bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Donnan-dominated resting state of skeletal muscle fibers contributes to resilience and longevity in dystrophic fibers
Authors: Morris Catherine E. , Wheeler Joshua J. , Joos Béla
Published: November 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked dystrophin-minus muscle-wasting disease. Ion homeostasis in skeletal muscle fibers underperforms as DMD progresses. But though DMD renders these excitable cells intolerant of exertion, sodium overloaded, depolarized, and spontaneously contractile, they can survive for several decades. We show computationally that underpinning this longevity is a strikingly frugal, robust Pump-Leak/Donnan (P-L/D) ion homeostatic process. Unlike neurons, which operate with a costly “Pump-Leak–dominated” ion homeostatic steady state, skeletal muscle fibers operate with a low-cost “Donnan-dominated” ion homeostatic steady state that combines a large chloride permeability with an exceptionally small sodium permeability. Simultaneously, this combination keeps fiber excitability low and minimizes pump expenditures. As mechanically active, long-lived multinucleate cells, skeletal muscle fibers have evolved to handle overexertion, sarcolemmal tears, ischemic bouts, etc.; the frugality of their Donnan dominated steady state lets them maintain the outsized pump reserves that make them resilient during these inevitable transient emergencies. Here, P-L/D model variants challenged with DMD-type insult/injury (low pump-strength, overstimulation, leaky Nav and cation channels) show how chronic “nonosmotic” sodium overload (observed in DMD patients) develops. Profoundly severe DMD ion homeostatic insult/injury causes spontaneous firing (and, consequently, unwanted excitation–contraction coupling) that elicits cytotoxic swelling. Therefore, boosting operational pump-strength and/or diminishing sodium and cation channel leaks should help extend DMD fiber longevity.
Phenomenological dark energy model with hybrid dynamic cosmological constant
Authors: Aich Arkajit
Published: November 2021

We investigate dark energy (DE) by associating it with vacuum energy or cosmological constant Λ which is taken to be dynamic in nature. Our approach is phenomenological and falls within the domain of variable-Λ cosmology. However, motivated by quantum theory of metastable vacuum decay, we proposed a new phenomenological decay law of Λ(t) where Λ(t) is a superposition of constant and variable components viz Λ(t) = ΛC + Λv which is indicated by the word ‘hybrid dynamic’ in the title. By taking a simplified two-fluid scenario with the Universe consisting of DE and another major component, we found the solutions for three particular phenomenological expressions and made a parametrization of the model in terms of dilution parameter (the dilution parameter has been defined in the text as the exponent of scale factor in the expression of density of the other major component, representing the dilution of the component with the expansion of Universe in the presence of dynamic DE). For pressureless dust and dynamic DE Universe, we found the present day matter density (Ω
m0) and dilution parameter (u) to be Ω
m0 = 0.29 ± 0.03, u = 2.90 ± 0.54 at 1σ by analysing 580 supernova from Union 2.1 catalogue. The physical features of the model in regard to scale factor evolution, deceleration parameter, cosmic age has also been studied and parallels have been drawn with ΛCDM model. The status of cosmological problems in the model has also been checked which showed that the model solves the cosmological constant problem but the coincidence problem still exists in the model.
Superposition of nuclear states in multi-lambda systems using x-ray laser pulses
Authors: Mansourzadeh-Ashkani N , Saadati-Niari M , Zolfagharpour F , Nedaee-Shakarab B
Published: November 2021

Nuclear-state population transfer in the multi-lambda systems with N = 5 that interact with four x-ray laser pulses are investigated theoretically. By using the coincident pulses and stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) techniques, the population transfer from one initially populated ground state to an arbitrary coherent superposition of other ground states. Since the frequency of currently available x-ray lasers is lower than the gamma rays, in this method, x-ray laser pulses with different frequencies are interacting with the accelerated nuclei. We employ the Morris-Shore transformation to reduce the five-states system to two separate three-state and two-state linkage. The required laser intensities were calculated, which satisfy the conditions of coincident pulses and multi-lambda STIRAP techniques. Considering the spontaneous emission from excited states, the master equation has to be used for numerical study, and it is shown that an arbitrary superposition of final ground states can be obtained. Also, it is observed that by increasing the number of coincident pulses, the population of ground states gets closer to the ideal situation.
Measurement-based extrapolation of spectral responsivity by using a low-NEP pyroelectric detector
Authors: Park Seongchong , Lee Dong-Hoon , Hong Kee Suk
Published: November 2021

In case the primary realization of the spectral responsivity scale is not conducted at all target wavelengths but at only a small part of them, one needs to extrapolate values at the specific wavelengths to an extended range. In this work, we present a fully experimental procedure to extrapolate a single value of spectral responsivity at 633 nm into the whole working wavelength range (250–1100) nm of Si photodiodes. It is based on spectral responsivity comparison between a Si trap detector and a low-noise equivalent power pyroelectric detector of nearly flat spectral response. For this purpose, we developed a setup specialized to compare a Si-trap detector of dc-current output with a pyroelectric detector of ac-voltage output by using a modulated probing light source and a monitoring technique. To keep the probing light chopped even for the dc-photocurrent readout, we adopted a low chopping frequency of 4 Hz and a triggered readout for the Si-trap detector, which leads to a speedy comparison between the Si-trap detector and the pyroelectric detector. For the reference pyroelectric detector, we characterized the spectral absorptivity of the black-coating and the nonlinearity of the lock-in amplifier readout. Compiling all the required information, the spectral responsivity of the Si trap detector could be measured with the minimum uncertainty of 0.3% (k = 2), which was validated by comparing with that of our previous method based on a numerical extrapolation.
2D van der Waals materials for ultrafast pulsed fiber lasers: review and prospect
Authors: Zhang Ya-ni , Song Zhuo-ying , Qiao Dun , Li Xiao-hui , Guang Zhe , Li Shao-peng , Zhou Li-bin , Chen Xiao-han
Published: November 2021

2D van der Waals materials are crystals composed of atomic layers, which have atomic thickness scale layers and rich distinct properties, including ultrafast optical response, surface effects, light-mater interaction, small size effects, quantum effects and macro quantum tunnel effects. With the exploration of saturable absorption characteristic of 2D van der Waals materials, a series of potential applications of 2D van der Waals materials as high threshold, broadband and fast response saturable absorbers (SAs) in ultrafast photonics have been proposed and confirmed. Herein, the photoelectric characteristics, nonlinear characteristic measurement technique of 2D van der Waals materials and the preparation technology of SAs are systematically described. Furthermore, the ultrafast pulsed fiber lasers based on classical 2D van der Waals materials including graphene, transition metal chalcogenides, topological insulators and black phosphorus have been fully summarized and analyzed. On this basis, opportunities and directions in this field, as well as the research results of ultrafast pulsed fiber lasers based on the latest 2D van der Waals materials (such as PbO, FePSe3, graphdiyne, bismuthene, Ag2S and MXene etc), are reviewed and summarized.
Recent advancements of g-C3N4-based magnetic photocatalysts towards the degradation of organic pollutants: a review
Authors: Das Suma , Chowdhury Avijit
Published: November 2021

Heterogeneous photocatalysis premised on advanced oxidation processes has witnessed a broad application perspective, including water purification and environmental remediation. In particular, the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), an earth-abundant metal-free conjugated polymer, has acquired extensive application scope and interdisciplinary consideration owing to its outstanding structural and physicochemical properties. However, several issues such as the high recombination rate of the photo-generated electron–hole pairs, smaller specific surface area, and lower electrical conductivity curtail the catalytic efficacy of bulk g-C3N4. Another challenging task is separating the catalyst from the reaction medium, limiting their reusability and practical applications. Therefore, several methodologies are adopted strategically to tackle these issues. Attention is being paid, especially to the magnetic nanocomposites (NCs) based catalysts to enhance efficiency and proficient reusability property. This review summarizes the latest progress related to the design and development of magnetic g-C3N4-based NCs and their utilization in photocatalytic systems. The usefulness of the semiconductor heterojunctions on the catalytic activity, working mechanism, and degradation of pollutants are discussed in detail. The major challenges and prospects of using magnetic g-C3N4-based NCs for photocatalytic applications are highlighted in this report.
Single-layered assembly of vanadium pentoxide nanowires on graphene for nanowire-based lithography technique
Authors: Fukui Akito , Aoki Yuki , Matsuyama Keigo , Ichimiya Hisashi , Nouchi Ryo , Takei Kuniharu , Ashida Atsushi , Yoshimura Takeshi , Fujimura Norifumi , Kiriya Daisuke
Published: November 2021

Graphene nanoribbon (GNR)-based materials are a promising device material because of their potential high carrier mobility and atomically thin structure. Various approaches have been reported for preparing the GNR-based materials, from bottom-up chemical synthetic procedures to top-down fabrication techniques using lithography of graphene. However, it is still difficult to prepare a large-scale GNR-based material. Here, we develop a procedure to prepare a large-scale GNR network using networked single-layer inorganic nanowires. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanowires were assembled on graphene with an interfacial layer of a cationic polymer via electrostatic interaction. A large-scale nanowire network can be prepared on graphene and is stable enough for applying an oxygen plasma. Using plasma etching, a networked graphene structure can be generated. Removing the nanowires results in a networked flat structure whose both surface morphology and Raman spectrum indicate a GNR networked structure. The field-effect device indicates the semiconducting character of the GNR networked structure. This work would be useful for fabricating a large-scale GNR-based material as a platform for GNR junctions for physics and electronic circuits.
Simulating fusion alpha heating in a stellarator reactor
Authors: Lazerson Samuel A , LeViness Alexandra , Lion Jorrit
Published: November 2021

Gyrocenter following simulations of fusion born alpha particles in a stellarator reactor are preformed using the BEAMS3D code. The Wendelstein 7-X high mirror configuration is scaled in geometry and magnetic field to reactor relevant parameters. A

2
×

10

20

m−3 density plasma with 20 keV core temperatures is assumed and fusion birth rates calculated for various fusion products assuming a 50/50 deuterium-tritium mixture. It is found that energetic He4 ions comprise the vast majority of the energetic particle inventory. Slowing down simulations of the He4 population suggest plasma heating consistent with scaled energy confinement times for a stellarator reactor. Losses for this configuration appear large suggesting optimization beyond the scope of the W7-X device is key to a future fusion reactor. These first simulations are designed to demonstrate the capability of the BEAMS3D code to provide fusion alpha birth and heating profiles for stellarator reactor designs.
Alloying nanoparticles by discharges in liquids: a quest for metastability
Authors: Nominé A V , Tarasenka N , Nevar A , Nedel’Ko M , Kabbara H , Nominé A , Bruyère S , Ghanbaja J , Noel C , Krasilin A , Zograf G , Milichko V , Kulachenkov N , Makarov S , Tarasenko N , Belmonte T
Published: November 2021

The use of ultrafast processes to synthesize alloy nanoparticles far from thermodynamic equilibrium is subject to phase transformations that keep particles at a given temperature for periods of time that are usually long with respect to the process pulse durations. Reaching non-equilibrium conditions is then not straightforwardly associated with this process, as fast as it can be, but rather with heat transfer mechanisms during phase transformations. This latter aspect is dependent on nanoparticle size. Furthermore, other important phenomena such as chemical ordering are essential to explain the final structure adopted by an alloy nanoparticle. In this work, specific attention is paid to suspensions submitted to either electrical discharges or to ultrashort laser excitations. After discussing the thermodynamic considerations that give the frame beyond which non-equilibrium alloys form, a description of the heating processes at stake is provided. This leads to the maximum temperature reached for particles with nanometric sizes and specific conditions to fulfil practically during the quenching step. The way that solidification must be processed for this purpose is discussed next. The example of the Cu–Ag system is finally considered to illustrate the advantage of better controlling processes that are currently used to create homogeneously alloyed nanoparticles made of immiscible elements, but also to show the actual limitations of these approaches.
Quantum direct secret sharing using Bell state
Authors: Bai Chen-Ming , Zhang Sujuan , Liu Lu
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we propose an efficient multiparty quantum direct secret sharing scheme based on Bell state and Bell measurements. In our scheme, the secret information can be directly encoded into the second particles of Bell states through the local unitary operations. In order to increase the number of participants, we use the controlled-NOT gate to produce the final multipartite entangled states. In the reconstruction phase, each participant performs Bell measurements for their particles and obtains the final key strings. Furthermore, they cooperate to recover the secret information. In addition, we give a concrete example with four participants to demonstrate more clearly the integrity of our scheme. Finally, we demonstrate that our protocol can resist both collusion attack and intercept-and-resend attack.
Ionic conductive nanocomposite based on poly(l-lactic acid)/poly(amidoamine) dendrimerelectrospun nanofibrous for biomedical application
Authors: Memarian Paniz , Solouk Atefeh , Bagher Zohreh , Akbari Somaye , Nazarpak Masoumeh Haghbin
Published: November 2021

The modification of poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds was carried out by blending with second-generation poly amidoamine (PAMAM) for enhancement of their ionic conductivity. The samples containing PLLA and various amounts of PAMAM (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% by wt.) were fabricated by electrospinning techniques. The electrospun fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle measurement, water uptake measurement, mechanical properties, and electrical properties. Furthermore, in vitro degradation study and cell viability assay were investigated in biomaterial applications. Creating amide groups through aminolysis reaction was confirmed by FTIR analysis successfully. The results reveal that adding PAMAM caused an increase in fiber diameter, crystallinity percentage, hydrophilicity, water absorption, elongation-at-break, and OE-mesenchymal stem cell viability. It is worth mentioning that this is the first report investigating the conductivity of PLLA/PAMAM nanofiber. The results revealed that by increasing the amount of PAMAM, the ionic conductivity of scaffolds was enhanced by about nine times. Moreover, the outcomes indicated that the presence of PAMAM could improve the limitations of PLLA like hydrophobicity, lack of active group, and poor cell adhesion.
ALD coated polypropylene hernia meshes for prevention of mesh-related post-surgery complications: an experimental study in animals
Authors: Abdulagatov Ilmutdin M , Ragimov Razin M , Khamidov Мagomed А , Maksumova Abay M , Abdullaeva Naida M
Published: November 2021

In this work, thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to synthesize vanadium (V)-doped TiO2 thin nanofilm on polypropylene (PP) hernia meshes. Multiple layers of (Al2O3 + TiVO
x
) nano-films were coated on the PP hernia mesh surface to provide a layer with a total thickness of 38 nm to improve its antibacterial properties, thereby, prevent mesh-related post-surgery complications. Highly conformal V-doped TiO2 nanofilm were deposited on PP mesh at a temperature of 85 °C. Rats and rabbits have been used to evaluate the tissue reaction on coated PP hernia meshes and biomechanical testing of the healed tissue. Five rabbits and ten rats have been implanted with ALD coated and uncoated (control) PP meshes into the back of rats and abdominal wall of rabbits. Histology of the mesh-adjacent tissues and electron microscopy of the explanted mesh surface were performed to characterize host tissue response to the implanted PP meshes. The effect of V-doped TiO2 coating on a living organism and fibroblast functions and bacterial activities were studied. The present results indicated that ALD coating improves adhesion properties and exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity compared to uncoated PP mesh. It was shown that V-doped TiO2 coatings were highly effective in inhibiting S. aureus and E. coli adhesion and exhibited excellent antibacterial activity. We found that V-doping of TiO2, unlike bare TiO2, allows generated and further procured strong redox reactions which effectively kills bacteria under visible light. We have reported comparative analysis of the use of undoped (bare) TiO2 and V-doped TiO2 as a coating for PP meshes and their action in biological environment and preventing biofilms formation compared with uncoated PP meshes. The PP meshes coated with V-doped TiO2 showed significantly lower shrinkage rates compared with an identical PP mesh without a coating. We have shown that ALD coatings provide non-adhesive and functional (antibacterial) properties.
Anti-inflammatory effects of the immobilization of SEMA4D on titanium surfaces in an endothelial cell/macrophage indirect coculture model
Authors: Liu Yao , Zhang Wen-si , Tang Ze-hua , Ye Di-di , Su Shan , Zhang Song-mei , Qiu Jing
Published: November 2021

In this study, we established a procedure to prepare a Semaphorin4D (SEMA4D)-immobilized titanium surface and explored its effects on macrophage behaviors in an endothelial cell/macrophage indirect coculture model. The SEMA4D-bovine serum albumin complex was immobilized onto a preprocessed poly L-lysine titanium surface through NaOH hydrothermal treatment and self-assembly technology. All titanium specimens were examined for surface microstructure, surface element composition, and surface wettability by field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle measurement, respectively. Subsequently, we constructed an endothelial cell/macrophage indirect coculture model and evaluated the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β) in macrophages. In XPS analysis, the SEMA4D-immobilized titanium surface appeared as a loose porous structure covered with uniform film, which exhibited better hydrophilicity than the control smooth titanium surface. In the indirect coculture model, SEMA4D attenuated the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, thereby downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. In conclusion, SEMA4D could be immobilized on titanium surfaces through NaOH hydrothermal treatment and self-assembly technology. Meanwhile, SEMA4D immobilization altered the characteristics of the titanium surfaces, which negatively regulated macrophage behaviors in the endothelial cell/macrophage indirect coculture model.
Recent warming reverses forty-year decline in catastrophic lake drainage and hastens gradual lake drainage across northern Alaska
Authors: Lara Mark J , Chen Yaping , Jones Benjamin M
Published: November 2021

Lakes represent as much as ∼25% of the total land surface area in lowland permafrost regions. Though decreasing lake area has become a widespread phenomenon in permafrost regions, our ability to forecast future patterns of lake drainage spanning gradients of space and time remain limited. Here, we modeled the drivers of gradual (steady declining lake area) and catastrophic (temporally abrupt decrease in lake area) lake drainage using 45 years of Landsat observations (i.e. 1975–2019) across 32 690 lakes spanning climate and environmental gradients across northern Alaska. We mapped lake area using supervised support vector machine classifiers and object based image analyses using five-year Landsat image composites spanning 388 968 km2. Drivers of lake drainage were determined with boosted regression tree models, using both static (e.g. lake morphology, proximity to drainage gradient) and dynamic predictor variables (e.g. temperature, precipitation, wildfire). Over the past 45 years, gradual drainage decreased lake area between 10% and 16%, but rates varied over time as the 1990s recorded the highest rates of gradual lake area losses associated with warm periods. Interestingly, the number of catastrophically drained lakes progressively decreased at a rate of ∼37% decade−1 from 1975–1979 (102–273 lakes draining year−1) to 2010–2014 (3–8 lakes draining year−1). However this 40 year negative trend was reversed during the most recent time-period (2015–2019), with observations of catastrophic drainage among the highest on record (i.e. 100–250 lakes draining year−1), the majority of which occurred in northwestern Alaska. Gradual drainage processes were driven by lake morphology, summer air and lake temperature, snow cover, active layer depth, and the thermokarst lake settlement index (R
2
adj = 0.42, CV = 0.35, p < 0.0001), whereas, catastrophic drainage was driven by the thawing season length, total precipitation, permafrost thickness, and lake temperature (R
2
adj = 0.75, CV = 0.67, p < 0.0001). Models forecast a continued decline in lake area across northern Alaska by 15%–21% by 2050. However these estimates are conservative, as the anticipated amplitude of future climate change were well-beyond historical variability and thus insufficient to forecast abrupt ‘catastrophic’ drainage processes. Results highlight the urgency to understand the potential ecological responses and feedbacks linked with ongoing Arctic landscape reorganization.
High NH3 deposition in the environs of a commercial fattening pig farm in central south China
Authors: Yi Wuying , Shen Jianlin , Liu Guoping , Wang Juan , Yu Lifei , Li Yong , Reis Stefan , Wu Jinshui
Published: November 2021

Intensive livestock production has been increasing, and has resulted in the emission of more than seven teragram per year of ammonia (NH3) in China in recent years. However, little is known about the fate of the emitted NH3, especially the dry deposition of NH3 in the environs of intensive animal farms. In this study, the spatial and temporal variations of NH3 deposition in the environs of an intensive fattening pig farm were investigated in the central south of China. NH3 concentrations were measured at sites situated 50, 100, 200, 300, and 500 m in the downwind direction from the farm each month from July 2018 to June 2019. The NH3 deposition was calculated based on a bidirectional NH3 exchange model. The monthly NH3 emissions from the pig farm were estimated based on the breeding stock. The annual average NH3 concentrations ranged from 1200 to 14 μg m−3 at the downwind sites within 500 m of the pig farm, exhibiting exponential decay as distance increased. Strong seasonality in NH3 deposition was observed, with the highest season being in the summer and lowest in the winter, and air temperature was found to be an important factor affecting this seasonal variation. The estimated monthly total dry deposition within 500 m of the pig farm ranged from 92 to 1400 kg NH3–N mo−1, which accounted for 4.1%–14% of the total monthly NH3 emissions from the pig farm. The estimated total NH3 emissions and NH3 deposition from the pig farm were 63 000 kg NH3–N yr−1 and 5400 kg NH3–N yr−1, respectively, with the annual average ratio of NH3 deposition to NH3 emission being 8.6%. This study found NH3 deposition around intensive pig farms is high, and determined it as a significant fate of the NH3 emitted from pig farms.
Obesity and Kidney Function: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Kjaergaard Alisa D , Teumer Alexander , Witte Daniel R , Stanzick Kira-Julia , Winkler Thomas W , Burgess Stephen , Ellervik Christina
Published: November 2021

Background

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are correlated risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Using summary data from GIANT (Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits), DIAGRAM (DIAbetes Genetics Replication And Meta-analysis), and CKDGen (CKD Genetics), we examined causality and directionality of the association between obesity and kidney function. Bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) estimated the total causal effects of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on kidney function, and vice versa. Effects of adverse obesity and T2D were examined by stratifying BMI variants by their association with WHR and T2D. Multivariable MR estimated the direct causal effects of BMI and WHR on kidney function. The inverse variance weighted random-effects MR for Europeans was the main analysis, accompanied by several sensitivity MR analyses.

Results

One standard deviation (SD ≈ 4.8 kg/m2) genetically higher BMI was associated with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [β=−0.032 (95% confidence intervals: −0.036, −0.027) log[eGFR], P = 1 × 10−43], increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [β = 0.010 (0.005, 0.015) log[BUN], P = 3 × 10−6], increased urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio [β = 0.199 (0.067, 0.332) log[urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)], P = 0.003] in individuals with diabetes, and increased risk of microalbuminuria [odds ratios (OR) = 1.15 [1.04–1.28], P = 0.009] and CKD [1.13 (1.07–1.19), P = 3 × 10−6]. Corresponding estimates for WHR and for trans-ethnic populations were overall similar. The associations were driven by adverse obesity, and for microalbuminuria additionally by T2D. While genetically high BMI, unlike WHR, was directly associated with eGFR, BUN, and CKD, the pathway to albuminuria was likely through T2D. Genetically predicted kidney function was not associated with BMI or WHR.

Conclusions

Genetically high BMI is associated with impaired kidney function, driven by adverse obesity, and for albuminuria additionally by T2D.
High-Sensitivity Single Molecule Array Assays for Pathological Isoforms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Norman Maia , Gilboa Tal , Walt David R
Published: November 2021

Background

Clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly utilizing measurements of post-translational modifications (PTMs) and pathological isoforms as surrogate markers of target engagement and therapeutic efficacy. These isoforms, however, tend to exist at femtomolar concentrations, well below the detection limit of conventional immunoassays. Therefore, highly sensitive and well-validated assays for these isoforms are needed.

Methods

We developed a novel panel of single molecule array assays for pathological isoforms and PTMs implicated in the development and pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. We validated this panel by measuring these analytes in the cerebrospinal fluid of a cross-sectional cohort of 100 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 100 healthy controls.

Results

When comparing patients with Parkinson’s disease to healthy controls, alpha synuclein, pSer129 alpha synuclein, DJ-1, and C-reactive protein were shown to be reduced in patients with Parkinson’s disease while p396 tau and neurofilament light chain were shown to be increased. A random forest analysis produced an area under the curve of 0.70 for the panel.

Conclusions

Measurement of post-translational modifications and pathological isoforms in patients with Parkinson’s disease improved diagnostic accuracy above that of total protein measurements, demonstrating the potential utility of these assays for monitoring patients in clinical trials.
Utilizing a Critical Race Theory Lens to Reduce Barriers to Social and Emotional Learning: A Call to Action
Authors: McGee Blanca S , Germany Andrea F , Phillips Regina L , Barros-Lane Liza
Published: November 2021

Social and emotional learning (SEL) and equity issues have each been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic for students of color. This brief seeks to call to action school social workers who can identify social and emotional barriers to learning that students of color experience in schools through a critical race theory (CRT) lens. School social workers are well positioned to address equity concerns and systemic racism in schools. They play a key role in addressing SEL, reducing equity barriers, and navigating the CRT opposition. The authors view the role of the school social worker as an integral part of social and emotional teaching and learning. This is a call to mobilize school social workers to advocacy roles for SEL, equity, and racism concerns that have long impacted students of color. The authors’ aim is to provide social workers with actionable strategies in reducing social and emotional barriers to learning for students of color.
Lexical Competition Without Phonology: Masked Orthographic Neighbor Priming With Deaf Readers
Authors: Varga Vera , Tóth Dénes , Csépe Valéria
Published: November 2021

Skilled reading is thought to rely on well-specified lexical representations that compete during visual word recognition. The establishment of these lexical representations is assumed to be driven by phonology. To test the role of phonology, we examined the prime lexicality effect (PLE), the index of lexical competition in signing deaf (N = 28) and hearing (N = 28) adult readers of Hungarian matched in age and education. We found no PLE for deaf readers even when reading skills were controlled for. Surprisingly, the hearing controls also showed reduced PLE; however, the effect was modulated by reading skill. More skilled hearing readers showed PLE, while more skilled deaf readers did not. These results suggest that phonology contributes to lexical competition; however, high-quality lexical representations are not necessarily built through phonology in deaf readers.
The 1951 Refugee Convention and Non-Signatory States: Charting a Research Agenda
Authors: Janmyr Maja
Published: November 2021

At the end of 2020, 149 States were party to the 1951 Convention, its 1967 Protocol, or both. Forty-four members of the United Nations, however, were not party to either of these core instruments. What is the influence of the 1951 Refugee Convention in non-signatory States? How do non-signatory States engage with, and help to create, the international refugee regime?

Taking these questions as its starting point, this article aims to chart a new research agenda focusing on the relationship between non-signatory States and the 1951 Convention. It argues that a closer examination of this relationship is necessary to make an informed opinion about the relevance of the 1951 Convention more broadly. By bringing this dimension to the study of international refugee law, it thus seeks to disrupt the emphasis on signatory States in contemporary discussions of the relevance and importance of the 1951 Convention.

More concretely, the article argues that the Convention continues to structure States’ responses to refugees, and plays a central role not only in States that are party to the Convention, but also in key non-signatory States. The article details the many ways in which international refugee law norms are spread and used in non-signatory States, and how, by being present and active in global fora such as the UNHCR Executive Committee, and in negotiating soft law instruments drawing on the Convention, these States also participate in the evolution and interpretation of international refugee law.
A novel amphiphilic motif at the C-terminus of FtsZ1 facilitates chloroplast division
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , An Jinjie , Wang Lulu , Sun Qingqing , An Chuanjing , Wu Bibo , Hong Conghao , Wang Xiaoya , Dong Suwei , Guo Junhua , Feng Yue , Gao Hongbo
Published: November 2021

In bacteria and chloroplasts, the GTPase filamentous temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ) is essential for division and polymerizes to form rings that mark the division site. Plants contain two FtsZ subfamilies (FtsZ1 and FtsZ2) with different assembly dynamics. FtsZ1 lacks the C-terminal domain of a typical FtsZ protein. Here, we show that the conserved short motif FtsZ1  Carboxyl-terminus (Z1C) (consisting of the amino acids RRLFF) with weak membrane-binding activity is present at the C-terminus of FtsZ1 in angiosperms. For a polymer-forming protein such as FtsZ, this activity is strong enough for membrane tethering. Arabidopsis thaliana plants with mutated Z1C motifs contained heterogeneously sized chloroplasts and parallel FtsZ rings or long FtsZ filaments, suggesting that the Z1C motif plays an important role in regulating FtsZ ring dynamics. Our findings uncover a type of amphiphilic beta-strand motif with weak membrane-binding activity and point to the importance of this motif for the dynamic regulation of protein complex formation.
Intubation Biomechanics: Clinical Implications of Computational Modeling of Intervertebral Motion and Spinal Cord Strain during Tracheal Intubation in an Intact Cervical Spine
Authors: Gadomski Benjamin C. , Hindman Bradley J. , Page Mitchell I. , Dexter Franklin , Puttlitz Christian M.
Published: November 2021

Background

In a closed claims study, most patients experiencing cervical spinal cord injury had stable cervical spines. This raises two questions. First, in the presence of an intact (stable) cervical spine, are there tracheal intubation conditions in which cervical intervertebral motions exceed physiologically normal maximum values? Second, with an intact spine, are there tracheal intubation conditions in which potentially injurious cervical cord strains can occur?

Methods

This study utilized a computational model of the cervical spine and cord to predict intervertebral motions (rotation, translation) and cord strains (stretch, compression). Routine (Macintosh) intubation force conditions were defined by a specific application location (mid-C3 vertebral body), magnitude (48.8 N), and direction (70 degrees). A total of 48 intubation conditions were modeled: all combinations of 4 force locations (cephalad and caudad of routine), 4 magnitudes (50 to 200% of routine), and 3 directions (50, 70, and 90 degrees). Modeled maximum intervertebral motions were compared to motions reported in previous clinical studies of the range of voluntary cervical motion. Modeled peak cord strains were compared to potential strain injury thresholds.

Results

Modeled maximum intervertebral motions occurred with maximum force magnitude (97.6 N) and did not differ from physiologically normal maximum motion values. Peak tensile cord strains (stretch) did not exceed the potential injury threshold (0.14) in any of the 48 force conditions. Peak compressive strains exceeded the potential injury threshold (–0.20) in 3 of 48 conditions, all with maximum force magnitude applied in a nonroutine location.

Conclusions

With an intact cervical spine, even with application of twice the routine value of force magnitude, intervertebral motions during intubation did not exceed physiologically normal maximum values. However, under nonroutine high-force conditions, compressive strains exceeded potentially injurious values. In patients whose cords have less than normal tolerance to acute strain, compressive strains occurring with routine intubation forces may reach potentially injurious values.

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Preoperative Opioid Utilization Patterns and Postoperative Opioid Utilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rishel Chris A. , Angst Martin S. , Sun Eric C.
Published: November 2021

Background

Among chronic opioid users, the association between decreasing or increasing preoperative opioid utilization and postoperative outcomes is unknown. The authors hypothesized that decreasing utilization would be associated with improved outcomes and increasing utilization with worsened outcomes.

Methods

Using commercial insurance claims, the authors identified 57,019 chronic opioid users (10 or more prescriptions or 120 or more days supplied during the preoperative year), age 18 to 89 yr, undergoing one of 10 surgeries between 2004 and 2018. Patients with a 20% or greater decrease or increase in opioid utilization between preoperative days 7 to 90 and 91 to 365 were compared to patients with less than 20% change (stable utilization). The primary outcome was opioid utilization during postoperative days 91 to 365. Secondary outcomes included alternative measures of postoperative opioid utilization (filling a minimum number of prescriptions during this period), postoperative adverse events, and healthcare utilization.

Results

The average age was 63 ± 13 yr, with 38,045 (66.7%) female patients. Preoperative opioid utilization was decreasing for 12,347 (21.7%) patients, increasing for 21,330 (37.4%) patients, and stable for 23,342 (40.9%) patients. Patients with decreasing utilization were slightly less likely to fill an opioid prescription during postoperative days 91 to 365 compared to stable patients (89.2% vs. 96.4%; odds ratio, 0.323; 95% CI, 0.296 to 0.352; P < 0.001), though the average daily doses were similar among patients who continued to utilize opioids during this timeframe (46.7 vs. 46.5 morphine milligram equivalents; difference, 0.2; 95% CI, –0.8 to 1.2; P = 0.684). Of patients with increasing utilization, 93.6% filled opioid prescriptions during this period (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.62; P < 0.001), with slightly lower average daily doses (44.3 morphine milligram equivalents; difference, –2.2; 95% CI, –3.1 to –1.3; P < 0.001). Except for alternative measures of persistent postoperative opioid utilization, there were no clinically significant differences for the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Changes in preoperative opioid utilization were not associated with clinically significant differences for several postoperative outcomes including postoperative opioid utilization.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Sleep, Pain, and Cognition: Modifiable Targets for Optimal Perioperative Brain Health
Authors: O’Gara Brian P. , Gao Lei , Marcantonio Edward R. , Subramaniam Balachundhar
Published: November 2021

The prevention of perioperative neurocognitive disorders is a priority for patients, families, clinicians, and researchers. Given the multiple risk factors present throughout the perioperative period, a multicomponent preventative approach may be most effective. The objectives of this narrative review are to highlight the importance of sleep, pain, and cognition on the risk of perioperative neurocognitive disorders and to discuss the evidence behind interventions targeting these modifiable risk factors. Sleep disruption is associated with postoperative delirium, but the benefit of sleep-related interventions is uncertain. Pain is a risk factor for postoperative delirium, but its impact on other postoperative neurocognitive disorders is unknown. Multimodal analgesia and opioid avoidance are emerging as best practices, but data supporting their efficacy to prevent delirium are limited. Poor preoperative cognitive function is a strong predictor of postoperative neurocognitive disorder, and work is ongoing to determine whether it can be modified to prevent perioperative neurocognitive disorders.
Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Is Associated with Increased Productivity and Decreased Absenteeism From Work and School
Authors: Durand Wesley M. , Babu Jacob M. , Hamilton David K. , Passias Peter G. , Kim Han Jo , Protopsaltis Themistocles , Lafage Virginie , Lafage Renaud , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher , Gupta Munish , Kelly Michael P. , Klineberg Eric O. , Schwab Frank , Gum Jeffrey L. , Mundis Gregory , Eastlack Robert , Kebaish Khaled , Soroceanu Alex , Hostin Richard A. , Burton Doug , Bess Shay , Ames Christopher , Hart Robert A. , Daniels Alan H. ,   International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
Published: November 2021

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

We hypothesized that adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery would be associated with improved work- and school-related productivity, as well as decreased rates of absenteeism.

Summary of Background Data.

ASD patients experience markedly decreased health-related quality of life along many dimensions.

Methods.

Only patients eligible for 2-year follow-up were included, and those with a history of previous spinal fusion were excluded. The primary outcome measures in this study were Scoliosis Research Society-22r score (SRS-22r) questions 9 and 17. A repeated measures mixed linear regression was used to analyze responses over time among patients managed operatively (OP) versus nonoperatively (NON-OP).

Results.

In total, 1188 patients were analyzed. 66.6% were managed operatively. At baseline, the mean percentage of activity at work/school was 56.4% (standard deviation [SD] 35.4%), and the mean days off from work/school over the past 90 days was 1.6 (SD 1.8). Patients undergoing ASD surgery exhibited an 18.1% absolute increase in work/school productivity at 2-year follow-up versus baseline (P < 0.0001), while no significant change was observed for the nonoperative cohort (P > 0.5). Similarly, the OP cohort experienced 1.1 fewer absent days over the past 90 days at 2 years versus baseline (P < 0.0001), while the NON-OP cohort showed no such difference (P > 0.3). These differences were largely preserved after stratifying by baseline employment status, age group, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), and deformity curve type.

Conclusion.

ASD patients managed operatively exhibited an average increase in work/school productivity of 18.1% and decreased absenteeism of 1.1 per 90 days at 2-year follow-up, while patients managed nonoperatively did not exhibit change from baseline. Given the age distribution of patients in this study, these findings should be interpreted as pertaining primarily to obligations at work or within the home. Further study of the direct and indirect economic benefits of ASD surgery to patients is warranted.

Level of Evidence: 3
On-field Emergencies and Emergency Action Plans
Authors: McDermott Emily R. , Tennent David J. , Patzkowski Jeanne C.
Published: November 2021

Sideline coverage can be an enjoyable experience and provide the opportunity to witness and evaluate an athlete’s pathology at the time of injury. While the majority of on-field injury will likely be of low acuity, it is essential to develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to deliver excellent medical care efficiently. The EAP should provide a written, standardized multidisciplinary approach involving key personnel. The EAP should be rehearsed on at least an annual basis and should highlight the initial assessment of the patient while also accounting for the various types of trauma that may occur on the field and appropriate field extrication procedures. As most players who have a true on-field emergency will not return to same-day play, a thorough understanding of how to deliver emergency care and transfer the player to a higher level of care is essential.
Analgesia in Athletes: A Review of Commonly Used Oral and Injectable Modalities
Authors: Bedrin Michael D. , Putko Robert M. , Dickens Jonathan F.
Published: November 2021

Pain is common among athletes at all levels and the treatment of pain can be a challenging and frustrating task. The team physician needs a fundamental knowledge of analgesic strategies as it relates to athletes. It is important to understand the mechanism of action, side effect profile/associated complications, incidence of and indications for use, as well as the controversies associated with the most common analgesic medications used in sports medicine. Several “in vogue” treatment modalities, including cannabidiol, are also becoming more commonly used and are worth discussion.
Leadership Lessons in Concussion Management for Team Physicians
Authors: Ross Jeremy D. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Colsant Brian J. , Houston Megan N.
Published: November 2021

Over the last decade, with emphasis on concussion awareness and potential long-term deficits, concussions have become a public health concern. Although common, concussions are complex in nature and often require a collaborative treatment approach across multiple disciplines. In an athletic setting, the Team Physician plays a critical leadership role in the organization, management, and provision of care for concussed athletes. However, leadership strategies for the provision of concussion care utilized by the Team Physician have not been adequately described. This manuscript intends to describe advanced planning for concussion management and highlight best practices for the provision of care for the concussed athlete, to assist the Team Physician in coordinating optimal care. Specific emphasis will be placed on outlining a concussion management protocol aligned with evidence-based best practices.
Athlete Preparticipation Physical Evaluation
Authors: Maloy Wyatt , Schroeder Jeremy , Rhodehouse Blair
Published: November 2021

Preparticipation evaluations (PPE) are both a traditional and legal requirement by many governing bodies for sport. The ideal goal of the PPE is safe participation in sport for athletes. This article provides an overview of common PPE elements and current best practice recommendations. Descriptions of every possible examination are published elsewhere and are beyond the intent of this article. Additional considerations for transgender, masters athletes, and Special Olympians are also outside the scope of this review, but are well covered in The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation, fifth edition monograph.
Team Medical Coverage
Authors: Gee Shawn M. , Posner Matthew
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and professional organizations have endorsed independent medical teams to promote athletes’ wellbeing. In this independent arrangement, the team physician is the head of the medical team and with the assistance from the health care administrator, the team physician provides oversight of team medical personnel, who are delivering health care under the direction of the team physician. The purpose of this chapter is to review the role of the modern-day team physician, highlighting areas of controversy surrounding team medical coverage.