bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simplicial graviton from selfdual Ashtekar variables
Authors: Wieland Wolfgang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In perturbative gravity, it is straight-forward to characterize the two local degrees of freedom of the gravitational field in terms of a mode expansion of the linearized perturbation. In the non-perturbative regime, we are in a more difficult position. It is not at all obvious how to construct Dirac observables that can separate the gauge orbits. Standard procedures rely on asymptotic boundary conditions or formal Taylor expansions of relational observables. In this paper, we lay out a new non-perturbative lattice approach to tackle the problem in terms of Ashtekar’s self-dual formulation. Starting from a simplicial decomposition of space, we introduce a local kinematical phase space at the lattice sites. At each lattice site, we introduce a set of constraints that replace the generators of the hypersurface deformation algebra in the continuum. We show that the discretized constraints close under the Poisson bracket. The resulting reduced phase space describes two complex physical degrees of freedom representing the two radiative modes at the discretized level. The paper concludes with a discussion of the key open problems ahead and the implications for quantum gravity.
An ultra-thin multifunctional chiral metasurface with asymmetric transmission, cross-polarization conversion, and circular dichroism for Ku- and K-band applications
Authors: Ahmed Afzal , Cao Qunsheng , Khan Muhammad Ismail , Sajjad Muhammad , Ahmed Fahad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a bi-layered ultra-thin multifunctional chiral metasurface is proposed to obtain asymmetric transmission (AT), cross-polarization conversion (CPC), and circular dichroism (CD). The multifunctional chiral metasurface realizes an AT with more than 70% efficiency over a Ku-band frequency range from 14.3 to 15.8 GHz, while in the operating frequency band from 13.5 to 16.2 GHz, the CPC ratio is above 90%. In addition, the metasurface exhibits CD in the K-band with a CD parameter of 0.6 at 24 GHz. Furthermore, the functionalities of AT and CPC are stable with changes in the incident angle of up to 60° for both transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic electromagnetic waves. For verification of the anticipated concept, the proposed chiral metasurface is fabricated and measured. The proposed design can be used for potential applications in the Ku- and K-bands for satellite communication and radar.
ASTOR: the imaging beamline of the Argentine Neutron Beam Laboratory
Authors: Vega N A , Bertalot F M , Bazzana S , Peirone M , Santisteban J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The ASTOR instrument is a state-of-the-art neutron imaging instrument being developed by LAHN (Laboratorio Argentino de Haces de Neutrones or Argentinian Laboratory of Neutron Beams) to be installed on one of the cold neutron beams of the 30MW open pool reactor RA-10, currently under construction at the outskirts of Buenos Aires. ASTOR will have direct view to a D2 cold source and will include a primary collimator at 2.5m from its surface. Its design includes a beam conformation room with a set of exchangeable secondary collimators to further collimate the beam, and several devices (solid state filters, a velocity selector and a double crystal monochromator) to tailor the energy spectrum for specific applications. Downstream the beam, it will have an experimental room with ample space for objects and samples, and L/D ratios in the range 120-1500 with calculated fluxes of 3.7x108 n/cm2s and 2.4x106 n/cm2s respectively (E<25meV) and a maximum field of view of 25x25 cm2. It will also count with two rectangular pinholes to obtain increased resolution in one dimension without substantially decreasing the flux.
New Measurements on Borated Neutron Imaging Screens at Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC)
Authors: Schillinger B , Chuirazzi W , Cool S , Craft A , Kis Z , Szentmiklósi L , Tengattini A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The most commonly used screens for neutron imaging consist of 6LiF+ZnS. This type of screen yields the highest light output per detected neutron. For high resolution, gadolinium-oxisulfide (Gadox) screens are employed, which have a much higher detection efficiency, but a light output much lower than LiF+ZnS that measurements are often limited by photon statistics. Screens using boron as neutron sensitive material have not been very successful in the past but recently, a new preparation method was introduced that combines light output 5-6 times higher than Gadox with detection efficiency larger than LiF+ZnS. Previous measurements were performed at FRM II, Garching, and ILL, Grenoble, which already matched a Gadox screen in resolution, but still contained too many inhomogeneities in the detector material’s grains to produce an optimized detector. We report about the most recent measurements of new borated screens produced with an improved milling process at the NORMA facility at Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC), in comparison to a high resolution Gadox screen.
Neutron autoradiography with nuclear tracks detectors: an imaging technique for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Portu Agustina M , Espain Maria S , Viglietti Julia S , Martin Gisela Saint 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a radiation treatment modality for cancer based on the 10B(n,α)7Li (BNC) reaction. Knowledge of the spatial location of boron atoms is essential when considering a BNCT treatment, since the BNC reaction products cause lethal damage in a range comparable to cell diameter. Neutron autoradiography is a technique able to provide this information with high resolution at relatively low cost. First a boron-loaded biological matrix is laid on a nuclear track detector (NTD). By irradiating this assembly with thermal neutrons, the emitted particles of the BNC reaction produce damaged zones in the NTD along each incident ion trajectory, and by mapping these nuclear tracks boron spatial distribution in the sample can be assessed. In our laboratory, we have established different approaches: high fluence autoradiography (HFA), to observe boron microdistribution through differences in shades of gray; quantitative autoradiography (QTA), which allows the correlation between track density measurements and boron concentration; and UV-C sensitization of polymers (UVC-a), which produces an imprint of the biological material in the NTD, thus improving the spatial resolution. Moreover, we aim to develop a technique using commercial CMOS sensors in order to simultaneously detect the BNC events and the image of the biological sample during irradiation. The objective of this work is to describe the mentioned approaches and to discuss future perspectives.
Study and perspective on neutron beam divergence improvement achievable by the combination of two or more neutron collimating systems
Authors: Sans-Planell Oriol , Cantini Francesco , Costa Marco , Grazzi Francesco , Morgano Manuel , Yamada Masako 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This communication presents the results obtained at an experimental campaign at PSI BOA beamline using the combination of the ANET Compact Neutron Collimator (CNC) with the actual BOA pin-hole system. Through extensive resolution campaigns, it has been possible to quantify and understand the effects of improvement on the beam divergence when combining the two collimating systems. A new theoretical approach to this problem is described and discussed. The effect is expected not to be limited to the specific case that has been studied at PSI BOA but to have a more general validity for neutron collimation systems.
Investigation of the thermodynamics of trapped magnetic flux in type-I and type-II superconductors using polarized neutron imaging
Authors: Treimer Wolfgang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Polarized neutron imaging was used to observe field cooling (FC) and zero field warming (ZFW) processes in type-I and type-II superconductors. ZFW is an irreversible magnetic process that cannot be described by formulas and therefore it was studied experimentally with polarized neutron imaging to visualize and quantify the trapped magnetic flux as a function of temperature.
Cooling rate of reactant solution in a flow-type supercritical hydrothermal reactor estimated using neutron radiography
Authors: Sasaki Ryosuke , Sato Kosei , Xie Bo , Takami Seiichi , Kubo Masaki , Tsukada Takao , Sugimoto Katsumi , Odaira Naoya , Ito Daisuke , Saito Yasushi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Rapid cooling of reactants quenches the intermediate state of chemical reactions and enables the synthesis of novel materials that cannot be realized by thermodynamic equilibrium processes. In this study, we estimated the cooling rate of reactant solutions during the supercritical hydrothermal synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. Neutron radiography measurements were performed to visualize the profile of the average water density at a junction where a stream of heated water was mixed with another stream of cooling water. The cooling rate of the heated water that mimicked the reactant solution was estimated using the relationship between the density and temperature of water under constant pressure conditions. This result should provide vital information about the flow-type synthesis of novel metal oxide nanoparticles.
Effects of arginine in therapeutic protein formulations: a decade review and perspectives
Authors: Ren Steven 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Arginine (Arg) is a natural amino acid with an acceptable safety profile and a unique chemical structure. Arg and its salts are highly effective in enhancing protein refolding and solubilization, suppressing protein–protein interaction and aggregation and reducing viscosity of high concentration protein formulations. Arg and its salts have been used in research and 20 approved protein injectables. This review summarizes the effects of Arg as an excipient in therapeutic protein formulations with the focus on its physicochemical properties, safety, applications in approved protein products, beneficial and detrimental effects in liquid and lyophilized protein formulations when combined with different counterions and mechanism on protein stabilization and destabilization. The decade literature review indicates that the benefits of Arg overweigh its risks when it is used appropriately. It is recommended to add Arg along with glutamate as a counterion to high concentration protein formulations on top of sugars or polyols to counterbalance the negative effects of Arg hydrochloride. The use of Arg as a viscosity reducer and protein stabilizer in high concentration formulations will be the inevitable future trend of the biopharmaceutical industry for subcutaneous administration.
Head-to-Head Analysis of Vertical vs Horizontal Incision Patterns in Breast Reconstruction: Surgical Outcomes and Aesthetic Implications
Authors: Lakatta Alexis C , Steppe Cyrus , Teotia Sumeet S , Haddock Nicholas T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Modern aesthetically optimized breast reconstruction requires collaboration between the patient, breast surgeon, and plastic surgeon. To optimize both surgical outcome and aesthetic results, incision patterns must be carefully planned.

Objectives
We aimed to determine whether vertical or horizontal orientation of mastectomy incision was preferred in the general population and to analyze corresponding complication profiles.

Methods
A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy followed by autologous breast reconstruction utilizing either vertical or horizontal incision from January 2011 to November 2022. Postoperative complications of the 2 incision patterns were analyzed. Additionally, crowdsourcing was utilized to assess aesthetic implications of horizontal and vertical incision patterns on postoperative pictures of completed breast reconstruction. Survey rater demographics were also analyzed to assess differences in scoring based on voter characteristics.

Results
There were no significant differences in postoperative breast complications between patients with horizontal or vertical incisions when considering wound, infection, seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, or overall complications (P &gt; .05). Crowdsourcing showed that, regardless of voter demographics, vertical incisions were preferred over horizontal incisions (P &lt; .001). Additionally, voters who knew someone who had undergone breast reconstruction were more likely to rate all incision patterns higher than other voters (P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Although there are no significant differences in complication profiles between vertical and horizontal incisions in autologous breast reconstruction patients, vertical incision patterns are preferred aesthetically by the general population.

Level of Evidence: 4
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patient Incidental to Treatment With Hyaluronic Acid Filler
Authors: Pincelli Thaís , Li Han , Breen Joseph T , Bruce Alison 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid fillers comprise a major component of aesthetic practice with few serious adverse effects. Hearing loss has not been previously associated with hyaluronic acid filler. The authors describe a case in which a patient developed sudden sensorineural hearing loss 1 day after filler injection into the nasolabial folds. Audiogram showed moderately severe sensorineural loss, and MRI revealed no abnormalities. Despite transtympanic steroid injections and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the hearing loss persists at the time of writing. Although no causal relationships can be drawn from this case alone, this case serves to reinforce the importance of continued vigilance for future occurrences to minimize the potential risk of this serious adverse event.

Level of Evidence: 5
Influenza Hospitalization Burden by Subtype, Age, Comorbidity, and Vaccination Status: 2012–2013 to 2018–2019 Seasons, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Carazo Sara , Guay Charles-Antoine , Skowronski Danuta M , Amini Rachid , Charest Hugues , De Serres Gaston , Gilca Rodica 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Influenza immunization programs aim to reduce the risk and burden of severe outcomes. To inform optimal program strategies, we monitored influenza hospitalizations over 7 seasons, stratified by age, comorbidity, and vaccination status.

Methods
We assembled data from 4 hospitals involved in an active surveillance network with systematic collection of nasal samples and polymerase chain reaction testing for influenza virus in all patients admitted through the emergency department with acute respiratory infection during the 2012–2013 to 2018–2019 influenza seasons in Quebec, Canada. We estimated seasonal, population-based incidence of influenza-associated hospitalizations by subtype predominance, age, comorbidity, and vaccine status, and derived the number needed to vaccinate to prevent 1 hospitalization per stratum.

Results
The average seasonal incidence of influenza-associated hospitalization was 89/100 000 (95% confidence interval, 86–93), lower during A(H1N1) (49–82/100 000) than A(H3N2) seasons (73–143/100 000). Overall risk followed a J-shaped age pattern, highest among infants 0–5 months and adults ≥75 years old. Hospitalization risks were highest for children &lt;5 years old during A(H1N1) but for highest adults aged ≥75 years during A(H3N2) seasons. Age-adjusted hospitalization risks were 7-fold higher among individuals with versus without comorbid conditions (214 vs 30/100 000, respectively). The number needed to vaccinate to prevent hospitalization was 82-fold lower for ≥75-years-olds with comorbid conditions (n = 1995), who comprised 39% of all hospitalizations, than for healthy 18–64-year-olds (n = 163 488), who comprised just 6% of all hospitalizations.

Conclusions
In the context of broad-based influenza immunization programs (targeted or universal), severe outcome risks should be simultaneously examined by subtype, age, comorbidity, and vaccine status. Policymakers require such detail to prioritize promotional efforts and expenditures toward the greatest and most efficient program impact.
Empagliflozin improves cardiac energetics during ischaemia/reperfusion by directly increasing cardiac ketone utilization
Authors: Chase Dylan , Eykyn Thomas R , Shattock Michael J , Chung Yu Jin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aims
Empagliflozin (EMPA), a potent inhibitor of the renal sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 and an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes, has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, independent of improved glycaemic control. Several non-canonical mechanisms have been proposed to explain these cardiac effects, including increasing circulating ketone supply to the heart. This study aims to test whether EMPA directly alters cardiac ketone metabolism independent of supply.

Methods and results
The direct effects of EMPA on cardiac function and metabolomics were investigated in Langendorff rat heart perfused with buffer containing 5 mM glucose, 4 mM β-hydroxybutyrate (βHb) and 0.4 mM intralipid, subject to low flow ischaemia/reperfusion. Cardiac energetics were monitored in situ using 31P NMR spectroscopy. Steady-state 13C labelling was performed by switching 12C substrates for 13C1 glucose or 13C4 βHb and 13C incorporation into metabolites determined using 2D 1H-13C HSQC NMR spectroscopy. EMPA treatment improved left ventricular-developed pressure during ischaemia and reperfusion compared to vehicle-treated hearts. In EMPA-treated hearts, total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels, and Gibbs free energy for ATP hydrolysis were significantly higher during ischaemia and reperfusion. EMPA treatment did not alter the incorporation of 13C from glucose into glycolytic products lactate or alanine neither during ischaemia nor reperfusion. In ischaemia, EMPA led to a decrease in 13C1 glucose incorporation and a concurrent increase in 13C4 βHb incorporation into tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates succinate, citrate, and glutamate. During reperfusion, the concentration of metabolites originating from 13C1 glucose was similar to vehicle but those originating from 13C4 βHb remained elevated in EMPA-treated hearts.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that EMPA causes a switch in metabolism away from glucose oxidation towards increased ketone utilization in the rat heart, thereby improving function and energetics both during ischaemia and recovery during reperfusion. This preference of ketone utilization over glucose was observed under conditions of constant supply of substrate, suggesting that EMPA acts directly by modulating cardiac substrate preference, independent of substrate availability. The mechanisms underlying our findings are currently unknown, warranting further study.
Resolution of dysglycaemia after treatment of monoclonal gammopathy of endocrine significance
Authors: Grant Bonnie , Ratnayake Gowri , Williams Claire L , Long Anna , Halsall David J , Semple Robert K , Cavenagh James D , Drake William M , Church David S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In very rare cases of monoclonal gammopathy, insulin-binding paraprotein can cause disabling hypoglycaemia. We report a 67-year-old man re-evaluated for hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia that persisted despite distal pancreatectomy. He had no medical history of diabetes mellitus or autoimmune disease but was being monitored for an IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. On glucose tolerance testing, hyperglycaemia occurred at 60 min (glucose 216 mg/dL) and hypoglycaemia at 300 min (52 mg/dL) concurrent with an apparent plasma insulin concentration of 52 850 pmol/L on immunoassay. Laboratory investigation revealed an IgG2 kappa with very high binding capacity but low affinity (Kd 1.43 × 10−6 mol/L) for insulin. The monoclonal gammopathy was restaged as smouldering myeloma not warranting plasma cell–directed therapy from a haematological standpoint. Plasma exchange reduced paraprotein levels and improved fasting capillary glucose concentrations. Lenalidomide was used to treat disabling hypoglycaemia, successfully depleting paraprotein and leading to resolution of symptoms.
Activities of daily living in heart failure patients and healthy subjects: when the cardiopulmonary assessment goes beyond traditional exercise test protocols
Authors: Mapelli Massimo , Salvioni Elisabetta , Mattavelli Irene , Gugliandolo Paola , Bonomi Alice , Palermo Pietro , Rossi Maddalena , Stolfo Davide , Gustafsson Finn , Piepoli Massimo , Agostoni Piergiuseppe 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) patients traditionally report dyspnoea as their main symptom. Although the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and 6 min walking test are the standardized tools in assessing functional capacity, neither cycle ergometers nor treadmill maximal efforts do fully represent the actual HF patients’ everyday activities [activities of daily living (ADLs)] (i.e. climbing the stairs). New-generation portable metabolimeters allow the clinician to measure task-related oxygen intake (VO2) in different scenarios and exercise protocols. In the last years, we have made considerable progress in understanding the ventilatory and metabolic behaviours of HF patients and healthy subjects during tasks aimed to reproduce ADLs. In this paper, we describe the most recent findings in the field, with special attention to the relationship between the metabolic variables obtained during ADLs and CPET parameters (i.e. peak VO2), demonstrating, for example, how exercises traditionally thought to be undemanding, such as a walk, instead represent supramaximal efforts, particularly for subjects with advanced HF and/or artificial heart (left ventricular assist devices) wearers.
Fluid balance in heart failure
Authors: Cosentino Nicola , Marenzi Giancarlo , Muratori Manuela , Magrì Damiano , Cattadori Gaia , Agostoni Piergiuseppe 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Fluid retention is a major determinant of symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF), and it is closely associated with prognosis. Hence, congestion represents a critical therapeutic target in this clinical setting. The first therapeutic strategy in HF patients with fluid overload is optimization of diuretic intervention to maximize water and sodium excretion. When diuretic therapy fails to relieve congestion, renal replacement therapy represents the only alternative option for fluid removal, as well as a way to restore diuretic responsiveness. On this background, the pathophysiology of fluid balance in HF is complex, with heart, kidney, and lung being deeply involved in volume regulation and management. Therefore, the interplay between these organs should be appreciated and considered when fluid overload in HF patients is targeted.