bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1.16 Nickel-Catalyzed Bond Activation for Functional-Group Shuttling
Authors: Delcaillau T. , Morandi B.
Published: February 2023

Functional-group shuttling, for example through shuttle catalysis or single-bond metathesis, has recently emerged as a powerful tool in targeted organic synthesis. This concept offers several advantages in comparison with traditional catalytic reactions. It enables the use of more-benign surrogates as formal functional-group donors, leading to safer reaction profiles. These reactions also often complement traditional cross-coupling reactions by allowing for base-free conditions, since no external inorganic reagent is required. Lately, nickel has emerged as an extremely useful transition metal in catalysis, complementing and often even surpassing the efficiency of noble metals, such as palladium. The focus of this chapter is to summarize recent developments in nickel-catalyzed functional-group-shuttling reactions.
This is Ireland: commemoration as a catalyst for a new nation brand
Authors: Boughton Madeline
Published: February 2023

This article argues that, while state-enacted commemoration can give rise to a pre-determined narrative which aligns with political expediency, the active participation and ownership by citizens in the ritual act of commemoration facilitates an ‘experiential’ process of national identity formation, and a new model of nation branding. It takes inspiration from Kaufmann’s conceptualisation of complexity theory and the importance of ‘tipping points’ and thresholds, which events such as national commemorations represent, as key to our understanding of nations. Ireland’s unique method of citizen-led commemoration provided a channel through which ‘outsiders’, beyond the prominent elite and traditional gatekeepers, are empowered to influence, critique and embody a nation brand that is of their making. Based on interviews with key informants, from historians and brand strategists to community leaders and government officials, and a sample review of news reports, this cross-sectoral study examines the critical role of state-led, citizen-focused commemoration, as a catalyst for a new nation brand.
Visible-light photoredox catalysis with organic polymers
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Cai Bin , Ott Sascha , Tian Haining
Published: February 2023

The development of photocatalysts to drive organic reactions is a frontier research topic. Organic polymers can be well tuned in terms of structural and photophysical properties and, therefore, constitute a promising class of photocatalysts in photoredox catalysis for organic synthesis. In this review article, we provide an overview of the concept of photoredox catalysis and recent developments in organic polymers as photocatalysts including porous organic polymers, graphitic carbon nitride, carbon dots, and polymer dots with adjustable reactivity that have undergone state-of-the-art advancement in different photoredox catalytic organic reactions.
The devil lies in prosody
Authors: Wang Zepeng , Mao Yansheng , Xin Dan , Li Haoming , Liang Zhe
Published: February 2023

The current paper reports on a study investigating the prosodic features of the Chinese discourse markerhaole. The data were collected from 14 native Chinese speakers who participated in two recording sessions designed by the authors. The results indicate thathaoleas a discourse marker occurring at different syntactic positions is prosodically distinct. Specifically, in some cases,haoleat the left periphery (LP) is prosodically independent of its following utterance, whilehaoleat the right periphery (RP) is always prosodically attached to its preceding utterance. In addition,haoleat LP is higher, larger, and longer thanhaoleat RP, respectively, concerning pitch, intensity, and duration. The study suggests that these differences are closely related to the pragmatic functions ofhaoleas a discourse marker in oral interaction. The findings above may shed light on the incorporation of prosody into the pragmatic analysis of discourse markers and conversation management in general.
Frequency-dependent Scattering of Wideband Laser-generated Rayleigh Waves for Vertical Surface Crack Characterization
Authors: Xu Lei , Su Yiyin , Yang Jianwei , Su Zhongqing
Published: February 2023

Wideband laser-generated Rayleigh waves have been extensively exploited for surface crack characterization, most of which, nonetheless, are of a nature of either numerical simulation or experimental observation. Earlier, an elastodynamic reciprocity theorem-based theoretical model was proposed by the authors [1, 2], aimed at scrutinizing the interaction of narrowband Rayleigh-Lamb waves with a surface or subsurface crack. In this study, the model is expanded to a wideband scenario to analytically explore the interaction of a wideband laser-generated Rayleigh wave with a surface crack, as well as the resultant crack-scattered Rayleigh wavefield. First, under the narrowband scenario, a dimensionless parameter is formulated based on the closed-form solution to the magnitude of the narrowband scattered Rayleigh wavefield, revealing that the scattering effect of a surface crack on the Rayleigh waves is frequency-dependent and there exists a characteristic frequency, at which the crack-scattered Rayleigh wavefield manifests the strongest intensity. Similarly, under the wideband scenario, such dependence can be calibrated by a spectral damage indicator (SDI), which facilitates the evaluation of the severity of the surface crack using the wideband laser-generated Rayleigh wave. Proof-of-concept simulation is performed to verify the model. Quantitative agreement between the analytical and numerical results validates the accuracy of the proposed model and SDI. Experiment is also conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the frequency-dependent scattering of wideband laser-generated Rayleigh waves for vertical surface crack characterization.
Bose–Einstein-like condensation of deformed random matrix: a replica approach
Authors: Ikeda Harukuni
Published: February 2023

In this work, we investigate a symmetric deformed random matrix, which is obtained by perturbing the diagonal elements of the Wigner matrix. The eigenvector

x

m
i
n

of the minimal eigenvalue

λ

m
i
n

of the deformed random matrix tends to condensate at a single site. In certain types of perturbations and in the limit of the large components, this condensation becomes a sharp phase transition, the mechanism of which can be identified with the Bose–Einstein condensation in a mathematical level. We study this Bose–Einstein like condensation phenomenon by means of the replica method. We first derive a formula to calculate the minimal eigenvalue and the statistical properties of

x

m
i
n

. Then, we apply the formula for two solvable cases: when the distribution of the perturbation has the double peak, and when it has a continuous distribution. For the double peak, we find that at the transition point, the participation ratio changes discontinuously from a finite value to zero. On the contrary, in the case of a continuous distribution, the participation ratio goes to zero either continuously or discontinuously, depending on the distribution.
Scanning strategy optimization for the selective laser melting additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Jia Yun , Zeng Chao , Xue Jiutian
Published: February 2023

Minimizing the residual stress and deformation of the manufactured product consequent to the selective laser melting (SLM) process is always a primary focus in the realm of additive manufacturing. This paper studied the influence of different scanning strategies on the thermal-mecha nical characteristics of SLM of Ti6Al4V. Numerical simulation and experimental tests were employed concerning three scanning strategies of the SLM process: Z-shaped, outer spiral, and inner spiral. Allowing for the latent heat of phase change, thermal radiation, and convection effect, the temperature history, and distribution of the specimen were analyzed, based on which the indirect thermal-mechanical coupling method was engaged for the residual stress and deformation analysis. The result shows good consistency in deformation characteristics between the numerical prediction and experimental observation. A reasonable scanning strategy is beneficial to mitigating the non-uniform distribution of the residual stress, and compared with the outer spiral and inner spiral strategies, the z-shaped scanning strategy may have a better effect in forming accuracy and mechanical properties.
Reducing oil and gas well leakage: a review of leakage drivers, methane detection and repair options
Authors: Hachem Khalil El , Kang Mary
Published: February 2023

Oil and gas wells (OGWs) with integrity failures can be a conduit for methane and contaminant leakage to groundwater aquifers, surface water bodies and the atmosphere. While there have been numerous reviews addressing OGW leakage, there is a gap in the literature regarding an examination of OGW leakage that encompasses both abandoned and active wells, as well as factors that impact leakage, methane emission measurements, and options for repairing leaks. Here, we review the literature to evaluate factors and policies affecting leakage of active and abandoned OGWs, studies quantifying OGW methane emissions, and leakage repair and emission reduction options. Furthermore, our review places a greater emphasis on abandoned oil and gas wells and does not focus on one well type, such as unconventional wells. Of the 38 factors in published literature reviewed here, studies find that 15 (39%) factors, including geographic location, well deviation, casing quality and plugging status consistently affect OGW leakage. For 15 (39%) factors, including surface casing depth, well elevation and land cover, one or two studies show that they do not affect OGW leakage. For the remaining eight (21%) factors, including well age, studies show conflicting results. Although increased frequency of well monitoring and repair can lead to reduced OGW leakage, several studies indicate that monitoring and repair requirements are not always enforced. Moreover, we find 13 studies quantifying OGW methane emissions to the atmosphere at the oil and gas wellhead scale across Canada and the United States with major gaps in the geographical distribution of the collected data. Moreover, although studies measuring abandoned wells include measurements from orphaned wells, available measurements do not differentiate between orphaned and abandoned OGWs, which is important for policy makers aiming to quantify methane emission reductions of plugging hundreds of thousands of orphaned wells. To repair OGW leakage, we find that most studies focus on well cement and casing repair. There are alternatives to cement and casing repair that only reduce methane emissions, such as soil methane oxidation, but their widespread applicability requires further study. Overall, our review of factors affecting OGW leakage can be used to identify OGWs with high leakage potential and guide OGW leakage monitoring and repair policies, thereby reducing climate and environmental impacts.
Equivariant quantum differential equation and qKZ equations for a projective space: Stokes bases as exceptional collections, Stokes matrices as Gram matrices, and \textcyr{B}-Theorem
Authors: Cotti Giordano , Varchenko Alexander
Published: February 2023

In the previous paper by Tarasov and Varchenko the equivariant quantum differential equation (

q
D
E

qDE

) for a projective space was considered and a compatible system of difference

q
K
Z

qKZ

equations was introduced; the space of solutions to the joint system of the

q
D
E

qDE

and

q
K
Z

qKZ

equations was identified with the space of the equivariant

K
K

-theory algebra of the projective space; Stokes bases in the space of solutions were identified with exceptional bases in the equivariant

K
K

-theory algebra. This paper is a continuation of the paper by Tarasov and Varchenko.

We describe the relation between solutions to the joint system of the

q
D
E

qDE

and

q
K
Z

qKZ

equations and the topological-enumerative solution to the

q
D
E

qDE

only, definitionned as a generating function of equivariant descendant Gromov-Witten invariants. The relation is in terms of the equivariant graded Chern character on the equivariant

K
K

-theory algebra, the equivariant Gamma class of the projective space, and the equivariant first Chern class of the tangent bundle of the projective space.

We consider a Stokes basis, the associated exceptional basis in the equivariant K-theory algebra, and the associated Stokes matrix. We show that the Stokes matrix equals the Gram matrix of the equivariant Grothendieck-Euler-Poincaré pairing wrt to the basis, which is the left dual to the associated exceptional basis.

We identify the Stokes bases in the space of solutions with explicit full exceptional collections in the equivariant derived category of coherent sheaves on the projective space, where the elements of those exceptional collections are just line bundles on the projective space and exterior powers of the tangent bundle of the projective space.

These statements are equivariant analogs of results of G. Cotti, B. Dubro-vin, D. Guzzetti, and S. Galkin, V. Golyshev, H. Iritani.
Decolonizing Classics in Africa: the work of Alexander Kwapong
Authors: Goff Barbara
Published: February 2023

Alexander Osei Adum Kwapong (1927–2014) was a notable classical scholar who studied at the renowned Achimota School of Ghana, and gained a PhD in Ancient History from King’s College, Cambridge. He subsequently became the first African Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and went on to a career in several institutions of higher education. As with some other African Classical scholars, the attitude towards the Classics represented in his writings repays examination, especially on the following issues: to what extent does he see his professional activity as ‘decolonizing’? To what extent are the Classics within his work already unmoored from any significantly European identity? Drawing on his autobiography and several more or less formal texts about the Classics in Africa, I shall tease out the possible complexities of Kwapong’s positions. Although ‘decolonizing’ does not necessarily mean the same in his writings as in our current preoccupations, his version of Classics as a discipline is geared towards promoting a usable history of Africa, a productive account of Africa’s place in the world, and an open dialogue among cultures.
Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination protects sperm health from Chlamydia muridarum-induced abnormalities
Authors: Bryan Emily R , Trim Logan K , Sadowski Pawel , Paramasivan Selvam , Kim Jay J , Gough Kyle , Worley Sophia , Maidment Toby I , Carey Alison J , Mihalas Bettina , McLaughlin Eileen A , Beagley Kenneth W
Published: February 2023

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide and it is widely acknowledged that controlling the rampant community transmission of this infection requires vaccine development. In this study, for the first time, we elucidate the long-term response to male mouse chlamydial vaccination with chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and ISCOMATRIX (IMX) both prophylactically and in a novel therapeutic setting. Vaccination significantly reduced and, in some cases, cleared chlamydial burden from the prostates, epididymides, and testes, which correlates with high IgG and IgA tires in tissues and serum. Important markers of sperm health and fertility were protected including sperm motility and proteins associated with fertility in men. Within splenocytes, expression of IFNγ, TNFα, IL17, IL13, IL10, and TGFβ were changed by both infection and vaccination within CD4 and CD8 T cells and regulatory T cells. Within the testicular tissue, phenotypic and concentration changes were observed in macrophages and T cells (resident and transitory). This revealed some pathogenic phenotypes associated with infection and critically that vaccination allows maintenance of testicular homeostasis, likely by preventing significant influx of CD4 T cells and promoting IL10 production. Finally, we demonstrated the testes contained immature (B220+) B cells and mature (CD138+) Chlamydia-specific plasma cells. Thus, through vaccination, we can maintain the healthy function of the testes, which is vital to protection of male fertility.
A new class of peptides from wasp venom: a pathway to antiepileptic/neuroprotective drugs
Authors: Mortari Márcia Renata , Cunha Alexandra O S , dos Anjos Lilian C , Amaral Henrique O , Quintanilha Maria Varela Torres , Gelfuso Erica A , Homem-de-Mello Mauricio , de Almeida Hugo , Rego Solange , Maigret Bernard , Lopes Norberto P , dos Santos Wagner F
Published: February 2023

The ability of venom-derived peptides to disrupt physiological processes in mammals provides an exciting source for pharmacological development. Our research group has identified a new class of neuroactive peptides from the venom of a Brazilian social wasp, Polybia occidentalis, with the potential pharmacological profile to treat epilepsies. The study was divided into five phases: Phase 1 concerned the extraction, isolation and purification of Occidentalin-1202(n) from the crude venom, followed by the synthesis of an identical analogue peptide, named Occidentalin-1202(s). In Phase 2, we described the effects of both peptides in two acute models of epilepsy—kainic acid and pentylenetetrazole-induced model of seizures—and measured estimated ED50 and therapeutic index values, electroencephalographic studies and C-fos evaluation. Phase 3 was a compilation of advanced tests performed with Occidentalin-1202(s) only, reporting histopathological features and its performance in the pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. After the determination of the antiepileptic activity of Occidentalin-1202(s), Phase 4 consisted of evaluating its potential adverse effects, after chronic administration, on motor coordination (Rotarod) and cognitive impairment (Morris water maze) tests. Finally, in Phase 5, we proposed a mechanism of action using computational models with kainate receptors. The new peptide was able to cross the blood–brain barrier and showed potent antiseizure effects in acute (kainic acid and pentylenetetrazole) and chronic (temporal lobe epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine) models. Motor and cognitive behaviour were not adversely affected, and a potential neuroprotective effect was observed. Occidentalin-1202 can be a potent blocker of the kainate receptor, as assessed by computational analysis, preventing glutamate and kainic acid from binding to the receptor’s active site. Occidentalin-1202 is a peptide with promising applicability to treat epilepsy and can be considered an interesting drug model for the development of new medicines.
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis precedes subclinical functional myocardial impairment and provides prognostic information in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gotschy Alexander , Jordan Suzana , Stoeck Christian T , von Deuster Constantin , Peer Tatiana , Gastl Mareike , Vishnevskiy Valery , Wissmann Lukas , Dobrota Rucsandra , Mihai Carina , Becker Mike O , Maurer Britta , Kozerke Sebastian , Ruschitzka Frank , Distler Oliver , Manka Robert
Published: February 2023

Aims

Myocardial involvement is common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and causes myocardial fibrosis and subtle ventricular dysfunction. However, the temporal onset of myocardial involvement during the progression of the disease and its prognostic value are yet unknown. We used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to investigate subclinical functional impairment and diffuse myocardial fibrosis in patients with very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS) and established SSc and examined whether this was associated with mortality.

Methods and results

One hundred and ten SSc patients (86 established SSc, 24 VEDOSS) and 15 healthy controls were prospectively recruited. The patients were followed-up for a median duration of 7.0 years (interquartile range 6.0–7.3 years). Study subjects underwent CMR including assessment of myocardial fibrosis [native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV)] and measurement of global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) myocardial strain. Native T1 values and ECV were elevated in VEDOSS and SSc patients compared with controls (P < 0.001). GLS was similar in VEDOSS and controls but significantly impaired in patients with established SSc (P < 0.001). GCS was similar over all groups (P = 0.88). There were 12 deaths during follow-up. Elevated native T1 [hazard ratio (HR) 5.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–20.4; P = 0.006] and reduced GLS (HR 6.1, 95% CI: 1.3–29.9; P = 0.038) identified subjects with increased risk of death. Only native T1 was predictive for cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Subclinical myocardial involvement first manifests as diffuse myocardial fibrosis identified by the expansion of ECV and increased native T1 in VEDOSS patients while subtle functional impairment only occurs in established SSc. Native T1 and GLS have prognostic value for all-cause mortality in SSc patients.
Association of admission frailty and frailty changes during cardiac rehabilitation with 5-year outcomes
Authors: Quach Jack , Kehler Dustin Scott , Giacomantonio Nicholas , McArthur Caitlin , Blanchard Chris , Firth Wanda , Rockwood Kenneth , Theou Olga
Published: February 2023

Aims

Examine the association between (1) admission frailty and (2) frailty changes during cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with 5-year outcomes (i.e. time to mortality, first hospitalization, first emergency department (ED) visit, and number of hospitalizations, hospital days, and ED visits).

Methods and results

Data from patients admitted to a 12-week CR programme in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from May 2005 to April 2015 (n = 3371) were analysed. A 25-item frailty index (FI) estimated frailty levels at CR admission and completion. FI improvements were determined by calculating the difference between admission and discharge FI. CR data were linked to administrative health data to examine 5-year outcomes [due to all causes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)]. Cox regression, Fine–Gray models, and negative binomial hurdle models were used to determine the association between FI and outcomes. On average, patients were 61.9 (SD: 10.7) years old and 74% were male. Mean admission FI scores were 0.34 (SD: 0.13), which improved by 0.07 (SD: 0.09) by CR completion. Admission FI was associated with time to mortality [HRs/IRRs per 0.01 FI increase: all causes = 1.02(95% CI 1.01,1.04); CVD = 1.03(1.02,1.05)], hospitalization [all causes = 1.02(1.01,1.02); CVD = 1.02(1.01,1.02)], ED visit [all causes = 1.01(1.00,1.01)], and the number of hospitalizations [all causes = 1.02(95% CI 1.01,1.03); CVD = 1.02(1.00,1.04)], hospital days [all causes = 1.01(1.01,1.03)], and ED visits [all causes = 1.02(1.02,1.03)]. FI improvements during CR had a protective effect regarding time to all-cause hospitalization [0.99(0.98,0.99)] but were not associated with other outcomes.

Conclusion

Frailty status at CR admission was related to long-term adverse outcomes. Frailty improvements during CR were associated with delayed all-cause hospitalization, in which a larger effect was associated with a greater chance of improved outcome.
Succession of bacteria and archaea involved in the nitrogen cycle of a seasonally stratified lake
Authors: Diao Muhe , Balkema Cherel , Suárez-Muñoz María , Huisman Jef , Muyzer Gerard
Published: February 2023

Human-driven changes affect nutrient inputs, oxygen solubility, and the hydrodynamics of lakes, which affect biogeochemical cycles mediated by microbial communities. However, information on the succession of microbes involved in nitrogen cycling in seasonally stratified lakes is still incomplete. Here, we investigated the succession of nitrogen-transforming microorganisms in Lake Vechten  over a period of 19 months, combining 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and quantification of functional genes. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) and anammox bacteria were abundant in the sediment during winter, accompanied by nitrate in the water column. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria emerged in the water column in spring when nitrate was gradually depleted. Denitrifying bacteria containing nirS genes were exclusively present in the anoxic hypolimnion. During summer stratification, abundances of AOA, AOB, and anammox bacteria decreased sharply in the sediment, and ammonium accumulated in hypolimnion. After lake mixing during fall turnover, abundances of AOA, AOB, and anammox bacteria increased and ammonium was oxidized to nitrate. Hence, nitrogen-transforming microorganisms in Lake Vechten displayed a pronounced seasonal succession, which was strongly determined by the seasonal stratification pattern. These results imply that changes in stratification and vertical mixing induced by global warming are likely to alter the nitrogen cycle of seasonally stratified lakes.
No Effect of Realistic Microplastic Exposure on Growth and Development of Wild-caught Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes
Authors: Thormeyer Markus , Tseng Michelle
Published: February 2023

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a threat to environments around the world and mosquitoes are particularly affected because of their high chance of encountering MP as larvae. Mosquitoes have been shown to readily consume microplastics and they have a significant impact on health in society, yet we have limited knowledge on the effects of MP exposure on fitness-related traits. Additionally, the data we do have come primarily from studies that have used unrealistically high microplastic concentrations, or unrealistic methods of exposure. Here we exposed wild-type first instar Culex pipiens and Culex tarsalis larvae to two 4.8–5.8 μm polystyrene microplastic concentrations (0 particles/ml, 200 particles/ml, 20,000 particles/ml) to evaluate the effect of MP exposure on body size, development, and growth rate. We found no effect of microplastics on any of the traits in either species. These results indicate microplastic exposures comparable to levels found in nature have minimal effects on these fitness-related traits. Future directions for this work include examining whether the effects of MP exposure are exacerbated when evaluated in combination with other common stressors, such as warming temperatures, pesticides, and food limitation.
Multiple Episodes of Rock-Melt Reaction at the Slab-Mantle Interface: Formation of High Silica Primary Magmas in Intermediate to Hot Subduction Zones
Authors: Rebaza Anna M , Mallik Ananya , Straub Susanne M
Published: February 2023

Siliceous slab-derived partial melts infiltrate the sub-arc mantle and cause rock-melt reactions, which govern the formation of diverse primary arc magmas and lithological heterogeneities. The effect of bulk water content, composition of reactants, and nature of melt infiltration (porous versus channelized) on the rock-melt reactions at sub-arc conditions have been investigated by previous studies. However, the effect of multiple episodes of rock-melt reactions in such scenarios has not been investigated before. Here, we explore mantle wedge modifications through serial additions of hydrous-silicic slab partial melts and whether such a process may ultimately explain the origin of high-Mg# andesites found in arcs worldwide. A series of piston-cylinder experiments simulate a serial addition of silicic slab melts in up to three stages (I through III) at 3 GPa and 800–1050°C, using rock-melt proportions of 75–25 and 50–50. A synthetic KLB-1 and a natural rhyolite (JR-1) represented the mantle and the slab components, respectively. Right from the first rock-melt interaction, the peridotite mantle transforms into olivine-free mica-rich pyroxenites ± amphibole ± quartz/coesite in equilibrium with rhyolitic-hydrous melts (72–80 wt% SiO2 and 40–90 Mg#). The formation of olivine-free pyroxenite seems to be controlled by complex functions of T, P, rock-melt ratio, wedge composition, and silica activity of the slab-melt. Remarkably, the pyroxenites approach a melt-buffered state with progressive stages of rock-melt reactions, where those rhyolitic melts inherit and preserve the major (alkalis, Fe, Mg, Ca) and trace element slab-signature. Our results demonstrate that lithological heterogeneities such as pyroxenites formed as products of rock-melt reactions in the sub-arc mantle may function as melt ‘enablers,’ implying that they may act as pathways that enable the infiltrating melt to retain their slab signature without undergoing modification. Moreover, the density contrast between the products of rock-melt reaction (melts and residues) and the average mantle wedge (~150 to 400 kg/m3) may help forming instabilities and diapiric rise of the slab components into the mantle wedge. However, the fate of the primitive slab-melts seems to be associated with the length of the pathway of mantle interaction which explains the evident wide magma spectrum as well as their degree of slab garnet-signature dilution. This work and the existence of high-Mg# Mexican-trondhjemites indicates that almost pristine slab-melts can make their way up to crustal levels and contribute to the arc magma diversity.
A comparison of dg algebra resolutions with prime residual characteristic
Authors: DeBellevue Michael , Pollitz Josh
Published: February 2023

In this article, we fix a prime integer p and compare certain dg algebra resolutions over a local ring whose residue field has characteristic p. Namely, we show that given a closed surjective map between such algebras there is a precise description for the minimal model in terms of the acyclic closure and that the latter is a quotient of the former. A first application is that the homotopy Lie algebra of a closed surjective map is abelian. We also use these calculations to show deviations enjoy rigidity properties which detect the (quasi-)complete intersection property.
Unique regulation of TiO2 nanoporous topography on macrophage polarization via MSC-derived exosomes
Authors: Wang Jinjin , Wang Yazheng , Li Yi , He Yide , Song Wen , Wang Qintao , Zhang Yumei , He Chenyang
Published: February 2023

The comprehensive recognition of communications between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bm-MSCs) and macrophages in the peri-implant microenvironment is crucial for implantation prognosis. Our previous studies have clarified the indirect influence of Ti surface topography in the osteogenic differentiation of bm-MSCs through modulating macrophage polarization. However, cell communication is commutative and multi-directional. As the immune regulatory properties of MSCs have become increasingly prominent, whether bm-MSCs could also play an immunomodulatory role on macrophages under the influence of Ti surface topography is unclear. To further illuminate the communications between bm-MSCs and macrophages, the bm-MSCs inoculated on Ti with nanoporous topography were indirectly co-cultured with macrophages, and by blocking exosome secretion or extracting the purified exosomes to induce independently, we bidirectionally confirmed that under the influence of TiO2 nanoporous topography with 80–100 nm tube diameters, bm-MSCs can exert immunomodulatory effects through exosome-mediated paracrine actions and induce M1 polarization of macrophages, adversely affecting the osteogenic microenvironment around the implant. This finding provides a reference for the optimal design of the implant surface topography for inducing better bone regeneration.
Trends in Technology for Pedicle Screw Placement
Authors: Naik Anant , MacInnis Bailey R. , Shaffer Annabelle , Krist David T. , Smith Alexander D. , Garst Jonathan R. , Hassaneen Wael , Arnold Paul M.
Published: February 2023

Study Design.

Systematic Review

Objective.

We sought to determine which method of the pedicle screw (PS) placement is most accurate and understand how the development of subsequent generations of robotic systems has changed placement accuracy over time.

Summary of Background Data.

Previous studies have demonstrated the success of robotic PS placement, but how this accuracy compares to other methods is unclear.

Methods.

A systematic review following PRISMA Guidelines was performed on articles published between January 2000 and August 2021, comparing PS insertion methods with at least 10 screws per study arm. Single and multiple-arm trials were included. Data were extracted for patient outcomes, including optimal PS placement, misplacement, and accuracy. The logit-event rate of misplacement was calculated for each study. P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Tukey post hoc correction.

Results.

Our search revealed 127 studies, and 156 comparative arms, with 77,360 pedicle screws placed using five different modalities. Meta-regression of pooled accuracy revealed no significant changes in PS accuracy over time for freehand, 2D fluoroscopic navigation, 3D fluoroscopic navigation, and computed tomography navigation. Robotic navigation had a significant increase in accuracy over time (P=0.036). Pooled misplacement rates were also compared across all modalities. Robotics was found to have the lowest rates of misplacement for PS compared to freehand (P=0.0015) and 2D fluoroscopic navigation (P=0.026).

Conclusion.

Our analysis is the largest study to date on pedicle screw placement. Pedicle screw placement through robotics was found to be superior due to its low misplacement rates compared with other modalities. Intraoperative 3D fluoroscopic navigation was found to have comparable misplacement rates. In addition, pedicle screw placement accuracy with robotics has continued to improve over time. This speaks to both the stability of the technology and the potential for continued improvement with new and more accurate robotic systems.
Food Insecurity, the Food Environment, and COVID-19 in Rural South Carolina
Authors: Baxter Samuel L. K. , Koob Caitlin E. , Hossfeld Cassius M. L. , Griffin Sarah F. , Mobley Catherine , Hossfeld Leslie H.
Published: February 2023

In this study, we explored the relationship between the food environment and food security among rural adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers, with assistance from community partners, conducted a cross-sectional survey assessing the impact of COVID-19 on food access, food security, and physical activity in 9 rural South Carolina (SC) counties. This survey was administered to a purposive sample (N = 587) from August 2020 to March 2021. The dependent variable was a binary indicator of food insecurity (past 3 months), in accordance with the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, food environment factors (eg, shopping at grocery stores, partial markets, and farmers' markets), and shopping behaviors during the pandemic. Overall, 31% of respondents were food insecure. Food security status differed by income and household composition. Results indicate that the odds of food insecurity were higher for respondents who shopped frequently at partial markets (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.56) and shopped more for food before the pandemic than during the pandemic (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.07-2.64). Findings underscore the importance of examining the relationship between the food environment and food insecurity during COVID-19 in rural settings.
Successful Treatment of Severe Peripapillary Pachychoroid Syndrome with Anti VEGF Therapy
Authors: Abraham Neda , Bousquet Elodie , Santina Ahmad , Somisetty Swathi , Romero-Morales Veronica , Sarraf David
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

To describe two cases of severe peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) successfully managed with monthly intravitreal aflibercept therapy.

Methods:

Medical and imaging records were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were imaged with ultra-widefield fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and fundus autofluorescence. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed to evaluate macular edema and choroidal thickness. OCT angiography excluded macular neovascularization.

Results:

This report summarizes 2 cases of PPS complicated by very severe bilateral macular edema. In all 4 eyes, the diffuse intraretinal and subretinal fluid remarkably improved or completely resolved after monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections with commensurate improvement of visual acuity. Multimodal imaging documented the significant improvement of fluid and the reduction in choroidal thickening in response to anti-VEGF therapy in each case.

Conclusion:

Severe cases of PPS associated with vision loss can be successfully treated with intravitreal aflibercept therapy.
Feasibility of anterior lobe-preserving transurethral enucleation and resection of prostate on improving urinary incontinence in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Xi Xiang , Chen Xu , Chen Qiao Zhi , Wang Liang , Li Cang , Tian Jin Lian
Published: February 2023

Transurethral enucleation and resection of prostate (TUERP), as one of the conventional surgical methods for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), usually resulted in pseudo urinary incontinence after surgery. The present study was thereby conducted to evaluate the feasibility of anterior lobe-preserving transurethral enucleation and resection of prostate (ALP-TUERP) on reducing the incidence rate of urinary incontinence after surgery in patients with BPH. Patients diagnosed with BPH underwent surgical treatment were enrolled in the present study within the inclusion criteria. Characteristics including age, prostate volume (before surgery), PSA level, maximum free flow rate, international prostate symptom score, and quality of life were reviewed and compared between the groups of ALP-TUERP and TUERP. Incidence rate of urinary incontinence on 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after catheter drawing was deemed as main outcome, which was compared between the groups. In addition, secondary outcomes including surgery time, difference value of hemoglobin before and after surgery (∆Hemoglobin), catheter retaining time, catheter flushing time, and incidence rate of recurrent bleeding were also compared between the groups. There were 81 patients included in the present study within the inclusion criteria. There was no statistical difference on the baseline characteristics including age, prostate volume (before surgery), PSA level, maximum free flow rate (before surgery), international prostate symptom score, or quality of life between the 2 groups. Statistical superiority was observed on the incidence rate of urinary incontinence on day 1 (χ
2 = 9.375, P = .002), and day 3 (χ
2 = 4.046, P = .044) in the group ALP-TUERP, when comparing to group TUERP. However, the difference was not observed anymore after 7 days after catheter drawing (P = .241 for day 7, P = .494 for day 14) between them. In addition, no statistical differences were observed on surgery time, difference value of hemoglobin before and after surgery (∆Hemoglobin), catheter retaining time, or catheter flushing time between the group ALP-TUERP and TUERP (all P > .05). Results of the present study demonstrated a potentially statistical superiority of ALP-TUERP on the reduction of incidence rate of urinary incontinence comparing to conventionally TUERP.
Rising Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South Asian Children in New Zealand—A Retrospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Rajasekaran Vivek , Evans Helen M. , Andrews Amy , Bishop Jonathan R. , Lopez Robert N. , Mouat Stephen , Han Dug Yeo , Alsweiler Jane , Roberts Amin J.
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

High rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are reported in children of South Asian (SA) descent in some western countries. This population-based study describes the incidence and clinical course of IBD in SA children compared to non-South Asian (NSA) children in New Zealand (NZ).

Methods:

Children (≤15 years) with new-onset IBD presenting to a centralized tertiary referral center in Auckland, NZ from 2010 to 2020 were identified. Disease phenotype, clinical characteristics, response to exclusive enteral nutrition, clinical remission rates at 3 and 12 months, biologic use, corticosteroid exposure, and disease complications were compared by ethnicity; IBD incidence was calculated.

Results:

There were 127 (26 SA; 101 NSA) children with Crohn disease, 41 (10 SA; 31 NSA) with ulcerative colitis, and 10 (3 SA; 7 NSA) with IBD-unclassified. IBD incidence in SA and NSA children was 14.1 per 100,000 and 4.3 per 100,000 respectively (P < 0.001). IBD incidence increased by 5.6% per year (P = 0.022), due to a greater rise in incidence in SA (SA 16.8% per year, P = 0.015; NSA 4.5% per year, P = 0.317). At presentation, SA children had worse biochemical parameters, severe colitis, and vitamin D deficiency. SA children had lower rates of remission following exclusive enteral nutrition (28.5% vs 65.0%, P < 0.001) or biologic induction (35.7% vs 70.8%, P = 0.020), at 3-month (35.3% vs 69.8%, P < 0.001) and 12-month follow-up (29.4% vs 55.0%, P = 0.005). No significant differences were found in disease location or corticosteroid burden.

Conclusions:

Increasing incidence of IBD was disproportionately represented by SA children with more severe disease and lower remission rates following exclusive enteral nutrition or biologic therapy.
68Ga-FAPI Versus 18F-FDG PET/CT in the Evaluation of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of Bone
Authors: Xu Weizhi , Cai Jiayu , Meng Tinghua , Pang YiZhen , Chen Haojun
Published: February 2023

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare type of vascular tumor that may arise in bone. Here we presented a 62-year-old man with suspected bone metastases who underwent PET/CT to detect the primary tumor. He underwent 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT under the prospective trial NCT04416165. Radiotracer uptake was much higher with 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT than with 18F-FDG PET/CT in most of bone lesions. No intense uptake likely presenting the primary tumor was observed. Subsequent bone biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of EHE of bone. This case suggested that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT might be a useful tool for evaluation of EHE.
Changes in Stage at Presentation among Lung and Breast Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mallouh Michael , Linshaw David , Barton Bruce , De La Cruz Gabriel , Dinh Kate , LaFemina Jennifer , Vijayaraghavan Gopal , Larkin Anne , Whalen Giles
Published: February 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic altered access to healthcare by decreasing number of patients able to receive preventative care and cancer screening. We hypothesized that given these changes in access to care, radiologic screening for breast and lung cancer would be decreased, and patients with these cancers would consequently present at later stages of their disease.

Design:

Retrospective cross-sectional study of 2017-September 2021 UMass Memorial Tumor Registry for adult breast and lung cancer patients. Changes in stage at presentation of breast and lung cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic were measured, defined as prior to and during COVID-19.

Results:

There were no statistically significant changes in the overall stage of presentation before or during the COVID-19 pandemic for either breast or lung cancer patients. Analysis of case presentation and stage during periods of COVID-19 surges that occurred over the time of this study compared to pre-pandemic data demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in overall presentation of breast cancer patients in the first surge, with no other statistically significant changes in breast cancer presentation. A non-statistically significant decrease in lung cancer presentations was seen during the initial surge of COVID-19. There was also a statistically significant increase in early-stage presentation of lung cancer during the second and third COVID-19 surges.

Conclusions:

In the two years after the COVID-19 pandemic we were not able to demonstrate stage migration at presentation of breast and lung cancer patients to later stages despite decreases in overall presentation during the initial two years of the COVID pandemic. An increase in early-stage lung cancer during the second and third surges is interesting and could be related to increased chest imaging for COVID pneumonia.
Macrophages Promote Tumor Cell Extravasation across an Endothelial Barrier through Thin Membranous Connections
Authors: Genna Alessandro , Duran Camille L. , Entenberg David , Condeelis John , Cox Dianne
Published: February 2023

Macrophages are important players involved in the progression of breast cancer, including in seeding the metastatic niche. However, the mechanism by which macrophages in the lung parenchyma interact with tumor cells in the vasculature to promote tumor cell extravasation at metastatic sites is not clear. To mimic macrophage-driven tumor cell extravasation, we used anin vitroassay (eTEM) in which an endothelial monolayer and a matrigel-coated filter separated tumor cells and macrophages from each other. The presence of macrophages promoted tumor cell extravasation while macrophage conditioned media was insufficient to stimulate tumor cell extravasationin vitro. This finding is consistent with a requirement for direct contact between macrophages and tumor cells. We observed the presence of Thin Membranous Connections (TMCs) resembling similar structures formed between macrophages and tumor cells called tunneling nanotubes which we previously demonstrated to be important in tumor cell invasionin vitroandin vivo(Hanna 2019). To determine if TMCs are important for tumor cell extravasation, we used macrophages with reduced levels of endogenous M-Sec (TNFAIP2), which causes a defect in tunneling nanotube formation. As predicted, these macrophages showed reduced macrophage-tumor cell TMCs. In both, human and murine breast cancer cell lines, there was also a concomitant reduction in tumor cell extravasationin vitrowhen co-cultured with M-Sec deficient macrophages compared to control macrophages. We also detected TMCs formed between macrophages and tumor cells through the endothelial layer in the eTEM assay. Furthermore, tumor cells were more frequently found in pores under the endothelium that contain macrophage protrusions. To determine the role of macrophage-tumor cell TMCsin vivo, we generated an M-Sec deficient mouse. Using anin vivomodel of experimental metastasis, we detected a significant reduction in the number of metastatic lesions in M-Sec deficient mice compared to wild type mice. There was no difference in the size of the metastases, consistent with a defect specific to tumor cell extravasation and not metastatic outgrowth. Additionally, examination of time-lapse intravital-imaging (IVI) data sets of breast cancer cell extravasation in the lung, we could detect the presence of TMCs between extravascular macrophages and vascular tumor cells. Overall, our data indicate that macrophage TMCs play an important role in promoting the extravasation of circulating tumor cells in the lung.