bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of polyethylene glycol and enzymes in identifying antibody specificity in a patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Bhagavathi Sree , Mukherjee Somnath , Prakash Satya , Sahu Ansuman , Mishra Debasish , Nagrath Priyanka
Published: August 2023

Alloimmunization is a common problem in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Providing antigen-negative units in this group of patients makes it challenging for the transfusion laboratory. Antibody identification is required to decrease the incidence of hemolytic transfusion reaction in case of alloimmunization. In SCD patients, identification of antibody specificity is essential to prevent particularly delayed type transfusion reactions. This is a case report of a transfusion-dependent SCD patient whose antibody specificity could not be determined on initial antibody identification testing. A modified antibody identification test was done with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and enzyme to identify antibody specificity in this patient. Alloantibody anti-c was identified and reported to the clinician. The patient was transfused with c antigen- negative blood. This case report highlights the role of PEG and enzyme treatment in antibody identification for transfusion support in this group of highly alloimmunized patients.
The determinants of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) adoption: a cross-country study
Authors: Sassi Wafa , Ben Othman Hakim , Hussainey Khaled
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the determinants of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) adoption using the Technology-Organizational-Environment framework. This framework explains how the process of adopting and implementing XBRL is influenced by the technological context (country's firm-level technology absorption and technological capacity), organizational context (education) and environmental context (level of economic development; degree of external economic openness; investor protection; accounting system and the burden of government regulation). Using a sample of 78 countries during the period 2009–2017, we find that countries with high levels of technology absorption, higher levels of economic development and strong investor protection are more likely to adopt XBRL.
(Im)politeness mismatches in the multi-dialogic pragmatics of telecinematic satire
Authors: Druzhinin Andrey S. , Scholte Tom , Fomina Tatiana A.
Published: August 2023

The paper addresses the problem of (im)politeness in light of mismatches between what we/others say and what we/others mean in a multi-dialogic search for meaning where humans integrate all their competence-in-performance and co-construct situated relationships in a more or less sustainable way. We examine how these processes occur by analyzing (im)politeness mismatches in telecinematic satire using dialogic speech act typology and methods of the Mixed Game Model to describe and explain the communicative meta-meaning of (im)politeness. We demonstrate that in satire the dialogic semantics of (im)politeness is polyvalent, interactant-relative, temporally variable, scalar and self-reflexive because it is part of integrational language-in-use engagement with the world through which humans construct multiple relational domains and relationships in them.
Optical, magnetic, and photoluminescence properties of Cr/Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesised by solution combustion method
Authors: Devasena S. M. , Murali G. , Amaranatha Reddy D. , Ratnakaram Y. C. , Sharon Smiley A. , Sunil Kumar K. , Vijayalakshmi R. P.
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigated the structural, optical, photoluminescence, and magnetic characteristics of pristine and Cr/Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared via the solution combustion method. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited a monophasic hexagonal structure. The successful incorporation of Cr/Mn elements into the ZnO lattice is reflected in the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis. absorbance spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. Further, the photoluminescence intensity of ZnO nanoparticles changed upon Cr/Mn-doping due to the changed defect structure of nanoparticles. Furthermore, both pristine and Cr/Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles revealed the ferromagnetic behaviour, wherein the doping of Cr/Mn enhanced the ferromagnetic characteristics. Overall, our results divulged that doping ZnO nanoparticles with appropriate combination of transition elements would leads to unearth fascinating optical and magnetic properties.
Global numerical simulation of chemical reactions in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) exposed to atmospheric-pressure plasmas
Authors: Alfianto Enggar , Ikuse Kazumasa , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2023

When a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution is exposed to atmospheric-pressure plasmas generated in air, hydrogen peroxide

H

2

O

2

in the solution is known to be decomposed by hypochlorite

O
C
l

−

, which is formed in the solution from reactions between chlorine ions

C
l

−

present in the PBS solution and plasma-generated reactive oxygen species. Global numerical simulations of liquid-phase chemical reactions were performed to identify the reaction mechanisms of

H

2

O

2

decomposition by solving known liquid-phase chemical reactions self-consistently. It has been confirmed that the decomposition of

H

2

O

2

is indeed mostly due to the presence of

O
C
l

−

in the solution. However, this study has also found that, in the presence of abundant hydroxyl (

O
H

) radicals, the most efficient

H

2

O

2

decomposition pathway can be a series of reactions that we call a chlorine monoxide cycle, where

O
C
l

−

first reacts with

O
H

to generate chlorine monoxide

C
l
O

, which then decomposes

H
O
C
l

, rather than

O
C
l

−

directly decomposing

H

2

O

2

. The chlorine monoxide cycle generates

O
H

as one of its byproducts, so once this cycle is initiated, it continues until either

C
l
O

−

or

H

2

O

2

runs out, as long as none of the intermediates are scavenged by other reactions.
Topological phononic metamaterials
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Deng Weiyin , Liu Yang , Lu Jiuyang , Wang Hai-Xiao , Lin Zhi-Kang , Huang Xueqin , Jiang Jian-Hua , Liu Zhengyou
Published: August 2023

The concept of topological energy bands and their manifestations have been demonstrated in condensed matter systems as a fantastic paradigm toward unprecedented physical phenomena and properties that are robust against disorders. Recent years, this paradigm was extended to phononic metamaterials (including mechanical and acoustic metamaterials), giving rise to the discovery of remarkable phenomena that were not observed elsewhere thanks to the extraordinary controllability and tunability of phononic metamaterials as well as versatile measuring techniques. These phenomena include, but not limited to, topological negative refraction, topological ‘sasers’ (i.e. the phononic analog of lasers), higher-order topological insulating states, non-Abelian topological phases, higher-order Weyl semimetal phases, Majorana-like modes in Dirac vortex structures and fragile topological phases with spectral flows. Here we review the developments in the field of topological phononic metamaterials from both theoretical and experimental perspectives with emphasis on the underlying physics principles. To give a broad view of topological phononics, we also discuss the synergy with non-Hermitian effects and cover topics including synthetic dimensions, artificial gauge fields, Floquet topological acoustics, bulk topological transport, topological pumping, and topological active matters as well as potential applications, materials fabrications and measurements of topological phononic metamaterials. Finally, we discuss the challenges, opportunities and future developments in this intriguing field and its potential impact on physics and materials science.
Primordial feature constraints from BOSS + eBOSS
Authors: Mergulhão Thiago , Beutler Florian , Peacock John A.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the universe in its pristine epoch is crucial in order to obtain a concise comprehension of the late-time universe. Although current data in cosmology are compatible with Gaussian primordial perturbations whose power spectrum follows a nearly scale-invariant power law, this need not be the case when a fundamental theoretical construction is assumed. These extended models lead to sharp features in the primordial power spectrum, breaking its scale invariance. In this work, we obtain combined constraints on four primordial feature models by using the final data release of the BOSS galaxies and eBOSS quasars. By pushing towards the fundamental mode of these surveys and using the larger eBOSS volume, we were able to extend the feature parameter space (i.e. the feature frequency ω) by a factor of four compared to previous analyses using BOSS. While we did not detect any significant features, previous work showed that next-generation galaxy surveys such as DESI will improve the sensitivity to features by a factor of 7, and will also extend the parameter space by a factor of 2.5.
Statistical anisotropy in galaxy ellipticity correlations
Authors: Shiraishi Maresuke , Okumura Teppei , Akitsu Kazuyuki
Published: August 2023

As well as the galaxy number density and peculiar velocity, the galaxy intrinsic alignment can be used to test the cosmic isotropy. We study distinctive impacts of the isotropy breaking on the configuration-space two-point correlation functions (2PCFs) composed of the spin-2 galaxy ellipticity field. For this purpose, we build a formalism for general types of the isotropy-violating 2PCFs and a methodology to efficiently compute them by generalizing the polypolar spherical harmonic decomposition approach to the spin-weighted version. As a demonstration, we analyze the 2PCFs when the matter power spectrum has a well-knowng*-type isotropy-breaking term (induced by, e.g., dark vector fields). We then confirm that some anisotropic distortions indeed appear in the 2PCFs and their shapes rely on a preferred direction causing the isotropy violation,d̂. Such a feature can be a distinctive indicator for testing the cosmic isotropy. Comparing the isotropy-violating 2PCFs computed with and without the plane parallel (PP) approximation, we find that, depending ond̂, the PP approximation is no longer valid when an opening angle between the directions towards target galaxies is 𝒪(1°) for the density-ellipticity and velocity-ellipticity cross correlations and around 10° for the ellipticity auto correlation. This suggests that an accurate test for the cosmic isotropy requires the formulation of the 2PCF without relying on the PP approximation.
Improved bounds on the bosonic dark matter with pulsars in the Milky Way
Authors: Liang Dicong , Shao Lijing
Published: August 2023

Neutron stars (NSs) can be used to constrain dark matter (DM) since a
NS can transform into a black hole (BH) if it captures sufficient DM particles
and exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit. We extend earlier work and for the first
time take into account the Galactic motion of individual NSs, which changes the
amount of the captured DM by as large as one to two orders of magnitude. We
systematically apply the analysis to 413 NSs in the Milky Way, and constrain the
DM particle mass and its interaction with nucleon simultaneously. We find that
the most stringent bound is placed by a few NSs and the bound becomes stronger after considering the Galactic motion.
The survival of observed NSs already
excludes a cross section σ

nX ≳ 10-45 cm2 for DM
particles with mass from 100 MeV to 103 GeV. Especially
for a mass around 10 GeV, the constraint on the cross section is as
stringent as σ

nX ≲ 10-49 cm2.
High-order effect on the transmission of two optical solitons
Authors: Yi 伊 Houhui 厚会 , Yao 姚 Yanli 延立 , Zhang 张 Xin 鑫 , Ma 马 Guoli 国利
Published: August 2023

For optical solitons with the pulse width in the subpicosecond and femtosecond scales in optical fibers, a modified model containing higher-order effects such as third-order dispersion and third-order nonlinearity is needed. In this paper, in order to study the dynamic mechanism of femtosecond solitons in different media, we take the nonlinear Schrödinger equation considering higher-order effects as the theoretical model, discuss the propagation of solitons in single-mode fibers, and explore the third-order dispersion and third-order nonlinear effects on the generation of optical solitons. The exact solution of the theoretical model is obtained through the bilinear method, and the transmission characteristics of two solitons with exact soliton solutions in actual fiber systems are analyzed and studied. The influence of various conditions on the transmission and interaction of optical solitons is explored. Methods for optimizing the transmission characteristics of optical solitons in optical communication systems are suggested. The relevant conclusions of this paper have guiding significance for improving the quality of fiber optic communication and increasing bit rates.
Revisiting the thermodynamics of the BTZ black hole with a variable gravitational constant*
Authors: Bai 白 Yan-Ying 艳英 , Chen 陈 Xuan-Rui 宣瑞 , Xu 许 Zhen-Ming 震明 , Wu 吴 Bin 滨
Published: August 2023

The thermodynamics of BTZ black holes are revisited with a variable gravitational constant. A new pair of conjugated thermodynamic variables are introduced, including the central charge C and chemical potential μ. The first law of thermodynamics and the Euler relationship, instead of the Smarr relationship in the extended phase space formalism, are matched perfectly in the proposed formalism. Compatible with the standard extensive thermodynamics of an ordinary system, the black hole mass is verified to be a first order homogeneous function of the related extensive variables, and restores the role of internal energy. In addition, the heat capacity has also resulted in a first order homogeneous function using this formalism, and asymptotic behavior is demonstrated at the high temperature limit. The non-negativity of the heat capacity indicates that the rotating and charged BTZ black holes are thermodynamically stable.
Towards a muon scattering tomography system for both low-Z and high-Z materials
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Li Huiling , Li Yiyue , Liu Pingcheng
Published: August 2023

Muon scattering tomography (MST) is a non-destructive
technique to image various materials by utilizing cosmic ray muons
as probes. A typical MST system with a two-fold track detectors is
particularly effective in detecting high-Z materials (e.g. nuclear materials), but difficult to recognize low-Z materials
(e.g. explosive materials). In this work, we present a concept of
MST system to discriminate both low-Z and high-Z materials by
extra measuring momentum of low-energy muons with a Cherenkov
detector. A toy Monte Carlo simulation to describe detector
responses and multiple scatterings of a muon tracking through
materials is developed for statistical tests. Based on
momentum-dependent track reconstruction and image reconstruction
algorithm, we evaluate separation powers of different materials in
the system. The results show that momentum measurement of low-energy
muons and accurate track reconstruction can improve separation power
of low-Z materials significantly. This may enable the MST system
to detect both low-Z and high-Z materials with cosmic ray muons
in the whole energy range.
The impact of policy toward R&D and innovation on nuclear technology in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Chachuli Fairuz Suzana , Mohamad Idris Faridah
Published: August 2023

Nuclear science and technology for peaceful uses successfully progressed in various areas such as industry, medicine and healthcare, food and agriculture, natural resources, energy, and nuclear safety and security, through research and development and innovation (RDI). Realizing the importance of RDI in nuclear technology as the driving force in addressing societal challenges, most countries, including Malaysia, are developing new policies to promote R&D and innovation in nuclear technology. This paper assesses the impact of the policy on the performance of R&D and innovation in nuclear technology in Malaysia from 2011-2021 using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist index (MI) analysis. The study used two inputs, namely RDC & Development budget (RM Million) and Operating budget (RM Million), and three outputs, namely revenue (RM Million), no. of R&D products and no. of publications. The result shows that the performance of R&D and innovation in nuclear technology is 96.70 per cent from 2011-2021. The study shows that the growth of R&D and innovation in nuclear technology decreased by 8.3 per cent for the entire study period. The technological changes decreased at 8.3 per cent, while the efficiency changes remain. The study also found that nuclear technology growth is mainly affected by technological changes due to policy changes compare to the resources provided since efficiency changes remain.
Feasibility study of Phosphor material synthesis process based on Barium halides via hydrothermal technique
Authors: Izzuddin Izura , Ahmad Fuzi Siti Aishah , Rahim Sapizah
Published: August 2023

Barium halides based was typical host for phosphor material applied as imaging plate for computed radiography application. In this study, the host phosphor materials based on barium halides has been synthesized via hydrothermal technique. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of hydrothermal technique to synthesis phosphor materials. Three samples have been prepared for this study. All samples had fix Ba and Br composition but was differentiated by the third composition i. e F, Cl and I. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique has been used to determine the crystallinity of the prepared samples while optical property was observed using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The sharp, narrow and high intensity peaks from XRD diffractogram showed that all samples have good crystallinity. The PL spectrum indicated that the emission of all samples corresponds to blue range. This study proved that hydrothermal method was feasible for phosphor materials synthesis process based on barium halides and offered lower temperature with shorter period of heating process which is cost effective for synthesis process.
Effects of gamma rays on normal-high-density concrete
Authors: Sofiya Muhd Syazli Farah Ainin , Idris Mohd Idzat
Published: August 2023

Concrete is one structural and shielding material used against ionising radiation. It is used in radioactive environment such as radiotherapy rooms and radioactive safe keeping. Optimise concrete is evaluated by its thickness and also course and fine aggregate. Mixture of course and fine aggregate in concrete and its grade play an important role as good radiation absorber. However, concrete with unsuitable mixture will display cracks and will cause radiation leakage which could harm the public’s health. Therefore, this research is carried out using normal concrete with high density to determine the optimal grade. Four grades of concrete were produced, with mixture of cement, water and course-fine aggregate i.e. limestone and silica sand. Attenuation coefficient is measured using gamma spectrometer NaI (Tl) and single channel analyser (SCA). Radiation source used are Cs-137 and Co-60with photon energies of 0.662 MeV, 1.173 MeV and 1.332 MeV. Calculation of attenuation coefficient for concrete with thickness of 2.6 cm, 5.2 cm, 7.8 cm, 10.4 cm dan 13 cm shows increase in attenuation coefficient (<1.0 cm-1) for each grade, namely M15, M25, M35 dan M45. The result shows optimum concrete grade is M35 as the attenuation coefficient, which is between 0.04 - 0.18 cm-1, is the lowest in comparison with the other grades. Thus normal high density concrete could be used as effective shielding material and viable.
Fire probabilistic safety assessment of control room in TRIGA PUSPATI research reactor
Authors: Hashim Zaredah , Ahmad Nasruddin Nik Qurrotu Ain , Hussain Mohd Huzair , Mohamed Faizal Kunchi , Tom Phongsakorn Prak , Karim Julia Abdul , Maskin Mazleha
Published: August 2023

An internal Fire Probabilistic Safety Assessment (FPSA) study was conducted in the control room of the TRIGA PUSPATI (RTP) research reactor. This study aims to determine the likelihood of a fire occurring in the control room of RTP and the probability of fire occurring after an accident loss of instrumentation and control (LOIC) to the core damage frequency (CDF) value. The quantification results of the CDF are compared between LOIC with fire-induced (LOIC-F) and without fire-induced (LOIC). A methodical strategy to identify potential fire hazards that includes the precise identification of the design area, the size of any opening compartments, the location of electrical cabinets and fire suppression systems, as well as the placement of any safety-related equipment was applied. Included is Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), which determines failure modes and designates repercussions for each scenario. This research will contribute on providing essential information on status of fire in RTP’s control room as an insight of identifying any risk of fire scenario that may occur including investigation of current fire protection system sufficiency. In addition, a core damage end state of consequences of fire after an LOIC is also presented. The result of this research can be beneficial and creating awareness to the management as well as reactor operators in case of fire in the control room of RTP.
Parallel anagenetic patterns in endemic Artemisia species from three Macaronesian archipelagos
Authors: Vitales Daniel , Guerrero Carmen , Garnatje Teresa , Romeiras Maria M , Santos Arnoldo , Fernandes Francisco , Vallès Joan
Published: August 2023

Anagenetic speciation is an important mode of evolution in oceanic islands, yet relatively understudied compared to adaptive radiation. In the Macaronesian region, three closely related species of Artemisia (i.e. A. argentea, A. thuscula and A. gorgonum) are each endemic from a single archipelago (i.e. Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde, respectively), representing a perfect opportunity to study three similar but independent anagenetic speciation processes. By analysing plastid and nuclear DNA sequences, as well as nuclear DNA amount data, generated from a comprehensive sampling in all the islands and archipelagos where these species are currently distributed, we intend to find common evolutionary patterns that help us explain the limited taxonomic diversification experienced by endemic Macaronesian Artemisia. Our time-calibrated phylogenetic reconstruction suggested that divergence among the three lineages occurred in a coincidental short period of time during the Pleistocene. Haplotype and genetic differentiation analyses showed similar diversity values among A. argentea, A. thuscula and A. gorgonum. Clear phylogeographic patterns—showing comparable genetic structuring among groups of islands—were also found within the three archipelagos. Even from the cytogenetic point of view, the three species presented similarly lower genome size values compared to the mainland closely related species A. arborescens. We hypothesize that the limited speciation experienced by the endemic Artemisia in Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde archipelagos could be related to their recent parallel evolutionary histories as independent lineages, combined with certain shared characteristics of seed dispersal, pollen transport and type of habitat.
Optimization of multi-enzyme cascade process for the biosynthesis of benzylamine
Authors: Wang Jinli , Dong Runan , Yin Jingxin , Liang Jianhua , Gao Haijun
Published: August 2023

Benzylamine is a valuable intermediate in the synthesis of organic compounds such as curing agents and antifungal drugs. To improve the efficiency of benzylamine biosynthesis, we identified the enzymes involved in the multi-enzyme cascade, regulated the expression strength by using RBS engineering in Escherichia coli, and established a regeneration–recycling system for alanine. This is a cosubstrate, coupled to cascade reactions, which resulted in E. coli RARE-TP and can synthesize benzylamine using phenylalanine as a precursor. By optimizing the supply of cosubstrates alanine and ammonia, the yield of benzylamine produced by whole-cell catalysis was increased by 1.5-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, and the final concentration reached 6.21 mM. In conclusion, we achieved conversion from l-phenylalanine to benzylamine and increased the yield through enzyme screening, expression regulation, and whole-cell catalytic system optimization. This demonstrated a green and sustainable benzylamine synthesis method, which provides a reference and additional information for benzylamine biosynthesis research.
Plato’s Laws in Musonius Rufus and Clement of Alexandria
Authors: Kondo Tomohiko
Published: August 2023

Clement of Alexandria’s Paedagogus contains many quotations and paraphrases of Plato’s Laws. Meanwhile, it is well established that Clement’s Paedagogus owes much of its material to Musonius Rufus and that Musonius’ Discourses also sometimes make allusions to Plato’s Laws. This paper explores the intertextual relations of the three by closely analyzing some passages (especially on sexual morality and on frugal ways of living) and shows that some of the references to Plato’s Laws in Clement’s Paedagogus, though not directly drawn from Musonius, can only have been made under his influence, while Musonius himself had presumably followed the Stoic tradition of utilizing Plato’s Laws in the sphere of practical ethics.
Can wealth taxation fund public investment in a caring and sustainable economy? The case of the UK
Authors: Onaran Özlem , Oyvat Cem , Fotopoulou Eurydice
Published: August 2023

This article develops a theoretical model integrating wealth concentration and taxation to the feminist post-Kaleckian models. We estimate the model econometrically using an instrumental variable-generalized method of moments approach for the UK. We find that an increase in the tax rate on wealth decreases wealth concentration, and has a strong positive impact on output, employment and the budget. An increase in the progressivity of income taxation by increasing the tax rate on profits and decreasing the tax rate on labour income also leads to similar results, but the effects are more modest compared to wealth taxation. Public social infrastructure investment has a high positive effect on output and productivity as well as employment and gender equality in wages and employment. Public physical infrastructure investment has also a substantial effect on output and employment, albeit creating fewer jobs for women compared to the case of social infrastructure, while productivity effects are more modest.
Hypergraph Artificial Benchmark for Community Detection (h–ABCD)
Authors: Kamiński Bogumił , Prałat Paweł , Théberge François
Published: August 2023

The Artificial Benchmark for Community Detection (ABCD) graph is a recently introduced random graph model with community structure and power-law distribution for both degrees and community sizes. The model generates graphs with similar properties as the well-known Lancichinetti, Fortunato, Radicchi (LFR) one, and its main parameter ξ can be tuned to mimic its counterpart in the LFR model, the mixing parameter μ. In this article, we introduce hypergraph counterpart of the ABCD model, h–ABCD, which also produces random hypergraph with distributions of ground-truth community sizes and degrees following power-law. As in the original ABCD, the new model h–ABCD can produce hypergraphs with various levels of noise. More importantly, the model is flexible and can mimic any desired level of homogeneity of hyperedges that fall into one community. As a result, it can be used as a suitable, synthetic playground for analyzing and tuning hypergraph community detection algorithms.

[Received on 22 October 2022; editorial decision on 18 July 2023; accepted on 19 July 2023]
Information Avoidance and Image Concerns
Authors: Exley Christine L , Kessler Judd B
Published: August 2023

A rich literature finds that individuals avoid information and suggests that avoidance is driven by image concerns. This paper provides the first direct test of whether individuals avoid information because of image concerns. We build on a classic paradigm, introducing control conditions that make minimal changes to eliminate the role of image concerns while keeping other key features of the environment unchanged. Data from 6,421 experimental subjects shows that image concerns play a role in driving information avoidance, but a role that is substantially smaller than one might have expected.
Evolution and Predictive Role of Plasma Alzheimer’s Disease-related Pathological Biomarkers in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lin Junyu , Ou Ruwei , Li Chunyu , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Lingyu , Wei Qianqian , Liu Kuncheng , Jiang Qirui , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Pang Dejiang , Zhao Bi , Chen Xueping , Yang Jing , Shang Huifang
Published: August 2023

Plasma Alzheimer’s disease-related pathological biomarkers’ role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unknown. We aimed to determine whether plasma Alzheimer’s disease-related biomarkers can predict PD progression. A total of 184 PD patients and 86 healthy controls were included and followed up for 5 years. Plasma phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181), Aβ40, and Aβ42 were measured at baseline and the 1- and 2-year follow-ups using the Quanterix-single-molecule array. Global cognitive function and motor symptoms were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III. Genetic analyses were conducted to identify APOE and MAPT genotypes. Plasma p-tau181 levels were higher in PD than healthy controls. APOE-ε4 carriers had lower plasma Aβ42 levels and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. The linear mixed-effects models showed that Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were associated with plasma p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio (β −1.719 [−3.398 to −0.040], p = .045). Higher baseline plasma p-tau181 correlated with faster cognitive decline and motor symptoms deterioration in total patients (β −0.170 [−0.322 to −0.018], p = .029; β 0.329 [0.032 to 0.626], p = .030) and APOE-ε4 carriers (β −0.318 [−0.602 to −0.034], p = .030; β 0.632 [0.017 to 1.246], p = .046), but not in the noncarriers. Higher baseline plasma Aβ40 correlated with faster cognitive decline in total patients (β −0.007 [−0.015 to −0.0001], p = .047) and faster motor symptoms deterioration in total patients (β 0.026 [0.010 to 0.041], p = .001) and APOE-ε4 carriers (β 0.044 [−0.026 to 0.049], p = .020), but not in the noncarriers. The plasma p-tau181/Aβ2 ratio monitors the cognitive status of PD. Higher baseline plasma p-tau181 and Aβ40 predict faster cognitive decline and motor symptoms deterioration in PD, especially in APOE-ε4 carriers.
Treatment Patterns and Population Characteristics of Nonpharmacological Management of Chronic Pain in the United States’ Medicare Population: A Scoping Review
Authors: Choudry Erum , Rofé Kara L , Konnyu Kristin , Marshall Brandon D L , Shireman Theresa I , Merlin Jessica S , Trivedi Amal N , Schmidt Catherine , Bhondoekhan Fiona , Moyo Patience
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Clinical practice guidelines recommend noninvasive nonpharmacological pain therapies; however, reviews that assess the literature pertaining to nonpharmacological pain management among older adults and people with long-term disabilities who are disproportionately affected by pain are lacking. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and characterize the existing studies about the receipt of noninvasive, nonpharmacological pain therapies by Medicare beneficiaries.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a literature search in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), SocINDEX (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Web of Science citation indices, and various sources of gray literature. The initial search was conducted on November 2, 2021, and updated on March 9, 2022. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for inclusion and extracted the characteristics of the studies, studied populations, and nonpharmacological pain therapies. Data were summarized using tabular and narrative formats.

Results

The final review included 33 studies. Of these, 24 were quantitative, 7 were qualitative, and 2 were mixed-methods studies. Of 32 studies that focused on Medicare beneficiaries, 10 did not specify the Medicare type, and all but one of the remaining studies were restricted to fee-for-service enrollees. Back and neck pain and arthritis were the most commonly studied pain types. Chiropractic care (n = 19) and physical therapy (n = 17) appeared frequently among included studies. The frequency and/or duration of nonpharmacological treatment were mentioned in 13 studies. Trends in the utilization of nonpharmacological pain therapies were assessed in 6 studies but none of these studies went beyond 2008.

Discussion and Implications

This scoping review found that manipulative therapies, mainly chiropractic, have been the most widely studied approaches for nonpharmacological pain management in the Medicare population. The review also identified the need for future research that updates trend data and addresses contemporary issues such as rising Medicare Advantage enrollment and promulgation of practice guidelines for pain management.
The Experiences of Skilled Nursing Staff in Memory Care Units During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Holmes Patricia , Santurri Laura , Ewen Heidi H , Baggett Sharron
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in the need for multiple mitigation strategies. The impacts of these safety measures were felt more extremely by healthcare providers. This qualitative study focused on the experiences of staff in skilled nursing facilities, specifically in locked memory care units, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research Design and Methods

This study used a basic interpretive methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with skilled nursing staff members who worked in a locked memory care unit during the 2020 calendar year. Thematic analysis was used to organize and interpret the data.

Results

A total of 11 participants provided data that resulted in themes around reasons for working on a locked memory care unit, experiences working with people who have behavioral and psychological symptoms due to dementia, training, outcomes of shared experiences, outcomes of policy changes, management support, and suggestions for a future pandemic.

Discussion and Implications

The results of this study may have implications for skilled nursing facilities with locked memory care units that continue to grapple with the realities of providing care during a pandemic. Providing appropriate training, social support, and appropriate protective equipment are among the suggestions.
The rapid expansion of offshore wind farms challenges the reliability of ICES-coordinated fish surveys—insights from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Haase S , von Dorrien C , Kaljuste O , Plantener N , Sepp E , Stelzenmüller V , Velasco A , Oesterwind D
Published: August 2023

Fish stock assessment and sustainable management requires that the whole distribution area of the managed fish stocks is representatively sampled. Along with an increasing demand for renewable energy in Europe, a growing number of areas are allocated for current and future offshore wind farms (OWF). Besides various unknown environmental effects, impacts on different stakeholder activities, such as fisheries, are considered during the implementation process. Scientific interests and tasks are, however, often marginalized. The current ban of commercial fisheries and fisheries monitoring in OWFs, in combination with an increase of OWF areas and habitat alteration within OWFs, might therefore bias the time series of scientific surveys and, thus, fisheries stock assessments. The expected increase in the overlap between OWFs and scientific fish surveys coordinated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in the Baltic Sea could result in, depending on the survey, up to 6.6–11.5% of the stations and transects being unavailable for sampling. We discuss the potential consequences for survey time series and stock assessments. Further, we aim to stimulate the discussion about the future of current standard surveys in the context of rapid expansions of OWFs, including the need for adaptations in survey design.
SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Cases in a Household-Based Prospective Cohort in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Penetra Stephanie L S , Santos Heloisa F P , Resende Paola Cristina , Bastos Leonardo Soares , da Silva Michele F B , Pina-Costa Anielle , Lopes Renata Serrano , Saboia-Vahia Leonardo , de Oliveira Any Caroline Alves , Pereira Elisa Cavalcante , Filho Fernando Medeiros , Wakimoto Mayumi D , Calvet Guilherme A , Fuller Trevon L , Whitworth Jimmy , Smith Christopher , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Carvalho Marilia Sá , Espíndola Otávio M , Guaraldo Lusiele , Siqueira Marilda M , Brasil Patricia
Published: August 2023

This was a household-based prospective cohort study conducted in Rio de Janeiro, in which people with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their household contacts were followed from April 2020 through June 2022. Ninety-eight reinfections were identified, with 71 (72.5%) confirmed by genomic analyses and lineage definition in both infections. During the pre-Omicron period, 1 dose of any COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a reduced risk of reinfection, but during the Omicron period not even booster vaccines had this effect. Most reinfections were asymptomatic or milder in comparison with primary infections, a justification for continuing active surveillance to detect infections in vaccinated individuals. Our findings demonstrated that vaccination may not prevent infection or reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). Therefore we highlight the need to continuously update the antigenic target of SARS CoV-2 vaccines and administer booster doses to the population regularly, a strategy well established in the development of vaccines for influenza immunization programs.
Risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bloodstream infections and related mortality in critically ill patients with CRAB colonization
Authors: Cogliati Dezza Francesco , Covino Sara , Petrucci Flavia , Sacco Federica , Viscido Agnese , Gavaruzzi Francesca , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Raponi Gianmarco , Borrazzo Cristian , Alessandri Francesco , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Venditti Mario , Oliva Alessandra
Published: August 2023

Background

Among MDR bacteria, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a major concern due to the limited therapeutic options. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a worrying increase in the spread of CRAB infections was reported.

Objectives

The study assessed the risk factors for CRAB bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients admitted to the ICU with CRAB colonization, and the related mortality risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a single-centre, observational, prospective study; all consecutive patients with CRAB colonization admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Rome from January 2021 to September 2022 were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate BSI and mortality risk factors.

Results

Overall, 129 patients were included in the study; 57 (44%) out of these developed BSI. In our study population, at the multivariable analysis the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (P = 0.026), COVID-19 (P < 0.001), multisite colonization (P = 0.016) and the need for mechanical ventilation (P = 0.024) were risk factors independently associated with BSI development. Furthermore, age (P = 0.026), CCI (P < 0.001), septic shock (P = 0.001) and Pitt score (P < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality in the BSI patients. Instead, early appropriate therapy (P = 0.002) and clinical improvement within 72 h (P = 0.011) were shown to be protective factors.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients colonized by CRAB, higher CCI, multisite colonization and the need for mechanical ventilation were identified as risk factors for BSI onset. These predictors could be useful to identify patients at highest risk of BSI.
Artificial intelligence suppression as a strategy to mitigate artificial intelligence automation bias
Authors: Wang Ding-Yu , Ding Jia , Sun An-Lan , Liu Shang-Gui , Jiang Dong , Li Nan , Yu Jia-Kuo
Published: August 2023

Background

Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into clinics brings the risk of automation bias, which potentially misleads the clinician’s decision-making. The purpose of this study was to propose a potential strategy to mitigate automation bias.

Methods

This was a laboratory study with a randomized cross-over design. The diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, a common injury, on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used as an example. Forty clinicians were invited to diagnose 200 ACLs with and without AI assistance. The AI’s correcting and misleading (automation bias) effects on the clinicians’ decision-making processes were analyzed. An ordinal logistic regression model was employed to predict the correcting and misleading probabilities of the AI. We further proposed an AI suppression strategy that retracted AI diagnoses with a higher misleading probability and provided AI diagnoses with a higher correcting probability.

Results

The AI significantly increased clinicians’ accuracy from 87.2%±13.1% to 96.4%±1.9% (P < .001). However, the clinicians’ errors in the AI-assisted round were associated with automation bias, accounting for 45.5% of the total mistakes. The automation bias was found to affect clinicians of all levels of expertise. Using a logistic regression model, we identified an AI output zone with higher probability to generate misleading diagnoses. The proposed AI suppression strategy was estimated to decrease clinicians’ automation bias by 41.7%.

Conclusion

Although AI improved clinicians’ diagnostic performance, automation bias was a serious problem that should be addressed in clinical practice. The proposed AI suppression strategy is a practical method for decreasing automation bias.
Fir (Abies balsamea) (Pinales: Pinaceae) needle essential oil enhances the knockdown activity of select insecticides
Authors: Norris Edmund J , Bloomquist Jeffrey R
Published: August 2023

Because of the increased interest in plant essential oils (PEO) for both home pest control and personal bite protection, the ability of fir needle (Abies balsamea) oil to synergize the 1-h knockdown and 24-h toxicity of 9 different synthetic insecticides was evaluated. Fir needle oil strongly synergized knockdown of the neonicotinoids, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam (between 16- and 24-fold), as well as natural pyrethrins (12-fold), but had less effect with organophosphates and fipronil. For 24-h mortality, only pirimiphos-methyl was strongly synergized by fir needle oil pretreatment (18-fold). Chemical analysis and testing identified delta-3-carene is the most bioactive constituent, producing synergism similar to that of the whole oil. In fact, this constituent synergized the 24-h mortality of clothianidin to a higher degree than fir needle oil itself (4.9-fold vs. 2.4-fold). Synergism is unlikely to be mediated by effects on the nervous system, as fir needle oil caused no change in mosquito central nervous system firing at 100 ppm and did not synergize an inactive concentration of natural pyrethrins (10 nM). To better understand fir needle oil effects, we evaluated the ability of pretreatment with this oil to impact Aedes aegypti monooxygenase degradation of a model substrate, 7-ethoxycoumarin. Interestingly, both fir needle oil and delta-3-carene caused a significant increase in metabolic degradation of 7-ethoxycoumarin, perhaps indicating they upregulate oxidative metabolic processes. Such an action would explain why fir needle oil enhances knockdown, but not 24-h mortality for most of the insecticides studied here, whereas increased bioactivation would explain the synergism of pirimiphos-methyl toxicity.
Inter-rater Agreement in Classifying Music According to a Guided Imagery and Music Taxonomy
Authors: Bemman Brian , Bertelsen Lars Rye , Wärja Margareta , Bonde Lars Ole
Published: August 2023

Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a range of therapeutic practices in which clients listen to music selected by a trained practitioner with the aim of gaining cognitive insight through evoked imagery that may be beneficial in working through various inner experiences, pain, or trauma. It is crucial to this process that the chosen music is tailored to the client’s therapeutic goals and receptiveness. Wärja and Bonde [(2014). Music as co-therapist: Towards a taxonomy of music in therapeutic Music and Imagery work. Music and Medicine, 6(2), 16–27.] developed a taxonomy consisting of nine categories of musical-psychological characteristics and constructs (e.g., tempo, instrumentation, and mood) aligning with various therapeutic contexts (e.g., supporting and exploring) for helping GIM practitioners select appropriate music; however, its reliability has never before been assessed. In this paper, we present a listening study carried out with 63 GIM therapists and trainees, in order to measure the inter-rater agreement in (1) classifying 10 randomly selected pieces from 30 into one or more categories of the Wärja and Bonde [(2014). Music as co-therapist: Towards a taxonomy of music in therapeutic Music and Imagery work. Music and Medicine, 6(2), 16–27.] taxonomy, and (2) identifying for each piece heard one or more adjectives from the Hevner mood wheel that best characterize it. Our results indicate participants who utilized all categories but with slight to fair overall agreement; however, largely moderate agreement was reported for less musically complex pieces as well as across all pieces when considering only the three primary categories. Our findings not only support the continued use of the taxonomy and mood for helping select GIM music but also suggest the possible need for clearer descriptions in its subcategories and further training of practitioners who employ it in practice.
Comparative Genomic Analysis Identifies Great–Ape–Specific Structural Variants and Their Evolutionary Relevance
Authors: Zhou Bin , He Yaoxi , Chen Yongjie , Su Bing
Published: August 2023

During the origin of great apes about 14 million years ago, a series of phenotypic innovations emerged, such as the increased body size, the enlarged brain volume, the improved cognitive skill, and the diversified diet. Yet, the genomic basis of these evolutionary changes remains unclear. Utilizing the high-quality genome assemblies of great apes (including human), gibbon, and macaque, we conducted comparative genome analyses and identified 15,885 great ape-specific structural variants (GSSVs), including eight coding GSSVs resulting in the creation of novel proteins (e.g., ACAN and CMYA5). Functional annotations of the GSSV-related genes revealed the enrichment of genes involved in development and morphogenesis, especially neurogenesis and neural network formation, suggesting the potential role of GSSVs in shaping the great ape-shared traits. Further dissection of the brain-related GSSVs shows great ape-specific changes of enhancer activities and gene expression in the brain, involving a group of GSSV-regulated genes (such as NOL3) that potentially contribute to the altered brain development and function in great apes. The presented data highlight the evolutionary role of structural variants in the phenotypic innovations during the origin of the great ape lineage.