bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A numerical investigation on the vibration of a two-deck euler–bernoulli beam flooded by a potential flow
Authors: Liu Zihua , Gao Tao , Lai Choi-Hong , Guo Wenxing
Published: May 2024

This work concerns the structural vibration of a bladeless wind turbine, modelled by a two-deck Euler–Bernoulli beam, due to a surrounding potential flow. The deflection is governed by the Euler–Bernoulli equation which is studied first by a linear theory and then computed numerically by a finite difference method in space with a collocation method over the arc length, and an implicit Euler method in time. The fluid motion in the presence of gravity is governed by the full Euler equations and solved by the time-dependent conformal mapping technique together with a pseudo-spectral method. Numerical experiments of excitation by a moving disturbance on the fluid surface with/without a stochastic noise are carried out. The random process involved in generating the noise on the water surface is driven by a Wiener Process. A Monte Carlo method is used for stochastic computations. The generated surface waves impinge on the beam causing structural vibration which is presented and discussed in detail. By elementary statistical analysis, the structural response subject to the stochastic hydrodynamic disturbance caused by white noise is found to be Gaussian.
Impact of pancreatic and biliary stent on post-endoscopic papillectomy complications: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ru Nan , Chai Ningli , Zhang Bo , Li Longsong , Bi Yawei , Linghu Enqiang
Published: May 2024

Background:

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is recommended as the first-line therapy for ampullary tumors, despite a relatively high incidence of complications. Pancreatic and/or biliary stents are placed at the endoscopist's discretion to prevent post-EP complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different stents.

Methods:

A total of 117 patients who underwent EP and met the criteria between June 2006 and October 2022 were enrolled in the study. These patients were divided into a pancreatic stent group (PS group, n = 47), a biliary stent group (BS group, n = 38), and a two-stent group (PBS [PS and BS] group, n = 32). Relevant clinical data were collected and compared among the three groups. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to explore risk factors for post-EP complications.

Results:

The incidence of all complications was 37.6% (44/117). Pancreatitis and hemorrhage were the two most common complications with incidence rates of 14.5% (17/117) and 17.9% (21/117). The incidence rates of post-EP pancreatitis were 10.6% (5/47), 23.7% (9/38), and 9.4% (3/32) in the PS group, BS group, and PBS group, respectively, with no significant differences. There were also no significant differences in other complications among the three groups. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–0.99; P = 0.022) was independently associated with post-EP pancreatitis while tumor size (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.06–2.60; P = 0.028) was independently associated with post-EP hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

While pancreatic stenting is the first choice to prevent post-EP pancreatitis, biliary stenting could also be considered as a substitute for patients with difficulties in pancreatic cannulation. Two-stent (biliary and pancreatic stent) placement is unnecessary unless it is required due to other concerns.
The number needed to biopsy for cutaneous melanoma in academic dermatology clinics
Authors: Kibbie Jon J. , Zita Sophia M. , Dellavalle Robert P. , Dunnick Cory A. , Armstrong Cheryl A.
Published: May 2024

A standard metric for melanoma detection is the number needed to biopsy (NNB). This metric has been used to evaluate practicing dermatologists, dermatology advanced practice professionals, and primary care providers. This metric, however, has rarely been applied to residency clinics. We aimed to determine the NNB at the University of Colorado residency clinics. Moreover, we sought to determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on NNB. This study is a retrospective analysis of biopsies performed from 2016 to 2022 at the Denver Health Medical Center and the Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran Affairs dermatology clinics. Differential diagnosis at the time of biopsy was searched for keywords including melanoma, melanoma in situ, and lentigo maligna. Skin biopsies that included re-excisions were excluded. The NNB was subsequently generated by dividing the number of biopsied lesions with suspected melanoma by the number of histologically confirmed melanomas. The data was further separated by pre-COVID-19 (2016–February 2020), COVID-19 shutdown period (March 2020–July 2020), and post-COVID-19 (March 2020–present). Demographic data, including age, sex, race, and Fitzpatrick type, were collected. There were 2230 biopsies with suspected melanoma in the differential diagnosis at both clinic sites from 2016 to 2022. Of these, 362 were histologically confirmed melanoma. Total NNB was 6.16. The pre-COVID-19 NNB was 5.86, and the post-COVID-19 NNB was 6.91. Residency clinics have NNB similar to published values of practicing dermatologists. Furthermore, within these clinics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was appreciated by a relative, although statistically insignificant, increase in NNB.
Initial Experience With Single-Port Robotic Right Colectomies: Results of an Investigator-Initiated Investigational Device Exemption Study Using a Novel Single-Port Robotic Platform
Authors: Sarin Ankit , Barnes Katherine E. , Shui Amy M. , Nakamura Yukino , Hoffman Daniel B. , Romero-Hernandez Fernanda , Chern Hueylan
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been widely adopted in colorectal surgery. New technological breakthroughs have led to even less invasive alternatives like single-port surgery, but this has been hindered by technical challenges such as the collision of robotic arms within a limited space. The Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port robotic platform is a novel system that overcomes some of these challenges.

IMPACT OF INNOVATION:

This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of the Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port robotic platform in right segmental colectomies among adult patients. These findings may set the stage for more widespread use of single-port robotic surgery.

TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS:

The Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port robot is a system designed specifically for single-port robotic surgery. This platform enables flexible port location and efficient internal and external range of motion using a single C-shaped arm. In the present study, right colectomies were performed in adult patients using this platform between May 2022 and November 2022, and they were compared to right colectomies in adult patients performed using the standard multiport platform between January 2019 and December 2022. The main outcome measure was safety and quality event rates.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Of 30 patients, 16.7% of patients (n = 5) underwent single-port robotic right colectomy and 83.3% (n = 25) underwent multiport right colectomy. In the single-port group, 40% of patients (n = 2) developed a safety/quality event (postoperative portal vein thrombosis and excessive postoperative pain). In the multiport group, 32% of patients (n = 8) developed 1 safety/quality event and 8% (n = 2) had more than 1 event.

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS:

This preliminary study, one of the first Food and Drug Administration–approved, investigator-initiated uses of this platform in colorectal surgeries, shows that this platform is a safe and feasible option for right colectomies. On preliminary evaluation, it appears comparable in terms of relevant safety/quality events to the multiport platform.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05321134.
The value of dual time-point fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography imaging in predicting lymph node metastasis in non–small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Hu Yongquan , Guo Daohua , Zhu Zhigao , Lu LingLing , Jia Zhengong , Li Weipeng , Zhou Xiaojing , Shen Ruyue , Ren Li
Published: May 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between specified dual time-point fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging parameters and pathological characteristics in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 47 patients with NSCLC. All patients underwent dual time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. We obtained the metabolic parameters, standardized uptake value (SUV) maximum, SUVmean, delayed standardized uptake value (DSUV) maximum, DSUVmean, delay index standardized uptake value (DISUV) maximum, and DISUVmean, of the primary tumor. The tumor size was measured by CT. All lymph nodes had a definite pathological diagnosis. We next evaluated the status of the lymph node metastases (LNM) and the correlations between metabolic parameters and clinical characteristics. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn for the prediction of LNM.

Results

We found that the DSUVmax, DISUVmax, DSUVmean, and tumor size were significantly related to LNM (P = 0.036, 0.009, and 0.049, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size and DISUVmax were independent risk factors for LNM in lung cancer patients. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff values for DISUVmax and tumor size were 0.33 and 2.8 cm, respectively. When these two parameters were combined, the area under the curve for predicting LNM in NSCLC was 0.768, and the sensitivity was 95.7% for predicting LNM in lung cancer patients. We further allocated the patients to three groups: the high-risk group (tumor size ≥ 2.8 cm, DISUVmax ≥ 0.33), the moderate-risk group (tumor size ≥ 2.8 cm, DISUVmax < 0.33, or tumor size < 2.8 cm, DISUVmax ≥ 0.33), and the low-risk group (tumor size < 2.8 cm, DISUVmax < 0.33). The rates of LNM were 70, 50, and 0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Tumor size and DISUVmax are risk factors for predicting LNM, and they are more useful in combination. Compared with standard PET/CT imaging, dual time-point PET/CT imaging has added value in predicting LNM in NSCLC patients.
Rejuvenation: From the Fictional Dr Heidegger (1837) to Pioneering Modern Plastic Surgeons (1901–1912)
Authors: Jung Sung Gyun , Hwang Kun , Hwang Young Joong
Published: May 2024

This study aims to identify criticisms of rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery through an analysis of “Dr Heidegger’s Experiment” (1837), written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Dr Heidegger an eccentric, aged scientist, invites 4 elderly friends to be his subjects of study. The guests drink the water from the “fountain of Youth.” As their youth is restored, they revert to the foolish behaviors of their younger days. The 3 men soon start vying for the affection of the now youthful and attractive widow. In the midst of their rivalry over the widow, the vase is shattered, and miraculous water spills out. The guests revert to their elderly states. To regain their lost youth, they journey in search of the fountain. Hawthorne viewed rejuvenation procedures as consumptive and physically destructive transformations. His novel captures the modern anxiety surrounding rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery through the lens of literary fantasy. Observing the transformation of the 4 guests, Dr Heidegger understands that youth is too meager a prize to trade for the wisdom that comes with old age. Advancements in medical science have alleviated modern individuals’ concerns regarding rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery. Eugen Holländer and Erich Lexer independently performed a facelift in Germany (1901). Charles Conrad Miller first described the blepharoplasty technique in the United States (1906). Suzanne Noël performed a rhytidectomy in France (1912). For the plastic surgeon, it is important to sculpt the face in a way that reflects the patient’s virtues, such as wisdom and dignity-qualities that Hawthorne highlighted through the character of Dr Heidegger.
fMRI-based spatio-temporal parcellations of the human brain
Authors: Ling Qinrui , Liu Aiping , Li Yu , McKeown Martin J. , Chen Xun
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

Human brain parcellation based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) plays an essential role in neuroscience research. By segmenting vast and intricate fMRI data into functionally similar units, researchers can better decipher the brain's structure in both healthy and diseased states. This article reviews current methodologies and ideas in this field, while also outlining the obstacles and directions for future research.

Recent findings

Traditional brain parcellation techniques, which often rely on cytoarchitectonic criteria, overlook the functional and temporal information accessible through fMRI. The adoption of machine learning techniques, notably deep learning, offers the potential to harness both spatial and temporal information for more nuanced brain segmentation. However, the search for a one-size-fits-all solution to brain segmentation is impractical, with the choice between group-level or individual-level models and the intended downstream analysis influencing the optimal parcellation strategy. Additionally, evaluating these models is complicated by our incomplete understanding of brain function and the absence of a definitive “ground truth”.

While recent methodological advancements have significantly enhanced our grasp of the brain's spatial and temporal dynamics, challenges persist in advancing fMRI-based spatio-temporal representations. Future efforts will likely focus on refining model evaluation and selection as well as developing methods that offer clear interpretability for clinical usage, thereby facilitating further breakthroughs in our comprehension of the brain.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Moroccan hospital
Authors: Eddair Yassine , Belouad Elmehdi , Benaissa Elmostafa , Abassor Tilila , Bsaibiss Fatna , Maleb Adil , Elouennass Mostafa
Published: May 2024

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is a major public health problem in hospitals and in the community. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiology of ESBL-E, to study their resistance profile and to determine the genes encoding the ESBL phenotype.
This is a retrospective study conducted in the bacteriology laboratory of the Mohamed V Military Training Hospital in Rabat, and covering all isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2020. The molecular study of ESBL genes involved a representative sample of all ESBL isolates.
The overall prevalence of ESBLs in isolated Enterobacteriaceae (1402/10268) is 13.65%. The urinary tract was the main site of isolation of ESBL (61%). The bacterial species most concerned are Escherichia coli (41,9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (42,2%) and Enterobacter cloacae (11,9%). The study of antibiotic susceptibility showed a resistant profile marked mainly by 100% resistance to 1st generation cephalosporins (1GC) and 3rd generation cephalosporins (3GC), 55% to piperacillin-tazobactam, 16% to imipenem, 87% to fluoroquinolones. Molecular typing of ESBL strains showed a prevalence of CTX-M (95%), SHV (50%) and TEM (56%). The CTX-M-1 and the CTX-M-9 groups were the most common (96,19% and 7,62 % respectively), and CTX-M15 was found in 78,10% of CTX-M-1 ESBL positive isolates. Most strains had more than two coexisting resistance genes.
The prevalence rate of ESBL-E is critical, and preventive action at different levels (prescriber, biologist, hospital, patient, etc.) are necessary in order to limit their spread and to manage a better therapeutic strategy.
Genomic Hotspots: Localized chromosome gene expansions identify lineage-specific innovations as targets for functional biodiversity and predictions of stress resilience
Authors: Edsinger Eric , Moroz Leonid L.
Published: May 2024

1

Functional and biodiversity genomics is essential for assessment and monitoring of planetary health and species-specific management in changing ecosystems. However, experimental knowledge of gene functions is limited to a few species, and dependencies on distantly related models. Combined with unrecognized degrees of lineage-specific gene family expansion, this means that traditional comparative methods are insufficient. Here, we clarify definitions of homology and genomic ‘dark matter’ and introduce the concept of a hotspot, defined as innovations underlying the evolution of lineage-specific biology. We illustrate hotspots using molluscs having chromosome-scale genome assemblies and focus on heat-sensing TRPM channels and species living in environments of extreme heat stress (e.g., high intertidal and hydrothermal vent gastropods and bivalves). Integrating gene family, orthogroup, and domain-based methods with genomic hotspots (local paralog expansions on chromosomes), we show that conventional approaches overlook substantial amounts of species-specific gene family diversity due to limitations of distant homology detection. In contrast, local segmental duplications are often recent, lineage-specific genetic innovations reflecting emerging adaptions and can be identified for any genome. Revealed TRPM gene family diversification highlights unique neural and behavioral mechanisms that could be beneficial in predicting species’ resilience to heat stress. In summary, the identification of hotspots and their integration with other types of analyses illuminate evolutionary (neuro)genomic strategies that do not depend on knowledge from model organisms and unbiasedly reveal evolutionarily recent lineage-specific adaptations. This strategy enables discoveries of biological innovations across species as prospective targets for modeling, management, and biodiversity conservation.
Plant hormone manipulation impacts salt spray tolerance, which preempts herbivory as a driver of local adaptation in the yellow monkeyflower,Mimulus guttatus
Authors: Toll Katherine , Blanchard Megan , Scharnagl Anna , Holeski Liza M. , Lowry David B.
Published: May 2024

A major challenge in evolutionary biology is identifying the selective agents and phenotypes underlying local adaptation. Local adaptation along environmental gradients may be driven by trade-offs in allocation to reproduction, growth, and herbivore resistance. To identify environmental agents of selection and their phenotypic targets, we performed a manipulative field reciprocal transplant experiment with coastal perennial and inland annual ecotypes of the common yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus). We manipulated herbivory with exclosures built in the field and exogenously manipulated hormones to shift allocation of plant resources among growth, reproduction, and herbivore resistance. Our hormone treatments influenced allocation to reproduction and phytochemical defense, but this shift was small relative to ecotype differences in allocation. Herbivore exclosures reduced herbivory and increased fitness of plants at the coastal site. However, this reduction in herbivory did not decrease the homesite advantage of coastal perennials. Unexpectedly, we found that the application of exogenous gibberellin increased mortality due to salt spray at the coastal site for both ecotypes. Our results suggest that divergence in salt spray tolerance, potentially mediated by ecotype differences in gibberellin synthesis or bioactivity, is a strong driver of local adaptation and preempts any impacts of herbivory in coastal habitats that experience salt spray.
TSPDB: A curated resource of tailspike proteins with potential applications in phage research
Authors: Lawal Opeyemi U. , Goodridge Lawrence
Published: May 2024

Phages are ubiquitous viruses that drive bacterial evolution through infection and replication within host bacteria. Phage tailspike proteins (TSPs) are key components of phage tail structures, exhibiting polysaccharide depolymerase activity and host specificity. Despite their potential as novel antimicrobials, few TSPs have been fully characterized due to laborious detection techniques. To address this, we present TSPDB, a curated resource for rapid detection of TSPs in genomics and metagenomics sequence data. We mined public databases, obtaining 17,211 TSP sequences, which were filtered to exclude duplicates and partial sequences, resulting in 8,099 unique TSP sequences. TSPDB contains TSPs from over 400 bacterial genera, with significant diversity among them as revealed by the phylogenetic analysis. The top 13 genera represented were Gram-positive, withBacillus, Streptococcus, andClostridiumbeing the most common. Of note, Phage TSPs in Gram-positive bacteria were on average 1 Kbp larger than those in Gram-negative bacteria. TSPDB has been applied in a recent study to screen phage genomes, demonstrating its potential for functional annotation. TSPDB serves as a comprehensive repository and a resource for researchers in phage biology, particularly in phage associated therapy and antimicrobial or biocontrol applications. TSPDB is compatible with bioinformatics tools forin silicodetection of TSPs in genomics and metagenomic data, and is freely accessible on GitHub and Figshare, providing a valuable resource for the scientific community.
Reorganization of innate immune cell lipid profiles by bioinspired meroterpenoids to limit inflammation
Authors: Waltl Lorenz , Speck Klaus , Wildermuth Raphael , Haut Franz-Lucas , Permann Stephan , D’Avino Danilo , Cerqua Ida , Siller Anita , Schennach Harald , Rossi Antonietta , Magauer Thomas , Koeberle Andreas
Published: May 2024

Lipidomics-guided screening of unexplored chemical space in natural products provides access to small molecules capable of modifying cellular lipid profiles on a global scale. Here, we show that the meroterpenoid cyclosmenospongine fromSpongia sp. shapes the lipid profile of immune cells, favoring anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving over pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Structural variation revealed derivatives that inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis to varying extents while differentially upregulating pro-resolving lipid mediators, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, endocannabinoids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, along with other mediators, both in resting and activated innate immune cellsin vitroand in self-resolving murine peritonitisin vivo. Mechanistically, meroterpenoids target 5-lipoxygenase or 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein, promote the translocation of 15-lipoxygenase-1 to cytoplasmatic sites, and inhibit monoacylglycerol lipase. They also redirect arachidonic acid (AA) from neutral lipids to specific phospholipids, while increasing the total concentration of free AA. Furthermore, meroterpenoids reprogram lipid metabolism in immune cells, decreasing the levels of neutral lipids, triacylglycerols, and cholesteryl esters. This shift correlates with a reduced capacity for leukotriene biosynthesis and is mimicked by the inhibition of sterol-O-acyltransferase and diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1/2. In conclusion, specific meroterpenoids exert anti-inflammatory effects by intervening in lipid mediator biosynthesis, prompting structure-controlled switches in lipid mediator classes, among others, through an unexpected link between lipogenesis and inflammation.
Assessing avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder symptoms using the Nine Item ARFID Screen in >9,000 Swedish adults with and without eating disorders
Authors: Presseller Emily K , Cooper Gabriella E , Thornton Laura M , Birgegård Andreas , Abbaspour Afrouz , Bulik Cynthia M , Mantilla Emma Forsén , Dinkler Lisa
Published: May 2024

Objective

The Nine Item ARFID Screen (NIAS) is a widely used measure assessing symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Previous studies suggest that individuals with eating disorders driven by shape/weight concerns also have elevated scores on the NIAS. To further clarify this issue, we characterized NIAS scores in a large sample of individuals with eating disorders and evaluated overlap in symptoms measured by the NIAS and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) version 6.0.

Method

Our sample comprised 9,148 participants from the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative Sweden (EDGI-SE), who completed surveys including NIAS and EDE-Q. NIAS scores were calculated and compared by eating disorder diagnostic group using descriptive statistics and linear models.

Results

Participants with current anorexia nervosa demonstrated the highest mean NIAS scores and had the greatest proportion (57.0%) of individuals scoring above a clinical cutoff on at least one of the NIAS subscales. Individuals with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorder also demonstrated elevated NIAS scores compared to individuals with no lifetime history of an eating disorder (ps < .05). All subscales of the NIAS showed small to moderate correlations with all subscales of the EDE-Q (rs = 0.26-0.40).

Discussion

Our results substantiate that individuals with eating disorders other than ARFID demonstrate elevated scores on the NIAS, suggesting that this tool is inadequate on its own for differentiating ARFID from shape/weight-motivated eating disorders. Further research is needed to inform clinical interventions addressing the co-occurrence of ARFID-related drivers and shape/weight-related motivation for dietary restriction.
Population scale whole genome sequencing provides novel insights into cardiometabolic health
Authors: Zhao Yajie , Lockhart Sam , Liu Jimmy , Li Xihao , Cortes Adrian , Hua Xing , Gardner Eugene J. , Kentistou Katherine A. , Lo Yancy , Davitte Jonathan , Savage David B. , Buser-Doepner Carolyn , Ong Ken K. , Zhang Haoyu , Scott Robert , O’Rahilly Stephen , Perry John R.B.
Published: May 2024

In addition to its coverage of the non-coding genome, whole genome sequencing (WGS) may better capture the coding genome than exome sequencing. We sought to exploit this and identify novel rare, protein-coding variants associated with metabolic health in newly released WGS data (N=708,956) from the UK Biobank and All of Us studies. Identified genes highlight novel biological mechanisms, including protein truncating variants (PTVs) in the DNA double-strand break repair geneRIF1that have a substantial effect on body mass index (BMI, 2.66 kg/m2, s.e. 0.43,P= 3.7×10-10).UBR3is an intriguing example where PTVs independently increase BMI and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. Furthermore, PTVs inIRS2have a substantial effect on T2D (OR 6.4 [3.7-11.3],P= 9.9×10-14, 34% case prevalence among carriers) and were unexpectedly also associated with chronic kidney disease independent of diabetes status, suggesting an important role for IRS-2 in maintaining renal health. We identified genetic evidence of functional heterogeneity inIRS1andIRS2, suggesting a greater role for IRS-1 in mediating the growth promoting effects of insulin and IGF-I, while IRS-2 has a greater impact on glucose homeostasis likely through its actions in the pancreatic islet and insulin target tissues. Our study demonstrates that large-scale WGS provides novel mechanistic insights into human metabolic phenotypes through improved capture of coding sequences.
The effect of playing career on chronic neurophysiological changes in retired male football players. An exploratory study using transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Pearce Alan J , Tallent Jamie , Frazer Ashlyn K , Rist Billymo , Kidgell Dawson J
Published: May 2024

Aim

Repetitive head impact exposure, from contact and collision sports, are increasingly being attributed to increased risk of neurodegenerative disease in aging athletes. This exploratory study investigated the association of playing career in retired professional contact sport athletes with cortical neurophysiology via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods

Male athletes between the ages of 28-68 years (n=113; mean age [SD] 48.8 [9.7]) who had been retired from professional sport for a minimum of five years were recruited. Cortical excitability was measured using single pulse TMS for motor evoked potentials and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation short-interval intracortical inhibition and long-interval intracortical inhibition. Associations were assessed between transcranial magnetic stimulation measures and concussion history, clinical symptom scores, total career length (including junior to complete retirement), and professional career length (elite competition only).

Results

Correlations showed significant associations between motor evoked potentials and clinical symptom reporting (rho: -0.21 – -0.38;P<0.01); and motor evoked potentials and short-interval intracortical inhibition with total career length (rho: 0.26 – -0.33;P<0.01). No significant correlations were observed between single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and professional career length (rho: 0.16 – -0.15), nor the number of concussions (rho: 0.17 – -0.17).

Conclusions

This study is the first to report pathophysiological outcomes in a cohort of retired professional athletes associated with total career exposure, rather than professional career exposure or concussion history. TMS assessment could be considered a viable biomarker in future studies of retired athletes suspected with traumatic encephalopathy syndrome.
Deep exclusive meson production as a probe to the puzzle of
Λ
hyperon polarization
Authors: Tu Zhoudunming
Published: May 2024

In the 1970s, an unexpected transverse Λ polarization in unpolarized proton-beryllium collisions was discovered, which initiated extensive studies on spin phenomena in high-energy physics. Over the past five decades, similar transverse Λ polarization has been observed across various collision systems, including lepton-hadron deep-inelastic scattering, hadron-hadron collisions, and electron-positron collisions. Despite numerous promising theoretical models, the fundamental mechanism underlying this polarization phenomenon remains inconclusive to this day. However, in both longitudinally and transversely polarized lepton-hadron and hadron-hadron collisions, it is found that the Λ hyperon is polarized with respect to the initial parton spin direction. How the Λ hyperon acquires its spin has become one of the most crucial questions to address in order to resolve this puzzle. In this paper, I propose to use an exclusive process that can be measured at the Electron-Ion Collider, the deep exclusive meson production, to explicitly test the mechanism of Λ polarization. The outcomes of this experimental measurement are anticipated to unveil the dominant mechanism by which Λ obtains its spin, eliminating many of the ambiguities that have been encountered in previous studies. Finally, experimental challenges and requirements are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Phase-Sensitive Quantum Measurement without Controlled Operations
Authors: Yang Yilun , Christianen Arthur , Bañuls Mari Carmen , Wild Dominik S. , Cirac J. Ignacio
Published: May 2024

Many quantum algorithms rely on the measurement of complex quantum amplitudes. Standard approaches to obtain the phase information, such as the Hadamard test, give rise to large overheads due to the need for global controlled-unitary operations. We introduce a quantum algorithm based on complex analysis that overcomes this problem for amplitudes that are a continuous function of time. Our method only requires the implementation of real-time evolution and a shallow circuit that approximates a short imaginary-time evolution. We show that the method outperforms the Hadamard test in terms of circuit depth and that it is suitable for current noisy quantum computers when combined with a simple error-mitigation strategy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
w1+∞
Algebra with a Cosmological Constant and the Celestial Sphere
Authors: Taylor Tomasz R. , Zhu Bin
Published: May 2024

It is shown that there exists a simple deformed version of Strominger’s infinite-dimensional w1+∞ algebra of soft graviton symmetries, which we conjecture to arise in spacetimes with a nonvanishing cosmological constant. The deformed algebra contains a subalgebra generating SO(1,4) or SO(2,3) symmetry groups of dS4 or AdS4, depending on the sign of the cosmological constant. The transformation properties of soft gauge symmetry currents under the deformed w1+∞ are also discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exponential sensitivity revival of noisy non-Hermitian quantum sensing with two-photon drives
Authors: Bao Liying , Qi Bo , Nori Franco , Dong Daoyi
Published: May 2024

Unique properties of multimode non-Hermitian lattice dynamics can be utilized to construct exponentially sensitive sensors. However, the impact of noise remains unclear, which may severely degrade their sensitivity. We analytically characterize and highlight the impact of loss and gain on the sensitivity revival and stability of non-Hermitian sensors. Defying the general belief that the superiority of quantum sensing will vanish in the presence of loss, we find that by proactively tuning the loss, the exponential sensitivity can be surprisingly regained when the sensing dynamics is stable. Furthermore, we prove that gain is crucial to fully revive the ideally exponential sensitivity and to ensure the stability of non-Hermitian sensing by making a balanced loss and gain. Our paper opens a way to significantly enhance the sensitivity by proactively tuning the loss and gain, which may promote future quantum sensing and quantum engineering.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Photoinduced bidirectional mesophase transition in vesicles containing azobenzene amphiphiles
Authors: Hövelmann Svenja C. , Dieball Ella , Kuhn Jule , Dargasz Michelle , Giri Rajendra P. , Reise Franziska , Paulus Michael , Lindhorst Thisbe K. , Murphy Bridget M.
Published: May 2024

The functionality and efficiency of proteins within a biological membrane are highly dependent on both the membrane lipid composition and the physiochemical properties of the solution. Lipid mesophases are directly influenced by changes in temperature, pH, water content or due to individual properties of single lipids such as photoswitchability. In this work, we were able to induce light- and temperature-driven mesophase transitions in a model membrane system containing a mixture of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine phospholipids and azobenzene amphiphiles. We observed reversible and reproducible transitions between the lamellar and Pn3m cubic phase after illuminating the sample for 5 min with light of 365 and 455 nm wavelengths, respectively, to switch between the cis and trans states of the azobenzene N=N double bond. These light-controlled mesophase transitions were found for mixed complexes with up to 20% content of the photosensitive molecule and at temperatures below the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition temperature of 33°C. Our results demonstrate the potential to design bespoke model systems to study the response of membrane lipids and proteins upon changes in mesophase without altering the environment and thus provide a possible basis for drug delivery systems.
Environmental disasters and the elusiveness of prevention
Authors: Mulvihill Peter Royston
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Environmental disasters are preventable, but this remains a complicated and elusive prospect. This article discusses factors that combine to limit and undermine environmental disaster prevention efforts and explores directions for improved theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenge of integrating root cause analysis of environmental disasters with interventions and preventive measures at later stages of disaster incubation is outlined. The prospect of learning and transferring lessons from past environmental disasters is discussed. Eighteen environmental disaster cases are summarized and analyzed.

Findings

A range of factors, including complexity, lack of lesson transfer, perceived lack of incentives and inaction, limits advances in environmental disaster prevention. Theoretical challenges involve better bridging of root cause and incubation analyses, enhanced understanding of the nature and discipline of foresight and greater documentation of alternative approaches to prevention, including post–normal techniques. Although a transformative breakthrough in environmental disaster prevention is unlikely, substantial progress could be made through better lesson transfer and application of alternative approaches.

Originality/value

This article draws attention to problems and opportunities surrounding the challenge of environmental disaster prevention and proposes directions for improved theory and practice.
Deciphering volatility spillovers amidst crises: analyzing the interplay among commodities, equities and socially responsible investments during the COVID-19 shock and financial turbulence
Authors: Ben Amar Amine , Hasnaoui Amir , Boubrahimi Nabil , Dkhissi Ilham , Bellalah Makram
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to elucidate the volatility spillovers among commodities, equities and socially responsible investments, underpinning their dynamic correlations during the economic instability wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated financial crises.

Design/methodology/approach

This research quantitatively analyzes volatility transmission across various financial assets from January 2005 to October 2020 by employing the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover index. The methodology incorporates a temporal examination to capture the evolution of volatility dependencies pre and post the emergence of COVID-19.

Findings

The findings indicate substantial volatility spillovers among the assets in question, aligning with the current financialisation of commodity markets and a rise in financial market integration. These spillovers also show variation over time. Notably, the interconnectedness among the assets intensifies during periods of stress. For instance, the total spillover index significantly surpassed 80% toward the end of January 2020, following the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, the results imply that financial markets appear to be segmented.

Practical implications

The findings afford investors a more comprehensive insight into both the character and scale of the interdependencies across a broad array of financial markets. Indeed, grasping the extent to which financial markets are segmented or integrated during times of stress and stability is crucial for investors. Such understanding is key to more accurately evaluating risks, diversifying investment portfolios and devising more efficient hedging strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to financial literature by offering a comprehensive investigation into the spillover effects across a diverse set of asset classes during an unprecedented global health crisis, filling a gap in existing research on market behavior against the backdrop of a pandemic-induced financial crisis.
User and service provider assessment of technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana
Authors: Koteikor Baidoo Dinah , Nwagwu Williams E.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample survey research design was used to carry out the study, and the study consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected from 157 of the 430 commons’ users and six library directors/commons librarians, using a questionnaire and an interview schedule respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with SPSS Ver. 22, and structural equation modelling with AMOS Ver. 23.

Findings

The study found significant relationships between the availability of learning resources and users' experience, use and satisfaction with the commons. Additionally, there were significant relationships between the readiness of the commons, users' perceptions and their satisfaction levels. The library/commons managers identified key preparedness issues, including inadequate planning and poor space allocation. Furthermore, the study revealed negative feelings among library/commons managers, such as insecurity, resistance and low confidence.

Practical implications

The academic libraries in Ghana should evaluate their commons following the findings of this study, and use other readiness implementation tools to identify and address the gaps in their implementation of the commons.

Originality/value

This study was based on the opinions of the users and operators of the commons and focused primarily on technology-related factors. However, it is essential to evaluate other readiness factors, such as change and services, and institutional factors, using frameworks such as Hess and Ostrom’s (2005) Institutional Development Framework, to provide complementary results that can guide better implementation of the commons and improve the quality of services.
Skilful surfing: modelling the optimum method of online health information seeking during pregnancy
Authors: Rathbone Amy Leigh , Clarry Laura , Prescott Julie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a model of skilful surfing to aid understanding of how best to seek health information, online and offline, during pregnancy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an observational, descriptive design, using a purpose written questionnaire, factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

Analysis resulted in the factor loading of five components: online health information seeking behaviour, normalisation, offline support, trust and data saturation. These components were included as latent variables in an SEM to evaluate the credibility, and subsequently confirm the viability of the theory of skilful surfing.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to successfully model and define what it is to skilfully surf health information online whilst pregnant, with empirical and theoretical underpinnings.
Improving value chain data lifecycle management utilising design for Lean Six Sigma methods
Authors: Trubetskaya Anna , McDermott Olivia , Durand Pierre , Powell Daryl John
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This project aims to optimise a secondary agricultural company’s reporting and data lifecycle by providing self-help business intelligence at an optimal price point for all business users.

Design/methodology/approach

A design for Lean Six Sigma approach utilising the define, measure analyse, design and verify methodology was utilised to design a new reporting and data product lifecycle.

Findings

The study found that this approach allowed a very structured delivery of a complex program. The various tools used assisted greatly in delivering results while balancing the needs of the team.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates how improving data analysis and enhanced intelligence reporting in agribusinesses enable better decision making and thus improves efficiencies so that the agribusiness can leverage the learnings.

Social implications

Improving data analysis increases efficiency and reduces agrifood food wastage thus improving sustainability and environmental impacts.

Originality/value

This paper proposes creating a standardised approach to deploying Six Sigma methodology to correct both the data provisioning lifecycle and the subsequent business intelligence reporting lifecycle. It is the first study to look at process optimisation across the agricultural industry’s entire data and business intelligence lifecycle.
Interleukin‐23 inhibitors decrease Fibrosis‐4 index in psoriasis patients with elevated Fibrosis‐4 index but not inteleukin‐17 inhibitors
Authors: Takeshima Ryosuke , Kamata Masahiro , Suzuki Shoya , Ito Makoto , Watanabe Ayu , Uchida Hideaki , Chijiwa Chika , Okada Yoshiki , Azuma Saori , Nagata Mayumi , Egawa Shota , Hiura Azusa , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Tada Yayoi
Published: May 2024

Recent studies indicate that hepatic diseases are associated with psoriasis. Non‐invasive tests, including the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, which can confidently rule out the presence of advanced fibrosis, are currently receiving attention. However, data on the FIB‐4 index in psoriasis patients and the effects of biologics on the FIB‐4 index are limited. We investigated the relationships between the FIB‐4 index and demographic or clinical characteristics as well as the effects of biologics on the FIB‐4 index in psoriasis patients. Psoriasis patients aged 36–64 years, whose treatment was initiated with interleukin (IL)‐17 inhibitors or IL‐23 inhibitors for psoriasis from May 2015 to December 2022, were consecutively included. Data were collected retrospectively from the patients' charts. A total of 171 psoriasis patients were included in this study. Thirty‐four, 43, 21, 32, and 41 psoriasis patients were treated with secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, or risankizumab, respectively. In biologics‐naïve patients, a significant but weak positive correlation was observed between the FIB‐4 index and age (r = 0.3246, p = 0.0018). There was no significant correlation between the FIB‐4 index and other demographic or clinical characteristics. Regarding the effects of biologics on the FIB‐4 index, no significant change was observed in psoriasis patients treated with any biologics. However, in psoriasis patients with a baseline FIB‐4 index of >1.3, patients treated with guselkumab and those treated with either IL‐23 inhibitor showed significantly decreased FIB‐4 index scores 6 months after initiating the biologics (p = 0.0323, p = 0.0212). In contrast, no change was observed in FIB‐4 index scores in patients treated with IL‐17 inhibitors. In conclusion, our study revealed that the FIB‐4 index was correlated with age in psoriasis patients. Furthermore, IL‐23 inhibitors (but not IL‐17 inhibitors) decreased the FIB‐4 index score at 6 months in psoriasis patients with elevated FIB‐4 index scores at baseline. Further studies are needed to clarify whether IL‐23 inhibitors improve liver fibrosis physiologically and functionally.
Floral deception in dioecious Actinidia polygama (Actinidiaceae) revealed by differential nitrogen investment in male organs
Authors: Nakayama Haruka , Takada Ranko , Miyake Takashi , Miyake Keiko , Nirei Takashi , Sakio Hitoshi
Published: May 2024

Animal‐pollinated plants have evolved rewards and advertisements to attract pollinators, which learn to associate advertisements with rewards. Pollen‐collecting insects, such as bees, associate stamens with pollen (a reward) essential for brood rearing. In some dioecious plants, female flowers have stamens with sterile pollen grains to mimic male flowers. It is not yet fully understood whether females offer less nutritious pollen to pollinators in order to conserve nutrition. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a perennial vine, Actinidia polygama, which bears nectarless flowers. We quantified flower production and measured the dry mass of floral parts as well as carbon and nitrogen concentrations in floral parts and pollen in both sexes. Males produced more flowers per inflorescence and more inflorescences per shoot than females, while the dry mass of each flower was greater in females. The carbon allocation pattern was similar to that of biomass, but nitrogen allocation exhibited a remarkable reduction in sterile stamens and pollen of female flowers. In addition, as sterile pollen of females was sparse, when compared at the same volume, it was lighter than the pollen of males. Sterile pollen produced in female flowers appears to be as voluminous as that of male flowers but extremely poor in nutrients, especially in nitrogen, which clearly suggests that A. polygama females deceive pollen‐collecting pollinators for brood rearing.