bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostik und Therapie des kutanen Lupus erythematodes –
Aktuelles aus der S2k-Leitlinie
Authors: Worm Margitta
Published: May 2022

Das Therapiemanagement des CLE richtet sich nach der Ausbreitung und dem
Schweregrad der Manifestation(en) einschließlich präventiver
Maßnahmen (Lichtschutz). Bei ausgedehnten bzw. Läsionen, die
nicht ausreichend auf topische Kortikosteroide ansprechen, sollte
frühzeitig eine Systemtherapie mit Hydroxychloroquin eingeleitet werden.
Sollte diese Therapie nicht ausreichend wirksam sein, können weitere
Medikamente, wie MTX oder Acitretin in das Management aufgenommen werden. Bei
sehr schweren Verläufen können intravenöse
Immunglobuline aber auch neue Biologika, wie Belimumab zum Einsatz kommen. Ein
Übergang eines CLE in einen SLE ist bei einem nicht geringen Anteil der
Patienten möglich und sollte im Verlauf auch unter Einbezug von
paraklinischen Befunden berücksichtigt werden.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Global Burden
Authors: El-Kassas Mohamed , Cabezas Joaquín , Coz Paula Iruzubieta , Zheng Ming-Hua , Arab Juan Pablo , Awad Abeer
Published: May 2022

The map and global disease burden of chronic liver diseases are markedly changing, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becoming the most common cause of liver diseases coinciding with the current epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Understanding the incidence and prevalence of NAFLD is critical because of its linkage to a significant economic burden of hospitalization and changing patterns in consequences, such as liver transplantation. Moreover, the long-term average health care expenses of NAFLD patients have exceeded those of other liver diseases. To lessen the imminent burden of NAFLD, immediate actions to raise worldwide awareness and address metabolic risk factors are required. This review summarizes key data about the global disease burden of NAFLD, modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, and current preventive approaches.
Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Scoping Review of Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Chopannejad Sara , Sadoughi Farahnaz , Bagherzadeh Rafat , Shekarchi Sakineh
Published: May 2022

Background Acute coronary syndrome is the topmost cause of death worldwide; therefore, it is necessary to predict major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiovascular deaths in patients with acute coronary syndrome to make correct and timely clinical decisions.

Objective The current review aimed to highlight algorithms and important predictor variables through examining those studies which used machine learning algorithms for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods To predict major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome, the preferred reporting items for scoping reviews guidelines were used. In doing so, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched for articles published between 2005 and 2021. The checklist “Quality assessment of machine learning studies” was used to assess the quality of eligible studies. The findings of the studies are presented in the form of a narrative synthesis of evidence.

Results In total, among 2,558 retrieved articles, 22 studies were qualified for analysis. Major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality were predicted in 5 and 17 studies, respectively. According to the results, 14 (63.64%) studies did not perform external validation and only used registry data. The algorithms used in this study comprised, inter alia, Regression Logistic, Random Forest, Boosting Ensemble, Non-Boosting Ensemble, Decision Trees, and Naive Bayes. Multiple studies (N = 20) achieved a high area under the ROC curve between 0.8 and 0.99 in predicting mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. The predictor variables used in these studies were divided into demographic, clinical, and therapeutic features. However, no study reported the integration of machine learning model into clinical practice.

Conclusion Machine learning algorithms rendered acceptable results to predict major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, these approaches have never been integrated into clinical practice. Further research is required to develop feasible and effective machine learning prediction models to measure their potentially important implications for optimizing the quality of care in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Identifying Gaps in Resuscitation Practices Across Level-IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Ali Noorjahan , Schierholz Elizabeth , Reed Danielle , Hightower Hannah , Johnson Beth A. , Gupta Ruby , Gray Megan , Ades Anne , Wetzel Elizabeth A. ,   on behalf of the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium Resuscitation Focus Group
Published: May 2022

Objectives This study aimed to describe resuscitation practices in level-IV neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and identify possible areas of improvement.

Study Design This study was a cross-sectional cohort survey and conducted at the Level-IV NICUs of Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). The survey was developed with consensus from resuscitation and education experts in the CHNC and pilot tested. An electronic survey was sent to individual site sponsors to determine unit demographics, resuscitation team composition, and resuscitation-related clinical practices.

Results Of the sites surveyed, 33 of 34 sites responded. Unit average daily census ranged from less than 30 to greater than 100, with the majority (72%) of the sites between 30 and 75 patients. A designated code response team was utilized in 18% of NICUs, only 30% assigned roles before or during codes. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) was the exclusive algorithm used during codes in 61% of NICUs, and 34% used a combination of NRP and the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Most (81%) of the sites required neonatal attendings to maintain NRP training. A third of sites (36%) lacked protocols for high-acuity events. A code review process existed in 76% of participating NICUs, but only 9% of centers enter code data into a national database.

Conclusion There is variability among units regarding designated code team presence and composition, resuscitation algorithm, protocols for high-acuity events, and event review. These inconsistencies in resuscitation teams and practices provide an opportunity for standardization and, ultimately, improved resuscitation performance. Resources, education, and efforts could be directed to these areas to potentially impact future neonatal outcomes of the complex patients cared for in level-IV NICUs.

Key Points
Clinical Decision Support Stewardship: Best Practices and Techniques to Monitor and Improve Interruptive Alerts
Authors: Chaparro Juan D. , Beus Jonathan M. , Dziorny Adam C. , Hagedorn Philip A. , Hernandez Sean , Kandaswamy Swaminathan , Kirkendall Eric S. , McCoy Allison B. , Muthu Naveen , Orenstein Evan W.
Published: May 2022

Interruptive clinical decision support systems, both within and outside of electronic health records, are a resource that should be used sparingly and monitored closely. Excessive use of interruptive alerting can quickly lead to alert fatigue and decreased effectiveness and ignoring of alerts. In this review, we discuss the evidence for effective alert stewardship as well as practices and methods we have found useful to assess interruptive alert burden, reduce excessive firings, optimize alert effectiveness, and establish quality governance at our institutions. We also discuss the importance of a holistic view of the alerting ecosystem beyond the electronic health record.
Experimental verification of the acoustic geometric phase
Authors: Liu Bingyi , Zhou Zhiling , Wang Yongtian , Zentgraf Thomas , Li Yong , Huang Lingling
Published: May 2022

Optical geometric phase encoded by in-plane spatial orientation of microstructures has promoted the rapid development of numerous functional meta-devices. However, pushing the concept of the geometric phase toward the acoustic community still faces challenges. In this work, we utilize two acoustic nonlocal metagratings that could support a direct conversion between an acoustic plane wave and a designated vortex mode to obtain the acoustic geometric phase, in which an orbital angular momentum conversion process plays a vital role. In addition, we realize the acoustic geometric phases of different orders by merely varying the orientation angle of the acoustic nonlocal metagratings. Intriguingly, according to our developed theory, we reveal that the reflective acoustic geometric phase, which is twice the transmissive one, can be readily realized by transferring the transmitted configuration to a reflected one. Both the theoretical study and experimental measurements verify the announced transmissive and reflective acoustic geometric phases. Moreover, the reconfigurability and continuous phase modulation that covers the 2π range shown by the acoustic geometric phases provide us with the alternatives in advanced acoustic wavefront control.
Modes of adhesion of spherocylindrical nanoparticles to tensionless lipid bilayers
Authors: Sharma Abash , Zhu Yu , Spangler Eric J. , Laradji Mohamed
Published: May 2022

The adhesion modes and endocytosis pathway of spherocylindrical nanoparticles (NPs) are investigated numerically using molecular dynamics simulations of a coarse-grained implicit-solvent model. The investigation is performed systematically with respect to the adhesion energy density ξ, NP’s diameter D, and NP’s aspect ratio α. At weak ξ, the NP adheres to the membrane through a parallel mode, i.e., its principal axis is parallel to the membrane. However, for relatively large ξ, the NP adheres through a perpendicular mode, i.e., the NP is invaginated, such as its principal axis is nearly perpendicular to the membrane. The value of ξ at the transition from the parallel to the perpendicular mode decreases with increasing the D or α, in agreement with theoretical arguments based on the Helfrich Hamiltonian. As ξ is further increased, the NP undergoes endocytosis, with the value of ξ at the endocytosis threshold that is independent of the aspect ratio but decreases with increasing D. The kinetics of endocytosis depends strongly on ξ and D. While for low values of D, the NP first rotates to a parallel orientation then to a perpendicular orientation. At high values of ξ or D, the NP is endocytosed while in the parallel orientation.
Changing human behaviour to improve animal welfare outcomes
Authors: Pickering J. , Moore S. , Wray D.
Published: May 2022

Context Producers’ behaviour, attitudes, and ethics towards animal welfare emerge from a complex interplay of factors. Applying insights from behavioural science can therefore enrich our understanding of the myriad factors influencing animal welfare and can provide recommendations for creating a positive shift in producers’ behaviour. Aims The current paper documents a partnership between an organic beef exporter, OBE Organic, and a behavioural science company, Evidn. The partnership aimed to improve beef producers’ behaviours towards animal welfare by embedding behavioural science principles into producer feedback sheets that are completed post-slaughter by meat processors and beef exporters. Methods A five-stage approach was applied. Stage one involved a behavioural science ‘hackathon’ between OBE Organic and Evidn to refine project scope. Stage two reviewed producer communications at OBE Organic through five semi-structured interviews. Stage three analysed the behavioural science literature and other interventions relevant to animal welfare. Stage four pilot-tested recommendations with 10 stakeholders, followed by the re-design of producer feedback sheets throughout Stage five. Key results Qualitative results were collected from OBE Organic staff and producers to delineate the potential impacts of the re-designed feedback sheets on animal welfare. Results indicated that re-designed sheets reduced complexity, increased saliency of relevant information, and further motivated behaviour change by providing peer comparisons. Industry partners of OBE Organic responded positively to the company’s commitment to improving animal welfare, further enhancing their social licence to operate. Conclusions Behavioural science is a potentially useful tool for improving animal welfare by further enriching our understanding of the myriad factors influencing producers’ behaviour and providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance producers’ engagement with animal welfare information contained in producer feedback sheets. Implications Future work should focus on directly linking the re-designed feedback sheets to improvements in animal welfare (i.e. bruising, meat colour). This could involve a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the impact of re-designed communications on animal welfare outcomes. A large qualitative engagement project could also help understand the system of factors influencing producer behaviour and develop a behaviour change program to further improve animal welfare. Ongoing work is also needed to ensure that engagement with feedback sheets is maintained in the long term.
Potent monoclonal antibody–mediated neutralization of a divergent Hendra virus variant
Authors: Wang Zhaoqian , Dang Ha V. , Amaya Moushimi , Xu Yan , Yin Randy , Yan Lianying , Hickey Andrew C. , Annand Edward J. , Horsburgh Bethany A. , Reid Peter A. , Smith Ina , Eden John-Sebastian , Xu Kai , Broder Christopher C. , Veesler David
Published: May 2022

Significance

A new Hendra virus variant (HeV-g2) has been recently identified in two independent studies, increasing the concern of HeV spillover. Here, we show that HeV-g2 utilizes the same host receptor as HeV and that a panel of previously described HeV neutralizing antibodies cross-neutralizes HeV-g2 potently. Furthermore, we describe a monoclonal antibody (hAH1.3) neutralizing HeV and HeV-g2 and reveal its epitope using X-ray crystallography. We show that targeting four nonoverlapping epitopes on the HeV attachment protein simultaneously leads to potent HeV and HeV-g2 neutralization, supporting the development of a tetravalent monoclonal antibody cocktail. Collectively, our data provide a comprehensive assessment of available countermeasures against this newly described HeV-g2 variant and delineate multiple strategies for pandemic preparedness.
Polycomb-mediated genome architecture enables long-range spreading of H3K27 methylation
Authors: Kraft Katerina , Yost Kathryn E. , Murphy Sedona E. , Magg Andreas , Long Yicheng , Corces M. Ryan , Granja Jeffrey M. , Wittler Lars , Mundlos Stefan , Cech Thomas R. , Boettiger Alistair N. , Chang Howard Y.
Published: May 2022

Significance

The relationship between long-range Polycomb-associated chromatin contacts and the linear propagation of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) by Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is not well-characterized. Here, we nominate a role for developmental loci as genomic architectural elements that enable long-range spreading of H3K27me3. Polycomb-associated loops are disrupted upon loss of PRC2 binding and deletion of loop anchors results in alterations of H3K27me3 deposition and ectopic gene expression. These results suggest that Polycomb-mediated genome architecture is important for gene repression during embryonic development.
A set point in the selection of the αβTCR T cell repertoire imposed by pre-TCR signaling strength
Authors: Bovolenta Elena R. , García-Cuesta Eva M. , Horndler Lydia , Ponomarenko Julia , Schamel Wolfgang W. , Mellado Mario , Castro Mario , Abia David , van Santen Hisse M.
Published: May 2022

Significance

The ability of the T cell receptor (TCR) to convey signals of different intensity is essential for the generation of a diverse, protecting, and self-tolerant T cell repertoire. We provide evidence that pre-TCR signaling during the first stage of T cell differentiation, thought to only check for in-frame rearrangement of TCRβ gene segments, determines the degree of diversity in a signaling intensity–dependent manner and controls the diversity of the TCR repertoire available for subsequent thymic positive and negative selection. Pre-TCR signaling intensity is regulated by the transmembrane region of its associated CD3ζ chains, possibly by organizing pre-TCRs into nanoclusters. Our data provide insights into immune receptor signaling mechanisms and reveal an additional checkpoint of T cell repertoire diversity.
Nonlinear vectorial holography with quad-atom metasurfaces
Authors: Mao Ningbin , Zhang Guanqing , Tang Yutao , Li Yang , Hu Zixian , Zhang Xuecai , Li Kingfai , Cheah Kokwai , Li Guixin
Published: May 2022

Significance

Vectorial optical holography, as a scheme to control the polarization distributions of light in the Fourier space, has been experimentally demonstrated in the linear optical regime. However, its nonlinear optical counterpart, which can generate the holographic images at different frequencies to that of the incident light, remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate nonlinear vectorial holography through the second harmonic generation process on a quad-atom plasmonic metasurface, which consists of gold meta-atoms with threefold rotational symmetry. The proposed metasurface platform may have important applications in vectorial polarization nonlinear optical source, high-capacity optical information storage, and optical encryption.
Evaluating an Expedited Process to Assess Fitness to Stand Trial in Canada
Authors: Hill David , Demetrioff Sabrina
Published: May 2022

In this study, we investigated the potential benefits of using an alternative approach for completing court ordered fitness to stand trial assessments in a Canadian forensic mental health service. Using file information, court databases, and an economic analysis, we compared a hospital-based model of evaluation to a court clinic model in a sample of 96 accused persons from 2013 to 2017. Results revealed a significantly shorter time period for forensic report completion in the court clinic group, but no difference in criminal case processing time between groups. There was a higher rate of accused persons opined to be unfit to stand trial in the court clinic group (25.9%) compared to the hospital-based model (7.7%). Report quality varied somewhat between groups, with forensic assessment reports citing mental disorder and relevant case law more often in the court clinic model. Economic analyses indicated there was a marked cost savings associated with completing assessments at court instead of hospital. Our findings suggest there are several benefits for forensic mental health systems in utilizing community-based models of forensic evaluation.
Effect of off-stoichiometric composition on half-metallic character of Co2Fe(Ga,Ge) investigated using saturation magnetization and giant magnetoresistance effect
Authors: Chikaso Yuki , Inoue Masaki , Tanimoto Tessei , Kikuchi Keita , Yamanouchi Michihiko , Uemura Tetsuya , Inubushi Kazuumi , Nakada Katsuyuki , Shinya Hikari , Shirai Masafumi
Published: May 2022

We investigated the Ge-composition (γ) dependence of the saturation magnetization of Co2Fe(Ga, Ge) (CFGG) thin films and the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio of CFGG-based current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) devices together with first-principles calculations of the electronic states of CFGG. Theoretical calculations showed that spin polarization is highest at the stoichiometric compositionγ= 0.56 in Co2Fe1.03Ga0.41Geγand that it decreases in off-stoichiometric CFGG, mainly due to the formation of CoFeantisites for Ge-deficient compositions and FeCoantisites for Ge-rich compositions, where CoFe(FeCo) indicates that Co (Fe) atoms replace the Fe (Co) sites. The saturation magnetic moment (μs) per formula unit decreased monotonically asγincreased from 0.24 to 1.54 in Co2Fe1.03Ga0.41Geγ. Theμswas closest to the Slater–Pauling value predicted for half-metallic CFGG at the stoichiometric compositionγ= 0.56, indicating that stoichiometric CFGG has a half-metallic nature. This is consistent with the result for the theoretical spin polarization. In contrast, the MR ratio of CFGG-based CPP-GMR devices increased monotonically asγincreased from 0.24 to 1.10 and reached an MR ratio of 87.9% at the Ge-rich compositionγ= 1.10. Then, the MR ratio decreased rapidly asγincreased from 1.10 to 1.48. Possible origins for the slight difference between the Ge composition at which the highest MR ratio was obtained (γ= 1.10) and that at which the highest spin polarization was obtained (γ= 0.56) are improved atomic arrangements in a Ge-rich CFGG film and the reduction of effective Ge composition due to Ge diffusion in the GMR stacks.
Investigation of the sulfonation mechanism by gas–liquid interfacial plasma under atmospheric pressure conditions
Authors: Deng Siqi , Takeuchi Nozomi , Hieda Junko , Takahashi Katsuyuki , Tachibana Kosuke , Li Oi Lun
Published: May 2022

Although sulfonated carbon catalysts are considered promising solid acid catalysts for cellulose conversion, most carbon sulfonation processes require concentrated sulfuric acid (18 M) at elevated temperatures. This work investigates a novel sulfonation mechanism for carbon acid catalysts via a gas–liquid interfacial plasma sulfonation system under atmospheric pressure conditions with a dilute sulfuric acid solution (1 M) at 38 °C, and the by-products of the plasma sulfonation process were investigated by in-situ and ex-situ diagnosis. The results show that a high gas temperature (>1050 K) around the plasma allows H2SO4 droplet decomposition, and active species (•OH, SO3, and HOSO2•) generated at the gas–liquid interface were grafted on the defects of the carbon materials and subsequently formed sulfonic acid groups (0.36 mmol g−1) and total acid groups (4.16 mmol g−1) on the carbon network. This study aimed to provide significant insight into the understanding of the sulfonation mechanisms of an emerging plasma-based process for carbon acid catalysts, which is important for the further development of an environmentally friendly sulfonation process for acid catalysts for biomass conversion.
Optical parametric amplifier pulse cleaning driven by aperiodic frequency converter
Authors: Refaeli Zaharit , Marcus Gilad , Suchowski Haim , Shamir Yariv
Published: May 2022

We demonstrate temporal shape improvement of a short laser pulse using chirped aperiodic nonlinear frequency converter within an optical parametric amplifier. The aperiodic converter generated walk-off free high spatial quality pulse with ∼40% efficiency second harmonic while preserving the pump bandwidth. A <300 fs idler pulse was generated, with ∼10 nm central wavelength tunability around 1053 nm by pump generation and phase matching control. A pronounced contrast pedestal suppression of up to 40 dB was observed within a few picoseconds range around the peak. Such pedestal suppression has good scalability potential to high energies.
Evaluating interhemispheric synchronization and cortical activity in acute stroke patients using optical hemodynamic oscillations
Authors: Nguyen Van-Truong , Lu Yi-Hsuan , Wu Chun-Wei , Sung Pi-Shan , Lin Chou-Ching , Lin Pei-Yi , Wang Shun-Min , Chen Fu-Yu , Chen Jia-Jin Jason
Published: May 2022

Objective.An understanding of functional interhemispheric asymmetry in ischemic stroke patients is a crucial factor in the designs of efficient programs for post-stroke rehabilitation. This study evaluates interhemispheric synchronization and cortical activities in acute stroke patients with various degrees of severity and at different post-stroke stages.Approach.Twenty-three patients were recruited to participate in the experiments, including resting-state and speed finger-tapping tasks at week-1 and week-3 post-stroke. Multichannel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure the changes in hemodynamics in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the sensorimotor cortex (SMC). The interhemispheric correlation coefficient (IHCC) measuring the synchronized activities in time and the wavelet phase coherence (WPCO) measuring the phasic activity in time-frequency were used to reflect the symmetry between the two hemispheres within a region. The changes in oxyhemoglobin during the finger-tapping tasks were used to present cortical activation.Main results.IHCC and WPCO values in the severe-stroke were significantly lower than those in the minor-stroke at low frequency bands during week-3 post-stroke. Cortical activation in all regions in the affected hemisphere was significantly lower than that in the unaffected hemisphere in the moderate-severe stroke measured in week-1, however, the SMC activation on the affected hemisphere was significantly enhanced in week-3 post-stroke.Significance.In this study, non-invasive NIRS was used to observe dynamic synchronization in the resting-state based on the IHCC and WPCO results as well as hemodynamic changes in a motor task in acute stroke patients. The findings suggest that NIRS could be used as a tool for early stroke assessment and evaluation of the efficacy of post-stroke rehabilitation.
Design and manufacturing of the combined quadrupole and corrector magnets for the LIPAc accelerator high energy beam transport line
Authors: Brañas B. , Castellanos J. , Oliver C. , Campmany J. , Fernández F. , García M. , Kirpitchev I. , Marcos J. , Massana V. , Méndez P. , Mosca J. , Toral F. , Arranz F. , Nomen O. , Podadera I.
Published: May 2022

The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) is a project aiming to investigate candidate materials to be used in the most exposed zones of future fusion reactors. The linear IFMIF prototype accelerator (LIPAc), presently under commissioning in Rokkasho, Japan, is a prototype of the frontend section of one of the IFMIF accelerators. Eight quadrupole magnets, six pairs of corrector magnets and one dipole are responsible for generating the magnetic fields needed for a proper beam handling along the 10 m long LIPAc high energy beam transport line, which connects the end of the superconducting radio frequency Linac with the beam dump. A novel design of combined magnets with the correctors integrated in the quadrupole poles is chosen for compactness reasons. The different stages of the production of the combined magnets, from the magnetic and mechanical design to their manufacturing and testing, including exhaustive characterization of the magnetic performance are described in this work. The results from the tests revealed the quality of the magnetic field produced. The materials selection was done carefully, to withstand the high levels of ionizing radiation expected at the magnet locations. This paper focuses on the activities performed in Europe, before sending the magnets to Japan for their installation and commissioning at the Rokkasho site.
The distributional incidence of wildfire hazard in the western United States
Authors: Wibbenmeyer Matthew , Robertson Molly
Published: May 2022

Increases in wildfire activity in the western United States in recent years have led to significant property loss in wildland-urban interface areas, raising difficult questions for policymakers regarding mitigation of wildfire damages and how mitigation costs should be distributed. Yet in spite of increased attention to the distribution of environmental and climate-related risks across socioeconomic groups, and its relevance to current wildfire-related policy debates, the distributional incidence of wildfire hazard is not well understood. This paper fills this gap by combining property-level data on locations and values of residential properties, demographics, wildfire hazard, and historical wildfire perimeters. We find that there is substantial heterogeneity within high wildfire hazard areas, but that high wildfire hazard and impact from recent wildfires (2011–2018) have disproportionately been borne by high-income, white, and older residents, and by owners of high-value properties; properties in the tenth decile of market value by county are on average 70% more likely to be in high wildfire hazard areas than median value properties. However, because many high-value high wildfire hazard properties are concentrated in high density areas, most of the high wildfire hazard area in the western US is sparsely populated and comprises mainly relatively low-value properties.
Regularization of a strong–weak duality between pointlike interactions in one dimension
Authors: Granet Etienne
Published: May 2022

Pointlike interactions between bosons in 1D are related to pointlike interactions between fermions through the Girardeau mapping. This mapping is a strong–weak duality since the coupling constants in the bosonic and fermionic cases are inversely proportional to each other. We present a regularization of these pointlike interactions that preserves the strong–weak duality, contrary to previously known Hermitian regularizations. This is proven rigorously. This allows one to use this duality perturbatively and we illustrate it in the Lieb–Liniger model at strong coupling.
The two-particle irreducible effective action for classical stochastic processes
Authors: Bode Tim
Published: May 2022

By combining the two-particle-irreducible (2PI) effective action common in non-equilibrium quantum field theory with the classical Martin–Siggia–Rose formalism, self-consistent equations of motion for the first and second cumulants of non-linear classical stochastic processes are constructed. Such dynamical equations for correlation and response functions are important in describing non-equilibrium systems, where equilibrium fluctuation–dissipation relations are unavailable. The method allows to evolve stochastic systems from arbitrary Gaussian initial conditions. In the non-linear case, it is found that the resulting integro-differential equations can be solved with considerably reduced computational effort compared to state-of-the-art stochastic Runge–Kutta methods. The details of the method are illustrated by several physical examples.
Sustainable development of tourism economy in Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam: Current situation and prospects
Authors: Quyet L V , Duy P T , Toan V P
Published: May 2022

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the largest island of Vietnam. Dubbed the “Pearl Island”, Phu Quoc is well-known for its wealth given by nature. In 2019, Phu Quoc was voted as one of the best tourist destinations in Asia and the top 5 autumn destinations in Asia-Pacific by CNN. Thanks to its advantageous geographical location as well as rich and diverse natural, cultural and human resources, Phu Quoc has been aiming to develop into an important sea-based economic hub, especially in terms of the tourism economy. Over time, Phu Quoc has experienced major changes and focused on tourism as a pillar for economic development. Therefore, it is necessary to consider and evaluate the potential and current situation of the tourism economy in Phu Quoc so as to propose solutions and policies. Analyzing the potential and current situation of developing the tourism economy in Phu Quoc, the article proposes 4 solutions for the sustainable tourism development of the island in the future.
Engineering of cardiac microtissues by microfluidic cell encapsulation in thermoshrinking non-crosslinked PNIPAAm gels
Authors: Jahn Philipp , Karger Rebecca Katharina , Soso Khalaf Shahab , Hamad Sarkawt , Peinkofer Gabriel , Sahito Raja Ghazanfar Ali , Pieroth Stephanie , Nitsche Frank , Lu Junqi , Derichsweiler Daniel , Brockmeier Konrad , Hescheler Jürgen , M Schmidt Annette , Pfannkuche Kurt
Published: May 2022

Multicellular agglomerates in form of irregularly shaped or spherical clusters can recapitulate cell–cell interactions and are referred to as microtissues. Microtissues gain increasing attention in several fields including cardiovascular research. Cardiac microtissues are evolving as excellent model systems for drug testing in vitro (organ-on-a-chip), are used as tissue bricks in 3D printing processes and pave the way for improved cell replacement therapies in vivo. Microtissues are formed for example in hanging drop culture or specialized microwell plates; truly scalable methods are not yet available. In this study, a novel method of encapsulation of cells in poly-N-isopropylacrylamid (PNIPAAm) spheres is introduced. Murine induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were encapsulated in PNIPAAm by raising the temperature of droplets formed in a microfluidics setup above the lower critical solute temperature (LCST) of 32 °C. PNIPAAM precipitates to a water-insoluble physically linked gel above the LCST and shrinks by the expulsion of water, thereby trapping the cells in a collapsing polymer network and increasing the cell density by one order of magnitude. Within 24 h, stable cardiac microtissues were first formed and later released from their polymer shell by washout of PNIPAAm at temperatures below the LCST. Rhythmically contracting microtissues showed homogenous cell distribution, age-dependent sarcomere organizations and action potential generation. The novel approach is applicable for microtissue formation from various cell types and can be implemented into scalable workflows.
Effects of annealing temperature on structural phase transition and microstructure evolution of hydrothermally synthesized barium titanate nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Jongbeom , Jeong Haguk , Ma Seongun
Published: May 2022

Commercial hydrothermally synthesized BaTiO3 powder with a cubic structure was annealed in a temperature range of 650 °C–900 °C, and the cubic-tetragonal structure transition and microstructure evolution of the powder were investigated in relation to the annealing process. The BaTiO3 powder used had a cubic structure below an annealing temperature of 800 °C and a tetragonal structure above 850 °C. Particle growth occurred under a low activation energy of ∼33.2 kJ mol−1 because of the nanocrystalline size effect, while the crystallite size slightly decreased in the powder with the cubic structure and sharply increased in that with the tetragonal structure. This was because the OH group in the powder with the cubic structure influenced the lattice extension on the particle surface. This stabilized the cubic structure and reduced the crystal ordering, which retarded the crystallite size. When the annealing temperature was increased, the crystallite growth reduced the intrinsic strain and enhanced the tetragonality in the powder with the tetragonal structure as a result of the removal of the OH group.
Miniature ion analyzer for applications in space weather monitoring
Authors: Shestakov A Yu , Moiseenko D A , Shuvalov S D , Zhuravlev R N
Published: May 2022

This article presents the results of development and testing of a simple and compact ion energy-mass analyzer. PICA (Plasma Ion Compact Analyzer) is designed as a solution for solar wind measurements, polar proton precipitation monitoring and as a miniature solution for various space plasma experiments. We introduce general ideas that lead to the development of a simple and low-cost instrument and review several operating plasma instruments. After we address our previous results in modeling a possible scheme of the instrument and indicate improvements based on the results of previous research. We introduce the details of computer modeling of an improved for space application model, the results of prototype tests and flight configuration unit preformance. During the tests we checked the energy and mass resolutions of the laboratory prototype (ΔE/E = 4% M/ΔM = 4–8). All parameters were checked for the energy range of the upper boundary of 5 keV owing to the limitations of our equipment. The analytical characteristics of the instrument allow for distinguishing the fluxes of protons and alpha particles and monitoring the main parameters of the solar wind. The flight configuration of the instrument and can be placed on 3U CubeSATs.
Early bioenergetic and autophagy impairments at the Parkinson’s disease synapse
Authors: Prieto G Aleph , Cotman Carl W
Published: May 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Striatal synaptic bioenergetic and autophagic decline in premotor experimental parkinsonism’ by Merino-Galán et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac087).
Understanding the role of dopamine in cancer: past, present and future
Authors: Grant Christopher E , Flis Amy L , Ryan Bríd M
Published: May 2022

Dopamine (DA, 3-hydroxytyramine) is a member of the catecholamine family and is classically characterized according to its role in the central nervous system as a neurotransmitter. In recent decades, many novel and intriguing discoveries have been made about the peripheral expression of DA receptors (DRs) and the role of DA signaling in both normal and pathological processes. Drawing from decades of evidence suggesting a link between DA and cancer, the DA pathway has recently emerged as a potential target in antitumor therapies. Due to the onerous, expensive and frequently unsuccessful nature of drug development, the repurposing of dopaminergic drugs for cancer therapy has the potential to greatly benefit patients and drug developers alike. However, the lack of clear mechanistic data supporting the direct involvement of DRs and their downstream signaling components in cancer represents an ongoing challenge that has limited the translation of these drugs to the clinic. Despite this, the breadth of evidence linking DA to cancer and non-tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment justifies further inquiry into the potential applications of this treatment modality in cancer. Herein, we review the literature characterizing the interplay between the DA signaling axis and cancer, highlighting key findings, and then propose rational lines of investigation to follow.
Relative Virulence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals Hospitalized With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Grima Alicia A , Murison Kiera R , Simmons Alison E , Tuite Ashleigh R , Fisman David N
Published: May 2022

Background

The rapid development of safe and effective vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a singular scientific achievement. Confounding due to health-seeking behaviors, circulating variants, and differential testing by vaccination status may bias analyses toward an apparent increase in infection severity following vaccination.

Methods

We used data from the Ontario, Canada, Case and Contact Management Database and a provincial vaccination dataset (COVaxON) to create a time-matched cohort of individuals who were hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccinated individuals were matched to up to 5 unvaccinated individuals based on test date. Risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death were evaluated using conditional logistic regression.

Results

In 20 064 individuals (3353 vaccinated and 16 711 unvaccinated) hospitalized with infection due to SARS-CoV-2 between 1 January 2021 and 5 January 2022, vaccination with 1, 2, or 3 doses significantly reduced the risk of ICU admission and death. An inverse dose–response relationship was observed between vaccine doses received and both outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per additional dose for ICU admission, 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], .62 to .71; aOR for death, 0.78; 95% CI, .72 to .84).

Conclusions

We identified decreased virulence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in vaccinated individuals, even when vaccines failed to prevent infection sufficiently severe to cause hospitalization. Even with diminished efficacy of vaccines against infection with novel variants of concern, vaccines remain an important tool for reduction of ICU admission and mortality.
Loss ofneurexin-1inDrosophila melanogasterresults in altered energy metabolism and increased seizure susceptibility
Authors: Levy Kyra A , Weisz Eliana D , Jongens Thomas A
Published: May 2022

Although autism is typically characterized by differences in language, social interaction and restrictive, repetitive behaviors, it is becoming more well known in the field that alterations in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are comorbid disorders in autism. The synaptic cell adhesion molecule, neurexin-1 (NRXN1), has previously been implicated in autism, and here we show that in Drosophila melanogaster, the homologue of NRXN1, called Nrx-1, regulates energy metabolism and nutrient homeostasis. First, we show that Nrx-1-null flies exhibit decreased resistance to nutrient deprivation and heat stress compared to controls. Additionally, Nrx-1 mutants exhibit a significantly altered metabolic profile characterized by decreased lipid and carbohydrate stores. Nrx-1-null Drosophila also exhibit diminished levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important coenzyme in major energy metabolism pathways. Moreover, loss of Nrx-1 resulted in striking abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology in the flight muscle of Nrx-1-null Drosophila and impaired flight ability in these flies. Further, following a mechanical shock Nrx-1-null flies exhibited seizure-like activity, a phenotype previously linked to defects in mitochondrial metabolism and a common symptom of patients with NRXN1 deletions. The current studies indicate a novel role for NRXN1 in the regulation of energy metabolism and uncover a clinically relevant seizure phenotype in Drosophila lacking Nrx-1.
The Mitogenome Relationships and Phylogeography of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: Lombardo Gianluca , Rambaldi Migliore Nicola , Colombo Giulia , Capodiferro Marco Rosario , Formenti Giulio , Caprioli Manuela , Moroni Elisabetta , Caporali Leonardo , Lancioni Hovirag , Secomandi Simona , Gallo Guido Roberto , Costanzo Alessandra , Romano Andrea , Garofalo Maria , Cereda Cristina , Carelli Valerio , Gillespie Lauren , Liu Yang , Kiat Yosef , Marzal Alfonso , López-Calderón Cosme , Balbontín Javier , Mousseau Timothy A. , Matyjasiak Piotr , Møller Anders Pape , Semino Ornella , Ambrosini Roberto , Bonisoli-Alquati Andrea , Rubolini Diego , Ferretti Luca , Achilli Alessandro , Gianfranceschi Luca , Olivieri Anna , Torroni Antonio
Published: May 2022

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) poses a number of fascinating scientific questions, including the taxonomic status of postulated subspecies. Here, we obtained and assessed the sequence variation of 411 complete mitogenomes, mainly from the European H. r. rustica, but other subspecies as well. In almost every case, we observed subspecies-specific haplogroups, which we employed together with estimated radiation times to postulate a model for the geographical and temporal worldwide spread of the species. The female barn swallow carrying the Hirundo rustica ancestral mitogenome left Africa (or its vicinity) around 280 thousand years ago (kya), and her descendants expanded first into Eurasia and then, at least 51 kya, into the Americas, from where a relatively recent (<20 kya) back migration to Asia took place. The exception to the haplogroup subspecies specificity is represented by the sedentary Levantine H. r. transitiva that extensively shares haplogroup A with the migratory European H. r. rustica and, to a lesser extent, haplogroup B with the Egyptian H. r. savignii. Our data indicate that rustica and transitiva most likely derive from a sedentary Levantine population source that split at the end of the Younger Dryas (YD) (11.7 kya). Since then, however, transitiva received genetic inputs from and admixed with both the closely related rustica and the adjacent savignii. Demographic analyses confirm this species’ strong link with climate fluctuations and human activities making it an excellent indicator for monitoring and assessing the impact of current global changes on wildlife.
Renal denervation in patients with chronic kidney disease: current evidence and future perspectives
Authors: Schmieder Roland E
Published: May 2022

Supported by several high-quality randomized controlled trials and registry analyses, catheter-based renal denervation is becoming an important adjunctive treatment modality for the safe and efficacious treatment of hypertension besides lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medication. Renal denervation is of particular interest to nephrologists as the intervention may provide additional benefits to hypertensive people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition typically characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity. A growing body of clinical evidence supports the safety and efficacy of renal denervation in this difficult-to-control population. In addition, preclinical and clinical research works indicate potential nephroprotective effects in CKD patients. The current review examines recent research on renal denervation with a focus on renal disease and assesses the latest findings and their implications from a nephrologist's perspective.
Nurses Need More Than Self-Care
Authors: Laker Emily Stice
Published: May 2022

We get plenty of advice, but where's the real help?
Diabetes Drug Now Approved for Heart Failure
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: May 2022

The diabetes drug empagliflozin (Jardiance) is now approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with heart failure, even if they do not have diabetes.

Nurses and NPs should monitor patients for adverse effects, especially fluid deficits.
FDA Evaluating Possible Serious Risks From Umbralisib
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: May 2022

Initial clinical trial data for umbralisib (Ukoniq), a drug currently approved to treat relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma and relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, indicate that umbralisib may increase the risk of death or serious adverse effects when given with a specific monoclonal antibody to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Patients receiving umbralisib to treat lymphomas should be evaluated closely for adverse effects. Nurses and other health care providers should report any of these adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch program.
Distrust of Public Health's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hurt Maria Christina
Published: May 2022

Public health recommendations at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were initially well received by Americans. But when personal, economic, and social impacts were felt, a concerted pushback began. The response to pandemic mitigation measures has become increasingly partisan, exacerbated by an ideological divide fueled by news sources and social media. Nurses, whether working in public health or other fields, can contribute to rebuilding trust in public health institutions.
Developmental Surveillance Program Useful in Early Identification of Autism
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: May 2022

According to this study:

Results of a community-based study provide strong support for the use of the developmental surveillance program for early identification of autism in the general population.
Storytelling as a Tool for Nurses and Nursing Students
Authors: Darby Mark , Petersen Mary C. , Stoltman Amelia , Gilmore Margaret
Published: May 2022

Finding healing and improved communication through imagining another's perspective.