): 5 (6) Probanden im Alter von 69,6/8,3 (71,1/13,0) Jahren wurden
eingeschlossen. Klinische Tests: logMAR HCVA 0,11/0,39 (0,00/0,51), logMAR LCVA 0,78/0,52 (0,80/0,54); logCS ohne 0,50/0,31 (0,30/0,65), mit Blendung 0,20/0,15 (0,20/0,5). Fahrsimulator bei
Nacht: Die logMAR-VA-Schwellenwerte für die rechte Straßenseite, das Armaturenbrett, den Navigationsbildschirm und den Innenrückspiegel betrugen 0,50/0,06 (0,57/0,22), 0,81/0,07 (0,91/0,14),
0,80/0,17 (0,92/0,27), 0,50/0,11 (0,63/0,26), logCS-Schwellenwerte 1,53/0,67 (1,00/0,81), 0,82/0,11 (0,61/0,19), 0,71/0,14 (0,50/0,15), 0,87/0,07 (0,81/0,11). Größe des Halos: 5,40°/0,89°
(5,88°/2,00°).

Schlussfolgerungen In einem Nachtfahrsimulator übertraf die ICB00-IOL die CNA0T0-IOL in Bezug auf logMAR (VA) und logCS um 0,1 log-Einheiten im Intermediärbereich. Klinische Tests
für Ferne und Nähe ergaben keinen Unterschied. Dies könnte darauf hindeuten, dass Fahrsimulatorexperimente im Hinblick auf die Leistungsprüfung von IOLs – insbesondere auch im
Intermediärbereich – sinnvolle Zusatzinformationen liefern können.
Evaluation of Tear Evaporation Rate in Subjects with a High Body Mass Index
Authors: Abusharha Ali , El-Hiti Gamal A. , Alharbi Abdulhadi , Fagehi Raied , Alanazi Mana A. , Alsaqar Ali , Masmali Ali M. , Almubrad Turki
Published: April 2022

Aim This study evaluated the tear evaporation rate (TER) in subjects with a high body mass index (BMI) and tested the correlation between BMI and dry eye.

Methods Thirty male subjects aged 18 – 38 years (26.4 ± 4.0 years) with a high BMI (26.4 – 47.0 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study. In addition, a control group of 30 males
aged 20 – 36 years (24.0 ± 3.6 years) with a normal BMI (< 25 kg/m2) participated in the study for comparison. Each subject completed the ocular surface disease index (OSDI),
followed by the TER measurement using a handheld VapoMeter.

Results Significant differences (Wilcoxon test; p = 0.002 and 0.001) were found between the median scores of the OSDI (10.3 [3.7] vs. 5.9 [7.2]) and TER (35.5 [13.1] vs. 15.5 [12.8]
g/m2 h) in the study and control groups, respectively. The OSDI indicated dry eye in 60.0% of subjects in the study group (n = 18). The TER measurements showed that 76.7% of
subjects in the study group (n = 23) had dry eyes. A medium correlation (r = 0.569; p = 0.001) was found between the OSDI scores and TER measurements.

Conclusions The means of the tear evaporation rate and the ocular surface disease index scores are significantly higher in subjects with a high BMI compared with the control group.
Therefore, a high BMI is considered a risk factor for dry eye. The measurement of the tear evaporation rate using a handheld VapoMeter is a simple and rapid method to detect dry eyes in
combination with other tools.
Prazosin Treatment Protects Brain and Heart by Diminishing Oxidative
Stress and Apoptotic Pathways After Renal Ischemia Reperfusion
Authors: Malekinejad Zahra , Aghajani Shadi , Jeddi Mostafa , Qahremani Reihane , Shahbazi Sina , Bagheri Yasin , Ahmadian Elham
Published: April 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major medical challenge caused from renal
ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury connected with different cellular events in
other distant organs. Renal IR-related oxidative stress and inflammation
followed by cell apoptosis play a crucial role in IR-induced distant organ
pathological damages. Prazosin has shown protective effects against IR-injuries.
Thus, the current study intended to investigate the possible protective role of
prazosin against the consequents of renal IR in the heart and brain tissues. To
reach this goal, rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=7): Sham,
IR and prazosin pretreatment-IR animals (1 mg/kg
intraperitoneally injection of prazosin 45 min before IR induction).
After 6 h reperfusion, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant markers levels
were evaluated in the both, brain and heart tissue. Moreover, apoptotic pathway
in the heart and brain tissues were assessed by western blotting. Accordingly,
prazosin pretreatment in IR model rats could significantly increase the
antioxidant capacity and attenuate apoptotic pathways by increasing the bcl-2
levels and decreasing the expression of Bax and caspase 3 enzymes
(P<0.05). Thus, prazosin suppressed cellular damages of heart and brain
tissues post kidney IR by anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, which
suggests the plausible use of prazosin in improving the clinical outcomes during
AKI after further investigations.
The Aryne Ene Reaction
Authors: Jones Christopher R. , Yang Yun
Published: April 2022

Intermolecular aryne ene reactions present opportunities to arylate a wide range of unsaturated substrates in a single step, whilst intramolecular reactions provide expedient access to valuable benzofused carbo- and heterocyclic frameworks. This short review will chart the development of the aryne ene reaction from initial reports that rationalise unexpected byproduct formation in competing [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions through to its exploitation in contemporary synthetic methodology.

1 Introduction

2 Alkene Ene Reactions

2.1 Intermolecular

2.2 Intramolecular

3 Alkyne Ene Reactions

3.1 Intermolecular

3.2 Intramolecular

4 Allene Ene Reactions

5 Aromatic Ene Reactions

6 Hetero Ene Reactions

6.1 Enols

6.2 Enamines

6.3 Imines

7 Conclusions
Comparative Analysis of Preoperative High Frequency Color Doppler Ultrasound versus MR Lymphangiography versus ICG Lymphography of Lymphatic Vessels in Lymphovenous Anastomosis
Authors: Kim Hyung Bae , Jung Sung Soo , Cho Min-Jeong , Peirera Nicolas , Pak Changsik John , Suh Peter Hyun Suk , Lee Sang Hoon , Hong Joon Pio
Published: April 2022

Background Despite the extensive use of various imaging modalities, there is limited literature on comparing the reliability between indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, MR Lymphangiogram (MRL), and high frequency color Doppler ultrasound (HFCDU) to identify lymphatic vessels.

Method In this study of 124 patients, the correlation between preoperative image findings to the actual lymphatic vessel leading to lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and simple detection were calculated. Subgroup analysis was also performed according to the severity of lymphedema.

Results Total of 328 LVAs were performed. The HFCDU overall had significantly higher sensitivity for identifying lymphatic vessels (99%) over MRL (83.5%) and ICG lymphography (82.3%)(p < 0.0001). Both ICG lymphography and HFCDU had 100% specificity and PPV. The NPV was 3.6%, 6.5% and 57.1% respectively for MRL, ICG lymphography, and HFCDU. All modalities showed high sensitivity for early stage 2 lymphedema while HFCDU showed a significantly higher sensitivity for late stage 2 (MRL:79.7%, ICG:83.1%, HFCDU:97%) and stage 3 (MRL:79.7%, ICG:79.7%, HFCDU:100%) over the other two modalities (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion This study demonstrated while all three modalities are able to provide good information, the sensitivity may alter as the severity of lymphedema progresses. The HFCDU will provide the best detection for lymphatic vessels throughout all stages of lymphedema. However, as each modality provides different and unique information, combining and evaluating the data according to the stage of lymphedema will be able to maximize the chance for a successful surgical outcome.
Computational evolution of high-performing unfused non-fullerene acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: Greenstein Brianna L. , Hiener Danielle C. , Hutchison Geoffrey R.
Published: April 2022

Materials optimization for organic solar cells (OSCs) is a highly active field, with many approaches using empirical experimental synthesis, computational brute force to screen a subset of chemical space, or generative machine learning methods that often require significant training sets. While these methods may find high-performing materials, they can be inefficient and time-consuming. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are an alternative approach, allowing for the “virtual synthesis” of molecules and a prediction of their “fitness” for some property, with new candidates suggested based on good characteristics of previously generated molecules. In this work, a GA is used to discover high-performing unfused non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) based on an empirical prediction of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and provides design rules for future work. The electron-withdrawing/donating strength, as well as the sequence and symmetry, of those units are examined. The utilization of a GA over a brute-force approach resulted in speedups up to 1.8 × 1012. New types of units, not frequently seen in OSCs, are suggested, and in total 5426 NFAs are discovered with the GA. Of these, 1087 NFAs are predicted to have a PCE greater than 18%, which is roughly the current record efficiency. While the symmetry of the sequence showed no correlation with PCE, analysis of the sequence arrangement revealed that higher performance can be achieved with a donor core and acceptor end groups. Future NFA designs should consider this strategy as an alternative to the current A-D-A′-D-A architecture.
Thermally developed electrokinetic bi-layer flows of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in a microchannel
Authors: Roychowdhury Souradeep , Chattopadhyay Rajarshi , Sarkar Sandip
Published: April 2022

In the present study, thermofluidic characteristics of a combined pressure-driven and electrical field mediated thermally fully developed flow of an immiscible Newtonian and a viscoelastic fluid bi-layer in a microchannel have been analyzed. The simplified Phan-Thien–Tanner model with a linear kernel for the stress coefficient function has been utilized to describe the complex fluid rheology for the non-Newtonian fluid. Disparate zeta potentials have been assumed at the interfaces. Accordingly, distinct zeta potential values have been used at the channel walls and interfaces between the fluids to derive the closed-form analytical expressions for the pertinent velocity, stress, and shear viscosity distributions in the fluid layers. For thermally developed flows, the temperature and entropy distributions are obtained along the microchannel for constant wall heat flux boundary conditions. Major findings from our research show that amplification of the viscoelastic parameter designated by the Weissenberg number exhibits an enhancement in the non-dimensional axial velocity, flow rate, and stress magnitudes. Furthermore, the present study indicates that Joule heating and viscous dissipation significantly vary the dimensionless temperature profiles along the fluid bi-layer. The Nusselt number values are found to decrease with the augmentation of the viscoelasticity, Joule heating, and viscous dissipation parameters. The total entropy generation for the fluid layer systems increases with the increasing Joule heating parameter.
Lattice Boltzmann method for simulation of solid–liquid conjugate boiling heat transfer surface with mixed wettability structures
Authors: Cao Hailiang , Zuo Qianlong , An Qi , Zhang Ziyang , Liu Hongbei , Zhang Dongwei
Published: April 2022

Based on the one-component multiphase lattice Boltzmann method, a novel solid–liquid conjugate boiling heat transfer pseudo-potential lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is tentatively proposed in this paper. By respectively introducing the physical property parameters of solids and liquids into the relaxation time τT of the temperature distribution equation, different energy transfer rates in solid, liquid, and vapor regions can be successfully predicted. After verifying the accuracy, stability, and reasonability of this model, the bubble detaching behavior and boiling heat transfer performance on the rectangular cavity structure are analyzed through setting different contact angles of the cavity surface and plane heating surface. The results show that the hydrophobic cavity surface can initialize bubble nucleation earlier and obviously increase the bubble detaching frequency because of its gas-bounding character, while the hydrophilic plane heating surface can restrict the expansion of bubbles and delay the appearance of film boiling. Moreover, for uniform wettability surfaces, the bubble detaching period varies in the quadratic equation with the surface contact angle due to the interaction of surface tension and buoyancy, and there is a minimum detaching period. While for the mixed wettability surfaces, the bubble detaching period also has a minimum value with the decrease in the contact angle the cavity surface, but the average bubble detaching diameter basically does not change with the cavity surface contact angle; moreover, the cavity surface contact angle corresponding to the minimum detaching period also increases with the increase in the plane heating surface contact angle. In addition, for the boiling heat transfer surface with cavity structure, the maximum heat flux and temperature gradient occur on the cavity surface, and the local heat flux of the hydrophobic cavity surface is higher than that of the hydrophilic cavity surface. This work will provide useful help for the further development of the conjugate boiling heat transfer LB model and clarify the mechanism of enhanced boiling heat transfer on a mixed wettability surface.
Modeling magnesium surfaces and their dissolution in an aqueous environment using an implicit solvent model
Authors: Aziz Alex , Carrasco Javier
Published: April 2022

Magnesium has attracted growing interest for its use in various applications, primarily due to its abundance, lightweight properties, and relatively low cost. However, one major drawback to its widespread use remains to be its reactivity in aqueous environments, which is poorly understood at the atomistic level. Ab initio density functional theory methods are particularly well suited to bridge this knowledge gap, but the explicit simulation of electrified water/metal interfaces is often too costly from a computational viewpoint. Here, we investigate water/Mg interfaces using the computationally efficient implicit solvent model VASPsol. We show that the Mg (0001), (101̄0), and (101̄1) surfaces each form different electrochemical double layers due to the anisotropic smoothing of the electron density at their surfaces, following Smoluchowski rules. We highlight the dependence that the position of the diffuse cavity surrounding the interface has on the potential of zero charge and the electron double layer capacitance, and how these parameters are also affected by the addition of explicit water and adsorbed OH molecules. Finally, we calculate the equilibrium potential of Mg2+/Mg0 in an aqueous environment to be −2.46 V vs a standard hydrogen electrode, in excellent agreement with the experiment.
Desorption of physisorbed molecular oxygen from coronene films and graphite surfaces
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim Abdi Salam , Morisset Sabine , Baouche Saoud , Dulieu Francois
Published: April 2022

We present a study on the adsorption and desorption of molecular oxygen (O2) on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and coronene films deposited on it. To this end, density functional theory calculations were performed and experiments were made using the FORMOLISM device, which combines ultra-high vacuum, cryogenics, atomic or molecular beams, and mass spectrometry techniques. We first studied the desorption kinetics of dioxygen (O2) on a coronene film and graphite at 15 K using the thermally programed desorption technique. We observed that the desorption of O2 occurs at a lower temperature on coronene than on graphite. We deduce the binding energies that are 12.5 kJ/mol on graphite and 10.6 kJ/mol on coronene films (pre-exponential factor, 6.88 × 1014 s−1). The graphite surfaces partially covered with coronene show both adsorption energies. In combination with theoretical density function theory (DFT) calculations using graphene and coronene as surfaces, we observe that the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. For the adsorption of the O2 molecule, two orientations are possible: parallel or perpendicular to the surface. It seems that O2 is best bound parallel to the surface and has a preference for the internal sites of the coronene.
Grain size-dependent tensile behaviour in a metastable beta titanium alloy
Authors: Xiao J. F. , Shang X. K. , Li Y. , Guan Q. W. , He Binbin
Published: April 2022

The present study investigates the effect of beta grain size on the stability of the beta phase in terms of trigger stress and the resultant mechanical properties of metastable beta titanium alloy. The trigger stress has a complex U-shaped relation concerning the beta grain size, which could be due to alternant mechanisms from interface friction and elastic energy. Nevertheless, the residual stress/strain could affect the trigger stress in the small grain size scale. More interestingly, dominant deformation modes are altered by a change of grain size with predominant stress-induced martensite (SIM) at small grain size and prime dislocation at large grain size, leading to grain size-dependent tensile behaviour of a metastable beta titanium alloy.
Opioid Harm Reduction: A Scoping Review of Physician and System-Level Gaps in Knowledge, Education, and Practice
Authors: Gugala Emma , Briggs Owanate , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Brown Carolyn M. , Hill Lucas G.
Published: April 2022

Background: Harm reduction includes treatment and prevention approaches rather than abstinence, as a public health strategy for mitigating the opioid epidemic. Harm reduction is a new strategy for many healthcare professionals, and gaps in knowledge and practices may lead to barriers to optimal treatment. Our objective was to identify and describe gaps in physicians’ knowledge, education, and practice in harm reduction strategies related to opioid overdose. Methods: We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases for articles published between 2015 and 2021, published in English, containing empirical evidence, addressing opioid harm reduction, and identifying gaps in physicians’ knowledge, education, or practice. Results: Thirty-seven studies were included. Studies examined how physicians’ perceptions or stigma influenced harm reduction efforts and addressed clinical knowledge gaps in overdose treatment and prevention and OUD treatment. Less than half of the studies addressed access issues at the system level, above the individual healthcare professional. Conclusion: Individual-level interventions should be addressed with professional continuing education and curricular-based changes through experiential and interprofessional education. System-level gaps can be remedied by increasing patient access to care, creating policies favorable to harm reduction, and extending resources to provide harm reduction strategies.
SNX5 targets a monoamine transporter to the TGN for assembly into dense core vesicles by AP-3
Authors: Xu Hongfei , Chang Fei , Jain Shweta , Heller Bradley Austin , Han Xu , Liu Yongjian , Edwards Robert H.
Published: April 2022

The time course of signaling by peptide hormones, neural peptides, and other neuromodulators depends on their storage inside dense core vesicles (DCVs). Adaptor protein 3 (AP-3) assembles the membrane proteins that confer regulated release of DCVs and is thought to promote their trafficking from endosomes directly to maturing DCVs. We now find that regulated monoamine release from DCVs requires sorting nexin 5 (SNX5). Loss of SNX5 disrupts trafficking of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) to DCVs. The mechanism involves a role for SNX5 in retrograde transport of VMAT from endosomes to the TGN. However, this role for SNX5 conflicts with the proposed function of AP-3 in trafficking from endosomes directly to DCVs. We now identify a transient role for AP-3 at the TGN, where it associates with DCV cargo. Thus, retrograde transport from endosomes by SNX5 enables DCV assembly at the TGN by AP-3, resolving the apparent antagonism. A novel role for AP-3 at the TGN has implications for other organelles that also depend on this adaptor.
Organic electrochemical transistors toward synaptic electronics
Authors: Zhou Bosheng , Liu Wanrong , Xu Yunchao , Jin Chenxing , Yang Junliang , Sun Jia
Published: April 2022

Recently, the organic electronic devices have been developed rapidly. With the development of artificial intelligence, the research community has been able to design artificial synapses to simulate the function of biological synapses and realize information processing and calculation. The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) is a novel artificial electronic device, which regulates electrochemical doping in organic semiconductor (OSC) channels by applying gate voltage, leading to high coupling between ions and electrons. This affects the current in the channel. In this review, we summarize the latest research progress regarding OECT-based artificial synapses and discuss the materials of OSC film and electrolyte, working mechanisms, and the applications in intelligent sensors, medical field, and flexible and wearable device. Furthermore, the problems faced by OECTs and their outlooks are analyzed.
Vector semi-rational rogon-solitons and asymptotic analysis for any multi-component Hirota equations with mixed backgrounds
Authors: Weng Weifang , Zhang Guoqiang , Chen Shuyan , Zhou Zijian , Yan Zhenya
Published: April 2022

The Hirota equation can be used to describe the wave propagation of an ultrashort optical field. In this paper, the multi-component Hirota (alias n-Hirota, i.e. n-component third-order nonlinear Schrödinger) equations with mixed non-zero and zero boundary conditions are explored. We employ the multiple roots of the characteristic polynomial related to the Lax pair and modified Darboux transform to find vector semi-rational rogon-soliton solutions (i.e. nonlinear combinations of rogon and soliton solutions). The semi-rational rogon-soliton features can be modulated by the polynomial degree. For the larger solution parameters, the first m (m < n) components with non-zero backgrounds can be decomposed into rational rogons and grey-like solitons, and the last n − m components with zero backgrounds can approach bright-like solitons. Moreover, we analyze the accelerations and curvatures of the quasi-characteristic curves, as well as the variations of accelerations with the distances to judge the interaction intensities between rogons and grey-like solitons. We also find the semi-rational rogon-soliton solutions with ultra-high amplitudes. In particular, we can also deduce vector semi-rational solitons of the n-component complex mKdV equation. These results will be useful to further study the related nonlinear wave phenomena of multi-component physical models with mixed background, and even design the related physical experiments.
Bootstrapping Calabi–Yau quantum mechanics
Authors: Du Bao-Ning , Huang Min-Xin , Zeng Pei-Xuan
Published: April 2022

Recently, a novel bootstrap method for numerical calculations in matrix models and quantum mechanical systems was proposed. We apply the method to certain quantum mechanical systems derived from some well-known local toric Calabi–Yau geometries, where the exact quantization conditions have been conjecturally related to topological string theory. We find that the bootstrap method provides a promising alternative for the precision numerical calculations of the energy eigenvalues. An improvement in our approach is to use a larger set of two-dimensional operators instead of one-dimensional ones. We also apply our improved bootstrap methods to some non-relativistic models in the recent literature and demonstrate better numerical accuracies.
Inverse scattering transforms of the inhomogeneous fifth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with zero/nonzero boundary conditions
Authors: Mao Jin-Jin , Tian Shou-Fu , Xu Tian-Zhou , Shi Lin-Fei
Published: April 2022

The present work studies the inverse scattering transforms (IST) of the inhomogeneous fifth-order nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation with zero boundary conditions (ZBCs) and nonzero boundary conditions (NZBCs). Firstly, the bound-state solitons of the inhomogeneous fifth-order NLS equation with ZBCs are derived by the residue theorem and the Laurent’s series for the first time. Then, by combining with the robust IST, the Riemann-Hilbert (RH) problem of the inhomogeneous fifth-order NLS equation with NZBCs is revealed. Furthermore, based on the resulting RH problem, some new rogue wave solutions of the inhomogeneous fifth-order NLS equation are found by the Darboux transformation. Finally, some corresponding graphs are given by selecting appropriate parameters to further analyze the unreported dynamic characteristics of the corresponding solutions.
A Study on Low Frequency Electromagnetic Cyclotron Waves in the Solar Wind
Authors: Yang Hai-Feng , Zhao Guo-Qing , Feng Heng-Qiang , Pi Gilbert , Liu Qiang , Xiang Liang , Li Qiu-Huan
Published: April 2022

According to Wind observations between 2005 and 2015, this paper investigates the dependences of the occurrence of low frequency electromagnetic cyclotron waves (ECWs) on the plasma parameters, the solar cycle, and the orientations of alpha-proton drift velocity (
V

d
) and the ambient magnetic field (
B
). The occurrence rates of ECWs with respect to six plasma parameters are calculated. Results show that the preferential conditions for generation of left-handed (LH) ECWs are higher proton temperature (T

p
), higher proton velocity (V

p
), lower proton density (N

p
), stronger proton temperature anisotropy (T
⊥/T
∥), higher normalized alpha-proton drift velocity (V

d
/V
A), and higher normalized alpha particle density (N

α
/N

p
), where T
⊥ and T
∥ refer to proton temperatures perpendicular and parallel to
B
, and V
A is the local Alfvén velocity. For right-handed (RH) ECWs, however, the dependences on these plasma parameters are not obvious. On the other hand, it is found that the occurrence rate of LH ECWs increases as the sunspot number decreases, and decreases as the sunspot number increases. Further investigation shows that the increased occurrence rate of LH ECWs is accompanied by an increase in the medians of V

p
, V

d
/V
A, and N

α
/N

p
. For RH ECWs, the occurrence rate appears to be nearly unrelated to the sunspot number, suggesting a negligible correlation with the solar cycle. In addition, a modified angle is introduced to include the factors of orientation of
B
(anti-sunward or sunward) and angle between
V

d
and
B
, simultaneously. It is found that the occurrence of LH ECWs has the strong preferential condition that
V

d
is anti-sunward, while a different situation arises for RH ECWs. These results are discussed in the context of the temperature-anisotropy-driven instabilities with the effect of alpha particles.
New bounds for Ryser’s conjecture and related problems
Authors: Keevash Peter , Pokrovskiy Alexey , Sudakov Benny , Yepremyan Liana
Published: April 2022

A Latin square of order

n
n

is an

n
×
n

n \times n

array filled with

n
n

symbols such that each symbol appears only once in every row or column and a transversal is a collection of cells which do not share the same row, column or symbol. The study of Latin squares goes back more than 200 years to the work of Euler. One of the most famous open problems in this area is a conjecture of Ryser-Brualdi-Stein from 60s which says that every Latin square of order

n
×
n

n\times n

contains a transversal of order

n
−
1

n-1

. In this paper we prove the existence of a transversal of order

n
−
O
(
log
⁡

n

/

log
⁡

log
⁡

n

)

n-O(\log {n}/\log {\log {n}})

, improving the celebrated bound of

n
−
O
(

log
2

⁡
n
)

n-O(\log ^2n)

by Hatami and Shor. Our approach (different from that of Hatami-Shor) is quite general and gives several other applications as well. We obtain a new lower bound on a 40-year-old conjecture of Brouwer on the maximum matching in Steiner triple systems, showing that every such system of order

n
n

is guaranteed to have a matching of size

n

/

3
−
O
(
log
⁡

n

/

log
⁡

log
⁡

n

)

n/3-O(\log {n}/\log {\log {n}})

. This substantially improves the current best result of Alon, Kim and Spencer which has the error term of order

n

1

/

2
+
o
(
1
)

n^{1/2+o(1)}

. Finally, we also show that

O
(
n
log
⁡

n

/

log
⁡

log
⁡

n

)

O(n\log {n}/\log {\log {n}})

many symbols in Latin arrays suffice to guarantee a full transversal, improving on a previously known bound of

n

2
−
ε

n^{2-\varepsilon }

. The proofs combine in a novel way the semi-random method together with the robust expansion properties of edge-coloured pseudorandom graphs to show the existence of a rainbow matching covering all but

O
(
log
⁡
n

/

log
⁡

log
⁡

n

)

O(\log n/\log {\log {n}})

vertices. All previous results, based on the semi-random method, left uncovered at least

Ω
(

n

α

)

\Omega (n^{\alpha })

(for some constant

α
>
0

\alpha >0

) vertices.
Narrative Identity and Recognition Deficiency
Authors: Racine R Maxwell
Published: April 2022

Paul Ricœur says that our narrative identity depends on how others understand us. This claim, however, does not explicitly address the fact that not everyone receives the same recognition: it underexplains how certain groups are systemically not acknowledged, respected, or taken seriously. More recent work on narrative co-authoring starts to address this fact by examining how people’s vulnerability to co-authoring depends on the context in which they live. But I argue that this work should be extended to attend to the kinds of vulnerabilities that result from what José Medina calls recognition deficiencies, which become more normalized due to structural oppression, specifically what Iris Marion Young calls cultural imperialism. I then illuminate the kinds of vulnerabilities that result from recognition deficiencies in cases of structural oppression by bringing in work in Black feminist thought and epistemic injustice, particularly that of Audre Lorde and Veronica Ivy, into conversation with narrative scholarship.
Mobility screening for fall prediction in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA): implications for fall prevention in the decade of healthy ageing
Authors: Beauchamp Marla K , Kuspinar Ayse , Sohel Nazmul , Mayhew Alexandra , D’Amore Cassandra , Griffith Lauren E , Raina Parminder
Published: April 2022

Background

Guidelines for fall prevention in older adults recommend mobility screening for fall risk assessment; however, there is no consensus on which test to use and at what cutoff. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and optimal cut-off values of commonly used mobility tests for predicting falls in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

Methods

Mobility tests at baseline included the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Single Leg Stance (SLS), chair-rise and gait speed. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 65 years and meeting first-level fall screening criteria (i.e. history of a fall or mobility problem) at baseline. Accuracy of fall prediction at 18-months for each test was measured by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

Results

Of 1,121 participants that met inclusion criteria (mean age 75.2 ± 5.9 years; 66.6% women), 218 (19.4%) reported ≥one fall at 18 months. None of the tests achieved acceptable accuracy for identifying individuals with ≥one fall at follow-up. Among women 65–74 and 75–85 years, the TUG identified recurrent fallers (≥two falls) with optimal cut-off scores of 14.1 and 12.9 s (both AUCs 0.70), respectively. Among men 65–74 years, only the SLS showed acceptable accuracy (AUC 0.85) for identifying recurrent fallers with an optimal cutoff of 3.6 s.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that commonly used mobility tests do not have sufficient discriminability to identify fallers in a population-based sample of community-dwelling older adults. The TUG and SLS can identify recurrent fallers; however, their accuracy and cut-off values vary by age and sex.
Prognostic Significance of Three-Tiered World Health Organization Classification of Phyllodes Tumor and Correlation to Singapore General Hospital Nomogram
Authors: Bedi Davsheen , Clark Beth Z , Carter Gloria J , Yu Jing , Fine Jeffrey L , Villatoro Tatiana M , Bhargava Rohit
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as benign, borderline, and malignant. Singapore General Hospital (SGH) nomogram is a recurrence risk assessment tool for PT, which uses cytologic atypia, mitosis, stromal overgrowth, and the surgical margin status. We studied the prognostic significance of WHO classification and its correlation to the SGH nomogram.

Methods

We identified 270 consecutive cases of PT (195 benign, 49 borderline, 26 malignant). Follow-up was available on 246 cases (mean follow-up of 51 months).

Results

The recurrence rates were 2% (4 of 176) for benign, 4% (2 of 46) for borderline, and 25% (6 of 24) for malignant (log-rank test P < .0001 for recurrence-free survival). Only five patients with malignant PT experienced distant recurrence. Stromal overgrowth was an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival on multivariable analysis. The mean nomogram scores for benign, borderline, and malignant PT were 20, 20.3, and 32, respectively. The higher than expected score for benign PT was due to positive margins in 39% of cases.

Conclusions

The WHO three-tiered classification of PT is prognostic. Despite positive margin status, most benign PTs do not recur. Other features of the nomogram help in determining recurrence but are also used for WHO classification.
Peritubular Capillaritis in Native Kidney Biopsies
Authors: Sarioglu Sulen , Tekin Emel , Unlu Mehtat , Yildiz Serkan , Heybeli Cihan
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine the frequency and predictors of peritubular capillaritis (PTCitis) among native kidney biopsies.

Methods

Consecutive native kidney biopsies of 169 patients were reexamined for capturing possible PTCitis according to the Banff Classification. The relation of PTCitis with demographic and clinicopathologic findings was evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of PTCitis.

Results

Peritubular capillaritis was captured in 90 (53.3%) patients, with scores of 1, 2, and 3 in 57 (33.7%), 31 (18.3%), and 2 (1.2%) patients, respectively. The highest frequency of PTCitis was observed in pauci-immune glomerulonephritis. In univariate analysis, male sex, the presence of interstitial inflammation, pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, and a higher serum creatinine level were associated with a higher risk of PTCitis, while severe interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy was associated with a lower risk. The presence of interstitial inflammation (odds ratio [OR], 5.94 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.41-25.03]; P = .015), pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (OR, 3.08 [95% CI, 1.01-9.36]; P = .048), and a higher serum creatinine level (per 1 mg/dL) (OR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.14-2.11]; P = .005) were independent predictors of PTCitis development in a multivariate regression model.

Conclusions

Peritubular capillaritis is common in native biopsies and more likely to be observed in the presence of interstitial inflammation, pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, and a higher serum creatinine level.
Subsidiarity and the Criminal Jury
Authors: Plaxton Michael
Published: April 2022

The institution of trial-by-jury is a puzzle in the modern criminal justice system. It has dubious merits as a mechanism for applying facts to law. If anything, it represents a challenge to the very idea that decision-making should be consistent and transparent. Yet the emphasis on the relative ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the jury as a trier of fact may miss the point. The jury does not function merely as a verdict-generating machine, or as a procedural safeguard for individual defendants. It ensures that the local community, with its customs, norms, and ways of life, is not simply trampled upon by a remote federal legislature. The legitimizing significance of the jury, in other words, arguably lies in its role as a kind of law-finder. With this in mind, we may do better to view it, not principally as a liberal institution, but as a manifestation of the principle of subsidiarity.
Algorisms used for in silico finishing of bacterial genomes based on short-read assemblage implemented in GenoFinisher, AceFileViewer, and ShortReadManager
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Hirose Yuu , Nagata Yuji
Published: April 2022

In these days, for bacterial genome sequence determination, ultralong reads with homopolymeric troubles are used in combinations with short reads, resulting in genomic sequences with possible incorrect uniformity of repeat sequences. We have been determining complete bacterial genomic sequences based on NGS short reads and Newbler assemblage by utilizing functions implemented in 3 software GenoFinisher, AceFileViewer, and ShortReadManager without conducting additional experiments for gap closing, proving the concept that NGS short reads enclose enough information to determine complete genome sequences. Although some manual in silico tasks are to be conducted, they will ultimately be solved in a single pipeline. In this review, we describe the tools and implemented ideas that have enabled complete sequence determination solely based on short reads, which would be useful for establishing the basis for the future development of a short-read-based assembler that enables complete and accurate genome sequence determination at a lower cost.
Transport engineering using tobacco transporter NtJAT1 enhances alkaloid production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Yamada Yasuyuki , Nakagawa Akira , Sato Fumihiko , Minami Hiromichi , Shitan Nobukazu
Published: April 2022

Transporters have been used in the production of plant metabolites in microorganisms. This study introduced a tobacco multidrug and toxic compound extrusion transporter, NtJAT1, into alkaloid-producing Escherichia coli cells. NtJAT1 expression enhanced alkaloid production secretion into the medium by 14-fold. Our findings further demonstrate the usefulness of the transport engineering approach.
Modified ligation procedure for prolapsed haemorrhoids versus stapled haemorrhoidectomy for the management of symptomatic haemorrhoids (MoLish): randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yang Haibo , Shi Zhan , Chen Wei , Chen Teng , Ding Peilin , Wang Jandong , Gao Jiazhi
Published: April 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to compare a modified ligation procedure versus stapled haemorrhoidectomy (SH) in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids.

Methods

This randomized trial included patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids treated in Shanghai from May 2018 to September 2021. Eligible patients were randomly 1:1 assigned the modified ligation procedure for prolapsed haemorrhoids (MLPPH) and SH groups. The primary outcome was the assessment of efficacy at 6 months after the intervention. The operating time, incidence of complications, clinical effectiveness (pain, Wexner incontinence, haemorrhoid symptom severity (HSS) scores, and 6-month cure rate) were collected, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were adopted as indicator for the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA).

Results

Out of 187 patients screened, 133 patients were randomized (67 for MLPPH and 66 for SH). One patient in the MLPPH group was excluded, and two patients were lost to follow-up. The mean operating time was longer in MLPPH than in SH (57.42 min versus 30.68 min; P < 0.001). The median pain score was higher in SH than in MLPPH at postoperative day 3 (P = 0.018), day 7(P = 0.013), and day 14 (P = 0.003). The median Wexner incontinence score was higher in SH than in MLPPH at postoperative month 1 (P = 0.036) and month 3 (P = 0.035), but was similar in the two groups at month 6. In addition, the median HSS score was lower in MLPPH than in SH 6 months after surgery (P = 0.003). The 6-month cure rate was higher in MLPPH than in SH (P = 0.003). CEA showed lower mean costs in MLPPH than in SH (EUR 1080.24 versus EUR 1657.97; P < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in effectiveness (P = 0.181). However, MLPPH was cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, −120 656.19 EUR/QALYs).

Conclusion

MLPPH was documented as a longer but cost-effective procedure, it provided lower short-term pain, and Wexner and HSS scores.

Registration number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800015928 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx).
International Social Work: Cross-Cultural Supervision of Interns from the West in India
Authors: Devassy Saju Madavanakadu , Thampi Kiran , Harrison Jennifer , Scaria Lorane , Metzger Jed , Joubert Lynette
Published: April 2022

Social work practice in a global context requires an understanding of the cross-cultural nature of practice settings in local communities and globally. One step to developing this understanding of the internationalisation of social work education, including the student internship, is to incorporate supervision by local practitioners and educators. A qualitative interview study of fourteen social work students from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA completing internships in the Southwest Indian state of Kerala revealed themes of increased practice knowledge, practice skills, understanding of cross-cultural values and ethics, critical reflection and research skills development as a result of reflexive supervision provided to them by practitioners in their internship agencies and faculty from their host and home institutions. This challenging of views within one’s own culture, promoted by supervision, leads to increased capacity to engage in critical anti-oppressive practice amongst social workers.
From astrocyte destruction to axon injury: watching lesion evolution in experimental neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Bradl Monika
Published: April 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘A new form of axonal pathology in a spinal model of neuromyelitis optica’ by Herwerth et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac079).
Disruption of cellular iron homeostasis by IREB2 missense variants causes severe neurodevelopmental delay, dystonia and seizures
Authors: Maio Nunziata , Saneto Russell P. , Steet Richard , Sotero de Menezes Marcio A. , Skinner Cindy , Rouault Tracey A.
Published: April 2022

Altered brain iron homeostasis can contribute to neurodegeneration by interfering with the delivery of the iron needed to support key cellular processes, including mitochondrial respiration, synthesis of myelin and essential neurotransmitters. Intracellular iron homeostasis in mammals is maintained by two homologous ubiquitously expressed iron-responsive element-binding proteins (IRP1 and IRP2). Using exome sequencing, two patients with severe neurodegenerative disease and bi-allelic mutations in the gene IREB2 were first identified and clinically characterized in 2019. Here, we report the case of a 7-year-old male patient with compound heterozygous missense variants in IREB2, whose neurological features resembled those of the two previously reported IRP2-deficient patients, including a profound global neurodevelopmental delay and dystonia. Biochemical characterization of a lymphoblast cell line derived from the patient revealed functional iron deficiency, altered post-transcriptional regulation of iron metabolism genes and mitochondrial dysfunction. The iron metabolism abnormalities of the patient cell line were reversed by lentiviral-mediated restoration of IREB2 expression. These results, in addition to confirming the essential role of IRP2 in the regulation of iron metabolism in humans, expand the scope of the known IRP2-related neurodegenerative disorders and underscore that IREB2 pathological variants may impact the iron-responsive element-binding activity of IRP2 with varying degrees of severity. The three severely affected patients identified so far all suffered from complete loss of function of IRP2, raising the possibility that individuals with significant but incomplete loss of IRP2 function may develop less severe forms of the disease, analogous to other human conditions that present with a wide range of phenotypic manifestations.
Liver tumor-initiating cells initiate the formation of a stiff cancer stem cell microenvironment niche by secreting LOX
Authors: Zhao Wei , Lv Mengzhu , Yang Xueying , Zhou Jing , Xing Baocai , Zhang Zhiqian
Published: April 2022

Accumulating evidence has shown that the traits of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are controlled by the microenvironment niches (MENs), but the composition and remodeling mechanisms of the MENs of TICs are poorly defined. Here, we report that the voltage-gated calcium channel α2δ1 subunit-positive TICs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specifically secret lysyl oxidase (LOX), which leads to the cross-linking of collagen, forming a stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) that is sufficient to drive the formation of TICs with a stiff mechanical trait and is subsequently required for the maintenance the properties of HCC TICs. Furthermore, the cross-linked collagen results in the upregulation of integrin α7 (ITGA7), increased phosphorylation of FAK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Inhibition of ITGA7 abolishes all the effects of cross-linked collagen mediated by LOX. Hence, the α2δ1+ HCC TICs initiate ECM remodeling by secreting LOX to create a stiff MEN of TIC with cross-linked collagen, which drives the acquisition and subsequent maintenance of the properties of HCC TICs through ITGA7-FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.