bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Spatial Scale Dependence of Long‐Term Persistence in Global Annual Precipitation Data and the Hurst Phenomenon
Authors: O’Connell Enda , O’Donnell Greg , Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: March 2023

Precipitation deficits are the main physical drivers of droughts across the globe, and their level of persistence can be characterized by the Hurst coefficient H (0.5 < H < 1), with high H indicating strong long‐term persistence (LTP). Previous analyses of point and gridded annual global precipitation datasets have concluded that LTP in precipitation is weak (H ∼ 0.6) which is inconsistent with higher values of H for large river basins, for example, the Nile. Based on an analysis of gridded annual precipitation data for eight selected regions distributed across the globe, an important new finding is that H increases with the spatial scale of averaging, with mean H values at the grid and regional scale of 0.66 and 0.83, respectively. The discovery of enhanced LTP at the regional scale of averaging of precipitation has important implications for characterizing the severity of regional droughts, as well as LTP in the annual flows of large rivers and recharge to major aquifers. Teleconnections with known modes of low frequency variability in the global climate system are demonstrated using correlation analysis and stepwise regression. Despite having several constituent regions exhibiting LTP, the Northern Hemisphere surprisingly has no LTP; this is shown to result from different modes of low frequency climatic variability canceling each other out. LTP for the Southern Hemisphere is moderate, and weak for Global average precipitation. LTP in Blue Nile basin scale precipitation is shown to explain the Hurst Phenomenon in naturalized annual flows for the River Nile, more than 70 years after its discovery by Hurst.
Influence of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation on Continental United States Hurricane Landfalls
Authors: Klotzbach Philip J. , Schreck Carl J. , Compo Gilbert P. , Wood Kimberly M. , Oliver Eric C. J. , Bowen Steven G. , Bell Michael M.
Published: March 2023

The Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) significantly impacts North Atlantic hurricanes, with increased hurricane activity occurring when the MJO enhances convection over Africa and the tropical Indian Ocean and suppressed hurricane activity occurring when the MJO enhances convection over the tropical Pacific. Using data from 1905 to 2015, we find more tropical cyclones (TCs) make landfall in the continental United States when the MJO enhances tropical Indian Ocean convection. In addition, when the MJO enhances Western Pacific and Western Hemisphere convection, TC activity is preferentially favored in the Caribbean, leading to more Gulf Coast landfalls. As MJO‐enhanced convection moves to the Indian Ocean and Maritime Continent, more storms form in the tropical Atlantic, favoring Florida Peninsula and East Coast landfalls. The MJO's TC steering wind modulation appears to be secondary to its genesis location modulation.
Neuronal network activity and connectivity are impaired in a conditional knockout mouse model with PCDH19 mosaic expression
Authors: Giansante Giorgia , Mazzoleni Sara , Zippo Antonio G. , Ponzoni Luisa , Ghilardi Anna , Maiellano Greta , Lewerissa Elly , van Hugte Eline , Nadif Kasri Nael , Francolini Maura , Sala Mariaelvina , Murru Luca , Bassani Silvia , Passafaro Maria
Published: March 2023

Mutations in PCDH19 gene, which encodes protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), cause Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy 9 (DEE9). Heterogeneous loss of PCDH19 expression in neurons is considered a key determinant of the disorder; however, how PCDH19 mosaic expression affects neuronal network activity and circuits is largely unclear. Here, we show that the hippocampus of Pcdh19 mosaic mice is characterized by structural and functional synaptic defects and by the presence of PCDH19-negative hyperexcitable neurons. Furthermore, global reduction of network firing rate and increased neuronal synchronization have been observed in different limbic system areas. Finally, network activity analysis in freely behaving mice revealed a decrease in excitatory/inhibitory ratio and functional hyperconnectivity within the limbic system of Pcdh19 mosaic mice. Altogether, these results indicate that altered PCDH19 expression profoundly affects circuit wiring and functioning, and provide new key to interpret DEE9 pathogenesis.
Autonomous atomic Hamiltonian construction and active sampling of X-ray absorption spectroscopy by adversarial Bayesian optimization
Authors: Zhang Yixuan , Xie Ruiwen , Long Teng , Günzing Damian , Wende Heiko , Ollefs Katharina J. , Zhang Hongbin
Published: March 2023

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a well-established method for in-depth characterization of electronic structure. In practice hundreds of energy-points should be sampled during the measurements, and most of them are redundant. Additionally, it is also tedious to estimate reasonable parameters in the atomic Hamiltonians for mechanistic understanding. We implement an Adversarial Bayesian optimization (ABO) algorithm comprising two coupled BOs to automatically fit the many-body model Hamiltonians and to sample effectively based on active learning (AL). Taking NiO as an example, we find that less than 30 sampling points are sufficient to recover the complete XAS with the corresponding crystal field and charge transfer models, which can be selected based on intuitive hypothesis learning. Further applications on the experimental XAS spectra reveal that less than 80 sampling points give reasonable XAS and reliable atomic model parameters. Our ABO algorithm has a great potential for future applications on automated physics-driven XAS analysis and AL sampling.
A scoping review of neurodegenerative manifestations in explainable digital phenotyping
Authors: Alfalahi Hessa , Dias Sofia B. , Khandoker Ahsan H. , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Hadjileontiadis Leontios J.
Published: March 2023

Neurologists nowadays no longer view neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, as single entities, but rather as a spectrum of multifaceted symptoms with heterogeneous progression courses and treatment responses. The definition of the naturalistic behavioral repertoire of early neurodegenerative manifestations is still elusive, impeding early diagnosis and intervention. Central to this view is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reinforcing the depth of phenotypic information, thereby supporting the paradigm shift to precision medicine and personalized healthcare. This suggestion advocates the definition of disease subtypes in a new biomarker-supported nosology framework, yet without empirical consensus on standardization, reliability and interpretability. Although the well-defined neurodegenerative processes, linked to a triad of motor and non-motor preclinical symptoms, are detected by clinical intuition, we undertake an unbiased data-driven approach to identify different patterns of neuropathology distribution based on the naturalistic behavior data inherent to populations in-the-wild. We appraise the role of remote technologies in the definition of digital phenotyping specific to brain-, body- and social-level neurodegenerative subtle symptoms, emphasizing inter- and intra-patient variability powered by deep learning. As such, the present review endeavors to exploit digital technologies and AI to create disease-specific phenotypic explanations, facilitating the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases as “bio-psycho-social” conditions. Not only does this translational effort within explainable digital phenotyping foster the understanding of disease-induced traits, but it also enhances diagnostic and, eventually, treatment personalization.
A Large-Scale Dataset of Three-Dimensional Solar Magnetic Fields Extrapolated by Nonlinear Force-Free Method
Authors: Zhao Zhongrui , Xu Long , Zhu Xiaoshuai , Zhang Xinze , Liu Sixuan , Huang Xin , Ren Zhixiang , Tian Yonghong
Published: March 2023

It has been widely accepted that solar magnetic field manipulates all solar activities, especially violent solar bursts in solar corona. Thus, it is extremely important to reconstruct three-dimentional (3D) magnetic field of solar corona from really observed photospheric magnetogram. In this paper, a large-scale dataset of 3D solar magnetic fields of active regions is built by using the nonlinear force-free magnetic field (NLFFF) extrapolation from vector magnetograms of Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). In this dataset, all space-weather HMI active region patches (SHARPs) with the corresponding serial numbers of national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) are included. They are downloaded from the SHARP 720 s series of JSOC every 96 minutes. In addition, each sample is labelled with a finer grained label for solar flare forecast. This paper is with the purpose of open availability of data resource and source code to the peers for refraining from repeated labor of data preparation. Meanwhile, with such a large-scale, high spatio-temporal resolution and high quality scientific data, we anticipate a wide attention and interest from artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision communities, for exploring AI for astronomy over such a large-scale dataset.
Association of obesity with incident atrial fibrillation in Korea and the United Kingdom
Authors: Choi Sung Hwa , Yang Pil-Sung , Kim Daehoon , Sung Jung-Hoon , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Joung Boyoung
Published: March 2023

Obesity has been linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and severity, and epidemiological studies suggest that AF is more prevalent in whites than Asian. We aimed to investigate whether obesity mediates associations with AF in Europe and Asia using patient-level data comparisons of two cohort studies. Using Korean National Health Insurance Service’s Health Screening (NHIS-HealS) and U.K. Biobank data, we included 401,206 Korean and 477,926 British aged 40–70 years without previous AF who received check-ups. The incidence and risk of AF were evaluated regarding different body mass index (BMI) values. The obese proportion (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, 2.8% vs. 24.3%, P < 0.001) was higher in the U.K. than the Korean. In the Korean and U.K. cohort, the age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of AF were 4.97 and 6.54 per 1000 person-years among obese individuals. Compared to Koreans, the risk of AF was higher in the British population, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.41 (Korea, 95% CI 1.26–1.58) and 1.68 (UK, 95% CI 1.54–1.82) in obese participants (P for interaction < 0.05). Obesity was associated with AF in both populations. British subjects had a greater incidence of AF related to the high proportion of obese individuals, especially participants in the obesity category, the risk of AF also increased.
New design for control cage to enhance coverage and uniformity of shot blasting and its validation using DEM and experiment
Authors: Seo Hyeryeon , Kim Taehyung , Yang Chulho , Park Junyoung
Published: March 2023

Unlike shot peening, shot blasting is a process that primarily uses shot balls to remove foreign substances from metal surfaces. Shot blasting is classified into air-blowing and impeller-impact types. The latter is widely used in commercial large-scale shot blasting. This study proposes a new control cage with a concave or convex shape to improve coverage and uniformity in the impeller-impact type shot blaster. The effectiveness of the proposed control cage is verified using discrete element methods and experiments. Moreover, the optimal design in terms of mass flow, coverage, and uniformity is confirmed. Additionally, the distribution of marks on the surface is analyzed through experiments and simulations. Further, the shot ball is projected over a wider area on the surface when the new concave and convex model is employed at the control cage. Consequently, we confirm that the control cage with a concave shape forms approximately a 5-% higher coverage than the conventional model and uniform shot marks while using a low mass flow rate.
A standardized framework for risk-based assessment of treatment effect heterogeneity in observational healthcare databases
Authors: Rekkas Alexandros , van Klaveren David , Ryan Patrick B. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Kent David M. , Rijnbeek Peter R.
Published: March 2023

Treatment effects are often anticipated to vary across groups of patients with different baseline risk. The Predictive Approaches to Treatment Effect Heterogeneity (PATH) statement focused on baseline risk as a robust predictor of treatment effect and provided guidance on risk-based assessment of treatment effect heterogeneity in a randomized controlled trial. The aim of this study is to extend this approach to the observational setting using a standardized scalable framework. The proposed framework consists of five steps: (1) definition of the research aim, i.e., the population, the treatment, the comparator and the outcome(s) of interest; (2) identification of relevant databases; (3) development of a prediction model for the outcome(s) of interest; (4) estimation of relative and absolute treatment effect within strata of predicted risk, after adjusting for observed confounding; (5) presentation of the results. We demonstrate our framework by evaluating heterogeneity of the effect of thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics versus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on three efficacy and nine safety outcomes across three observational databases. We provide a publicly available R software package for applying this framework to any database mapped to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model. In our demonstration, patients at low risk of acute myocardial infarction receive negligible absolute benefits for all three efficacy outcomes, though they are more pronounced in the highest risk group, especially for acute myocardial infarction. Our framework allows for the evaluation of differential treatment effects across risk strata, which offers the opportunity to consider the benefit-harm trade-off between alternative treatments.
Integration of epigenetic and genetic profiles identifies multiple sclerosis disease-critical cell types and genes
Authors: Ma Qin , Shams Hengameh , Didonna Alessandro , Baranzini Sergio E. , Cree Bruce A. C. , Hauser Stephen L. , Henry Roland G. , Oksenberg Jorge R.
Published: March 2023

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) successfully identified multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility variants. Despite this notable progress, understanding the biological context of these associations remains challenging, due in part to the complexity of linking GWAS results to causative genes and cell types. Here, we aimed to address this gap by integrating GWAS data with single-cell and bulk chromatin accessibility data and histone modification profiles from immune and nervous systems. MS-GWAS associations are significantly enriched in regulatory regions of microglia and peripheral immune cell subtypes, especially B cells and monocytes. Cell-specific polygenic risk scores were developed to examine the cumulative impact of the susceptibility genes on MS risk and clinical phenotypes, showing significant associations with risk and brain white matter volume. The findings reveal enrichment of GWAS signals in B cell and monocyte/microglial cell-types, consistent with the known pathology and presumed targets of effective MS therapeutics.
Prediction of gastric cancer by machine learning integrated with mass spectrometry-based N-glycomics
Authors: Demirhan Deniz Baran , Yılmaz Hakan , Erol Harun , Kayili Haci Mehmet , Salih Bekir
Published: March 2023

Early and accurate diagnosis of gastric cancer is vital for effective and targeted treatment.
Recent progress on strategies for the enhancement of crystal growth process
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Wang Na , Wang Jingkang , Ji Xiongtao , Li Jun , Li Ao , Huang Xin , Wang Ting , Zhou Lina , Hao Hongxun
Published: March 2023

The process intensification (PI) technologies and strategies for crystal growth were summarized and discussed.
Pore confined time-of-flight secondary ion electrochemical mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jun-Gang , Yu Ru-Jia , Hua Xin , Long Yi-Tao
Published: March 2023

This review highlights the important historical and technological developments of in situ ToF-SIEMS technique, especially, the challenges encountered when extending ToF-SIMS from a high vacuum condition to a liquid electrochemical environment.
Artificial neural network encoding of molecular wavefunctions for quantum computing
Authors: Hagai Masaya , Sugiyama Mahito , Tsuda Koji , Yanai Takeshi
Published: March 2023

Molecular wavefunction encoded with artificial neural networks (BM2, BM3, and RBM) is prepared by the quantum algorithm.
Recent advancement in nanomaterial-encapsulated drug delivery vehicles for combating cancer, COVID-19, and HIV-like chronic diseases
Authors: Paul Suparna , Mukherjee Subhajit , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: March 2023

Multidimensional therapeutic applications of nanotechnology for combating of chronic diseases such as cancer, COVID-19, and HIV/AIDS.
Sustainable waste-nitrogen upcycling enabled by low-concentration nitrate electrodialysis and high-performance ammonia electrosynthesis
Authors: Chen Yifu , Ammari-Azar Pouya , Liu Hengzhou , Lee Jungkuk , Xi Yu , Castellano Michael J. , Gu Shuang , Li Wenzhen
Published: March 2023

A product-oriented electrolyzer design offers a remarkably high nitrate-to-ammonia performance on a simple nickel electrode in an aqueous NaOH/KOH/H2O electrolyte.
A comprehensive study of the optimization and comparison of cesium halide perovskite solar cells using ZnO and Cu2FeSnS4 as charge transport layers
Authors: Hossain M. Khalid , Toki G. F. Ishraque , Madan Jaya , Pandey Rahul , Bencherif H. , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Islam Md. Rasidul , Rubel M. H. K. , Rahman Md. Ferdous , Bhattarai Sagar , Samajdar D. P.
Published: March 2023

A comparative analysis along with the optimization of various parameters for 8 different Cs-halide perovskite absorber-based solar cells is performed using a SCAPS-1D simulator, where ZnO and CFTS are proposed as ETL and HTL materials, respectively.
Copper-catalyzed radical-mediated intermolecular cyanomonofluoroalkylation of alkenes and alkynes
Authors: Cui Xuhui , Wang Xia , Huang Yanlan , Jiang Qi , Liu Li , Wang Yanzhao , Wu Jingjing , Wu Fanhong
Published: March 2023

A novel copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of monofluoroalkylation agents, alkenes (alkynes) and TMSCN has been developed, allowing the facile synthesis of various cyanomonofluoroalkyl compounds in generally moderate to good yields.
A method for searching splitting surface considering network splitting adaptation index
Authors: Han Shuangteng , Sun Xinwei , Wang Yuhong , Zheng Zongsheng , Wang Xi , Shi Peng , Shi Yunxiang , He Yao
Published: March 2023

As an effective control measure to ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical loads under extreme faults, network splitting is of great significance for maintaining system safety and stability. The purpose of this study is to develop a method to accurately and quickly find a reasonable splitting surface and reliably perform network splitting. To address the current problem of poor node classification when splitting, the correlation between nodes is obtained through modal analysis of the system. Node classification criteria are proposed to accurately classify different types of nodes and obtain a suitable splitting space. Based on the node correlation, a splitting adaptation index reflecting the suitability of splitting is proposed. Furthermore, a comprehensive index for the optimisation of the splitting surface is proposed by combining the minimum unbalanced power and the splitting adaptation index, and the splitting surface is quickly determined based on this index. Finally, simulation verification is carried out using the IEEE‐118 standard system, which shows that the method can accurately determine the splitting space and optimise the selection of the splitting surface.
Adaptive elastic‐net sliced inverse regression to identify risk factors affecting COVID‐19 disease fatality rate
Authors: Lashgari Sajedeh , Mohammadzadeh Mohsen , Ghaderi Foad
Published: March 2023

In this article, we proposed a plan based on Adaptive Elastic‐net Sliced Inverse Regression to identify risk factors for the coronavirus disease (Covid‐19) disease in the presence of collinearity between explanatory variables. Considering the penalty of elastic‐net and sliced inverse regression, this method leads to sufficient dimension reduction and the presentation of a more stable and accurate model for variable selection.We applied the proposed method to simulated data and a new real‐world Covid‐19 disease dataset. We observed that the proposed method reduced the experimental standard error of bootstrapping by 12\% and 13\% compared to the previous superior methods in this approach, respectively, for both datasets. According to the results, during the outbreak of the Covid disease and its re‐intensification, countries should quickly implement the following policies: declaring quarantine with minimal exceptions, making vaccines available by prioritizing specific groups, declaring a ban on gatherings, especially gatherings of more than 1000 people, closing schools at all levels, closing some works or declaring remote work, and holding information campaigns. Especially countries with more 0‐14‐year‐old population, higher life expectancy, lower human development index, and colder weather should make more serious decisions in their implementation because they are more at risk.
The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey: Homogeneous continuum catalogues towards a measurement of the cosmic radio dipole
Authors: Wagenveld J. D. , Klöckner H.-R. , Gupta N. , Deka P. P. , Jagannathan P. , Sekhar S. , Balashev S. A. , Boettcher E. , Combes F. , Emig K. L. , Hilton M. , Józsa G. I. G. , Kamphuis P. , Klutse D. Y. , Knowles K. , Krogager J.-K. , Mohapatra A. , Momjian E. , Moodley K. , Muller S. , Petitjean P. , Salas P. , Sikhosana S. , Srianand R.
Published: March 2023

The number counts of homogeneous samples of radio sources are a tried and true method of probing the large-scale structure of the Universe, as most radio sources outside the Galactic plane are at cosmological distances. As such, they are expected to trace the cosmic radio dipole, an anisotropy analogous to the dipole seen in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Results have shown that although the cosmic radio dipole matches the direction of the CMB dipole, it has a significantly larger amplitude. This unexplained result challenges our assumption of the Universe being isotropic, which can have large repercussions for the current cosmological paradigm. Though significant measurements have been made, sensitivity to the radio dipole is generally hampered by systematic effects that can cause large biases in the measurement. Here we assess these systematics with data from the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS), a blind search for absorption lines with pointings centred on bright radio sources. With the sensitivity and field of view of MeerKAT, thousands of sources are observed in each pointing, allowing for the possibility of measuring the cosmic radio dipole given enough pointings. We present the analysis of ten MALS pointings, focusing on systematic effects that could lead to an inhomogeneous catalogue. We describe the calibration and creation of full band continuum images and catalogues, producing a combined catalogue containing 16 307 sources and covering 37.5 square degrees of sky down to a sensitivity of 10 μJy beam−1. We measure the completeness, purity, and flux recovery statistics for these catalogues using simulated data. We investigate different source populations in the catalogues by looking at flux densities and spectral indices and how they might influence source counts. Using the noise characteristics of the pointings, we find global measures that can be used to correct for the incompleteness of the catalogue, producing corrected number counts down to 100–200 μJy. We show that we can homogenise the catalogues and properly account for systematic effects. We determine that we can measure the dipole to 3σ significance with 100 MALS pointings.
Laser-based monolithic series interconnection of two-terminal perovskite-CIGSe tandem solar cells: determination of the optimal scribe line properties
Authors: Schultz Christof , Farias Basulto Guillermo Antonio , Otto Nicolas , Dagar Janardan , Bartelt Andreas , Schlatmann Rutger , Unger Eva , Stegemann Bert
Published: March 2023

To achieve a monolithic series interconnection of tandem solar cell devices consisting of a perovskite top cell and a CIGSe bottom cell, a two-terminal interconnection scheme is introduced that includes an additional, fourth patterning step, the so-called iso-cut, which separates the window layer stack between the two solar cells. The implementation of this interconnection scheme requires a process development for a total of four structuring steps, which was achieved by systematically varying the laser parameters. Based on a detailed characterization of the individual scribe line properties with respect to their scribe line depth, morphology, electrical functionality, chemical composition and their influence on adjacent and underlying layers, the optimal patterning parameters and suitable process windows were derived for each step, which is a prerequisite for a loss-free monolithic series interconnection in a tandem module.
Diagnostik der Sepsis
Authors: Thomas-Rüddel Daniel
Published: March 2023

Sepsis occurs both community acquired and as a complication of hospital treatment. The symptoms are usually nonspecific and there is no diagnostic gold standard. The diagnostic
differentiation from other clinical pictures is difficult. Therefore, the (early) diagnosis of sepsis is still a major challenge for the clinician. Despite multiple biomarkers described in
the scientific literature sepsis is still primarily a clinical diagnosis. qSOFA can be a helpful screening tool.

Finding and treating the focus of infection is a crucial part of sepsis therapy. Chest X-ray and sonography have limited sensitivity for this purpose. A CT-scan with contrast should be done
at least in all patients where the focus of infection is still unclear. An MRI is necessary if spondylodiscitis is suspected, a transesophageal echocardiography if endocarditis is a possible
focus. Biomarkers are helpful in guiding therapy but are not part of the initial diagnosis criteria. Blood cultures and microbiological samples from the suspected foci of infection should be
taken in all sepsis patients. An initial lactate measurement is also part of the diagnostic workup and necessary for the diagnosis of septic shock.
High-Grade Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma within the Cerebellopontine Angle: A Case Report
Authors: Anderson Cassidy , Sriram Aishwarya , Funari Abigail , Hsu Kevin , Yokoda Raquel , Pecorari Isabella , Flaquer Isabella , Akbar Nadeem , Colley Patrick , Basson Geoffrey , Moskowitz Howard S. , Agarwal Vijay
Published: March 2023

Ectopic pituitary tumors are neoplasms with no connection to the pituitary gland and are commonly deposited in other areas of the anterior skull base. A 32-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of right-sided facial weakness, sensorineural hearing loss, diplopia, and severe headaches. Physical examination revealed a mid-dilated sluggishly reactive right pupil with slight limitation in all gazes, as well as right-sided orbicularis weakness, lagophthalmos, and decreased facial sensation. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head without contrast revealed a 3.7 × 1.8 × 2.6 cm mildly enhancing mass in the right internal acoustic meatus and along the petrous ridge. The case was brought before the institution's tumor board, where concern for higher grade pathology, such as hemangiopericytoma, was discussed. Per patient preference, surgical biopsy of the tumor was performed. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a World Health Organization (WHO) grade II neuroendocrine tumor, with cells staining positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56, with a Ki-67 index of 8%. In addition to the ectopic location, this pituitary tumor was noted to be aggressive in nature based on its high Ki-67 index. Surgical excision and radiologic therapy of tumors involving the CPA are appropriate treatments in most cases.
Primary Aldosteronism Prevalence – An Unfolding
Story
Authors: Charoensri Suranut , Turcu Adina F.
Published: March 2023

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by dysregulated, renin-independent
aldosterone excess. Long perceived as rare, PA has emerged as one of the most
common causes of secondary hypertension. Failure to recognize and treat PA
results in cardiovascular and renal complications, through processes mediated by
both direct target tissue insults and indirectly, by hypertension. PA spans a
continuum of dysregulated aldosterone secretion, which is typically recognized
in late stages after treatment-resistant hypertension and cardiovascular
and/or renal complications develop. Determining the precise disease
burden remains challenging due to heterogeneity in testing, arbitrary
thresholds, and populations studied. This review summarizes the reports on PA
prevalence among the general population and in specific high-risk subgroups,
highlighting the impact of rigid versus permissive criteria on PA prevalence
perception.
Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Central Venous Catheter Dressing for Preventing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Benligül Ebru Melek , Bektaş Murat
Published: March 2023

Objective The study's objective was to use meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of a dressing impregnated with chlorhexidine in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in pediatric patients.

Methods The study was conducted and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A comprehensive search of 18 databases was conducted up to 5 March 2020 to identify related studies. Following the evaluation of the methodological quality, 8 studies, 1,584 catheters in 1,556 patients were added to the meta-analysis. The odds ratio and Hedge's G effect size value were employed to analyze the data. Either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model was used to compute the effect size value with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The heterogeneity of effect sizes was investigated using Cochrane Q statistics, I
2, and Tau2 tests. To test for publication bias, funnel plot, Orwin's safe n number, Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation, Egger test, and Duval and Tweedie's trim and fill procedures were all utilized.

Results The catheter colonization risk was lowered by 50.7% by the chlorhexidine-impregnated (C-I) dressing (odds ratio [OR] = 0.493 [%95 CI: 0.360–0.675]; p < 0.001). The use of C-I dressing was associated with a trend toward a decrease in CRBSIs, while this association was not statistically significant (OR = 0.858 [%95 CI: 0.567–1.300]; p = 0.471).

Conclusion The use of C-I dressing can effectively reduce the risk of catheter colonization, and it is also a helpful tactic in lowering CRBSIs in pediatric patients with central venous catheters, according to the findings of this meta-analysis.
Thrombotic Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Unmet Needs and Review of the Literature
Authors: Marco-Rico Ana , Marco-Vera Pascual
Published: March 2023

Patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) require long-term anticoagulation due to the high-thrombotic recurrence risk. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) have been traditionally considered the standard of care in thrombotic APS. Nevertheless, the risk of recurrence persists with VKA. There are publications considering different intensities of anticoagulation with VKA; however, the standard-intensity anticoagulation (international normalized ratio between 2.0 and 3.0) is the most recommended. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the role of antiplatelet treatment in thrombotic APS. Nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have emerged as an alternative to VKA for many indications. There are, however, discrepancies regarding the management with NOACs in thrombotic APS. In this review, we update the different clinical trials with NOACs in venous, arterial, and microvascular thrombosis and suggest how these patients should be managed in agreement with the expert panels. Although scarce data are published regarding the current role of NOACs in thrombotic APS, the clinical trials failed to demonstrate noninferiority of NOACs compared with VKA, especially in patients with triple antiphospholipid antibodies positivity and/or arterial thrombosis. Single or double antiphospholipid positivity should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, we focus on different areas of uncertainty that still remain in thrombotic APS and NOACs. To summarize, emerging clinical trials are needed to provide robust data on the management of thrombotic APS.
Development and Optimization of a Remote Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Bootcamp Using Telesimulation
Authors: Mille Felina , Romer Amy , Choudhury Tarif A. , Zurca Adrian D. , Peddy Stacie B. , Widmeier Keith , Hamburger Marjorie , Shankar Venkat
Published: March 2023

We developed a novel cardiac critical care bootcamp consisting of didactic, small group, and simulation sessions. The bootcamp was remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic and included telesimulation. We aimed to assess learners' reactions to the bootcamp and their perception of telesimulation. Paired anonymous surveys were administered before and after participation. Surveys assessed participants' comfort in independently managing cardiac critical care scenarios, perceptions of telesimulation, barriers to its effectiveness, and specific feedback on course components. Forty-three fellows from 10 institutions joined the bootcamp over 2 years. Thirty-eight pre- and 28 postcourse surveys were completed. The course was rated good or excellent by all respondents, and 27/28 rated the material as appropriate to their level of training. Based on feedback from 2020, the electrophysiology sessions were converted to a small group format in 2021; positive assessment of these sessions improved from 65 to 90–100%. The telesimulations were highly rated, with 83–94% of participants in 2020 and 90–100% in 2021 rating them as good or excellent. Participants' views on telesimulation improved following the course, with 78% (14/18) post- versus 50% preparticipation agreeing that telesimulation is an effective educational tool (p = 0.06) and 56% (10/18) post- versus 67% (12/18) pre-rating telesimulation as less effective than in person simulation (p = 0.04). Identified limitations of telesimulation were limited active participation, lack of realism, impaired flow of conversation, and audiovisual and technical concerns. Telesimulation is feasible in cardiac critical care education and was an acceptable alternative to in person simulation for course participants.
American cultural regions mapped through the lexical analysis of social media
Authors: Louf Thomas , Gonçalves Bruno , Ramasco José J. , Sánchez David , Grieve Jack
Published: March 2023

Cultural areas represent a useful concept that cross-fertilizes diverse fields in social sciences. Knowledge of how humans organize and relate their ideas and behavior within a society can help us to understand our actions and attitudes toward different issues. However, the selection of common traits that shape a cultural area is somewhat arbitrary. What is needed is a method that can leverage the massive amounts of data coming online, especially through social media, to identify cultural regions without ad-hoc assumptions, biases, or prejudices. This work takes a crucial step in this direction by introducing a method to infer cultural regions based on the automatic analysis of large datasets from microblogging posts. The approach presented here is based on the principle that cultural affiliation can be inferred from the topics that people discuss among themselves. Specifically, regional variations in written discourse are measured in American social media. From the frequency distributions of content words in geotagged tweets, the regional hotspots of words’ usage are found, and from there, principal components of regional variation are derived. Through a hierarchical clustering of the data in this lower-dimensional space, this method yields clear cultural areas and the topics of discussion that define them. It uncovers a manifest North–South separation, which is primarily influenced by the African American culture, and further contiguous (East–West) and non-contiguous divisions that provide a comprehensive picture of modern American cultural areas.
Photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser chip performs variety of configurations with modulation
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: March 2023

Device demonstrates path forward for improved LIDAR systems that don’t require external optics by producing multidot, beam scanning and flash patterns.
The evolution of model cardiac ion electrophysiology
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: March 2023

Computational models advance the understanding of cardiac health and disease.
Magnetostriction reduction and magnetic permeability enhancement of Ti added Fe0.7Co0.3 alloy
Authors: Bormio-Nunes Cristina , Froes Fernando
Published: March 2023

The current work presents the study of three alloys, (1) the binary Fe0.7Co0.3 alloy (atomic fraction), (2) the addition of 3 at. % of Ti, and (3) the addition of 3 at. % of Ti and 1% of Nb. The interest is to increase the permeability of this binary alloy due to the additions of Ti and Nb, since Fe–Co alloys with Co content in the range of 27–35 at. % have much lower permeability than the commercial equiatomic alloy. The advantage of low Co Fe–Co alloys is the lower price compared to the equiatomic one. The alloys were produced by arc melting and were subsequently hot rolled and annealed in the final thickness at 1200 °C over 24 h. Microstructure characterization revealed single α-phased alloys with body centered cubic structures. Positive results were observed in the magnetic and electric properties of the (Fe0.70Co0.30)97Ti3 alloy compared to Fe0.7Co0.3, meaning the decreasing saturation magnetostriction λs, and the growth of the maximum relative permeability by 24% and of the resistivity by 63%, occurred without a change in the coercive field and in the maximum magnetic induction. The (Fe0.7Co0.3)97Ti3 alloy's maximum magnetic relative permeability is μrmax = 855 and occurs at a field of only 160 A/m, this field being more than two times lower compared to the one of the binary alloy. On the other hand, the addition of Ti + Nb has improved the deformation performance of the (Fe0.7Co0.3)97Ti3 alloy at high temperatures and did not change the magnetostriction, nor the resistivity. The quaternary alloy presents a maximum magnetic relative permeability of μrmax = 270 at 1960 A/m and a maximum magnetic induction reduced by 14% compared to the other two alloys.
Observing strongly confined multiexcitons in bulk-like CsPbBr3 nanocrystals
Authors: Strandell Dallas P. , Kambhampati Patanjali
Published: March 2023

We monitor the time-resolved photoluminescence (t-PL) from CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals with a time resolution of 3 ps, which is fast enough to resolve emission from potential multiexcitonic states. Being 15 nm in length and twice the Bohr length, these nanocrystals are either weakly confined or bulk-like. In contrast to this expectation of weak confinement, emission from multiexcitons is observed with binding energies consistent with strongly confined quantum dots. In addition to emission from biexcitons, emission from triexcitons is observed. The triexciton emission includes both S and P recombination channels. Excitation with different amounts of excess energy yields the same PL spectral dynamics, indicating that there are no hot carrier effects, and the electronic structure of the absorbing states is the same. The kinetics of the multiexciton populations are presented in two ways. The kinetics are first shown in a spectrally integrated form, showing faster t-PL at higher fluences independent of excitation excess energy. Both excess energies show the same saturation response. In the second way of presenting the kinetics, the multiexciton populations are decomposed and presented as transients and saturation curves. These decomposed spectra into exciton, biexciton, and triexciton populations enable further insight into their kinetics and fluence dependence.
Tunable-wavelength photoluminescence of a flexible transition metal doped oxide phosphor thin film
Authors: Dong Zhengang , Shen Jiaying , Zhang Fan , Qi Yaping , Zhang Yang , Bai Gongxun , Wu Zhenping , Li Danfeng
Published: March 2023

Near-infrared luminescence phosphors are key material basis to potential applications for light sources and optoelectronic devices. In particular, it is vital to tune the luminescent properties of these phosphors in a flexible and controllable manner. Here, we demonstrate that a flexural strain originated from bending can be used to modulate the photoluminescence of freestanding Ni2+ doped SrTiO3 membranes. The bent membranes show remarkable red-shift emissions, arising from the variations of the symmetry of host materials and the local crystal fields around the Ni2+ ions. In addition, the phosphor films show a reversible and stable wavelength modulation with remarkable anti-fatigue characteristics after 104 bending cycles. These results provide a potential routine to develop flexible strain-tunable devices for applications in optical amplifiers and other optoelectronics.
Habitat use by the eastern pygmy-possum in a coastal woodland–heathland mosaic
Authors: Goldingay Ross L.
Published: March 2023

Understanding patterns of habitat use is required to conserve species and to manage their habitats. I used detections of 156 individual eastern pygmy-possums (Cercartetus nanus) within artificial cavities to investigate habitat use across 18 ha of a woodland–heathland mosaic. Detection of breeding females was highest in autumn (March to May) and winter, during the flowering period of Banksia ericifolia. Detection was over two times higher in woodland compared with heathland. This pattern was not influenced by variation in flowering or hollow abundance, which were equivalent across the two habitats. Protection from the weather may drive this pattern. Adult males were detected most frequently in autumn, coinciding with the beginning of female reproduction. They were detected equally in woodland and heathland. Why detection was lower in winter and spring is unclear but may arise from female aggression, forcing males to use natural shelters away from lactating females. Subadults were detected most frequently in spring and summer, coinciding with independence and dispersal. Subadults preferred woodland, reflecting where they were reared. This study has provided new insights into the behavioural ecology of this species, but further studies are needed to better understand how foraging and breeding influence shelter site use.
Leaf morphology affects microplastic entrapment efficiency in freshwater macrophytes
Authors: Tan Joel W. Q. , Tong Ray J. , Tang Z. , Lee Colin Z. D. , Yong Clara L. X. , Todd Peter A.
Published: March 2023

Context In contrast to marine environments, microplastic pollution in freshwater systems is understudied. Previous research suggests that freshwater macrophytes function as microplastic sinks, which, because they are at the base of food webs, has implications for higher trophic levels. Aim This study compares the ability of freshwater plants with different leaf morphologies to trap downwelling microplastics. Method Microplastics (800–1000 μm polyamide grains) were deposited onto three macrophyte species, namely, Cabomba caroliniana, Egeria densa, and Hygrophila polysperma. Microplastic mass retained was calculated as the percentage of microplastic mass captured by the plant and standardised microplastic retention was calculated as the absolute microplastic mass retained (g) divided by plant dry mass (g). Results The amount of trapped microplastics differed significantly among species, with the highest amount trapped by C. caroliniana (39.3%; 7.91 g g−1), followed by E. densa (28.8%; 5.30 g g−1) and H. polysperma (17.6%; 4.47 g g−1). Conclusion Significant differences in microplastic retention among species may be attributed to variation in leaf morphology. Implications These findings have potential applications in bioremediation and biomonitoring, where freshwater macrophytes could help with the tracking and mitigation of microplastics in the environment.
Functions of code-switching in online registers of Pakistani English
Authors: Shakir Muhammad
Published: March 2023

This chapter analyzes online registers of Pakistani English to identify (socio)linguistic functions for code-switching to indigenous languages. Predominantly English texts containing code-switching instances to Urdu and other Pakistani languages were selected. A corpus of about 1.2 million words was used in this study. 1811 instances of code-switching were identified and divided into seven functions of code-switching: addressee specification, emphatic, free, lexical, message qualification, quotation, and tags. The findings show that tags or discourse level items (discourse particles, idiomatic expressions, religious expressions, honorifics) are the most common functions of code-switching. The use of multilingual resources exhibits how language in Pakistan is appropriated by online writers to convey local identities and fulfil specific communicative needs.
Acceptability Judgement Tasks in New Englishes research
Authors: Ugwuanyi Kingsley Oluchi
Published: March 2023

Acceptability Judgement Tasks have been utilized in many areas of linguistics for a long time, and they are particularly useful in New Englishes contexts in measuring which local forms of English are acceptable to users. In light of this, this chapter examines the acceptability of Nigerian English (NigE) features using Acceptability Judgement Tasks. This study’s overarching goal is to show how NigE speakers’ acceptability ratings of and acceptability discourse about features of NigE index their orientations towards this variety and its characteristic features. The discussion of this analysis shows that it is beneficial to analyze the data emerging from Acceptability Judgement Tasks in both quantitative and qualitative ways.
Metabolic demands of slacklining in less and more advanced slackliners
Authors: Baláš Jiří , Klaus Jan , Gajdošík Jan , Draper Nick
Published: March 2023

Walking or balancing on a slackline has gained increasing popularity as a recreational and school sport, and has been found to be suitable for developing neuromuscular control. The metabolic requirements for neuromuscular control on slackline, however, have not been well described. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the metabolic demands of slacklining in less and more advanced slackliners. Nineteen slackliners performed several 4 min balance tasks: parallel and one‐leg stance on stable platform (2LS and 1LS), 1 leg stance on a slackline (1LSS), walking at a self‐selected speed and at a given speed of 15 m min−1 on a slackline (WSS and WGS). Expired gas samples were collected for all participants and activities using a portable metabolic system. During1 LS and 1LSS, there were 140% and 341% increases in oxygen uptake (V̇O2) with respect to V̇O2 rest, respectively. During slackline walking, V̇O2 increased by 460% and 444% at self‐selected and given speed, respectively. More advanced slackliners required mean metabolic demands 0.377 ± 0.065 and 0.289 ± 0.050 kJ·kg−1·min−1 (5.7 ± 0.95 and 3.9 ± 0.6 MET) for WGS and 1LSS, respectively, whilst less advanced slackliners, 0.471 ± 0.081 and 0.367 ± 0.086 kJ·kg−1·min−1 (6.4 ± 1.2 and 5.0 ± 1.1 MET) for WGS and 1LSS, respectively. Our data suggest that balancing tasks on slackline require V̇O2 corresponding to exercise intensities from light to moderate intensity. More advanced slackliners had a ∼25% reduced energy expenditure when compared with lower ability counterparts during simple balance tasks on the slackline.