bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic calcium-mediated stress response and recovery signatures in the fungal pathogen,
Candida albicans
Authors: Giuraniuc C. V. , Parkin C. , Almeida M. C. , Fricker M. , Shadmani P. , Nye S. , Wehmeier S. , Chawla S. , Bedekovic T. , Lehtovirta-Morley L. , Richards D. M. , Gow N. A. , Brand A. C.
Published: September 2023

Calcium (Ca
2+
) is an important second messenger for activating stress response signaling and cell adaptation in eukaryotic cells yet intracellular Ca
2+
-dynamics in fungi are poorly understood due to lack of effective real-time Ca
2+
reporters. We engineered the GCaMP6f construct for use in the fungal pathogen,
Candida albicans
, and used live-cell imaging to observe both dynamic Ca
2+
spiking and slower changes in non-spiking Ca
2+
-GCaMP signals elicited by stress or gene deletion. Short-term exposure to membrane, osmotic or oxidative stress generated immediate stress-specific responses and repeated exposure revealed differential recovery signatures. Osmotic stress caused yeast cell shrinkage and no adaptation response, where Ca
2+
-GCaMP spiking was inhibited by 1 M NaCl but not by 0.666 M CaCl
2.
Treatment with sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) caused a spike-burst, raised the non-spiking Ca
2+
-GCaMP signals, and caused significant cell death, but surviving cells adapted over subsequent exposures. Treatment with 5 mM H
2
O
2
abolished spiking and caused transient non-GCaMP-related autofluorescence, but cells adapted such that spiking returned and autofluorescence diminished on repeated exposure. Adaptation to H
2
O
2
was dependent on Cap1, extracellular Ca
2+
, and calcineurin but not on its downstream target, Crz1. Ca
2+
-dynamics were not affected by H
2
O
2
in the
hog1
Δ or
yvc1
Δ mutants, suggesting a pre-adapted, resistant state, possibly due to changes in membrane permeability. Live-cell imaging of Ca
2+
-GCaMP responses in individual cells has, therefore, revealed the dynamics of Ca
2+
-influx, signaling and homeostasis, and their role in the temporal stress response signatures of
C. albicans
.

IMPORTANCE

Intracellular calcium signaling plays an important role in the resistance and adaptation to stresses encountered by fungal pathogens within the host. This study reports the optimization of the GCaMP fluorescent calcium reporter for live-cell imaging of dynamic calcium responses in single cells of the pathogen,
Candida albicans
, for the first time. Exposure to membrane, osmotic or oxidative stress generated both specific changes in single cell intracellular calcium spiking and longer calcium transients across the population. Repeated treatments showed that calcium dynamics become unaffected by some stresses but not others, consistent with known cell adaptation mechanisms. By expressing GCaMP in mutant strains and tracking the viability of individual cells over time, the relative contributions of key signaling pathways to calcium flux, stress adaptation, and cell death were demonstrated. This reporter, therefore, permits the study of calcium dynamics, homeostasis, and signaling in
C. albicans
at a previously unattainable level of detail.
AP2XII-1 is a negative regulator of merogony and presexual commitment in
Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Fan Fuqiang , Xue Lilan , Yin Xiaoyan , Gupta Nishith , Shen Bang
Published: September 2023

A transition from the asexual to sexual development in the widespread intracellular pathogen
Toxoplasma gondii
requires stage switching in its feline (definitive) host, but the mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate a novel apicomplexan-specific transcription factor,
Tg
AP2XII-1, that controls the transition of the acutely infectious tachyzoite stage to a presexual merozoite stage. The AP2XII-1 deletion mutants are elongated and replicate as merozoites by endopolygeny instead of endodyogeny, by which tachyzoites proliferate. Besides, the parasites lacking AP2XII-1 show a merozoite-type transcriptional profile. Indeed, AP2XII-1 directly targets many stage-specific genes via its interaction with the MORC complex, eventually repressing a repertoire of sex-related transcripts in tachyzoites. In conclusion, our work identifies AP2XII-1 as a merogony repressor, provides insight into the sexual commitment of
T. gondii
, and opens a gateway to culture the presexual stages of a model parasitic protist.

IMPORTANCE

Sexual development is vital for the transmission, genetic hybridization, and population evolution of apicomplexan pathogens, which include several clinically relevant parasites, such as
Plasmodium, Eimeria,
and
Toxoplasma gondii
. Previous studies have demonstrated different morphological characteristics and division patterns between asexual and sexual stages of the parasites. However, the primary regulation is poorly understood. A transition from the asexual to the sexual stage is supposedly triggered/accompanied by rewiring of gene expression and controlled by transcription factors and chromatin modulators. Herein, we discovered a tachyzoite-specific transcriptional factor AP2XII-1, which represses the presexual development in the asexual tachyzoite stage of
T. gondii
. Conditional knockdown of AP2XII-1 perturbs tachyzoite proliferation by endodyogeny and drives a transition to a morphologically and transcriptionally distinct merozoite stage. The results also suggest a hierarchical transcriptional regulation of sexual development by AP2 factors and provide a path to culturing merozoites and controlling inter-host transmission of
T. gondii
.
Complete genome sequence of seven virulent Newcastle disease virus isolates of sub-genotype XIII.1.1 from Tanzania
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Msoffe Peter L. M. , Chiwanga Gaspar H. , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L.
Published: September 2023

We report the complete genome sequences of seven virulent Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) that were isolated from chickens from live bird markets in the Arusha, Iringa, Mbeya, and Tanga regions of Tanzania in 2012. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all isolates belong to sub-genotype XIII.1.1.
Clinical
rel
mutations in
Staphylococcus aureus
prime pathogen expansion under nutrient stress
Authors: Chen Edwin , Shaffer Marla G. , Bilodeau Robert E. , West Raymond E. , Oberly Patrick J. , Nolin Thomas D. , Culyba Matthew J.
Published: September 2023

Persistent infection by
Staphylococcus aureus
has been linked to the bacterial stringent response (SR), a conserved stress response pathway regulated by the Rel protein. Rel synthesizes (p)ppGpp “alarmones” in response to amino acid starvation, which enables adaptation to stress by modulating bacterial growth and virulence. We previously identified five novel protein-altering mutations in
rel
that arose in patients with persistent methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
bacteremia. The mutations mapped to both the enzymatic and regulatory protein domains of Rel. Here, we set out to characterize the phenotype of these mutations to understand how they may have been selected
in vivo
. After introducing each mutation into
S. aureus
strain JE2, we analyzed growth, fitness, and antibiotic profiles. Despite being located in different protein domains, we found that all of the mutations converged on the same phenotype. Each shortened the time of lag phase growth and imparted a fitness advantage in nutritionally depleted conditions. Through quantification of intracellular (p)ppGpp, we link this phenotype to increased SR activation, specifically during the stationary phase of growth. In contrast to two previously identified clinical
rel
mutations, we find that our
rel
mutations do not cause antibiotic tolerance. Instead, our findings suggest that
in vivo
selection was due to an augmented SR that primes cells for growth in nutrient-poor conditions, which may be a strategy for evading host-imposed nutritional immunity.

Importance

Host and pathogen compete for available nutrition during infection. For bacteria, the stringent response (SR) regulator Rel responds to amino acid deprivation by signaling the cell to modulate its growth rate, metabolism, and virulence. In this report, we characterize five
rel
mutations that arose during cases of persistent methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia. We find that all of the mutations augmented SR signaling specifically under nutrient-poor conditions, enabling the cell to more readily grow and survive. Our findings reveal a strategy used by bacterial pathogens to evade the nutritional immunity imposed by host tissues during infection.
Clostridium scindens
secretome suppresses virulence gene expression of
Clostridioides difficile
in a bile acid-independent manner
Authors: Saenz Carmen , Fang Qing , Gnanasekaran Thiyagarajan , Trammell Samuel Addison Jack , Buijink Jesse Arnold , Pisano Paola , Wierer Michael , Moens Frédéric , Lengger Bettina , Brejnrod Asker , Arumugam Manimozhiyan
Published: September 2023

Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI) is a major health concern and one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired diarrhea in many countries.
C. difficile
infection is challenging to treat as
C. difficile
is resistant to multiple antibiotics. Alternative solutions are needed as conventional treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics often leads to recurrent CDI. Recent studies have shown that specific microbiota-based therapeutics such as bile acids (BAs) are promising approaches to treat CDI.
Clostridium scindens
encodes the bile acid-induced (
bai
) operon that carries out 7-alpha-dehydroxylation of liver-derived primary BAs to secondary BAs. This biotransformation is thought to increase the antibacterial effects of BAs on
C. difficile
. Here, we used an automated multistage fermentor to study the antibacterial actions of
C. scindens
and BAs on
C. difficile
in the presence/absence of a gut microbial community derived from healthy human donor fecal microbiota. We observed that
C. scindens
inhibited
C. difficile
growth when the medium was supplemented with primary BAs. Transcriptomic analysis indicated upregulation of
C. scindens bai
operon and suppressed expression of
C. difficile
exotoxins that mediate CDI. We also observed BA-independent antibacterial activity of the secretome from
C. scinden
s cultured overnight in a medium without supplementary primary BAs, which suppressed growth and exotoxin expression in
C. difficile
mono-culture. Further investigation of the molecular basis of our observation could lead to a more specific treatment for CDI than current approaches.

IMPORTANCE

There is an urgent need for new approaches to replace the available treatment options against
Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI). Our novel work reports a bile acid-independent reduction of
C. difficile
growth and virulence gene expression by the secretome of
Clostridium scindens
. This potential treatment combined with other antimicrobial strategies could facilitate the development of alternative therapies in anticipation of CDI and in turn reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Music medicine to improve the tolerability of onabotulinumtoxinA injections for chronic migraine: an open-label prospective cohort study
Authors: Ray Jason , Raviskanthan Subahari
Published: September 2023

Introduction

OnabotulinumtoxinA for migraine involves 31 injected repeated every 12 weeks. Tolerability is a significant factor impacting discontinuation. Music medicine has not been studied previously as an intervention to improve the tolerability of injections.

Methodology

A single-centre prospective cohort study was undertaken. Following baseline, patients had music played during the procedure. Change in Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was assessed as the primary outcome.

Results

Over 6 months, 50 patients were recruited with a median age of 42, and median duration of therapy of 13.5 months. ‘Quiet calm classical music’ was associated with a significant reduction in VAS (z=−4.7, p<0.001). Duration of therapy, disease state or headache frequency had no correlation with change in VAS.

Conclusion

Music medicine is associated with a significant reduction in the procedural pain of onabotulinumtoxinA injections in prospective study. Further study is required to explore other modifiable factors to improve patient experience.
Development and validation of a tool to predict high-need, high-cost patients hospitalised with ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Nkemdirim Okere Arinze , Moussa Richard K , Ali Askal , Diaby Vakaramoko K
Published: September 2023

Objective

To develop and validate a tool to predict patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) at risk of excessive healthcare resource utilisation.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

We identified patients through the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (N=586 518) inpatient dataset.

Participants

Adult patients (at least 40 years of age) admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of IHD between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016.

Primary outcome measures

We identified patients whose healthcare utilisation is higher than presumed (analysis of residuals) and used logistic regression (binary and multinomial) in estimating the predictive models to classify individual as high-need, high-care (HNHC) patients relative to inpatient visits (frequency of hospitalisation), cost and hospital length of stay. Discrimination power, prediction accuracy and model improvement for the binary logistic model were assessed using receiver operating characteristic statistic, the Brier score and the log-likelihood (LL)-based pseudo-R2, respectively. LL-based pseudo-R2and Brier score were used for multinomial logistic models.

Results

The binary logistic model had good discrimination power (c-statistic=0.6496), an accuracy of probabilistic predictions (Brier score) of 0.0621 and an LL-based pseudo-R2of 0.0338 in the development cohort. The model performed similarly in the validation cohort (c-statistic=0.6480), an accuracy of probabilistic predictions (Brier score) of 0.0620 and an LL-based pseudo-R2of 0.0380. A user-friendly Excel-based HNHC risk predictive tool was developed and readily available for clinicians and policy decision-makers.

Conclusions

The Excel-based HNHC risk predictive tool can accurately identify at-risk patients for HNHC based on three measures of healthcare expenditures.
Protocol for the T-REX-trial: tailored regional external beam radiotherapy in clinically node-negative breast cancer patients with 1-2 sentinel node macrometastases – an open, multicentre, randomised non-inferiority phase 3 trial
Authors: Alkner Sara , de Boniface Jana , Lundstedt Dan , Mjaaland Ingvil , Ryden Lisa , Vikstrom Johan , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Holmberg Erik , Sackey Helena , Wieslander Elinore , Karlsson Per
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Modern systemic treatment has reduced incidence of regional recurrences and improved survival in breast cancer (BC). It is thus questionable whether regional radiotherapy (RT) is still beneficial in patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) macrometastasis. Postoperative regional RT is associated with an increased risk of arm morbidity, pneumonitis, cardiac disease and secondary cancer. Therefore, there is a need to individualise regional RT in relation to the risk of recurrence.

Methods and analysis

In this multicentre, prospective randomised trial, clinically node-negative patients with oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative BC and 1-2 SLN macrometastases are eligible. Participants are randomly assigned to receive regional RT (standard arm) or not (intervention arm). Regional RT includes the axilla level I–III, the supraclavicular fossa and in selected patients the internal mammary nodes. Both groups receive RT to the remaining breast. Chest-wall RT after mastectomy is given in the standard arm, but in the intervention arm only in cases of widespread multifocality according to national guidelines. RT quality assurance is an integral part of the trial.

The trial aims to include 1350 patients between March 2023 and December 2028 in Sweden and Norway. Primary outcome is recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 5 years. Non-inferiority will be declared if outcome in the de-escalation arm is not >4.5 percentage units below that with regional RT, corresponding to an HR of 1.41 assuming 88% 5-year RFS with standard treatment. Secondary outcomes include locoregional recurrence, overall survival, patient-reported arm morbidity and health-related quality of life. Gene expression analysis and tumour tissue-based studies to identify prognostic and predictive markers for benefit of regional RT are included.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial protocol is approved by the Swedish Ethics Authority (Dnr-2022-02178-01, 2022-05093-02, 2023-00826-02, 2023-03035-02). Results will be presented at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05634889.
Inter-effort recovery hypoxia: a new paradigm in sport science?
Authors: Papoti Marcelo , Manchado-Gobatto Fúlvia Barros , Gobatto Claudio Alexandre
Published: September 2023

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular method for optimising sports performance and, more recently, improving health-related parameters. The inclusion of hypoxia during HIIT can promote additional gains compared with normoxia. However, reductions in the effort intensities compared with the same training performed in normoxia have been reported. Studies have reported that adding hypoxia during periods of inter-effort recovery (IEH) enables maintenance of the intensity of efforts. It also promotes additional gains from exposure to hypoxia. Our call is for researchers to consider IEH in experiments involving different models of HIIT. Additionally, we consider the need to answer the following questions: What is the clinically relevant minimum dose of exposure to hypoxia during the recovery periods between efforts so that favourable adaptations of parameters are associated with health and sports performance? How does the intensity of exertion influence the responses to hypoxia exposure during recovery periods? What are the chronic effects of different models of HIIT and hypoxia recovery on sports performance?
Perspectives of professional experts in relation to the development of community-based exercise for young adults with schizophrenia: a qualitative study
Authors: Andersen Martin Færch , Roed Kickan , Riis Allan , Rafn Bolette Skjødt , Ebdrup Bjørn Hylsebeck , Midtgaard Julie
Published: September 2023

Physical activity is a key modifiable factor in protecting physical and mental health in people with severe mental illness including schizophrenia. Therefore, early promotion of physical activity is recommended and programmes supporting long-term maintenance of physically active behaviour are warranted. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of professional experts in relation to the development of a sustainable community-based exercise programme tailored to young adults with schizophrenia and intended to promote change and adoption of physical activity. We conducted 9 semistructured interviews with 11 clinical and professional experts. Qualitative content analysis, as described by Graneheim and Lundman, was applied to analyse data. We identified four categories: (1) living a physical active life with schizophrenia, (2) exercise as promotor of personal recovery, (3) prescribing safe and relevant exercise and (4) instructors’ qualifications and formation. When developing sustainable community-based exercise programmes tailored to young adults with schizophrenia, developers should ensure instructors’ qualifications and provide an exercise protocol. In addition, developers should consider providing an inclusive and recovery-oriented exercise environment.
Chemical heat pumps beyond the Carnot limit
Authors: Wang Junyi , Chen Jincan , Su Shanhe
Published: September 2023

Based on the working mechanisms of heat pumps and chemical pumps, a model of the chemical heat pump operating between the two thermal material reservoirs with different temperatures and chemical potentials is established. The general expression of the coefficient of performance (i.e. generalized Carnot coefficient of performance) is derived, and a series of meaningful results are obtained. The different characteristics of the chemical heat pump operating under different conditions are revealed. It is found that the coefficient of performance of the chemical heat pump can be larger than that of the Carnot heat pump operating under the same temperature span or the reversible coefficient of performance of the chemical pump operating under the same chemical potential span. The reason is that the chemical heat pump operating between two thermal material reservoirs is driven by the temperature field and the chemical potential field at the same time. Moreover, it is expounded that these results accord with the second law of thermodynamics.
Prediction of cryptocurrency prices by deep learning models: A case study for Bitcoin and Ethereum
Authors: Mehrdoust Farshid , Noorani Maryam
Published: September 2023

Cryptocurrency prediction is important for a variety of stakeholders, from investors to businesses, as it enables them to make more informed decisions about the future of the digital asset market. This paper delves into the application of deep learning models for two of the most popular cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum, outlining how to effectively implement these methods. Our goal is to perform efficient deep learning structure based on the forecasting models specifically recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural network and long short-term memory to predict the Bitcoin and Ethereum prices. Our results include a comparison of these two cryptocurrencies according to the deep learning methods and their effectiveness in predicting the Bitcoin and Ethereum prices.
Learning with Euler Collaborative Representation for Robust Pattern Analysis
Authors: Zhou Jianhang , Wang Guancheng , Zeng Shaoning , Zhang Bob
Published: September 2023

The Collaborative Representation (CR) framework has provided various effective and efficient solutions to pattern analysis. By leveraging between discriminative coefficient coding (l
2
regularization) and the best reconstruction quality (collaboration), the CR framework can exploit discriminative patterns efficiently in high-dimensional space. Due to the limitations of its linear representation mechanism, the CR must sacrifice its superior efficiency for capturing the non-linear information with the kernel trick. Besides this, even if the coding is indispensable, there is no mechanism designed to keep the CR free from inevitable noise brought by real-world information systems. In addition, the CR only emphasizes exploiting discriminative patterns on coefficients rather than on the reconstruction. To tackle the problems of primitive CR with a unified framework, in this article we propose the Euler Collaborative Representation (E-CR) framework. Inferred from the Euler formula, in the proposed method, we map the samples to a complex space to capture discriminative and non-linear information without the high-dimensional hidden kernel space. Based on the proposed E-CR framework, we form two specific classifiers: the Euler Collaborative Representation based Classifier (E-CRC) and the Euler Probabilistic Collaborative Representation based Classifier (E-PROCRC). Furthermore, we specifically designed a robust algorithm for E-CR (termed as
R-E-CR
) to deal with the inevitable noises in real-world systems. Robust iterative algorithms have been specially designed for solving E-CRC and E-PROCRC. We correspondingly present a series of theoretical proofs to ensure the completeness of the theory for the proposed robust algorithms. We evaluated E-CR and R-E-CR with various experiments to show its competitive performance and efficiency.
Three Decades of Climate Mitigation Policy: What Has It Delivered?
Authors: Hoppe Janna , Hinder Ben , Rafaty Ryan , Patt Anthony , Grubb Michael
Published: September 2023

After tentative efforts during the 1990s, the past two decades have seen a rapid increase in the number of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation policies, initially in a few frontrunner countries and more recently spreading globally. Over the same period, GHG emissions have continued to rise, but the rate of growth has recently slowed. Are mitigation policies having an effect? To explore this question, we review and synthesize the empirical literature on the impact of mitigation policies on three key outcomes: GHG emissions, proximate emission drivers like energy intensity and land use, and low-carbon technologies. Our key contribution to the available literature lies in establishing an empirically based track record of climate action, focusing on methodologically sound ex post studies. We find that mitigation policies have had a discernible impact on emissions and multiple emission drivers. Most notably, they have led to reductions in energy use, declines in deforestation rates, as well as cost reductions and capacity expansions of low-carbon technologies in many instances. Furthermore, implemented policies to date are likely to have reduced global emissions by several billion tons of CO2eq per year compared to a world without mitigation policies. In the light of current ambitions on climate action falling short of what is required to limit global warming to the Paris temperature goals, we conclude that there is ample evidence of policy instruments with demonstrable impacts, but that efforts need to be hugely strengthened and expanded. Also, far more attention is required to policy monitoring, evaluation, and learning so as to strengthen the basis for future policy and the attribution of its impacts.
Experimental and DFT Atomistic Insights into the Mechanism of Corrosion Protection of Low-Carbon Steel in an Acidic Medium by Polymethoxyflavones from Citrus Peel Waste
Authors: Najem Ayoub , Campos Othon S. , Girst Gábor , Raji Mounir , Hunyadi Attila , García-Antón José , Bellaouchou Abdelkbir , Amin Hatem M. A. , Boudalia Maria
Published: September 2023

Developing green anticorrosive films is gaining great attention in science and engineering. Citrus fruit peels are mainly discarded as waste, although they can be an excellent repository of phytochemicals, that can be exploited as mitigating agents for corrosion. Herein, we report the high anticorrosion activity of a citrus extract for low-carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution at different temperatures. The main extract constituents were identified by MS and NMR. Two polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), namely nobiletin and heptamethoxyflavone, were identified as major constituents of the extract and the crude PMFs-based extract was investigated for corrosion protection. Using potentiodynamic polarization, weight loss and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods, this extract revealed improved inhibition efficiency of 94%. The inhibition mechanism was elucidated by considering electrochemical kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics. SEM and UV–vis supported the electrochemical results. PMFs-based extract acted as a mixed-type inhibitor with a Langmuir model of adsorption. Importantly, DFT simulations provided atomic-level insights into the inhibition mechanism and unraveled donor-acceptor interactions between the methoxy groups of PMFs and iron atoms, facilitating the formation of a stable inhibition adsorption layer, and thus supporting the experimental findings. In addition to the physical barrier effect of PMF inhibitor, π-back bonding effect between PMF and steel was suggested.
Impact of Source Resistance on Linearity of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs at Ka-Band
Authors: Lee Ping-Hsun , Lin Yueh-Chin , Chiang Chi-Chun , Lai Kuan-Hsien , Hsu Heng-Tung , Su Pin , Chang Edward Yi
Published: September 2023

The impact of the source resistance (RS) on the linearity of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) measured by the two-tone test is investigated in this study. The theoretical analysis of the third-order intermodulation (IM3) and the third-order intercept point (IP3) of the devices was performed based on the equivalent circuit approach and the polynomial curve fitting technique. The results revealed that the suppression of IM3 level and thus the improvement of IP3 were achieved for the device with a larger RS. For the experimental verifications, three types of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were fabricated with different layout structures and air-bridge architectures corresponding to different RS values, which were then extracted by the cold-FET method. It is concluded that a device with a shorter length of middle source pad (LMS) and a side-type air-bridge architecture tends to have a larger RS value. In this study, the 4 × 50–20 device with LMS of 20 um and a side-type air-bridge architecture demonstrated the best-measured linearity performance at 30 GHz due to the largest RS.
Synthesis, Characterizations of HDTDHP Macro-Crystals by Experimental-Electrical, Electronic and Computational Structural Proviso for Opto-Electronic and Photonic Utilities
Authors: Balamurugapandian N. , Lavanya S. , Senthil Kannan K. , Juliet Josephine Joy J.
Published: September 2023

The 7-hydroxy-2,4-dimethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-HDTDHP crystal is well-grown within a period of 22 days and is a monoclinic type of system of crystals with space group P21/n. The CHNSO methodology shows the formation of the entitled compound; the HDTDHP is RISE effect type of crystals with the Vicker’s proviso. The surface morphology of HDTDHP crystal is analyzed for macro scale as 200 μm scaling respectively as per SEM study. The higher amount of the dielectric constant at lower frequencies is by the existence of all polarizations; also, the dielectric loss is getting decreased with increase in temperature. The electronic filter use is 3.9987 microns for macro-influx as opto-electronic, extensive NLO type uses; as observed from UV-Visible spectrum from the cut-off and wavelength range of HDTDHP with % transmittance. The frequency doubling and tripling of the macro sample is analyzed in continuation of the Z scan and SHG of the NLO class and confirms the proper electronic functionalities. The HDTDHP crystalline sample is mainly used as photonic-macro level tool, in filters as macro-influx portrayal, in NLO utility as opto-electronic tool by the transmittance data as well as by Z scan and in frequency enhancers and projective use in displays.
A Data-Driven Approach for Fatigue Detection during Running Using Pedobarographic Measurements
Authors: Gao Zixiang , Xiang Liangliang , Fekete Gusztáv , Baker Julien S. , Mao Zhuqing , Gu Yaodong
Published: September 2023

Background. Detecting fatigue at the early stages of a run could aid training programs in making adjustments, thereby reducing the heightened risk of injuries from overuse. The study aimed to investigate the effects of running fatigue on plantar force distribution in the dominant and nondominant feet of amateur runners. Methods. Thirty amateur runners were recruited for this study. Bilateral time-series plantar forces were employed to facilitate automatic fatigue gait recognition using convolutional neural network (CNN) and CNN-based long short-term memory network (ConvLSTM) models. Plantar force data collection was conducted both before and after a running-induced fatigue protocol using a FootScan force plate. The Keras library in Python 3.8.8 was used to train and tune deep learning models. Results. The results demonstrated that more mid-forefoot and heel force occurs during bilateral plantar and less midfoot fore force occurs in the dominant limb after fatigue (

p
<
0.001

). The time of peak forces was significantly shortened at the midfoot and sum region of the nondominant foot, while it was delayed at the hallux region of the dominant foot (

p
<
0.001

). In addition, the ConvLSTM model showed higher performance (Accuracy = 0.867, Sensitivity = 0.874, and Specificity = 0.859) in detecting fatigue gait than CNN (Accuracy = 0.800, Sensitivity = 0.874, and Specificity = 0.718). Conclusions. The findings of this study could offer empirical data for evaluating risk factors linked to overuse injuries in a single limb, as well as facilitate early detection of fatigued gait.
A Scoping Review of the Costs, Consequences, and Wider Impacts of Residential Care Home Closures in a UK Context
Authors: Iqbal Ayesha , Kinghorn Philip , Glasby Jon , Tanner Denise , Roberts Tracy
Published: September 2023

Background. Between 2015 and 2020, 1,578 care homes in the UK closed, displacing nearly 50,000 older and disabled people with very significant care and support needs. It is widely thought that relocation can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of older people. Yet, evidence is limited due to sensitivity and logistical difficulties with data collection. This study aimed to review the published literature in order to (i) identify evidence on the costs, consequences, and wider impacts of care home closures, for older people, family members, care home staff, and local authorities and (ii) understand the causes of and processes surrounding the closure of residential care homes in the UK. Methods. Eight electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ASSIA, HMIC, AgeInfo, and SPP) were searched from 1st January 2000 to 9th February 2023; Google and Google Scholar were searched for guidance/policy documents from the grey literature. Data on the objectives, methods, and main results were extracted, and the findings were narratively reported. Results. Eighteen records, comprising guidance documents and academic publications (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches), met the inclusion criteria. We found a lack of good quality evidence on costs of closure and no consideration of outcomes for staff. Studies reporting on outcomes for residents suggest there may not be any long-term adverse effects on their health, in contrast to often-expressed views that care home closures result in harm. Conclusion. Future research should consider the stress and anxiety experienced by staff and families as relevant outcomes and show caution with respect to the use of proxy reporting of resident health outcomes. Given that a sizable portion of the costs associated with care home closure falls on local authorities, an evidence-based approach to closures that includes an assessment of cost-effectiveness will help to improve future outcomes and guide the most efficient use of limited public resources.
Association between Low Blood Pressure and Subsequent Risk of Parkinson’s Disease in Older Adults Aged ≥75 Years
Authors: Choi Ja Young , Han Kyungdo , Kim Yong Wook , Lee Sang Chul , Shin Jaeyong , Yang Seung Nam , Yoon Seo Yeon
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The association between blood pressure (BP) and incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in older adults remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between BP (high or low) and PD incidence in adults aged ≥75 years. Methods: In this nationwide population-based cohort study, we enrolled participants aged ≥75 years without a prior PD diagnosis who had undergone health examination provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service at least once from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012. The participants were followed up until December 31, 2019, or the date of their death. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the risk of PD depending on systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure. Results: Overall, 963,525 participants were enrolled in the analysis and followed up until December 31, 2019, or the date of death (40.7% male, mean age 78.5 ± 3.6 years). The mean SBP and DBP were 131.4 ± 16.7 and 77.9 ± 10.3 mm Hg, respectively. During the 10-year follow-up period, 16,414 (1.7%) newly diagnosed cases of PD were reported. A significant inverse dose-response association was found between SBP and PD incidence. In the subgroup analysis, this association was maintained for most variables, including sex, use of antihypertensive medication, comorbidities, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index, except for smoking status. Conclusion: Lower SBP and DBP were associated with a higher PD incidence in older adults. These results may have substantial implications for determining the optimal BP control target in adults aged ≥75 years.
Simulation design and analysis 9-level H-bridge single phase stepdown cyclo inverter
Authors: Setiyono Setiyono , Wibowo Kunto
Published: September 2023

This DC-to-AC voltage converter is designed for output frequency controlled by a 9-level cascade H-bridge cyclo inverter with pulse width adjustment. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern and format of the voltage, output frequency, and Total Harmonic Distortion index of a 9-level IGBT cyclo inverter. The method used is to build a unidirectional power converter design modeling into 9 alternating levels with cyclo converter-controlled frequency settings using the Simulink MATLAB tool. The cyclo converter section is constructed with two P and N converters in a parallel arrangement. The frequency and trigger pulse width of both converters control the output voltage and frequency format of the cyclo inverter. The test results show a series of ladder waves with an output frequency,  of (1/2f, 1/3f, 1/4f, 1/5f, 1/6f, 1/7f, 1/8f, 1/9f, and 1/10f). The simulation results show that the nth input frequency divider waveform is characterized by the emergence of a number of step pulses of n positive half cycles and negative half cycles. The Total Harmonic Distortion Index gets bigger when the system circuit is designed at a low frequency. This modeling can be implemented into a prototype that is used for variable-speed DC motor drivers.
Common Mutation in the
HFE
Gene Modifies Recovery After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Helmuth Timothy B. , Kumari Rashmi , Palsa Kondaiah , Neely Elizabeth B. , Slagle-Webb Becky , Simon Scott D. , Connor James R.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is characterized by bleeding into the brain parenchyma. During an ICH, iron released from the breakdown of hemoglobin creates a cytotoxic environment in the brain through increased oxidative stress. Interestingly, the loss of iron homeostasis is associated with the pathological process of other neurological diseases. However, we have previously shown that the H63D mutation in the homeostatic iron regulatory (
HFE
) gene, prevalent in 28% of the White population in the United States, acts as a disease modifier by limiting oxidative stress. The following study aims to examine the effects of the murine homolog, H67D HFE, on ICH.

METHODS:

An autologous blood infusion model was utilized to create an ICH in the right striatum of H67D and wild-type mice. The motor recovery of each animal was assessed by rotarod. Neurodegeneration was measured using fluorojade-B and mitochondrial damage was assessed by immunofluorescent numbers of CytC+ (cytochrome C) neurons and CytC+ astrocytes. Finally, the molecular antioxidant response to ICH was quantified by measuring Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor), GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase 4), and FTH1 (H-ferritin) levels in the ICH-affected and nonaffected hemispheres via immunoblotting.

RESULTS:

At 3 days post-ICH, H67D mice demonstrated enhanced performance on rotarod compared with wild-type animals despite no differences in lesion size. Additionally, H67D mice displayed higher levels of Nrf2, GPX4, and FTH1 in the ICH-affected hemisphere; however, these levels were not different in the contralateral, non-ICH–affected hemisphere. Furthermore, H67D mice showed decreased degenerated neurons, CytC+ Neurons, and CytC+ astrocytes in the perihematomal area.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that the H67D mutation induces a robust antioxidant response 3 days following ICH through Nrf2, GPX4, and FTH1 activation. This activation could explain the decrease in degenerated neurons, CytC+ neurons, and CytC+ astrocytes in the perihematomal region, leading to the improved motor recovery. Based on this study, further investigation into the mechanisms of this neuroprotective response and the effects of the H63D HFE mutation in a population of patients with ICH is warranted.
The NCAR GPS Dropwindsonde and Its Impact on Hurricane Operations and Research
Authors: Aberson Sim D. , Zhang Jun A. , Zawislak Jonathan , Sellwood Kathryn , Rogers Robert , Cione Joseph J.
Published: September 2023

The global positioning system dropwindsonde has provided thousands of high-resolution kinematic and thermodynamic soundings in and around tropical cyclones (TCs) since 1997. These data have revolutionized the understanding of TC structure, improved forecasts, and validated observations from remote sensing platforms. About 400 peer-reviewed studies on TCs using these data have been published to date. This paper reviews the history of dropwindsonde observations, changes to dropwindsonde technology since it was first used in TCs in 1982, and how the data have improved forecasting and changed our understanding of TCs.
This Is Your Brain on Autopilot 2.0: The Influence of Practice on Driver Workload and Engagement During On-Road, Partially Automated Driving
Authors: McDonnell Amy S. , Crabtree Kaedyn W. , Cooper Joel M. , Strayer David L.
Published: September 2023

Objective

This on-road study employed behavioral and neurophysiological measurement techniques to assess the influence of six weeks of practice driving a Level 2 partially automated vehicle on driver workload and engagement.

Background

Level 2 partial automation requires a driver to maintain supervisory control of the vehicle to detect “edge cases” that the automation is not equipped to handle. There is mixed evidence regarding whether drivers can do so effectively. There is also an open question regarding how practice and familiarity with automation influence driver cognitive states over time.

Method

Behavioral and neurophysiological measures of driver workload and visual engagement were recorded from 30 participants at two testing sessions—with a six-week familiarization period in-between. At both testing sessions, participants drove a vehicle with partial automation engaged (Level 2) and not engaged (Level 0) on two interstate highways while reaction times to the detection response task (DRT) and neurophysiological (EEG) metrics of frontal theta and parietal alpha were recorded.

Results

DRT results demonstrated that partially automated driving placed more cognitive load on drivers than manual driving and six weeks of practice decreased driver workload—though only when the driving environment was relatively simple. EEG metrics of frontal theta and parietal alpha showed null effects of partial automation.

Conclusion

Driver workload was influenced by level of automation, specific highway characteristics, and by practice over time, but only on a behavioral level and not on a neural level.

Application

These findings expand our understanding of the influence of practice on driver cognitive states under Level 2 partial automation.
Notes on Prophecy and the Ecclesiology of Synodality from the Second Vatican Council to Today
Authors: Faggioli Massimo
Published: September 2023

The synodal process will have to deal with changes in the theology of prophecy in the Catholic Church, and with the difficulty of framing prophecy in a Church where the bishops act as authentic guardians, interpreters, and witnesses of the faith. This will occur in the context of an ecclesial crisis not known at Vatican II. The essay, therefore, argues for a new voice for prophecy in positive relationship with the episcopacy and the institutional church.
Language Use and Lingo-Cultural Identity among Linguistically Diverse Young People in Sheger Sub-cities Surrounding the Capital City of Ethiopia
Authors: Heyyi Gutema Yadesa , Mekonnen Abebayehu Messele
Published: September 2023

Addis Ababa/Finfinne, the capital of Ethiopia, is currently among the most booming cities in Africa, using Amharic, the Federal working language of the country, as its lingua franca. Afan Oromo, another language with wider usage in the country, is also native to the indigenous Oromo community residing in the Sheger sub-cities surrounding Addis Ababa/Finfinne (SSSAA/F). This study (a) describes patterns of language use and (b) examines if and how the increasing urbanization of Addis Ababa/Finfinne affects language use and lingo-cultural identity among young people residing in SSSAA/F. A combination of descriptive quantitative and qualitative research design involving questionnaires, surveying of official reports, interviews and observation was employed. Data were collected from 151 adolescents (age: M = 18.22, SD = 1.31, range = 10 years; Male = 74, Female = 74) with diverse lingo-cultural backgrounds and analyzed statistically and thematically. Results showed that there has been an increasing pattern of diversity as well as total shifts toward an Amharic-based lingo-cultural identity due to urbanization. Such a phenomenon is only natural in the absence of a language policy that embraces diversity and averts the dominance of a certain lingo-cultural identity at the expense of others. The results, therefore, have policy and practical implications.
Culturable airborne fungi communities in naturally ventilated indoor spaces of old residential buildings in Poland
Authors: Kacprzak Małgorzata , Stolarska Magdalena , Lis Piotr
Published: September 2023

The fungal communities inhabiting apartments in multifamily buildings ( N = 33 apartments) with natural ventilation were determined during seasonal variation in the south part of Poland (Silesia region). It was found that the average level of CO2 concentration usually not exceeded 1000 ppm. The minimal value was noted in November – 402 ppm, however the maximal concentration was equal 6156 ppm and obtained in June. The average fungal colony forming units (CFU/m3) was calculated as follows: 1.06 × 102 (February), 1.17 × 102 (June) and 2.98 × 102 (November). The most frequently occurred species/genera: yeast and yeast-like fungi, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Rhodotorula rubra; Culvaraia lunata, Dematiaceae family, Ulocladium consortiale, Verticillium spp.; Fusarium spp., Alternaria alternata; Oidiodendron griseum. The cluster analysis showed no mutual similarity between communities of air fungi isolated from bathrooms of all studied apartments as well as between communities isolated from other indoor spaces (rooms, kitchens, halls). This suggests that natural ventilation has no (or minimal effect) on the propagation of fungal spores between apartments. Statistically significant positive correlation between the concentration of fungi in the air and external humidity, carbon dioxide levels (February, November), and external temperature (November) were found.

This study provides that natural ventilation has no effect on the spread of fungal spores inside the building and are not contributed to increase of fungal airborne health risk transmission. It also shows evidence of seasonal changes in carbon dioxide in multi-family homes with natural ventilation. This may give input to establish CO2 benchmark data in such type of buildings.