bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaotic-cavity surface-emitting lasers for optical wireless communication and low-speckle illumination
Authors: Alkhazragi Omar , Dong Ming , Chen Liang , Kong Meiwei , Melinte Georgian , Liang Dong , Ng Tien Khee , Zhang Junping , Bagci Hakan , Ooi Boon S.
Published: August 2023

Though necessary and advantageous in many fields, the high coherence of lasers is detrimental to their performance in certain applications, including illumination, imaging, and projection. This is due to the formation of coherence artifacts, commonly known as speckles, resulting from the interference of randomly scattering spatially coherent photons. It is possible to resolve this issue by increasing the number of mutually incoherent modes emitted from the laser. In vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), this can be performed by designing them to have chaotic cavities. This paves the way toward their use in simultaneous illumination and communication scenarios. Herein, we show that chaotic-cavity broad-area VCSELs can achieve significantly broader modulation bandwidths (up to 5 GHz) and higher data rates (up to 12.6 GB/s) compared to other low-coherence light sources, with a lower speckle contrast. We further report a novel technique for lowering the speckle contrast by carefully designing the AC signal used for communication. We show that the apparent spatial coherence is dramatically decreased by inserting a short chirp signal between symbols. Using this method with a chaotic-cavity VCSEL, the number of apparent modes can be up to 450, compared to 88 modes measured from a conventional broad-area VCSEL (a fivefold increase). In light of the recent advances in visible-light VCSELs, this work shows the potential of low-coherence surface-emitting lasers (LCSELs) in simultaneous illumination and optical wireless communication systems since they combine the high speed of lasers with the excellent illumination properties of light-emitting diodes.
On the dynamics of a new memristive diode emulator-based Chua’s circuit
Authors: Kamdem Tchiedjo Servet , Djuidje Kenmoe Germaine , Kengne Jacques
Published: August 2023

The study of nonlinear systems has been the subject of numerous publications. When controlling the symmetry of chaotic oscillators, it has been observed that the symmetrical structure of the diode-bridge memristive emulators is continuously modified to break the symmetry of its current–voltage characteristic. This allows the nature of the symmetry of the oscillator in which they are incorporated to be influenced. In this paper, we present a simple memristive emulator based on simple electronic elements. This new emulator enables a simplified symmetry control method. By varying a control resistor, we modify the symmetry of the current–voltage characteristic of the memristor emulator and thus the symmetry of Chua oscillator in which it is incorporated as nonlinear component. Using dynamical systems analysis tools such as bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov spectra, we describe how by simply varying a control parameter the symmetry is gradually broken. We highlight striking dynamic properties such as the coexistence of multiple symmetric and asymmetric oscillations and antimonotone bifurcations as well. Laboratory experimental studies are carried out to support the theoretically obtained results.
Inference and visualization of nuclear magnetic moment studies with neuro-fuzzy systems
Authors: Öztürk B , Kemah E , Yakut H , Tabar E , Hoşgör G
Published: August 2023

This study aims to predict the magnetic moments of nuclei with odd-A numbers in a certain region of which the magnetic moment has not yet been calculated, using the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (Anfis) method. In our Anfis model the proton number (Z), neutron number (N), and spin value (I) are used as inputs for nuclei with 1 ≤ Z ≤ 88. With 652 nuclei in the dataset, consisting of the provided input data, 528 odd-A nuclei were used for training, and 124 odd-A nuclei were used for testing. The fact that the Anfis model was closer to the experimental data in the training and testing processes than the theoretical methods encouraged us to make inferences about the nuclei of which experimental nuclear magnetic moment is unknown. Motivated by the presence of odd-A nuclei exhibiting I
π
= 1/2±, 3/2±, and 5/2± ground-state configurations near the doubly closed-shell, within the 1 ≤ Z ≤ 28 regions, along with the limited knowledge of nuclear properties in this range. This study has conducted magnetic moment inferences for 165 nuclei lacking experimental data. Specifically, Na, F, and P isotopes have been chosen as Magnetic moment value inferences made for these isotopes using Anfis have also been compared with the theoretical results of the Quasiparticle-Phonon Nuclear Method (QPNM) and with the Shell Model calculations. There is a satisfactory agreement between our predictions and the results of these two theories. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that within the same isotope series, nuclei with identical ground-state configurations consistently yield compatible results, irrespective of the availability of experimental magnetic moments. In addition, the fact that the values obtained from test and train operations remain within acceptable error limits, with a range of approximately 0.03%–0.04%, reveals the reliability of our system. Since the Neuro-Fuzzy system will be a first in the field of nuclear technologies, we believe that the outputs of our study will be a good reference for future studies.
Dynamic hysteresis curves in a mixed spin ternary alloy system under the time-dependent magnetic field
Authors: Ertaş M , Batı M
Published: August 2023

The dynamic hysteresis features in mixed spins-

(
1
/
2
,
3
/
2
,
5
/
2
)

ternary alloy system with formula

A

B

p

C

(
1
−
p
)

was examined through Glauber-type stochastic dynamic and mean-field theory. The system includes two interpenetrating lattices, one has spin-

1
/
2

components, while the other includes a random distribution of spin-

3
/
2

and spin-

5
/
2

compounds. The effect of Hamiltonian parameters on the dynamic hysteresis behavior was investigated in detail and observed that the physical characteristics have a significant impact on the shape and quantity of hysteresis loops. We compared our findings with other theoretical and experimental investigations; a high level of agreement is obtained.
Dynamical symmetries of the anisotropic oscillator
Authors: Sinha Akash , Ghosh Aritra , Bagchi Bijan
Published: August 2023

It is well known that the Hamiltonian of an n-dimensional isotropic oscillator admits an SU(n) symmetry, making the system maximally superintegrable. However, the dynamical symmetries of the anisotropic oscillator are much more subtle. We introduce a novel set of canonical transformations that map an n-dimensional anisotropic oscillator to the corresponding isotropic problem. Consequently, the anisotropic oscillator is found to possess the same number of conserved quantities as the isotropic oscillator, making it maximally superintegrable too. The first integrals are explicitly calculated in the case of a two-dimensional anisotropic oscillator and remarkably, they admit closed-form expressions.
Antistars as possible sources of antihelium cosmic rays
Authors: Bykov A.M. , Postnov K.A. , Bondar A.E. , Blinnikov S.I. , Dolgov A.D.
Published: August 2023

A minor population of antistars in galaxies has been predicted by some of non-standard models of baryogenesis and
nucleosynthesis in the early Universe, and their presence is not yet excluded by the currently available observations. Detection of an unusually high abundance of antinuclei in cosmic rays can probe the baryogenesis scenarios in the early Universe.
Recent report of the AMS-02 collaboration on the tentative detection of a few antihelium nuclei in GeV cosmic rays provided a great hope on the progress in this issue. We discuss possible sources of antinuclei in cosmic rays from antistars which are predicted in a modified Affleck-Dine baryogenesis scenario by Dolgov and Silk (1993).
The model allows us to estimate the expected fluxes and isotopic content of
antinuclei in the GeV cosmic rays produced in scenarios involving antistars. We show that
the flux of antihelium CRs reported by the AMS-02 experiment can be explained by Galactic anti-nova outbursts, thermonuclear anti-SN Ia explosions, a collection of flaring antistars, or an extragalactic source with abundances not violating existing gamma-ray and microlensing constraints on the antistar population.
A Simulation of Calibration and Map-making Errors of the Tianlai Cylinder Pathfinder Array
Authors: Yu Kaifeng , Wu Fengquan , Zuo Shifan , Li Jixia , Sun Shijie , Wang Yougang , Chen Xuelei
Published: August 2023

The Tianlai cylinder array is a pathfinder for developing and testing 21 cm intensity mapping techniques. In this paper, we use numerical simulation to assess how its measurement is affected by thermal noise and the errors in calibration and map-making process, and the error in the sky map reconstructed from a drift scan survey. Here we consider only the single frequency, unpolarized case. The beam is modeled by fitting to the electromagnetic simulation of the antenna, and the variations of the complex gains of the array elements are modeled by Gaussian processes. Mock visibility data are generated and run through our data processing pipeline. We find that the accuracy of the current calibration is limited primarily by the absolute calibration, where the error comes mainly from the approximation of a single dominating point source. We then studied the m-mode map-making with the help of Moore–Penrose inverse. We find that discarding modes with singular values smaller than a threshold could generate visible artifacts in the map. The impacts of the residue variation of the complex gain and thermal noise are also investigated. The thermal noise in the map varies with latitude, being minimum at the latitude passing through the zenith of the telescope. The angular power spectrum of the reconstructed map show that the current Tianlai cylinder pathfinder, which has a shorter maximum baseline length in the North–South direction, can measure modes up to l ≲ 2π
b
NS/λ ∼ 200 very well, but would lose a significant fraction of higher angular modes when noise is present. These results help us to identify the main limiting factors in our current array configuration and data analysis procedure, and suggest that the performance can be improved by reconfiguration of the array feed positions.
Development of a complete simulation package for Self-Powered Neutron Detectors using the Monte Carlo Method and Geant4 toolkit
Authors: Li Kun , Li Gang , Wan Bo , Yang Daibo , Li Dan , Weng Xiaohui , Li Ang , Yin Qiusheng , Wang Haibo
Published: August 2023

In order to provide guidance on the design and use of the Self-Powered Neutron Detector (SPND) and improve measurement accuracy, accurate simulation of SPND is required. Therefore, a complete SPND simulation package was developed, including a particle transport calculation module, an electric field calculation module, a visualization interface and a data post-processing module. Due to electric field produced by space charge in the insulator, Geant4 has been chosen as the particle transport calculation module and an iterative code for the electric field was written to implement the calculation of the electric field in the insulator. To help researchers simplify the process of writing codes, a wizard-like visual interface was developed based on QT for configuring the input files and for performing the calculations. The accuracy of the simulation package was verified by comparing it with other calculation codes. With the help of the simulation package, the user can very easily achieve an accurate simulation of the SPND.
Climate change impact on photovoltaic power potential in South America
Authors: Narvaez Gabriel , Bressan Michael , Pantoja Andres , Giraldo Luis Felipe
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the first study of the long-term impact of climate change on photovoltaic potential in South America. This region has great potential for implementing renewable energy, mainly solar energy solutions, due to its high solar irradiance levels. Based on the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) for the South American region, we estimate how climate change could affect photovoltaic power potential by the end of the century. The evidence suggests that photovoltaic potential could have a maximum decrease of around 15%, and a maximum increase of approximately 7%, primarily due to changes in solar irradiance of different zones. Furthermore, it is observed that regions with increased temperature also show increased solar irradiance levels, which could, to some extent, compensate for the losses caused by the rise in temperature. Therefore, photovoltaic production in most of the territory will not be negatively affected.
Impact of fabrication methods on binder distribution and charge transport in composite cathodes of all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Emley Benjamin , Wu Chaoshan , Zhao Lihong , Ai Qing , Liang Yanliang , Chen Zhaoyang , Guo Liqun , Terlier Tanguy , Lou Jun , Fan Zheng , Yao Yan
Published: August 2023

The manufacturing process of all-solid-state batteries necessitates the use of polymer binders. However, these binders, being ionic insulators by nature, can adversely affect charge transport within composite cathodes, thereby impacting the rate performance of the batteries. In this work, we aim to investigate the impact of fabrication methods, specifically the solvent-free dry process versus the slurry-cast wet process, on binder distribution and charge transport in composite cathodes of solid-state batteries. In the dry process, the binder forms a fibrous network, while the wet process results in binder coverage on the surface of cathode active materials. The difference in microstructure leads to a notable 20-fold increase in ionic conductivity in the dry-processed cathode. Consequently, the cells processed via the dry method exhibit higher capacity retention of 89% and 83% at C/3 and C/2 rates, respectively, in comparison to 68% and 58% for the wet-processed cells at the same rate. These findings provide valuable insights into the influence of fabrication methods on binder distribution and charge transport, contributing to a better understanding of the binder’s role in manufacturing of all-solid-state batteries.
Protein–ligand binding affinity prediction exploiting sequence constituent homology
Authors: Abdel-Rehim Abbi , Orhobor Oghenejokpeme , Hang Lou , Ni Hao , King Ross D
Published: August 2023

Motivation

Molecular docking is a commonly used approach for estimating binding conformations and their resultant binding affinities. Machine learning has been successfully deployed to enhance such affinity estimations. Many methods of varying complexity have been developed making use of some or all the spatial and categorical information available in these structures. The evaluation of such methods has mainly been carried out using datasets from PDBbind. Particularly the Comparative Assessment of Scoring Functions (CASF) 2007, 2013, and 2016 datasets with dedicated test sets. This work demonstrates that only a small number of simple descriptors is necessary to efficiently estimate binding affinity for these complexes without the need to know the exact binding conformation of a ligand.

Results

The developed approach of using a small number of ligand and protein descriptors in conjunction with gradient boosting trees demonstrates high performance on the CASF datasets. This includes the commonly used benchmark CASF2016 where it appears to perform better than any other approach. This methodology is also useful for datasets where the spatial relationship between the ligand and protein is unknown as demonstrated using a large ChEMBL-derived dataset.

Availability and implementation

Code and data uploaded to https://github.com/abbiAR/PLBAffinity.
AKGF: Automatic Kernel Generation for DNN on CPU-FPGA
Authors: Dong Dong , Jiang Hongxu , Diao Boyu
Published: August 2023

While tensor accelerated compilers have proven effective in deploying deep neural networks (DNN) on general-purpose hardware, optimizing for FPGA remains challenging due to the complex DNN architectures and the heterogeneous, semi-open compute units. This paper introduces the Automatic Kernel Generation for DNN on CPU-FPGA (AKGF) framework for efficient deployment of DNN on heterogeneous CPU-FPGA platforms. AKGF generates an intermediate representation (IR) of the DNN using TVM’s Halide IR, annotates the operators of model layers in the IR to compute them on the corresponding hardware cores, and further optimizes the operator code for CPU and FPGA using ARM’s function library and the polyhedral model to enhance model inference speed and power consumption. The experimental tests conducted on a CPU-FPGA board validate the effectiveness of AKGF, demonstrating significant acceleration ratios (up to 6.7x) compared to state-of-the-art accelerators while achieving a 2x power optimization. AKGF effectively leverages the computational capabilities of both CPU and FPGA for high-performance deployment of DNN on CPU-FPGA platforms.
A case report of successful transaneurysmal repair of a giant isolated membranous ventricular septal aneurysm
Authors: Kumar Preetham , Varadarajan Padmini , Pai Ramdas G
Published: August 2023

Background

Isolated membranous ventricular septal aneurysms are infrequent in clinical practice. Furthermore, current guidelines do not dictate how to diagnose or manage such lesions.

Case summary

A 54-year-old male patient with a history of essential hypertension and tobacco use presented with chest pain associated with dyspnoea and nausea. Electrocardiogram was unrevealing. Physical exam was significant for a diastolic murmur heard best in the apex. Computed tomography angiography of the chest revealed an aneurysm measuring 5 cm in diameter along the ascending aorta. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed that the aneurysm originated from the membranous ventricular septum, coursed along the ascending aorta, and ended anteriorly to the surface of the right ventricle and ascending aorta. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed these findings and demonstrated that the aneurysm comprised of two loculations. Given the size of the aneurysm and its proximal location to major cardiovascular structures, percutaneous repair was considered unsafe. Following a multidisciplinary meeting, the lesion was successfully resected via a transaneurysmal approach.

Discussion

Isolated membranous ventricular septal aneurysms are best imaged via a combination of transoesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and best managed via a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes.
Clinical outcomes in elderly atrial fibrillation patients at increased bleeding risk treated with very low dose vs. regular-dose non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Chao Tze-Fan , Chen Shao-Wei , Lee Hsin-Fu , Li Pei-Ru , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Kuo Chi-Tai , See Lai-Chu , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: August 2023

Aims

The Edoxaban Low-Dose for Elder Care Atrial Fibrillation Patients (ELDERCARE-AF) trial showed that edoxaban at a very low dosage (VLD) of 15 mg/day was more effective than a placebo at preventing stroke/systemic embolism without significantly increasing the risk of serious bleeding. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety for VLD non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) [edoxaban 15 mg o.d., dabigatran 110 or 150 o.d., apixaban 2.5 mg o.d., or rivaroxaban 10 mg (without the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease) or <10 mg o.d.] vs. regular-dosage (RD) NOACs (edoxaban 60/30 mg o.d. or other labeling-dosage NOACs) among a real-world cohort of elderly atrial fibrillation (AF) population similar to the ELDERCARE-AF cohort.

Methods and results

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), we identified a total of 7294 and 4151 consecutive AF patients aged 80 years or older with a CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age 75 years or older, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke/transient ischemic attack (2 points) score ≥2 who met the enrollment criteria (generally similar to ELDERCARE-AF) taking VLD and RD NOACs from 1 June 2012 to 31 December 2019, respectively. Propensity-score stabilized weighting (PSSW) was used to balance covariates across study groups. Patients were followed up from the first date of prescription for NOACs until the first occurrence of any study outcome, death, or until the end date of the study period (31 December 2020). After PSSW, VLD NOAC was associated with a comparable risk of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding but a higher risk of major adverse limb events (MALEs) requiring lower limb revascularization or amputation [hazard ratio (HR): 1.54, 95% confidential interval (CI): 1.09–2.18; P = 0.014), venous thrombosis (HR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.56–8.97; P = 0.003), and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.29; P <0.001) compared with RD NOACs. VLD NOACs showed worse outcomes in most net clinical outcome (NCO) benefits. The main result was consistent based on on-treatment analysis or accounting for death as a competing risk. In general, the advantage of NCOs for the RD NOACs over VLD NOACs persisted in most high-risk subgroups, consistent with the main analysis (P for interaction > 0.05).

Conclusion

Use of VLD NOACs was associated with a greater risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, death as well as the composite outcomes, when compared with that of RD NOAC in high-risk elderly AF patients at increased bleeding risk. Thromboprophylaxis with RD NOAC is still preferable over VLD NOAC for the majority of elderly AF patients at increased bleeding risk.
Performance of the transoesophageal echocardiography probe as an oesophageal temperature monitor in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a prospective observational study
Authors: Misra Satyajeet , Das Prasanta Kumar , Srinivasan Anand
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVES

Core temperature monitoring is critical during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this prospective observational study, we investigated the performance of the transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probe for core (oesophageal) temperature monitoring during CPB.

METHODS

Thirty adult patients, 18–70 years of either gender, undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were enrolled. All patients received a reusable nasopharyngeal probe for monitoring core temperatures. In addition, the oesophageal temperatures were monitored with the TOE probe. The arterial outlet temperatures at the membrane oxygenator were also monitored and taken as the reference standard. Monitoring was performed every 5 min until 20 min, and then at 30 min during both the cooling and rewarming periods.

RESULTS

During cooling, the oesophageal and nasopharyngeal temperatures lagged behind the arterial outlet temperatures. However, the intra-class correlation of the oesophageal temperatures with the arterial outlet temperatures was better (range 0.58–0.74) than the correlation of the nasopharyngeal temperatures with the arterial outlet temperatures (range 0.46–0.62). During rewarming, the performance of the TOE probe was significantly superior to the nasopharyngeal probe. After 15 and 20 min of rewarming, there was a difference of ∼1°C between the oesophageal and nasopharyngeal temperatures. At 30 min of rewarming, the oesophageal and the arterial outlet temperatures were similar, while the nasopharyngeal temperatures still lagged by 0.5°C. Bias was significantly less both during cooling and warming between the oesophageal temperatures and arterial outlet temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

Performance of the TOE probe as an oesophageal temperature probe is superior to the nasopharyngeal probe during CPB.

Clinical trial registration number

CTRI no 2020/10/028228; ctri.nic.in.
Cardiac implantable electronic device implantation and device-related infection
Authors: Modi Vivek , Shah Kashyap , Ferraro Bruce , Gasimli-Gamache Leyla , Nanda Sudip , Stevens Steven , Shirani Jamshid
Published: August 2023

Aims

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are important tools for managing arrhythmias, improving hemodynamics, and preventing sudden cardiac death. Device-related infections (DRI) remain a significant complication of CIED and are associated with major adverse outcomes. We aimed to assess the trend in CIED implantations, and the burden and morbidity associated with DRI.

Methods and results

The 2011–2018 National Inpatient Sample database was searched for admissions for CIED implantation and DRI. A total of 1 604 173 admissions for CIED implantations and 71 007 (4.4%) admissions for DRI were reported. There was no significant change in annual admission rates for DRI (3.96–4.59%, P value for trend = 0.98). Those with DRI were more likely to be male (69.3 vs. 57%, P < 0.001) and have a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥3 (46.6 vs. 36.8%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) increased in those admitted with DRI over the observation period. Pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and post-procedural hematoma were the most common complications in those with DRI (4.1, 3.6, and 2.90%, respectively). Annual in-hospital mortality for those with DRI ranged from 3.9 to 5.8% (mean 4.4%, P value for trend = 0.07). Multivariate analysis identified CHF [odds ratio (OR) = 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.35–2.07], end-stage renal disease (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.46–2.48), coagulopathy (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = 2.40–3.61), and malnutrition (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.99–3.15) as the predictors of in-hospital mortality for patients admitted with DRI.

Conclusion

Device-related infection is relatively common and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of DRI has not changed significantly despite technical and technological advances in cardiac devices and their implantation.
Worsened self-rated health in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults in Europe
Authors: Lüdecke Daniel , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: August 2023

Background

Governments across Europe deployed non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which not only showed clear benefits but also had negative consequences on peoples’ health. Health inequalities increased, disproportionally affecting people with higher age or lower education. This study analyzed associations between social factors and worsened self-rated health of elderly people in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking different stringencies of government mandates as well as infection rates into account.

Methods

Data stem from the European SHARE survey. The main outcome was a binary indicator of worsened self-rated health. Analyses included data from two waves (2020 and 2021) during the pandemic (N = 48 356 participants, N = 96 712 observations). Predictors were age, sex, education and living together with a partner, and two macro indicators that reflected the stringency of government response mandates and COVID-19 infection rates. Data were analyzed using logistic mixed-effects regression models.

Results

Older age [odds ratio (OR) 1.73, confidence interval (CI) 1.65–1.81] and female sex (OR 1.26, CI 1.20–1.32) were positively associated and higher education (OR 0.74, CI 0.70–0.79) was negatively associated with worsened self-rated health. Not living together with a partner showed higher odds of worsened self-rated health (OR 1.30, CI 1.24–1.36). Inequalities increased from 2020 to 2021. Associations between worsened self-rated health and government response mandates or infection rates were inconsistent.

Conclusion

Self-rated health worsened in the course of the pandemic and health disparities increased. Possible future pandemics require targeted interventions to minimize adverse health outcomes, in particular among old, potentially isolated, and deprived people.
Identification of a spontaneously arising variant affecting thermotaxis behavior in a recombinant inbred Caenorhabditis elegans line
Authors: Yeon Jihye , Porwal Charmi , McGrath Patrick T , Sengupta Piali
Published: August 2023

Analyses of the contributions of genetic variants in wild strains to phenotypic differences have led to a more complete description of the pathways underlying cellular functions. Causal loci are typically identified via interbreeding of strains with distinct phenotypes in order to establish recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Since the generation of RILs requires growth for multiple generations, their genomes may contain not only different combinations of parental alleles but also genetic changes that arose de novo during the establishment of these lines. Here, we report that in the course of generating RILs between Caenorhabditis elegans strains that exhibit distinct thermotaxis behavioral phenotypes, we identified spontaneously arising variants in the ttx-1 locus. ttx-1 encodes the terminal selector factor for the AFD thermosensory neurons, and loss-of-function mutations in ttx-1 abolish thermotaxis behaviors. The identified genetic changes in ttx-1 in the RIL are predicted to decrease ttx-1 function in part via specifically affecting a subset of AFD-expressed ttx-1 isoforms. Introduction of the relevant missense mutation in the laboratory C. elegans strain via gene editing recapitulates the thermotaxis behavioral defects of the RIL. Our results suggest that spontaneously occurring genomic changes in RILs may complicate identification of loci contributing to phenotypic variation, but that these mutations may nevertheless lead to the identification of important causal molecules and mechanisms.
Exploring the impact of Ecuador’s policies on the right to health of Venezuelan migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Serrano Córdova Claudia , Torres Irene , López-Cevallos Daniel
Published: August 2023

Venezuela’s ongoing economic and political crisis has forced >6 million people to emigrate from the country since 2014. In the Andean region, Ecuador is one of the main host countries for Venezuelan migrants and refugees. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, specific measures were implemented in the country to control the spread of the disease and its associated impacts. In this context, we conducted a scoping review to understand how policies implemented by the Ecuadorian government during the pandemic impacted Venezuelan migrants’ right to health. The literature search focused on scientific and grey publications between 2018 and 2022 in electronic databases and institutional websites, complemented by snowball sampling and expert advice. Our thematic analysis revealed discrepancies between the rights granted to migrants in Ecuador’s legal framework and their practical implementation during the pandemic, with several instances of policy and programmatic infringement. The disruption of services further complicated migrant’s options for regularization. Some measures, like border closures, negatively impacted migrants’ health, including increased exposure to abuse and violence. While migrants were included in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, they were excluded from other national aid programmes. There are indications of an increase in xenophobia and discrimination stigmatizing migrants as ‘disease carriers’ and ‘resource takers’, resulting in a prioritization of services for the Ecuadorian population. We found limited research on the emergent topic of migrants’ vulnerability and related health system challenges. Future research should include working in border zones, consider socioeconomic factors and further explore the poor implementation of Ecuador’s legal framework towards upholding migrants’ right to health.
Integrated statolith and genomic analysis reveals high connectivity in the nektonic squid Illex argentinus: implications for management of an international cephalopod fishery
Authors: Chemshirova I , Arkhipkin A , Shaw P W , McKeown N J
Published: August 2023

The neritic-oceanic squid Illex argentinus supports one of the largest fisheries in the Southwest Atlantic. It is characterized by extensive migrations across the Patagonian Shelf and complex population structure comprising distinct seasonal spawning groups. To address uncertainty as to the demographic independence of these groups that may compromise sustainable management, a multidisciplinary approach was applied integrating statolith ageing with genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. To obtain complete coverage of the spawning groups, sampling was carried out at multiple times during the 2020 fishing season and covered a large proportion of the species’ range across the Patagonian Shelf. Statolith and microstructure analysis revealed three distinct seasonal spawning groups of winter-, spring-, and summer-hatched individuals. Subgroups were identified within each seasonal group, with statolith microstructure indicating differences in environmental conditions during ontogeny. Analysis of >10 000 SNPs reported no evidence of neutral or non-neutral genetic structure among the various groups. These findings indicate that I. argentinus across the Patagonian Shelf belong to one genetic population and a collaborative management strategy involving international stakeholders is required. The connectivity among spawning groups may represent a “bet-hedging” mechanism important for population resilience.
Use of an autologous dermal flap and rib cartilage graft in the repair of a large tracheoesophageal fistula with tracheal stenosis
Authors: Dai Jie , He Wenxin , Liu Xiaogang , Jiang Gening
Published: August 2023

Management of large tracheoesophageal fistulas complicated by tracheal stenosis remains challenging as it requires an ideal replacement for the membranous defect as well as a permanent buttress to reconstruct the stenotic segment. We present the successful use of an autologous free dermal flap reinforced with a pedicled pectoralis major muscle to repair the tracheal membranous wall and a rib cartilage graft to enlarge the tracheal lumen.
Lytic efficiency of immunosuppressive drug-resistant armoured T cells against circulating HBV-related HCC in whole blood
Authors: Lin Meiyin , Bhakdi Sebastian Chakrit , Tan Damien , Lee Joycelyn Jie Xin , Tai David Wai Meng , Pavesi Andrea , Wai Lu-En , Wang Tina , Bertoletti Antonio , Tan Anthony Tanoto
Published: August 2023

Recurrence of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) after liver transplant (LT) is mediated by circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and exacerbated by the immunosuppressants required to prevent graft rejection. To circumvent the effects of immunosuppressants, we developed immunosuppressive drug-resistant armoured HBV-specific T-cell receptor-redirected T cells (IDRA HBV-TCR). However, their ability to eliminate HBV-HCC circulating in the whole blood has never been tested, and whether their lytic efficacy is compatible with the number of adoptively transferred T cells in vivo has never been measured. Hence, we developed a microscopy-based assay to quantify CTCs in whole blood. The assay was then used to quantify the efficacy of IDRA HBV-TCRs to lyse free-floating HBV-HCC cells in the presence of Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). We demonstrated that a panel of antibodies (AFP, GPC3, Vimentin, pan-Cytokeratin, and CD45) specific for HCC tumour antigens and immune cells can effectively differentiate HCC-CTCs in whole blood. Through dose-titration experiments, we observed that in the presence of immunosuppressive drugs, a minimum of 20 000 IDRA HBV-TCR T cells/ml of whole blood is necessary to lyse ~63.5% of free-floating HBV-HCC cells within 16 hours. In conclusion, IDRA HBV-TCR T cells can lyse free-floating HBV-HCC cells in whole blood in the presence of Tacrolimus and MMF. The quantity of IDRA-HBV TCR T cells required can be achieved by the adoptive transfer of 5 × 106 IDRA-HBV TCR-T cells/kg, supporting the utilisation of IDRA HBV-TCR T cells to eliminate CTCs as prophylaxis against recurrence after LT.
Detection of Rotavirus in Respiratory Specimens From Bangladeshi Children Aged <2 Years Hospitalized for Acute Gastroenteritis
Authors: Satter Syed Moinuddin , Katz Eric , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Fariha Farzana , Talha Muhammad , Smart Sarah L , Bowen Michael D , Rahman Mustafizur , Parashar Umesh D , Cortese Margaret M
Published: August 2023

To examine the potential for respiratory transmission of rotavirus, we systematically assessed if rotavirus RNA is detectable by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from nasal and oropharyngeal swab specimens of Bangladeshi children with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis. Forehead swabs were collected to assess skin contamination. Among 399 children aged <2 years hospitalized for gastroenteritis during peak rotavirus season, rotavirus RNA was detected in stool, oral, nasal and forehead swab specimens of 354 (89%). A subset was genotyped; genotype was concordant within a child's specimen set and several different genotypes were detected across children. These findings support possible respiratory transmission of rotavirus and warrant further investigation.
Quality improvement collaborative to optimize heart failure care in patients from a network of clinics in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jorro-Barón Facundo , Suárez-Anzorena Inés , Roberti Javier , Mazzoni Agustina , Vita Tomás , Alonso Juan Pedro , Villarejo Agustina , de la Vega Bibiana , Ditata Fernanda , Facta Álvaro , Flores David , Mastantuono Cristian , Saa Raquel , San-Dámaso Esteban , Vega Gustavo , Renedo Florencia , Fernández Alberto , Fernández-Nievas Simón , García-Elorrio Ezequiel
Published: August 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a major clinical and public health problem associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and health-care costs. Despite the existence of evidence-based guidelines for the optimal treatment of HF, the quality of care remains suboptimal. Our aim was to increase the use a care bundle in 50% of enrolled subjects during their hospitalization and discharge and to reduce their readmission for HF causes by 10%. We conducted an uncontrolled before–after study in eight hospitals in Argentina to evaluate the effect of a quality improvement intervention on the use of an HF care bundle in patients with HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II–III. The HF bundle of care included medication, continuum of care, lifestyle habits, and predischarge examinations. Training and follow-up of multidisciplinary teams in each center were performed through learning sessions and plan-do-study-act improvement cycles. Data collectors reviewed bundle compliance in the health records of recruited patients after their hospital discharge and verified readmissions through phone calls to patients within 30–40 days after discharge. We recruited 200 patients (83 before and 127 during the intervention phase), and bundle compliance increased from 9.6% to 28.3% [odds ratio 3.71, 95% confidence interval (8.46; 1.63); P = .002]. Despite a slow improvement during the first months, bundle compliance gained momentum near the end of the intervention surpassing 80%. We observed a non-significant decreased readmission rate within 30 days of discharge due to HF in the postintervention period [8.4% vs. 5.5%, odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI (1.88; 0.21); P = .410]. Qualitative analysis showed that members of the intervention teams acknowledged the improvement of work organization and standardization of care, teamwork, shared mental model, and health record completeness as well as the utility of training fellows. Despite the challenges related to the pandemic, better care of patients with HF NYHA Class II–III was possible through simple interventions and collaborative work.

Graphical abstract
Ontogenetic modifications produce similar phenotypes in distantly related click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Kusy Dominik , Motyka Michal , Bocak Ladislav
Published: August 2023

We analyze the relationships of the click beetles (Elateridae) Paulusiella Löbl, 2007, and Analestesa Leach, 1824 (=Cebriognathus Chobaut, 1899). Both are incapable of jumping, with soft-bodied habitus caused by the incomplete sclerotization of the cuticle during the metamorphosis and unknown females. Their phylogenetic positions have been an uncertain issue. We use mitochondrial genomes and nuclear genes to test their current placement in Cebrionini (=Cebriognathini) and Elaterinae incertae sedis, respectively. We recover Paulusiella as a sister to Hemiops Laporte, 1838 (Hemiopinae) and Analestesa as one of the serially splitting branches in Cardiophorinae, both with robust support. Paulusiellini trib. nov. is proposed for Paulusiella in Hemiopinae due to high morphological disparity. Analestesa is transferred to Cardiophorinae, and Cebriognathini Paulus, 1981, an earlier synonym of Elaterinae: Cebrionini, is a synonym of Cardiophorinae Candèze, 1859. The click beetles affected by ontogenetic modifications converge to similar forms. As a result, their phylogenetic position cannot be reliably inferred by morphological analyses and needs to be validated by molecular data. Paulusiella and Analestesa represent two additional cases of the shift to incomplete sclerotization in elaterids raising the total number to 6. The present transfers of extant taxa between subfamilies call for a cautious interpretation of morphology in other soft-bodied groups, including the taxa described from amber deposits.
Transcriptomics analysis and fed-batch regulation of high astaxanthin-producing Phaffia rhodozyma/Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous obtained through adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Yang Liang , Yang Hao-Yi , You Li , Ni Hui , Jiang Ze-Dong , Du Xi-Ping , Zhu Yan-Bing , Zheng Ming-Jing , Li Li-Jun , Lin Rui , Li Zhi-Peng , Li Qing-Biao
Published: August 2023

Astaxanthin has high utilization value in functional food because of its strong antioxidant capacity. However, the astaxanthin content of Phaffia rhodozyma is relatively low. Adaptive laboratory evolution is an excellent method to obtain high-yield strains. TiO2 is a good inducer of oxidative stress. In this study, different concentrations of TiO2 were used to domesticate P. rhodozyma, and at a concentration of 1000 mg/L of TiO2 for 105 days, the optimal strain JMU-ALE105 for astaxanthin production was obtained. After fermentation, the astaxanthin content reached 6.50 mg/g, which was 41.61% higher than that of the original strain. The ALE105 strain was fermented by batch and fed-batch, and the astaxanthin content reached 6.81 mg/g. Transcriptomics analysis showed that the astaxanthin synthesis pathway, and fatty acid, pyruvate, and nitrogen metabolism pathway of the ALE105 strain were significantly upregulated. Based on the nitrogen metabolism pathway, the nitrogen source was adjusted by ammonium sulphate fed-batch fermentation, which increased the astaxanthin content, reaching 8.36 mg/g. This study provides a technical basis and theoretical research for promoting industrialization of astaxanthin production of P. rhodozyma.

One-Sentence Summary

A high-yield astaxanthin strain (ALE105) was obtained through TiO2 domestication, and its metabolic mechanism was analysed by transcriptomics, which combined with nitrogen source regulation to further improve astaxanthin yield.
Estimation of an Order Book Dependent Hawkes Process for Large Datasets
Authors: Mucciante Luca , Sancetta Alessio
Published: August 2023

A point process for event arrivals in high-frequency trading is presented. The intensity is the product of a Hawkes process and high-dimensional functions of covariates derived from the order book. Conditions for stationarity of the process are stated. An algorithm is presented to estimate the model even in the presence of billions of data points, possibly mapping covariates into a high-dimensional space. Large sample sizes can be common for high-frequency data applications using multiple instruments. Consistency results under weak conditions are established. A test statistic to assess out of sample performance of different model specifications is suggested. The methodology is applied to the study of four stocks that trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The out of sample testing procedure suggests that capturing the nonlinearity of the order book information adds value to the self-exciting nature of high-frequency trading events.
CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3 localize at microtubule intersections to regulate the spatial distribution of microtubules
Authors: Zhang Rui , Gu Lusheng , Chen Wei , Tanaka Nobutoshi , Zhou Zhengrong , Xu Honglin , Xu Tao , Ji Wei , Liang Xin , Meng Wenxiang
Published: August 2023

Microtubule networks support many cellular processes and exhibit a highly ordered architecture. However, due to the limited axial resolution of conventional light microscopy, the structural features of these networks cannot be resolved in three-dimensional (3D) space. Here, we used customized ultra-high-resolution interferometric single-molecule localization microscopy to characterize the microtubule networks in Caco2 cells. We found that the calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated proteins (CAMSAPs) localize at a portion of microtubule intersections. Further investigation showed that depletion of CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3 leads to the narrowing of the inter-microtubule distance. Mechanistically, CAMSAPs recognize microtubule defects, which often occur near microtubule intersections, and then recruit katanin to remove the damaged microtubules. Therefore, the CAMSAP–katanin complex is a regulatory module for the distance between microtubules. Taken together, our results characterize the architecture of cellular microtubule networks in high resolution and provide molecular insights into how the 3D structure of microtubule networks is controlled.
Ki67 and breast cancer mortality in women with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Probert Jake , Dodwell David , Broggio John , Charman Jackie , Dowsett Mitch , Kerr Amanda , McGale Paul , Taylor Carolyn , Darby Sarah C , Mannu Gurdeep S
Published: August 2023

Background

The percentage of cells staining positive for Ki67 is sometimes used for decision-making in patients with early invasive breast cancer (IBC). However, there is uncertainty regarding the most appropriate Ki67 cut points and the influence of interlaboratory measurement variability. We examined the relationship between breast cancer mortality and Ki67 both before and after accounting for interlaboratory variability and 8 patient and tumor characteristics.

Methods

A multicenter cohort study of women with early IBC diagnosed during 2009-2016 in more than 20 NHS hospitals in England and followed until December 31, 2020.

Results

Ki67 was strongly prognostic of breast cancer mortality in 8212 women with estrogen receptor (ER)–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative early IBC (Ptrend < .001). This relationship remained strong after adjustment for patient and tumor characteristics (Ptrend < .001). Standardization for interlaboratory variability did little to alter these results. For women with Ki67 scores of 0%-5%, 6%-10%, 11%-19%, and 20%-29% the corresponding 8-year adjusted cumulative breast cancer mortality risks were 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.8% to 4.0%), 3.7% (95% CI = 3.0% to 4.4%), 3.4% (95% CI = 2.8% to 4.1%), and 3.4% (95% CI = 2.8% to 4.1%), whereas for women with Ki67 scores of 30%-39% and 40%-100%, these risks were higher, at 5.1% (95% CI = 4.3% to 6.2%) and 7.7% (95% CI = 6.6% to 9.1) (Ptrend < .001). Similar results were obtained when the adjusted analysis was repeated with omission of pathological information about tumor size and nodal involvement, which would not be available preoperatively for patients being considered for neoadjuvant therapy.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the prognostic value of Ki67 scores of 30% or more in women with ER-positive, HER2-negative early IBC, irrespective of interlaboratory variability. These results also suggest that Ki67 may be useful to aid decision-making in the neoadjuvant setting.