bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Source Apportionment and Emission Scenario Assessment of PM2.5‐ and O3‐Related Health Impacts in G20 Countries
Authors: Nawaz M. Omar , Henze Daven K. , Anenberg Susan C. , Braun Caleb , Miller Joshua , Pronk Erik
Published: November 2022

Exposure to air pollution is a leading risk factor for premature death globally; however, the complexity of its formation and the diversity of its sources can make it difficult to address. The Group of Twenty (G20) countries are a collection of the world's largest and most influential economies and are uniquely poised to take action to reduce the global health burden associated with air pollution. We present a framework capable of simultaneously identifying regional and sectoral sources of the health impacts associated with two air pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) in G20 countries; this framework is also used to assess the health impacts associated with emission reductions. This approach combines GEOS‐Chem adjoint sensitivities, satellite‐derived data, and a new framework designed to better characterize the non‐linear relationship between O3 exposures and nitrogen oxides emissions. From this approach, we estimate that a 50% reduction of land transportation emissions by 2040 would result in 251 thousand premature deaths avoided in G20 countries. These premature deaths would be attributable equally to reductions in PM2.5 and O3 exposure which make up 51% and 49% of the potential benefits, respectively. In our second application, we estimate that the energy generation related co‐benefits associated with G20 countries staying on pace with their net‐zero carbon dioxide targets would be 290 thousand premature deaths avoided in 2040; action by India (47%) would result in the most benefits of any country and a majority of these avoided deaths would be attributable to reductions in PM2.5 exposure (68%).
Significant Latitudinal Gradient of Nitrate Production in the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer of the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Li Yilan , Shi Guitao , Chen Zhenlou , Lan Musheng , Ding Minghu , Li Zhengjie , Hastings Meredith G.
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric samples collected during 2017 and 2018 Chinese Arctic Expedition cruises are used to investigate the latitudinal gradients of nitrate (NO3−) sources and production in the marine atmospheric boundary layer of the Northern Hemisphere. Both concentration and isotopic composition (δ15N, δ18O, and Δ17O) of atmospheric NO3− show significant latitudinal gradients. δ15N suggests that continental sources dominate atmospheric NO3− in both mid‐and high‐latitudes, while oceanic RONO2 emissions account for 21%–26% of the NO3− budget in mid‐latitudes. Slightly higher δ15N in high‐latitudes than in mid‐latitudes indicates insignificant isotope effects of long‐range atmospheric transport of NO3−. δ18O and Δ17O of NO3− are significantly higher in mid‐latitudes than in high‐latitudes, suggesting distinct main production pathways in the two regions. It is estimated that ∼69% of NO3− is produced via NO2 + OH in the high‐latitudes, while ∼68% of NO3− is from N2O5 + H2O and NO3 + DMS/CH pathways in mid‐latitudes.
METTL1 drives tumor progression of bladder cancer via degrading ATF3 mRNA in an m7G-modified miR-760-dependent manner
Authors: Xie Haiyun , Wang Mingchao , Yu Haifeng , Wang Huan , Ding Lifeng , Wang Ruyue , Luo Wenqin , Lu Zeyi , Zheng Qiming , Ren Liangliang , Zhou Zhenwei , Su Wenjing , Xia Liqun , Li Gonghui
Published: November 2022

7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification is recently found to conservatively exist in RNA internal position besides mRNA caps and mediates the various RNA metabolisms. As the core confirmed transmethylase of m7G modification, METTL1 has been reported in certain human cancers. However, the role of internal m7G at miRNAs and its core writer METTL1 in bladder cancer (BCa) remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that METTL1 was indispensable for BCa proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. By combining miRNA sequencing, m7G methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and RIP, we identified METTL1 promoted the processing of miR-760 in an m7G-dependent manner. Transcription sequencing suggested that METTL1 indirectly degrades tumor suppressor ATF3 mRNA mediated by miR-760. Together, we concluded a regulatory axis composed of METTL1/m7G/miR-760/ATF3 in regulating BCa progression and provided potential therapeutic targets for BCa.
Atmospheric observations suggest methane emissions in north-eastern China growing with natural gas use
Authors: Wang Fenjuan , Maksyutov Shamil , Janardanan Rajesh , Tsuruta Aki , Ito Akihiko , Morino Isamu , Yoshida Yukio , Tohjima Yasunori , Kaiser Johannes W. , Lan Xin , Zhang Yong , Mammarella Ivan , Lavric Jost V. , Matsunaga Tsuneo
Published: November 2022

The dramatic increase of natural gas use in China, as a substitute for coal, helps to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution, but the climate mitigation benefit can be offset by methane leakage into the atmosphere. We estimate methane emissions from 2010 to 2018 in four regions of China using the GOSAT satellite data and in-situ observations with a high-resolution (0.1° × 0.1°) inverse model and analyze interannual changes of emissions by source sectors. We find that estimated methane emission over the north-eastern China region contributes the largest part (0.77 Tg CH4 yr−1) of the methane emission growth rate of China (0.87 Tg CH4 yr−1) and is largely attributable to the growth in natural gas use. The results provide evidence of a detectable impact on atmospheric methane observations by the increasing natural gas use in China and call for methane emission reductions throughout the gas supply chain and promotion of low emission end-use facilities.
Serpin-positive Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-5644 improves intestinal permeability in two models of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Torres-Maravilla Edgar , Holowacz Sophie , Delannoy Johanne , Lenoir Loïc , Jacouton Elsa , Gervason Sandie , Meynier Maëva , Boucard Anne-Sophie , Carvalho Frédéric A. , Barbut Frédéric , Bermúdez-Humarán Luis G. , Langella Philippe , Waligora-Dupriet Anne-Judith
Published: November 2022

Probiotic supplementation can help to mitigate the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reinforcing the intestinal barrier, and reducing both inflammation and proteolytic activity. Here, a combination of in vitro tests was performed on 33 Bifidobacterium strains as probiotic candidates for IBS. In addition to the classical tests performed, the detection of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) enzyme capable of decreasing the high proteolytic activity found in IBS patients was included. Three serpin-positive strains were selected: Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-5644, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CNCM I-5645 and B. longum CNCM I-5646 for their immunomodulation properties and protection of intestinal epithelial integrity in vitro. Furthermore, we found that B. breve CNCM I-5644 strain prevented intestinal hyperpermeability by upregulating Cingulin and Tight Junction Protein 1 mRNA levels and reducing pro-inflammatory markers. The ability of CNCM I-5644 strain to restore intestinal hyperpermeability (FITC-dextran) was shown in the murine model of low-grade inflammation induced by dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). This effect of this strain was corroborated in a second model of IBS, the neonatal maternal separation model in mice. Altogether, these data suggest that serpin-positive B. breve CNCM I-5644 may partially prevent disorders associated with increased barrier permeability such as IBS.
Study of the fatigue delamination behaviour of adhesive joints in carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites, influence of the period of exposure to saline environment
Authors: Argüelles A. , Viña I. , Vigón P. , Lozano M. , Viña J.
Published: November 2022

This work analyses the fatigue delamination and fracture stress behaviour under mode I of adhesive joints made on an epoxy matrix composite material with unidirectional carbon fibre reinforcement and a commercial epoxy-based adhesive. DCB type tests (for mode I) were used with the aim to quantify the influence of the period of exposure to a degradation process in a salt spray chamber, to which the tested samples were subjected, on their fatigue behaviour. For this purpose and after a previous static characterisation of the material in which the critical values of the energy release rate for different exposure periods were determined, the levels of the energy release rate to be applied in the fatigue tests and the exposure periods to be considered (no exposure, exposure during one week and twelve weeks) and a ratio of fatigue stress levels of R = Gmin/Gmax = 0.1 were defined. From this experimental data, the G-N fatigue initiation curves and the G-da/dN growth curves were obtained. The experimental data obtained, in the fatigue initiation phase of the delamination process, have been treated by means of a probabilistic model based on a Weibull distribution, the application of models of these characteristics has allowed a better interpretation of the experimental results obtained. The most relevant result of the work is that, in general, the fatigue limits obtained for the adhesive joint, under mode I fracture, when subjected to a degradation process in a saline environment, do not translate into a relevant loss of its resistance capacity against this fatigue delamination phenomenon, in its initiation phase. On the other hand, the crack growth rates of the material subjected to different periods of exposure to a saline environment are similar and higher than those obtained for the material without exposure.
High-flux neutron generation by laser-accelerated ions from single- and double-layer targets
Authors: Horný Vojtěch , Chen Sophia N. , Davoine Xavier , Lelasseux Vincent , Gremillet Laurent , Fuchs Julien
Published: November 2022

Contemporary ultraintense, short-pulse laser systems provide extremely compact setups for the production of high-flux neutron beams, such as those required for nondestructive probing of dense matter, research on neutron-induced damage in fusion devices or laboratory astrophysics studies. Here, by coupling particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo numerical simulations, we examine possible strategies to optimise neutron sources from ion-induced nuclear reactions using 1-PW, 20-fs-class laser systems. To improve the ion acceleration, the laser-irradiated targets are chosen to be ultrathin solid foils, either standing alone or preceded by a plasma layer of near-critical density to enhance the laser focusing. We compare the performance of these single- and double-layer targets, and determine their optimum parameters in terms of energy and angular spectra of the accelerated ions. These are then sent into a converter to generate neutrons via nuclear reactions on beryllium and lead nuclei. Overall, we identify configurations that result in neutron yields as high as $$\sim 10^{10}\,{\mathrm{n}}\,{\mathrm{sr}}^{-1}$$

∼

10
10

n

sr

-
1

in $$\sim 1$$

∼
1

-cm-thick converters or instantaneous neutron fluxes above $$10^{23}\,{\mathrm{n}}\,{\mathrm{cm}}^{-2}\,{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$$

10
23

n

cm

-
2

s

-
1

at the backside of $$\lesssim 100$$

≲
100

-$$\upmu$$
μ
m-thick converters. Considering a realistic repetition rate of one laser shot per minute, the corresponding time-averaged neutron yields are predicted to reach values ($$\gtrsim 10^7\,{\mathrm{n}} \,{\mathrm{sr}}^{-1}\,{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$$

≳

10
7

n

sr

-
1

s

-
1

) well above the current experimental record, and this even with a mere thin foil as a primary target. A further increase in the time-averaged yield up to above $$10^8\,{\mathrm{sr}}^{-1}\,{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$$

10
8

sr

-
1

s

-
1

is foreseen using double-layer targets.
Tracheostomy decannulation rates in Japan: a retrospective cohort study using a claims database
Authors: Ishizaki Miho , Toyama Mayumi , Imura Haruki , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo
Published: November 2022

Despite the exponential increase in the use of tracheostomy worldwide, rates of tracheostomy decannulation are unknown. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate tracheostomy decannulation rates among adult patients over a two-year period and explored factors associated with prolonged tracheostomy. A health insurance claims database including 3,758,210 people in Japan was used. The primary outcome was time to decannulation. Assessed patient and hospital factors included age, sex, emergency endotracheal intubation, disease, and hospital size. A total of 917 patients underwent tracheostomy, and 752 met the eligibility criteria. Decannulation rates were 40.8% (95% confidence interval 36.8–44.9) at 3 months, 63.9% (58.4–69.0) at 12 months, and 65.0% (59.2–70.3) at 24 months. Hazard ratios of patient and hospital factors for tracheostomy decannulation were 0.44 for age (65–74 years) (95% confidence interval 0.28–0.68), 0.81 (0.63–1.05) for female sex, and 0.59 (0.45–0.76) for emergency endotracheal intubation. Cerebrovascular disease, head injuries, and cardiac arrest had lower hazard ratios compared to other diseases. Decannulation rates among adult patients in Japan increased rapidly up to 3 months after tracheostomy, reaching a plateau after 12 months. Older age, female sex, emergency endotracheal intubation, cerebrovascular disease, head injuries, and cardiac arrest were associated with prolonged tracheostomy.
The release of petroleum hydrocarbons from a saline-sodic soil by the new biosurfactant-producing strain of Bacillus sp.
Authors: Kalvandi Sahar , Garousin Hamidreza , Pourbabaee Ahmad Ail , Farahbakhsh Mohsen
Published: November 2022

Adsorption of old-aged petroleum hydrocarbons to the soil solid phase, which causes biosurfactant loss of performance, is among the limiting factors for the remediation of the saline-sodic soils contaminated with petroleum. Therefore, to find a functional biosurfactant in oil-contaminated saline-sodic soils, the efficiency of 39 bacteria isolated from petroleum-contaminated soils was evaluated. The strains were cultured in the Bushnell–Haas medium, and the produced biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers in this medium were extracted using chloroform/methanol and ethyl acetate extraction methods, respectively. Their partial purification was performed by column chromatography, and eventually, their performance in releasing TPH from the contaminated soil was evaluated. The soil test results revealed that the highest TPH releases due to the effects of the biosurfactants and bioemulsifier produced from SHA302, SH21, and SH72 isolates were 42.4% ± 0.2, 21.6% ± 0.15 and 24.3% ± 0.91, respectively. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the SHA302 strain showed 93.98% phylogenetic similarity with Bacillus pumilus strain ATCC 7061. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography results proved that the biosurfactants produced by isolates SHA302, SH21 and SH72 showed lipopeptide, glycolipoprotein and glycoprotein natures, respectively. The performance of the biosurfactant produced by SHA302 isolate indicated that it could be used as a good candidate for releasing TPH from saline-sodic soils with old contamination and facilitating the degradation of hydrocarbons.
The reticular lamina and basilar membrane vibrations in the transverse direction in the basal turn of the living gerbil cochlea
Authors: He Wenxuan , Burwood George , Porsov Edward V. , Fridberger Anders , Nuttall Alfred L. , Ren Tianying
Published: November 2022

The prevailing theory of cochlear function states that outer hair cells amplify sound-induced vibration to improve hearing sensitivity and frequency specificity. Recent micromechanical measurements in the basal turn of gerbil cochleae through the round window have demonstrated that the reticular lamina vibration lags the basilar membrane vibration, and it is physiologically vulnerable not only at the best frequency but also at the low frequencies. These results suggest that outer hair cells from a broad cochlear region enhance hearing sensitivity through a global hydromechanical mechanism. However, the time difference between the reticular lamina and basilar membrane vibration has been thought to result from a systematic measurement error caused by the optical axis non-perpendicular to the cochlear partition. To address this concern, we measured the reticular lamina and basilar membrane vibrations in the transverse direction through an opening in the cochlear lateral wall in this study. Present results show that the phase difference between the reticular lamina and basilar membrane vibration decreases with frequency by ~ 180 degrees from low frequencies to the best frequency, consistent with those measured through the round window. Together with the round-window measurement, the low-coherence interferometry through the cochlear lateral wall demonstrates that the time difference between the reticular lamina and basilar membrane vibration results from the cochlear active processing rather than a measurement error.
Tunable physics through coordination chemistry: formation on oxide surface of Ti and Al chelates with 3-hydroxyflavone capable of electron injection and light emission
Authors: Solomon Getachew , Landström Anton , Rotta Loria Silvia , Bolli Eleonora , Mezzetti Alberto , Facibeni Anna , Cattarin Sandro , Mezzi Alessio , Protti Stefano , Kaciulis Saulius , Zavelani-Rossi Margherita , Concina Isabella
Published: November 2022

The optoelectronic features of 3-hydroxyflavone (3HF) self-assembled on the surface of an n-type semiconducting metal oxide (TiO2) and an insulator (Al2O3) are herein investigated.
Nanoscale electrochemical charge transfer kinetics investigated by electrochemical scanning microwave microscopy
Authors: Awadein Mohamed , Sparey Maxwell , Grall Simon , Kienberger Ferry , Clement Nicolas , Gramse Georg
Published: November 2022

EC-SMM is a powerful technique in nano-electrochemistry. It allows for local cyclic voltammetry (LCV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS) quantifying nanoscale redox reaction with atto-Ampere sensitivity.
Using internal strain and mass to modulate Dy⋯Dy coupling and relaxation of magnetization in heterobimetallic metallofullerenes DyM2N@C80and Dy2MN@C80(M = Sc, Y, La, Lu)
Authors: Hao Yajuan , Velkos Georgios , Schiemenz Sandra , Rosenkranz Marco , Wang Yaofeng , Büchner Bernd , Avdoshenko Stanislav M. , Popov Alexey A. , Liu Fupin
Published: November 2022

Relaxation of magnetization in DyM2N@C80and Dy2MN@C80(M = Sc, Y, La, Lu) series correlates, respectively, with the mass and size of the diamagnetic metal M.
Peering into the young planetary system AB Pic
Authors: Palma-Bifani P. , Chauvin G. , Bonnefoy M. , Rojo P. M. , Petrus S. , Rodet L. , Langlois M. , Allard F. , Charnay B. , Desgrange C. , Homeier D. , Lagrange A.-M. , Beuzit J.-L. , Baudoz P. , Boccaletti A. , Chomez A. , Delorme P. , Desidera S. , Feldt M. , Ginski C. , Gratton R. , Maire A.-L. , Meyer M. , Samland M. , Snellen I. , Vigan A. , Zhang Y.
Published: November 2022

Aims. We aim to revisit the formation pathway of AB Pic b, an imaged companion that straddles the exoplanet/brown-dwarf boundary. We based this study on a rich set of observations, which allows us to investigate its orbital and atmospheric properties.

Methods. We composed a spectrum of AB Pic b by merging archival medium-resolution (~4000) VLT/SINFONI K band (1.96–2.45 µm) data with published spectra atJandHbands from SINFONI,Lpband from Magellan-AO/CLIO2, and photometric measurements from HST (visible) andSpitzer(mid-infrared). We modeled the spectrum with ForMoSA, following a forward-modeling approach based on two atmospheric models: ExoREM and BT-SETTL13. In parallel, we determined the orbital properties of AB Pic b fitting orbital solutions to astrometric measurements from NaCo (2003 and 2004) and SPHERE (2015).

Results. The orbital solutions favor a semi-major axis of 190-50+200au on a highly inclined orbit (edge-on), but with a poorly constrained eccentricity. From the atmospheric modeling with Exo-REM, we derive an effective temperature of 1700 ± 50 K and surface gravity of 4.5 ± 0.3 dex, which are consistent with previous findings, and we report for the first time a c/o ratio of 0.58 ± 0.08, consistent with the value for the Sun. The posteriors are sensitive to the wavelength interval and the family of models used. Given the published rotation period of 2.1 h and our derivedυsin(i) of 73-27+11km s−1, we estimate for the first time the true obliquity of AB Pic b to be between 45 and 135 deg, indicating a rather significant misalignment between the spin and orbit orientations of the planet. Finally, the existence of a proper-motion anomaly between the HIPPARCOSandGaiaEarly Data Release 3 compared to our SPHERE detection limits and adapted radial velocity limits indicates the potential existence of a ~6MJupinner planet orbiting from 2 to 10 au (40–200 mas).

Conclusions. The possible existence of an inner companion and the likely misalignment of the spin-axis orientation strongly favor a formation path by gravitational instability or core accretion within a protoplanetary disk at a smaller orbital radius followed by a dynamical interaction which scattered AB Pic b to its current location. Confirmation and characterization of this unseen inner exoplanet and access to a broader wavelength coverage and higher spectral resolution for the characterization of AB Picb will be essential for probing the uncertainties associated with the atmospheric and orbital parameters.
Trigger rejection factor in the first kaonic helium run with the complete SIDDHARTA-2 setup
Authors: De Paolis L. , Bazzi M. , Bosnar D. , Bragadireanu M. , Cargnelli M. , Carminati M. , Clozza A. , Deda G. , Del Grande R. , Fabbietti L. , Fiorini C. , Friščić I. , Guaraldo C. , Iliescu M. , Iwasaki M. , Khreptak A. , King P. , Sandri P. Levi , Manti S. , Marton J. , Miliucci M. , Moskal P. , Napolitano F. , Niedźwiecki S. , Ohnishi H. , Piscicchia K. , Sada Y. , Scordo A. , Sgaramella F. , Shi H. , Silarski M. , Sirghi D.L. , Sirghi F. , Skurzok M. , Spallone A. , Toho K. , Tüchler M. , Doce O. Vazquez , Yoshida C. , Zmeskal J. , Curceanu C.
Published: November 2022

The SIDDHARTA-2 experiment aims to perform the first measurement of the kaonic deuterium 2p → 1s x-ray transition energy. Such measurement, together with the measurement of kaonic hydrogen 2p → 1s x-ray energy transition performed by the SIDDHARTA experiment in 2011, allows the determination of kaon proton and kaon neutron scattering lengths and represents a fundamental input for the low energies QCD in the strangeness sector theory. The SIDDHARTA-2 experiment is presently installed at the DAΦNE electronpositron collider at the National Laboratories of Frascati, in Italy. In May 2022, the kaonic4Hex-ray transitions measurement was performed by the complete SIDDHARTA-2 setup, by using a gaseous target. The result of this measurement is presented in this paper, with a specific focus on the background rejection performed by the kaon trigger system.
Microscopic versus Macroscopic Glass Transition(s) in Blends of Industrial Interest
Authors: Shafqat Numera , Alegría Angel , Malicki Nicolas , Dronet Séverin , Mangin-Thro Lucile , Frick Bernhard , Colmenero Juan , Arbe Arantxa
Published: November 2022

We investigate by neutron scattering and calorimetry a mixture of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and a commercial resin. The neat materials present a large dynamic contrast, having SBR a much lower glass-transition temperature than the resin. The focus is to exploit neutron scattering selectivity in an isotopically labelled sample where deuterated SBR is the majority component. This direct insight into the resin atomic motions within the mixture allows determining the ‘microscopic’ glass transition of the resin in the presence of the a priori much more mobile SBR. This transition takes place in the vicinity of the initial calorimetric glass transition temperature, mainly dictated by the majority component.
Two Pressure Cells for Quasielastic and Inelastic Neutron Scatterings
Authors: Yuan Bao , Mole Richard , Wang Chin-Wei , Shumack Amy , White Rachel , Li Bing , Tong Xin , Yu Dehong
Published: November 2022

Two clamp pressure cells for QENS and INS have been developed. One is a hybrid CuBe/NiCrAl cell which is for relative high pressure up to 2.5 GPa and another one is made from high strength aluminium alloy (mesolite NA723) with pressure up to 0.5 GPa. The sample volume is 0.3 mL and 1 mL, respectively. The pressure cells have been thoroughly calibrated and tested. In addition, the contribution to phonon density of states from the pressure cells has been evaluated. Measurements of the phonon density of states for two perfluorocarbon polymer liquids FOMBLIN oil and Fluorinert have indicated that they are suitable to serve as the low background pressure transmission media for high pressure INS experiments. The applications of the pressure cells for INS and QENS are demonstrated by studies of pressure-induced phase transition of plastic crystals.
Impact of short-term pausing of oral corticosteroids on blood eosinophil count in patients with severe asthma
Authors: Biener Leonie , Milger Katrin , Suhling Hendrik , Korn Stephanie , Pizarro Carmen , Skowasch Dirk
Published: November 2022

Background The peripheral blood eosinophil count (BEC) is a well-established and easily accessible biomarker for asthma patients and crucial for the therapeutic decision regarding monoclonal antibody (mAB) therapy. Oral corticosteroid therapy frequently hinders the correct evaluation of BEC in patients with severe asthma, but a discontinuation of such therapy frequently comes along with severe side effects. Therefore, we examined the effect of a short 24-hour pause of OCS treatment on BEC in patients with severe asthma and followed-up whether patients with a then increased eosinophil count benefited from mAB-therapy, as expected.

Methods In this multicentre study we retrospectively included 24 patients with severe asthma and OCS therapy and determined their BEC count. Ten patients, where BEC count was obtained in the morning before taking medication (a de-facto 24-hour OCS pause), were assigned to group 1. Fourteen patients, where BEC was obtained after OCS tapering were assigned to group 2. Those who then received mAB treatment were followed up for treatment response (OCS dose, annual acute exacerbations, increase in forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] and asthma control test [ACT]) after ≥3 months.

Results We included 24 patients with a median age of 60.5 [IQR: 17.3] years. Regarding all baseline characteristics except FEV1 (l), both groups did not differ significantly.

Among all 24 patients, after pausing OCS therapy for 2 [5.5] days the BEC increased significantly from 125.0/μl [125] to 300/μl [232.5] (p<0.001). In both individual groups BEC increased significantly as well (150 [123] to 325 [305], p=0.005 and 70 [150] to 280 [255], p<0.001), with no significant difference for increase (BEC +170/µl [205.0] vs. +195 [222.5], p=0.886). Of all 24 patients, 13 (54.2%) reached eosinophil levels ≥300/µl, while 12 of them had not exceeded this threshold before.

Subsequently, 20 patients (83.3%) received mAB-therapy with 55.5% demonstrating a good treatment response within 6 [1.5] months. The response rate in patients with BEC count ≥300/µl was even higher (75.0%). There was no difference in the treatment response rate between group 1 and 2 (p=0.092).

Conclusion After just a short 24-hour pause of OCS therapy it was possible to demask a relevant eosinophilia in asthma patients, without risking severe side effects. In this manner, we enabled the possibility of achieving successful targeted mAB-therapy, according to the patient’s individual asthma phenotype.
In Vitro Fertilization and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Elective Single Embryo Transfer Era
Authors: Stairs Jocelyn , Hsieh Tina Y. J. , Rolnik Daniel L.
Published: November 2022

Objective Our objective was to estimate the association between in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes during delivery hospital admission in a contemporary, nation-wide cohort of births in the United States.

Study Design This retrospective, population-based cohort study used the National Inpatient Sample database to identify patients discharged from the hospital following delivery from 2014 to 2019. IVF pregnancies were identified using the International Classification of Disease-Revision 9/10 codes. Crude and adjusted odds ratios of preterm birth and other clinically significant adverse pregnancy outcomes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models. Trends in preterm birth and multiple pregnancy were estimated over the study period. The contribution of multiple pregnancy to preterm birth in IVF pregnancy was estimated in a mediation analysis.

Results Among 4,451,667 delivery-related discharges, IVF pregnancies were associated with 3.25 times the odds of preterm birth (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.05–3.46, p < 0.001) compared with non-IVF pregnancy deliveries. Odds of preterm birth in IVF pregnancy delivery discharges decreased over the study period (p-value for linear trend = 0.009). The proportion of multiple pregnancies decreased in IVF pregnancy delivery discharges but remained stable in non-IVF pregnancy deliveries. The proportion of the adjusted effect of IVF pregnancy on preterm birth mediated through multiple pregnancy was 67.6% (95% CI: 62.6–72.7%).

Conclusion While the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes are increased compared with non-IVF pregnancies, the odds of preterm birth and multiple gestation have decreased among IVF pregnancies in the United States.

Key Points
Association between Maternal Serum Lipids and Intrapartum Oxytocin Requirements during Labor Induction and Augmentation
Authors: Frolova Antonina I. , Prifti Kevin K. , Raghuraman Nandini , Carter Ebony B. , England Sarah K. , Stout Molly J.
Published: November 2022

Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal serum lipid parameters and oxytocin requirements among women with term vaginal deliveries.

Study Design In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study, women who presented for delivery at ≥37 weeks' gestation and received oxytocin during their labor were included. Maternal serum was collected intrapartum. The cohort was stratified into two groups based on maximum oxytocin infusion dose during labor. Primary outcomes were maternal total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels. Generalized linear regression models were used to assess the association between lipid parameters and maximum oxytocin dose requirements while controlling for potential confounders. For secondary analyses, the cohort was stratified by HDL-C into two groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between low maternal HDL-C and additional intrapartum oxytocin parameters.

Results There were no differences in maternal total cholesterol, LDL-C, or triglyceride values between high and low maximum oxytocin groups. Median serum HDL-C was significantly lower among women in the high oxytocin group compared with those in the low oxytocin group (56 vs. 62 mg/dL, p < 0.01). For every 0.26 mg/dL lower HDL-C, women had 1 mU/min higher maximum oxytocin infusion dose during labor. Women with low serum HDL-C were also more likely to require maximum oxytocin doses above the 75th percentile (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–3.75) and above the 90th percentile (aOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.10–5.54). Among women undergoing induction of labor, low serum HDL-C was also associated with longer duration of oxytocin infusion (aOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.02–4.20).

Conclusion Low maternal HDL-C levels at term are associated with higher maximum oxytocin infusion doses among women undergoing labor induction or augmentation. Given the growing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United States and persistently high rates of cesarean delivery, HDL-C or its components may present a new target for predicting and improving labor outcomes.

Key Points
Genetic Predisposition of Both Waist Circumference and Hip Circumference Increased the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Tan Jiangshan , Hua Lu , Sheng Qiping , Huang Xianwei , Liu Ping
Published: November 2022

Background Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is an independent indicator of increased cardiovascular risk. Observational studies have shown an observational association between obesity and venous thromboembolism (VTE). As a type of VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE) is also associated with obesity. However, it is unclear whether the observed associations are causal or caused by confounding bias or reverse causality.

Methods We performed a two-sample test by obtaining the exposure dataset of waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) from the Neale Laboratory Consortium's genome-wide association study summary data and the summary-level outcome data of VTE and PE from FinnGen Biobank of European ancestry to determine the causal effect of WC and HC on VTE and PE.

Results All three Mendelian randomization methods displayed a positive association between WC/HC and VTE/PE. WC and HC were positively associated with VTE (odds ratio [OR] = 1.803 per 1 standard deviation [SD] increase in WC, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.393–2.333; p < 0.001; OR = 1.479 per 1 SD increase in HC, 95% CI = 1.219–1.796; p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, we found a causal association between genetically predicted WC/HC and a higher risk of PE (OR = 1.929 per 1 SD increase in WC, 95% CI = 1.339–2.778, p < 0.001; OR = 1.431 per 1 SD increase in HC, 95% CI =1.095–1.869; p = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion There is a significant causal relationship between WC/HC and VTE/PE, which is consistent with observational studies. Taking measures to reduce WC/HC of obesity may help reduce the incidence of VTE/PE.
Lewis Acid Catalysed Asymmetric One-Carbon Ring-Expansion of Prochiral Cyclobutanones
Authors: Wahl Johannes M. , Tenberge Marius
Published: November 2022

Enantioselective methylene insertion into prochiral cyclobutanones is described providing access to chiral β-substituted cyclopentanones as important structural motif in synthesis and natural products. Commercially available trimethylsilyl as well as other silyl diazomethanes act as one-carbon synthon and scandium triflate is found to be a potent Lewis acid catalyst. By using bis(oxazoline) ligands, enantioinduction is achieved for a number of β-substituted cyclopentanones including examples bearing all-carbon quaternary stereocentres.
Congenital Analbuminemia Associated with Hypothyroidism in a Preterm Neonate: The First Case from a Highly Consanguineous Community
Authors: Al-lawama Manar , Albaramki Jumana , Kiswani Arwa , Kussad Sara , Odeh Rasha , Altamimi Eyad
Published: November 2022

Analbuminemia is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by extremely low or zero levels of circulating serum albumin. The diagnosis is made by ruling out other causes of hypoalbuminemia and should be confirmed by gene mutation analysis. In this article, we describe the clinical findings of a preterm neonate born to a consanguineous family who presented with progressive lower limb edema at the age of 7 days and who was confirmed as having congenital analbuminemia by genetic testing (homozygous mutation ALB NP_000468.1: p. Val78CysfsTer2) and hypothyroidism. This is the first case of congenital analbuminemia to be reported from Jordan.
Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Agents in Peripheral Arterial Interventions
Authors: Taylor Jordan , Stiepel Henry R. , Keefe Nicole
Published: November 2022

Effective revascularization of peripheral artery disease relies on periprocedural pharmacological regulation of the clotting cascade. Patient-specific factors such as cardiovascular risk factors, contraindications, and individual psychosocial factors must be considered when initiating post revascularization management. Management with anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents is discussed to guide the interventionalist on which therapy may be appropriate for their patient. While exact treatment may be institution and provider dependent, the interventionist must be familiar with the available classes of medications and how they can be prescribed in the postprocedural setting to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Local Anesthesia in Interventional Radiology
Authors: Li Xin , Trerotola Scott O.
Published: November 2022

Interventional radiology is an evolving field that treats a variety of diseases. Local anesthetics is an important component of pain management during interventional radiologic procedures. It is highly effective and generally safe for routine procedures. However, local anesthetics can be associated with painful initial injection, allergic reactions, and rare but potentially devastating systemic toxicities. Recent evidence has shown that buffered solution and warm local anesthetics may reduce injection discomfort and improve clinical efficacy. Sensible safety practices and prompt recognition/treatment of the systemic toxicity are of paramount importance to provide safe local anesthesia. Interventional radiologists should be familiar with the basic pharmacology, common local anesthetics, optimizing strategies, complications, and management to provide safe and effective local anesthesia for patients.
Being Small for Gestational Age does not Change Short-Term Outcomes for Extremely Low Birth Weight Babies at Townsville University Hospital
Authors: Williamson Natalee , Alcock Gary , Kandasamy Yoga
Published: November 2022

Aim To determine whether being small for gestational age (SGA) is associated with increased mortality and short-term morbidity for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).

Methods All babies with a birth weight of <1,000 g born at TUH between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2021 were included. Data from the neonatal unit's NeoDATA database were used to compare mortality and short-term morbidity outcomes for babies categorized as SGA (birth weight <10th centile) or not. Statistical analyses were used to determine associations between being SGA and survival to discharge, intubation for mechanical ventilation, duration of respiratory support, chronic neonatal lung disease (CNLD), home oxygen, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, time to full enteral feeds, and duration of admission.

Results Of 461 ELBW babies, 62 (13.4%) were SGA. The SGA babies were significantly smaller at 714 (580–850) versus 810 (700–885) g (p < 0.001) and of advanced gestational age at 28.6 (26.6–30.2) versus 25.4 (24.4–26.6) weeks (p < 0.001). No significant difference in mortality existed, with 85% of SGA babies and 84% of others surviving. On univariate analysis, being SGA was associated with significant reductions in intubation for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), duration of respiratory support (p < 0.001), intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.002), NEC (p = 0.037), and admission duration (p = 0.038). After controlling for confounding factors, no outcomes were independently associated with being SGA. Logistic regression found survival was associated with birth weight (p = 0.030), gestational age (p = 0.007), and antenatal corticosteroids (p = 0.008).

Conclusions Being SGA is not an independent predictor of mortality nor adverse short-term morbidity for ELBW babies.
Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Velagapudi Chetan , Madassery Sreekumar
Published: November 2022

Endovascular revascularization strategies have advanced tremendously over the years and are now often considered first line for treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Drug-eluting stents (DESs) have been developed as one of the tools to overcome the limitations of elastic recoil and neointimal hyperplasia observed with balloon angioplasty and bare metal stents. While these stents have been extremely successful in coronary revascularization, they have not translated as effectively to the peripheral arteries which differ in their unique mechanical environments and differences in vessel and lesion composition. DESs, through their embedded pharmaceutical agent, seek to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration. Paclitaxel, sirolimus, and its derivatives (-limus family) achieve VSMC inhibition through unique mechanisms. Several clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the use of DES in the femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal territory and have demonstrated overall decrease in revascularization rates and improved clinical outcomes.
Revisiting key debates in the study of nationalism
Authors: Dar Abdul Maajid
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this article is to lay out the debates and arguments around three key broader issues that dominate nationalism studies: (a) the meaning of a nation and nationalism and the relationship between political and cultural nationalism; (b) the origins and character of nations and nationalism; and (c) the civic-ethnic dichotomy and the relationship between nationalism and liberalism. It does not aim to provide definitive answers to the complex problems associated with nations and nationalism but rather to provide an overview of these debates by examining the existing literature on nations and nationalism. The final section discusses the position of new approaches to nations and nationalism and how they have problematised the key assumptions of the mainstream understanding of nationalism. The article, in light of an overview of the literature, draws four important conclusions. First, the academic journey of nationalism has reached a stage where the current consensus is that nations are socially constructed and historically contingent phenomena, and the current focus of the scholarship is on looking at the intersection between the cultural and political aspects of nationalism. Second, nations and nationalism possess a multifaceted character with particularity, subjectivity, and relativity as their defining features, representing that a single, universal explanation of nationalism is neither feasible nor morally desirable. Third, to understand the multiplicity and diversity of nations and nationalism and the ways in which elements of this multidimensionality intersect, it is necessary to treat them as open-ended, unstable, dispersed, protean, particular, and contingent phenomena. Finally, deep contestation constitutes a source of power and strength for nations and nationalism.
Roles of underwater explosion bubble accelerating expansion cut-off state in bubble dynamics and energy output
Authors: Wang Han-Cheng , He Yong , Shan Feng , Chen Hong , Gao Zhan-Bo , Pan Xu-Chao , Fang Zhong , Cao Yuan , Jiao Junjie
Published: November 2022

The process of the bubble accelerating expansion plays an important role in underwater explosion, which determines the energy output and affects the bubble oscillation subsequently. In this paper, we treated the accelerating expansion cut-off state as the critical state and applied it to the division of the expansion work, energy output, and the initial condition for bubble oscillation. It found that the Rayleigh–Plesset equation was considered appropriate to investigate the roles of underwater explosion bubble accelerating expansion cut-off state compared to the Keller equation, volume acceleration model (VAM), and pu-diagram method, and that was verified by the experimental data. Furthermore, the influence of the critical state on the expansion work and energy distribution in the accelerating expansion process was clarified, the larger critical relative volume leads to higher expansion work efficiency and total expansion work, and the shorter critical time increases the portion of the shock wave energy in the expansion work. Our finding provides a method to study the initial condition for the bubble oscillation, and that has significance in the energy output research.
Water-in-water droplet microfluidics: A design manual
Authors: Jeyhani Morteza , Navi Maryam , Chan Katherine W. Y. , Kieda Jennifer , Tsai Scott S. H.
Published: November 2022

Droplet microfluidics is utilized in a wide range of applications in biomedicine and biology. Applications include rapid biochemical analysis, materials generation, biochemical assays, and point-of-care medicine. The integration of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) into droplet microfluidic platforms has potential utility in oil-free biological and biomedical applications, namely, reducing cytotoxicity and preserving the native form and function of costly biomolecular reagents. In this review, we present a design manual for the chemist, biologist, and engineer to design experiments in the context of their biological applications using all-in-water droplet microfluidic systems. We describe the studies achievable using these systems and the corresponding fabrication and stabilization methods. With this information, readers may apply the fundamental principles and recent advancements in ATPS droplet microfluidics to their research. Finally, we propose a development roadmap of opportunities to utilize ATPS droplet microfluidics in applications that remain underexplored.
Micrometer-thick, atomically random Si0.06Ge0.90Sn0.04 for silicon-integrated infrared optoelectronics
Authors: Assali S. , Attiaoui A. , Koelling S. , Atalla M. R. M. , Kumar A. , Nicolas J. , Chowdhury F. A. , Lemieux-Leduc C. , Moutanabbir O.
Published: November 2022

A true monolithic infrared photonics platform is within reach if strain and bandgap energy can be independently engineered in SiGeSn semiconductors. Herein, we investigate the structural and optoelectronic properties of a 1.5 μm-thick Si0.06Ge0.90Sn0.04 layer that is nearly lattice-matched to a Ge on Si substrate. Atomic-level studies demonstrate high crystalline quality and uniform composition and show no sign of short-range ordering and clusters. Room-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission measurements show direct bandgap absorption at 0.83 eV and a reduced indirect bandgap absorption at lower energies. Si0.06Ge0.90Sn0.04 photoconductive devices operating at room temperature exhibit dark current and spectral responsivity (1 A/W below 1.5 μm wavelengths) similar to Ge on Si devices, with the advantage of a near-infrared bandgap tunable by alloy composition. These results underline the relevance of SiGeSn semiconductors in implementing a group IV material platform for silicon-integrated infrared optoelectronics.
Nonlinear spectral analysis of ion acoustic solitons arising from a streaming charged object using the numerical inverse scattering transform
Authors: DesJardin Ian M. , Hartzell Christine M.
Published: November 2022

Observations of nonlinear coherent plasma phenomena in spacecraft and terrestrial experiments often rely on visual identification of solitary modes because nonlinear coherent modes are broadband in a Fourier transform based analysis. We implement an alternative spectral decomposition known as the inverse scattering transform and demonstrate its ability to successfully isolate nonlinear modes on the homogeneous and forced Korteweg–De Vries equation which models these nonlinear modes. We also demonstrate for the first time that this decomposition is useful when forcing is applied. This is because the stable modes generated by localized forcing are similar to the homogeneous solutions where the inverse scattering transform is a rigorous decomposition. This spectral technique is then applied to simulations of ion acoustic waves generated by a 10 mm spherical debris object interacting with the ionospheric plasma orbiting at 2000 km altitude. The algorithm is found to successfully detect the resultant solitons. This demonstrates the feasibility of using this spectral technique as a real time analysis tool for screening spacecraft data for nonlinear solitary modes.