bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A technique for studying (n,p) reactions of astrophysical interest using radioactive beams with SECAR
Authors: Tsintari Pelagia , Berg Georg P. A. , Blackmon Jeff , Chipps Kelly , Couder Manoel , Deibel Catherine , Dimitrakopoulos Nikolaos , Garg Ruchi , Greife Uwe , Hermansen Kirby , Hood Ashley , Jain Rahul , Maher Cavan , Marshall Caleb , Meisel Zach , Miskovich Sara , Montes Fernando , Perdikakis Georgios , Pereira Jorge , Ruland Thomas , Schatz Hendrik , Setoodehnia Kiana , Smith Michael , Wagner Louis , Zegers Remco G. T.
Published: March 2023

The formation of nuclei in slightly proton-rich regions of the neutrino-driven wind of core-collapse supernovae could be attributed to the neutrino-p process (νp-process). As it proceeds via a sequence of (p,γ) and (n,p) reactions, it may produce elements in the range of Ni and Sn, considering adequate conditions. Recent studies identify a number of decisive (n,p) reactions that control the efficiency of the νp-process. The study of one such (n,p) reaction via the measurement of the reverse (p,n) in inverse kinematics was performed with SECAR at NSCL/FRIB. Proton-induced reaction measurements, especially at the mass region of interest, are notably difficult since the recoils have nearly identical masses as the unreacted projectiles. Such measurements are feasible with the adequate separation level achieved with SECAR, and the in-coincidence neutron detection. Adjustments of the SECAR system for the first (p,n) reaction measurement included the development of new ion beam optics, and the installation of the neutron detection system. The aforementioned developments along with a discussion on the preliminary results of the p(58Fe,n)58Co reaction measurement are presented.
KCNQ2-Related Epilepsy: Genotype–Phenotype Relationship with Tailored Antiseizure Medication (ASM)—A Systematic Review
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Criscione Roberta , Cimino Carla , Pisani Francesco , Ruggieri Martino
Published: March 2023

Background Autosomal dominant mutations of the KCNQ2 gene can cause two epileptic disorders: benign familial neonatal seizures (BFNS) and developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). This systematic review aims to identify the best reported therapy for these patients, relating to phenotype, neurodevelopmental outcome, and an eventual correlation between phenotype and genotype.

Methods We searched on PubMed using the search terms “KCNQ2” AND “therapy” and “KCNQ2” AND “treatment”; we found 304 articles. Of these, 29 met our criteria. We collected the data from 194 patients. All 29 articles were retrospective studies.

Results In all, 104 patients were classified as DEE and 90 as BFNS. After treatment began, 95% of BFNS patients became seizure free, whereas the seizures stopped only in 73% of those with DEE. Phenobarbital and sodium channel blockers were the most used treatment in BFNS. Most of the DEE patients (95%) needed polytherapy for seizure control and even that did not prevent subsequent developmental impairment (77%).

Missense mutations were discovered in 96% of DEE patients; these were less common in BFNS (50%), followed by large deletion (16%), truncation (16%), splice donor site (10%), and frameshift (7%).

Conclusion Phenobarbital or carbamazepine appears to be the most effective antiseizure medication for children with a “benign” variant. On the contrary, polytherapy is often needed for DEE patients, even if it does not seem to improve neurological outcomes. In DEE patients, most mutations were located in S4 and S6 helix, which could serve as a potential target for the development of more specific treatment in the future.
Thermal characterization for quantum materials
Authors: Guo Shucheng , Xu Youming , Hoke Thomas , Sohi Gobind , Li Shuchen , Chen Xi
Published: March 2023

Recently, the study of quantum materials through thermal characterization methods has attracted much attention. These methods, although not as widely used as electrical methods, can reveal intriguing physical properties in materials that are not detectable by electrical methods, particularly in electrical insulators. A fundamental understanding of these physical properties is critical for the development of novel applications for energy conversion and storage, quantum sensing and quantum information processing. In this review, we introduce several commonly used thermal characterization methods for quantum materials, including specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal Hall effect, and Nernst effect measurements. Important theories for the thermal properties of quantum materials are discussed. Moreover, we introduce recent research progress on thermal measurements of quantum materials. We highlight experimental studies on probing the existence of quantum spin liquids, Berry curvature, chiral anomaly, and coupling between heat carriers. We also discuss the work on investigating the quantum phase transitions and quasi-particle hydrodynamics using thermal characterization methods. These findings have significantly advanced knowledge regarding novel physical properties in quantum materials. In addition, we provide some perspectives on further investigation of novel thermal properties in quantum materials.
Alternating chimera states in complex networks with modular structures
Authors: Feng Peihua , Yang Jiayi , Wu Ying , Liu Zhilong
Published: March 2023

Chimera, the coexistence state of synchronization and non-synchronization, widely exists in complex networks. It has a great potentially explanatory power for the unihemispheric sleep of birds and some mammals, in which the synchronizations of the hemispheres of the cerebral cortex are evolving alternately. In this study, a coupled nonlinear oscillator system with a topology of the modular complex network was constructed to simulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The results showed that a stable chimera, an alternating chimera, and a breathing chimera were produced when the coupling strength and connection probability of the left and right hemispheres were changed. Further, we studied the effect of noise on rich synchronous patterns and found that the alternating chimera was robust to Gaussian white noise when the strength was not very large. Finally, our study was extended to a complex network with three sub-networks, and an alternating chimera could exist in two or three sub-networks. Our research provides a deeper insight into the mechanism of brain function like unihemispheric sleep.
Controllable surfactant-directed zeolitic-imidazolate-8 growth on swollen 2D zeolites
Authors: Netzsch Philip , Ettlinger Romy , Morris Russell E.
Published: March 2023

To meet society’s need for more and more specialized materials, this work focuses on the preparation of porous metal–organic framework (MOF)–zeolite hybrid materials based on two 2D zeolites, namely, IPC-1P (Institute of Physical Chemistry - 1 Precursor) and the metal–organic framework ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8). Using the previously well-established assembly–disassembly–organization–reassembly method, the zeolite was (i) synthesized, (ii) hydrolyzed to a layered zeolite, (iii) the interlayer distance was increased using the swelling agent cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and (iv) nanocrystals of ZIF-8 were grown stepwise on the zeolite surface but predominantly at the edges of the crystallites where the openings to the interlayer region are located. This selective MOF growth and attachment was facilitated by a combination of intercalation of the metal ions and the swelling agent between the zeolite layers. The influence of the solvent and the number of additional steps on the ZIF-8 growth on the zeolite was systematically investigated, and the synthesis protocol was successfully adapted to a further two-dimensional silicate RUB-18 (Ruhr-Universität Bochum - 18). This paves the way toward the controlled preparation of more MOF–zeolite hybrid materials, which might provide interesting properties for future applications.
Stickiness and recurrence plots: An entropy-based approach
Authors: Sales Matheus R. , Mugnaine Michele , Szezech José D. , Viana Ricardo L. , Caldas Iberê L. , Marwan Norbert , Kurths Jürgen
Published: March 2023

The stickiness effect is a fundamental feature of quasi-integrable Hamiltonian systems. We propose the use of an entropy-based measure of the recurrence plots (RPs), namely, the entropy of the distribution of the recurrence times (estimated from the RP), to characterize the dynamics of a typical quasi-integrable Hamiltonian system with coexisting regular and chaotic regions. We show that the recurrence time entropy (RTE) is positively correlated to the largest Lyapunov exponent, with a high correlation coefficient. We obtain a multi-modal distribution of the finite-time RTE and find that each mode corresponds to the motion around islands of different hierarchical levels.
The effect of filter anisotropy on the large eddy simulation of turbulence
Authors: Chang Ning , Yuan Zelong , Wang Yunpeng , Wang Jianchun
Published: March 2023

We study the effect of filter anisotropy and sub-filter scale (SFS) dynamics on the accuracy of large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulence, by using several types of SFS models including the dynamic Smagorinsky model (DSM), dynamic mixed model (DMM), and the direct deconvolution model (DDM) with the anisotropic filter. The aspect ratios (AR) of the filters for LES range from 1 to 16. We show that the DDM is capable of predicting SFS stresses accurately at highly anisotropic filter. In the a priori study, the correlation coefficients of SFS stress reconstructed by the DDM are over 90%, which are much larger than those of the DSM and DMM models. The correlation coefficients decrease as the AR increases. In the a posteriori studies, the DDM outperforms DSM and DMM models in the prediction of various turbulence statistics, including the velocity spectra, and probability density functions of the vorticity, SFS energy flux, velocity increments, strain-rate tensors and SFS stress. As the anisotropy increases, the results of DSM and DMM become worse, but DDM can give satisfactory results for all the filter-anisotropy cases. These results indicate that the DDM framework is a promising tool in developing advanced SFS models in the LES of turbulence in the presence of anisotropic filter.
A retrotransposon insertion in the
Mao1
promoter results in erect pubescence and higher yield in soybean
Authors: An Jie , Fang Chao , Yuan Zhihui , Hu Quan , Huang Wenxuan , Li Haiyang , Ma Ruirui , Wang Lingshuang , Su Tong , Li Shichen , Wang Lindong , Duan Yan , Wang Yongqi , Zhang Chunbao , Xu Ran , Zhang Dajian , Cao Yuman , Hou Jingjing , Kong Fanjiang , Sun Lianjun
Published: March 2023

Adaptive changes in crops contribute to the diversity of agronomic traits, which directly or indirectly affect yield. The change of pubescence form from appressed to erect is a notable feature during soybean domestication. However, the biological significance and regulatory mechanism underlying this transformation remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a major-effect locus,
PUBESCENCE FORM 1
(
PF1
), the upstream region of
Mao1
, that regulates pubescence form in soybean. The insertion of a Ty3/
Gypsy
retrotransposon in
PF1
can recruit the transcription factor GAGA-binding protein to a GA-rich region, which up-regulates
Mao1
expression, underpinning soybean pubescence evolution. Interestingly, the proportion of improved cultivars with erect pubescence increases gradually with increasing latitude, and erect-pubescence cultivars have a higher yield possibly through a higher photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic stability. These findings open an avenue for molecular breeding through either natural introgression or genome editing toward yield improvement and productivity.
Two-point optical manipulation reveals mechanosensitive remodeling of cell–cell contacts in vivo
Authors: Nishizawa Kenji , Lin Shao-Zhen , Chardès Claire , Rupprecht Jean-François , Lenne Pierre-François
Published: March 2023

Biological tissues acquire reproducible shapes during development through dynamic cell behaviors. Most of these behaviors involve the remodeling of cell–cell contacts. During epithelial morphogenesis, contractile actomyosin networks remodel cell–cell contacts by shrinking and extending junctions between lateral cell surfaces. However, actomyosin networks not only generate mechanical stresses but also respond to them, confounding our understanding of how mechanical stresses remodel cell–cell contacts. Here, we develop a two-point optical manipulation method to impose different stress patterns on cell–cell contacts in the early epithelium of the
Drosophila
embryo. The technique allows us to produce junction extension and shrinkage through different push and pull manipulations at the edges of junctions. We use these observations to expand classical vertex-based models of tissue mechanics, incorporating negative and positive mechanosensitive feedback depending on the type of remodeling. In particular, we show that Myosin-II activity responds to junction strain rate and facilitates full junction shrinkage. Altogether our work provides insight into how stress produces efficient deformation of cell–cell contacts in vivo and identifies unanticipated mechanosensitive features of their remodeling.
Coastal upwelling drives ecosystem temporal variability from the surface to the abyssal seafloor
Authors: Messié Monique , Sherlock Rob E. , Huffard Christine L. , Pennington J. Timothy , Choy C. Anela , Michisaki Reiko P. , Gomes Kevin , Chavez Francisco P. , Robison Bruce H. , Smith Kenneth L.
Published: March 2023

Long-term biological time series that monitor ecosystems across the ocean’s full water column are extremely rare. As a result, classic paradigms are yet to be tested. One such paradigm is that variations in coastal upwelling drive changes in marine ecosystems throughout the water column. We examine this hypothesis by using data from three multidecadal time series spanning surface (0 m), midwater (200 to 1,000 m), and benthic (~4,000 m) habitats in the central California Current Upwelling System. Data include microscopic counts of surface plankton, video quantification of midwater animals, and imaging of benthic seafloor invertebrates. Taxon-specific plankton biomass and midwater and benthic animal densities were separately analyzed with principal component analysis. Within each community, the first mode of variability corresponds to most taxa increasing and decreasing over time, capturing seasonal surface blooms and lower-frequency midwater and benthic variability. When compared to local wind-driven upwelling variability, each community correlates to changes in upwelling damped over distinct timescales. This suggests that periods of high upwelling favor increase in organism biomass or density from the surface ocean through the midwater down to the abyssal seafloor. These connections most likely occur directly via changes in primary production and vertical carbon flux, and to a lesser extent indirectly via other oceanic changes. The timescales over which species respond to upwelling are taxon-specific and are likely linked to the longevity of phytoplankton blooms (surface) and of animal life (midwater and benthos), which dictate how long upwelling-driven changes persist within each community.
Microstructure characterisation of directionally solidified MnNi damping alloy under strong magnetic field
Authors: Wang Diwei , Tian Qingchao , Liu Xiang , Ren Zhongmin , Yin Fuxing , Ji Puguang
Published: March 2023

In order to reveal the effect of the magnetic field on the microstructure and the martensitic transformation of directional solidified MnNi alloy, four specimens were prepared by applying different magnetic fields during the directional solidification. The results show that the external magnetic field induces the formation of α-Mn phase, changes the orientations of dendrites as well as increases the dislocation density. The external magnetic field eliminates the fco→fct2 phase transformation and retains the fct→fcc transformation, meanwhile has little effect on the antiferromagnetic transition. The internal friction from twin boundary and phase transformation of directionally solidified MnNi alloy is 3–4 times that of as-rolled MnNi alloy, showing excellent high damping capacity in a wide temperature range.
Effect of P-MIG and CMT on microstructure and properties of 6082-T6 joints
Authors: Wang Yaochao , Li Mengnie , Yang Xiaoyi , Zuo Hanning
Published: March 2023

This paper focuses on pulse metal inert gas welding (P-MIG) and cold metal transfer (CMT) of 6082-T6 aluminium alloy. The microstructure and properties of joints were analysed and the phase transformation of the welding zones (WZ) was calculated using JMatPro. The results showed that CMT joints are better than P-MIG joints in tensile strength and hardness. The main reason is that the average grain size and the second phase size of CMT joints are smaller than those of P-MIG joints. Moreover, the larger number of large-angle grain boundaries (LAGB), diffusely distributed Al3Mg2 and Al6Mn phases in CMT WZ, as well as a small amount of distributed Al3Zr, are beneficial to the joints properties too.
3D infrared temperature maps measurements of ablative materials during plasma wind tunnel experiments
Authors: Fagnani Andrea , Helber Bernd , Hubin Annick , Chazot Olivier
Published: March 2023

Accurate surface temperature and recession measurements are crucial experimental data for plasma wind tunnel testing of ablative thermal protection materials. In this work we propose a novel methodology to reconstruct infrared temperature maps on 3D geometries undergoing surface recession. An optical calibration technique is used to extract 3D metric information from the 2D thermal images, thanks to a specific calibration target with control points. The evolution of the sample shape during the experiment is tracked from a side view, using a visual-range camera with dedicated image processing, and reconstructed in 3D under the assumption of axisymmetry. The surface temperature is projected on the time-varying 3D geometry from the calibrated thermograms. The technique is demonstrated on a graphite ablation experiment in air plasma. The reconstructed maps provide detailed multidimensional information about the transient temperature evolution, overcoming traditional approaches that are limited around the stagnation point. The technique allows to study ablation mechanisms with further detail, improving experimental data for material qualification and validation of simulation codes.
Spin pumping through nanocrystalline topological insulators
Authors: Burn David M , Lin Jheng-Cyuan , Fujita Ryuji , Achinuq Barat , Bibby Joshua , Singh Angadjit , Frisk Andreas , van der Laan Gerrit , Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: March 2023

The topological surface states (TSSs) in topological insulators (TIs) offer exciting prospects for dissipationless spin transport. Common spin-based devices, such as spin valves, rely on trilayer structures in which a non-magnetic layer is sandwiched between two ferromagnetic (FM) layers. The major disadvantage of using high-quality single-crystalline TI films in this context is that a single pair of spin-momentum locked channels spans across the entire film, meaning that only a very small spin current can be pumped from one FM to the other, along the side walls of the film. On the other hand, using nanocrystalline TI films, in which the grains are large enough to avoid hybridization of the TSSs, will effectively increase the number of spin channels available for spin pumping. Here, we used an element-selective, x-ray based ferromagnetic resonance technique to demonstrate spin pumping from a FM layer at resonance through the TI layer and into the FM spin sink.
Microwave generation from betatron oscillation of slow electron beam in DC cross-fields configuration
Authors: Lin H , Liu C P
Published: March 2023

A high-efficiency mechanism of microwave (MW) generation from slow electron beam (e-beam) is investigated in details. Space-inhomogeneous density profile of the e-beam enables its current vortex profile ∇ × j easy to be modified significantly by external fields. Suitable DC cross-fields configuration can modify time behavior of the ∇ × j of an e-beam from monotonically-varying to oscillatory. Under available not-too-severe values of beam peak density and beam drifting velocity, such a time-oscillatory current vortex can be tuned to have a narrow-spectrum around a desired central frequency within a broad range from MHz to Thz. The mechanism is applicable to slow non-relativistic e-beam and hence does not need bulky cooling component and high-voltage component. This favors the whole vacuum electron devices (VEDs) to be compact enough without at the cost of lower output power.
A new fractional-order complex chaotic system with extreme multistability and its implementation
Authors: Ren Lujie , Li Shu , Banerjee Santo , Mou Jun
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new fractional-order complex chaotic system (FOCCS) is proposed and studied. Firstly, the dissipativity and stability are discussed. Secondly, the dynamical characteristics of the system with parameters and order changes are analyzed by using phase diagrams, Lyapunov exponent (LEs) and bifurcation diagrams, respectively. In addition, the dynamical behavior is discussed for q of integer and fractional orders. In particular, the attractor coexistence is found, such as the coexistence of chaotic attractor and chaotic attractor, and chaotic attractor and periodic attractor. Interestingly, the multiple attractors coexistence is found by changing the initial conditions with fixed parameters. Finally, it is implemented on the analog circuit and DSP platform. The study provide a reference for the research and application of chaos.
Radiation damage on the performance of a silicon photomultiplier-coupled Cs2LiYCl6:Ce3+ detector
Authors: Wang Q. , Luo Y. , Dai H. , Yang H. , Deng C. , Tuo X. , Niu J. , Xie B.
Published: March 2023

A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) coupled
Cs2LiYCl6:Ce3+ (CLYC) detector was developed for
neutron detection in the narrow, mixed radiation field. Studies show
that the SiPM and scintillator will suffer a certain degree of
damage in high-intensity irradiation environments. To evaluate the
effects of the radiation damage, the detector was exposed to a
zero-power research reactor. The thermal neutron exposures ranged
from 0 up to 7.60 × 107 n/cm2. The performance
specifications on the gamma ray and thermal neutron pulses,
 6Li(n, α)3H thermal neutron peaks, energy
resolutions, and pulse shape discrimination were analyzed. The
results showed that the standard gamma ray and thermal neutron
pulses were slightly altered, the thermal neutron peak centroid
reduced by 40%, the energy resolution of the
 6Li(n, α)3H thermal neutron peak deteriorated from
15% to 21%, and the figure of merit of pulse shape discrimination
decreased from 1.41 to 1.16. These variation curves can be applied
to evaluate and correct the detector irradiation damage.
Higher semiadditive Grothendieck-Witt theory and the 𝐾(1)-local sphere
Authors: Carmeli Shachar , Yuan Allen
Published: March 2023

We develop a higher semiadditive version of Grothendieck-Witt theory. We then apply the theory in the case of a finite field to study the higher semiadditive structure of the

K
(
1
)

K(1)

-local sphere

S

K
(
1
)

\mathbb {S}_{K(1)}

at the prime

2
2

, in particular realizing the non-

2
2

-adic rational element

1
+
ε
∈

π
0

S

K
(
1
)

1+\varepsilon \in \pi _0\mathbb {S}_{K(1)}

as a “semiadditive cardinality.” As a further application, we compute and clarify certain power operations in

π
0

S

K
(
1
)

\pi _0\mathbb {S}_{K(1)}

.
An elementary proof of the naturality of the Yoneda embedding
Authors: Ramzi Maxime
Published: March 2023

We give a short proof that the Yoneda embedding is natural for

∞
\infty

-categories, and further prove that the space of natural transformations that are, pointwise, the Yoneda embedding, is contractible.
Twisted forms of classical groups
Authors: Voronetsky E.
Published: March 2023

Twisted forms of classical reductive group schemes are described in a unified way. Such group schemes are constructed from algebraic objects of finite rank, excluding some exceptions of small rank. These objects, called the augmented odd form algebras, consist of

2
2

-step nilpotent groups with an action of the underlying commutative ring, hence the basic descent theory for them will be developed. Finally, classical isotropic reductive groups are described as odd unitary groups up to an isogeny.
On the local finite separability of finitely generated associative rings
Authors: Kublanovskii S.
Published: March 2023

It is proved that analogs of the theorems of M. Hall and N. S. Romanovskii are not true in the class of commutative rings. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the local finite separability of monogenic rings are established. As a corollary, it is proved that a finitely generated torsion-free PI-ring is locally finitely separable if and only if its additive group is finitely generated.
Optimal Hardy weights on the Euclidean lattice
Authors: Keller Matthias , Lemm Marius
Published: March 2023

We investigate the large-distance asymptotics of optimal Hardy weights onZd\mathbb Z^d,d≥3d\geq 3, via the super solution construction. For the free discrete Laplacian, the Hardy weight asymptotic is the familiar(d−2)24|x|−2\frac {(d-2)^2}{4}|x|^{-2}as|x|→∞|x|\to \infty. We prove that the inverse-square behavior of the optimal Hardy weight is robust for general elliptic coefficients onZd\mathbb Z^d: (1) averages over large sectors have inverse-square scaling, (2) for ergodic coefficients, there is a pointwise inverse-square upper bound on moments, and (3) for i.i.d. coefficients, there is a matching inverse-square lower bound on moments. The results imply|x|−4|x|^{-4}-scaling for Rellich weights onZd\mathbb Z^d. Analogous results are also new in the continuum setting. The proofs leverage Green’s function estimates rooted in homogenization theory.
Symmetric homology and representation homology
Authors: Berest Yuri , Ramadoss Ajay
Published: March 2023

Symmetric homology is a natural generalization of cyclic homology, in which symmetric groups play the role of cyclic groups. In the case of associative algebras, the symmetric homology theory was introduced by Z. Fiedorowicz (1991) and was further developed in the work of S. Ault (2010). In this paper, we show that, for algebras defined over a field of characteristic

0
0

, the symmetric homology is naturally equivalent to the (one-dimensional) representation homology introduced by the authors in joint work with G. Khachatryan (2013). Using known results on representation homology, we compute symmetric homology explicitly for basic algebras, such as polynomial algebras and universal enveloping algebras of (DG) Lie algebras. As an application, we prove two conjectures of Ault and Fiedorowicz, including their main conjecture (2007) on topological interpretation of symmetric homology of polynomial algebras.
Predicting reprogramming-related gene expression from cell morphology in human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Wakui Takashi , Negishi Mitsuru , Murakami Yuta , Tominaga Shunsuke , Shiraishi Yasushi , Carpenter Anne E. , Singh Shantanu , Segawa Hideo
Published: March 2023

A method that predicts gene expression levels from cell morphology was developed. Prediction within a reprogramming batch was sufficiently robust to provide a practical approach for estimating expression levels of genes and monitoring the purification process.
Visualization of the three-dimensional structure of the human centromere in mitotic chromosomes by superresolution microscopy
Authors: Di Tommaso Elena , de Turris Valeria , Choppakatla Pavan , Funabiki Hironori , Giunta Simona
Published: March 2023

A cytogenetic feature of human centromeres is a long array of repetitive α-satellite DNA at the primary constriction of mitotic chromosomes. A combination of the centromere chromosome orientation FISH (Cen-CO-FISH) technique together with SIM was used to visualize centromere organization within a single chromatid. Collectively, the data indicate a structural organization for α-satellite repeats in a ring-like conformation, with CENP-A preferentially distributed on the lateral surface of the primary constriction, and showcase superresolution imaging methods that can be used for further understanding of centromere structures.
Nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence: An Emerging Paradigm for Postoperative Patient Care
Authors: Del Vecchio Daniel , Stein Michael J , Dayan Erez , Marte Joseph , Theodorou Spero
Published: March 2023

Background

An increasing number of aesthetic surgery procedures are being performed in an ambulatory fashion in office-based settings. Postoperative monitoring of these patients has historically required paid private-duty nurses measuring vital signs, encouraging ambulation, and monitoring overall comfort level. Recently, advancements in nanotechnology have permitted high-acuity data acquisition of multiple clinical parameters that can be transmitted to the surgeon's mobile device in a continuous fashion.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the authors’ early experience with this emerging artificial intelligence technology in the postoperative setting.

Methods

Twenty-three consecutive patients underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction and Brazilian butt lift surgery, and were placed in a monitoring garment, SimpleSense (Nanowear Technologies, Brooklyn, NY) postoperatively. The primary outcome was device usability, reflected by compliance with wearing the device and completeness of data collection.

Results

During the first 48 hours, 91% of patients wore the device for more than 12 hours per day. Only 39% were compliant with postoperative positioning. No postoperative events were detected.

Conclusions

The quality of data collected enables detection of clinical derangements and can alert the surgeon in real time, prompting interventions such as drug administration, position changes, or presentation to the emergency room.

Level of Evidence: 4
Investigator Global Assessment for impetiginization in atopic dermatitis: development and initial reliability testing
Authors: Ragamin Aviël , Tupker Ron A , de Graaf Marlies , Rustemeyer Thomas , Pasmans Suzanne G M A , Schappin Renske , Schuttelaar Marie L A
Published: March 2023

Secondary infections with Staphylococcus aureus (i.e. impetiginization) are common in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, a scale to assess the severity of impetiginization is lacking. This study aimed to develop and investigate an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) for impetiginization in AD (‘IGA impetiginization’). Consensus was achieved for a 3-point IGA scale containing a description of clinical signs and extent of the affected area. Substantial inter-rater reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.68], good intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.81) and good overall agreement (81%) were found. The IGA impetiginization is a simple scale for the assessment of impetiginization in AD that could be used in clinical practice and research.
Acute hepatic failure in trimethoprim-induced drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
Authors: Connolly Aveen , Walsh Sarah , Philippidou Marianna , Salisbury Jon , Creamer Daniel
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we describe four cases of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) caused by trimethoprim administered for the treatment of acne. All cases were complicated by acute hepatic failure.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium dysregulation in COQ8A-ataxia Purkinje neurons are rescued by CoQ10 treatment
Authors: Manolaras Ioannis , Del Bondio Andrea , Griso Olivier , Reutenauer Laurence , Eisenmann Aurélie , Habermann Bianca H , Puccio Hélène
Published: March 2023

COQ8A-ataxia is a rare form of neurodegenerative disorder due to mutations in the COQ8A gene. The encoded mitochondrial protein is involved in the regulation of coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis. Previous studies on the constitutive Coq8a−/− mice indicated specific alterations of cerebellar Purkinje neurons involving altered electrophysiological function and dark cell degeneration. In the present manuscript, we extend our understanding of the contribution of Purkinje neuron dysfunction to the pathology.

By generating a Purkinje-specific conditional COQ8A knockout, we demonstrate that loss of COQ8A in Purkinje neurons is the main cause of cerebellar ataxia. Furthermore, through in vivo and in vitro approaches, we show that COQ8A-depleted Purkinje neurons have abnormal dendritic arborizations, altered mitochondria function and intracellular calcium dysregulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that oxidative phosphorylation, in particular Complex IV, is primarily altered at presymptomatic stages of the disease. Finally, the morphology of primary Purkinje neurons as well as the mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium dysregulation could be rescued by CoQ10 treatment, suggesting that CoQ10 could be a beneficial treatment for COQ8A-ataxia.
Pre-stimulus gamma power in human posteromedial cortex shows supra-modal mechanisms in predicting the amplitude and latency of task-induced suppression
Authors: Ma Jie , Shen Lu , Song Li , Guo Qiang , Parvizi Josef , Han Biao , Chen Qi
Published: March 2023

Upon repetitively performing the same well-practiced task on identical bottom-up stimuli, our performance still varies. Although it has been well documented that elevated pre-stimulus baseline activity in the human default-mode network impairs the subsequent task performance, it remains unknown (i) the fine-grained temporal dynamics and (ii) whether the underlying neural dynamics are supra-modal or modality-specific. We utilized intracranial recordings in the human posteromedial cortex (PMC) during a simple visual and an auditory detection task. Our findings suggested that the pre-stimulus gamma power in PMC predicted the subsequent task performance. Critically, the higher the pre-stimulus gamma power, the longer it took for it to be suppressed, and the less suppressed it was during the task performance, which eventually resulted in deleterious effects on task performance, i.e. longer reaction times. These fine-grained temporal dynamics were consistent between the visual and auditory simple detection task. In addition, a direct comparison between the visual and auditory modality showed that the between-modality difference emerged during the recovery period from the maximal gamma suppression back to the baseline. Taken together, the present results contribute novel spatio-temporal mechanisms in human PMC on how simple detection performance varies across multiple repetitions, irrespective of the sensory modality involved.
Development and Validation of Novel RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Capecitabine and Thymoquinone in the Biodegradable Nanoparticles using Full Factorial Design
Authors: Raikar Prasiddhi R , Dandagi Panchaxari M , Kazi Taufik
Published: March 2023

An innovative RP-HPLC technique was devised to simultaneously quantify thymoquinone (TQ) and capecitabine (CAP) in newly designed polymeric nanoparticles. A unique chromatographic approach was created, optimized and validated using Design-Expert® (design of experiment) in compliance with ICH requirements. A 24 factorial design examined the influence of variables on method responses. The method found linear between 0.25 and 16 μg/mL, with an R2 value of 0.999. The detection and quantification limits for CAP were 0.05 and 0.16 μg/mL, respectively, and 0.12 and 0.38 μg/mL for TQ, respectively, and 97–100% recovery in plain drug solution and 100–102% in nanoformulation were achieved. A purposeful modification examined by analysis of variance revealed that the experimental model was significant (P = 0.0001). The total drug content in nanoformulation was 8.68 mg, and the entrapment efficiency was 84.79%. Based on the findings, it is possible to infer that the use of the Quality by Design methodology resulted in the development of a more accurate technique capable of producing consistent, dependable, high-quality data and precise in quantifying CAP and TQ in bulk and nanoparticulate systems.
Elementary Overview of Heavy Metals
Authors: Jannetto Paul J , Cowl Clayton T
Published: March 2023

Background

Exposure to heavy metals is common as a result of environmental contamination of air, water, and soil as well as accumulation in food, tobacco, herbal medicines, and occupational contact. However, clinically relevant toxicity is much less prevalent. Toxic effects, when they occur, may present with non-specific symptoms, resulting in a very large differential for clinicians to consider.

Content

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are four heavy metals with no biological role in humans. However, these metals are commonly used in industrial applications and consumer products. Since these elements are not biodegradeable, their potential toxic effects may be long-lasting within the environment. These heavy metals have the potential to accumulate in vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney where they may disrupt normal cellular functioning and if exposures are repetitive or of high concentration, toxicity may result.

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury physical properties, common sources of exposure, basic toxicokinetics and health effects, and to review clinical guidelines and treatment strategies. Acute and chronic symptoms and recommended laboratory biomarker testing are also discussed.
Post-transcriptional control of haemostatic genes: mechanisms and emerging therapeutic concepts in thrombo-inflammatory disorders
Authors: Danckwardt Sven , Trégouët David-Alexandre , Castoldi Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

The haemostatic system is pivotal to maintaining vascular integrity. Multiple components involved in blood coagulation have central functions in inflammation and immunity. A derailed haemostasis is common in prevalent pathologies such as sepsis, cardiovascular disorders, and lately, COVID-19. Physiological mechanisms limit the deleterious consequences of a hyperactivated haemostatic system through adaptive changes in gene expression. While this is mainly regulated at the level of transcription, co- and posttranscriptional mechanisms are increasingly perceived as central hubs governing multiple facets of the haemostatic system. This layer of regulation modulates the biogenesis of haemostatic components, for example in situations of increased turnover and demand. However, they can also be ‘hijacked’ in disease processes, thereby perpetuating and even causally entertaining associated pathologies. This review summarizes examples and emerging concepts that illustrate the importance of posttranscriptional mechanisms in haemostatic control and crosstalk with the immune system. It also discusses how such regulatory principles can be used to usher in new therapeutic concepts to combat global medical threats such as sepsis or cardiovascular disorders.
Medical advice for sick-reported students in a Dutch vocational school: a process evaluation
Authors: Jenniskens Kristel , Meis Jessie Jacoba Maria , Zijlstra G A Rixt
Published: March 2023

Medical Advice for Sick-reported Students (MASS) is an intervention that aims to reduce medical absenteeism and prevent dropout among students. The current study reports on a process evaluation of the implementation of MASS at a vocational school in the Netherlands. The evaluation included the implementation process, fidelity, context, and participant satisfaction. The study had a qualitative case study design. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders, including a child and youth healthcare physician, MASS coordinators, career advisors, mentors, and students with concerning sickness absence. MASS was largely implemented as intended, but some deviations from the original intervention were found. For example, not all mentors identified concerning sickness absence through recommended criteria. A fit between the intervention and the values of the involved organizations was found. Facilitating contextual factors were identified, such as a perceived need for reducing school absence recognized within the care network, as well as hampering contextual factors, for example the limited visibility of students’ absence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were generally satisfied with MASS and its implementation. Overall, MASS was implemented well according to interviewees, but several improvement points for both the implementation and execution of MASS were identified. These include full implementation across the setting, providing and repeating necessary trainings, minimizing administrative burden, and securing financial and human resources for sustainment of the intervention. These points could help to guide future implementation efforts, as they may help to overcome common barriers to implementation.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Admissibility Decisions in the ‘Syrian Camps Cases’ against France: a Critique from the Viewpoint of Treaty Interpretation
Authors: Emberland Marius
Published: March 2023

The article deals with three admissibility decisions by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child where it found that it was competent to consider the merits of individual complaints against France submitted by relatives of French children staying in Syrian prison camps. Paving the way for the Committee subsequently to hold that France had violated the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the decisions are noteworthy for the Committee’s expansive notion of extraterritorial jurisdiction, which also has been adopted in other cases on the same subject, but also beyond. The article highlights two methodological features of the decisions that are closely related, notably their departure from generally accepted principles of treaty interpretation and their alignment with arguments submitted by the third-party interveners. It is argued that these features effectively undercut the authority of the Committee’s practice as source material when subjecting the treaty to legal interpretation.
The Underappreciated Role of Secretory IgA in IBD
Authors: Bamias Giorgos , Kitsou Konstantina , Rivera-Nieves Jesús
Published: March 2023

Eighty percent of antibody secreting cells (ASCs) are found in the intestine, where they produce grams of immunoglobulin (Ig) A daily. immunoglobulin A is actively transcytosed into the lumen, where it plays a critical role in modulating the gut microbiota. Although loss of immune tolerance to bacterial antigens is the likely trigger of the dysregulated immune response that characterizes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little effort has been placed on understanding the interface between B cells, IgA, and the microbiota during initiation or progression of disease. This may be in part due to the misleading fact that IgA-deficient humans are mostly asymptomatic, likely due to redundant role of secretory (S) IgM. Intestinal B cell recruitment is critically dependent on integrin α4β7-MAdCAM-1 interactions, yet antibodies that target α4β7 (ie, vedolizumab), MAdCAM-1 (ie, ontamalimab), or both β7 integrins (α4β7 and αE [CD103] β7; etrolizumab) are in clinical use or development as IBD therapeutics. The effect of such interventions on the biology of IgA is largely unknown, yet a single dose of vedolizumab lowers SIgA levels in stool and weakens the oral immunization response to cholera vaccine in healthy volunteers. Thus, it is critical to further understand the role of these integrins for the migration of ASC and other cellular subsets during homeostasis and IBD-associated inflammation and the mode of action of drugs that interfere with this traffic. We have recently identified a subset of mature ASC that employs integrin αEβ7 to dock with intestinal epithelial cells, predominantly in the pericryptal region of the terminal ileum. This role for the integrin had not been appreciated previously, nor the αEβ7-dependent mechanism of IgA transcytosis that it supports. Furthermore, we find that B cells more than T cells are critically dependent on α4β7-MAdCAM-1 interactions; thus MAdCAM-1 blockade and integrin-β7 deficiency counterintuitively hasten colitis in interleukin-10-deficient mice. In both cases, de novo recruitment of IgA ASC to the intestinal lamina propria is compromised, leading to bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, and lethal colitis. Thus, despite the safe and effective use of anti-integrin antibodies in patients with IBD, much remains to be learned about their various cell targets.
Shadow effect and source overprint effect of short-offset transient electromagnetic method
Authors: Lei Kangxin , Shi Jinjing , Chen Weiying , Song Wanting
Published: March 2023

In artificial-source electromagnetic explorations, the shadow effects and source overprint effects are two of the key factors to affect the detection reliability. Compared with frequency-domain electromagnetic methods, the transient electromagnetic (TEM) shadow effect and source overprint effect are more complex, especially for the short-offset TEM (SOTEM) observed in the near-source region. However, there is less relevant research. Therefore, in this paper, we first realize 3D SOTEM simulations based on the vector time-domain finite element method, then further analyze the generation of SOTEM shadow effect and source overprint effect from view of the diffused electromagnetic fields, as well as their influence on ground horizontal electric field Ex and vertical induced voltage dBz/dt responses. Results show that the attraction or repulsion of the electrical inhomogeneity would affect the diffusion speed of the electromagnetic fields, which is the essential in the two source effects. Besides, from view of the ground Ex and dBz/dt responses, the relative anomaly of SOTEM shadow effect is almost twice those of the SOTEM source overprint effect, i.e. the SOTEM shadow effect is easier to record, especially for dBz/dt responses. In addition, owing to the shadow effect, SOTEM may fail to identify the real target anomaly, whereas the influence of the source overprint effect for recognizing the target anomaly mainly occurs on all-time dBz/dt responses and early-time Ex responses (before about 10 ms), that is, observing late-time SOTEM Ex responses can effectively avoid such influence. Hence, to fully ensure avoiding the influence of the source overprint effect, we suggest adopting high-power transmission to increase the late-time signal-to-noise ratio in field measurements.