bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed trends in timing and severity of streamflow droughts across global tropics
Authors: Raut Aparna , Ganguli Poulomi
Published: February 2024

Drought is a recurrent climatic hazard impacting natural and built environmental systems, including human lives. Although several studies have assessed streamflow droughts and their multivariate characterization, very few studies have focused on understanding spatiotemporal changes in drought attributes, such as drought seasonality, severity and duration across global tropics. Further, the nonlinear response between onset time and severity of streamflow droughts at a large scale are unknown. Leveraging ground-based streamflow observations, this study for the first time investigate changes in streamflow drought characteristics across global tropics using two 30 year climate normal periods: 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. Our analyses of changes in probability distributions of onset time and severity (deficit volume) of streamflow droughts over the two time windows show significant shifts towards higher values for Northeast and South American Monsoon region, Western Africa, eastern South Africa, north and eastern Australia. Around 55% of the sites show an increase in drought frequency in recent times. We found that in the recent times, only 27% of sites depict an increase in deficit volume accompanied by delayed onset. Further, we identify a few regional hotspots, such as Northeast and South American monsoon region, and eastern coast of Australia show an increased frequency of droughts with an upward trend in deficit volume in recent years. As expected, the individual changes in drought attributes have translated into changes in joint occurrences of their interdependent attributes, assuming the correlation between onset time and deficit volume. Our analyses show robust dependence strengths between onset time and deficit volume, which strengthen further in the recent time window over 50% of catchments. The nonstationary changes identified here in individual drought attributes and their joint dependence can alter the hazard potential of extreme droughts, which has consequences in risk management, climate adaptation and water resources planning.
Energy window optimization in bremsstrahlung imaging after Yttrium-90 microsphere therapy
Authors: Demirtaş C Kayaş , Can M , Karadeniz Ö , Çilengiroğlu Ö Vupa , Ertay T , Kaya G Çapa
Published: February 2024

In imaging of Yttrium-90 patients treated hepatic primary and metastatic cancers, bremsstrahlung photons produced in a wide energy range is used. However, the image quality depends on acquisition energy window. This research aimed energy window optimization for Yttrium-90 bremsstrahlung imaging and 48 patients with various types of cancer received radioembolization therapy were investigated. Patients were imaged using a GE Healthcare Optima NM/CT 640 series gamma camera system with a medium energy general-purpose (MEGP) collimator and planar images were acquired with 8 different energy windows in the 55–400 keV energy range. The data set, formed with the % FOV, contrast, and spatial resolution of image quality parameters calculated from these images, was statistically examined with ANOVA and Tukey tests. According to the visual evaluations and ANOVA/Tukey test results, it was statistically concluded that energy window of 90–110 keV is the optimal energy window while 60–400 keV energy ranges show the lowest image quality for Y-90 bremsstrahlung imaging.
An overview of the second-previous memory effect in the strictlyalternating donation game
Authors: EL-Seidy Essam , Mamdouh Zayet Mohamed , Abdel-Malek Amira R , Rabie Aya
Published: February 2024

Game theory delves into the examination of strategic behaviour across diverse domains such as insurance, business, military, biology, and more, with the aim of deriving optimal decisions. Recent research focusing on the alteration of memory in the donation game with simultaneous iterated rounds has spurred our interest in investigating this phenomenon within the realm of the strictly alternating donation game. This study proposes a novel decision-making approach, utilizing the pre-previous unit instead of the most recent one. The scope narrows down to 16 employed strategies, each defined by finite two-state automata, while accounting for potential implementation errors in the computation of strategy payoffs. Dominant strategies are determined by assessing the interaction payoffs among strategy pairs. This article centers on the calculation of equilibrium points among heteroclinic three cycles, as there is a lack of a single strategy that is unequivocally dominant. Among the strategy landscapes, S
2 emerges as a standout performer, displaying remarkable stability that surpasses other strategies. Contrariwise, S
14 is the least effective tactic.
Absolute delay calibration by analytical fitting of attosecond streaking measurements
Authors: Inzani G , Di Palo N , Dolso G L , Nisoli M , Lucchini M
Published: February 2024

An accurate temporal characterization of both pump and probe pulses is essential for the correct interpretation of any pump-probe experiment. This is particularly true for attosecond spectroscopy, where the pulses are too short to be directly measured with electronic devices. However, when measuring the absolute timing between a light waveform and the related photoinduced physical phenomenon, such characterization does not suffice. Here, we introduce a new method called rACE (refined Analytical Chirp Evaluation), which retrieves both pump and probe pulses while establishing a direct relation between the reconstructed time axis and the experimental delay. This feature is particularly relevant for the extraction of absolute time delays, a growing field in attosecond spectroscopy. In this work, we prove the robustness of rACE with simulated datasets involving the effect of pulse chirp, distinctive target attributes, and non-isolated attosecond pulses, which normally constitute challenging situations for standard methods. For all the cases reported here, rACE achieves a precise absolute delay calibration with an accuracy better than the atomic unit of time. Its successful application to attosecond experimental measurements makes it a fundamental tool for attaining sub-cycle absolute temporal resolution, enabling new investigations of lightwave-driven ultrafast phenomena.
Hydrostatic pressure-induced anomalous hall effect in Co2FeSi semimetal
Authors: Sau Jyotirmoy , Sa Debanand , Kumar Manoranjan
Published: February 2024

The Weyl points and nodal line emerge in the momentum space due to symmetry protected state in topological semimetal materials and these materials hold significance due to their unusual anomalous transport properties. In this manuscript, we study the topological properties of the electronic band structure of a half-metallic ferromagnet Co2FeSi employing the ab-initio density functional theory method and show that it is a strongly correlated material. The experimentally observed magnetic properties can be explained in terms of the Slater–Pauling (SP) rule and our calculations are consistent with it. We also investigate the band topology of Co2FeSi and find that there are three topological nodal lines at 380 meV above Fermi Energy (E

F

). The degeneracy of these nodal lines is perturbed upon introducing spin–orbit coupling with magnetization along [001] direction. However, some points still preserve degeneracy and are identified as Weyl points, each associated with a specific Chern number. At the ambient pressure, the AHC properties of this material have only extrinsic contribution which is consistent with the experimental results. To make the AHC intrinsic, we tune the position of the nodal line close to the Fermi energy by applying the hydrostatic pressure up to 26 GPa. We also discuss crystal symmetries and their relation with nodal lines and Weyl points.
A new scheme of all-optical 2:1 multiplexer (MUX) and MUX-based combinational circuits using nonlinear kerr-type materials
Authors: Das Sourabh Kumar , Pahari Nirmalya
Published: February 2024

Optoelectronics, often known as photon-based electronics, is well recognised for being more effective than conventional electronics for communication. To create a superfast computer, several devices have previously been developed in the field of all optical computing systems. Here, we have put forth an all-optical 2:1 multiplexer with the usage of nonlinear material exhibiting a strong ac Kerr effect and 2:1 Multiplexer (MUX) based all optical -photonic switches - NOT, OR, AND, NAND, NOR etc The sole method for building combinational logic circuits is to utilise MUX. This work is made simpler by the Shannon decomposition theorem than by other approaches. In this study, input and output are expressed as the presence of a light signal with a prefixed intensity as binary 1 and the absence of a light signal as binary 0 using an intensity-based all-optical device and positive logic. Since the system is entirely optical, our current design enables very-high speed (terahertz) computation, which is not possible with typical semiconductor electronic switches. Validation through mathematical computations-based PYTHON simulations establishes the efficacy of the proposed approach. This research holds promise for applications in industrial and commercial contexts, offering enhanced performance and versatility.
Analytical modeling of stress concentration in composite box girders
Authors: Sharma Ishu , Singh Gyani Jail , Kumar Kaushal , Singh Krishna Pratap , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2024

In several structures/structural forms, including box beams, T-beams, U-beams, box girders, and tubular buildings, the stress concentration caused by the shear lag effect reduces their load-resisting capacity. The energy method has been proven to be more effective in analyzing the shear lag effect in these structures. Utilizing the minimum potential energy principle, this study illustrates a simplified approach to assessing stress concentration in composite box girders. Based on boundary conditions and shear loading conditions, closed form solutions are obtained for normal stresses and deflection. The present research results are verified with finite element analysis results and literature, demonstrating the robustness of the methodology. A composite box girder can be analyzed using the present approach under any support and loading conditions, taking material properties into account. To increase composite box girders’ load carrying capacity, additional layers of material are generally added to the flange. When retrofitting a box girder in this way, cross-sectional flexural rigidity is trivially improved. The additional layer of material on the flange of the box girder may reduce stress concentrations caused by the shear lag effect when it improves the shear flow capacity (SFC) of the flange. Shear flow parameter (Γ) measures flange shear flow capacity. The flange SFC increases significantly for a core/layer with a ratio of elastic modulus to shear modulus (E

c
/G

c
) up to 1.26. When E

c
/G

c
rises even further, the flange SFC decreases. A composite box beam may have enhanced flange stiffness, with cores/layers having E

c
/G

c
ratios up to 2.86 and stress concentrations similar to that of a box beam without a core/layer. In composite box beams with a low aspect ratio, considering only flexural deformation in the core/layer augments the stress concentrations significantly. Deflection and negative shear lag are reduced significantly when the composite box beam flange has a high SFC.
Performance investigation of stacked-channel junctionless Tri-Gate FinFET 8T-SRAM cell
Authors: Singh Devenderpal , Chaudhary Shalini , Dewan Basudha , Yadav Menka
Published: February 2024

Junctionless FinFET devices are a substitute for conventional FinFET devices due to their short channel effects and easy manufacturing at sub 22 nm technology node. The manuscript presents an 8T-SRAM cell based on tri-gate junctionless FinFET technology. The FinFET device is designed with source/drain of Si material and the channel as a stack of Si − Si
0.75
Ge
0.25 − Si. The proposed SRAM cell structure consists of a CMOS inverter with stacked p-FinFETs, improving its performance in terms of noise margin and leakage power consumption. The manuscript investigates the variation of Static Noise Margin (SNM), leakage power dissipation and delay with supply voltage to analyze the sub-threshold operation of SRAM cell. The results reveal that the cascaded p-FinFETs minimize the leakage current owing to the stack effect, resulting in improved noise margin and lower leakage power. The stacked p-FinFET devices based SRAM cell achieves 1.11x read noise margin, 1.11x hold noise margin, −1.08x write noise margin and 57.1% less leakage power compared to conventional SRAM cell at 1.0 V. However, it exhibits more delay due to increased resistance and capacitance of the cascaded transistors. The process variation analysis is also performed to investigate the SNM distribution using monte-carlo simulation by taking 10,000 samples. The results indicate that the SRAM cell structures provide higher than 6σ yield at range of supply voltages.
Inverse design and characterization of compact, broadband, and low-loss chip-scale photonic power splitters
Authors: Hansen Søren Engelberth , Arregui Guillermo , Babar Ali Nawaz , Christiansen Rasmus Ellebæk , Stobbe Søren
Published: February 2024

The scalability of integrated photonics hinges on low-loss chip-scale components, which are important for classical applications and crucial in the quantum domain. An important component is the power splitter, which is an essential building block for interferometric devices. Here, we use inverse design by topology optimization to devise a generic design framework for developing power splitters in any material platform, although we focus the present work on silicon photonics. We report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of silicon power splitters and explore varying domain sizes and wavelength spans around a center wavelength of 1550 nm. This results in a set of power splitters tailored for ridge, suspended, and embedded silicon waveguides with an emphasis on compact size and wide bandwidths. The resulting designs have a footprint of

2
μ

m

×
3
μ

m

and exhibit remarkable 0.5 dB bandwidths exceeding 300 nm for the ridge and suspended power splitters and 600 nm for the embedded power splitter. We fabricate the power splitters in suspended silicon circuits and characterize the resulting devices using a cutback method. The experiments confirm the low excess loss, and we measure a 0.5 dB bandwidth of at least 245 nm—limited by the wavelength range of our lasers.
Variability in costs of electrifying passenger cars in Canada
Authors: Javed Bassam , Kandlikar Milind , Giang Amanda
Published: February 2024

The high cost of purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) is a major barrier to their widespread adoption. Additionally, the price disparity is not the same for all households. We conducted a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to compare the net present value of EV versus ICEV ownership for various household categories across Canada. We observed spatial and behavioral factors, including variations in costs of electricity, temperature, household archetypes and their purchase decisions, and access to charging infrastructure. We found that EVs are more cost-effective than ICEVs for certain daily driving distances, but typical households in Canada generally do not drive enough for lifecycle costs of EVs to be less than ICEVs. The province of Quebec has the most favorable conditions for EV ownership due to high purchase subsidies and low electricity prices. Variability in costs across other provinces and territories is mainly due to differences in rebates, electricity and gasoline prices, and tax rates. Our findings have implications for policymakers and consumers. For consumers comparing ICEVs to EVs based on a fixed budget, which may be consistent with how many households frame their purchase decision, willingness to accept smaller, non-luxury EVs can result in large cost savings. We also find that although temperature variation has a minimal effect on TCO, it does impact the ‘number of charge-ups’—a metric that we introduce to compare how many charging cycles a user may expect over the lifetime of a vehicle. The policy implication of this would be a need to consider regional differences in cold weather patterns when planning charging infrastructure deployment and the extent to which households in shared dwellings may face additional costs. Lastly, our findings strengthen the argument that equitably decarbonizing transportation will also require investment in strategies other than electrifying personal vehicles.
Co-𝑡-structures on derived categories of coherent sheaves and the cohomology of tilting modules
Authors: Achar Pramod , Hardesty William
Published: February 2024

We construct a co-

t
t

-structure on the derived category of coherent sheaves on the nilpotent cone

N

\mathcal {N}

of a reductive group, as well as on the derived category of coherent sheaves on any parabolic Springer resolution. These structures are employed to show that the push-forwards of the “exotic parity objects” (considered by Achar, Hardesty, and Riche [Transform. Groups 24 (2019), pp. 597–657]), along the (classical) Springer resolution, give indecomposable objects inside the coheart of the co-

t
t

-structure on

N

\mathcal {N}

. We also demonstrate how the various parabolic co-

t
t

-structures can be related by introducing an analogue to the usual translation functors. As an application, we give a proof of a scheme-theoretic formulation of the relative Humphreys conjecture on support varieties of tilting modules in type

A
A

for

p
>
h

p>h

.
Pharmacy residency training program increases residents’ confidence in inpatient medical emergency response
Authors: Shigle Amanda Jo , Piechowski Kara , Sandoval Nicholas , Chiplinski Amber , Hays William Blake
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The benefits of pharmacists’ involvement in medical emergencies are well established, but optimal methods of training pharmacists for emergency response are unknown. The primary objective of this report is to describe the design and evaluation of a pharmacy resident medical emergency response training (PR-MERT) program for preparing trainees to respond to hospital medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest and rapid sequence intubation (RSI).

The PR-MERT program was a year-long longitudinal experience designed to prepare postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residents for medical emergency response. During the first month, the residents completed an orientation session that encompassed several lectures, certification by the American Heart Association in basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support, standardized simulation scenarios, and mock medical emergencies. The trainees continued to utilize these skills and clinical knowledge through a longitudinal didactic lecture series, resident case conferences, and practice-based application by responding to real-life medical emergencies. Residents were assessed and coached throughout the program by clinical pharmacy preceptors and a “code coach” with extensive medical emergency response experience. After the year-long training, residents completed an anonymous survey assessing self-confidence and the structure of the program. The results showed improved confidence in medication selection and dosing, as well as anticipating the needs of the team and speaking up in cardiac arrest and RSI situations. Residents were satisfied with the training offered and structure of the program.

Conclusion

The development of a PR-MERT program at an academic medical center was successful in achieving longitudinal learning objectives and improving residents’ confidence in responding to medical emergencies. The implementation of a similar medical emergency training curriculum in inpatient pharmacy residency programs may be beneficial.
How to ground powers
Authors: Builes David
Published: February 2024

According to the grounding theory of powers, fundamental physical properties should be thought of as qualities that ground dispositions. Although this view has recently been defended by many different philosophers, there is no consensus for how the view should be developed within a broader metaphysics of properties. Recently, Tugby has argued that the view should be developed in the context of a Platonic theory of properties, where properties are abstract universals. I will argue that the view should not be developed within such a framework. Either the view should be developed with an ontology of Aristotelian properties, or it should be developed in a Nominalist framework that contains no properties at all.
Posterior Müller Muscle-Conjunctival Resection as a First Step to Treat Eyelid Ptosis: Clinical Results and Treatment Algorithm
Authors: Fechner Maarten , Kappen Isabelle Francisca Petronella Maria , van Rooij Joep Antonius Franciscus , van der Lei Berend
Published: February 2024

Background

The posterior Müller muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) procedure is a straightforward procedure for the correction of eyelid ptosis with a relatively short operating time and fast recovery. Traditionally, its use was limited to patients with mild involutional ptosis and good levator function and a positive phenylephrine test result.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of the MMCR procedure as a primary step to treat eyelid ptosis with varying etiology and severity, including patients with more severe ptosis and moderate levator function, and to produce a treatment algorithm.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the results of 34 patients, comprising 56 operated eyelids, treated with the MMCR procedure for eyelid ptotis between 2016 and 2018, was performed. Preoperative and postoperative pictures were analyzed for determining the margin-to-reflex distance (MRD1), symmetry, and complications.

Results

We found a mean preoperative MRD1 of 1.3 mm (SD 1.1) and postoperative MRD1 of 3.2 mm (SD 1.0). The mean postoperative MRD1 for unilateral and bilateral cases was 3.4 (SD 0.8) and 3.2 (SD 1.1), respectively. Only 2 patients (5.9%) had an asymmetrical postoperative result (>1.0 mm MRD1 difference), and both were unilateral cases. Complications were scarce: only 1 patient (2.9%) developed dry eyes and 2 patients experienced temporary discomfort from the conjunctival sutures.

Conclusions

The MMCR procedure appears to be an excellent procedure as a primary step to correct eyelid ptosis with varying etiologies and severity, due to its low risk of asymmetry, short learning curve, and high success rate. A flow chart as treatment algorithm is provided for clinical decision making.

Level of Evidence: 4
Comparison of brain imaging and physical health between research and clinical neuroimaging cohorts of ageing
Authors: Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Andre Jalal B , Yuh Esther , Hunt David , LaPiana Nina , Howlett Bradley , Krakauer Chloe , Crane Paul , Nelson Jennifer , DeZelar Margaret , Meyers Kelly , Larson Eric , Ralston James , Mac Donald Christine L
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To compare brain MRI measures between Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) participants who underwent research, clinical, or both MRI scans, and clinical health measures across the groups and non-MRI subjects.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study leveraging MRI, clinical, demographic, and medication data from ACT. Three neuroradiologists reviewed MRI scans using NIH Neuroimaging Common Data Elements (CDEs). Total brain and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes, clinical characteristics, and outcome measures of brain and overall health were compared between groups. 1166 MRIs were included (77 research, 1043 clinical, and 46 both) and an additional 3146 participants with no MRI were compared.

Results

Compared to the group with research MRI only, the clinical MRI group had higher prevalence of the following: acute infarcts, chronic haematoma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, subdural haemorrhage, haemorrhagic transformation, and hydrocephalus (each P < .001). Quantitative WMH burden was significantly lower (P < .001) and total brain volume significantly higher (P < .001) in research MRI participants compared to other MRI groups. Prevalence of hypertension, self-reported cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, dementia, and recent hospitalization (all P < .001) and diabetes (P = .002) differed significantly across groups, with smaller proportions in the research MRI group.

Conclusion

In ageing populations, significant differences were observed in MRI metrics between research MRI and clinical MRI groups, and clinical health metric differences between research MRI, clinical MRI, and no-MRI groups.

Advances in knowledge

This questions whether research cohorts can adequately represent the greater ageing population undergoing imaging. These findings may also be useful to radiologists when interpreting neuroimaging of ageing.
The historical context of migraine stigma
Authors: Young William
Published: February 2024

The social and psychological stigma of disease can be profound. William Young, awarded joint runner-up of the Brain Essay Competition 2023, discusses how for people with migraine, this stigma can be a huge burden which excludes and disenfranchises them from many areas of normal life.
The impact of burn injury on the central nervous system
Authors: Allahham Amira , Rowe Grant , Stevenson Andrew , Fear Mark W , Vallence Ann-Maree , Wood Fiona M
Published: February 2024

Burn injuries can be devastating, with life-long impacts including an increased risk of hospitalization for a wide range of secondary morbidities. One area that remains not fully understood is the impact of burn trauma on the central nervous system (CNS). This review will outline the current findings on the physiological impact that burns have on the CNS and how this may contribute to the development of neural comorbidities including mental health conditions. This review highlights the damaging effects caused by burn injuries on the CNS, characterized by changes to metabolism, molecular damage to cells and their organelles, and disturbance to sensory, motor and cognitive functions in the CNS. This damage is likely initiated by the inflammatory response that accompanies burn injury, and it is often long-lasting. Treatments used to relieve the symptoms of damage to the CNS due to burn injury often target inflammatory pathways. However, there are non-invasive treatments for burn patients that target the functional and cognitive damage caused by the burn, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and virtual reality. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms that underpin the impact of a burn injury on the CNS, burn severity thresholds required to inflict damage to the CNS, and acute and long-term therapies to ameliorate deleterious CNS changes after a burn.
The BET inhibitor GNE-987 effectively induces anti-cancer effects in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by targeting enhancer regulated genes
Authors: Yu Juanjuan , Yang Yang , Zhou Rongfang , Tao Yanfang , Zhu Frank , Jiao Wanyan , Zhang Zimu , Ji Tongting , Li Tiandan , Fang Fang , Xie Yi , Wu Di , Zhuo Ran , Li Xiaolu , Chen Yanling , Yin Hongli , Wang Jianwei , Pan Jian
Published: February 2024

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy originating from T progenitor cells. It accounts for 15% of childhood and 25% of adult ALL cases. GNE-987 is a novel chimeric molecule developed using proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) technology for targeted therapy. It consists of a potent inhibitor of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein, as well as the E3 ubiquitin ligase Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), which enables the effective induction of proteasomal degradation of BRD4. Although GNE-987 has shown persistent inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis, its specific antitumor activity in T-ALL remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of GNE-987 in T-ALL. To achieve this, we employed technologies including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and CUT&Tag. The degradation of BET proteins, specifically BRD4, by GNE-987 has a profound impact on T-ALL cell. In in vivo experiments, sh-BRD4 lentivirus reduced T-ALL cell proliferation and invasion, extending the survival time of mice. The RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analyses provided further insights into the mechanism of action of GNE-987 in T-ALL. These analyses revealed that GNE-987 possesses the ability to suppress the expression of various genes associated with super-enhancers (SEs), including lymphoblastic leukemia 1 (LCK). By targeting these SE-associated genes, GNE-987 effectively inhibits the progression of T-ALL. Importantly, SE-related oncogenes like LCK were identified as critical targets of GNE-987. Based on these findings, GNE-987 holds promise as a potential novel candidate drug for the treatment of T-ALL.
Comparison of S100A8 and PRAME as biomarkers for distinguishing melanoma from melanocytic naevus: a case–control analysis
Authors: Hai Josephine , Meyer Summer N , Wong Samantha L , Li Yueju , Simmons Elanee , Miglioretti Diana , Fung Maxwell A , Kiuru Maija
Published: February 2024

Background

S100A8 is a melanoma biomarker expressed in the melanoma-associated epidermal keratinocytes, but its diagnostic utility has not been compared with other biomarkers, including PRAME.

Objectives

To compare the utility of S100A8 and PRAME immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the differential diagnosis of melanoma and naevi in a case–control study.

Methods

A previously described cohort of 209 melanomas (case samples) and naevi (control samples) dual-immunostained for S100A8 and PRAME were included. For S100A8, previously reported scores indicating the proportion of tumour-associated epidermis stained (0 = indeterminate; 1 = 0–4%; 2 = 5–25%; 3 = 26–50%; 4 = 51–75%; 5 = > 75%) were utilized. PRAME IHC was reviewed by at least two reviewers and a consensus score assigned, with score indicating the proportion of tumour stained (0 = indeterminate; 1 = 0%; 2 = 1–50%; 3 = > 50%). A positive test was defined as > 50% staining.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for S100A8 (0.833) and PRAME (0.874) were not significantly different from each other (P = 0.22). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 42.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 32.6–52.8%] and 98.2% (95% CI 93.6–99.8%) for S100A8, and 79.8% (95% CI 70.5–87.2%) and 87.3% (95% CI 79.6–92.9%) for PRAME, respectively. A combined test requiring both S100A8 and PRAME IHC positivity had a sensitivity of 39.4% (95% CI 29.7–49.7%) and specificity of 99.1% (95% CI 95.0–100.0%).

Conclusions

S100A8 and PRAME have utility in the diagnostic workup of melanoma, with S100A8 being more specific and PRAME being more sensitive when using this threshold. Our findings suggest that these two immunohistochemical markers may favourably complement one another to improve the detection of melanoma.
Increased expression of complement C3c, iC3b, and cells containing CD11b or CD14 in experimentally induced psoriatic lesion
Authors: Rahkola Dina , Harvima Rauno J , Harvima Ilkka T
Published: February 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a characteristic isomorphic reaction, i.e. the Köbner reaction, induced by slight epidermal trauma. In this study, the tape-stripping technique was used to induce the development of Köbner reaction in 18 subjects with psoriasis. Eight subjects developed a positive reaction. To study the early cellular changes, skin biopsies were taken at the baseline and subsequent time points of 2 h, 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d for the immunostaining of complement C3c, iC3b, and cells expressing complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18; a receptor of iC3b) or CD14. The results show that the positive Köbner reaction is associated with rapid (2 h–1 d) and sustained (3–7 d) increase in the expression of epidermal C3c and iC3b and dermal C3c. In addition, there was a positive correlation between CD11b+ and CD14+ cells in baseline and 2 h–1 d biopsies with a subsequent increase in CD11b+ and CD14+ cells in 3–7 d biopsies in the Köbner-positive group. In the Köbner-negative group, only a transient increase in epidermal iC3b at 2 h–1 d, as well as rapid (2 h–1 d) and sustained increase (3–7 d) in dermal iC3b and CD14+ cells, was observed. In experiments with cultured monolayer keratinocytes, a slight cell damage already at 30 mJ/cm2 ultraviolet B irradiation led to increased expression of C3c, but not iC3b. Therefore, there are marked differences between Köbner groups in respect to the expression of C3c, iC3b, and cells expressing CD11b or CD14. Of note is the rapid and sustained increase in epidermal C3c and iC3b in the positive Köbner reaction.
The ontogenesis and heterogeneity of basophils
Authors: Park Jiyeon , Kang Suk-Jo
Published: February 2024

Basophils are the rarest leukocytes, but they have essential roles in protection against helminths, allergic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and some cancers. For years, the clinical significance of basophils has been neglected because of the lack of proper experimental tools to study them. The development of basophil-specific antibodies and animal models, along with genomic advances like single-cell transcriptomics, has greatly enhanced our understanding of basophil biology. Recent discoveries regarding basophils prompted us to write this review, emphasizing the basophil developmental pathway. In it, we chronologically examine the steps of basophil development in various species, which reveals the apparent advent of basophils predating IgE and basophil’s IgE-independent regulatory role in primitive vertebrates. Then, we cover studies of basophil development in adult bone marrow, and compare those of murine and human basophils, introducing newly identified basophil progenitors and mature basophil subsets, as well as the transcription factors that regulate the transitions between them. Last, we discuss the heterogeneity of tissue-resident basophils, which may develop through extramedullary hematopoiesis. We expect that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of basophil biology from the intricate aspects of basophil development and differentiation, offering valuable insights for both researchers and clinicians.
South African flag sign to a giant coronary artery aneurysm
Authors: Rathinasamy Rakavi , Ghati Nirmal , Parakh Neeraj , Kumar Sanjeev , Bisoi Akshay Kumar , Arava Sudheer , Narang Rajiv , Bhargava Balram
Published: February 2024

Background

Coronary arteritis leading to aneurysm is one of the unusual presentations of IgG4-related disease. Acute myocardial infarction as a complication of IgG4-related giant coronary artery aneurysm is even rarer.

Case summary

We describe the case of a 56-year-old gentleman who presented to our institute with Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class III angina. His symptoms were persistent even with high-dose antianginal medications. He had an acute coronary syndrome two weeks back for which he was treated conservatively in a peripheral health centre. His 12-lead electrocardiogram at the time of the event was suggestive of high lateral ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (South African flag sign). His transthoracic echocardiography showed mild left ventricular dysfunction and a large echogenic mass lateral to the left ventricle. Coronary angiography followed by cardiac computed tomography revealed a giant pseudoaneurysm of the proximal and mid-left anterior descending coronary artery. FDG-PET scan showed significant metabolic activity in the aneurysm wall and mediastinal lymph nodes suggesting active inflammation. IgG4-related coronary arteritis was suspected, and the patient underwent aneurysmectomy and coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. The histopathology of the resected segment showed diffuse IgG4-secreting plasma cells confirming the diagnosis.

Discussion

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of coronary aneurysms in adults. However, cardiologists should be aware of atypical causes like IgG4-related disease that can even present with acute coronary syndrome. Although multimodality imaging is beneficial during early evaluation, histopathological analysis is the cornerstone for the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease. The management involves both immunosuppressive medication and endovascular or surgical repair.
Genetic Correlates of Biological Aging and the Influence on Prediction of Mortality
Authors: Akeju Oluwasefunmi , Mens Michelle M J , Warmerdam Robert , Dijkema Marjolein , van den Biggelaar Anita H J , Franke Lude , Goudsmit Jaap , Wu Julia W
Published: February 2024

Longevity and disease-free survival are influenced by a combination of genetics and lifestyle. Biological age (BioAge), a measure of aging based on composite biomarkers, may outperform chronological age in predicting health and longevity. This study investigated the relationship between genetic risks, lifestyle factors, and delta age (Δage), estimated as the difference between biological and chronological age. BioAge and Δage were calculated for 52 418 participants from the population-based Lifelines cohort. We computed 2 independent polygenic risk scores (PRS) for health span and DNA methylation-based aging clock to characterize genetic risks. The capacity of BioAge to predict all-cause mortality when adjusted for chronological age and genetic risks for aging, was assessed. Obesity, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, sex, and genetic variations in a population contributed to the differences in the rates of accelerated aging. The overall risk of death for a 1-year increase in BioAge for a given chronological age and sex among the genotyped participants was 11% (HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.13). After adjusting for genetic factors, BioAge maintained its sensitivity for predicting mortality. Findings from this study ascertain that BioAge can be a useful tool for risk stratification in research and aging interventions.
Is Multidimensional Poverty Associated to Dementia Risk? The Case of Older Adults in Pakistan
Authors: Trani Jean-François , Zhu Yiqi , Park Soobin , Babulal Ganesh M
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Multidimensional poverty is associated with dementia. We aimed at establishing this association in Pakistan.

Research Design and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Punjab and Sindh, Pakistan, between March 30, 2002, and August 22, 2022, among adults aged 50 and older. Multidimensional poverty measures were composed of 6 dimensions and 15 indicators. Poverty was compared between adults with and without dementia using the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale, adjusting for sex, age, marital status, and household size. Associations between dementia and poverty were investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

We found that 594 (72.7%), 171 (20.9%), and 52 (6.4%) had no, mild, and moderate-to-severe dementia, respectively. More women than men had dementia (11.4% vs 2.9%). Approximately 40.4% of adults with dementia were found to be deprived in 4 or more dimensions compared to 8.9% without dementia, and the difference in multidimensional poverty between them was 348.6%. Education, health, living conditions, and psychological well-being were the main contributors to poverty. Poverty in 4 or more dimensions was strongly associated with dementia (odds ratio [OR], 5.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.07–12.16) after adjusting for sex, marital status, age, and household size, with greater odds for older women (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.41–2.90).

Discussion and Implications

Our findings suggest that early improvement in social determinants of health through targeted structural policies may prevent dementia later in life. Improving access to free, quality education, health care including mental health care and basic living standards, and employment should reduce the collective risk of dementia.
Consent to Labour Exploitation
Authors: Niezna Maayan
Published: February 2024

This article argues there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the role of consent to labour exploitation. However, there is significant value in considering the theoretical underpinnings of different legal interventions addressing labour exploitation. The article first explores different theoretical accounts of exploitation in political philosophy: emphasising taking unfair advantage, violation of dignity or coercion. Following the theoretical analysis, the article maps the different legal interventions in labour law, criminal law and public law. It suggests that the starting point of analysing consent to labour exploitation—fairness, dignity, individual coercion, structural coercion and consent—determines the result of the analysis. This section demonstrates the connection between different areas of law and different theoretical approaches to the role of consent to labour exploitation. The different approaches are then applied to examples based on real-world cases. The article concludes that in the context of labour exploitation, consent is a necessary but insufficient condition for the legitimacy and legality of the labour relations. The fairness of the result and protecting workers’ dignity should also be considered.
Enrichment of putative plant growth promoting microorganisms in biodynamic compared with organic agriculture soils
Authors: Milke Felix , Rodas-Gaitan Heberto , Meissner Georg , Masson Vincent , Oltmanns Meike , Möller Morten , Wohlfahrt Yvette , Kulig Boris , Acedo Alberto , Athmann Miriam , Fritz Jürgen
Published: February 2024

The potential of soils to maintain biological productivity, defined as soil health, is strongly influenced by human activity, such as agriculture. Therefore, soil management has always been a concern for sustainable agriculture and new methods that account for both soil health and crop yield must be found. Biofertilization using microbial inoculants emerges as a promising alternative to conventional interventions such as excessive mineral fertilization and herbicide use. Biodynamic preparations used as a central part of biodynamic agriculture have various effects on soil properties, such as microbial biomass and respiration. We conducted several biomarker experiments to infer the effect of biodynamic preparations on soil prokaryotic and fungal communities and compared results to organic management. Potential plant growth promoting amplicon sequence variants were quantified using a commercial database based on their taxonomic identity. We found significantly higher numbers of putative plant growth promoting amplicon sequence variants in biodynamically compared with organically treated soils. Furthermore, prokaryotic amplicon sequence variants enriched in biodynamic preparations were found in higher numbers in biodynamically treated soils, indicating successful colonization after treatment. Experiments were conducted at three locations in Germany and 21 locations in France covering different crops and soil types. Altogether, our results indicate that biodynamic preparations can act as biofertilizers that promote soil health by increasing the abundance of plant growth promoting microorganisms.
Public perspectives on the use of different data types for prediction in healthcare
Authors: Nong Paige , Adler-Milstein Julia , Kardia Sharon , Platt Jodyn
Published: February 2024

Objective

Understand public comfort with the use of different data types for predictive models

Materials and Methods

We analyzed data from a national survey of US adults (n = 1436) fielded from November to December 2021. For three categories of data (identified using factor analysis), we use descriptive statistics to capture comfort level.

Results

Public comfort with data use for prediction is low. For 13 of 15 data types, most respondents were uncomfortable with that data being used for prediction. In factor analysis, 15 types of data grouped into three categories based on public comfort: (1) personal characteristic data, (2) health-related data, and (3) sensitive data. Mean comfort was highest for health-related data (2.45, SD 0.84, range 1-4), followed by personal characteristic data (2.36, SD 0.94), and sensitive data (1.88, SD 0.77). Across these categories, we observe a statistically significant positive relationship between trust in health systems’ use of patient information and comfort with data use for prediction.

Discussion

Although public trust is recognized as important for the sustainable expansion of predictive tools, current policy does not reflect public concerns. Low comfort with data use for prediction should be addressed in order to prevent potential negative impacts on trust in healthcare.

Conclusion

Our results provide empirical evidence on public perspectives, which are important for shaping the use of predictive models. Findings demonstrate a need for realignment of policy around the sensitivity of non-clinical data categories.
Homo-trimeric structure of the ribonuclease for rRNA processing, FAU-1, from Pyrococcus furiosus
Authors: Kawai Gota , Okada Kiyoshi , Baba Seiki , Sato Asako , Sakamoto Taiichi , Kanai Akio
Published: February 2024

Crystal structure of a ribonuclease for ribosomal RNA processing, FAU-1, from Pyrococcus furiosus was determined with the resolution of 2.57 Å in a homo-trimeric form. The monomer structure consists of two domains: N-terminal and C-terminal domains. C-terminal domain forms trimer and each N-terminal domain locates outside of the trimer core. In the obtained crystal, a dinucleotide, pApUp, was bound to the N-terminal domain, indicating that N-terminal domain has the RNA-binding ability. The affinities to RNA of FAU-1 and a fragment corresponding to the N-terminal domain, FAU-ΔC, were confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Interestingly, well-dispersed NMR signals were observed at 318K, indicating that the FAU-ΔC–F18 complex form an ordered structure at higher temperature. As predicted in our previous works, FAU-1 and ribonuclease (RNase) E show a structural similarity in their RNA-binding regions. However, structural similarity between RNase E and FAU-1 could be found in the limited regions of the N-terminal domain. On the other hand, structural similarity between C-terminal domain and some proteins including a phosphatase was found. Thus, it is possible that the catalytic site is located in C-terminal domain.
Uncovering gender stereotypes in controversial science discourse: evidence from computational text and visual analyses across digital platforms
Authors: Chen Kaiping , Duan Zening , Kim Sang Jung
Published: February 2024

This study examines how gender stereotypes are reflected in discourses around controversial science issues across two platforms, YouTube and TikTok. Utilizing the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects, we developed hypotheses and research questions about how content creators might use gender-related stereotypes to engage audiences. Our analyses of climate change and vaccination videos, considering various modalities such as captions and thumbnails, revealed that themes related to children and health often appeared in videos mentioning women, while science misinformation was more common in videos mentioning men. We observed cross-platform differences in portraying gender stereotypes. YouTube’s video descriptions often highlighted women-associated moral language, whereas TikTok emphasized men-associated moral language. YouTube’s thumbnails frequently featured climate activists or women with nature, while TikTok’s thumbnails showed women in Vlog-style selfies and with feminine gestures. These findings advance understanding about gender and science through a cross-platform, multi-modal approach and offer potential intervention strategies.