bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systemic study on Thallium based 3D halide perovskite with enhanced figure of merit
Authors: Dhakshayani Y , Kalpana G
Published: October 2023

First principles calculations are carried out to explore structural, elastic, electronic, charge density and thermoelectric properties of TlZnX3 (X = F, Cl, Br and I) 3D halide cubic perovskites within the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) through Quantum Espresso code. The elastic coefficients (C11, C12 and C44) and elastic modulii such as Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus reveals that stiffness is higher in TlZnF3. Additionally using Pugh’s ratio and Cauchy’s pressure TlZnF3 is classified as ductile whereas TlZnX3 (X = Cl, Br and I) are classified as brittle materials. Phonon dispersion curve proves the dynamic stability of TlZnF3. The band structures of TlZnX3 (X = F, Cl and Br) and TlZnI3 shows semiconducting and metallic nature respectively. Due to replacement of halide ion the indirect band gap of TlZnX3 (X = F, Cl and Br) decreases from 3.82 eV, 1.39 eV and 0.37 eV as the size of the anion increases. Using the Boltztrap code, thermoelectric parameters are analysed at temperatures of 400 K, 600 K and 800 K and chemical potential provides insight about optimal dopant. Large Seebeck Coefficient combined with ultra low thermal conductivity results in a high figure of merit for TlZnF3 that satisfies industry standards (ZT ≈ 1). Together, these outcomes highlights that these Thallium based halide perovskite are reliable materials for high temperature thermoelectric devices.
Toward improved PVDF-BaTiO3composite dielectrics: mechanical activation of the filler versus filler content
Authors: Djoković Vladimir , Dudić Duško , Dojčilović Radovan , Marinković Filip S , Pavlović Vera P , Pavlović Vladimir B , Vlahovic Branislav
Published: October 2023

Barium titanate (BT) perovskite particles were surface modified by means of mechanical treatment and used as inorganic component in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based composites. The changes in electrical properties of the composite films with increasing in filler content were followed by dielectric spectroscopy, breakdown strength andD-Emeasurements. A comparison of the properties of the composites prepared with untreated and mechanically activated particles revealed that there is a significant difference in their performances at low filler concentrations (<20 wt%). Introduction of the surface modified ceramic particles into PVDF matrix led to an increase of the dielectric constant without affecting significantly the electrical breakdown strength. In contrast, when as received BT particles were used a filler, both dielectric constants and breakdown strengths of the composite films were lower than the corresponding values observed for the pure PVDF. At higher concentrations, however, the influence of pre-treatment of the filler on the effective electrical properties becomes less significant. The obtained results were discussed in terms of the pronounced crystallization of polarβandγcrystal phases of PVDF in the presence of surface modified BT fillers, which is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy.
Measurement of thermal properties of the LHCb VELO detector using track-based software alignment
Authors: Akiba K. , Alexander M. , Barter W. , Bogdanova G. , Borghi S. , Bowcock T.J.V. , Buchanan E. , Burr C. , Chen S. , Collins P. , Dall'Occo E. , De Capua S. , Dean C.T. , Dettori F. , Dreimanis K. , Dujany G. , Dumps R. , Eklund L. , Evans T. , Ferro-Luzzi M. , Gersabeck M. , Gershon T. , Grillo L. , Hadavizadeh T. , Hennessy K. , Hulsbergen W. , Hutchcroft D. , Jans E. , John M. , Kopciewicz P. , Koppenburg P. , Latham T. , Leflat A. , Majewski M.W. , Mitreska B. , Oblakowska-Mucha A. , Parkes C. , Poluektov A. , Qian W. , Redford S. , Rinnert K. , Rodrigues E. , Sarpis G. , Schiller M. , Szumlak T. , Tobin M. , van Beuzekom M. , Volkov V. , Williams M.R.J. ,   The LHCb VELO Group
Published: October 2023

The thermal properties of the LHCb Vertex Locator (VELO) are studied using the real-time detector alignment procedure. The variation of the position and orientation of the detector elements as a function of the operating temperature of the VELO is presented. This study uses a dataset collected by the LHCb experiment during a VELO temperature scan performed at the end of LHC Run 2 (October 2018). Significant shrinkage of the VELO modules is observed at the operating temperature of -30°C compared to the laboratory measurements on a single module taken at a range of temperatures from +45°C to -25°C. The thermal shrinkage expected from the extrapolation of laboratory measurements to lower temperatures, and the results of this alignment study are in good agreement.
Hydrogen as a panacea for decarbonising everything? Exploring contested hydrogen pathways in Germany
Authors: Kern Florian , Schmelzle Frieder , Hummel Mervin
Published: October 2023

Technological change is often seen as part of the solution to problems of global sustainability. A wide-ranging literature on how path dependent—often fossil fuel-based—socio-technical configurations can be overcome by more sustainable configurations has emerged over the last two decades. One potential transition pathway to transform electricity, heat and mobility systems as well as industrial production is the use of hydrogen. In recent years, hydrogen has received increasing attention as part of decarbonisation strategies in many countries as well as by international organisations such as the International Energy Agency or the International Renewable Energy Agency. Also in Germany it has become a central component of climate change policy and is seen by some actors almost as a kind of panacea, where the use of hydrogen is expected to decarbonise a wide range of sectors. Policy makers have the ambition for Germany to become a leader in hydrogen development and therefore help to contribute to what Grubler called ‘grand patterns of technological change’. The aim of this paper is to analyse whether relevant actors share expectations for transition pathways based on hydrogen, which would foster wide diffusion. Our empirical analysis shows that there are multiple contested pathways, both in terms of how hydrogen is produced as well as in which applications or sectors it is to be used. This causes uncertainty and slows down hydrogen developments in Germany. We contribute to an emerging literature on the politics of contested transition pathways and also critically engage with Grubler’s ‘grand patterns’ argument. Results support the idea that the concept of socio-technical pathways allows to expose tensions between competing values and interests. The German government is under considerable pressure regarding competing visions on hydrogen transition pathways. A targeted political prioritisation of hydrogen applications could mitigate tensions and support a shared vision.
Enhancing pseudocapacitive intercalation in Ti3C2T
x
MXene with molecular crowding electrolytes
Authors: Chen Chaofan , de Kogel Albert , Weijers Mark , Bannenberg Lars J , Wang Xuehang
Published: October 2023

The growing demand for safe, cost-efficient, high-energy and high-power electrochemical energy storage devices has stimulated the development of aqueous-based supercapacitors with high capacitance, high rate capability, and high voltage. 2D titanium carbide MXene-based electrodes have shown excellent rate capability in various dilute aqueous electrolytes, yet their potential window is usually narrower than 1.2 V. In this study, we show that the potential window of Ti3C2T
x
MXene can be efficiently widened to 1.5 V in a cost-effective and environmentally benign polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing molecular crowding electrolyte. Additionally, a pair of redox peaks at −0.25 V/−0.05 V vs. Ag (cathodic/anodic) emerged in cyclic voltammetry after the addition of PEG, yielding an additional 25% capacitance. Interestingly, we observed the co-insertion of the molecular crowding agent PEG-400 during the Li+ intercalation process based on in-situ x-ray diffraction analysis. As a result, Ti3C2T
x
electrodes presented an interlayer space change of 4.7 Å during a complete charge/discharge cycle, which is the largest reversible interlayer space change reported so far for MXene-based electrodes. This work demonstrates the potential of adding molecular crowding agents to improve the performance of MXene electrodes in aqueous electrolytes and to enlarge the change of the interlayer spacing.
Temperature rises and constitutive equation of homogenized 6063 aluminum alloy for extrusion
Authors: Li Shikang , Guo Yu , Liu Haijun , Yu Changbai , Yu Lingke
Published: October 2023

The effect of temperature rises on the flow stress and constitutive equation of homogenized 6063 aluminum alloy was studied by theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experiments. The results showed that the temperature rises increased with the decreases of deformation temperatures and the increases of strain rates, which caused the flow softening. The modification of the flow stresses of 6063 aluminum alloy was carried out. A strain compensation constitutive equation based on the Arrhenius equation and Zener-Hollomon parameter was introduced to predict the flow behavior of 6063 aluminum alloy. The calculated flow stresses were consistent with the experimental results, and its average absolute relative error was only 3.25%. Finally, the established constitutive equation was substituted into the Deform-3D software. The corresponding extrusion experiments were carried out. The maximum extrusion pressures and maximum exit temperatures in the numerical simulation were in good agreement with those in the experiments, which confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the established constitutive equation.
Influence of heat treatment on the microstructure and surface groups of Stöber silica
Authors: Li Shanshan , Yang Shuguang , Xu Shu , Wan Quan
Published: October 2023

Heat treatment is routinely utilized in preparing nanoporous materials (including Stöber silica), and can substantially affect their performance in diverse application fields. However, the effects of heat treatment at different temperatures on the structure and surface properties of Stöber silica have not been systematically investigated before. In this work, Stöber silica (washed with water or ethanol) was calcined at different temperatures (from 250 °C to 1000 °C), and the heat-treated samples were characterized through nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, scanning electron microscopy, simultaneous thermal analysis, elemental analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that there is no significant difference in the morphology and particle size of the calcined samples. The internal micropores almost collapse after calcination at 500 °C, and the pores with a smaller diameter are the first to shrink during calcination. The variation in the number of the surface hydroxyl groups and ethoxyl groups with the calcination temperature is discussed in detail. The carbon content analysis and differential scanning calorimetry curves reveal that the surface ethoxyl groups (for the samples washed with ethanol) are completely removed after calcination at 500 °C. After calcination at temperatures above 800 °C, the hydroxyl groups almost completely condense into siloxanes. The specific surface area calculated according to the thermogravimetric mass loss and surface hydroxyl density is found to be significantly different from the measured Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area. Our results may offer practical guidance for the application of Stöber silica subjected to similar heat-treatment processes.
Efficient network exploration by means of resetting self-avoiding random walkers
Authors: Colombani Gaia , Bertagnolli Giulia , Artime Oriol
Published: October 2023

The self-avoiding random walk (SARW) is a stochastic process whose state variable avoids returning to previously visited states. This non-Markovian feature has turned SARWs a powerful tool for modeling a plethora of relevant aspects in network science, such as network navigability, robustness and resilience. We analytically characterize self-avoiding random walkers that evolve on complex networks and whose memory suffers stochastic resetting, that is, at each step, with a certain probability, they forget their previous trajectory and start free diffusion anew. Several out-of-equilibrium properties are addressed, such as the time-dependent position of the walker, the time-dependent degree distribution of the non-visited network and the first-passage time distribution, and its moments, to target nodes. We examine these metrics for different resetting parameters and network topologies, both synthetic and empirical, and find a good agreement with simulations in all cases. We also explore the role of resetting on network exploration and report a non-monotonic behavior of the cover time: frequent memory resets induce a global minimum in the cover time, significantly outperforming the well-known case of the pure random walk, while reset events that are too spaced apart become detrimental for the network discovery. Our results provide new insights into the profound interplay between topology and dynamics in complex networks, and shed light on the fundamental properties of SARWs in nontrivial environments.
Normative Data for the Judgment of Line Orientation Test (Long and Short Forms) in the Quebec-French Population Aged between 50 and 89 Years
Authors: Hudon Carol , Belleville Sylvie , Belzile Florence , Landry Mariane , Mulet-Perreault Hannah , Trudel Corinne , Macoir Joël
Published: October 2023

The Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) Test of Benton assesses visuospatial processing without requiring motor skills. The test is frequently used in geriatric or brain-injured populations. As with other cognitive tests, performance on the JLO test may vary according to age, level of education, sex, and cultural background of individuals. The present study aimed to establish normative data for a short (15 items) and a long (30 items) form of the JLO. The sample for the short and long forms comprised 198 and 260 individuals, respectively, aged 50–89 years. All participants were French-speaking people from the province of Quebec, Canada. Using regression-based norming, the effects of age, years of formal education, and sex on JLO performance were estimated. The normative adjustment of the JLO short and long forms considered the weight of each predictor on test performance. Results indicated that JLO performance was positively associated with years of formal education and male sex, whereas it was negatively associated with age. Accordingly, normative data were generated using Z-scores and adjusted scaled scores derived from the regression equations. To conclude, the present norms will ease the detection of visuospatial impairment in French-Quebec middle-aged and older adults.
MMiKG: a knowledge graph-based platform for path mining of microbiota–mental diseases interactions
Authors: Sun Haoran , Song Zhaoqi , Chen Qiuming , Wang Meiling , Tang Furong , Dou Lijun , Zou Quan , Yang Fenglong
Published: October 2023

The microbiota–gut–brain axis denotes a two-way system of interactions between the gut and the brain, comprising three key components: (1) gut microbiota, (2) intermediates and (3) mental ailments. These constituents communicate with one another to induce changes in the host’s mood, cognition and demeanor. Knowledge concerning the regulation of the host central nervous system by gut microbiota is fragmented and mostly confined to disorganized or semi-structured unrestricted texts. Such a format hinders the exploration and comprehension of unknown territories or the further advancement of artificial intelligence systems. Hence, we collated crucial information by scrutinizing an extensive body of literature, amalgamated the extant knowledge of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and depicted it in the form of a knowledge graph named MMiKG, which can be visualized on the GraphXR platform and the Neo4j database, correspondingly. By merging various associated resources and deducing prospective connections between gut microbiota and the central nervous system through MMiKG, users can acquire a more comprehensive perception of the pathogenesis of mental disorders and generate novel insights for advancing therapeutic measures. As a free and open-source platform, MMiKG can be accessed at http://yangbiolab.cn:8501/ with no login requirement.
ScSmOP: a universal computational pipeline for single-cell single-molecule multiomics data analysis
Authors: Jing Kai , Xu Yewen , Yang Yang , Yin Pengfei , Ning Duo , Huang Guangyu , Deng Yuqing , Chen Gengzhan , Li Guoliang , Tian Simon Zhongyuan , Zheng Meizhen
Published: October 2023

Single-cell multiomics techniques have been widely applied to detect the key signature of cells. These methods have achieved a single-molecule resolution and can even reveal spatial localization. These emerging methods provide insights elucidating the features of genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic heterogeneity in individual cells. However, they have given rise to new computational challenges in data processing. Here, we describe Single-cell Single-molecule multiple Omics Pipeline (ScSmOP), a universal pipeline for barcode-indexed single-cell single-molecule multiomics data analysis. Essentially, the C language is utilized in ScSmOP to set up spaced-seed hash table-based algorithms for barcode identification according to ligation-based barcoding data and synthesis-based barcoding data, followed by data mapping and deconvolution. We demonstrate high reproducibility of data processing between ScSmOP and published pipelines in comprehensive analyses of single-cell omics data (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, scARC-seq), single-molecule chromatin interaction data (ChIA-Drop, SPRITE, RD-SPRITE), single-cell single-molecule chromatin interaction data (scSPRITE) and spatial transcriptomic data from various cell types and species. Additionally, ScSmOP shows more rapid performance and is a versatile, efficient, easy-to-use and robust pipeline for single-cell single-molecule multiomics data analysis.
Disentangling interspecific and intraspecific variability in height–diameter allometry of dominant tree species in the Rocky Mountains across broad spatial scales
Authors: Liu Shuai , Liu Yu , Li Gaofei , Mou Cun
Published: October 2023

Height–diameter (H-D) allometric relationships provide us with insights into tree growth strategies and resource utilization. Yet, we have a poor understanding about the underlying drivers that limit or alter tree H-D allometries at large scales. Based on 569 502 pairs of height versus diameter from 53 808 plots of 20 species in the Rocky Mountains, USA, we used a mixed-effects approach to model the variability in H-D allometry across species (interspecific variation) and within-species (intraspecific variation) along gradients of site condition, climate, and competition. The allometric theories derived from physics or biological laws provide a fundamental framework for tree growth and performance, but our findings also show that physiological and environmental factors further shape the interspecific and intraspecific patterns in tree allometry with the intraspecific variation being smaller than the interspecific variation along all the gradients we considered. In general, trees growing in favorable site conditions and highly competitive environments tend to comparatively invest more in height growth, while trees may preferentially invest in diameter growth when constrained by water stress or other unfavorable climatic condition. Trees will choose the most appropriate growth strategies with corresponding allometric patterns to adapt to environmental changes. Our study is expected to provide applied value for estimating biomass and carbon stocks at broad environmental scales.
Associations Between Sleep Traits and Social Isolation: Observational and Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Jiao , Wang Ying , Jiang Chao Qiang , Zhu Tong , Zhu Feng , Jin Ya Li , Zhang Wei Sen , Xu Lin
Published: October 2023

Social isolation has been found associated with multiple sleep traits in conventional observational studies. However, whether this association is causal and if so, its direction is uncertain. We analyzed the association between social isolation and multiple sleep traits in 30 430 participants from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study. In bidirectional Mendelian randomization, we used 6, 17, and 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with attendance at sports club/gym, religious group, and pub/social club from the UK Biobank (n = 452 302), respectively, and 152 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with insomnia from the combination of UK Biobank and 23andme (n = 1 331 010). Observationally in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study, insomnia (yes/no) (beta = 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.16) and poor sleep quality (yes/no) (beta = 0.12, CI: 0.08–0.15), but not sleep duration and chronotype, were associated with a higher social isolation score (severe social isolation). In bidirectional MR, genetically predicted insomnia decreases the odds of attendance at sports club/gym (beta = 0.98, CI: 0.98–0.99) and religious groups (beta = 0.99, CI: 0.98–0.99), but not pub/social club. However, these 3 types of social activity were not associated with insomnia. Our results support the causal effects of insomnia on social activity. Further clinical investigations into the utility of insomnia treatment in alleviating social isolation are needed.
The Efficacy of Whole-Body Vibration in Managing Postburn Victims’ Complications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mortada Hossam , Ali Zahreldin Ahmed , Shafiek Saleh Marwa , Shahien Mostafa , Elfeky Amr , Ibrahim Abdelhamed Ahmed , Elaraby Abdelrahman , Elzalabany Ahmed , Samir Hammad Yara , Elshennawy Shorouk
Published: October 2023

Burn injury is a complicated traumatic event with both systemic and local consequences. These complications include long periods of bed rest, pain, muscle weakness, vitamin D deficiency, and bone mineral density loss. Whole-body vibration demonstrated effectiveness in improving muscle power and bone mineral density in various musculoskeletal populations. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials aims to assess evidence for the effectiveness of using whole-body vibration on postburn survivors with at least 1% total body surface area on sensory and motor outcomes. A systematic search was conducted across six databases, which are, PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, from inception till March 2022. Retrieved studies were screened by title and abstract and full-text in two stages using Rayyan web-based. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool ROB 2.0. Six randomized controlled trials with 203 participants were included. Five of the included studies demonstrated an overall high risk of bias. Compared to conventional physiotherapy programs, whole-body vibration demonstrated improvement in functional mobility and balance using timed up and go and Biodex balance assessment, respectively. However, there were no differences between whole-body vibration and conventional physiotherapy program alone in bone mineral density and muscle power. Although the current evidence of whole-body vibration is limited, whole-body vibration combined with traditional physical therapy programs may improve functional mobility and balance in postburn survivors compared to physical therapy programs alone.
Pessimism, Disagreement, and Economic Fluctuations
Authors: Pei Guangyu
Published: October 2023

The pessimistic bias and the cross-sectional dispersion of households’ subjective beliefs heighten during recessions. We provide empirical evidence for a dominant non-inflationary aggregate demand shock that accounts for the bulk of business-cycle fluctuations not only in real quantities but also in (1) pessimism—to what degree households are more pessimistic than the rational expectation benchmark and (2) disagreement—the cross-sectional dispersion of households’ beliefs. To rationalize the empirical findings, this paper develops a theory of ambiguity-driven business cycles, where the Bayesian formulation of the ambiguity shock can generate positive co-movements across real quantities together with counter-cyclical pessimism and disagreement within the real business-cycle framework. Our theory reproduces the salient features of the business cycles extended with survey data on households’ expectations. Quantitatively, the ambiguity shock alone accounts for a significant fraction of the business-cycle fluctuations in pessimism, disagreement, and real quantities.
Variations of the HCO+, HCN, HNC, N2H+, and NH3 deuterium fractionation in high-mass star-forming regions
Authors: Pazukhin A G , Zinchenko I I , Trofimova E A , Henkel C , Semenov D A
Published: October 2023

We use spectra and maps of the J = 1 − 0 and J = 2 − 1 DCO+, DCN, DNC, $\rm N_2D^+$ lines, and 111−101 ortho- and para-NH2D lines, obtained with the  Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique (IRAM)-30 m telescope, as well as observations of their hydrogenated isotopologues to study deuteration processes in five high-mass star-forming regions. The temperature was estimated from CH 3CCH lines, also observed with the IRAM-30 m telescope, and from NH 3 lines, observed with the 100 m radio telescope in Effelsberg, as well as using the integrated intensity ratios of the J = 1 − 0 H13CN and HN13C lines and their main isotopologues. Applying a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative transfer model with radex, the gas density and the molecular column densities were estimated. D/H ratios are 0.001–0.05 for DCO+, 0.001–0.02 for DCN, 0.001–0.05 for DNC, and 0.02–0.4 for NH2D. The D/H ratios decrease with increasing temperature in the range of 20–40 K and slightly vary at densities $n(\rm H_2) \sim 10^4\!-\!10^6$ cm−3. The deuterium fraction of $\rm N_2H^{+}$ is 0.008–0.1 at temperatures in the range of 20–25 K and at a density of ∼105 cm−3. We also estimate relative abundances and find ∼10−11–10−9 for DCO+ and DNC, ∼10−11–10−10 for $\rm N_2D^+$, and ∼10−10–10−8 for NH2D. The relative abundances of these species decrease with increasing temperature. However, the DCN/H2 ratio is almost constant (∼10−10). The observational results agree with the predictions of chemical models (although in some cases there are significant differences).
Beyond Gentrification: Housing Loss, Poverty, and the Geography of Displacement
Authors: Hepburn Peter , Louis Renee , Desmond Matthew
Published: October 2023

We assess the relationship between gentrification and a key form of displacement: eviction. Drawing on over six million court cases filed in 72 of the largest metropolitan areas across the United States between 2000 and 2016, we show that most evictions occurred in low-income neighborhoods that did not gentrify. Over time, eviction rates decreased more in gentrifying neighborhoods than in comparable low-income neighborhoods. Results were robust to multiple specifications and alternative measures of gentrification. The findings of this study imply that focusing on gentrifying neighborhoods as the primary site of displacement risks overlooking most instances of forced removal. Disadvantaged communities experienced displacement pressures when they underwent gentrification and when they did not. Eviction is not a passing trend in low-income neighborhoods—one that comes and goes as gentrification accelerates and decelerates—but a durable component of neighborhood disadvantage.
Facilitation of Symplastic Effector Protein Mobility by Paired Effectors Is Conserved in Different Classes of Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Talbi Nacera , Blekemolen Mila C. , Janevska Slavica , Zendler Daniel , van Tilbeurgh Herman , Fudal Isabelle , Takken Frank L. W.
Published: October 2023

It has been discovered that plant pathogens produce effectors that spread via plasmodesmata (PD) to allow modulation of host processes in distal uninfected cells. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici ( Fol) facilitates effector translocation by expansion of the size-exclusion limit of PD using the Six5/Avr2 effector pair. How other fungal pathogens manipulate PD is unknown. We recently reported that many fungal pathogens belonging to different families carry effector pairs that resemble the SIX5/ AVR2 gene pair from Fol. Here, we performed structural predictions of three of these effector pairs from Leptosphaeria maculans ( Lm) and tested their ability to manipulate PD and to complement the virulence defect of a Fol SIX5 knockout mutant. We show that the AvrLm10A homologs are structurally related to FolSix5 and localize at PD when they are expressed with their paired effectors. Furthermore, these effectors were found to complement FolSix5 function in cell-to-cell mobility assays and in fungal virulence. We conclude that distantly related fungal species rely on structurally related paired effector proteins to manipulate PD and facilitate effector mobility. The wide distribution of these effector pairs implies Six5-mediated effector translocation to be a conserved propensity among fungal plant pathogens.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Whole-Genome Resource of Seven Botrytis cinerea Sensu Lato Isolates with Resistance or Sensitivity to Seven Site-Specific Fungicides
Authors: Lukasko Nicole T. , Hausbeck Mary K.
Published: October 2023

Botrytis cinerea is among the most important fungal pathogens in ornamental greenhouses due to its ability to cause severe Botrytis blight on various crops throughout the year. Fungicides are a key component in disease management programs, but frequencies of resistance in pathogen populations are notoriously high, leading to its role as a model system for fungicide resistance research. Here, we present seven high-quality genomes of North American B. cinerea sensu lato isolates collected from ornamental greenhouses with resistance (five) or sensitivity (two) to seven chemical classes representative of all commonly used site-specific fungicides. This resource can contribute to the exploration of multifungicide resistance mechanisms, host specificity, and geographic relatedness in populations of B. cinerea.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Aberrant glucose metabolism underlies impaired macrophage differentiation in glycogen storage disease type Ib
Authors: Jang Yuyeon , Park Tae Sub , Park Byung‐Chul , Lee Young Mok , Heo Tae‐Hwe , Jun Hyun Sik
Published: October 2023

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD‐Ib) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency in the glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) transporter (G6PT) that is responsible for transporting G6P into the endoplasmic reticulum. GSD‐Ib is characterized by disturbances in glucose homeostasis, neutropenia, and neutrophil dysfunction. Although some studies have explored neutrophils abnormalities in GSD‐Ib, investigations regarding monocytes/macrophages remain limited so far. In this study, we examined the impact of G6PT deficiency on monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation using bone marrow‐derived monocytes from G6pt−/− mice as well as G6PT‐deficient human THP‐1 monocytes. Our findings revealed that G6PT‐deficient monocytes exhibited immature differentiation into macrophages. Notably, the impaired differentiation observed in G6PT‐deficient monocytes seemed to be associated with abnormal glucose metabolism, characterized by enhanced glucose consumption through glycolysis, even under quiescent conditions with oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, we observed a reduced secretion of inflammatory cytokines in G6PT‐deficient THP‐1 monocytes during the inflammatory response, despite their elevated glucose consumption. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significance of G6PT in monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation and underscores its importance in maintaining glucose homeostasis and supporting immune response in GSD‐Ib. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of GSD‐Ib and potentially pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
The Evaluation of Serum Metal Ion Levels and Metallosis in Graduated Patients With Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods
Authors: Alberghina Flavia , McManus Robin , Keogh Cillian , Turner Henry , Moore David , Noël Jacques , Kennedy Jim , Kiely Patrick
Published: October 2023

Background:

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) aim to control curve progression while limiting surgical burden in children with early-onset scoliosis. Systemic and local distribution of metal debris has been documented in children with spinal implants. The aim of the study was to assess serum metal ion levels and local metal debris-related changes at the conclusion of MCGR treatment.

Methods:

Between February 2019 and September 2022, all patients who had a conversion to definitive fusion at the completion of MCGR treatment in our institution were invited to participate in this study. Consenting patients had serum metal ion levels drawn (titanium, cobalt, and chromium) and histologic analyses of peri-implant tissue samples.

Results:

We enrolled 24 children who underwent definitive fusion post-MCGR treatment for early-onset scoliosis. The average age at definitive fusion was 13.3 years (range: 11 to 17 y). The average length of MCGR treatment was 4.8 years (range: 1.5 to 6.8 y). At the end of the MCGR treatment, 23 (96%) patients had elevated serum metal ion levels. Mean serum titanium levels were 165.4 nmol/L (range: 30 to 390 nmol/L), mean serum cobalt levels were 4.6 nmol/L (range: 1.2 to 14 nmol/L), and mean serum chromium levels were 14 nmol/L (range: 2.4 to 30 nmol/L). Peri-implant soft tissue histologic analysis demonstrated local metal debris and foreign body reactions in all patients.

Conclusions:

At the completion of MCGR treatment, the majority of patients demonstrate elevated serum metal ion levels and local metal debris-related peri-implant soft tissue changes. Although there is no current literature to suggest these findings are harmful, further research as to the clinical significance is required.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Metaphyseal Fracture Displacement is Predictive of Intra-articular Diastasis in Adolescent Triplane Ankle Fractures
Authors: Greenhill Dustin A. , Mundluru Surya N. , Gomez Robert W. , Romero Joseph , Riccio Anthony I.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Triplane fractures are rare enough that large homogeneous series to support management decisions are lacking. During initial evaluation, the addition of computed tomography (CT) to conventional X-rays (XR) does not always alter the patient’s clinical course. Therefore, routine use of CT is controversial. This study aims to: (1) clarify quantitative relationships between articular displacement measured on XR versus CT and (2) identify whether metaphyseal displacement on the lateral XR predicts clinically relevant articular displacement on a CT scan.

Methods:

A 10-year retrospective review of consecutive triplane fractures was performed at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. Maximum articular and metaphyseal displacement were recorded from XR and CT. Quantitative relationships between XR and CT measurements were compared among imaging modalities and radiographically operative versus nonoperative fractures.

Results:

Eighty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. XR underestimated articular displacement by 229% in the sagittal plane (1 mm on XR vs 3.3 mm on CT; P < 0.05) and 17% in the coronal plane (2.3 mm on XR vs 2.7 mm on CT; P < 0.05). XR underestimated articular step-off by 184% in the coronal plane and 177% in the sagittal plane (P < 0.05). CT measurements more often differentiated patients who did or did not undergo surgery at our institution. Metaphyseal displacement was significantly higher in patients with traditionally operative articular displacement (≥2.5 mm on CT) versus those with articular displacement below traditionally operative thresholds (2.4 vs 0.9 mm, P = 0.001). Sixty patients had metaphyseal displacement >1 mm on the lateral XR, of whom 56 had surgical-magnitude articular displacement (≥2.5 mm) on CT (positive predictive value = 94%).

Conclusions:

Conventional radiographs underestimate the true articular displacement of triplane fractures. Surgical-magnitude articular step-off is rare, and the largest articular gap is usually visualized on the axial CT image. Metaphyseal displacement >1 mm, which is easily measured on a lateral XR, is strongly predictive of clinically relevant articular displacement on CT. This radiographic finding should prompt advanced imaging before proceeding with nonoperative management.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Clinical Research With Large Language Models Generated Writing—Clinical Research with AI-assisted Writing (CRAW) Study
Authors: Huespe Ivan A. , Echeverri Jorge , Khalid Aisha , Carboni Bisso Indalecio , Musso Carlos G. , Surani Salim , Bansal Vikas , Kashyap Rahul
Published: October 2023

IMPORTANCE:

The scientific community debates Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-3.5’s article quality, authorship merit, originality, and ethical use in scientific writing.

OBJECTIVES:

Assess GPT-3.5’s ability to craft the background section of critical care clinical research questions compared to medical researchers with H-indices of 22 and 13.

DESIGN:

Observational cross-sectional study.

SETTING:

Researchers from 20 countries from six continents evaluated the backgrounds.

PARTICIPANTS:

Researchers with a Scopus index greater than 1 were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

In this study, we generated a background section of a critical care clinical research question on “acute kidney injury in sepsis” using three different methods: researcher with H-index greater than 20, researcher with H-index greater than 10, and GPT-3.5. The three background sections were presented in a blinded survey to researchers with an H-index range between 1 and 96. First, the researchers evaluated the main components of the background using a 5-point Likert scale. Second, they were asked to identify which background was written by humans only or with large language model-generated tools.

RESULTS:

A total of 80 researchers completed the survey. The median H-index was 3 (interquartile range, 1–7.25) and most (36%) researchers were from the Critical Care specialty. When compared with researchers with an H-index of 22 and 13, GPT-3.5 was marked high on the Likert scale ranking on main background components (median 4.5 vs. 3.82 vs. 3.6 vs. 4.5, respectively; p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity to detect researchers writing versus GPT-3.5 writing were poor, 22.4% and 57.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

GPT-3.5 could create background research content indistinguishable from the writing of a medical researcher. It was marked higher compared with medical researchers with an H-index of 22 and 13 in writing the background section of a critical care clinical research question.
Cognitive function, self-management, and outcomes among liver transplant recipients: LivCog, a multicenter, prospective study
Authors: Serper Marina , Chafale Adwait , Burdzy Alex , Kim Minjee , Asrani Sumeet K. , Yoshino Benavente Julia , Gershon Richard , Reese Peter P. , Schaubel Douglas E. , Boike Justin R. , Blanco Maria C. , Wolf Michael S.
Published: October 2023

Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for decompensated cirrhosis. Liver transplant recipients require advanced self-management skills, intact cognitive skills, and care partner support to improve long-term outcomes. Gaps remain in understanding post-liver transplant cognitive and health trajectories, and patient factors such as self-management skills, care partner support, and sleep. Our aims are to (1) assess pre-liver transplant to post-liver transplant cognitive trajectories and identify risk factors for persistent cognitive impairment; (2) evaluate associations between cognitive function and self-management skills, health behaviors, functional health status, and post-transplant outcomes; and (3) investigate potential mediators and moderators of associations between cognitive function and post-liver transplant outcomes. LivCog is a longitudinal, prospective observational study that will enroll 450 adult liver transplant recipients and their caregivers/care partners. The duration of the study is 5 years with 24 additional months of patient follow-up. Data will be collected from participants at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months post-transplant. Limited pre-liver transplant data will also be collected from waitlisted candidates. Data collection methods include interviews, surveys, cognitive assessments, and actigraphy/sleep diary measures. Patient measurements include sociodemographic characteristics, pretransplant health status, cognitive function, physical function, perioperative measures, medical history, transplant history, self-management skills, patient-reported outcomes, health behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Caregiver measures assess sociodemographic variables, health literacy, health care navigation skills, self-efficacy, care partner preparedness, nature and intensity of care, care partner burden, and community participation. By elucidating various health trajectories from pre-liver transplant to 2 years post-liver transplant, LivCog will be able to better characterize recipients at higher risk of cognitive impairment and compromised self-management. Findings will inform interventions targeting health behaviors, self-management, and caregiver supports to optimize outcomes.
Choroidal Vascularity and Visual Outcomes in Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Lim Gyeongsoo , Kim Kyung Tae , Jo Kwon Hui , Lee Seungheon , Kim Dong Yoon , Chae Ju Byung , Seo Eoi Jong
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the association between visual outcomes and choroidal changes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods:

This study reviewed retrospectively 63 eyes with macula-off RRD who underwent vitrectomy. Their fellow eyes were analyzed as a control group. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI), ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane integrity, central foveal thickness (CFT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness were documented and analyzed. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting the final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results:

Eyes with RRD showed increased CVI (68.8±4.1) compared to the control group (66.1±8.8, p=0.028). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that patients with a poor final BCVA had a longer detachment duration (p=0.002), worse baseline BCVA (p=0.034), thinner CFT (p=0.005), and greater CVI (p=0.001) and were more likely to be tamponated with silicone oil (p=0.001). CVI was particularly increased in eyes with poor ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane integrity, prolonged detachment duration, thin CFT, and worse BCVA.

Conclusion:

Increased CVI could indicate poor visual outcomes in macula-off RRD patients. Choroidal remodeling could be associated with the disruption of the ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane integrity.
Response of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer to Intratumoral Injection of Large Surface Area Microparticle Paclitaxel
Authors: Sharma Neil R. , Lo Simon K. , Hendifar Andrew , Othman Mohamed O. , Patel Kalpesh , Mendoza-Ladd Antonio , Verco Shelagh , Maulhardt Holly A. , Verco James , Wendt Alison , Marin Alyson , Schmidt Christian Max , diZerega Gere
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Large surface area microparticle paclitaxel (LSAM-PTX) provides an intratumoral (IT) chemotherapeutic depot. Safety, tolerability, and tumor response to IT LSAM-PTX delivered by endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle injection were evaluated in subjects with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Methods

Ten subjects treated in a dose escalation phase and 22 additional subjects receiving 2 injections, 4 weeks apart, of 15 mg/mL LSAM-PTX were followed for 12 months. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics were evaluated, imaging at 3 and 6 months determined tumor response, and multiplex immunofluorescence was conducted to characterize local immune response.

Results

Most treatment-emergent adverse events were attributed to LAPC. Plasma paclitaxel levels were negligible. Eight subjects' tumors became resectable after IT LSAM-PTX, and 5 of 6 (83%) were resected with R0. Multiplex immunofluorescence of resected tumors demonstrated increased T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages and decreased myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Six-month disease control rate was 94%, and median overall survival was 19.7 months in the 2-injection subjects. For nonresected and resected groups, overall survival times were 18.9 and 35.2 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant IT LSAM-PTX, in combination with SOC, was well tolerated and may provide benefits to LAPC patients, evidenced by enhanced immune response, improved disease control rate, restaging leading to surgery, and extended survival.
Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a rare cause of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Raheela Fnu , Talpur Abdul S. , Rasmussen Michaela , Farooq Muhammad Jawad , Khalid Saad , Bhat Sadaf , Gilani Syed M. , Shrestha Sunita
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Primary tumors of the heart are extremely rare occurrences. Among them, cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is the second most common type. Although these tumors are usually benign, they can pose a risk of embolization, which may lead to severe complications like sudden death or embolization affecting the neurological, systemic, or coronary vasculature. Such complications can be life-threatening.

Case presentation:

In this report, the authors present the case of a 68-year-old woman who experienced ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to embolization from a large papillary fibroelastoma. To address the issue, the authors performed a minimally invasive surgical removal and resection of the aortic valve, followed by a histological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Clinical discussion:

This case report discusses a rare occurrence of myocardial infarction caused by tumor embolization from a CPF. The patient presented with complete blockage of a coronary artery in the absence of atherosclerotic disease. Through a comprehensive workup, including transesophageal echocardiography, the CPF was identified as the source of embolization. Surgical resection of CPFs is curative, and recurrence has not been documented. Clinicians should consider CPFs in cases of coronary artery occlusion without atherosclerotic disease and employ transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis. Prompt surgical intervention leads to an excellent prognosis and prevents recurrent embolization.

Conclusion:

This report emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential complications associated with papillary fibroelastoma-induced embolization to the coronary arteries and highlights the need to mitigate the risk of such complications occurring.