bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermionic emission of a tungsten surface in high heat flux plasma: PIC simulations
Authors: Moritz J. , Heuraux S. , Lemoine N. , Lesur M. , Gravier E. , Brochard F. , Marot L. , Hiret P.
Published: August 2023

The surface temperature of a tungsten surface facing hot hydrogen plasma is evaluated, thanks to 1d/3v particle-in-cell simulations in floating wall conditions. At each iteration, the plasma heat flux to the cathode is equalized with the outgoing one, which is due to thermionic emission, surface radiation, and heat conduction through the wall. The thermal conductivity is chosen within the range 35–160 W m−1 K−1 in the different simulations in order to take into account the surface condition. A transition from a cold temperature surface to a hot one arises for a critical thermal conductivity, whose value depends on the plasma parameters. This transition is very abrupt and leads to a space charge limited regime where the thermionic current penetrating the plasma has reached its maximal value and is about three times the Bohm current. Changing the initial conditions in the code, more particularly, the timing of electron emission, can lead to a very different final surface temperature. This history effect and the associated hysteresis are evidenced by means of fluid calculations, which are in a good agreement with the simulation results as well as with previous experimental measurements.
Impact of the perceived sensory dimensions of an atypical environment on perceived environmental restorativeness (Impacto de las dimensiones sensoriales percibidas de un ambiente atípico sobre la percepción de restauración ambiental)
Authors: Del Carmen-Robles Eddy-Homero , Martínez-Soto Joel , Andaverde-Vega Adrián-Alberto , Tirado-Medina Hugo
Published: August 2023

This study documents the restorative influence of an atypical natural environment characterized in terms of its ecosystem as Tamaulipan Thornscrub (TT), considering a classification of urban green areas based on eight perceived sensory dimensions (PSD). A sample of 444 university students (62% women; age range 18–29) evaluated the restorative potential of a set of images from the TT ecosystem classified in one of the following PSD categories: Diverse, Natural, Open, Cohesive, Social, Cultural, Sheltered and Serene. Analysis conducted using non-parametric repeated measures tests showed that Diverse and Serene PSD are significantly more restorative than the other dimensions, while Natural and Cohesive are the least restorative. The TT ecosystem overall was perceived to possess moderate global restorative potential. The interaction between PSD, the TT ecosystem, perceived environmental restorativeness and its contribution to the promotion of public health is discussed. Finally, the use of certain PSD in green areas is suggested along with the consideration of studying specific eco-biological factors.
MYC is a clinically significant driver of mTOR inhibitor resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Bhin Jinhyuk , Yemelyanenko Julia , Chao Xue , Klarenbeek Sjoerd , Opdam Mark , Malka Yuval , Hoekman Liesbeth , Kruger Dinja , Bleijerveld Onno , Brambillasca Chiara S. , Sprengers Justin , Siteur Bjørn , Annunziato Stefano , van Haren Matthijs J. , Martin Nathaniel I. , van de Ven Marieke , Peters Dennis , Agami Reuven , Linn Sabine C. , Boven Epie , Altelaar Maarten , Jonkers Jos , Zingg Daniel , Wessels Lodewyk F.A.
Published: August 2023

Targeting the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway is a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. However, low response rates and development of resistance to PI3K–AKT–mTOR inhibitors remain major clinical challenges. Here, we show that MYC activation drives resistance to mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) in breast cancer. Multiomic profiling of mouse invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) tumors revealed recurrent Myc amplifications in tumors that acquired resistance to the mTORi AZD8055. MYC activation was associated with biological processes linked to mTORi response and counteracted mTORi-induced translation inhibition by promoting translation of ribosomal proteins. In vitro and in vivo induction of MYC conferred mTORi resistance in mouse and human breast cancer models. Conversely, AZD8055-resistant ILC cells depended on MYC, as demonstrated by the synergistic effects of mTORi and MYCi combination treatment. Notably, MYC status was significantly associated with poor response to everolimus therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients. Thus, MYC is a clinically relevant driver of mTORi resistance that may stratify breast cancer patients for mTOR-targeted therapies.
A novel molecular class that recruits HDAC/MECP2 complexes to PU.1 motifs reduces neuroinflammation
Authors: Ralvenius William T. , Mungenast Alison E. , Woolf Hannah , Huston Margaret M. , Gillingham Tyler Z. , Godin Stephen K. , Penney Jay , Cam Hugh P. , Gao Fan , Fernandez Celia G. , Czako Barbara , Lightfoot Yaima , Ray William J. , Beckmann Adrian , Goate Alison M. , Marcora Edoardo , Romero-Molina Carmen , Ayata Pinar , Schaefer Anne , Gjoneska Elizabeta , Tsai Li-Huei
Published: August 2023

Pervasive neuroinflammation occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). SPI1/PU.1 is a transcription factor located at a genome-wide significant AD-risk locus and its reduced expression is associated with delayed onset of AD. We analyzed single-cell transcriptomic datasets from microglia of human AD patients and found an enrichment of PU.1-binding motifs in the differentially expressed genes. In hippocampal tissues from transgenic mice with neurodegeneration, we found vastly increased genomic PU.1 binding. We then screened for PU.1 inhibitors using a PU.1 reporter cell line and discovered A11, a molecule with anti-inflammatory efficacy and nanomolar potency. A11 regulated genes putatively by recruiting a repressive complex containing MECP2, HDAC1, SIN3A, and DNMT3A to PU.1 motifs, thus representing a novel mechanism and class of molecules. In mouse models of AD, A11 ameliorated neuroinflammation, loss of neuronal integrity, AD pathology, and improved cognitive performance. This study uncovers a novel class of anti-inflammatory molecules with therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders.
Pedestrian flow through exit: Study focused on evacuation pattern
Authors: Zhang 张 Bo-Si 博思 , Yu 余 Zhi-Hong 志红 , Sun 孙 Bo-Lin 柏林 , Guo 郭 Zi-Yu 紫钰 , Chen 陈 Mo 默
Published: August 2023

Experiments are conducted on the evacuation rate of pedestrians through exits with queued evacuation pattern and random evacuation pattern. The experimental results show that the flow rate of pedestrians is larger with the random evacuation pattern than with the queued evacuation pattern. Therefore, the exit width calculated based on the minimum evacuation clear width for every 100 persons, which is on the assumption that the pedestrians pass through the exit in one queue or several queues, is conservative. The number of people crossing the exit simultaneously is greater in the random evacuation experiments than in the queued evacuation experiments, and the time interval between the front row and rear row of people is shortened in large-exit conditions when pedestrians evacuate randomly. The difference between the flow rate with a queued evacuation pattern and the flow rate with a random evacuation pattern is related to the surplus width of the exit, which is greater than the total width of all accommodated people streams. Two dimensionless quantities are defined to explore this relationship. It is found that the difference in flow rate between the two evacuation patterns is stable at a low level when the surplus width of the exit is no more than 45% of the width of a single pedestrian stream. There is a great difference between the flow rate with the queued evacuation pattern and the flow rate with the random evacuation pattern in a scenario with a larger surplus width of the exit. Meanwhile, the pedestrians crowd extraordinarily at the exit in these conditions as well, since the number of pedestrians who want to evacuate through exit simultaneously greatly exceeds the accommodated level. Therefore, the surplus width of exit should be limited especially in the narrow exit condition, and the relationship between the two dimensionless quantities mentioned above could provide the basis to some extent.
Intrinsic electronic structure and nodeless superconducting gap of YBa2Cu3O7–δ
observed by spatially-resolved laser-based angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Li 李 Shuaishuai 帅帅 , Miao 苗 Taimin 泰民 , Yin 殷 Chaohui 超辉 , Li 李 Yinghao 颖昊 , Yan 闫 Hongtao 宏涛 , Chen 陈 Yiwen 逸雯 , Liang 梁 Bo 波 , Chen 陈 Hao 浩 , Zhu 朱 Wenpei 文培 , Zhang 张 Shenjin 申金 , Wang 王 Zhimin 志敏 , Zhang 张 Fengfeng 丰丰 , Yang 杨 Feng 峰 , Peng 彭 Qinjun 钦军 , Lin 林 Chengtian 成天 , Mao 毛 Hanqing 寒青 , Liu 刘 Guodong 国东 , Xu 许 Zuyan 祖彦 , Zhao 赵 Lin 林 , Zhou 周 X J 兴江
Published: August 2023

The spatially-resolved laser-based high-resolution angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements have been performed on the optimally-doped YBa2Cu3O7–δ
(Y123) superconductor. For the first time, we found the region from the cleaved surface that reveals clear bulk electronic properties. The intrinsic Fermi surface and band structures of Y123 were observed. The Fermi surface-dependent and momentum-dependent superconducting gap was determined which is nodeless and consistent with the d+is gap form.
Possible molecular states from interactions of charmed strange baryons*
Authors: Song 宋 Dan 丹 , Chen 陈 Shu 述 , Kong 孔 Shu-Yi 淑仪 , He 何 Jun 军
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigate possible molecular states composed of two charmed strange baryons from the

interaction and their hidden-charm hidden-strange partners from the

interaction. With the aid of heavy quark chiral effective Lagrangians, the interactions of charmed strange baryons are described with light meson exchanges. The potential kernels are constructed and inserted into the quasipotential Bethe–Salpeter equation. The bound states are produced from most interactions considered, which suggests that strong attractions exist widely between the charmed strange baryons. Experimental search for these types of molecular states is suggested in future high-precision measurements.
Optical and X-Ray Studies of Marginal Contact Binary RW Dor Using TESS and XMM-Newton Observatories
Authors: Sriram K. , Mamatha Rani G.
Published: August 2023

Marginal short-period contact binaries are important to understand as they pose a different physical scenario than the predicted theoretical model based on the thermal relaxation oscillation mechanism due to their shallow degree of contact. Here we present the optical and X-ray studies of a contact binary source RW Dor using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and XMM-Newton telescopes. For the first time we report the varying O’Connell effect and explain the asymmetry with a spot model. Based on the new times of minima, we make a robust estimate of the orbital period of the third body at 47.01 ∼ 0.52 yr with an eccentricity e = 0.21. We show that the period-decreasing trend observed in O − C variation can be explained by both conservative mass transfer from primary to secondary and AML via stellar wind. The X-ray luminosity exhibited by RW Dor did not vary significantly on three different occasions and was found to be about 3.34 × 1029 erg s−1. Assuming that the quiescent X-ray emission is emitted from an undisturbed loop structure, the loop size is estimated to be 0.6–1 × 1010 cm which is ≤Alfvén radius r
A ∼ 8 × 1010 cm.
Analytical model of non-uniform charge distribution within the gated region of GaN HEMTs
Authors: Al-Saman Amgad A. , Ryndin Eugeny A. , Zhang Xinchuan , Pei Yi , Lin Fujiang
Published: August 2023

A physics-based analytical expression that predicts the charge, electrical field and potential distributions along the gated region of the GaN HEMT channel has been developed. Unlike the gradual channel approximation (GCA), the proposed model considers the non-uniform variation of the concentration under the gated region as a function of terminal applied voltages. In addition, the model can capture the influence of mobility and channel temperature on the charge distribution trend. The comparison with the hydrodynamic (HD) numerical simulation showed a high agreement of the proposed model with numerical data for different bias conditions considering the self-heating and quantization of the electron concentration. The analytical nature of the model allows us to reduce the computational and time cost of the simulation. Also, it can be used as a core expression to develop a complete physics-based transistor Ⅳ model without GCA limitation.
Dynamical theory of topological defects I: the multivalued solution of the diffusion equation
Authors: Romano Jacopo , Mahault Benoît , Golestanian Ramin
Published: August 2023

Point-like topological defects are singular configurations that manifest in and out of various equilibrium systems with two-dimensional orientational order. Because they are associated with a nonzero circuitation condition, the presence of defects induces a long-range perturbation of the orientation landscape around them. The effective dynamics of defects is thus generally described in terms of quasi-particles interacting via the orientation field they produce, whose evolution in the simplest setting is governed by the diffusion equation. Because of the multivalued nature of the orientation field, its expression for a defect moving with an arbitrary trajectory cannot be determined straightforwardly and is often evaluated in the quasi-static approximation. Here, we instead derive the exact expression for the orientation created by multiple moving defects, which we find to depend on their past trajectories and thus to be nonlocal in time. Performing various expansions in relevant regimes, we demonstrate how improved approximations with respect to the quasi-static defect solution can be obtained. Moreover, our results lead to so far unnoticed structures in the orientation field of moving defects, which we discuss in light of existing experimental results.
Development of IoT portable device for saline water monitoring in Bang Kachao Area of Thailand
Authors: Anuwongpinit Thanavit , Sutthinoon Sakditat , Tanachaichoksirikun Pinit , Purahong Boonchana
Published: August 2023

This research developed a portable water salinity measurement device using internet of things technology to support farmers in Bang Kachao area in Samut Prakan province, Thailand, to select quality water for cultivation and consumption. The system hardware consists of a microcontroller ESP32 with a GPS module and an electrical conductivity sensor with an analog-to-digital conversion module for saline water measurement. This device can connect to an internet system via a Wi-Fi network and MQTT protocol to transmit the data of saline water value and measuring location to the cloud system. In the cloud system, the node-red system software is installed as a data gateway for device interfacing. In addition, a node-red dashboard is used to collect data from a portable device and previously installed water quality monitoring station for visualizing a portable device location and saline water data. This dashboard is a web page that allows people to monitor the water situation in the area that is suitable to use.
A study on the knowledge-based information system for evacuation situation awareness in the case of fire
Authors: Kim Yong Jun , Byun Yung-Cheol
Published: August 2023

This study is on designing a knowledge-based information system for evacuation situation awareness in case of fire. First, in the design of this system, various progress of urban fires was stored and learned in the database so that multiple fire situations could be recognized. In addition, it is to be actively applied to fire disaster prevention through the knowledge-based Fire Dynamics Simulator information system so that it can be actively used for situational information of evacuees and property protection. Moreover, this system is designed to reduce damage to human life and property in the event of a fire in a building, etc. For this purpose, fire extinguishment can be predicted based on building information such as structure and building materials. Natural disasters leading to significant fires can be prevented by predicting fire evolution between buildings. Damage to human life and property due to fire can be contained. This system is a knowledge-based information system that optimizes ubiquitous technologies. It can respond to minimize damage by periodically recognizing the situation of evacuees in case of fire and notifying the central control center of the problem.
Applicability of Weibull distribution in Generating Model for Evaluating Lifespan Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV)
Authors: Doungpan Satawat , Chatchavong Vanvisa , Janchitrapongvej Kanok
Published: August 2023

CCTV is an expedient tool for monitoring and investigating. Since it can record emergency and routine events in memory of the electronic circuit board. However, in the process of operating CCTV, it is necessary to carry out a sampling inspection on its lifetime to predicate its availability and reliability. According to previous literature, most of the parameter estimation methods used only one parameter estimation method, which is not sufficient for identifying two explicit parameters of Weibull distribution. Moreover, the bad parameter estimation method cannot achieve reliable analysis results. Therefore, this paper presented the four methods of estimation in both graphical and analytical methods for estimating parameters of Weibull distribution. These methods have measured the accuracy by using mean square error (MSE). In addition, the real data set confirmed that there is the Weibull distribution by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The simulation results found that the maximum likelihood method (MLM) can outperform the other estimator because it can provide a minimum MSE, there is an optimal parameter in which the shape is 4.3881 and the scale is 86.8207. Finally, the two optimal parameters are applied to real data sets of the CCTV. As a result, the optimal parameter fits with real data sets, and it can evaluate the lifespan of CCTV by using the mean time to failure (MTTF) as 6.6 years.
An investigation of performance and power efficiency for parallax background scrolling hardware written in high-level synthesis
Authors: Lee K , Yamawaki A
Published: August 2023

We are developing a game programming software library so that high-level synthesis, HLS, can automatically generate high-performance and low-power hardware modules. A mobile terminal with a user-available reconfigurable device like Field programmable gate array, FPGA, we have proposed will efficiently perform game application built in HLS-oriented game library instead of power-hungry software execution. The dynamic hardware reconfiguration on a single FPGA can execute many kinds of game applications. Our previous research has developed software description methods for two-background scrolling in HLS-oriented game programming library by using two methods. They are (1) Full-parallel equips plural physical ports loading background images individually making HLS hardware execute the entire process parallelly increasing the amount of hardware: (2) Semi-parallel shares the single port loading background images serially, suppressing the hardware growth while achieving moderate performance by overlapping operation phases. We investigate two methods about execution time and power efficiency on the parallax scrolling with 2 to 4 backgrounds. The execution times of full-parallel hardware at 100MHz clock frequency are constantly about 9.65 [ms] while those of semi-parallel are 28, 38 and 47 [ms]. The PC at 3.2 GHz shows 78, 98 and 105 [ms] respectively as well. The power efficiencies about the full-parallel estimated considering hardware enlargement are 167, 208 and 112 times compared to the software execution in the PC, while those of semi-parallel are 94, 88 and 75 times. This fact indicates that the full-parallel is better strategy for parallax background scrolling in this case although more hardware resource are invested.
Enhanced Technique for Prediction of Z-R Relationship in Tropical Region
Authors: Aziding Khairunnisa , Badron Khairayu , Basri Atikah Balqis , Ismail Ahmad Fadzil , Ahmad Yasser Asrul
Published: August 2023

Over the years, research has been directed to investigate radar as potential tools for estimating rain. The radar reflectivity is measured by comparing the location of the rain gauge and the associated vertical path at certain altitude. The latitude and longitude of the rain gauge is identified to pinpoint the exact associated location by using Rainbow®5 meteorological software. In this work, radar reflectivity was estimated by using S-band Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TWDR) data at Malaysian KLIA radar station. The rain gauge is owned by Malaysian Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) at several locations within the vicinity of the radar. A technique to estimate the Z-R relationship by using radar reflectivity information and rainfall rate from rain gauge values is demonstrated in this article. Comparisons between radar reflectivity and actual rain gauge measurement is presented. Preliminary findings using available Z-R relation shows similar values with the actual measurement and suitable to be used in tropical climate country such as Malaysia.
Belle II status and prospects for studies of neutral currents
Authors: Bertacchi V.
Published: August 2023

The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB energy-asymmetric electron-positron collider is a
substantial upgrade of the B factory facility at the Japanese KEK laboratory. Belle II collected a
sample of 362 fb-1 at the Υ(4S) resonance between 2019 and 2022, with a
maximum peak luminosity of 4.7 × 1034 cm-2
s
-1. Belle II is currently
facing a long shutdown period, required for several upgrades of the detector and the
collider. Data taking will resume at the end of 2023. We report the recent measurements which
involve neutral current transitions in B meson decays. In particular, we present the current
status and future prospects for the branching fractions measurements of the radiative decays B →
 K*γ and the fully inclusive B → Xsγ, the search for B
+ → K
+
νν̅ 
decays, the measurement of the branching fractions of B → J/ψ(→ℓℓ)K and B →
 K
*
ℓℓ. Finally, we show the perspectives of the search for B → K
*
ττ and the
searches of lepton flavor violating channels B → K
(*)
ℓℓ', with ℓ = e, μ, τ.
Sea level rise already delays coastal commuters
Authors: Hauer Mathew E , Mueller Valerie , Sheriff Glenn
Published: August 2023

Although the most dire societal impacts of sea-level rise (SLR) typically manifest toward the end of the 21st century, many coastal communities face challenges in the present due to recurrent tidal flooding. Few studies have documented transportation disruptions due to tidal flooding in the recent past. Here, we address this issue by combining home and work locations for approximately 500 million commuters in coastal US counties from 2002 to 2017. We find tidal flooding delays coastal commuters by approximately 22 min per year in 2015–2017, increasing to between 200 and 650 min by 2060 under various SLR scenarios. Adjustments in residential and work locations reduce the growth in commuting delays for approximately 40% of US counties. For residents in coastal counties, SLR is not a distant threat—it is already lapping at their toes.
Attribution of 2022 early-spring heatwave in India and Pakistan to climate change: lessons in assessing vulnerability and preparedness in reducing impacts
Authors: Zachariah Mariam , Arulalan T , AchutaRao Krishna , Saeed Fahad , Jha Roshan , Dhasmana Manish Kumar , Mondal Arpita , Bonnet Remy , Vautard Robert , Philip Sjoukje , Kew Sarah , Vahlberg Maja , Singh Roop , Arrighi Julie , Heinrich Dorothy , Thalheimer Lisa , Marghidan Carolina Pereira , Kapoor Aditi , van Aalst Maarten , Raju Emmanuel , Li Sihan , Sun Jingru , Vecchi Gabriel , Yang Wenchang , Hauser Mathias , Schumacher Dominik L , Seneviratne Sonia I , Harrington Luke J , Otto Friederike E L
Published: August 2023

In March 2022, large parts over the north Indian plains including the breadbasket region, and southern Pakistan began experiencing prolonged heat, which continued into May. The event was exacerbated due to prevailing dry conditions in the region, resulting in devastating consequences for public health and agriculture. Using event attribution methods, we analyse the role of human-induced climate change in altering the chances of such an event. To capture the extent of the impacts, we choose March–April average of daily maximum temperature over the most affected region in India and Pakistan as the variable. In observations, the 2022 event has a return period of ∼1-in-100 years. For each of the climate models, we then calculate the change in probability and intensity of a 1-in-100 year event between the actual and counterfactual worlds for quantifying the role of climate change. We estimate that human-caused climate change made this heatwave about 1 °C hotter and 30 times more likely in the current, 2022 climate, as compared to the 1.2 °C cooler, pre-industrial climate. Under a future global warming of 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, heatwaves like this are expected to become even more common (2–20 times more likely) and hotter (by 0 °C–1.5 °C) compared to now. Stronger and frequent heat waves in the future will impact vulnerable groups as conditions in some regions exceed limits for human survivability. Therefore, mitigation is essential for avoiding loss of lives and livelihood. Heat Action Plans have proved effective to help reduce heat-related mortality in both countries.
Atmospheric CO2 decline and the timing of CAM plant evolution
Authors: Sage Rowan F , Gilman Ian S , Smith J Andrew C , Silvera Katia , Edwards Erika J
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

CAM photosynthesis is hypothesized to have evolved in atmospheres of low CO2 concentration in recent geological time because of its ability to concentrate CO2 around Rubisco and boost water use efficiency relative to C3 photosynthesis. We assess this hypothesis by compiling estimates of when CAM clades arose using phylogenetic chronograms for 73 CAM clades. We further consider evidence of how atmospheric CO2 affects CAM relative to C3 photosynthesis.

Results

Where CAM origins can be inferred, strong CAM is estimated to have appeared in the past 30 million years in 46 of 48 examined clades, after atmospheric CO2 had declined from high (near 800 ppm) to lower (<450 ppm) values. In turn, 21 of 25 clades containing CAM species (but where CAM origins are less certain) also arose in the past 30 million years. In these clades, CAM is probably younger than the clade origin. We found evidence for repeated weak CAM evolution during the higher CO2 conditions before 30 million years ago, and possible strong CAM origins in the Crassulaceae during the Cretaceous period prior to atmospheric CO2 decline. Most CAM-specific clades arose in the past 15 million years, in a similar pattern observed for origins of C4 clades.

Conclusions

The evidence indicates strong CAM repeatedly evolved in reduced CO2 conditions of the past 30 million years. Weaker CAM can pre-date low CO2 and, in the Crassulaceae, strong CAM may also have arisen in water-limited microsites under relatively high CO2. Experimental evidence from extant CAM species demonstrates that elevated CO2 reduces the importance of nocturnal CO2 fixation by increasing the contribution of C3 photosynthesis to daily carbon gain. Thus, the advantage of strong CAM would be reduced in high CO2, such that its evolution appears less likely and restricted to more extreme environments than possible in low CO2.
Starch depletion in the xylem and phloem ray parenchyma of grapevine stems under drought
Authors: Prats Kyra A , Fanton Ana C , Brodersen Craig R , Furze Morgan E
Published: August 2023

While nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) storage can support long-lived woody plants during abiotic stress, the timing and extent of their use are less understood, as are the thresholds for cell mortality as NSCs and water supplies are consumed. Here, we combine physiological and imaging tools to study the response of Vitis riparia to a 6-week experimental drought. We focused on the spatial and temporal dynamics of starch consumption and cell viability in the xylem and phloem of the stem. Starch dynamics were further corroborated with enzymatic starch digestion and X-ray microcomputed tomography imaging. Starch depletion in the stems of droughted plants was detected after 2 weeks and continued over time. We observed distinct differences in starch content and cell viability in the xylem and phloem. By the end of the drought, nearly all the starch was consumed in the phloem ray parenchyma (98 % decrease), and there were almost no metabolically active cells in the phloem. In contrast, less starch was consumed in the xylem ray parenchyma (30 % decrease), and metabolically active cells remained in the ray and vessel-associated parenchyma in the xylem. Our data suggest that the higher proportion of living cells in the phloem and cambium, combined with smaller potential NSC storage area, rapidly depleted starch, which led to cell death. In contrast, the larger cross-sectional area of the xylem ray parenchyma with higher NSC storage and lower metabolically active cell populations depleted starch at a slower pace. Why NSC source-sink relationships between xylem and phloem do not allow for a more uniform depletion of starch in ray parenchyma over time is unclear. Our data help to pinpoint the proximate and ultimate causes of plant death during prolonged drought exposure and highlight the need to consider the influence of within-organ starch dynamics and cell mortality on abiotic stress response.
Coronary flow capacity and survival prediction after revascularization: physiological basis and clinical implications
Authors: Gould K Lance , Johnson Nils P , Roby Amanda E , Bui Linh , Kitkungvan Danai , Patel Monica B , Nguyen Tung , Kirkeeide Richard , Haynie Mary , Arain Salman A , Charitakis Konstantinos , Dhoble Abhijeet , Smalling Richard , Nascimbene Angelo , Jumean Marwan , Kumar Sachin , Kar Biswajit , Sdringola Stefano , Estrera Anthony , Gregoric Igor , Lai Dejian , Li Ruosha , McPherson David , Narula Jagat
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Coronary flow capacity (CFC) is associated with an observed 10-year survival probability for individual patients before and after actual revascularization for comparison to virtual hypothetical ideal complete revascularization.

Methods

Stress myocardial perfusion (mL/min/g) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) per pixel were quantified in 6979 coronary artery disease (CAD) subjects using Rb-82 positron emission tomography (PET) for CFC maps of artery-specific size-severity abnormalities expressed as percent left ventricle with prospective follow-up to define survival probability per-decade as fraction of 1.0.

Results

Severely reduced CFC in 6979 subjects predicted low survival probability that improved by 42% after revascularization compared with no revascularization for comparable severity (P = .0015). For 283 pre-and-post-procedure PET pairs, severely reduced regional CFC-associated survival probability improved heterogeneously after revascularization (P < .001), more so after bypass surgery than percutaneous coronary interventions (P < .001) but normalized in only 5.7%; non-severe baseline CFC or survival probability did not improve compared with severe CFC (P = .00001). Observed CFC-associated survival probability after actual revascularization was lower than virtual ideal hypothetical complete post-revascularization survival probability due to residual CAD or failed revascularization (P < .001) unrelated to gender or microvascular dysfunction. Severely reduced CFC in 2552 post-revascularization subjects associated with low survival probability also improved after repeat revascularization compared with no repeat procedures (P = .025).

Conclusions

Severely reduced CFC and associated observed survival probability improved after first and repeat revascularization compared with no revascularization for comparable CFC severity. Non-severe CFC showed no benefit. Discordance between observed actual and virtual hypothetical post-revascularization survival probability revealed residual CAD or failed revascularization.
Instantaneous wave free ratio vs. fractional flow reserve and 5-year mortality: iFR SWEDEHEART and DEFINE FLAIR
Authors: Eftekhari Ashkan , Holck Emil Nielsen , Westra Jelmer , Olsen Niels Thue , Bruun Niels Henrik , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Engstrøm Thomas , Christiansen Evald Høj
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Guidelines recommend revascularization of intermediate epicardial artery stenosis to be guided by evidence of ischaemia. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) are equally recommended. Individual 5-year results of two major randomized trials comparing FFR with iFR-guided revascularization suggested increased all-cause mortality following iFR-guided revascularization. The aim of this study was a study-level meta-analysis of the 5-year outcome data in iFR-SWEDEHEART (NCT02166736) and DEFINE-FLAIR (NCT02053038).

Methods

Composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and its individual components [all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and unplanned revascularisation] were analysed. Raw Kaplan–Meier estimates, numbers at risk, and number of events were extracted at 5-year follow-up and analysed using the ipdfc package (Stata version 18, StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA).

Results

In total, iFR and FFR-guided revascularization was performed in 2254 and 2257 patients, respectively. Revascularization was more often deferred in the iFR group [n = 1128 (50.0%)] vs. the FFR group [n = 1021 (45.2%); P = .001]. In the iFR-guided group, the number of deaths, MACE, unplanned revascularization, and MI was 188 (8.3%), 484 (21.5%), 235 (10.4%), and 123 (5.5%) vs. 143 (6.3%), 420 (18.6%), 241 (10.7%), and 123 (5.4%) in the FFR group. Hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] estimates for MACE were 1.18 [1.04; 1.34], all-cause mortality 1.34 [1.08; 1.67], unplanned revascularization 0.99 [0.83; 1.19], and MI 1.02 [0.80; 1.32].

Conclusions

Five-year all-cause mortality and MACE rates were increased with revascularization guided by iFR compared to FFR. Rates of unplanned revascularization and MI were equal in the two groups.
What is Federalism? Some Definitional Clarification
Authors: Fenna Alan , Schnabel Johanna
Published: August 2023

The most prominent conceptualization of federalism is as a political organization combining “self-rule” with “shared rule”. The abstractness that makes this formula so attractive has, however, opened the door to misinterpretation and, in turn, encouraged misconceptions about the essential nature of federalism. “Shared rule” has been misinterpreted as meaning participation of the constituent units in central-government decision-making, or co-determination. This confuses common aspects of federal design, such as bicameralism, or important elements of federal practice, such as intergovernmental relations, with the essential or defining features of a federal system. The analysis here clarifies the meaning of shared rule and confirms that the existence of two constitutionally guaranteed orders of government, each enjoying a direct relationship with the people and exercising meaningful powers, is both necessary and sufficient for a political system to be characterized as a federation.
Asset Complexity and the Return Gap
Authors: Gao Pengjie , Hu Allen , Kelly Peter , Peng Cameron , Zhu Ning
Published: August 2023

Existing research finds that investors’ returns vary with their wealth and level of sophistication. We bring a new perspective from the supply side by showing that return heterogeneity can be magnified as assets offered by the market become more complex. Using detailed account-level data, we examine the trading of B funds—complex, structured products in the Chinese market. During a 3-year market cycle, the return gap between the naive and sophisticated is an order-of-magnitude greater when trading B funds than when trading simple, non-structured funds. In an event study, we confirm that this disparity is driven by differences in investors’ understanding of product complexity.
A mode of action-based probabilistic framework of dose-response assessment for nonmutagenic liver carcinogens: a case study of PCB-126
Authors: Zhou Yun , Chen Qiran , Klaunig James E , Shao Kan
Published: August 2023

A main function of dose-response assessment is to estimate a “safe” dose in the target population to support chemical risk assessment. Typically, a “safe” dose is developed differently for cancer and noncancer effects based on a 2-step procedure, ie, point of departure (POD) derivation and low-dose extrapolation. However, the current dose-response assessment framework is criticized for its dichotomized strategy without integrating the mode of action (MOA) information. The objective of this study was, based on our previous work, to develop a MOA-based probabilistic dose-response framework that quantitatively synthesizes a biological pathway in a dose-response modeling process to estimate the risk of chemicals that have carcinogenic potential. 3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126) was exemplified to demonstrate our proposed approach. There were 4 major steps in the new modeling framework, including (1) key quantifiable events (KQEs) identification and extraction, (2) essential dose calculation, (3) MOA-based POD derivation, and (4) MOA-based probabilistic reference dose (RfD) estimation. Compared with reported PODs and traditional RfDs, the MOA-based estimates derived from our approach were comparable and plausible. One key feature of our approach was the use of overall MOA information to build the dose-response relationship on the entire dose continuum including the low-dose region. On the other hand, by adjusting uncertainty and variability in a probabilistic manner, the MOA-based probabilistic RfDs can provide useful insights of health protection for the specific proportion of population. Moreover, the proposed framework had important potential to be generalized to assess different types of chemicals other than nonmutagenic carcinogens, highlighting its utility to improve current chemical risk assessment.
In Vivo Comparison of Positive Microbial Culture by Wound Irrigation Methods
Authors: Kang Min-Seok , You Ki-Han , Hwang Jae-Yeun , Cho Tack-Geun , Yoon Joon-Hyeok , Lee Chong-Suh , Park Hyun-Jin
Published: August 2023

Study Design.

Prospective cohort study.

Objective.

This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and prevalence of intraoperative contamination (IoC) through the microbial culture of superficial and deep samples obtained during surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Surgical site infection (SSI) in spinal surgery is a serious complication. The prevalence of IoC may differ based on surgical approach and technique, even in the setting of the same procedure.

Materials and Methods.

In this in vivo study, microbial cultivation was performed with superficial (ligamentum flavum, LF) and deep (nucleus pulposus, NP) surgical specimens to evaluate IoC in 132 patients undergoing single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Biportal endoscopic –TLIF was performed under continuous wound irrigation (group A, n=66), whereas open microscopic (OM) TLIF was performed under intermittent wound irrigation (group B, n=66). LF and NP specimens were homogenized, gram stained, and cultured in aerobic and anaerobic media for 14 days. Microbial culture results and the occurrence of SSI in the two groups were assessed. The χ2 test and Fisher exact test were used to determine significant differences among categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the influence of patient characteristics on the prevalence of positive microbial cultures.

Results.

Of the 132 patients, 34 (25.8%) had positive microbial cultures, and positive culture required an incubation period of 72 hours to 2 weeks in all these patients except for three. Overall, positive culture was significantly higher in group B than in group A (P=0.029). The subgroups of LF- and NP-positive cultures were 18.18% (n=24) and 12.88% (n=17), respectively; the SSI was 0.76% (n=1). Group A had a significantly lower subgroup of NP-positive culture than group B (P=0.035). OM technique was an independent risk factor associated with overall positive culture (P<0.05). The most common microorganism was Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes).

Conclusions.

Biportal endoscopic–TLIF with continuous wound irrigation showed significantly lower overall and NP-positive cultures than OM-TLIF with intermittent irrigation. The most common strain of positive culture was C. acnes.

Level of Evidence:

2.
Effects of COL1A1 and SYTL2 on inflammatory cell infiltration and poor extracellular matrix remodeling of the vascular wall in thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Xie Xinsheng , Yuan Ye , Huang Yulong , Hong Xiang , Hong Shichai , Chen Gang , Chen Yihui , Lin Yue , Lu Weifeng , Fu Weiguo , Wang Lixin
Published: August 2023

Background:

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a fatal cardiovascular disease, the pathogenesis of which has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to identify and validate the diagnostic markers of TAA to provide a strong theoretical basis for developing new methods to prevent and treat this disease.

Methods:

Gene expression profiles of the GSE9106, GSE26155, and GSE155468 datasets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the "limma" package in R. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), random forest, and binary logistic regression analyses were used to screen the diagnostic marker genes. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to estimate immune cell infiltration in TAA.

Results:

A total of 16 DEGs were identified. The enrichment and functional correlation analyses showed that DEGs were mainly associated with inflammatory response pathways and collagen-related diseases. Collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) and synaptotagmin like 2 (SYTL2) were identified as diagnostic marker genes with a high diagnostic value for TAA. The expression of COL1A1 and SYTL2 was considerably higher in TAA vascular wall tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues, and there were significant differences in the infiltration of immune cells between TAA and normal vascular wall tissues. Additionally, COL1A1 and SYTL2 expression were associated with the infiltration of immune cells in the vascular wall tissue. Single-cell analysis showed that COL1A1 in TAA was mainly derived from fibroblasts and SYTL2 mainly from cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ T cells. In addition, single-cell analysis indicated that fibroblasts and CD8+ T cells in TAA were significantly higher than those in normal arterial wall tissue.

Conclusions:

COL1A1 and SYTL2 may serve as diagnostic marker genes for TAA. The upregulation of SYTL2 and COL1A1 may be involved in the inflammatory infiltration of the vessel wall and poor extracellular matrix remodeling, promoting the progression of TAA.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure: What Do We Know?
Authors: Babapoor-Farrokhran Savalan , Alzubi Jafar , Port Zachary , Kaul Risheek , Rasekhi Roozbeh Tarighati , Farrokhran Ali Babapour , Sooknanan Naveen , Wiener Philip C. , Khraisha Ola , Frishman William H. , Mainigi Sumeet K. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: August 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the United States and the most common cause of embolic cerebrovascular events, with the majority of these thrombi originating in the left atrial appendage. The left atrial appendage (LAA) has separate developmental, ultrastructural, and physiological characteristics from the left atrium. Although LAA anatomy is highly variable, it can be categorized into 4 types: cactus, cauliflower, chicken wing, and windsock. The cauliflower type is associated with higher stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular AF. Although the cornerstone of therapy to prevent embolic strokes from AF has been anticoagulation with thrombin inhibitors, a large group of patients are unable to tolerate anticoagulation due to bleeding. This has led to the development and advancement of multiple surgical and percutaneous LAA closure devices to prevent embolic cerebrovascular accidents without the need for anticoagulation. In this article, we discuss the outcomes of major studies that utilized surgical LAA occlusion and its effectiveness. Furthermore, we summarize nonsurgical methods of LAA closure and future directions regarding LAA closure.
Primary Cutaneous Mucinous Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Freeman Timothy , Russell Aaron J. , Council M. Laurin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (PCMC) is an exceedingly rare, low-grade tumor that histologically resembles mucinous carcinoma from other primary sites, such as the breast, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article was to review the current literature on PCMC as it relates to epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, treatment, and prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE to identify articles related to PCMC.

RESULTS

Several hundred cases have been reported in the medical literature, and surgical resection, whenever feasible, is the standard of care.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is one of exclusion, requiring a metastatic work-up to rule out distant primary. Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue sparing technique that allows complete margin control of these rare neoplasia.
Assessment of self-medication status among international students in different universities in Pakistan; a cue to the rational use of medicines: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khadka Sitaram , Yadav Gopal K. , Gupta Ravi Prasad , Aryal Pallav , Saleem Mohammad , Sharma Arun , Amgain Kapil , Adnan Muhammad Abdul Jabar
Published: August 2023

Background:

Self-medication is a global phenomenon that can lead to adverse consequences. This study was conducted to assess the self-medication status among international students in Pakistan so that rational use of medicines (RUM) can be assured with effective interventions.

Methods:

A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 317 international students in different universities in Pakistan. The original Bloom’s cutoff point was utilized to categorize the participants’ overall knowledge, attitude, and practice. The χ2 test was used to test for group differences. For binary logistic regression analyses, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated at 95% CI. Spearman rank correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationships among the knowledge, attitude, and/or practice scores.

Results:

The participants demonstrated overall good knowledge (85.5%), positive attitude (83.9%), and good practice (78.5%) towards self-medication. None of the demographic parameters were found statistically significant with knowledge, attitude, and practice about self-medication. The participants with good knowledge and positive attitude had more than 7 and 30 times high odds of good practice (OR: 7.97, 95% CI: 4.06–15.65, P < 0.001 and OR: 30.91, 95% CI: 14.26–67.00, P < 0.001) than those without good knowledge and positive attitude, respectively.

Conclusion:

Good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice towards self-medication show the value of education and awareness towards RUM. The interventions to halt the irrational practice of self-medication, expanding awareness, and executing legislation to upgrade the judicious use of self-medication practices are indicated for the RUM at the national level.