bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photostimulated Nernst effect in two-dimensional compositional semiconductor superlattices under the influence of confined phonons
Authors: Thu Huong Nguyen , Thi Dien Tang , Quang Bau Nguyen , Khuong Duy Tran , Dinh Nam Nguyen , Thanh Hue Dao
Published: April 2024

The photostimulated Nernst effect in compositional semiconductor superlattices under the influence of a confined acoustic phonon is studied by using the quantum kinetic equation. The case of the confined electron-confined acoustic phonon scattering process is examined in detail. The obtained analytical results reveal that the Nernst coefficient (NC) depends on the external field such as magnetic field B, the frequency Ω, and the amplitude E
0 of the electromagnetic wave in a complicated way but also like a function of the temperature of the system and the period of the superlattice. It also depends on the quantum number m-describing the confined acoustic phonon. The theoretical results are depicted and discussed for GaAs/AlxGa
1

−
xAs compositional semiconductors superlattices. The results indicate that the Shubnikov-De hass oscillations have appeared. The confined phonons make the magnitude of the Nernst coefficient higher and more obvious than the case of a bulk phonon. In addition, the magneto-photon resonance condition is also proved. Besides, the Nernst coefficient decreases significantly as the temperature increases. The oscillations Nernst coefficient in a magnetic field are consistent with the previous experimental.
Adsorption behavior of formaldehyde gas on two-dimensional semiconductor monolayers MS2 (M=W, Mo)
Authors: Theu Luong Thi , Huy Tran Quang , Nhan Tran Thi , Bac T. Phung Viet , An Dinh Van
Published: April 2024

Detecting methanal molecule, an indoor air pollutant and potential carcinogen, is crucial for safeguarding human health, ensuring occupational safety, and maintaining environmental quality. In this study, density functional theory calculations have been performed to explore the adsorption behavior of formaldehyde (methanal) gas on the surface of two-dimensional semiconductor monolayers MS2 (M=W, Mo). Using the Computational DFT-based Nanoscope tool, we compute binding energies and determine configurations at global minimum energy of molecule adsorbed monolayer MS2. Five nonlocal van der Waals functionals; revPBE-vdW, optPBE-vdW, vdW-DF2, optB88-vdW, and optB86b-vdW are used to compute the adsorption energy profiles. The calculated results show that: (i) the optPBE-vdW functional products the largest adsorption energy magnitude, (ii) Methanal molecule exhibits physical adsorption on both MoS2 and WS2 materials (iii) Adsorption of methanal molecules may enhance the electrical conductivity of MoS2 and WS2 upon the electron donation to molecule by substrates. The adsorption energy magnitude, bandgap reduction, and charge transfer of the methanal-MoS2 adsorption system are respectively 1.04, 1.27, and 1.47 times larger than those of the methanal-WS2 adsorption system, while the diffusion barrier energy is 0.25 times smaller. These characteristic adsorption parameters imply that methanal exhibits higher sensitivity to the MoS2 substrate. This study also provides an in-depth discussion regarding the interaction between methanal and the MS2 substrate, focusing on aspects of relaxed geometrical structures, potential energy surface, adsorption energy, response length, recovery time, work function, charge transfer, density of states, and energy band structure.
Facile synthesis of co-axially electrospun Co-C nanofibers and their ferromagnetic behavior
Authors: Sethy Pujashree Priyadarshini , Sundaray Bibekananda
Published: April 2024

We describe a simple co-axial electrospinning approach followed by a carbonisation process to create cobalt-carbon (Co-C) nanofibers that are then thoroughly analysed using various techniques. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the creation of pure crystalline cobalt with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, and average crystallite size was determined using the Debye–Scherrer formula. The average crystallite size has been calculated to be in the range of 10 − 15 nm. According to the Raman investigation, all Co-C nanofibers have an amorphous carbon structure with little graphitic behaviour. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the shape and average diameter of electrospun nanofibers. The field-dependent magnetic characterisation demonstrated a satisfactory ferromagnetic behaviour with maximum saturation magnetisation values of 10, 10.2, and 11.2 emu/g for Co12.5-C sample at 300, 100, and 5 K, respectively. Compared to bulk cobalt, the produced Co-C nanofibers have a high coercivity value. With average crystallite size, the coercivity varies. Again, magnetisation versus temperature measurements have supported the existence of ferromagnetism because there is no evidence of blocking temperature or any transitional behaviour below 300 K. As a result, applications for microwave absorption, catalysis, and several magnetic recording devices can benefit from the coupling of ferromagnetic properties with carbon nanofiber materials.
Investigation of a potential upstream harmonization based on image appearance matching to improve radiomics features robustness: a phantom study
Authors: Scapicchio Camilla , Imbriani Manuela , Lizzi Francesca , Quattrocchi Mariagrazia , Retico Alessandra , Saponaro Sara , Tenerani Maria Irene , Tofani Alessandro , Zafaranchi Arman , Fantacci Maria Evelina
Published: April 2024

Objective. Radiomics is a promising valuable analysis tool consisting in extracting quantitative information from medical images. However, the extracted radiomics features are too sensitive to variations in used image acquisition and reconstruction parameters. This limited robustness hinders the generalizable validity of radiomics-assisted models. Our aim is to investigate a possible harmonization strategy based on matching image quality to improve feature robustness. Approach. We acquired CT scans of a phantom with two scanners across different dose levels and percentages of Iterative Reconstruction algorithms. The detectability index was used as a comprehensive task-based image quality metric. A statistical analysis based on the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was performed to determine if matching image quality/appearance could enhance the robustness of radiomics features extracted from the phantom images. Additionally, an Artificial Neural Network was trained on these features to automatically classify the scanner used for image acquisition. Main results. We found that the ICC of the features across protocols providing a similar detectability index improves with respect to the ICC of the features across protocols providing a different detectability index. This improvement was particularly noticeable in features relevant for distinguishing between scanners. Significance. This preliminary study demonstrates that a harmonization based on image quality/appearance matching could improve radiomics features robustness and heterogeneous protocols can be used to obtain a similar image appearance in terms of the detectability index. Thus protocols with a lower dose level could be selected to reduce the amount of radiation dose delivered to the patient and simultaneously obtain a more robust quantitative analysis.
The relative roles of energy and water intensity in the economic growth of the United States, 1950–2015
Authors: Lobo José , Ruddell Benjamin L
Published: April 2024

Water and energy are indispensable inputs to the modern economy and are of primary concern for the sustainability of the global economy. Continually growing use of water and energy cannot be sustained in the pursuit of greater wealth and prosperity, given planetary boundaries and other limitations on these resources. Water is a main input to the production of energy, and vice versa, and to some extent the two are substitutes. An economy’s energy intensity and water intensity measure the efficiency with which energy and water, respectively, are used in the generation of wealth. How far has an advanced economy like that of the US gone in decoupling energy and water use from economic growth? To answer this question, we decompose the growth of GDP per capita into improvement in energy and water intensity and the change in the per capita use of these two crucial inputs, using data for the US from 1950 to 2015. We find that water and energy use efficiency improvements are responsible for much more growth in per capita GDP than increases in water and energy inputs, and that water use can be decoupled more significantly from increasing wealth than the use of energy. The results have important implications for the future of energy and material consumption by the global economy.
A review of imaging methods for detection of photoluminescence in field-installed photovoltaic modules
Authors: Vuković M , Wiig M S , dos Reis Benatto G A , Olsen E , Burud I
Published: April 2024

Contactless detection with a camera of radiation emitted from silicon solar cells resulting from band-to-band recombination after charge carrier excitation with an illumination source, i.e. photoluminescence (PL) imaging, has shown a great potential in the laboratory setting. In the recent years, the first approaches to PL imaging in the outdoor setting have been conducted on silicon modules with the Sun, a LED module and laser as excitation sources. The reason for these attempts has been that fault detection in photovoltaic (PV) modules using imaging can be more efficient and accurate than fault detection using electrical parameters. Developments in fault detection and localization are necessary because accurate monitoring of solar plants is expected to be one of the critical tasks facing the energy industry, when one considers that PV energy conversion will be the largest installed power capacity by 2027 and that the utility-scale solar PV electricity generation will be the least costly option for new electricity generation in many of the world’s countries. The present study sums up the different methods for outdoor PL imaging and emphasizes their differences regarding filtering of the reflected excitation light from the PL signal. The different types of PL images obtained from each method and the image processing algorithms are described. Finally, the interpretation of the different types of PL images is addressed.
Additive manufacturing of micropatterned functional surfaces: a review
Authors: Chivate Aditya , Zhou Chi
Published: April 2024

Over the course of millions of years, nature has evolved to ensure survival and presents us with a myriad of functional surfaces and structures that can boast high efficiency, multifunctionality, and sustainability. What makes these surfaces particularly practical and effective is the intricate micropatterning that enables selective interactions with microstructures. Most of these structures have been realized in the laboratory environment using numerous fabrication techniques by tailoring specific surface properties. Of the available manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing (AM) has created opportunities for fabricating these structures as the complex architectures of the naturally occurring microstructures far exceed the traditional ways. This paper presents a concise overview of the fundamentals of such patterned microstructured surfaces, their fabrication techniques, and diverse applications. A comprehensive evaluation of micro fabrication methods is conducted, delving into their respective strengths and limitations. Greater emphasis is placed on AM processes like inkjet printing and micro digital light projection printing due to the intrinsic advantages of these processes to additively fabricate high resolution structures with high fidelity and precision. The paper explores the various advancements in these processes in relation to their use in microfabrication and also presents the recent trends in applications like the fabrication of microlens arrays, microneedles, and tissue scaffolds.
An algorithm for multi-armed bandit based on variance change sensitivity
Authors: Zhu Canxin , Yang Jingmin , Zhang Wenjie , Zheng Yifeng
Published: April 2024

The Multi-Arm Bandit problem is becoming increasingly popular as it enables real-world sequential decision making across application domains, including clinical trials, recommender systems, and online decision making. The Multi-Arm Bandit problem is a classical problem of exploration and exploitation dilemma in reinforcement learning and it needs to decide on the optimal strategy based on the reward situation of each rocker arm. However, the existing Multi-Arm Bandit algorithms have many shortcomings, such as blind exploration, weak generalization ability and endless exploration. Aiming at the shortcomings of the existing Multi-Armed Bandit algorithms, this paper proposes a Multi-Armed Bandit algorithm based on variance change sensitivity. The algorithm takes the variance change of reward as a clue, and adjusts the exploration probability by the average variance change of all actions, and selects the action with the largest variance change when exploring. At the same time, in order to reduce the waste of action selection times and maximize the cumulative reward, A parameter

N

c
o
n

was introduced to record the number of consecutive selections of the same action. The exploration stops when

N

c
o
n

reaches a certain value. Experiments show that the exploration algorithm can obtain higher reward value and lower regret value in the end.
Non-linear modeling and parameter identification of a bolted joint using substructure synthesis theory
Authors: Hussain Faisal , Ingole Sanjay
Published: April 2024

Engineering applications require accurate modeling and parameter identification to anticipate bolted joint behavior under different loading circumstances. Bolted joints are extensively used in civil and mechanical structures. In this research study, cubic stiffness non-linearity is examined and a comprehensive model, which can exhibit the non-linearity of joint behavior, is developed. This is achieved by modeling the bolted joint which is connected at one end of a cantilever beam. Mathematical model is established using concept of sub structure synthesis theory by considering non-linear translational stiffness and non-linear rotational stiffness as a boundary condition. Non-dimensional natural frequencies are estimated by assuming stiffness parameters and joint parameter estimation for translational spring having nonlinear stiffness is calculated using second order curve fitting technique. Furthermore, estimated and exact value of cubic stiffness coefficient are compared. The experimental results shows that the percentage error of estimation for all the modes are less than 8%. The experimentally determined natural frequencies are further contrasted with an analytical results to validate a precision of generated model. Present work contributes in improving the bolted joint analysis by providing a solid non-linear modeling and parameter identification methodology. This methodology enhances design practices and ensures the durability of engineering structures and mechanical systems by improving bolted joint comprehension.
Machine learning for efficient grazing-exit x-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy analysis: Bayesian optimization approach
Authors: Cakir Cafer Tufan , Bogoclu Can , Emmerling Franziska , Streli Christina , Guilherme Buzanich Ana , Radtke Martin
Published: April 2024

In materials science, traditional techniques for analyzing layered structures are essential for obtaining information about local structure, electronic properties and chemical states. While valuable, these methods often require high vacuum environments and have limited depth profiling capabilities. The grazing exit x-ray absorption near-edge structure (GE-XANES) technique addresses these limitations by providing depth-resolved insight at ambient conditions, facilitating in situ material analysis without special sample preparation. However, GE-XANES is limited by long data acquisition times, which hinders its practicality for various applications. To overcome this, we have incorporated Bayesian optimization (BO) into the GE-XANES data acquisition process. This innovative approach potentially reduces measurement time by a factor of 50. We have used a standard GE-XANES experiment, which serve as reference, to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the BO-informed experimental setup. Our results show that this optimized approach maintains data quality while significantly improving efficiency, making GE-XANES more accessible to a wider range of materials science applications.
Trial Stories in Jewish Antiquity
Authors: Halberstam Chaya T
Published: April 2024

As early Jewish communities struggled with shifting imperial realities, they wrote trial stories that construct, unravel, and continually remake the links between judges, judgment, and justice. In these trial narratives they wrestle with empire and the feasibility of judges operating apart from their social and material environments. ​Chaya T. Halberstam offers close analyses of the trials of Daniel, Susanna, Jesus, Herod and his family, and a variety of largely unnamed litigants in rabbinic literature. The stories that are the focus of the book share the basic perspective that judges do not transcend their affective and material circumstances, even when they appeal to a higher standard and appear to follow some version of the ‘rule of law’. The judges in these narratives see and feel; they are inextricably a part of the networks, moods, and events around them. The trial stories of Jewish antiquity form a sophisticated critique of blind justice, even as it is programmatically prescribed throughout ancient literature. They suggest, instead, a counternarrative of judging that draws on feeling, relationships, and the ethic of care.
Introduction
Authors: Reznick Scott M
Published: April 2024

The chapter argues that American literary Romanticism developed as a direct response to pervasive conflict over democracy’s moral dimensions in the early republic and antebellum eras. The Introduction calls for a renewed attention to the tradition of political liberalism, particularly its roots in the violent aftermath of the Protestant Reformation and its modern synthesis in the work of John Rawls, not only to better comprehend the challenges and dilemmas of modern political life, but because U.S. writers frequently turned to liberal thinkers and ideas as they sought to make sense of the inherent contentiousness over democracy’s moral dimensions by interrogating the nature of moral belief itself. Those philosophical engagements sparked Romanticism’s flourishing as U.S. writers increasingly embraced Romantic literary modes emphasizing the imagination’s capacity for creative synthesis and the role it could therefore play in navigating the complexities of moral experience and in shoring up the habits of mind and feeling that are vital to a meaningful democratic culture. This Introduction explores some of the implications of this framework for Americanist literary studies and humanistic scholarship more generally.
“The Sense of Liberty”
Authors: Reznick Scott M
Published: April 2024

The chapter explores how Harriet Beecher Stowe’s antislavery fiction took on increasingly Romantic dimensions as she interrogated the political significance of emotions in the aftermath of the Compromise of 1850. It places Stowe in a transhistorical conversation about the relationship between intellect and emotion running from Adam Smith and Alexis de Tocqueville to John Rawls and Martha Nussbaum in order to reconceptualize the relationship between liberalism and sentimentality in Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) and Dred (1856), both of which pivot around patently Romantic figures. It also explores how Stowe emphasized the concept of liberty, and the affective experiences it frequently elicits, as a way to overcome political impasse.
Style
Authors: Cheeke Stephen
Published: April 2024

This chapter explores the famously personal prose style and how it has divided readers in ways that illuminate much broader and perpetually recurring aesthetic fault-lines. The question of whether Pater’s style is attractive or repellent, extravagant or ascetic, personal or impersonal, is placed in relation to nineteenth-century debates about Decadence, aestheticism, and Euphuism, which have parallels in poststructuralist accounts of Pater’s significance. The chapter offers a counter argument to prevalent notions of Pater’s prose as ‘dissolvent’ by demonstrating the ways in which his work insists on the connection between style and the reality or ‘Soul-fact’ of the writer or artist: style as the communicable signature of a person and a personality.
Structural changes of mesophyll cells in the rice leaf tissue in response to salinity stress based on the three-dimensional analysis
Authors: Ouk Rachana , Oi Takao , Sugiura Daisuke , Taniguchi Mitsutaka
Published: April 2024

Rice leaf blades have intricate-shaped mesophyll cells (MCs) with a large volume of chloroplasts enhancing gas exchange between stroma and intercellular airspace (IAS). Since the rice MCs do not form palisade or spongy tissue cells and are considered monotypic cells, the structural analysis of MCs in the middle part of the leaf tissue has been done, neglecting the various shapes of MCs can be observed on the cross-section of rice leaves. Moreover, the middle MC layer is sandwiched between the upper and lower layers and is more restricted in its demand for light and CO2 entering from the outside. Therefore, the different layers of MCs may differ in their sensitivity to salt stress that causes structural changes in cells. This study aims to elucidate the intra- and extra-cellular structures of MC in different layers of leaf tissue and determine how salinity affects the MC structure in each layer. The mesophyll tissue was divided into adaxial, middle and abaxial layers, and eight MCs and chloroplast regions were selected from each layer and reconstructed into three-dimensional (3D) representations. The whole leaf anatomical and physiological parameters were measured to find the effects of salinity stress on the MC structures. As a result, the 3D analysis of rice leaf tissue revealed the different structures of MCs with greater diversity in the adaxial and abaxial layers than in the middle layer. Salinity stress reduced the size and height of the MCs and coverage of the chloroplast on the cytoplasm periphery of the adaxial and abaxial layers, as well as the chloroplast size of adaxial MCs. Overall, these results reveal the variation of rice MC in leaf tissue and suggest the higher sensitivity to salt stress in the adaxial mesophyll among the layers, which may partly account for the decrease in photosynthetic capacity.
AmplificationTimeR: an R package for timing sequential amplification events
Authors: Jakobsdottir G Maria , Dentro Stefan C , Bristow Robert G , Wedge David C
Published: April 2024

Motivation

Few methods exist for timing individual amplification events in regions of focal amplification. Current methods are also limited in the copy number states that they are able to time. Here we introduce AmplificationTimeR, a method for timing higher level copy number gains and inferring the most parsimonious order of events for regions that have undergone both single gains and whole genome duplication. Our method is an extension of established approaches for timing genomic gains.

Results

We can time more copy number states, and in states covered by other methods our results are comparable to previously published methods.

Availability and implementation

AmplificationTimer is freely available as an R package hosted at https://github.com/Wedge-lab/AmplificationTimeR.
Genome-wide meta-analysis of short-tandem repeats for Parkinson’s disease risk using genotype imputation
Authors: Ohlei Olena , Paul Kimberly , Nielsen Susan Searles , Gmelin David , Dobricic Valerija , Altmann Vivian , Schilling Marcel , Bronstein Jeff M , Franke Andre , Wittig Michael , Parkkinen Laura , Hansen Johnni , Checkoway Harvey , Ritz Beate , Bertram Lars , Lill Christina M
Published: April 2024

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recently, the first genome-wide association study on short-tandem repeats in Parkinson’s disease reported on eight suggestive short-tandem repeat-based risk loci (α = 5.3 × 10−6), of which four were novel, i.e. they had not been implicated in Parkinson’s disease risk by genome-wide association analyses of single-nucleotide polymorphisms before. Here, we tested these eight candidate short-tandem repeats in a large, independent Parkinson’s disease case–control dataset (n = 4757). Furthermore, we combined the results from both studies by meta-analysis resulting in the largest Parkinson’s disease genome-wide association study of short-tandem repeats to date (n = 43 844). Lastly, we investigated whether leading short-tandem repeat risk variants exert functional effects on gene expression regulation based on methylation quantitative trait locus data in human ‘post-mortem’ brain (n = 142). None of the eight previously reported short-tandem repeats were significantly associated with Parkinson’s disease in our independent dataset after multiple testing correction (α = 6.25 × 10−3). However, we observed modest support for short-tandem repeats near CCAR2 and NCOR1 in the updated meta-analyses of all available data. While the genome-wide meta-analysis did not reveal additional study-wide significant (α = 6.3 × 10−7) short-tandem repeat signals, we identified seven novel suggestive Parkinson’s disease short-tandem repeat risk loci (α = 5.3 × 10−6). Of these, especially a short-tandem repeat near MEIOSIN showed consistent evidence for association across datasets. CCAR2, NCOR1 and one novel suggestive locus identified here (LINC01012) emerged from colocalization analyses showing evidence for a shared causal short-tandem repeat variant affecting both Parkinson’s disease risk and cis DNA methylation in brain. Larger studies, ideally using short-tandem repeats called from whole-sequencing data, are needed to more fully investigate their role in Parkinson’s disease.
Intelligent algorithm-based maximum power point tracker for an off-grid photovoltaic-powered direct-current irrigation system
Authors: Attia Hussain , Takruri Maen , Al-Ataby Ali
Published: April 2024

This research aims to enhance the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems on a 2-fold basis. Firstly, it introduces an advanced deep artificial neural network algorithm for accurate and fast maximum power point tracking, ensuring optimal extraction of electrical power from PV arrays. Secondly, it proposes the use of 96-V, 2.98-kW direct-current (DC) water pumps for farm irrigation, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce cost and complexity, and overcome challenges associated with connecting faraway farm irrigation systems to the utility grid. In this study, it has been demonstrated that the use of DC pumps greatly improves system performance and efficiency by eliminating the need for isolation transformers, power passive filters and inverters, therefore simplifying the architecture of the system. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is confirmed by MATLAB®/Simulink® simulation results, whereby the proposed algorithm attains a mean squared error of 6.5705 × 10–5 and a system efficiency approaching 99.8%, ensuring a steady voltage under varying load conditions.
Fracture and plastering of distal left main stent during double-kissing Culotte technique: a case report
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Muheeb Ghazi , Yusuf Jamal , Kathuria Sanjeev
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute fracture of a left main (LM) stent during angioplasty is a rare complication. Cardiologists should be aware of the risk of stent fracture (SF) following kissing balloon inflation (KBI) even if the effective diameter of the balloons does not exceed the recommended expansion limits of stents.

Case summary

A 64-year-old female with hypertension and dyslipidaemia presented with crescendo angina since three months in spite of optimal medical therapy. Coronary angiogram showed a distal LM bifurcation lesion. The patient was admitted for LM bifurcation stenting by upfront two-stent technique (inverted double-kissing Culotte technique). Following first KBI of the stent placed from left circumflex artery (LCX) to LM, there was stent deformation in the LM shaft. As we had planned the Culotte technique, we decided to exclude the fractured segment by stenting from left anterior descending artery (LAD) to LM. The stent from LAD–LM successfully excluded the fractured part of the first stent from the lumen of LM. Optical coherence tomography done after final KBI from LCX–LM revealed successful exclusion of the deformed segment of the LCX stent with mild malapposition at the site of the deformed stent. A follow-up angiogram after six months showed normal in-stent flow with no evidence of restenosis or pseudoaneurysm.

Discussion

Acute LM SF during coronary intervention can occur even if the effective cumulative diameter of the inflated balloons does not exceed the mentioned expansion limit of stents. Intravascular imaging is a helpful modality to define type of SF and its management.
Apparent mineralocorticoid excess in Israel: a case series and literature review
Authors: Lebel Asaf , Ben Shalom Efrat , Mokatern Rozan , Halevy Raphael , Zehavi Yoav , Magen Daniela
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) syndrome is an ultra-rare autosomal-recessive tubulopathy, caused by mutations in HSD11B2, leading to excessive activation of the kidney mineralocorticoid receptor, and characterized by early-onset low-renin hypertension, hypokalemia, and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To date, most reports included few patients, and none described patients from Israel. We aimed to describe AME patients from Israel and to review the relevant literature.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory, and molecular data from patients’ records were collected.

Results

Five patients presented at early childhood with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), while 2 patients presented during late childhood with CKD. Molecular analysis revealed 2 novel homozygous mutations in HSD11B2. All patients presented with severe hypertension and hypokalemia. While all patients developed nephrocalcinosis, only 1 showed hypercalciuria. All individuals were managed with potassium supplements, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and various antihypertensive medications. One patient survived cardiac arrest secondary to severe hyperkalemia. At last follow-up, those 5 patients who presented early exhibited normal eGFR and near-normal blood pressure, but 2 have hypertension complications. The 2 patients who presented with CKD progressed to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) necessitating dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Conclusions

In this 11-year follow-up report of 2 Israeli families with AME, patients who presented early maintained long-term normal kidney function, while those who presented late progressed to ESKD. Nevertheless, despite early diagnosis and management, AME is commonly associated with serious complications of the disease or its treatment.
Coronary artery calcification and high-volume physical activity: role of lower intensity vs. longer duration of exercise
Authors: Pavlovic Andjelka , DeFina Laura F , Leonard David , Radford Nina B , Farrell Stephen W , Barlow Carolyn E , Shuval Kerem , Berry Jarett D , Levine Benjamin D
Published: April 2024

Aims

While high-volume physical activity (PA) has been linked to elevated coronary artery calcification (CAC), the role of intensity vs. duration of PA has not been investigated. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of intensity vs. duration of PA in relation to CAC.

Methods and results

Data are from 23 383 apparently healthy men who completed a PA questionnaire and underwent CAC scanning as part of a preventive examination. Self-reported PA was categorized into four groups of average intensity and weekly duration of PA [average intensity: 1, 3–5.9, 6–8.9, and 9–12 metabolic equivalents of task (METs); weekly duration: 0, > 0−<2, 2−<5, and ≥5 h/week]. Mean CAC and CAC ≥ 100 Agatston units (AU) were regressed separately on continuous or categorical average intensity and weekly duration of PA. The mean (standard deviation) age was 51.7 (8.3) years, and mean CAC was 174.8 (543.6) AU with 23.5% of men presenting with CAC ≥ 100 AU. Higher average intensity of PA was related to lower mean CAC [−3.1%/MET, 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.6, −1.6%/MET] and lower relative risk (RR) of CAC ≥ 100 AU (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.00/MET). Opposite trend was observed for the duration component wherein higher weekly duration of PA was significantly associated with greater mean CAC and RR of CAC ≥ 100 AU.

Conclusion

Elevated CAC was associated with lower average intensity and longer duration of PA in men, providing new insight into the complex relationship between leisure-time PA behaviours and risk of CAC.
Genome Assembly of Pyrocephalus nanus: A Step Toward the Genetic Conservation of the Endangered Little Vermilion Flycatcher of the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Anchundia David J , Lam Athena W , Henderson James B , Van Dam Matthew H , Dumbacher John P
Published: April 2024

Incredibly powerful whole genome studies of conservation genetics, evolution, and biogeography become possible for non-model organisms when reference genomes are available. Here, we report the sequence and assembly of the whole genome of the little vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus nanus; family Tyrannidae), which is an endemic, endangered, and declining species of the Galapagos Islands. Using PacBio HiFi reads to assemble long contigs and Hi-C reads for scaffolding, we assembled a genome of 1.07 Gb comprising 267 contigs in 152 scaffolds, scaffold N50 74 M, contig N50 17.8 M, with 98.9% assigned to candidate chromosomal sequences and 99.72% of the BUSCO passeriformes 10,844 single-copy orthologs present. In addition, we used the novel HiFiMiTie pipeline to fully assemble and verify all portions of the mitochondrial genome from HiFi reads, obtaining a mitogenome of 17,151 bases, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, two control regions, and a unique structure of control region duplication and repeats. These genomes will be a critical tool for much-needed studies of phylogenetics, population genetics, biogeography, and conservation genetics of Pyrocephalus and related genera. This genome and other studies that use it will be able to provide recommendations for conservation management, taxonomic improvement, and to understand the evolution and diversification of this genus within the Galapagos Islands.
Symbols of State: Explaining Prestige Projects in the Global South
Authors: Strange Austin
Published: April 2024

Why do governments pursue flashy international development projects despite more basic material needs? I argue that economically questionable “prestige projects” can be politically useful for legitimacy-seeking governments of small states in the Global South. Prestige projects provide these governments with otherwise unavailable symbolic capital as well as a means for seeking international status. Using new data on China’s global development finance since 1949, I document nearly 400 prestige projects and show they are concentrated in developing countries with small economies that increase their support for China’s diplomatic interests. An illustrative case study of Costa Rica’s national stadium shows how host countries use prestige projects to acquire national symbolic capital and pursue status. Evidence from a survey experiment in Papua New Guinea further demonstrates that prestige projects are uniquely associated with the national government and status-seeking motives. The findings contribute to research on the political economy of foreign aid, international development, status-seeking, and Chinese development finance.
Lack of mTORC2 signaling in CD11c+ myeloid cells inhibits their migration and ameliorates experimental colitis
Authors: Ignacio Aline , Cipelli Marcella , Takiishi Tatiane , Favero Aguiar Cristhiane , Fernandes Terra Fernanda , Ghirotto Bruno , Martins Silva Eloisa , Castoldi Angela , Magalhães Yuli Thamires , Antonio Tiago , Nunes Padovani Barbara , Ioshie Hiyane Meire , Andrade-Oliveira Vinicius , Forti Fabio Luis , Olsen Saraiva Camara Niels
Published: April 2024

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a key role in determining immune cells function through modulation of their metabolic status. By specific deletion of Rictor in CD11c+ myeloid cells (referred to here as CD11cRicΔ/Δ), we investigated the role of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling in dendritic cells (DCs) function in mice. We showed that upon dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis, the lack of mTORC2 signaling CD11c+ cells diminishes the colitis score and abrogates DC migration to the mesenteric lymph nodes, thereby diminishing the infiltration of T helper 17 cells in the lamina propria and subsequent inflammation. These findings corroborate with the abrogation of cytoskeleton organization and the decreased activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases observed in CD11c+-mTORC2–deficient cells. Meta-analysis on colonic samples from ulcerative colitis patients revealed increased gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which coincided with augmented expression of the mTOR pathway, a positive correlation between the DC marker ITGAX and interleukin-6, the expression of RICTOR, and CDC42. Together, this work proposes that targeting mTORC2 on DCs offers a key to hamper inflammatory responses, and this way, ameliorates the progression and severity of intestinal inflammatory diseases.
The Narrow Footprint of Ancient Balancing Selection Revealed by Heterokaryon Incompatibility Genes in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Auxier Ben , Zhang Jianhua , Marquez Francisca Reyes , Senden Kira , van den Heuvel Joost , Aanen Duur K , Snelders Eveline , Debets Alfons J M
Published: April 2024

In fungi, fusion between individuals leads to localized cell death, a phenomenon termed heterokaryon incompatibility. Generally, the genes responsible for this incompatibility are observed to be under balancing selection resulting from negative frequency-dependent selection. Here, we assess this phenomenon in Aspergillus fumigatus, a human pathogenic fungus with a very low level of linkage disequilibrium as well as an extremely high crossover rate. Using complementation of auxotrophic mutations as an assay for hyphal compatibility, we screened sexual progeny for compatibility to identify genes involved in this process, called het genes. In total, 5/148 (3.4%) offspring were compatible with a parent and 166/2,142 (7.7%) sibling pairs were compatible, consistent with several segregating incompatibility loci. Genetic mapping identified five loci, four of which could be fine mapped to individual genes, of which we tested three through heterologous expression, confirming their causal relationship. Consistent with long-term balancing selection, trans-species polymorphisms were apparent across several sister species, as well as equal allele frequencies within A. fumigatus. Surprisingly, a sliding window genome-wide population-level analysis of an independent dataset did not show increased Tajima's D near these loci, in contrast to what is often found surrounding loci under balancing selection. Using available de novo assemblies, we show that these balanced polymorphisms are restricted to several hundred base pairs flanking the coding sequence. In addition to identifying the first het genes in an Aspergillus species, this work highlights the interaction of long-term balancing selection with rapid linkage disequilibrium decay.
The cancer caregiving burden trajectory over time: varying experiences of perceived versus objectively measured burden
Authors: Siminoff Laura A , Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Chwistek Marcin , Thomson Maria
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The objective of this study was to comprehensively understand the burden experienced by caregivers (CGs) providing home-based, end-of-life care to patients with cancer. We examined the relationship between objective and subjective burden including whether and how burden changes over time.

Methods

A case series of terminal cancer patient-caregiver dyads (n = 223) were recruited from oncology clinics and followed for 12 months or until patient death. Data were collected every other week and in-person from CGs in their homes using quantitative surveys, diaries, and monthly structured observations.

Results

Bivariate correlations revealed a significant association between subjective burden and activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), high-intensity tasks, and time spent on ADLs; these correlations varied over time. Models examining the slope of subjective burden revealed little systematic change; spouse caregiver and patient functional limitations were positively, and Black caregiver was negatively associated with subjective burden. Generally, the slopes for measures of objective burden were significant and positive. Models showed subjective burden was positively associated with most measures of objective burden both within caregiver (concurrent measures were positively associated) and between CGs (those with higher subjective also had higher objective).

Conclusions

Cancer caregiving is dynamic; CGs must adjust to the progression of the patient’s disease. We found an association between subjective and objective burden both within and between CGs. Black CGs were more likely to report lower subjective burden compared to their White counterparts. More detailed investigation of the sociocultural components that affect caregiver experience of burden is needed to better understand how and where to best intervene with targeted supportive care services.
Nonpecuniary Benefits: Evidence from the Location of Private Company Sales
Authors: Jansen Mark , Winegar Adam
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates whether acquisition prices reflect a specific set of nonpecuniary benefits preferred by entrepreneurs: the quality of life (QOL) associated with the business location. Using data on private firm acquisitions, we find that target firms in high-QOL cities sell for a 14% to 20% premium. Traditional financial factors do not explain this premium, which dissipates when the buyer is unlikely to have preferences for high-QOL locations. Using wage-to-housing cost differentials to decompose local amenities and data on migration patterns, we find that QOL amenities have a greater impact on entrepreneurs’ location decisions relative to wage workers. (JEL G02, G32, G34, J32, L26, R39)

Received: 27 February 2022; Editorial decision: 29 January 2024 Editor: Camelia Kuhnen Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Efficacy of gonadal shielding in dose reduction for female pelvic radiography
Authors: Nozoe Saki , Terazaki Kei , Sasaki Makoto , Nakata Manabu
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the dose reduction using gonad shielding (GS) during pelvic imaging. Three types of pelvic images (radiography, magnetic resonance and computed tomography) were fused to elucidate the three-dimensional relationship between the position of ovaries and GS. To estimate the dose received by the ovaries, the off-axis dose at any given depth was measured under two different imaging conditions using thermoluminescence dosemeters and a polymethyl methacrylate phantom. The mean ovarian depth was 8.4 cm. The mean estimated ovarian dose without an additional filter was 0.36 mGy without GS and 0.14 mGy with GS. The mean estimated ovarian dose with an additional filter was 0.24 mGy without GS and 0.10 mGy with GS. The efficacy of ovarian dose reduction should be evaluated based on the achieved ovarian dose, considering the ovarian depth and use of additional filtration, rather than the ovarian protection rate of GS.
Analysis of spatial and demographic factors associated with chikungunya in Espírito Santo state, Brazil
Authors: Clipes Marcus Vinicius Salvador , Vicente Creuza Rachel , Cardoso da Silva Theresa Cristina , Resende Lilyan Correia , Cerutti Junior Crispim
Published: April 2024

Background

Chikungunya (CHIK) emerged in Brazil in 2014 and since then several epidemics have been observed. This study aims to describe the spatial, social and demographic characteristics of individuals affected by CHIK in Espírito Santo state.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using data from individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of CHIK in Espírito Santo state, Brazil, from 2018 to 2020. Monthly incidence was calculated and annual spatial distribution maps were constructed. Statistical analysis using the χ2 test identified associations between disease occurrence and sociodemographic variables.

Results

In the period and area analysed, a CHIK epidemic occurred in 2020, with an incidence of 219.8 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. The southern and central regions of Espirito Santo state harboured a risk five times greater than the others in the epidemic region. Females (odds ratio [OR] 1.65 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.58 to 1.72]), black people (OR 1.22 [95% CI 1.13 to 1.33]), individuals with ≤11 y of education (OR 1.48 [95% CI 1.37 to 1.61]) and the elderly (OR 7.49 [95% CI 6.53 to 8.59]) had a greater risk for the disease.

Conclusions

CHIK stands as an emerging public health problem in Brazil since its introduction in 2014. Espírito Santo suffered a substantial epidemic in 2020, possibly due to outbreaks in neighbouring states. The population at risk should be prioritized in healthcare, considering the morbidity potential of the disease.
Repeated sprint training in hypoxia induces specific skeletal muscle adaptations through S100A protein signaling
Authors: Lanfranchi Clément , Willis Sarah J. , Laramée Louis , Conde Alonso Sonia , Pialoux Vincent , Kayser Bengt , Place Nicolas , Millet Grégoire P. , Zanou Nadège
Published: April 2024

Athletes increasingly engage in repeated sprint training consisting in repeated short all‐out efforts interspersed by short recoveries. When performed in hypoxia (RSH), it may lead to greater training effects than in normoxia (RSN); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed at elucidating the effects of RSH on skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations as compared to RSN. Sixteen healthy young men performed nine repeated sprint training sessions in either normoxia (FIO2 = 0.209, RSN, n = 7) or normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.136, RSH, n = 9). Before and after the training period, exercise performance was assessed by using repeated sprint ability (RSA) and Wingate tests. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed to investigate muscle metabolic adaptations using proteomics combined with western blot analysis. Similar improvements were observed in RSA and Wingate tests in both RSN and RSH groups. At the muscle level, RSN and RSH reduced oxidative phosphorylation protein content but triggered an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis proteins. Proteomics showed an increase in several S100A family proteins in the RSH group, among which S100A13 most strongly. We confirmed a significant increase in S100A13 protein by western blot in RSH, which was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation and its downstream targets regulating protein synthesis. Altogether our data indicate that RSH may activate an S100A/Akt pathway to trigger specific adaptations as compared to RSN.