Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An in-depth spectroscopic examination of molecular bands from 3D hydrodynamical model atmospheres - II. Carbon-enhanced metal-poor 3D model atmospheres

Context. Tighter constraints on metal-poor stars we observe are needed to better understand the chemical processes of the early Universe. Computing a stellar spectrum in 3D allows one to model complex stellar behaviours, which cannot be replicated in 1D. Aims. We examine the effect that the intrinsic CNO abundances have on a 3D model structure and the resulting 3D spectrum synthesis. Methods. Model atmospheres were computed in 3D for three distinct CNO chemical compositions using the CO 5 BOLD model atmosphere code, and their internal structures were examined. Synthetic spectra were computed from these models using Linfor3D and they were compared. New 3D abundance corrections for the G-band and a selection of UV OH lines were also computed. Results. The varying CNO abundances change the metal content of the 3D models. This had an effect on the model structure and the resulting synthesis. However, it was found that the C/O ratio had a larger effect than the overall metal content of a model. Conclusions. Our results suggest that varying the C/O ratio has a substantial impact on the internal structure of the 3D model, even in the hot turn-off star models explored here. This suggests that bespoke 3D models, for specific CNO abundances should be sought. Such effects are not seen in 1D at these temperature regimes.
Antiglycoxidative properties of amantadine – a systematic review and comprehensive in vitro study

Abstract An important drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is amantadine. We are the first to perform a comprehensive study based on various glycation and oxidation factors, determining the impact of amantadine on protein glycoxidation. Sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose) and aldehydes (glyoxal, methylglyoxal) were used as glycation agents, and chloramine T was used as an oxidant. Glycoxidation biomarkers in albumin treated with amantadine were generally not different from the control group (glycation/oxidation factors), indicating that the drug did not affect oxidation and glycation processes. Molecular docking analysis did not reveal strong binding sites of amantadine on the bovine serum albumin structure. Although amantadine poorly scavenged hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide, it had significantly lower antioxidant and antiglycation effect than all protein oxidation and glycation inhibitors. In some cases, amantadine even demonstrated glycoxidant, proglycation, and prooxidant properties. In summary, amantadine exhibited weak antioxidant properties and a lack of antiglycation activity. Graphical Abstract
The case for flexibility in online science courses: Strategies and caveats

The COVID‐19 pandemic created an unpredictable and stressful situation for both students and instructors. With current instruction largely occurring in an online environment, we propose that increased flexibility in course structure will best support student learning. Flexible course structure offers a trauma‐aware approach to teaching, is in line with the Universal Design for Learning, and increases student motivation and meaningful learning. It can also provide more authentic experiences akin to science‐based careers. We provide several specific suggestions for incorporating flexibility in one's class, as well as outline considerations and caveats. Our hope is that flexibility necessitated by the COVID‐19 pandemic will continue to inspire change in future course design and educational paradigms.
Theoretical and computational aspects of new lattice fermion formulations

In this work we investigate theoretical and computational aspects of novel lattice fermion formulations for the simulation of lattice gauge theories. The lattice approach to quantum gauge theories is an important tool for studying quantum chromodynamics, where it is the only known framework for calculating physical observables from first principles. In our investigations we focus on staggered Wilson fermions and the related staggered domain wall and staggered overlap formulations. Originally proposed by Adams, these new fermion discretizations bear the potential to reduce the computational costs of state-of-the-art Monte Carlo simulations. Staggered Wilson fermions combine aspects of both staggered and Wilson fermions while having a reduced number of fermion doublers compared to usual staggered fermions. Moreover, they can be used as a kernel operator for the domain wall fermion construction with potentially significantly improved chiral properties and for the overlap operator with its exact chiral symmetry. This allows the implementation of chirality on the lattice in a controlled manner at potentially significantly reduced costs. The practical potential and limitations of these new lattice fermions are also critically discussed.
Cryo–electron microscopy structure of the H3-H4 octasome: A nucleosome-like particle without histones H2A and H2B

Significance Genetic information is stored in chromatin, with nucleosomes as the basic unit. A typical nucleosome comprises an octameric core, consisting of two copies of the histone H2A-H2B dimers and H3-H4 dimers, wrapped by one and a half turns of DNA. In the present study, we determined the structure of an unconventional nucleoprotein particle called the H3-H4 octasome, which has a core composed of four dimers of human H3-H4 without H2A-H2B, with DNA wrapped around this core in a nucleosome-like configuration. Histone–histone interactions observed in the human H3-H4 octasome structure were found in yeast. The incorporation of H3-H4 octasomes into the eukaryotic genome will likely alter chromatin structure and dynamics, representing a paradigm shift in our understanding of epigenome regulation.
Post-COVID-19 respiratory problems: burden and management

Purpose of review To describe the burden of post-COVID respiratory sequelae in posthospital and nonhospitalized COVID-19 survivors and to describe the priorities of clinical management. Recent findings Due to varying definitions of ‘Long COVID’ or ‘Post-COVID’, the prevalence of post-COVID sequelae or persisting symptoms is challenging to estimate but ranges from 2.3 to 51%. Risk factors for persistent post-COVID symptoms include age, female sex, deprivation, presence of comorbidities; and in posthospital COVID-19 survivors, the severity of acute infection. Common post-COVID respiratory symptoms include breathlessness, cough and chest pain and many individuals also experience exercise intolerance. The most common pulmonary function test abnormality is impaired diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. In posthospital COVID-19 survivors, the prevalence of interstitial lung damage is 5–11%. Disordered breathing is common in all post-COVID patients and respiratory physiotherapy is helpful. Summary The vast numbers of COVID-19 infections globally implies that a large number of people will be affected by post-COVID sequelae even with conservative estimates. A significant number of people are affected for several months and up to years following acute infection. Post-COVID sequelae have a detrimental impact on quality of life and ability to work.
Human in vitro neurocardiac coculture (iv NCC) assay development for evaluating cardiac contractility modulation

Two of the most prominent organ systems, the nervous and the cardiovascular systems, are intricately connected to maintain homeostasis in mammals. Recent years have shown tremendous efforts toward therapeutic modulation of cardiac contractility and electrophysiology by electrical stimulation. Neuronal innervation and cardiac ganglia regulation are often overlooked when developing in vitro models for cardiac devices, but it is likely that peripheral nervous system plays a role in the clinical effects. We developed an in vitro neurocardiac coculture (ivNCC) model system to study cardiac and neuronal interplay using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology. We demonstrated significant expression and colocalization of cardiac markers including troponin, α‐actinin, and neuronal marker peripherin in neurocardiac coculture. To assess functional coupling between the cardiomyocytes and neurons, we evaluated nicotine‐induced β‐adrenergic norepinephrine effect and found beat rate was significantly increased in ivNCC as compared to monoculture alone. The developed platform was used as a nonclinical model for the assessment of cardiac medical devices that deliver nonexcitatory electrical pulses to the heart during the absolute refractory period of the cardiac cycle, that is, cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) therapy. Robust coculture response was observed at 14 V/cm (5 V, 64 mA), monophasic, 2 ms pulse duration for pacing and 20 V/cm (7 V, 90 mA) phase amplitude, biphasic, 5.14 ms pulse duration for CCM. We observed that the CCM effect and kinetics were more pronounced in coculture as compared to cardiac monoculture, supporting a hypothesis that some part of CCM mechanism of action can be attributed to peripheral nervous system stimulation. This study provides novel characterization of CCM effects on hiPSC‐derived neurocardiac cocultures. This innervated human heart model can be further extended to investigate arrhythmic mechanisms, neurocardiac safety, and toxicity post‐chronic exposure to materials, drugs, and medical devices. We present data on acute CCM electrical stimulation effects on a functional and optimized coculture using commercially available hiPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes and neurons. Moreover, this study provides an in vitro human heart model to evaluate neuronal innervation and cardiac ganglia regulation of contractility by applying CCM pulse parameters that closely resemble clinical setting. This ivNCC platform provides a potential tool for investigating aspects of cardiac and neurological device safety and performance.
From art to science: A bibliometric analysis of architectural scholarly production from 1980 to 2015

According to recent literature on “architecture” as a discipline, practical knowledge relevant to its process of making has decreased in importance in favor of a more academic approach. Using data derived from Ulrich’s Periodical Directory and Clarivate Analytics’s Web of Science, this paper suggests providing empirical evidence supporting of such shift, as revealed by an overview of the dissemination practices in architecture scholarly production between 1980 and 2015. Our results support that architecture is becoming increasingly academic, as demonstrated by the growing proportion of articles and journals intended for scholars rather than for professionals. We also show that architecture is increasingly global, with decreased interest in local and/or national issues and the growing prevalence of English as a publication language. Finally, this academic focus is manifested in references cited by architectural papers with the gradual substitution of professional and artistic oriented knowledge, for scientific approaches tied to engineering and technology.
Trends and outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Belgium: a 13-year single centre experience

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been adopted as an alternative to surgery in severe aortic stenosis treatment, even in low-intermediate risk. The aim of this study is to retrospectively report our single-centre 13-year TAVI experience with emphasis on learning curve, referral indication and trends in outcomes over time. Methods We included 361 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI from January 2008 to December 2020, grouped according to similar per-year volume of procedures: G1 (2008–2014), G2 (2015–2017) and G3 (2018–2020). Results The number of procedures increased (group size: 59 vs. 106 vs. 196). No major differences were observed in STS-PROM and EuroSCORE-II between groups, despite TAVI in patients with prior surgical revascularisation was mainly performed in G1. Trans-femoral approach raised from 80.8 to 93.4%, while the most common alternative access was trans-subclavian. The pre-dilation rate was higher in G1 with lower prosthesis post-dilation rate. The length of hospital stay decreased in time by 30%. At 30 days a reduction in all-cause mortality, vascular complications, bleedings and para-valvular leak combined with higher rate of permanent pacing were observed over the groups. At 1-year there was no difference in all-cause mortality but over 30% reduction in cardiovascular death (8.5 vs. 7.5 vs. 5.6%). Conclusions Favourable trends were observed across the groups, with an improvement in periprocedural outcomes and cardiovascular mortality at 1-year. These improvements could depend on increased expertise because mortality reduction was noted only after reaching a significant procedure volume. A trend towards lower risk patients selection was present in our cohort, as previously described worldwide.
Providers’ Perspectives on Telemental Health Usage After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Analysis

Background Mental health care pivoted to telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is uncertainty around the sustainability of this rapid shift. Objective This study examined how intentions to continue using telemedicine after the COVID-19 pandemic are influenced by provider perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and professional social influence, facilitating organizational conditions. Methods We conducted a web-based, cross-sectional survey of 369 telemental health providers between February and March 2021. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to predict intentions to continue using telemedicine after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Most providers began using telemedicine in March 2020 or later (257/369, 69.6%) and attended to ≥50% of their clients via telemedicine (299/369, 81.0%). Intention to continue using telemedicine after the COVID-19 pandemic was predicted by the telemedicine caseload (β=.10; P=.005), perceived usefulness in general (β=.10; P=.008), ease of use (β=.08; P=.04), social influence (β=.68; P<.001), and facilitating conditions (β=.08; P=.047). Conclusions Exploration of the predictors of telemedicine usage beyond the COVID-19 pandemic aids in surveillance of telemedicine usage, integration with future clinic workflows, and the shaping of public policy. It is important to consider telemedicine services as not only a response to a crisis but also an effective and useful solution for everyday life. Our results suggest widespread, sustainable telemedicine adoption.
Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Monogenic and Complex Canine Diseases.

Advances in DNA sequencing and other technologies have greatly facilitated the identification of genetic risk factors for inherited diseases in dogs. We review recent technological developments based on selected examples from canine disease genetics. The identification of disease-causing variants in dogs with monogenic diseases may become a widely employed diagnostic approach in clinical veterinary medicine in the not-too-distant future. Diseases with complex modes of inheritance continue to pose challenges to researchers but have also become much more tangible than in the past. In addition to strategies for identifying genetic risk factors, we provide some thoughts on the interpretation of sequence variants that are largely inspired by developments in human clinical genetics. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 11 is February 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Cytocompatibility of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells on chitosan/hydroxyapatite/lignin hybrid composite scaffold in vitro

This study aims at fabricating promising cytocompatible hybrid biocomposite scaffolds from chitosan (CS), hydroxyapatite (HAP) and lignin (L) for bone tissue engineering by using freeze-drying technique. Different ratios of HAP to L (50:0, 37.5:12.5, 25:25 and 12.5:37.5) were taken to determine the optimum ratio for obtaining a composite with superior properties. The mechanical and biological properties of the resulting composites were investigated. The mechanical results showed that the prepared composite with a ratio of 25:25 of HAP/L exhibited a remarkable enhancement in the mechanical properties compared to the others. Additionally, it was found from the in vitro results that the addition of L enhanced the water uptake value of the resulting scaffolds indicating their increased hydrophilicity. As a result, a significant increase in the attachment and proliferation of MG-63 cell line (osteoblast like cells) was observed in composite scaffolds with L over the scaffold without L (CS/HAP). From these results, it could be suggested that the prepared composite scaffold with 25:25 of HAP/L is very promising biomaterials in bone tissue-engineering as it exhibited a better mechanical and biological properties than the other prepared composites.
On the additivity conjecture for channels with arbitrary constraints

In [15] Shor proved equivalence of several open (sub)additivity problems related to the Holevo capacity and the entanglement of formation (EoF). In [6] we showed equivalence of these to the additivity of the Holevo capacity for channels with arbitrary linear constraints. This note is the development of [6] in the direction of channels with general constraints. Introducing input constraints provides greater flexibility in the treatment of the additivity conjecture. On the other hand, while [15], [6] deal with the ”global” additivity conjecture, i.e. properties valid for all possible channels, in this paper we make emphasis on results valid for individual channels. The Holevo capacity of the arbitrarily constrained channel is considered and the characteristic property of an optimal ensemble for such channel is derived (proposition 1), generalizing the maximal distance property of Schumacher and Westmoreland [13] . This property provides a useful estimate for the Holevo capacity of the constrained channel (proposition 2). Our main point of interest is the additivity conjecture for two arbitrarily constrained channels and its relations to Shor’s channel extension [15]. An attempt to prove converse of the theorem 1 in [6], in which sufficient condition for ”constrained additivity” was formulated, leads to the notion of asymptotic additivity for sequences of channels. This notion applied to the sequences of Shor’s channel extensions makes it possible to formulate the main result of [6] in the form of necessary and sufficient condition. This implies that the additivity conjecture for two channels with single linear constraints is equivalent to the similar conjecture for two arbitrarily constrained channels and, hence, to an interesting subadditivity property of the χ-function for the tensor product of these channels.
Multisite analysis of patient experience scores and risk of hospital admission: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background Routinely collected patient experience scores may inform risk of patient outcomes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the risk of hospital admission within 30-days following third-party receipt of the patient experience survey and guide interventions. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys, January 2016–July 2019, from an institution’s 20 hospitals in four U.S. states. Surveys were routinely sent to patients using census sampling. We analyzed surveys received ≤60 days following discharge from patients living ≤60 miles of any of the institution’s hospitals. The exposures were 19 survey items. The outcome was hospital admission within 30 days after third-party receipt of the survey. We evaluated the association of favorable (top-box) vs unfavorable (non–top-box) score for survey items with risk of 30-day hospital admission in models including patient and hospitalization characteristics and reported adjusted odds ratios (aOR [95% confidence interval]). Results Among 40,162 respondents (mean age ± standard deviation: 68.1 ± 14.0 years), 49.8% were women and 4.3% had 30-day hospital admission. Patients with 30-day hospital admission, compared to those not admitted, were more likely to be discharged from a medical service line (62.9% vs 42.3%; P < 0.001) and have a higher Elixhauser index. Favorable vs unfavorable score for hospital rating was associated with lower odds of 30-day hospital admission in the overall cohort (0.88 [0.77–0.99]; P = 0.04), medical service line (0.81 [0.70–0.94]; P = 0.007), and upper tertile of Elixhauser index (0.79 [0.67–0.92]; P = 0.003). Favorable score for recommend hospital was associated with lower odds of 30-day hospital admission in the medical service line (0.83 [0.71–0.97]; P = 0.02) but for others (e.g. cleanliness of hospital environment) showed no association. Conclusion In routinely collected patient experience scores, favorable hospital rating was associated with lower odds of 30-day hospital admission and may inform risk stratification and interventions. Evidence-based survey items linked to patient outcomes may also inform future surveys.
Genetic diversity and grouping of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan Millspaugh] Germplasm using SNP markers and agronomic traits

Knowledge of genetic interrelationships and grouping among pigeonpea germplasm collections is fundamental to selecting breeding parents with unique genetic constitutions. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic diversity and genetic grouping present among 81 pigeonpea genotypes collected from Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya using 4122 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and complementary morphological traits. The SNP markers and phenotypic traits revealed significant genetic variation among the assessed genotypes. The test genotypes were resolved into three distinct clusters based on both marker systems. The mean gene diversity and the polymorphic information content (PIC) were 0.14 and 0.11, suggesting moderate genetic differentiation among the genotypes. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that differences among populations accounted for only 2.7% of the variation, while within the population (among individuals) accounted for 97.3% of the variation. The results based on the DArT SNP genotyping complemented the phenotypic data and led to the selection of unique pigeonpea genotypes for effective breeding programs in Malawi and related agroecologies. This suggested that unique breeding populations could be created by identifying and selecting divergent individuals as parental lines. There is a need to create a new genetic variation or introgress genes from genetically unrelated parents to increase the genetic base of the current pigeonpea breeding populations.