bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical and Experimental Study on cold rolling process of 5B02 aluminum alloy tubes
Authors: Yu Zhenghang , Wang Yushan , Xiu Wei , Wang Yabao , Li Bao
Published: January 2024

Taking the rolling of 5B02 aluminum alloy tubes in Pilger LG50 mill as an example, the finite element analysis of the tube rolling process was carried out by using ABAQUS software. The effects of rolling speed, rotary angle and feeding amount on the inner wall stress of the tubing and the dimensional accuracy and ellipticity of the finishing section in the forming process of Pilger rolling of 5B02 aluminum alloy tubes were investigated through the orthogonal test. The optimal process parameters were preferably selected for the experimental validation. The results show that the stresses in the inner wall of the wall-reduced section of the billet are the highest during the whole rolling process. The average stresses in the inner wall of the reduced wall section of the billet are in the following order: feed>rotary angle>rolling speed. The feed and rolling speed have a greater influence on the dimensional accuracy and ovality of the finishing section. Excessive rotary angle can lead to grid distortion in the reduced-wall section of the billet. The 5B02 aluminum alloy tubes rolled at a rolling speed of 1989mm/s, a rotary angle of 57°, and a feed of 2.5mm meet the requirements of dimensional accuracy, internal surface quality, and metallurgical structure, and improve production efficiency.
Study on Rheological Squeeze Casting Process of Ultra-high Strength Al-11Zn-1.8Mg-0.9Cu-0.15Zr-0.15Sc Alloy
Authors: Zijing Wang , Zhifeng Zhang , Yongtao Xu , Purui Zhao , Yabao Wang
Published: January 2024

7xxx series Al alloys with excellent mechanical properties are widely applied in aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. However, the casting performance of the alloy is relatively poor, and defects such as shrinkage porosity and thermal cracking are easy to occur during the solidification process. In this study, Al-11Zn-1.8Mg-0.9Cu-0.15Zr-0.15Sc alloy with excellent casting and strength performance developed by our research group, was studied by combining numerical simulation with experimental research. The simulation results show that hot joints appear in the thick wall of the wheel parts as the melt temperature increases. The increase of mold temperature and the decrease of squeeze pressure lead to the increase of the existence time of hot joints, which will aggravate the shrinkage and micro-segregation of castings. The experimental results show that electromagnetic stirring melt treatment can significantly improve melt uniformity, refine grain, and a wheel-shaped part with high performance can be obtained when the melt temperature, the mold temperature, the squeeze pressure are chosen as 660 °C, 200 °C, 50MPa, respectively.
Influence of laser printing mode on thermal behaviors, forming characteristics, and microstructure evolutions of additive manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Wang Rui , Du Chengchao , Kan Xinfeng , Chen Chao , Jiang Xiaowei
Published: January 2024

Ti6Al4V parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology have been widely used in such fields as aerospace, automotive and medical implants. This study investigates the effect of laser scanning modes on thermal behaviors, forming characteristics, and microstructural evolutions of LPBF-fabricated Ti6Al4V parts. The numerical simulations on the temperature field provide a theoretical explanation of various surface morphologies, surface roughness values and relative densities of samples. The rotation between adjacent layers diminishes the large directional thermal stress generated by X scanning or Y scanning, the Ti6Al4V samples using XY scanning and Island scanning present smooth surface and higher relative density (> 99.0%). The observed staggered martensite within the columnar β grains is due to the epitaxial solidification across the deposited layers with 90° or 37° rotation. The martensite growth of LPBF-processed Ti6Al4V components using X scanning has a similar inclination along the building direction and presents anisotropic characteristics. These findings provide new inspirations for achieving high-performance titanium alloy components with specific microstructure by LPBF technique using a proper laser scanning mode.
Serial powering characterisation for the CMS Inner Tracker at the High Luminosity LHC
Authors: Ceccarelli Rudy ,   the CMS Tracker group
Published: January 2024

The CMS tracking system will be completely replaced in order to operate in the extreme
conditions of the High Luminosity LHC. The new tracker will consist of two main subdetectors: the
Inner Tracker, containing pixel modules, and the Outer Tracker, consisting of strip and
macro-pixel modules. In the Inner Tracker, silicon sensors will be read out by the CMS Readout
Chip (CROC). The chip, built in 65 nm CMOS technology, is able to withstand high radiation doses
(500 Mrad) and hit rates (3 GHz/cm2 on the innermost tracking layer) during
operation. Moreover, it must handle a fine sensor granularity (2500 µm2
pixels) and operate at low detection thresholds (1000 e-). The Inner Tracker will
make use of the serial powering scheme to provide the ∼60 kW required by ∼4000
modular units. The Shunt-LDO (SLDO) regulator is the part of the CROC responsible for providing
the power by draining a constant current in time, independently of the chip power consumption.
Tests performed with Single Chip Cards (SCC) in serial configurations are reported in this paper.
Nighttime heat waves in the Euro-Mediterranean region: definition, characterisation, and seasonal prediction
Authors: Torralba Verónica , Materia Stefano , Cavicchia Leone , Carmen Álvarez-Castro M , Prodhomme Chloé , McAdam Ronan , Scoccimarro Enrico , Gualdi Silvio
Published: January 2024

The combined effect of above-normal nighttime temperatures with high humidity poses a high risk to human health by impeding the body’s recovery from daytime heat exposure. Seasonal predictions of nighttime heat waves (NHWs) can help to better anticipate these episodes and reduce their social and economic impacts. However, the ability of the seasonal forecast systems to predict NHWs has not been explored yet. This work investigates the potential of four seasonal forecasting systems and a multi-model (MM) ensemble to provide useful information on the frequency and magnitude of the NHWs in the Euro-Mediterranean region during the boreal summer season. The analysis employs a modified version of the heat wave magnitude index (HWMI) to evaluate the NHWs. Our results demonstrate for the first time that this index is an optimal choice for the seasonal prediction analysis as it is invariant to the mean biases and provides an integrated view of the NHWs for the entire season. In addition, the percentage of days in a season with temperatures exceeding the 90th percentile (NDQ90) has been used to assess the NHWs’ seasonal frequency. Different proxies for the assessment of NHWs have been considered: apparent temperature at night (ATn, computed from temperature and humidity at night), mean temperature at night, and daily minimum temperature. All these proxies are valid for the assessment of the NHWs, but ATn is more informative about the stress on human health since it includes the impact of humidity. This work has revealed that state-of-the-art seasonal forecast systems can represent the interannual variability of both HWMI and NDQ90 in Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, but they show limitations in Northern Europe. The predictive capabilities of the seasonal forecasts in specific regions demonstrate the potential of these predictions for the effective management of the risks associated with summer NHWs.
Mass of quantum topological excitations and order parameter finite size dependence
Authors: Delfino Gesualdo , Sorba Marianna
Published: January 2024

We consider the spontaneously broken regime of the O(n) vector model in

d
=
n
+
1

space-time dimensions, with boundary conditions enforcing the presence of a topological defect line. Comparing theory and finite size dependence of one-point functions observed in recent numerical simulations we argue that the mass of the underlying topological quantum particle becomes infinite when

d
⩾
4

.
Terahertz bi-functional polarization converter based on interference mechanism supported by diatomic metasurfaces
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Wenhui , Xu Hang , Song Chunyu , Tan Qi , Yao Jianquan
Published: January 2024

Polarization manipulation based on the Jones matrix facilitates the enhancement of light-matter interactions. Recently, arbitrarily tailorable polarization states generated with the assistance of a diatomic metasurface effectively reduce the complexity of the system. Nevertheless, a single polarization switching behavior hinders the application of meta-platforms in cryptographic imaging. Here, we theoretically propose and design a single-layer diatomic all-dielectric metasurface working in the terahertz band, which can efficiently realize bi-functional polarization switching according to the Jones matrix. Such a meta-platform is assembled from two anisotropic silicon pillars with carefully optimized lateral dimensions and in-plane twist angles. Benefiting from the flexible assembly of half-wave plate and quarter-wave plate, the polarization states generated by the constructed metasurfaces in the transmission mode can be arbitrarily tailored. The feasibility of this diatomic metasurface is further validated by a broadband near-field imaging device, paving the way for broader system applications in cryptographic imaging, data storage, and chiral sensing.
Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 3): meta-market analysis 2023
Authors: Schmaltz Thomas , Wormer Lorenzo , Schmoch Ulrich , Döscher Henning
Published: January 2024

Graphene and related materials (GRMs) promise ample application potential throughout numerous industries. A dedicated graphene market gradually forms around emerging suppliers aspiring to satisfy future demands. Its growth critically depends on the interplay of supply stream maturation and initial utilizations to drive the demand. The present issue of Graphene Roadmap Briefs provides quantitative insights into the current state and future development of the emerging graphene market. We aggregate the underlying expectations and projections from commercial market reports and critically discuss the results. Established science and technology metrics complement our analyses and provide deeper insights into the global market landscape and key actors. In particular, we resolve composites, batteries, and electronics as major application areas likely to drive the overall development of the graphene market towards mass production.

About: Graphene Roadmap Briefs

Graphene Roadmap Briefs highlight key innovation areas impacted by graphene and related materials (GRMs) as well as overarching aspects of GRM innovation status and prospects. The series bases on the evolving technology and innovation roadmap process initiated by the European Graphene Flagship. It covers crucial innovation trends beyond fundamental scientific discovery and applied research on GRM utilization opportunities.
Synthesis, characterization, and swelling properties of a novel tapioca-g-Poly(Acrylic acid−2−acrylamido−2−methylpropane sulfonic acid)/ammonium polyphosphate superabsorbent polymer
Authors: Vo Ngoc Binh , Tran Thi Yen , Nguyen Le Thanh Hang , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Nguyen Van Tuyen , Ngo Quoc Anh
Published: January 2024

In this study, a novel superabsorbent polymer tapioca starch-g-poly(acrylic acid-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)/ammonium polyphosphate (TS-g-AA-AMPS/APP) was synthesized based on the graft copolymerization of tapioca starch (TS) with acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) via free radical polymerization in aqueous solution with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) additive added for study. The synthesized superabsorbent polymer material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Research investigating the material synthesis conditions to absorbance in distilled water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution has also been studied. Under optimal synthesis conditions, the absorbance in distilled water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution were 416 g g−1 and 61 g g−1, respectively, for the sample with 3 wt% APP content. The introduction of APP units has improved the absorption properties of the material such as the water retention capacity reaching 55.25% in 10 h at 60 °C. TS-AA-AMPS/APP exhibits reversible swelling ability, with the swelling level not being reduced compared to the initial after 5 swelling-drying cycles at 60 °C, and water absorption reaches swelling equilibrium after about 270 min. Additionally, TGA thermogravimetric analysis results showed an improvement in the thermal stability of TS-AA-AMPS/APP compared to the pure polymer. These results show that the TS-AA-AMPS/APP polymer with excellent swelling properties, low production cost, and environmentally friendly has the potential for practical applications in agriculture, gardening, and water retention materials.
Utilizing MODIS remote sensing and integrated data for forest fire spread modeling in the southwest region of Canada
Authors: Dastour Hatef , Hassan Quazi K
Published: January 2024

Accurate prediction of fire spread is considered crucial for facilitating effective fire management, enabling proactive planning, and efficient allocation of resources. This study places its focus on wildfires in two regions of Alberta, Fort McMurray and Slave Lake, in Southwest Canada. For the simulation of wildfire spread, an adapted fire propagation model was employed, incorporating MODIS datasets such as land surface temperature, land cover, land use, and integrated climate data. The pixels were classified as burned or unburned in relation to the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire and the initial 16 days of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, utilizing defined starting points and the aforementioned specified datasets. The simulation for the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire achieved an weighted average precision, recall, and f1-scores of 0.989, 0.986, and 0.987, respectively. Additionally, macro-averaged scores across these three phases were 0.735, 0.829, and 0.774 for precision, recall, and F1-scores, respectively. The simulation of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire introduced a phased analysis, dividing the initial 16 days into three distinct periods. This approach led to average precision, recall, and f1-scores of 0.958, 0.933, and 0.942 across these phases. Additionally, macro-averaged scores across these three phases were 0.681, 0.772, and 0.710 for precision, recall, and F1-scores, respectively. The strategy of segmenting simulations into phases may enhance adaptability to dynamic factors like weather conditions and firefighting strategies.
A comparative analysis of accelerating humid and dry heat stress in India
Authors: Sojan Jency Maria , Srinivasan Jayaraman
Published: January 2024

Extreme humid heat stress poses distinct challenges to human health and productivity that cannot be mitigated solely by heat action plans designed for dry heat stress. This study investigates the trends in extreme heat stress, differentiating between dry and moist heat, in India from 1943 to 2022 using the high-resolution hourly ERA5 reanalysis data. The analysis utilizes the Heat Index (HI) as a key parameter to identify instances of extreme humid heat stress, characterized by HI values exceeding 41 degrees Celsius and relative humidity more than 50%. The findings indicate that certain eastern coastal regions in peninsular India experience extreme humid heat stress from May to June due to persistent high humidity levels. In addition, northwest, northcentral and inland eastern coastal regions encounter extreme dry heat stress preceding the monsoon season, followed by a transition to humid heat stress immediately after the onset of the monsoon. The results also show that there has been a significant increase ofsix times (on average) in the extreme humid heat stress hours per grid over the past 80 years compared to a threefold increase in dry heat stress. Our research underscores the need to shift from exclusively addressing dry heat stress to adopting a comprehensive approach that considers the impacts of humid heat stress.
Optical, thermal, and electrical analysis of perovskite solar cell with grated cds and embedded plasmonic Au nanoparticles
Authors: Islam Ohidul , Anik M Hussayeen Khan , Mahmud Sakib , Debnath Joyprokash , Habib Ahsan , Islam Sharnali
Published: January 2024

We propose a novel approach to enhance the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by incorporating grated Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) and plasmonic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) into the absorber layer. The CdS grating acts as the electron transport layer and penetrates into the perovskite absorber layer, increasing the absorption of the active layer and reducing the electron–hole recombination rate. The plasmonic Au NPs enhance the absorption in the infrared region by scattering and trapping the incident light. We perform a coupled optical and electrical study that shows a significant improvement in the short circuit current density (

J

S
C

) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSC after introducing the CdS grating and plasmonic Au NPs. Specifically, we observe a 48% increase in average optical absorption from 800 nm to 1400 nm and a 7.42 mA cm−2 increase in J

S
C

. We also find that the PCE of the PSC is increased by 7.91% when comparing the planar reference structure (without the CdS grating and the plasmonic Au NP). However, metal nanoparticles introduce ohmic losses and temperature rise in the solar cell. We analyze the non-radiative heat profile, electric field distribution, and temperature distribution across the PSC. We observe a temperature increase of approximately 14 K above the ambient temperature for the grated CdS layer with incorporated Au NPs, which is comparable to the temperature increase observed in the planar reference structure. Our results have the potential to pave the way for the development of highly efficient and stable PSCs in the future.
G-code generation for deposition of continuous glass fibers on curved surfaces using material extrusion-based 3D printing
Authors: Akhoundi Behnam , Safi Jahanshahi Amin , Abbassloo Aslan
Published: January 2024

Improving the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts produced through a material extrusion-based 3D printer with continuous fibers (carbon, glass, and aramid) has been a focal point for numerous researchers. Given the layered nature of additive manufacturing (AM) processes, wherein parts are built up layer by layer, most studies involve the deposition of continuous fibers onto a 2D surface. Cases involving curved surfaces have employed robots with high degrees of freedom. This research introduces a method for depositing continuous glass fibers onto curved surfaces, implemented on a cost-effective material extrusion-based 3D printer. The presented approach involves G-code modification, the incorporation of a rotating axis for the nozzle, and the application of computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. Experimental results affirm the efficacy of this method for depositing continuous fibers onto curved surfaces. The developed technique enables the production of free-form composite shells with a thermoplastic matrix and continuous fiber reinforcement. Lastly, through 3D scanning of the printed sample and subsequent comparison with the 3D model, the degree of surface form deviation and tolerance is determined. The maximum deviation identified in this study is 0.1 mm, a tolerable amount considering the inherent characteristics and behaviors of thermoplastic materials (shrinkage and warpage) during production processes.
Monoidal categories, representation gap and cryptography
Authors: Khovanov Mikhail , Sitaraman Maithreya , Tubbenhauer Daniel
Published: January 2024

The linear decomposition attack provides a serious obstacle to direct applications of noncommutative groups and monoids (or semigroups) in cryptography. To overcome this issue we propose to look at monoids with only big representations, in the sense made precise in the paper, and undertake a systematic study of such monoids. One of our main tools is Green’s theory of cells (Green’s relations).

A large supply of monoids is delivered by monoidal categories. We consider simple examples of monoidal categories of diagrammatic origin, including the Temperley–Lieb, the Brauer and partition categories, and discuss lower bounds for their representations.
The effects of boundary roughness on the MHD duct flow with slip hydrodynamic condition
Authors: Pažanin Igor , Pereira Marcone
Published: January 2024

In this paper we present the analytical study of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow through a rectangular duct driven by the pressure gradient and under the action of the transverse magnetic field. Motivated by various MHD applications in which hydrodynamic slip naturally occur, we prescribe the slipping boundary condition on the upper boundary which contains irregularities as well. Depending on the period of the boundary roughness, we derive three different limit problems by using rigorous analysis in the appropriate functional setting. This approach also enables us to determine the relative contribution of the MHD effect and the slip itself in the governing coupled system satisfied by the velocity and induced magnetic field.
The p24-family and COPII subunit SEC24C facilitate the clearance of alpha1-antitrypsin Z from the endoplasmic reticulum to lysosomes
Authors: Roberts Benjamin S. , Mitra Debashree , Abishek Sudhanshu , Beher Richa , Satpute-Krishnan Prasanna
Published: January 2024

A subpopulation of the alpha-1-antitrypsin misfolding Z mutant (ATZ) is cleared from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via an ER-to-lysosome-associated degradation (ERLAD) pathway. Here, we report that the COPII subunit SEC24C and the p24-family of proteins facilitate the clearance of ATZ via ERLAD. In addition to the previously reported ERLAD components calnexin and FAM134B, we discovered that ATZ coimmunoprecipitates with the p24-family members TMP21 and TMED9. This contrasts with wild type alpha1-antitrypsin, which did not coimmunoprecipitate with FAM134B, calnexin or the p24-family members. Live-cell imaging revealed that ATZ and the p24-family members traffic together from the ER to lysosomes. Using chemical inhibitors to block ER exit or autophagy, we demonstrated that p24-family members and ATZ co-accumulate at SEC24C marked ER-exit sites or in ER-derived compartments, respectively. Furthermore, depletion of SEC24C, TMP21, or TMED9 inhibited lysosomal trafficking of ATZ and resulted in the increase of intracellular ATZ levels. Conversely, overexpression of these p24-family members resulted in the reduction of ATZ levels. Intriguingly, the p24-family members coimmunoprecipitate with ATZ, FAM134B, and SEC24C. Thus, we propose a model in which the p24-family functions in an adaptor complex linking SEC24C with the ERLAD machinery for the clearance of ATZ.
How to be good to your brain
Authors: Watt Clare , Rasinskaite Dovile
Published: January 2024

Clare Watt and Dovile Rasinskaite have some pointers for research students – and their supervisors – to maintain mental health
High-dimensional quantile mediation analysis with application to a birth cohort study of mother–newborn pairs
Authors: Zhang Haixiang , Hong Xiumei , Zheng Yinan , Hou Lifang , Zheng Cheng , Wang Xiaobin , Liu Lei
Published: January 2024

Motivation

There has been substantial recent interest in developing methodology for high-dimensional mediation analysis. Yet, the majority of mediation statistical methods lean heavily on mean regression, which limits their ability to fully capture the complex mediating effects across the outcome distribution. To bridge this gap, we propose a novel approach for selecting and testing mediators throughout the full range of the outcome distribution spectrum.

Results

The proposed high-dimensional quantile mediation model provides a comprehensive insight into how potential mediators impact outcomes via their mediation pathways. This method’s efficacy is demonstrated through extensive simulations. The study presents a real-world data application examining the mediating effects of DNA methylation on the relationship between maternal smoking and offspring birthweight.

Availability and implementation

Our method offers a publicly available and user-friendly function qHIMA(), which can be accessed through the R package HIMA at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=HIMA.
A multi-centre stereotactic radiosurgery planning study of multiple brain metastases using isocentric linear accelerators with 5 and 2.5 mm width multi-leaf collimators, CyberKnife and Gamma Knife
Authors: Hanvey Scott , Hackett Philippa , Winch Lucy , Lim Elizabeth , Laney Robin , Welsh Liam
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study compared plans of high definition (HD), 2.5 mm width multi-leaf collimator (MLC), to standard, 5 mm width, isocentric linear accelerator (linacs), CyberKnife (CK), and Gamma Knife (GK) for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) techniques on multiple brain metastases.

Methods

Eleven patients undergoing SRS for multiple brain metastases were chosen. Targets and organs at risk (OARs) were delineated and optimized SRS plans were generated and compared.

Results

The linacs delivered similar conformity index (CI) values, but the gradient index (GI) for HD MLCs was significantly lower (P-value <.001). Half the OARs received significantly lower dose using HD MLCs. CK delivered a significantly lower CI than HD MLC linac (P-value <.001), but a significantly higher GI (P-value <.001). CI was significantly improved with the HD MLC linac compared to GK (P-value = 4.591 × 10−3), however, GK delivered a significantly lower GI (P-value <.001). OAR dose sparing was similar for the HD MLC TL, CK, and GK.

Conclusions

Comparing linacs for SRS, the preferred choice is HD MLCs. Similar results were achieved with the HD MLC linac, CK, or GK, with each delivering significant improvements in different aspects of plan quality.

Advances in knowledge

This article is the first to compare HD and standard width MLC linac plans using a combination of single isocentre volumetric modulated arc therapy and multi-isocentric dynamic conformal arc plans as required, which is a more clinically relevant assessment. Furthermore, it compares these plans with CK and GK, assessing the relative merits of each technique.
‘Finding their voice’: exploring female adolescents’ perspectives and experiences of a youth leadership programme
Authors: Quartarella Gemma , Morda Romana , Chapin Laurie A
Published: January 2024

In order to increase women’s participation in leadership roles, an understanding of what barriers exist to inhibit female leadership development and what best practices can foster leadership in young women is needed. This qualitative study explored the leadership perspectives and experiences of eight young women (aged 14–16 years) who participated in a community-based youth leadership programme in Australia. Findings indicated that participants distinguished between believing they had the potential and skills to lead and having the confidence to say they are leaders. Gender socialization and implicit leadership beliefs influenced their understandings and perspectives of leadership and their willingness to pursue leadership. They identified the importance of female youth ‘finding their voice’ and not ‘holding back’. This study has significant potential organizational and community applications. Education and participation in community leadership programmes can be used as an opportunity to confront gendered assumptions, and better prepare young women for different types of leadership roles and foster their ability to be agents of social change.
Efficacy of Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin for Treatment of Pneumonic Tularemia in Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Williams Mark S
Published: January 2024

Background

The incidence of pneumonic tularemia is very low; therefore, it is not feasible to conduct clinical efficacy testing of tularemia medical countermeasures (MCMs) in humans. The US Food and Drug Administration’s Animal Model Qualification Program under the Drug Development Tools Program is a regulatory pathway for animal models used in MCM efficacy testing and approval under the Animal Rule. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority worked together to qualify the cynomolgus macaque model of pneumonic tularemia.

Methods

Using the model parameters and end points defined in the qualified model, efficacy of the antibiotics doxycycline and ciprofloxacin was evaluated in separate studies. Antibiotic administration, aimed to model approved human dosing, was initiated at time points of 24 hours or 48 hours after onset of fever as an indicator of disease.

Results

Upon aerosol exposure (target dose of 1000 colony-forming units) to Francisella tularensis SchuS4, 80% of vehicle-treated macaques succumbed or were euthanized. Ciprofloxacin treatment led to 10 of 10 animals surviving irrespective of treatment time. Doxycycline administered at 48 hours post-fever led to 10 of 10 animals surviving, while 9/10 animals survived in the group treated with doxycycline 24 hours after fever. Selected surviving animals in both the placebo and doxycycline 48-hour group showed residual live bacteria in peripheral tissues, while there were no bacteria in tissues from ciprofloxacin-treated macaques.

Conclusions

Both doxycycline and ciprofloxacin were efficacious in treatment of pneumonic tularemia, although clearance of bacteria may be different between the 2 drugs.
Francisella tularensis Bone and Joint Infections: United States, 2004–2023
Authors: Beeson Amy M , Baker Molly , Dell BreeAnna , Schnitzler Hannah , Oltean Hanna N , Woodall Tracy , Riedo Francis , Schwartz Amy , Petersen Jeannine , Hinckley Alison F , Marx Grace E
Published: January 2024

Tularemia is caused by the highly infectious bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is recognized as a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent. Tularemia has a range of recognized clinical manifestations, but fewer than 20 bone or joint infections from 6 countries have been reported in the literature to date. This series includes 13 cases of F. tularensis septic arthritis or osteomyelitis in the United States during 2004–2023 and describes exposures, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes for this rare but severe form of tularemia. Clinicians should consider F. tularensis in patients with compatible exposures or a history of joint replacement or immunosuppression.
Surgery for tracheal and laryngotracheal stenosis: a historical case series
Authors: Mammana Marco , Verzeletti Vincenzo , Baldi Matteo , Schiavon Marco , Dell’Amore Andrea , Rea Federico
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES

Benign (laryngo-)tracheal stenosis is a relatively rare pathology and its surgical treatment is performed only at few specialized centres. This study aims to investigate outcomes after (laryngo-)tracheal resection–anastomosis, to explore potential risk factors for postoperative complications and to assess whether, over a 33-year period, there were major changes in surgical indications, techniques or outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-centre review of all consecutive patients who underwent tracheal or laryngo-tracheal resection/anastomosis for benign pathologies from 1990 to 2023.

RESULTS

Overall, 211 patients underwent tracheal (149 patients, 70.6%) and laryngo-tracheal (62 patients, 29.4%) resection–anastomosis. Of these, 195 patients (93.8%) were affected by iatrogenic stenosis, while 13 (6.2%) suffered from idiopathic stenosis. The median length of stenosis was 25 mm (interquartile range 1–3, 20–30). The overall morbidity rate was 27.5%, while major morbidity occurred in 10.5% of cases. One patient (0.5%) died in the postoperative period. Glottic oedema (17 patients, 8.1%), granulations (12 patients, 5.7%) and restenosis (10 patients, 4.7%) were the main complications. The only independent risk factor for postoperative complications was the length of the resected airway (P = 0.019). In the latest half of the study period, an older median age was observed, and no patient with idiopathic tracheal stenosis underwent surgery. Postoperative outcomes were comparable between surgical eras.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of (laryngo-)tracheal stenosis is challenging and should be performed by specialized centres. In our experience, morbidity and mortality rates were satisfactory, and in most cases, patients could breathe without tracheostomy. The length of the stenosis was the most significant risk factor for postoperative complications.
Tissue-engineered and autologous pericardium in congenital heart surgery: comparative histopathological study of human vascular explants
Authors: Eildermann Katja , Durashov Maksim , Kuschnerus Kira , Poppe Andrea , Weixler Viktoria , Photiadis Joachim , Sigler Matthias , Murin Peter
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this histological study was to assess the biocompatibility of vascular patches used in the repair of congenital heart defects.

METHODS

We examined tissue-engineered bovine (n = 7) and equine (n = 7) patches and autologous human pericardium (n = 7), all explanted due to functional issues or follow-up procedures. Techniques like Movat-Verhoeff, von Kossa and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyse tissue composition, detect calcifications and identify immune cells. A semi-quantitative scoring system was implemented to evaluate the biocompatibility aspects, thrombus formation, extent of pannus, inflammation of pannus, cellular response to patch material, patch degradation, calcification and neoadventitial inflammation.

RESULTS

We observed distinct material degradation patterns among types of patches. Bovine patches showed collagen disintegration and exudate accumulation, whereas equine patches displayed edematous swelling and material dissolution. Biocompatibility scores were lower in terms of cellular response, degradation and overall score for human autologous pericardial patches compared to tissue-engineered types. The extent of pannus formation was not influenced by the type of patch. Bovine patches had notable calcifications causing tissue hardening, and foreign body giant cells were more frequently seen in equine patches. Plasma cells were frequently detected in the neointimal tissue of engineered patches.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the superior biocompatibility of human autologous patches and highlight discernible variations in the changes of patch material and the cellular response to patch material between bovine and equine patches. Our approach implements the semi-quantitative scoring of various aspects of biocompatibility, facilitating a comparative quantitative analysis across all types of patches, despite their inherent differences.
Ventricular septal defect following mitral valve replacement
Authors: Arriola-Montenegro Jose , Tandon Rishabh , Shaffer Andrew , Nijjar Prabhjot S
Published: January 2024

Mitral valve surgery (MVS), with repair preferred to replacement, is a common procedure for the treatment of severe primary mitral regurgitation related to leaflet prolapse. Structural complications after MVS include left ventricular outflow obstruction, paravalvular leak and atrial septal defect. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography and predischarge transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) specifically screen for these complications. Ventricular septal defect (VSD), a known complication after aortic valve surgery, is rarely reported after MVS. Recently, unsuccessful valvuloplasty prior to replacement was suggested as a risk factor. We present such a case and explore mechanisms with advanced cardiac imaging. In this case, the patient was found to have an elongated membranous septum that likely predisposed her to septal injury. Finally, we provide guidance on specific transoesophageal/transthoracic echocardiography views to avoid a missed diagnosis.
Phylogenomics of the Ecdysteroid Kinase-like (EcKL) Gene Family in Insects Highlights Roles in Both Steroid Hormone Metabolism and Detoxification
Authors: Scanlan Jack L , Robin Charles
Published: January 2024

The evolutionary dynamics of large gene families can offer important insights into the functions of their individual members. While the ecdysteroid kinase-like (EcKL) gene family has previously been linked to the metabolism of both steroid molting hormones and xenobiotic toxins, the functions of nearly all EcKL genes are unknown, and there is little information on their evolution across all insects. Here, we perform comprehensive phylogenetic analyses on a manually annotated set of EcKL genes from 140 insect genomes, revealing the gene family is comprised of at least 13 subfamilies that differ in retention and stability. Our results show the only two genes known to encode ecdysteroid kinases belong to different subfamilies and therefore ecdysteroid metabolism functions must be spread throughout the EcKL family. We provide comparative phylogenomic evidence that EcKLs are involved in detoxification across insects, with positive associations between family size and dietary chemical complexity, and we also find similar evidence for the cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase gene families. Unexpectedly, we find that the size of the clade containing a known ecdysteroid kinase is positively associated with host plant taxonomic diversity in Lepidoptera, possibly suggesting multiple functional shifts between hormone and xenobiotic metabolism. Our evolutionary analyses provide hypotheses of function and a robust framework for future experimental studies of the EcKL gene family. They also open promising new avenues for exploring the genomic basis of dietary adaptation in insects, including the classically studied coevolution of butterflies with their host plants.
Poor Oral Health Is Associated With Inflammation, Aortic Valve Calcification, and Brain Volume Among Forager-Farmers
Authors: Trumble Benjamin C , Schwartz Matthew , Ozga Andrew T , Schwartz Gary T , Stojanowski Christopher M , Jenkins Carrie L , Kraft Thomas S , Garcia Angela R , Cummings Daniel K , Hooper Paul L , Eid Rodriguez Daniel , Buetow Kenneth , Beheim Bret , Irimia Andrei , Thomas Gregory S , Thompson Randall C , Gatz Margaret , Stieglitz Jonathan , Finch Caleb E , Gurven Michael , Kaplan Hillard ,   HORUS Team
Published: January 2024

Poor oral health is associated with cardiovascular disease and dementia. Potential pathways include sepsis from oral bacteria, systemic inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies. However, in post-industrialized populations, links between oral health and chronic disease may be confounded because the lower socioeconomic exposome (poor diet, pollution, and low physical activity) often entails insufficient dental care. We assessed tooth loss, caries, and damaged teeth, in relation to cardiovascular and brain aging among the Tsimane, a subsistence population living a relatively traditional forager-horticulturalist lifestyle with poor dental health, but minimal cardiovascular disease and dementia. Dental health was assessed by a physician in 739 participants aged 40–92 years with cardiac and brain health measured by chest computed tomography (CT; n = 728) and brain CT (n = 605). A subset of 356 individuals aged 60+ were also assessed for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (n = 33 impaired). Tooth loss was highly prevalent, with 2.2 teeth lost per decade and a 2-fold greater loss in women. The number of teeth with exposed pulp was associated with higher inflammation, as measured by cytokine levels and white blood cell counts, and lower body mass index. Coronary artery calcium and thoracic aortic calcium were not associated with tooth loss or damaged teeth. However, aortic valve calcification and brain tissue loss were higher in those who had more teeth with exposed pulp. Overall, these results suggest that dental health is associated with indicators of chronic diseases in the absence of typical confounds, even in a population with low cardiovascular and dementia risk factors.
Social determinants of health literacy among parents and caregivers in the US-Affiliated Pacific
Authors: Dela Cruz Rica , Galbreath Jennifer , Butel Jean , Yamanaka Ashley B , Wilkens Lynne R , Aflague Tanisha , Coleman Patricia , Shallcross Leslie , McFall Pauline , Novotny Rachel
Published: January 2024

Health literacy is understudied in the US-Affiliated Pacific (USAP), where local populations have historically experienced social marginalization and disproportionate health inequities caused by the social determinants of health (SDOH). This cross-sectional study analyzed several SDOH indicators—acculturation, use of food assistance programs and demographic characteristics (race and ethnicity, household income, primary language spoken at home and educational attainment)—and their relationship to health literacy among 1305 parents/caregivers of young children ages 2–8 years old who participated in the Children’s Healthy Living (CHL) program in Alaska, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, and Hawai‘i. Significantly increased odds of low health literacy were found among parents/caregivers with households where a language other than English was the primary language compared to English-only households (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.22, 2.82), household income of <$35 000 compared to ≥$35 000 (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.13, 4.07), parents/caregivers of Asian children compared to parents/caregivers of White children (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.05, 6.84), parent/caregivers with less than or some high school education compared to high school completion (1st- to 8th-grade OR = 4.46, 95% CI = 2.09, 9.52; 9th- to 11th-grade OR 1.87, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.30) and parent/caregivers with acculturation status defined as marginalized as compared to integrated (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.09, 4.86). This study indicates that some USAP parents/caregivers may lack the capacity to acquire health information, utilize health resources, and navigate health decision making. Future efforts to understand and improve health literacy in the USAP should be population specific, thoroughly assess personal and organizational health literacy, and inventory community health care capacity.
Cannabis use among cancer patients and survivors in the United States: a systematic review
Authors: Amin Samia , Chae Si Woo , Kawamoto Crissy T , Phillips Kristina T , Pokhrel Pallav
Published: January 2024

Background

How cannabis products are being used by cancer patients and survivors in the United States is poorly understood. This study reviewed observational data to understand the modes, patterns, reasons, discontinuation, and adverse experiences of cannabis use.

Methods

PubMed and PsycINFO database searches were conducted between May 2022 and November 2022. Of the 1162 studies identified, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. The intercoder agreement was strong (0.81).

Results

The majority (74%) of the studies were cross-sectional in design. Study samples were approximately equal proportions of men and women and majority White participants. The prevalence of cannabis use based on national samples ranged between 4.8% and 22%. The most common modes of cannabis intake were topical application (80%), smoking (73%), vaping (12%), and ingestion of edible products (10%). Younger age, male gender, being a current or former smoker, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with greater likelihood of cannabis use. The main motive for cannabis use was management of symptoms due to cancer or cancer treatment such as pain, nausea, lack of sleep, and anxiety. A majority of the participants across studies reported that cannabis helped reduce these symptoms. Lack of symptom improvement, side effects such as fatigue and paranoia, cost, and social stigma were identified as some of the reasons for discontinuing cannabis use.

Conclusions

It appears that cannabis may help cancer patients and survivors manage symptoms. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether positive experiences of cannabis use outweigh adverse experiences over time in this vulnerable population.
Occurrence of pseudoaneurysm of the coronary button due to aortic remodeling after Bentall operation
Authors: Kanemura Takeyuki , Nakahara Yoshinori , Tateishi Retsu , Haba Fumiya , Ono Shunya
Published: January 2024

Here, we present a case report detailing a pseudoaneurysm of the coronary button due to aortic remodeling that occurred 2 years after aortic root replacement. The patient was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of left coronary artery pseudoaneurysm. Intraoperative findings revealed substantially loosened sutures in both the left and right coronary arteries with bleeding. Specifically, the left coronary artery was detached at the 6–9 o’clock positions. The operation was concluded with ligation of the loose suture and addition of a new suture. Chronic dissection thickened the aortic wall of the coronary artery ostium in the initial Bentall operation, whereas the sutured coronary button in this operation exhibited a normal arterial wall without a thickened dissected intima. This suggests that aortic wall remodelling of the coronary ostium leads to suture loosening and subsequent haemorrhage. Aortic wall remodeling may lead to bleeding or pseudoaneurysms during the remote period.
Dissection of theIDApromoter identifies WRKY transcription factors as abscission regulators in Arabidopsis
Authors: Galindo-Trigo Sergio , Bågman Anne-Maarit , Ishida Takashi , Sawa Shinichiro , Brady Siobhán M , Butenko Melinka A
Published: January 2024

Plants shed organs such as leaves, petals, or fruits through the process of abscission. Monitoring cues such as age, resource availability, and biotic and abiotic stresses allow plants to abscise organs in a timely manner. How these signals are integrated into the molecular pathways that drive abscission is largely unknown. The INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) gene is one of the main drivers of floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis and is known to transcriptionally respond to most abscission-regulating cues. By interrogating the IDA promoter in silico and in vitro, we identified transcription factors that could potentially modulate IDA expression. We probed the importance of ERF- and WRKY-binding sites for IDA expression during floral organ abscission, with WRKYs being of special relevance to mediate IDA up-regulation in response to biotic stress in tissues destined for separation. We further characterized WRKY57 as a positive regulator of IDA and IDA-like gene expression in abscission zones. Our findings highlight the promise of promoter element-targeted approaches to modulate the responsiveness of the IDA signaling pathway to harness controlled abscission timing for improved crop productivity.