bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers for high-resolution absorption spectroscopy of atoms and ions in plasmas
Authors: Lü X , Röben B , Biermann K , Wubs J R , Macherius U , Weltmann K-D , van Helden J H , Schrottke L , Grahn H T 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We report on terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) based on GaAs/AlAs heterostructures, which exhibit single-mode emission at 3.360, 3.921, and 4.745 THz. These frequencies are in close correspondence to fine-structure transitions of Al atoms, N+ ions, and O atoms, respectively. Due to the low electrical pump power of these THz QCLs, they can be operated in a mechanical cryocooler in continuous-wave mode, while a sufficient intrinsic tuning range of more than 5 GHz is maintained. The single-mode operation and the intrinsic tuning range of these THz QCLs allow for the application of these lasers as radiation sources for high-resolution absorption spectroscopy to determine the absolute densities of Al atoms, N+ ions, and O atoms in plasmas.
Optimal design and stability control of an automotive magnetorheological brake considering the temperature effect
Authors: Wang Daoming , Yang Guangxin , Luo Yangjun , Fang Shirui , Dong Tao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Magnetorheological brake (MRB) provide a potential alternative to traditional mechanical friction brakes in automobile applications owing to their technical advantages in terms of being compact yet powerful, having superior control performance, and wire-control features. However, the temperature effect has been an important issue that should be considered in the design and precise control of MRB. This paper presents the multi-objective optimal design and stability control of an automotive MRB considering the temperature effect. First, a description of the configuration design, magnetostatic field simulation, and mathematical modeling of the automotive MRB is presented in detail. Subsequently, design optimization of the MRB is carried out. The design of experiment method was adopted to screen out the major design variables, and the optimal solution was obtained using a multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). Thereafter, the torque output and response performance, as well as the temperature characteristics of the optimal MRB prototype are experimentally evaluated. The results indicate that the optimal design of the MRB was reasonable and effective. Finally, a GA-based back propagation neural network proportion integration differentiation controller is proposed for the stability control of the MRB during automobile braking. Its performance was verified to be satisfactory through both simulations and experiments.
Quantum corrections to pair production of charged black holes
in de Sitter space
Authors: Wang Yu-Peng , Ma Liang , Pang Yi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We compute Euclidean action of charged de Sitter black holes in four dimensional gravitational Euler-Heisenberg model. It turns out that the action of a general Euclidean dyonically charged black hole is still controlled by the total entropy contributed by the black hole outer horizon and the cosmological horizon. For smooth configurations, the Euclidean action can be interpreted as the black hole production rate in de Sitter space. We show that
the 4-derivative couplings break the symmetry between the production rate of the purely electric black hole and that of the purely magnetic black hole. Although electromagnetic duality is no longer a symmetry, it induces a transformation on the 4-derivative couplings, mapping the physical quantities of a purely electric black hole to those of a purely magnetic black hole and vice versa. We also observe that under the same transformation, unitarity constraints on the 4-derivative couplings remain invariant.
Predictions of improved confinement in SPARC via energetic particle turbulence stabilization
Authors: Di Siena A. , Rodriguez-Fernandez P. , Howard N.T. , Bañón Navarro A. , Bilato R. , Görler T. , Poli E. , Merlo G. , Wright J. , Greenwald M. , Jenko F. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The recent progress in high-temperature superconductor technologies has led to the design and construction of SPARC, a compact tokamak device expected to reach plasma breakeven with up to 25 MW of external ion cyclotron resonant heating (ICRH) power. This manuscript presents local (flux-tube) and radially global gyrokinetic GENE (Jenko et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas
7 1904) simulations for a reduced-field and current H-mode SPARC scenario showing that supra-thermal particles—generated via ICRH—strongly suppress ion-scale turbulent transport by triggering a fast ion-induced anomalous transport barrier. The trigger mechanism is identified as a wave-particle resonant interaction between the fast particle population and plasma micro-instabilities (Di Siena et al 2021 Phys. Rev. Lett.
125 025002). By performing a series of global simulations employing different profiles for the thermal ions, we show that the fusion gain of this SPARC scenario could be substantially enhanced by up to ∼80% by exploiting this fast ion stabilizing mechanism. A study is also presented to further optimize the energetic particle profiles, thus possibly leading experimentally to an even more significant fusion gain.
Wavelength selection for spectrally combined laser beams propagating in free space and the atmosphere
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Yu Hong , Ding Zhoulin , Ji Xiaoling , Friberg Ari T 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Wavelength selection has a major impact on spectral beam combining (SBC) of laser beams that propagate in free space and in the atmosphere. We derive analytical expressions for the intensity and four characteristic quality parameters of free-space SBC beams. We show that the peak intensity, the mean-square beam width, and the M
2 factor of an SBC beam at the target are all larger than those of one single laser beam of the same power and average wavelength. The peak intensity can be made higher by increasing the wavelength spacing but reducing the mean wavelength. However, when an SBC laser beam propagates in the atmosphere, the beam quality depends on the absorption coefficient of the multi-wavelength field due to thermal blooming. A thermal distortion number is introduced for an SBC beam and its validity is confirmed. We show that the power proportion of a high-absorption element within an SBC beam should be as low as possible to reduce the thermal blooming effect.
Association between diabetes overtreatment in older multimorbid patients and clinical outcomes: an ancillary European multicentre study
Authors: Christiaens Antoine , Baretella Oliver , Del Giovane Cinzia , Rodondi Nicolas , Knol Wilma , Peters Mike , Jennings Emma , O’Mahony Denis , Spinewine Anne , Boland Benoit , Henrard Séverine 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes overtreatment is a frequent and severe issue in multimorbid older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).ObjectiveThis study aimed at assessing the association between diabetes overtreatment and 1-year functional decline, hospitalisation and mortality in older inpatients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy.MethodsAncillary study of the European multicentre OPERAM project on multimorbid patients aged ≥70 years with T2D and glucose-lowering treatment (GLT). Diabetes overtreatment was defined according to the 2019 Endocrine Society guideline using HbA1c target range individualised according to the patient’s overall health status and the use of GLT with a high risk of hypoglycaemia. Multivariable regressions were used to assess the association between diabetes overtreatment and the three outcomes.ResultsAmong the 490 patients with T2D on GLT (median age: 78 years; 38% female), 168 (34.3%) had diabetes overtreatment. In patients with diabetes overtreatment as compared with those not overtreated, there was no difference in functional decline (29.3% vs 38.0%, P = 0.088) nor hospitalisation rates (107.3 vs 125.8/100 p-y, P = 0.115) but there was a higher mortality rate (32.8 vs 21.4/100 p-y, P = 0.033). In multivariable analyses, diabetes overtreatment was not associated with functional decline nor hospitalisation (hazard ratio, HR [95%CI]: 0.80 [0.63; 1.02]) but was associated with a higher mortality rate (HR [95%CI]: 1.64 [1.06; 2.52]).ConclusionsDiabetes overtreatment was associated with a higher mortality rate but not with hospitalisation or functional decline. Interventional studies should be undertaken to test the effect of de-intensifying GLT on clinical outcomes in overtreated patients.
Training workload in the investigational drug service of a university hospital center
Authors: Martel-Côté Nicolas , Choquette Rachel , Côté-Sergerie Catherine , Lebel Denis , Bussières Jean-François , Tanguay Cynthia 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPurposeTraining represents a considerable portion of research activities and is vastly different for each clinical trial. This variation is partially explained by the lack of detailed regulations surrounding training procedures, which hinders the ability of investigational drug service (IDS) staff to plan their workload. The aim of this study was to quantify the workload associated with trial-specific training of IDS staff. The secondary aim was to identify the factors associated with training complexity.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out in the IDS of a mother and child university hospital. Trial-specific documents on which the pharmacy staff was trained were analyzed. Workload was calculated by measuring reading time. The readability of each document was determined by the Flesch Reading Ease score. The complexity of the trials was established using the scoring method of Calvin-Lamas et al. The influence of the following factors on training was assessed by analysis of variance: sponsor type, research phase, and research focus by medical specialty.ResultsA total of 93 clinical trials and 433 documents were included. Investigator’s brochures were the longest (a mean [SD] of 107 [46] pages; P &lt; 0.0001) and most difficult documents to read (mean [SD] readability score, 25.5 [4.4]; P &lt; 0.0001). Trials with industry sponsors required a significantly longer overall reading time (mean [SD], 12.26 [6.72] hours; P &lt; 0.0001). On average, a mean (SD) of 9.42 (7.16) hours of reading were necessary to train one employee for a clinical trial.ConclusionThis study is the first to document reading time necessary for training of IDS staff. The training workload varied by sponsor type, while the research phase and medical specialty had little impact. IDS units would benefit from a tool that could identify complex trials.
The Balder effect: conditional arbitrability’s threat to the New York convention
Authors: Lewis Alfred 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This article assesses the Russian rules for the arbitrability of certain types of Russian corporate and procurement disputes, under which the arbitration must be seated in Russia. It is argued that these rules violate the New York Convention, and that other States Party to the Convention should object to the Russian rules. Finally the article suggests that an available and effective means of so objecting can be found in the principle of reciprocity under the Convention.
Dietary essential amino acids for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Ragni Maurizio , Greco Carolina Magdalen , Felicetta Arianna , Ren Shuxun Vincent , Kunderfranco Paolo , Ruocco Chiara , Carullo Pierluigi , Larcher Veronica , Tedesco Laura , Severi Ilenia , Giordano Antonio , Cinti Saverio , Valerio Alessandra , Sun Haipeng , Wang Yibin , Gao Chen , Condorelli Gianluigi , Nisoli Enzo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Aims
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, requiring novel therapeutic and lifestyle interventions. Metabolic alterations and energy production deficit are hallmarks and thereby promising therapeutic targets for this complex clinical syndrome. We aim to study the molecular mechanisms and effects on cardiac function in rodents with HFrEF of a designer diet in which free essential amino acids—in specifically designed percentages—substituted for protein.

Methods and results
Wild-type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce left ventricle (LV) pressure overload or sham surgery. Whole-body glucose homeostasis was studied with glucose tolerance test, while myocardial dysfunction and fibrosis were measured with echocardiogram and histological analysis. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and morphology were investigated with oxygen consumption rate measurement and electron microscopy evaluation. Circulating and cardiac non-targeted metabolite profiles were analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy, while RNA-sequencing was used to identify signalling pathways mainly affected. The amino acid-substituted diet shows remarkable preventive and therapeutic effects. This dietary approach corrects the whole-body glucose metabolism and restores the unbalanced metabolic substrate usage—by improving mitochondrial fuel oxidation—in the failing heart. In particular, biochemical, molecular, and genetic approaches suggest that renormalization of branched-chain amino acid oxidation in cardiac tissue, which is suppressed in HFrEF, plays a relevant role. Beyond the changes of systemic metabolism, cell-autonomous processes may explain at least in part the diet’s cardioprotective impact.

Conclusion
Collectively, these results suggest that manipulation of dietary amino acids, and especially essential amino acids, is a potential adjuvant therapeutic strategy to treat systolic dysfunction and HFrEF in humans.
Pfizer-BioNTech Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Effectiveness Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Among Long-term Care Facility Staff With and Without Prior Infection in New York City, January–June 2021
Authors: Peebles Kathryn , Arciuolo Robert J , Romano Anthony S , Sell Jessica , Greene Sharon K , Lim Sungwoo , Mulready-Ward Candace , Ternier Alexandra , Badenhop Brittan , Blaney Kathleen , Real Joseph E , Spencer Magdalene , McPherson Tristan D , Ahuja Shama Desai , Sullivan Meissner Jeanne , Zucker Jane R , Rosen Jennifer B 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Evidence is accumulating of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effectiveness among persons with prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods
We evaluated the effect against incident SARS-CoV-2 infection of (1) prior infection without vaccination, (2) vaccination (2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) without prior infection, and (3) vaccination after prior infection, all compared with unvaccinated persons without prior infection. We included long-term care facility staff in New York City aged &lt;65 years with weekly SARS-CoV-2 testing from 21 January to 5 June 2021. Test results were obtained from state-mandated laboratory reporting. Vaccination status was obtained from the Citywide Immunization Registry. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounding with inverse probability of treatment weights.

Results
Compared with unvaccinated persons without prior infection, incident SARS-CoV-2 infection risk was lower in all groups: 54.6% (95% confidence interval, 38.0%–66.8%) lower among unvaccinated, previously infected persons; 80.0% (67.6%–87.7%) lower among fully vaccinated persons without prior infection; and 82.4% (70.8%–89.3%) lower among persons fully vaccinated after prior infection.

Conclusions
Two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by ≥80% and, for those with prior infection, increased protection from prior infection alone. These findings support recommendations that all eligible persons, regardless of prior infection, be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Protection Conferred by Delta and BA.1/BA.2 Infection Against BA.4/BA.5 Infection and Hospitalization: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Winchester Nicole E , Shrestha Nabin K , Kim Priscilla , Tereshchenko Larisa G , Rothberg Michael B 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 immunity has declined with subsequent waves and accrual of viral mutations. In vitro studies raise concern for immune escape by BA.4/BA.5, and a study in Qatar showed moderate protection, but these findings have yet to be reproduced.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included individuals tested for coronavirus disease 2019 by polymerase chain reaction during Delta or BA.1/BA.2 and retested during BA.4/BA.5. The preventable fraction (PF) was calculated as ratio of the infection to the hospitalization rate for initially positive patients divided by the ratio for initially negative patients, stratified by age and adjusted for age, sex, comorbid conditions, and vaccination using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 20 987 patients met inclusion criteria. Prior Delta infection provided no protection against BA.4/BA.5 infection (adjusted PF, 11.9% [95% confidence interval, .8%–21.8%]); P = .04) and minimal protection against hospitalization (10.7% [4.9%–21.7%]; P = .003). In adjusted models, prior BA.1/BA.2 infection provided 45.9% (95% confidence interval, 36.2%–54.1%; P &lt; .001) protection against BA.4/BA.5 reinfection and 18.8% (10.3%–28.3%; (P &lt; .001) protection against hospitalization. Up-to-date vaccination provided modest protection against reinfection with BA.4/BA.5 and hospitalization.ConclusionsPrior infection with BA.1/BA.2 and up-to-date vaccination provided modest protection against infection with BA.4/BA.5 and hospitalization, while prior Delta infection provided minimal protection against hospitalization and none against infection.
Enhanced Automated Online Immunoaffinity Liquid Chromatography–Fluorescence Method for the Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Dairy Products
Authors: Wood Jackie E , Gill Brendon D , McGrail Iain J , Indyk Harvey E 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is found in the milk of cows exposed to feed spoiled by Aspergillus fungi species. These fungi may produce the secondary metabolite aflatoxin B1, which is converted in the cow liver by hydroxylation to AFM1 and is then expressed in milk. AFM1 is regulated in milk and other dairy products because it can cause serious health issues, such as liver and kidney cancers, in humans and is an immunosuppressant.

Objective
To optimize the chromatographic protocol and to extend the matrix scope to include a wider range of dairy products: whey powder, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, liquid milk, skim milk powder, whole milk powder, adult nutritional products, and yogurt.

Methods
AFM1 is extracted using 1% acetic acid in acetonitrile incorporating ionic salts. The AFM1 in the resulting extract is concentrated using an automated RIDA®CREST IMMUNOPREP® online cartridge coupled to quantification by HPLC–fluorescence.

Results
The method was shown to be accurate, with acceptable recovery (81.2–97.1%) from spiked samples. Acceptable precision was confirmed, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) for repeatability of 6.6–11.2% and an RSD for intermediate precision of 7.5–16.7%. Method LOD and robustness experiments further demonstrated the suitability of this method for routine compliance testing. Analysis of an international proficiency trial sample generated results that were comparable with the value assigned from alternative independent methods.

Conclusion
A method with improved chromatography for high-throughput, routine testing of AFM1 in an extended range of dairy products is described. The method was subjected to single-laboratory validation and was found to be accurate, precise, and fit for purpose.

Highlights
Single-laboratory validation of an automated online immunoaffinity cleanup fluorescence HPLC method for AFM1 in whey proteins, milk powders, nutritional products, liquid milk, and yogurt. Allows for high-throughput analysis of AFM1 with enhanced chromatographic performance. Method applicable to the analysis of AFM1 in an extended range of milk and milk-based products.
The UN and the Protection of Civilians: Sustaining the Momentum
Authors: Gilder Alexander 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The protection of civilians (PoC) concept remains contested twenty-three years after the first PoC mandate. Current PoC frameworks used by the United Nations (UN) do not assist with determining applicable legal standards. They lead the UN down an unsustainable path that risks diminishing political support for PoC, especially within intense conflicts and following well-documented protection failures. With ever-rising expectations from communities under protection, the UN’s ‘Three Tiers of PoC Action’, and the complexity and dilution of PoC mandates under a whole-of-mission approach, it becomes challenging to determine what missions must do to protect individuals. Undertaking a major re-evaluation of PoC, this article charts the progression of PoC mandates drawing on examples from several missions drawing out the diverse nature of PoC and subsequent activities. The article then argues that current definitions and practical applications of PoC have cast the net too wide, presented uncertainties, and leave PoC open to attack from Member States amidst a political climate of weakened support for collective security action. Instead, the discussion must shift towards a concise and shared understanding of what protection mandates entail for UN peace operations. The article suggests how PoC can be reconceptualised to distinguish a narrow and easily communicated minimum obligation to be placed on UN peacekeepers.
Male microbiota-associated metabolite restores macrophage efferocytosis in female lupus-prone mice via activation of PPARγ/LXR signaling pathways
Authors: Harder James W , Ma Jing , Alard Pascale , Sokoloski Kevin J , Mathiowitz Edith , Furtado Stacia , Egilmez Nejat K , Kosiewicz Michele M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus development is influenced by both sex and the gut microbiota. Metabolite production is a major mechanism by which the gut microbiota influences the immune system, and we have previously found differences in the fecal metabolomic profiles of lupus-prone female and lupus-resistant male BWF1 mice. Here we determine how sex and microbiota metabolite production may interact to affect lupus. Transcriptomic analysis of female and male splenocytes showed genes that promote phagocytosis were upregulated in BWF1 male mice. Because patients with systemic lupus erythematosus exhibit defects in macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), we compared splenic macrophage efferocytosis in vitro between female and male BWF1 mice. Macrophage efferocytosis was deficient in female compared to male BWF1 mice but could be restored by feeding male microbiota. Further transcriptomic analysis of the genes upregulated in male BWF1 mice revealed enrichment of genes stimulated by PPARγ and LXR signaling. Our previous fecal metabolomics analyses identified metabolites in male BWF1 mice that can activate PPARγ and LXR signaling and identified one in particular, phytanic acid, that is a very potent agonist. We show here that treatment of female BWF1 splenic macrophages with phytanic acid restores efferocytic activity via activation of the PPARγ and LXR signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found phytanic acid may restore female BWF1 macrophage efferocytosis through upregulation of the proefferocytic gene CD36. Taken together, our data indicate that metabolites produced by BWF1 male microbiota can enhance macrophage efferocytosis and, through this mechanism, could potentially influence lupus progression.