bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-geometric tilt-to-length coupling in precision interferometry: mechanisms and analytical descriptions
Authors: Hartig Marie-Sophie , Schuster Sönke , Heinzel Gerhard , Wanner Gudrun
Published: March 2023

This paper is the second in a set of two investigating tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling. TTL describes the cross-coupling of angular or translational jitter into an interferometric phase signal and is an important noise source in precision interferometers, including space gravitational wave detectors like LISA. We discussed in Hartig et al (2022 J. Opt.
24 065601) the TTL coupling effects originating from optical path length changes, i.e. geometric TTL coupling. Within this work, we focus on the wavefront and detector geometry dependent TTL coupling, called non-geometric TTL coupling, in the case of two interfering fundamental Gaussian beams. We characterise the coupling originating from the properties of the interfering beams, i.e. their absolute and relative angle at the detector, their relative offset and the individual beam parameters. Furthermore, we discuss the dependency of the TTL coupling on the geometry of the detecting photodiode. Wherever possible, we provide analytical expressions for the expected TTL coupling effects. We investigate the non-geometric coupling effects originating from beam walk due to the angular or translational jitter of a mirror or a receiving system. These effects are directly compared with the corresponding detected optical path length changes in Hartig et al (2022 J. Opt.
24 065601). Both together provide the total interferometric readout. We discuss in which cases the geometric and non-geometric TTL effects cancel one-another. Additionally, we list linear TTL contributions that can be used to counteract other TTL effects. Altogether, our results provide key knowledge to minimise the total TTL coupling noise in experiments by design or realignment.
Improving the physical and mechanical properties of recycled concrete aggregate: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Kumar Amit , Singh Gyani Jail
Published: March 2023

The current state-of-the-art review indicates the need for future research to develop recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) properties like natural aggregate (NA) as specified by Indian or international codes. By improving the physical and mechanical properties of RCA, recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) may achieve more similar performance to natural aggregate concrete (NAC). RCA’s physical and mechanical properties are enhanced by mechanical treatments, chemical treatments, chemical-mechanical treatments, thermal treatments, and thermomechanical treatments. Additionally, RCA is coated with supplementary cementitious material (SCM) and nanomaterials to increase its properties. RCA can be thermally treated to improve its properties while lowering its energy consumption by adjusting the treatment duration. RCA properties are altered by mechanical treatment when charges and revolutions are changed. It is possible to determine the set of charges and drum revolutions that may produce the RCA with optimal physical and mechanical properties using decision-making statistical techniques. A specific weight can be given to each physical or mechanical property of a treated RCA when evaluating its performance. The same procedure can be used for chemical-mechanical and thermomechanical treatments. It is possible to manufacture industrial RAC from the RCA produced by this procedure. It may be anticipated that RAC composed of RCA with optimized physical and mechanical properties will be more similar to NAC in terms of its physical, mechanical, and durability properties. It is also possible to improve the material properties of the treated RCA by coating them with SCMs or nanomaterials even more. The effect of SCM, nanomaterial, and fiber on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of RAC composed of treated RCA could be studied in the future.
Can two-dimensional graphdiyne-based materials be novel materials for perovskite solar cell applications?
Authors: Lim Eng Liang , Wei Zhanhua
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) graphdiyne (GDY)-based materials have attracted attention in the solar cell research community owing to their unique physicochemical properties and hydrophobic nature which can serve as moisture resistance from the surrounding medium. Benefiting from these, the performance and stability ofperovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be greatly improved via the addition of 2D GDY-based materials. This mini-review summarizes the recent development of 2D GDY-based materials for PSC application. The roles of 2D GDY-based materials, such as hole transporting material, electron transporting material, dopant material in perovskite film and interfacial layer, are discussed in detail. Moreover, we provide future perspectives in this field, aiming to help further progress efficient and stable 2D GDY-based materials in PSCs.
Point: Should AJE Allow Submissions of Manuscripts That Have Been Previously Posted on Preprint Servers and Received Media Attention?
Authors: Kawachi Ichiro
Published: March 2023

In weighing the question of whether AJE should accept preprints that have received press coverage, we need to keep in mind 3 sets of interests: the public interest, the publisher’s interest, and the author’s interest. During public health emergencies, such as a pandemic, the author’s interests (rapid communication of scientific findings to the public) are aligned with the public interest (learning about life-saving information as early as possible). However, the interests of different parties are not always aligned. In most cases, preprinted articles do not concern matters of life or death. Widespread dissemination of studies via preprint services conflicts with the journal editor’s interest in delivering fresh, original content. Dissemination of study results prior to peer review can occasionally backfire and cause unintended harm if the findings turn out to be false.
Phylostems: a new graphical tool to investigate temporal signal of heterochronous sequences datasets
Authors: Doizy Anna , Prin Amaury , Cornu Guillaume , Chiroleu Frederic , Rieux Adrien
Published: March 2023

Motivation

Molecular tip-dating of phylogenetic trees is a growing discipline that uses DNA sequences sampled at different points in time to co-estimate the timing of evolutionary events with rates of molecular evolution. Importantly, such inferences should only be performed on datasets displaying sufficient temporal signal, a feature important to test prior to any tip-dating inference. For this purpose, the most popular method considered to-date has been the ‘root-to-tip regression’ which consist in fitting a linear regression of the number of substitutions accumulated from the root to the tips of a phylogenetic tree as a function of sampling times. The main limitation of the regression method, in its current implementation, relies in the fact that the temporal signal can only be tested at the whole-tree scale (i.e. its root).

Results

To overcome this limitation we introduce Phylostems, a new graphical user-friendly tool developed to investigate temporal signal within every clade of a phylogenetic tree. We provide a ‘how to’ guide by running Phylostems on an empirical dataset and supply guidance for results interpretation.

Availability and implementation

Phylostems is freely available at https://pvbmt-apps.cirad.fr/apps/phylostems.
Real-life ankle submovements and computer mouse use reflect patient-reported function in adult ataxias
Authors: Eklund Nicole M , Ouillon Jessey , Pandey Vineet , Stephen Christopher D , Schmahmann Jeremy D , Edgerton Jeremy , Gajos Krzysztof Z , Gupta Anoopum S
Published: March 2023

Novel disease-modifying therapies are being evaluated in spinocerebellar ataxias and multiple system atrophy. Clinician-performed disease rating scales are relatively insensitive for measuring disease change over time, resulting in large and long clinical trials. We tested the hypothesis that sensors worn continuously at home during natural behaviour and a web-based computer mouse task performed at home could produce interpretable, meaningful and reliable motor measures for potential use in clinical trials. Thirty-four individuals with degenerative ataxias (spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3 and 6 and multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type) and eight age-matched controls completed the cross-sectional study. Participants wore an ankle and wrist sensor continuously at home for 1 week and completed the Hevelius computer mouse task eight times over 4 weeks. We examined properties of motor primitives called ‘submovements’ derived from the continuous wearable sensors and properties of computer mouse clicks and trajectories in relationship to patient-reported measures of function (Patient-Reported Outcome Measure of Ataxia) and ataxia rating scales (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia and the Brief Ataxia Rating Scale). The test–retest reliability of digital measures and differences between ataxia and control participants were evaluated. Individuals with ataxia had smaller, slower and less powerful ankle submovements during natural behaviour at home. A composite measure based on ankle submovements strongly correlated with ataxia rating scale scores (Pearson’s r = 0.82–0.88), strongly correlated with self-reported function (r = 0.81), had high test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95) and distinguished ataxia and control participants, including preataxic individuals (n = 4) from controls. A composite measure based on computer mouse movements and clicks strongly correlated with ataxia rating scale total (r = 0.86–0.88) and arm scores (r = 0.65–0.75), correlated well with self-reported function (r = 0.72–0.73) and had high test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). These data indicate that interpretable, meaningful and highly reliable motor measures can be obtained from continuous measurement of natural movement, particularly at the ankle location, and from computer mouse movements during a simple point-and-click task performed at home. This study supports the use of these two inexpensive and easy-to-use technologies in longitudinal natural history studies in spinocerebellar ataxias and multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type and shows promise as potential motor outcome measures in interventional trials.
Time and economic cost of the routine use of marker sutures in surgical management of cutaneous skin malignancies
Authors: Dingle Lewis A , Smith Clara , McPherson Kathryn , Jordan Daniel J
Published: March 2023

Use of marker sutures in excision and direct closure of skin lesions is an unnecessary, potentially costly and time-consuming addition to a commonly performed procedure. We advocate reduction or avoidance of marker sutures in routine cases to decrease both economic cost and carbon footprint of this common surgical procedure.
Clinical Impact of Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Aspergillus and Azole Resistance Detection in Invasive Aspergillosis: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Huygens Sammy , Dunbar Albert , Buil Jochem B , Klaassen Corné H W , Verweij Paul E , van Dijk Karin , de Jonge Nick , Janssen Jeroen J W M , van der Velden Walter J F M , Biemond Bart J , Bart Aldert , Bruns Anke H W , Haas Pieter-Jan A , Demandt Astrid M P , Oudhuis Guy , von dem Borne Peter , van der Beek Martha T , Klein Saskia K , Godschalk Peggy , Span Lambert F R , Postma Douwe F , Kampinga Greetje A , Maertens Johan , Lagrou Katrien , Mercier Toine , Moors Ine , Boelens Jerina , Selleslag Dominik , Reynders Marijke , Zandijk Willemien , Doorduijn Jeanette K , Cornelissen Jan J , Schauwvlieghe Alexander F A D , Rijnders Bart J A
Published: March 2023

Background

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) by a triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with high mortality. Real-time resistance detection will result in earlier initiation of appropriate therapy.

Methods

In a prospective study, we evaluated the clinical value of the AsperGenius polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in hematology patients from 12 centers. This PCR assay detects the most frequent cyp51A mutations in A. fumigatus conferring azole resistance. Patients were included when a computed tomography scan showed a pulmonary infiltrate and bronchoalveolar fluid (BALf) sampling was performed. The primary end point was antifungal treatment failure in patients with azole-resistant IA.

Results

Of 323 patients enrolled, complete mycological and radiological information was available for 276 (94%), and probable IA was diagnosed in 99/276 (36%). Sufficient BALf for PCR testing was available for 293/323 (91%). Aspergillus DNA was detected in 116/293 (40%) and A. fumigatus DNA in 89/293 (30%). The resistance PCR was conclusive in 58/89 (65%) and resistance detected in 8/58 (14%). Two had a mixed azole-susceptible/azole-resistant infection. In the 6 remaining patients, treatment failure was observed in 1. Galactomannan positivity was associated with mortality (P = .004) while an isolated positive Aspergillus PCR was not (P = .83).

Conclusions

Real-time PCR-based resistance testing may help to limit the clinical impact of triazole resistance. In contrast, the clinical impact of an isolated positive Aspergillus PCR on BALf seems limited. The interpretation of the EORTC/MSGERC PCR criterion for BALf may need further specification (eg, minimum cycle threshold value and/or PCR positive on >1 BALf sample).
Post-Acute Sequelae After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection by Viral Variant and Vaccination Status: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kahlert Christian R , Strahm Carol , Güsewell Sabine , Cusini Alexia , Brucher Angela , Goppel Stephan , Möller Elisabeth , Möller J Carsten , Ortner Manuela , Ruetti Markus , Stocker Reto , Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Besold Ulrike , McGeer Allison , Risch Lorenz , Friedl Andrée , Schlegel Matthias , Vernazza Pietro , Kuster Stefan P , Kohler Philipp ,   for the SURPRISE (SURveillance of infectious diseases among health PRofessionals In SwitzErland) Study Group, Besold Ulrike , Brucher Angela , Cusini Alexia , Egger Thomas , Friedl Andrée , Goppel Stephan , Grässli Fabian , Kahlert Christian R , Keller Joelle , Kessler Simone , Kohler Philipp , Kuster Stefan P , Leal Onicio , Lemmenmeier Eva , McGeer Allison , Kleeb Dorette Meier , Möller Elisabeth , Möller J Carsten , Müller Maja F , Musa Vaxhid , Ortner Manuela , Rieder Philip , Risch Lorenz , Ruetti Markus , Schlegel Matthias , Schmid Hans-Ruedi , Stocker Reto , Vernazza Pietro , von Kietzell Matthias , Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Wiggli Benedikt
Published: March 2023

Background

Disentangling the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and vaccination on the occurrence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is crucial to estimate and reduce the burden of PASC.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis (May/June 2022) within a prospective multicenter healthcare worker (HCW) cohort in north-eastern Switzerland. HCWs were stratified by viral variant and vaccination status at time of their first positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab. HCWs without positive swab and with negative serology served as controls. The sum of 18 self-reported PASC symptoms was modeled with univariable and multivariable negative-binomial regression to analyze the association of mean symptom number with viral variant and vaccination status.

Results

Among 2912 participants (median age: 44 years; 81.3% female), PASC symptoms were significantly more frequent after wild-type infection (estimated mean symptom number: 1.12; P < .001; median time since infection: 18.3 months), after Alpha/Delta infection (0.67 symptoms; P < .001; 6.5 months), and after Omicron BA.1 infections (0.52 symptoms; P = .005; 3.1 months) versus uninfected controls (0.39 symptoms). After Omicron BA.1 infection, the estimated mean symptom number was 0.36 for unvaccinated individuals versus 0.71 with 1–2 vaccinations (P = .028) and 0.49 with ≥3 prior vaccinations (P = .30). Adjusting for confounders, only wild-type (adjusted rate ratio [aRR]: 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.08–3.83) and Alpha/Delta infections (aRR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.10–3.46) were significantly associated with the outcome.

Conclusions

Previous infection with pre-Omicron variants was the strongest risk factor for PASC symptoms among our HCWs. Vaccination before Omicron BA.1 infection was not associated with a clear protective effect against PASC symptoms in this population.
Interventions to support decision-making, health literacy and self-management in ethnic-minority adults living with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review
Authors: Kanagaratnam Roshana , Zwi Stephanie , Webster Angela C , Isautier Jennifer , Lambert Kelly , Shepherd Heather L , McCaffery Kirsten , Sud Kamal , Muscat Danielle Marie
Published: March 2023

Optimal patient care is directed by clinical practice guidelines, with emphasis on shared decision-making. However, guidelines—and interventions to support their implementation—often do not reflect the needs of ethnic minorities, who experience inequities in chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence and outcomes. This review aims to describe what interventions exist to promote decision-making, self-management and/or health literacy for ethnic-minority people living with CKD, describe intervention development and/or adaptation processes, and explore the impact on patient outcomes. Six databases were searched (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, InformitOnline) and two reviewers independently extracted study data and assessed risk of bias. Twelve studies (n = 291 participants), conducted in six countries and targeting nine distinct ethnic-minority groups, were included. Intervention strategies consisted of: (i) face-to-face education/skills training (three studies, n = 160), (ii) patient education materials (two studies, n = unspecified), (iii) Cultural Health Liaison Officer (six studies, n = 106) or (iv) increasing access to healthcare (three studies, n = 25). There was limited description of cultural targeting/tailoring. Where written information was translated into languages other than English, the approach was exact translation without other cultural adaptation. Few studies reported on community-based research approaches, intervention adaptations requiring limited or no literacy (e.g. infographics; photographs and interviews with local community members) and the inclusion of Cultural Health Liaison Officer as part of intervention design. No community-based interventions were evaluated for their impact on clinical or psychosocial outcomes. All interventions conducted in the hospital settings reported favourable outcomes (e.g. reduction in blood pressure) compared with routine care but were limited by methodological issues.
A New Method for Identifying Influential Spreaders in Complex Networks
Authors: Qiu Liqing , Liu Yuying , Zhang Jianyi
Published: March 2023

Social networks have an important role in the distribution of ideas. With the rapid development of the social networks, identifying the influential nodes provides a chance to turn the new potential of global information spread into reality. The measurement of the spreading capabilities of nodes is an attractive challenge in social networks analysis. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to identify the influential nodes in complex networks. The proposed method determines the spreading capability of a node based on its local and global positions. The degree centrality is improved by the Shannon entropy to measure the local influence of nodes. The k-shell method is improved by the clustering coefficient to measure the global influence of nodes. To rank the importance of nodes, the entropy weighting method is used to calculate the weight for the local and global influences. The Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje method is used to integrate the local and global influences of a node and obtain its importance. The experiments are conducted on 13 real-world networks to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more powerful and accurate to identify influential nodes than other methods.
Compressed Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Lattice-Based Accumulator
Authors: Si Shumin , Lin Xiuhan , Wei Puwen
Published: March 2023

The lattice-based cryptographic accumulators, which enable short zero-knowledge arguments of membership, have numerous applications in post-quantum privacy-preserving protocols. However, most efficient quantum-safe zero-knowledge arguments are PCP-based systems and rely on non-falsifiable assumptions. For non-PCP-based constructions using the state-of-the-art techniques on compressing lattice-based zero-knowledge proofs, the concrete size of the resulting proof for accumulators with $2^{32}$ members is at least 500 KB. In this paper, we propose a compact non-PCP zero-knowledge proof for the lattice-based Merkle-tree, which leads to an efficient post-quantum cryptographic accumulator. The complexity of our construction is logarithmic in $l\cdot n_{s}$, where $l$ and $n_{s}$ denote the depth of the underlying Merkle-tree and the size of a node, respectively, and the concrete size is only $143.7\ $KB when $l=32$. In particular, we provide an improved lattice-based Bulletproof with efficient knowledge extraction, which allows large challenge space but small soundness slack. Furthermore, the amortized technique can be applied to the Bulletproof without breaking the knowledge soundness due to our improved knowledge extraction. As a direct application, we present a practical lattice-based ring signature, which can achieve logarithmical signing/verifying computational complexity with the number of the ring, while the state-of-the-art constructions (CRYPTO 21) have linear computational complexity.
dbAQP-SNP: a database of missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms in human aquaporins
Authors: Dande Rachana , Sankararamakrishnan Ramasubbu
Published: March 2023

Aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins belong to the superfamily of major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), and they transport water and other neutral solutes such as glycerol. These channel proteins are involved in vital physiological processes and are implicated in several human diseases. Experimentally determined structures of MIPs from diverse organisms reveal a unique hour-glass fold with six transmembrane helices and two half-helices. MIP channels have two constrictions formed by Asn-Pro-Ala (NPA) motifs and aromatic/arginine selectivity filters (Ar/R SFs). Several reports have found associations among single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human aquaporins (AQPs) with diseases in specific populations. In this study, we have compiled 2798 SNPs that give rise to missense mutations in 13 human AQPs. To understand the nature of missense substitutions, we have systematically analyzed the pattern of substitutions. We found several examples in which substitutions could be considered as non-conservative that include small to big or hydrophobic to charged residues. We also analyzed these substitutions in the context of structure. We have identified SNPs that occur in NPA motifs or Ar/R SFs, and they will most certainly disrupt the structure and/or transport properties of human AQPs. We found 22 examples in which missense SNP substitutions that are mostly non-conservative in nature have given rise to pathogenic conditions as found in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. It is most likely that not all missense SNPs in human AQPs will result in diseases. However, understanding the effect of missense SNPs on the structure and function of human AQPs is important. In this direction, we have developed a database dbAQP-SNP that contains information about all 2798 SNPs. This database has several features and search options that can help the user to find SNPs in specific positions of human AQPs including the functionally and/or structurally important regions. dbAQP-SNP (http://bioinfo.iitk.ac.in/dbAQP-SNP) is freely available to the academic community.

Database URL http://bioinfo.iitk.ac.in/dbAQP-SNP
Manager’s gender, supervisory style, and employee’s perception of the demanding work climate
Authors: van Mensvoort Carly , Tomaskovic-Devey Donald , van der Lippe Tanja
Published: March 2023

Prior research on the link between managers’ gender and workplace gender equity primarily focuses on career outcomes. The present study explores overly demanding work climates, which we see as a realization of the ideal worker norm, bad for all workers, but a particular barrier to women’s careers. We examine whether female managers are ‘agents of change’ toward better work climates, while also exploring the impact of gendered supervisory styles on employees’ experience of overly demanding work. Together we provide a novel elaboration of the doing gender framework and the question of whether women managers are agents of change. Two-level models with organization-fixed effects for a European manager-employee linked sample reveal overall support for female managers as change agents, particularly when they manage with a feminine supervisory style. A masculine supervisory style increases employee perceptions of being overworked irrespective of manager’s gender. When female managers only enact a masculine supervisory style, they produce particularly less favourable employee experiences. Male managers who combine both feminine and masculine styles also produce worse work climates for their subordinates.
Decreased free fatty acid levels associated with adverse clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease patients with type 2 diabetes: findings from the PRACTICE study
Authors: Pan Ying , Wu Ting-Ting , Mao Xiao-Feng , Hou Xian-Geng , Yang Yi , Deng Chang-Jiang , Wang Shun , Zheng Ying-Ying , Xie Xiang
Published: March 2023

Aims

Increased free fatty acid (FFA) levels are known to be strongly associated with mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, few studies have been large enough to accurately examine the relationship between FFA levels and mortality in CAD patients with T2DM.

Methods and results

From December 2016 to October 2021, 10 395 CAD patients enrolled in PRACTICE, a prospective cohort study in China, were divided into four groups according to baseline FFA concentration. We investigated mortality, including all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM), as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). The median follow-up time was 24 months. In the total cohort, there were 222 ACMs, 164 CMs, 718 MACEs, and 803 MACCEs recorded. After controlling for baseline variables, the association between FFA levels and the risk of mortality presented a non-linear U-shaped curve, with the lowest risk at 310 µmol/L. We also identified a non-linear U-shaped relationship for ischaemic events (MACE or MACCE) with the lowest risk at 500 µmol/L. Subgroup analysis showed that a U-shaped relationship between FFA and mortality or ischaemic events was observed only in individuals with T2DM but not in non-diabetic CAD patients.

Conclusions

A non-linear U-shaped association was identified between baseline FFA levels and mortality or ischaemic events in CAD patients with T2DM.
Optimization of screening strategies for colorectal cancer based on fecal DNA and occult blood testing
Authors: Yao Tingting , Sun Qin , Xiong Kangwei , Su Yuan , Zhao Qian , Zhang Chenhong , Zhang Lijiu , Li Xuejun , Fang Haiming
Published: March 2023

Background

Fecal DNA and occult blood testing have been gradually developed for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Comparison of different testing strategies for these methods in CRC screening is in urgent need. This study aims to examine the efficacy of different testing strategies including multi-target fecal DNA testing, qualitative and quantitative fecal immunoassay tests (FITs).

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from patients diagnosed by colonoscopy. Tests using fecal DNA, quantitative FIT or qualitative FIT were performed on same fecal samples. Efficiency of different testing strategies within different populations was investigated.

Results

For high-risk populations (CRC and advanced adenoma), the positive rate of the three methods alone was 74.3–80%; the positive predictive values (PPVs) ranged from 37.3% to 77.8%, and the negative predictive values (NPVs) ranged from 86.3% to 92.2%. For combined testing strategies, the positive rate was 71.4–88.6%, PPVs ranged from 38.3% to 86.2%, and NPVs ranged from 89.6% to 92.9%. Parallel fecal multi-target DNA test and quantitative FIT appears to be superior when using a combined testing strategy. For the normal population, no significant difference was identified in efficacy between these methods when used alone and in combination.

Conclusions

Single testing strategy among the three methods is more suitable for the general population screening, and the combined testing strategy is more suitable for high-risk populations screening. The use of different combination strategies may have superiority in CRC high-risk population screening, but cannot conclude significant differences which may be attributed to the small sample size, large samples controlled trials are needed.
Effects of leaf properties on the counts of microbes on the leaf surfaces of wheat, rye and triticale
Authors: Tang Guojian , Fan Yang , Li Xinqin , Tian Rong , Tang Ruxue , Xu Liuxing , Zhang Jianguo
Published: March 2023

Currently, our understanding of the effects of glaucousness on the population sizes of microbial communities on leaf surfaces is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of glaucousness and chemical composition on the colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of microbes on leaf surfaces. Various leaf morphological and physicochemical features, microbial CFU counts and glaucousness on the leaf surfaces of wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Shimai No.1), rye (Secale cereale var. Gannong No.1) and triticale (Triticale wittmack var. Gannong No.2) were assessed. The results showed that larger CFU counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts were found on the non-glaucous leaf surfaces in wheat than on the glaucous leaf surfaces in rye and triticale. The CFU counts of LAB and yeasts were negatively correlated with the amount of soluble wax (P < 0.05), and positively correlated with the contents of starch and fructose in leaf tissue (P < 0.05), soluble and reduced sugars, soluble protein and free amino acids on leaf surfaces (P < 0.05). The CFU counts of microbes on leaf surfaces were mainly influenced by the level of available carbon sources and glaucousness of leaf surfaces.
The chromosomal evolutionary lineage of the genus Zygosaccharomyces
Authors: Sato Atsushi , Ohnishi Yasuo
Published: March 2023

Genome ploidy of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii is an intriguing topic in the field of industrial yeast research. However, the evolutionary relationship between the genome of Z. rouxii and other Zygosaccharomyces species is complex and not completely understood. In this study, we determined the genome sequences of Z. rouxii NCYC 3042, also referred to as ‘Z. pseudorouxii,’ and Z. mellis CBS 736T. We also conducted comparative analysis of the yeast genomes of a total of 21 strains, including 17 strains of nine Zygosaccharomyces species. This comparative genomics revealed that 17 Zygosaccharomyces strains are classified into four groups consisting of nine genome types: (i) Z. rouxii, Z. mellis, Z. sapae, Z. siamensis, and ‘Candida versatilis’ t-1 belong to the group Rouxii sharing four related genome types (Rouxii-1 to Rouxii-4), (ii) Z. bailii, Z. parabailii, and Z. pseudobailii belong to the group Bailii sharing three related genome types (Bailii-1 to Bailii-3), (iii and iv) Z. bisporus and Z. kombuchaensis belong to the groups Bisporus and Kombuchaensis, respectively, which each have haploid genomes. The Zygosaccharomyces genome seems to have acquired complexity and diversity through evolutionary events such as interspecies hybridization, reciprocal translocation, and diploidization of these nine genome types.
Dementia Caregiving Experiences and Health Across Geographic Contexts by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany B , Sylvers Dominique L , Yoshikawa Aya , López-Anuarbe Mónika , Webster Noah J , Bouldin Erin D
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Few studies have examined how the intersectionality of geographic context and race/ethnicity influences dementia caregiving. Our objectives were to determine whether caregiver experiences and health (a) differed across metro and nonmetro areas and (b) differed by caregiver race/ethnicity and geography.

Methods

We used data from the 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving. The sample included caregivers (n = 808) of care recipients ages 65 and older with “probable” dementia (n = 482). The geographic context was defined as the care recipient’s residence in metro or nonmetro counties. Outcomes included caregiving experiences (care situation, burden, and gains) and health (self-rated anxiety, depression symptoms, and chronic health conditions).

Results

Bivariate analyses indicated that nonmetro dementia caregivers were less racially/ethnically diverse (82.7% White, non-Hispanic) and more were spouses/partners (20.2%) than their metro counterparts (66.6% White, non-Hispanic; 13.3% spouses/partners). Among racial/ethnic minority dementia caregivers, nonmetro context was associated with more chronic conditions (p < .01), providing less care (p < .01), and not coresiding with care recipients (p < .001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that nonmetro minority dementia caregivers had 3.11 times higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–9.00) of reporting anxiety in comparison to metro minority dementia caregivers.

Discussion

Geographic context shapes dementia caregiving experiences and caregiver health differently across racial/ethnic groups. Findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown that feelings of uncertainty, helplessness, guilt, and distress are more prevalent among people providing caregiving from a distance. Despite higher rates of dementia and dementia-related mortality in nonmetro areas, findings suggest both positive and negative aspects of caregiving among White and racial/ethnic minority caregivers.
Navigability of Residential Care Homes From Residents’, Family Members’, and Staff’s Points of View: The Residential Care Home Navigability Scale
Authors: Miola Laura , Carbone Elena , Toffalini Enrico , Pazzaglia Francesca
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Navigational skills display clear signs of decline with increasing age, especially in pathological aging. Therefore, navigability—the extent to which destinations can be reached with reasonable effort and time—should be considered in residential care home design. We aimed to develop a scale assessing environmental features (i.e., indoor visual differentiation, signage, and layout) for navigability in residential care homes: the Residential Care Home Navigability (RCHN) scale. To this end, we examined whether navigability and its factors were associated with a sense of direction within the residential care homes to different degrees for older adult residents, caregivers, and staff. The relationship between navigability and residential satisfaction was also considered.

Research Design and Methods

A sample of 523 participants (230 residents, 126 family caregivers, and 167 staff members) responded to the RCHN, assessed their sense of orientation and general satisfaction, and performed a pointing task.

Results

Results confirmed the RCHN scale’s 3-level factor structure, good reliability, and validity. A subjective sense of direction, but not pointing task performance, was associated with navigability and its factors. In particular, visual differentiation is positively associated with a sense of direction regardless of group, whereas signage and layout contributed to a better experience of a sense of direction, especially among older residents. Navigability was not related to residents’ satisfaction.

Discussion and Implications

Navigability supports perceived orientation in residential care homes, especially for older residents. Moreover, the RCHN is a reliable tool for the assessment of RCHN, with important implications for minimizing spatial disorientation through environmental interventions.
Characterization and expression of highly active recombinant human glucuronyl C5-epimerase in mammalian cells
Authors: Cui Hao , Li Qingwen , Wang Peipei , Fang Jianping
Published: March 2023

Heparin, a highly sulfated and epimerized form of heparan sulfate, is a linear polysaccharide with anticoagulant activity widely used in the clinic to prevent and treat thrombotic diseases. However, there are several noteworthy drawbacks associated with animal-sourced heparin during the preparation process. The in vitro enzymatic synthesis of heparin has become a promising substitute for animal-derived heparin. The synthesis of bioengineered heparin involves recombinant expression and preparation of polymerases, sulfotransferases, and an epimerase. D-glucuronyl C5-epimerase (HSepi) catalyzes D-glucuronic acids immediately adjacent to N-sulfo-glucosamine units to L-iduronic acid. Preparation of recombinant HSepi with high activity and production yield for in vitro heparin synthesis has not been resolved as of now. The findings of this study indicate that the catalytic activity of HSepi is regulated using post-translational modifications, including N-linked glycosylation and disulfide bond formation. Further mutation studies suggest that tyrosine residues, such as Tyr168, Tyr222, Tyr500, Tyr560, and Tyr578, are crucial in maintaining HSepi activity. A high-yield expression strategy was established using the lentiviral-based transduction system to produce recombinant HSepi (HSepi589) with a specific activity of up to 1.6 IU/mg. Together, this study contributes to the preparation of highly active HSepi for the enzymatic synthesis of heparins by providing additional insights into the catalytic activity of HSepi.
Variant spectrum of von Hippel–Lindau disease and its genomic heterogeneity in Japan
Authors: Tamura Kenji , Kanazashi Yuki , Kawada Chiaki , Sekine Yuya , Maejima Kazuhiro , Ashida Shingo , Karashima Takashi , Kojima Shohei , Parrish Nickolas F , Kosugi Shunichi , Terao Chikashi , Sasagawa Shota , Fujita Masashi , Johnson Todd A , Momozawa Yukihide , Inoue Keiji , Shuin Taro , Nakagawa Hidewaki
Published: March 2023

Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant, inherited syndrome with variants in the VHL gene, causing predisposition to multi-organ neoplasms with vessel abnormality. Germline variants in VHL can be detected in 80–90% of patients clinically diagnosed with VHL disease. Here, we summarize the results of genetic tests for 206 Japanese VHL families, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of VHL disease, especially in variant-negative unsolved cases. Of the 206 families, genetic diagnosis was positive in 175 families (85%), including 134 families (65%) diagnosed by exon sequencing (15 novel variants) and 41 (20%) diagnosed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) (one novel variant). The deleterious variants were significantly enriched in VHL disease Type 1. Interestingly, five synonymous or non-synonymous variants within exon 2 caused exon 2 skipping, which is the first report of exon 2 skipping caused by several missense variants. Whole genome and target deep sequencing analysis were performed for 22 unsolved cases with no variant identified and found three cases with VHL mosaicism (variant allele frequency: 2.5–22%), one with mobile element insertion in the VHL promoter region, and two with a pathogenic variant of BAP1 or SDHB. The variants associated with VHL disease are heterogeneous, and for more accuracy of the genetic diagnosis of VHL disease, comprehensive genome and DNA/RNA analyses are required to detect VHL mosaicism, complicated structure variants and other related gene variants.
Geographic–genomic and geographic–phenotypic differentiation of the Aquilegia viridiflora complex
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Huaying , Zhang Tengjiao , Fang Xiaoxue , Liu Meiying , Xiao Hongxing
Published: March 2023

How species diverge into different lineages is a central issue in evolutionary biology. Despite the increasing evidence indicating that such divergences do not need geographic isolation, the correlation between lineage divergence and the adaptive ecological divergence of phenotype corresponding to distribution is still unknown. In addition, gene flow has been widely detected during and through such diverging processes. We used one widely distributed Aquilegia viridiflora complex as a model system to examine genomic differentiation and corresponding phenotypic variations along geographic gradients. Our phenotypic analyses of 20 populations from northwest to northeast China identified two phenotypic groups along the geographic cline. All examined traits are distinct from each other, although a few intermediate individuals occur in their contacting regions. We further sequenced the genomes of representative individuals of each population. However, four distinct genetic lineages were detected based on nuclear genomes. In particular, we recovered numerous genetic hybrids in the contact regions of four lineages. Gene flow is widespread and continuous between four lineages but much higher between contacting lineages than geographically isolated lineages. Gene flow and natural selection might result in inconsistency between heredity and phenotype. Moreover, many genes with fast lineage-specific mutations were identified to be involved in local adaptation. Our results suggest that both geographic isolation and local selection exerted by the environment and pollinators may together create geographic distributions of phenotypic variations as well as the underlying genomic divergences in numerous lineages.
Integrated model simulates bigger, sweeter tomatoes under changing climate under reduced nitrogen and water input
Authors: Zhou Huiping , Kang Shaozhong , Génard Michel , Vercambre Gilles , Chen Jinliang
Published: March 2023

When simulating the response of fruit growth and quality to environmental factors and cultivation practices, the interactions between the mother plant and fruit need to be considered as a whole system. Here, we developed the integrative Tomato plant and fruit Growth and Fruit Sugar metabolism (TGFS) model by coupling equations describing the biophysical processes of leaf gas exchange, water transport, carbon allocation, organ growth and fruit sugar metabolism. The model also accounts for effects of soil nitrogen and atmospheric CO2 concentration on gaseous exchange of water and carbon by the leaf. With different nitrogen and water input values, TGFS performed well at simulating the dry mass of the tomato leaf, stem, root, and fruit, and the concentrations of soluble sugar and starch in fruit. TGFS simulations showed that increasing air temperature and CO2 concentration has positive effects on fruit growth, but not on sugar concentrations. Further model-based analyses of cultivation scenarios suggest that, in the context of climate change, decreasing N by 15%–25% and decreasing irrigation by 10%–20% relative to current levels would increase tomato fresh weight by 27.8%–36.4% while increasing soluble sugar concentration by up to 10%. TGFS provides a promising tool to optimise N and water inputs for sustainable high-quality tomatoes.
Developing and Evaluating a Virtual Reality Videogame Using Biofeedback for Stress Management in Sports
Authors: Téllez Arturo Morales , Castro Luis A , Tentori Monica
Published: March 2023

Stress is a reaction of the body to external challenges, whether physical or psychological. In sports, there are stress factors that affect the athlete's performance, especially in team sports that involve short, high-intensity exercise cycles followed by short recovery periods, such as American football. The lack of stress regulation mechanisms can be detrimental to the individual and collective performance of athletes. Biofeedback systems have shown promising clinical results in regulating stress for sports competitions. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support their efficacy, and technologies, such as virtual reality videogames, have not been extensively explored. In this article, we present the development and pilot testing of Virtual Autonomic Nervous System (VANS), a virtual reality videogame using biofeedback that supports stress management training in athletes. VANS uses an optical heart rate sensor and aims at keeping the heart rate below a given threshold to control features within the game. We evaluated the usability and user experience of VANS through a 1-week deployment study with 10 American footballers. Our results show that VANS outperformed a commercial videogame used for biofeedback training and considerably reduced stress in our participants. Therefore, VANS could provide stress management training for future matches and competitions. Finally, we reflect on aspects of our design and discuss future directions of our work.
Understanding the perceived role of electronic health records and workflow fragmentation on clinician documentation burden in emergency departments
Authors: Moy Amanda J , Hobensack Mollie , Marshall Kyle , Vawdrey David K , Kim Eugene Y , Cato Kenrick D , Rossetti Sarah C
Published: March 2023

Objective

Understand the perceived role of electronic health records (EHR) and workflow fragmentation on clinician documentation burden in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

From February to June 2022, we conducted semistructured interviews among a national sample of US prescribing providers and registered nurses who actively practice in the adult ED setting and use Epic Systems’ EHR. We recruited participants through professional listservs, social media, and email invitations sent to healthcare professionals. We analyzed interview transcripts using inductive thematic analysis and interviewed participants until we achieved thematic saturation. We finalized themes through a consensus-building process.

Results

We conducted interviews with 12 prescribing providers and 12 registered nurses. Six themes were identified related to EHR factors perceived to contribute to documentation burden including lack of advanced EHR capabilities, absence of EHR optimization for clinicians, poor user interface design, hindered communication, increased manual work, and added workflow blockages, and five themes associated with cognitive load. Two themes emerged in the relationship between workflow fragmentation and EHR documentation burden: underlying sources and adverse consequences.

Discussion

Obtaining further stakeholder input and consensus is essential to determine whether these perceived burdensome EHR factors could be extended to broader contexts and addressed through optimizing existing EHR systems alone or through a broad overhaul of the EHR’s architecture and primary purpose.

Conclusion

While most clinicians perceived that the EHR added value to patient care and care quality, our findings underscore the importance of designing EHRs that are in harmony with ED clinical workflows to alleviate the clinician documentation burden.