bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting predictors of worse atrioventricular valve and left ventricular systolic function following pacemaker therapy
Authors: Sasaki Kenichi , Togashi Daisuke , Nakajima Ikutaro , Nakayama Yui , Harada Tomoo , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Predictors of worsening atrioventricular valve regurgitation and left ventricular (LV) systolic function after implantation of a leadless pacemaker (LPM) remain unclear compared with those of a transvenous pacemaker (TPM).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 205 patients who were newly implanted with a permanent pacemaker (119 LPMs and 86 TPMs) and underwent transthoracic echocardiography before and 8 ± 5 months after implantation. We evaluated the worsening of tricuspid and mitral regurgitation (TR and MR), defined as at least one‐grade aggravation in severity, and changes in LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

Worsening TR occurred more frequently in the LPM group compared to the TPM group (33% vs. 20%, p = .04); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding worsening MR (26% vs. 18%, p = .18) and LVEF change (–2 ± 10% vs. –3 ± 8%, p = .40). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors for worsening TR, MR, and LVEF after implantation were found to be (1) the change from sinus rhythm at baseline to atrioventricular asynchronous right ventricular (RV) pacing (odds ratio [OR]: 5.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94–16.70, p < .01); (2) the change from non‐pacing ventricular contraction at baseline to RV pacing (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.12–5.24, p = .02); and (3) a higher RV pacing burden (β: –0.05, 95% CI: −0.08–−0.02, p < .01), respectively.

Conclusion

Worsening TR, MR, and LVEF after pacemaker implantation were not associated with the type of pacing device but loss of atrioventricular synchrony or dependency on RV pacing.
TOR coordinates cytokinin and gibberellin signals mediating development and defense
Authors: Marash Iftah , Gupta Rupali , Anand Gautam , Leibman‐Markus Meirav , Lindner Naomi , Israeli Alon , Nir Dov , Avni Adi , Bar Maya
Published: October 2023

Plants constantly perceive and process environmental signals and balance between the energetic demands of growth and defense. Growth arrest upon pathogen attack was previously suggested to result from a redirection of the plants' metabolic resources towards the activation of plant defense. The energy sensor Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase is a conserved master coordinator of growth and development in all eukaryotes. Although TOR is positioned at the interface between development and defense, little is known about the mechanisms by which TOR may potentially regulate the relationship between these two modalities. The plant hormones cytokinin (CK) and gibberellin (GA) execute various aspects of plant development and defense. The ratio between CK and GA was reported to determine the outcome of developmental programmes. Here, investigating the interplay between TOR‐mediated development and TOR‐mediated defense in tomato, we found that TOR silencing resulted in rescue of several different aberrant developmental phenotypes, demonstrating that TOR is required for the execution of developmental cues. In parallel, TOR inhibition enhanced immunity in genotypes with a low CK/GA ratio but not in genotypes with a high CK/GA ratio. TOR‐inhibition mediated disease resistance was found to depend on developmental status, and was abolished in strongly morphogenetic leaves, while being strongest in mature, differentiated leaves. CK repressed TOR activity, suggesting that CK‐mediated immunity may rely on TOR downregulation. At the same time, TOR activity was promoted by GA, and TOR silencing reduced GA sensitivity, indicating that GA signalling requires normal TOR activity. Our results demonstrate that TOR likely acts in concert with CK and GA signalling, executing signalling cues in both defense and development. Thus, differential regulation of TOR or TOR‐mediated processes could regulate the required outcome of development‐defense prioritisation.
Religious lobbying and policy influence: Christian interest group impacts around the legalization of same‐sex marriage in England and Wales
Authors: Gover Daniel
Published: October 2023

The influence of religious groups in democratic policy making has often been a source of political controversy. In the United Kingdom, the legalization of same‐sex marriage in England and Wales may in some ways be thought to exemplify the weakening social position and policy power of the churches. Drawing on a mixture of methods—including analysis of newspaper coverage, legislative debates, and policy documents, plus interviews—this article assesses the extent to which Christian interest groups achieved different forms of policy‐related influence, and its dynamics. It finds that, despite important failures, these groups nonetheless achieved various types of success, including over the policy debate, small policy shifts, and “counteractive” influence,  reflecting both the weaknesses and persisting strengths of Christianity within British society. The findings are likely to have wider implications for understanding the policy strengths of religious actors in similar contexts of socio‐religious change elsewhere.

Related Articles

Bramlett, Brittany H. 2012. “The Cross‐Pressures of Religion and Contact with Gays and Lesbians, and their Impact on Same‐Sex Marriage Opinion.”Politics & Policy40(1): 13–42.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00337.x.

Ledet, Richard. 2017. “Sorting the Left from the Rest: The Communitarian Religious Perspective and Liberal Economic Attitudes.”Politics & Policy45(6): 1051–79.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12238.

Tubadji, Annie. 2023. “You'll Never Walk Alone: Loneliness, Religion, and Politico‐Economic Transformation.”Politics & Policy51(4): 661–95.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12538.
Salinity and exogenous H2O2 improve gas exchange, osmoregulation, and antioxidant metabolism in quinoa under drought stress
Authors: Iqbal Hassan , Yaning Chen , Waqas Muhammad , Raza Syed Turab , Shareef Muhammad , Ahmad Zeeshan
Published: October 2023

Climate change‐induced concurrent drought and salinity stresses significantly threaten global crop yields, yet the physio‐biochemical responses to combined stress in quinoa remain elusive. This study evaluated quinoa responses under four growth conditions: well‐watered, drought stress, salt stress, and drought + salt stress with (15 mM) or without (0 mM) exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) application. All examined stresses (alone or in combination) reduce quinoa growth and net photosynthesis, although salt stress was found to be less destructive than drought and combined stress. Strikingly, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthetic rate (PN), K+ uptake, shoot height, shoot fresh, and dry weight were increased by 46.1%, 22.2%, 101.6%, 12.9%, 12.1%, 22.4%, 7.1%, 14%, and 16.4%, respectively, under combined stress compared to drought alone. In addition, exogenous H2O2 effectively improved gaseous exchange, osmolytes' accumulation, and antioxidant activity, resulting in reduced lipid peroxidation, which eventually led to higher plant growth under all coercive conditions. The principle component analysis (PCA) indicated a strong positive correlation between antioxidant enzymes and inorganic ions, which contributed efficiently to osmotic adjustment, particularly under conditions of salinity followed by combined stress. In short, in combination, salt stress has the potential to mitigate drought‐induced injuries by promoting the absorption of inorganic solutes for osmoregulation in quinoa plants. Furthermore, exogenous application of H2O2 could be opted to enhance quinoa performance to increase its tolerance mechanism against drought and salinity, even under combined stress.
Data‐driven MRI analysis reveals fitness‐related functional change in default mode network and cognition following an exercise intervention
Authors: Lloyd Katherine M. , Morris Timothy P. , Anteraper Sheeba , Voss Michelle , Nieto‐Castanon Alfonso , Whitfield‐Gabrieli Susan , Fanning Jason , Gothe Neha , Salerno Elizabeth A. , Erickson Kirk I. , Hillman Charles H. , McAuley Edward , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: October 2023

Previous research has indicated that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is structurally and functionally neuroprotective in older adults. However, questions remain regarding the mechanistic role of CRF on cognitive and brain health. The purposes of this study were to investigate if higher pre‐intervention CRF was associated with greater change in functional brain connectivity during an exercise intervention and to determine if the magnitude of change in connectivity was related to better post‐intervention cognitive performance. The sample included low‐active older adults (n = 139) who completed a 6‐month exercise intervention and underwent neuropsychological testing, functional neuroimaging, and CRF testing before and after the intervention. A data‐driven multi‐voxel pattern analysis was performed on resting‐state MRI scans to determine changes in whole‐brain patterns of connectivity from pre‐ to post‐intervention as a function of pre‐intervention CRF. Results revealed a positive correlation between pre‐intervention CRF and changes in functional connectivity in the precentral gyrus. Using the precentral gyrus as a seed, analyses indicated that CRF‐related connectivity changes within the precentral gyrus were derived from increased correlation strength within clusters located in the Dorsal Attention Network (DAN) and increased anti‐correlation strength within clusters located in the Default Mode Network (DMN). Exploratory analysis demonstrated that connectivity change between the precentral gyrus seed and DMN clusters were associated with improved post‐intervention performance on perceptual speed tasks. These findings suggest that in a sample of low‐active and mostly lower‐fit older adults, even subtle individual differences in CRF may influence the relationship between functional connectivity and aspects of cognition following a 6‐month exercise intervention.
Successful intraoperative ultrasound‐guided retrieval of intracranial grass seed foreign body in a 4‐month‐old puppy
Authors: Qin Nancy , Lye Gordon , Mathis Karl , Stewart Georgina
Published: October 2023

A 4‐month‐old female‐entire Vizsla dog was referred for progressive seizure activity, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and neck pain. CT revealed focal inflammation, a calvarial osseous defect, a possible foreign body within the brain, and associated vasogenic edema. A cerebrospinal fluid tap revealed marked septic neutrophilic pleocytosis. MRI findings supported diagnosis of a 1.7 cm foreign body within the brain. A right rostrotentorial craniectomy was performed, and intraparenchymal grass seed was removed in its entirety via intraoperative ultrasound guidance. The patient was discharged 2 days postoperatively, and long‐term follow‐up revealed no abnormal neurological signs.
HIV-1 Tat commandeers nuclear export of Rev-viral RNA complex by controlling hnRNPA2-mediated splicing
Authors: Yandrapally Sriram , Sarkar Satarupa , Banerjee Sharmistha
Published: October 2023

Proliferation of HIV in astrocytes is limited when compared to CD4+ T lymphocytes, but the molecular mechanisms behind the disparity in cell-specific HIV propagations are unclear. In this study, we show that HIV-1 Tat determined nuclear export of Rev-viral RNA complex in CD4+ T lymphocytes by downregulating heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNPA2)-mediated HIV-1 RNA splicing that increased the levels of unspliced/partially spliced viral RNA, thereby increasing virion production. Notably, hnRNPA2 was not downregulated in astrocytes due to limited Tat nuclear import. Providing alternate nuclear localization signal that rescued Tat localization to the nucleus or knocking out hnRNPA2 in astrocytes reversed the viral restrictive phenotype of astrocytes to productive phenotype. Mutant analyses identified the RNA recognition motif-1 and the disordered region of hnRNPA2 as key determinants in regulating alternate splicing. The study shows the mechanism of Tat-mediated maintenance of splice variants of viral RNA that dictates nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of Rev-RNA complex and virion production during infection.

IMPORTANCE

HIV-infected host cells impose varied degrees of regulation on viral replication, from very high to abortive. Proliferation of HIV in astrocytes is limited when compared to immune cells, such as CD4+ T lymphocytes. Understanding such differential regulation is one of the key questions in the field as these cells permit HIV persistence and rebound viremia, challenging HIV treatment and clinical cure. This study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanism behind such cell-specific disparities. We show that one of the key mechanisms is the regulation of heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2, a host factor involved in alternative splicing and RNA processing, by HIV-1 Tat in CD4+ T lymphocytes, not observed in astrocytes. This regulation causes an increase in the levels of unspliced/partially spliced viral RNA and nuclear export of Rev-RNA complexes which results in high viral propagation in CD4+ T lymphocytes. The study reveals a new mechanism imposed by HIV on host cells that determines the fate of infection.
Submandibular gland abscess in a kidney transplant recipient: a diagnostic and therapeutic enigma
Authors: Viswam Vineeth , Puducherry Ravichandran Subhashini , George Paul , Karuvat Narayanan Sree Latha
Published: October 2023

A renal allograft transplant recipient presented to our emergency department with pus discharging right-sided cheek swelling. She had the same presentation 1 year after kidney transplant surgery. The abscess was incised and drained, and a sample was sent for culture and sensitivity. The culture initially grewAspergillus fumigatusfor which she was started on itraconazole. While the patient was on antifungal therapy, immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to be the primary disease, and rituximab chemotherapy was initiated. The patient is being followed up and is currently in remission.

We are reporting this rare case to raise awareness so that clinicians consider the possibility of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder when they see a similar presentation.
Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid presenting as metastasis in the wall of an arachnoid cyst
Authors: Singh Neha , Marak James , Singh Deepak Kumar , Verma Shashwat
Published: October 2023

The brain is an uncommon site for metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with the most common location being cerebral hemispheres, followed by cerebellum and pituitary gland. Metastasis in the wall of an arachnoid cyst is exceedingly rare with single case report available in the published literature. Arachnoid cyst metastasis from an extraneuraxial malignancy has not been published until. We present a unique case of thyroid carcinoma metastasizing to the wall of an intracranial arachnoid cyst and the most interesting fact is that it was the first clinical manifestation of her malignancy.
Hospital care experiences of female relatives caring for patients with post-stroke dysphagia during the COVID-19: a qualitative study in China
Authors: Fan Xiangge , Du Jing , Yu Hong , Xu Qian , Weng Xueyun , Gou Yanhua , Si Yumeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, Chinese hospitals are forced to impose stringent regulations, which unavoidably affect patients with stroke who need continued rehabilitation and long-term disease treatment. However, there is a lack of qualitative studies in the literature on female relative caregivers of hospitalised patients who had a stroke with dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to explore the experiences of female Chinese caregivers living in the hospital with patients with post-stroke dysphagia during the pandemic.

Design

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting(s)

From May 2022 to July 2022, patients were selected from the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Ward and the Encephalopathy Ward of Shenzhen Chinese Medicine Hospital, which receives patients from across the country.

Participants

10 Chinese women who were caregivers of patients with post-stroke dysphagia were finally interviewed.

Methods

Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Colaizzi’s approach.

Results

The primary theme was determined to be ‘kidnapped’ lives. Other sub-themes evolved to depict the lives of female relative caregivers, including inevitable tasks and challenges, precise care, a special dietary pattern, solitary and forgotten, and an elusive future. Due to the trivial nature of caring for patients who had a stroke with dysphagia, the caregivers’ lives were tightly organised and entirely dictated by the patient’s caring needs. Consequently, the caregivers felt that their lives had been kidnapped.

Conclusions

It is imperative that healthcare workers identify and understand the living conditions of female relative caregivers in the hospital, so as to determine their difficulties and needs. Finally, caregivers deserve adequate and effective support, such as technical support, financial support and nutritional guidance.
Association of parental self-efficacy with loneliness, isolation and community commitment in mothers with infant children in Japan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arimoto Azusa , Tadaka Etsuko
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Parental self-efficacy is defined as an individual’s appraisal of their competence in the parental role and is one of the factors targeted by parenting interventions. Factors related to parental self-efficacy among mothers, focusing mainly on individual and family characteristics, have been clarified; however, there are limited findings on community/societal factors related to parental self-efficacy among mothers. We aimed to clarify the association between parental self-efficacy and community/societal factors among mothers with infants and toddlers to provide suggestions for maternal and child health activities.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study, where an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted by mail from November 2019 to February 2020.

Setting

A health and welfare centre in a ward certified by the largest designated city in Japan.

Participants

Six hundred forty-nine mothers raising children aged 0–3 years who attended mandatory infant health check-ups.

Primary outcome measures

The Parental Self-Efficacy Scale.

Results

The number of valid responses was 490 (valid response rate: 75.6%). The mean age of the mothers was 33.2 (SD 4.9) years. The items found to significantly relate to parental self-efficacy (p<0.05), loneliness, social isolation (social network), community commitment, greeting neighbours, willingness to interact with neighbours, participation in parent–child circles and neighbourhood association events were included as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that the factors significantly related to high parental self-efficacy were low loneliness score (β=−0.436, p<0.001), high social network score (β=0.153, p<0.001) and high community commitment score (β=0.110, p<0.01). The adjusted R2was 0.488.

Conclusions

The results suggest the importance of community-building, enhancing qualitative and quantitative support by developing initiatives to reduce loneliness and improving the environment to supplement social networks, and activating community activities by promoting interaction with local residents.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Lee Hyeok-Hee , Lee Han Ah , Kim Eun-Jin , Kim Hwi Young , Kim Hyeon Chang , Ahn Sang Hoon , Lee Hokyou , Kim Seung Up
Published: October 2023

Objective

We explored clinical implications of the new definition of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by assessing its prevalence and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Design

From nationwide health screening data, we identified 9 775 066 adults aged 20–79 who underwent health examination in 2009. Participants were categorised into four mutually exclusive groups: (1) MASLD; (2) MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD); (3) MASLD with other combined aetiology (the three collectively referred to as MASLD/related steatotic liver disease (SLD)); and (4) no MASLD/related SLD. SLD was determined by fatty liver index ≥30. The primary outcome was CVD event, defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, heart failure or cardiovascular death.

Results

The prevalence of MASLD, MetALD and MASLD with other combined aetiology was 27.5%, 4.4% and 1.5%, respectively. A total of 8 808 494 participants without prior CVD were followed up for a median of 12.3 years, during which 272 863 CVD events occurred. The cumulative incidence and multivariable-adjusted risk of CVD were higher in participants with MASLD/related SLD than in those without (HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.39)). Multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) of CVD events was 1.39 (1.38 to 1.40) for MASLD, 1.28 (1.26 to 1.30) for MetALD and 1.30 (1.26 to 1.34) for MASLD with other combined aetiology compared to the absence of any of these conditions. CVD risk was also higher in participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than in those without the respective condition.

Conclusion

Over one-third of Korean adults have MASLD/related SLD and bear a high CVD risk.
Clinically important effect sizes for clinical trials using infarct growth reduction as the primary outcome: a systematic review
Authors: Liao Nien-chen , Bahr Hosseini Mersedeh , Saver Jeffrey L
Published: October 2023

Background

Infarct growth on multimodal imaging is a common lead outcome in phase 2 proof-of-concept and dose-optimization neuroprotective agent stroke trials. However, the effect size in infarct growth reduction that correlates with clinically meaningful differences in clinical global disability outcomes has not been well delineated.

Methods

A systematic literature search identified all endovascular thrombectomy randomized trials reporting magnitude of treatment effect on both infarct growth reduction and increase in functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2). Data aggregation determined the size of infarct growth reductions salient to four types of clinically meaningful effect sizes of increase in functional independence: (1) the minimal clinically important difference (MCID)–outcome specific; (2) the MCID–practice changing; (3) the realistic target difference; and (4) the reasonable comparability effect size.

Results

A systematic search identified four trials enrolling 612 imaged participants. Across the trials, the amount of functional independence (mRS 0–2) increase associated with each 1 mL reduction in infarct growth was mean 2.3±0.6%. An infarct growth reduction of 0.57 mL correlated with the mRS 0–2 increase MCID of 1.3%. Infarct growth reductions of 2.27 mL, 4.35 mL, and 6.53 mL correlated with realistic effect and reasonable comparability effects sizes of mRS 0–2 increases of 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively.

Conclusion

In formal meta-analysis of randomized treatment trials, every 1 mL reduction in infarct growth was associated with a 2.3% increase in functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 3 months. This conversion factor can inform selection of infarct growth effect size targets for phase 2 trials of neuroprotective agents.
Prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of pathological fractures and their impact on the overall survival of patients with bone metastases under palliative care
Authors: Miranda Dutra de Resende Juliana , de Olivera Livia Costa , Aguiar Suzana Sales de , Peres Silva Francine , Muniz Andrezza Helena Regadas , Bergmann Anke
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of pathological fractures and their impact on the overall survival of patients with bone metastases under palliative care.

Methods

An observational retrospective cohort assessment concerning both male and female patients with cancer presenting with bone metastases referred to a palliative care unit. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained before and after care unit referral. Patients were followed up until death or the last follow-up (4 years after referral). Logistic regression models and survival curves employing a log-rank test were applied.

Results

A total of 348 patients were included in the study. Most were <65 years (65%) and female (62%), and the most frequent primary tumour site was the breast (40%). The prevalence of pathological fractures was 28%, more frequent in the axial skeleton (49%), with no association with overall patient survival (p=0.348). Patients with breast cancer exhibited a 2.96-fold higher chance (95% CI: 1.80 to 4.86) of developing a fracture compared with other tumours, and not receiving previous radiotherapy increased the chances of fracture occurrence by 5.60-fold (95% CI: 2.46 to 12.77).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of pathological fractures was observed. Presenting with breast cancer and not having undergone previous radiotherapy increase the chances of fracture occurrence, although this is not associated with overall survival in patients under palliative care.
Perineal care incontinence training for caregivers: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Uzun Lütfiye Nur , Hançer Tok Hümeyra
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to implement training to increase the perineal care knowledge of relatives caring for incontinent palliative care patients and to examine the effectiveness of this training.

Methods

This study was designed as a pretest–post-test randomised controlled trial. The study included 84 relatives of patients with incontinence (experimental group, n=42; control group, n=42). The experimental group was given one-on-one face-to-face training on perineal care for patients with incontinence, while the control group was given training through a brochure. Data were collected using a personal information form and the Perineal Care Knowledge Test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The difference between the pretest and post-test scores of the experimental group was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05), while the difference between the pretest and post-test scores of the control group was not significant (p>0.05). The post-test scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

It was found that one-on-one face-to-face perineal care training was a more effective method for increasing the perineal care knowledge of patients’ relatives than brochures.
Low serum creatinine as a prognostic marker in advanced cancer
Authors: Amano Koji , Baracos Vickie , Okamura Satomi , Yamada Tomomi , Maeda Isseki , Otani Hiroyuki , Ishiki Hiroto , Miura Tomofumi , Hamano Jun , Hatano Yutaka , Morita Tatsuya , Mori Masanori
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To evaluate whether low serum creatinine levels are associated with poor outcomes in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Patients were divided into three groups according to their baseline serum creatinine levels. We performed time-to-event analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests, and by conducting univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

809 males were divided: male-low group (n=192), male-normal group (n=403) and male-high group (n=214). 808 females were divided: female-low group (n=239), female-normal group (n=389) and female-high group (n=180). Significant differences were observed in survival rates between the high and normal groups in the males and females (both log-rank p<0.001). Significantly higher risks of mortality were observed in the Cox proportional hazard model for the high group than for the normal group in both sexes (adjusted HR 1.292, 95% CI 1.082 to 1.542; adjusted HR 1.316, 95% CI 1.094 to 1.583, respectively). High serum creatinine was associated with shorter survival than normal creatinine, while low serum creatinine was not.

Conclusions

Low serum creatinine levels did not have prognostic abilities in this population.
On the Kalb–Ramond modified Lorentz violating hairy black holes and Thorne’s hoop conjecture
Authors: Nandi K. K. , Izmailov R. N. , Karimov R. Kh. , Potapov A. A.
Published: October 2023

Recently, a class of static spherically symmetric power law corrected Lorentz violating (LV) Schwarzschild black holes in the Kalb–Ramond model have been derived and studied in the specific range of LV parameters ($$0<\lambda \le 2,\Upsilon \ge 0$$

0
<
λ
≤
2
,
Υ
≥
0

) that correspond to energy condition preserving ($$\rho >0$$

ρ
>
0

) source. On the other hand, there exist well known black holes that do not preserve the energy conditions. In this paper, we shall therefore relax energy conditions and numerically explore the horizon patterns of the enlarged class of LSMA black holes. Four generic types of LV corrected black holes emerge, which interestingly include the analogue of the braneworld black hole ($$\rho <0$$

ρ
<
0

) lending to $$\Upsilon $$
Υ
a new interpretation of “tidal charge” known as an imprint from the 5d bulk in the Randall–Sundrum scenario. We shall then show that Thorne’s hoop conjecture, $$\mathcal {H} \le 1$$

H
≤
1

, where $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
is the Hod function, consistently holds for three types and their generalizations. However, intriguingly, it turns out that, for the remaining type (viz., Schwarzschild–de Sitter and its generalizations), the hoop conjecture does not hold. It is also shown that braneworld tidal charge black holes increases the LV correction to planetary perihelion advance in contrast to the decrease due to ordinary black holes thereby providing a qualitative distinction between them.
Chaotic string dynamics in bosonic η-deformed AdS5×T1,1 background
Authors: Pal Jitendra
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate a new class of [Formula: see text]-deformed [Formula: see text] backgrounds produced by classical [Formula: see text]-matrices that satisfy the modified classical Yang–Baxter equation [JHEP 03, 094 (2022)]. We consider the string sigma model on [Formula: see text]-deformed [Formula: see text] background. We numerically examined the classical phase space dynamics of these (semi)classical strings over this deformed background and computed several chaos indicators. These involve figuring out the Poincaré section and computing the Lyapunov exponents. In the (semi)classical limit, we discover evidence that supports a non-integrable phase space dynamics.
Torsional deformation adjusts the electronic and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene
Authors: Gao Xuewen , Wang Ying , Su Qing , Liu Guili , Zhang Guoying
Published: October 2023

The electronic and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene at different torsion angles are investigated using the density functional theory (DFT). It was found that when silicene was hydrogenated, the Si atoms were pulled out of plane due to covalent interactions between the Si and H atoms, increasing their flexural height to 0.731 Å. Torsional deformation decreases the structural stability of hydrogenated silicene and its adsorption energy decreases with increasing twist angle. Under the effect of torsion deformation, the bandgap of hydrogenated silicene increases and then decreases. The bandgap is 2.168[Formula: see text]eV at a torsion angle of 0∘, indicating a wide bandgap semiconductor. Mulliken’s charge population analysis shows that charge transfer occurs between Si–H atoms, with Si atoms losing electrons and becoming positively charged and H atoms gaining electrons and becoming negatively charged. From the analysis of optical properties, the torsional deformation induced the maximum absorption and reflection peaks of all the hydrogenated silicene systems to appear in the ultraviolet region. Compared with the system without torsional deformation, these peaks exhibit varying degrees of red and blue shifts. The above findings provide guidance for the application of silicene in nanooptoelectronic devices.
Physical and mathematical investigation of natural convection and Fourier flux on the flow of energy and diffusion transmission of a body of cone and a cylinder revolution
Authors: Alkarni Shalan
Published: October 2023

The thermal radiation and Fourier flux have drawn the attention of scientists and experts due to their extensive applications in the fields of medicine, manufacturing modern airplanes, water distillation, more efficient electronic devices, more efficient batteries, radiating treatment, and the textile industry. Through careful consideration of this, the mathematical investigation of natural convection and Fourier flux on the flow of energy and diffusion transmission of a body of cone and cylinder revolution, located in a saturated medium, has been described for the dual situations (flow over a cone and a cylinder). After then, the Runge–Kutta technique was used to explain the leading mechanism. Possessions of governing physical measures of local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers as well as velocity, thermal and diffusion figures are provided with support of tables and diagrams. It is motivating to declare that mass transfer rate is advanced in cone kind of revolution matched to cylinder kind of revolution with rising [Formula: see text]. Also, the heat transmission rate is upper in cylinder revolution equated to cone revolution.
FRACTAL PULL-IN MOTION OF ELECTROSTATIC MEMS RESONATORS BY THE VARIATIONAL ITERATION METHOD
Authors: FENG GUANG-QING , ZHANG LI , TANG WEI
Published: October 2023

The dynamic pull-in instability of a microstructure is a vast research field and its analysis is of great significance for ensuring the effective operation and reliability of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). A fractal modification for the traditional MEMS system is suggested to be closer to the real state as a practical application in the air with impurities or humidity. In this paper, we establish a fractal model for a class of electrostatically driven microstructure resonant sensors and find the phenomenon of pull-in instability caused by DC bias voltage and AC excitation voltage. The variational iteration method has been extended to obtain approximate analytical solutions and the pull-in threshold value for the fractal MEMS system. The result obtained from this method shows good agreement with the numerical solution. The simple and efficient operability is demonstrated through theoretical analysis and results comparisons.
A Modified TOPSIS Approach with Three-Way Decision
Authors: Zhan Qiuyan , Jin Lesheng , Yager Ronald R.
Published: October 2023

In real life, multiple attribute decision problems (MADM) can be applied in different areas and numerous related extensions and methodologies have been proposed by researchers. Combining three-way TOPSIS decision ideas with MADM is a feasible and meaningful research direction. In light of this, this paper generalizes the classical TOPSIS method with the help of mean and standard deviation and proposes the so-called modified three-way TOPSIS. First, using a pair of thresholds which is derived by mean and standard deviation, we divide decision alternatives into three segments, and then a preliminary rank results of decision alternatives can be obtained. Furthermore, in each decision region, we use two ranking regulations (one-way TOPSIS or modified two-way TOPSIS method) to rank decision alternatives. A practical example of urban expressway route selection illustrates the feasibility of the proposed method. Finally, we test the feasibility and validity of the modified three-way TOPSIS method by comparing with some existing method.
Environmental Assessment of Onshore Wind Energy Plans in Germany and Scotland: A Procedural Compliance with Respect to Integration of Climate Change Impacts
Authors: Baloch Hina Khan , Weiland Ulrike
Published: October 2023

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) provides an opportunity to integrate climate change issues into renewable energy plans to mitigate the effects of climate change. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the extent to which climate change issues are incorporated into SEAs of onshore wind energy plans in Germany and Scotland. To achieve our objective, we employed a modified version of the Lee and Colley review package to analyse SEA reports. The combined results of our analysis show that 49% and approximately 45% of the overall tasks performed in all the review areas in terms of climate change integration in the documents reviewed were considered satisfactory for Germany and Scotland, respectively. In order to effectively consider the climate change impacts in SEAs and to efficiently plan for onshore wind energy development, due consideration should be given to the adoption of diverse methodological approaches and models of climate change.
A
40
Ar/
39
Ar and U–Pb timescale for the Cretaceous Western Interior Basin, North America
Authors: Singer Brad S. , Jicha Brian R. , Sawyer David A. , Walaszczyk Ireneusz , Landman Neil , Sageman Bradley B. , McKinney Kevin C.
Published: October 2023

Improvements in analytical procedures in parallel with intercalibration of
40
Ar/
39
Ar and U–Pb methods and laboratories, spurred since 2003 by the EarthTime geochronology community initiative, have led to ±2
σ
uncertainties of the order of 50–100 ka, or better, for Cretaceous ash beds. Assembled here are 57
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages and 17
238
U–
206
Pb ages of volcanic ash beds in strata of the Western Interior Basin of North America determined during the last 15 years since these improvements have been made. These age determinations span from 108 Ma in the middle Albian to 66 Ma in the latest Maastrichtian. Five of the
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages from Campanian and Maastrichtian strata are newly reported here, whereas the remainder are from the literature. Building on the pioneering work of John Obradovich and Bill Cobban, where possible these age determinations are tied to ammonite and inoceramid biostratigraphy. For most ash beds, the temporal uncertainties, unlike earlier timescales for the Western Interior Basin, are much shorter than the duration of fossil biozones. Proposed ages for stage boundaries based on this review of the radioisotopic ages include: Maastrichtian–Danian, 66.02 ± 0.08 Ma; Campanian–Maastrichtian, 72.20 ± 0.20 Ma; Santonian–Campanian, 84.19 ± 0.38 Ma; Coniacian–Santonian, 86.49 ± 0.44 Ma; Turonian–Coniacian, 89.75 ± 0.38 Ma; Cenomanian–Turonian, 93.95 ± 0.05 Ma; Albian–Cenomanian, 100.00 ± 0.40 Ma.

Six bentonites that occur within the
Vascoceras diartianum, Neocardiocerus juddi, Prionocylus macombi, Scaphites preventricosus, Scaphites depressus
and
Desmoscaphites bassleri
ammonite zones, dated using both
40
Ar/
39
Ar and U–Pb methods, yield ages in agreement to within 150 ka and form the backbone of the Western Interior Basin timescale. In parallel, improvements in the taxonomy of ammonites, inoceramids and foraminifera, and recent field work, are better establishing the biostratigraphic framework for these age determinations. Each of these efforts contributes to the progressive refinement of the chronostratigraphic framework of the Western Interior Basin, and enhances its utility for global correlation.
Symbolic Refinement for CPS
Authors: de Niz Dionisio , Wrage Lutz
Published: October 2023

In this paper we present an analysis contract approach that takes advantage of efficient domain-specific analysis algorithms, enable incremental analysis of architectural model refinements, and implement assume-guarantee reasoning in symbolic domains in SMT.
Fabrication, Functional Properties, and Potential Applications of Mixed Gellan–Polysaccharide Systems: A Review
Authors: Yan Bowen , Chen Tiantian , Tao Yuan , Zhang Nana , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Fan Daming
Published: October 2023

Gellan, an anionic heteropolysaccharide synthesized by Sphingomonas elodea, is an excellent gelling agent. However, its poor mechanical strength and high gelling temperature limit its application. Recent studies have reported that combining gellan with other polysaccharides achieves desirable properties for food- and biomaterial-related applications. This review summarizes the fabrication methods, functional properties, and potential applications of gellan–polysaccharide systems. Starch, pectin, xanthan gum, and konjac glucomannan are the most widely used polysaccharides in these composite systems. Heating–cooling and ionic-induced cross-linking approaches have been used in the fabrication of these systems. Composite gels fabricated using gellan and various polysaccharides exhibit different functional properties, possibly because of their distinct molecular interactions. In terms of applications, mixed gellan–polysaccharide systems have been extensively used in texture modification, edible coatings and films, bioactive component delivery, and tissue-engineering applications. Further scientific studies, including structural determinations of mixed systems, optimization of processing methods, and expansion of applications in food-related fields, are needed.
Norm Dynamics: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social Norm Emergence, Persistence, and Change
Authors: Gelfand Michele J. , Gavrilets Sergey , Nunn Nathan
Published: October 2023

Social norms are the glue that holds society together, yet our knowledge of them remains heavily intellectually siloed. This article provides an interdisciplinary review of the emerging field of norm dynamics by integrating research across the social sciences through a cultural-evolutionary lens. After reviewing key distinctions in theory and method, we discuss research on norm psychology—the neural and cognitive underpinnings of social norm learning and acquisition. We then overview how norms emerge and spread through intergenerational transmission, social networks, and group-level ecological and historical factors. Next, we discuss multilevel factors that lead norms to persist, change, or erode over time. We also consider cultural mismatches that can arise when a changing environment leads once-beneficial norms to become maladaptive. Finally, we discuss potential future research directions and the implications of norm dynamics for theory and policy.
Antimicrobial Activity of Filtered Far‐UVC Light (222 nm) against Different Pathogens
Authors: Lorenzo-Leal Ana C. , Tam Wenxi , Kheyrandish Ata , Mohseni Madjid , Bach Horacio
Published: October 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) light is an effective disinfection technology, able to inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. A safer UV wavelength of 222 nm, also known as far‐UVC, has been proposed to minimize these harmful effects while retaining the light’s disinfection capability. This study is aimed at exploring the antimicrobial activity of filtered far‐UVC (222 nm) on a panel of pathogens commonly found in nosocomial installations. A panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and yeast pathogens was tested. Microorganisms were deposited on a plastic surface, allowing them to dry before exposure to the far‐UVC light at a distance of 50 cm. Results showed that far‐UVC light successfully inhibits the growth of the tested pathogens, although at different exposure times. In conclusion, the results of this study provide fundamental information to achieve reliable disinfection performance with far‐UVC lamps with potential applications in healthcare facilities like hospitals and long‐term care homes.
Shaking Table Testing of a Scaled Nuclear Power Plant Structure with Base Isolation
Authors: Song Linlin , Zhang Xueming , Wei Mingyang , Sun Yunlun , Chen Shicai , Chen Yan
Published: October 2023

To investigate the seismic performance and isolation effect of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, a 1/20 scale model including a reactor, a spent-fuel plant, and a nuclear auxiliary plant was fabricated. In addition, 220 mm lead-rubber bearings were designed and produced for use in the shaking table test, which included both isolated and nonisolated conditions. Two historical earthquake records and three artificial earthquake motions were used to input the ground motion in the tests. The results demonstrated that the seismic performance of the plant was better and that the structure was in an elastic state, under a safe shutdown earthquake event. Isolation bearings were found to effectively reduce the dominate frequency of the structure. The acceleration amplification factor of the superstructure was found to be less than 1. The isolation test results showed that the peak of the floor response spectrum at the pressure vessel support was less than 0.1 g. In the nonisolation test, the peak of the floor response spectrum was greater than 1 g. In the isolation test, the relative displacement of the structure was less than 1.1 mm, which was relatively small. The structure maintained a good isolation performance and exhibited improved safety under extreme ground motion.
A Qualitative Study Identifying a Rural Community’s Barriers and Facilitators to Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences in Families with Young Children
Authors: LaRocca David , Puma Jini , Rosten Terra , Lacy Rachael , Risendal Betsy , Martinez Marlayna , Leiferman Jenn A.
Published: October 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events experienced before the age of 18 and include experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Exposure to ACEs early in life is a risk factor for adverse physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood, which may lead to subsequent child abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. This study examined a rural community’s barriers and facilitators to addressing ACEs in families with young children from the perspective of organizations serving children and families. The Innovation Corps (I-Corps) methodology was used to develop an ecosystem map of 64 community stakeholders, including 12 government, 13 healthcare, 27 early childhood education (ECE), and 12 community-based organizations, involved in the community’s system of care for families with young children. Representatives from the stakeholder organizations identified in the ecosystem map were then recruited via purposeful and snowball sampling, and semistructured interviews were conducted with 37 participants. Transcribed notes and direct quotes were analyzed using a constant comparison analysis approach, and five themes emerged from the analysis. Barriers to addressing ACEs included limited mental health resources in ECE settings for both children and teachers, stigma, and limited access to local healthcare, while facilitators included establishing trusted relationships between organizations and families and using strengths-based approaches with families. This study characterized facilitators and barriers to addressing ACEs in families with young children residing in a rural community and provides guidance to inform future community-level ACEs interventions and policies.