bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Best Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System: A Prospective Study Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of ACR, EU, and K TIRADS in the Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Mohan Supraja Laguduva , Govindarajalou Ramkumar , Naik Dukhabandhu , Saxena Sunil Kumar , Toi Pampa Ch. , V. Gomathi Shankar
Published: October 2023

Background Many different risk stratification systems have been formulated for thyroid nodules, differing in their fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) indication, suggesting a lack of consensus around the world.

Purpose This prospective study was conducted to find the best guideline for risk stratification, for a better malignancy yield, and with reduced rates of negative FNACs among three Thyroid Imaging, Reporting, and Data System (TIRADS) guidelines.

Materials and Methods A total of 625 thyroid nodules with conclusive FNAC or histopathological diagnosis were included in the study. Various sonographic parameters were recorded. They were classified into categories as per the three guidelines and compared with FNAC diagnosis. The guidelines were evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity and specificity were compared by McNemar's test.

Results American College of Radiology (ACR) TIRADS had the highest diagnostic accuracy (56.8%), specificity (50.75%), positive predictive value (23.92%), lowest rates of negative FNACs (76.08%), and high negative predictive value (97.84 %). Korean (K) TIRADS had the maximum sensitivity (97.75%), highest negative predictive value (98.44%), and gross malignancy yield. European TIRADS was between the two other guidelines in most parameters with specificity like K TIRADS.

Conclusion All the three guidelines are very good screening tools, with comparable high sensitivity. ACR TIRADS is better in terms of specificity and reduced rates of negative FNACs. Including the presence of a suspicious cervical lymph node as a criterion and more frequent follow-up might further improve the diagnostic performance of the guideline.
Alternative Bypass Technique Using Radial Artery Graft between V3 Segment of Vertebral Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery: Technical Note
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Maruichi Katsuhiko , Nakayama Naoki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Tatezawa Ryota , Shinada Shinitirou , Terasaka Shunsuke
Published: October 2023

Background There are some cases where a radial artery (RA) graft is needed for a high-flow extracranial to intracranial (EC-IC) bypass as the external carotid artery (ECA) cannot be utilized as a donor artery. In this report, we describe two cases of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) high-flow bypass using an RA graft with an artificial vessel as an alternative bypass technique.

Methods The patient was placed supine with a head rotation of 80 degrees. After frontotemporal craniotomy, another C-shaped skin incision was made at the retroauricular region and the V3 portion of the VA was exposed at the suboccipital triangle. Prior to attempting the high-flow bypass, the superficial temporal artery (STA) was anastomosed to the M4 portion of the MCA as an insurance bypass. The RA graft was anastomosed to the V3 portion of the VA that traveled under the periosteum at the supra-auricular region through an artificial vessel. After RA-M2 anastomosis, an alternative EC-IC bypass, the V3-RA-M2 bypass, was achieved.

Results Postoperative angiography demonstrated successful graft patency and no perioperative complications were observed in both cases.

Conclusions In the cases where a high-flow bypass is required, the V3 portion of the VA is a suitable alternative proximal anastomosis site when the ECA is not a candidate donor. Furthermore, an artificial vessel shows satisfactory protection against graft complications.
Transformations that preserve the uniqueness of the differential form for Lorenz-like systems
Authors: Lainscsek Claudia , Mendes Eduardo M. A. M. , Salgado Gustavo H. O. , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: October 2023

Differential equations serve as models for many physical systems. But, are these equations unique? We prove here that when a 3D system of ordinary differential equations for a dynamical system is transformed to the jerk or differential form, the jerk form is preserved in relation to a given variable and, therefore, the transformed system shares the time series of that given variable with the original untransformed system. Multiple algebraically different systems of ordinary differential equations can share the same jerk form. They may also share the same time series of the transformed variable depending on the parameters of the jerk form. Here, we studied 17 algebraically different Lorenz-like systems that share the same functional jerk form. There are groups of these systems that share the jerk parameters and, therefore, also have the same time series of the transformed variable.
Experimental investigation of combustion instability in a centrally staged combustor under self-excited oscillation conditions
Authors: Ma Jinglong , Han Meng , Han Xiao , Hui Xin , Xue Xin
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an experimental investigation of combustion instability and flame dynamics in a laboratory-scale lean premixed prevaporized centrally staged combustor under self-excited oscillations. The macrostructure of the flame is captured by CH* chemiluminescence images using a high-speed camera, and the two-dimensional flow field of the combustor center plane is obtained by using particle image velocimetry. The effects of the pilot stage swirl number and main stage equivalent ratio on the thermoacoustic oscillations and flame dynamics are analyzed. The results indicate that there are intermittent oscillations, limit cycle oscillations, and mode switching in the combustor. As the pilot stage swirl number increases, the system transitions from intermittent oscillation to limit cycle oscillation. Additionally, the case with a pilot stage swirl number of 0.5 also occurs mode switching. Based on dynamic mode decomposition, the heat release fluctuation is primarily concentrated in the shear layers under different operating conditions. Furthermore, the intensity of thermoacoustic oscillations in a system is determined by the coupling strength between pressure and heat release fluctuations. From the results of the flow field, it is observed that as the pilot stage swirl number increases, the time-averaged axial strain rates and vorticities increase, but the time-averaged axial velocity is generally lower for the swirl number of 0.7 compared to the other two cases. On the other hand, the time-averaged axial strain rates and vorticities for the case with a swirl number of 0.5 decrease with the increase in the main stage equivalence ratio before and after the mode switching.
Asymmetric particle-antiparticle Dirac equation: second quantization
Authors: Rigolin Gustavo
Published: October 2023

We build the fully relativistic quantum field theory related to the asymmetric Dirac fields first presented in a prequel to this work. These fields are solutions of the asymmetric Dirac equation, a Lorentz covariant Dirac-like equation whose positive and ‘negative’ frequency plane wave solutions’ dispersion relations are no longer degenerate. At the second quantization level, we show that this implies that particles and antiparticles sharing the same wave number have different energies and momenta. In spite of that, we prove that by properly fixing the values of the relativistic invariants that define the asymmetric Dirac free field Lagrangian density, we can build a consistent, fully relativistic, and renormalizable quantum electrodynamics (QED) that is empirically equivalent to the standard QED. We discuss the reasons and implications of this non-trivial equivalence, exploring qualitatively other scenarios in which the asymmetric Dirac fields may lead to beyond the standard model predictions. We give a complete account of how the asymmetric Dirac fields and the corresponding annihilation and creation operators transform under improper Lorentz transformations (parity and time reversal operations) and under the charge conjugation operation. We also prove that the present theory respects the CPT theorem.
Non-Markovian master equation for quantum transport of fermionic carriers
Authors: Maksimov D N , Aksenov S V , Kolovsky A R
Published: October 2023

We propose a simple, yet feasible, model for quantum transport of fermionic carriers across tight-binding chain connecting two reservoirs maintained at arbitrary temperatures and chemical potentials. The model allows for elementary derivation of the master equation for the reduced single particle density matrix (SPDM) in a closed form in both Markov and Born approximations. In the Markov approximation the master equation is solved analytically, whereas in the Born approximation the problem is reduced to an algebraic equation for the SPDM in the Redfield form. The non-Markovian equation is shown to lead to resonant transport similar to Landauer’s conductance. It is shown that in the deep non-Markovian regime the transport current can be matched with that obtained by the non-equilibrium Green’s function method.
A fast steering mirror with ultra-low geometric tilt-to-length coupling noise for space-borne gravitational wave detection
Authors: Wu Yuwei , Hai Hongwen , Fang Sijun , Fan Wentong , Song Jie , Zhao Kai , Zhang Rui , He Bin , Zhao Hongchao , Li Zizheng , Fan Lei , Yan Yong
Published: October 2023

The misalignment between the geometric center and rotation center in fast steering mirrors (FSMs) poses a challenge for space-borne gravitational wave detection, as it results in geometric tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling noise. To address this issue, we have proposed a FSM structure that exhibits ultra-low geometric TTL coupling noise. The geometric TTL coupling noise is analyzed and evaluated strictly considering the FSM non-ideal tilt of the plane and the center shift characteristic of cartwheel flexure hinges under a small rotational angle. Compared to traditional FSM designs, our new design offers superior noise suppression capabilities and is capable of meeting the stringent piston effect noise requirements of 0.2

 pm

/

Hz

in the frequency band of

10

−
4

 Hz

∼
1

Hz

under ideal conditions.
Multimode optical fiber sensors: from conventional to machine learning-assisted
Authors: Wang Kun , Mizuno Yosuke , Dong Xingchen , Kurz Wolfgang , Köhler Michael , Kienle Patrick , Lee Heeyoung , Jakobi Martin , Koch Alexander W
Published: October 2023

Multimode fiber (MMF) sensors have been extensively developed and utilized in various sensing applications for decades. Traditionally, the performance of MMF sensors was improved by conventional methods that focused on structural design and specialty fibers. However, in recent years, the blossom of machine learning techniques has opened up new avenues for enhancing the performance of MMF sensors. Unlike conventional methods, machine learning techniques do not require complex structures or rare specialty fibers, which reduces fabrication difficulties and lowers costs. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest developments in MMF sensors, ranging from conventional methods to those assisted by machine learning. This article begins by categorizing MMF sensors based on their sensing applications, including temperature and strain sensors, displacement sensors, refractive index sensors, curvature sensors, bio/chemical sensors, and other sensors. Their distinct sensor structures and sensing properties are thoroughly reviewed. Subsequently, the machine learning-assisted MMF sensors that have been recently reported are analyzed and categorized into two groups: learning the specklegrams and learning the spectra. The review provides a comprehensive discussion and outlook on MMF sensors, concluding that they are expected to be utilized in a wide range of applications.
Quantum private function evaluation
Authors: Cao Zhu
Published: October 2023

Private function evaluation (PFE) is a task that aims to obtain the output of a function while keeping the function secret. So far its quantum analog has not yet been articulated. In this study, we initiate the study of quantum PFE (QPFE), the quantum analog of classical PFE. We give a formal definition of QPFE and present two schemes together with their security proofs. We then give an experimental demonstration of the scheme. Finally we apply QPFE to quantum copy protection to illustrate its usage.
Grating magneto-optical traps with complicated level structures
Authors: Barker Daniel S , Elgee Peter K , Sitaram Ananya , Norrgard Eric B , Klimov Nikolai N , Campbell Gretchen K , Eckel Stephen
Published: October 2023

We study the forces and optical pumping within grating magneto-optical traps (MOTs) operating on transitions with non-trivial level structure. In contrast to the standard six-beam MOT configuration, rate equation modeling predicts that the asymmetric laser geometry of a grating MOT will produce spin-polarized atomic samples. Furthermore, the Landé g-factors and total angular momenta of the trapping transition strongly influence both the confinement and equilibrium position of the trap. Using the intuition gained from the rate equation model, we realize a grating MOT of fermionic 87Sr and observe that it forms closer to the center of the trap’s quadrupole magnetic field than its bosonic counterpart. We also explore the application of grating MOTs to molecule laser cooling, where the rate equations suggest that dual-frequency operation is necessary, but not sufficient, for stable confinement for type-II level structures. To test our molecule laser cooling models, we create grating MOTs using the D
1 line of 7Li and see that only two of the four possible six-beam polarization configurations operate in the grating geometry. Our results will aid the development of portable atom and molecule traps for time keeping, inertial navigation, and precision measurement.
High radiation tolerant SOT-MRAM read peripheral circuit with fast data recovery
Authors: Shukla Alok Kumar , Soni Sandeep , Kaushik Brajesh Kumar
Published: October 2023

With downscaling of process technology, single event upsets (SEUs) induced by radiation particles are becoming an important threat to the reliability of memories. Particularly, the charge sharing effect is more significant, causing multiple node upsets due to a single event. Spintronic memory is a viable contender for addressing this challenge, since magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), the core component of spintronic memory, has been shown to be intrinsically immune to radiation effects. However, hybrid spintronic/CMOS peripheral circuits are still vulnerable to radiation effects. This paper proposes a novel radiation-hardened read circuit with recovery time and radiation tolerance optimized for spin–orbit torque magnetic random access memory (SOT-MRAM). The obtained results show that the proposed circuit can be highly resilient to SEUs independent of its polarity. It can tolerate 8.06X, 10.41X, 9.8X, and 3.49X more critical charge as compared to the 13T, 11T, 11T, and CMOS cross-coupled transistor radiation hardened circuits, respectively with some area overhead. Moreover, the proposed circuit has the least recovery time compared to the previously reported radiation hardened MRAM cell.
Mechanical and surface characterization of Er2O3/La2O3/CeO2 doped carbide coating developed using high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF)
Authors: Vishnoi Mohit , Murtaza Qasim , Kumar Paras
Published: October 2023

This study is mainly focused on effect of rare earth oxides on a composite coating applied to martensitic steel (SS410) using the high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) process. The composite coating consists of WC-10Co-4Cr doped with rare earth (erbium oxide/lanthanum oxide/cerium oxide; 0.2 wt%. each). The range of deposited coating thickness was 282–300 μm. Mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, and hardness tests, along with surface characterization, such as examining morphology, porosity, elemental composition, and phase identification with wettability testing has been conducted on both the substrate and coated samples. The hardness of the coatings is increased by approximately four times to the substrate. The coated sample has porosity in the range of ≥1 to ≤ 2%. The contact angle of the coated surface has enhanced (≈134°) than the substrate (≈61°), this indicates that the coated surface exhibits hydrophobicity.
Lie symmetries for the cosmological field equations in brane-world gravitywith bulk scalar field
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: October 2023

We address the group classification problem for gravitational field equations within the context of brane-world cosmology, considering the presence of a bulk scalar field. Our investigation revolves around a five-dimensional spacetime, with the four-dimensional Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker geometry embedded within it. Additionally, we assume that the scalar field exists in this five-dimensional geometry (bulk) and possesses a nonzero mass. The resulting field equations constitute a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. We apply the Lie symmetry condition to identify all functional forms of the scalar field potential, ensuring that the field equations remain invariant under one-parameter point transformations. Consequently, we find that only the exponential potential exhibits Lie symmetries. Finally, the Lie invariants are used to construct similarity transformations, which enable us to derive exact solutions for the system.
Control synchronization of Chua's circuits via linear and nonlinear channels
Authors: Hu Xi-Kui , Yang Juan , Zhu Song , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2023

Synchronization plays an important role in regulating coupled chaotic systems. In this paper, capacitor-based field coupling and resistive coupling are applied to tame a class of chaotic circuits, stability analysis, and circuit verification in Multisim are carried out. Synchronization of two and three coupled Chua’s circuits can be reached via linear and nonlinear channels by resistor and capacitor connection in parallel. The range of synchronous coupling resistance R

cp
approximately decreases with coupling capacitance C

cp
increasing in the two circuits coupled system. In the three circuits coupled system, the range of synchronous coupling resistance R
12 decreases with the increase of another coupling resistance R
23. Compared with two circuits coupled system, the implementation of the synchronization process takes longer in three circuits coupled system with the same parameters. In addition, the three non-identical circuits coupled system is studied. Indirect coupling synchronization between driving and response systems without directly coupling can be achieved via an asynchronous intermediate system. Its application in chaotic, secure communication is discussed.
The influence of different metals (II) in hybrid perovskite of (2-AMP)BI4 (B = Pb, Sn) onto the structural, electronic and optical properties: A DFT study
Authors: Yami Nur Fatin Najihah Abdul , Ramli Azliana , Nawawi Wan Izhan , Sepeai Suhaila , Safian Suhaida Dila , Zaki Nur Hamizah Mohd , Taib Mohamad Fariz Mohamad , Ali Ab Malik Marwan
Published: October 2023

The first principle study on structural, electronic, and optical properties of 2D hybrid halide compound (2-AMP)BI4 (B = Pb, Sn) was analyzed using CASTEP computer code. The calculations were performed using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) schemes. This study aims to look at a few characteristics of (2-AMP)SnI4 as a potential replacement for (2-AMP)PbI4 as a light absorber in solar cell applications due to its toxicity to humans and the environment. The results show that the substitution of lead (Pb) with tin (Sn) can replace Pb-based hybrid halide perovskite due to low band gap, high optical absorption in UV–Visible area, and improved polarizability of electric current. To conclude, 2D Sn-based solar cells are well suited for light harvesting in solar devices. This research may give some information on the properties of 2D Sn-based solar cells for use in renewable energy applications.
A century of canopy kelp persistence and recovery in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Hollarsmith Jordan A , Cornett Juliana C , Evenson Emily , Tugaw Alex
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Coastal Alaska contains vast kelp habitat that supports diverse marine and human communities. Over the past century, the North Pacific Ocean has undergone oceanographic and ecological regime shifts that have the potential to influence the structure and function of kelp ecosystems strongly. However, the remoteness and complexity of the glacially carved region precludes the regular monitoring efforts that would be necessary to detect such changes.

Methods

To begin to fill this critical knowledge gap, we drew upon historical and modern surveys to analyse the change in spatial coverage and species composition of canopy kelp between two time points (1913 and the early 2000s to 2010s). We also incorporated decadal surveys on sea otter range expansion following complete extirpation and reintroduction to assess the influence of sea otter recovery on the spatial extent of canopy kelp.

Key Results

We found increases in the spatial extent of canopy kelp throughout the Gulf of Alaska where there was coverage from both surveys. Kelp in Southcentral Alaska showed extensive recovery after the catastrophic Novarupta volcano. Kelp in Southeast Alaska showed persistence and spatial increase that closely matched increases in the range of sea otters. Observations of thermally tolerant kelp species increased more than observations of cold-adapted species between the two surveys.

Conclusions

Contrary to trends observed at lower latitudes, the kelp forests that ring the Gulf of Alaska have been remarkably stable and even increased in the past century, despite oceanographic and ecosystem changes. To improve monitoring, we propose identification of sentinel kelp beds for regular monitoring to detect changes to these iconic and foundational canopy kelp species more readily.
Comparing binary efficacy outcomes for systemic immunomodulatory treatments for atopic dermatitis in a living systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Drucker Aaron M , Lam Megan , Elsawi Rawaan , Prieto-Merino David , Malek Rayka , Ellis Alexandra G , Yiu Zenas Z N , Rochwerg Bram , Di Giorgio Sonya , Arents Bernd W M , Burton Tim , Spuls Phyllis I , Schmitt Jochen , Flohr Carsten
Published: October 2023

Background

Systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) are evaluated primarily in placebo-controlled trials with binary efficacy outcomes. In a living systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA), we previously analysed continuous efficacy measures.

Objectives

To compare binary efficacy outcomes of systemic treatments for AD.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information (LILACS) database, Global Resource for Eczema Trials (GREAT) database and trial registries up to 1 March 2023. We included randomized trials examining ≥ 8 weeks of treatment with systemic immunomodulatory medications for moderate-to-severe AD. We screened titles, abstracts and full texts and abstracted data independently, in duplicate. Outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving at least 50%, 75% and 90% improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 50, EASI 75 and EASI 90, respectively) and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) success. We performed random-effects Bayesian NMAs to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) between each intervention for each outcome.

Results

Eighty-three trials with 22 122 participants were included in the systematic review. In analyses limited to trials of 8–16 weeks’ duration with predominantly adult populations, abrocitinib 200 mg daily (OR 1.5, 95% CrI 1.1–2.2) and upadacitinib 15 mg daily (OR 1.7, 95% CrI 0.9–3.3) and 30 mg daily (OR 2.5, 95% CrI 1.3–5.0) were associated with higher odds of achieving EASI 50 vs. dupilumab. Abrocitinib 100 mg daily (OR 0.7, 95% CrI 0.5–1.0), baricitinib 2 mg daily (OR 0.4, 95% CrI 0.3–0.5) and 4 mg daily (OR 0.5, 95% CrI 0.3–0.7), and tralokinumab (OR 0.4, 95% CrI 0.3–0.6) were associated with lower odds of achieving EASI 50 vs. dupilumab. Results were similar for EASI 75, EASI 90 and IGA success.

Conclusions

Supporting results for continuous outcome measures, upadacitinib 30 mg daily and abrocitinib 200 mg daily are the most efficacious with regard to binary efficacy endpoints up to 16 weeks in adults with moderate-to-severe AD, followed by upadacitinib 15 mg daily, dupilumab and abrocitinib 100 mg daily. Dupilumab and both doses of upadacitinib and abrocitinib are more efficacious than baricitinib 4 and 2 mg daily and tralokinumab.
Assay validation of saliva glucocorticoids in Columbia spotted frogs and effects of handling and marking
Authors: Tornabene Brian J , Hossack Blake R , Breuner Creagh W
Published: October 2023

Non-invasive methods are important to the field of conservation physiology to reduce negative effects on organisms being studied. Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones are often used to assess health of individuals, but collection methods can be invasive. Many amphibians are imperiled worldwide, and saliva is a non- or semi-invasive matrix to measure GCs that has been partially validated for only four amphibian species. Validation ensures that assays are reliable and can detect changes in saliva corticosterone (sCORT) after exposure to stressors, but it is also necessary to ensure sCORT concentrations are correlated with plasma concentrations. To help validate the use of saliva in assessing CORT responses in amphibians, we captured uniquely marked Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) on sequential days and collected baseline and stress-induced (after handling) samples. For a subset of individuals, we collected and quantified CORT in both saliva and blood samples, which have not been compared for amphibians. We tested several aspects of CORT responses and, by collecting across separate days, measured repeatability of CORT responses across days. We also evaluated whether methods common to amphibian conservation, such as handling alone or handling, clipping a toe and tagging elevated sCORT. Similar to previous studies, we show that sCORT is reliable concerning parallelism, recovery, precision and sensitivity. sCORT was weakly correlated with plasma CORT (R2 = 0.21), and we detected elevations in sCORT after handling, demonstrating biological validation. Toe clipping and tagging did not increase sCORT over handling alone, but repeated handling elevated sCORT for ~72 hours. However, sCORT responses were highly variable and repeatability was low within individuals and among capture sessions, contrary to previous studies with urinary and waterborne CORT. sCORT is a semi-invasive and rapid technique that could be useful to assess effects of anthropogenic change and conservation efforts, but will require careful study design and future validation.
Duplications of Human Longevity-Associated Genes Across Placental Mammals
Authors: Huang Zixia , Jiang Chongyi , Gu Jiayun , Uvizl Marek , Power Sarahjane , Douglas Declan , Kacprzyk Joanna
Published: October 2023

Natural selection has shaped a wide range of lifespans across mammals, with a few long-lived species showing negligible signs of ageing. Approaches used to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying mammalian longevity usually involve phylogenetic selection tests on candidate genes, detections of convergent amino acid changes in long-lived lineages, analyses of differential gene expression between age cohorts or species, and measurements of age-related epigenetic changes. However, the link between gene duplication and evolution of mammalian longevity has not been widely investigated. Here, we explored the association between gene duplication and mammalian lifespan by analyzing 287 human longevity-associated genes across 37 placental mammals. We estimated that the expansion rate of these genes is eight times higher than their contraction rate across these 37 species. Using phylogenetic approaches, we identified 43 genes whose duplication levels are significantly correlated with longevity quotients (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05). In particular, the strong correlation observed for four genes (CREBBP, PIK3R1, HELLS, FOXM1) appears to be driven mainly by their high duplication levels in two ageing extremists, the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis). Further sequence and expression analyses suggest that the gene PIK3R1 may have undergone a convergent duplication event, whereby the similar region of its coding sequence was independently duplicated multiple times in both of these long-lived species. Collectively, this study identified several candidate genes whose duplications may underlie the extreme longevity in mammals, and highlighted the potential role of gene duplication in the evolution of mammalian long lifespans.
Genomic Heterogeneity of Cryptosporidium parvum Isolates From Children in Bangladesh: Implications for Parasite Biology and Human Infection
Authors: Carey Maureen , Arju Tuhinur , Cotton James A , Alam Masud , Kabir Mamun , Faruque Abu S G , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A , Gilchrist Carol A
Published: October 2023

Cryptosporidium species are a major cause of diarrhea and associated with growth failure. There is currently only limited knowledge of the parasite's genomic variability. We report a genomic analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum isolated from Bangladeshi infants and reanalysis of sequences from the United Kingdom. Human isolates from both locations shared 154 variants not present in the cattle-derived reference genome, suggesting host-specific adaptation of the parasite. Remarkably 34.6% of single-nucleotide polymorphisms unique to human isolates were nonsynonymous and 8.2% of these were in secreted proteins. Linkage disequilibrium decay indicated frequent recombination. The genetic diversity of C. parvum has potential implications for vaccine and therapeutic design.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02764918.
Perfusion Analysis Using High-Definition Indocyanine Green Angiography in Burn Comb Model
Authors: Jiang Zhaolong , Wu Junqiang , Qiu Yunjie , Shen Guoliang
Published: October 2023

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) has been widely employed for quantitative evaluation of the rat comb burn model, but the imaging equipment, imaging protocol, and fluorescence data interpretation of ICGA remain unsatisfactory. This study aims to provide better solutions for the application of ICGA in perfusion analysis. The rat comb burn model was established under a series of different comb contact durations, including 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 s. Indocyanine green angiography was used to analyze wound perfusion. In total, 16 rats were divided into ibuprofen and control groups for the burn model, and their perfusion was compared. A total of 16 identical models were divided into standard- and high-dose indocyanine green (ICG) groups, and ICGA was conducted to investigate the dynamic change in wound fluorescence. Escharectomy was performed under real-time fluorescence mapping and navigation. The results showed that a comb contact duration of 30 s was optimum for the burn model. Indocyanine green angiography could accurately evaluate the histologically determined depth of thermal injury and wound perfusion in the rat comb model. Digital subtraction of residual fluorescence was necessary for multiple comparisons of perfusion. Dynamic changes in fluorescence and necrotic tissues were observed more clearly by high-dose (0.5 mg/kg) ICG in angiography. In conclusion, perfusion analysis by ICGA can be used to assess the histologically determined depth of thermal injury and the impact of a specific treatment on wound perfusion. Indocyanine green angiography can help to identify necrotic tissue. The above findings and related imaging protocols lay the foundation for future research.
Old Rules to Fix New Problems: Counterterrorism, Refugees and Withdrawal of Nationality
Authors: McKeever David
Published: October 2023

The international legal regimes for refugees and for statelessness have much in common. Both aim at mitigating an absence of State protection of individual rights, while the treaties central to each are related in substance, structure and seek to balance similar concerns. Another similarity is more recent: both face challenges amidst new concerns and new law in the area of counterterrorism. The last two decades have seen a sharp increase in international rules on counterterrorism, the impact of which can also be seen in immigration law and administrative powers. That impact is conditioned by how ‘terrorism’ itself is defined, and Section 2 of this article will highlight some consequences of domestic approaches and why the capacity of international law to impose limits on domestic definitions is often overstated. Section 3 will consider the interaction between counterterrorism law and refugee law, arguing that current difficulties arise not from the substance of the rules but from practical, resource-based challenges. Section 4 will consider legal and practical questions raised by recent practice in withdrawing nationality due to suspected involvement in terrorism, a measure applied to both dual nationals and to those at risk of statelessness. This article will argue that the new threats and responses thereto do pose important practical challenges requiring further attention and resources. But that does not mean that new substantive law is required: the ‘old rules’ adequately balance security concerns with the protection of individual rights, and are more than adequate to meet contemporary challenges.
3D simulations of magnetoconvection in a rapidly rotating supernova progenitor
Authors: Varma Vishnu , Müller Bernhard
Published: October 2023

We present a first 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of oxygen, neon, and carbon shell burning in a rapidly rotating $16\hbox{-}\mathrm{M}_\odot$ core-collapse supernova progenitor. We also run a purely hydrodynamic simulation for comparison. After $\mathord \approx 180\mathrm{s}$ ($\mathord \approx$ 15 and 7 convective turnovers, respectively), the magnetic fields in the oxygen and neon shells achieve saturation at 1011 and 5 × 1010 G. The strong Maxwell stresses become comparable to the radial Reynolds stresses and eventually suppress convection. The suppression of mixing by convection and shear instabilities results in the depletion of fuel at the base of the burning regions, so that the burning shell eventually move outward to cooler regions, thus reducing the energy generation rate. The strong magnetic fields efficiently transport angular momentum outwards, quickly spinning down the rapidly rotating convective oxygen and neon shells and forcing them into rigid rotation. The hydrodynamic model shows complicated redistribution of angular momentum and develops regions of retrograde rotation at the base of the convective shells. We discuss implications of our results for stellar evolution and for the subsequent core-collapse supernova. The rapid redistribution of angular momentum in the MHD model casts some doubt on the possibility of retaining significant core angular momentum for explosions driven by millisecond magnetars. However, findings from multidimensional models remain tentative until stellar evolution calculations can provide more consistent rotation profiles and estimates of magnetic field strengths to initialize multidimensional simulations without substantial numerical transients. We also stress the need for longer simulations, resolution studies, and an investigation of non-ideal effects.
An Evaluation of the Contextual Factors Associated With the Use of Either Tobacco or Electronic Cigarettes in Individuals Who Dual Use
Authors: Betts Jennifer M , Dowd Ashley N , Motschman Courtney A , Tiffany Stephen T
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Little is known about patterns of dual use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), especially regarding the factors that lead people to choose either product in particular situations. Identifying contextual factors that are associated with product use would enhance understanding of the maintenance of dual product use.

Methods

Individuals who dual use (N = 102) completed ecological momentary assessment surveys via text message regarding the recent use of tobacco and e-cigarettes for 2 weeks. Product legality, availability, craving, the presence of other people who smoke/vape, and social disapproval were assessed. Data were analyzed using hierarchical logistic regression to identify factors associated with the likelihood of tobacco versus e-cigarette use.

Results

Contexts associated with increased likelihood of using tobacco rather than e-cigarettes included being in the presence of other people who smoke (odds ratio [OR] = 3.50, p < .0001) and experiencing elevated tobacco cigarette craving (OR = 3.51, p < .0001). Decreased likelihood of tobacco over e-cigarette use was associated with smoking restrictions (OR = 0.26, p = .003), the presence of other people who vape (OR = 0.38, p < .001), and experiencing elevated e-cigarette craving (OR = 0.23, p < .0001). The legality of e-cigarettes, social disapproval, and the availability of the alternative product were not significantly associated with the use of one product over the other. An individual difference score of relative tobacco (vs. e-cigarette) use pattern did not significantly moderate these effects.

Conclusions

This study provided essential information regarding behavioral patterns of dual use, which informs our understanding of people who dual use. Contexts such as smoking restrictions, craving, and social context significantly differentiated between the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes. This suggests product-specific motivations for dual use of tobacco and e-cigarettes in people who use both.

Implications

This study assessed the relationship between momentary contextual factors and dual use in a nationally recruited sample of people who dual use. Assessments of dual use in daily life provided novel information regarding patterns of dual use as well as differential use-motivations for each product. This information will be essential to build a theoretical framework of dual use of tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Why Family Law Treats Female Genital Mutilation and Circumcision Differently: An Explanation
Authors: Brown Nick
Published: October 2023

Family law in England and Wales draws a fundamental and categoric distinction between female genital mutilation (FGM) and male circumcision (circumcision). The former is a criminal abuse of human rights which, for the purposes of section 31 of the Children Act 1989, can never fall within the ambit of reasonable parenting. The latter is, in principle, reasonable and is therefore not in itself a basis upon which the state can seek to intervene in family life.1 It will be argued that the reasons given for this distinction in the authorities to date (reasons based on precedent, culture/religion and health/medical issues) are problematic and are not ultimately capable of explaining the distinction satisfactorily. Nevertheless, it will be further argued that a distinction can be properly justified but only when we consider some core underlying features of family law in our contemporary democratic society and that it is only with those features in mind that the different treatment can be explained and viewed as acceptable.
Age-dependent analysis dissects the stepwise control of auxin-mediated lateral root development in rice
Authors: Yamauchi Takaki , Tanaka Akihiro , Nakazono Mikio , Inukai Yoshiaki
Published: October 2023

As root elongation rates are different among each individual root, the distance from the root apices does not always reflect the age of root cells. Thus, methods for correcting variations in elongation rates are needed to accurately evaluate the root developmental process. Here, we show that modeling-based age-dependent analysis is effective for dissecting stepwise lateral root (LR) development in rice (Oryza sativa). First, we measured the increases in LR and LR primordium (LRP) numbers, diameters, and lengths in wild type and an auxin-signaling-defective mutant, which has a faster main (crown) root elongation rate caused by the mutation in the gene encoding AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID protein 13 (IAA13). The longitudinal patterns of these parameters were fitted by the appropriate models and the age-dependent patterns were identified using the root elongation rates. As a result, we found that LR and LRP numbers and lengths were reduced in iaa13. We also found that the duration of the increases in LR and LRP diameters were prolonged in iaa13. Subsequent age-dependent comparisons with gene expression patterns suggest that AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR11 (ARF11), the homolog of MONOPTEROS (MP)/ARF5 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), is involved in the initiation and growth of LR(P). Indeed, the arf11 mutant showed a reduction of LR and LRP numbers and lengths. Our results also suggest that PINOID-dependent rootward-to-shootward shift of auxin flux contributes to the increase in LR and LRP diameters. Together, we propose that modeling-based age-dependent analysis is useful for root developmental studies by enabling accurate evaluation of root traits' expression.
Volunteering in the Creation of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ma Dali , Wang Cheng
Published: October 2023

We propose that volunteering increases the likelihood of self-employment among young adults because volunteering improves self-esteem, which helps prospective entrepreneurs cope with the challenges associated with self-employment. We further predict that young adults who participate in diverse voluntary organizations are particularly likely to undertake self-employment because affiliations with diverse organizations not only enhance the social-psychological benefits of self-employment but also buffer the potential loss of a source of self-esteem caused by the discontinuation of a voluntary organization. Analysis of the data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 35,228) supports our hypotheses. Our study highlights that a better-developed self through volunteering benefits the agentic action of entrepreneurship.
International Association for the Study of Pain publications over the 50-year span
Authors: Davis Karen D. , Basbaum Allan I. , Bushnell M. Catherine , Yarnitsky David , Fields Howard L.
Published: October 2023

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has a 50-year history of publishing educational and research materials, ranging from traditional print format books, journals, and other informational formats to online and electronic formats. Here we provide a historical overview of IASP publications and reflections from the perspective of 5 former or current Editors-in-Chief.
Beyond the study of pain: the evolving role of the International Association for the Study of Pain in global advocacy
Authors: Arendt Nielsen Lars , Belton Joletta , Cardosa Mary
Published: October 2023

Although founded on the basis of the study of pain, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has actively advocated for improving pain relief and access to pain management in a variety of ways. The Global Year was launched in 2004 and has continued with a different theme each year, and “Pain Awareness Month” is held every September. The Declaration of Montreal (2010) emphasized that access to pain management is a fundamental human right as a result from the IASP-hosted International Pain Summit. The IASP has continued to publish timely statements related to pain and pain management. The work of IASP on the 11th version of the International Classification of Disease has ensured that chronic pain is recognized as a disease in its own right, and the establishment of the Global Alliance of Partners for Pain Advocacy Task Force recognizes the importance of engaging people with lived experience of pain in accomplishing IASP's mission. The Working Group on Global Advocacy now spearheads IASP's global efforts in capacity building to ensure that pain advocacy activities will continue to grow.
Multi-factor artificial intelligence model assists axillary lymph node surgery in breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Teng , Huang Yu-Hong , Li Wei , Zhang Yi-Min , Lin Ying-Yi , Cheng Min-Yi , Wu Zhi-Yong , Ye Guo-Lin , Lin Ying , Wang Kun
Published: October 2023

Background:

The high false negative rate associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) often leads to unnecessary axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. We aimed to develop a multi-factor artificial intelligence (AI) model to aid in axillary lymph node surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 1038 patients were enrolled, comprising 234 patients in the primary cohort, 723 patients in three external validation cohorts, and 81 patients in the prospective cohort. For predicting axillary lymph node response to NAC, robust longitudinal radiomics features were extracted from pre-NAC and post-NAC magnetic resonance images. The U test, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and the spearman analysis were used to select the most significant features. A machine learning stacking model was constructed to detect ALN metastasis after NAC. By integrating the significant predictors, we developed a multi-factor AI-assisted surgery pipeline and compared its performance and false negative rate (FNR) with that of SLNB alone.

Results:

The machine learning stacking model achieved excellent performance in detecting ALN metastasis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.958 in the primary cohort, 0.881 in the external validation cohorts, and 0.882 in the prospective cohort. Furthermore, the introduction of AI-assisted surgery reduced the FNRs from 14.88% (18/121) to 4.13% (5/121) in the primary cohort, from 16.55% (49/296) to 4.05% (12/296) in the external validation cohorts, and from 13.64% (3/22) to 4.55% (1/22) in the prospective cohort. Notably, when more than two SLNs were removed, the FNRs further decreased to 2.78% (2/72) in the primary cohort, 2.38% (4/168) in the external validation cohorts, and 0% (0/15) in the prospective cohort.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the potential of AI-assisted surgery as a valuable tool for evaluating ALN response to NAC, leading to a reduction in unnecessary ALND procedures.
Platelet Count During Course of Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Schupp Tobias , Rusnak Jonas , Forner Jan , Dudda Jonas , Bertsch Thomas , Behnes Michael , Akin Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

The study investigates the prognostic value of the platelet count in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Limited data regarding the prognostic value of platelets in patients suffering from CS is available. Consecutive patients with CS from 2019 to 2021 were included at one institution. Firstly, the prognostic value of the baseline platelet count was tested for 30-day all-cause mortality. Thereafter, the prognostic impact of platelet decline during course of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization was assessed. A total of 249 CS patients were included with a median platelet count of 224 × 106/ml. No association of the baseline platelet count with the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality was found (log-rank p = 0.563; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.879; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.557–1.387; p = 0.579). In contrast, a decrease of platelet count by ≥ 25% from day 1 to day 3 was associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (55% vs. 39%; log-rank p = 0.045; HR = 1.585; 95% CI 0.996–2.521; p = 0.052), which was still evident after multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.951; 95% CI 1.116–3.412; p = 0.019). Platelet decrease during the course of ICU hospitalization but not the baseline platelet count was associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in CS patients.