bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ponderomotive forces due to electron modes in unmagnetized plasmas described by kappa distribution functions
Authors: Espinoza-Troni Joaquín , A Asenjo Felipe , Moya Pablo S
Published: March 2023

The Washimi and Karpman ponderomotive interaction due to electron wave propagation is investigated for low-temperature unmagnetized plasmas described by an isotropic kappa distribution. We perform a brief analysis of the influence of the kappa distribution in the dispersion relations for a low-temperature plasma expansion at the lowest order in which the thermal effects are appreciable without considering the damping characteristics of the wave. The spatial and temporal factors of the ponderomotive force are obtained as a function of the wavenumber, the spectral index κ and the ratio between the plasma thermal velocity and the speed of light. Our results show that for unmagnetized plasmas non-thermal effects are negligible due to the spatial ponderomotive force when non-relativistic thermal velocities are considered. However, for unmagnetized plasmas, the temporal factor of the ponderomotive force appears only due to the presence of suprathermal particles, with a clear dependence on the κ index. We also analyze the role of the non-thermal effect in the induced Washimi and Karpman ponderomotive magnetization and the total power radiated associated with it. Furthermore, we show that the magnitude of the slowly varying induced ponderomotive magnetic field increases as the plasma moves away from thermal equilibrium.
InGaN/AlInN interface with enhanced holes to improve photoelectrochemical etching and GaN device release
Authors: Shaban Zeinab , Zubialevich Vitaly Z , Amargianitakis Emmanouil A , Atar Fatih Bilge , Parbrook Peter James , Li Zhi , Corbett Brian
Published: March 2023

We introduce a novel superlattice structure for releasing GaN-based devices with selective photo-electrochemical (PEC) etching by incorporating a lattice-matched AlInN barrier in an InGaN/GaN sacrificial stack. A dopant-free two-dimensional hole gas is formed at the InGaN/AlInN interface due to the band bending and strong polarization discontinuity, which is revealed in simulations. PEC etching using the four period InGaN/AlInN superlattice exhibits almost three times higher etch rate and smoother etched surfaces when compared to conventional InGaN/GaN release layers. A systematic investigation with different AlInN layer thicknesses shows that a thin AlInN layer is able to achieve smooth surface with uniform etch process during the PEC while thicker AlInN exhibits poorer surface morphology although the etch rate was faster. Furthermore, it is found that using HNO3 as the electrolyte improved the etched surface smoothness compared to KOH when followed by a post-release HCl treatment. This structure will enable the release of high quality GaN layers and the fabrication of novel optical devices.
Tribological properties of PEEK-based composite coating prepared by thermal spraying
Authors: Zhang Yu Xi , Chen Xue Hui , Li Jian , Li Cong Min , Li Xiang , Gao Ting , Li Hao , Jing Tian Tian , Liu Wei
Published: March 2023

To improve the friction wear performance of the aluminum alloy scroll disc of the scroll compressor under dry friction conditions, the C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating was prepared on the surface of the 4032 aluminum alloy substrate by thermal spraying. The friction and wear performance of C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating under dry friction conditions was investigated via friction wear test, hardness test, coating adhesion scratch test, x-ray diffraction analysis test, morphological characteristics, element distribution test, And XPS photoelectron spectrometer. Moreover, the frictional wear performance of the C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating was compared with that of the anodic oxide film of 4032 aluminum alloy and the Ni-plated coating of 4032 aluminum alloy. The results show that the hardness of C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating is 102.8 HV0.2. The C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating has good lubrication properties under dry friction conditions due to the synergistic effect of MoS2 and PTFE, which can effectively resist deformation and reduce the coefficient of friction. The average friction coefficient under 5N, 10N, and 15N loads are 0.12, 0.15, and 0.23, respectively. The Graphite can effectively form a solid lubricating film, improve the adhesion resistance of the composite, and cause the shallow and small wear mark of C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating; The wear rate and friction coefficient of C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating under different loads are lower than that of the anodic oxidation film of 4032 aluminum alloy and the Ni-plated coating of 4032 aluminum alloy, showing excellent anti-friction and wear resistance. The wear mechanism of C-MoS2-PTFE-PEEK coating under different loads is mainly fatigue wear, adhesive wear, and abrasive wear.
α-Fe2O3 thin films deposited by a facile spray pyrolysis technique for enhanced ethanol sensing
Authors: Abedi Seyyedeh Parisa , Rahmani Mohammad Bagher , Rezaii Farkhondeh
Published: March 2023

In this research, α-Fe2O3 (hematite) thin films were deposited by spray pyrolysis on glass substrates at various growth temperatures of 350, 400, 450, and 500 °C. Samples were characterized using versatile techniques to study their morphological, structural, and optical properties. X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra confirmed the formation of the hexagonal structure of hematite. Electron microscope images show the growth of cubic nanoparticles on the surface of all synthesized samples, the average size of cubes for the sample with the best sensing performance is about 56.2 nm. Ethanol sensing characteristics of samples were investigated at four elevated temperatures of 175, 200, 225, and 250 °C, exposed to different concentrations of ethanol. The film deposited at the substrate temperature of 350 °C reached the best responses of 30.2% toward 100 ppm and 51.4% toward 1000 ppm of ethanol at the optimum working temperature of 200 °C. The response and recovery times were recorded at 279 and 536 s, respectively, when this sensor was exposed to 100 ppm ethanol vapor at 200 °C. A possible mechanism of ethanol sensing is also discussed. This study optimized the growth conditions and sensing parameters of hematite thin films for ethanol sensing applications.
Structure transition in Cu crystallization
Authors: Li Bobin
Published: March 2023

Phase transition is a central topic in condensed matter physics. In this paper, as a general representative of phase transition, Cu crystallization is discussed. And some physical quantities are defined to quantificationally describe the structure-property in Cu crystallization, especially its symmetry. In a conclusion, it is indicated that there are some significant alterations of structure-property in Cu crystallization. And not only that its global symmetry has a breaking, but also the local symmetry becomes not uniform anymore.
Impact of focusing and polarization inhomogeneity on SHG in type-II ppKTP
Authors: Omshankar  , Venkataraman Vivek , Ghosh Joyee
Published: March 2023

We study the effects of pump beam focusing and polarization inhomogeneity on second-harmonic generation (SHG) in a 3 cm long type-II ppKTP crystal. Focusing leads to an asymmetry in the SHG output power around the phase-matching temperature (PMT), along with a shift of the PMT to a lower temperature. Theoretical predictions are experimentally verified for different focusing parameters at various pump wavelengths, showing maximum SHG of

0.24
%

 W−1 (close to optimal focusing). Further, an inhomogeneous polarization across the pump beam cross-section is theoretically predicted to break up the SHG transverse (intensity) profile into several lobes, resulting in an overall decrease in the total output power. We experimentally show that a radially/azimuthally polarized pump beam (generated via a Q-plate) results in a four-lobed SHG similar to the Hermite–Gaussian HG
11 mode with an optimal focusing parameter that is four times higher than that for the homogeneously polarized pump.
Bounded perturbations of the Heisenberg commutation relation via dilation theory
Authors: Gerhold Malte , Shalit Orr
Published: March 2023

We extend the notion of dilation distance to strongly continuous one-parameter unitary groups. If the dilation distance between two such groups is finite, then these groups can be represented on the same space in such a way that their generators have the same domain and are in fact a bounded perturbation of one another. This result extends to

d
d

-tuples of one-parameter unitary groups. We apply our results to the Weyl canonical commutation relations, and as a special case we recover the result of Haagerup and Rørdam [Duke Math. J. 77 (1995), pp. 627–656

] that the infinite ampliation of the canonical position and momentum operators satisfying the Heisenberg commutation relation are a bounded perturbation of a pair of strongly commuting selfadjoint operators. We also recover Gao’s higher-dimensional generalization of Haagerup and Rørdam’s result, and in typical cases we significantly improve control of the bound when the dimension grows.
Differentiable functions on modules and the equation 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑(𝑤)=𝖬𝗀𝗋𝖺𝖽(𝗏)
Authors: Ciosmak K.
Published: March 2023

Let

A
A

be a finite-dimensional, commutative algebra over

R

\mathbb {R}

or

C

\mathbb {C}

. The notion of

A
A

-differentiable functions on

A
A

is extended to develop a theory of

A
A

-differentiable functions on finitely generated

A
A

-modules. Let

U
U

be an open, bounded and convex subset of such a module. An explicit formula is given for

A
A

-differentiable functions on

U
U

of prescribed class of differentiability in terms of real or complex differentiable functions, in the case when

A
A

is singly generated and the module is arbitrary and in the case when

A
A

is arbitrary and the module is free. Certain components of

A
A

-differentiable function are proved to have higher differentiability than the function itself.

Let

M

\mathsf {M}

be a constant, square matrix. By using the formula mentioned above, a complete description of solutions of the equation

grad
⁡
(
w
)
=

M

grad
⁡
(
v
)

\operatorname {grad}(w)=\mathsf {M}\operatorname {grad}(v)

is given.

A boundary value problem for generalized Laplace equations

M

∇
2

v
=

∇
2

v

M

⊺

\mathsf {M}\nabla ^2 v=\nabla ^2v \mathsf {M}^{\intercal }

is formulated and it is shown that for given boundary data there exists a unique solution, for which a formula is provided.
Unbounded visibility domains, the end compactification, and applications
Authors: Bharali Gautam , Zimmer Andrew
Published: March 2023

In this paper we study when the Kobayashi distance on a Kobayashi hyperbolic domain has certain visibility properties, with a focus on unbounded domains. “Visibility” in this context is reminiscent of visibility, seen in negatively curved Riemannian manifolds, in the sense of Eberlein–O’Neill. However, we do not assume that the domains studied are Cauchy-complete with respect to the Kobayashi distance, as this is hard to establish for domains in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

,

d
≥
2

d \geq 2

. We study the various ways in which this property controls the boundary behavior of holomorphic maps. Among these results is a Carathéodory-type extension theorem for biholomorphisms between planar domains—notably: between infinitely-connected domains. We also explore connections between our visibility property and Gromov hyperbolicity of the Kobayashi distance.
Changes in the content of pollen total lipid and TAG inArabidopsis thaliana DGAT1mutantas11
Authors: Bai Mei , Gao Han , Yang Yang , Wu Hong
Published: March 2023

In mature pollen grains, lipids are primarily stored in the form of lipid droplets that provide energy and act as a carbon source for normal pollen development and germination. Triacylglycerol (TAG) is the major form of stored plant lipids. Diacylglycerol transferase, which is encoded by DGAT1 in Arabidopsis thaliana, is an important enzyme regulating triacylglycerol synthesis. Within the seeds of the DGAT1 mutant as11, the content of TAG is significantly decreased and the fatty acid composition also differs from the wild type. Transcriptome data of mature anthers showed that the genes involved in the TAG synthesis pathway were downregulated in as11. Analysis of gene expression patterns via transcriptome data also revealed that the expression of PDAT1, which functions in a manner complementary to the DGAT1 gene, was significantly decreased in as11, whereas the amylopectin synthase genes SS1 and SS2 were upregulated in mutant as11. We also detected lower total lipid, TAG and fatty acid contents in mature as11 pollen, with palmitic acid (C16:0) and linolenic acid (C18:3) being the major fatty acids in mature pollen. The cytological results showed that the lipid droplet content was reduced in mature as11 pollen. In the binuclear pollen grain II stage, WT pollen contained lipid droplets that were primarily accumulated around the generative nucleus, whereas the pollen in the mutant as11 was rich in starch grains that were primarily distributed around the vegetative nucleus. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that during pollen development in as11, the amount of endoplasmic reticulum in tapetal cells and pollen grains decreased, whereas the Golgi body content increased, which directly or indirectly led to a decrease in the levels of lipidosomes and an increase in the starch content in as11. Changes in the lipid content and fatty acid composition of the mutant as11 differ from those in the wild type during pollen development.
The Price Is Right? An Economic Analysis of Factors Influencing Cosmetic Surgery Prices
Authors: Shaffrey Ellen C , Wirth Peter J , Moura Steven P , Attaluri Pradeep K , Rao Venkat K
Published: March 2023

Background

Cosmetic surgery is a large portion of practice revenue for many plastic surgeons, and therefore understanding the economic principles of pricing is critical. Although national averages provide a starting point for price determination, they may not reflect specific economic factors. Over the last decade, publicly reported pricing for cosmetic surgery has increased in prevalence, improving price transparency for patients and surgeons alike.

Objectives

This study aims to compare publicly reported prices to national cosmetic surgery averages and identify variables that have the greatest impact on price determination.

Methods

An Internet search was performed with the term “cosmetic surgery, price” for practices that publicly reported cosmetic surgery prices. Publicly reported prices were compared to national averages generated from The Aesthetic Society's Aesthetic Society Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics. The impact of regional prices, practice type, and surgeon accreditation were analyzed for the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.

Results

Sixty-six practices were identified that reported cosmetic surgery pricing information. Publicly reported prices were significantly higher for all surgical procedures except nipple procedures, excision of (excess) skin, fat grafting, fat harvest, and lip enhancement. Facility/operating room fees (n = 38) and anesthesia fees (n = 34) were the most common components included in a price, after surgeons’ fees (n = 66). A significant price difference was appreciated when separating practices by region for all procedures except breast augmentation (P = .074) and liposuction (P = .088).

Conclusions

Publicly reported prices provide greater insight than national averages into specific pricing factors and strategies that can be employed when setting surgical prices.
Postoperative Fillers Reduce Revision Rates in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Khan Maria , Sankar Thangasamy , Shoaib Taimur
Published: March 2023

Background

Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure with revision rates of up to 17%. Even minor imperfections after surgery can be significant.

Objectives

This review aims to investigate the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers postaesthetic rhinoplasty and assess the rhinoplasty practice of the senior author.

Methods

From the senior author’s practice, case records were obtained for patients who underwent surgery followed by nonsurgical rhinoplasty between 2015 and 2022. Data were retrospectively obtained and analyzed. The variables measured included the number of patients treated with fillers postoperatively, volume and type of filler used, locations of injection, and frequency of injections and complications.

Results

Eight hundred patients underwent rhinoplasty between March 2015 and March 2022, and 10.6% (n = 85) of these underwent nonsurgical rhinoplasty using the HA filler for postoperative imperfections. The Juvederm 2 filler (Allergan, Irvine, CA) was mainly used with a mean volume of 0.2 mL. A total of 11.8% (n = 10) of patients had fillers for a second time and 3.5% (n = 3) required a third filler. The majority of patients had fillers in the rhinon area (82.3%; n = 70), and no complications were reported, with patient satisfaction levels being good.

Conclusions

Often, there is hesitancy to use fillers after surgery due to the assumption that fillers will be required in the long term and complication rates can be high for postrhinoplasty nose fillers. From our series, we conclude that after surgery, fillers last for a greater time period than those used purely for primary augmentation. Hence, the authors recommend rhinoplasty surgeons to consider HA filler use for patients troubled by postsurgery surface irregularities.

Level of Evidence: 5
Trial of intravenous immunoglobulin in dermatomyositis: a critically appraised research paper
Authors: Pandya Rachita , Kleitsch Julianne , Werth Victoria P
Published: March 2023

Aggarwal et al. recently reported results from the first successful phase III trial studying intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in dermatomyositis (DM). The study showed that improvement in disease activity was clinically and statistically significantly greater in those who received IVIG than in those who received placebo, allowing US Food and Drug Administration approval for use of IVIG in DM. Despite its success, this study also highlights several concerns that must be addressed to inform future trials in the field, particularly the inclusion of patients with skin-predominant/amyopathic and post-myopathic DM.
Risk of developing a second primary melanoma after a first primary melanoma in a population-based Australian cohort
Authors: Ni Yuan , Watts Caroline G , Scolyer Richard A , Madronio Christine , Armstrong Bruce K , Morton Rachael L , Menzies Scott W , Mann Graham J , Thompson John F , Lo Serigne N , Cust Anne E
Published: March 2023

This cross-sectional survey identified risk factors for developing a second primary melanoma. Patients with melanoma who had characteristics such as male sex, older age, high naevus count, or melanoma on the trunk or upper limbs had a substantially higher risk of subsequent melanoma and should therefore be more intensively monitored.
Affective or cognitive interpersonal emotion regulation in couples: an fNIRS hyperscanning study
Authors: Zhang Wenhai , Qiu Lanting , Tang Fanggui , Li Hong
Published: March 2023

Sadness regulation is crucial for maintaining the romantic relationships of couples. Interpersonal emotion regulation, including affective engagement (AE) and cognitive engagement (CE), activates social brain networks. However, it is unclear how AE and CE regulate sadness in couples through affective bonds. We recruited 30 heterosexual couple dyads and 30 heterosexual stranger dyads and collected functional near-infrared spectroscopy hyperscanning data while each dyad watched sad or neutral videos and while the regulator regulated the target’s sadness. Then, we characterized interbrain synchronization (IBS) and Granger causality (GC). The results indicated that AE and CE were more effective for couples than for strangers and that sadness evaluation of female targets was lower than that of male targets. CE-induced IBS at CH13 (BA10, right middle frontal gyrus) was lower for female targets than for male targets, while no gender difference in AE was detected. GC change at CH13 during CE was lower in the sad condition for male targets than for female targets, while no gender difference in AE was discovered. These observations suggest that AE and CE activate affective bonds but that CE was more effective for regulating sadness in female targets, revealing different neural patterns of cognitive and affective sadness regulation in couples.
Sugar, salt, immunity and the cause of primary hypertension
Authors: Sánchez-Lozada Laura G , Madero Magdalena , Mazzali Marilda , Feig Daniel I , Nakagawa Takahiko , Lanaspa Miguel A , Kanbay Mehmet , Kuwabara Masanari , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Johnson Richard J
Published: March 2023

Despite its discovery more than 150 years ago, the cause of primary hypertension remains unknown. Most studies suggest that hypertension involves genetic, congenital or acquired risk factors that result in a relative inability of the kidney to excrete salt (sodium chloride) in the kidneys. Here we review recent studies that suggest there may be two phases, with an initial phase driven by renal vasoconstriction that causes low-grade ischemia to the kidney, followed by the infiltration of immune cells that leads to a local autoimmune reaction that maintains the renal vasoconstriction. Evidence suggests that multiple mechanisms could trigger the initial renal vasoconstriction, but one way may involve fructose that is provided in the diet (such as from table sugar or high fructose corn syrup) or produced endogenously. The fructose metabolism increases intracellular uric acid, which recruits NADPH oxidase to the mitochondria while inhibiting AMP-activated protein kinase. A drop in intracellular ATP level occurs, triggering a survival response. Leptin levels rise, triggering activation of the sympathetic central nervous system, while vasopressin levels rise, causing vasoconstriction in its own right and stimulating aldosterone production via the vasopressin 1b receptor. Low-grade renal injury and autoimmune-mediated inflammation occur. High-salt diets can amplify this process by raising osmolality and triggering more fructose production. Thus, primary hypertension may result from the overactivation of a survival response triggered by fructose metabolism. Restricting salt and sugar and hydrating with ample water may be helpful in the prevention of primary hypertension.
Extracellular matrix collagen biomarker levels in patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Zengin Ahmet , Kalkan Rabia , Yıldız Aydın Kübra , Olgun Yıldızeli Şehnaz , Mutlu BüLent , Karakoç Ayşe Zehra , Taş Serpil , Sunar Hasan , Kılıç Ülkan , Yanartaş Mehmed , Yıldızeli Bedrettin
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

The role of extracellular matrix collagen biomarkers in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is not well known. Our goal was to investigate the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 protein levels in patients with CTETH.

METHODS

This is a prospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with CTETH who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy comprise group 1, and the control group included patients who underwent lung surgery without pulmonary hypertension (group 2) between March 2020 and March 2021. In addition to serum levels of MMP-9, the pulmonary endarterectomy and control pulmonary artery tissue samples were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay  4pl, cubic, quadratic and Western blot techniques. Levels of MMP-2, which consist of pro MMP-2/ß-actin and active MMP-2/ß-actin and MMP-9/ß-actin, were measured only in the tissue samples.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were enrolled consecutively in group 1 (n: 24) and group 2 (n: 24). The serum concentrations of MMP-9 were similar in both groups. Similarly, a comparison of tissue sample levels of pro MMP-2/ß-actin (P = 0.496) and active MMP-2/ß-actin (P = 0.216) showed no significant difference between the groups. The tissue samples from patients with CTETH had significantly lower amounts of MMP-9/ß-actin compared to the control group (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that serum levels of extracellular matrix collagen biomarkers were similar in patients with CTETH who were candidates for surgery and in patients who had non-pulmonary hypertension who underwent lung surgery. Differences in levels of MMP-9/ß-actin in tissue samples may play a role in pulmonary vascular remodelling in operable patients.
Academic Coloniality in ELT: the case of an Algerian University
Authors: Daffri Walid , Taibi Hadjer
Published: March 2023

This study explores the concept of ‘Academic Coloniality’ in ELT at an Algerian University. Academic Coloniality refers to the practices and beliefs of people involved in ELT that contribute to the production, manifestation, and reproduction of power patterns between the ‘native speakers’ of English and its learners. Through this, we aim to show how the beliefs and reported practices of seven participants within ELT at an Algerian university contribute to it. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using critical discourse analysis. Findings suggest that Academic Coloniality manifests itself in participants’ continuous quest to achieve ‘native-like’ competence and adopt their norms. This resulted from the context, daily interactions, and effects of media. Coupled with gatekeepers’ resistance to change, these contribute to the reproduction of Academic Coloniality. In this sense, the concept is a useful tool to conceptualize and contextualize practices and beliefs within ELT that prevent its decolonization.
Evidence for concealed fasciculo-ventricular connections as revealed by His bundle pacing
Authors: Mahmud Rehan , Sternick Eduardo Back , Sanchez-Quintana Damian , Macias Yolanda , Jamal Shakeel Muhammad , Bailey Beth , Mohan Ayush , Lee Matthew T , Lee Jenna E , de Almeida Marcos Célio , Anderson Robert H
Published: March 2023

Background

It is almost 100 years ago since Mahaim described the so-called paraspecific connections between the ventricular conduction axis and the crest of the muscular ventricular septum, believing such pathways to be ubiquitous. These pathways, however, have yet to be considered as potential pathways for septal activation during His bundle pacing.

Materials

So as to explore the hypothesis that specialised septal pathways might provide the substrate for septal activation during His bundle pacing, we compared the findings from 22 serially sectioned histological datasets and 34 different individuals undergoing His bundle pacing.

Results

We found histologically specialised pathways connecting the branching component of the atrioventricular conduction axis with the crest of the muscular ventricular septum in almost four-fifths of the histological datasets. In 32 of 34 patients undergoing His bundle pacing, the QRS complex closely resembled published images of known conduction through fasciculo-ventricular pathways. In only two patients was a delta wave not seen at any pacing voltages. Capture of these connections varied according to pacing voltage, a finding which correlated with the distance of the pathways from the site of penetration of the ventricular conduction axis. Ventricular activation times remained normal in the presence of the delta wave at higher pacing voltage but were prolonged at lower voltages.

Conclusions

Our histologic findings confirm fasciculo-ventricular connections, initially described by Mahaim as being paraspecific, are likely ubiquitous. Analysis of 12-lead electrocardiograms leads us to conclude that fasciculo-ventricular pathways, concealed during sinus rhythm, become manifest with His bundle pacing.
Timing of cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation
Authors: Leyva Francisco , Zegard Abbasin , Patel Peysh , Stegemann Berthold , Marshall Howard , Ludman Peter , Walton Jamie , de Bono Joseph , Boriani Giuseppe , Qiu Tian
Published: March 2023

Aims

The optimum timing of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation is unknown. We explored long-term outcomes after CRT in relation to the time interval from a first heart failure hospitalization (HFH) to device implantation.

Methods and results

A database covering the population of England (56.3 million in 2019) was used to quantify clinical outcomes after CRT implantation in relation to first HFHs. From 2010 to 2019, 64 968 patients [age: 71.4 ± 11.7 years; 48 606 (74.8%) male] underwent CRT implantation, 57% in the absence of a previous HFH, 12.9% during the first HFH, and 30.1% after ≥1 HFH. Over 4.54 (2.80–6.71) years [median (interquartile range); 272 989 person-years], the time in years from the first HFH to CRT implantation was associated with a higher risk of total mortality [hazard ratio (HR); 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)] (1.15; 95% CI 1.14–1.16, HFH (HR: 1.26; 95% CI 1.24–1.28), and the combined endpoint of total mortality or HFH (HR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.27–1.20) than CRT in patients with no previous HFHs, after co-variate adjustment. Total mortality (HR: 1.67), HFH (HR: 2.63), and total mortality or HFH (HR: 1.92) (all P < 0.001) were highest in patients undergoing CRT ≥2 years after the first HFH.

Conclusion

In this study of a healthcare system covering an entire nation, delays from a first HFH to CRT implantation were associated with progressively worse long-term clinical outcomes. The best clinical outcomes were observed in patients with no previous HFH and in those undergoing CRT implantation during the first HFH.

Condensed abstract

The optimum timing of CRT implantation is unknown. In this study of 64 968 consecutive patients, delays from a first heart failure hospitalization (HFH) to CRT implantation were associated with progressively worse long-term clinical outcomes. Each year from a first HFH to CRT implantation was associated with a 21% higher risk of total mortality and a 34% higher risk of HFH. The best outcomes after CRT were observed in patients with no previous HFHs and in those undergoing implantation during their first HFH.
Fully digital self-screening for atrial fibrillation with patch electrocardiogram
Authors: Sandberg Edvard Liljedahl , Halvorsen Sigrun , Berge Trygve , Grimsmo Jostein , Atar Dan , Fensli Rune , Grenne Bjørnar Leangen , Jortveit Jarle
Published: March 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. The AF is associated with severe mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs, and guidelines recommend screening people at risk. However, screening methods and organization still need to be clarified. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility of a fully digital self-screening procedure and to assess the prevalence of undetected AF using a continuous patch electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system.

Methods and results

Individuals ≥65 years old with at least one additional risk factor for stroke from the general population of Norway were invited to a fully digital continuous self-screening for AF using a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor). Participants self-reported clinical characteristics and usability online, and all participants received digital feedback of their results. A total of 2118 individuals with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc risk score of 2.6 (0.9) were enrolled in the study [74% women; mean age 70.1 years (4.2)]. Of these, 1849 (87.3%) participants completed the ECG self-screening test, while 215 (10.2%) did not try to start the test and 54 (2.5%) failed to start the test. The system usability score was 84.5. The mean ECG monitoring time was 153 h (87). Atrial fibrillation was detected in 41 (2.2%) individuals.

Conclusion

This fully digitalized self-screening procedure for AF demonstrated excellent feasibility. The number needed to screen was 45 to detect one unrecognized case of AF in subjects at risk for stroke. Randomized studies with long-term follow-up are needed to assess whether self-screening for AF can reduce the incidence of AF-related complications.

Clinical trials

NCT04700865
Bacterial communities in the phyllosphere are distinct from those in root and soil, and sensitive to plant species changes in subtropical tree plantations
Authors: Yang Hao , Zheng Yong , Yang Zhijie , Wang Quan-Cheng , Lü Peng-Peng , Hu Hang-Wei , Yang Yusheng , He Ji-Zheng
Published: March 2023

Deciphering the local diversity and community composition of plant-associated microorganisms is crucial to predict their ecological functions in forest ecosystems. The differences in microbial diversity and community composition between the aboveground and belowground tree compartments remain largely unknown. Here, we examined bacterial communities in the leaf surface (phyllosphere) and root-associated (root and rhizospheric soil) habitats of 13 tree species. Bacterial richness substantially differed across the three compartments, with the highest value observed in rhizospheric soil. Tree species exerted a significant effect on α-diversity of leaf- and soil- but not root-inhabiting bacteria. Bacterial communities were distinct across habitats and were significantly more divergent in leaf- than in root-associated habitats. Leaf nutrients and soil pH and NH4+-N were the main factors regulating leaf- and root-related community composition, respectively. This study highlights that host selection effects on bacterial community structure were more prominent in aboveground than in belowground habitats. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effect of compartments and subtropical tree species on microbial diversity, with crucial implications for sustainable forest plantation management.
The Outcomes and Interplay of Vocabulary Coping Strategies and Dictionary Skills in Task-Based Reading: An Eye Tracking Study
Authors: Prichard Caleb , Atkins Andrew
Published: March 2023

This research utilised eye tracking to examine the vocabulary coping strategies and dictionary skills of Japanese English learners in task-based reading. Participants had access to an online dictionary with four definitions per word, including three inapplicable definitions. The interplay and outcomes of reading strategies and dictionary skills were investigated. The research found that performance was not statistically different compared to previous research where participants had access to a dictionary with only the applicable definition. Given the more difficult dictionary, participants more often made regressions to investigate the context in the text, but they did not reduce their dictionary use. Most participants lacked strategic competence while reading, but they demonstrated competence in dictionary skills. In rare instances of failed dictionary use, readers usually had not inspected the context cues in the text. For task-relevant words, participants who re-read context cues and then used the dictionary performed better. Implications for educators and materials developers are discussed.
Preparation of lightweight ceramsite from remediated soil, waste glass and ceramics
Authors: Lao Youliang , An Shujun , Liang Yi , Yang Mengdi , Zhang Tao , Chen Shanshan
Published: March 2023

Lightweight ceramsite is the core material for building to achieve energy-saving and low-carbon operation. The disposal of remediated soil by Cr (VI)-contaminated waste glass and ceramics after remediation has always been a major problem in the environmental field. Herein, it analyzed the composition and sintering process of the above three solid wastes, after studying the component preparation and firing process, lightweight ceramsites with bulk density and grain density of 626.79 kg/m3 and 1142.56 kg/m3, respectively, were successfully prepared, and the leaching concentration of Cr (VI) was controlled at a low concentration level below 0.06 mg/L. Compared with the conventional ceramsite preparation technology, the method of firing ceramsite by the remediated soil, waste glass and ceramics can effect eliminate the environmental risk of solid waste and effectively reduce the consumption of clay and other resources, which has the technical advantages of safety, reliability, green and low carbon.
Research on cold chain logistics optimization model considering low-carbon emissions
Authors: Tao Ning , Yumeng Han , Meng Fu
Published: March 2023

Cold chain logistics distribution orders have increased due to the impact of COVID-19. In view of the increasing difficulty of route optimization and the increase of carbon emissions in the process of cold chain logistics distribution, a mathematical model for route optimization of cold chain logistics distribution vehicles with minimum comprehensive cost is established by considering the cost of carbon emission intensity comprehensively in this paper.

The main contributions of this paper are as follows: 1) An improved hybrid ant colony algorithm is proposed, which combined simulated annealing algorithm to get rid of the local optimal solution. 2) Chaotic mapping is introduced in pheromone update to accelerate convergence and improve search efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed method in optimizing cold chain logistics distribution path and reducing costs is verified by simulation experiments and comparison with the existing classical algorithms.
Power transaction game algorithm with microgrid based on residual regression model
Authors: Li Hongjie
Published: March 2023

Direct transaction between the microgrid and distribution network is the most common market transaction mode. With the rapid expansion of business scale, industry development and diversification of service types, it is easy to cause problems such as opaque transaction data between users and easy tampering of transaction data. To improve the trading ability of the power market in the microgrid group, a game algorithm of power trading with microgrids based on a residual regression model is proposed. According to the power quality level and power sales strategy, a residual regression model is established to balance the characteristic quantity of electricity price. The quadratic function is used to solve the optimal selling strategy of power sales companies, and the threshold of equilibrium solution is analysed. The supply and demand model of the microgrid is established to optimize the decision variables of electricity price in power sales companies, and the fitness value is obtained by particle swarm optimization. The bidding strategy game model of the microgrid power sales company is constructed, and the rules of power transaction settlement are set to realize the transaction settlement between the microgrid and distribution network. The experimental results show that the electricity price is stable, the comprehensive income is high, the user income and cost income are moderate and the profit is high. Thus, it is proven that the proposed method is economical and effective, and the economy of electric energy use is guaranteed while fully considering the self-interest of microgrids.
Evaluation of workplace hypertension preventative and detection service in a Ghanaian University
Authors: Mozu Ivan Eduku , Marfo Afia Frimpomaa Asare , Opare Addo Mercy , Buabeng Kwame Ohene , Owusu-Daaku Frances Thelma
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led hypertension screening, preventative and detection services at the workplace.

Methods

This was a prospective study conducted among staff at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology from September 2019 to September 2020. Staff were screened for hypertension and interviewed via a structured questionnaire to gather data on their lifestyle practices and risk of hypertension. Prehypertensive individuals were educated and followed up for 6 months and all participants who had blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg (hypertension) were referred to the University Hospital.

Key findings

Out of 162 participants screened, 19 (11.7%) were classified as stage 1 hypertensive, 5 (3.1%) as stage 2 hypertensive and 74 (45.7%) as prehypertensive. The commonest modifiable risk factor identified was body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (99, 61.1%) and physical inactivity (97, 59.9%). Eleven (61%) out of 18 participants referred to the physician were confirmed hypertensive and prescribed medications. After a 6 month follow-up, there was a reduction in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P < 0.05); and 47 (63.5%) out of 74 initially classified as prehypertensive had their blood pressures within the normal range.

Conclusion

Workplace preventative and detection services can effectively lead to the identification of risk factors, promotion of lifestyle changes and detection of hypertension. Such services should be integrated into workplace systems to aid the prevention and detection of chronic conditions such as hypertension.
Knockdown of LAMB3 suppressed radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via deactivating NRF2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhuang Qianru , Liu Guolong , Huang Wenqiang , He Zhijiang
Published: March 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent malignancy in Southeast Asia and Southern China. Laminin subunit beta-3 (LAMB3) has been validated to participate in diverse cancers. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of LAMB3 in NPC remain unclear. In this study, LAMB3 expression is upregulated in NPC cells and tissues. Interestingly, knockdown of LAMB3 promoted apoptosis and reduced the radioresistance of NPC cells. Besides, shLAMB3 enhanced X-ray-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanically, knockdown of LAMB3 deactivated nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway via enhancing forkhead box 3 (FOXO3) expression. In rescue experiments, suppression of NRF2 signaling pathway abrogated shLAMB3-induced NPC cell apoptosis and ROS accumulation under X-ray treatment. Similarly, LAMB3 knockdown restrains NPC tumor growth and reduces radioresistance in vivo. Thus, these findings concluded that knockdown of LAMB3 enhanced apoptosis and ROS accumulation, and suppressed radioresistance in NPC via enhancing FOXO3 expression and deactivating NRF2 signaling pathway, facilitating the development of novel strategies for NPC radioresistance.
A practical revealed preference model for separating preferences and availability effects in marriage formation
Authors: Goyal Shuchi , Handcock Mark S , Jackson Heide M , Rendall Michael S , Yeung Fiona C
Published: March 2023

Many demographic problems require models for partnership formation. We consider a model for matchings within a bipartite population where individuals have utility for people based on observed and unobserved characteristics. It represents both the availability of potential partners of different types and the preferences of individuals for such people. We develop an estimator for the preference parameters based on sample survey data on partnerships and population composition. We conduct simulation studies based on the Survey of Income and Program Participation showing that the estimator recovers preference parameters that are invariant under different population availabilities and has the correct confidence coverage.
Unilateral eyelid itching with eyelash loss after travelling
Authors: Zhang Li-Wen , Wu Juan , Chen Tao , Xu Rong-Hua
Published: March 2023

Tinea blepharitis is a rare dermatophyte infection. The characteristic broken eyelash is an important diagnostic clue by trichoscopy or slit-lamp examination. Other clinical clues suggesting dermatophytosis include pruritic scaly annular erythema and a history of recent contact with pets.
Sulfur in determining seed protein composition: present understanding of its interaction with abiotic stresses and future directions
Authors: Bonnot Titouan , Bachelet Fanélie , Boudet Julie , Le Signor Christine , Bancel Emmanuelle , Vernoud Vanessa , Ravel Catherine , Gallardo Karine
Published: March 2023

Improving and stabilizing the quality of seed proteins are of growing interest in the current food and agroecological transitions. Sulfur is a key determinant of this quality since it is essential for the synthesis of sulfur-rich proteins in seeds. A lack of sulfur provokes drastic changes in seed protein composition, negatively impacting the nutritional and functional properties of proteins, and leading in some cases to diseases or health problems in humans. Sulfur also plays a crucial role in stress tolerance through the synthesis of antioxidant or protective molecules. In the context of climate change, questions arise regarding the trade-off between seed yield and seed quality with respect to sulfur availability and use by crops that represent important sources of proteins for human nutrition. Here, we review recent work obtained in legumes, cereals, as well as in Arabidopsis, that present major advances on: (i) the interaction between sulfur nutrition and environmental or nutritional stresses with regard to seed yield and protein composition; (ii) metabolic pathways that merit to be targeted to mitigate negative impacts of environmental stresses on seed protein quality; and (iii) the importance of sulfur homeostasis for the regulation of seed protein composition and its interplay with seed redox homeostasis.
Sky-brightness measurements inJ, H, andKs bands at DOME A with NISBM and early results
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Yi-hao , Tang Qi-Jie , Wang Jian , Jiang Peng , Ashley Michael C B , Ji Tuo , Zhang Shao-hua , Feng Qi , Wang Zhi-yue , Zeng Feng , Zhang Hong-fei , Chen Jin-ting , Chen Jie , Jia Ming-hao , Zhang Guang-yu , Zhou Hong-yan , hu Yi , Wang Lifan , Zhu Qing-feng
Published: March 2023

The radiance of sky brightness differs principally with wavelength passband. Atmospheric scattering of sunlight causes the radiation in the near-infrared band. The Antarctic is a singular area of the planet, marked by an unparalleled climate and geographical conditions, including the coldest temperatures and driest climate on Earth, which leads it to be the best candidate site for observing in infrared bands. At present, there are still no measurements of night-sky brightness at DOME A. We have developed the Near-Infrared Sky Brightness Monitor (NISBM) in the J, H, and Ks bands for measurements at DOME A. The instruments were installed at DOME A in 2019 and early results of NIR sky brightness from 2019 January–April have been obtained. The variation of sky background brightness with solar elevation and scanning angle is analysed. The zenith sky flux intensity for the early night at DOME A in the J band is in the 600–1100 μJy arcsec−2 range, that in the H band is between 1100 and 2600 μJy arcsec−2, and that in the Ks band is in the range ∼200–900 μJy arcsec−2. This result shows that the sky brightness in J and H bands is close to that of Ali in China and Mauna Kea in the USA. The sky brightness in the Ks band is much better than that in Ali, China and Mauna Kea, USA. This shows that, from our early results, DOME A is a good site for astronomical observation in the Ks band.