bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equations of motion governing the dynamics of the exceptional points of parameterically dependent nonhermitian Hamiltonians
Authors: Šindelka Milan , Stránský Pavel , Cejnar Pavel
Published: March 2023

We study exceptional points (EPs) of a nonhermitian Hamiltonian

H
ˆ

(
λ
,
δ
)

whose parameters

λ
∈

C

and

δ
∈

R

. As the real control parameter δ is varied, the kth EP (or kth cluster of simultaneously existing EPs) of

H
ˆ

(
λ
,
δ
)

moves in the complex plane of λ along a continuous trajectory,

λ
k

(
δ
)

. Using an appropriate non-hermitian formalism (based upon the c-product and not upon the conventional Dirac product), we derive a self-contained set of equations of motion (EOM) for the trajectory

λ
k

(
δ
)

, while interpreting δ as the propagation time. Such EOM become of interest whenever one wishes to study the response of EPs to external perturbations or continuous parametric changes of the pertinent Hamiltonian. This is e.g. the case of EPs emanating from hermitian curve crossings/degeneracies (which turn into avoided crossings/near-degeneracies when the Hamiltonian parameters are continuously varied). The presented EOM for EPs have not only their theoretical merits, they possess also a substantial practical relevance. Namely, the just presented approach can be regarded even as an efficient numerical method, useful for generating EPs for a broad class of complex quantum systems encountered in atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics. Performance of such a method is tested here numerically on a simple yet nontrivial toy model.
Nonlocal cubic and quintic nonlinear wave patterns in pure-quartic media
Authors: Tiofack Camus Gaston Latchio , Tabi Conrad Bertrand , Tagwo Hippolyte , Crépin Kofané Timoléon
Published: March 2023

In this work, pure-quartic soliton (PQS)formation is investigated in the framework of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with competing Kerr (cubic) and non-Kerr (quintic) nonlocal nonlinearities and quartic dispersion. In the process, the modulational instability (MI) phenomenon is activated under a suitable balance between the nonlocal nonlinearities and the quartic dispersion, both for exponential and rectangular nonlocal nonlinear responses. Interestingly, the maximum MI growth rate and bandwidth are reduced or can completely be suppressed for some specific values of the cubic and quintic nonlocality parameters, depending on the type of nonlocal response. The analytical results are confirmed via direct numerical simulations, where the instability supports the signature of pure-quartic dark and bright solitons. These results may provide a better understanding of PQS structures for their potential applications in the next generation of nonlinear optical devices.
Deposition processing and surface metrology of MoNx thin films by design of experiment and single variable (nitrogen flow rate) methods
Authors: Chen Fong-Zhi , Ting I-Sheng , Kang Wei-Zen , Lin Yu-Wei , Huang Jia-Hong
Published: March 2023

In this study, the Taguchi design of experiment (DOE) was performed to optimize the deposition process of MoNx thin films using unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UBMS). Further single-variable experiments based on the sensitive parameter derived from the Taguchi experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the parameter on the phase evolution, structure, and properties of the MoNx thin films. The MoNx thin films were deposited using DC-UBMS. Four controlling factors: N2 flow rate, substrate bias voltage, substrate temperature, and substrate rotational speed were selected in the Taguchi L9 matrix experiment. Electrical resistivity and hardness were chosen as the quality characteristics for the optimization. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of mean (ANOM) were performed to identify the sensitive parameters and the optimum conditions. The confirmation test results for the optimizations of hardness (SH) and electrical resistivity (SR) were within the predicted ranges, and therefore the feasibility and reliability of the Taguchi optimization were verified. The results of ANOVA showed that nitrogen flow rate was the most sensitive factor. The optimum condition for the electrical resistivity was chosen to be the reference for the single-variable experiments, and nitrogen flow rate was selected as the controlling variable. The MoNx specimens in the single-variable experiment showed prevailing (200) texture that could be attributed to the lowest surface energy associated with (200) plane and the base metal steering effect by Mo (110). The results of single-variable experiments indicated that the retained Mo metal phase played an important role in hardness, electrical resistivity, and residual stress.
Low-voltage polymer transistors on hydrophobic dielectrics and surfaces
Authors: Kraft Ulrike , Nikolka Mark , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Kim Yeongin , Pfattner Raphael , Alsufyani Maryam , McCulloch Iain , Murmann Boris , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2023

A set of unique features, including large-area solution processing on flexible and stretchable substrates, make polymer semiconductors a promising material choice for a range of state-of-the-art applications in electronics, optoelectronics and sensing. Yet, an inherent weakness of polymer semiconductors remains their low dielectric constants, increasing their susceptibility toward unscreened dipoles. These dipoles are particularly prevalent at polymer-dielectric interfaces with high-k dielectrics, which are essential for the operation of devices such as low-voltage field-effect transistors. This shortcoming can be addressed by using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to passivate surfaces that impact charge transport. However, SAM-treatment also increases the hydrophobicity of surfaces and therefore poses a challenge for subsequent solution processing steps and complex packaging of devices. Here, we report low-voltage polymer transistors processed by spin coating of the polymer semiconductors on highly hydrophobic SAM-treated aluminum and hafnium oxide dielectrics (contact angles >100) through fine-tuning of the interfacial tension at the polymer-dielectric interface. This approach enables the processing and detailed characterization of near-amorphous (indacenodithiophene-cobenzothiadiazole) as well as semicrystalline (poly(2,5-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-3,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione-alt-thieno[3,2-b]thiophen)) polymer semiconductors. We demonstrate polymer transistors that exhibit high on-currents and field-independent, charge carrier mobilities of 0.8 cm2 V−1s−1 at low operating voltages (<3 V).
Optimization and statistical modeling of the thermal conductivity of a pumice powder and carbonated coal particle hybrid reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite for brake disc application: a Taguchi approach
Authors: Ibrahim Tanimu Kogi , Yawas Danjuma Saleh , Danasabe Bashar , Adebisi Adetayo Abdulmumin
Published: March 2023

Aluminum metal matrix composites have been gaining traction in recent years due to their good mechanical properties and low weight. Particulate reinforcements for the improvement of its properties have been explored. This research aimed to determine the optimal composition of the reinforcement content (pumice powder and carbonated coal particles) and processing parameters (stirring speed, processing temperature, and stirring time) on the thermal conductivity of the developed material and also to characterize the constituents using x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive x-ray. The Taguchi optimization approach and regression analysis were used for the optimization and statistical analysis, respectively. The Taguchi optimization results gave an optimum thermal conductivity of 111.5, 112.5, 111.7, 112.9, and 112.4 W m−1 °C for pumice, carbonated coal, stirring speed, processing temperature, and stirring time respectively. The optimization also revealed the optimum setting for reinforcements and stir casting process factors as regards thermal conductivity to be 2.5%, 5.0%, 300 rpm, 850 °C, and 5 min for pumice powder, carbonated coal particles, stirring speed, temperature, and time, respectively. The optimal thermal conductivity of 120.40 W m−1 °C was obtained for the hybrid composite which gives a 131.54% improvement over the conventional grey cast iron brake disc. The particulate reinforcements (pumice powder and carbonated coal particles) and the processing factors all had significant effects on the thermal conductivity of the material, with the carbonated coal particles having the highest percentage contribution of 16.51%, as established by the analysis of variance. A model for predicting the thermal conductivity was developed using regression analysis, and high prediction accuracy was established with R-Square, R-Square (adj), and R-Square (pred) values of 94.68%, 88.60%, and 79.94%, respectively. The results of the characterization show the presence of hard compounds such as silica, iron oxide, and alumina in pumice powder and carbonated coal particles.
Experimental investigations on magnetic pulse crimping of copper lug
Authors: Ali Naushad , Sharma Surender Kumar , Chebolu Rohinikumar , Nallu Ramanaiah , Sharma Archana
Published: March 2023

One of the most complicated issues in the production of electronic circuit boards, vehicles, aircraft, satellite, and communication components is the crimping of electrical wires to produce a secure connection. Furthermore, terminal crimping is crucial to the safe transmission of electricity; improper crimping causes difficulties like overheating of the plug, power loss, arcing, and mechanical connection failure. Magnetic pulse crimping has the ability to effectively address these difficulties. Magnetic pulse crimping is a non-contact technique creating a uniform pressure without any tool marks on lugs. This technique has better compression of conducting metal wires strands inside the lug and also has less voids compared to conventional mechanical crimping techniques. In this technique the pulsed magnetic field is generated inside the electromagnetic coil by the discharge of capacitor bank current. This magnetic field applies uniform pressure across the circumference of lug and crimp it with cable. 120 sq mm copper lug is magnetic pulse crimped with copper wire at 20 T. Significant improvements in leak rate in magnetically crimped lugs is seem compared to mechanically crimped 120 sq mm copper lugs. This technique also reduces the contact resistance and ultimately the temperature during operation in electrical system.
Interaction measures in a three input integrated DC-DC converter
Authors: Manogna M , Reddy B Amarendra , Padma K
Published: March 2023

For the Three-Input Integrated Dc-Dc (TIID) Converter, due to integrated structure and presence of common elements, each controlling input variable affects the three controlled output variables, and gives rise to interactions which make controlling difficult. Thus, to know the behavior of the converter and also to design the controller for three-input integrated dc-dc converter, it is necessary to quantify the interactions beforehand. This quantification helps to address pairing problem of integrated converter. Interactions of this integrated dc-dc converter are quantified using dc gain based and energy-based interaction measures. These are Relative Gain Array (RGA), Participation Matrix (PM), Hankel Interaction Index Array (HIIA), and H2 Norm-based Interaction Array (H2NIA). To quantify these interactions, a three-input dc-dc converter of 400 W, 24 V-30 V-36 V to 48 V is considered and the interactions are quantified in the MATLAB environment. The Hardware In Loop (HIL) environment of the OPAL RT simulator OP4510 is used to obtain the experimental results.
Multi-impact response of CR4 mild steel: characterising the transition from absorption to failure
Authors: Thawani B , Batchelor T , Painter J , Hazael R , Critchley R
Published: March 2023

Single impact perforation shots are well understood for various target materials and different shaped projectiles. Although considered a rare case, localised multi-impacts are not well understood as they involve both perforating and non-perforating impacts on the target. The lack of understanding of non-perforating impact on metallic materials makes it tough to predict the change in the material’s mechanical performance. Given the widespread use of metallic materials for protective applications, it is important to understand the material response when subject to multiple impacts. To determine the effect of a non-perforating shot on CR4 mild steel and establish a minimum energy impact that will define the transition point whereby the metal can no longer absorb energy a series of impact experiments were conducted. Results show a subsequent perforation event occurs at a lower than the experimentally determined perforation velocity. Results suggest that there could be a direct correlation between the material thickness and the critical crater depth (the depth of crater required to affect the materials ability to absorb energy, the measure of materials performance). As the crater depth increased from 3 mm to 8.5 mm for the first shot, the energy absorption of the steel plate reduced by 25%. This allowed the residual performance for CR4 mild steel to be quantified for a known impact crater, giving a 7% performance loss for every millimetre the critical crater depth grows beyond 3 mm until the point of failure.
Novel heuristic-based hybrid ResNeXt with recurrent neural network to handle multi class classification of sentiment analysis
Authors: Krosuri Lakshmi Revathi , Aravapalli Rama Satish
Published: March 2023

Present-day, interdisciplinary research is increasing in social network-related applications, and it is a daily routine activity in every human life. So, sentiment analysis (SA) based on opinion mining is the most sophisticated concept in the well-known social network environment. Different machine learning methods were implemented to extract different text label features in SA, and all of those methods can detect whether a given text is positive or negative based on the text features. Analysis of sentiment has been suffering from inaccuracies while using machine learning and sentiment-based lexical methods dependent on domain-specific problems. Multi-class SA is an expensive task where memory, label samples, and other parameters are insufficient. So, we propose and implement a novel hybrid model which is a combination of ResNeXt and recurrent neural framework (NH-ResNeXt-RNF) to explore multi-class sentiment from textual features. This framework investigates the polarity of words connected to a specific domain across the entire dataset and eliminates noisy data in an unsupervised manner using pre-processing. Optimization is required to perform efficient multi-class classification to reduce the effort associated with annotation for multi-class SA via unsupervised learning. The proposed model performance is evaluated on two data sets namely: Amazon and Twitter. We increase the accuracy of the sentiment of polarity on each sentence present in the data set. Experimental results of the proposed approach give better and more efficient multi-class (positive, negative, very positive, neutral and highly negative) domain-specific sentiment than traditional approaches related to supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised domains. The proposed hybrid model accuracy is 96.5% and 95.37% for Amazon and Twitter datasets respectively.
Quaternion-based machine learning on topological quantum systems
Authors: Lin Min-Ruei , Li Wan-Ju , Huang Shin-Ming
Published: March 2023

Topological phase classifications have been intensively studied via machine-learning techniques where different forms of the training data are proposed in order to maximize the information extracted from the systems of interests. Due to the complexity in quantum physics, advanced mathematical architecture should be considered in designing machines. In this work, we incorporate quaternion algebras into data analysis either in the frame of supervised and unsupervised learning to classify two-dimensional Chern insulators. For the unsupervised-learning aspect, we apply the principal component analysis on the quaternion-transformed eigenstates to distinguish topological phases. For the supervised-learning aspect, we construct our machine by adding one quaternion convolutional layer on top of a conventional convolutional neural network. The machine takes quaternion-transformed configurations as inputs and successfully classify all distinct topological phases, even for those states that have different distributions from those states seen by the machine during the training process. Our work demonstrates the power of quaternion algebras on extracting crucial features from the targeted data and the advantages of quaternion-based neural networks than conventional ones in the tasks of topological phase classifications.
Multiresolution equivariant graph variational autoencoder
Authors: Hy Truong Son , Kondor Risi
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose Multiresolution Equivariant Graph Variational Autoencoders (MGVAE), the first hierarchical generative model to learn and generate graphs in a multiresolution and equivariant manner. At each resolution level, MGVAE employs higher order message passing to encode the graph while learning to partition it into mutually exclusive clusters and coarsening into a lower resolution that eventually creates a hierarchy of latent distributions. MGVAE then constructs a hierarchical generative model to variationally decode into a hierarchy of coarsened graphs. Importantly, our proposed framework is end-to-end permutation equivariant with respect to node ordering. MGVAE achieves competitive results with several generative tasks including general graph generation, molecular generation, unsupervised molecular representation learning to predict molecular properties, link prediction on citation graphs, and graph-based image generation. Our implementation is available at https://github.com/HyTruongSon/MGVAE.
The impact of the mySupport advance care planning intervention on family caregivers’ perceptions of decision-making and care for nursing home residents with dementia: pretest–posttest study in six countries
Authors: Bavelaar Laura , Visser Mandy , Walshe Catherine , Preston Nancy , Kaasalainen Sharon , Sussman Tamara , Cornally Nicola , Hartigan Irene , Loucka Martin , di Giulio Paola , Brazil Kevin , Achterberg Wilco P , van der Steen Jenny T
Published: March 2023

Background

the mySupport advance care planning intervention was originally developed and evaluated in Northern Ireland (UK). Family caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia received an educational booklet and a family care conference with a trained facilitator to discuss their relative’s future care.

Objectives

to investigate whether upscaling the intervention adapted to local context and complemented by a question prompt list impacts family caregivers’ uncertainty in decision-making and their satisfaction with care across six countries. Second, to investigate whether mySupport affects residents’ hospitalisations and documented advance decisions.

Design

a pretest–posttest design.

Setting

in Canada, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, two nursing homes participated.

Participants

in total, 88 family caregivers completed baseline, intervention and follow-up assessments.

Methods

family caregivers’ scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale and Family Perceptions of Care Scale before and after the intervention were compared with linear mixed models. The number of documented advance decisions and residents’ hospitalisations was obtained via chart review or reported by nursing home staff and compared between baseline and follow-up with McNemar tests.

Results

family caregivers reported less decision-making uncertainty (−9.6, 95% confidence interval: −13.3, −6.0, P < 0.001) and more positive perceptions of care (+11.4, 95% confidence interval: 7.8, 15.0; P < 0.001) after the intervention. The number of advance decisions to refuse treatment was significantly higher after the intervention (21 vs 16); the number of other advance decisions or hospitalisations was unchanged.

Conclusions

the mySupport intervention may be impactful in countries beyond the original setting.
Impact of pharmacist-provided Medicare annual wellness visits and chronic care management on reimbursement and quality measures in a privately owned family medicine clinic
Authors: Mack Keri , Henneman Amy , Snyder Tara
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Improvement in patient outcomes from collaboration between pharmacists and physicians in ambulatory clinics has been well documented. Barriers to payment have made widespread growth of these collaborations slow. Medicare annual wellness visits (AWVs) and chronic care management (CCM) provide an opportunity for pharmacist-physician collaborations that are directly revenue generating. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led AWVs and CCM on reimbursement and quality measures in a private family medicine clinic.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study in which the rate of reimbursement for AWVs and CCM was compared before and after implementation of pharmacist-provided services. Claims data were reviewed for Current Procedural Terminology codes and reimbursement applicable to AWVs and CCM. Secondary outcomes included the total number of AWV and CCM appointments, Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure completion rates, and average change in quality ratings. Outcomes were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics.

Results

Reimbursement from AWVs increased by $25,807.21 in 2018 and $26,410.01 in 2019 compared to 2017. Reimbursement from CCM increased by $16,664.29 in 2018 and $5,698.85 in 2019. In 2017, 228 AWVs and 5 CCM encounters were completed. After implementation of pharmacist services, the number of CCM encounters increased to 362 in 2018 and 152 in 2019 and the number of AWVs totaled 236 and 267, respectively. Completed HEDIS measures and star ratings increased during the study.

Conclusion

Pharmacist provision of AWVs and CCM addressed a gap in care by increasing the number of patients who received these services while also increasing reimbursement in a privately owned family medicine clinic.
Global change impacts on cacti (Cactaceae): current threats, challenges and conservation solutions
Authors: Hultine Kevin R , Hernández-Hernández Tania , Williams David G , Albeke Shannon E , Tran Newton , Puente Raul , Larios Eugenio
Published: March 2023

Background

The plant family Cactaceae provides some of the most striking examples of adaptive evolution, expressing undeniably the most spectacular New World radiation of succulent plants distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas. Cacti are widely regarded for their cultural, economic and ecological value, yet they are also recognized as one of the most threatened and endangered taxonomic groups on the planet.

Scope

This paper reviews current threats to species of cacti that have distributions in arid to semi-arid subtropical regions. Our review focuses primarily on four global change forces: (1) increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations; (2) increases in mean annual temperatures and heat waves; (3) increases in the duration, frequency and intensity of droughts; and (4) and increases in competition and wildfire frequency from invasion by non-native species. We provide a broad range of potential priorities and solutions for stemming the extinction risk of cacti species and populations.

Conclusions

Mitigating ongoing and emerging threats to cacti will require not only strong policy initiatives and international cooperation, but also new and creative approaches to conservation. These approaches include determining species at risk from climate extremes, enhancing habitat quality after disturbance, approaches and opportunities for ex situ conservation and restoration, and the potential use of forensic tools for identifying plants that have been removed illegally from the wild and sold on open markets.
Variants in ATP5F1B are associated with dominantly inherited dystonia
Authors: Nasca Alessia , Mencacci Niccolò E , Invernizzi Federica , Zech Michael , Keller Sarmiento Ignacio J , Legati Andrea , Frascarelli Chiara , Bustos Bernabe I , Romito Luigi M , Krainc Dimitri , Winkelmann Juliane , Carecchio Miryam , Nardocci Nardo , Zorzi Giovanna , Prokisch Holger , Lubbe Steven J , Garavaglia Barbara , Ghezzi Daniele
Published: March 2023

ATP5F1B is a subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase or complex V of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Pathogenic variants in nuclear genes encoding assembly factors or structural subunits are associated with complex V deficiency, typically characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance and multisystem phenotypes. Movement disorders have been described in a subset of cases carrying autosomal dominant variants in structural subunits genes ATP5F1A and ATP5MC3.

Here, we report the identification of two different ATP5F1B missense variants (c.1000A>C; p.Thr334Pro and c.1445T>C; p.Val482Ala) segregating with early-onset isolated dystonia in two families, both with autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and incomplete penetrance. Functional studies in mutant fibroblasts revealed no decrease of ATP5F1B protein amount but severe reduction of complex V activity and impaired mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting a dominant-negative effect.

In conclusion, our study describes a new candidate gene associated with isolated dystonia and confirms that heterozygous variants in genes encoding subunits of the mitochondrial ATP synthase may cause autosomal dominant isolated dystonia with incomplete penetrance, likely through a dominant-negative mechanism.
Yield and Efficiency of a Population-Based Mass Tuberculosis Screening Intervention Among Persons With Diabetes in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Liu Qiao , You Nannan , Wen Juan , Wang Jianming , Ge Yang , Shen Ye , Ding Xiaoyan , Lu Peng , Chen Cheng , Zhu Baoli , Zhu Limei , Lu Wei , Martinez Leonardo
Published: March 2023

Background

The evidence-base for mass tuberculosis screening among persons with diabetes (PWD) is poor. We evaluated the yield and costs of mass screening among PWD in eastern China.

Methods

We included individuals with type 2 diabetes from 38 townships in Jiangsu Province. Screening comprised of physical examinations, symptom screening, and chest X-rays; smear and culture testing were performed through clinical triage. We assessed the yield and number needed to screen (NNS) to detect 1 tuberculosis case among all PWD, those with symptoms, and with suggestive chest X-rays. Unit costing was collected to estimate screening costs and to calculate cost per case detected. We performed a systematic review of other mass tuberculosis screening programs concentrated on PWD.

Results

Of 89 549 screened PWD, 160 were diagnosed with tuberculosis (179 cases per 100 000 persons; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 153–205). The NNS was 560 (95% CI: 513–606), 248 (95% CI: 217–279), and 36 (95% CI: 24–48) among all participants, with abnormal chest X-rays, and symptoms. The cost per case was high overall (US$13 930) but lower with symptoms (US$1037) and high fasting blood glucose levels (US$6807). From systematic review, the pooled NNS to detect one case among all PWD (regardless of symptoms or chest X-ray results) in high- versus low-burden settings was 93 (95% CI: 70–141) versus 395 (95% CI: 283–649).

Conclusions

A mass tuberculosis screening program focused on PWD was feasible however, the overall yield was low and not cost-efficient. Risk-stratified approaches may be practical among PWD in low- and medium tuberculosis burden settings.
Myocardial oedema contributes to interstitial expansion and associates with mechanical and electrocardiographic changes in takotsubo syndrome: a CMR T1 and T2 mapping study
Authors: Arcari Luca , Camastra Giovanni , Ciolina Federica , Limite Luca Rosario , Danti Massimiliano , Sclafani Matteo , Ansalone Gerardo , Musumeci Maria Beatrice , Nagel Eike , Puntmann Valentina , Sbarbati Stefano , Cacciotti Luca
Published: March 2023

Aims

myocardial oedema is largely represented in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and may contribute to alter the myocardium morphology and function. The aim of the study is to describe relationships between oedema, mechanical, and electrical abnormalities in TTS

Methods and results

the study included n = 32 hospitalized TTS patients and n = 23 controls. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with tissue mapping and feature tracking was performed with concomitant 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. Mean age of TTS was 72 ± 12 years old, 94% women. Compared with controls, patients had higher left ventricular (LV) mass, worse systolic function, higher septal native T1 (1116 ± 73 msec vs. 970 ± 23 msec, P < 0.001), T2 (56 ± 5 msec vs. 46 ± 2 msec, P < 0.001), and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction (32 ± 5% vs. 24 ± 1%, P < 0.001). TTS patients had higher apicobasal gradient of T2 values (12 ± 6 msec vs. 2 ± 6 msec, P < 0.001); basal LV wall displayed higher native T1, T2, and ECV (all P < 0.002) but similar circumferential strain against controls (−23 ± 3% vs. −24 ± 4%, P = 0.351). In the TTS cohort, septal T2 values showed significant correlations with native T1 (r = 0.609, P < 0.001), ECV (r = 0.689, P < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (r = −0.459, P = 0.008) and aVR voltage (r = −0.478, P = 0.009). Negative T-wave voltage and QTc length correlated with apicobasal T2 mapping gradient (r = 0.499, P = 0.007 and r = 0.372, P = 0.047, respectively) but not with other tissue mapping measurements.

Conclusions

CMR T1 and T2 mapping demonstrated increased myocardial water content conditioning interstitial expansion in acute TTS, detected even outside areas of abnormal wall motion. Oedema burden and distribution associated with mechanical and electrocardiographic changes, making it a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in TTS.
Post-Bentall procedure ‘pseudo’ pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade in disguise: a case report
Authors: Kuncoro Ario Soeryo , Wijaya Ray , Wartono Dicky Aligeri , Adiarto Suko
Published: March 2023

Background

Post-operative cardiac complications require rapid evaluation, which may be hindered by various challenges. Sudden shortness of breath with persisting haemodynamic failure after cardiac procedure is often associated with cases of pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade that have contradicting therapies. Anticoagulant therapy is the treatment of choice for pulmonary embolism; however, it could worsen pericardial effusion where bleeding control and clot evacuation are the mainstays of treatment. In this study, we present a case of late cardiac complication due to cardiac tamponade mimicking signs of pulmonary embolism.

Case summary

A 45-year-old male with aortic dissection DeBakey type-II, 7 day post-Bentall procedure, presented with sudden shortness of breath and persistent shock despite therapy. Initial assessment directed towards pulmonary embolism was supported by hallmark imaging signs from X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography evaluation. However, computed tomography scan results were suggestive of cardiac tamponade mainly accumulating at the right side of the heart, compressing the pulmonary artery and vena cava confirmed by transoesophageal echocardiography, thus mimicking the findings of pulmonary embolism. After clot evacuation procedure, the patient improved clinically and was discharged the following week.

Discussion

In this study, we highlight a case of cardiac tamponade with classical findings of pulmonary embolism after an aortic replacement procedure. Physicians should carefully analyse a patient’s clinical history, physical, and supporting examinations to direct and change the course of therapy accordingly, as these two complications have opposite therapy principles and may exacerbate the patient’s condition.
Immunohistochemical characterization of a steroid-secreting oncocytic adrenal carcinoma responsible for paraneoplastic hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Haissaguerre Magalie , Louiset Estelle , Juhlin Christofer C , Stenman Adam , Laurent Christophe , Trouette Hélène , Lefebvre Hervé , Tabarin Antoine
Published: March 2023

We report a unique case of a 44-year-old man with paraneoplastic hyperparathyroidism due to an oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma (stage pT3N0R0M0, ENSAT 2 with a 4% Ki-67). Paraneoplastic hyperparathyroidism was associated with mild adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–independent hypercortisolism and increased estradiol secretion responsible for gynecomastia and hypogonadism. Biological investigations performed in blood samples from peripheral and adrenal veins revealed that the tumor secreted parathyroid hormone (PTH) and estradiol. Ectopic PTH secretion was confirmed by abnormally high expression of PTH mRNA and clusters of PTH immunoreactive cells in the tumor tissue. Double-immunochemistry studies and analysis of contiguous slides for the expression of PTH and steroidogenic markers (scavenger receptor class B type 1 [SRB1], 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3β-HSD], and aromatase) were performed. The results suggested the presence of two tumor cells subtypes with large cells with voluminous nuclei producing only PTH and that were distinct from steroid-producing cells.
Root exudate concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) affect maize rhizobacterial communities at specific developmental stages
Authors: Lopes Lucas Dantas , Futrell Stephanie L , Bergmeyer Emma , Hao Jingjie , Schachtman Daniel P
Published: March 2023

Root exudates shape the rhizosphere microbiome, but little is known about the specific compounds in root exudates that are important. Here, we investigated the impacts of the plant-synthesized phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) exuded by roots on the maize rhizobacterial communities. To identify maize genotypes that differed in the root exudate concentrations of IAA and ABA, we screened hundreds of inbred lines using a semi-hydroponic system. Twelve genotypes with variable exudate concentrations of IAA and ABA were selected for a replicated field experiment. Bulk soil, rhizosphere, and root endosphere samples were collected at two vegetative and one reproductive maize developmental stage. IAA and ABA concentrations in rhizosphere samples were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The bacterial communities were analyzed by V4 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that IAA and ABA concentrations in root exudates significantly affected the rhizobacterial communities at specific developmental stages. ABA impacted the rhizosphere bacterial communities at later developmental stages, whereas IAA affected the rhizobacterial communities at the vegetative stages. This study contributed to our knowledge about the influence that specific root exudate compounds have on the rhizobiome composition, showing that the phytohormones IAA and ABA exuded by roots have a role in the plant–microbiome interactions.
Reframing Rousseau: Art, Literature and Attachment in Émile
Authors: Tidman Gemma
Published: March 2023

This article sheds light on both Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s aesthetic thought and his role in the emergence of modern ideas of littérature, by revisiting his novel-cum-treatise, Émile, ou de l’éducation (1762). Contrary to much scholarship that has minimized Rousseau’s interest in aesthetics, and in the visual arts in particular, the article reframes Rousseau as a fundamentally aesthetic thinker. With reference to Jacques Derrida’s concept (via Kant) of the parergon, it argues that Rousseau uses the image of the frame – literal or figurative – to delineate his ideas about the ideal visual and literary arts, and how they should affect spectators or readers. By reading Rousseau alongside Rita Felski, the article historicizes the affective turn in postcritique today. Focusing on Émile’s encounters with the literary arts, it shows that the modern idea of literature as aesthetically pleasing texts that (by dint of their aesthetic quality) induce an affective and ethical response, was attached to the French word littérature earlier than has been claimed, by an author often considered ‘anti-literature’.
Longitudinal Associations Between Disaster Damage and Falls/Fear of Falling in Older Adults: 9-Year Follow-Up of Survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Zhang Chenggang , Hikichi Hiroyuki , Kawachi Ichiro , Li Xiaoyu
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Fear of falling and falls are common in older adults. However, their associations with natural disaster exposures remain poorly understood. This study aims to examine longitudinal associations between disaster damage with fear of falling/falls among older disaster survivors.

Research Design and Methods

In this natural experiment study, the baseline survey (4,957 valid responses) took place 7 months before the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and 3 follow-ups were conducted in 2013, 2016, and 2020. Exposures were different types of disaster damage and community social capital. Outcomes were fear of falling and falls (including incident and recurrent falls). We used lagged outcomes in logistic models adjusting for covariates and further examined instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) as a mediator.

Results

The baseline sample had a mean (standard deviation) age of 74.8 (7.1) years; 56.4% were female. Financial hardship was associated with fear of falling (odds ratio (OR), 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.33, 2.28]) and falls (OR, 1.29; 95% CI [1.05, 1.58]), especially recurrent falls (OR, 3.53; 95% CI [1.90, 6.57]). Relocation was inversely linked with fear of falling (OR, 0.57; 95% CI [0.34, 0.94]). Social cohesion was protectively associated with fear of falling (OR, 0.82; 95% CI [0.71, 0.95]) and falls (OR, 0.88; 95% CI [0.78, 0.98]) whereas social participation increased the risk of these issues. IADL partially mediated observed associations between disaster damage and fear of falling/falls.

Discussion and Implications

Experiences of material damage rather than psychological trauma were associated with falls and fear of falling, and the increased risk of recurrent falls revealed a process of cumulative disadvantage. Findings could inform targeted strategies for protecting older disaster survivors.
Fault identification and reliability evaluation using an SVM model based on 3-D seismic data volume
Authors: Ren Ke , Zou Guangui , Zhang Shaomin , Peng Suping , Gong Fei , Liu Yanhai
Published: March 2023

As an important method of 3-D seismic exploration, intelligent structural interpretation has been improved in recent years. Traditional human–computer interaction explanations typically assess fault risk on a hierarchical basis. However, the majority of intelligent fault interpretations utilize binary classification methods, which limits the utility and development of this technology to a certain extent. In order to break this limitation, a fault risk assessment scheme based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and support vector machine (SVM) posterior probability model has been proposed. In this study, the fault exposure situations for 11 wells and 4 roadways of a coal mine in Yunnan Province, China, were identified. A total of 15 559 data points with known fault and non-fault information were obtained in the target coal seam. Based on these data, SVM fault recognition models were constructed. The key parameters of the SVM models were optimized by PSO, and the test accuracy of each model was above 87 per cent. Meanwhile, the SVM posterior probability model was introduced to evaluate the fault identification results in the study area. The SVM posterior probability model was used to convert the decision value of a standard SVM into a posterior probability value. Probability values in the range of [0, 0.5) are evaluated as non-fault points, [0.5, 0.7) as ‘unreliable’ fault points, [0.7, 0.9) as ‘less reliable’ fault points, and [0.9, 1] as ‘reliable’ fault points. By constructing data sets with different sample numbers and fault types, the influence of each factor on the evaluation of the SVM posterior probability model was analysed. The results show that the SVM posterior probability model can be used to hierarchically evaluate fault risk in the study area and provide decision makers with more accurate information for decision making.
La inclusión relacional: examining neoliberal tensions, relational opportunities, and fixed understandings in diversity, equity, and inclusion work in the Global South
Authors: Villamil Astrid M , Mendoza Pilar , Hoyos Ensuncho Maryluz , Reina Zambrano Juanita
Published: March 2023

This study explored efforts of staff, faculty, and students at a Colombian university to materialize diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) programs in its institutional practices. Using Communicative Constitution of Organization (CCO) as an informing paradigm, this study proposed to understand institutional DEI as interconnected communicative practices of relational ontology. In addition, this study constituted an effort to recognize novel contours that delink knowledge from hegemonic North Atlantic and Eurocentric paradigms and interrogate epistemologies “embedded in capitalist networks of power” (Dutta & Pal, 2020).Through ethnographic work and in-depth interviews with 23 organizational members, this qualitative study unearthed two tension-laden themes that described (a) the (dis)ordering nature of DEI meanings and (b) the sociality/materiality entanglement of DEI efforts at a Colombia institution of higher education. Combined, our results highlight an inseparable interplay of sociomaterial discourses in DEI and the imperative need to question and contest transnational discourses from North Atlantic and Eurocentric contexts.
Antibody Responses to the SARS-CoV-2 Ancestral Strain and Omicron Variants in Moderna mRNA-1273 Vaccinated Active-Duty US Navy Sailors and Marines
Authors: Sun Peifang , Balinsky Corey A , Jiang Le , Jani Vihasi , Long Tran Khanh , Cheng Ying , Serote Mary Ann , Smith Andrew B , Fears Burnetta F , Gatrell Stephanie K , Sugiharto Victor A , Chen Huawei , Zhang Zhiwen , Belinskaya Tatyana , Qiu Qi , Graham William D , Schilling Megan A , Jones Anthony R , Corson Karen S , Martin Nicholas J , Letizia Andrew G , Hontz Robert D
Published: March 2023

Omicron and its subvariants have steadily gained greater capability of immune escape compared to other variants of concern, resulting in an increased incidence of reinfections even among vaccinated individuals. We evaluated the antibody response to Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5 in US military members vaccinated with the primary 2-dose series of Moderna mRNA-1273 in a cross-sectional study. While nearly all vaccinated participants had sustained spike (S) IgG and neutralizing antibodies (ND50) to the ancestral strain, only 7.7% participants had detectable ND50 to Omicron BA.1 at 8 months postvaccination. The neutralizing antibody response to BA.2 and BA.5 was similarly reduced. The reduced antibody neutralization of Omicron correlated with the decreased antibody binding to the receptor-binding domain. The participants’ seropositivity to the nuclear protein positively correlated with ND50. Our data emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance in monitoring for emerging variants and the need to identify potential alternative targets for vaccine design.
Conventional versus extended-pulsed fidaxomicin dosing in patients at high risk of recurrence ofClostridioides difficileinfection: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Escudero-Sánchez Rosa , Rubio Martín Elena , Vizcarra Pilar , Braojos Sánchez Francisco , Diaz Gago Álvaro , Del Campo Albendea Laura , Muriel Alfonso , Halperin Ana , Ponce Alonso Manuel , Moreno Guillén Santiago , Cobo Javier
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The main challenge in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is to reduce recurrence rates. Fidaxomicin improves the recurrence rate of CDI compared with vancomycin. Extended-pulsed dosing of fidaxomicin was associated with lower recurrence rates in one clinical trial but has never been directly compared with conventional fidaxomicin dosing.

Methods

To compare the recurrence rate of fidaxomicin conventional dosing (FCD) and fidaxomicin in extended-pulsed dosing (FEPD) in conditions of clinical practice at a single institution. We performed propensity score matching taking the variables age, severity and previous episode as confounders to evaluate patients with a similar recurrence risk.

Results

In total, 254 episodes of CDI treated with fidaxomicin were evaluated: 170 (66.9%) received FCD, and 84 (33.1%) received FEPD. More patients who received FCD were hospitalized for CDI, had severe CDI and had a diagnosis based on toxin detection. In contrast, the proportion of patients receiving proton pump inhibitors was higher in those receiving FEPD. The crude recurrence rates in FCD- and FEPD-treated patients were 20.0% and 10.7%, respectively (OR:0.48; 95% CI 0.22–1.05; P = 0.068). We did not find any differences in CDI recurrence rate in patients receiving FEPD versus FCD (OR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.27–2.04) by propensity score analysis.

Conclusions

Although the recurrence rate with FEPD was numerically lower than that observed with FCD, we have not been able to show that the recurrence rate of CDI is different depending on the dosage regimen of fidaxomicin. Clinical trials or large observational studies comparing the two dosing regimens of fidaxomicin are needed.
Three-dimensional seismic data reconstruction via partial sum of tensor nuclear norm minimization
Authors: Zhang Xingli , Zhang Yaping , Liu Zuogang , Wang Hongjuan
Published: March 2023

Rank-reduction has become a hotspot in seismic data reconstruction research in recent years. Traditional rank-reduction methods generally use the nuclear norm as a convex proxy for rank, but these methods overly penalize large singular values, leading to reconstruction results that deviate from the optimal solution. In this paper, we propose a tensor robust principal component analysis model with minimization of the partial sum of tensor nuclear norm for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of seismic data. The partial sum of tensor nuclear norm minimizes only the partial singular values and can approximate the rank function more accurately. TRPCA can accurately recover the 3D tensor corrupted by sparse errors, improving the accuracy of seismic data reconstruction. The experimental results of the simulated data and real data show that the reconstruction effect of the proposed method on the 3D seismic data is better than the compared methods.
Population distribution and causes of mortality of smooth-coated otters, Lutrogale perspicillata, in Singapore
Authors: Shivram Anusha , Sivasothi N , Hsu Chia-Da , Hodges Karen E
Published: March 2023

Smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) were transient in Singapore before one resident family group was observed in 1998, presumably having recolonized from Peninsular Malaysia. A population survey in 2017 revealed a minimum of 11 groups and 79 individuals. Since then, movements of otter groups within urban areas have led to increasing numbers of human–otter encounters, including conflicts. We determined the current abundance, population structure, and distribution of smooth-coated otters in Singapore. We assessed seven sampling zones nationwide through verified sighting records and social media. Mortality records from 2019 to 2021 were sourced from the Otter Working Group and Wildlife Reserves Singapore. In early 2021, there were a minimum of 17 groups and 170 individuals. Groups ranged from 2 to 24 individuals. Smooth-coated otters occupy coastal areas, waterways, reservoirs, and sites within the city center in urban gardens and ponds. Following territorial conflicts at waterways, smooth-coated otter groups moved into the urban matrix. Vehicle collisions are the main cause of mortality and are frequent at dams separating freshwater and coastal habitats. While there is a clear increase in smooth-coated otter numbers since 2017, there remain multiple natural and human-caused threats to otter persistence.