bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations in patients with generalised pustular psoriasis
Authors: Lim Li Yan , Oon Hazel H.
Published: February 2023

Generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and severe form of pustular psoriasis. It is defined by persisting or relapsing macroscopically visible sterile primary pustules occurring on non‐acral skin and not within psoriasis plaques. Due to its rarity, there is a lack of randomised controlled trials on GPP and its associated gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disorders. In this article, we present a review of the GI and hepatic disorders associated with GPP. GPP is known to be associated with extracutaneous manifestations such as neutrophilic cholangitis. Abnormal liver function tests are reported in up to 90% of patients with GPP upon diagnosis. Less commonly, pancreatitis and gastrointestinal bleeding have been attributed to GPP. While a psoriasis registry with 7.5% prevalence of pustular psoriasis reported an association with viral hepatitis B and C, the true relationship remains to be elucidated as hepatitis B is endemic in Asia where GPP prevalence is higher. Common genetic mutations between GPP and conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma and inflammatory bowel disease have been identified, explaining their possible associations and providing answers to potential therapeutic options for these conditions. A lack of recognition of these association may result in unnecessary withdrawal of efficacious and definitive drugs for the treatment of GPP. Understanding the characteristics of the associated GI and hepatic disorders will have important implications for targeting the appropriate therapeutics.
DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein of Helicobacter pylori as a potential immunodominant antigen for infection detection
Authors: Zhai Kangle , Gong Yanan , Sun Lu , He Lihua , Xue Zhijing , Yang Yaming , Fang Mengyang , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: February 2023

Background

Application of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, HP) has gained much interest in recent years. Comparing with for treatment, IgY may be more advantageous when used for H. pylori detection.

Methods

Nine strains of H. pylori with different genetic backgrounds were inactivated and used to immunize hens, respectively, for the preparation of polyclonal anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin Y (anti‐HP IgY). The proteins of H. pylori with reactivity to anti‐HP IgY were detected by Western Blot. The five protein bands that can be well recognized by anti‐HP IgY of each group, and were prevalent in all nine strains were excised from SDS‐PAGE gel, digested and identified by Nano‐HPLC‐MS/MS analysis. The potential of these identified proteins as antigen detection targets was then assessed by sequence analysis.

Results

Anti‐HP IgY derived from each group of specific strain immunized hens can recognize self‐strain and non‐self‐strain antigens well. Five immunodominant antigens were identified as chaperonin GroEL, flagellin A, urease subunit alpha, peroxiredoxin and DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein. Sequences analysis showed that both peroxiredoxin and DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein were present in all 1000 strains of H. pylori queried, and the amino acid sequences were highly conserved. The highest sequence consistency between the DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein of H. pylori and non‐Helicobacter organisms was 52.59%, and the consistent sites were scattered and there was no continuous long fragment consensus sequence.

Conclusion

DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein was identified as an immunodominant antigen of H. pylori and sequence analysis indicated that it could serve as a potential antigen target for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection.
Land‐use change in the Amazon decreases ant diversity but increases ant‐mediated predation
Authors: Wilker Icaro , Lasmar Chaim José , Schmidt Fernando Augusto , da Costa Marília Maria Silva , Almeida Daniely da Frota , Dutra Dhâmyla Bruna de Souza , Alves Adriana de Lima , da Silva Lucas Lima , Ribas Carla Rodrigues
Published: February 2023

Food production in Amazonian traditional societies often occurs through shifting cultivation that uses few pesticides and relies on ecosystem services provided by natural enemies. However, these sustainable agricultural practices are being threatened by increasing livestock and mechanised agriculture.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the conversion from Amazon Forest to anthropogenic land uses (shifting cultivation and pasture) on α‐ and β‐diversity, functional groups, and ant‐mediated predation.

Three types of habitats were sampled: forest (eight sites), shifting cultivation (five sites) and pasture (seven sites). The ant assembly of each site was sampled using pitfall traps in the epigeic and hypogeic strata. Beetle larvae were used to evaluate the predation function.

Negative effects on epigeic ants and functional groups were found to be greater in sites where anthropogenic land use was more intensive (pasture) than in those where it was less intensive (shifting cultivation). Furthermore, this change increased the predation of insects in shifting cultivation and pasture compared to that in forest. This increase in insect predation was due to high activity ofEctatomma brunneumSmith, 1858, an environmental indicator for shifting cultivation and pasture.

The increase in the number of predations in shifting cultivation and pasture may be beneficial from the perspective of biological pest control. However, this relationship needs to be better understood because the high presence and predatory activity ofEctatomma brunneumin these environments may be one mechanism by which α‐ and β‐diversity decrease through antagonistic interactions and dominance.
A review of how pressures and their sources drive sustainable supply chain management practices
Authors: Marculetiu Alina , Ataseven Cigdem , Mackelprang Alan W.
Published: February 2023

Rapidly growing interest in sustainability coupled with individuals, firms, and other organizations becoming more inclined to agitate for changes internally, and with outside organizations, has resulted in firms being pressured by various sources to change their sustainable supply chain management practices. In this literature review, we synthesize 93 published research articles spanning from 1997 to 2022. We identify and evaluate how pressure types (e.g., coercive, normative, and relational) are used by pressure sources (e.g., governments, suppliers, customers, and employees) to impact firm and sustainable supply chain practices (e.g., internal, upstream, and downstream). Our goal is twofold. First, we aim to guide potential sources as to which types of pressures are most effective in eliciting changes in firm and sustainable supply chain practices. Additionally, we provide insights into not only which relationships have and have not been adequately examined in extant research, but also what could be the next evolution of inquiry in this domain.
Looking back, moving forward: A practical guide to implementing the updated ACGME geriatric medicine Milestones 2.0
Authors: Streiter Shoshana , Foley Kevin , Bennett Katherine , Widera Eric , Barczi Steven , Fernandez Helen , Cho Min Ho , Knight Aubrey , DeLong Ryan , Eubank Kathryn , Gajadhar Rachelle , Kirby Jennie , Edgar Laura
Published: February 2023

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) developed the Milestones as a tool to aid trainee assessment based on the framework of the six core competencies of practice. Variability in the interpretation and application of the original Milestones prompted the ACGME to convene work groups within the different specialties and subspecialties to update the Milestones. The Geriatric Medicine work group was convened in 2019 with the goal of clarifying and simplifying the language of the Milestones, revising content to be specific to geriatrics, and developing supplemental resources to aid in implementation and use. We suggest using a practical, four‐step process to implement the updated Milestones, called the Milestones 2.0, in fellowship programs by: (1) training faculty in the use of the Milestones 2.0, including an overview of the background and updates, (2) mapping the Milestones 2.0 to existing assessments, (3) educating fellows about the Milestones 2.0 and (4) presenting and discussing the Milestones 2.0 at Clinical Competency Committee meetings. This systematic approach promotes the development of a shared mental model for trainee assessments.
Microscopical palynology: Birch woodland expansion and species hybridisation coincide with periods of climate warming during the Holocene epoch in Iceland
Authors: Anamthawat‐Jónsson Kesara , Karlsdóttir Lilja , Thórsson Ægir Thór , Hallsdóttir Margrét
Published: February 2023

Introgressive hybridisation between arctic dwarf birch (Betula nana) and European downy birch (B. pubescens) is relatively common in natural woodlands in Iceland. As dwarf birch is a diploid species and downy tree birch a tetraploid species, their hybrids are triploid. In the introgression process, triploid hybrids, which are partially fertile, can backcross with the parental species, producing progenies comprising introgressed diploid, triploid and tetraploid plants. Triploid plants produce both normal triporate pollen (with three pores) and abnormal, aborted pollen, due to dysfunctional meiosis. The type of pollen abnormality that can be detected and quantified is non‐triporate pollen (with four or more pores in the pollen wall). We therefore used the presence of non‐triporate pollen as a marker to trace birch hybridisation in the past. In the current study we examined fossil pollen in samples from Holocene sediments from three locations: Grímsnes (SW), Eyjafjördur (N) and Thistilsfjördur (NE Iceland). All three peat monoliths had the starting age of 10.3 cal. ka BP. Ages were calibrated based on known tephra layers and by radiocarbon dating. The size of Betula pollen grains was measured, and the species proportions calculated from size. Non‐triporate grains were detected in samples from all three locations and throughout the Holocene, but with different frequencies. The peaks of intense hybridisation followed birch woodland expansion in two major periods of the Holocene, both coinciding with a warming of climate. The first period occurred in the Early Holocene, around 9.5–7 cal. ka BP, when the climate warmed rapidly after deglaciation. The second period occurred around 5–3.5 cal. ka BP, well within the mid‐Holocene Northern Hemisphere warming. A new wave of birch hybridisation appears to have started in the last few decades as the climate has warmed. Birch woodlands are likely to become more widespread. Introgressed shrub birch is likely to be more competitive over dwarf birch.
3D profiling of mouse epiphyses across ages reveals new potential imaging biomarkers of early spontaneous osteoarthritis
Authors: Herbst Eva C. , Evans Lucinda A. E. , Felder Alessandro A. , Javaheri Behzad , Pitsillides Andrew A.
Published: February 2023

Worldwide research groups and funding bodies have highlighted the need for imaging biomarkers to predict osteoarthritis (OA) progression and treatment effectiveness. Changes in trabecular architecture, which can be detected with non‐destructive high‐resolution CT imaging, may reveal OA progression before apparent articular surface damage. Here, we analysed the tibial epiphyses of STR/Ort (OA‐prone) and CBA (healthy, parental control) mice at different ages to characterise the effects of mouse age and strain on multiple bony parameters. We isolated epiphyseal components using a semi‐automated method, and measured the total epiphyseal volume; cortical bone, trabecular bone and marrow space volumes; mean trabecular and cortical bone thicknesses; trabecular volume relative to cortical volume; trabecular volume relative to epiphyseal interior (trabecular BV/TV); and the trabecular degree of anisotropy. Using two‐way ANOVA (significance level ≤0.05), we confirmed that all of these parameters change significantly with age, and that the two strains were significantly different in cortical and trabecular bone volumes, and trabecular degree of anisotropy. STR/Ort mice had higher cortical and trabecular volumes and a lower degree of anisotropy. As the two mouse strains reflect markedly divergent OA predispositions, these parameters have potential as bioimaging markers to monitor OA susceptibility and progression. Additionally, significant age/strain interaction effects were identified for total epiphyseal volume, marrow space volume and trabecular BV/TV. These interactions confirm that the two mouse strains have different epiphyseal growth patterns throughout life, some of which emerge prior to OA onset. Our findings not only propose valuable imaging biomarkers of OA, but also provide insight into ageing 3D epiphyseal architecture bone profiles and skeletal biology underlying the onset and development of age‐related OA in STR/Ort mice.
Elevated adipose differentiation‐related protein level in ovariectomized mice correlates with tissue‐specific regulation of estrogen
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhang Ling , Ji Mengxia , Jin Bihui , Shu Jing
Published: February 2023

Objective

Redistribution of adipose tissue in the abdomen during the menopausal transition is attributable mostly to estrogen drop with aging. Adipose differentiation‐related protein (ADRP), a major component of lipid droplets, is closely related to the onset of lipid accumulation. We hypothesized that estrogen exerted its tissue‐specific effect in reducing abdominal fat accumulation by regulation of ADRP.

Methods

Twenty‐four female C57/BL6 mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation (Sham), bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and OVX plus 17β‐estradiol (OVX + E2). After being fed 8 weeks of a high‐fat diet, plasma lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, body weight gain, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue, adipocyte size, and ADRP expression were measured.

Results

In comparison to sham‐operated mice, OVX mice presented a weight gain with higher plasma TC, TG, LDL‐C levels, and lower HDL‐C levels. E2 supplement ameliorated the increase in weight and lipid profiles. Elevated ADRP expression was observed in visceral adipose tissue of OVX mice, whereas treatment of estrogen suppressed the ADPR expression and reversed the fat accumulation in the abdomen. However, no significant difference of ADRP expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue was detected between sham, OVX, and OVX + E2 mice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that enhanced ADRP expression in ovariectomized mice correlates with the tissue‐specific regulation of estrogen, which may provide useful clues for further exploring the regulatory mechanism and corresponding anti‐abdominal obesity treatment in postmenopausal women.
Inflammatory invasion on human vaginal mucosa correlated with combined drug treatment and recurrence in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: He Xinyi , Tang Qionglan , Zhan Fengshu , Mao Yiwen , Ye Fei , Weng Zeping , Jiang Xuefeng , Swidsinski Alexander
Published: February 2023

Aim

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a chronic, difficult to treat vaginal infection, caused by Candida species, which affects women of all ages and ethnic and social background. Most RVVC studies use animal models, and there is still a lack of observation on human tissue samples and effective therapy to reduce recurrence.

Materials and Methods

We observed CD163+ macrophages and NLRP3 expression by immunohistochemistry, also investigated bacteria and fungi co‐invasion by fluorescence in situ hybridization from 144 human vaginal biopsy tissues (48 RVVC, 48 VVC, 48 healthy volunteers), and we also explored the effect of combining metronidazole in the treatment of RVVC.

Results

A large number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrated the mucosa, basement membrane and submucosa, accompanied by significantly overexpressed NLRP3 inflammasome. While CD163+ macrophages often infiltrated under the basement membrane in patients with RVVC, 29.2% of cases were found Gardnerella and fungi jointly invaded the vaginal mucosas. RVVC vaginal mucosal histopathology revealed mucosal inflammatory responses dominated by neutrophils, which may involve activation of NLRP3 and immune tolerance of M2 macrophages (CD163+). Fluconazole combined with metronidazole can achieve higher efficiency (95.8% vs. 70.8%) and reduce the recurrence rate more (8.3% vs. 37.5%) at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Inflammatory invasion on human vaginal mucosa correlated with combined drug treatment and recurrence in RVVC. The combined medication will need to further evaluate in future.
High‐risk surgery among Medicare beneficiaries living in health professional shortage areas
Authors: Mullens Cody Lendon , Lussiez Alisha , Scott John W. , Kunnath Nicholas , Dimick Justin B. , Ibrahim Andrew M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Americans who reside in health professional shortage areas currently have less than half of the needed physician workforce. While the shortage designation has been associated with poor outcomes for chronic medical conditions, far less is known about outcomes after high‐risk surgical procedures.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of Medicare beneficiaries living in health professional shortage areas and nonshortage areas who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, coronary artery bypass graft, esophagectomy, liver resection, pancreatectomy, or rectal resection between 2014 and 2018. Risk‐adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether rates of postoperative complications and 30‐day mortality differed between patient cohorts. Beneficiary and hospital ZIP codes were used to quantify travel time to obtain care.

Findings

Compared with patients living in nonshortage areas, patients living in health professional shortage areas traveled longer (median 60.0 vs 28.0 minutes, P<.001). There were no differences in risk‐adjusted rates of complications (28.5% vs 28.6%, OR = 1.00, 95% CI 1.00‐1.00, P = .59) and small differences in rates of 30‐day mortality (4.2% vs 4.4%, OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.95‐0.95, P<.001) between beneficiaries living in shortage areas versus those not in shortage areas, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients living in health professional shortage area undergoing high‐risk surgery traveled more than 2 times longer for their care to obtain similar outcomes. While reassuring for clinical outcomes, additional efforts may be needed to mitigate the travel burden experienced by shortage area patients.
Double‐blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial of prophylactic omeprazole in dogs treated surgically for acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: Mehra Jaya M. , Tolbert M. Katherine , Guadiano Phillip , Steiner Jörg M. , Moore George E. , Lewis Melissa J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Proton pump inhibitors are administered prophylactically in dogs treated surgically for acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL‐IVDE). However, their efficacy in decreasing gastrointestinal (GI) complications is unknown.

Hypothesis

Omeprazole does not decrease the frequency of GI complications compared to placebo in dogs treated surgically for acute TL‐IVDE.

Animals

Thirty‐seven client‐owned dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy for acute TL‐IVDE.

Methods

Randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled prospective clinical trial. Dogs received PO placebo or omeprazole at 1 mg/kg q12h for 5 days during hospitalization. Development of GI signs (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, regurgitation, hematochezia, melena) was recorded daily. Clinicopathologic testing performed during hospitalization and at 2 and 4‐week re‐evaluations included: fecal occult blood, PCV, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, fecal calprotectin, canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and fecal alpha‐1 proteinase inhibitor concentrations. Omeprazole and placebo groups were compared using chi‐squared or Fisher's exact tests.

Results

Gastrointestinal signs developed in 10/20 (50%) dogs in the omeprazole group and in 7/17 (41%) dogs in the placebo group (P = .59). Diarrhea was common (8/20 omeprazole, 5/17 placebo), hematochezia was rare (1/20 omeprazole, 1/17 placebo); melena was not observed. Clinicopathologic evidence suggestive of bleeding was present in 9/20 dogs treated with omeprazole and in 11/17 dogs that received placebo (P = .23). Fecal occult blood positivity was more common in dogs with GI signs (P = .03). Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity was higher during hospitalization compared to re‐evaluations (P = .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Short‐term, prophylactic omeprazole treatment did not decrease clinically detectable GI complications in dogs with acute TL‐IVDE.
Criminal history inquiries and minority threat in the legal profession: An analysis of law school and state bar admission applications
Authors: Binnall James M. , Petersen Nick
Published: February 2023

While all but one U.S. law school and every state bar ask about criminal history on their admissions application, such inquiries vary considerably in the depth of information sought. One potential explanation for variations in the depth of criminal history inquiries among law schools and state bars relates to minority threat dynamics. Drawing on data quantifying the depth of criminal history inquiries for 190 ABA‐approved law schools and all state bars, as well as school and state demographics, this study explores the issue for the first time. Negative binomial regressions reveal that law schools and state bars located in states with larger Black and Latino populations employ more probing criminal history inquiries. We also find that this relationship is parabolic—where the minority threat effect is negative in states with a critical mass of Black/Latino residents. Finally, minority threat effects for law school criminal history inquiries are moderated by state bar criminal history inquiries, suggesting that law schools are cued by state bar policies. These results provide some support for minority threat theory, informing debates about the continued use of criminal history inquiries to screen prospective law students and lawyers, and the inclusiveness of the legal profession generally.
Models and molecular mechanisms for trade‐offs in the context of metabolism
Authors: Hashemi Seirana , Laitinen Roosa , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: February 2023

Accumulating evidence for trade‐offs involving metabolic traits has demonstrated their importance in the evolution of organisms. Metabolic models with different levels of complexity have already been considered when investigating mechanisms that explain various metabolic trade‐offs. Here we provide a systematic review of modelling approaches that have been used to study and explain trade‐offs between: (i) the kinetic properties of individual enzymes, (ii) rates of metabolic reactions, (iii) the rate and yield of metabolic pathways and networks, (iv) different metabolic objectives in single organisms and in metabolic communities, and (v) metabolic concentrations. In providing insights into the mechanisms underlying these five types of metabolic trade‐offs obtained from constraint‐based metabolic modelling, we emphasize the relationship of metabolic trade‐offs to the classical black box Y‐model that provides a conceptual explanation for resource acquisition–allocation trade‐offs. In addition, we identify several pressing concerns and offer a perspective for future research in the identification and manipulation of metabolic trade‐offs by relying on the toolbox provided by constraint‐based metabolic modelling for single organisms and microbial communities.
Myopia risk behaviour related to the COVID‐19 lockdown in Europe: The generation R study
Authors: Kneepkens Sander C. M. , de Vlieger Jimmy , Tideman J. Willem L. , Enthoven Clair A. , Polling Jan Roelof , Klaver Caroline C. W.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To battle the spreading of the COVID‐19 virus, nationwide lockdowns were implemented during 2020 and 2021. Reports from China revealed that their strict home confinements led to an increase in myopia incidence. The Netherlands implemented a more lenient lockdown, which allowed children to go outside. We evaluated the association between COVID‐19 restrictions, myopia risk behaviour and myopia progression in Dutch teenagers.

Method

A total of 1101 participants (mean age 16.3 ± 3.65 yrs) completed questionnaires about their activities before, during and after lockdown (March–October 2020). We used a repeated‐measures ANOVA to compare time use between these time periods. Ocular measurements were acquired before the COVID‐19 pandemic when participants were 13 years old; only 242 participants had ocular measurements at 18 years of age at the time of this analysis. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between lifestyle factors and myopia progression.

Results

Children were on average 16.2 (1.03) years of age during lockdown. Total nearwork increased from 8.11 h/day to 11.79 h/day, and remained higher after lockdown at 9.46 h/day (p < 0.001). Non‐educational nearwork increased by 2.22 h/day (+49%) during lockdown and was associated with faster axial length progression (B 0.002 mm/h/year; SE 0.001 p = 0.03). Before and during lockdown, the mean time spent outdoors was similar (1.78 h/day and 1.80 h/day, respectively). After lockdown, time spent outdoors decreased to 1.56 h/day (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Dutch lockdown significantly increased digitised nearwork in adolescents but did not affect outdoor exposure. The changes in time spent performing nearwork remained after the lockdown measures had ended. We expect that the COVID‐19 pandemic may lead to an increase in myopia prevalence and progression in European children.
Environmental influences on childhood asthma: Allergens
Authors: Custovic Adnan , de Moira Angela Pinot , Murray Clare S. , Simpson Angela
Published: February 2023

Allergen exposure is associated with the development of allergen‐specific sensitization, but their relationship is influenced by other contemporaneous exposures (such as microbial exposure) and the genetic predisposition of the host. Clinical outcomes of the primary prevention studies that tested the effectiveness of allergen avoidance in pregnancy and early life on the subsequent development of sensitization and asthma published to date are inconsistent. Therefore, we cannot provide any evidence‐based advice on the use of allergen avoidance for the primary prevention of these conditions. The evidence about the impact of allergen exposure among and among sensitized children with asthma is more consistent, and the combination of sensitization and high exposure to sensitizing allergen increases airway inflammation, triggers symptoms, adversely impacts upon disease control, and is associated with poorer lung function in preschool age. However, there are differing opinions about the role of inhalant allergen avoidance in asthma management, and recommendations differ in different guidelines. Evidence from more recent high‐quality trials suggests that mite allergen‐impermeable bed encasings reduce hospital attendance with asthma attacks and that multifaceted targeted environmental control improves asthma control in children. We therefore suggest a pragmatic approach to allergen avoidance in the management of childhood asthma for clinical practice, including the recommendations to: (1) tailor the intervention to the patient's sensitization and exposure status by using titer of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies and/or the size of the skin test as indicators of potential response; (2) use a multifaceted allergen control regime to reduce exposure as much as possible; and (3) start intervention as early as possible upon diagnosis.
Micro‐responses to shocks: pricing, promotion, and entry*
Authors: Antoniades Alexis , Clerides Sofronis , Xu Mingzhi
Published: February 2023

We study the market response to firm‐specific demand shocks in a natural experiment setting. In 2006, a boycott of Danish products in several Arab countries was devastating for Danish cheese products firms. In Saudi Arabia, their market share collapsed from 16.5 percent in January to below 1 percent in March, and never fully recovered; by 2009, it was 6.3 percent. By analyzing micro‐level (scanner) price and sales data, we find the following. (i) Danish firms lowered prices but kept the product mix the same. (ii) Non‐Danish firms kept prices constant but changed their product mix by introducing new products and new product bundles. (iii) Non‐Danish firms chose to introduce products that were similar to the Danish products in characteristic space in order to compete head‐to‐head. We complement the analysis with a theoretical framework that helps to account for our main findings.
Penalty lottery*
Authors: Kim Duk Gyoo
Published: February 2023

To control sequential public bad productions under imperfect monitoring, this paper proposes a penalty lottery: a violator passes the responsibility of the fine to the next potential violator with some probability and pays all the accumulated fines with the complementary probability. The penalty lottery does not merely impose extreme fines because an absorbing state is practically unreachable. It self‐selects people more willing to produce public bads and endogenously imposes the larger expected fines on them. It has advantages over the day‐fine system in which the fine depends on the offender's daily income. Experimental evidence is consistent with the proposed theoretical predictions.
Ophthalmic viscoelastics commonly used in cataract surgery: A microbiota investigation
Authors: Dowler Kourtney K. , Vientós‐Plotts Aida , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , McAdams Zachary L. , Dorfmeyer Rebecca A. , Reinero Carol R. , Ericsson Aaron C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To survey commonly used, sterile ophthalmic viscoelastic materials used during routine cataract surgery for the presence of bacterial DNA and/or viable bacteria and endotoxin quantification.

Methods

Samples from three different ophthalmic viscoelastic manufacturers and three different production lots per manufacturer were collected for 16 S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing and conventional aerobic and capnophilic bacterial culture. Other samples of viscoelastic material from the same three manufacturers were collected for endotoxin quantification using a commercially available Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Statistical analysis was performed using Sigma Plot 14.0, and R v4.0.2.0. Differences (p ≤ .05) between sample collection sites in total DNA concentration, microbial richness, mean intra‐group distances, and endotoxin quantification alongside reagent controls were evaluated.

Results

Culture yielded two isolates, identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus megaterium. 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed no differences between brands in richness or overall composition. The most common bacterial DNA detected across all brands was Staphylococcus sp., Cutibacterium sp., Flavobacterium sp., and Lactobacillus sp. A significant difference was found between the median endotoxin concentration between Anvision and Hyvisc® viscoelastic (Anvision: 0.171 EU/mL, Hyvisc®: 0.03 EU/mL; p < .001).

Conclusions

No brand‐specific differences in bacterial DNA were detected in the viscoelastic materials. Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, Flavobacterium, and Lactobacillus were the dominant contributors to the bacterial DNA detected. Although Anvision viscoelastic samples contained significantly more endotoxin than Hyvisc® viscoelastic samples, endotoxin concentrations were below the FDA limit of 0.2 EU/mL for both manufacturers. These data further the understanding of inflammatory outcomes following cataract surgery.
Preoperative ultrasound study of differentiated thyroid cancer: relevant aspects for its optimal performance. Pictorial essay.
Authors: Hirsch Michael , Matus Javiera , Orellana Constanz , Krauss Karin
Published: February 2023

Differentiated thyroid cancer has an increasing incidence in recent years, but its mortality remains low. In this context, a preoperative ultrasound study is fundamental; it makes a difference due to its ability to adequately characterize local involvement, the presence of extrathyroidal extension and lymphatic metastases. A preoperative study can help to decide the best therapeutic measures and thus avoid adding greater morbidity to patients. In this article we present the relevant aspects to consider in the preoperative ultrasound evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer and representative images of the main findings that can be found.
Calcium sulfide powder analyzed by XPS
Authors: Butkus Brian , Havel Matthew , Kostogiannes Alexandros , Howe Andrew , Kang Myungkoo , Gaume Romain , Richardson Kathleen A. , Banerjee Parag
Published: February 2023

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed on as-received, calcium sulfide (CaS) powder (98.0%), doped with europium (Eu) 2.0 wt. %. The scans provide photoelectron spectroscopy investigation data for CaS to help with identification of sulfide compounds. This report includes charge corrected scans for the survey along with S 2s, S 2p, O 1s, Eu 3d, Ca 2s, Ca 2p, and C 1s surface photoelectron signals.
Supplemental Material: Metasediments from the lower crust record: A history of the Picuris orogeny, southwest USA
Authors: Ringwood Mary , et al.
Published: February 2023

Supplemental Data: LASS, EPMA, and XRF data. Supplemental Text: Additional information and figures.
Supplemental Material: Opening of the Sumdo Paleo-Tethys Ocean and rifting of the Lhasa terrane from Gondwana: Insights from early Carboniferous magmatism in Southern Tibet
Authors: Wang Bin , Xie Chao-Ming , et al.
Published: February 2023

Table S1: Representative magmatism of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Table S2: Whole-rock major (wt%) and trace element (ppm) data of the meta-basalt in Tangjia area (Tj20T09) and meta-gabbro in Sumdo area (Sd17T44) and trace element (ppm) data of standard samples AGV-2 and GSP-2. Table S3: Zircon U-Pb isotope data of the meta-basalt in Tangjia area (Tj20T09) and meta-gabbro in Sumdo area (Sd17T44) and standard sample 91500. Table S4: Zircon trace element (ppm) data of the meta-basalt in Tangjia area (Tj20T09) and meta-gabbro in Sumdo area (Sd17T44) and standard sample NST610. Table S5: Zircon Lu–Hf isotope data of the Tangjia meta-basalt and Sumdo meta-gabbro and standard sample GJ-1. Table S6: Whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope data of the meta-basalt in Tangjia area (Tj20T09) and meta-gabbro in Sumdo area (Sd17T44) and standard sample W-2a. Supplemental Text: Appendix A: Analytical Methods.
One-to-One Correspondence of Soft and Hard Pomeron with the Color Dipole Picture of the Gluon Density at Low x
Authors: Boroun G. R.
Published: February 2023

The correspondence between the gluon density behavior of the color dipole picture (CDP) and the two-Pomeron approach at low x deep inelastic scattering is considered. For photon virtualities of $${{Q}^{2}} \gtrsim 10$$ GeV2, the results for the parametrization and CDP models are defined by the CDP asymptotic limit and are compatible with the soft and hard-Pomeron approach. These results show that the hard-Pomeron trajectory does not guarantee converging towards the asymptotic representation at low and large $${{Q}^{2}}$$ ($${{Q}^{2}} \lesssim 100$$ GeV2) values in a wide range of the virtual-photon–proton energy squared. The gluon distributions can be obtained directly in terms of the proton structure functions and the running coupling and compared with the results from the M. Gluck, P. Jimenez-Delgado and E. Reya (GJR) and A. Martin, W. Stirling, R. Thorne, and G. Watt (MSTW) parametrizations.
Explaining the CDF-II W-boson mass anomaly in the Georgi–Machacek extension models
Authors: Du Xiao Kang , Li Zhuang , Wang Fei , Zhang Ying Kai
Published: February 2023

Original Georgi–Machacek model can preserve the custodial symmetry at tree level after the electroweak symmetry breaking. Unless additional $$SU(2)_c$$

S
U

(
2
)

c

custodial symmetry breaking effects are significant, the new physics contributions to $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

are always very small. Our numerical results show that ordinary GM model can contribute to $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

a maximal amount 0.0012 GeV, which can not explain the new CDF-II anomaly on W boson mass. We propose firstly to introduce small misalignment among the triplet VEVs to increase $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

, which can give large new physics contributions to $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

. Such slightly misaligned triplet VEVs from custodial symmetry preserving scalar potential can still be allowed. Our numerical results indicate that the resulting $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

can easily reach the $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

range of CDF-II $$m_W$$

m
W

data and the splitting among the triplet VEVs $$\Delta v$$

Δ
v

($$\equiv v_\xi -v_\chi $$

≡

v
ξ

-

v
χ

) can be as small as 0.8 GeV for $$v_\chi \lesssim 15$$

v
χ

≲
15

GeV. We also propose to introduce an additional custodial symmetry breaking source by extending the GM model with a low scale RH neutrino sector, which can adopt the leptogenesis mechanism and allow moderately large coupling strength $$h_{ij}$$

h

ij

even for triplet VEVs of order GeV. With low scale RH neutrino mass scale of order $$10^2$$

10
2

–$$10^4$$

10
4

TeV, the new physics contribution to $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

can reach 0.03 GeV and is much larger than that of ordinary GM model. Combining both custodial $$SU(2)_c$$

S
U

(
2
)

c

symmetry breaking effects, the small misalignment among the triplet VEVs and the moderately large $$h_{ij}$$

h

ij

couplings allowed with RH neutrino sector, the value of $$\Delta m_W$$

Δ

m
W

can still easily reach the $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

range of CDF-II $$m_W$$

m
W

data, with a minimum splitting (among the triplet VEVs) approximately 0.7 GeV for $$v_\chi \lesssim 15$$

v
χ

≲
15

GeV.
Polarization compensation method based on the wave plate group in phase mismatch for free-space quantum key distribution
Authors: Tan Yongjian , Zhang Liang , Sun Tianxing , Song Zhihua , Wu Jincai , He Zhiping
Published: February 2023

Maintaining the polarization state in communication terminals is vital for polarization-encoding free-space quantum key distribution (QKD). Wave plate group phase mismatch caused by manufacturing errors, complex environmental effects, and the working wavelength deviation can reduce the polarization compensation effect. We found in theoretical analysis, that increasing phase mismatch of wave plates leads to the compensation method failure and reduces robustness. We propose a complementary polarization compensation method, which can effectively improve the robustness. Experimental results show that this method can improve the compensation effect by 50% at a slight phase mismatch, and realize a polarization extinction ratio exceeding 250:1 at the ergodic area even if the phase deviates to 0.27π. This method is beneficial to the high-stability design of free-space QKD systems and has the potential to be applied to QKD systems operating at multiple wavelengths.
Evaluation of Nicotinic Acid As a Corrosion Inhibitor of Galvanized Steel in Sodium Chloride Solution
Authors: Riveros Ramos Yasmín , Roncagliolo-Barrera Paola , Rodriguez-Gomez Francisco
Published: February 2023

Zinc coatings are commonly used to protect steel from different types of corrosion. However, zinc is an electrochemical reactive metal; applying surface treatment to galvanized materials is usually necessary to increase the system's lifetime. An alternative method for improving the service life of these coatings is the use of corrosion inhibitors. Nicotinic acid, chemically formulated as C5H4NCO, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is part of the B complex, which has been effectively tested in Zn and Zn-Al alloys in an acid medium, so it was proposed as a possible galvanized steel inhibitor as a pretreatment. Outstanding results determined a maximum efficiency in 20 ppm of nicotinic acid as a corrosion inhibitor for galvanized steel in NaCl 3%wt solution per 66.6% efficiency. In addition, nicotinic acid exhibits activity as a corrosion inhibitor to prevent the formation of pitting for galvanized steel in saline environments.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Corrosion Behavior of a Supermartensitic Stainless Steel in Sour Solution.
Authors: Carmona-Hernandez Andrés , Orozco Cruz Ricardo , Carpio Franco Antonio , Hernández Montiel Samuel , Mejía-Sánchez Edgar , Galván Martínez R.
Published: February 2023

In the present research work, the influence of heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of a supermartensitic stainless steel (SMSS) in sour solution (H2S gas was replaced by sodium thiosulfate) was studied using polarization curve electrochemical techniques (CP) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), along with microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The CP results revealed that the samples subjected to quenching and tempering process exhibited the formation of a more protective corrosion product layer. However, the EIS results showed that this layer accelerated the corrosion process as immersion time increased. Finally, according to XRD and electrochemical test results, the lower the percentage of volume fraction of retained austenite in the microstructure of SMSS, the lower the corrosion resistance.
Electrochemical Noise Study of the Passivation of AISI 1018 Carbon Steel as Reinforcements Embedded in Ternary Concretes During the Setting Process
Authors: Recio-Hernández Jacobo Antonio , Landa Aldo Emelio , Fajardo San Miguel Gerardo , Mejía-Sánchez Edgar , López Huerta Francisco , Orozco Cruz Ricardo , Galván Martínez R.
Published: February 2023

In the present work, contribution of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and fly ash (FA) in the reduction of the corrosion phenomenon in AISI 1018 carbon steel as reinforcement during 24 hours of concrete setting was studied. The design of ternary concrete systems was carried out according to ACI 211.1 method. Ash percentages were 10 and 30% of SCBA and FA combined. During the electrochemical study, corrosion potential (Ecorr
) and electrochemical noise (EN) of AISI 1018 carbon steel was monitored. Time series of current and potential, as well as the corrosion current density (icorr), noise resistance (Rn), localization index (LI) and corrosion rate (Vcorr) were analyzed. Results show that concretes added with SCBA and FA presented a better anticorrosion behavior, especially ternary concrete system added with 10% of combined ash, corrosion rate decreased 55% against the reference concrete.
Electrochemical Corrosion of Anodized Ti Beta-C Alloy
Authors: Martinez Ramos Cynthia , Gaona Tiburcio Citlalli , Jáquez-Muñoz Jesús , Estupiñán López Francisco , Cabral Miramontes José Ángel , Lara Banda Maria del Refugio , Almeraya Calderon Facundo
Published: February 2023

The objective of this work was to characterize the electrochemical behavior regarding the corrosion mechanism of Titanium Ti-CP2and the alloys Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo and Ti Beta-C. The samples were anodized in H2SO4 and H3PO4 Solutions with a current density of 0,025 A/cm2. The electrochemical testing employed for the samples was done through the three-electrode corrosion cell and exposed to the electrolyte NaCl 3,5% in weight. Solutions of H2SO4 at room temperature. The electrochemical technique employed was Potentiostatic Polarization (PP), based on the ASTM-G5 and G61 norms. For the non-anodized alloys, the PP results indicated ×10−6 A/cm icorr values. However, those under anodized condition presented a variation between ×10−7 to ×10−9 A/cm2.
WO3/PAni As Platinum Support Towards the Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Olvera-Hernández Miguel , Guerra-Balcazar Minerva , Ledesma-García J. , Rivas Sandra
Published: February 2023

WO3 and WO3/PAni, as a ceramic-polymer composite, were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as electrocatalyst support for platinum toward the methanol oxidation reaction in an acid medium. Pt supported by chemical reduction (25.5 % wt) on WO3 and physically mixed with chemically synthesized PAni (Pt/WO3/PAni(20%)) was compared with a physical mixture of the three materials (Pt/WO3/PAni-PM). The methanol oxidation profiles in an acidic medium show that the polyaniline (PAni) could be blocking the access to the Pt supported by chemical reduction, but it also facilitates the oxidation of CO to CO2. With the physical mixture of the three materials, a combined effect of WO3 and PAni was observed, obtaining an anodic/cathodic current density ratio of 5, while for Pt/WO3/PAni(20%) was 3.07. The results show that combining both effects to avoid CO poisoning is possible.
Analysis of the Nucleation and Growth of Pd-Co on Glassy Carbon from Ethaline at 298 K Using the Theoretical Model for Bimetal Phases
Authors: Landa-Castro Midori , García-Santana Victor Daniel , Montes de Oca Yemha Maria Guadalupe , Arce-Estrada E. M. , Palomar-Pardavé Manuel , Romero-Romo Mario
Published: February 2023

In this project, the process of Pd-Co bimetallic electrodeposition on glassy carbon was studied using a choline chloride and ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent (DES) at a temperature of 25 °C. The methodology applied for the electrochemical study comprised usual electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Chronoamperometry (CA). The latter showed the alloy reduction peaks, as well as the potential interval and sweep rates where a satisfactory response of the deposits was established. In addition, the type of nucleation of the alloy NPs is presented through theoretical models, as well as the value of the (apparent) diffusion coefficient, numerical density of active sites and nucleation frequency. Finally, the conclusions obtained prove that the DES used was as an optimal medium that favored the electrodeposition of the Pd-Co alloy.
Evaluation of Pd-Co Bimetallic Electrocatalysts in the Formic Acid Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Landa-Castro Midori , Montes de Oca Yemha Maria Guadalupe , Romero-Romo Mario , Arce-Estrada E. M. , Palomar-Pardavé Manuel , Morales Perla
Published: February 2023

The main focus of this research is the synthesis and evaluation of Pd-Co bimetallic catalysts, in the formic acid electrochemical oxidation reaction (FAOR). The catalysts used were synthesized by electrodeposition using a choline chloride and urea Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) termed reline, as electrolytic medium. Electrodeposition potentials were previously selected after analysis by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and used in Chronoamperometry (CA). The electrode modified with bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) was used for FAOR, which is a key reaction in direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). Electrodeposits were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) to determine diameters, morphology and analysis of elements that make up the bimetallic NPs.