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There is value in integrating social–emotional learning with academic development as a way to support children's abilities to effectively communicate ideas, collaboratively solve problems, and strengthen early literacy practices. In this article, we discuss suggestions for using picturebook read‐alouds as stepping stones for integrating social–emotional learning (SEL) competencies and core standards (ELA and SS) to address topics related to social justice, equity, and inclusion. We connect each SEL competency with a related topic for discussion and highlight lesson ideas for early grades to examine these themes, including potential prompts a teacher may use to foster curiosity and help students develop questions about each topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of the slow initial speed caused by the large mass of the bistable permanent magnetic actuator (PMA) in the traditional bistable permanent magnetic–electromagnetic repulsion mechanism (PM-ERM), a novel fast contact operating mechanism is proposed by using the flexible spring system (SS) between the PMA and the ERM. The novel structure can separate the mass of the PMA and the ERM at the initial phase of the interrupting process, improve the initial speed of the contact and increase the initial opening distance of the contact. Firstly, the paper conducts an extensive investigation and analysis of the principle of the existing fast operating mechanism and points out the advantages and disadvantages of the existing mechanism. In order to meet the requirement of fast interrupting and improve the service life of the mechanism, a novel mechanism is proposed. And then, the working principle of the novel mechanism is introduced. The cooperative relationship between the ERM and the PMA and the working principle and performance parameter requirements of the ERM, SS and PMA are analyzed and designed. Finally, the feasibility of the novel mechanism is verified by the experiment. The results show that the opening distance of the novel operating mechanism can reach 2.25 mm in 1 ms. Compared with 1.24 mm of the traditional operating mechanism, it improves the initial opening distance of the contact by 81.5% and is conducive to the rapid interruption of the Hybrid DC current-limiting circuit breaker (HDCCLCB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly invented structure called Multi-Fin-based FinFET (M-FinFET) device is a promising candidate for future improvisation of the semiconductor industry. In this article, Multi-channel FinFET (Mch-FinFET) is proposed. A comparative investigation of various DC, analog/linearity attributes is studied for gate length variation and oxide thickness through a Sentaurus TCAD tool. The simulation study concluded that the increased number of channels (= 3no.) has enhanced ION by 409.71% compared to single-channel FinFET. The decreased value of Fin width and Fin height has shown an impressive improvement of sub-threshold swing (SS) and leakage current, which helps achieve a better switching ratio. Mch-FinFET device with lower oxide thickness (Tox=1 nm) enhances the transconductance (Gm), drain conductance (Gd), intrinsic gain (Av), and transconductance gain factor (TGF) by 52.42%, 41.17%, 85.03%, respectively. Various linearity parameters like higher-order harmonics (Gm2 and Gm3), voltage intercepts points (VIP2 and VIP3), and 1-dB compression point has improved by 32.32%, 110.71% 77%, 60.09%, 418.86%, 411.5% respectively gate length of 10 nm. Besides that, a symmetric dual spacer material is introduced to the proposed structure to analyze the importance of spacer engineering. The simulation study reveals that the Mch-FinFET device with HfO2 spacer has improved driving current by 21.42%. The optimization of various short channel effects (SCEs) such as threshold voltage roll-off, sub-threshold swing (SS), and leakage current is reflected in introducing HfO2 spacer material. This detailed study is expected to design low-power RF circuits that would benefit future CMOS technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of ginsenosides (triterpenic saponins) was determined in Panax quinquefolium hairy root cultures subjected to an elicitation process using carvacrol at 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 μM concentrations during 24 and 72 h exposure. This study was the first one in which carvacrol was applied as an elicitor. The content of eight ginsenosides, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Rg1, Rg2, and Re, was determined using HPLC analysis. Moreover, the quantitative RT-PCR method was applied to assess the relative expression level of farnesyl diphosphate synthase, squalene synthase, and dammarenediol synthase genes in the studied cultures. The addition of carvacrol (100 μM) was an effective approach to increase the production of ginsenosides. The highest content and productivity of all detected saponins were, respectively, 20.01 mg∙g−1 d.w. and 5.74 mg∙L−1∙day−1 after 72 h elicitation. The production profile of individual metabolites in P. quinquefolium cultures changed under the influence of carvacrol. The biosynthesis of most examined protopanaxadiol derivatives was reduced under carvacrol treatment. In contrast, the levels of ginsenosides belonging to the Rg group increased. The strongest effect of carvacrol was noticed for Re metabolites, achieving a 7.72-fold increase in comparison to the control. Saponin Rg2, not detected in untreated samples, was accumulated after carvacrol stimulation, reaching its maximum concentration after 72 h exposure to 10 μM elicitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide high-quality evidence for treatment efficacy, but many RCTs remain unpublished. The objective of this study was to describe the proportion of unpublished RCTs in five rheumatic diseases and to identify factors associated with publication. Methods Registered RCTs for five rheumatic diseases (SLE, vasculitis, spondyloarthritis, SS and PsA) with over 30 months since study completion were identified using ClinicalTrials.gov. Index publications were identified by NCT ID numbers and structured text searches of publication databases. The results of unpublished studies were identified in abstracts and press releases; reasons for non-publication were assessed by surveying corresponding authors. Results Out of 203 studies that met eligibility criteria, 17.2% remained unpublished, representing data from 4281 trial participants. Higher proportions of published trials were phase 3 RCTs (57.1% vs 28.6% unpublished, P  < 0.05) or had a positive primary outcome measure (64.9% vs 25.7% unpublished, P  < 0.001). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, a positive outcome was independently associated with publication (hazard ratio 1.55; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.22). Corresponding authors of 10 unpublished trials cited ongoing preparation of the manuscript (50.0%), sponsor/funder issues (40.0%) and unimportant/negative result (20.0%) as reasons for lack of publication. Conclusions Nearly one in five RCTs in rheumatology remain unpublished 2 years after trial completion, and publication is associated with positive primary outcome measures. Efforts to encourage universal publication of rheumatology RCTs and reanalysis of previously unpublished trials should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte is the property of Centro Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, the concept of the negative resistor (NR) has been proposed and applied in the magnetic coupled wireless power transfer (MC-WPT) system to improve the stability of power transfer. However, it remains a fundamental challenge to find the characteristic differences and applications of the four basic NR-based MC-WPT topologies. In this paper, the circuit models of the four basic NR-based MC-WPT topologies: series-series (SS), series-parallel (SP), parallel-parallel (PP), and parallel-series (PS) are established, and their characteristics are analyzed and compared by using circuit theory, which enables engineers to determine and select topologies to suit different applications and requirements. Theoretical analysis shows that the compensation methods of the transmitter and receiver of the NR-based MC-WPT system would affect the operating frequency and output characteristics of the system. Moreover, by comparative analysis, the conditions and applicable ranges for a stable output of different topologies were provided. Finally, the experimental prototypes are set up by using the power electronic inverter and operational amplifier, and the voltage gain ratios of the four basic NR-based WPT topologies under the variations of transfer distance and load are observed. The experimental results validate the correctness of the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To date, no immunomodulatory drug has demonstrated its efficacy in primary SS (pSS). We sought to analyse potential commonalities between pSS transcriptomic signatures and signatures of various drugs or specific knock-in or knock-down genes. Methods Gene expression from peripheral blood samples of patients with pSS was compared with that of healthy controls in two cohorts and three public databases. In each of the five datasets, we analysed the 150 most up- and downregulated genes between pSS patients and controls with regard to the differentially expressed genes resulting from the biological action on nine cell lines of 2837 drugs, 2160 knock-in and 3799 knock-down genes in the Connectivity Map database. Results We analysed 1008 peripheral blood transcriptomes from five independent studies (868 patients with pSS and 140 healthy controls). Eleven drugs could represent potential candidate drugs, with histone deacetylases and PI3K inhibitors among the most significantly associated. Twelve knock-in genes were associated with a pSS-like profile and 23 knock-down genes were associated with a pSS-revert profile. Most of those genes (28/35, 80%) were interferon-regulated. Conclusion This first drug repositioning transcriptomic approach in SS confirms the interest of targeting interferons and identifies histone deacetylases and PI3K inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Great advancements have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of SS, but there remain unmet needs for effective and targeted treatments. Glandular and extraglandular dysfunction in SS is associated with autoimmune lymphocytic infiltration that invades the epithelial structures of affected organs. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes that maintain self-tolerance during physiological conditions. Besides inhibiting excessive inflammation and autoimmune response by targeting various immune cell subsets and tissues, Treg cells have also been shown to promote tissue repair and regeneration in pathogenic milieus. The changes of quantity and function of Treg cells in various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders have been reported, owing to their effects on immune regulation. Here we summarize the recent findings from murine models and clinical data about the dysfunction of Treg cells in SS pathogenesis and discuss the therapeutic strategies of direct or indirect targeting of Treg cells in SS. Understanding the current knowledge of Treg cells in the development of SS will be important to elucidate disease pathogenesis and may guide research for successful therapeutic intervention in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Salivary gland lymphocytic infiltrates are a hallmark of primary SS (pSS), but traditional biopsy techniques hold several disadvantages. Ultrasound-guided core needle (US-guided CN) parotid gland biopsy is minimally invasive and reliable for diagnosis of lymphoma in pSS. This proof-of-concept study aimed to explore this technique in the diagnostic work-up of pSS and is the first to address its value in a consecutive cohort independently of the presence of salivary gland swelling. Methods Combined incisional and US-guided CN parotid biopsy was performed in 20 patients with suspected or confirmed pSS from the Belgian Sjögren's Syndrome Transition Trial (BeSSTT). Surface area and presence of a focus score (FS) of at least one, germinal centres and lymphoepithelial lesions were recorded. Results Salivary gland tissue was interpretable in 19 patients. Fourteen patients had ≥4 mm2 salivary gland tissue by both techniques, in four US-guided CN biopsies salivary gland tissue was <4 mm2. Paired biopsies ≥4 mm2 displayed a concordance of 90% for FS ≥ 1. Presence of lymphoepithelial lesions and germinal centres showed absolute concordance. Of four US-guided CN biopsies <4 mm2, three interpretable incisional biopsies were available, 2/3 with perfect concordance. When including biopsies of <4 mm2 salivary gland tissue, presence of FS ≥ 1 or germinal centres gave a sensitivity of 70% in incisional and of 69% in US-guided CN biopsy. Conclusions US-guided CN biopsy of the parotid gland is at least equivalent to incisional biopsy of the parotid gland in the diagnostic work-up of pSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To provide better preconceptional and prenatal counselling to patients with sjögren syndrome (SS). Methods In total, 2 100 143 pregnancies between 2004 and 2014 were identified in the Taiwan National Health Insurance database and birth registry. The maternal history of SS was ascertained, and data were compared between pregnant women with and without SS. We assessed the odds ratios and 95% CIs of fetal–neonatal and maternal outcomes. Results There were 449 pregnancies in women with SS and 2 099 694 pregnancies in women without SS. The risks of still birth [odds ratio (OR) = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.01, 4.55], low birth weight (<2500 g, OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.92, 3.33), small for gestational age (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.03) and fetal distress (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.45) as well as maternal risks of pulmonary oedema (OR = 11.64, 95% CI = 1.62, 83.48), shock (OR = 6.07, 95% CI = 1.51, 24.3) and respiratory distress (OR = 5.61, 95% CI = 1.39, 22.6) were higher in the SS group than in the non-SS group. Conclusion Women with SS have significant risks of adverse fetal–neonatal and maternal outcomes and must undergo prenatal counselling to understand the risks involved before conception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy pregnancy is characterized by a reduction in total peripheral vascular resistance which produces a decrease in maternal blood pressure. Failure of this normal maternal adaptation to pregnancy results in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which are dangerous for both the mother and fetus. Recently, it has been proposed that Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats are a model of spontaneous superimposed preeclampsia when maintained on a normal salt diet. Since these reports are from animals that are derived from sources that are not commercially available, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the blood pressure and pregnancy outcomes of SS rats from a commercial vendor. Mean arterial blood pressure was measured by indwelling femoral catheter in anesthetized SS virgin and SS day 21 late pregnant rats from Charles River Laboratories (CRL). Fetal outcomes from SS rats and control Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were also measured. All rats were euthanized by exsanguination under anesthesia and tissues weighed. Virgin SS rats were found to have normal mean arterial blood pressure (102 ± 2 mmHg), and late pregnant SS rats had the normal decrease in maternal blood pressure. SS rats were also found to have normal pregnancy outcomes. These results suggest that SS rats from CRL are not a model of superimposed preeclampsia. Further studies will be aimed at determining the differences between the blood pressure phenotype and pregnancy outcomes of existing colonies of SS rats in order to elucidate the mechanisms permitting the development of preeclampsia in certain colonies of this strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is the second most common autoimmune rheumatism. Huoxue Jiedu Recipe (HXJDR) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacological functions; however, its biological function in SS has not been studied yet. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum samples were isolated from healthy controls and patients with SS. NOD/Ltj mice were used for developing the SS mouse model. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome–related markers as well as dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) were determined by ELISA, quantitative real‐time PCR, and western blot analysis, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining detected the pathological damage. A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the mitochondrial microstructure. Inflammatory cytokines IL‐18, IL‐1β, B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), BAFF‐receptor (BAFF‐R), IL‐6, and TNF‐α in serum samples and NLRP3 inflammasome–related makers (NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate–specific proteinase 1 [caspase‐1], apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐1 recruitment domain [ASC], IL‐1β) in PBMCs were greatly upregulated in patients with SS. Furthermore, cytoplasmic phosphorylation of Drp1 and mitochondrial Drp1 level were significantly increased in PBMCs, while mitochondrial swelling and fuzzy inner ridge were observed in PBMCs of patients with SS, suggesting increased mitochondrial fission. Compared with control mice, SS mice showed decreased salivary flow rate, increased submandibular gland index, and more severe inflammatory infiltration and damage as well as mitochondrial fission in submandibular gland tissues. After HXJDR administration, these effects were significantly reversed. HXJDR treatment could alleviate the inflammatory infiltration and pathological damage in submandibular glands of SS mice by inhibiting Drp‐1–dependent mitochondrial fission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large textile industries are deploying Industry 4.0 Technologies (I4.0T) aiming to develop a micro-level circular economy (CECP), considering cleaner production practices as a strategic tool. However, due to the environmental impact generated by the textile industry, it has not yet achieved Strong Sustainability (SS), denoting an important path to be pursued by managers and shareholders in view of meeting the 2030 agenda. With this, the objective of this study is to evaluate whether the adoption of I4.0T promotes CECP-driving SS actions in large textile industries located in Brazil. A survey was the research method adopted, and for data analysis, structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses and Pearson correlation between variables. It was concluded that the adoption of I4.0T promotes CECP. However, they neglect SS actions. Facilitators for CECP practices were big data, augmented reality, and autonomous robots. In terms of SS, I4.0T has a low impact on increasing resource consumption efficiency, reusing waste as input in other processes, and increasing access to commodities. This research contributes to the linking I4.0T, CECP, and SS theory. Moreover, with the dissemination of knowledge to managers about the I4.0T that generates the CECP, it is possible to develop sustainable strategies in operations. However, to move in this direction, it is essential that there is a collective effort of the government, companies, and society, starting by raising awareness about the importance of SS in the textile sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe the clinical and pathological features of biopsy-proven cutaneous vasculitis (CV) associated with SLE, focusing on diagnosis classification and impact on overall SLE activity. Methods Retrospective multicentric cohort study including SLE patients with biopsy-proven CV identified by (i) data from pathology departments of three university hospitals and (ii) a national call for cases. SLE was defined according to 1997 revised ACR and/or 2019 ACR/EULAR criteria. CV diagnosis was confirmed histologically and classified by using the dermatological addendum of the Chapel Hill classification. SLE activity and flare severity at the time of CV diagnosis were assessed independently of vasculitis items with the SELENA-SLEDAI and SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index. Results Overall, 39 patients were included; 35 (90%) were female. Cutaneous manifestations included mostly palpable purpura (n  = 21; 54%) and urticarial lesions (n  = 18; 46%); lower limbs were the most common location (n  = 33; 85%). Eleven (28%) patients exhibited extracutaneous vasculitis. A higher prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome (51%) was found compared with SLE patients without CV from the French referral centre group (12%, P  < 0.0001) and the Swiss SLE Cohort (11%, P  < 0.0001). CV was mostly classified as urticarial vasculitis (n  = 14, 36%) and cryoglobulinaemia (n  = 13, 33%). Only 2 (5%) patients had no other cause than SLE to explain the CV. Sixty-one percent of patients had inactive SLE. Conclusion SLE-related vasculitis seems very rare and other causes of vasculitis should be ruled out before considering this diagnosis. Moreover, in more than half of patients, CV was not associated with another sign of active SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controversy over the memorial erected by the Belgian municipality of Zedelgem in 2018 to honor the Latvians held as prisoners of the British between 1945 and 1946 has shone a light on the increasing divergence between the Latvian nationalist narrative attached to its 'freedom fighters' and that espoused by the West. The purpose of this article is to examine the background of the Latvians' presence in Belgium in the immediate postwar period, the problems their presence created, how they were treated by their British captors, and how they were ultimately dispersed into civilian life. Far from being the victims of indifference, the Latvians in SS uniforms, as well as their Baltic counterparts, were the beneficiaries of increasing early Cold War animosities and systematically protected by the British from Soviet demands for their repatriation, as this would amount to de facto recognition of the Soviet annexation of the Baltic States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, a novel hybrid spectrum-slicing wavelength division multiplexing (SS-WDM)–mode division multiplexing (MDM) undertransparent water medium has been designed and its performance is investigated. The system generates the 40 independent of 2.5 Gbps data signals over underwater medium using a single laser beam by deploying the proposed SS-WDM–MDM based UOWC link. It features that each 2.5 Gbps will be intended for spectrum slicing here, 4 spectrum is slice from the single input spectrum. The effect of the proposed link UOWC on three distinct types of water medium—the open sea, the clear ocean, and the coastal ocean is also analyzed and it could be possible by obtaining the attenuation constant. The respective results are analyzed with function of link distance, BER, Q-factor. The performance characteristics is studied for the wavelength of 550–1550 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Znana dziś pod skrótem SS organizacja sztafet ochronnych Adolfa Hitlera (Schutzstaffel) zawdzięcza swój prężny rozwój Heinrichowi Himmlerowi, który w latach istnienia Trzeciej Rzeszy uczynił z niej elitarną formację, stanowiącą tak narzędzie władzy wykonawczej, jak i zaplecze polityczno-wojskowe narodowosocjalistycznego reżimu. Nie ulega wątpliwości, że SS była dla Himmlera projektem o niezwykle istotnym znaczeniu, ponieważ to na jej gruncie, już od momentu objęcia funkcji Reichsführera, realizował koncepcję rasowej wspólnoty rodów. Głosząc teorię o tym, że „ludzie mogą być hodowani z równym powodzeniem jak hoduje się zwierzęta”, Himmler marzył o wybudowaniu czystego rasowo społeczeństwa, mającego najbardziej cenione genetycznie przez narodowosocjalistyczną władzę cechy. By zrealizować ten projekt, jako Reichsführer wprowadził sekwencję różnego rodzaju wytycznych, dzięki którym w szeregi SS mieli być przyjmowani wyłącznie kandydaci spełniający ustanowione przez niego rasowe kryteria. Z czasem te restrykcyjne wymogi zaczęto stosować również wobec kandydatek na przyszłe żony SS-manów, co na przestrzeni kolejnych lat miało zagwarantować zarówno wybudowanie elitarnej pod względem rasowym wspólnoty rodów, jak i ciągłość genetyczną najbardziej pożądanych cech. Himmler rościł sobie prawo nie tylko do wydawania pozwoleń na zawarcie małżeństwa przez podległych mu SS-manów, lecz także zaczął ingerować w ich życie rodzinne, oczekując od par wchodzących w skład wspólnoty rodów konkretnej dzietności czy też dostosowania się do określonych ról społecznych. Artykuł koncentruje się na opisaniu założeń teoretycznych i praktycznych działań Heinricha Himmlera mających na celu wybudowanie rasowej elity niemieckiego narodu na gruncie podległej mu SS. W tekście podjęto także próbę odpowiedzi na pytanie o to, czy rzeczywiście przestrzegano ustanowionych przez Himmlera wytycznych i na ile te praktyczne założenia okazały się skuteczne (w jakim stopniu wpłynęły na liczbę zawieranych przez SS-manów małżeństw oraz na liczbę rodzących się w tych związkach dzieci)?

In the article, the authors deal with the works which were published by the Austrian Germanist Otto Höfler in the Third Reich and which were more or less dedicated to the Germanic warrior Männerbünde. The focus of their analysis is the book The Secret Cult Associations of the Germans (1934), derived from Höfler's habilitation thesis. In their opinion, Höfler expressed his fundamental scientific and ideological views in the second volume of this book, which he most likely wrote in 1934 and which he never published because it was most closely associated with the SA, while it was headed by Ernst Röhm. Therefore, the authors reject both the position that Höfler’s scientific work was in the service of the SS and the opposite position that he remained immune to the ideology of National Socialism. Since it is certain that Höfler was a member of the SA until 1928 and that it is quite possible that he remained connected with the Vienna Gau even after he moved to Uppsala, where he wrote The Secret Cult Associations of the Germans, the “sociological” part of the second volume of this book was, as far as our knowledge of it extends today, anchored in that part of the ideological spectrum of National Socialism. Based on Hefler’s announcements in the first volume of this book, it can be concluded that at that time, for him, the only real “historical continuity” between the old and the modern Germans lay in the warrior Männerbünde, whose violence resembled natural disasters, who brutally dealt with (“distributed justice on”) anyone who happened to be in their way and who had a special cult of the dead.

SSc is an auto-immune disease characterized by life-threatening manifestations such as lung fibrosis or pulmonary arterial hypertension. Symptoms with a detrimental impact on quality of life are also reported and sicca syndrome (xerostomia, xeropthalmia) is present in up to 80% of patients with SSc. Sicca syndrome can occur in the absence of overlap with Sjögren's disease and recent studies highlight that fibrosis of minor and major salivary glands, directly linked to the pathogenesis of SSc, could be a major contributor of xerostomia in SSc. This narrative review provides an overview of the clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, management and future perspectives on sicca syndrome in patients with SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives RA and primary SS carry increased atherosclerotic risk, while B-cell activating factor holds a vital role in disease pathogenesis and atherosclerosis. We aimed to compare subclinical atherosclerosis profiles between the two clinical entities and define whether BAFF genetic variants alter atherosclerotic risk. Methods DNA from 166 RA, 148 primary SS patients and 200 healthy controls of similar age and sex distribution was subjected to PCR-based assay for the detection of five single nucleotide polymorphisms of the BAFF gene (rs1224141, rs12583006, rs9514828, rs1041569 and rs9514827). Genotype and haplotype frequencies were determined by SNPStats software and statistical analysis was performed by SPSS and Graphpad Software. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined by the presence of carotid/femoral plaque formation and arterial wall thickening. Results Atherosclerotic plaque formation was more frequently detected in the RA vs primary SS group (80.7% vs 62.2%, P -value <0.001), along with higher rates of family CVD history, current steroid dose and serum inflammatory markers. The TT genotype of the rs1224141 variant was more prevalent in RA but not primary SS patients with plaque and arterial wall thickening vs their counterparts without. Regarding the rs1014569 variant, among RA patients the TT genotype increased the risk for plaque formation while in primary SS patients the AT genotype conferred increased risk. Haplotype GTTTT was protective in the RA cohort, while TATTT and TTCTT haplotypes increased susceptibility for arterial wall thickening in the primary SS cohort. Conclusions Increased inflammatory burden, higher steroid doses and distinct BAFF gene variations imply chronic inflammation and B-cell hyperactivity as key contributors for the augmented atherosclerotic risk among autoimmune patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Whether naive CD4+ T cells are dysregulated and associated with the overactivation of CD4+ T cells in primary SS (pSS) remains unclear. We aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of naive CD4+ T cells in pSS. Methods We examined the activation, proliferation and differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells from pSS patients and healthy controls. Differentially expressed genes were identified using RNA sequencing, and were overexpressed or silenced to determine the gene regulating follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) with chromatin immunoprecipitation with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed to explore the epigenetic mechanism. Naive CD4+ T cells were treated with pSS-related cytokines to explore the upstream signalling pathway. Results pSS naive CD4+ T cells had higher potentials of activation, proliferation and differentiation towards Tfh cells. Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) was upregulated in pSS naive CD4+ T cells and promoted T cell activation and Tfh cell polarization. TOX silencing in pSS naive CD4+ T cells downregulated B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) expression and altered levels of multiple Tfh-associated genes. ChIP-seq analysis implied that TOX bound to the BCL6 locus, where there were accessible regions found by ATAC-seq. IFN-α induced TOX overexpression, which was attenuated by Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) inhibitors. Conclusion Our data suggest that TOX in pSS naive CD4+ T cells is upregulated, which facilitates Tfh cell differentiation. Mechanistically, IFN-α induces TOX overexpression in naive CD4+ T cells through JAK–STAT1 signalling and TOX regulates BCL6 expression. Therefore, IFN-α-JAK–STAT1 signalling and TOX might be potential therapeutic targets in pSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a multisystem autoimmune disease, primarily targeting salivary and lacrimal glands; skin, nasal and vaginal dryness, along with musculoskeletal pain and fatigue are the most commonly reported symptoms. Hearing loss is hypothesized to be frequent as well. The purpose of this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence of Hearing loss and its different subtypes in patients with Sjögren syndrome. PRISMA guidelines were followed to ensure highest quality for our systematic review. A random effects model meta-analysis and meta-regression was conducted using I2 as heterogeneity indicator. Eleven observational studies were included in this systematic review. Ten of them were cross-sectional, while one study was case–control. Studies were assessed for risk of bias: all were rated to a moderate level, except for two rated to a low level. Pooled prevalence of any type of hearing loss was 52.2%. After excluding studies rated to moderate bias, the pooled prevalence of hearing loss was 36.7%. We also conducted a subgroup analysis depending on type of hearing loss. Pooled prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss was 42.6%., while pooled prevalence of conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss were 5% and 2.3%, respectively. Meta-regression was conducted in an effort to identify possible variables capable to explain high heterogeneity between studies. Sample size and year of study were separately found to account for a portion of heterogeneity between studies of sensorineural hearing loss. Year of study was also found to account for a portion of heterogeneity between studies of conductive hearing loss. In conclusion, sensorineural hearing loss, is highly prevalent in patients with Sjögren syndrome. On this basis, early screening and follow-up of patients with Sjögren syndrome by pure tone audiometry is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Salivary glands of primary SS (pSS) patients characteristically harbour periductal infiltrates, in which lymphoepithelial lesions (LELs) can develop. LELs are composed of hyperplastic ductal epithelium with infiltrating lymphocytes and may assist in the challenging diagnostic process of pSS. As manual identification of LELs remains difficult, we aimed to identify LELs by using an objective digital image analysis (DIA) algorithm that detects intraepithelial lymphocytes. Methods A virtual triple-staining technique developed for this study was used to count intraepithelial lymphocytes in consecutive slides stained for CD3 (T-lymphocytes), high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (hmwCK) (striated ducts) and CD20 (B-lymphocytes) in labial and parotid gland biopsies in a diagnostic cohort of 109 sicca patients. Patients were classified as having pSS or non-SS according to the ACR-EULAR classification criteria. Results T-lymphocytes were detected in almost all analysed ducts of pSS and non-SS sicca patients, whereas intraepithelial B-lymphocytes were present in 59–68% of labial and parotid gland biopsies of pSS patients, against only 2–3% of patients classified as non-SS. Intraepithelial B-lymphocytes were found in almost all striated ducts with hyperplasia (LELs). Remarkably, ∼25% of analysed striated ducts without hyperplasia of pSS patients also contained B-lymphocytes (precursor-LELs). Furthermore, presence of intraepithelial B-lymphocytes was associated with clinical parameters of pSS (i.e. serology). Conclusion The presence of intraepithelial B-lymphocytes in salivary gland biopsies of sicca patients is a clear indicator of pSS and can be used as an objective alternative to LEL scoring. Therefore, identification of B-lymphocyte–containing ducts should be added to the diagnostic histopathological work-up of patients suspected of pSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To characterize 414 patients with primary SS who developed haematological malignancies and to analyse how the main SS- and lymphoma-related features can modify the presentation patterns and outcomes. Methods By January 2021, the Big Data Sjögren Project Consortium database included 11 966 patients fulfilling the 2002/2016 classification criteria. Haematological malignancies diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification were retrospectively identified. Results There were 414 patients (355 women, mean age 57 years) with haematological malignancies (in 43, malignancy preceded at least one year the SS diagnosis). A total of 376 (91%) patients had mature B-cell malignancy, nearly half had extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) (n  = 197), followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n  = 67), nodal MZL lymphoma (n  = 29), chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) (n  = 19) and follicular lymphoma (FL) (n  = 17). Rates of complete response, relapses and death were 80%, 34% and 13%, respectively, with a 5-year survival rate of 86.5% after a mean follow-up of 8 years. There were significant differences in age at diagnosis (younger in MALT, older in CLL/SLL), predominant clinical presentation (glandular enlargement in MALT lymphoma, peripheral lymphadenopathy in nodal MZL and FL, constitutional symptoms in DLBCL, incidental diagnosis in CLL/SLL), therapeutic response (higher in MALT lymphoma, lower in DLBCL) and survival (better in MALT, nodal MZL and FL, worse in DLBCL). Conclusion In the largest reported study of haematological malignancies complicating primary SS, we confirm the overwhelming predominance of B-cell lymphomas, especially MALT, with the salivary glands being the primary site of involvement. This highly-specific histopathological scenario is linked with the overall good prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of nearly 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism of hermaphroditic plants to prevent inbreeding after self-pollination. Allogamous Poaceae species exhibit a unique gametophytic SI system controlled by two multi-allelic and independent loci, S and Z. Despite intense research efforts in the last decades, the genes that determine the initial recognition mechanism are yet to be identified. Here, we report the fine-mapping of the Z -locus in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and provide evidence that the pollen and stigma components are determined by two genes encoding DUF247 domain proteins (ZDUF247-I and ZDUF247-II) and the gene sZ , respectively. The pollen and stigma determinants are located side-by-side and were genetically linked in 10,245 individuals of two independent mapping populations segregating for Z. Moreover, they exhibited high allelic diversity as well as tissue-specific gene expression, matching the expected characteristics of SI determinants known from other systems. Revisiting the S -locus using the latest high-quality whole-genome assemblies revealed a similar gene composition and structure as found for Z , supporting the hypothesis of a duplicated origin of the two-locus SI system of grasses. Ultimately, comparative genomic analyses across a wide range of self-compatible and self-incompatible Poaceae species revealed that the absence of a functional copy of at least one of the six putative SI determinants is accompanied by a self-compatible phenotype. Our study provides new insights into the origin and evolution of the unique gametophytic SI system in one of the largest and economically most important plant families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a super steep pocket doped ferroelectric tunnel junction which explores the concept of vertical tunneling as well as tunneling across ferroelectric junction. The device structure is systematically designed by optimizing the pocket and ferroelectric thickness to maximize the ION/IOFF ratio. The incorporation of n+ pocket enhances the ON current. A high ON current of the order of 10−5 A/µm with average subthreshold swing (SS) of 11 mV/decade is obtained. Moreover, the proposed device has been presented as dielectric modulation-based label-free biosensor. Sensitivities are reported for charged and neutral biomolecule considering various values of dielectric constant. Further, the energy efficiency for logic activity and switching time of the device have been analyzed. By benchmarking its performance with the existing TFET structures, the proposed FTJ device proves to be a better candidate for ultra low power applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In geotechnical engineering, uncertainties arise due to variation in loads, soil characteristics, ground stratification and so on. Reliability analysis based on probabilistic approaches is particularly suitable to deal with such uncertainties. In this paper, a newly developed reliability analysis method, namely Subset simulation (SS) method has been implemented to study the stability of a cohesive slope. The results of reliability analysis obtained from SS method are also compared with three other methods, namely First order second moment method (FOSM), First order reliability method (FORM) and Direct Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The various reliability models have been used in a spreadsheet environment using MS-Excel. The developed spreadsheet-based platform implementing all four methods contains two common models i.e. deterministic model and the uncertainty model. The SS method uses another model called uncertainty propagation using subset simulation (UPSS) in addition to the two above-mentioned models. The factor of safety of the slope is determined using ordinary method of slices under undrained condition. The probability of failure ( and its corresponding reliability index of the proposed slope has been determined using all four methods. A software called Geo-Studio (SLOPE/W) has been used to tally the results of reliability analysis of the slope considered herein. The results obtained from the different methods show that the SS method gives better performance in terms of efficiency and resolution especially at low failure probability i.e., . Also, the SS method helps in identifying the significant depth where the most probable critical slip surface is located.

In this work, we propose a novel hetero-junction hetero-gate-dielectric gate over source-channel overlap dual-gate TFET with an insulator pocket and a lateral source contact (IP-LSC-HJ-HGD-GoSo-DGTFET). In the IP-LSC-HJ-HGD-GoSo-DGTFET, an insulator pocket placed between channel and the right side of source is adopted to suppress the source corner effect which can cause SS to deteriorate. Therefore, an ultra-steep SS AVER of 5.5 mV/dec is obtained within 10 orders of magnitude of I DS. Moreover, I OFF is improved by one order of magnitude when the vertical source contact is replaced by a lateral source contact. Finally, the I ON , I ON /I OFF , V ONSET , and g m of IP-LSC-HJ-HGD-GoSo-DGTFET are 97 μA/μm, 2.8 × 1013, 0 V and 510 μS/μm through the optimization of DC performance, respectively. As for the analog/RF performance, IP-LSC-HJ-HGD-GoSo-DGTFET achieves ƒ T of 39 GHz and GBP of 17.3 GHz, respectively. Compared with other GoSo-DGTFETs, the proposed IP-LSC-HJ-HGD-GoSo-DGTFET is a better potential candidate in the application field of ultra-low power integrated circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gate-all-around field effect transistors (GAAFETs), exhibit improved SCEs, are proposed to replace conventional FinFET in scaled nanodevices owing to excellent gate control. The voltage scaling concept is embodied in negative capacitance (NC) which provides same on current at reduced voltage. The proposed NC-GAAFET yields 5.31 times larger I ON and I OFF is significantly reduced by ⁓105 orders, which is due NC effect, compared to baseline NW. SS avg for the NC-GAAFET is 33mV/dec which surpasses Boltzmann tyranny and manifests steep subthreshold behavior. Effect of FE thickness (t fe) variations on DIBL has been explored and found to be negative, which improves SCEs. The negative-DIBL for device has been found to be −20 mV/V at t fe = 6 nm. Furthermore, a CMOS inverter circuit employing the NC-GAAFET has been presented that provides an average propagation delay of 174 fS which is 47 % lesser as compared to that of baseline device. The NC-GAAFET NW findings fulfill the quest of low power fast switching device for digital applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine a coupled Radhakrishnan–Kundu–Lakshmanan (cRKL) equation that includes self-phase modulation, third order dispersion, self-steepening, and cross-phase modulation effects. A propagating ultrafast pulse in nonlinear systems is described by the given equation. Utilizing the coupled Radhakrishnan–Kundu–Lakshmanan (cRKL) model, we explored the dynamics of various innovative optical solitons, such as wing-shaped, W-shaped, and brilliant solitons. We used mathematical methods like the Jacobi elliptical sn function method to get the exact analytical solution. Our results demonstrate that the self-phase modulation (SPM), self-steepening (SS), cross-phase modulation (XPM), and third order dispersion (TOD) can be effectively varied to influence the structure of the solitons. It is demonstrated that the precise balance between the self-steepening effect, the self-phase modulation, and the group velocity dispersion forms these novel W-shaped chirp-free dark solitons and dark and bright solitonic structures. By choosing appropriate settings for the physical variables, it is possible to create a graphic representation of the properties of optical solitons. The study and application of nonlinear materials with third order dispersion, cross-phase modulation, self-phase modulation effect, and self-steepening nonlinearity may take new paths as a result of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature analysis with interface trap charge of lead zirconate titanate NC-GAAFET. • Electrical parameters enhanced using silicon doped HfO 2 ferroelectric layer in gate. • Impact of silicon-HfO 2 interface trap charges mainly prevails in subthreshold regime. • Parameters of NC-GAAFET improves in contrast to baseline GAAFET at all temperature. • Electrical parameters deteriorate for NC and baseline GAAFET as temperature increases. This article explores the static and trap analysis of lead zirconate titanate negative capacitance gate-all-around (PZT NC GAAFET) nanowire at different temperature using Sentaurus 3D TCAD simulations. Impact of uniform and non-uniform trap charges on various electrical parameters for different ferroelectric (FE) layer thickness is investigated. Work delves the effect of interface traps, at Silicon-HfO 2 interface, on electrical parameters of PZT NC GAAFET. Device yields subthreshold slope of 49 mV/dec, at T FE 20 nm, which surpasses Boltzmann tyranny limit. I ON , I OFF , I ON /I OFF , V TH , SS, and g m have enhanced owing to incorporation of PZT FE layer in contrast to baseline GAAFET. I DS -V GS of NC GAAFET evinces a positive (negative) shift for negative (positive) traps, owing to negative capacitance, compared to baseline for which it exhibits reverse shift. Moreover, the influence of interface trap charges, for NC GAAFET, prevails in subthreshold regime. Electrical parameters primarily deteriorate in presence of interface traps as temperature elevates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the concept of the negative resistor (NR) has been proposed and applied in the magnetic coupled wireless power transfer (MC-WPT) system to improve the stability of power transfer. However, it remains a fundamental challenge to find the characteristic differences and applications of the four basic NR-based MC-WPT topologies. In this paper, the circuit models of the four basic NR-based MC-WPT topologies: series-series (SS), series-parallel (SP), parallel-parallel (PP), and parallel-series (PS) are established, and their characteristics are analyzed and compared by using circuit theory, which enables engineers to determine and select topologies to suit different applications and requirements. Theoretical analysis shows that the compensation methods of the transmitter and receiver of the NR-based MC-WPT system would affect the operating frequency and output characteristics of the system. Moreover, by comparative analysis, the conditions and applicable ranges for a stable output of different topologies were provided. Finally, the experimental prototypes are set up by using the power electronic inverter and operational amplifier, and the voltage gain ratios of the four basic NR-based WPT topologies under the variations of transfer distance and load are observed. The experimental results validate the correctness of the theoretical analysis.

The main aim of this work is to study the effect of symmetric and asymmetric spacer length variations towards source and drain on n-channel SOI JL vertically stacked (VS) nanowire (NW) FET at 10 nm gate length (LG). Spacer length is proved to be one of the stringent metrics in deciding device performance along with width, height and aspect ratio (AR). The physical variants in this work are symmetric spacer length (LSD), source side spacer length (LS) and drain side spacer length (LD). The simulation results give the highest ION/IOFF ratio with LD variation compared to LS and LSD, whereas latter two variations have similar effect on ION/IOFF ratio. At 25 nm (2.5 × LG) of LD, the device gives appreciable ON current with the highest ION/IOFF ratio (2.19 × 108) with optimum subthreshold slope (SS) and ensures low power and high switching drivability. Moreover, it is noticed that among optimal values of LS and LD, the device ION/IOFF ratio has an improvement of 22.69% as compared to other variations. Moreover, the effect of various spacer dielectrics on optimized device is also investigated. Finally, the CMOS inverter circuit analysis is performed on the optimized symmetric and asymmetric spacer lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When trains pass through damaged switch rails, rail head damage will change wheel–rail contact states from rolling frictions to unsteady contacts, which will result in impact vibrations and threaten structural safeties. In addition, under approaching and moving away rolling contact excitations and complex wheel–rail contacts, the non-stationary vibrations make it difficult to extract and analyze impact vibrations. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes a variational-mode-decomposition (VMD)-spectral-subtraction (SS)-based impact vibration extraction method. Firstly, the time domain feature analysis method is applied to calculate the time moments that the wheels pass joints, and to correct vehicle velocities. This can help estimate and confine impact vibration distribution ranges. Then, the stationary intrinsic mode function (IMF) components of the impact vibration are decomposed and analyzed with the VMD method. Finally, impact vibrations are further filtered with the SS method. For rail head damage with different dimensions, under different velocity experiments, the frequency and amplitude features of the impact vibrations are analyzed. Experimental results show that, in low-velocity scenarios, the proposed VMD–SS–based method can extract impact vibrations, the frequency features are mainly concentrated in 3500–5000 Hz, and the frequency and peak-to-peak features increase with the increase in excitation velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score (SS) has significantly improved angiographic risk stratification. By analyzing angiographic variables, this score characterizes coronary artery disease qualitatively and quantitatively. To date, combining this score with other non-angiographic clinical scores has broadened perspectives regarding risk estimation, and future research on this topic appears promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]