bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photonics in Lithuania
Authors: Račiukaitis Gediminas , Balkevičius Petras
Published: November 2022

Laser technologies are one of Lithuania’s strongest and most intensive value-added industrial sectors. Since its beginning in fundamental research nearly 60 years ago, it has grown into a fully self-sustaining ecosystem, providing optics, ultrashort pulse lasers, laser technologies and systems to the global market.
The first detection of the CMB that opened a new field in cosmology
Authors: Maffei Bruno , De Bernardis Paolo , Aghanim Nabila , Stever Samantha
Published: November 2022

The Cosmic Microwave Background, the oldest signal that can be seen in the sky, is the direct proof that our Universe was extremely dense and hot several billion years ago. The first experimental detection of this fossil radiation has been performed in 1964 and has since then become a powerful tool to probe the formation and evolution of the Universe. Observations of this extremely faint signal pushes the boundaries of many technological developments notably in the fields of optics, detection and cryogenics for space applications.
Narrow band gap nanocrystals for infrared cost-effective optoelectronics
Authors: Lhuillier Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

Infrared optoelectronics is driven by epitaxially grown semiconductors and the introduction of alternative materials is often viewed with some suspicion until the newcomer has demonstrated a high degree of viability. Infrared nanocrystals have certainly reached this degree of maturity switching from the demonstration of absorption by chemists to their integration into increasingly complex systems. Here, we review some of the recent developments relative to the integration of nanocrystal devices in the 1-5 µm range.
Use of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography and Prophylactic Endoscopic Stenting in Esophagectomy for Acute Esophageal Necrosis
Authors: van Liebergen Lisanne , Kaiser René , Sibbert David Sebastian , Meiners Stefan , Claussnitzer Christian , Soelter Jan , Schmidt Roland , Beltzer Christian
Published: November 2022

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare condition with high mortality. We describe a case of an AEN accompanied with multiple esophageal perforations in a 40-year-old patient. This was addressed via emergency Ivor-Lewis-esophagectomy with intraoperative Indocyanine-Green-Angiography (ICGA) and prophylactic placement of a self-expanding metal-stent (SEMS).
Schulteruntersuchung: ein rascher Funktionsüberblick
Authors: Schmid Oskar A.
Published: November 2022

Körperliche Untersuchungen und verschiedene Tests, wie zum Beispiel die Messung der Kraftentfaltung nach Janda, erlauben es, Aussagen zu schulterspezifischen Diagnosen zu treffen und etwa eine Schultergelenkssteife, eine Bizepssehnen-Affektion oder eine Rotatorenmanschettenläsion zu erkennen. Entscheidend für die Auswahl der Tests ist neben den Beschwerden auch die Belastungsfähigkeit sowie die körperliche Konstitution der Patienten.
Schwer zu schultern: Psychosomatische Aspekte bei Beschwerden der Schulter und des Schultergürtels
Authors: Behrens Nicolas
Published: November 2022

Psychosomatische Zusammenhänge zeigen sich besonders häufig durch Symptome im Bewegungssystem. Anspannung – körperliche, seelische wie geistige – schlägt sich unter anderem in Verspannungen der Muskulatur nieder. Bei der Behandlung von Beschwerden im Schulter-Nacken-Bereich ist eine Klärung möglicher psychosomatischer Ursachen hilfreich. Diese lassen sich zum Beispiel durch achtsames Berühren oder Akupunktur aufdecken. Fallbeispiele demonstrieren, wie die Lösung psychischer Konflikte zugleich auch zu einer Lösung der Schulter-Nacken-Symptomatik führen kann.
Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Preeclampsia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Lihong , Yang Qiuli
Published: November 2022

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been suggested as a potential biomarker of preeclampsia. However, previous studies evaluating circulating GDF-15 in women with preeclampsia showed inconsistent results. A meta-analysis was performed accordingly in this study. Observational studies comparing circulating GDF-15 between women with preeclampsia normal pregnancy were identified by search of electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for assessing the quality of the studies. A randomized-effect model incorporating the possible between-study heterogeneity was used to pool the results. Eleven observational studies including 498 women with preeclampsia and 2349 women with normal pregnancy contributed to the meta-analysis. Results showed that compared to controls of women with normal pregnancy at least matched for gestational ages, women with preeclampsia had significantly higher circulating GDF-15 at the diagnosis [standard mean difference (SMD): 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16 to 1.17, p=0.01, I2=93%]. Subgroup analysis showed consistent results in women with preterm and term preeclampsia in Asian and non-Asian women and in studies with different quality scores, which were not statistically significant between subgroups (p for subgroup difference>0.05). Moreover, a higher level of GDF-15 was also found before the diagnosis in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia than those who did not (SMD: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.45 to 2.18, p=0.003, I2=89%). In conclusion, a higher circulating GDF-15 is observed in women with preeclampsia even before the diagnosis of the disease.
Kommunikation über die elterliche Krebserkrankung mit
minderjährigen Kindern: Notwendigkeit, Belastung und Themen aus
Elternsicht
Authors: Kleinhaus Hannah , Brähler Elmar , Romer Georg , Ernst Jochen
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund Krebskranke Eltern minderjähriger Kinder stehen neben
der Bewältigung eigener Belastungen vor der schwierigen Aufgabe, ihren
Kindern die Diagnose und deren Auswirkungen zu vermitteln. Ziel der vorliegenden
Arbeit ist es, die Wahrnehmung der Eltern in Bezug auf die Gespräche mit
ihren Kindern zu untersuchen und wesentliche Themen für eine
psychosoziale Unterstützung dabei herauszuarbeiten.

Methodik Anhand eines Fragebogens wurden N=82
Krebspatient*innen mit N=162 minderjährigen Kindern zu
ihren Erfahrungen bei den Gesprächen mit ihren Kindern über die
Erkrankung befragt.

Ergebnisse Die Kommunikation über die Erkrankung wurde von den
meisten Eltern als notwendig wahrgenommen. Das gilt insbesondere in Bezug auf
ältere Kinder. Mit 143 von 162 Kindern (88,3%) fand das
Gespräch statt. Von den 82 befragten Elternteilen empfanden
16,5% keine Belastung als Folge der Gespräche, 15,2%
berichteten von einer sehr hohen Belastung. Als besonders belastend wurde
v. a. das Gefühl wahrgenommen, die Kinder nicht schützen
zu können.

Diskussion Die meisten Eltern erachten die Kommunikation mit den Kindern
als wichtig und handeln auch dementsprechend. Vielen fällt das aber
schwer, z. B., weil sie ihre Kinder eigentlich beschützen
wollen. Für zusätzliche Überforderung können
Fragen der Kinder sorgen, auf welche die Eltern keine Antwort geben
können.

Schlussfolgerung Eine psychosoziale Unterstützung kann hier
hilfreich sein. Von den Eltern thematisierte Erfahrungen können anderen
Eltern in ähnlichen Situationen helfen.
Chronische Schulterbeschwerden – Impingement, Rotatorenmanschettenrupturen oder funktionelle Störung?
Authors: Behrens Nicolas
Published: November 2022

Schulterbeschwerden sind häufig myofaszial bedingt. Dies zu verstehen und zu behandeln macht oft eine angedachte Operation überflüssig. Wichtig ist ein früher Behandlungsstart: Bei allen Beschwerden an der Schulter, spätestens beim typischen „schmerzhaften Bogen“, sollte umgehend untersucht und gezielt konservativ behandelt werden. Das hier vorgestellte pathophysiologisch orientierte Behandlungskonzept zur Verbesserung der Muskulatur und der Bewegungsabläufe ist oft auch in fortgeschrittenen Fällen noch effizient.
Topical hemostatic agents in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis
Authors: Alali Ali A. , Moosavi Sarvee , Martel Myriam , Almadi Majid , Barkun Alan N.
Published: November 2022

Background and study aims Novel topical hemostatic agents have shown promising results in treating patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). However, data are limited even in published meta-analyses as to their role, especially compared to conventional endoscopic approaches. The aim of this study was to perform a highly comprehensive systematic review assessing the effectiveness of topical hemostatic agents in UGIB in different clinical settings.

Methods We performed a literature search of OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases through September 2021. Studies assessing the efficacy of topical hemostatic agents in UGIB were included. Main outcomes were immediate hemostasis and overall rebleeding.

Results A total of 980 citations were identified and 59 studies with a total of 3,417 patients were included in the analysis. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 93 % (91 %; 94 %), with similar results according to etiology (NVUGIB vs. variceal), topical agent used, or treatment strategy (primary vs. rescue). The overall rebleeding rate was 18 % (15%; 21 %) with the majority of rebleeds occurring in the first 7 days. Among comparative studies, topical agents achieved immediate hemostasis more often than standard endoscopic modalities (OR 3.94 [1.73; 8.96), with non-different overall rebleeding odds (OR 1.06 [0.65; 1.74]). Adverse events occurred in 2 % (1 %; 3 %). Study quality was overall low to very low.

Conclusions Topical hemostatic agents are effective and safe in the management of UGIB with favorable outcomes when compared to conventional endoscopic modalities across a variety of bleeding etiologies. This is especially true in novel subgroup analyses that assessed immediate hemostasis and rebleeding among RCTs and in malignant bleeding. Due to methodological limitations of available data, additional studies are needed to ascertain their effectiveness more confidently in the management of patients with UGIB.
Developing Automated Computer Algorithms to Phenotype Periodontal Disease Diagnoses in Electronic Dental Records
Authors: Patel Jay Sureshbhai , Brandon Ryan , Tellez Marisol , Albandar Jasim M. , Rao Rishi , Krois Joachim , Wu Huanmei
Published: November 2022

Objective Our objective was to phenotype periodontal disease (PD) diagnoses from three different sections (diagnosis codes, clinical notes, and periodontal charting) of the electronic dental records (EDR) by developing two automated computer algorithms.

Methods We conducted a retrospective study using EDR data of patients (n = 27,138) who received care at Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry from January 1, 2017 to August 31, 2021. We determined the completeness of patient demographics, periodontal charting, and PD diagnoses information in the EDR. Next, we developed two automated computer algorithms to automatically diagnose patients' PD statuses from clinical notes and periodontal charting data. Last, we phenotyped PD diagnoses using automated computer algorithms and reported the improved completeness of diagnosis.

Results The completeness of PD diagnosis from the EDR was as follows: periodontal diagnosis codes 36% (n = 9,834), diagnoses in clinical notes 18% (n = 4,867), and charting information 80% (n = 21,710). After phenotyping, the completeness of PD diagnoses improved to 100%. Eleven percent of patients had healthy periodontium, 43% were with gingivitis, 3% with stage I, 36% with stage II, and 7% with stage III/IV periodontitis.

Conclusions We successfully developed, tested, and deployed two automated algorithms on big EDR datasets to improve the completeness of PD diagnoses. After phenotyping, EDR provided 100% completeness of PD diagnoses of 27,138 unique patients for research purposes. This approach is recommended for use in other large databases for the evaluation of their EDR data quality and for phenotyping PD diagnoses and other relevant variables.
A combination of large unipolar electrostrain and d33 in a non-ergodic relaxor ferroelectric
Authors: Upadhyay Ashutosh , Kumar Naveen , Adhikary Gobinda Das , Singh Ram Prakash , Mishra Anupam , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: November 2022

One of the important requirements for piezoelectric materials for use as high strain actuators is that they exhibit large unipolar electrostrain with minimum hysteresis. While large unipolar electrostrain >1% is generally achievable in good quality single crystals, most polycrystalline piezoelectric show low values < 0.4%. Unipolar electrostrain 0.5%–0.7% in polycrystalline piezoelectrics has often been reported in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based compositions at the non-ergodic ergodic boundary. Not amenable to poling, such materials exhibit almost nearly zero direct piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ∼ 0 pC/N) and cannot be simultaneously used as a sensor. In this paper, we report a combination of large unipolar electrostrain of ∼0.6% with small strain hysteresis of 25% in a Sn-modified relaxor ferroelectric system PbTiO3–Bi(Ni1/2Zr1/2)O3. It exhibits d33 ∼ 340 pC/N, which is stable up to 130 °C, and large signal converse piezoelectric coefficient d33* ∼ 1200 pm/V. A combination of large d33 and d33* in the same material makes it an important candidate for simultaneous use as a sensor and high strain actuators. X-ray diffraction study in situ with the electric field suggests that large electrostrain with low strain hysteresis in this system is because of the increased reversible switching of the field stabilized tetragonal ferroelastic domains.
Magnetic and transport exchange bias after zero-field cooling in a spin glass
Authors: Liu Pei , Lv Bing , Wang Yongzuo , Miao Yu , Chen Peng , Yao Jinli , Gao Cunxu , Yu Fucheng
Published: November 2022

Exchange bias is usually observed in systems with an interface between a ferromagnet and an antiferromagnet. As a result of the competition between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions at the interface, this effect may involve aspects of glassy behavior. However, the relationship between spin glass and exchange bias is still under investigation. The formation origin of magnetic anisotropy in spin glasses to reveal their relation is a key research issue. Here, we comparatively study the magnetic and transport exchange bias in a spin glass CuMn after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state. We show that the magnetic anisotropy causing the zero-field-cooled exchange bias can be resolved by a linear superposition of unidirectional and uniaxial parts through transport measurements. The former provides a source of net magnetic moments, whereas the latter provides a mechanism for its pinning, which induces the exchange anisotropy for the zero-field-cooled exchange bias during a virgin magnetization process.
Nanodroplet impacts on hydrophobic/superhydrophobic surfaces with point textures
Authors: Han Ning-Ning , Wang Shu-Wen , Sun Bao-Min , He Xin
Published: November 2022

Reducing the contact time between droplets and solid surfaces is important in anti-icing surface design. The present work investigates the impact dynamics of nanodroplets on hydrophobic/superhydrophobic surfaces decorated by point textures via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, aiming to significantly reduce the contact by the point textures. Based on distinguishing outcome regimes into a phase diagram, the point texture is found to not affect the outcome regimes of sticky, bouncing, and splash, whereas the internal rupture regime is significantly enhanced so that the new outcome in this regime, ring-bouncing, which is reported for the first time at the nanoscale, is also significantly reinforced. Impacting nanodroplets with ring-bouncing behaviors have remarkably reduced the contact time due to the saved retraction time via creating a retraction of both inner and outer contact lines. Subsequently, an energy conservation equation from the initial to the bouncing states is established for identifying the boundary of this outcome regime, which shows good agreement with the outcome phase diagram. Finally, impacting nanodroplets with three diameters of 8, 10, and 14 nm are implemented for understanding how the ratio of the droplet size to the texture point affects the reduction of the contact time. The MD results show the cases of 8-nm nanodroplets displaying the best performance of reducing the contact time by 52%, which is superior to current studies in reducing the contact time at the nanoscale. This can be explained by the lower ratio of droplet diameter to texture size leading to a further shorter distance of retraction after the internal rupture and hence a shorter contact time.
High In content nitride sub-micrometer platelet arrays for long wavelength optical applications
Authors: Cai Wentao , Furusawa Yuta , Wang Jia , Park Jeong-Hwan , Liao Yaqiang , Cheong Hea-Jeong , Nitta Shugo , Honda Yoshio , Pristovsek Markus , Amano Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

We demonstrate high, up to 30% In content InGaN sub-micrometer platelets on GaN by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. These InGaN platelets were selectively grown on flat GaN seeds formed in sub-micrometer-scale openings in a SiNx mask. The platelets were highly uniform without any dislocations or pits, with an atomically flat (0001) surface. The typical height was ∼120 nm, which significantly exceeded the normal critical layer thickness of a c-plane InGaN film. The strain state was comprehensively characterized by microbeam x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Due to a gradual elastic relaxation of strain, the In content increased almost linearly from bottom to top because of the strong strain-dependent In incorporation. These platelets can serve as high-quality strain-relaxed templates for long wavelength micro-light-emitting diodes.
Lorentz-force gyrator based on AlScN piezoelectric thin film
Authors: Shao Shuai , Luo Zhifang , Liu Kangfu , Wu Tao
Published: November 2022

This paper reports a chip-scale radio frequency Lorentz-force gyrator based on an aluminum scandium nitride (Al0.7Sc0.3N) thin film. The two-port gyrator, which is essentially a lateral overtone bulk acoustic resonator, consists of a planar coil for Lorentz-force transduction and two top-bottom electrode pairs for piezoelectric transduction. The non-reciprocity is generated by the phase transition in the Lorentz-force coupling when an external vertical magnetic field is applied. The Lorentz-force gyrators based on both AlN and Al0.7Sc0.3N thin films demonstrate good non-reciprocity, i.e., the 180° phase difference, at approximately 517 and 388 MHz, respectively. Thanks to larger piezoelectric constants, the Al0.7Sc0.3N gyrator demonstrates easier impedance matching and a wider fractional bandwidth of 6.3% at a magnetic field of 1.65 T compared to 1.3% for an AlN device. Finally, an isolator consisting of the Lorentz-force gyrator and a shunt resistor is demonstrated over 35 dB of isolation and flat unidirectional transmission.
Effect of Nb substitution on the electronic property of lead-free piezoelectric (Na0.41K0.09Bi0.50)TiO3 single crystal: Optical absorption and photoelectron study
Authors: Sharma Ankur , Yadav Pinki , Bhatt R. , Banik Soma , Singh Gurvinderjit , Bhaumik Indranil
Published: November 2022

Single crystals of undoped and Nb doped sodium and potassium-bismuth titanate at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition [(Na0.41K0.09Bi0.50)TiO3: NKBT] were grown from high temperature solutions. The effect of Nb doping on the electronic property of NKBT was investigated by optical transmission and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). The optical absorption shows that the bandgap having the lowest energy is indirect in nature and increases with the increase in the Nb concentration in the lattice. The estimated Urbach energy increases with the increase of Nb concentration signifying an increase in the disorder in the lattice on Nb doping. The PES revealed that the valence band maxima (VBM) exhibit red shift on Nb doping. It also revealed the presence of in-gap states probably due to Ti3+ defect and oxygen vacancy. Moreover, inline with the optical measurement, the PES showed that there is a decrease in the energy gap between the VBM and defect state with the Nb doping. Furthermore, the angle resolved PES measurement confirmed the presence of both the direct and indirect bandgaps in the crystal.
Role of twin defects on growth dynamics and size distribution of undoped and Si-doped GaAs nanowires by selective area epitaxy
Authors: Ruhstorfer Daniel , Döblinger Markus , Riedl Hubert , Finley Jonathan J. , Koblmüller Gregor
Published: November 2022

We report the effects of Si doping on the growth dynamics and size distribution of entirely catalyst-free GaAs nanowire (NW) arrays grown by selective area molecular beam epitaxy on SiO2-masked Si (111) substrates. Surprising improvements in the NW-array uniformity are found with increasing Si doping, while the growth of undoped NWs appears in a metastable regime, evidenced by large size and shape distributions, and the simultaneous presence of crystallites with tetrahedral termination. Correlating scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy investigations, we propose that the size and shape distributions are strongly linked to the underlying twin defect formation probabilities that govern the growth. Under the present growth conditions, Si-doping of GaAs NWs leads to a very high twin defect formation probability (∼0.4), while undoped NWs exhibit a nearly threefold decreased probability (∼0.15). By adopting a model for facet-mediated growth, we describe how the altered twin formation probabilities impact the competing growth of the relevant low-index NW facets, and hence, NW size and shape. Our model is further supported by a generic Monte Carlo simulation approach to highlight the role of twin defects in reproducing the experimentally observed size distributions.
Dimensionality reduction of local structure in glassy binary mixtures
Authors: Coslovich Daniele , Jack Robert L. , Paret Joris
Published: November 2022

We consider unsupervised learning methods for characterizing the disordered microscopic structure of supercooled liquids and glasses. Specifically, we perform dimensionality reduction of smooth structural descriptors that describe radial and bond-orientational correlations and assess the ability of the method to grasp the essential structural features of glassy binary mixtures. In several cases, a few collective variables account for the bulk of the structural fluctuations within the first coordination shell and also display a clear connection with the fluctuations of particle mobility. Fine-grained descriptors that characterize the radial dependence of bond-orientational order better capture the structural fluctuations relevant for particle mobility but are also more difficult to parameterize and to interpret. We also find that principal component analysis of bond-orientational order parameters provides identical results to neural network autoencoders while having the advantage of being easily interpretable. Overall, our results indicate that glassy binary mixtures have a broad spectrum of structural features. In the temperature range we investigate, some mixtures display well-defined locally favored structures, which are reflected in bimodal distributions of the structural variables identified by dimensionality reduction.
Neuronally produced betaine acts via a ligand-gated ion channel to control behavioral states
Authors: Hardege Iris , Morud Julia , Yu Jingfang , Wilson Tatiana S. , Schroeder Frank C. , Schafer William R.
Published: November 2022

Trimethylglycine, or betaine, is an amino acid derivative found in diverse organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals, with well-established functions as a methyl donor and osmolyte in all cells. In addition, betaine is found in the nervous system, though its function there is not well understood. Here, we show that betaine is synthesized in the nervous system of the nematode worm,
Caenorhabditis elegans,
where it functions in the control of different behavioral states. Specifically, we find that betaine can be produced in a pair of interneurons, the RIMs, and packed into synaptic vesicles by the vesicular monoamine transporter, CAT-1, expressed in these cells. Mutant animals defective in betaine synthesis are unable to control the switch from local to global foraging, a phenotype that can be rescued by restoring betaine specifically to the RIM neurons. These effects on behavior are mediated by a newly identified betaine-gated chloride channel, LGC-41, which is expressed broadly in the navigation circuit. These results implicate neuronally produced betaine as a neuromodulator in vivo and suggest a potentially similar role for betaine in nervous systems of other animals.
Elevation of cell-associated HIV-1 transcripts in CSF CD4+ T cells, despite effective antiretroviral therapy, is linked to brain injury
Authors: Suzuki Kazuo , Zaunders John , Gates Thomas M. , Levert Angelique , Butterly Shannen , Liu Zhixin , Ishida Takaomi , Palmer Sarah , Rae Caroline D. , Jugé Lauriane , Cysique Lucette A. , Brew Bruce J.
Published: November 2022

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can attain prolonged undetectable HIV-1 in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but brain injury remains prevalent in people living with HIV-1 infection (PLHIV). We investigated cell-associated (CA)-HIV-1 RNA transcripts in cells in CSF and blood, using the highly sensitive Double-R assay, together with proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (
1
H MRS) of major brain metabolites, in sixteen PLHIV. 14/16 CSF cell samples had quantifiable CA-HIV-1 RNA, at levels significantly higher than in their PBMCs (median 9,266 vs 185 copies /106 CD4+ T-cells; p<0.0001). In individual PLHIV, higher levels of HIV-1 transcripts in CSF cells were associated with greater brain injury in the frontal white matter (Std β=-0.73; p=0.007) and posterior cingulate (Std β=-0.61; p=0.03). 18-colour flow cytometry revealed that the CSF cells were 91% memory T-cells, equally CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, but fewer B cells (0.4 %), and monocytes (3.1%). CXCR3
+
CD49d
+
integrin β7-, CCR5
+
CD4
+
T-cells were highly enriched in CSF, compared with PBMC (p <0.001). However, CA-HIV-1 RNA could not be detected in 10/16 preparations of highly purified monocytes from PBMC, and was extremely low in the other six. Our data show that elevated HIV-1 transcripts in CSF cells were associated with brain injury, despite suppressive ART. The cellular source is most likely memory CD4
+
T cells from blood, rather than trafficking monocytes. Future research should focus on inhibitors of this transcription to reduce local production of potentially neurotoxic and inflammatory viral products.
Incipient articles in Old East Scandinavian varieties
Authors: Sánchez Argüelles Gerardo , Los Bettelou
Published: November 2022

This is a study of the semantics of definiteness marking and of its applicability to the Old East Scandinavian linguistic scenario. Contrary to the Modern Continental Scandinavian languages, Old East Scandinavian varieties did not possess fully-fledged definite articles, although all three demonstrative systems (hinn, -inn, sá/þænn, andsjá/þænni) show some evidence of being used as markers of definiteness. A semantic analysis of these forms in extracts from theScanian LawandGuta Lagreveals the differentiated intermediate stages along the cline of grammaticalisation these definiteness markers found themselves in during this linguistic period. This confirms, in turn, that despite not being employed as definite articles proper,hinn, -innandsá/þænnshow some degree of semantic bleaching.
Fluctuation effects on the plasma density profiles measured by using a frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer
Authors: Seo Seong-Heon
Published: November 2022

Scanning diagnostics requires that for the correct measurement the target should not move during the scan. However, even if a frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer is operated with a frequency modulation (FM) time of 10 µs, the high-temperature fusion plasma fluctuates even for such a short duration. The fluctuation effect on the reflectometer measurements is investigated by simulating the reflectometer response for various plasma conditions. Because the uncertainty of the zero density position might give an additional distortion to the reconstructed profile, this effect is also investigated. The simulation results show that the density profile reconstruction is not very sensitive to the zero density position but very sensitive to the fluctuations. The FM rate must be 100 times faster than the fluctuation frequency in order to suppress the radial distortion below about 20% of the fluctuation radial amplitude. An algorithm is proposed to reduce the distortion more effectively even at much lower FM rates. The distortion is canceled out by averaging two profiles, one of which is measured as increasing the frequency and the other as decreasing the frequency. The algorithm is applied to the experimental data analysis to confirm the simulation results. Through this study, it is concluded that the FM time of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research reflectometer should be reduced to 2 µs to be able to measure the H-mode plasma density profiles.
View from below: experimental manipulation of water surfaces to evaluate visual integrity of heron-like models through Snell’s window
Authors: Cortese A R B , Reimchen T E
Published: November 2022

The water–air interface is a globally widespread habitat for interactions between prey and predators. We experimentally manipulated water surface conditions (flat, smooth waves, three levels of current-induced turbulence) and digitally quantified the visual integrity of above-surface models from a subsurface perspective. Progressive fragmentation was present in each of the models (upright heron, crouched heron, vertical block, horizontal block) with increased departure from flat surface conditions. Smooth directional waves produced multiple horizontal bands (shadows) that moved across the models while surface currents distorted the profile, including progressive disintegration of the models appearance into multiple fragments of different sizes. This fragmentation is caused by scattered surface irregularities interacting with waves and is accentuated at the broken periphery of the optical window, reducing recognition of the models. Unexpectedly, we found that bands and fragments emerging from different surface conditions resemble common frontal plumage patterns on some Ardeidae and shorebirds (Charadriiformes). While these natural plumages are widely recognized to reflect a diversity of adaptations, including camouflage in terrestrial habitats, we suggest that their resemblance to water surface-induced fragmentation might also reflect foraging adaptations of predators though the water–air interface.
Absence of Wee1 alters global transcriptional response to oxidative stress in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Datta Suchismita , Ghosal Agamani , Dutta Suparna , Sundaram Geetanjali
Published: November 2022

Stress response and checkpoint activation are the main determinants of cellular survival in adverse conditions. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, these are controlled by the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Spc1 and the Cyclin dependent Kinase Cdc2 respectively. Cdc2 is regulated positively by Cdc25 and negatively by Wee1. Changes in Cdc2 activity can be sensed by Spc1 resulting in the modulation of mitotic timing by Spc1. Functional cross talks between cell cycle regulation and MAPK machinery during regulation of mitotic timing are well characterised but the presence of similar communication during stress response remains unexplored. In this study we report how the checkpoint activator kinase Wee1 can also influence the transcriptional response to oxidative stress. We show that deletion of Wee1 results in changes in gene expression of the cells, especially with respect to genes whose expression is known to be regulated by Spc1. These differences are seen in unperturbed cells as well as during oxidative stress. Moreover, such variations extend beyond what could be expected to occur due to the known enhanced Spc1 activity of these cells. This is the first depiction of the influence of Wee1 and consequently Cdc2 activity on transcriptional response to oxidative stress.
Clinically relevant mouse models of Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2S
Authors: Martin Paige B , Holbrook Sarah E , Hicks Amy N , Hines Timothy J , Bogdanik Laurent P , Burgess Robert W , Cox Gregory A
Published: November 2022

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease is an inherited peripheral neuropathy that is clinically and genetically heterogenous. Mutations in IGHMBP2, a ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA helicase, have been shown to cause the infantile motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1), and, more recently, juvenile-onset Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2S (CMT2S). Using CRISPR-cas9 mutagenesis, we developed the first mouse models of CMT2S [p.Glu365del (E365del) and p.Tyr918Cys (Y918C)]. E365del is the first CMT2S mouse model to be discovered and Y918C is the first human CMT2S allele knock-in model. Phenotypic characterization of the homozygous models found progressive peripheral motor and sensory axonal degeneration. Neuromuscular and locomotor assays indicate that both E365del and Y918C mice have motor deficits, while neurobehavioral characterization of sensory function found that E365del mutants have mechanical allodynia. Analysis of femoral motor and sensory nerves identified axonal degeneration, which does not impact nerve conduction velocities in E365del mice, but it does so in the Y918C model. Based on these results, the E365del mutant mouse, and the human allele knock-in, Y918C, represent mouse models with the hallmark phenotypes of CMT2S, which will be critical for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of IGHMBP2. These mice will complement existing Ighmbp2 alleles modeling SMARD1 to help understand the complex phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity that is observed in patients with IGHMBP2 variants.
Chandra fails to detect X-ray emission from Type Ia SN 2018fhw/ASASSN-18tb
Authors: Dwarkadas Vikram V
Published: November 2022

We report on Chandra X-ray observations of ASASSN-18tb/SN 2018fhw, a low luminosity Type Ia supernova (SN) that showed a H line in its optical spectrum. No X-ray emission was detected at the location of the SN. Upper limits to the luminosity of up to 3 × 1039 erg s−1 are calculated, depending on the assumed spectral model, temperature, and column density. These are compared to Type Ia-CSM SNe, SN 2005gj, and SN 2002ic that have been observed with Chandra in the past. The upper limits are lower than the X-ray luminosity found for the Type Ia-CSM SN 2012ca, the only Type Ia SN to have been detected in X-rays. Consideration of various scenarios for the Hα line suggests that the density of the surrounding medium at the time of Hα line detection could have been as high as 108 cm−3, but must have decreased below 5 $\times \, 10^6$ cm−3 at the time of X-ray observation. Continual X-ray observations of SNe which show a H line in their spectrum are necessary in order to establish Type Ia SNe as an X-ray emitting class.
Minimal diel vertical migration and consistent zooplankton capturability in low productivity reservoirs, Oregon
Authors: Murphy Christina A , Pollock Amanda M M , Strecker Angela , Johnson Sherri L
Published: November 2022

Diel migrations of zooplanktons occur in marine and freshwater systems and can complicate inferences from studies. If populations perform vertical or horizontal diel migrations, daytime-only sampling can mischaracterize distributions and abundances. Zooplanktons also often display reduced capture avoidance at night and occupy areas easier to sample near the surface and away from littoral structure and the benthos. We examined zooplankton abundance, water column position and taxonomic composition during daytime and nighttime new moon periods using discrete depth sampling in oligo-mesotrophic reservoirs in Oregon, USA. These reservoirs have limited littoral structures, but support populations of zooplanktivorous fishes that we expected to drive diel vertical migrations. Contrary to our expectations, at night, most zooplankton taxa were within 2 m of their daytime distributional peak and did not display differences in abundance from day to night sampling. We consider factors that may help predict whether diel vertical migration occurs in a system. Where daytime sampling is sufficient to characterize zooplankton densities and distributions, costs and risks specific to nighttime sampling may be avoided. Improving our knowledge of zooplankton dynamics, particularly in ecosystems with limited diurnal variability, is an important part of understanding lake and reservoir food webs and can optimize the efforts of future studies.
Single-nucleus profiling unveils a geroprotective role of the FOXO3 in primate skeletal muscle aging
Authors: Jing Ying , Zuo Yuesheng , Yu Yang , Sun Liang , Yu Zhengrong , Ma Shuai , Zhao Qian , Sun Guoqiang , Hu Huifang , Li Jingyi , Huang Daoyuan , Liu Lixiao , Li Jiaming , Xin Zijuan , Huang Haoyan , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Zhang Weiqi , Wang Si , Qu Jing , Liu Guang-Hui
Published: November 2022

Age-dependent loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is a feature of sarcopenia, and increases the risk of many aging-related metabolic diseases. Here, we report phenotypic and single-nucleus transcriptomic analyses of non-human primate skeletal muscle aging. A higher transcriptional fluctuation was observed in myonuclei relative to other interstitial cell types, indicating a higher susceptibility of skeletal muscle fiber to aging. We found a downregulation of FOXO3 in aged primate skeletal muscle, and identified FOXO3 as a hub transcription factor maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis. Through establishment of a complementary experimental pipeline based on a human pluripotent stem cell-derived myotube model, we revealed that silence of FOXO3 accelerates human myotube senescence, whereas genetic activation of endogenous FOXO3 alleviates human myotube aging. Altogether, based on a combination of monkey skeletal muscle and human myotube aging research models, we unraveled the pivotal role of the FOXO3 in safeguarding primate skeletal muscle from aging, providing a comprehensive resource for development of clinical diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions against human skeletal muscle aging and the onset of sarcopenia along with aging-related disorders.
Training during the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of public health registrars in the London and Kent, Surrey, Sussex training programme
Authors: Hall L , Bisset K , Lynch L , Young Y , Ruggles R ,   Clinical and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency
Published: November 2022

Background

Public Health registrars (SpRs) were an important component of the workforce that contributed to the COVID-19 response. This study explores their contribution and the impact the early stages of the pandemic had on their learning and training.

Methods

Data were collected from SpRs in the London and Kent, Surrey, Sussex training programme between July and September 2020 through a mixture of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts was undertaken to identify themes.

Results

35/128 SpRs responded to the survey and 11 were interviewed. SpRs were placed across a range of organizations and made a significant contribution to the COVID-19 response. Overall, SpRs learned important skills but working on the response may for some have impacted negatively on training. A number of facilitators and barriers to learning were identified.

Conclusion

The study findings highlight the opportunities for learning created by the pandemic. However, changing projects and the desire of SpRs to contribute to the response meant the impacts on training were mixed. Future deployment of SpRs should consider the balance of responsibility and pace when delegating work, as well as the need to supervise effectively and support remote working to maintain good mental wellbeing.
Different Time Frames, Different Futures: How Disadvantaged Youth Project Realistic and Idealistic Futures
Authors: Liang Yingjian
Published: November 2022

Existing sociological literature provides conflicting theoretical accounts of disadvantaged youth’s aspirations. While structuralists and rational choice theorists contend that disadvantaged young people tend to form low aspirations in the face of limited structural opportunities, cultural sociologists maintain that disadvantaged youth construct highly aspirational imagined futures to claim their moral self-worth in the present. I argue that incorporating time frames into the study of aspirations helps resolve the tension by enabling researchers to investigate when—in what time frame—one model works better than others. I demonstrate the value of this approach using qualitative interviews with 31 eighth-grade students in China’s rural Shanxi Province, where structural constraints of socioeconomic attainment undercut cultural ideals of social mobility. In this context, findings show that respondents focused on practical constraints from their academic performance and family economic strains when projecting their short-term futures (structural/rational choice model) while they constructed future selves distinctive from rural origins in their long-term futures (cultural model). I conclude by discussing this approach’s implications for studying aspirations, expectations, and their relationships to educational and career outcomes.
Association Between Role Overload and Sleep Quality Among Chinese First-Line Nurses During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Moderating Effect of Mindfulness
Authors: LI Na , ZHU Pengli , LI Hong , CHEN Xiaohuan , CHEN Lili , CHEN Meirong
Published: November 2022

Background

Nurses working during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have experienced a high incidence of insomnia because of exposure to life-threatening occupational risks. Good sleep is essential for nurses to maintain their ability to care for patients with infectious diseases.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of role overload on sleep quality and the moderating role of mindfulness.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study, which was conducted between March 20 and April 5, 2020. The survey was completed by 357 nurses who had relocated from Fujian Province to the epicenter of the outbreak in China to treat patients with COVID-19. Role overload, sleep quality, and mindfulness in these nurses were evaluated using the Role Overload Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Hierarchical regression and other statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Role overload was shown to be positively related to poor sleep quality, and mindfulness was found to be effective in alleviating sleep disorders associated with role overload.

Conclusions

The high risk of sleep disturbance among frontline nurses may be alleviated by reducing their perceived role overload. The identification of mindfulness as a moderating mechanism in the relationship between role overload and sleep quality provides new insights to improve sleep quality in nurses.
Altered cardiovascular risk pattern of LDL cholesterol in older adults
Authors: Rozing Maarten Pieter , Westendorp Rudi G.J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at middle-age constitute a strong risk factor for later cardiovascular events. In older populations, however, LDL-C levels are no longer predictive of cardiovascular mortality or may even seem protective. Whether the altered risk pattern of LDL-C in old age reflects a causal mechanism or is due to confounding and bias is subject to debate. In this review, we briefly discuss the possible explanations for the altered risk pattern of LDL-C observed in old age.

Recent findings

Using examples from the recent literature we illustrate how LDL-C levels ‘lose’ their predictive value as a cardiovascular risk factor in old age. We review three potential explanations for the changed cardiovascular risk pattern of LDL-C in older populations: survivorship bias, reverse causation, and effect modification.

The absent or protective effect of LDL-C on cardiovascular mortality in older populations found in observational studies might be explained by survivorship bias, reverse causation, and effect modification. However, this does not necessarily preclude the possibility that (specific) cholesterol-lowering treatment could decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality. Placebo-controlled trials may importantly add to our understanding of who may benefit from lipid-lowering therapy or statins at an older age.
Case Report: Microsporidial Endophthalmitis after Penetrating Eye Trauma
Authors: Rodrigues Gladys , Rao Pooja , Vepakomma Tishya , Mendonca Teena
Published: November 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

In the recent past, there are increasing publications on microsporidia affecting the cornea in Asian population. However, microsporidia-causing endophthalmitis has been rarely reported. This report intends to draw the attention of eye care professionals to consider microsporidia as a differential diagnosis in cases of keratitis or endophthalmitis after ocular trauma.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report a case of microsporidial endophthalmitis after corneal tear in an otherwise healthy patient.

CASE REPORT

A 62-year-old healthy gentleman sustained injury to the left eye cornea with the tip of a soiled and wet screw driver. Two days after the corneal tear suturing, he complained of pain. On examination, circumcorneal congestion with hypopyon of 2 mm in height was present. Vitreous tap and intravitreal antibiotics were injected. Vitreous tap showed microsporidia. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed. His vision improved to 6/12.

CONCLUSIONS

Microsporidia are an emerging cause of stromal keratitis. In the recent past, there has been an increase in microsporidial keratitis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. History of trauma especially in rainy season and exposure to soil are reported risk factors. This is a case report on microsporidia-causing endophthalmitis after corneal tear repair. Ophthalmologists and optometrists should be aware of the possibility of microsporidia as a potential pathogen causing stromal keratitis or endophthalmitis in a setting of ocular trauma. Early treatment can result in good visual recovery.
Liver Enzymes and Blood Lactate Profile of Patients Diagnosed with Typhoid Fever in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Anunobi Oluchukwu Ogechukwu , Ojo Rita Ewela
Published: November 2022

Background

Typhoid fever resistance is on the increase and this frustrates efforts at treatment. Persistence of multiple drug-resistant (MDR) typhoid fever leads to higher mortality rate since treatment is evasive.

Objectives

This study intended to identify if liver enzymes and lactate levels are related to aggravating MDR in patients diagnosed with typhoid fever.

Methods

50 subjects were recruited, 45 were positive for Widal test and further subjected to stool culture examination for the presence ofS. Typhi. All subjects blood were analysed for lactate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Results

Growth ofS. Typhi was observed in only eight subjects out of the 45 Widal positive test subjects. The eight positiveS. Typhi isolates showed resistance to the first line drugs, macrolides and 3rdgeneration cephalosporins but showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. ALP, AST, ALT and blood lactate were elevated in all multi-drug resistant patients. Highest levels of liver enzymes were observed in subjects resistant to the greatest number of antibiotics. However, there was no significant correlation of increase in blood lactate level and ALP when compared with increase in resistance based on number of antibiotics (R2=0.2858, R2=0.4675).

Conclusion

Lactate and liver enzyme levels increase markedly during typhoid fever infection, however in MDR scenario, especially in resistance to different classes of antibiotics, the metabolic toll on the liver increases and is reflected in elevation of AST and ALT.