bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous variable quantum teleportation through turbulent channels
Authors: Xu Jiaye , Xu Xiaowen , Zuo Zhiyue , Guo Ying
Published: March 2022

The turbulence channel, as a potential medium for communications, plays a major role in establishing global quantum networks. However, the weather-tunable channel parameters have an influence on performance of quantum communication system. In this paper, we consider effects of weather conditions on attenuation of the transmission of turbulent channel and thus on performance of continuous variable quantum teleportation (CVQT). The serious weather conditions that involve snow, rain, fog and haze have been employed for security analysis of the practical system. Moreover, a linear optical amplifier is used for performance improvement in terms of the fidelity and transmission distance as well. The simulation results show that the noiseless linear optical amplifier can increase the fidelity and maximal transmission distance of the CVQT system that involves serious weather conditions. This has certain reference guides significance for information transmission in the face of various extreme weathers.
Study on the microstructural and magnetic properties of nickel - calcium ferrites
Authors: Thomas Sijo S , Jacob Bibin , Mohan Manoj , Dhanyaprabha K C , Al-Omari Imaddin A , Al-Harthi Salim H , Myint Myo T Z , Thomas Hysen
Published: March 2022

Calcium and nickel-doped ferrites open a wide variety of applications in various fields. This work reports the synthesis and systematic investigation of the effect of nickel substitution in calcium ferrite powder. A series of NixCa1−xFe2O4 nanocrystalline powder (NixCa1−xFe2O4, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2…1) were prepared by co-precipitation method and sintered at 900 °C for 10 h. The samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). XRD results revealed that the prepared samples were of cubic spinel structure with particle sizes ranging from 27 nm to 72 nm. A decreasing trend was observed in the particle size with an increase in nickel substitution. The saturation magnetization of the samples was found to increase with the increase in nickel substitution.
Comprehensive analysis of heavy-ion fusion reactions around the Coulomb barrier
Authors: Vijay  , Gautam Manjeet Singh , Chahal Rishi Pal , Duhan Sukhvinder , Khatri Hitender
Published: March 2022

We have investigated the fusion dynamics of 12C + 92Zr, 16O + 92Zr, 28Si + 92Zr, 35Cl + 92Zr, 16O + 60Ni, 18O + 58Ni, 12C + 194,198Pt, 16O + 144,148,154Sm and 17O + 144Sm reactions in the close vicinity of the Coulomb barrier. For this purpose, we have opted one-dimensional Wong formula, coupled channel approach, and symmetric-asymmetric Gaussian barrier distribution (SAGBD) model to analyze the fusion data for above mentioned reactions. For all studied systems, the theoretical results obtained from the one-dimensional Wong formula are unable to reproduce the fusion data especially at incident energies lying below the nominal barrier. This appeals for the inclusion of intrinsic degrees of freedom which have been originated from the nuclear structure of fusing nuclei, and thus essentially required to explain the experimental data at energies lying in the sub-barrier realm. For the chosen reactions, the coupled channel analysis suggests that the coupling of relative motion with the inelastic surface excitations and/or nucleon transfer channels associated with the reaction partners have produced a remarkable fusion enhancement at energies lying near and below the nominal barrier. It is particularly intriguing that the SAGBD model can replicate the impacts of dominant intrinsic reaction channels such as multi-phonon quantum states and/or nucleon transfer channels via Gaussian type of weight function. The predictions of the SAGBD approach appropriately reproduce the fusion cross-sections data and related barrier distributions data for the selected reactions due the fact that the multi-dimensional nature induces the barrier lowering effects and subsequently reduces the effective fusion barrier between the participants. In the SAGBD approach, the channel coupling effects are quantitively measured in terms of channel coupling parameter

(
λ
)

and percentage decrement in height of effective fusion barrier with respect to the Coulomb barrier

(

V

C
B
R
E
D

)
.

Furthermore, the recovered

χ

2

-values for selected reactions are found to be smaller and hence clearly demonstrate the applicability of the model outcomes to explore the fusion dynamics of the studied systems.
Non-thermal origin of asymmetric dark matter from inflaton and primordial black holes
Authors: Barman Basabendu , Borah Debasish , Das Suruj Jyoti , Roshan Rishav
Published: March 2022

We study the possibility of cogenesis of baryon and dark matter (DM) from the out-of-equilibrium CP violating decay of right handed neutrino (RHN) that are dominantly of non-thermal origin. While the RHN and its heavier partners can take part in light neutrino mass generation via Type-I seesaw mechanism, the decay of RHN into dark and visible sectors can create respective asymmetries simultaneously. The non-thermal sources of RHN considered are (a) on-shell decay of inflaton, and (b) evaporation of ultralight primordial black holes (PBH). After setting up the complete set of Boltzmann equations in both these scenarios, we constrain the resulting parameter space of the particle physics setup, along with inflaton and PBH sectors from the requirement of generating correct (asymmetric) DM abundance and baryon asymmetry, while being in agreement with other relevant cosmological bounds. Scenario (a) links the common origin of DM and baryon asymmetry to post-inflationary reheating via RHNs produced in inflaton decay, whereas in scenario (b) we find enhancement of baryon and DM abundance, compared to the purely thermal scenarios, in presence of PBH with appropriate mass and initial fraction. Although the minimal setup itself is very predictive with observational consequences, details of the UV completion of the dark sector can offer several complementary probes.
Evaluation of performance of machine learning methods in mining structure–property data of halide perovskite materials
Authors: Zhao Ruoting , Xing Bangyu , Mu Huimin , Fu Yuhao , Zhang Lijun
Published: March 2022

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) methods, materials science is rapidly entering the era of data-driven materials informatics. ML models serve as the most crucial component, closely bridging material structure and material properties. There is a considerable difference in the prediction performance of different ML methods for material systems. Herein, we evaluated three categories (linear, kernel, and nonlinear methods) of models, with twelve ML algorithms commonly used in the materials field. In addition, halide perovskite was chosen as an example to evaluate the fitting performance of different models. We constructed a total dataset of 540 halide perovskites and 72 features, with formation energy and bandgap as target properties. We found that different categories of ML models show similar trends for different target properties. Among them, the difference between the models is enormous for the formation energy, with the coefficient of determination (R2) range 0.69–0.953. The fitting performance between the models is closer for bandgap, with theR2range 0.941–0.997. The nonlinear-ensemble model shows the best fitting performance for both the formation energy and the bandgap. It shows that the nonlinear-ensemble model, constructed by combining multiple weak learners, effectively describes the nonlinear relationship between material features and target property. In addition, the extreme gradient boosting decision tree model shows the most superior results among all the models and searches for two new descriptors that are crucial for formation energy and bandgap. Our work provides useful guidance for the selection of effective machine learning methods in the data-mining studies of specific material systems. The dataset that supported the findings of this study is available in Science Data Bank, with the linkhttps://www.doi.org/10.11922/sciencedb.01611.
Direct measurement of two-qubit phononic entangled states via optomechanical interactions
Authors: Liu A-Peng , Cheng Liu-Yong , Guo Qi , Su Shi-Lei , Wang Hong-Fu , Zhang Shou
Published: March 2022

We propose schemes of direct concurrence measurement for two-qubit phononic states from quantized mechanical vibration. By combining the Mach–Zehnder interferometer with the optomechanical cross-Kerr nonlinear effect, direct concurrence measurement schemes for two-qubit phononic entangled states are achieved with the help of photon detection with respect to the output of the interferometer. For different types of entangled states, diversified quantum devices and operations are designed accordingly. The final analysis shows reasonable performance under the current parameter conditions. Our schemes may be useful for potential phonon-based quantum computation and information in the future.
Cleaner air would enhance India’s annual solar energy production by 6–28 TWh
Authors: Ghosh Sushovan , Dey Sagnik , Ganguly Dilip , Baidya Roy Somnath , Bali Kunal
Published: March 2022

India has set a target of 100 GW solar installation capacity by the year 2022. However, the loss of solar energy due to environmental factors like air pollution is not properly considered in renewable energy resource assessments. Here we show that India lost 29% of its utilizable global horizontal irradiance potential due to air pollution between 2001 and 2018. The average loss in output incurred by solar power systems with horizontal, fixed-tilt, single-axis, and dual-axis trackers due to air pollution is estimated to be 12%, 26%, 33%, and 41%, respectively, equivalent to a loss of 245–835 million USD annually. The successful implementation of the National Clean Air Program and the complete mitigation of household emissions through the supply of cleaner fuel for domestic use and rural electrification would allow India to generate a surplus of 6–16 TWh of electricity per year from the existing installed solar power capacity in 2018. This translates to an economic benefit of 325–845 million USD annually, which is equivalent to the implementation costs of these social programs. Mitigating air pollution would therefore accelerate India’s progress towards achieving its solar energy target at a lesser installation capacity, avoiding additional expenditure for the expansion of the solar energy infrastructure.
Digital Interactive Installations: Guidelines towards Social Interaction in City Centers.
Authors: Ayad Eman H , Omayer Hayam M
Published: March 2022

City center spaces, especially in Egypt, suffer the absence of an interactive visual image and the richness of artistic installations, while its existence totally changes space perception and brings it to life… Although city centers include bunches of architectural elements with multiples vocabularies, yet still most architects and designers miss to include people or space visitors in consideration. Many designs lack the potential for social interaction and participation… This paper explores the role of “Digital Interactive Installations” as a main element in city centers’ design, it allows visitors to interact, participate and take part in the formation of a socially amusing experience. Thus, the research aims to identify the characteristics of “Digital Interactive Installations” as an essential tool for city center activation, recommending and guiding designers and decision-makers to achieve social interaction in city centers.
Smart public transportation: A future framework for sustainable new cities (Case study Greater Cairo)
Authors: Omayer Hayam M
Published: March 2022

In the context of the tremendous progress in information technology in all spheres of life, it is necessary to adopt more intelligence solutions to increase the quality of life and achieve sustainable cities. Currently, without a doubt, we have the ability to make all city services accessible to everybody. Transportation and mobility systems are critical components of sustainable city development. Therefore, the scientific literature on the technological systems employed in transportation systems and their primary uses is extensive, outlining their application to improving people’s quality of life through promoting a sustainable environment. Recently. There is a new generation of ITS (intelligence transportation system) resulting from the encouragement of related public policy that has been deeply integrated with new infrastructure and new technologies for improving the quality of life. The new generation of ITS technology and urban analysis and planning technology can not only meet the current problems of the coordinated development of the public transportation system and big cities like Cairo, but also meet the needs of the city’s future development in advance. This paper will discuss the transformation of intelligent public transportation, the opportunities, and applications, using technologies, and implementation in various urban areas using a case study of China’s smart transportation. Additionally, propose a future framework for sustainable transportation in new cities and the feasibility of implementing them in Egypt’s new cities. Highlight the actions and outcomes of integrating technologies, as well as their environmental, urban, economic, and social impacts. In order to develop and increase the quality of life in the cities of Egypt and the developing world in order to achieve sustainability goals.
Study on the interface reaction layer of hydrogen reduction hot-rolled high-strength steel hot-dip galvanizing
Authors: Liu Yihao , Ding Chengfa , Li Jianchao , Lu Rui , Wu Guangxin , Zhang Jieyu
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the instability mechanism of the Fe-Al inhibition layer produced by the interfacial reaction in the Al-containing zinc melts on the hydrogen-reduced steel is studied in detail. The results show that the surface morphology of hydrogen-reduced hot-rolled steel at different temperatures is mainly divided into porous and dense states. Due to the different surface activity of the steel after hydrogen reduction, the reaction degree of the galvanized interface is also significantly different. When the Al content is 0.2 wt%, no Fe-Al inhibition layer is detected at the interface. After that, the influence of Al content on the interface inhibition layer was explored. The research results showed that under the same reduction temperature and inhibition time, the higher the Al content, the more obvious the inhibition layer formed at the interface. Finally, by extending the dipping time, it was confirmed that the Fe-Al inhibition layer had undergone a destabilization and cracking transformation process, that is, the zinc solution permeated the Fe-Al inhibition layer, and the iron interface and the liquid zinc were in direct contact, resulting in the formation of the Fe-Zn outburst structure, which was also aggravated the process of breaking the Fe-Al inhibition layer.
Printed electronics to accelerate solid-state battery development
Authors: Sliz Rafal , Molaiyan Palanivel , Fabritius Tapio , Lassi Ulla
Published: March 2022

The transition from conventional liquid electrolyte Li-ion batteries towards solid-state systems requires a paradigm shift on how these batteries are fabricated and how the R&D process can be augmented in order to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for reliable and high-performance energy storage systems. This work briefly looks over the main aspects of printed electronics and its potential to accelerate the development of solid-state batteries. It emphasizes the main challenges related to the fabrication of solid-state batteries and how printed electronics can address them in a timely and affordable manner. Importantly, the proposed printed electronics methods and solutions highlight the ability for immediate upscaling to mass production as well as downscaling for rapid prototyping and custom designing.
Are changes in attitudes towards school associated with declining youth drinking? A multi-level analysis of 37 countries
Authors: Stevely Abigail K , Vashishtha Rakhi , Fairbrother Hannah , Fenton Laura , Henney Madeleine , Livingston Michael , Holmes John
Published: March 2022

Background

Changes in adolescents’ attitudes towards school are a potential explanation for recent declines in young people’s alcohol consumption. However, this has not been tested using multi-national survey data, which would permit stronger causal inferences by ruling out other country-specific explanations. This study, therefore, uses an international survey of schoolchildren to examine the associations between changing attitudes towards school and adolescent alcohol consumption.

Methods

We used data from 247 325 15-year-olds across 37 countries participating in four waves of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2001/02–2013/14). Attitudes towards school were assessed using two measures—self-reported pressure from schoolwork and whether respondents like school. Outcome measures were weekly alcohol consumption and having been drunk twice in one’s lifetime. We used whole population and gender-specific hierarchical linear probability models to assess the relationship between attitudes and alcohol outcomes within countries over time.

Results

Country-level changes over time in liking school were not associated with changes in alcohol consumption. However, a 10% increase in feeling pressured by schoolwork was associated with a 1.8% decline in drunkenness [95% confidence interval (CI): −3.2% to −0.3%] and weakly associated with a 1.7% decline in weekly drinking (95% CI: −3.6% to 0.2%). Among girls only, increases in feeling pressured by schoolwork were associated with a 2.1% decline in weekly drinking (95% CI: −3.7% to −0.6%) and a 2.4% decline in drunkenness (95% CI: −3.8% to −1.1%).

Conclusion

Changes in attitudes towards school may have played a minor role in the decline in alcohol consumption among adolescent girls only.
Dietary fibre intake is associated with reduced risk of lung cancer: a Japan public health centre-based prospective study (JPHC)
Authors: Cai Honglin , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Ishihara Junko , Murai Utako , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Yamaji Taiki , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: March 2022

Background

Several epidemiological studies have been conducted to draw consistent conclusions regarding the effect of dietary fibre on lung diseases and lung cancer. However, the effect of dietary fibre on the incidence of lung cancer remains unclear in an Asian population.

Methods

We investigated the association between the intake of total dietary fibre and dietary fibre from different food sources and lung cancer incidence in a Japan public health centre-based prospective study (JPHC). A total of 73 405 participants (33 012 men and 40 393 women) aged 45–74 years were eligible for our study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a median follow-up of 18.0 years, 1546 (1042 men and 504 women) newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer were ascertained. In the multivariable models, total dietary fibre intake was inversely associated with lung cancer risk in men, the HRs Q5 vs Q1 (95% CI) were 0.77 (0.62 to 0.94), P-trend = 0.020. Dietary fibre intake from vegetables was protectively associated with lung cancer risk in men [HR Q5 vs Q1 (95% CI): 0.80 (0.64 to 0.99), P-trend = 0.053]. However, no such association was observed in women.

Conclusions

In men, a high intake of total dietary fibre may have preventive benefits for lung cancer incidence: dietary fibre intake from vegetables was associated with a lower incidence of lung cancer. However, similar associations did not appear in women. Further investigations are required to confirm the association between dietary fibre and lung cancer risk in women.
Student pharmacist opioid risk consultations: a pre-post educational intervention study
Authors: Thakur Tanvee , Wyland Meredith , Chewning Betty
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The primary aim was to assess third year student pharmacists’ communication skills about opioid risks and safety before and after an educational intervention. This assessment was utilized to identify gaps that skills training programmes need to address for students and pharmacists.

Methods

Seventy-one students in 2018 (pre-intervention/baseline) and 133 students in 2019 (post-intervention) were videotaped during consultation with standardized patients receiving opioid medications for low back pain. The consults were quantitatively coded for what topics students discussed, terms used, eye contact and filler words. Coding of video-recording had high inter-rater reliability (kappa = 0.90).

Key findings

A significant increase was seen in the post-intervention phase compared with baseline data in the number of students who mentioned the term opioid and initiated conversations about opioid risks. The majority of student pharmacists discussed common opioid side effects and performed teach-back with patients. In both of the phases, students used more filler words when discussing dependence, addiction or overdose risk when compared with the rest of the consult. At baseline, students in the expressed discomfort and desired additional training and resources for communicating about opioids, and students in the post-intervention phase reported increased confidence.

Conclusions

This educational intervention demonstrated improved opioid risk communication skills among student pharmacists. This study warrants national evaluation of student pharmacist preparedness and provision of structured education and training as necessary to help empower student pharmacists as opioid risk and safety educators.
Crossover of the patient satisfaction surveys, adverse events and patient complaints for continuous improvement in radiotherapy department
Authors: Cucchiaro SÉverine , Princen Fabienne , Goreux JoËlle , Cunin Marie-Pierre , Jacques Jessica , Delgaudine Marie , Coucke Philippe Antoine
Published: March 2022

Objective

The patient’s needs and expectations can be assessed through satisfaction surveys, adverse event declarations and records of complaints. By cross-referencing individual complaints, satisfaction surveys and the adverse events received, we could get valuable information. The objective is to identify common elements of work between these different sources to improve care.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients’ complaints, surveys and adverse events was carried out in order to highlight common improvement items between these three sources of information.

Results

A satisfaction survey was given to the patients at the end of their treatment, who filled it out and left it in the ‘ad hoc’ letterbox. At the end of December 2019, 4695 questionnaires had been collected (response rate 37%). In addition, since 2014, 1369 patients (∼20 patients per month) have been interviewed ‘face to face’ by the research nurse who assesses their satisfaction using open questions. At the same time, a collection of complaints and adverse events was carried out. All these data have been analysed and cross-checked in order to highlight areas for improvement and strengthen the safety and quality of care in our department.

Conclusions

Collect and analyse satisfaction surveys, unexpected events and complaints constitute in our opinion, an effective tool to achieve patient empowerment. We aim for the patients to become a real player in their safety and involve in the overall effort to improve the quality of their radiotherapy treatment by reporting what does not meet their expectations.
Novel probe-based melting curve assays for the characterization of fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Tickner Jacob A. , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Murray Gerald L. , Whiley David M. , Sweeney Emma L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium infection is a sexually transmitted infection that has rapidly become resistant to mainstay treatments. While individualized treatment approaches have been recommended and adopted for macrolides, individualized therapy for fluoroquinolones has not yet been explored, due to a lack of commercial molecular assays and a lack of confidence in specific mutations associated with resistance. In another recent study, we defined a clear role and diagnostic utility in focusing on the absence of resistance mutations to inform microbial cure with fluoroquinolone antimicrobials.

Methods

We developed two proof-of-concept molecular tests that focus on detection of M. genitalium and characterization of WT parC sequences that are strongly linked to fluoroquinolone susceptibility.

Results

We screened a total of 227 M. genitalium-positive samples using novel molecular beacon and dual hybridization probe assays. These assays were able to detect M. genitalium and characterize fluoroquinolone susceptibility in 143/227 (63%) samples, based on clear differences in melting peak temperatures. The results of these molecular assays were in 100% agreement with ‘gold standard’ Sanger sequencing. Additionally, WT parC sequences were readily distinguished from M. genitalium samples harbouring parC mutations of known or suspected clinical significance. The ability of the assays to successfully characterize fluoroquinolone susceptibility and resistance was reduced in low M. genitalium load samples.

Conclusions

These proof-of-concept assays have considerable potential to improve individualized treatment approaches and rationalize tests of cure for M. genitalium infection. The ability to initiate individualized treatment in up to two-thirds of cases will enhance antimicrobial stewardship for this challenging pathogen.
Identification Robust Testing of Risk Premia in Finite Samples
Authors: Kleibergen Frank , Kong Lingwei , Zhan Zhaoguo
Published: March 2022

The reliability of tests on the risk premia in linear factor models is threatened by limited sample sizes and weak identification of risk premia frequently encountered in applied work. We, therefore, propose novel tests on the risk premia that are robust to both limited sample sizes and the identification strength of the risk premia as reflected by the quality of the risk factors. These tests are appealing for empirically relevant settings, and lead to confidence sets of risk premia that can substantially differ from conventional ones. To show the latter, we revisit two high-profile empirical applications.
Thethesanproject: Lyman-α emission and transmission during the Epoch of Reionization
Authors: Smith A , Kannan R , Garaldi E , Vogelsberger M , Pakmor R , Springel V , Hernquist L
Published: March 2022

The visibility of high-redshift Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies (LAEs) provides important constraints on galaxy formation processes and the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). However, predicting realistic and representative statistics for comparison with observations represents a significant challenge in the context of large-volume cosmological simulations. The thesan project offers a unique framework for addressing such limitations by combining state-of-the-art galaxy formation (IllustrisTNG) and dust models with the arepo-rt radiation-magnetohydrodynamics solver. In this initial study, we present Lyman-alpha centric analysis for the flagship simulation that resolves atomic cooling haloes throughout a $(95.5\, \text{cMpc})^3$ region of the Universe. To avoid numerical artefacts, we devise a novel method for accurate frequency-dependent line radiative transfer in the presence of continuous Hubble flow, transferable to broader astrophysical applications as well. Our scalable approach highlights the utility of LAEs and red damping-wing transmission as probes of reionization, which reveal nontrivial trends across different galaxies, sightlines, and frequency bands that can be modelled in the framework of covering fractions. In fact, after accounting for environmental factors influencing large-scale ionized bubble formation such as redshift and UV magnitude, the variation across galaxies and sightlines mainly depends on random processes including peculiar velocities and self-shielded systems that strongly impact unfortunate rays more than others. Throughout the EoR local and cosmological optical depths are often greater than or less than unity such that the exp (− τ) behaviour leads to anisotropic and bimodal transmissivity. Future surveys will benefit by targeting both rare bright objects and Goldilocks zone LAEs to infer the presence of these (un)predictable (dis)advantages.
Fundamental challenges to remote sensing of exo-earths
Authors: Paradise Adiv , Menou Kristen , Lee Christopher , Fan Bo Lin
Published: March 2022

Inferring the climate and surface conditions of terrestrial exoplanets in the habitable zone is a major goal for the field of exoplanet science. This pursuit will require both statistical analyses of the population of habitable planets as well as in-depth analyses of the climates of individual planets. Given the close relationship between habitability and surface liquid water, it is important to ask whether the fraction of a planet’s surface where water can be a liquid, χhab, can be inferred from observations. We have produced a diverse bank of 1874 3D climate models and computed the full-phase reflectance and emission spectrum for each model to investigate whether surface climate inference is feasible with high-quality direct imaging or secondary eclipse spectroscopy. These models represent the outcome of approximately 200 000 total simulated years of climate and over 50 000 CPU-hours, and the roughly 100 GB model bank and its associated spectra are being made publicly available for community use. We find that there are correlations between spectra and χhab that will permit statistical approaches. However, spectral degeneracies in the climate observables produced by our model bank indicate that inference of individual climates is likely to be model-dependent, and inference will likely be impossible without exhaustive explorations of the climate parameter space. The diversity of potential climates on habitable planets therefore poses fundamental challenges to remote sensing efforts targeting exo-Earths.
Usefulness of ultrasound as a predictor of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis with polymyalgia rheumatica-like onset
Authors: Nawata Masao , Someya Kazuki , Kosaka Shunpei , Aritomi Takafumi , Funada Masashi , Fujita Yuya , Nagayasu Atsushi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Saito Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Differentiation between polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA), especially in elderly patients, is often difficult due to similarities in symptoms and serological kinetics. In this study, we aimed to analyse the predictors of EORA with PMR-like onset.

Methods

Seventy-two patients diagnosed with PMR, who attended our hospital for routine care and underwent musculoskeletal ultrasonography at that time were evaluated. Synovitis was evaluated semi-quantitatively (0–3) by grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) in 24 joints [both hands (wrist, metacarpophalageal, and proximal interphalangeal joints) and both shoulder joints].

Results

Overall, 18 patients had rheumatoid arthritis (25.0%); the mean age was 75.0 years, and 34.7% and 65.3% were male and female, respectively. In PMR and PMR/EORA groups, multivariate logistic analysis showed that rheumatoid factor positivity, GS ≥2 of hand joints, and PD ≥1 of hand joints were independent factors with significant differences. At least one of the three factors had a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 92.6%.

Conclusions

The presence of at least one of the criteria: rheumatoid factor positivity, GS ≥ 2, and PD ≥ 1 of hand joints, suggested the possibility of developing EORA within 1 year of PMR diagnosis.
Simple Adaptive Size-Exact Testing for Full-Vector and Subvector Inference in Moment Inequality Models
Authors: Cox Gregory , Shi Xiaoxia
Published: March 2022

We propose a simple test for moment inequalities that has exact size in normal models with known variance and has uniformly asymptotically exact size under asymptotic normality. The test compares the quasi-likelihood ratio statistic to a chi-squared critical value, where the degree of freedom is the rank of the inequalities that are active in finite samples. The test requires no simulation and thus is computationally fast and especially suitable for constructing confidence sets for parameters by test inversion. It uses no tuning parameter for moment selection and yet still adapts to the slackness of the moment inequalities. Furthermore, we show how the test can be easily adapted to inference on subvectors in the common empirical setting of conditional moment inequalities with nuisance parameters entering linearly. User-friendly Matlab code to implement the test is provided.
Neurological manifestations of Kyasanur Forest disease: a retrospective cohort study from South India
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Nallapati Vishnu Teja , Chunduru Kiran , Vithivattical Alphy Rose James , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Saravu Kavitha
Published: March 2022

Background

Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is a viral zoonotic disease where patients present with febrile illness and haemorrhagic manifestations in the first phase. In a small fraction of patients, the fever may be biphasic. This study aimed to describe the neurological manifestations of patients with KFD in the first and second phases of the illness.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 297 patients admitted with a molecular diagnosis of KFD from December 2018 to December 2020. The case records of these patients were reviewed for evidence of neurological involvement.

Results

A total of 34 (11.5%) patients in the first phase and 16 (36.4%) patients in the second phase had neurological involvement. Altered sensorium, seizures and focal infarcts were common in the first phase, while cerebellar signs and leptomeningeal enhancement were common in the second phase.

Conclusions

Neurological involvement is seen in both phases of KFD. While in the first phase it is a result of possible encephalitis/encephalopathy, the second phase involvement is possibly due to postinfectious cerebellitis or meningitis.
HetI-Like Phosphopantetheinyl Transferase Posttranslationally Modifies Acyl Carrier Proteins in Xanthomonas spp.
Authors: Chen Yi-Cai , Hu Zhe , Zhang Wen-Bin , Yin Yu , Zhong Can-Yao , Mo Wan-Ying , Yu Yong-Hong , Ma Jin-Cheng , Wang Hai-Hong
Published: March 2022

In Xanthomonas spp., the biosynthesis of the yellow pigment xanthomonadin and fatty acids originates in the type II polyketide synthase (PKS II) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathways, respectively. The acyl carrier protein (ACP) is the central component of PKS II and FAS and requires posttranslational phosphopantetheinylation to initiate these pathways. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate that the posttranslational modification of ACPs in X. campestris pv. campestris is performed by an essential 4′-phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase), XcHetI (encoded by Xc_4132). X. campestris pv. campestris strain XchetI could not be deleted from the X. campestris pv. campestris genome unless another PPTase-encoding gene such as Escherichia coli acpS or Pseudomonas aeruginosa pcpS was present. Compared with wild-type strain X. campestris pv. campestris 8004 and mutant XchetI::PapcpS, strain XchetI::EcacpS failed to generate xanthomonadin pigments and displayed reduced pathogenicity for the host plant, Brassica oleracea. Further experiments showed that the expression of XchetI restored the growth of E. coli acpS mutant HT253 and, when a plasmid bearing XchetI was introduced into P. aeruginosa, pcpS, which encodes the sole PPTase in P. aeruginosa, could be deleted. In in vitro enzymatic assays, XcHetI catalyzed the transformation of 4′-phosphopantetheine from coenzyme A to two X. campestris pv. campestris apo-acyl carrier proteins, XcAcpP and XcAcpC. All of these findings indicate that XcHetI is a surfactin PPTase-like PPTase with a broad substrate preference. Moreover, the HetI-like PPTase is ubiquitously conserved in Xanthomonas spp., making it a potential new drug target for the prevention of plant diseases caused by Xanthomonas.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Opioid abuse and perioperative care: a new medical disease
Authors: Henshaw Daryl S. , Turner James D. , Khanna Ashish K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

This review article aims to describe the perioperative clinical implications of opioid use or opioid use disorder (OUD) and to provide recommendations related to analgesia, anesthesia, and postoperative care for patients with this ’new medical disease’.

Recent findings

Evidence suggest that 1 in 4 surgical patients will be using opioids preoperatively. Management of these patients, or those with OUD, can be challenging given their opioid tolerance, hyperalgesia, decreased pain tolerance, and increased pain sensitivity. Therefore, an individualized plan that considers how to manage OUD treatment medications, the risk of relapse, multimodal analgesia, and postoperative monitoring requirements is highly important. Fortunately, recent publications provide both insight and guidance on these topics. Postoperatively, persistent opioid utilization appears higher in patients currently using opioids and even for those with a prior history. Although numerous other adverse outcomes are also associated with opioid use or abuse, some may be modifiable with cessation.

A coordinated, evidence-based, multidisciplinary team approach is critical when caring for patients with OUD to ensure safety, provide adequate analgesia, and reduce the risk of relapse. Enhanced postoperative monitoring, multimodal analgesia, and a plan for preoperative opioid management may help to modify the risks of adverse postoperative outcomes.
Sedation-analgesia techniques for nonoperating room anesthesia: an update
Authors: Khorsand Sarah , Karamchandani Kunal , Joshi Girish P.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

There has been a substantial increase in nonoperating room anesthesia procedures over the years along with an increase in the complexity and severity of cases. These procedures pose unique challenges for anesthesia providers requiring meticulous planning and attention to detail. Advancements in the delivery of sedation and analgesia in this setting will help anesthesia providers navigate these challenges and improve patient safety and outcomes.

Recent findings

There has been a renewed interest in the development of newer sedative and analgesic drugs and delivery systems that can safely provide anesthesia care in challenging situations and circumstances.

Delivery of anesthesia care in nonoperating room locations is associated with significant challenges. The advent of sedative and analgesic drugs that can be safely used in situations where monitoring capabilities are limited in conjunction with delivery systems, that can incorporate unique patient characteristics and ensure the safe delivery of these drugs, has the potential to improve patient safety and outcomes. Further research is needed in these areas to develop newer drugs and delivery systems.
Midazolam at Low Nanomolar Concentrations Affects Long-term Potentiation and Synaptic Transmission Predominantly via the α1–γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subunit in Mice
Authors: Puig-Bosch Xènia , Bieletzki Stefan , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich , Rudolph Uwe , Antkowiak Bernd , Rammes Gerhard
Published: March 2022

Background

Midazolam amplifies synaptic inhibition via different γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subtypes defined by the presence of α1-, α2-, α3-, or α5-subunits in the channel complex. Midazolam blocks long-term potentiation and produces postoperative amnesia. The aims of this study were to identify the GABAA receptor subtypes targeted by midazolam responsible for affecting CA1 long-term potentiation and synaptic inhibition in neocortical neurons.

Methods

The effects of midazolam on hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation were studied in acutely prepared brain slices of male and female mice. Positive allosteric modulation on GABAA receptor–mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents was investigated in organotypic slice cultures of the mouse neocortex. In both experiments, wild-type mice and GABAA receptor knock-in mouse lines were compared in which α1-, α5-, α1/2/3-, α1/3/5- and α2/3/5-GABAA receptor subtypes had been rendered benzodiazepine-insensitive.

Results

Midazolam (10 nM) completely blocked long-term potentiation (mean ± SD, midazolam, 98 ± 11%, n = 14/8 slices/mice vs. control 156 ± 19%, n = 20/12; P < 0.001). Experiments in slices of α1-, α5-, α1/2/3-, α1/3/5-, and α2/3/5–knock-in mice revealed a dominant role for the α1-GABAA receptor subtype in the long-term potentiation suppressing effect. In slices from wild-type mice, midazolam increased (mean ± SD) charge transfer of miniature synaptic events concentration-dependently (50 nM: 172 ± 71% [n = 10/6] vs. 500 nM: 236 ± 54% [n = 6/6]; P = 0.041). In α2/3/5–knock-in mice, charge transfer of miniature synaptic events did not further enhance when applying 500 nM midazolam (50 nM: 171 ± 62% [n = 8/6] vs. 500 nM: 175 ± 62% [n = 6/6]; P = 0.454), indicating two different binding affinities for midazolam to α2/3/5- and α1-subunits.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a predominant role of α1-GABAA receptors in the actions of midazolam at low nanomolar concentrations. At higher concentrations, midazolam also enhances other GABAA receptor subtypes. α1-GABAA receptors may already contribute at sedative doses to the phenomenon of postoperative amnesia that has been reported after midazolam administration.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Gamma/Delta (γδ) T Cells: The Role of the T-Cell Receptor in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Goyal Amrita , Nardi Valentina
Published: March 2022

There are 2 types of T cells: αβ and γδ T cells, named based on the composition of the T-cell receptor. γδ T cells are rare, making up 0.5%–10% of T cells. Although most leukemias, lymphomas, and immune-mediated conditions derive from αβ T cells, a handful of rare but important diseases are generally derived from γδ T cells, particularly primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, and monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma. There are also malignancies that may evince a γδ TCR phenotype, including large granulocytic lymphocyte leukemia, T-cell acute lymphobplastic leukemia (T-ALL), and mycosis fungoides, although such cases are rare. In this article, we will review the genesis of the T-cell receptor, the role of γδ T cells, and the importance of TCR type and methods of detection and outline the evidence for prognostic significance (or lack thereof) in lymphomas of γδ T cells. We will also highlight conditions that rarely may present with a γδ TCR phenotype and assess the utility of testing for TCR type in these diseases.
Persistent cardiac organ damage in surgically and medically treated primary aldosteronism
Authors: Aune Arleen , Gerdts Eva , Kokorina Marina , Kringeland Ester , Midtbø Helga , Løvås Kristian , Grytaas Marianne A.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

We compared persistent cardiac organ damage in patients treated surgically or medically for primary aldosteronism.

Methods:

Eighty-four patients (age 57 ± 11 years, 27% women) with primary aldosteronism underwent echocardiography at time of diagnosis and after one year of treatment (49% adrenalectomy, 51% medical treatment). Persistent cardiac organ damage was defined as presence of left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy, low LV midwall shortening, global longitudinal strain and/or enlarged left atrium both at baseline and at follow-up.

Results:

At one year, a significant regression of LV hypertrophy was observed in surgically (44 vs. 22%, P 
= 0.039), but not in medically treated patients (60 vs. 51%, P = 0.206). The prevalence of enlarged left atrium was reduced in both groups (both P < 0.001), whereas systolic myocardial function remained unchanged. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, medical treatment [odds ratio (OR) 4.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–18.88)] was a strong predictor of persistent LV hypertrophy independent of higher BMI [OR 1.20 (95% CI 1.04–1.38)] and presence of diabetes [OR 6.48 (95% CI 1.20–34.83), all P < 0.05]. Persistently low midwall shortening was associated with suppressed plasma renin after one year [OR 6.11 (95% CI 1.39–26.7)] and lower renal function [OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.94–0.99), both P < 0.05]. The strongest predictor of persistently low global longitudinal strain was higher HbA1c [OR 2.37 (95% CI 1.12–5.02), P = 0.024].

Conclusion:

Persistent cardiac organ damage was more common in the medical treatment group and associated with incomplete aldosterone blockade, impaired renal function and presence of metabolic comorbidities.

Graphical abstract:

http://links.lww.com/HJH/B925.
Clinical significance of the neural response telemetric thresholds in Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant patients
Authors: Wu Ching-Nung , Yang Chao-Hui , Huang Ping-Che , Huang Yi-Wen , Hwang Chung-Feng
Published: March 2022

Background:

It is unclear whether neural response telemetric (NRT) thresholds are related to lexical tonal language performance after cochlear implants (CIs). We explored the factors associated with changes in NRT thresholds and postoperative performance of CI patients.

Methods:

Patients receiving nucleus 24 CIs in our hospital from November 2010 were enrolled. We analyzed medical records and NRT thresholds. Mandarin speech and tone identification were measured in CI patients for at least 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

Seventy-two patients with an average age of 16.1 years received CIs. The postoperative NRT threshold was lower than the intraoperative threshold. The NRT threshold was higher in the early- than the late-activation group (mapping within 21 vs >21 days postoperatively, respectively). Lower intraoperative NRT thresholds and curved electrodes were significantly associated with lower postoperative NRT thresholds. In multiple linear regression analysis, only postoperative NRT thresholds significantly affected speech and tone perception, including word recognition scores, tone perception, and comprehension of easy and difficult sentences (all p < 0.05). Other clinical parameters, including age, gender, implant type, and activation timing, were not significantly associated with clinical tone or speech outcomes.

Conclusion:

Curved electrode arrays were associated with lower postoperative NRT thresholds. A lower postoperative NRT threshold might predict better performance of Mandarin-speaking CI patients. Future studies should evaluate factors that affect both postoperative NRT thresholds and lexical tonal language performance.