bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coupling model for the cooperative actuation mechanism of thermochemically responsive shape memory polymers
Authors: Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

Thermochemically responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted great interest in biomedical applications such as drug-releasing capsules and implantable medical stents, because body temperature can drive their shape recovery behaviors. However, it is difficult to determine the configurational dynamics of polymer segments due to the complexities of environmental stimuli (e.g. solute concentration, temperature change, and solvent diffusion). Besides, the cooperative actuation mechanism behind the thermochemical-driven shape memory effect (SME) is still poorly understood. In this study, we describe the effects of temperature and solvent absorption on conformational rearrangements in SMPs using the size change of cooperative rearrangement region (CRR) derived from the Adam–Gibbs model. The quasi-lattice model is further combined with Fick’s second law to characterize the kinetic diffusion behavior of solvent molecules in the CRR. The dependences of dual- and quadruple-SMEs in amorphous SMPs on immersion time, solution concentration, and programming temperature are quantitatively investigated using the proposed model. The theoretical results are also compared with experimental data and a good agreement is achieved. The proposed model is expected to provide theoretical guidance for understanding the working mechanism of thermochemically responsive SMPs and advancing their engineering applications.
Study of new double perovskites Tl2PtX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) for solar cells and thermoelectric applications
Authors: Younas Muhammad , Mahmood Q , Kattan Nessrin A , Alshahrani Thamraa , Mera Abeer , Amin Mohammed A , Mersal Gaber A M , Somaily H H
Published: October 2022

The double perovskite materials are exceptional for energy applications due to their non-toxic, efficient, and eco-friendly nature. Here, we comprehensively addressed the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of double perovskites Tl2PtX6 (X = Cl, Br, I). The tolerance factor and formation energy, an important criterion for the existence of structural and thermodynamic stability are computed. The strong p-d hybridization between cations (Pt) and anions (Cl, Br, I) tune the band gaps from 2.83 eV, 2.18 eV, and 1.35 eV. The diminution of band gap due to replacement of Cl to I anions shifts the absorption to visible region. For detailed analysis, the optical behavior is explored from 0–5 eV in terms of absorption, optical loss, dielectric constants, and reflection of light from materials under study. Furthermore, thermoelectric behavior has been examined by power factor, Seebeck coefficient, and figure of merit. The high figure of merit and ultralow lattice thermal conductivity increased their significance for thermoelectric applications.
Novel traveling quantum anonymous voting scheme via GHZ states
Authors: Zhao Wenhao , Jiang Min
Published: October 2022

Based on traveling ballot mode, we propose a secure quantum anonymous voting via Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) states. In this scheme, each legal voter performs unitary operation on corresponding position of particle sequence to encode his/her voting content. The voters have multiple ballot items to choose rather than just binary options “yes” or “no”. After counting votes phase, any participant who is interested in voting results can obtain the voting results. To improve the efficiency of the traveling quantum anonymous voting scheme, an optimization method based on grouping strategy is also presented. Compared with the most existing traveling quantum voting schemes, the proposed scheme is more practical because of its privacy, verifiability and non-repeatability. Furthermore, the security analysis shows that the proposed traveling quantum anonymous voting scheme can prevent various attacks and ensure high security.
Hydrogenic donor impurity states and intersubband optical absorption spectra of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides in dielectric environments
Authors: Wu Shu-Dong
Published: October 2022

The hydrogenic donor impurity states and intersubband optical absorption spectra in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (ML TMDs) under dielectric environments are theoretically investigated based on a two-dimensional (2D) nonorthogonal associated Laguerre basis set. The 2D quantum confinement effect together with the strongly reduced dielectric screening results in the strong attractive Coulomb potential between electron and donor ion, with exceptionally large impurity binding energy and huge intersubband oscillator strength. These lead to the strong interaction of the electron with light in a 2D regime. The intersubband optical absorption spectra exhibit strong absorption lines of the non-hydrogenic Rydberg series in the mid-infrared range of light. The strength of the Coulomb potential can be controlled by changing the dielectric environment. The electron affinity difference leads to charge transfer between ML TMD and the dielectric environment, generating the polarization-electric field in ML TMD accompanied by weakening the Coulomb interaction strength. The larger the dielectric constant of the dielectric environment, the more the charge transfer is, accompanied by the larger polarization-electric field and the stronger dielectric screening. The dielectric environment is shown to provide an efficient tool to tune the wavelength and output of the mid-infrared intersubband devices based on ML TMDs.
Highly sensitive photodetectors on the basis of Au-oxide-n-GaP0.4As0.6
Authors: Diuldin M V , Melebayew D , Terukov E , Hogland W , Kosolapov V.M. , Bobyl A V , Pashikova T D , Garadzha N , Shamuhammedowa M
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the results of studies of the photoelectric properties of Au-oxide-n-GaP0.4As0.6 nanostructures with different thicknesses of oxide layer (10-100Å) in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. As a result, photodetectors of UV radiation based on Au-oxide-n-GaAs0.6P0.4 nanostructures with an optimal thickness of the oxide layer (δ=30-60 Å) were developed. The creation of highly effective photodetectors of solar ultraviolet radiation (λ=280-400 nm, hυ=3,1-4,43 eV) for ecological purposes has been reported.
Improving the efficiency of potato growing in Russia
Authors: Korshunov A V , Simakov E A , Anisimov B V , Mityushkin A V , Gaitova N A , Zhuravlev A A
Published: October 2022

In modern conditions, for the stable and cost-effective development of large-scale potato production, it is necessary to provide agricultural enterprises and peasant (farm) farms with high-quality seed material of new promising varieties of Russian breeding. However, according to the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Rosselkhoznadzor”, the share of certified seed potatoes of foreign varieties continues to increase from 26.8% in 2004 to 86.7% in 2021, while the share of domestic varieties decreases from 66.2% to 13.3%, respectively. In order to overcome the dependence of commodity producers on the import of foreign seed material, to meet the increased requirements for the consumer and culinary qualities of potato tubers and the structure of the intended use of the crop, priority areas for improving breeding and seed production in the near future have been identified. The results of purposeful selection of new potato varieties differing in the parameters of the main economically useful features that determine their intended use in accordance with the requests of the domestic potato market are presented. A system of measures to improve the efficiency of potato growing is proposed, which provides for the development of breeding and seed production based on the use of the potential of domestic varieties and increasing the production of high-quality seed material of higher reproductions. This will speed up the transition of agricultural enterprises and peasant (farm) farms to use only certified seeds for planting at least the 2nd reproduction.
Ecological and chemical assessment of the status of water bodies in the Vologda region
Authors: Hamitova S , Popova A , Fedchenko E , Ivanova M , Fedchenko V
Published: October 2022

Pollution of water bodies as a result of natural and anthropogenic activities presents a global problem. The article analyzes the ecological and chemical state and balance in terms of biogenic macro- and microelements of water bodies of non-centralized water supply in the northwestern part of the Vologda region. The study examines the water in 7 rivers, 5 lakes and 4 springs of the Districts of Vologda, Vytegra, Belozersk, Vashki and Kirillov. Based on the composition analysis of the samples taken, the research shows that the water used does not meet the regulatory requirements in terms of turbidity, color, fluoride ion, total iron, chemical oxygen demand (COD). According to microbiological indications the water from the studied sources does not meet the sanitary and hygienic standards in terms of the total coliform bacteria and the total microbial count (TMC) in rivers and lakes. The most polluted rivers for all the indicators considered are the Komela and Kema. The evaluation of the samples according to the physiological usefulness and balance of the chemical composition reveals that water is mainly assessed as well-balanced in terms of biogenic macro- and microelements content being chloride-hydrocarbonate calcium and magnesium-calcium.
Assessment of annual emissions of 14C isotopes at nuclear power plants and their impact on the radiation dose of the population and plants
Authors: Savin D , Kosolapov V , Zhuchenko A , Switala F
Published: October 2022

The necessity of controlling emissions of carbon – 14 (14C) isotope into the atmosphere during the operation of a nuclear power plant is substantiated. It is determined that the main negative effect of the carbon isotope 14C has on humans and animals. Plants are less susceptible to this influence. A method for measuring the emission into the atmosphere of 14C is proposed. The analysis of various studies on the amount of 14C emissions at various nuclear power plants was carried out. The calculation of the amount of carbon isotope 14C is performed. The annual radiation dose of the population from the release of 14C was estimated. Various options for reducing the amount of 14C in emissions at nuclear power plants are considered.
Features of population impact on soil pollution in small towns
Authors: Yakusheva M A , Davydov R V , Sanin S S , Karakotov S D
Published: October 2022

The study of the ecological condition of soils in small towns as a factor of sustainable development of territories is substantiated. Various samples were collected from the territories of small towns in the Leningrad Oblast (Russian Federation) and the suburbs of St. Petersburg (for example, the town of Pushkin). The influence of the city size and population number on the processes of soil pollution is considered on the basis of the generalized data. Quantitative information about the accumulation of metals by soils in different categories of settlements is given. The concentration of certain elements in soils in the cities grouped by the number of inhabitants is determined, as well as the environmental hazards of pollution. The ecological hazard of the accumulation of chemical elements in soils and the primary role of Pb and Zn as pollutants in all cities are considered. The accumulation in the soil cover in significant concentrations of Cd, Co and Ca, which significantly change the ecological and geochemical situation in urban landscapes, has been noted. It was determined that such elements as As, Cu and Cl are the key ecological-geochemical pollutants in four groups of settlements. Groups of settlements with different values of the absolute variation of element concentrations have been established.
Phytoextraction of mercury-contaminated soils
Authors: Makarova A S , Nikulina E A , Tsirulnikova N V , Pishchaeva K V , Kushu A Y
Published: October 2022

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that has become an extremely hazardous pollutant as a result of exceeding natural levels in the environment due to intense human activity. Considered the safest and most economical technology, phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals has been actively studied by scientists in many countries since the end of the last century. This article presents a study of the vegetation of mercury-contaminated soils using a culture of white mustard (Sinapis alba), a new complexing agent. This is a study of a new chelating agent representing the class of polycarboxylic acids. The monoethanolamine salt of bitiodioacetic acid, in which the sulfur atom enters into the structure of the molecule and acts as a coordination partner for mercury, creates a high selectivity of the interaction. Studies have shown a pronounced effect of the chelating agent on the efficiency of mercury phytoextraction. In such cases, white mustard seedlings showed a good physiological state, increased development of biomass. The monoethanolamine salt of bitiodioacetic acid can be characterized as a highly effective reagent; however, more extensive testing is still needed to understand various aspects of its action.
Assessment of the level of soil pollution of agricultural lands Kotlin Island
Authors: Shurupov D M , Kosolapov V , Savchenko I , Switala F
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the problems of soil contamination with various dangerous elements on the example of various territories of Kotlin Island (Russian Federation). This island has a very high load on the ecological system due to military installations, factories and heavy traffic through the dam. Soils from various regions of Kotlin Island were studied for the presence of heavy metals in them. There is limited agricultural activity in these areas. Multiple sampling was carried out from the sites of the selected territories. The samples were examined on an X-ray spectrometer. A relationship has been established between the sampling site and the level of contamination with various heavy metals. A comparison with previously obtained data by other scientists was made, and a trend in pollution change was established. Proposed measures to reduce the level of pollution.
Selection of lines and hybrids of f1 carrots (daucus l.) by the type of seed bush
Authors: Startseva L V
Published: October 2022

The purpose of our research was to identify the effectiveness of selections by type of carrot seed bush, taking into account the degree of genetic homogeneity of the material of varieties, lines and hybrids obtained from saturating crosses, as well as to determine tolerant samples from the collection for interspecific and saturating crosses. As a result of the selection of table carrots for heterosis, the study of the patterns of variation of traits on seed plants of carrot varieties, lines and hybrids was carried out and their corresponding genetic and statistical parameters of traits were determined. As a result of our research, it was revealed that, despite the significant dependence of the type of seed bush on environmental conditions, it is still possible to conduct selection on it. However, it is necessary to take into account the degree of genetic homogeneity of the studied material. In our opinion, the most effective selection by the type of seed bush is possible among the lines, which is confirmed by the results of our observations. Thus, a number of lines were identified and selected, the variation of which according to the type of bush during the years of research was insignificant or absent.
Features of Monitoring the Radioactive Situation in the Surface Air Layer and Precipitation near a Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Isupova E V , Zavalin A A , Alferov A A , Rud S V
Published: October 2022

The influence of nuclear power plants on the population and agricultural fields located within a radius of 150 km from the nuclear power plant is considered. The features of monitoring the radioactive situation in the surface layer of the air have been studied. The volumetric activity of 137Cs near the nuclear power plant has been estimated. A sufficiently accurate way of placing monitoring installations has been determined (taking into account the direction of the winds, the distance to the nuclear power plant, and nearby settlements). It has been established that some radionuclides, which are currently poorly controlled, require additional measurements. A variant of replacing cuvettes with sides with universal collection tanks is proposed to provide more precise control. The placement of monitoring installations fully complies with the IAEA recommendations.
Potential of wind generators as additional source of energy in hybrid renewable energy systems located in Baltic region
Authors: Kostik N R , Tarasov S A , Bobyl A V , Terukov E I
Published: October 2022

Study of the joint daily variability of wind speed and solar activity in the region of Gulf of Finland and its impact on renewable energy sources. The influence of external factors on the variability of total output power of ground-based wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels is investigated. To a small extent, wind turbines are able to complement the generation of renewable energy sources: 15% –30% wind turbines and 70% –85% solar photovoltaics is preferable ratio of renewable energy sources. Comparing two similar climate regions in different scenarios lead economic feasibility strongly corelate with fuel prices. Standalone diesel generators can be quite effective at first, but in the long-term it is not viable solution due to fuel costs. Combined wind-PV renewable energy system is more profitable, but it has higher initial cost.
Cluster model of agrotourism development and its propaganda among the youth
Authors: Yu Mironkina A , Kharitonov S S
Published: October 2022

The article presents a model of the scientific and information cluster of agrotourism, which unites farms, agricultural organizations, personal subsidiary farms, a research institute and a higher educational institution of agricultural profile. This model is aimed at the development of agrotourism among young people. The activities on promotion of agrotourism dedicated to event tourism are analyzed. It is proposed to create a scientific and information portal “Agrotourism” to increase the promotion of Russian agrotourism.
Nonlinear orbital angular momentum conversion with spatial-amplitude independence
Authors: Jiang Jia-Qi , Wu Hai-Jun , Yu Bing-Shi , Li Chun-Yu , Zhang Xin-Yu , Hu Xiao-Peng , Shi Bao-Sen , Zhu Zhi-Han
Published: October 2022

Nonlinear optics with structured light can provide a host of important functions for shaping the spatial and temporal structure of light, and the most commonly used is frequency conversion. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a novel nonlinear toolkit capable of tuning the frequency and orbital angular momentum (OAM) of signal beams simultaneously, and importantly that does not change the spatial amplitude structure of the signal. This unique frequency interface is enabled by using a special structured pump called a vortex super-Gaussian beam that has a flattop amplitude distribution and tunable vortex wavefront. This technique provides a dual interface of frequency and OAM, and may inspire many potential applications involving OAM beams.
Maximal connected 𝑘-subgroups of maximal rank in connected reductive algebraic 𝑘-groups
Authors: Sercombe Damian
Published: October 2022

Let

k
k

be any field and let

G
G

be a connected reductive algebraic

k
k

-group. Associated to

G
G

is an invariant first studied in the 1960s by Satake [Ann. of Math. (2) 71 (1960), 77–110] and Tits [Théorie des Groupes Algébriques (Bruxelles, 1962), Librairie Universitaire, Louvain; Gauthier- Villars, Paris, 1962], [Algebraic Groups and Discontinuous Subgroups (Proc. Sympos. Pure Math., Boulder, Colo., 1965), Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, R.I., 1966, pp. 33–62] that is called the index of

G
G

(a Dynkin diagram along with some additional combinatorial information). Tits [Algebraic Groups and Discontinuous Subgroups (Proc. Sympos. Pure Math., Boulder, Colo., 1965), Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, R.I., 1966, pp. 33–62] showed that the

k
k

-isogeny class of

G
G

is uniquely determined by its index and the

k
k

-isogeny class of its anisotropic kernel

G
a

G_a

. For the cases where

G
G

is absolutely simple, all possibilities for the index of

G
G

have been classified in by Tits [Algebraic Groups and Discontinuous Subgroups (Proc. Sympos. Pure Math., Boulder, Colo., 1965), Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, R.I., 1966, pp. 33–62]. Let

H
H

be a connected reductive

k
k

-subgroup of maximal rank in

G
G

. We introduce an invariant of the

G
(
k
)

G(k)

-conjugacy class of

H
H

in

G
G

called the embedding of indices of

H
⊂
G

H \subset G

. This consists of the index of

H
H

and the index of

G
G

along with an embedding map that satisfies certain compatibility conditions. We introduce an equivalence relation called index-conjugacy on the set of

k
k

-subgroups of

G
G

, and observe that the

G
(
k
)

G(k)

-conjugacy class of

H
H

in

G
G

is determined by its index-conjugacy class and the

G
(
k
)

G(k)

-conjugacy class of

H
a

H_a

in

G
G

. We show that the index-conjugacy class of

H
H

in

G
G

is uniquely determined by its embedding of indices. For the cases where

G
G

is absolutely simple of exceptional type and

H
H

is maximal connected in

G
G

, we classify all possibilities for the embedding of indices of

H
⊂
G

H \subset G

. Finally, we establish some existence results. In particular, we consider which embeddings of indices exist when

k
k

has cohomological dimension 1 (resp.

k
=

R

k=\mathbb {R}

,

k
k

is

p

\mathfrak {p}

-adic).
On the meromorphic continuation of Eisenstein series
Authors: Bernstein Joseph , Lapid Erez
Published: October 2022

Eisenstein series are ubiquitous in the theory of automorphic forms. The traditional proofs of the meromorphic continuation of Eisenstein series, due to Selberg and Langlands, start with cuspidal Eisenstein series as a special case, and deduce the general case from spectral theory.

We present a “soft” proof which relies only on rudimentary Fredholm theory (needed only in the number field case). It is valid for Eisenstein series induced from an arbitrary automorphic form.

The proof relies on the principle of meromorphic continuation. It is close in spirit to Selberg’s later proofs.
DNA damage-induced nuclear import of HSP90α is promoted by Aha1
Authors: Fangaria Nupur , Rani Khushboo , Singh Priyanka , Dey Sandeep , Kumar Kota Arun , Bhattacharyya Sunanda
Published: October 2022

In response to DNA damage, HSP90α moves to the nucleus from cytoplasm in an Aha1-dependent manner and is associated with the damaged chromatin during homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. We have identified the structural determinants of yHSP90α that enables its nuclear import.
Towards a bumpy ride into the sunset: on the mutual termination of IIAs and their sunset clauses
Authors: Lauvaux Arthur
Published: October 2022

Sunset clauses in International Investment Agreements (IIAs) have recently become the subject of renewed attention after the European Commission and European Union (EU) Member States announced their intention to abrogate sunset clauses found in intra-EU IIAs as part of their plan to end existing intra-EU IIAs. Sunset clauses (or survival clauses) are provisions commonly found in IIAs that extend their application for a given period of time after their termination. This article reflects on the consequences of terminating IIAs and simultaneously depriving sunset clauses of their legal effects, and explores how investors could nonetheless attempt to bring disputes arising out of their investments before arbitral tribunals.
Sleep Inversion and The Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: ElGendi Mohamed , Kandil Hossam , Elamragy Ahmed , Elremisy Dalia
Published: October 2022

Background

Sleep inversion is sleeping during the day and waking up at night; a depart from the normal sleeping time between 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

The aim of this study

was to detect subtle changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function caused by sleep inversion using strain imaging in young healthy individuals free of cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

100 healthy persons (18 to 35 years of age) with an inverted sleep pattern, and a normal LV systolic function by conventional 2D echocardiography were compared with 100 healthy individuals from the same age group with normal sleep timings. Conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography were performed.

Results

Male gender, smoking, less exercise, social media overuse, and junk food were significantly more common in the sleep inversion group. They had lower mean GLS than the controls (-20.90% ± 3.45 vs -22.87% ± 3.67, p < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, sleep inversion was found to be independently associated with low GLS (Odds ratio: 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–3.82, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Sleep inversion is associated with subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction detected by speckle tracking in young healthy individuals.

Additional Content

An author video to accompany this abstract is available on https://academic.oup.com/eurheartjsupp. Please click on the arrow next to ‘More Content’ and then click on ‘Author videos’.
‘This beautiful appearance … has gradually transformed and become altogether monstrous’: the massacre at Troyes as a foreseeable tragedy
Authors: Roberts Penny
Published: October 2022

The massacres that took place in several provincial towns during August, September and October 1572 have attracted far less attention than the intense historical scrutiny given to events in Paris. This relative neglect gives the impression that there is nothing more to say about these episodes of violence except as aftershocks of the main event. Focusing on the case of Troyes in Champagne, this article demonstrates that the provincial massacres are worthy of re-examination. It reconsiders the context of the killing on the streets and in the prison of the town and, in particular, those who were supposedly responsible for ordering the bloodshed. Although it remains impossible to reconstruct a complete picture, the unusual richness of the surviving local sources allows for a more nuanced analysis than provided hitherto and a better-informed understanding of the events as they unfolded.
Renormalization group effects for a rank degenerate Yukawa matrix and the fate of the massless neutrino
Authors: Benoit Nicholas J , Morozumi Takuya , Shimizu Yusuke , Takagi Kenta , Yuu Akihiro
Published: October 2022

The type-I seesaw model is a common extension to the Standard Model that describes neutrino masses. The type-I seesaw introduces heavy right-handed neutrinos with Majorana mass that transform as Standard Model electroweak gauge singlets. We initially study a case with two right-handed neutrinos called the 3-2 model. At an energy scale above the right-handed neutrinos, the effective neutrino mass matrix is rank degenerate, implying that the lightest neutrino is massless. After considering renormalization effects below the two right-handed neutrinos, the effective neutrino mass matrix remains rank degenerate. Next, we study a model with three right-handed neutrinos called the 3-3 model. Above the energy scale of the three right-handed neutrinos, we construct the effective neutrino mass matrix to be rank degenerate. After solving for the renormalization effects to energies below the three right-handed neutrinos, we find that the rank of the effective neutrino mass matrix depends on the kernel solutions of the renormalization group equations. We prove that for the simplest kernel solutions the effective neutrino mass matrix remains rank degenerate.
Grit personality of physicians and achievement of treatment goals in patients with system lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sada Ken-ei , Miyawaki Yoshia , Shidahara Kenta , Nawachi Shoichi , Katayama Yu , Asano Yosuke , Hayashi Keigo , Ohashi Keiji , Katsuyama Eri , Katsuyama Takayuki , Takano-Narazaki Mariko , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Oguro Nao , Ishikawa Yuichi , Sakurai Natsuki , Hidekawa Chiharu , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Kishida Dai , Ichikawa Takanori , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kurita Noriaki , Yajima Nobuyuki
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Although personality characteristics of patients with SLE affect their disease activity and damage, it is unclear whether those of attending physicians affect the outcomes of patients with SLE. Grit is a personality trait for achieving long-term goals that may influence the decision-making for continuing treatment plans for patients. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the grit of attending physicians and achievement of treatment goals in patients with SLE.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at five referral hospitals. The main exposure was ‘consistency of interest’ and ‘perseverance of effort’ of the attending physicians, measured by the Short Grit Scale. The primary outcome was achievement of a lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS). The association between physicians’ grit score and LLDAS was analysed by generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression with cluster robust variance estimation, with adjustment for confounders.

Results

The median (interquartile range) total, consistency and perseverance scores of 37 physicians were 3.1 (2.9–3.6), 3.3 (2.8–3.8) and 3.3 (3.0–3.5), respectively. Among the 386 patients, 154 (40%) had achieved LLDAS. Low consistency score (≤2.75) in physicians was related to LLDAS achievement independently using GEE logistic regression. The score of the question ‘I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one’ was significantly higher in patients achieving LLDAS.

Conclusions

Difficulty of attending physicians to change treatment goals might be related to lower LLDAS achievement in patients with SLE.
Effect of D4 Dopamine Receptor on Na+-K+-ATPase Activity in Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: He Duofen , Ren Hongmei , Wang Hongyong , Jose Pedro A. , Zeng Chunyu , Xia Tianyang , Yang Jian
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Dopamine, via its receptors, plays a vital role in the maintenance of blood pressure by modulating renal sodium transport. However, the role of the D4 dopamine receptor (D4 receptor) in renal proximal tubules (PRTs) is still unclear. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that activation of D4 receptor directly inhibits the activity of the Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) in RPT cells.

Methods:

NKA activity, nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were measured in RPT cells treated with the D4 receptor agonist PD168077 and/or the D4 receptor antagonist L745870, the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) or the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo-[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Total D4 receptor expression and its expression in the plasma membrane were investigated by immunoblotting in RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Results:

Activation of D4 receptors with PD168077, inhibited NKA activity in RPT cells from WKY rats in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of PD168077 on NKA activity was prevented by the addition of the D4 receptor antagonist L745870, which by itself had no effect. The NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME and the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ, which by themselves had no effect on NKA activity, eliminated the inhibitory effect of PD168077 on NKA activity. Activation of D4 receptors also increased NO levels in the culture medium and cGMP levels in RPT cells. However, the inhibitory effect of D4 receptors on NKA activity was absent in RPT cells from SHRs, which could be related to decreased plasma membrane expression of D4 receptors in SHR RPT cells.

Conclusions:

Activation of D4 receptors directly inhibits NKA activity via the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in RPT cells from WKY rats but not SHRs. Aberrant regulation of NKA activity in RPT cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Rural Maternal Health Care Outcomes, Drivers, and Patient Perspectives
Authors: Anglim Annemarie J. , Radke Stephanie M.
Published: October 2022

Rural communities are a vital segment of the US population; however, these communities are shrinking, and their population is aging. Rural women experience health disparities including increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. In this article, we will explore these trends and their determinants both within and external to the health care system. Health care providers, public health professionals, and policymakers should be aware of these social and structural factors that influence health outcomes and take action to reduce generational cycles of health disparity. Opportunities to improve the health and pregnancy outcomes for rural women and rural populations are highlighted.
The FDG Pattern of Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules Correlates With Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Histopathology
Authors: Piccardo Arnoldo , Fiz Francesco , Bottoni Gianluca , Massollo Michela , Puntoni Matteo , Catrambone Ugo , Foppiani Luca , Bertagna Francesco , Albano Domenico , Trimboli Pierpaolo
Published: October 2022

Purpose of the report

Whereas the 18F-FDG PET/CT pattern of malignant thyroid neoplasia is known, the glucose uptake of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) has not been fully investigated. We aimed to analyze the FDG uptake of AFTNs and its correlation with clinical, laboratory, ultrasonography, and histological features.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of all AFTN patients from 2 centers, in which an 18F-FDG PET/CT, thyroid function tests, and neck ultrasound were available within a 3-month window from the thyroid scintigraphy. Forty-five patients (35 female patients; median age, 65 years) were retrospectively included. The presence of FDG uptake was compared with the laboratory data and, whenever available, the histology.

Results

Over a 36-month follow-up, 20 patients underwent surgery; 4 cancers, 10 follicular adenomas, and 6 follicular hyperplasias were found. Twenty-two AFTNs (48.9%) were FDG-positive, whereas the remaining 23 (51.1%) were not. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was significantly lower in FDG-positive AFTNs than in negative ones (0.055 [0.02–0.42] vs 0.65 [0.2–0.96] mIU/L, P = 0.0018). On multivariate analysis, only TSH was independently associated with FDG uptake (P = 0.008). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, TSH <0.08 mIU/L indicated FDG-positive AFTNs, with 64% sensitivity, 87% specificity, 4.88 positive likelihood ratio, and 0.42 negative likelihood ratio. In histologically proven benign lesions, TSH was significantly lower in follicular adenomas than in follicular hyperplasias (P < 0.001). Patients with cancer had TSH in the low-normal range.

Conclusions

Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules show heterogeneous uptake FDG pattern, which depends on histopathology and thyroid function. Particularly, follicular adenomas tend to display increased glucose uptake and suppressed TSH.
Repairing Small Facial Soft Tissue Defects by Tissue Regeneration in Asians
Authors: Gao Shenzhen , Zhou Rong , Gao Weicheng
Published: October 2022

Background:

A variety of options are available to repair the small facial soft tissue defects after surgical removal of cutaneous tumor, including direct suture, skin grafts, local, regional or free flaps. However, tissue regeneration is another option for repairing facial defects. This study proposes the clinical application of the principle of tissue regeneration priority in small defects (diameter <1.3 cm) of facial soft tissue.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 33 patients whose facial defects were repaired by tissue regeneration healing in situ from January 2019 to January 2022. In this group, the facial soft tissue defects were treated with wound moist theory in order to promote wound regeneration.

Result:

All patients underwent 1 month follow-up at least and the longest follow-up time was 6 months. Hundred percent of the patients were satisfied with their cosmetic outcome. Only some patients formed small depression scars after surgery, the appearance of which were similar to acne scar. In this situation, re-resection and laser treatment could be used as complementary procedures. However, no patient underwent the secondary treatments including laser and re-resection.

Conclusion:

Healing by tissue regeneration is an effective option for the facial defects in Asians. For most of the small soft tissue defects of the face, tissue regeneration in situ can achieve satisfactory effects. More importantly, it has the advantages of simple operation and fewer complications.
Hospital Variation in Mortality After Inpatient Pediatric Surgery
Authors: Mehl Steven C. , Portuondo Jorge I. , Tian Yao , Raval Mehul V. , Shah Sohail R. , Vogel Adam M. , Wesson David , Massarweh Nader N.
Published: October 2022

Objective:

The aim was to determine the association between risk adjusted hospital perioperative mortality rates, postoperative complications, and failure to rescue (FTR) after inpatient pediatric surgery.

Background:

FTR has been identified as a possible explanatory factor for hospital variation in perioperative mortality in adults. However, the extent to which this may be the case for hospitals that perform pediatric surgery is unclear.

Methods:

The Pediatric Health Information System database (2012–2020) was used to identify patients who underwent one of 57 high-risk operations associated with significant perioperative mortality (n=203,242). Academic, pediatric hospitals (n=48) were stratified into quintiles based on risk adjusted inpatient mortality [lower than average, quintile 1 (Q1); higher than average, quintile 5 (Q5)]. Multivariable hierarchical regression was used to evaluate the association between hospital mortality rates, complications, and FTR.

Results:

Inpatient mortality, complication, and FTR rates were 2.3%, 8.8%, and 8.8%, respectively. Among all patients who died after surgery, only 34.1% had a preceding complication (Q1, 36.1%; Q2, 31.5%; Q3, 34.7%; Q4, 35.7%; Q5, 32.2%; trend test, P=0.49). The rates of observed mortality significantly increased across hospital quintiles, but the difference was <1% (Q1, 1.9%; Q5; 2.6%; trend test, P<0.01). Relative to Q1 hospitals, the odds of complications were not significantly increased at Q5 hospitals [odds ratio (OR): 1.02 (0.87–1.20)]. By comparison, the odds of FTR was significantly increased at Q5 hospitals [OR: 1.60 (1.30–1.96)] with a dose-response relationship across hospital quintiles [Q2—OR: 0.99 (0.80–1.22); Q3—OR: 1.26 (1.03–1.55); Q4—OR: 1.33 (1.09–1.63)].

Conclusions:

The minority of pediatric surgical deaths are preceded by a postoperative complication, but variation in risk adjusted mortality across academic, pediatric hospitals may be partially explained by differences in the recognition and management of postoperative complications. Additional work is needed to identify children at greatest risk of postoperative death from perioperative complications as opposed to those at risk from pre-existing chronic conditions.
Lysobacter selenitireducens sp. nov., isolated from river sediment
Authors: Mao Sidi , Li Shucheng , Guo Bai , Mu Weidong , Hou Xiaoxiao , Liu Hongliang , Wei Shuzhen , Liu Aijv , Kong Ling , Chen Zhiwei
Published: October 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, motile, flagellated and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as 13AT, was isolated from a river sediment sample of Fuyang River in Hengshui City, Hebei Province, PR China. Strain 13AT grew at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–11.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 0–7 % (w/v) NaCl concentration (optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain 13AT belongs to the genus

Lysobacter

, and was most closely related to

Lysobacter spongiicola

DSM 21749T (97.8 %),

Lysobacter concretionis

DSM 16239T (97.5 %),

Lysobacter daejeonensis

GIM 1.690T (97.3 %) and

Lysobacter arseniciresistens

CGMCC 1.10752T (96.9 %). Meanwhile, the type species

Lysobacter enzymogenes

ATCC 29487T was selected as a reference strain (95.2 %). The genomic size of strain 13AT was 3.0 Mb and the DNA G+C content was 69.0 %. The average nucleotide identity values between strain 13AT and each of the reference type strains

L. spongiicola

DSM 21749T,

L. concretionis

DSM 16239T,

L. daejeonensis

GIM 1.690T,

L. arseniciresistens

CGMCC 1.10752T and

L. enzymogenes

ATCC 29487T were 75.9, 76.1, 77.7, 78.0 and 73.2 %, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain 13AT and each of the reference type strains were 21.7, 22.2, 21.9, 22.7 and 23.2 %, respectively. The average amino acid identity values between strain 13AT and each of the reference type strains were 72.5, 72.9, 72.3, 75.0 and 69.2 %, respectively. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1
 ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl). The sole respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone-8. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified lipid, four unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified glycolipids. Based on the phenotypic, physiological, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data, strain 13AT represents a novel species of the genus

Lysobacter

, for which the name Lysobacter selenitireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 13AT (=JCM 34786T=GDMCC 1.2722T).
Smart phone application to exclude esophageal/cardio-fundal varices in compensated cirrhosis of non-viral aetiology using liver transaminases levels and transient elastography measured liver stiffness and splenic stiffness
Authors: Nishad AAN , Niriella MA , De Silva AP , Jayasundara H , Samarawickrama VT , Jayasena H , Thebuwana K , Dharshika S , Hewathanthri G , Ranawaka CK , Withanage M , Pathmeswaran A , de Silva HJ
Published: October 2022

Introduction and objective

We used AST to ALT ratio (AAR) and, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), splenic stiffness measurement (SSM) by transient elastography to develop a statistical model and present it as a user-friendly smartphone application to exclude the presence of oesophageal and cardio-fundal varices to avoid upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in selected patients.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out among patients with Child-Pugh Class A cirrhosis (non-viral and BMI<30kg/m2). LSM and SSM were obtained usingFibroscan(EchoSens) by a single operator, blinded to the presence or absence of varices. The predictors used to develop the formula were AAR, LSM and SSM. Multiple logistic regression was used to create the algorithms in 70% of the sample and validated using 30% of the sample with Bootstrapping of 1000. Best algorithms with the highest area under the curve (AUC) were selected and identified as different cut-off levels to exclude or predict the presence of varices. Those values were included in a smartphone application on android and iOS web-based platforms.

Results

One hundred and nine out of 211 had varices. After modelling different combinations, logistic regression formula (LRF)=5.577+(LSM*0.035)+(SSM*0.08)+(AAR*1.48) resulted AUCs 0.93. Cut-off value <-1.26 of LRF predicted the exclusion of varices with a negative predictive value of 90%. Cut-off value >0.829 of LRF predicted the presence of varices with a positive predictive value of 91%. Multiple values were used to develop a smartphone app on the Angular 2+ platform. (It can be downloaded for use @https://mediformula-65ef0.web.app/).

Conclusion

The new formula using AAR, LSM and SSM can be used to predict exclusion of varices with high accuracy in non-obese patients with compensated cirrhosis of non-viral aetiology based on the patient’s biochemical or fibroscan values. The smartphone application derived from this model is easy to use. It is the first mobile application to be used to exclude or predict the presence of varices utilizing SSM.
B cell depletion attenuates CD27 signaling of T helper cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ulutekin Can , Galli Edoardo , Khademi Mohsen , Callegari Ilaria , Piehl Fredrik , Sanderson Nicholas , Filippi Massimo , Furlan Roberto , Olsson Tomas , Derfuss Tobias , Ingelfinger Florian , Becher Burkhard
Published: October 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Traditionally, MS was held to be a T-cell mediated disease, but accumulating evidence during the last decade also highlighted the crucial importance of B cells for the disease progression. Particularly, B cell depleting therapies (BCDTs), have demonstrated striking efficacy in suppressing inflammatory disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS. However, a detailed understanding of the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS is still lacking, and by extension also the mechanism of action of BCDTs. In this longitudinal multi-center study, we investigated the impact of BCDTs on the immune landscape in MS patients using high-dimensional single-cell immunophenotyping (cytometry by time-of-flight; CyTOF). Algorithm-guided analyses revealed phenotypic changes in the newly reconstituted B cell compartment after BCDT, as well as a marked specific reduction of circulating T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with a concomitant upregulation of CD27 surface expression in memory T helper cells and Tfh cells. These findings indicate a costimulatory mechanism in the CD27/CD70 signaling pathway, through which B cells sustain the activation of pathogenic T cells. Disrupting the CD27/CD70 signaling axis via BCDTs provides a potential explanation for its clinical efficacy.

One Sentence Summary

B cell depletion contracts follicular T helper cells, displaces memory-to-naïve ratio and impairs CD27 signaling in T helper cells.
A conditional strategy for cell-type specific labeling of endogenous excitatory synapses inDrosophilareveals subsynaptic architecture
Authors: Parisi Michael J. , Aimino Michael A. , Mosca Timothy J.
Published: October 2022

Chemical neurotransmission occurs at specialized contacts where presynaptic neurotransmitter release machinery apposes clusters of postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors and signaling molecules. A complex program underlies recruitment of pre- and postsynaptic proteins to sites of neuronal connection and enables the correct three-dimensional synaptic organization that underlies circuit processing and computation. To better study the developmental events of synaptogenesis in individual neurons, we need cell-type specific strategies to visualize the individual proteins at their endogenous levels at synapses. Though such strategies exist for a variety of presynaptic proteins, postsynaptic proteins remain less studied due to a paucity of reagents that allow visualization of endogenous individual postsynapses in a cell-type specific manner. To study excitatory postsynapses, we engineereddlg1[4K], a conditional, epitope-tagged marker of the excitatory postsynaptic density inDrosophila. In combination with binary expression systems,dlg1[4K]effectively labels postsynaptic regions at both peripheral neuromuscular and central synapses in larvae and adults. Usingdlg1[4K], we find distinct rules govern the postsynaptic organization of different adult neuron classes, that multiple binary expression systems can concurrently label pre- and postsynaptic regions of synapses in a cell-type-specific manner, and for the first time, visualize neuronal DLG1 at the neuromuscular junction. These results validate a novel strategy for conditional postsynaptic labeling without the caveats of overexpression and demonstrate new principles of subsynaptic organization. The use ofdlg1[4K]marks a notable advancement in studying cell-type specific synaptic organization inDrosophilaand the first example of a general postsynaptic marker to complement existing presynaptic strategies.