bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based composite ceramics having high compressive strength, osteostimulation and proangiogenic effects
Authors: He Fupo , Yuan Xinyuan , Fu Wenhao , Huang Wenhao , Chen Tengyun , Feng Songheng , Wang Huaiyu , Ye Jiandong
Published: September 2023

Fairly high concentrations of magnesium and lithium are conducive to improving the osteogenic and angiogenic capacities. In the current study, lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based ceramics (AMP/LMPGs) were prepared from amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) at a low sintering temperature (650 °C), and the lithium/magnesium-containing phosphate glasses (LMPGs) were utilized as sintering additives. During the sintering procedure of AMP/LMPGs, the AMP reacted with LMPGs, producing new compounds. The AMP/LMPGs displayed nano-size grains and plentiful micropores. The addition of LMPGs noticeably increased the porosity as well as compressive strength of the AMP/LMPGs ceramics. The AMP/LMPGs sustainedly released Mg, P and Li ions, forming Mg-rich ionic microenvironment, which ameliorated cellular proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and proangiogenic capacities. The AMP/LMPGs ceramics with considerably high compressive strength, osteostimulation and proangiogenic effects were expected to efficiently regenerate the bone defects.
Underestimated ammonia vehicular emissions in metropolitan city revealed by on-road mobile measurement
Authors: Gu Chuanqi , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Jian , Dai Wenhao , Liu Jiaqi , Xue Ruibin , Che Xiang , Lin Yanfen , Duan Yusen , Wenig Mark O , Zhou Bin
Published: September 2023

Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) plays a significant role in the nitrogen cycle, and can have impacts on air quality, ecological balance and climate change. While NH3 associated with natural and agricultural processes has long been considered the primary source, the contribution of combustion-related NH3, particularly from vehicular emissions, keeps on the rise. We found that high on-road NH3 concentrations occurred in a metropolitan city based on mobile measurement, and inferred that urban vehicular NH3 emission was likely underestimated in the past. NH3 emission factors (EFs) were derived from ring roads and tunnels, showing levels 74% and 20% higher than the latest standard proposed by Euro VII, respectively. To quantify the underestimation, two methods based on car ownership and traffic flow were used to estimate the annual vehicular NH3 emission in Shanghai as 2.59 and 1.76 Gg, respectively, substantially surpassing the predicted results by the Dynamic Projection model for Emissions in China. Given these discoveries, we recommend that it is urgent and imperative to establish relevant national standards and limits aiming at regulation on vehicular NH3 emissions. And more representative EFs measurements should be adopted to improve the accuracy of inventory estimation.
Screening induced crossover between phonon- and plasmon-mediated pairing in layered superconductors
Authors: in’t Veld Y , Katsnelson M I , Millis A J , Rösner M
Published: September 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) metals can host gapless plasmonic excitations that strongly couple to electrons and thus may significantly affect superconductivity. To investigate the dynamical interplay of the electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions in the theory of 2D superconductivity, we apply a full momentum- and frequency-dependent one-loop theory treating electron–phonon, electron–plasmon, and phonon–plasmon coupling with the same accuracy. We tune the strength of the Coulomb interaction by varying the external screening

ε

e
x
t

to the layered superconductor and find three distinct regions. At weak screening, superconductivity is mediated by plasmons. In the opposite limit conventional electron–phonon interactions dominate. In between, we find a suppressed superconducting state. Our results show that even in conventional electron–phonon coupled layered materials, superconductivity can be significantly enhanced by the electron–plasmon coupling in a manner that can be controlled by the external screening.
Band type engineering using different stacking configurations of anisotropic and isotropic monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Polumati Gowtham , Muñiz Martínez Barbara A , Kolli Chandra Sekhar Reddy , Selamneni Venkatarao , Flores Salazar Mario , Sanchez David Emanuel , Carreno Andres Fest , Terrones Mauricio , De Luna Bugallo Andres , Sahatiya Parikshit
Published: September 2023

This work demonstrates the band-type engineering and the detailed charge transport mechanism upon visible light illumination for various configurations of vertically stacked monolayers of MoS2-ReS2 grown by a two-step chemical vapour deposition method. In order to understand the stacking order of both materials has a direct impact on the band alignment arrangements, we investigate the optical properties of both ReS2–MoS2 stacking configurations using micro-photoluminescence and interestingly observed the change in the band alignment upon changing the stacking order (ReS2–MoS2 and MoS2–ReS2). The formation of the vertically stacked heterostructure is further validated by observing its morphology by HR-TEM. The MoS2 on top of ReS2 yielded Type II and ReS2 on top of MoS2 yielded type I band alignment. The fabricated photodetector exhibits responsivities of 152 A W−1 for pristine ReS2, 72 A W−1 for MoS2 on top, and 400 A W−1 for ReS2 on top respectively for visible light illumination of 554 nm suggesting that the stacking configuration of the monolayer TMDs play a vital role in the performance of the optoelectronic properties. The detailed study of such configurations of vertically stacked 2D heterostructure is essential to better understand the optimal configuration for the development of highly responsive photodetectors.
Analysis of the properties of recycled aggregates concrete with lime and metakaolin
Authors: Verma Manvendra , Chouksey Arti , Meena Rahul Kumar , Singh Indrajeet
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the use of alternative materials in cementitious systems has attracted considerable interest due to their potential for augmenting the durability and performance of concrete. This research is investigating the use of three such materials as partial cement replacements in concrete: Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), Limestone, and Metakaolin. RCA is a byproduct of the demolition of concrete structures that can be recycled as aggregate. Incorporating RCA into concrete reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal and reduces the carbon burden. Due to its pozzolanic properties, limestone, a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate, can be used as a substitute for cement. By substituting a portion of cement with limestone, the cement manufacturing process can substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Metakaolin, a thermally treated form of kaolin clay, is yet another alternative material with pozzolanic properties. When used as a partial cement replacement, metakaolin increases the concrete’s strength, durability, and chemical resistance. It also contributes to lowering hydration heat and mitigating alkali-silica reactions, thereby enhancing the durability of concrete structures. In this investigation, cement is replaced by limestone powder which is varied from 0% to 50% and the addition of metakaolin of 20% in every mix design. RCA is also incorporated in the mix design as a replacement for coarse aggregate by 20%. In the experimental investigation, various tests were conducted on each mix slump test, density, compressive strength, sulphate attack, mass loss, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). After the investigation, the compressive strength improved by 15.07%, when metakaolin was added, and when LS was used to replace 10% of the cement, the compressive strength increased by 13.49%. The features of the combinations were negatively impacted when more cement was substituted. Following an investigation of hydration products, filler and dilution effects were found, both of which have the potential to be connected to improved mix quality. A mix that contains 20% metakaolin and 10% limestone powder may be considered the ideal mix owing to its superior strength and sulphate resistance when compared to normal concrete. It consists of less effect on slump value and density, the compressive strength was increased, and minimum mass loss after the sulphate attack. M3 mix best performer among all mix designs. It shows that the mix design with 20% metakaolin and 10% limestone powder is best-suitable for future recommendations.
Lead-free perovskites InSnX3(X = Cl, Br, I) for solar cell applications: a DFT study on the mechanical, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties
Authors: Pingak Redi Kristian , Harbi Amine , Moutaabbid Mohammed , Johannes Albert Zicko , Hauwali Nikodemus Umbu Janga , Bukit Minsyahril , Nitti Fidelis , Ndii Meksianis Zadrak
Published: September 2023

This study aims to explore for the first time the mechanical, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of cubic lead-free perovskites InSnBr3and InSnI3to investigate their potential applications in solar cell devices. Additionally, the previously examined InSnCl3perovskite is also included. The properties of the perovskites were determined using first-principles calculation based on the well-known Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) functional implemented in the Quantum Espresso package. One of the most important findings was that the bandgaps of the compounds decrease and undergo an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition when Cl is replaced by Br and I. This indicates that InSnBr3and InSnI3perovskites are more suitable for solar cell applications. The bandgap energies for InSnCl3, InSnBr3, and InSnI3perovskites are 0.59 eV (R→X), 0.44 eV (R→R), and 0.24 eV (R→R), respectively. The improved band gaps using the HSE06 functional are 2.35 eV, 2.13 eV, and 2.01 eV for the respective perovskites. The materials were found to possess chemical, mechanical, and thermodynamic stability as well as ductile behaviour. Furthermore, the materials exhibit remarkable optical properties, including high absorption coefficients and relatively small reflectivity. The calculated thermoelectric properties indicated high electrical conductivity and reasonable figure of merit values, making them promising candidates for the application in thermoelectric devices.
Impact of parasitic elements on the power dissipation of Si superjunction MOSFETs, SiC MOSFETs, and GaN HEMTs
Authors: Joshi Vikas , Pande Peyush , Jadli Utkarsh , Chaturvedi Mayank , Nautiyal Priyanka
Published: September 2023

In power conversion systems, where higher switching frequencies are required for miniaturization, the selection of power switches with lower power loss becomes essential for achieving better efficiency. At higher switching frequencies, the parasitic elements of the power switch largely dictate the efficiency of the power electronic system. Hence, it becomes critical to investigate the impact of parasitic losses on overall efficiency. The parasitic components of the power transistor vary with the semiconductor technology and thus effects the power converter system differently. This paper compares three power switch technologies: Silicon (Si) based Superjunction (SJ) power MOSFET, Silicon Carbide (SiC) based power MOSFET, and Gallium Nitride (GaN) based HEMT, for three different voltage ratings: 650 V, 900 V, and 1200 V. The effect of the parasitic components on the converter efficiency has been demonstrated using an inductive clamped loading circuit implemented in LTSPICE. The results demonstrate that at a frequency of 200 kHz, the total power loss for 650 V power switches was 44 W, 108 W, and 127 W for GaN, SiC, and SJ, respectively. At 500 kHz, the total power loss for 1200 V power switches was 622 W and 720 W for GaN and SiC, respectively. Overall, the GaN technology provides lower power losses than SiC and SJ due to lower parasitic capacitance and on-resistance, indicating the potential of GaN power devices for higher voltage applications. This comparison enables a power engineer to select an appropriate power switch that ensures the best possible efficiency for a specific application.
On the enhanced mechanical characteristics of 3D printed architected spiderweb lattice structures through overall density variation
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Sarangi Saroj Kumar
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the performance analysis of 3D printed architected spiderweb lattice structures. The research is aimed to provide suitable lattice configuration to be useful for customized foot insole applications. First the architected spiderweb lattice structures comprising of hexagonal networks consisting of struts and nodes are designed. Then 3D printing of these structures is carried out and for this purpose two different materials such as Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and ABS-like resin are considered. Quasi-static compression tests are performed, and simulation analyses are conducted in ANSYS to explore the influence of relative density over the energy absorption capacity of the lattice structures. It is observed that an increase in relative density of 0.2 provides a substantial increase in energy absorbing capacity and strength of the lattice configurations. This increase in relative density by 0.2 led to a 6-fold increase in energy absorption capacity with a 4.5-fold augmentation in strength for TPU lattice structure, and a 7-fold augmentation in energy absorption capacity with 3.5-fold increase in strength for ABS-like resin lattice structure. These results suggest that increasing the relative density of these materials can be a viable strategy for enhancing their mechanical properties, which can have significant implications for different industrial and engineering fields. The enhanced energy absorbing characteristics of this presently developed lattice structures with such materials can make them suitable for foot insole applications.
Fuglede commutations modulo Lorentz ideals
Authors: Xia Jingbo
Published: September 2023

We examine Fuglede commutation properties, particularly those in the context of Lorentz ideals, from a new perspective. We also show that Fuglede commutation property fails for a number of ideals.
IX—How Is Metaphysics Possible?
Authors: Stang Nicholas F
Published: September 2023

In the Introduction to the Critique of Pure Reason Kant raises a famous question: how is metaphysics possible as a science? Kant posed this question for his predecessors in early modern philosophy. I raise this question anew for the resurgence of metaphysics within analytic philosophy. I begin by dividing the question of the possibility of metaphysics into separate questions about its semantic and epistemic possibility, and translate them into contemporary terms as: (1) Why do terms in metaphysical theories refer? (2) How do we have knowledge in metaphysics? I then argue that the inflationary conception of metaphysics cannot explain the semantic possibility of metaphysics and, consequently, cannot explain its epistemic possibility. I then argue, more briefly, that a deflationary conception cannot satisfactorily answer the Kantian questions either. The critical path alone remains open.
Investigating energy policies to boost grid-connected rooftop solar PV in Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Tarig Z , Mohamed Ayah , Ahmed Mawahib Eltayeb , Abdalgader Ahmed Osman Elamin , Hassan-Sayed Mohamed G
Published: September 2023

Grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can reduce the energy demand from the grid and significantly increase the power available to it. However, rooftop solar PV has not yet been widely adopted in many sub-Saharan African countries, such as Sudan, although they are endowed with high solar radiation and in dire need of additional power. This paper investigates risks and policies to increase grid-connected rooftop solar PV adoption in Sudan. A simplified United Nations Development Program Derisking Renewable Energy Investment framework is adopted to investigate this over three stages. For Stage 1, a list of risks and barriers was produced based on a literature review of solar PV studies in Sudan and interviews with nine stakeholders. Affordability was the risk most often mentioned (eight times from nine interviewees), followed by concerns about poor utility grid infrastructure. For Stage 2, policy de-risking instruments and financial de-risking instruments were listed to overcome the barriers. These include the introduction of net metering, the use of a third-party organization to monitor policy implementation, upgrade of the grid infrastructure, public awareness campaigns and energy-saving schemes. For Stage 3, the levelized cost of electricity was estimated for a typical 2-kW rooftop PV system without policies (0.11 $/kWh) and with a net-metering policy (0.07 $/kWh).
Reorganization of the structural connectome during vision recovery in pituitary adenoma patients post-transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Zhao Kai , Liu Minghang , Yang Fuxing , Shu Xujun , Sun Guochen , Liu Ruoyu , Zhao Yue , Wang Fuyu , Xu Bainan
Published: September 2023

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) can exert pressure on the optic apparatus, leading to visual impairment. A subset of patients may observe a swift improvement in their vision following surgery. Nevertheless, the alterations in the structural connectome during the early postoperative period remain largely unexplored. The research employed probabilistic tractography, graph theoretical analysis, and statistical methods on preoperative and postoperative structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor images from 13 PA patients. Postoperative analysis revealed an increase in global and local efficiency, signifying improved network capacity for parallel information transfer and fault tolerance, respectively. Enhanced clustering coefficient and reduced shortest path length were also observed, suggesting a more regular network organization and shortened communication steps within the brain network. Furthermore, alterations in node graphical properties were detected, implying a restructuring of the network’s control points, possibly contributing to more efficient visual processing. These findings propose that rapid vision recovery post-surgery may be associated with significant reorganization of the brain’s structural connectome, enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of the network, thereby facilitating improved visual processing.
The role of low health literacy in shared treatment decision-making in patients with kidney failure
Authors: Toapanta Néstor , Salas-Gama Karla , Pantoja Percy Efrain , Soler María José
Published: September 2023

The classic paternalist medicine in nephrology has been modified to a shared decision-making model that clearly offers a benefit in patients with kidney disease. One of the cornerstones of shared treatment decision in patients with kidney failure is the understanding of kidney disease. As kidney disease is silent until advanced stages and is also an entity with a complex pathophysiology with little knowledge in the general population, its presence and understanding are difficult for most people. Health literacy (HL) plays a crucial role in the care of patients with kidney disease and the shared treatment decision. Limited HL has been associated with inefficient use of health services, non-compliance of medications, worse quality of life and increased mortality. In this review, we will address the importance of low HL in nephrology in terms of diagnosis, measurement, its effect on shared decision-making and how to increase it in people with kidney disease.
Smaller herring larval size-at-stage in response to environmental changes is associated with ontogenic processes and stress response
Authors: Joly Léa J , Boersma Maarten , Giraldo Carolina , Mazurais David , Madec Lauriane , Collet Sophie , Zambonino-Infante José-Luis , Meunier Cédric L
Published: September 2023

Global change puts coastal systems under pressure, affecting the ecology and physiology of marine organisms. In particular, fish larvae are sensitive to environmental conditions, and their fitness is an important determinant of fish stock recruitment and fluctuations. To assess the combined effects of warming, acidification and change in food quality, herring larvae were reared in a control scenario (11°C*pH 8.0) and a scenario predicted for 2100 (14°C*pH 7.6) crossed with two feeding treatments (enriched in phosphorus and docosahexaenoic acid or not). The experiment lasted from hatching to the beginning of the post-flexion stage (i.e. all fins present) corresponding to 47 days post-hatch (dph) at 14°C and 60 dph at 11°C. Length and stage development were monitored throughout the experiment and the expression of genes involved in growth, metabolic pathways and stress responses were analysed for stage 3 larvae (flexion of the notochord). Although the growth rate was unaffected by acidification and temperature changes, the development was accelerated in the 2100 scenario, where larvae reached the last developmental stage at a smaller size (−8%). We observed no mortality related to treatments and no effect of food quality on the development of herring larvae. However, gene expression analyses revealed that heat shock transcripts expression was higher in the warmer and more acidic treatment. Our findings suggest that the predicted warming and acidification environment are stressful for herring larvae, inducing a decrease in size-at-stage at a precise period of ontogeny. This could either negatively affect survival and recruitment via the extension of the predation window or positively increase the survival by reducing the larval stage duration.
The utility of the classification tools in National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence’s Clinical Knowledge Summaries for primary care
Authors: Hopayian Kevork , Dimosthenous Sotiris
Published: September 2023

Background

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence provides a web-based resource, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS), whose aim is to give evidence-based guidance for primary care practitioners and students. Included in the information it provides, are tools for the classification of conditions.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to measure the proportion and utility of the classification tools that have implications for management.

Methods

Each topic on the CKS website was screened in alphabetical order for the presence of a classification tool. The linkage to management and the strength of recommendations were extracted by 2 researchers working independently. Disagreements were resolved through discussion.

Results

Classification tools were present for 35 conditions. There were 52 tools in all. A strong recommendation for their use was made in 37% while for a sizeable minority, 46%, the strength of recommendation was uncertain. There was a relation between strength of recommendation and linkage: for the stronger recommendation, 76% had some form of implication for management.

Conclusion

Relevance is an important feature of a guideline for general practitioners (GPs). Given that nearly half its tools have no utility in guiding management, CKS may need to consider whether extraneous information should be disposed of or retained.
Site Index Models for Loblolly Pine Forests in the Southern United States Developed with Forest Inventory and Analysis Data
Authors: Subedi Mukti Ram , Zhao Dehai , Dwivedi Puneet , Costanzo Bridgett E , Martin James A
Published: September 2023

Accurate productivity estimates are essential to assess the overall sustainability of forest resources. Site index (SI) models for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in plantation and natural forests of the southeastern United States were developed using the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) database. We extracted short (~20 years), unbalanced panel data from the FIA database. Ten different nonlinear models derived from the base models using the algebraic difference approach (ADA) or the generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) were fitted to the extracted data. The performance of the models was ranked based on a variety of fit and evaluation statistics. The results showed that all top three models were derived using the GADA approach. The best model for loblolly pine plantation and natural forest stands was derived from the Hossfeld model and the Chapman–Richards model, respectively. The best-fitted models for planted forests were also compared with previously developed models. This study demonstrated that base-age invariant and polymorphic SI models could be developed using short panel data extracted from FIA data. The SI models presented here can be used as a height growth model component in forest growth and yield model systems.

Study Implications: Improved site index equations for assessing the site quality of loblolly pine plantation and natural stands are now available to stakeholders at the policy, management, and operational levels. Activities such as forest management, restoration, and wildlife management, which require site quality data, will benefit from the new models. Furthermore, the approach of deriving panel data based on Forest Inventory and Analysis data offers information on developing and updating models for other species. Finally, the approach of this study, to use permanent plot measurement data in developing growth and yield models, is cost-effective and time-efficient.
Physical Resilience as a Predictor of Lifespan and Late-Life Health in Genetically Heterogeneous Mice
Authors: Brown Ashley K , Mazula Daniel L , Roberts Lori , Roos Carolyn , Zhang Bin , Pearsall Vesselina M , Schafer Marissa J , White Thomas A , Huang Runqing , Kumar Navasuja , Miller Jordan D , Miller Richard A , LeBrasseur Nathan K
Published: September 2023

Dynamic measures of resilience—the ability to resist and recover from a challenge—may be informative of the rate of aging before overt manifestations such as chronic disease, disability, and frailty. From this perspective mid-life resilience may predict longevity and late-life health. To test this hypothesis, we developed simple, reproducible, clinically relevant challenges, and outcome measures of physical resilience that revealed differences between and within age groups of genetically heterogeneous mice, and then examined associations between mid-life resilience and both lifespan and late-life measures of physiological function. We demonstrate that time to recovery from isoflurane anesthesia and weight change following a regimen of chemotherapy significantly differed among young, middle-aged, and older mice, and were more variable in older mice. Females that recovered faster than the median time from anesthesia (more resilient) at 12 months of age lived 8% longer than their counterparts, while more resilient males in mid-life exhibited better cardiac (fractional shortening and left ventricular volumes) and metabolic (glucose tolerance) function at 24 months of age. Moreover, female mice with less than the median weight loss at Day 3 of the cisplatin challenge lived 8% longer than those that lost more weight. In contrast, females who had more weight loss between Days 15 and 20 were relatively protected against early death. These data suggest that measures of physical resilience in mid-life may provide information about individual differences in aging, lifespan, and key parameters of late-life health.
A scoping review considering the processes involved in changing abortion laws in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Hall Carmen , Daire Judith , Hendrie Delia
Published: September 2023

Providing legal and safe abortion is promoted as one of the key global strategies for reducing maternal mortality. Following the landmark 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are shifting towards more liberal abortion legislation. Whilst the existing literature has predominantly focused on agenda setting and individual country contexts, there is a need to understand the universal policy process of changing abortion laws. Drawing on the heuristic policy stages model and policy analysis triangle, this paper explores the processes involved in changing abortion laws in LMICs and discusses the influencing factors. We conducted a search for peer-reviewed literature in ProQuest, Scopus, Global Health (Ovid), PubMed and CINAHL. Initially, the search was conducted in February 2021 and was then re-run in May 2023. A total of 25 studies were included in the analysis. Following a descriptive, thematic and interpretive analysis of the extracted data, we have drawn out the key stages involved in changing abortion laws in LMICs: (1) establishing the need for changing abortion laws in a local context; (2) generating local evidence to support changes in abortion laws; (3) drafting of new and/or amendments of existing abortion laws; (4) adoption and enactment of changes in abortion laws; (5) translating the legal provisions into services and (6) assessing the impact of changes in abortion laws on maternal health. Our analysis explores the influence of actors and contextual factors, and we also discuss the policy solutions and decisions made by governments. The findings demonstrate that while the timing of change in abortion law was found to be dependent on the context of individual settings, the process and factors that influenced the change were remarkably consistent across geographies. Further research is required to evaluate the link between changes in abortion laws and maternal health outcomes.
King Arthur of England, count of Habsburg: the use of Arthurian imagery in Habsburg diplomacy
Authors: Curry A D
Published: September 2023

Arthurian symbolism utilized by King Henry VIII in Habsburg diplomacy was a tribute to his esteemed mythic forefather, King Arthur, who commanded great respect from countless individuals, not least his imperial cousins. This article proposes that the King Arthur pageant at the 1522 London entry of Charles V was part of Henry’s broader use of Arthuriana in Habsburg political theatre, inspired by Maximilian I’s pseudo-ancestry. This article provides a new insight into Henry’s attempts to engage in the power politics of early sixteenth-century Europe and the use of British history in forging connections with his political rival.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Online Survey
Authors: Shah Shamita , Shillington Alicia C , Kabagambe Edmond Kato , Deering Kathleen L , Babin Sheena , Capelouto Joseph , Pulliam Cedric , Patel Aarti , LaChappelle Brandon , Liu Julia
Published: September 2023

Background

Data regarding care access and outcomes in Black/Indigenous/People of Color/Hispanic (BIPOC/H) individuals is limited. This study evaluated care barriers, disease status, and outcomes among a diverse population of White/non-Hispanic (W/NH) and BIPOC/H inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients at a large U.S. health system.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was administered to adult IBD patients at Ochsner Health treated between Aug 2019 and Dec 2021. Collected data included symptoms, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and Barriers to Care surveys, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) via the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the Medication Adherence Rating Scale-4, and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire. Medical record data examined healthcare resource utilization. Analyses compared W/NH and BIPOC/H via chi-square and t tests.

Results

Compared with their W/NH counterparts, BIPOC/H patients reported more difficulties accessing IBD specialists (26% vs 11%; P = .03), poor symptom control (35% vs 18%; P = .02), lower mean HRQOL (41 ± 14 vs 49 ± 13; P < .001), more negative impact on employment (50% vs 33%; P = .029), worse financial stability (53% vs 32%; P = .006), and more problems finding social/emotional support for IBD (64% vs 37%; P < .001). BIPOC/H patients utilized emergency department services more often (42% vs 22%; P = .004), reported higher concern scores related to IBD medication (17.1 vs 14.9; P = .001), and worried more about medication harm (19.5% vs 17.7%; P = .002). The survey response rate was 14%.

Conclusions

BIPOC/H patients with IBD had worse clinical disease, lower HRQOL scores, had more medication concerns, had less access to specialists, had less social and emotional support, and used emergency department services more often than W/NH patients.
HCV Microelimination for High-risk Special Populations
Authors: Huang Chung-Feng , Chen Guan-Jhou , Hung Chien-Ching , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: September 2023

The World Health Organization has set tremendous goals to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. However, most countries are currently off the track for achieving these goals. Microelimination is a more effective and practical approach that breaks down national elimination targets into goals for smaller and more manageable key populations. These key populations share the characteristics of being highly prevalent for and vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Microelimination allows for identifying HCV-infected people and linking them to care more cost-effectively and efficiently. In this review, we discuss the current obstacles to and progress in HCV microelimination in special populations, including uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis, people who inject drugs, incarcerated people, people living in hyperendemic areas, men who have sex with men with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, transgender and gender-diverse populations, and sex workers. Scaling up testing and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination may facilitate global HCV elimination by 2030.
Move First to Avoid the Worst: Leadership Turnover and the Targeting of New Leaders
Authors: Wang Chen
Published: September 2023

Are leaders more likely to face militarized challenges earlier in their tenure? Existing studies posit contradictory hypotheses: new leaders can both invite challengers to take advantage of their inexperience and deter challengers by their strong incentive to establish a reputation for resolve. This paper seeks to reconcile these competing propositions by developing an argument that centers on the direction of foreign policy preference change associated with leadership turnover. I argue that foreign adversaries are likely to challenge a new leader in their rival state only when the newcomer is perceived to be more hawkish than the predecessor. The perception of a heightened risk of conflict accompanied with the emergence of a more hawkish leader in the rival state gives foreign adversaries a stronger incentive to seek for an early confrontation in which they can (re)demonstrate their own position to the new hawk. In contrast, when the newcomer is perceived to be more dovish than the predecessor, optimistic expectations of future interactions tend to restrain foreign adversaries from provoking the new dove, whose reputation concerns are high. A series of statistical analyses on post-WWII dyadic rivalries with democratically elected leaders on the target side yield strong evidence that supports this conditional hypothesis.
Dengue 1 outbreak in Rosso, northern Senegal, October 2021: entomologic investigations
Authors: Diouf Babacar , Gaye Alioune , Dieng Idrissa , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Ndiaye El Hadj , Mhamadi Moufid , Gueye Assiyatou , Ndiaye Oumar , Sene Ndeye Marie , Sy Faty Amadou , Faye Oumar , Dia Ibrahima , Weaver Scott C , Diallo Mawlouth , Diallo Diawo
Published: September 2023

Senegal has experienced periodic epidemics of dengue in urban areas with increased incidence in recent years. However, few data are available on the local ecology of the epidemic vectors. In October 2021, a dengue outbreak was reported in northern Senegal to the Institute Pasteur de Dakar. Entomologic investigations then were undertaken to identify the areas at risk of transmission and to identify the vector(s). Adult mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors at selected households, while containers with water were inspected for mosquito larvae. All the Aedes aegypti (L.) collected were tested for dengue virus NS1 protein using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and positive samples were confirmed by real-time RT–PCR. The qRT–PCR positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing using Nanopore technology. The majority of the larvae-positive containers (83.1%) were used for water storage. The Breteau and Container indices exceeded the WHO-recommended thresholds for the risk of dengue virus transmission except at 2 localities. Ae. aegypti, the only reputed dengue vector, was collected resting indoors as well as outdoors and biting during the day and night. The NS1 protein was detected in 22 mosquito pools, including one pool of females emerging from field-collected larvae. All NS1-positive results were confirmed by RT-PCR. Virus serotyping showed that the outbreak was caused by DENV-1. This study demonstrates the need for continuous control of adult and aquatic stages of Ae. aegypti to prevent future dengue epidemics in Senegal. RDTs appear to be a promising tool for dengue diagnostics and surveillance.
I am not an employee, am I then a professional? Work arrangement, professional identification, and the mediating role of the intra-professional network
Authors: Flatøy Christer A
Published: September 2023

Professions face challenges from proliferation and dilution, two processes that challenge our understanding of what a profession is and what it means to be a professional. As a response, profession scholars are paying increasing attention to how individuals come to see themselves as a professional. We contribute to this evolving literature by investigating the relationship between work arrangements, that is, freelancing and employment, and professional identification. In so doing, we pay particular attention to the mediating role of an intra-professional network and three aspects that characterise such a network. We sample from journalists to investigate the relationships in question and employ structural equation modelling to test our hypotheses. We found no direct relationship between work arrangements and professional identification. However, we do observe that freelancers’ intra-professional network density is lower than that of employees. The consequence of this mediating mechanism, we found, was that they identified less with their profession than employees did. This paper shows that the type of work arrangement has important implications for professional identification.
The genetic basis of plants’ battle against witchweeds: linking immune responses to distinct resistance mechanisms
Authors: Jhu Min-Yao , Kawa Dorota , Brady Siobhán M
Published: September 2023

This article comments on:

Mutinda S, Mobegi FM, Hale B, Dayou O, Ateka E, Wijeratne A, Wicke S, Bellis ES, Runo S. 2023. Resolving intergenotypic Striga resistance in sorghum. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 5294–5306.
Bridging pathways: SBP15 regulates GOBLET in modulating tomato axillary bud outgrowth
Authors: Sharma Rameshwar , Sreelakshmi Yellamaraju
Published: September 2023

This article comments on:

Barrera-Rojas CH, Vicente MH, Brito DAP, Silva EM,Muñoz Lopez A, Ferigolo LF, Carmo RM, Silva CMS, Silva GFF, Correa JPO, Notini MM, Freschi L, Cubas P, Nogueira FTS. 2023. Tomato miR156-targeted SlSBP15 represses shoot branching by modulating hormone dynamics and interacting with GOBLET and BRANCHED1b. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 5124–5139.
A Descriptive Study of Casualties Evacuated Out of Afghanistan by Critical Care Air Transport Teams During the Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
Authors: Baldwin Darren , Arana Allyson A , Savell Shelia C , Cutright Julie , Medellin Kim , Castaneda Maria , Bebarta Vikhyat S , Davis William T , Maddry Joseph K , Ng Patrick C
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The War in Afghanistan ended in August 2021. Evacuation from the country was a large effort during the last days of the conflict. During evacuation efforts at Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport, a suicide bombing occurred necessitating emergent medical care for many injured troops and civilians. The U.S. Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATTs) played a role in the medical care provided during the operations in Afghanistan. We report on in-flight events and interventions that took place during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients requiring aeromedical evacuation from the Afghanistan theater of operations by CCATT from July 1 to August 30, 2021. From the CCATT patient care record, data abstractors collected patient characteristics, flight information, vital signs, laboratory values, in-flight interventions, and in-flight events in a study-specific electronic database. We performed descriptive analyses of patient characteristics and in-flight interventions. This study was approved by the San Antonio Institutional Review Board.

Results

Nine patients were included in this analysis. Seven out of nine patients were foreign nationals; the remaining two were U.S. Marines. Five patients suffered penetrating injuries from gunshot wounds and four suffered blast injuries. Six received intravenous narcotic analgesia. Four received intravenous sedatives, and four received antibiotics in flight. Two patients required chest tube management. One patient received blood. Three patients were in acute respiratory distress.

Conclusions

Severe injuries were sustained during the withdrawal efforts at the end of the War in Afghanistan. Critical Care Air Transport Teams played a role in the care and evacuation of patients out of theater during this unique and unprecedented time. Even given the limitations associated with retrospective studies and a small sample size, information reported in this study can help inform future decisions, and aid in preparatory efforts for future operations, that may require medical care by CCATT.
WALLABY pilot survey: the potential polar ring galaxies NGC 4632 and NGC 6156
Authors: Deg N , Palleske R , Spekkens K , Wang J , Jarrett T , English J , Lin X , Yeung J , Mould J R , Catinella B , Dénes H , Elagali A , For B -Q , Kamphuis P , Koribalski B S , Lee-Waddell K , Murugeshan C , Oh S , Rhee J , Serra P , Westmeier T , Wong O I , Bekki K , Bosma A , Carignan C , Holwerda B W , Yu N
Published: September 2023

We report on the discovery of two potential polar ring galaxies (PRGs) in the WALLABY Pilot Data Release 1 (PDR1). These untargeted detections, cross-matched to NGC 4632 and NGC 6156, are some of the first galaxies where the H i observations show two distinct components. We used the iDaVIE virtual reality software to separate the anomalous gas from the galactic gas and found that the anomalous gas comprises ∼50 per cent of the total H i content of both systems. We have generated plausible 3D kinematic models for each galaxy, assuming that the rings are circular and inclined at 90° to the galaxy bodies. These models show that the data are consistent with PRGs but do not definitively prove that the galaxies are PRGs. By projecting these models at different combinations of main disc inclinations, ring orientations, and angular resolutions in mock data cubes, we have further investigated the detectability of similar PRGs in WALLABY. Assuming that these galaxies are indeed PRGs, the detectability fraction, combined with the size distribution of WALLABY PDR1 galaxies, implies an incidence rate of ∼1–3 per cent. If this rate holds true, the WALLABY survey will detect hundreds of new polar ring galaxies.
The first mm detection of a neutron star high-mass X-ray binary
Authors: van den Eijnden J , Sidoli L , Díaz Trigo M , Degenaar N , El Mellah I , Fürst F , Grinberg V , Kretschmar P , Martínez-Núñez S , Miller-Jones J C A , Postnov K , Russell T D
Published: September 2023

Neutron stars accreting from OB supergiants are often divided between persistently and transiently accreting systems, called supergiant X-ray binaries (SgXBs) and supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXTs). This dichotomy in accretion behaviour is typically attributed to systematic differences in the massive stellar wind, binary orbit, or magnetic field configuration, but direct observational evidence for these hypotheses remains sparse. To investigate their stellar winds, we present the results of pilot 100-GHz observations of one SFXT and one SgXB with the Northern Extended Millimetre Array. The SFXT, IGR J18410-0535, is detected as a point source at 63.4 ± 9.6 μJy, while the SgXB, IGR J18410-0535 remains undetected. Radio observations of IGR J18410-0535 imply a flat or inverted low-frequency spectrum, arguing for wind emission and against non-thermal flaring. Due to the uncertain SFXT distance, however, the observations do not necessarily imply a difference between the wind properties of the SFXT and SgXB. We compare the mm constraints with other HMXBs and isolated OB supergiants, before considering how future mm campaigns can constrain HMXB wind properties by including X-ray measurements. Specifically, we discuss caveats and future steps to successfully measure wind mass-loss rates and velocities in HMXBs with coordinated mm, radio, and X-ray campaigns.
CRISPR screens in sister chromatid cohesion defective cells reveal PAXIP1-PAGR1 as regulator of chromatin association of cohesin
Authors: van Schie Janne J M , de Lint Klaas , Molenaar Thom M , Moronta Gines Macarena , Balk Jesper A , Rooimans Martin A , Roohollahi Khashayar , Pai Govind M , Borghuis Lauri , Ramadhin Anisha R , Corazza Francesco , Dorsman Josephine C , Wendt Kerstin S , Wolthuis Rob M F , de Lange Job
Published: September 2023

The cohesin complex regulates higher order chromosome architecture through maintaining sister chromatid cohesion and folding chromatin by DNA loop extrusion. Impaired cohesin function underlies a heterogeneous group of genetic syndromes and is associated with cancer. Here, we mapped the genetic dependencies of human cell lines defective of cohesion regulators DDX11 and ESCO2. The obtained synthetic lethality networks are strongly enriched for genes involved in DNA replication and mitosis and support the existence of parallel sister chromatid cohesion establishment pathways. Among the hits, we identify the chromatin binding, BRCT-domain containing protein PAXIP1 as a novel cohesin regulator. Depletion of PAXIP1 severely aggravates cohesion defects in ESCO2 mutant cells, leading to mitotic cell death. PAXIP1 promotes global chromatin association of cohesin, independent of DNA replication, a function that cannot be explained by indirect effects of PAXIP1 on transcription or DNA repair. Cohesin regulation by PAXIP1 requires its binding partner PAGR1 and a conserved FDF motif in PAGR1. PAXIP1 co-localizes with cohesin on multiple genomic loci, including active gene promoters and enhancers. Possibly, this newly identified role of PAXIP1-PAGR1 in regulating cohesin occupancy on chromatin is also relevant for previously described functions of PAXIP1 in transcription, immune cell maturation and DNA repair.
The evolutionary origins of the Global Neuronal Workspace in vertebrates
Authors: Zacks Oryan , Jablonka Eva
Published: September 2023

The Global Neuronal Workspace theory of consciousness offers an explicit functional architecture that relates consciousness to cognitive abilities such as perception, attention, memory, and evaluation. We show that the functional architecture of the Global Neuronal Workspace, which is based mainly on human studies, corresponds to the cognitive-affective architecture proposed by the Unlimited Associative Learning theory that describes minimal consciousness. However, we suggest that when applied to basal vertebrates, both models require important modifications to accommodate what has been learned about the evolution of the vertebrate brain. Most importantly, comparative studies suggest that in basal vertebrates, the Global Neuronal Workspace is instantiated by the event memory system found in the hippocampal homolog. This proposal has testable predictions and implications for understanding hippocampal and cortical functions, the evolutionary relations between memory and consciousness, and the evolution of unified perception.