bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timescales of tree‐covered island dynamics on the mixed bedrock‐alluvial anabranching Vaal River, South Africa
Authors: Tooth S. , Keen‐Zebert A. , Grenfell M. C. , Addison G.
Published: May 2024

Previous research on mixed bedrock‐alluvial anabranching rivers has documented how alluvial islands commonly grow under vegetation influences atop slowly eroding bedrock templates, but timescales of island dynamics remain poorly constrained. We focus on the Vaal River near Parys, South Africa, and combine field investigations, aerial image analyses and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to establish timescales of initiation, growth and erosion for nine bedrock‐cored, tree‐covered, alluvial islands. For each island, two OSL samples were collected in vertical succession from sand‐rich exposures up to 4 m in thickness to establish minimum ages for island initiation (~1802 to 243 years) and to estimate local vertical aggradation rates (~0.20 to 1.8 cm year−1). The diachronous lower ages and lack of systematic upstream‐downstream trend in island age support an interpretation of patchwork initiation, growth, and erosion of islands throughout the late Holocene. Following island initiation, vertical island aggradation occurs in association with establishment of reeds, shrubs and trees, but erosion of island margins or dissection by cross‐cutting channels also can occur. Observations during and after recent large floods (peak discharges >3000 m3 s−1) provide further insights into island dynamics, including the influence of exotic trees (e.g., Eucalyptus spp.) that have colonised many islands in the postcolonial era (last ~150 years). Our findings extend previous conceptual models by constraining timescales of island dynamics and providing new insights into island stability and longevity in mixed bedrock‐alluvial anabranching rivers. Improved communication of findings regarding island geomorphology, ecology and stability can benefit local community engagement, geo/eco‐tourism and education activities, and land use planning.
A changing river: Long‐term changes of sinuosity and land cover in the Navasota River Watershed, Texas
Authors: Rhodes Edward C. , Talchabhadel Rocky , Jordan Taylor
Published: May 2024

The Navasota River Basin, itself a tributary of the Brazos River in Texas, is a dynamic watershed undergoing many natural and anthropogenic changes. Local stakeholder involvement in this watershed is quite high, and many landowners in the southern portion of the watershed have concerns regarding the increasing frequency and duration of flooding on private property adjacent to the river, often attributing these impacts to the construction of the Lake Limestone dam. In this study, we examine historical flow data, channel morphology, land use/land cover, and precipitation. Our findings indicate that while there appears to be increasing flow in the northern portion of the watershed, temporal data gaps near the watershed outfall prevent the indication of such a trend in the southern portion of the watershed. Nevertheless, other natural and anthropogenic factors are evident in the watershed that may have a significant influence on downstream flooding. Overall river sinuosity (meandering) declined over the study period, with some river segments encountering significant straightening. Total river length declined by 4.3 km from 1972 to 2020. The number and length of offtake channels also decreased substantially during this period. Land use/land cover use shifted dramatically, with a 39.2% increase in impervious cover and a 12.5% decrease in herbaceous cover since 1972. Finally, yearly precipitation increased, with the change point occurring in 1972. Our findings suggest that the shortening and straightening of the river has reduced its volumetric capacity over time. Coupled with increasing impervious surface cover and precipitation, more water is being delivered downstream at a rate exceeding the watershed's ability to discharge it, thereby contributing to flooding issues expressed by stakeholders. We recommend that bathymetric data and supplemental flow monitoring and modeling within the watershed is needed to fully understand how anthropogenic and natural forces may further affect streamflow in the future.
Does biochar combined with cover crops improve health and productivity of sandy, sloping, and semi‐arid soils?
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Creech Cody F. , Easterly Amanda C. , Drijber Rhae A. , Jeske Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2024

Biochar may improve the health of environmentally sensitive soils (i.e., low C, sandy, sloping) especially if combined with cover crops (CCs), but research is scant. We assessed how wood biochar (836 g C kg−1) applied at 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 Mg ha−1 to sandy, sloping, and semi‐arid soils with and without CCs affects soils and crop yields in the central US Great Plains for 3 years. We measured crop yields and CC biomass each year, and most soil properties in Years 1 and 3. Biochar did not interact with CCs, suggesting the combination was no better than biochar or CC alone. In the semi‐arid soil, crop and CC did not establish due to persistent droughts. Biochar benefits were highly site‐specific. Biochar improved some soil properties but only in the sandy and sloping soils and at the biochar application depth (0‐ to 15‐cm soil depth). The 50 Mg biochar ha−1 improved the soil's ability to sorb water (0.08 cm s−1/2). Also, in the sandy soil, it increased soil organic matter concentration (2.5 g kg−1), soil pH (0.65 units), and available water (0.07 m3 m−3) only in Year 1, suggesting a biochar benefit in sandy soils is short‐lived. In the sloping soil, >25 Mg biochar ha−1 reduced bulk density (0.16 Mg m−3) and increased soil mean weight diameter of water‐stable aggregates (0.58 mm), organic matter concentration (11.42 g kg−1), infiltration (9.35 cm), CC biomass production (0.27 Mg ha−1), and some microbial biomass groups. Biochar did not affect crop yields. Overall, >25 Mg biochar ha−1 improved properties in some soils without interacting with CCs.
Constructing Nano‐Interlayer Inhibiting Interfacial Degradation toward High‐Voltage PEO‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhai Pengfei , Qu Shuangquan , Ahmad Niaz , Hua Ze , Shao Ruiwen , Yang Wen
Published: May 2024

The interfacial instability between PEO‐based solid electrolyte (SPE) and high‐voltage cathode materials inhibits the longevity of high‐energy‐density all‐solid‐state polymer lithium metal batteries (ASSPLBs). Herein, for the first time it is demonstrated, that contact loss caused by gas generation from interfacial side reactions between the high‐voltage cathode and solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) can also arise in ASSPLBs. To alleviate the interfacial side reactions, a LiNb0.6Ti0.5O3 (LNTO) layer is well coated on LiNi0.83Co0.07Mn0.1O2 (NCM83), denoted as (CNCM83). The LNTO layer with low electronic conductivity reduces the decomposition drive force of SPE. Furthermore, Ti and Nb in the LNTO layer spontaneously migrate inside the NCM83 surface to form a strong Ti/Nb─O bond, stalling oxygen evolution in high‐voltage cathodes. The interfacial degradation phenomena, including SPE decomposition, detrimental phase transition and intragranular cracks of NCM83, and void formation between cathode and SPE, are effectively mitigated by the LNTO layer. Therefore, the growth rate of interfacial resistance (RCEI) decreases from 37.6 Ω h−0.5 for bare NCM83 to 2.4 Ω h−0.5 for CNCM83 at 4.2 V. Moreover, 4.2 V PEO‐based ASSPLBs achieve impressive cyclability with high capacity retention of 135 mAh g−1 (75%) even after 300 cycles at 0.5 C.
High Energy Storage Performance in BiFeO3‐Based Lead‐Free High‐Entropy Ferroelectrics
Authors: Wu Jie , Tan Hua , Qi He , Yu Huifen , Chen Liang , Li Wenchao , Chen Jun
Published: May 2024

Dielectric capacitors are widely used in advanced electrical and electronic systems due to the rapid charge/discharge rates and high power density. High comprehensive energy storage properties are the ultimate ambition in the field of application achievements. Here, the high‐entropy strategy is proposed to design and fabricate single‐phase homogeneous (Bi0.5Ba0.1Sr0.1Ca0.2Na0.1)(Fe0.5Ti0.3Zr0.1Nb0.1)O3 ceramic, the hierarchical heterostructure including rhombohedral‐tetragonal multiphase nanoclusters and locally disordered oxygen octahedral tilt can lead to the increased dielectric relaxation, diffused phase transition, diverse local polarization configurations, grain refinement, ultrasmall polar nanoregions, large random field, delayed polarization saturation and improved breakdown field. Accordingly, a giant Wrec ≈13.3 J cm−3 and a high η ≈78% at 66.4 kV mm−1 can be simultaneously achieved in the lead‐free high‐entropy BiFeO3‐based ceramic, showing an obvious advantage in overall energy‐storage properties over BiFeO3‐based lead‐free ceramics. Moreover, an ultrafast discharge rate (t0.9 = 18 ns) can be achieved at room temperature, concomitant with favorable temperature stability in the range of 20–160 °C, due to the enhanced diffuse phase transition and fast polarization response. This work provides a feasible pathway to design and generate dielectric materials exhibiting high comprehensive energy‐storage performance.
Cation Modulation in AgSbTe2 Realizes Carrier Optimization, Defect Engineering, and a 7% Single‐Leg Thermoelectric Efficiency
Authors: Chen Bo‐Chia , Wang Kuang‐Kuo , Wu Hsin‐Jay
Published: May 2024

AgSbTe2 plays a pivotal role in mid‐temperature thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Leveraging the seminal advances in cation manipulation within AgSbTe2, this study demonstrates an enhanced TE power factor (PF = S2σ) of 1.5 mWm−1 K−2 and a peak zT of 1.5 at 583 K in an off‐stoichiometric Ag1.04Sb0.96Te2 crystal. The introduction of Ge in place of Ag leads to an increased nH as evidenced by the detection of trace Ge4+ through XPS analysis. Further chemical state analysis reveals the simultaneous presence of Ag+, Sb3+, and Ge4+, elucidating the effect of cation modulations. TEM characterizations validate the presence of superlattice structure, and the linear defects discerned within the AgSbTe2 matrix. Consequently, the lattice thermal conductivity κL is substantially reduced in the Ag1.02Ge0.02Sb0.96Te2 crystal, yielding a peak zT of 1.77 at 623 K. This notable advancement is attributed to the counterbalance achieved between the enhanced PF and the reduced κL, facilitated by cation modulation. Additionally, a single‐leg TE device incorporating Ag1.02Ge0.02Sb0.96Te2 demonstrates a conversion efficiency of 7% across a temperature gradient (ΔT) of 350 K. This study corroborates the efficacy of cation modulation through thermodynamic approaches and establishes a relationship between transport properties and the presence of defects.
Activating Inert Perovskite Oxides for CO2 Electroreduction via Slight Cu2+ Doping in B‐Sites
Authors: Li Yuxi , Zhang Yu , Shi Lei , Liu Xiangjian , Zhang Zhenbao , Xie Minghao , Dong Yuming , Jiang Heqing , Zhu Yongfa , Zhu Jiawei
Published: May 2024

Perovskite oxides are proven as a striking platform for developing high‐performance electrocatalysts. Nonetheless, a significant portion of them show CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) inertness. Here a simple but effective strategy is reported to activate inert perovskite oxides (e.g., SrTiO3) for CO2RR through slight Cu2+ doping in B‐sites. For the proof‐of‐concept catalysts of SrTi1−xCuxO3 (x = 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1), Cu2+ doping (even in trace amount, e.g., x = 0.025) can not only create active, stable CuO6 octahedra, increase electrochemical active surface area, and accelerate charge transfer, but also significantly regulate the electronic structure (e.g., up‐shifted band center) to promote activation/adsorption of reaction intermediates. Benefiting from these merits, the stable SrTi1−xCuxO3 catalysts feature great improvements (at least an order of magnitude) in CO2RR activity and selectivity for high‐order products (i.e., CH4 and C2+), compared to the SrTiO3 parent. This work provides a new avenue for the conversion of inert perovskite oxides into high‐performance electrocatalysts toward CO2RR.
Development of a Screen Keyboard System with Radially‐Arranged Keys and its Effectiveness for Typing Including Eye‐Gaze Input
Authors: Ogata Kohichi , Nozute Shigeyoshi
Published: May 2024

This study aims to develop an effective screen‐keyboard system from a new perspective of key arrangements. In the proposed screen keyboard system, keys are centralized by arranging them radially, with alphabetical keys arranged based on the articulation for speech production. A gesture input method and click input method are implemented considering the mora‐based Japanese sound system with syllables containing a consonant‐vowel (CV) structure. In a preliminary experiment, the cumulative pixel distances required to press keys for the input sequences were evaluated as a simulation to confirm the basic performance of the keyboard system. The Euclidean pixel distances between the keys on the keyboard images were accumulated and compared between the proposed keyboard system and a typical QWERTY keyboard. Typing experiments involving participants were performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed keyboard system. The experimental results reveal that the proposed screen keyboard system enables users to generate efficient typing performances using a computer mouse and eye gaze via short‐term training. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Oesophageal haematoma in a Cairn terrier presenting for impaired swallowing, retching and cervical pain
Authors: Johnson Carley , Lapsley Janis , Piegols Hunter , Rudinsky Adam , Selmic Laura E.
Published: May 2024

A 13‐year‐old spayed female Cairn terrier was referred for surgical resection of a large oesophageal mass. The dog was initially presented to the primary care veterinarian for several days of gagging. The mass was initially diagnosed on thoracic radiographs and confirmed via computed tomography and oesophagoscopy. Endoscopic biopsies were performed that were consistent with oesophagitis. The dog was then referred to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for surgical resection of the mass. On surgical approach, a small nodule was palpable in the oesophagus; however, a large mass was not found. Oesophagoscopy was repeated intraoperatively, which revealed a small nodule in the same region of the previously described mass. The small nodule was removed, and histopathology was consistent with lymphohistiocytic inflammation and previous haemorrhage, consistent with an oesophageal haematoma. The dog made a full recovery post‐operatively, with continued resolution of clinical signs reported 5 months after surgery.
A systematic review of multidimensional relevance estimation in information retrieval
Authors: Peikos Georgios , Pasi Gabriella
Published: May 2024

In information retrieval, relevance is perceived as a multidimensional and dynamic concept influenced by user, task, and domain factors. Relying on this perspective, researchers have introduced multidimensional relevance models addressing diverse search tasks across numerous knowledge domains. Through our systematic review of 72 studies, we categorize research based on domain specificity and the distinct relevance aspects employed for estimating multidimensional relevance. Moreover, we highlight the approaches used to aggregate scores related to these factors and rank information items. Our insights underline the importance of concise definitions and unified methods for estimating relevance factors within and across domains. Finally, we identify benchmark collections for evaluations based on multiple relevance aspects while underscoring the necessity for new ones. Our findings suggest that large language models hold considerable promise for shaping future research in this field, mainly due to their relevance labeling abilities.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Technologies > Computational Intelligence
A review of recent advances in the use of complex metal nanostructures for biomedical applications from diagnosis to treatment
Authors: Hajfathalian Maryam , Mossburg Katherine J. , Radaic Allan , Woo Katherine E. , Jonnalagadda Pallavi , Kapila Yvonne , Bollyky Paul L. , Cormode David P.
Published: May 2024

Complex metal nanostructures represent an exceptional category of materials characterized by distinct morphologies and physicochemical properties. Nanostructures with shape anisotropies, such as nanorods, nanostars, nanocages, and nanoprisms, are particularly appealing due to their tunable surface plasmon resonances, controllable surface chemistries, and effective targeting capabilities. These complex nanostructures can absorb light in the near‐infrared, enabling noteworthy applications in nanomedicine, molecular imaging, and biology. The engineering of targeting abilities through surface modifications involving ligands, antibodies, peptides, and other agents potentiates their effects. Recent years have witnessed the development of innovative structures with diverse compositions, expanding their applications in biomedicine. These applications encompass targeted imaging, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, near‐infrared II imaging, catalytic therapy, photothermal therapy, and cancer treatment. This review seeks to provide the nanomedicine community with a thorough and informative overview of the evolving landscape of complex metal nanoparticle research, with a specific emphasis on their roles in imaging, cancer therapy, infectious diseases, and biofilm treatment.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Why tools are as important as results and what to do about it
Authors: Bammer Gabriele
Published: May 2024

Highlights

Addressing complex problems requires concepts, methods, processes and other tools that are still evolving and not yet firmly embedded in research practice.

A new discipline—Integration and Implementation Sciences (i2S)—provides a framework to connect existing fields of scholarship, as well as the efforts of individual research teams, to support better application of these tools.

World Water Policy Journal could provide an outlet for publishing the detailed concepts, methods and other tools that its researchers develop and use.

Integration and Implementation Insights (i2Insights) blog and repository could further disseminate those tools.

This would have benefits for building researcher expertise and advancing the effectiveness of tackling water policy and practice challenges.
Making Urban Slum Population Visible: Citizens and Satellites to Reinforce Slum Censuses
Authors: Abascal Angela , Georganos Stefanos , Kuffer Monika , Vanhuysse Sabine , Thomson Dana , Wang Jon , Manyasi Lawrence , Otunga Daniel Manyasi , Ochieng Brighton , Ochieng Treva , Klinnert Jorge , Wolff Eléonore
Published: May 2024

In response to the “Leave No One Behind” principle (the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development), reliable estimate of the total number of citizens living in slums is urgently needed but not available for some of the most vulnerable communities. Not having a reliable estimate of the number of poor urban dwellers limits evidence-based decision-making for proper resource allocation in the fight against urban inequalities. From a geographical perspective, urban population distribution maps in many low- and middle-income cities are most often derived from outdated or unreliable census data disaggregated by coarse administrative units. Moreover, slum populations are presented as aggregated within bigger administrative areas, leading to a large diffuse in the estimates. Existing global and open population databases provide homogeneously disaggregated information (i.e. in a spatial grid), but they mostly rely on census data to generate their estimates, so they do not provide additional information on the slum population. While a few studies have focused on bottom-up geospatial models for slum population mapping using survey data, geospatial covariates, and earth observation imagery, there is still a significant gap in methodological approaches for producing precise estimates within slums. To address this issue, we designed a pilot experiment to explore new avenues. We conducted this study in the slums of Nairobi, where we collected in situ data together with slum dwellers using a novel data collection protocol. Our results show that the combination of satellite imagery with in situ data collected by citizen science paves the way for generalisable, gridded estimates of slum populations. Furthermore, we find that the urban physiognomy of slums and population distribution patterns are related, which allows for highlighting the diversity of such patterns using earth observation within and between slums of the same city.
On the limitations of non-geometric fluxes to realize dS vacua
Authors: Prieto David , Quirant Joan , Shukla Pramod
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we perform a systematic and analytical exploration of de Sitter conditions in type IIA compactifications with (non-)geometric fluxes along with the standard NS-NS and RR p-form fluxes. Exploiting the fact that the F-term scalar potential can be written as a bilinear form, we start by studying the most generic case. We find four conditions that the scalar fields and fluxes must satisfy to achieve de Sitter vacua. Particularizing to different configurations, we recover and extend previous results in the literature. We then impose an Ansatz in which the F-terms are proportional to the respective Kähler derivatives. In this set-up we are able to derive additional constraints and to classify the possible dS no-go scenarios in terms of eight axionic fluxes. Individually considering that any of these fluxes can be vanishing or non-vanishing leads to a total of 256 flux configurations. We find that 227 of these 256 possibilities result in a dS no-go scenario. The remaining 29 flux configurations, a priori, do not lead to dS no-go cases and would deserve further investigation.
Small Schwarzschild de Sitter black holes, the future boundary and islands
Authors: Goswami Kaberi , Narayan K.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We continue the study of 4-dimensional Schwarzschild de Sitter black holes in the regime where the black hole mass is small compared with the de Sitter scale, following arXiv:2207.10724 [hep-th]. The de Sitter temperature is very low compared with that of the black hole. We consider the future boundary as the location where the black hole Hawking radiation is collected. Using 2-dimensional tools, we find unbounded growth of the entanglement entropy of radiation as the radiation region approaches the entire future boundary. Self-consistently including appropriate late time islands emerging just inside the black hole horizon leads to a reasonable Page curve. We also discuss other potential island solutions which show inconsistencies.
Relations between integrated correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Chester Shai M. , Dorigoni Daniele , Green Michael B. , Wen Congkao
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Integrated correlation functions in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with gauge group SU(N) can be expressed in terms of the localised S4 partition function, ZN, deformed by a mass m. Two such cases are $$ {\mathcal{C}}_N={\left(\operatorname{Im}\tau \right)}^2{\partial}_{\tau }{\partial}_{\overline{\tau}}{\partial}_m^2\log {\left.{Z}_N\right|}_{m=0} $$

C
N

=

Im
τ

2

∂
τ

∂

τ
¯

∂
m
2

log

Z
N

m
=
0

and $$ {\mathcal{H}}_N={\partial}_m^4\log {\left.{Z}_N\right|}_{m=0} $$

H
N

=

∂
m
4

log

Z
N

m
=
0

, which are modular invariant functions of the complex coupling τ. While $$ {\mathcal{C}}_N $$

C
N

was recently written in terms of a two-dimensional lattice sum for any N and τ, $$ {\mathcal{H}}_N $$

H
N

has only been evaluated up to order 1/N3 in a large-N expansion in terms of modular invariant functions with no known lattice sum realisation. Here we develop methods for evaluating $$ {\mathcal{H}}_N $$

H
N

to any desired order in 1/N and finite τ. We use this new data to constrain higher loop corrections to the stress tensor correlator, and give evidence for several intriguing relations between $$ {\mathcal{H}}_N $$

H
N

and $$ {\mathcal{C}}_N $$

C
N

to all orders in 1/N. We also give evidence that the coefficients of the 1/N expansion of $$ {\mathcal{H}}_N $$

H
N

can be written as lattice sums to all orders. Lastly, these large N and finite τ results are used to accurately estimate the integrated correlators at finite N and finite τ.
Walls, bubbles and doom — the cosmology of HEFT
Authors: Alonso R. , Criado J.C. , Houtz R. , West M.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As experiment charts new territory at the electroweak scale, the enterprise to characterise all possible theories becomes all the more necessary. In the absence of new particles, this ambitious enterprise is attainable and has led to the Higgs Effective Field Theory (HEFT) as the most general characterising framework, containing the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) as a subspace. The characterisation of this theory space led to the dichotomy SMEFT vs. HEFT SMEFT as the two possible realisations of symmetry breaking. The criterion to distinguish these two possibilities is non-local in field space, and phenomena which explore field space beyond the neighbourhood of the vacuum manifold are in a singular position to tell them apart. Cosmology allows for such phenomena, and this work focuses on HEFT SMEFT, the less explored of the two options, to find that first order phase transitions with detectable gravitational wave remnants, domain wall formation and vacuum decay in the far, far distant future can take place and single out HEFT SMEFT. Results in cosmology are put against LHC constraints, and the potential of future ground- and space-based experiments to cover parameter space is discussed.
Reflected entropy in a BCFT on a black hole background
Authors: Basu Debarshi , Chourasiya Himanshu , Raj Vinayak , Sengupta Gautam
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We obtain the reflected entropy for bipartite mixed state configurations involving two disjoint and adjacent subsystems in a two dimensional boundary conformal field theory (BCFT2) in a black hole background. The bulk dual is described by an AdS3 black string geometry truncated by a Karch-Randall brane. The entanglement wedge cross section computed for this geometry matches with the reflected entropy obtained for the BCFT2 verifying the holographic duality. In this context, we also obtain the analogues of the Page curves for the reflected entropy and investigate the behaviour of the Markov gap.
Skew-Adjoint Maps and Quadratic Lie Algebras
Authors: Benito Pilar , Rández-Ibáñez Javier , Roldán-López Jorge
Published: May 2024

The procedure of double extension of vector spaces endowed with non-degenerate bilinear forms allows us to introduce the class of generalized $$\mathbb {K}$$
K
-oscillator algebras over an arbitrary field $$\mathbb {K}$$
K
. Starting from basic structural properties and the canonical forms of skew-adjoint endomorphisms, we will proceed to classify the subclass of quadratic nilpotent algebras and characterize those algebras with quadratic dimension 2. This will enable us to recover the classification of real oscillator algebras, a.k.a Lorentzian algebras, given by Medina et al. (Ann Sci École Norm Sup 18:553–561, 1985).
The role of hydrothermal processes and the formation of the J-M reef and associated rocks of olivine-bearing zone I of the Stillwater Complex, Montana
Authors: Gupta A. R. , Boudreau Alan E.
Published: May 2024

Several lines of evidence, including hydrous melt inclusions and unusually Cl-rich apatite, have been used to suggest that the reappearance of olivine and PGE-sulfide of the J-M Reef in the Stillwater Complex, Montana, is due to fluid infiltration and hydration melting. This study builds upon the hydration melting model using the programs MELTS and PELE with Stillwater bulk rock compositions for the original protolith. Cl-bearing phases are not modeled by MELTS and thus simple oxide mixtures of either a pure H2O or a H2O + Na2O “faux brine” are added to norite, gabbronorite, and melanorite protoliths at 1050 °C at 2 kbar pressure, conditions for which the nominally “dry” protolith is > 95% solid. Incongruent hydration melting results in up to 37% olivine produced in the melanorite. The olivine Fo content is a function of the partial melt retained on cooling, and ranges between 76 and 86, overlapping the natural range of olivine compositions observed in the rocks. Modeling with the PELE program, which includes a silicate liquid Cl component, sulfur species, and a more complex C-O–H-S fluid, suggests that, for CO2-rich fluids, fluid metal concentrations on the order of 25 ppm Pt, 75 ppm Pd, 0.03 wt.% Cu, and 0.20 wt.% Ni at a fluid/rock mass ratio of ~ 0.25 are needed to account for the observed ore grades. Sulfide and ore metals are readily remobilized for more H2O-rich fluids, consistent with heterogeneous distribution of sulfide and regionally variable ore grades.
Nachsorge beim Mammakarzinom – endlich Bewegung?
Authors: Huesmann Sophia T. , Heublein Sabine , Janni Wolfgang , Pfister Kerstin
Published: May 2024

Die Nachsorge nach der kurativen Primärtherapie ist zentraler Bestandteil für Patient*innen mit Mammakarzinom und ist in der Routine seit vielen Jahren unverändert. Maßnahmen zur Früherkennung von asymptomatischen Fernmetastasen werden nicht empfohlen, sodass Fernmetastasen häufig zufällig als Nebendiagnose oder bei spezifischen Symptomen auffallen. Die diagnostische und therapeutische Realität des 21. Jahrhunderts hat den derzeitigen Nachsorgestandard jedoch überholt. Die Möglichkeit der Liquid Biopsy bietet laut den ersten Studien eine verlässliche und verhältnismäßig einfache Methode zur Detektion und Überwachung minimaler Krankheitsresiduen und würde damit eine frühe therapeutische Intervention mit wirksamen neuen Substanzen ermöglichen – lange bevor Patient*innen Symptome der rezidivierten Erkrankung bemerken. Leider fehlen hierzu große prospektive Studien, die eine Änderung der Nachsorgepraxis des Mammakarzinoms ermöglichen können. Diese Lücke soll die SURVIVE(Standard Surveillance versus Intensive Surveillance in Early Breast Cancer)-Studie schließen.
On two consequences of CH established by Sierpiński
Authors: Pol R. , Zakrzewski P.
Published: May 2024

We study the relations between two consequences of the Continuum Hypothesis discovered by Wacław Sierpiński, concerning uniform continuity of continuous functions and uniform convergence of sequences of real-valued functions, defined on subsets of the real line of cardinality continuum.
A comparison between full-length 16S rRNA Oxford nanopore sequencing and Illumina V3-V4 16S rRNA sequencing in head and neck cancer tissues
Authors: Yeo Kenny , Connell James , Bouras George , Smith Eric , Murphy William , Hodge John-Charles , Krishnan Suren , Wormald Peter-John , Valentine Rowan , Psaltis Alkis James , Vreugde Sarah , Fenix Kevin Aaron
Published: May 2024

Describing the microbial community within the tumour has been a key aspect in understanding the pathophysiology of the tumour microenvironment. In head and neck cancer (HNC), most studies on tissue samples have only performed 16S rRNA short-read sequencing (SRS) on V3-V5 region. SRS is mostly limited to genus level identification. In this study, we compared full-length 16S rRNA long-read sequencing (FL-ONT) from Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) to V3-V4 Illumina SRS (V3V4-Illumina) in 26 HNC tumour tissues. Further validation was also performed using culture-based methods in 16 bacterial isolates obtained from 4 patients using MALDI-TOF MS. We observed similar alpha diversity indexes between FL-ONT and V3V4-Illumina. However, beta-diversity was significantly different between techniques (PERMANOVA - R2 = 0.131, p < 0.0001). At higher taxonomic levels (Phylum to Family), all metrics were more similar among sequencing techniques, while lower taxonomy displayed more discrepancies. At higher taxonomic levels, correlation in relative abundance from FL-ONT and V3V4-Illumina were higher, while this correlation decreased at lower levels. Finally, FL-ONT was able to identify more isolates at the species level that were identified using MALDI-TOF MS (75% vs. 18.8%). FL-ONT was able to identify lower taxonomic levels at a better resolution as compared to V3V4-Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing.
Genetic Testing Resources and Practice Patterns Among Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Programs
Authors: Godown Justin , Kim Emily H. , Everitt Melanie D. , Chung Wendy K. , Lytrivi Irene D. , Kirmani Sonya , Kantor Paul F. , Ware Stephanie M. , Ballweg Jean A. , Lal Ashwin K. , Bansal Neha , Towbin Jeffrey , Lipshultz Steven E. , Lee Teresa M.
Published: May 2024

The use of genetic testing has enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of heritable genetic cardiomyopathies. However, it remains unclear how genetic information is interpreted and incorporated into clinical practice for children with cardiomyopathy. The primary aim of this study was to understand how clinical practice differs regarding sequence variant classifications amongst pediatric cardiologists who treat children with cardiomyopathy. A secondary aim was to understand the availability of genetic testing and counseling resources across participating pediatric cardiomyopathy programs. An electronic survey was distributed to pediatric heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or heart transplantation physicians between August and September 2022. A total of 106 individual providers from 68 unique centers responded to the survey. Resources for genetic testing and genetic counseling vary among large pediatric cardiomyopathy programs. A minority of centers reported having a geneticist (N = 16, 23.5%) or a genetic counselor (N = 21, 31%) on faculty within the division of pediatric cardiology. A total of 9 centers reported having both (13%). Few centers (N = 13, 19%) have a formal process in place to re-engage patients who were previously discharged from cardiology follow-up if variant reclassification would alter clinical management. Clinical practice patterns were uniform in response to pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants but were more variable for variants of uncertain significance. Efforts to better incorporate genetic expertise and resources into the clinical practice of pediatric cardiomyopathy may help to standardize the interpretation of genetic information and better inform clinical decision-making surrounding heritable cardiomyopathies.
Clinical outcomes of adjuvant nivolumab in resected stage III melanoma: comparison of CheckMate 238 trial and real-world data
Authors: Moser Justin C. , Bhatia Shailender , Amin Asim , Pavlick Anna C. , Betts Keith A. , Du Ella Xiaoyan , Poretta Tayla , Shelley Karishma , Srinivasan Swetha , Sakkal Leon Alan , Palaia Jennell , Lobo Maurice , Pe Benito Melanie , Linton Joshua A. , Chen Yan , Xu Churong , Yin Lei , Sundar Manasvi , Weber Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Nivolumab is approved as adjuvant therapy for resected stage III/IV melanoma based on the phase 3 CheckMate 238 trial. This analysis compared outcomes from CheckMate 238 with those from the real-world Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database in patients with resected stage III melanoma (per AJCC-8) treated with adjuvant nivolumab.

Materials

Outcomes included baseline characteristics, overall survival (OS) in the CheckMate 238 cohort (randomization until death or last known alive), and real-world overall survival (rwOS) in the Flatiron Health cohort (nivolumab initiation until death or data cutoff). rwOS was compared with OS using unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was combined with the adjusted model to reduce baseline discrepancies.

Results

The CheckMate 238 and real-world cohorts included 369 and 452 patients, respectively (median age, 56.0 and 63.0 years; median follow-up, 61.4 vs. 25.5 months). rwOS was not different from OS in the unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR] 1.27; 95% CI 0.92–1.74), adjusted (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.67–1.54), and adjusted IPTW (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.70–1.63) analyses. In the adjusted analysis, 2-year OS and rwOS rates were 84%. Median OS and rwOS were not reached. After IPTW, OS and rwOS were not different (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.70–1.64).

Conclusions

In this comparative analysis, OS in the CheckMate 238 trial was similar to rwOS in the Flatiron Health database after adjustments in patients with resected stage III melanoma (per AJCC-8) treated with adjuvant nivolumab, validating the trial results.
Comprehensive comparison between conservative therapy and surgical management for completely displaced and comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures
Authors: Han Xiao , Zhang Yufu , Zhang Xigong , Tan Jie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

It is still controversial whether complete displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures should be treated with internal fixation or conservative therapy. This retrospective study aims to compare clinical outcomes of two treatment protocols.

Materials and methods

105 patients with displaced and comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures were included in this study, among which 55 patients were treated conservatively and 50 patients accepted surgical fixation and were followed up for over 20 months on average. Rate of union, malunion, time taken for union, functional outcome, self-reported satisfaction and complications were compared.

Results

Union rate of operative group (n=49, 98.0%) was higher than the non-operative group (n=48, 87.3%). Time taken for union in operative group (2.37±1.06 months) was shorter than the non-operative group (3.69±1.01 months). Malunion and asymmetric were only seen in the conservative group. Numbness of the shoulder was only reported in the operative group (n=23, 46.0%). Most of patients in the operative group (n=45, 90%) accepted a second operation to remove the implant. No statistically difference was found in self-reported satisfaction, Quick-DASH and Constant-Murley score. The operative group returned to work faster (1.47±0.89 to 3.34±1.37 months), regained full range of motion earlier (1.66±0.78 to 3.83±1.24 months) and regained strength faster (3.86±2.45 to 8.03±2.78 months) than the non-operative group.

Conclusion

Complete displaced and comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures treated surgically have more reliable union and faster recovery when compared to conservatively treated fractures.
Assessing sleep-related breathing disorders among newly diagnosed rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Petzinna Simon M. , Winter Lone , Skowasch Dirk , Pizarro Carmen , Weber Marcel , Kütting Daniel , Behning Charlotte , Bauer Claus-Jürgen , Schäfer Valentin S.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in newly diagnosed, untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, and to develop a screening algorithm for early detection.

Methods

We evaluated newly diagnosed RA or PsA patients using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire, cardiorespiratory polygraphy (RPG), and clinical and laboratory assessments. Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) was diagnosed based on pathological RPG findings excessive daytime sleepiness, defined as ESS score above 10.

Results

The study included 39 patients (22 RA, 17 PsA) and 23 controls. In RPG, SRBD was identified in 38.5% of arthritis patients compared to 39.1% of controls (p = 1.00), with male gender (p = .004) and age (p < .001) identified as risk factors. Excessive daytime sleepiness was noted in 36.4% of RA patients, 17.6% of PsA patients, and 21.7% of controls. Of the 24 patients diagnosed with SRBD, 41.6% met the criteria for SAS. SAS prevalence was 31.8% among RA patients, 0% in PsA patients, and 13% in controls. A significant association was observed between excessive daytime sleepiness and SRBD (p = .036).

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a high prevalence of SRBD in newly diagnosed, untreated RA and PsA patients in ESS and RPG, with excessive daytime sleepiness being a reliable predictor of SRBD. Patients with RA exhibited a higher predisposition to SAS. We therefore suggest incorporating ESS and RPG as screening tools in RA or PsA for early detection and management of SRBD.
The cAMP-dependent phosphorylation footprint in response to heat stress
Authors: Domingo Guido , Marsoni Milena , Davide Eleonora , Fortunato Stefania , de Pinto Maria Concetta , Bracale Marcella , Molla Gianluca , Gehring Chris , Vannini Candida
Published: May 2024

Key message

cAMP modulates the phosphorylation status of highly conserved phosphosites in RNA-binding proteins crucial for mRNA metabolism and reprogramming in response to heat stress.

In plants, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cAMP) is a second messenger that modulates multiple cellular targets, thereby participating in plant developmental and adaptive processes. Although its role in ameliorating heat-related damage has been demonstrated, mechanisms that govern cAMP-dependent responses to heat have remained elusive. Here we analyze the role cAMP–dependent phosphorylation during prolonged heat stress (HS) with a view to gain insight into processes that govern plant responses to HS. To do so, we performed quantitative phosphoproteomic analyses in Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow-2 cells grown at 27 °C or 35 °C for 3 days overexpressing a molecular “sponge” that reduces free intracellular cAMP levels. Our phosphorylation data and analyses reveal that the presence of cAMP is an essential factor that governs specific protein phosphorylation events that occur during prolonged HS in BY-2 cells. Notably, cAMP modulates HS-dependent phosphorylation of proteins that functions in mRNA processing, transcriptional control, vesicular trafficking, and cell cycle regulation and this is indicative for a systemic role of the messenger. In particular, changes of cAMP levels affect the phosphorylation status of highly conserved phosphosites in 19 RNA-binding proteins that are crucial during the reprogramming of the mRNA metabolism in response to HS. Furthermore, phosphorylation site motifs and molecular docking suggest that some proteins, including kinases and phosphatases, are conceivably able to directly interact with cAMP thus further supporting a regulatory role of cAMP in plant HS responses.
“Feed-and-wrap” technique versus deep sedation for neonatal magnetic resonance imaging: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Lollert André , Frey Kim Sophie , Hoffmann Christian , Herbst Markus , König Jochem , Schmeh Isabella , Dette Frank , Staatz Gundula
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Neonatal MRI is usually performed under deep sedation, which is challenging—especially in low-weight premature patients. In addition, long-term side effects, such as neurotoxicity, are of concern. An alternative to sedation is to induce natural sleep by feeding and immobilising the child, the “feed-and-wrap” technique (FWT). The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in image quality between neonates examined under sedation and by using the FWT during the first four months of life.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively assessed image quality (based on a 4-point semiquantitative scale) of all MRI examinations in neonates performed at our institution between July 2009 and August 2022. Differences in image quality between examinations under sedation versus FWT were evaluated.

Results

We included 432 consecutive patients, 243 (56%) using sedation and 189 (44%) using the FWT. Corrected age and body weight (mean ± SD: 3.7 ± 1.1 versus 4.5 ± 1.3 kg, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the FWT group. The overall success rate in the FWT group was 95%. Image quality was slightly lower when using the FWT (mean ± SD: 3.7 ± 0.43 versus 3.96 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of acquiring sequences with diagnostic limitations in the FWT group (p < 0.001), increasing with corrected age (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

The FWT is a highly successful method to perform MRI scans in term and preterm neonates. Overall image quality is only slightly lower than under sedation. Especially in immature low-weight preterm patients, the FWT is a reliable option to perform MRI studies without exposing the child to risks associated with sedation.

Clinical relevance statement

The “feed-and-wrap” technique enables high-quality MRI examinations in neonates, including low-weight premature patients. Deep sedation for diagnostic MRI procedures in this age group, which has the risk of short- and long-term complications, can often be avoided.

Key Points

Deeply sedating neonates for MR examinations comes with risks.

Image quality is only slightly lower when using the "feed-and-wrap" technique.

The “feed-and-wrap” technique is feasible even in low-weight premature infants.
Intracranial volumetric evaluation in postnatally repaired myelomeningocele infants
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroaki , Irizato Naoki , Takemoto Osamu , Chiba Yasuyoshi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Most myelomeningocele (MMC) cases present with ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus, yet a comprehensive volumetric assessment of MMC intracranial structures is lacking. This study aimed to provide baseline data on intracranial structural volumes immediately after birth in MMC infants who underwent repair surgeries after birth (postnatal repair).

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 52 MMC infants undergoing postnatal repair, utilizing head computed tomography scans at birth for volumetric assessment. Intracranial volume (ICV), lateral ventricles volume (LVV), choroid plexus volume (CPV), and posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV) were measured. Hydrocephalus was classified into no hydrocephalus, progressive hydrocephalus, and hydrocephalus at birth. Comparative analysis employed the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis discriminated cases with and without ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS).

Results

The median values were 407.50 mL for ICV, 33.18 mL for LVV, 0.67 mL for CPV, and 21.35 mL for PCFV. Thirty-seven cases (71.15%) underwent VPS. ROC analysis revealed an LVV cut-off value of 6.74 mL for discriminating cases with and without VPS. Progressive hydrocephalus showed no significant difference in ICV but significantly larger LVV compared to no hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus at birth demonstrated statistically larger ICV and LVV compared to the other two types.

Conclusion

Baseline volumetric data were provided, and volumetric analysis exhibited statistical differences among three hydrocephalus types. These findings enhance our understanding of intracranial volumetric changes in MMC, facilitating more objective assessments of MMC cases.