Picosecond Spin Current Generation from Vicinal Metal-Antiferromagnetic Insulator Interfaces

We report the picosecond spin current generation from the interface between a heavy metal and a vicinal antiferromagnet insulator Cr_{2}O_{3} by laser pulses at room temperature and zero magnetic field. It is converted into a detectable terahertz emission in the heavy metal via the inverse spin Hall effect. The vicinal interfaces are apparently the source of the picosecond spin current, as evidenced by the proportional terahertz signals to the vicinal angle. We attribute the origin of the spin current to the transient magnetic moment generated by an interfacial nonlinear magnetic-dipole difference-frequency generation. We propose a model based on the in-plane inversion symmetry breaking to quantitatively explain the terahertz intensity with respect to the angles of the laser polarization and the film azimuth. Our work opens new opportunities in antiferromagnetic and ultrafast spintronics by considering symmetry breaking.

Emergence of Long-Range Angular Correlations in Low-Multiplicity Proton-Proton Collisions

This Letter presents the measurement of near-side associated per-trigger yields, denoted ridge yields, from the analysis of angular correlations of charged hadrons in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. Long-range ridge yields are extracted for pairs of charged particles with a pseudorapidity difference of 1.4<|Δη|<1.8 and a transverse momentum of 1 Collapse

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[Low-dose CT reconstruction based on high-dimensional partial differential equation projection recovery]

OBJECTIVE

We propose a low-dose CT reconstruction method using partial differential equation (PDE) denoising under high-dimensional constraints.

METHODS

The projection data were mapped into a high-dimensional space to construct a high-dimensional representation of the data, which were updated by moving the points in the high-dimensional space. The data were denoised using partial differential equations and the CT image was reconstructed using the FBP algorithm.

RESULTS

Compared with those by FBP, PWLS-QM and TGV-WLS methods, the relative root mean square error of the Shepp-Logan image reconstructed by the proposed method were reduced by 68.87%, 50.15% and 27.36%, the structural similarity values were increased by 23.50%, 8.83% and 1.62%, and the feature similarity values were increased by 17.30%, 2.71% and 2.82%, respectively. For clinical image reconstruction, the proposed method, as compared with FBP, PWLS-QM and TGV-WLS methods, resulted in reduction of the relative root mean square error by 42.09%, 31.04% and 21.93%, increased the structural similarity values by 18.33%, 13.45% and 4.63%, and increased the feature similarity values by 3.13%, 1.46% and 1.10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The new method can effectively reduce the streak artifacts and noises while maintaining the spatial resolution in reconstructed low-dose CT images.

First Measurement of the |t| Dependence of Incoherent J/ψ Photonuclear Production

The first measurement of the cross section for incoherent photonuclear production of J/ψ vector mesons as a function of the Mandelstam |t| variable is presented. The measurement was carried out with the ALICE detector at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, using ultraperipheral collisions of Pb nuclei at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. This rapidity interval corresponds to a Bjorken-x range (0.3-1.4)×10^{-3}. Cross sections are given in five |t| intervals in the range 0.04<|t|<1  GeV^{2} and compared to the predictions by different models. Models that ignore quantum fluctuations of the gluon density in the colliding hadron predict a |t| dependence of the cross section much steeper than in data. The inclusion of such fluctuations in the same models provides a better description of the data.

Association of epidural analgesia in labor with neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants born at <29 weeks of gestational age

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between epidural administration to mothers in labor with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years corrected age in preterm infants born <29 weeks gestational age.

STUDY DESIGN

Infants born <29 weeks gestational age between 2006 and 2012 were included. Our primary outcome was a composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 3 years corrected age. Infants were divided into those whose mothers did or did not receive epidural analgesia in labor. Univariable and multivariable regression was used for analysis.

RESULTS

There were 548 infants in the no epidural analgesia group and 121 in the epidural analgesia group. The adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) of neurodevelopmental impairment or death in the epidural group was 1.25 (0.82-1.93). Propensity score-matched results were 1.32 (0.79-2.22).

CONCLUSION

Preterm infants born <29 weeks gestational age to mothers who received epidural analgesia during labor were not associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years corrected age.

Two-Dimensional Room-Temperature Magnetism in Janus Mn2I3S3 and Cr2I3Se3 Monolayers with Tunable Magnetic Properties by Strain Engineering

Exploring room-temperature intrinsic magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) materials for nanoscale spintronic devices has garnered significant interest. Achieving a high Curie temperature and substantial spin polarization in 2D ferromagnetic materials remains challenging. Drawing inspiration from the substantial enhancement of the Curie temperature observed in ferromagnetic CrIS monolayers by manipulating the covalent nature of Cr-S bonds, our study systematically delves into the electronic structure and magnetic properties of Janus M2X3Y3 (M = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co; X = Cl, Br, I; Y = S, Se, and Te) monolayers through first-principles calculations. Our findings reveal that 15 kinds of these monolayers exhibit dynamic and thermodynamic stability while displaying diverse electronic and ferromagnetic characteristics. Notably, Mn2I3S3 demonstrates half-metallicity and in-plane magnetic anisotropy, while Cr2I3Se3 exhibits a half-semiconductor and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Consequently, Mn2I3S3 transforms from in-plane to perpendicular magnetic anisotropy through strain manipulation. Cr2I3Se3, under strain, transforms from a half-semiconductor to a bipolar magnetic semiconductor. The strong coupling caused by the M-Y bonds makes them have a Curie temperature higher than room temperature. The unique magnetic properties exhibited by the 2D Janus Mn2I3S3 and Cr2I3Se3 magnets hold promise for applications in spintronics. Our study provides a foundational understanding for future experimental explorations in this exciting research area.

ψ(2S) Suppression in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

The production of the ψ(2S) charmonium state was measured with ALICE in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, in the dimuon decay channel. A significant signal was observed for the first time at LHC energies down to zero transverse momentum, at forward rapidity (2.5 Collapse

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Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Measurements of Groomed-Jet Substructure of Charm Jets Tagged by D^{0} Mesons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Understanding the role of parton mass and Casimir color factors in the quantum chromodynamics parton shower represents an important step in characterizing the emission properties of heavy quarks. Recent experimental advances in jet substructure techniques have provided the opportunity to isolate and characterize gluon emissions from heavy quarks. In this Letter, the first direct experimental constraint on the charm-quark splitting function is presented, obtained via the measurement of the groomed shared momentum fraction of the first splitting in charm jets, tagged by a reconstructed D^{0} meson. The measurement is made in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in the low jet transverse-momentum interval of 15≤p_{T}^{jet ch}<30  GeV/c where the emission properties are sensitive to parton mass effects. In addition, the opening angle of the first perturbative emission of the charm quark, as well as the number of perturbative emissions it undergoes, is reported. Comparisons to measurements of an inclusive-jet sample show a steeper splitting function for charm quarks compared with gluons and light quarks. Charm quarks also undergo fewer perturbative emissions in the parton shower, with a reduced probability of large-angle emissions.

[Study on formulation and revision of standard limits for total bacteria count in "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China]

The total bacteria count has been attracting attention as an important pollutant in indoor air, and its standard limit was tightened to 1500 CFU/m3 in "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)".The technical contents related to the determination of the indoor air standard limits for total bacteria count were analyzed and studied, including the environmental existence level, exposure status, the health effects and the derivation of the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the future development and revision of quality standards for total bacteria count in indoor air.

[Analysis of late-diagnosis and associated factors in newly reported HIV infections among men who have sex with men in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 2005-2021]

Objective: To analyze the trend of late-diagnosis of HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) before and after the AIDS Conquering Project in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) and its influencing factors, in order to find out the population groups that need priority intervention at the present stage. Methods: The HIV-infected MSM in Guangxi from 2005-2021 were selected from the National Integrated HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention Data System. The Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 software was used to test the time trend of late-diagnosis and non-late-diagnosis cases, and logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors influencing the proportion of late-diagnosis at each stage. Results: From 2005 to 2021, 5 764 HIV-infected MSM were reported in Guangxi from 2005 to 2021, with an overall late-diagnosis of 28.45% (1 640 cases). Under the 2015 baseline data as the boundary, the proportion of late-diagnosis cases showed a trend of sharp decline followed by stabilization from 2005 to 2015, average annual percent change= -6.90% (P<0.001). The effect of factors such as resident population, occupation as a farmer or worker, and sample originating from medical consultation on late-diagnosis changed considerably before and after the implementation of the project, and the factors influencing late-diagnosis at this stage were age, resident population, occupation as a farmer, worker or student. The factors influencing late-diagnosis at this stage are age, resident population, and occupation as a farmer, worker and a student. Conclusions: The proportion of late diagnosis cases of HIV-infected MSM in Guangxi decreased significantly before and after the project. However, late-diagnosis should not be neglected and precise prevention and control should be carried out for the resident population, farmers, workers or students.

Measurement of the Lifetime and Λ Separation Energy of _{Λ}^{3}H

The most precise measurements to date of the _{Λ}^{3}H lifetime τ and Λ separation energy B_{Λ} are obtained using the data sample of Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV collected by ALICE at the LHC. The _{Λ}^{3}H is reconstructed via its charged two-body mesonic decay channel (_{Λ}^{3}H→^{3}He+π^{-} and the charge-conjugate process). The measured values τ=[253±11(stat)±6(syst)]  ps and B_{Λ}=[102±63(stat)±67(syst)]  keV are compatible with predictions from effective field theories and confirm that the _{Λ}^{3}H structure is consistent with a weakly bound system.

Measurement of the J/ψ Polarization with Respect to the Event Plane in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

We study the polarization of inclusive J/ψ produced in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV at the LHC in the dimuon channel, via the measurement of the angular distribution of its decay products. We perform the study in the rapidity region 2.5 Collapse

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First Measurement of Antideuteron Number Fluctuations at Energies Available at the Large Hadron Collider

The first measurement of event-by-event antideuteron number fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions is presented. The measurements are carried out at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) as a function of collision centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV using the ALICE detector. A significant negative correlation between the produced antiprotons and antideuterons is observed in all collision centralities. The results are compared with a state-of-the-art coalescence calculation. While it describes the ratio of higher order cumulants of the antideuteron multiplicity distribution, it fails to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the correlation between antiproton and antideuteron production. On the other hand, thermal-statistical model calculations describe all the measured observables within uncertainties only for correlation volumes that are different with respect to those describing proton yields and a similar measurement of net-proton number fluctuations.

Enhanced Deuteron Coalescence Probability in Jets

The transverse-momentum (p_{T}) spectra and coalescence parameters B_{2} of (anti)deuterons are measured in p-p collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV for the first time in and out of jets. In this measurement, the direction of the leading particle with the highest p_{T} in the event (p_{T}^{lead}>5  GeV/c) is used as an approximation for the jet axis. The event is consequently divided into three azimuthal regions, and the jet signal is obtained as the difference between the toward region, that contains jet fragmentation products in addition to the underlying event (UE), and the transverse region, which is dominated by the UE. The coalescence parameter in the jet is found to be approximately a factor of 10 larger than that in the underlying event. This experimental observation is consistent with the coalescence picture and can be attributed to the smaller average phase-space distance between nucleons in the jet cone as compared with the underlying event. The results presented in this Letter are compared to predictions from a simple nucleon coalescence model, where the phase-space distributions of nucleons are generated using pythia8 with the Monash 2013 tuning, and to predictions from a deuteron production model based on ordinary nuclear reactions with parametrized energy-dependent cross sections tuned on data. The latter model is implemented in pythia8.3. Both models reproduce the observed large difference between in-jet and out-of-jet coalescence parameters, although the almost flat trend of the B_{2}^{Jet} is not reproduced by the models, which instead give a decreasing trend.

[A panel study on the effect of atmospheric PM2.5 exposure on the gut microbiome in healthy elderly people aged 60-69 years old]

Objective: To analyze the short-term effect of individual atmospheric PM_2.5 exposure on the diversity, enterotype, and community structure of gut microbiome in healthy elderly people in Jinan, Shandong province. Methods: The present panel study recruited 76 healthy elderly people aged 60-69 years old in Dianliu Street, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, and followed them up five times from September 2018 to January 2019. The relevant information was collected by questionnaire, physical examination, precise monitoring of individual PM_2.5 exposure, fecal sample collection and gut microbiome 16S rDNA sequencing. The Dirichlet multinomial mixtures (DMM) model was used to analyze the enterotype. Linear mixed effect model and generalized linear mixed effect model were used to analyze the effect of PM_2.5 exposure on gut microbiome α diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and ACE indices), enterotype and abundance of core species. Results: Each of the 76 subjects participated in at least two follow-up visits, resulting in a total of 352 person-visits. The age of 76 subjects was (65.0±2.8) years old with BMI (25.0±2.4) kg/m². There were 38 males accounting for 50% of the subjects. People with an educational level of primary school or below accounted for 10.5% of the 76 subjects, and those with secondary school and junior college or above accounting for 71.1% and 18.4%. The individual PM2.5 exposure concentration of 76 subjects during the study period was (58.7±53.7) μg/m³. DMM model showed that the subjects could be divided into four enterotypes, which were mainly driven by Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Linear mixed effects model showed that different lag periods of PM_2.5 exposure were significantly associated with a lower gut α diversity index (P<0.05 after correction). Further analysis showed that PM_2.5 exposure was significantly associated with changes in the abundances of Firmicutes (Megamonas, Blautia, Streptococcus, etc.) and Bacteroidetes (Alistipes) (P<0.05 after correction). Conclusion: Short-term PM_2.5 exposure is significantly associated with a decrease in gut microbiome diversity and changes in the abundance of several species of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the elderly. It is necessary to further explore the underlying mechanisms between PM_2.5 exposure and the gut microbiome, so as to provide a scientific basis for promoting the intestinal health of the elderly.

[Developmental effects of TCIPP and TnBP on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos]

Objective: To investigate the toxicity of tris (2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tributyl phosphate (TnBP) on the growth and development of zebrafish embryos, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms at the transcriptional level. Methods: With zebrafish as a model, two hpf zebrafish embryos were exposed to TCIPP and TnBP (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 500, and 1 000 μmol/L) using the semi-static method, and their rates of lethality and hatchability were determined. The transcriptome changes of 120 hpf juvenile zebrafish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.1 and 1 μmol/L were measured. Results: The 50% lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of TCIPP and TnBP for zebrafish embryos were 155.30 and 27.62 μmol/L (96 hpf), 156.5 and 26.05 μmol/L (120 hpf), respectively. The 72 hpf hatching rates of TCIPP (100 μmol/L) and TnBP (10 μmol/L) were (23.33±7.72)% and (91.67±2.97)%, which were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Transcriptome analysis showed that TnBP had more differential genes (DEGs) than TCIPP, with a dose-response relationship. These DEGs were enriched in 32 pathways in total, including those involved in oxidative stress, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nuclear receptor-related pathways, using the IPA pathway analysis. Among them, three enriched pathways overlapped between TCIPP and TnBP, including TR/RXR activation and CAR/RXR activation. Additionally, DEGs were also mapped onto pathways of LXR/RXR activation and oxidative stress for TnBP exposure only. Conclusion: Both TCIPP and TnBP have growth and developmental toxicities in zebrafish embryos, with distinct biomolecular mechanisms, and TnBP has a stronger effect than TCIPP.

Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity and High Thermoelectric Performance in Ge1-x-yBixCayTe with Ultrafine Ferroelectric Domain Structure

GeTe and its derivatives emerging as a promising lead-free thermoelectric candidate have received extensive attention. Here, a new route was proposed that the minimization of κ_L in GeTe through considerable enhancement of acoustic phonon scattering by introducing ultrafine ferroelectric domain structure. We found that Bi and Ca dopants induce strong atomic strain disturbance in the GeTe matrix because of large differences in atom radius with host elements, leading to the formation of ultrafine ferroelectric domain structure. Furthermore, large strain field and mass fluctuation induced by Bi and Ca codoping result in further reduced κ_L by effectively shortening the phonon relaxation time. The co-existence of ultrafine ferroelectric domain structure, large strain field, and mass fluctuation contribute to an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.48 W m^-1 K^-1 at 823 K. Bi and Ca codoping significantly enhances the Seebeck coefficient and power factor through reducing the energy offset between light and heavy valence bands of GeTe. The modified band structure boosts the power factor up to 47 μW cm^-1 K^-2 in Ge_0.85Bi_0.09Ca_0.06Te. Ultimately, a high ZT of ∼2.2 can be attained. This work demonstrates a new design paradigm for developing high-performance thermoelectric materials.

[Rapid detection and genotyping of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants using a RT-PCR and CRISPR-Cas12a-based assay]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid detection and genotyping method for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants using CRISPPR-Cas12a gene editing technology.

METHODS

We combined reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and CRISPR gene editing technology and designed a specific CRISPPR RNA (crRNA) with suboptimal protospacer adjacent motifs (PAM) for rapid detection and genotyping of SARS- CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants. The performance of this RT- PCR/ CRISPPR-Cas12a assay was evaluated using 43 clinical samples of patients infected by wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron BA. 1 and BA. 4/5 variants and 20 SARS- CoV- 2-negative clinical samples infected with 11 respiratory pathogens. With Sanger sequencing method as the gold standard, the specificity, sensitivity, concordance (Kappa) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of RT-PCR/CRISPPR-Cas12a assay were calculated.

RESULTS

This assay was capable of rapid and specific detection of SARS- CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variant within 30 min with the lowest detection limit of 10 copies/μL, and no cross-reaction was observed in SARS-CoV-2-negative clinical samples infected with 11 common respiratory pathogens. The two Omicron BA.4/5 specific crRNAs (crRNA-1 and crRNA-2) allowed the assay to accurately distinguish Omicron BA.4/5 from BA.1 sublineage and other major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. For detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants, the sensitivity of the established assay using crRNA-1 and crRNA-2 was 97.83% and 100% with specificity of 100% and AUC of 0.998 and 1.000, respectively, and their concordance rate with Sanger sequencing method was 92.83% and 96.41%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

By combining RT-PCR and CRISPPR-Cas12a gene editing technology, we successfully developed a new method for rapid detection and identification of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants with a high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, which allows rapid detection and genotyping of SARS- CoV-2 variants and monitoring of the emerging variants and their dissemination.

[Establishment and evaluation of a method for phages enrichment by ferric trichloride-polyvinylidene fluoride membrane filter]

Objective: To establish and evaluate a method of enriching bacteriophages in natural water based on ferric trichloride-polyvinylidene fluoride (FeCl₃-PVDF)membrane filter. Methods: Based on the principle of flocculation concentration, the method of recovering bacteriophage from water sample was established by using iron ion flocculation combined with membrane filter. The titer of phage was determined by Agar double layer method. The recovery efficiency of phage was detected by phage fluorescence staining and real-time fluorescence PCR reaction. Water samples from different sources were collected for simulation experiment to evaluate the enrichment effect. At the same time, the sewage discharged from hospitals was taken as the actual water sample, and the common clinical drug-resistant bacteria were used as the host indicator bacteria to further analyze the enrichment effect of FeCl₃-PVDF membrane filter rapid enrichment method on the bacteriophage in natural water samples. Results: The method of enrichment of bacteriophages in natural water by iron ion concentration 50 mg/L and PVDF membrane filter was established. The recovery rate of this method for bacteriophage was 93%-100%. Under the multi-functional microscope, it was found that the bacteriophage of the enriched water sample increased significantly and the fluorescence value of the enriched water sample determined by the enzyme labeling instrument was about 13 times as high as that before enrichment. After concentration of the actual water samples from the hospital drainage, the positive rate of bacteriophage isolation in the concentrated group and the non-concentrated group was 23% and 4%, and the fluorescence value in the concentrated group was 2-24 times as high as that of the non-concentrated group. Conclusion: The method of FeCl₃-PVDF membrane filter is a simple, efficient and rapid method for enriching bacteriophages in different water samples.

A radiomics model development via the associations with genomics features in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer: a study based on a public database and single-centre verification

AIM

To evaluate the predictive performance of the radiomics model in predicting axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis through the associations between radiomics features and genomic features in patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with breast cancer were enrolled retrospectively from a public database (111 patients as training group) and one hospital (15 patients as external validation group). The genomics features from transcriptome data and radiomics features from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected. Firstly, overlapping genes were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and differentially expressed gene analysis, while radiomics features were reduced using a data-driven method. Then, the associations between overlapping genes and retained radiomics features were assessed to obtain key pairs of radiomics-genomics features. Furthermore, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to detect the key-pairs features. Finally, radiomics and genomics models were constructed to predict ALN metastasis.

RESULTS

After using the hybrid data- and gene-driven selection method, key pairs of features were detected, which consisted of six radiomic features associated with four genomic features. The radiomics model exhibited comparable performance to the genomics model in predicting ALN metastasis (radiomic model: area under the curve [AUC] = 0.71, sensitivity = 77%, specificity = 56%; genomic model: AUC = 0.72, sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 74%). The four genomic features were enriched in six pathways and related to metabolism and human diseases.

CONCLUSION

The radiomics model established using the gene-driven hybrid selection method could predict ALN metastasis in breast cancer, which showed comparable performance to the genomics model.

Longitudinal Relationship between Mobility Device Use, Falls and Fear of Falling (FOF) Differed by Frailty Status among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the longitudinal relationship between mobility device use, falls and fear of falling (FOF) among community-dwelling older adults by frailty status over a one-year follow-up.

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Communities in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey of Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States (N=5,896).

MEASUREMENTS

Based on yes or no response to the corresponding items for the variables, fall-related outcomes were determined separately including falls and FOF. Falls were assessed by asking participants whether they had a fall and if they had fallen down more than one time. FOF was measured by asking participants whether they worried about falling and if this worry ever limited activities. Mobility device use was determined by asking whether participants used any type of mobility devices and the number of devices used, including cane, walker, wheelchair and scooter. Frailty was assessed using the frailty phenotype. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to examine the association between mobility device use and fall-related outcomes among older adults by frailty status.

RESULTS

At Year 1, 28.6% of participants reported using mobility devices. Among robust participants, using one mobility device had 3.58 times higher risks of FOF with fear-related activity restriction (FAR) than non-device users (95% CI: 1.10-11.65). Cane-only robust users had 5.94 and 2.18 times higher risks of FOF with and without FAR (95% CI: 1.80-19.57; 95% CI: 1.12-4.22) than non-device users. Among pre-frail participants, using one mobility device was associated with recurrent falls and FOF with FAR (RRR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.30-3.14; RRR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.25-3.63). Using ≥2 devices was associated with one fall (RRR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.30-3.33), recurrent falls (RRR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.62-5.25) and FOF with FAR (RRR=2.84, 95% CI: 1.34-6.02). Pre-frail cane-only users were more likely to have one fall (RRR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.06-2.32), recurrent falls (RRR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.48-3.77) and FOF with FAR (RRR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.12-3.87) than non-device users. The number of mobility device used and the use of canes failed to be significantly associated with fall-related outcomes among frail participants.

CONCLUSION

The number of mobility devices used and the only use of canes were associated with fall-related outcomes among robust and pre-frail individuals. Further research is needed to develop targeted strategies for preventing falls and FOF among older adults with mobility device use, particularly for those in the early stages of frailty.

Broadband and High-Efficiency Microwave Absorbers Based on Pyramid Structure

Microwave-absorbing materials with wide bandwidth and high absorptivity are increasingly playing an important role in over-the-air (OTA) testing. In this work, a kind of pyramid absorbing material was prepared using flame-retardant absorbers as the filler. In addition, a coating was used to further improve the flame-retardant properties of the microwave-absorbing material. To obtain excellent microwave absorption performance (MWAP), a high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) was adopted to design structural materials. Here, the total height, the base height, the decapitation height of the pyramid tip, the distance between the pyramids, and other parameters were analyzed; then, the actual processing and molding were realized. The MWAP of -30 dB was achieved at 2.7-18 GHz, and the MWAP of -10 dB was also met at 2-18 GHz. In particular, the study also investigated the MWAP of large angle, which can meet the MWAP of -10 dB at 2-18 GHz and MWAP of -30 dB at 4-18 GHz. Most importantly, the absorption mechanism of the pyramid structure was explored. The influence of the tip was proved by the distribution of the electromagnetic field in the pyramid. It can be regarded as a multilayer microwave-absorbing material due to the impedance gradient of the pyramid, which can provide an effective research idea and method for future engineering applications.

Does supplier concentration matter to investors during the COV1D-19 crisis: evidence from China?

The literature shows that investor attention to customer-supplier disclosure increases when suppliers' information arrival is anticipated. Due to the widespread of city lockdowns in China and the implementation of social distancing to control the COVID-19 pandemic, investor attention to potential disruption of the supply chain spikes, leading to a price devaluation for firms with high supplier concentration risk. We find that a higher degree of supplier concentration is related to more serious stock price declines over the short-term and medium-term windows right after the Wuhan lockdown. This result lends support to the argument that the concentration risk of suppliers is a significant consideration for China stock market investors, especially under the potential financial distress at the firm level induced by the COVID-19 crisis.

[Recommendations of EASL clinical practice guidelines on haemochromatosis]

Haemochromatosis is characterised by elevated transferrin saturation (TSAT) and progressive iron loading that mainly affects the liver. Early diagnosis and treatment by phlebotomy can prevent cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, diabetes, arthropathy and other complications. In patients homozygous for p.Cys282Tyr in HFE, provisional iron overload based on serum iron parameters (TSAT >45% and ferritin >200 μg/L in females and TSAT >50% and ferritin >300 μg/L in males and postmenopausal women) is sufficient to diagnose haemochromatosis. In patients with high TSAT and elevated ferritin but other HFE genotypes, diagnosis requires the presence of hepatic iron overload on MRI or liver biopsy. The stage of liver fibrosis and other end-organ damage should be carefully assessed at diagnosis because they determine disease management. Patients with advanced fibrosis should be included in a screening programme for hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment targets for phlebotomy are ferritin <50 μg/L during the induction phase and <100 μg/L during the maintenance phase.

Strengths and limitations of diagnostic tools for endometriosis and relevance in diagnostic test accuracy research

Endometriosis is a chronic systemic disease that can cause pain, infertility and reduced quality of life. Diagnosing endometriosis remains challenging, which yields diagnostic delays for patients. Research on diagnostic test accuracy in endometriosis can be difficult due to verification bias, as not all patients with endometriosis undergo definitive diagnostic testing. The purpose of this State-of-the-Art Review is to provide a comprehensive update on the strengths and limitations of the diagnostic modalities used in endometriosis and discuss the relevance of diagnostic test accuracy research pertaining to each. We performed a comprehensive literature review of the following methods: clinical assessment including history and physical examination, biomarkers, diagnostic imaging, surgical diagnosis and histopathology. Our review suggests that, although non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as clinical assessment, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, do not yet qualify formally as replacement tests for surgery in diagnosing all subtypes of endometriosis, they are likely to be appropriate for advanced stages of endometriosis. We also demonstrate in our review that all methods have strengths and limitations, leading to our conclusion that there should not be a single gold-standard diagnostic method for endometriosis, but rather, multiple accepted diagnostic methods appropriate for different circumstances. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Bio-based Non-estrogenic Dimethacrylate Dental Composite from Cloves

Bisphenol A (BPA), as an endocrine disruptor derived from petroleum-based chemicals, has been prohibited by several regulatory agencies for use in a wide variety of consumer products. For the sake of reducing human exposure to BPA derivatives and in the context of sustainability, it is far-reaching to develop high-performance and low-toxic materials from bountiful biomass sources. The objective of this work was to synthesize 2 bio-based dimethacrylate monomers, 2,2'-dially-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,5'-diglycerolate acrylatediphenylmethane (BEF-EA) and 2,2'-dially-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,5'-diglycerolate methacrylatediphenylmethane (BEF-GMA), using eugenol as the raw material. The estrogenic activity of bio-based bisphenol 2,2'-dially-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,5'-dihydroxydiphenylmethane (BEF) was evaluated and compared with estrogen and commercial bisphenols. After photopolymerization of the di(meth)acrylates diluted with tri(ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), bio-based visible light-curing materials were prepared, and their properties were systematically investigated. Notably, di(meth)acrylates BEF-GMA and BEF-EA derived from these nonestrogenic bio-based phenols exhibited improved biocompatibility and low viscosity (down to 220-280 Pa.s). BEF-GMA and BEF-EA resin matrix exhibits lower volumetric polymerization shrinkage (about 8.5%), high photopolymerization reactivity (>50% in 60 s), and mechanical properties (fracture energy >5.5 N mm; flexural strength of 87-91 MPa, etc), which were comparable or superior to commercial Bis-GMA. The respective bio-based composites still exhibit adequate properties. Therefore, introducing eugenol-based visible light-curable dimethacrylate monomers into dental materials is a potential strategy to establish green sustainability and biocompatible dental materials without BPA.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

[Associations between personal fine particulate matter and blood lipid profiles: A panel study in Chinese people aged 60-69 years]

Objective: To explore the association between short-term exposures to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on blood lipids in the elderly. Methods: In this panel study, five repeated measurements were performed on 76 people aged 60-69 in Jinan city. Each participant had a PM_2.5 monitor for 72 hours before each health examination, including a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and biological sample collection. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were examined, and non-HDL-C concentrations were calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. The generalized linear mixed-effects model was used to quantify the association of personal PM_2.5 exposure at different lag with blood lipids and dyslipidemia. Results: The age of 70 participants was (65.0±2.8) years, of which 48.6% (34/70) were males. The BMI of participants was (25.0±2.5) kg/m². Their TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C concentrations were (5.75±1.32), (1.55±0.53), (3.27±0.94), (1.78±0.52), and (3.97±1.06) mmol/L, respectively. Generalized linear mixed-effects model showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, at lag 72 hours, each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 was associated with the percentage change in TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and non-HDL-C about 1.77% (95%CI: 1.22%-2.32%), 1.90% (95%CI: 1.18%-2.63%), 1.99% (95%CI: 1.37%-2.60%) and 1.74% (95%CI: 1.11%-2.37%), and the OR values (95%CI) of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperbetalipoproteinemia were 1.11 (1.01-1.22), 1.33 (1.03-1.71) and 1.15 (1.01-1.31), respectively. Conclusion: There is a significant association of short-term PM_2.5 exposure with the concentration of blood lipids and the risk of dyslipidemia in the elderly.

Hypertriton Production in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The study of nuclei and antinuclei production has proven to be a powerful tool to investigate the formation mechanism of loosely bound states in high-energy hadronic collisions. The first measurement of the production of _{Λ}^{3}H in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV is presented in this Letter. Its production yield measured in the rapidity interval -1<y<0 for the 40% highest-multiplicity p-Pb collisions is dN/dy=[6.3±1.8(stat)±1.2(syst)]×10^{-7}. The measurement is compared with the expectations of statistical hadronization and coalescence models, which describe the nucleosynthesis in hadronic collisions. These two models predict very different yields of the hypertriton in charged particle multiplicity environments relevant to small collision systems such as p-Pb, and therefore the measurement of dN/dy is crucial to distinguish between them. The precision of this measurement leads to the exclusion with a significance larger than 6.9σ of some configurations of the statistical hadronization model, thus constraining the theory behind the production of loosely bound states at hadron colliders.

Polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] Hyperons along the Beam Direction in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=5.02 TeV

The polarization of the Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam (z) direction, P_{z}, has been measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded with ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The main contribution to P_{z} comes from elliptic flow-induced vorticity and can be characterized by the second Fourier sine coefficient P_{z,s2}=⟨P_{z}sin(2φ-2Ψ_{2})⟩, where φ is the hyperon azimuthal emission angle and Ψ_{2} is the elliptic flow plane angle. We report the measurement of P_{z,s2} for different collision centralities and in the 30%-50% centrality interval as a function of the hyperon transverse momentum and rapidity. The P_{z,s2} is positive similarly as measured by the STAR Collaboration in Au-Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV, with somewhat smaller amplitude in the semicentral collisions. This is the first experimental evidence of a nonzero hyperon P_{z} in Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC. The comparison of the measured P_{z,s2} with the hydrodynamic model calculations shows sensitivity to the competing contributions from thermal and the recently found shear-induced vorticity, as well as to whether the polarization is acquired at the quark-gluon plasma or the hadronic phase.

Enhanced interfacial polarization of biomass-derived porous carbon with a low radar cross-section

Ultra-thin microwave absorbers have been urgently demanded for electromagnetic applications in recent years. Herein, porous carbon with a "flower cluster" microstructure was synthesized from biomass waste (mango seeds) by a facile activation and carbonization method. The novel structure reduced the density and also improved the impedance matching, dipole polarization, and provided many carbon matrix-air interfaces for interfacial polarization, resulting in superior microwave absorption performance. At an ultra-thin thickness of 1.5 mm, extraordinary microwave absorption was achieved, with a reflection loss (RL) of -42 dB. The effective absorption bandwidth reached 4.2 GHz. The RL can be further improved to -68.4 dB by adjusting the amount of activator to manipulate the structure of porous carbon. In addition, from the simulated radar scattering results, the maximum reduction in the radar cross-section (RCS) reached 30.4 dBm², which can greatly reduce the probability of equipment being detected by radar. This work provides a low-cost and high-performance microwave absorber for electromagnetic stealth technologies.

Measurement of the Groomed Jet Radius and Momentum Splitting Fraction in pp and Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

This article presents groomed jet substructure measurements in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector. The soft drop grooming algorithm provides access to the hard parton splittings inside a jet by removing soft wide-angle radiation. We report the groomed jet momentum splitting fraction, z_{g}, and the (scaled) groomed jet radius, θ_{g}. Charged-particle jets are reconstructed at midrapidity using the anti-k_{T} algorithm with resolution parameters R=0.2 and R=0.4. In heavy-ion collisions, the large underlying event poses a challenge for the reconstruction of groomed jet observables, since fluctuations in the background can cause groomed parton splittings to be misidentified. By using strong grooming conditions to reduce this background, we report these observables fully corrected for detector effects and background fluctuations for the first time. A narrowing of the θ_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is seen, which provides direct evidence of the modification of the angular structure of jets in the quark-gluon plasma. No significant modification of the z_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is observed. These results are compared with a variety of theoretical models of jet quenching, and provide constraints on jet energy-loss mechanisms and coherence effects in the quark-gluon plasma.

Measurement of Prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) charmed hadrons are measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. This is the first measurement of Σ_{c}^{0,++} production in hadronic collisions. Assuming the same production yield for the three Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} isospin states, the baryon-to-meson cross section ratios Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}/D^{0} and Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} are calculated in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) intervals 2<p_{T}<12 and 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. Values significantly larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions are observed, indicating for the first time that baryon enhancement in hadronic collisions also extends to the Σ_{c}. The feed-down contribution to Λ_{c}^{+} production from Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} is also reported and is found to be larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions. The data are compared with predictions from event generators and other phenomenological models, providing a sensitive test of the different charm-hadronization mechanisms implemented in the models.

Genome-wide identification studies - A primer to explore new genes in plant species

Genome data have accumulated rapidly in recent years, doubling roughly after every 6 months due to the influx of next-generation sequencing technologies. A plethora of plant genomes are available in comprehensive public databases. This easy access to data provides an opportunity to explore genome datasets and recruit new genes in various plant species not possible a decade ago. In the past few years, many gene families have been published using these public datasets. These genome-wide studies identify and characterize gene members, gene structures, evolutionary relationships, expression patterns, protein interactions and gene ontologies, and predict putative gene functions using various computational tools. Such studies provide meaningful information and an initial framework for further functional elucidation. This review provides a concise layout of approaches used in these gene family studies and demonstrates an outline for employing various plant genome datasets in future studies.

The excellent electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of carbon fiber composites: effect of metal content

In this work, the effect of metal loading on electromagnetic (EM) absorbing performance was investigated to obtain an excellent EM absorber through a simple process. Specifically, iron/cobalt/carbon nanocomposite fibers were...

A Southeast Asian collaborative Delphi consensus on surveying risk factors for head and neck cancer screening and prevention

The objective of this study was to determine high value questions for early detection and prevention of head and neck cancer by querying content experts on patient risk factors relevant to local communities in Southeast Asia (i.e., Vietnam, Laos, China, and Singapore). The Delphi method was employed using three rounds of asynchronous surveying which included participants among five different collaborating medical centers. 60 total survey items were assessed for consensus defined by a priori measures on the relative level of value of these questions for use in head and neck cancer screening. 77% of items reached a consensus and no items were concluded to be of low value despite differences in conclusions regarding relative importance. Survey items focused on patient demographic information and physical examination were examined across variables such as expert department affiliation, academic designation, and years of experience and found to be without statistically significant differences. However, with consensus items related to social risk factors, it was determined that participants who had 15 or more years of experience or identified as otolaryngologists rated these items at a relatively lower value than their peers with less experience (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0017) or outside the field of otolaryngology (p = 0.0101). This study explicitly identifies patient variables to consider in head and neck cancer screening that have not previously been comprehensively or methodically assessed in current literature. Increasing awareness of these risk factors may benefit the design and implementation of future head and neck cancer early detection and prevention programs in Southeast Asia and beyond as well as positively impact head and neck cancer outcomes.

TRPM7 Elicits Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Lens Epithelial Cells through the TGF-β/Smad Pathways

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the development of cataract. This study aimed to explore the effects of TRPM7 on the proliferation and differentiation of human lens epithelial cells. TRPM7 was over-expressed in LECs treated with TGF-β2. Down-regulation of TRPM7 attenuated the increase in cell viability and cell proliferation induced by TGF-β2. The LEC migration induced by TGF-β2 was also repressed by down-regulation of TRPM7. Epithelial-specific protein E-cadherin was up-regulated through knock-down of TRPM7. EMT-specific proteins, α-SMA, fibronectin and vimentin, were down-regulated through knockdown of TRPM7. Moreover, phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 was also prevented by inhibition of TRPM7. Therefore, TRPM7 elicited LEC proliferation and EMT through enhancing activation of the TGF-β/Smad pathways, implying a new therapeutic target for cataract.

The effect of Sr doping on electronic structure and electromagnetic properties of LaCo0.9Fe0.1O3 perovskites

In this work, an electronic structure study of the La1-xSrxCo0.9Fe0.1O3 (LSCFO) perovskites is performed. The LSCFO perovskites were fabricated via a simple sol-gel method by modulating molar ratio of La3+/Sr2+....

Measurement of the Cross Sections of Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} Baryons and of the Branching-Fraction Ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential cross sections of prompt charm-strange baryons Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The Ξ_{c}^{0} baryon was reconstructed via both the semileptonic decay (Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}) and the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}) channels. The Ξ_{c}^{+} baryon was reconstructed via the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}) channel. The branching-fraction ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=1.38±0.14(stat)±0.22(syst) was measured with a total uncertainty reduced by a factor of about 3 with respect to the current world average reported by the Particle Data Group. The transverse momentum (p_{T}) dependence of the Ξ_{c}^{0}- and Ξ_{c}^{+}-baryon production relative to the D^{0} meson and to the Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}- and Λ_{c}^{+}-baryon production are reported. The baryon-to-meson ratio increases toward low p_{T} up to a value of approximately 0.3. The measurements are compared with various models that take different hadronization mechanisms into consideration. The results provide stringent constraints to these theoretical calculations and additional evidence that different processes are involved in charm hadronization in electron-positron (e^{+}e^{-}) and hadronic collisions.

[Value of purple sign for predicting rebleeding events in cirrhotic patients following endoscopic selective varices devascularization]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of the purple sign for predicting long-term rebleeding events in cirrhotic patients following endoscopic selective varices devascularization.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 97 patients with liver cirrhosis, who had a history of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and underwent endoscopic selective varices devascularization. Thirty-two of the patients showed purple sign after endoscopic treatment. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize the selection bias of the patients (purple sign vs no purple sign) and reduce the intergroup differences of clinical characteristics. The primary outcome measure of this study was cumulative rebleeding events after endoscopic selective varices devascularization.

RESULTS

The 1-year rebleeding rate (27.0% vs 36.7%) or 6-month rebleeding rate (10.9% vs 26.9%) following endoscopic treatment was not significantly different between the purple sign group and no purple sign group before PSM (P=0.2385). But after PSM, the 1-year rebleeding rate (28.2% vs 56.4%) and 6-month rebleeding rate (5.0% vs 37.0%) were significantly lower in the purple sign group than in the no purple sign group (P=0.0304).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of purple sign indicates a lower risk of rebleeding after endoscopic treatment of cirrhotic gastroesophageal varices and a potentially favorable treatment response after endoscopic therapy, thus providing a clinical indicator for stratification of the patients for sequential endoscopic sessions.

Integrated analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing reveals a frameshift mutation associated with recessive embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle

Embryo loss is an important factor affecting fertility in dairy production. HH2 was identified as a haplotype on chromosome 1 associated with embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle. In the current study, both short- and long-read WGS was performed on four carriers and four non-carriers of HH2 to screen for variants in concordance with HH2 haplotype status. Sequence variation analysis revealed five putative functional variants of protein-coding genes, including a frameshift mutation (g.107172616delT) in intraflagellar transport protein 80 (IFT80) gene. Transcriptome analysis of whole blood indicated that no gene exhibited significantly differential expression or allele-specific expression between carriers and non-carriers in the candidate region. This evidence points to g.107172616delT as the highest priority causative mutation for HH2. Protein prediction reveals that the frameshift mutation results in a premature stop codon to reduce the peptide chain from 760 to 383 amino acids and greatly alters the structure and function of IFT80 protein. Our results demonstrate that the use of a combination of multiple high-throughput sequencing technologies is an efficient strategy to screen for the candidate causative mutations responsible for Mendelian traits, including genetic disorders.

Λ_{c}^{+} Production and Baryon-to-Meson Ratios in pp and p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV at the LHC

The prompt production of the charm baryon Λ_{c}^{+} and the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} production ratios were measured at midrapidity with the ALICE detector in pp and p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. These new measurements show a clear decrease of the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} ratio with increasing transverse momentum (p_{T}) in both collision systems in the range 2<p_{T}<12  GeV/c, exhibiting similarities with the light-flavor baryon-to-meson ratios p/π and Λ/K_{S}^{0}. At low p_{T}, predictions that include additional color-reconnection mechanisms beyond the leading-color approximation, assume the existence of additional higher-mass charm-baryon states, or include hadronization via coalescence can describe the data, while predictions driven by charm-quark fragmentation processes measured in e^{+}e^{-} and e^{-}p collisions significantly underestimate the data. The results presented in this Letter provide significant evidence that the established assumption of universality (colliding-system independence) of parton-to-hadron fragmentation is not sufficient to describe charm-baryon production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.