bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme COVID-19 waves reveal hyperexponential growth and finite-time singularity
Authors: Pavithran Induja , Sujith R. I.
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread throughout our planet, bringing human lives to a standstill. Understanding the early transmission dynamics of a wave helps plan intervention strategies such as lockdowns that mitigate further spread, minimizing the adverse impact on humanity and the economy. Exponential growth of infections was thought to be the defining feature of an epidemic in its initial growth phase. Here we show that, contrary to common belief, early stages of extreme COVID-19 waves have an unbounded growth and finite-time singularity accompanying a hyperexponential power-law. The faster than exponential growth phase is hazardous and would entail stricter regulations to minimize further spread. Such a power-law description allows us to characterize COVID-19 waves better using single power-law exponents, rather than using piecewise exponentials. Furthermore, we identify the presence of log-periodic patterns decorating the power-law growth. These log-periodic oscillations may enable better prediction of the finite-time singularity. We anticipate that our findings of hyperexponential growth and log-periodicity will enable accurate modeling of outbreaks of COVID-19 or similar future outbreaks of other emergent epidemics.
An accurate method to determine nano-film thickness in diamond anvil cells for time domain thermoreflectance measurements
Authors: Zhang Zhongyin , Fan Xuanhui , Zhu Jie , Zhou Jing , Tang Dawei
Published: April 2022

The thickness of the metal-transducer nano-film is an essential parameter for high-pressure time-domain-thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements. In this article, an accurate method was proposed to determine the transducer thickness in high-pressure conditions using the pressure–volume equation of state combined with an image processing method. Both the elastic and plastic deformation of the sample squeezed in diamond anvil cells were considered in this method. High-pressure TDTR measurements on thermal conductivity of MgO and mica were further taken for comparing the influence from different thickness-characterization methods up to ∼18 GPa, and the proposed method accurately captured the effect of plastic deformation on thermal conductivity for the first time. This work can not only help achieve more accurate TDTR measurements under high-pressure but also provide valuable guidance for the diamond anvil cell application in nanoscale research.
Interaction of nanoparticles with non-spherical micelles and bilayers
Authors: Singh Himanshi , Ray Debes , Kohlbrecher Joachim , Aswal Vinod K.
Published: April 2022

Interaction of different-sized anionic silica nanoparticles with non-spherical micelles and bilayers of non-ionic surfactant C12E10 has been studied by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The non-ionic surfactant C12E10 in aqueous solution self-assembles to form core–shell spherical micelles. Different means (temperature, salts, and alcohols) have been examined to induce the structural transition of micelles from spherical to non-spherical and bilayer formation. The dehydration from micellar shell leads to such transition in the cases of increasing temperature and selective salt (e.g., KF). On the other hand, for alcohols, spherical to non-spherical micellar transition or bilayer formation arises for long-chain length alcohols CnOH (n > 5) because of the mixed micelles formation of alcohol with surfactant. From the different ways to alter the micellar morphology, transitions obtained by alcohols were found to be the best suited for nanoparticle–surfactant solution as they do not influence the interactions between nanoparticle and surfactant and among nanoparticles. It is found that the shorter chain length alcohols (CnOH, n ≤ 5) interact with nanoparticles via the adsorption of individual micelles while the non-spherical micelles and bilayers of surfactant formed in the presence of long-chain length alcohols rearrange themselves to attach onto the nanoparticles. SANS with an advantage of contrast variation (contrast matching silica nanoparticles with solvent) provides the evidence of bilayer formation around nanoparticles. The concentration effect of long-chain length alcohol on micelle morphology and subsequently on the nanoparticle–surfactant system is also examined. It is found that the adsorption of surfactant bilayer structures is prominent in the case of larger particle size due to flattened curvature.
Delayed elastic contributions to the viscoelastic response of foams
Authors: Lavergne François A. , Sollich Peter , Trappe Véronique
Published: April 2022

We show that the slow viscoelastic response of a foam is that of a power-law fluid with a terminal relaxation. Investigations of the foam mechanics in creep and recovery tests reveal that the power-law contribution is fully reversible, indicative of a delayed elastic response. We demonstrate how this contribution fully accounts for the non-Maxwellian features observed in all tests, probing the linear mechanical response function. The associated power-law spectrum is consistent with soft glassy rheology of systems with mechanical noise temperatures just above the glass transition [Fielding et al., J. Rheol. 44, 323 (2000)] and originates from a combination of superdiffusive bubble dynamics and stress diffusion, as recently evidenced in simulations of coarsening foam [Hwang et al., Nat. Mater. 15, 1031 (2016)].
Low-Reynolds-number wake of three tandem elliptic cylinders
Authors: Duong Viet Dung , Nguyen Van Duc , Nguyen Van Tien , Ngo Ich Long
Published: April 2022

The flow around three elliptic cylinders with equal spacing and aspect ratio in tandem arrangements was numerically investigated through direct numerical simulation. The spacing ratio (L/D, where D and L are the major axis and the center-to-center distance of two adjacent elliptic cylinders, respectively) ranging from 1.5 to 10 and the Reynolds numbers of Re=65−160 (based on D) are examined. The analysis aims at the effects of L/D and Re on wake structures, hydrodynamic forces, and Strouhal numbers and correlates them with the underlying flow physics. The flow is highly changeable to Re and L/D, classifying into five distinct regimes, namely, meandering, overshoot, reattachment, quasi-coshedding, and coshedding. Two vortex shedding frequencies for middle and downstream cylinders are observed in the latter two regimes, indicating the significant wake interference, where three vortex shedding modes are spatially observed including primary, two-layered, and secondary. The transition between two adjacent modes forms two boundaries. At the first boundary, vortices divert from the cylinder centerline and follow two layers, while vortices converge the cylinder centerline at the second boundary. The first boundary location is not stationary at Re=65–100, while it is stationary at Re = 160. Otherwise, the second boundary location moves upstream with an increase in L/D, while the range of movement decreases with an increase in Re. The increase in Re advances the disturbance level and urges the transition between vortex shedding modes. The time-mean lift and drag coefficients for three cylinders are highly sensitive with an increase in L/D.
Ab initio development of generalized Lennard-Jones (Mie) force fields for predictions of thermodynamic properties in advanced molecular-based SAFT equations of state
Authors: Walker Pierre J. , Zhao Tianpu , Haslam Andrew J. , Jackson George
Published: April 2022

A methodology for obtaining molecular parameters of a modified statistical associating fluid theory for variable-range interactions of Mie form (SAFT-VR Mie) equation of state (EoS) from ab initio calculations is proposed for non-associative species that can be modeled as single spherical segments. The methodology provides a strategy to map interatomic or intermolecular potentials obtained from ab initio quantum-chemistry calculations to the corresponding Mie potentials that can be used within the SAFT-VR Mie EoS. The inclusion of corrections for quantum and many-body effects allows for an excellent, fully predictive description of the vapor–liquid envelope and other bulk thermodynamic properties of noble gases; this description is of similar or superior quality to that obtained using SAFT-VR Mie with parameters regressed in the traditional way using experimental thermodynamic-property data. The methodology is extended to an anisotropic species, methane, where similar levels of accuracy are obtained. The efficacy of using less-accurate quantum-chemistry methods in this methodology is explored, showing that these methods do not provide satisfactory results, although we note that the description is nevertheless substantially better than those obtained using the conductor-like screening model for describing real solvents (COSMO-RS), the only other fully predictive ab initio method currently available. Overall, the reliance on thermophysical data is completely dispensed with, providing the first extensible, wholly predictive SAFT-type EoSs.
High thermoelectric performance in metastable phase of silicon: A first-principles study
Authors: Rao Yongchao , Zhao C. Y. , Ju Shenghong
Published: April 2022

In this work, both thermal and electrical transport properties of diamond-cubic Si (Si-I) and metastable R8 phases of Si (Si-XII) are comparatively studied by using first-principles calculations combined with the Boltzmann transport theory. The metastable Si-XII shows one magnitude lower lattice thermal conductivity than stable Si-I from 300 to 500 K, attributed from the stronger phonon scattering in three-phonon scattering processes of Si-XII. For electronic transport properties, although Si-XII with smaller bandgap (0.22 eV) shows a lower Seebeck coefficient, the electrical conductivities of anisotropic n-type Si-XII show considerable values along the x axis due to the small effective masses of electrons along this direction. The peaks of the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) in n-type Si-XII are higher than that of p-type ones along the same direction. Owing to the lower lattice thermal conductivity and optimistic electrical conductivity, Si-XII exhibits larger optimal ZT compared with Si-I in both p- and n-type doping. For n-type Si-XII, the optimal ZT values at 300, 400, and 500 K can reach 0.24, 0.43, and 0.63 along the x axis at carrier concentrations of 2.6×1019, 4.1×1019, and 4.8×1019 cm−3, respectively. The reported results elucidate that the metastable Si could be integrated to the thermoelectric power generator.
Local spectroscopic imaging of a single quantum dot in photoinduced force microscopy
Authors: Yamanishi Junsuke , Yamane Hidemasa , Naitoh Yoshitaka , Li Yan Jun , Sugawara Yasuhiro
Published: April 2022

Analysis of environmentally sensitive materials is essential for developing and optimizing nanostructured photochemical materials and devices. Photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) is a promising local spectroscopic technique to visualize nanoscale local optical responses by measuring the optical forces between the scanning tip and sample. In this study, we examined isolated single quantum dots (QDs) with ligands on a gold substrate via PiFM under ultra-high vacuum to characterize the QD adsorption state on the basis of the optical force. The strong self-consistent optical interaction through the tip-substrate plasmonic gap induced by laser light modulates the PiFM image depending on QD crystal existence in the gap. This observation clarified the QD absorption situation on the substrate, and the crystal position in the QDs was determined even though the ligand walls covered the crystal. This insight concerning force spectroscopy can aid further research on the photochemistry of nanostructured materials and molecular spectroscopy.
Polysubstance use Latent Class Membership in New Jersey: Association with Prior Overdoses, Prior Emergency Department Peer Recovery Engagement, and Mental Health Diagnosis among Participants in an Opioid Overdose Recovery Program
Authors: Lardier David T. , Gilmore Powell Kristen , Peterson N. Andrew , Borys Suzanne , Hallcom Donald K.
Published: April 2022

Background: Epidemiological research has indicated higher polysubstance use among individuals who misuse opioids in the United States. Polysubstance use is also associated with multiple emergency department (ED) engagements in intervention services. Less is known about polysubstance use among individuals who use opioids or were engaged in an ED setting as part of an opioid recovery intervention program. Examining emerging patterns of polysubstance use among individuals who use opioids may help shape policy and practice around developing drug markets and social norms. The objective of this study was to understand subpopulations who demonstrated distinct patterns of polysubstance use among participants in an ED Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (OORP) in New Jersey. Method: This study investigated patterns of polysubstance use among participants in a New Jersey OORP using latent class analysis (LCA; N = 1690; 70.2% male; 84.7% White non-Hispanic; meanage = 35.72 ± 11.95). Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined latent class (LC) membership based on clinically relevant indicators. Results: Five latent classes were identified (Model fit: L2 = 33.76, BIC = 4482.69, AIC = 4245.01, and the bootstrap L2 p-value =0.27; standard R2 value of 0.85). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that subgroups with the greatest odds of prior OORP engagement related to those participants in subgroups with heroin and polysubstance use. Conclusion: It is critical to examine the heterogeneity among people engaging in prescription opioid use and polysubstance use in the United States. This study represents an important contribution in identifying polysubstance use LC membership groups and associations with clinically relevant indicators among those engaged in an opioid recovery program. Results can be valuable in understanding the nature of the larger epidemic and how it can be addressed.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Pharmacists’ Social Distance Preference and Attitudes toward Patients with Opioid Misuse following An Educational Training Program
Authors: Werremeyer Amy , Strand Mark A. , Eukel Heidi , Skoy Elizabeth , Steig Jayme , Frenzel Oliver
Published: April 2022

Background: Pharmacist stigma via examination of social distance preference and negative attitudes toward persons who misuse opioids is prevalent and may lower the quality of care provided to patients. Few studies have previously extended beyond the immediate post-intervention period to examine stigma change. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study utilized a pre-survey administered before the training program, a post-survey immediately upon completion of the training program, and a delayed post-survey, administered 12 months after the training program. Co-primary outcomes were changes in social distance scale (SDS) total score from baseline to post-survey and from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes included change in SDS question scores and change in negative attitudes. One hundred eighty-seven of the 1211 eligible pharmacists in the state completed the training. Matched responses of forty-four pharmacists who completed all three surveys were examined. Results: The mean total SDS score was significantly lower in the immediate post-training survey than the pre-training mean (14.75 vs. 16.57, p = .000). The 12 months mean total SDS score was also significantly lower than the pre-training mean (15.32 vs. 16.57, p = .017). Significant changes in negative attitudes from baseline to post-survey and from baseline to 12 months were seen. Conclusion: Stigma reduction components integrated into opioid training decreased pharmacist social distance preference and negative attitudes toward patients who misuse opioids immediately after the training and, most notably, were sustained for 12 months.
Finite superconducting square wire-network based on two-dimensional crystalline Mo2C
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yang Zi-Xuan , Xu Chuan , Zhao Jia-Ji , Wang Lu-Junyu , Fu Yun-Qi , Liang Xue-Lei , Cheng Hui-Ming , Ren Wen-Cai , Wu Xiao-Song , Kang Ning
Published: April 2022

Superconducting wire-networks are paradigms to study Cooper pairing issues, vortex dynamics and arrangements. Recently, emergent low-dimensional crystalline superconductors were reported in the minimal-disorder limit, providing novel platforms to reveal vortices-related physics. Study on superconducting loops with high-crystallinity is thus currently demanded. Here, we report fabrication and transport measurement of finite square-network based on two-dimensional crystalline superconductor Mo2C. We observe oscillations in the resistance as a function of the magnetic flux through the loops. Resistance dips at both matching field and fractional fillings are revealed. Temperature and current evolutions are carried out in magnetoresistance to study vortex dynamics. The amplitude of oscillation is enhanced due to the interaction between thermally activated vortices and the currents induced in the loops. The driving current reduces the effective activation energy for vortex, giving rise to stronger vortex interaction. Moreover, by the thermally activated vortex creep model, we derive the effective potential barrier for vortex dissipation, which shows well-defined correspondence with structures in magnetoresistance. Our work shows that low-dimensional crystalline superconducting network based on Mo2C possesses pronounced potential in studying the modulation of vortex arrangements and dynamics, paving the way for further investigations on crystalline superconducting network with various configurations.
Amorphous transformation of ternary Cu45Zr45Ag10 alloy under microgravity condition
Authors: Su Ming-Hua , Dai Fu-Ping , Ruan Ying
Published: April 2022

The influences of undercooling rate and cooling rate on the microstructural evolution of ternary Cu45Zr45Ag10 alloy using single-roller melt spinning and drop tube are investigated. The rapidly quenched alloy ribbons achieve a homogeneous glass structure. The microstructure of the droplets transforms from the Cu10Zr7 dendrites plus (Cu10Zr7 + AgZr) eutectic into Cu10Zr7 dendrite with the decrease of droplet diameter. As the diameter decreases to 180 μm, the Cu45Zr45Ag10 alloy changes from crystal to amorphous structure, showing that the cooling rate is not the only influence factor and the undercooling play a certain role in the forming of the amorphous alloy at the same time under microgravity condition.
Bismuth doping enhanced tunability of strain-controlled magnetic anisotropy in epitaxial Y3Fe5O12(111) films
Authors: Jia Yunpeng , Liang Zhengguo , Pan Haolin , Wang Qing , Lv Qiming , Yan Yifei , Jin Feng , Hou Dazhi , Wang Lingfei , Wu Wenbin
Published: April 2022

Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) and BiY2Fe5O12 (Bi:YIG) films were epitaxially grown on a series of (111)-oriented garnet substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Structural and ferromagnetic resonance characterizations demonstrated the high epitaxial quality, extremely low magnetic loss and coherent strain state in these films. Using these epitaxial films as model systems, we systematically investigated the evolution of magnetic anisotropy (MA) with epitaxial strain and chemical doping. For both the YIG and Bi:YIG films, the compressive strain tends to align the magnetic moment in the film plane while the tensile strain can compete with the demagnetization effect and stabilize perpendicular MA. We found that the strain-induced lattice elongation/compression along the out-of-plane [111] axis is the key parameter that determines the MA. More importantly, the strain-induced tunability of MA can be enhanced significantly by Bi doping; meanwhile, the ultralow damping feature persists. We clarified that the cooperation between strain and chemical doping could realize an effective control of MA in garnet-type ferrites, which is essential for spintronic applications.
The impact of electroweak correction on the self-annihilation of lightest Kaluza-Klein particle in constraining the allowed mass using diffuse radio emission as upper limit
Authors: Mat Sabri Mohamad Ridhauddin , Zainal Abidin Zamri bin , Hwang Chorng-Yuan , Kiew Ching Yee , Subramaniam Sasidaran , Lee Danial Ahmad Ariffin
Published: April 2022

We propose the lightest Kaluza-Klein particle (LKP) γ1 as a cold dark matter (CDM) particle under the WIMP theory by employing the indirect detection of electron-positron (e−e+). We showed that the e−e+ interacts with the magnetic field of the galaxy clusters producing synchrotron emission. By setting the radio emission of galaxy clusters as the upper limit, we studied how many masses of LKP (MLKP ) γ1 will not go beyond the upper limit when they undergo self-annihilation to the standard model (SM). We considered the electroweak (EW) correction in the self-annihilation process and compared it to without the EW correction. We investigated two extreme channels (b¯b and µ+µ−) and introduced our framework into the sample of galaxy cluster environments (A119, A2199, A2142, A2744, A478, A2029) to obtain better constraints on the allowed masses for LKP γ1. In doing this, we obtained the allowed mass range for LKP γ1 in A2199 of 0.1-1.5 TeV without EW correction and 0.2-1.5 TeV with EW correction for the µ+µ− channel. Notably, we showed EW correction excluding <80% (for bb̄ channel) and <25% (for μ+μ− channels) of parameter combinations for all of the clusters except A2029, which are none excluded without EW correction.”
Effluent Quality Assessment Monitoring of Al-Rustamiya Sewage Treatment Plant Using Geographical Information System (GIS)
Authors: Mohammed Rusol , Huseen Basim , Hashim Athraa
Published: April 2022

Water quality assessment offers a scientific basis for water resource development and management. This research aims to assessment of Al-Rustamiya sewage treatment plant depending on annually changes and produces maps that declare changes on parameter during a period (2015-2018). Based on prior Government Department Baghdad Environment data which annually feature changes for samples from Northern Rustamiya have been estimated as a working model. Drawn a map of the Diyala River shows annual changes in the characteristics of the Diyala River, based on northern and southern Rustamiya effluent samples, and Diyala River samples. The characteristics that research focused on were biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspension solids (TSS), chloride, cl, hydrogen ion concentration, pH, sulfate, SO4-2, nitrate, NO3-and phosphate, PO4-3during the period of (2015-2018). The results demonstrate that yearly variations in wastewater treatment characteristics occasionally violate Iraq's regulatory requirements. It was identified that the NO3-inadequate Iraqi standard for four years of study and SO4-2were inadequate for the first three years of the study period, TSS for two years outside the specification and cl and pH were compatible with period study. The river maps were separated into three groups where NO3-pollution from Northern Rustamiya with value 11.99 mg/L and TSS, Cl, SO4-2and PO4-3concentrated in centre of Northern and southern Rustamiya with values 96.99, 305,869.99, and 3.099 mg/L. The southern Northern Rustamiya area concentrates of BOD and pH with values 73.2 mg/L and 7.79. Effluents assessment of statically analysis and GIS for two Rustamiya stations provides a clear and integrated view of the output and impact on the Diyala river for Northern and Southern Rustamiya stations.
Functional characterization of correct and incorrect feature integration
Authors: Rodríguez-San Esteban Pablo , Chica Ana B , Paz-Alonso Pedro M
Published: April 2022

Our sensory system constantly receives information from the environment and our own body. Despite our impression to the contrary, we remain largely unaware of this information and often cannot report it correctly. Although perceptual processing does not require conscious effort on the part of the observer, it is often complex, giving rise to errors such as incorrect integration of features (illusory conjunctions). In the present study, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the neural bases of feature integration in a dual task that produced ~30% illusions. A distributed set of regions demonstrated increased activity for correct compared to incorrect (illusory) feature integration, with increased functional coupling between occipital and parietal regions. In contrast, incorrect feature integration (illusions) was associated with increased occipital (V1–V2) responses at early stages, reduced functional connectivity between right occipital regions and the frontal eye field at later stages, and an overall decrease in coactivation between occipital and parietal regions. These results underscore the role of parietal regions in feature integration and highlight the relevance of functional occipito-frontal interactions in perceptual processing.
Observations and Perspectives on Adaptive Immunity to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Dan Jennifer , da Silva Antunes Ricardo , Grifoni Alba , Weiskopf Daniela , Crotty Shane , Sette Alessandro
Published: April 2022

Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic began 2 years ago, the scientific community has swiftly worked to understand the transmission, pathogenesis, and immune response of this virus to implement public health policies and ultimately project an end to the pandemic. In this perspective, we present our work identifying SARS-CoV-2 epitopes to quantify T-cell responses and review how T cells may help protect against severe disease. We examine our prior studies which demonstrate durable humoral and cell-mediated memory in natural infection and vaccination. We discuss how SARS-CoV-2–specific T cells from either natural infection or vaccination can recognize emerging variants of concern, suggesting that the currently approved vaccines may be sufficient. We also discuss how pre-existing cross-reactive T cells promote rapid development of immune memory to SARS-CoV-2. We finally posit how identifying SARS-CoV-2 epitopes can help us develop a pan-coronavirus vaccine to prepare for future pandemics.
The effect of CETP inhibitors on new-onset diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dangas Katerina , Navar Ann-Marie , Kastelein John J P
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), limited pharmacologic options are available for prevention. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors (CETPis) have been studied primarily as a therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease, but have also been shown to reduce new-onset diabetes. As new trial data have become available, this meta-analysis examines the effect of CETP inhibitors on new-onset diabetes and related glycaemic measures.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (all articles until 4 March, 2021) for randomised controlled trials (RCT) ≥1-year duration, with at least 500 participants, comparing CETPi to placebo, and that reported data on new-onset diabetes or related glycaemic measures [haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)]. A fixed effects meta-analysis model was applied to all eligible studies to quantify the effect of CETPi therapy on new-onset diabetes. Four RCTs (n = 75 102) were eligible for quantitative analysis of the effect of CETPi on new-onset diabetes. CETPis were found to significantly decrease the risk of new-onset diabetes by 16% (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.91; P < 0.001), with low between-trial heterogeneity (I2 = 4.1%). Glycaemic measures were also significantly improved or trended towards improvement in those with and without diabetes across most trials.

Conclusion

Although RCTs have shown mixed results regarding the impact of CETPi on cardiovascular disease, they have shown a consistent reduction in the risk of new-onset diabetes with CETPi therapy. Future trials of CETPis and potentially other HDL-raising agents should therefore specify new-onset diabetes and reversal of existing T2DM as secondary endpoints.
Impact of hypoxemia and re-interventions on clinical outcomes after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt
Authors: Kido Takashi , Euringer Caecilia , Burri Melchior , Vodiskar Janez , Strbad Martina , Cleuziou Julie , Ruf Bettina , Ewert Peter , Hager Alfred , Hörer Jürgen , Ono Masamichi
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the impact of early postoperative low arterial oxygen saturation on mortality and morbidity after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS).

METHODS

The medical records of all patients who underwent BCPS between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients were included in this study. Forty-seven patients underwent reintervention during hospital stay at median 7 days after BCPS. Before reintervention, 30 patients were intubated or had SpO2 of <75%. All re-interventions for Glenn pathway obstruction and 4 out of 5 venovenous coil embolization resulted in hospital discharge, while high mortality was observed after other re-interventions (atrioventricular valve surgery, thrombolysis, systemic ventricular outflow obstruction relief, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation and diaphragmatic plication). Additional aortopulmonary shunt with pulmonary artery discontinuation was performed in 8 patients who showed severe cyanosis with median SpO2 of 59% under maximal ventilation support. In the univariable Cox regression analysis, the associated factors for mortality before total cavopulmonary connection were reduced ventricular function [hazard ratio (HR) 6.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76–26.9, P-value 0.006], greater than moderate atrioventricular valve regurgitation (HR 5.89, 95% CI 1.70–20.4, P-value 0.005), SpO2 1 h after extubation (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80–0.96, P-value 0.004) and mean pulmonary artery pressure 1 h after extubation (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.26, P-value 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

After BCPS, unacceptable cyanosis persisted with various aetiologies. Low arterial oxygen saturation within 1 h after extubation is significantly associated with high mortality after BCPS.
Overdominant and partially dominant mutations drive clonal adaptation in diploidSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Aggeli Dimitra , Marad Daniel A , Liu Xianan , Buskirk Sean W , Levy Sasha F , Lang Gregory I
Published: April 2022

Identification of adaptive targets in experimental evolution typically relies on extensive replication and genetic reconstruction. An alternative approach is to directly assay all mutations in an evolved clone by generating pools of segregants that contain random combinations of evolved mutations. Here, we apply this method to 6 Saccharomyces cerevisiae clones isolated from 4 diploid populations that were clonally evolved for 2,000 generations in rich glucose medium. Each clone contains 17–26 mutations relative to the ancestor. We derived intermediate genotypes between the founder and the evolved clones by bulk mating sporulated cultures of the evolved clones to a barcoded haploid version of the ancestor. We competed the resulting barcoded diploids en masse and quantified fitness in the experimental and alternative environments by barcode sequencing. We estimated average fitness effects of evolved mutations using barcode-based fitness assays and whole-genome sequencing for a subset of segregants. In contrast to our previous work with haploid evolved clones, we find that diploids carry fewer beneficial mutations, with modest fitness effects (up to 5.4%) in the environment in which they arose. In agreement with theoretical expectations, reconstruction experiments show that all mutations with a detectable fitness effect manifest some degree of dominance over the ancestral allele, and most are overdominant. Genotypes with lower fitness effects in alternative environments allowed us to identify conditions that drive adaptation in our system.
Accuracy of Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein in Evaluating Endoscopic Disease Activity in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kawamura Tatsuya , Yamamura Takeshi , Nakamura Masanao , Maeda Keiko , Sawada Tsunaki , Ishikawa Eri , Iida Tadashi , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Takuya , Kakushima Naomi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Ohno Eizaburo , Honda Takashi , Kawashima Hiroki , Ishigami Masatoshi
Published: April 2022

Background

Mucosal healing, confirmed by endoscopic evaluation, is the long-term goal of treatment for Crohn’s disease (CD). Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a new serum biomarker correlated with disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease. However, studies evaluating its relationship with CD, particularly in the context of small intestinal lesions, are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of LRG in assessing endoscopic activity, especially remission, in patients with CD.

Methods

Between July 2020 and March 2021, 72 patients with CD who underwent LRG testing and double-balloon endoscopy at the same time were included. Endoscopic activity was evaluated using the applied Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s disease, including small intestine lesions. The relationship of LRG with clinical symptoms and endoscopic activity was assessed, and its predictive accuracy was evaluated.

Results

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein showed a significant positive correlation with endoscopic activity (r = 0.619, P < .001), even in patients with active lesions in the small intestine (r = 0.626, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that LRG was the only factor associated with endoscopic remission. An LRG cutoff value of 8.9 μg/mL had a sensitivity of 93.3%; specificity of 83.3%; positive predictive value of 96.6%; negative predictive value of 71.4%; accuracy of 91.7%; and area under the curve of 0.904 for the prediction of endoscopic remission.

Conclusions

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein can be used in assessing endoscopic activity and is a reliable marker of endoscopic remission in CD patients. It can be an intermediate target in the treatment of CD.
The Court of Justice of the European Union: A Human Rights Institution?
Authors: Rosas Allan
Published: April 2022

While the original basic treaties establishing the European Communities were more or less silent on the need to respect human rights or fundamental rights, the Court of Justice of the European Communities (now the European Court of Justice) gradually came to the understanding that the principle of primacy of Community law could not in the long run be imposed against national constitutional bills of rights unless Community law itself provided some guarantees for the protection of fundamental rights. Today, fundamental rights have become part and parcel of the day-to-day work of the Court and there are even people who seem to think that the Court takes fundamental rights all too seriously. Recapitulating the general development of fundamental rights in EU law and the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as comparing Luxembourg’s and the European Court of Human Rights’ case law and legal regimes, this article argues that the European Court of Justice is not a human rights court. It is but a judicial body charged with the task of ensuring that the law—which includes a vast and heterogeneous set of rules adopted and applied within a constitutional order which is quite different from the ECHR system—is observed, as required by Article 19(1) TEU.
Sociodemographics, Health Competence, and Transition Readiness Among Adolescent/Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Prussien Kemar V , Barakat Lamia P , Darabos Katie , Psihogios Alexandra M , King-Dowling Sara , O’Hagan Bridget , Tucker Carole , Li Yimei , Hobbie Wendy , Ginsberg Jill , Szalda Dava , Hill-Kayser Christine , Schwartz Lisa A
Published: April 2022

Objective

Fewer than one-third of childhood cancer survivors receive follow-up from an adult provider, and adolescent and young adults (AYAs) from structurally minoritized sociodemographic groups often face health disparities that can impact transition to adult-oriented care. The primary aim of this study was to determine the relation among sociodemographic factors, cumulative effects, and transition beliefs/expectations and goals, and the moderating role of health competence beliefs in AYA survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods

A total of 195 AYAs (aged 15–29) reported sociodemographic information, completed the Transition Readiness Inventory assessing positive beliefs/expectations and goals related to transition, and completed the Health Competence Beliefs Inventory assessing health perceptions, healthcare satisfaction, cognitive competence, and autonomy. A cumulative sociodemographic factor variable was computed to investigate the potential additive effects of multiple sociodemographic factors associated with disparities. T-tests, Pearson correlations, and multivariate linear regressions were used.

Results

Cumulative sociodemographic factors were not related to transition readiness, and insurance type was the only factor associated with health competence beliefs and transition readiness, such that AYAs with public insurance reported lower healthcare satisfaction, cognitive competence, and transition goals relative to those with private insurance. There were no interaction effects; however, health competence beliefs were significantly associated with transition beliefs/expectations and goals.

Conclusion

Public insurance is a barrier to holding positive beliefs/expectations and goals about transition, yet other sociodemographic factors associated with risks for poor transfer were not related to transition readiness. Multi-level interventions to reduce disparities and improve transition readiness should target health competence beliefs and barriers created by insurance.
Magnetic dynamos in white dwarfs – III. Explaining the occurrence of strong magnetic fields in close double white dwarfs
Authors: Schreiber Matthias R , Belloni Diogo , Zorotovic Monica , Zapata Sarai , Gänsicke Boris T , Parsons Steven G
Published: April 2022

The origin of strong ($\stackrel{\gt }{\scriptstyle \sim }1\,\mathrm{ MG}$) magnetic fields in white dwarfs has been a puzzle for decades. Recently, a dynamo mechanism operating in rapidly rotating and crystallizing white dwarfs has been suggested to explain the occurrence rates of strong magnetic fields in white dwarfs with close low-mass main-sequence star companions. Here, we investigate whether the same mechanism may produce strong magnetic fields in close double white dwarfs. The only known strongly magnetic white dwarf that is part of a close double white dwarf system, the magnetic component of NLTT 12758, is rapidly rotating and likely crystallizing and therefore the proposed dynamo mechanism represents an excellent scenario for the origin of its magnetic field. Presenting a revised formation scenario for NLTT 12758, we find a natural explanation for the rapid rotation of the magnetic component. We furthermore show that it is not surprising that strong magnetic fields have not been detected in all other known double white dwarfs. We therefore conclude that the incidence of magnetic fields in close double white dwarfs supports the idea that a rotation- and crystallization-driven dynamo plays a major role in the generation of strong magnetic fields in white dwarfs.
Incorporating Intersectionality as a Framework for Equity-Minded Tobacco Control Research: A Call for Collective Action Toward a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Tan Andy S L , Hinds Josephine T , Smith Philip H , Antin Tamar , Lee Juliet P , Ostroff Jamie S , Patten Christi , Rose Shyanika W , Sheffer Christine E , Fagan Pebbles
Published: April 2022

Introduction

To eliminate tobacco-related disparities, tobacco control research would benefit from a paradigm shift. Intersectionality, a framework pioneered by Kimberlé Crenshaw in late 1980s, has the potential to improve our understanding of why and how certain social groups are disproportionately harmed by commercial tobacco use, and improve our ability to address persistent tobacco-related health disparities.

Aims and Methods

In this commentary, we outline the rationale and recommendations for incorporating intersectionality into equity-minded tobacco control research. These recommendations arose from intersectionality webinars organized by the Health Disparities (now Health Equity) Network of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) in 2019 and 2020.

Results

Specifically, we propose that eliminating tobacco-related disparities through intersectionality-informed research requires a multilevel, multipronged approach. We summarize priority actions for the tobacco control research field to achieve health equity through the intersectionality framework including acknowledging that structural factors, racism and power dynamics shape lived experiences, integrating critical theoretical frameworks and intersectionality scholarship into research questions, and embracing collaborative community-based approaches at every level of the research process.

Conclusions

Through these actions, our field can take concrete steps to fundamentally improve our approach to conducting research to achieve health equity.

Implications

Intersectionality is a valuable tool to align our field with our pursuit of health equity. The recommendations aim to improve methods of equity-focused tobacco control, prompt ongoing dialogue on the utility of this tool, and shift paradigms in how the research process is conducted at every level among stakeholders, including researchers, journal editors and reviewers, funders, practitioners, and policy makers.
Design, Construction, and Evaluation of Equipment for Nighttime Applications of UV-C for Management of Strawberry Powdery Mildew in Florida and California
Authors: Mello Paulo P. , Onofre Rodrigo B. , Rea Mark , Bierman Andrew , Gadoury David M. , Ivors Kelly , Ganci Miranda , Broome Jenny C. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: April 2022

We designed and constructed two tractor-drawn ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lamp arrays housed in hemicylindrical hulls adapted to two widths of raised bed planting systems for strawberry. Onboard UV dosimeters were fitted to the arrays to monitor UV-C output in field studies to suppress strawberry powdery mildew. Nighttime applications of UV-C were evaluated in replicated-plot field plantings in Florida and in California. Suppression of powdery mildew by nighttime applications of UV-C at 200 J m−2 was equivalent to that provided by weekly fungicide applications in California and superior to that provided by fungicide treatments in Florida. Costs of construction and operation of the UV-C apparatus were estimated to allow comparisons to conventional fungicide-based suppression of disease. UV-C applications had no negative effects on yield nor any visual phytotoxic effect on plants or fruit throughout the season. The results confirm and expand upon previously published studies involving UV-C applications in different environments.
Schlieren Phenomenon for Identification of Lymphorrhea Point
Authors: Sotsuka Yohei , Wakatsuki Hanako , Matsuda Ken
Published: April 2022

Surgical invasion of the lymphatic system can lead to lymphorrhea. Lymphorrhea is first treated conservatively, but is often refractory and subsequently treated surgically. In surgery, it is difficult to identify the lymphatic leak points visually. In this study, we observed the schlieren phenomenon based on the difference in the refractive index between glucose solution and lymph fluid, and were able to easily identify the site of the lymphatic leakage in real time and treat lymphorrhea.
Coping With Uncertainty
Authors: Lekhak Nirmala , Bhatta Tirth R. , Goler Timothy D. , Kahana Eva , Rathi Sfurti
Published: April 2022

Scant research has attempted to understand the use and frequency of contemplative practices across social groups of older adults in the context of uniquely uncertain and stressful circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from a nationwide web-based survey (n = 1861), we examined the change in the frequency of contemplative practices and variation across sociodemographic, health, and psychological status and we documented a significant increase in the use of prayer and meditation since the beginning of the pandemic. Minority groups and those with lower income reported praying longer than their counterparts. Respondents who were unmarried, women, and more educated were more likely to meditate, whereas lower-educated respondents were more likely to pray during the pandemic. Greater use of these practices was found among participants with higher anxiety. Our study offers much-needed guidance for future intervention studies to improve psychological well-being among diverse groups of older adults facing stressful circumstances.
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Posttraumatic Stress of Mothers With Premature Neonates Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Izadi Masoomeh , Ghaedi-Heidari Fatemeh , Sadeghi Tabandeh , Ahmadi Atefeh , Sayadi Ahmadreza-Reza , Seyedbagheri Seyedhamid
Published: April 2022

Mothers experience posttraumatic stress disorder with the birth of a premature neonate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic stress of mothers with premature neonates in Iran. Sixty mothers with premature neonates were selected by using convenience sampling and stratified random allocation. Mindfulness-based stress reduction was trained and mean posttraumatic stress disorder was measured. Mean posttraumatic stress scores of the 2 groups were statistically significant immediately and 1 month after the intervention (independent t test, P < .05). Posttraumatic stress of both groups reduced over time, but this reduction was more significant in the intervention group (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P < .05). Concerning the positive role of mindfulness-based stress reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder of mothers, it is recommended to use this approach in care programs of mothers with premature neonates.
Classical Massage and Relaxation Exercise on Symptom Status and Quality of Life in Advanced Stage Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Gulbahar Eren Merve , Gok Metin Zehra
Published: April 2022

This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of classical massage (CM) and Benson relaxation exercise (BRE) on symptom status and quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure (HF). Seventy-two patients with HF were recruited from 4 hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The study sample was allocated to a CM (n = 24), BRE (n = 26), or control group (n = 22) based on the New York Heart Association classification of HF (stages III and IV) through stratified randomization. The intervention groups received either CM or BRE twice daily for 7 days (total of 14 sessions). The control group received only routine care. The scores of symptom status decreased in the CM and BRE groups at the end of the intervention (first week) as compared with the control group (P < .05). Nevertheless, at the end of the monitoring period, no significant differences were detected between the 3 study groups at baseline (P = .474), week 1 (P = .936), and week 3 (P = .668) in terms of QoL scores. The CM and BRE showed beneficial effects in the management of HF symptoms in advanced stage HF patients who were hospitalized and received intensive treatment.