bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of fire level using S-NPP VIIRS as disaster management reference in Banjarbaru City
Authors: Kumalawati R , Dewi A , Danarto W P
Published: May 2023

Fire is a natural disaster that usually occurs during dry season in both developed and developing countries. Best visualization of fire information is a map, because map is easy to use, and has a strong visual impression. Maps can also be used as a medium to deliver fire mitigation instruction. Fire data can be seen from hotspots data recorded using S-NPP VIIRS satellite imagery. Hotspot data from satellite imagery processed in Arc GIS to compose Fire Level Maps which is then used as fire disaster management reference. Based on this, it is necessary to conduct a study which purposively can map a fire level from S-NPP VIIRS satellite imagery hotspot data so it can used as disaster management reference. So this study entitled as Mapping of Fire Levels using S-NPP VIIRS as a Disaster Management Reference. This research is classified as quantitative descriptive research. Population and samples of the research are all hotspots recorded by S-NPP VIIRS satellite imagery in Banjarbaru City covering Banjarbaru Utara, Landasan Ulin, Cempaka, Banjarbaru Selatan and Lianganggang Subdistrict from 2012-2022. Monthly hotspot data is used in this research and are based on high, medium and low confidence levels. Hotspot data recorded from satellite imagery is processed using geographic information systems and remote sensing technology. The results show the number of hotspots recorded from S-NPP VIIRS Satellite Imagery from 2012-2022 in Banjarbaru City was 2.900 hotspot. The highest number of hotspots was in Linganggang (1429 hotspot) followed by Landasan Ulin (1.165 hotspot) and the least in Banjarbaru Selatan (14 hotspot). Most hotspots are found in dry months; August (307 hotspot), September (1.370 hotspot), October (1.053 hotspot) and November (128 hotspot). The number of hotspots based on the medium level of confidence is mostly found in Banjarbaru City (2.560 hotspot). High number of high and medium confidence hotspots data resulting into higher fire risk. Result from hotspot data processing is a Fire Level Map which can be used as a basis for disaster management so that the negative impact of fires can be minimized.
Identification and management of Toxic & Hazardous Wastes (THW) based on the Indonesian Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021
Authors: Susanto Arif , Hasari Alifah Ainun , Putro Edi Karyono , Yochu Wiliam Engelbert , Mahlisa Rizky , Manuel Anthony Andorful
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this research is to identify and manage toxic and hazardous waste, called THW, present in the Concentrating Division of PT Freeport Indonesia. The identification and management process of this waste was based on the Indonesian Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021. Furthermore, this research uses a qualitative approach where data was collected by field observations and secondary data collection. The data collected incorporated different types and weights of the THW generated in the last 5 years. These wastes were identified based on their level of hazardousness as well as their source. The results showed that the total THW weight generated in the last 5 years was approximately 975,814 kg and the total waste generation rate is 16,264 kg/month. In addition, the most dominant waste types generated include grease waste, fire assay waste, and used oil. Various waste management processes were conducted in this study. They include reduction, storage, collection, and utilization. The identification and management of THW in the Concentrating Division is almost consistent with the Indonesian Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021. However, the process of waste collection in the target area is not yet consistent with this regulation because the Waste Transfer Point (WTP) is still under construction.
Potential development of partnership agroforestry as carbon farming in KHDTK Rarung, Central Lombok
Authors: Nandini R. , Krisnawati  , Rahayu A A D
Published: May 2023

Involving the community is one of the initiatives to promote the national achievement of emission reduction targets. Social forestry with agroforestry systems can establish in the forestry sector to help reduce carbon emissions. In the Forest Area with Special Purpose (KHDTK) Rarung in Central Lombok, carbon storage calculations have been performed for various agroforestry patterns created in partnership. The carbon storage analysis was carried out in four agroforestry patterns: coffee, vanilla, bamboo, and annual crops. The carbon stock of each agroforestry pattern was measured three times on a 20 x 20 m2 plot. The three carbon pools examined were soil, vegetation, litter, and understory carbon. The results showed that a partnership agroforestry pattern is a form of carbon farming that can be widely developed. The bamboo agroforestry pattern has enormous potential for carbon storage.
Water-Carrying capacity in Siwaluh Watershed, Karanganyar Regency
Authors: Kartika Fitria Dewi , Muryani Chatarina
Published: May 2023

The carrying capacity of regional water resources has become a hot topic in water resources research. Siwaluh watershed is one of the areas that need to be assessed for water carrying capacity because the area is very dynamic. This research aims to monitor the carrying capacity of water based on the need and availability of water in the Siwaluh watershed. The Water Carrying Capacity Assessment is based on the Regulation of the State Minister of the Environment Number 17 of 2009 concerning Guidelines for Determining the Environmental Carrying Capacity in Regional Spatial Planning. The water carrying capacity in the Siwaluh watershed is mostly in deficit, meaning domestic water demands are more significant than water availability. However, two villages have a surplus carrying capacity, namely the village in the upstream area, namely Gerdu Village, Karangpandan District and Plumbon Village, Karanganyar District. Gerdu Village and Plumbon Village have Surplus Carrying Capacity because water availability is greater than the need for water. The results of this study are expected to be used as a reference for sustainable management of water resources so that people can enjoy the water for a more decent life.
Investigation of phase modulation and propagation-route effect from unmatched large-scale structures for Doppler reflectometry measurement through 2D full-wave modeling
Authors: FENG Xi , LIU Adi , ZHOU Chu , ZOU Xiaolan , ZHUANG Ge , WANG Shouxin , WANG Mingyuan , LIU Haiqing , DING Weixing , ZHANG Shoubiao , WU Muquan , ZHU Xiang , HAO Baolong , ZHANG Jin , LIU Zhaoyang , JI Jiaxu , ZHONG Xiaoming , LIU Shen , XIE Jinlin , LIN Xiaodong , HUANG Jianjun , GAO Xiang , WAN Yuanxi
Published: May 2023

To interpret the common symmetric peaks caused by the large-scale structure in the complex S(f) spectrum from the heterodyne Doppler reflectometry (DR) measurement in EAST, a 2D circular-shaped O-mode full-wave model based on the finite-difference time-domain method is built. The scattering characteristics and the influences on the DR signal from various scales are investigated. When the structure is located around the cutoff layer, a moving radial or poloidal large-scale structure k

θ
≲ k

θ,match (k

θ,match is the theoretic wavenumber of Bragg scattering) could both generate an oscillation phase term called ‘phase modulation’, and symmetrical peaks in the complex S(f) spectrum. It was found that the image-rejection ratio A
−1/A
+1 (A
±1 represents the amplitudes of ±1 order modulation peaks) could be a feasible indicator for experiment comparison. In the case when the structure is near the cutoff layer with the same arrangement as the experiment for the edge DR channel, the curve of A
−1/A
+1 versus k

θ
can be divided into three regions, weak asymmetrical range with k

θ
/k
0 ≲ 0.15 (k
0 is the vacuum wavenumber), harmonics range with 0.15 ≲ k

θ
/k
0 ≲ 0.4, and Bragg scattering range of 0.4 ≲ k

θ
/k
0 ≲ 0.7. In the case when the structure is located away from the cutoff layer, the final complex S(f) spectrum is the simple superimposing of modulation and Bragg scattering, and the modulation peaks have an amplitude response nearly proportional to the local density fluctuation, called the ‘propagation-route effect’. Under the H-mode experiment arrangement for the core DR, a critical fluctuation amplitude

Amp

(

n

e

,

Mod

.

@

route

)

/

Amp

(

n

e

,

Tur

.

@

MSA

∼ 1.3–4.1 (

Amp
(

n

e
,
Mod
.
@
route

)

refers to the pedestal large-scale structure amplitude and Amp(n
e,Tur.@MSA) refers to turbulence amplitude at the main scattering area) is needed for the structure in the pedestal to be observed by the core DR measurement. The simulations are well consistent with the experimental results. These effects need to be carefully considered during the DR signal analyses as the injecting beam passes through the plasma region with large-scale structures.
Experimental and numerical investigation on the uniformity of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge influenced by pulse parameters
Authors: ZHANG Dongxuan , YU Junxian , LI Mengyao , PAN Jie , LIU Feng , FANG Zhi
Published: May 2023

Nanosecond (ns) pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is considered as a promising method to produce controllable large-volume and high activity low-temperature plasma at atmospheric pressure, which makes it suitable for wide applications. In this work, the ns pulse power supply is used to excite Ar DBD and the influences of the pulse parameters (voltage amplitude, pulse width, pulse rise and fall times) on the DBD uniformity are investigated. The gas gap voltage (U
g) and conduct current (I
g) are separated from the measured voltage and current waveforms to analyze the influence of electrical parameters. The spectral line intensity ratio of two Ar excited species is used as an indicator of the electron temperature (T
e). The time resolved discharge processes are recorded by an intensified charge-coupled device camera and a one-dimensional fluid model is employed to simulate the spatial and temporal distributions of electrons, ions, metastable argon atoms and T
e. Combining the experimental and numerical results, the mechanism of the pulse parameters influencing on the discharge uniformity is discussed. It is shown that the space electric field intensity and the space particles’ densities are mainly responsible for the variation of discharge uniformity. With the increase of voltage and pulse width, the electric field intensity and the density of space particles increased, which results in the discharge mode transition from non-uniform to uniform, and then non-uniform. Furthermore, the extension of pulse rise and fall times leads to the discharge transition from uniform to non-uniform. The results are helpful to reveal the mechanism of ns pulsed DBD mode transition and to realize controllable and uniform plasma sources at atmospheric pressure.
Chicana Feminist Epistemology in Higher Education
Authors: Torres García Christina
Published: May 2023

In the wake of the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack, an op-ed in the online publication Inside Higher Education questioned the mission of education for its focus on teaching only Western perspectives—perspectives that normalize racial hierarchies, legitimize epistemological racism, and reproduce white supremacy. The postulation of the education system as a motor of white supremacy is not a new suggestion. Black, Indigenous, and Chicana scholars have long articulated the need to diversify and therefore democratize Western epistemology by deconstructing decolonial knowledge. Positioning Chicana Feminist Epistemologies (CFE) as an alternative epistemic will disrupt the philosophical assumptions of colonial epistemology supporting white supremacy by decolonizing the structure of what knowledge is and how it is created in higher education, especially within research and pedagogy approaches. However, CFE work has faced strong resistance within the intersections of public intellectuals, the Western canon of thought, and the intellectual spaces of academia. Nevertheless, Latinx students’ enrollment has increased in postsecondary education for the past decade, emanating a growth in research studies utilizing CFE. A CFE framework urges scholars, educators, and students to move away from colonial research designs rooted in hegemonic procedures to build new inclusive, equitable, liberatory, communal higher education processes that benefit not only Brown and Black students, staff, and faculty communities but also the white population who are dismantling white supremacy. Validating CFE in research, instructional, and pedagogical practices as well as in policy and procedures within education may encourage other scholars to diversify the Western canon of thought and decolonize intellectual spaces in higher education for a more equitable and social just education.
The Qaidam Basin as a Planetary Analog
Authors: Zhao Jiannan , Shi Yutong , Xiao Long
Published: May 2023

Analog study is a convenient and effective way to understand the geomorphic features and geological processes of other planets. The Qaidam Basin, an intramontane basin in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, northwest China, is a new and unique Mars analog study site. The basin hosts the highest and one of the driest deserts on the Earth, and its environment is characterized as cold, arid, of high altitude, of high UV radiation, and of high soil salinity. A variety of landforms that are comparable to those on the Martian surface have been identified, such as dunes, yardangs, valleys, gullies, lakes, and playas, providing opportunities to study the formation and evolution of similar Martian geomorphic features. Aqueous minerals including chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, and phyllosilicates are concentrated in the saline lakes and playas of the basin. Analog studies on the mineral assemblages of the Qaidam playas and Martian paleolakes and playas will help researchers better understand the hydrological environment and climate of the ancient Mars. The extreme environment of the Qaidam Basin also makes it an ideal site for astrobiological study. Detection of biomarkers and the isolation of microorganisms in the basin could provide clues for the search for life and a habitable environment on Mars. In addition, the accessibility of the Qaidam Basin makes the basin a potential testing ground for instruments and study methods to be used in future Mars missions.
mobility, economic
Authors: Holleran Claire
Published: May 2023

Whilst the enforced movement of enslaved workers was by far the largest example of economic mobility in the ancient world, there is also plenty of evidence for more voluntary economic movement. This relates particularly to traders and skilled workers, for whom mobility could provide specific economic benefits, opening up new markets, enabling further training, increasing prestige, and maximizing income by moving to wherever their skills or goods were most in demand. Less positively, mobility could also be a necessity when work such as construction was episodic and, to a certain extent, seasonal. Other economic opportunities, such as agricultural labour at harvest time, or porterage in maritime and riverine harbours and cities, were also seasonal, with demand for labour following a relatively predictable annual schedule, whilst extractive industries such as mining and quarrying typically had to bring in workers from elsewhere. Much of this movement was temporary in nature, and so is best thought of as mobility rather than migration, although movement likely ranged from permanent migration at one extreme to near-constant itinerancy at the other.
Cardiovascular Interactions of Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Varadarajan Vinithra , Marques Mateus D , Venkatesh Bharath Ambale , Allison Matthew , Ostovaneh Mohammad R , Yoneyama Kihei , Donekal Sirisha , Shah Ravi V , Murthy Venkatesh L , Wu Colin O , Tracy Russell P , Ouyang Pamela , Rochitte Carlos E , Bluemke David A , Lima Joao A C
Published: May 2023

Background

The effects of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in cardiovascular system have been described based on small studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) and cardiovascular structure and function.

Methods

We studied a random sample of Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants who had aldosterone and PRA blood assays at 2003–2005 and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at 2010. Participants taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers were excluded.

Results

The aldosterone group was composed by 615 participants, mean age 61.6 ± 8.9 years, while the renin group was 580 participants, mean age 61.5 ± 8.8 years and both groups had roughly 50% females. In multivariable analysis, 1 SD increment of log-transformed aldosterone level was associated with 0.07 g/m2 higher left ventricle (LV) mass index (P = 0.04) and 0.11 ml/m2 higher left atrium (LA) minimal volume index (P < 0.01). Additionally, higher log-transformed aldosterone was associated with lower LA maximum strain and LA emptying fraction (P < 0.01). Aldosterone levels were not significantly associated with aortic measures. Log-transformed PRA was associated with lower LV end diastolic volume index (β standardized = 0.08, P = 0.05). PRA levels were not significantly associated with LA and aortic structural or functional differences.

Conclusions

Higher levels of aldosterone and PRA are associated with concentric LV remodeling changes. Moreover, aldosterone was related to deleterious LA remodeling changes.
The association between population drinking and ischemic heart disease mortality in educational groups
Authors: Norström Thor , Landberg Jonas
Published: May 2023

A large number of observational studies have found a J-shaped relationship between alcohol intake and ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk. However, some studies suggest that the alleged cardio-protective effect may be an artifact in the way that the elevated risk for abstainers is due to self-selection on risk factors for IHD. The aim of this paper is to estimate the association between alcohol and IHD-mortality on the basis of aggregate time-series data, where the problem with selection effects is not present. In addition, we will analyze SES-specific mortality to investigate whether there is any socio-economic gradient in the relationship at issue. SES was measured by educational level. We used IHD-mortality in three educational groups as outcome. Per capita alcohol consumption was proxied by Systembolaget’s alcohol sales (litres of alcohol 100% per capita 15+). Swedish quarterly data on mortality and alcohol consumption spanned the period 1991Q1–2020Q4. We applied SARIMA time-series analysis. Survey data were used to construct an indicator of heavy SES-specific episodic drinking. The estimated association between per capita consumption and IHD-mortality was positive and statistically significant in the two groups with primary and secondary education, but not in the group with postsecondary education. The association was significantly stronger the lower the educational group. Although the associations were generally stronger for males than for females, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the detrimental impact of per capita consumption on IHD-mortality was stronger the lower the educational group.
Austerity in Mohist ethics
Authors: Kim Bradford Jean-Hyuk
Published: May 2023

Fraser highlights an unattractive feature of Mohist ethics: the Mohists, while criticizing their Confucian contemporaries, restrict one’s pursuits to the most basic sorts of goods. Fraser suggests that the Mohists assume the perpetuity of scarce resources, which leads to a commitment to austerity, which in turn leads them to deny a plausible third way between austerity and excess. In their defence, I argue that the Mohists do not assume perpetuity of scarce resources but rather the hedonic treadmill. And instead of begging the question by assuming austerity and then denying a moderate alternative to excess, the Mohists take the hedonic treadmill to preclude a principled stopgap between austerity and excess, leaving austerity as the only acceptable option. Finally, these dynamics illuminate a feature that should make us wary of parallels to Millian utilitarianism: the maximization principle of the latter is absent from Mohism, and this goes hand-in-hand with austerity.
Intraspecific phylogeny of a Patagonian fescue: differentiation at molecular markers and morphological traits suggests hybridization at peripheral populations
Authors: Guidalevich V , Nagahama N , López A S , Angeli J P , Marchelli P , Azpilicueta M M
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Grasses of the Festuca genus have complex phylogenetic relations due to morphological similarities among species and interspecific hybridization processes. Within Patagonian fescues, information concerning phylogenetic relationships is very scarce. In Festuca pallescens, a widely distributed species, the high phenotypic variability and the occurrence of interspecific hybridization preclude a clear identification of the populations. Given the relevance of natural rangelands for livestock production and their high degradation due to climate change, conservation actions are needed and knowledge about genetic variation is required.

Methods

To unravel the intraspecific phylogenetic relations and to detect genetic differences, we studied 21 populations of the species along its natural geographical distribution by coupling both molecular [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and trnL-F markers] and morpho-anatomical analyses. Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods were applied to assemble a phylogenetic tree, including other native species. The morphological data set was analysed by discriminant and cluster analyses.

Key Results

The combined information of the Bayesian tree (ITS marker), the geographical distribution of haplotype variants (trnL-F marker) and the morpho-anatomical traits, distinguished populations located at the margins of the distribution. Some of the variants detected were shared with other sympatric species of fescues.

Conclusions

These results suggest the occurrence of hybridization processes between species of the genus at peripheral sites characterized by suboptimal conditions, which might be key to the survival of these populations.
‘I Clocked You Going 50 In a 25’: A Discourse-Based Critique Of Police Procedural Justice Research Through A Sequential Exploration Of ‘Voice’ And Excuses In Traffic Encounters
Authors: Shon Phillip
Published: May 2023

The police in the United States typically pull over about 19 million drivers a year for routine violations such as speeding and running a stop sign. The verbal exchanges that occur during traffic encounters embody one of the ideal principles of procedural justice: giving citizens an opportunity to speak (voice) before a decision is made. The accounts and excuses that drivers articulate represent the logical outcome of opportunities provided to drivers to explain the reason for their legal violations. This paper examines the accounts and excuses that drivers proffer during routine traffic encounters. The findings indicate that drivers’ responses to police solicitation of accounts fall into three types: remaining ‘silent’ during encounters and forgoing an opportunity to voice their concerns; crafting excuses and apologies in response to the announcement of an infraction; and denial of knowledge. The implications for police procedural justice are discussed.
Limited value of serum neurofilament light chain in diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Davies Jennifer C , Dharmadasa Thanuja , Thompson Alexander G , Edmond Evan C , Yoganathan Katie , Gao Jiali , Talbot Kevin , Turner Martin R
Published: May 2023

A biomarker specific for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis must be sensitive across a spectrum of clinical heterogeneity. Neurofilament light chain levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis correlate with the rate of disability progression. Previous attempts to establish a diagnostic role for neurofilament light chain have been limited to comparison with healthy individuals or controls with alternative diagnoses unlikely to be confused with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in real-world clinical practice.

In a tertiary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis referral clinic, at first visit, serum was taken for neurofilament light chain measurement after prospectively recording the clinical diagnosis as ‘amyotrophic lateral sclerosis’, ‘primary lateral sclerosis’, ‘alternative’ or ‘currently uncertain’.

Of 133 referrals, 93 patients were diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (median neurofilament light chain 218.1 pg/ml, interquartile range 130.7–311.9), three primary lateral sclerosis (65.6, 51.5–106.9) and 19 alternative diagnoses (45.2, 13.5–71.9) at first visit. Of 18 initially uncertain diagnoses, eight were subsequently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (98.5, 45.3–300.1). Neurofilament light chain ≥110.9 pg/ml had a positive predictive value of 0.92 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; <110.9 pg/ml had a negative predictive value of 0.48.

In a specialized clinic, neurofilament light chain is largely confirmatory to clinical judgement in diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and has limited ability to exclude alternative diagnoses. The current, important, value of neurofilament light chain is its potential to stratify patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by disease activity and as a biomarker in therapeutic trials.
Genome-wide identification of aberrant alternative splicing and RNA-binding protein regulators in acute myeloid leukaemia which may contribute to immune microenvironment remodelling
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Yu-Mei , Wang Yan , Liu Kui , Cui Si-Yuan , Luo Ya-Qin , Zheng Wei , Xu Jie , Duan Wei , Wang Jing-Yi
Published: May 2023

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most lethal cancers of the haematopoietic system with a poorly understood aetiology. Recent studies have shown that aberrant alternative splicing (AS) and a (RBP) regulators are highly associated with the pathogenesis of AML. This study presents an overview of the abnormal AS and differential expression of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in AML and further highlights their close relation to the remodelling of the immune microenvironment in AML patients. An in-depth understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying AML will contribute to the future development of strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of AML and thus improve the overall survival of patients with AML.
Comparing fear and anxiety chemosignals: Do they modulate facial muscle activity and facilitate identifying facial expressions?
Authors: Gomes Nuno , Pause Bettina M , Smeets Monique A M , Semin Gün R
Published: May 2023

Fear and anxiety are the most frequently studied emotional states in chemosignal research. Despite differences between these two emotional states, findings from research using fear and anxiety body odors (BOs) are often treated as part of a similar phenomenon. In this article, we examine possible similarities and differences between participants exposed to fear and anxiety BOs on 2 dependent variables commonly used in chemosignals’ research: (1) the activation of facial muscles in displays of fear expressions (i.e. the medial frontalis and the corrugator supercilii); and (2) the time required to discriminate between negative emotional expressions (fear, anger, and disgust) and neutral ones. Our results show that fear (vs. rest) and anxiety (vs. exercise) BOs activate the medial frontalis, suggesting that both have a similar impact on receivers’ facial muscles. However, we could not replicate previous findings regarding the influence of fear BOs in discriminating negative emotional faces from neutral ones. Two additional replication attempts failed to replicate the earlier results, indicating that the results reported in the literature with this specific paradigm should be interpreted cautiously. Suggestions for future research examining possible differences between fear and anxiety BOs are advanced.
RNA-Chrom: a manually curated analytical database of RNA–chromatin interactome
Authors: Ryabykh G K , Kuznetsov S V , Korostelev Y D , Sigorskikh A I , Zharikova A A , Mironov A A
Published: May 2023

Every year there is more and more evidence that non-coding RNAs play an important role in biological processes affecting various levels of organization of living systems: from the cellular (regulation of gene expression, remodeling and maintenance of chromatin structure, co-transcriptional suppression of transposons, splicing, post-transcriptional RNA modifications, etc.) to cell populations and even organismal ones (development, aging, cancer, cardiovascular and many other diseases). The development and creation of mutually complementary databases that will aggregate, unify and structure different types of data can help to reach the system level of studying non-coding RNAs. Here we present the RNA-Chrom manually curated analytical database, which contains the coordinates of billions of contacts of thousands of human and mouse RNAs with chromatin. Through the user-friendly web interface (https://rnachrom2.bioinf.fbb.msu.ru/), two approaches to the analysis of the RNA–chromatin interactome were implemented. Firstly, to find out whether the RNA of interest to a user contacts with chromatin, and if so, with which genes or DNA loci? Secondly, to find out which RNAs are in contact with the DNA locus of interest to a user (and probably participate in its regulation), and if there are such, what is the nature of their interaction? For a more detailed study of contact maps and their comparison with other data, the web interface allows a user to view them in the UCSC Genome Browser.

Database URL https://rnachrom2.bioinf.fbb.msu.ru/
BLAB2CancerKD: a knowledge graph database focusing on the association between lactic acid bacteria and cancer, but beyond
Authors: Jing Yi , Feng Baiyang , Gao Jing , Li Jin , Zhou Ganghui , Sun Zhihong , Wang Yufei
Published: May 2023

In a broad sense, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a general term for Gram-positive bacteria that can produce lactic acid by utilizing fermentable carbohydrates. It is widely used in essential fields such as industry, agriculture, animal husbandry and medicine. At the same time, LAB are closely related to human health. They can regulate human intestinal flora and improve gastrointestinal function and body immunity. Cancer, a disease in which some cells grow out of control and spread to other body parts, is one of the leading causes of human death worldwide. In recent years, the potential of LAB in cancer treatment has attracted attention. Mining knowledge from the scientific literature significantly accelerates its application in cancer treatment. Using 7794 literature studies of LAB cancer as source data, we have processed 16 543 biomedical concepts and 23 091 associations by using automatic text mining tools combined with manual curation of domain experts. An ontology containing 31 434 pieces of structured data is constructed. Finally, based on ontology, a knowledge graph (KG) database, which is called Beyond ‘Lactic acid bacteria to Cancer Knowledge graph Database’ (BLAB2CancerKD), is constructed by using KG and web technology. BLAB2CancerKD presents all the relevant knowledge intuitively and clearly in various data presentation forms, and the interactive system function also makes it more efficient. BLAB2CancerKD will be continuously updated to advance the research and application of LAB in cancer therapy. Researchers can visit BLAB2CancerKD at.

Database URL http://110.40.139.2:18095/
Differential Effects of Ontamalimab Versus Vedolizumab on Immune Cell Trafficking in Intestinal Inflammation and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schulze Lisa Lou , Becker Emily , Dedden Mark , Liu Li-Juan , van Passen Chiara , Mohamed-Abdou Mariam , Müller Tanja M , Wiendl Maximilian , Ullrich Karen A M , Atreya Imke , Leppkes Moritz , Ekici Arif B , Kirchner Philipp , Stürzl Michael , Sexton Dan , Palliser Deborah , Atreya Raja , Siegmund Britta ,   TRR241 IBDome consortium, Neurath Markus F , Zundler Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

The anti-MAdCAM-1 antibody ontamalimab demonstrated efficacy in a phase II trial in ulcerative colitis and results of early terminated phase III trials are pending, but its precise mechanisms of action are still unclear. Thus, we explored the mechanisms of action of ontamalimab and compared it to the anti-α4β7 antibody vedolizumab.

Methods

We studied MAdCAM-1 expression with RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. The mechanisms of action of ontamalimab were assessed with fluorescence microscopy, dynamic adhesion and rolling assays. We performed in vivo cell trafficking studies in mice and compared ontamalimab and vedolizumab surrogate [-s] antibodies in experimental models of colitis and wound healing. We analysed immune cell infiltration under anti-MAdCAM-1 and anti-α4β7 treatment by single-cell transcriptomics and studied compensatory trafficking pathways.

Results

MAdCAM-1 expression was increased in active inflammatory bowel disease. Binding of ontamalimab to MAdCAM-1 induced the internalization of the complex. Functionally, ontamalimab blocked T cell adhesion similar to vedolizumab, but also inhibited L-selectin-dependent rolling of innate and adaptive immune cells. Despite conserved mechanisms in mice, the impact of ontamalimab-s and vedolizumab-s on experimental colitis and wound healing was similar. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated enrichment of ontamalimab-s-treated lamina propria cells in specific clusters, and in vitro experiments indicated that redundant adhesion pathways are active in these cells.

Conclusions

Ontamalimab has unique and broader mechanisms of action compared to vedolizumab. However, this seems to be compensated for by redundant cell trafficking circuits and leads to similar preclinical efficacy of anti-α4β7 and anti-MAdCAM-1 treatment. These results will be important for the interpretation of pending phase III data.
Risk of serious hypoglycaemia in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes concurrently taking antidiabetic drugs and oral anticoagulants: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Huang Huei-Kai , Liu Peter Pin-Sung , Lin Shu-Man , Yeh Jih-I , Hsu Jin-Yi , Peng Carol Chiung-Hui , Munir Kashif M , Loh Ching-Hui , Tu Yu-Kang
Published: May 2023

Aims

Evidence regarding the risks of serious hypoglycaemia for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) taking antidiabetic medications with concurrent non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) vs. warfarin is limited. This study aimed to investigate this knowledge gap.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study used nationwide data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and included a total of 56 774 adult patients treated with antidiabetic medications and oral anticoagulants between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2020. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of serious hypoglycaemia were estimated for patients taking antidiabetic drugs with NOACs vs. warfarin. Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations accounting for intra-individual correlation across follow-up periods were used. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to create treatment groups with balanced characteristics for comparisons. Compared to concurrent use of antidiabetic drugs with warfarin, those with NOACs showed a significantly lower risk of serious hypoglycaemia (IRR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63–0.85, P < 0.001). In the analyses of each NOAC, patients taking dabigatran (IRR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63–0.91, P = 0.002), rivaroxaban (IRR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61–0.86, P < 0.001), and apixaban (IRR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.89, P = 0.003) showed a significantly lower risk of serious hypoglycaemia than those taking warfarin.

Conclusion

In patients with AF and DM taking antidiabetic drugs, concurrent use of NOACs was associated with a lower risk of serious hypoglycaemia than concurrent use of warfarin.
Guideline-directed medical therapies for comorbidities among patients with atrial fibrillation: results from GARFIELD-AF
Authors: Camm Alan John , Steffel Jan , Virdone Saverio , Bassand Jean-Pierre , Fox Keith A A , Goldhaber Samuel Z , Goto Shinya , Haas Sylvia , Turpie Alexander G G , Verheugt Freek W A , Misselwitz Frank , Herreros Ramón Corbalán , Kayani Gloria , Pieper Karen S , Kakkar Ajay K ,   for the GARFIELD-AF Investigators
Published: May 2023

Aims

This study aimed to identify relationships in recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with respect to anticoagulation status, use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for comorbid cardiovascular conditions (co-GDMT), and clinical outcomes. The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD)-AF is a prospective, international registry of patients with recently diagnosed non-valvular AF at risk of stroke (NCT01090362).

Methods and results

Guideline-directed medical therapy was defined according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. This study explored co-GDMT use in patients enrolled in GARFIELD-AF (March 2013–August 2016) with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 (excluding sex) and ≥1 of five comorbidities—coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease (n = 23 165). Association between co-GDMT and outcome events was evaluated with Cox proportional hazards models, with stratification by all possible combinations of the five comorbidities. Most patients (73.8%) received oral anticoagulants (OACs) as recommended; 15.0% received no recommended co-GDMT, 40.4% received some, and 44.5% received all co-GDMT. At 2 years, comprehensive co-GDMT was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.89 (0.81–0.99)] and non-cardiovascular mortality [HR 0.85 (0.73–0.99)] compared with inadequate/no GDMT, but cardiovascular mortality was not significantly reduced. Treatment with OACs was beneficial for all-cause mortality and non-cardiovascular mortality, irrespective of co-GDMT use; only in patients receiving all co-GDMT was OAC associated with a lower risk of non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism.

Conclusion

In this large prospective, international registry on AF, comprehensive co-GDMT was associated with a lower risk of mortality in patients with AF and CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 (excluding sex); OAC therapy was associated with reduced all-cause mortality and non-cardiovascular mortality, irrespective of co-GDMT use.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362.
Long-term outcomes of concomitant suture bicuspidization technique to treat mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery
Authors: Piperata Antonio , Van Den Eynde Jef , Pernot Mathieu , Busuttil Olivier , Avesani Martina , Bottio Tomaso , Lafitte Stephane , Modine Thomas , Labrousse Louis
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of concomitant suture bicuspidization to treat mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation at the time of mitral valve (MV) surgery.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent MV surgery for degenerative MV regurgitation with mild or moderate tricuspid regurgitation and annular dilatation between January 2009 and December 2017 were analysed. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: mitral valve surgery alone (MVA) and MV surgery with concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) repair.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients were included in the study. MVA and MV surgery with concomitant TV repair were performed in 91 (46.4%) and 105 (53.6%) patients, respectively. Propensity score matching analysis identified 54 pairs. In the matched cohort, 30-day mortality (0.0% vs 1.9%, P = 1.0) and new permanent pacemaker implantation (11.1% vs 7.4%, P = 0.740) did not differ significantly between groups. After a mean follow-up of 6.0 (2.8) years, MV surgery with concomitant TV repair was not associated with increased mortality risk compared to MVA (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.47–2.28, P = 0.927) with 10-year overall survival rates of 69.9% and 77.2%, respectively. Furthermore, MV surgery with concomitant TV repair was associated with a significantly reduced progression of TV regurgitation (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing MV surgery with concomitant TV repair had similar 30-day and long-term survival, similar permanent pacemaker implantation rate and reduced progression of TV regurgitation compared to those undergoing MVA.
Nudging and subsidising farmers to foster smart water meter adoption
Authors: Ouvrard B , Préget R , Reynaud A , Tuffery L
Published: May 2023

We use a discrete choice experiment with treatments to test if voluntary adoption of smart water meters by French farmers can be fostered by (i) a collective conditional subsidy offered to farmers who adopt a smart meter only if the rate of adoption in their geographic area is sufficiently high and (ii) informational nudges. Using a sample of 1,272 farmers, we find contrasted results regarding our nudges, but we show that a conditional subsidy is an effective tool to foster adoption of smart meters. Interestingly, the willingness to pay for the conditional subsidy is equal to the subsidy amount and independent of the collective adoption threshold.
Management strategies for heavily calcified coronary stenoses: an EAPCI clinical consensus statement in collaboration with the EURO4C-PCR group
Authors: Barbato Emanuele , Gallinoro Emanuele , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Andreini Daniele , Carrié Didier , Di Mario Carlo , Dudek Dariusz , Escaned Javier , Fajadet Jean , Guagliumi Giulio , Hill Jonathan , McEntegart Margaret , Mashayekhi Kambis , Mezilis Nikolasos , Onuma Yoshinobu , Reczuch Krzyszstof , Shlofmitz Richard , Stefanini Giulio , Tarantini Giuseppe , Toth Gabor G , Vaquerizo Beatriz , Wijns William , Ribichini Flavio L
Published: May 2023

Since the publication of the 2015 EAPCI consensus on rotational atherectomy, the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed in patients with severely calcified coronary artery disease has grown substantially. This has been prompted on one side by the clinical demand for the continuous increase in life expectancy, the sustained expansion of the primary PCI networks worldwide, and the routine performance of revascularization procedures in elderly patients; on the other side, the availability of new and dedicated technologies such as orbital atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy, as well as the optimization of the rotational atherectomy system, has increased operators’ confidence in attempting more challenging PCI. This current EAPCI clinical consensus statement prepared in collaboration with the EURO4C-PCR group describes the comprehensive management of patients with heavily calcified coronary stenoses, starting with how to use non-invasive and invasive imaging to assess calcium burden and inform procedural planning. Objective and practical guidance is provided on the selection of the optimal interventional tool and technique based on the specific calcium morphology and anatomic location. Finally, the specific clinical implications of treating these patients are considered, including the prevention and management of complications and the importance of adequate training and education.
2023 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Practical Management of the Remote Device Clinic
Authors: Ferrick Aileen M , Raj Satish R , Deneke Thomas , Kojodjojo Pipin , Lopez-Cabanillas Nestor , Abe Haruhiko , Boveda Serge , Chew Derek S , Choi Jong-Il , Dagres Nikolaos , Dalal Aarti S , Dechert Brynn E , Frazier-Mills Camille G , Gilbert Olivia , Han Janet K , Hewit Sherri , Kneeland Christine , Mirza Starr DeEllen , Mittal Suneet , Ricci Renato Pietro , Runte Mary , Sinclair Susan , Alkmim-Teixeira Ricardo , Vandenberk Bert , Varma Niraj , Davenport Elizabeth , Freedenberg Vicki , Glotzer Taya V , Huang Jin-Long , Ikeda Takanori , Kramer Daniel B , Lin David , Rojel-Martínez Ulises , Stühlinger Markus , Varosy Paul D
Published: May 2023

Remote monitoring is beneficial for the management of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices by impacting morbidity and mortality. With increasing numbers of patients using remote monitoring, keeping up with higher volume of remote monitoring transmissions creates challenges for device clinic staff. This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide cardiac electrophysiologists, allied professionals, and hospital administrators in managing remote monitoring clinics. This includes guidance for remote monitoring clinic staffing, appropriate clinic workflows, patient education, and alert management. This expert consensus statement also addresses other topics such as communication of transmission results, use of third-party resources, manufacturer responsibilities, and programming concerns. The goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations impacting all aspects of remote monitoring services. Gaps in current knowledge and guidance for future research directions are also identified.
Relative rates of evolution of male-beneficial nuclear compensatory mutations and male-harming Mother’s Curse mitochondrial alleles
Authors: Dapper Amy L , Diegel Amanda E , Wade Michael J
Published: May 2023

Mother’s Curse alleles represent a significant source of potential male fitness defects. The maternal inheritance of mutations with the pattern of sex-specific fitness effects, s♀>0>s♂, allows Mother’s Curse alleles to spread through a population even though they reduce male fitness. Although the mitochondrial genomes of animals contain only a handful of protein-coding genes, mutations in many of these genes have been shown to have a direct effect on male fertility. The evolutionary process of nuclear compensation is hypothesized to counteract the male-limited mitochondrial defects that spread via Mother’s Curse. Here we use population genetic models to investigate the evolution of compensatory autosomal nuclear mutations that act to restore the loss of fitness caused by mitochondrial mutation pressures. We derive the rate of male fitness deterioration by Mother’s Curse and the rate of restoration by nuclear compensatory evolution. We find that the rate of nuclear gene compensation is many times slower than that of its deterioration by cytoplasmic mutation pressure, resulting in a significant lag in the recovery of male fitness. Thus, the numbers of nuclear genes capable of restoring male mitochondrial fitness defects must be large in order to sustain male fitness in the face of mutation pressures.