bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATS Core Curriculum 2022. Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine: Updates in pediatric neuromuscular disease
Authors: Leon‐Astudillo Carmen , Okorie Caroline U. A. , McCown Michael Y. , Dy Fei J. , Puranik Sandeep , Prero Moshe , ElMallah Mai K. , Treat Lauren , Gross Jane E.
Published: May 2023

The American Thoracic Society Core Curriculum updates clinicians annually in pediatric pulmonary disease. This is a concise review of the Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Core Curriculum presented at the 2022 American Thoracic Society International Conference. Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) comprise a variety of conditions that commonly affect the respiratory system and cause significant morbidity including dysphagia, chronic respiratory failure, and sleep disordered breathing. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of mortality in this population. Substantial progress has been made in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment for NMD over the last decade. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is utilized to objectively measure respiratory pump function and PFT milestones are utilized in NMD‐specific pulmonary care guidelines. New disease modifying therapies are approved for the treatment of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), including the first ever approved systemic gene therapy, in the case of SMA. Despite extraordinary progress in the medical management of NMD, little is known regarding the respiratory implications and long‐term outcomes for patients in the era of advanced therapeutics and precision medicine. The combination of technological and biomedical advancements has increased the complexity of the medical decision‐making process for patients and families, thus emphasizing the importance of balancing respect for autonomy with the other foundational principles of medical ethics. This review features an overview of PFT, noninvasive ventilation strategies, novel and developing therapies, as well as the ethical considerations specific to the management of patients with pediatric NMD.
Simulation of Native Oxide‐Passivated CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 Highly Stable Lead‐Free Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Livingston L. M. Merlin , Prabu R. Thandaiah , Radhika R. , Kumar Atul
Published: May 2023

The search for a lead‐free, nontoxic, highly stable perovskite phase could end at the native oxide‐passivated composition of CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3. Mainly its remarkable stability is due to a thin native oxide layer (Sn‐doped GeO2) formation over CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3, which suppresses the Sn2+ oxidation to Sn+4. Herein, the performance of this mixed Sn–Ge perovskite and the role of native oxide is analyzed. The experimental device with 7% efficiency is numerically replicated, utilizing reasonable device configuration, material parameters, and defect model. The low efficiency of CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 is due to high bulk defects. The simulation result shows that Sn oxidation suppressing the native oxide layer imparts stability but does not significantly impact device efficiency. The optimization provides passivated design for absorbers with high bulk defects. Low thickness at high defect density is preferable, and higher thickness at lower defect density is optimal for device design. The final optimized device achieves an efficiency of 21%. The results summarized here can provide a guideline for high‐efficiency, lead‐free, nontoxic stable perovskite solar cells.
Intrapleural therapy for pleural infection from bronchopleural fistula in an adult with hyper‐IgE syndrome
Authors: Faber Sam , McLean‐Tooke Andrew , Kuok Yi Jin , Lee Y. C. Gary
Published: May 2023

We presented the case of an adult patient with hyper‐IgE syndrome (HIES) who was admitted acutely with a large hydropneumothorax from lung consolidation, a bronchopleural fistula and pleural infection. He has had recurrent pulmonary and skin infections since childhood and longstanding pneumatoceles. He was treated with systemic antibiotics and chest tube drainage. Administration of two doses of low‐dose intrapleural therapy (1 mg tissue plasminogen activator and 5 mg deoxyribonuclease) allowed complete evacuation of his residual loculated pleural fluid, aided resolution of his infection without provoking a significant air leak and avoided the need for surgery.
An ellipsoid‐based framework for fault estimation and remaining useful life prognosis
Authors: Zhang Wenhan , Wang Zhenhua , Raïssi Tarek , Su Rong
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a novel ellipsoid‐based framework for fault estimation and remaining useful life prognosis is presented. The fault is considered to be a slow‐changing fault caused by actuator performance degradation. The proposed framework is divided into three steps: First, the actuator fault interval estimation is determined by combining observer design with ellipsoidal analysis. The fault estimation results allow to evaluate the system's current health condition and predict the remaining useful life based on the performance degeneration model. Since the model parameters are constantly changing, an ellipsoid‐based extended Kalman filter is presented to estimate the parameters via the fault estimation results. Specially, a trace optimization method is proposed to design the filter gain matrix, which offers high computational efficiency. Finally, the future degradation states are predicted via the latest parameters until the failure thresholds are reached, which determines the remaining useful life interval prediction results. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the viability and validity of the presented approach.
Factors governing soil hydrological function under long‐term tillage practices: Insight into soil water repellency
Authors: Li Shengping , Liu Xiaotong , Wu Xueping , Lu Jinjing , Abdelrhman Ahmed Ali , Liang Guopeng
Published: May 2023

Drought is increasingly common due to frequent occurrences of extreme weather events, which further increases soil water repellency (SWR). It could reinforce the effect of SWR on soil functions under conservation tillage systems. However, the relationship between SWR and soil hydrological function is still unclear. We studied the impacts of SWR and soil structure on soil hydrological function. Three treatments were conducted in a long‐term tillage experiment: conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no‐tillage (NT). Tillage, soil depth, and growth period had significant influences on SWR, soil structure (i.e., penetration resistance [PR], total porosity [TP], and mean weight diameter [MWD]), and soil hydrological functions (i.e., water storage, least limiting water range [LLWR], and plant available water). Compared to CT, NT and RT increased the water repellency index (RI) in 0–20 cm by 13.8%–40.1% and 6.5%–18.2% during the growth period. RI played a prominent role in increasing soil water storage compared to soil TP, PR, MWD, and SOC. PR was the most critical influence on LLWR compared to other variables. A structural equation model revealed that SWR directly affected soil hydrological function, whereas the effect of SWR (0.24) was smaller than that of soil structure (0.67). In addition, soil structure had a direct influence on SWR, indicating that the effect of SWR could be regulated by soil structure. Overall, this study showed a link between SWR and soil hydrological function and provides deeper fundamental insights into the role of SWR on the sustainability of conservation tillage.
External Fields Assisted Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Confined 1T‐VSe2 Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Zhou Wenda , Ye Kun , Yuan Cailei , Zhu Mengyuan , Yu Hao , Yang Hongzhou , Huang He , Wu Yanfei , Zhang Jingyan , Zheng Xinqi , Shen Jianxin , Wang Xiao , Wang Shouguo
Published: May 2023

As a clean and effective approach, the introduction of external magnetic fields to improve the performance of catalysts has attracted extensive attention. Owing to its room‐temperature ferromagnetism, chemical stability, and earth abundance, VSe2 is expected to be a promising and cost‐effective ferromagnetic electrocatalyst for the accomplishment of high‐efficient spin‐related OER kinetics. In this work, a facile pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method combined with rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment is used to successfully confine monodispersed 1T‐VSe2 nanoparticles in amorphous carbon matrix. As expected, with external magnetic fields of 800 mT stimulation, the confined 1T‐VSe2 nanoparticles exhibit highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activity with an overpotential of 228 mV for 10 mA cm−2 and remarkable durability without deactivation after >100 h OER operation. The experimental results together with theoretical calculations illustrate that magnetic fields can facilitate the surface charge transfer dynamics of 1T‐VSe2, and modify the adsorption‐free energy of *OOH, thus finally improving the intrinsic activity of the catalysts. This work realizes the application of ferromagnetic VSe2 electrocatalyst in highly efficient spin‐dependent OER kinetics, which is expected to promote the application of transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) in external magnetic field‐assisted electrocatalysis.
Converting Nafion into Li+‐Conductive Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Gao Weitao , Sheng Li , Chen Jia , Gong Fan , Tang Zhuozhuo , Yin Qinan , Yang Kai , Tu Ziqiang , Li Yang , Wang Li , Wang Jianlong , Tang Yaping , Xu Hong , Wang Cheng , He Xiangming
Published: May 2023

Sulfonated polymers have long been used as proton‐conducting materials in fuel cells, and their ionic transport features are highly attractive for electrolytes in lithium‐ion/metal batteries (LIBs/LMBs). However, most studies are still based on a preconceived notion of using them directly as polymeric ionic carriers, which precludes exploring them as nanoporous media to construct efficient lithium ions (Li+) transport network. Here, effective Li+‐conducting channels realized by swelling nanofibrous Nafion is demonstrated, which is a classical sulfonated polymer in fuel cells. The sulfonic acid groups, interact with LIBs liquid electrolytes to form porous ionic matrix of Nafion and assist partial desolvation of Li+‐solvates to further enhance Li+ transport. Li‐symmetric cells and Li‐metal full cells (Li4Ti5O12 or high‐voltage LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 as a cathode) with such membrane show excellent cycling performance and stabilized Li‐metal anode. The finding provides a strategy to convert the vast sulfonated polymer family into efficient Li+ electrolyte, promoting the development of high‐energy–density LMBs.
Identifying Fe as OER Active Sites and Ultralow‐Cost Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Jun , Wu Yishang , Zhang Guobin , Wu Haikun , Lyu Fucong , He Jun , Fan Jun , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang
Published: May 2023

Electrocatalysts based on Fe and other transition metals are regarded as most promising candidates for accelerating the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), whereas whether Fe is the catalytic active site for OER is still under debate. Here, unary Fe‐ and binary FeNi‐ based catalysts, FeOOH and FeNi(OH)x, are produced by self‐reconstruction. The former is a dual‐phased FeOOH, possessing abundant oxygen vacancies (VO) and mixed‐valence states, delivering the highest OER performance among all the unary iron oxides‐ and hydroxides‐ based powder catalysts reported to date, supporting Fe can be catalytically active for OER. As to binary catalyst, FeNi(OH)x is fabricated featuring 1) an equal molar content of Fe and Ni and 2) rich VO, both of which are found essential to enable abundant stabilized reactive centers (FeOOHNi) for high OER performance. Fe is found to be oxidized to 3.5+ during the *OOH process, thus, Fe is identified to be the active site in this new layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure with Fe:Ni = 1:1. Furthermore, the maximized catalytic centers enable FeNi(OH)x@NF (nickel foam) as low‐cost bifunctional electrodes for overall water‐splitting, delivering excellent performance comparable to commercial electrodes based on precious metals, which overcomes a major obstacle to the commercialization of bifunctional electrodes: prohibitive cost.
Southern gains and northern losses: Regional variation in the evolution of black/white earnings differences in the United States, 1976–2017
Authors: Ballard Charles L. , Goddeeris John H.
Published: May 2023

We document large differences among regions of the United States in the trends of the black/white earnings gap among full‐time workers from 1976 to 2017. Outside the South, the earnings of black workers grew more slowly than those of non‐Hispanic white workers. These relative decreases were much larger for women than for men. However, in the South, the racial earnings gap shrank for men, and changed little for women. Thus, we find a substantial convergence across regions in the black/white earnings gap. The most important explanations of the racial earnings gaps are persistent racial differences in educational attainment and persistent occupational segregation. However, differences in observables leave much of the racial earnings gaps unexplained. The regional convergence in the racial earnings gap is evident in both explained and unexplained gaps for both women and men.
Regulating the Solvent Resistance of Hole Transport Layer for High‐Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Sihan , Chen Wentao , Yang Yuxuan , Zhao Peng , Cui Hong , Huang Yuqiong , He Dingqian , Ning Yunhao , Feng Yaqing , Zhang Bao
Published: May 2023

The hole transport materials (HTMs) play important roles in transporting holes and regulating perovskite crystallization in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Concerning the solubility of small‐molecule‐type HTMs in perovskite precursor solution during fabrication, the strategies including tailoring and crosslinking have been developed. However, how these strategies will influence the solvent resistance of the resultant hole transport layers (HTLs) and the corresponding device performance have not been systematically evaluated. Herein, upon incorporating tailoring and crosslinking groups into diazafluorene backbones, AFL‐COOH and AFL‐ENE are designed. Compared to the control HTM (AFL‐3) with poor solvent resistance and AFL‐COOH, the best solvent resistance of crosslinked AFL‐ENE (AFL‐ENE‐CL) film leads to an HTL with the highest quality covered on electrode, which thus results in the lowest trap density, best surface contact, and hole extraction for devices involving the AFL‐ENE‐CL type HTL and the best power conversion efficiency of 20.8% (20.0% for AFL‐COOH, 18.1% for AFL‐3). Furthermore, high reproducibility and stabilities also realize for the AFL‐ENE‐CL‐based PSC.
Efficient basis selection for smoothing splines via rotated lattices
Authors: Diao Huaimin , Ai Mengtong , Tian Yubin , Yu Jun
Published: May 2023

Fitting a smoothing spline model on a large‐scale dataset is daunting due to the high computational cost. In this study, we develop an efficient basis selection method for smoothing spline calculation. The key idea is to force a nonparametric function in an infinite‐dimensional functional space to reside in a relatively small and finite‐dimensional model space without the loss of too much prediction accuracy. Such an approximation naturally allows for much faster numerical calculation, especially for large datasets. Among various basis selection methods, space‐filling basis selection has been proven to be more efficient since its model space dimension is smaller than that of others. Despite algorithmic benefits, most of the space‐filling selection methods only take the overall space‐filling property into account. These methods may be less efficient when the underlying response surface is not isomorphic. To overcome this obstacle, we develop an efficient algorithm to improve projective uniformity for space‐filling basis selection. It has been proved that the proposed estimator has the same convergence rate as the full bases estimator. Compared with the standard approach, the proposed method significantly reduces the computational cost. Simulation and real data studies demonstrate the efficiency and superiority of the proposed method.
Flexural behavior and minimum reinforcement condition in hybrid‐reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Rubino Alessio , Accornero Federico , Carpinteri Alberto
Published: May 2023

Hybrid reinforced concrete (HRC) can be defined as a cementitious material in which the reinforcing secondary phase consists of a combination of continuous steel rebars and of short discontinuous fibers, randomly distributed within the concrete matrix. For these structural elements, experimental flexural tests highlight how the postcracking response of the composite is strongly affected by the amount of steel bars together with reinforcing fibers. In the present work, it is shown that the action of these two contributions can be clearly interpreted in the framework of Fracture Mechanics through the Updated Bridged Crack Model (UBCM). The model assumes nonlinear constitutive laws to describe the toughening action of the reinforcing secondary phases, which are related to the yielding of steel rebars and to the pull‐out of the short fibers. Under these assumptions, different postcracking regimes depending on three scale‐dependent dimensionless numbers can be predicted: the bar‐reinforcement brittleness number, NP, which is directly related to the steel bar area percentage, ρ; the fiber‐reinforcement brittleness number, NP,f, which is directly related to the fiber volume fraction, Vf; and the pull‐out brittleness number, Nw, which depends on the critical embedment length of the fiber‐reinforcement, wc. The couples of critical values of the two reinforcement brittleness numbers define the minimum reinforcement conditions of the HRC structural element—that is, the combination of ρmin and Vf,min required to guarantee a stable post‐cracking response—including its scale dependence. A parametrical analysis is presented together with the modeling of an experimental campaign reported in the literature in order to assess the effectiveness of the UBCM.
Comparative transcriptome profiling analysis provides insight into the mechanisms for sugar change in Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) under rain‐proof cultivation
Authors: Ji Qing , Wang Ruifang , Chen Kai , Xie Zhengwan , Li Sunyang , Wang Dawei , Zhang Ao , Xu Yumei , Li Shenghui , Cui Junjun , Liu Sha , Zhou Jun , Wang Lihu
Published: May 2023

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a globally popular and economically important fruit that is rich in bioactive compounds with strong anti‐cancer effects. Rain‐proof cultivation is widely used to cultivate Chinese jujube, as it helps avoid rainfall damage during fruit harvest. Although the sugar content of jujube fruits differs between rain‐proof and open‐field cultivation, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, we analyzed the levels of sugar content, sugar accumulation pattern, and transcriptome profiles of jujube fruits at five developmental stages grown under rain‐proof and open‐field cultivation modes. The sugar content of jujube fruits was significantly higher under rain‐proof cultivation than under open‐field cultivation, although the sugar composition and sugar accumulation patterns were comparable. Comparative analysis of transcriptomic profiles showed that rain‐proof cultivation enhanced the intrinsic metabolic activity of fruit development. Gene expression and correlation analyses suggested that ZjSPS, ZjSS, ZjHXK, and ZjINV regulate the development‐related changes in sugar content in jujube fruits grown under rain‐proof cultivation. Temperature, humidity, and moisture conditions were key climatic factors affecting sugar accumulation. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating sugar content and sugar accumulation in Chinese jujube fruits grown under rain‐proof cultivation, and we provide genetic resources for studying the development mechanism of Chinese jujube fruit.
Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in first‐grazing‐season cattle
Authors: Jewell Natalie , Swinson Vanessa , Hayman Claire , Martindale Lucy , Brzozowska Anna , Mitchell Siân
Published: May 2023

This focus article has been prepared by Natalie Jewell of the APHA Cattle Expert Group with the assistance of Vanessa Swinson (veterinary lead of the APHA Cattle Expert Group), Claire Hayman, Lucy Martindale and Anna Brzozowska (Surveillance Intelligence Unit), and Siân Mitchell (formerly the APHA's parasitology discipline champion).
I didn't want to be a vet! The tale of a techy nerd turned veterinary student advocate
Authors: Conway Jack
Published: May 2023

Association of Veterinary Students' president Jack Conway was a reluctant veterinary student until involvement with the association opened up new perspectives on the profession.
Contralateral Horner's syndrome after ultrasound‐guided right brachial plexus blockade using subscalenic approach in a dog
Authors: Del Prete Giulia , Gioeni Daniela , Lazzarini Eleonora , Baio Matteo , Carotenuto Alessandra Maria
Published: May 2023

The objective of this case report is to describe the presentation, development and outcome of left‐sided Horner's syndrome following right brachial plexus blockade using the subscalenic approach in a dog. The patient was admitted for bipedicle advancement flap of the right forelimb. An ultrasound‐guided subscalenic approach for right brachial plexus nerve block was performed using 0.4 mL/kg of ropivacaine 0.375%. After extubation, the dog showed miosis, enophthalmos, palpebral ptosis and protrusion of the third eyelid of the left eye, compatible with left Horner syndrome. The dog did not seem to be uncomfortable, and about 180 minutes after extubation, when sensory function of the right forelimb was partially recovered, signs of left Horner syndrome disappeared. Six hours after extubation, the dog was discharged without any complication. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no reports of contralateral Horner's syndrome after subscalenic brachial plexus blockade in dogs.
Effect of La2O3 and CeO2 on anaerobic methanogenesis process: Kinetics analysis and process mechanism study
Authors: Su Kai , Li Lin‐xiao , Zeng Zhuo , Yang Xue , Wang Qin , Cao Rong , Yang Cheng , Zhang Han , Chen Jun‐min , Tang Wen‐ya , Lin Xin
Published: May 2023

La2O3 and CeO2, as main rare earth oxides, with unique physical and chemical properties have been widely used in catalyst and grinding industry. In this study, the effects of La2O3 and CeO2 on the anaerobic process were investigated. The biological methane production tests showed that 0–0.05 g/L La2O3 and 0–0.05 g/L CeO2 enhanced anaerobic methanogenesis process. The result showed maximum specific methanogenic rates of La2O3 and CeO2 were 56.26 mL/(h·gVSS) and 49.43 mL/(h·gVSS) and, compared with the control, increased 4% and 3%, respectively. La2O3 significantly reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), whereas CeO2 had no similar effect. Dissolution experiments demonstrated that the content of extracellular La in the anaerobic granular sludge reached 404 μg‐La/g volatile suspended solid (VSS), which was 134 times higher than that of extracellular Ce (3 μg‐Ce/gVSS). The content of intracellular La reached 206 μg‐La/gVSS, which was 19 times higher than that of intracellular Ce (11 μg‐Ce/gVSS). The different stimulation between La3+ and Ce3+ could be attributed to the different dissolution of La2O3 and CeO2. The result of this work is helpful to optimize anaerobic processes and to develop novel additives.

Practitioner Points

Novel anaerobic additives were developed.

La2O3 and CeO2 in 0–0.05 g/L enhanced organics degradation and methane production.

The addition of La2O3 significantly reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids.

The solubilization of La2O3 was stronger than CeO2.

The promoting effects of low concentrations of La2O3 and CeO2 were derived from dissolved La and Ce.
Impact of instrumentation reliability on mainstream suspended partial denitrification–anammox (PdNA)
Authors: Ladipo‐Obasa Mojolaoluwa , Forney Nicole , Foster Audra , Maxwell Evalyn , Long Chenghua , Chandran Kartik , Riffat Rumana , Bott Charles , deBarbadillo Christine , De Clippeleir Haydee
Published: May 2023

This study successfully revealed the importance of probe reliability and sensitivity with ion sensitive electrode (ISE) probes on achieving high partial denitrification (PdN) efficiency; and decreasing carbon overdosing events that cause the decline of microbial populations and performance of PdNA. In a mainstream integrated hybrid granule–floc system, an average PdN efficiency of 76% was achieved with acetate as the carbon source. Thauera was identified as the dominant PdN species; its presence in the system was analogous to instrumentation reliability and PdN selection and was not a consequence of bioaugmentation. Up to 27–121 mg total inorganic nitrogen/L/d, an equivalent of 18–48% of the overall total inorganic nitrogen removed, was achieved through the PdNA pathway. Candidatus Brocadia was the main anoxic ammonium oxidizing bacteria species that was seeded from sidestream and enriched and retained in the mainstream system with observed growth rates of 0.04–0.13 day−1. Moreover, there was no direct negative impact of methanol's use for post‐polishing on anoxic ammonium oxidizing bacteria activity and growth.

Practitioner Points

Stress testing with ISE sensors revealed the importance of probe reliability and sensitivity on PdN selection and PdNA performance.

Up to 121 mg TIN/L/d was achieved via PdNA in a mainstream suspended hybrid granule–floc partial denitrification–anammox (PdNA) system.

Candidatus Brocadia was the dominant AnAOB species with observed growth rates of 0.04–0.13 day–1.

There was no direct negative impact of methanol's use for post‐polishing on AnAOB activity and growth.
Affleck-Dine cogenesis of baryon and dark matter
Authors: Borah Debasish , Das Suruj Jyoti , Okada Nobuchika
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We propose a mechanism for cogenesis of baryon and dark matter (DM) in the universe via the Affleck-Dine (AD) route. An AD field which breaks the lepton number symmetry, leads to the generation of lepton asymmetry by virtue of its cosmic evolution, which then gets transferred into lepton and dark sectors. While the lepton asymmetry gets converted into baryon asymmetry via sphalerons, the dark sector asymmetry leads to the final DM abundance with the symmetric part being annihilated away due to resonantly enhanced annihilation, which we choose to be provided by a gauged B − L portal. Stringent constraints from DM direct detection forces DM and B − L gauge boson masses to be light, in the few GeV ballpark. While a large portion of the model parameter space is already ruled out, the remaining parameter space is within sensitivity of laboratory as well as cosmology based experiments. The AD field also plays the role of inflaton with the required dynamics by virtue of its non-minimal coupling to gravity, consistent with observations.
Information metric on the boundary
Authors: Suzuki Kenta , Suzuki Yu-ki , Tsuda Takashi , Watanabe Masataka
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The information metric on the space of boundary coupling constants in two-dimensional conformal field theories is studied. Such a metric is related to the Casimir energy difference of the theory defined on an interval. We concretely compute the information metric on the boundary conformal manifold of free boson CFT as well as SU(2)k WZW theory, obtaining the result expected from the symmetry of the systems. We also compute the information metric on the space of non-conformal boundary states produced by boundary mass perturbations in the theory of a real free scalar. The holographic dual of the boundary information metric in the context of AdS3/BCFT2 is also discussed. We argue that it corresponds to the area of the minimal cross section of the end-of-the-world brane connecting two boundaries of the asymptotic BCFTs.
Optimism and pessimism are antithetically associated with post-operative knee function in patients’ undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wunderlich Felix , Ghaemi Kerahrodi Jasmin , Kuchen Robert , Klonschinski Thomas , Afghanyar Yama , Wegner Erik , Drees Philipp , Eckhard Lukas
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Personality traits, such as dispositional optimism and pessimism, have impact on a variety of health-related problems. Influence on outcome in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) could only be shown for other personality trait concepts, but not for dispositional optimism/pessimism. This study aims to examine the association of dispositional optimism/pessimism with pre-operative joint function and post-operative outcome in TKA.

Methods

Data were acquired in a multicentre, cross-sectoral, prospective study (the PROMISE Trial). Patients were followed for 12 months post-operatively. Dispositional optimism/pessimism was measured pre-operatively via the revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), pre- and post-operative function was measured via the 12 Item Knee-osteoarthritis outcome Scores (KOOS-12). Log-linear regression models considering known confounders and t-test were carried out to show the association of LOT-R scores with pre- and post-operative KOOS-12 scores.

Results

740 patients were analyzed. Optimistic LOT-R was significantly positively associated to the mean scores of KOOS-12 pre- and post-operative, while pessimistic LOT-R was significantly associated negatively (pre-operative: optimistic p = 0.001, pessimistic p = 0.001; post-operative optimistic: 3M p = 0.001, 6M p = 0.001, 12M p = 0.001; post-operative pessimistic: 3M p = 0.01, 6M p = 0.004, 12M p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Optimism was positively associated with pre-operative joint function and, more importantly, post-operative functional outcome in TKA, while pessimism was associated with the opposite. Assessing patients’ general personality traits prior to surgery to identify pessimistic patients, hence being at risk for poor outcome in TKA, should be considered to react to the patients’ special needs and possible pessimistic expectations, i.e., through a cognitive–behavioral intervention, to potentially increase optimism and hereby post-operative outcome in TKA.

Level of evidence

Prognostic Level III.
Rectal cancer lexicon 2023 revised and updated consensus statement from the Society of Abdominal Radiology Colorectal and Anal Cancer Disease-Focused Panel
Authors: Lee Sonia , Kassam Zahra , Baheti Akshay D. , Hope Thomas A. , Chang Kevin J. , Korngold Elena K. , Taggart Melissa W. , Horvat Natally
Published: May 2023

The Society of Abdominal Radiology’s Colorectal and Anal Cancer Disease-Focused Panel (DFP) first published a rectal cancer lexicon paper in 2019. Since that time, the DFP has published revised initial staging and restaging reporting templates, and a new SAR user guide to accompany the rectal MRI synoptic report (primary staging). This lexicon update summarizes interval developments, while conforming to the original lexicon 2019 format. Emphasis is placed on primary staging, treatment response, anatomic terminology, nodal staging, and the utility of specific sequences in the MRI protocol. A discussion of primary tumor staging reviews updates on tumor morphology and its clinical significance, T1 and T3 subclassifications and their clinical implications, T4a and T4b imaging findings/definitions, terminology updates on the use of MRF over CRM, and the conundrum of the external sphincter. A parallel section on treatment response reviews the clinical significance of near-complete response and introduces the lexicon of “regrowth” versus “recurrence”. A review of relevant anatomy incorporates updated definitions and expert consensus of anatomic landmarks, including the NCCN’s new definition of rectal upper margin and sigmoid take-off. A detailed review of nodal staging is also included, with attention to tumor location relative to the dentate line and locoregional lymph node designation, a new suggested size threshold for lateral lymph nodes and their indications for use, and imaging criteria used to differentiate tumor deposits from lymph nodes. Finally, new treatment terminologies such as organ preservation, TNT, TAMIS and watch-and-wait management are introduced. This 2023 version aims to serve as a concise set of up-to-date recommendations for radiologists, and discusses terminology, classification systems, MRI and clinical staging, and the evolving concepts in diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer.

Graphical abstract
Narrow-beaked trogons from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton-on-the-Naze (Essex, UK)
Authors: Mayr Gerald , De Pietri Vanesa L. , Kitchener Andrew C.
Published: May 2023

We describe multiple partial skeletons of a new trogon species from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton-on-the-Naze (Essex, UK), which are among the oldest fossils of the Trogoniformes.Eotrogon stenorhynchus, gen. et sp. nov. has a much narrower and more gracile beak than extant trogons, which denotes different ecological attributes of the fossil species.Eotrogon stenorhynchusalready had the heterodactyl foot characterising extant trogons, even though the trochlea for the second toe is smaller than in crown group Trogoniformes. Differences to extant trogons in the wing and pectoral girdle elements suggest thatE. stenorhynchuswas less adapted to short-term hovering, which may indicate different foraging techniques. We also report a partial tarsometatarsus from the early Miocene of France that is likely to belong toParatrogon gallicus, a species previously only known from humeri.P. gallicusis the earliest modern-type trogon, and we show that the newly identified tarsometatarsus does not support the proposed referral of this species to the African taxonApaloderma. We identify skeletal features that suggest a sister group relationship betweenApalodermaand all other crown group Trogoniformes, but the exact affinities ofParatrogonremain poorly resolved. (http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:73B64B84-11C2-4D50-8540-099CF86B6CA1).
Haumanu Hauora: refining public health institution policy to include Māori and climate change
Authors: Masters-Awatere Bridgette , Howard Darelle , Young Patricia
Published: May 2023

The deepening climate crisis generates specific impacts that will exacerbate the already disproportionately negative health outcomes experienced by Indigenous people. Disparate health outcomes have not spontaneously emerged, but rather have been foreshadowed by existing inequities. This article summarizes a sample of the work from a two-year research project in Aotearoa New Zealand to understand existing policy processes and ascertain the extent to which health institutions give serious consideration to climate change impacts on Māori (Indigenous people) with health vulnerabilities. Speaking to tāngata whenua (Indigenous Māori), District Health Board (DHB) employees, and subject matter experts (SMEs), it was clear that policy processes were ad hoc and problematically silenced consistent Māori input. While research participants expressed their experiences of, and aspirations for, dealing with climate change, their voices were not evident in DHB policy development processes. The deficit within existing policy process reflects a lack of preparedness in the face of climate change. Despite clear resilience and adaptation strategies, structural change is needed to address identified disadvantages. Through a co-designed policy framework (“Haumanu Hauora”), we guide policy formation to mitigate climate change risk to Māori (and others). Central to the revised policy framework is the creation of space for both internal and external Māori voices to ensure consistent Māori input throughout the policy process. We also introduce a commissioning, refining, and monitoring stage (that includes evaluation). Haumanu Hauora considers whānau-centered healthcare knowledge, needs, resources, and aspirations, to contribute to a transformed and responsive health system. Above all, we believe that strengthening health institution responsiveness to Māori health needs is essential.
Simulations of Amyloid-Forming Peptides in the Crystal State
Authors: Hosseini A. Najla , van der Spoel David
Published: May 2023

There still is little treatment available for amyloid diseases, despite their significant impact on individuals and the social and economic implications for society. One reason for this is that the physical nature of amyloid formation is not understood sufficiently well. Therefore, fundamental research at the molecular level remains necessary to support the development of therapeutics. A few structures of short peptides from amyloid-forming proteins have been determined. These can in principle be used as scaffolds for designing aggregation inhibitors. Attempts to this end have often used the tools of computational chemistry, in particular molecular simulation. However, few simulation studies of these peptides in the crystal state have been presented so far. Hence, to validate the capability of common force fields (AMBER19SB, CHARMM36m, and OPLS-AA/M) to yield insight into the dynamics and structural stability of amyloid peptide aggregates, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations of twelve different peptide crystals at two different temperatures. From the simulations, we evaluate the hydrogen bonding patterns, the isotropic B-factors, the change in energy, the Ramachandran plots, and the unit cell parameters and compare the results with the crystal structures. Most crystals are stable in the simulations but for all force fields there is at least one that deviates from the experimental crystal, suggesting more work is needed on these models.
Validation of a multi-modal transit route choice model using smartcard data
Authors: Dixit Malvika , Cats Oded , van Oort Niels , Brands Ties , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: May 2023

Validation of travel demand models, although recognised as important, is seldom undertaken. This study adds to the scarce literature in this field by undertaking an external validation of a multi-modal transit route choice model. The model was estimated using smart card data for the urban transit network of Amsterdam before the introduction of a new metro line and is used to predict changes in travel behaviour after the network change. To validate, the model was checked for changes in estimated parameters between the two time periods, and predictive ability was evaluated at different aggregation levels. Although most model parameters were found to be unstable between the two contexts, the predictive performance at all levels was similar to the locally estimated model. Moreover, individual choices and transit mode-share predictions were found to be close to the observed ones. The errors were relatively larger for the link and route-level predictions, some of which could be attributed to the assumptions made regarding consideration choice set given as input to the model. On comparing alternative model specifications, using generic instead of mode-specific travel attributes lead to a strong degradation in predictive performance. Conversely, a model incorporating overlap between routes, with a better model fit in the base period, did not offer a clear improvement in prediction performance. The study highlights the need to validate transit route choice models before using them for deriving policy recommendations, especially in this data-rich age in which it can often be undertaken at a relatively low additional cost.
QTL mapping of the narrow-branch “Pendula” phenotype in Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.)
Authors: Gil-Muñoz Francisco , Bernhardsson Carolina , Ranade Sonali Sachin , Scofield Douglas G. , Pulkkinen Pertti O. , Ingvarsson Pär K. , García-Gil M. Rosario
Published: May 2023

Pendula-phenotyped Norway spruce has a potential forestry interest for high-density plantations. This phenotype is believed to be caused by a dominant single mutation. Despite the availability of RAPD markers linked to the trait, the nature of the mutation is yet unknown. We performed a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping based on two different progenies of F1 crosses between pendula and normal crowned trees using NGS technologies. Approximately 25% of all gene bearing scaffolds of Picea abies genome assembly v1.0 were mapped to 12 linkage groups and a single QTL, positioned near the center of LG VI, was found in both crosses. The closest probe markers placed on the maps were positioned 0.82 cm and 0.48 cm away from the Pendula marker in two independent pendula-crowned × normal-crowned wild-type crosses, respectively. We have identified genes close to the QTL region with differential mutations on coding regions and discussed their potential role in changing branch architecture.
Evaluation of synergistic approach of spinel cadmium–copper nanoferrites as magnetic catalysts for promoting wastewater decontamination: Impact of Ag ions doping
Authors: Mangood Ahmed H. , Gemeay Ali H. , Abdel-Galeil Mohamed M. , Salama Eman Sh. , El-Shater Reda E.
Published: May 2023

Metal substitution is an efficient strategy to improve the catalytic activity of ferrite-based catalysts. In this study, Cd0.5Cu0.5−xAgxFe2O4 (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ferrites were fabricated via a simple co-precipitation method. The influence of the silver ions on the structural, magnetic, and catalytic characteristics of the spinel nanoparticles, as well as on their morphology, was examined. X-ray diffractograms revealed a crystalline cubic spinel structure with crystallite sizes in the nanoregime (7–15 nm). The saturation magnetization reduced from 29.8 to 2.80 emu as the Ag+ doping increased. Two prominent absorption bands were visible in Fourier-transform infrared spectra at 600 cm−1 and 400 cm−1, respectively, and they belonged to the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites. The samples were then used as catalysts for the oxidative breakdown of the typical organic contaminant indigo carmine dye (IC). The catalytic process followed the first-order kinetic model, and the rate constant increased from 0.007 to 0.023 min−1 with increasing of Ag+ doping. Cd0.5Cu0.5-xAgxFe2O4 exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the pH range of 2–11, which means that they are promising efficient and stable materials for Fenton-based alkaline wastewater treatment. Finally, the pathway includes, HO•, HO2−•, and O2−• as oxidants resulted from the synergistic effects of Fe3+, Cu2+, and Ag+, with H2O2 and surface hydroxyl groups have been proposed.

Graphical Abstract
Influence of macronutrients and micronutrients on maize hybrids for biogas production
Authors: Grabovskyi Mykola , Kucheruk Petro , Pavlichenko Kostantin , Roubík Hynek
Published: May 2023

Important in the cultivation of corn for biogas production is the selection of appropriate hybrids, macro- and micronutrient dozing and the evaluation of energy and economic efficiency of their use. Therefore, this article presents the results of 3-year field research (2019–2021) on the yield of maize hybrids of different maturity groups grown for silage. The influence of the application of macronutrients and micronutrients on fresh and dry mass yield, chemical composition, methane yield, energy, and economic efficiency was analysed. It was established that depending on the maize hybrid, the application of macro- and micro-fertilizers increased the yield of the fresh mass of maize by 1.4–24.0% compared to options without their use. The evaluation of the theoretical yield of CH4 based on the content of fats, protein, cellulose, and hemicellulose is also presented in different samples of maize. The findings show that the application of macro-and micro-fertilizers is suitable from the energy and economic points of view — profitability begins to appear at the price of biomethane of 0.3–0.4 euros per 1 m3.
Atmospheric in situ gamma-ray spectrometry for precipitation investigation
Authors: Patiris Dionisis , Tsabaris Christos , Livanou Katerina , Roumelioti Spyridoula Konstantina , Alexakis Stylianos
Published: May 2023

The underwater gamma-ray spectrometer GeoMAREA was utilized for in situ continuous monitoring of radon progenies in the atmosphere near the city of Anavyssos, Attica, Greece, during the period from 1 November 2017 until 1 April 2018. The acquired spectra before and during rainfalls were used to derive rainwater’s spectra revealing that the major contributors to the observed photo-peaks are the progenies of 222Rn (214Pb, 214Bi). The total counting rate of the spectra and the counting rate of the net areas of 352 keV and 609 keV photo-peaks (214Pb and 214Bi, respectively) proved to be effective parameters for rainfall identification and investigation. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association between radon progenies and temperature, pressure, humidity and dew point during rainfalls or dry meteorological conditions. However, preferable wind directions for rainwater rich in radon progenies revealed the impact of the atmospheric masses trajectories before a precipitation event. According to HYSPLIT modelling of selected rainfall events, air masses that pass over terrestrial areas at low altitudes (< 1500 m above ground level) 48 h before the event result in rainwater enriched in radon progenies. On contrary, air masses that pass before an event over terrestrial areas at higher altitudes (> 3000 m above ground level) result in rainwater of low radon progenies concentration. Overall, the method was considered promising for continuous in situ measurements of radon progenies in the atmosphere and may extend the use of radon as a tracer for studies related to climate investigation.
Statin-induced autoimmune myositis: a proposal of an “experience-based” diagnostic algorithm from the analysis of 69 patients
Authors: Gagliardo Carola Maria , Noto Davide , Giammanco Antonina , Maltese Silvia , Vecchio Luca , Lavatura Giuseppe , Cacciatore Valentina , Barbagallo Carlo Maria , Ganci Antonina , Nardi Emilio , Ciaccio Marcello , Lo Presti Rosalia , Cefalù Angelo Baldassare , Averna Maurizio
Published: May 2023

Statin-induced autoimmune myositis (SIAM) represents a rare clinical entity that can be triggered by prolonged statin treatment. Its pathogenetic substrate consists of an autoimmune-mediated mechanism, evidenced by the detection of antibodies directed against the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR Ab), the target enzyme of statin therapies. To facilitate the diagnosis of nuanced SIAM clinical cases, the present study proposes an “experience-based” diagnostic algorithm for SIAM. We have analyzed the clinical data of 69 patients diagnosed with SIAM. Sixty-seven patients have been collected from the 55 available and complete case records regarding SIAM in the literature; the other 2 patients represent our direct clinical experience and their case records have been detailed. From the analysis of the clinical features of 69 patients, we have constructed the diagnostic algorithm, which starts from the recognition of suggestive symptoms of SIAM. Further steps provide for CK values dosage, musculoskeletal MR, EMG/ENG of upper-lower limbs and, Anti-HMGCR Ab testing and, where possible, the muscle biopsy. A global evaluation of the collected clinical features may suggest a more severe disease in female patients. Atorvastatin proved to be the most used hypolipidemic therapy.