bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of antithrombotic treatment on the fecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer screening: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Rasmussen Simon Ladefoged , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gotschalck Kåre Andersson , Thorlacius-Ussing Ole
Published: January 2023

Background Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has been widely adopted. The use of antithrombotic treatment is increasing in the Western world. This study aimed to assess the effects of antithrombotic treatment on the FIT-based Danish national screening program for CRC.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study of all individuals returning a FIT from 2014 until 2016. The effect of antithrombotic treatment on FIT positivity and the positive predictive value (PPV) were assessed using proportions and multivariable Poisson regression.

Results Of 884 036 invited individuals, we identified 551 570 participants. A positive FIT was observed in 9052 of 77 007 individuals (11.8 %) receiving antithrombotic treatment compared with 28 387 of 474 587 individuals (6.0 %) receiving no treatment. The adjusted relative risk (RR) for a positive FIT was 1.59 (95 %CI 1.56–1.63) for any treatment. Nonvitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were associated with the largest increase in FIT positivity (adjusted RR 2.40, 95 %CI 2.48–2.54). The proportion of CRC detected at colonoscopy was slightly lower among patients on antithrombotic treatment (6.0 %, 95 %CI 5.5 %–6.6 %) than among treatment-naïve patients (6.4 %, 95 %CI 6.1 %–6.7 %). The PPV for CRC or high risk adenomas was decreased nearly twofold in patients treated with NOAC (adjusted RR 0.58, 95 %CI 0.51–0.66]).

Conclusion Antithrombotic treatment was associated with a decreased PPV in FIT-based CRC screening.
Usefulness of a laser-cut covered metal stent with a 7F delivery sheath in endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage without fistula dilation
Authors: Takeshita Kotaro , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Maruki Yuta , Ohba Akihiro , Kawasaki Yuki , Hisada Yuya , Yoshinari Motohiro , Harai Shota , Kitamura Hidetoshi , Koga Takehiko , Maehara Kosuke , Murashima Yumi , Yamada Natsumi , Okada Mao , Takasaki Tetsuro , Agarie Daiki , Hara Hidenobu , Hagiwara Yuya , Okamoto Kohei , Yamashige Daiki , Kondo Shunsuke , Morizane Chigusa , Ueno Hideki , Saito Yutaka , Okusaka Takuji
Published: January 2023

Background and study aims Recently, the utility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided intervention without fistula dilation (EUS-IV WoD) has been reported to prevent adverse events. We clinically evaluated cases in which EUS-IV WoD was attempted using a novel self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS); this is a fully covered, laser-cut SEMS that has a tapered and stiff tip specifically designed for a 0.025-inch guidewire and a relatively thin, 7F delivery system.

Patients and methods We retrospectively evaluated cases wherein EUS-IV WoD was attempted using the novel SEMS between March and December 2021.

Results Treatment of 11 patients by EUS-IV WoD with the novel SEMS was attempted. The technical success rate for EUS-IV was 100 % and the clinical success rate was 100 %; the success rate for EUS-IV WoD was 72.8 %. Of these, the procedural success rate for EUS-IV WoD was 100 % in EUS-biliary drainage (BD) and 57.1 % in non-EUS-BD. Early adverse events were observed in 27.3 % of patients (3/11): mild abdominal pain in two patients and moderate bleeding in one patient. The abdominal pain cases were both cases of EUS-IV WoD failure and required fistula dilation.

Conclusions The novel stent may be useful for EUS-IV WoD, especially in EUS-BD.
2,2-Disubstituted Indoxyls via Oxidative Dearomatization: Generalization to 2-Alkylindoles and Application to Alkaloid Synthesis
Authors: Smith Myles W. , Xu Fan
Published: January 2023

2,2-Disubstituted indoxyls are commonly found within natural products and bioactive molecules. Among the numerous methods to access such motifs, the dearomative transformation of indoles represents an attractive approach. Despite much development, a potential gap exists in the oxidative union of readily accessible 2-substituted indoles with nucleophilic partners, where a general transformation accommodating 2-alkyl substitution and a broad range of nucleophiles is lacking. Herein, we describe the development of a user-friendly solution to this challenge and highlight its utility in the synthesis of complex alkaloids.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of 2,2-Disubstituted Indoxyls via Dearomatization of Indoles: Background

3 Oxidative Dearomatization of 2-Alkylindoles to 2,2-Disubstituted Indoxyls: Development

4 Selected Scope and Preliminary Investigations toward an Asymmetric Coupling

5 Application to the Total Synthesis of Complex Alkaloids

6 Conclusions
Selective Syntheses of Coumarin and Benzofuran Derivatives Using Phenols and α-Methoxy-β-ketoesters
Authors: Miyata Ryo , Shigeta Takashi , Egi Masahiro , Kumazawa Shigenori
Published: January 2023

Selective syntheses of coumarin and benzofuran derivatives were achieved via HClO4-mediated intermolecular annulation using phenols and α-methoxy-β-ketoesters. Coumarins are formed under dehydrated conditions, whereas benzofurans are formed in the presence of water. In the synthetic process of benzofurans, α-methoxy-β-ketoesters are converted into α-methoxyacetophenones, and the methoxy group is an important element in the intermolecular annulation.
Asymptotic estimate of weak solutions in a fourth-order parabolic equation with logarithm
Authors: Liu Bingchen , Li Ke , Li Fengjie
Published: January 2023

This paper deals with an initial-boundary problem of the fourth-order parabolic equation involving two logarithm terms. First, we give some results for blow-up or global solutions through classifying the initial energy and the Nehari energy. Second, we show asymptotic estimates about blow-up time and a large time estimate of solutions, respectively.
Rigorous numerical study of the Colpitts oscillator with an exponential nonlinearity
Authors: Galias Zbigniew
Published: January 2023

The dynamics of the Colpitts oscillator with an exponential nonlinearity is investigated using rigorous interval arithmetic based tools. The existence of various types of periodic attractors is proved using the interval Newton method. The main results involve the chaotic case for which a trapping region for the associated return map is constructed and a rigorous lower bound for the value of the topological entropy is computed, thus proving that the system is chaotic in the topological sense. A systematic search for unstable periodic orbits embedded in the chaotic attractor is carried out and the results are used to obtain an accurate approximation of the topological entropy of the system.
Digital autofocusing of a coded-aperture Laue diffraction microscope
Authors: Gürsoy Doğa , Sheyfer Dina , Wojcik Michael , Liu Wenjun , Tischler Jonathan Z.
Published: January 2023

To provide optimal depth resolution with a coded-aperture Laue diffraction microscope, an accurate position of the coded-aperture and its scanning geometry need to be known. However, finding the geometry by trial and error is a time-consuming and often challenging process because of the large number of parameters involved. In this paper, we propose an optimization approach to automate the focusing process after data is collected. We demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of the proposed approach with experimental data taken at a synchrotron facility.
Interface design of transparent thermoelectric epitaxial ZnO/SnO2 multilayer film for simultaneous realization of low thermal conductivity and high optical transmittance
Authors: Ishibe Takafumi , Komatsubara Yuki , Katayama Toranosuke , Yamashita Yuichiro , Naruse Nobuyasu , Mera Yutaka , Hattori Azusa N. , Tanaka Hidekazu , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: January 2023

A transparent thermoelectric material requires not only high thermoelectric performance but also high optical transmittance. However, in transparent nanostructured thermoelectric materials, the nanostructure interface brings the trade-off relationship between thermal conductivity and optical transmittance. We propose an approach for the simultaneous control of thermal conductivity and optical transmittance in the epitaxial nanostructured films, where carriers can be smoothly transported. This is realized by the interface design based on the three strategies: (1) a large atomic mass difference at the heterointerface for low thermal conductivity; (2) heterointerface with almost the same refractive index and flat surface for high optical transmittance; and (3) epitaxial heterointerface for smooth carrier transport. We formed epitaxial ZnO/SnO2 multilayer films based on this design guideline. The multilayer films exhibit lower thermal conductivity and higher optical transmittance than an ever reported transparent nanostructured thermoelectric material. These results highlight that this design is promising to realize high-performance transparent nanostructured thermoelectric materials.
Symmetry breaking of a closed flexible filament behind a rigid plate at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Zhang Huanyu , Zhao Yakun , Tian Xinliang , Wang Xiaolong , Liu Hao
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the motion modes transition and dynamic performance of the flow past a rigid–flexible coupling system were investigated at low Reynolds numbers. The coupling system consisted of a rigid plate and a trailing closed flexible filament and was simulated numerically using the immersed boundary method. According to whether the filament moves and the symmetry of its movement, six motion modes have been identified for different filament lengths and Reynolds numbers (Re), i.e., the symmetric and stationary mode, the asymmetric and stationary (AS) mode, the regular and unilateral flap (RUF) mode, the transition motion (TM) mode, the symmetric and bilateral flap mode, and the asymmetric and bilateral flap (ABF) mode. Moreover, symmetry breaking occurred in the AS mode, RUF mode, and ABF mode. Drag reduction was found at Re≥40, which was mainly influenced by the pressure behind the filament. However, drag reduction was weakened for the filament with Lr≥2.57 because of the large width suffered to the flow, where Lr is the ratio of the length of the filament to the width of the plate. The time-averaged lift was also found to be directly dependent on the symmetry of the filament. In addition, the motion modes were significantly affected by the bending coefficient of the filament. Symmetry breaking was prevented by the reduction of the bending coefficient before vortex shedding. Moreover, if the filament was symmetric before vortex shedding, the RUF mode and the TM mode did not appear with the increase in Re.
Metallic water: Transient state under ultrafast electronic excitation
Authors: Medvedev Nikita , Voronkov Roman , Volkov Alexander E.
Published: January 2023

The modern means of controlled irradiation by femtosecond lasers or swift heavy ion beams can transiently produce such energy densities in samples that reach collective electronic excitation levels of the warm dense matter state, where the potential energy of interaction of the particles is comparable to their kinetic energies (temperatures of a few eV). Such massive electronic excitation severely alters the interatomic potentials, producing unusual nonequilibrium states of matter and different chemistry. We employ density functional theory and tight binding molecular dynamics formalisms to study the response of bulk water to ultrafast excitation of its electrons. After a certain threshold electronic temperature, the water becomes electronically conducting via the collapse of its bandgap. At high doses, it is accompanied by nonthermal acceleration of ions to a temperature of a few thousand Kelvins within sub-100 fs timescales. We identify the interplay of this nonthermal mechanism with the electron–ion coupling, enhancing the electron-to-ions energy transfer. Various chemically active fragments are formed from the disintegrating water molecules, depending on the deposited dose.
Accurate calculations of out-of-pocket costs for mental healthcare consultations
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C. L. , Robson Stephen J.
Published: January 2023

What is known about the topic? When assessing real growth in costs, it is important to adjust for inflation through indexation to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The change in prices or costs over time can be calculated in constant currency amounts by adjusting by a ratio of the CPI in the year of interest to the CPI in the baseline year. What does this paper add? Rosenberg et al. (2022) did not calculate out-of-pocket costs in constant currency, which does not give an accurate estimation of costs adjusted for inflation. What are the implications for practitioners? We calculated examples to illustrate the impact of such adjustments, which substantially impact the results of the study.
Integrating fluency and prosody into multidimensional analysis
Authors: Staples Shelley , Puga Karin
Published: January 2023

Investigation of the characteristics of spoken learner language has increased in recent years but has been primarily limited to the investigation of one linguistic level (e.g., lexico-grammar), which gives a limited picture of learners’ overall linguistic competence (e.g.,Skarnitzl & Rumlová, 2019). In this study, we investigate lexico-grammar, fluency, and prosody in LINDSEI (German, Czech, and Spanish) alongside British and American English comparable corpora, using multidimensional analysis, a statistical procedure that identifies co-occurring linguistic features and leads to functional interpretation of the discourse. Results show significant differences between L1 and L2 groups on four of six dimensions and reveal novel patterns of co-occurrence. Dimension 1, for example, identifies correlates of informationally driven discourse on all three linguistic levels under investigation. These findings show the importance of including multiple linguistic levels in the analysis of learner discourse and have implications for a more holistic and functionally based approach to language instruction.
Rethinking data-driven point spread function modeling with a differentiable optical model
Authors: Liaudat Tobias , Starck Jean-Luc , Kilbinger Martin , Frugier Pierre-Antoine
Published: January 2023

In astronomy, upcoming space telescopes with wide-field optical instruments have a spatially varying point spread function (PSF). Specific scientific goals require a high-fidelity estimation of the PSF at target positions where no direct measurement of the PSF is provided. Even though observations of the PSF are available at some positions of the field of view (FOV), they are undersampled, noisy, and integrated into wavelength in the instrument’s passband. PSF modeling represents a challenging ill-posed problem, as it requires building a model from these observations that can infer a super-resolved PSF at any wavelength and position in the FOV. Current data-driven PSF models can tackle spatial variations and super-resolution. However, they are not capable of capturing PSF chromatic variations. Our model, coined WaveDiff, proposes a paradigm shift in the data-driven modeling of the point spread function field of telescopes. We change the data-driven modeling space from the pixels to the wavefront by adding a differentiable optical forward model into the modeling framework. This change allows the transfer of a great deal of complexity from the instrumental response into the forward model. The proposed model relies on efficient automatic differentiation technology and modern stochastic first-order optimization techniques recently developed by the thriving machine-learning community. Our framework paves the way to building powerful, physically motivated models that do not require special calibration data. This paper demonstrates the WaveDiff model in a simplified setting of a space telescope. The proposed framework represents a performance breakthrough with respect to the existing state-of-the-art data-driven approach. The pixel reconstruction errors decrease six-fold at observation resolution and 44-fold for a 3x super-resolution. The ellipticity errors are reduced at least 20 times, and the size error is reduced more than 250 times. By only using noisy broad-band in-focus observations, we successfully capture the PSF chromatic variations due to diffraction. WaveDiff source code and examples associated with this paper are available at this link

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In situ construction of ZIF-67 derived Mo2C@cobalt/carbon composites toward excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties
Authors: Yang Guorui , Wen Bo , Wang Yifan , Zhou Xinyu , Liu Xiaofeng , Ding Shujiang
Published: January 2023

Electromagnetic wave (EM) absorption materials with multi-loss mechanisms and optimized impedance matching have attracted considerable attention as a means to combat the ever-increasing electromagnetic pollution. Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) with outstanding environmental stability and high conductivity is becoming popular as EM absorption materials. Herein, the CoMoO4@ZIF-67 precursor was synthesized by an in situ sacrificial template method, followed by calcining to synthesize porous Mo2C@cobalt/carbon (Mo2C@Co/C) composites. The homogeneously dispersed Mo2C and Co nanoparticles as well as the porous structures resulted from the novel in situ fabrication strategy could generate abundant interfaces and induce effective multi-loss mechanisms including polarization loss, conductivity loss, magnetic loss, and so on. The as-prepared optimal composite (Mo2C@Co/C-10) demonstrates superior electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance with a maximum reflection loss value of −37.9 dB at the matching thickness of 2.3 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.52 GHz was realized at 1.9 mm. The excellent EM wave absorption properties can be attributed to the good impedance matching, synergistic effects among different loss mechanisms, multiple reflection and scattering. This work not only developed an effective ternary EM absorption materials of Mo2C@Co/C, but also propose a facile in situ strategy to fabricate more highly- dispersed mecarbide-basedased materials.
Study of vibrational kinetics of CO2 and CO in CO2–O2 plasmas under non-equilibrium conditions
Authors: Fromentin C , Silva T , Dias T C , Morillo-Candas A S , Biondo O , Guaitella O , Guerra V
Published: January 2023

This work explores the effect of O2 addition on CO2 dissociation and on the vibrational kinetics of CO2 and CO under various non-equilibrium plasma conditions. A self-consistent model, previously validated for pure CO2 discharges, is further extended by adding the vibrational kinetics of CO, including electron impact excitation and de-excitation (e-V), vibration-to-translation relaxation (V-T) and vibration-to-vibration energy exchange (V-V) processes. The vibrational kinetics considered include levels up to v = 10 for CO and up to v
1 = 2 and v
2 = v
3 = 5, respectively for the symmetric stretch, bending and asymmetric stretch modes of CO2, and accounts for e-V, V-T in collisions between CO, CO2 and O2 molecules and O atoms and V-V processes involving all possible transfers involving CO2 and CO molecules. The kinetic scheme is validated by comparing the model predictions with recent experimental data measured in a DC glow discharge ignited in pure CO2 and CO2–O2, operating at pressures in the range 0.4–5 Torr (53.33–666.66 Pa). The experimental results show a lower vibrational temperature of the different modes of CO2 and a decreased dissociation fraction of CO2 when O2 is added to the plasma but an increase of the vibrational temperature of CO. On the one hand, the simulations suggest that the former effect is the result of the stronger V-T energy-transfer collisions with O atoms which leads to an increase of the relaxation of the CO2 vibrational modes. On the other hand, two main mechanisms contribute to the lower CO2 dissociation fraction with increased O2 content in the mixture: the back reaction, CO(a3Πr) + O2 → CO2 + O and the recombinative detachment O− + CO → e + CO2.
3D printed multilayer dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Su Sen , He Tian , Yang Hui
Published: January 2023

In recent years, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been widely used as flexible materials owing to their advantages of large strain, high efficiency, high energy density, and fast response in soft robots, grippers, and various artificial muscles. However, dielectric elastomers (DEs) are generally spin-coated and fabricated. The fabrication process is very complicated and cannot be realized quickly or in large quantities. In this study, we investigated a DEA that can be used for rapid fabrication via three-dimensional (3D) printing. This DE material can be rapidly cured using ultraviolet light and exhibits good mechanical and electrical properties. The material was modified based on CN 9021 (acrylate), and by adjusting the weight ratio of the diluent and crosslinker in the ink, viscosity and optimal mechanical properties that can be fabricated by 3D printing were obtained. The modified ink was then tested by printing it on a self-designed 3D printing platform, and the fabrication process was analyzed and improved to successfully produce DEA. The 3D printed single layer DEA can achieve a tip displacement of about 7.6 mm at the voltage of 2.5 KV. Comparing the driving performance of the DEA made by spin coating with that made by 3D printing, the DEA made by both fabrication methods showed the same performance. This 3D printing method greatly simplifies the DEA fabrication process and improves fabrication efficiency.
Solving a generalized fractional diffusion equation with variable fractional order and moving boundary by two numerical methods: FDM vs FVM
Authors: Li Jia , Li Botong , Hu Yajing
Published: January 2023

In this paper, both the finite difference method (FDM) and the finite volume method (FVM) are employed to solve the fractional partial differential diffusion equation with temporal dimension and one spatial dimension. In this case, the boundary on the right of the domain is moving with time, while the variable fractional order is depicted as a function of both time and space. Special technique has been proposed to deal with the moving boundary which not only involves the computational difficulty and also accumulates the error. The accuracy and computational resource consumption of the two methods are compared in four designed cases with different functions of moving boundaries and fractional orders. The results show that the computation cost of FDM and FVM is almost the same in problems with one-dimensional space, but the accuracy of the FDM is higher than that of the FVM. Besides, compared with linear cases, the computational accuracy of both methods decreases significantly with nonlinear functions of fractional derivative and moving boundary.
Universal signatures of singularity-resolving physics in photon rings of black holes and horizonless objects
Authors: Eichhorn Astrid , Held Aaron , Johannsen Philipp-Vincent
Published: January 2023

Within quantum-gravity approaches and beyond, different mechanisms for singularity resolution in black holes exist. Under a set of assumptions that we spell out in detail, these mechanisms leave their imprint in shadow images of spherically symmetric black holes.
We find that even current EHT accuracy is sufficient to place nontrivial constraints on the scale of new physics within one modified spacetime, if the EHT measurement of M87* is combined with an independent measurement of the black-hole mass.
In other spacetimes, increased accuracy is required that the next-generation EHT may deliver.

We show how the combination of n = 1 and n = 2 photon rings is a powerful probe of the spacetime geometry of regular black holes, even when considering astrophysical uncertainties in accretion disks. Further, we generate images containing a localized emission region, inspired by the idea of hotspots in accretion flows.
Finally, we investigate the photon-ring structure of a horizonless object, which is characterized by either two or no photon spheres. We show how photon rings annihilate each other, when there is no photon sphere in the spacetime.
A 16-channel programmable SiPM bias supply system for Cherenkov telescope imaging camera
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Upadhya S.S. , Parmar N.K. , Ranjan M. , Nagesh B.K. , Gothe K.S. , Singh B.B. , Rao S.K. , Chitnis V. , Acharya B.S. , Bhatnagar V.
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) have
emerged as a promising photodetector in various applications such as
high energy physics, nuclear physics and medical instruments. One
such application is in the pixelated camera of Imaging Atmospheric
Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs). IACTs are used to detect very
high-energy celestial gamma rays using Atmospheric Cherenkov
Technique. The SiPM gain is proportional to the overvoltage which is
the difference between applied bias voltage and breakdown
voltage. As the SiPM breakdown voltage increases with temperature,
the overvoltage and hence the gain decreases proportionally
(2-3%/°C) at a constant applied bias voltage. Also, the actual bias
voltage across the SiPM changes with load current due to voltage
drop across a series resistor in SiPM bias circuit, thus causing a
change in overvoltage and gain. To maintain a constant gain of the
SiPM, the applied bias voltage need to be adjusted to compensate for
the changes in temperature and load. We are developing a 256-pixel
imaging camera with SiPM as its photo-sensor. The camera will be
placed at the focal point of telescope and will be operated during
night in outdoor environment at Hanle, Ladakh, India. The night
temperature at Hanle typically varies by ∼ 10°C overnight
and ∼ 40°C (-20°C to +20°C) over the
year. Thus, gain of SiPMs, exposed to the environment, may vary
considerably during observations. A prototype 8-channel bias supply
board with real time temperature & load compensation is developed
to operate the camera SiPMs at fixed gain throughout the observation
night.

The voltage range of the bias supply for each channel is from 10 V
to 80 V with 5 mV resolution and current upto 4 mA. The output
voltage and current can be monitored with a resolution of
∼ 5 mV and ∼ 0.3 μA respectively. The single board
computer, Raspberry Pi, is connected to the bias supply board over a
7-wire Customized Serial Peripheral Interface (CSPI) for control and
monitoring. A multi-channel SiPM bias supply system is realized by
daisy-chaining 8-channel boards through CSPI to cater bias voltage
to all the pixels of the camera. The system is operated remotely
using Ethernet interface of Raspberry-Pi. This paper discusses the
design, development and performance of the prototype 16-channel
closed-loop, programmable bias supply system with built-in
compensation for changes in temperature and load.
Deactivation of a steam reformer catalyst in chemical looping hydrogen systems: experiments and modeling
Authors: Stoppacher B , Lonardi F , Bock S , Bele M , Bertucco A , Hacker V
Published: January 2023

The utilization of real producer gases such as raw biogas or gasified wood for chemical looping hydrogen production implies the introduction of harmful contaminants into the process. Hydrogen sulfide represents one of the most challenging trace gases in the reformer steam iron cycle. The aim of the present work was an in-depth investigation of steam reforming with pure methane and synthetic biogas contaminated with selective concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 ppm of hydrogen sulfide. To validate the experimental data, the fixed-bed reactor system was modeled as one-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous plug flow reactor by an adapted Maxted model. In a preliminary thermodynamic study, the dry equilibrium composition was determined within a deviation of 4% for steam methane reforming (SMR) and 2% for synthetic biogas reforming compared to the experimental results. The impact of hydrogen sulfide on the reactivity of the catalyst was characterized by the residual methane conversion. The deactivation rate and extent is directly proportional to the concentration of H2S, as higher hydrogen sulfide concentrations lead to a faster deactivation and lower residual methane conversion. A comparison of the methane conversion as a function of sulfur coverage between experimental and simulated data showed good agreement. The predicted results are within <10% deviation for SMR and synthetic biogas reforming, except for sulfur coverages between 0.6 and 0.8. The temperature in the catalyst bed was monitored throughout the deactivation process to gather additional information about the reaction behavior. It was possible to visualize the shift of the reforming reaction front towards the bottom of the reactor caused by catalyst deactivation. The impact of sulfur chemisorption on the morphology of the steam reformer catalyst was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) and Brunnauer–Emmet–Teller techniques. SEM patterns clearly indicated the presence of sulfur as a sort of dust on the surface of the catalyst, which was confirmed by EDS analysis with a sulfur concentration of 0.04 wt%.
Impact of mitigation measures to improve home indoor air quality in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Edwards Leslie , Wilkinson Paul , Rutter Gemma , Iverson Leslie , Milojevic Ai
Published: January 2023

Air purifiers (APs) and home sealing are interventions used to help protect U.S. diplomats against particle pollution in the home when working in polluted cities. We investigated the effect of these interventions on home indoor and personal PM2.5 exposure in Kathmandu, Nepal. Twenty-one participants underwent repeated 48 hour personal monitoring before and after intervention. We analyzed these measurements by microenvironment. Indoor-outdoor ratios (I/O) using the home indoor PM2.5 values were calculated in order to assess the air filtration capacity at home in light of increasing outdoor PM2.5 post-intervention. To quantify the effect of intervention on home indoor PM2.5, we conducted a meta-analysis of the results of dwelling-by-dwelling regression of indoor-on-outdoor (I/O) PM2.5 concentrations. On average, adding high-capacity APs and home sealing led to a 15% decrease in PM2.5 measured at home, excluding cooking periods, with a mean (standard deviation) of 7.5 (6.4) μg m−3 pre- to 6.4 (8.1) μg m−3 post-intervention despite a 57% increase in outdoor PM2.5, from 43.8 (30.8) μg m−3 pre- to 68.9 (40.7) μg m−3 post-intervention. Overall mean personal exposure fell by 36% from 15.2 (10.6) μg m−3 to 9.8 (8.7) μg m−3. I/O ratios decreased as outdoor PM2.5 strata increased; when outdoor PM2.5 < 25 μg m−3 the I/O decreased from 0.38 pre- to 0.12 post-intervention and when outdoor PM2.5 was 101–200 μg m−3 the I/O decreased from 0.12 pre- to 0.07 post-intervention. The mean regression slope of indoor-on-outdoor PM2.5 decreased from 0.13 (95% CI 0.09, 0.17) in pre-intervention dwellings to 0.07 (0.04, 0.10) post-intervention. I/O ratios showed a weak negative (not statistically significant) inverse association with air changes per hour at home. In the high pollution environment of Kathmandu, APs with home sealing provide substantial protection against ambient PM2.5 in the home environment, including during periods when outdoor PM2.5 concentration was above 100 μg m−3.
Preprint Highlight: LRRK2 Suppresses Lysosome Degradative Activity in Macrophages and Microglia via Transcription Factor E3 Inhibition
Authors: Mantegazza Adriana R.
Published: January 2023

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) that increase kinase activity are associated with some forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). While increased LRRK2 activity is linked to impaired lysosomal function, the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Using mutant mouse models and human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived macrophages and microglia, the authors show an inverse correlation between LRRK2 activity and the mRNA levels of lysosomal hydrolases and cathepsins responsible for lysosomal proteolytic activity. Notably, the abundance and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor TFE3, one of the master lysosomal gene expression regulators, was found to be inhibited by LRRK2. This study reveals a new player that links LRRK2 to lysosomal function and positions the TFE family as a potentially promising target in the pathogenesis of PD.

This preprint has been assigned the following badges: New Hypothesis, Cross-Species, New Materials, Cross-Validation.

Read the preprint on bioRxiv ( Yadavalli and Ferguson, 2022 ): https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.12.17.520834 .
Barriers and Strategies for Hepatitis B and C Elimination in Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Huma , Mahmood Hassan , Sabry Ahmed , Hermez Joumana
Published: January 2023

Background

Pakistan has a high hepatitis burden for both hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). To achieve World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 targets for hepatitis elimination, there is a need to constitute progress in the country, find the barriers and strategies for HCV elimination, and take actions to address the gaps.

Methods

We collected data from (1) WHO estimates in 2020, (2) midterm review questionnaire of the WHO regional action plan, and (3) WHO estimates on immunization. We analyzed these data to inform (1) the burden defined as prevalence and mortality and (2) response in 3 thematic areas: governance, policy, and finance; strategic information; and service delivery.

Results

The prevalence of hepatitis B in the general population is 1.6% with 12 000 deaths/year. The prevalence of hepatitis C in the general population is 7.5% with 19 000 deaths and 545 000 new cases (incidence)/year. The selected indicators to monitor progress on viral hepatitis in Pakistan were governance and financing, policies and guidelines, and strategic information. The overall governance indicators are good with a focal point, a national hepatitis strategy, an operational plan, strategy for price reduction, and involvement of civil society but the costed action plan and the advocacy strategy are missing. The indicators on policies and guidelines are also adequately addressed. The hepatitis B and C testing and treatment guidelines are available, there is a policy to screen all blood donations, and there is an injection safety policy, but the policy for timely hepatitis B vaccine birth dose and hepatitis B vaccination for the vulnerable is missing. Both indicators regarding strategic information, that is measures of key hepatitis indicators and regular data review, are missing. The status of 5 key interventions in Pakistan show that the hepatitis B vaccination coverage is 74% and only 3% of newborn children are given the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose. Only 22% of HCV cases have been diagnosed and 2% have received treatment. Treatment response is 96%. Same-day testing and treatment of hepatitis C reduced the overall dropout rate and improved the cascade of care. Decentralization and task shifting are important tools to improve service delivery and reach communities. Finances to implement hepatitis elimination is a major barrier.

Conclusions

Pakistan has the highest hepatitis disease burden. With the current pace, hepatitis elimination appears impossible. Introduction of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and improving access and affordability of testing can improve the testing and treatment numbers. Finances need to be mobilized from within the country and outside to support disease elimination.
Age and gender differences in symptom experience and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Veltkamp Denise M J , Wang Yiman , Meuleman Yvette , Dekker Friedo W , Michels Wieneke M , van der Boog Paul J M , de Vries Aiko P J
Published: January 2023

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an increasingly important patient-reported outcome in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study explored relationships between symptom prevalence and burden with HRQOL, and age and gender differences in symptom experience.

Methods

Eligible Dutch KTRs transplanted in Leiden University Medical Center were invited for this cross-sectional study. HRQOL, and occurrence and burden of 62 symptoms were measured using validated questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used for investigating the associations of symptom experience with mental and physical HRQOL, and differences in symptom experience between genders and KTRs of diverse age groups.

Results

A total of 631 KTRs were analyzed; the mean (standard deviation) age was 61.3 (11.3) years, and 62% were male. The median (interquartile range) number of symptoms was 14 (7–22), with a burden of 20 (8–37; range 0–244). Per extra symptom, physical and mental HRQOL decreased [–0.41 (–0.50; –0.31) and –0.51 (–0.59; –0.42), respectively, P < .001]. Most occurring symptoms were bruises, tiredness, lack of energy, urge to urinate at night and dry skin. Sexual problems were considered most burdensome. Female KTRs reported more symptoms than men. Amongst others, younger KTRs experienced more (18–50 > 50–65 ≥65 years) feelings of depression and both female and younger KTRs reported higher symptom prevalence concerning changes in physical appearance.

Conclusion

KRTs’ symptom experience differed depending on gender and age, highlighting the need to develop tailored treatment strategies to reduce symptom experience and subsequently improve HRQOL.
Non-Catholic Observers at Vatican II
Authors: De Mey Peter
Published: January 2023

There are several ways to discuss the role of the observers at Vatican II. This chapter will follow a chronological approach that focuses on the immediate reactions and contributions of the observers during the sessions and intersessions. Over four years, the Secretariat for Christian Unity invited an ever-expanding group of non-Catholic observers and guests to participate in the council. They attended the public sessions and general congregations but could not participate in commission meetings. They had many opportunities to share their views on the draft documents and reported on the event of the council and on the different documents in confidential reports that were communicated to their sending bodies. The study of this material helps us to better understand the expectations and concerns of non-Catholic theologians regarding this important attempt to renew the Catholic Church and its theology.
The Reception of Vatican II by Anglicans
Authors: Chapman Mark D.
Published: January 2023

This chapter begins by charting the origins of the Church of England in the anti-Romanism that grew from the Reformation and became a key aspect of English identity. After describing the limited relations between Anglicans and Catholics in the years leading up to Vatican II, it goes on to discuss the visit of Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher in 1960, which set a new direction for ecumenism. Charting the impact of the Anglican observers during the council, it notes the importance of the explicit recognition of Anglicanism as a distinct form of church for Anglican self-definition. This led to close relationships between Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Paul VI, symbolized by the pope’s gift of an episcopal ring during Ramsey’s visit to Rome in 1966, and to the inauguration of the Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) process, one of the most productive of the ecumenical dialogues emerging from the council.
Movements of Ressourcement in Theology
Authors: Grumett David
Published: January 2023

The origins of ressourcement lie in mid-nineteenth-century France, when numerous patristic and medieval texts were commercially published. Before the Second Vatican Council, key ressourcement figures included the Jesuits de Lubac and Daniélou and the Dominicans Chenu and Congar. However, only slowly did ressourcement come to shape official church teaching. The council’s preparatory documents used ressourcement to endorse existing positions, but many bishops advocated a thorough revision of method and content. Lumen Gentium articulated a patristic vision of the Church as Christ’s organic and mystical body, using ressourcement texts to describe the roles of bishops, priests, and laity. In Dei Verbum, ressourcement supported a patristic single-source model of revelation in Christ, and the missiology of Ad Gentes Divinitus was shaped by Greek sources. Presbyterorum Ordinis emphasized the missional context of priesthood, which was central in the Early Church, while Gaudium et Spes used ressourcement to support its radical economic theology.
Catholicism and International Affairs Since Vatican II
Authors: Shadle Matthew A.
Published: January 2023

The Holy See has a long history of engaging in diplomatic relations to pursue the interests of the Church and promote peace. The Second Vatican Council renewed the Church’s sense of its identity and mission and had a profound impact on the Vatican’s diplomacy in the years that followed. This chapter briefly looks at the history of the diplomacy of the Holy See, then examines how major themes of the Second Vatican Council shaped the Holy See’s diplomacy. The chapter then turns to exploring some of the most important diplomatic efforts of the Holy See since the council, including the pursuit of nuclear disarmament during the Cold War, the promotion of human rights, diplomacy for peace in the Middle East, and advocacy for social development and sustainability.
Evangelicals and the Reception of the Second Vatican Council
Authors: Perry Timothy
Published: January 2023

The half-century since the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council has seen a marked reduction of mutual suspicion and a growing sense of cooperation between the Catholic Church and the various bodies collectively known as ‘evangelicalism’. This chapter seeks to articulate the role of the council in this growing and transforming relationship from the evangelical side. Contrary to appearances, the evidence suggests that the role the council played was minimal and indirect. At the time of the council, some evangelical theologians took notice. Their views, however, had little influence in the evangelical mainstream press or mindset because of the movement’s internal diversity and lack of magisterium. Subsequent growth in cooperative efforts can be more directly attributed to other factors, such as the charismatic renewal movement, the influence of Pope St John Paul II, and the American ‘culture wars’, which forged what one evangelical theologian has called an ‘ecumenism of the trenches’ between evangelicals and Catholics. Conversely, outside Anglo-America, the council has had little, if any, effect. This is in spite not only of the council, but also of more recent papal pronouncements on ecumenism and cooperation in mission.
Vatican II and Interreligious Dialogue
Authors: Phan Peter C.
Published: January 2023

This chapter first outlines the historical and theological contexts in which the Second Vatican Council formulates its teaching on the salvation of individual non-Christian believers and on the role of non-Christian religions in the history of salvation. The second part expounds the teaching of Vatican II on non-Christian believers, non-believers, and non-Christian religions, especially Asian religions. Vatican II affirms the possibility of salvation for non-Christian individuals, describes the various ways in which they are related to or ordered towards the Church, abandons the exclusivist theology of religions, and moves in the direction of an inclusivist stance towards non-Christian religions. It leaves open the question of whether the existence of non-Christian religions belongs to God’s plan of salvation. The third part discusses three quaestiones disputatae in the aftermath of the council: the possibility of divine revelation and faith in non-Christian religions, the salvific power of non-Christian religions, and the necessity of evaluating Christianity from the point of view of other religions.
Editions of the Council Documents in English
Authors: Tanner Norman
Published: January 2023

The chapter is divided into four sections: (1) historical background: how Greek and Latin were the obvious choices for the first twenty ecumenical councils, from Nicaea I in 325 to Vatican I in 1869–70, regarding both the bishops’ debates and the decrees promulgated, and how this situation had changed by the time of Vatican II due to the decline of Latin and the rise of vernacular languages, of which English was the most widespread; (2) English translations of the documents of Vatican II, focusing on the three most important publications; (3) criticisms of these English translations in Rome, especially those of Archbishop Levada, Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith; and (4) conclusion: the role of anglophones during and after the council, with special attention to reports in The New Yorker and women ‘auditors’.
The Constitution on Sacred Liturgy
Authors: Baldovin John F.
Published: January 2023

This chapter explores the significance of Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, as it seeks to foster the full, conscious, and active participation of all the baptized in the prayer of the Church. The chapter situates the document in the context of the nineteenth- and twentieth-century movement of liturgical renewal, its redaction history, and post-conciliar reception. Further, the chapter presents the theological principles and pastoral directives of the constitution which guide the liturgical renewal and practice of the Church, including implications for sacramental rites, the liturgical year, the liturgy of the hours, sacred music, and the arts.
Wellens syndrome
Authors: Alexander Joshua , Rizzolo Denise
Published: January 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death in the United States, and it is estimated that every 40 seconds one person experiences a heart attack. Among patients with chronic CAD, many will experience a potentially fatal complication known as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Wellens syndrome is a rare form of ACS that indicates critical left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and can be identified by its characteristic T-wave patterns on ECG. This syndrome also may go unrecognized by clinicians because of a lack of familiarity with the ECG findings. This article describes the Wellens ECG pattern and its significance in patients with chest pain.
Mentoring novice NPs
Authors: Davis Lindsay , Mullins Kim , Fathman Amy , Donaworth Sherry
Published: January 2023

The transition to professional practice is a challenging time for the novice NP. Mentorship is an effective strategy to ease this transition and increase success in the role. This article provides recommendations for best practice in mentoring the transitioning novice NP.