bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upgrading the production of plasma-activated water for sterilization by preloading long-lived reactive species
Authors: Wang Zifeng , Wang Xiangyu , Xu Shenghang , Liu Dingxin , Zhang Jingyao , Yue Qiuyi , Wang Luge , Zhang Pengfei , Jia Yikang , Zhang Jishen , Guo Li , Pei Dandan , Liu Chang , Rong Mingzhe
Published: July 2024

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has broad prospects in the medical field because it is rich in reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. However, in most production processes of PAW, a large proportion of gaseous reactive species is converted into long-lived aqueous species with minor biochemical activity, and only a small proportion is converted into crucial short-lived aqueous species, which results in inefficient activation of PAW. Given the indispensability and easy availability of long-lived aqueous species, this study proposes to preload HNO3 and H2O2 into water and then generate plasma to induce short-lived aqueous species, thus improving the production rate of PAW. The addition of 1 mM HNO3 and 0.5% H2O2 results in a 100-fold increase in the production rate of the PAW with a bactericidal rate exceeding 99.9999%, and the preloaded HNO3 and H2O2 promote the dissolution of O3 and the generation of short-lived aqueous species, respectively. Moreover, the preloaded species improve the validity period of PAW and the resistance of sterilization to acid-base neutralizers. This study offers a novel approach for upgrading the production of PAW, which holds promise for realizing rapid PAW production with a portable device for clinical medical applications.
Patterning optimization for device realization of patterned GaAsSbN nanowire photodetectors
Authors: Johnson Sean , Pokharel Rabin , Lowe Michael , Dawkins Kendall , Li Jia , Iyer Shanthi
Published: July 2024

Vertically grown nanowires (NWs) are a research interest in optoelectronics and photovoltaic applications due to their high surface to volume ratio and good light trapping capabilities. This study presents the effects of process and design parameters on self-catalyzed GaAsSbN NWs grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on patterned silicon substrates using electron beam lithography. Vertical alignment of the patterned NWs examined via scanning electron microscopy show the sensitivity of patterned NW growth to the parameters of NW diameter, pitch, dose time, etching techniques and growth plan. Diameters range from 90 nm to 250 nm. Pitch lengths of 200 nm, 400 nm, 600 nm, 800 nm, 1000 nm, and 1200 nm were examined. Dry etching of the oxide layer of the silicon substrate and PMMA coating is performed using reactive ion etching (RIE) for 20 s and 120 s respectively. Comparisons of different HF etch durations performed pre and post PMMA removal are presented. Additionally, the report of an observed surfactant effect in dilute nitride GaAsSbN NWs in comparison to non-nitride GaAsSb is presented. Optimizations to patterning, RIE, and HF etching are presented to obtain higher vertical yield of patterned GaAsSbN NWs, achieving ∼80% of the expected NW µm2. Room temperature and 4 K photoluminescence results show the effect of nitride incorporation for further bandgap tuning, and patterned pitch on the optical characteristics of the NWs which gives insights to the compositional homogeneity for NWs grown at each pitch length.
Investigation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in air environment for elevated saturation magnetization
Authors: Karaagac Oznur , Köçkar Hakan
Published: July 2024

Iron oxide nanoparticles have garnered interest for their unique properties and wide application areas. For applications, superparamagnetic nanoparticles are required so that they can be magnetized by an external magnetic field and rapidly demagnetize again when the field is removed. High saturation magnetization, Ms is also required for applications to provide easy magnetic control over separation and targeting. For magnetically controlled applications, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a high Ms are important. In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were co-precipitated under air atmosphere and the effects of alkali concentration, stirring rate and reaction time on the structural and related magnetic properties were investigated to obtain the high Ms for each parameter. According to the structural results, it is challenging to obtain magnetite nanoparticles under air atmosphere due to oxidizing effect. The increase of Ms values with the increase of alkali concentration may come from the phase of the samples although the crystal size of the nanoparticles is getting smaller. It can be said that there is an optimum stirring rate to obtain the highest Ms under air atmosphere rather than an uptrend/downtrend. The maximum Ms of 69.2 emu g−1 was obtained for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized at 700 rpm. With the increase of reaction time, magnetic size of the nanoparticles is observed to decrease in contrast with the increase of physical particle size. The maximum Ms value for the reaction time parameter is 67.3 emu g−1 at 15 min. Due to their high Ms values and superparamagnetic nature, the nanoparticles synthesized under study may find use in magnetic separation, water purification, and other related fields.
Thermal conductivity of iron under the Earth’s inner core pressure
Authors: Hu 胡 Cui-E 翠娥 , Jiao 焦 Mu-Xin 亩鑫 , Yang 杨 Xue-Nan 学楠 , Zeng 曾 Zhao-Yi 召益 , Chen 陈 Jun 军
Published: July 2024

The thermal conductivity of ε-iron at high pressure and high temperature is a key parameter to constrain the dynamics and thermal evolution of the Earth’s core. In this work, we use first-principles calculations to study the Hugoniot sound velocity and the thermal transport properties of ε-iron. The total thermal conductivity considering lattice vibration is 200 W/mK at the Earth’s inner core conditions. The suppressed anharmonic interactions can significantly enhance the lattice thermal conductivity under high pressure, and the contribution of the lattice thermal conductivity should not be ignored under the Earth’s core conditions.
Research on the manufacturing of nickel coatings by jet electrodeposition after laser pretreatment with different media
Authors: Jiang Wei , Cheng Wenwei , Zhai Xiangguo , Liu Julian , Chen Yuanlong
Published: July 2024

This study aims to address the corrosion issues faced by 45 steel to meet its usage requirements and propose a method combining liquid-phase assisted laser and jet electrodeposition. In this method, the sample surface was the first laser pretreated in different media, and then Ni was deposited on its surface using jet electrodeposition. This paper investigates in detail the effects of laser pretreatment on the surface quality of nickel coating after jet electrodeposition in four different media (Air, Water, Saturated NaHCO3, 95%C2H5OH+5%H2O2). The experimental results indicate that liquid-phase assisted laser pretreatment had improved the surface quality of Ni coating. Especially after laser pretreatment in saturated NaHCO3 medium, the adhesion of the deposited coating increased by 50% compared to air, and the roughness decreased from 20.945 μm in the air to 0.373 μm. The corrosion current density decreased from 120.2 μA·cm−2 on the substrate to 1.605 μA·cm−2.
Preliminary compact torus injection experiments on the Keda Torus eXperiment reversed field pinch
Authors: LAN 兰 Tao 涛 , CHEN 陈 Chen 晨 , XIAO 肖 Chijin 持进 , DING 丁 Weixing 卫星 , WU 吴 Jie 捷 , MAO 毛 Wenzhe 文哲 , ZHANG 张 Sen 森 , KONG 孔 Defeng 德峰 , ZHANG 张 Shoubiao 寿彪 , WU 吴 Zhengwei 征威 , DONG 董 Qilong 期龙 , ZHOU 周 Yongkang 永康 , XU 许 Hangqi 航齐 , WU 邬 Jiaren 佳仁 , WEI 卫 Zian 子安 , WEN 温 Xiaohui 晓辉 , WANG 汪 Hai 海 , ZHOU 周 Chu 楚 , LIU 刘 Adi 阿娣 , LI 李 Hong 弘 , XIE 谢 Jinlin 锦林 , LIU 刘 Wandong 万东 , ZHUANG 庄 Ge 革
Published: July 2024

A new compact torus injector (KTX-CTI) has been built for injection experiments on the Keda Torus eXperiment (KTX) reversed field pinch (RFP). The aim is to study the fundamental physics governing the compact torus (CT) central fueling processes. In experiments conducted under the sole influence of a 0.1 T toroidal magnetic field, the injected CT successfully penetrated the entire toroidal magnetic field, reaching the inner wall of the KTX vacuum vessel. Upon reaching the inner wall, the CT diffused both radially outward and toroidally within the vessel at a discernible diffusion speed. Moreover, the inherent helicity within the CT induced a modest KTX plasma current of 200 A, consistent with predictions based on helicity conservation. CT injection demonstrated the capability to initiate KTX discharges at low loop voltages, suggesting its potential as a pre-ionization and current startup technique. During RFP discharges featuring CT injection, the central plasma density was found to exceed the Greenwald density limit, with more peaked density profiles, indicating the predominant confinement of CT plasma within the core region of the KTX bulk plasma.
Finite algebras with Hom-sets of polynomial size
Authors: Barto Libor , Mottet Antoine
Published: July 2024

We provide an internal characterization of those finite algebras (i.e., algebraic structures)

A

\mathbf {A}

such that the number of homomorphisms from any finite algebra

X

\mathbf {X}

to

A

\mathbf {A}

is bounded from above by a polynomial in the size of

X

\mathbf {X}

. Namely, an algebra

A

\mathbf {A}

has this property if, and only if, no subalgebra of

A

\mathbf {A}

has a nontrivial strongly abelian congruence. We also show that the property can be decided in polynomial time for algebras in finite signatures. Moreover, if

A

\mathbf {A}

is such an algebra, the set of all homomorphisms from

X

\mathbf {X}

to

A

\mathbf {A}

can be computed in polynomial time given

X

\mathbf {X}

as input. As an application of our results to the field of computational complexity, we characterize inherently tractable constraint satisfaction problems over fixed finite structures, i.e., those that are tractable and remain tractable after expanding the fixed structure by arbitrary relations or functions.
Dhobis of Delhi
Authors: Mitra Channa Subhadra
Published: July 2024

This is an ethnography using traditional anthropological fieldwork methods that record the journey of an untouchable washerman (dhobi) community over a span of more than forty years. The temporal span of this work is extended beyond the years of personal interaction with the help of historical and literary sources. This is one of the first and only detailed descriptions of the dhobi way of life, their economy and political life, their identity based on their community (biradari), and their cosmology and value systems. It is a story of their adaptation to the changing urban milieu in which they have been embedded since the inception of the present city of Delhi as Shahjahanabad. This book also traces the transformations of the city, seen through the eyes of a community situated at its bottom. Although marginalized, the dhobis use all strategies and tactics required to navigate their lives and occupation to be viable. Caste is seen here not just as a hierarchical system but also as a means to form strong and viable horizontal ties that confer identity and security. The book is a study of community life and resilience as well as the politics of daily life and strategies for survival of those in a precarious position. The focus is on the lived experiences of caste and community life and not on social relations that are viewed as flexible and adaptive. The book critiques the biased urban planning with its top-down approach that ignores those who have been historically disadvantaged.
Bayesian estimation of covariate assisted principal regression for brain functional connectivity
Authors: Park Hyung G
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a Bayesian reformulation of covariate-assisted principal regression for covariance matrix outcomes to identify low-dimensional components in the covariance associated with covariates. By introducing a geometric approach to the covariance matrices and leveraging Euclidean geometry, we estimate dimension reduction parameters and model covariance heterogeneity based on covariates. This method enables joint estimation and uncertainty quantification of relevant model parameters associated with heteroscedasticity. We demonstrate our approach through simulation studies and apply it to analyze associations between covariates and brain functional connectivity using data from the Human Connectome Project.
A case of atypical meningioma presenting spontaneous infarction: the findings of magnetic resonance imaging, including amide proton transfer-chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging
Authors: Iida Etsushi , Inoue Atsuo , Tanabe Masaya , Kamamura Naohiko , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: July 2024

We report the MRI findings of a patient with an atypical meningioma who presented with spontaneous infarction. A 67-year-old man with histories of recurrent meningioma complained of left ocular protrusion and a subsequent biopsy revealed atypical meningioma. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a uniformly enhancing tumour in the left ethmoid sinus, but MRI 2 days later showed no enhancement on Gd-T1WI and severe diffusion restriction on DWI, indicating spontaneous infarction. APT-CEST imaging showed slight hypointensity in comparison to the normal brain with a mean MTR asymmetry value of 0.48%. Tumour regrowth was confirmed on MRI after 2 months. The recurrent tumour showed moderate diffusion restriction on DWI and hyperintensity with a mean MTR asymmetry value of 2.59% on APT-CEST imaging. The decreased signal on APT-CEST at the time of spontaneous infarction may have been attributed to intratumoral acidosis and loss of viable tumour. APT-CEST imaging is useful for evaluating the intratumoral condition and tumour viability of the infarcted or ischemic tumour.
The haunting of classics in the Dark Academia aesthetic
Authors: Lee Tori F
Published: July 2024

This article explores the online aesthetic ‘Dark Academia’ from the perspective of Classical reception. Dark Academia became popular during the COVID-19 era as an internet subculture revolving around bookishness, university culture, the Gothic, and the Classical. From its beginning as a Tumblr fandom around Donna Tartt’s The Secret History (1992), Dark Academia has grown to reach millions of followers worldwide across numerous social media platforms. This article argues that we can think of Dark Academia’s reception of Classics as a ‘haunting’ as defined by James Uden in Spectres of Antiquity (2020), made up of fragmentary, disconnected references — similar to the reception of Classics in Gothic literature. Dark Academia’s reception, however, is twofold: a reception of Classical antiquity itself, but also of the academic discipline of Classics. As such, the field is twice implicated. Classics must address Dark Academia both as a potential gateway for attracting interest in the ancient world, but also as another phenomenon that reflects and amplifies its own pernicious disciplinary legacy.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Associated with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is Associated with an Altered Gut Microbiome and Bile Acid Profile
Authors: Leibovitzh Haim , Nayeri Shadi , Borowski Krzysztof , Hernandez-Rocha Cristian , Lee Sun-Ho , Turpin Williams , Stempak Joanne M , Sandhu Iqbaljit , Milgrom Raquel , Smith Michelle I , Croitoru Kenneth , Hirschfield Gideon M , Gulamhusein Aliya , Silverberg Mark S
Published: July 2024

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD-PSC] carries significant morbidity compared to IBD without PSC. Alterations in microbial composition and bile acid [BA] profiles have been shown to modulate chronic inflammation in IBD, but data in IBD-PSC are scarce. We aimed to assess the differences in gut microbiome composition as well as in the BAs profile and BA-related microbial functions between IBD-PSC and IBD-only.

Methods

In total, 54 IBD-PSC and 62 IBD-only subjects were enrolled from 2012 to 2021. Baseline samples were collected for faecal DNA shotgun metagenomic sequencing, faecal and serum BA quantification using mass spectrometry, and faecal calprotectin. Liver fibrosis measured by transient elastography was assessed in the IBD-PSC group. Data were analysed using general linear regression models and Spearman rank correlation tests.

Results

Patients with IBD-PSC had reduced microbial gene richness [p = 0.004] and significant compositional shifts [PERMANOVA: R2 = 0.01, p = 0.03] compared to IBD-only. IBD-PSC was associated with altered microbial composition and function, including decreased abundance of Blautia obeum, increased abundance of Veillonella atypica, Veillonella dispar, and Clostridium scindens [q < 0.05 for all], and increased abundance of microbial genes involved in secondary BA metabolism. Decreased serum sulphated and increased serum conjugated secondary BAs were associated with IBD-PSC and increased liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

We identified differences in microbial species, functional capacity, and serum BA profiles in IBD-PSC compared with IBD-only. Our findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of IBD associated with PSC and suggest possible targets for modulating the risk and course of IBD in subjects with PSC.
Prognostic Impact of Anemia in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Brems Daniel Alexander , Petersen Jeppe Kofoed , Begun Xenia , Smerup Morten , Butt Jawad Haider , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) have high readmission rates. Several risk factors have been proposed as potential modifiable targets, including anemia. We examined the association between anemia at discharge and subsequent outcomes in these patients.

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients who underwent AVR between 2015-2021, were alive at discharge (index date), and had an available hemoglobin (Hb) measurement taken between procedure and discharge. Patients were categorized as having i) moderate/severe anemia (Hb<6.2 mmol/L) or ii) no/mild anemia (Hb≥6.2 mmol). The one-year rates of all-cause mortality, all-cause hospital admission, heart failure (HF) admission, and atrial fibrillation (AF) admission were compared using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

8,614 patients were identified; 2,847 (33.1%) had moderate/severe anemia (60.2% male, median age 74) and 5,767 (66.9%) had no/mild anemia (68.0% male, median age 76). For these two groups, respectively, the cumulative one-year incidences of the outcomes were: i) all-cause mortality: 5.1% vs. 4.3%; ii) all-cause admission: 53.8% vs. 47.5%; iii) AF admission: 14.0% vs. 11.6%); iv) HF admission: 6.8% vs. 6.2%. In adjusted analysis, moderate/severe anemia, compared with no/mild anemia, was associated with higher rates of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 [95%CI 1.02-1.58]), all-cause admission (HR 1.22 [95%CI 1.14-1.30]), and AF admission (HR 1.23 [95%CI 1.08-1.40]), but not HF admission (HR 1.09 [95%CI 0.91-1.31]).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing AVR, moderate/severe anemia at discharge, compared with no/mild anemia, was associated with increased all-cause mortality, all-cause hospital admission, and AF admission, but not HF admission, at one-year post-discharge.
Genomic co-localization of variation affecting agronomic and human gut microbiome traits in a meta-analysis of diverse sorghum
Authors: Korth Nate , Yang Qinnan , Van Haute Mallory J , Tross Michael C , Peng Bo , Shrestha Nikee , Zwiener-Malcom Mackenzie , Mural Ravi V , Schnable James C , Benson Andrew K
Published: July 2024

Substantial functional metabolic diversity exists within species of cultivated grain crops that directly or indirectly provide more than half of all calories consumed by humans around the globe. While such diversity is the molecular currency used for improving agronomic traits, diversity is poorly characterized for its effects on human nutrition and utilization by gut microbes. Moreover, we know little about agronomic traits’ potential tradeoffs and pleiotropic effects on human nutritional traits. Here, we applied a quantitative genetics approach using a meta-analysis and parallel genome-wide association studies of Sorghum bicolor traits describing changes in the composition and function of human gut microbe communities, and any of 200 sorghum seed and agronomic traits across a diverse sorghum population to identify associated genetic variants. A total of 15 multiple-effect loci (MEL) were initially found where different alleles in the sorghum genome produced changes in seed that affected the abundance of multiple bacterial taxa across 2 human microbiomes in automated in vitro fermentations. Next, parallel genome-wide studies conducted for seed, biochemical, and agronomic traits in the same population identified significant associations within the boundaries of 13/15 MEL for microbiome traits. In several instances, the colocalization of variation affecting gut microbiome and agronomic traits provided hypotheses for causal mechanisms through which variation could affect both agronomic traits and human gut microbes. This work demonstrates that genetic factors affecting agronomic traits in sorghum seed can also drive significant effects on human gut microbes, particularly bacterial taxa considered beneficial. Understanding these pleiotropic relationships will inform future strategies for crop improvement toward yield, sustainability, and human health.
Global patterns in the epidemiology, cancer risk, and surgical implications of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Chu Xiaotian , Wang Li , Yang Hong
Published: July 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, imposes a huge medical and economic burden worldwide. Recently, the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of IBD have advanced rapidly, which has changed the epidemiology, cancer risk, and surgery risk of IBD. Here, we reviewed the recent literature on the epidemiology, IBD-related cancer, and IBD-related surgery. We created a choropleth map to show the worldwide incidence trend for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. We also found that the cancer risk and surgery risk of IBD are declining and discussed some risk factors associated with them. Based on the recent trend, we proposed several suggestions and hoped to reduce the global burden of IBD as far as possible.
Sharps injuries among healthcare workers in Liberia and Ghana: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ridge Laura Jean , Arko-Mensah John , Lambert Josh , Aziato Lydia , Zeantoe G Clinton , Duah Henry , McCullagh Marjorie
Published: July 2024

There are little data on sharps injuries among healthcare workers in West Africa despite the region’s high rate of hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus. The purpose of this study is to investigate healthcare workers’ history of sharps injuries in Liberia and Ghana. An electronic cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Liberia and Ghana from February to June 2022. A link to the survey was texted to participants through professional association membership lists, including nursing, midwifery, and physician assistant organizations in both Liberia and Ghana and a physician organization in Ghana only. Five hundred and nine participants reported an average of 1.8 injuries per year in Liberia and 1.1 in Ghana (P ≤ .01); 15.1% of healthcare workers reported three or more injuries in the past year. Liberia had a higher proportion of frequently injured workers (P = .01). Frequently injured workers were evenly distributed across worker types. Workers in this region are vulnerable to sharps injuries. A frequently injured subset of workers likely has distinctive risk factors and would benefit from further investigation and intervention.
Morphological and Mechanical Tube Feet Plasticity among Populations of Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)
Authors: Narvaez C A , Stark A Y , Russell M P
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

Sea urchins rely on an adhesive secreted by their tube feet to cope with the hydrodynamic forces of dislodgement common in nearshore, high wave-energy environments. Tube feet adhere strongly to the substrate and detach voluntarily for locomotion. In the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, adhesive performance depends on both the type of substrate and the population of origin, where some substrates and populations are more adhesive than others. To explore the source of this variation, we evaluated tube foot morphology (disc surface area) and mechanical properties (maximum disc tenacity and stem breaking force) of populations native to substrates with different lithologies: sandstone, mudstone, and granite. We found differences among populations, where sea urchins native to mudstone substrates had higher disc surface area and maximum disc tenacity than sea urchins native to sandstone substrates. In a lab-based reciprocal transplant experiment, we attempted to induce a plastic response in tube foot morphology. We placed sea urchins on nonnative substrates (i.e., mudstone sea urchins were placed on sandstone and vice versa), while keeping a subgroup of both populations on their original substrates as a control. Instead of a reciprocal morphological response, we found that all treatments, including the control, reduced their disc area in laboratory conditions. The results of this study show differences in morphology and mechanical properties among populations, which explains population differences in adhesive performance. Additionally, this work highlights the importance of considering the impact of phenotypic plasticity in response to captivity when interpreting the results of laboratory studies.
Analysis of mcr family of colistin resistance genes in Gram-negative isolates from a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Irusan Dhinakaran , Akshay Sadanand Dangari , Shetty Varsha Prakash , Karunasagar Iddya , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Rohit Anusha
Published: July 2024

Aim

Colistin serves as the drug of last resort for combating numerous multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections. Its efficacy is hampered by the prevalent issue of colistin resistance, which severely limits treatment options for critically ill patients. Identifying resistance genes is crucial for controlling resistance spread, with horizontal gene transfer being the primary mechanism among bacteria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of plasmid-mediated mcr genes associated with colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, utilizing both genotypic and phenotypic tests.

Methods and results

The clinical isolates (n = 913) were obtained from a tertiary care center in Chennai, India. Colistin resistance was seen among Gram-negative isolates. These strains underwent screening for mcr-1, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes via conventional PCR. Additionally, mcr-positive isolates were confirmed through Sanger sequencing and phenotypic testing. The bacterial isolates predominantly comprised Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.43%), Escherichia coli (19.71%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.73%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (4.81%), along with other species. All isolates exhibited multidrug resistance to three or more antibiotic classes. Colistin resistance, determined via broth microdilution (BMD) using CLSI guidelines, was observed in 13.08% of the isolates studied. Notably, mcr-5 was detected in K. pneumoniae in PCR, despite its absence in Sanger sequencing and phenotypic tests (including the combined-disk test, colistin MIC in the presence of EDTA, and Zeta potential assays). This finding underscores the importance of employing multiple diagnostic approaches to accurately identify colistin resistance mechanisms.
Inducible defense phytohormones in annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) in response to annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis) infestation
Authors: Simard Audrey , Gendjar Megan , Merewitz Emily , McGraw Benjamin A
Published: July 2024

The annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis) is the most damaging insect pest of short-mown turfgrass on golf courses in eastern North America. Listronotus maculicollis larvae cause limited visible damage as stem-borers (L1-3), compared to the crown-feeding (L4-5) developmental instars. Prolonged larval feeding results in discoloration and formation of irregular patches of dead turf, exposing soil on high-value playing surfaces (fairways, collars, tee boxes, and putting greens). Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is highly susceptible to L. maculicollis compared to a tolerant alternate host plant, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). This study explored whether defense signaling phytohormones contribute to A. stolonifera tolerance in response to L. maculicollis. Concentrations (ng/g) of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonic-isoleucine (JA-Ile), 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), and abscisic acid (ABA) were extracted from turfgrass (leaf, stem, and root) tissue samples as mean larval age reached 2nd (L2), 3rd (L3), and 4th (L4) instar. Poa annua infested with L. maculicollis larvae (L2-4) possessed significantly greater SA in above-ground tissues than A. stolonifera. Levels of constitutive JA, JA-Ile, OPDA, and ABA were significantly higher within non-infested A. stolonifera aboveground tissues compared to P. annua. Inducible defense phytohormones may play a role in P. annua susceptibility to L. maculicollis but are unlikely to provide tolerance in A. stolonifera. Additional studies in turfgrass breeding, particularly focusing on cultivar selection for increased constitutive JA content, could provide a non-chemical alternative management strategy for L. maculicollis for turfgrass managers.
Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Burns James , Healy Hannah , O’Connor Rebecca , Moss Hilary
Published: July 2024

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in a multitude of impairments to physical, cognitive, communicative, psychological, and psychosocial functioning. Music interventions are emerging as a valuable form of intervention in the rehabilitation of children with ABI, stimulating brain functions involved in movement, cognition, speech, emotions, and sensory perceptions. To date, the literature detailing the impact of music and music therapy interventions on functional outcomes in children with ABI has not been reviewed systematically. To address this, Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage integrative review framework was employed, which includes (a) problem identification, (b) literature search, (c) data evaluation, (d) data analysis and synthesis, and (e) presentation of the findings. A total of 388 articles were retrieved, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis and synthesis resulted in 3 overarching themes: outcomes of using music therapy in pediatric ABI, music therapy as a motivator in pediatric ABI rehabilitation, and collaboration. The review highlights the pivotal role of music as a motivational catalyst that promotes adherence to rehabilitative intervention. Nevertheless, it underscores a significant gap in empirical research within the field, emphasizing the necessity for larger, more rigorous studies.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission in galaxies as seen with JWST
Authors: Rigopoulou D , Donnan F R , García-Bernete I , Pereira-Santaella M , Alonso-Herrero A , Davies R , Hunt L K , Roche P F , Shimizu T
Published: July 2024

We present a systematic study of mid-infrared spectra of galaxies including star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei observed with JWST MIRI-MRS and NIRSpec-IFU. We focus on the relative variations of the 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 11.3, 12.7, and 17 $\mu$m polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features within spatially resolved regions of galaxies including NGC 3256, NGC 7469, VV 114, II Zw96, and NGC 5728. Using theoretical PAH models and extending our earlier work, we introduce a new PAH diagnostic involving the 17 $\mu$m PAH feature. To determine the drivers of PAH band variations in galaxies, we compare observed PAH spectral bands to predictions from theoretical PAH models. We consider extinction, dehydrogenation, and PAH size and charge as possible drivers of PAH band variations. We find a surprising uniformity in PAH size distribution among the spatially resolved regions of the galaxies studied here, with no evidence for preferential destruction of the smallest grains, contrary to earlier findings. Neither extinction nor dehydrogenation play a crucial role in setting the observed PAH bands. Instead, we find that PAH charge plays a significant role in PAH inter-band variations. We find a tight relation between PAH charge and the intensity of the radiation field as traced by the [Ne iii]$/$[Ne ii] maps. In agreement with recent JWST results, we find a predominance of neutral PAH molecules in the nuclei of active galaxies and their outflows. Ionized PAHs are the dominant population in star-forming galaxies. We discuss the implications of our findings for the use of PAHs as ISM tracers in high redshift galaxies.
The afterglow of GW170817 from every angle: prospects for detecting the afterglows of binary neutron star mergers
Authors: Morsony Brian J , De Los Santos Ryan , Hernandez Rubin , Bustamante Joshua , Yassuiae Brandon , Astorga German , Parra Juan , Workman Jared C
Published: July 2024

To date GW170817, produced by a binary neutron star (BNS) merger, is the only gravitational wave (GW) event with an electromagnetic counterpart. It was associated with a prompt short gamma-ray burst (GRB), an optical kilonova, and the afterglow of a structured off-axis relativistic jet. We model the prospects for future mergers discovered in gravitational waves to produce detectable afterglows. Using a model fit to GW170817, we assume all BNS mergers produce jets with the same parameters, and model the afterglow luminosity for a full distribution of observer angles, ISM densities, and distances. We find that in the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA O4 run, 30 per cent–45 per cent of BNS mergers with a well-localized counterpart will have an afterglow detectable with current instrumentation in the X-ray, radio and optical. Without a previously detected counterpart, 10 per cent–15 per cent will have an afterglow detectable by wide-area radio and optical surveys, compared to only about 5 per cent–12 per cent of events expected to have bright (on-axis) gamma-ray emission. Most afterglows that are detected will be from off-axis jets. Further in the future, in the A + era (O5), 40 per cent–50 per cent of mergers will have afterglows detectable with next-generation X-ray and radio instruments. Future wide-area radio survey instruments, particularly DSA-2000, could detect 40 per cent of afterglows, even without a kilonova counterpart. Finding and monitoring these afterglows will provide valuable insight into the structure and diversity of relativistic jets, the rate at which mergers produce jets, and constrain the angle of the mergers relative to our line of sight.
Probing cold gas with Mg ii and Ly α radiative transfer
Authors: Chang Seok-Jun , Gronke Max
Published: July 2024

The Mg ii resonance doublet at 2796 Å and 2803 Å is an increasingly important tool to study cold, $T \sim 10^{4}\,$ K, gas – an observational-driven development requiring theoretical support. We develop a new Monte Carlo radiative transfer code to systematically study the joined Mg ii and Ly α escape through homogeneous and ‘clumpy’ multiphase gas with dust in arbitrary three-dimensional geometries. Our main findings are (i) the Mg ii spectrum differs from Ly α due to the large difference in column densities, even though the atomic physics of the two lines are similar. (ii) The Mg ii escape fraction is generally higher than that of Ly α because of lower dust optical depths and path lengths – but large variations due to differences in dust models and the clumpiness of the cold medium exist. (iii) Clumpy media possess a ‘critical covering factor’ above which Mg ii radiative transfer matches a homogeneous medium. The critical covering factors for Mg ii and Ly α differ, allowing constraints on the cold gas structure. (iv) The Mg ii doublet ratio $R_{\rm MgII}$ varies for strong outflows/inflows ($\gtrsim 700 \,\mathrm{km\, s}^{-1}$), in particular, $R_{\rm MgII}\lt 1$ being an unambiguous tracer for powerful galactic winds. (v) Scattering of stellar continuum photons can decrease $R_{\rm MgII}$ from two to one, allowing constraints on the scattering medium. Notably, we introduce a novel probe of the cold gas column density – the halo doublet ratio – which we show to be a powerful indicator of ionizing photon escape. We discuss our results in the context of interpreting and modelling observations as well as their implications for other resonant doublets.
Multi-epoch X-ray spectral analysis of Centaurus A: Revealing new constraints on iron emission line origins
Authors: Iwata Toshiya , Tanimoto Atsushi , Odaka Hirokazu , Bamba Aya , Inoue Yoshiyuki , Hagino Kouichi
Published: July 2024

We conduct X-ray reverberation mapping and spectral analysis of the radio galaxy Centaurus A to uncover its central structure. We compare the light curve of the hard X-ray continuum from Swift Burst Alert Telescope observations with that of the Fe K$\alpha$ fluorescence line, derived from the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), Suzaku, XMM–Newton, and Swift X-ray Telescope observations. The analysis of the light curves suggests that a top-hat transfer function, commonly employed in reverberation mapping studies, is improbable. Instead, the relation between these light curves can be described by a transfer function featuring two components: one with a lag of $0.19_{- 0.02}^{+ 0.10} \,\, \mathrm{pc}/c$, and another originating at $r \\gt 1.7 \,\, \mathrm{pc}$ that produces an almost constant light curve. Further, we analyze the four-epoch NuSTAR and six-epoch Suzaku spectra, considering the time lag of the reflection component relative to the primary continuum. This spectral analysis supports that the reflecting material is Compton-thin, with $N_{\mathrm{H}} = 3.14_{-0.74}^{+0.44} \times 10^{23} \,\, \mathrm{cm}^{-2}$. These results suggest that the Fe K$\alpha$ emission may originate from Compton-thin circumnuclear material located at a sub-parsec scale, likely a dust torus, and materials at a greater distance.
On the difficulties of obtaining absolute transit depths with HST WFC3: KELT-11 b, an example
Authors: Edwards Billy , Tsiaras Angelos , Changeat Quentin , Yip Kai Hou
Published: July 2024

The study of exoplanetary atmospheres with low-resolution transmission spectroscopy relies on measuring minute changes in the transit depth with wavelength and a number of ground- and space-based instruments have been used to characterize exoplanets in different spectral bands. For the last decade, these instruments have each only probed a narrow spectral region, which has motivated the community to combine observations from different instruments in order to achieve a broader wavelength coverage. By analysing Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) data of KELT-11 b, we once again show the risks of following this now conventional approach. We demonstrate that changes in the reduction or analysis method can lead to drastic differences in the mean transit depth and that combining this with additional data can lead to discrepant interpretations of the atmospheric composition. With the launch of JWST, and its many available instruments and modes, observers may be tempted to combine data sets at longer wavelengths (e.g. NIRSpec – Near Infrared Spectrometer) with those from HST STIS (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) or WFC3 without the consideration of offsets or other incompatibilities. Given the obvious potential issues, we caution against such an approach and encourage the community to thoroughly address the issue of data incompatibility instead of adhering to a de facto assumption of compatibility.
Stress factors affecting protein stability during the fabrication and storage of dissolvable microneedles
Authors: Koenitz Laura , Crean Abina , Vucen Sonja
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The current review summarizes product and process attributes that were reported to influence protein integrity during manufacturing and storage of dissolvable microneedle arrays. It also discusses challenges in employing established protein characterization methods in dissolvable microneedle formulations.

Methods

Studies on dissolvable microneedles loaded with protein therapeutics that assess protein stability during or after fabrication and storage were collected. Publications addressing other types of microneedles, such as coated and vaccine-loaded microneedles, are also discussed as they face similar stability challenges.

Key findings

To date, various researchers have successfully incorporated proteins in dissolvable microneedles, but few publications explicitly investigated the impact of formulation and process parameters on protein stability. However, protein therapeutics are exposed to multiple thermal, physical, and chemical stressors during the fabrication and storage of microneedles. These stressors include increased temperature, shear and interfacial stress, transition to the solid state during drying, interaction with excipients, and suboptimal pH environments. While analytical methods are essential for monitoring protein integrity during manufacturing and storage, the performance of some well-established protein characterization techniques can be undermined by polymer excipients commonly employed in dissolvable microneedle formulations.

Conclusions

It is essential to understand the impact of key process and formulation parameters on the stability of protein therapeutics to facilitate their safe and effective administration by dissolvable microneedles.
Age and objectively measured sleep: investigating associations and interactions by sex and race in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: He Linchen , Rabinowitz Jill A , An Yang , Jackson Chandra , Hellinger Ryan , Wanigatunga Sarah , Schrack Jennifer , Ferrucci Luigi , Simonsick Eleanor M , Koehler Kirsten , Spira Adam P
Published: July 2024

Study Objectives

Few studies of middle-aged and older adults have examined the association between age and sleep using objective sleep measures. We examined these associations in adults aged ≥40 years using wrist actigraphy, and investigated whether these associations differed by sex and race.

Methods

Participants were 468 cognitively normal adults aged ≥40 years enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who completed wrist actigraphy. We used Generalized Least Squares Models to examine the associations of age with actigraphic sleep parameters, including total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO). We conducted interaction and stratification analyses to test whether cross-sectional age-sleep associations were modified by sex and race.

Results

In analyses adjusting for sex, body mass index, and individual medical conditions, older age was associated with longer TST from ages 40–70 that plateaued after age 70. Older age also was associated with lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep onset latency, and greater WASO. In men only, after age 70, older age was associated with shorter TST, lower sleep efficiency, longer onset latency, and greater WASO. However, we did not observe any significant interactions of race with age.

Conclusions

Older age was associated with longer TST from ages 40 to 70 and with poorer sleep quality after age 40, and these relationships might vary by sex. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate mechanisms that may account for sex differences in the observed age-sleep associations.
Updates on the diagnosis and management of subdural hematoma
Authors: Scruton Thomas J.
Published: July 2024

Intracranial hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening condition categorized into four main groups by the location of bleeding: epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intraparenchymal. Subdural hematoma (SDH) is increasingly common as the population of older adults increases. Clinicians must recognize the typical presentations and order diagnostic imaging studies to make a timely diagnosis and referral to neurosurgery for definitive treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology and risk factors for chronic or expanding SDH informs decision-making in managing anticoagulants. Emerging treatments offer potential alternatives to the traditional evacuation of SDH by craniotomy, which remains the standard of care for most symptomatic patients.
Imaging Outcomes of MRI After CT in Pediatric Spinal Trauma: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Sirén Aapo , Nyman Mikko , Syvänen Johanna , Mattila Kimmo , Hirvonen Jussi
Published: July 2024

Background:

Imaging has an essential role in the diagnostic workup of suspected pediatric spinal trauma. The most suitable imaging method is still being debated and needs to be considered regarding the patient, injury, and local resources. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often performed after computed tomography (CT) in case of neurological symptoms or suspected ligamentous disruption. However, it is unclear if the MRI yields significant additional value after CT if the spinal cord injury is not suspected and if the MRI could be used as the sole imaging modality in an emergency department. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of emergency MRI after CT in suspected spinal trauma in children and adolescents.

Methods:

The imaging data and medical records of patients 17 years of age and younger with emergency spinal CT and MRI over 8 years were retrospectively reviewed. The primary study outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the 2 imaging modalities in detecting surgically treated spinal injuries.

Results:

The study population consisted of 100 patients. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated all 7 surgically treated injuries, although one of the injuries was initially missed with CT. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed more injuries, but none of the injuries visible on CT required surgical fixation. Magnetic resonance imaging was able to exclude unstable injuries in patients who had highly suspicious or unequivocal findings on CT.

Conclusions:

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were both highly accurate in detecting unstable pediatric spinal injuries requiring surgical treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging seems not to reveal additional unstable injuries after adequately interpreted spinal CT.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective observational study.