bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model reduction of a periodically forced slow–fast continuous piecewise linear system
Authors: Karoui A. Yassine , Leine Remco I.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, singular perturbation theory is exploited to obtain a reduced-order model of a slow–fast piecewise linear 2-DOF oscillator subjected to harmonic excitation. The nonsmooth nonlinearity of piecewise linear nature is studied in the case of bilinear damping as well as with bilinear stiffness characteristics. We propose a continuous matching of the locally invariant slow manifolds obtained in each subregion of the state space, which yields a reduced-order model of the same nature as the full dynamics. The frequency-response curves obtained from the full system and the reduced-order models suggest that the proposed reduction method can capture nonlinear behaviors such as super- and subharmonic resonances.
Root phenotypes for improved nitrogen capture
Authors: Lynch Jonathan P. , Galindo-Castañeda Tania , Schneider Hannah M. , Sidhu Jagdeep Singh , Rangarajan Harini , York Larry M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Suboptimal nitrogen availability is a primary constraint for crop production in low-input agroecosystems, while nitrogen fertilization is a primary contributor to the energy, economic, and environmental costs of crop production in high-input agroecosystems. In this article we consider avenues to develop crops with improved nitrogen capture and reduced requirement for nitrogen fertilizer.

Scope

Intraspecific variation for an array of root phenotypes has been associated with improved nitrogen capture in cereal crops, including architectural phenotypes that colocalize root foraging with nitrogen availability in the soil; anatomical phenotypes that reduce the metabolic costs of soil exploration, improve penetration of hard soil, and exploit the rhizosphere; subcellular phenotypes that reduce the nitrogen requirement of plant tissue; molecular phenotypes exhibiting optimized nitrate uptake kinetics; and rhizosphere phenotypes that optimize associations with the rhizosphere microbiome. For each of these topics we provide examples of root phenotypes which merit attention as potential selection targets for crop improvement. Several cross-cutting issues are addressed including the importance of soil hydrology and impedance, phenotypic plasticity, integrated phenotypes, in silico modeling, and breeding strategies using high throughput phenotyping for co-optimization of multiple phenes.

Conclusions

Substantial phenotypic variation exists in crop germplasm for an array of root phenotypes that improve nitrogen capture. Although this topic merits greater research attention than it currently receives, we have adequate understanding and tools to develop crops with improved nitrogen capture. Root phenotypes are underutilized yet attractive breeding targets for the development of the nitrogen efficient crops urgently needed in global agriculture.
Neural dynamic foundations of a theory of higher cognition: the case of grounding nested phrases
Authors: Sabinasz Daniel , Richter Mathis , Schöner Gregor
Published: October 2023

Because cognitive competences emerge in evolution and development from the sensory-motor domain, we seek a neural process account for higher cognition in which all representations are necessarily grounded in perception and action. The challenge is to understand how hallmarks of higher cognition, productivity, systematicity, and compositionality, may emerge from such a bottom-up approach. To address this challenge, we present key ideas from Dynamic Field Theory which postulates that neural populations are organized by recurrent connectivity to create stable localist representations. Dynamic instabilities enable the autonomous generation of sequences of mental states. The capacity to apply neural circuitry across broad sets of inputs that emulates the function call postulated in symbolic computation emerges through coordinate transforms implemented in neural gain fields. We show how binding localist neural representations through a shared index dimension enables conceptual structure, in which the interdependence among components of a representation is flexibly expressed. We demonstrate these principles in a neural dynamic architecture that represents and perceptually grounds nested relational and action phrases. Sequences of neural processing steps are generated autonomously to attentionally select the referenced objects and events in a manner that is sensitive to their interdependencies. This solves the problem of 2 and the massive binding problem in expressions such as “the small tree that is to the left of the lake which is to the left of the large tree”. We extend earlier work by incorporating new types of grammatical constructions and a larger vocabulary. We discuss the DFT framework relative to other neural process accounts of higher cognition and assess the scope and challenges of such neural theories.
Impacts of an Electronic Health Record Transition on Veterans Health Administration Health Professions Trainee Experience
Authors: Ahlness Ellen A. , Molloy-Paolillo Brianne K. , Brunner Julian , Cutrona Sarah L. , Kim Bo , Matteau Erin , Rinne Seppo T. , Walton Edward , Wong Edwin , Sayre George
Published: October 2023

Background

Adoption of electronic health care records (EHRs) has proliferated since 2000. While EHR transitions are widely understood to be disruptive, little attention has been paid to their effect on health professions trainees’ (HPTs) ability to learn and conduct work. Veterans Health Administration’s (VA) massive transition from its homegrown EHR (CPRS/Vista) to the commercial Oracle Cerner presents an unparalleled-in-scope opportunity to gain insight on trainee work functions and their ability to obtain requisite experience during transitions.

Objective

To identify how an organizational EHR transition affected HPT work and learning at the third VA go-live site.

Design

A formative mixed-method evaluation of HPT experiences with VHA’s EHR transition including interviews with HPTs and supervisors at Chalmers P. Wylie VA Outpatient Clinic in Columbus, OH, before (~60 min), during (15–30 min), and after (~60 min) go-live (December 2021–July 2022). We also conducted pre- (March 2022–April 2022) and post-go live (May 2022–June 2022) HPT and employee surveys.

Participants

We conducted 24 interviews with HPTs (n=4), site leaders (n=2), and academic affiliates (n=2) using snowball sampling. We recruited HPTs in pre- (n=13) and post-go-live (n=10) surveys and employees in pre- (n=408) and post-go-live (n=458) surveys.

Approach

We conducted interviews using a semi-structured guide and grounded prompts. We coded interviews and survey free text data using a priori and emergent codes, subsequently conducting thematic analysis. We conducted descriptive statistical analysis of survey responses and merged interview and survey data streams.

Key Results

Our preliminary findings indicate that the EHR transition comprehensively affected HPT experiences, disrupting processes from onboarding and training to clinical care contributions and training-to-career retention.

Conclusions

Understanding HPTs’ challenges during EHR transitions is critical to effective training. Mitigating the identified barriers to HPT training and providing patient care may lessen their dissatisfaction and ensure quality patient care during EHR transitions.
Impact of 30-day prescribed opioid dose trajectory on fatal overdose risk: A population-based, statewide cohort study
Authors: Henry Stephen G. , Fang Shao-You , Crawford Andrew J. , Wintemute Garen J. , Tseregounis Iraklis Erik , Gasper James J. , Shev Aaron , Cartus Abigail R. , Marshall Brandon D.L. , Tancredi Daniel J. , Cerdá Magdalena , Stewart Susan L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Both increases and decreases in patients’ prescribed daily opioid dose have been linked to increased overdose risk, but associations between 30-day dose trajectories and subsequent overdose risk have not been systematically examined.

Objective

To examine the associations between 30-day prescribed opioid dose trajectories and fatal opioid overdose risk during the subsequent 15 days.

Design

Statewide cohort study using linked prescription drug monitoring program and death certificate data. We constructed a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model that accounted for time-varying prescription-, prescriber-, and pharmacy-level factors.

Participants

All patients prescribed an opioid analgesic in California from March to December, 2013 (5,326,392 patients).

Main Measures

Dependent variable: fatal drug overdose involving opioids. Primary independent variable: a 16-level variable denoting all possible opioid dose trajectories using the following categories for current and 30-day previously prescribed daily dose: 0-29, 30-59, 60-89, or ≥90 milligram morphine equivalents (MME).

Key Results

Relative to patients prescribed a stable daily dose of 0-29 MME, large (≥2 categories) dose increases and having a previous or current dose ≥60 MME per day were associated with significantly greater 15-day overdose risk. Patients whose dose decreased from ≥90 to 0-29 MME per day had significantly greater overdose risk compared to both patients prescribed a stable daily dose of ≥90 MME (aHR 3.56, 95%CI 2.24-5.67) and to patients prescribed a stable daily dose of 0-29 MME (aHR 7.87, 95%CI 5.49-11.28). Patients prescribed benzodiazepines also had significantly greater overdose risk; being prescribed Z-drugs, carisoprodol, or psychostimulants was not associated with overdose risk.

Conclusions

Large (≥2 categories) 30-day dose increases and decreases were both associated with increased risk of fatal opioid overdose, particularly for patients taking ≥90 MME whose opioids were abruptly stopped. Results align with 2022 CDC guidelines that urge caution when reducing opioid doses for patients taking long-term opioid for chronic pain.
The Gut-brain Connection and Episodic Migraine: an Update
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Hindiyeh Nada , Ray Sutapa , Vann Robert E. , Aurora Sheena K.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Historical evidence suggests a shared underlying etiology for migraine and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that involves the gut-brain axis. Here we provide narrative review of recent literature on the gut-brain connection and migraine to emphasize the importance of tailoring treatment plans for patients with episodic migraine who experience GI comorbidities and symptoms.

Recent findings

Recent population-based studies report the prevalence of migraine and GI disorders as comorbidities as well as overlapping symptomology. American Headache Society (AHS) guidelines have integrated GI symptoms as part of migraine diagnostic criteria and recommend nonoral therapies for patients with GI symptoms or conditions. Nasal delivery is a recommended nonoral alternative; however, it is important to understand potential adverse events that may cause or worsen GI symptoms in some patients due to the site of drug deposition within the nasal cavity with some nasal therapies. Lastly, clinical perspectives emphasize the importance of identifying GI symptoms and comorbidities in patients with episodic migraine to best individualize migraine management.

Support for an association between the gut-brain axis and migraine continues to prevail in recent literature; however, the relationship remains complex and not well elucidated. The presence of GI comorbidities and symptoms must be carefully considered when making treatment decisions for patients with episodic migraine.
Sap and Sun: A Case of Phytophotodermatitis
Authors: Morris Andrew J. , Rueckeis Cathleen A.
Published: October 2023

We report a case of phytophotodermatitis caused by cow parsnip ( Heracleum maximum) exposure affecting a hiker in Colorado. Phytophotodermatitis is a phototoxic skin reaction to UV-A rays after contact with photosensitizing plant substances that presents as a burning, painful rash, often with blisters. Treatment is supportive, including wound hygiene, analgesia, and anti-inflammatories. Avoiding offending plants, protecting the skin from sun, and immediate washing with soap and water after plant contact are the primary means of prevention. We have included a table and photos of plants found in the United States that can cause phytophotodermatitis. Medical providers should include phytophotodermatitis in the differential diagnosis of blistering rashes in patients who have been outdoors with possible exposure to offending plants.
Analytic Projective Geometry
Authors: Bamberg John , Penttila Tim
Published: October 2023

Projective geometry is the geometry of vision, and this book introduces students to this beautiful subject from an analytic perspective, emphasising its close relationship with linear algebra and the central role of symmetry. Starting with elementary and familiar geometry over real numbers, readers will soon build upon that knowledge via geometric pathways and journey on to deep and interesting corners of the subject. Through a projective approach to geometry, readers will discover connections between seemingly distant (and ancient) results in Euclidean geometry. By mixing recent results from the past 100 years with the history of the field, this text is one of the most comprehensive surveys of the subject and an invaluable reference for undergraduate and beginning graduate students learning classic geometry, as well as young researchers in computer graphics. Students will also appreciate the worked examples and diagrams throughout.
Taboo in Sign Languages
Authors: Napoli Donna Jo , Fisher Jami , Mirus Gene
Published: October 2023

Taboo topics in deaf communities include the usual ones found in spoken languages, as well as ones particular to deaf experiences, both in how deaf people relate to hearing people and how deaf people interact with other deaf people. Attention to these topics can help linguists understand better the consequences of field method choices and lead them to adopt better ones. Taboo expressions in American Sign Language are innovative regarding the linguistic structures they play with. This creativity is evident across the grammar in non-taboo expressions, but seems to revel in profane ones. When it comes to the syntax, however, certain types of structures occur in taboo expressions that are all but absent elsewhere, showing grammatical possibilities that might have gone unnoticed without attention to taboo. Taboo expressions are innovative, as well, in how they respond to changing culture, where lexical items that are incoherent with community sensibilities are 'corrected'.
Ethical Empire?
Authors: Leonard Zak
Published: October 2023

This study centers upon the abolitionists, Quakers, free-traders, disenchanted colonial agents, and Parsi intellectuals who participated in the British India Society, India Reform Society, and East India Association. Beginning in the 1830s, these agitators increasingly recognized that British dominion in India was exploitative and destabilizing; moreover, it had given rise to a series of prejudicial anomalies. Reformers therefore denounced the 'virtual' enslavement, infrastructural decay, violations of the law of nations, and economic impoverishment that had occurred under colonial rule, as well as the metropole's inattention to Indian affairs. By reconstructing the transregional networks that extended from Boston to Bengal and sustained these organizations, Zak Leonard analyzes India reformism from ideological and structural perspectives. In so doing, he historicizes the practice of anti-colonial critique and offers new insight into the frustrated development of a British imperial public consciousness.
Life's Little Ironies
Authors: Hardy Thomas
Published: October 2023

Life's Little Ironies (a phrase coined by Hardy) was Thomas Hardy's third collection of short stories. The volume's eight stories and one sequence of shorter tales (presented in a Canterbury Tales-type framework) had all appeared first in magazines before being gathered together in 1894. Not only do they reflect the strengths and themes of his great novels – they are also themselves powerful works, encompassing tragedy and humour. Part of the Cambridge Edition of the Novels and Short Stories of Thomas Hardy, this volume presents an authoritative text which aims to reflect Hardy's original artistic intentions. A full scholarly apparatus includes every authorial revision, from manuscript (where extant) onwards, enabling readers to trace Hardy's creative process. An introductory essay gives details of the stories' composition, publishing history and critical reception; there are comprehensive explanatory notes and a glossary, and the illustrations that accompanied the stories' magazine publication also provide valuable context.
Doxastic Justification and Testimonial Beliefs
Authors: Smith Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

I argue that a general feature of human psychology provides strong reason to modify or reject anti-reductionism about the epistemology of testimony. Because of the work of what I call “the background” (which is a collection of all of an individual's synthetizations, summarizations, memories of experiences, beliefs, etc.) we cannot help but form testimonial beliefs on the basis of a testifier's say so along with additional evidence, concepts, beliefs, and so on. Given that we arrive at testimonial beliefs through the work of the background, to be justified in holding a testimonial belief, we must not only have a rational speaker's say so, but we must also form such beliefs in a right way. If this is right, then, contrary to typical anti-reductionism, justified testimonial beliefs require more than just a trustworthy testifier's say so – another requirement is that they are formed in a right way.
The prehistory of Jebel Moya, Sudan: results from the first three seasons of excavations
Authors: Vella Gregory Isabelle , Brass Michael , Adam Ahmed , Kozieradzka-Ogunmakin Iwona , MacDonald Kevin , Abdelwahabe Shadia , Fedlelmula Abdelhai , Hajjaj Ezzeldin , Fuller Dorian Q , den Hollander Anna , Khalid Musaab , Ali Omer Elsir , Ibrahim Marsa Hashim , Ibrahim Hanaa
Published: October 2023

This paper outlines the ways in which the project is addressing the colonial legacy of Henry Wellcome as well as presenting the data from the first three field seasons at Jebel Moya, south-central Sudan. These data have substantially revised our chronological and socio-economic understanding of the site. Our excavations, initiated in 2017 and continued in 2019 and 2022, show a longer, more continuous occupation of the site than has been previously recognised. The faunal and botanical remains have implications for the spread of early domesticates in the eastern Sahel and for climate changes, and raise issues of resilience. There is confirmed human burial activity from at least the third millennium BC onwards, while the pottery continues to yield information about the variety of decoration and, for the final Assemblage 3, data on its usage. Overall, the continued importance of the site for the eastern Sahel is re-emphasised.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging in coronavirus disease 2019 induced olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Iravani Kamyar , Malekpour Behzad , Rasekhi Alireza , Faramarzi Ali , Soltaniesmaeili Amir , Golkhar Behnaz , Jahanandish Farimah , Babaei Amirhossein
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the functional magnetic resonance imaging changes in the olfactory structures of coronavirus disease 2019 patients experiencing olfactory dysfunction.

Methods

This study included patients aged 25–65 years who presented with a sudden loss of smell, confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection, and persistent olfactory dysfunction for a minimum of 2 months without any treatment.

Results

Irrespective of the side of brain activation, the analysis of the cumulative maximum diameter of the activation zones revealed significantly lower activation in the upper frontal lobe (p = 0.037) and basal ganglia (p = 0.023) in olfactory dysfunction patients. Irrespective of the side of activation, the analysis of the number of activation points demonstrated significantly lower activation in the upper frontal lobe (p = 0.036) and basal ganglia (p = 0.009) in olfactory dysfunction patients.

Conclusion

Patients with coronavirus-triggered olfactory dysfunction exhibited lower activity in their basal ganglia and upper frontal lobe.
Multiple piroplasm parasites (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in northeastern populations of the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Ixodida: Ixodidae), in the United States
Authors: Herb Heidi , González Julia , Ferreira Francisco C. , Fonseca Dina M.
Published: October 2023

Piroplasms, which include the agents of cattle fever and human and dog babesiosis, are a diverse group of blood parasites of significant veterinary and medical importance. The invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a known vector of piroplasms in its native range in East Asia and invasive range in Australasia. In the USA, H. longicornis has been associated with Theileria orientalis Ikeda outbreaks that caused cattle mortality. To survey invasive populations of H. longicornis for a broad range of piroplasms, 667 questing H. longicornis collected in 2021 from 3 sites in New Jersey, USA, were tested with generalist piroplasm primers targeting the 18S small subunit rRNA (395–515 bp, depending on species) and the cytochrome b oxidase loci (1009 bp). Sequences matching Theileria cervi type F (1 adult, 5 nymphs), an unidentified Theileria species (in 1 nymph), an undescribed Babesia sensu stricto (‘true’ Babesia, 2 adults, 2 nymphs), a Babesia sp. Coco (also a ‘true Babesia’, 1 adult, 1 nymph), as well as Babesia microti S837 (1 adult, 4 nymphs) were recovered. Babesia microti S837 is closely related to the human pathogen B. microti US-type. Additionally, a 132 bp sequence matching the cytochrome b locus of deer, Odocoileus virginanus, was obtained from 2 partially engorged H. longicornis. The diverse assemblage of piroplasms now associated with H. longicornis in the USA spans 3 clades in the piroplasm phylogeny and raises concerns of transmission amplification of veterinary pathogens as well as spillover of pathogens from wildlife to humans.
Puritanical moral rules as moral heuristics coping with uncertainties
Authors: Kurdoglu Rasim Serdar
Published: October 2023

As the cultural evolution of a puritanical moral norm in Turkey illustrates, puritanical moral norms are not developed by nonrational reasoning concerned with purity and cleanliness. People use puritanical moral rules as moral heuristics for making intendedly rational decisions about whether to cooperate or not when the commitment of the counterparty is uncertain.
Moral artificial intelligence and machine puritanism
Authors: Bonnefon Jean-François
Published: October 2023

Puritanism may evolve into a technological variant based on norms of delegation of actions and perceptions to artificial intelligence. Instead of training self-control, people may be expected to cede their agency to self-controlled machines. The cost–benefit balance of this machine puritanism may be less aversive to wealthy individualistic democracies than the old puritanism they have abandoned.
Do more proficient writers use fewer cognates in L2? A computational approach
Authors: Nativ Liat , Nov Yuval , Ordan Noam , Wintner Shuly , Prior Anat
Published: October 2023

Bilinguals often show evidence of cross language influences, such as facilitation in processing cognates. Here we use computational methods for analyzing spontaneous English texts written by hundreds of speakers of different L1s, at different levels of English proficiency, to investigate writers’ preference for using cognates over alternative word choices. We focus on English, since a majority of its lexicon is either of Romance or Germanic origin, allowing an investigation of the preference of speakers of Germanic and Romance L1s towards cognates between their L1 and English. Results show that L2 writers tend to prefer English cognates, and that this tendency is weaker as English proficiency level increases, suggesting diminishing effects of CLI. However, a comparison of the L2 writers with native English writers shows general overuse of cognates only for the Germanic, but not the Romance, L1 speakers, most likely due to the register of argumentative writing.
New insight into inheritance pattern of seed coat colour in adzuki bean
Authors: Wang Kaili , Chu Liwei , Zhao Pu , Zhao Bo , Li Yisong , Kai Yang , Wan Ping
Published: October 2023

Seed coat colour in adzuki bean is an important quality trait and closely associated with anthocyanin metabolism pathways. To further understand the inheritance of seed coat colour pattern, the inheritance between multiple seed coat colours and ivory seed were analysed using F1:2, F2:3 and F3:4 populations derived from five bi-parental crosses. The differences between ivory and red mottle on ivory are controlled by a single recessive R locus and RI locus, respectively. Green, light brown and golden are all dominant to red and governed by two loci. The B (brown) locus shows dominant epistasis over T locus. The R (red) locus was recessive epistasis to B (black), T (light brown), G (golden), GR (green) and RI (red mottle on ivory) loci. The new insight into the strong recessive epistasis of the R locus will be important for gene mapping and cloning, candidate gene functional validation and quality improvement in adzuki bean.
Earthquakes Induced by Rapid Loading of Faults During Pulichintala Reservoir Impoundment in the Stable Continental Region of India
Authors: Gahalaut Kalpna , Paul Himangshu , Sunilkumar T. C. , Kumar M. Ravi , Gahalaut V. K.
Published: October 2023

The first stage impoundment of the Pulichintala reservoir in the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin in the southeastern Indian shield began in August 2014. The second stage of impoundment started in 2019 when the height of the dam was increased and the filling of the reservoir was rapid. Soon after earthquakes started occurring which continued for a few months with a maximum magnitude of ML 4.6 on 25 January 2020. Two distinct clusters within the shallow crust were identified, which follow the faults/shear zones in the region. The estimated focal mechanisms with predominant strike slip motion on steep planes and the derived stress state are consistent with the regional stress and plate motion of the Indian plate. We simulated the influence of reservoir impoundment on the inferred seismogenic faults and found that the stress and pore pressure due to reservoir load indeed promoted failure, thus inducing earthquakes. We ascribe the induced earthquakes to rapid filling, longer and higher retention of high‐water levels during 2019–2020, which caused a stress change of 4–8 kPa. This stress change was at least two orders of magnitude higher than the typical tectonic loading rate in the stable continental region of the Indian Shield.
Impaired artery elasticity predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality- A longitudinal study in the Vara-Skövde Cohort
Authors: Szaló Gábor , Hellgren Margareta I. , Allison Matthew , Li Ying , Råstam Lennart , Rådholm Karin , Bollano Entela , Duprez Daniel A. , Jacobs David R. , Lindblad Ulf , Daka Bledar
Published: October 2023

It is still debated whether arterial elasticity provides prognostic information for cardiovascular risk beyond blood pressure measurements in a healthy population. To investigate the association between arterial elasticity obtained by radial artery pulse wave analysis and risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in men and women. In 2002–2005, 2362 individuals (men=1186, 50.2%) not taking antihypertensive medication were included. C2 (small artery elasticity) was measured using the HDI/Pulse Wave CR2000. Data on acute myocardial infarction or stroke, fatal or non-fatal, was obtained between 2002–2019. Cox- regression was used to investigate associations between C2 and future CVD, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance), LDL- cholesterol, CRP (C-Reactive Protein), alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity. At baseline, the mean age of 46 ± 10.6 years and over the follow-up period, we observed 108 events 70 events in men [event rate: 5.9%], 38 in women [event rate: 3.2%]. In the fully adjusted model, and for each quartile decrease in C2, there was a significant increase in the risk for incident CVD by 36%. (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01–1.82, p = 0.041). The results were accentuated for all men (HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.21–2.50, p = 0.003) and women over the age of 50 years (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.69–4.20). We showed a strong and independent association between C2 and CVD in men. In women after menopause, similar tendencies and effect sizes were observed.
Percentage of mean arterial pressure as a marker of atherosclerosis for detecting patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Kajikawa Masato , Kishimoto Shinji , Yamaji Takayuki , Harada Takahiro , Hashimoto Yu , Mizobuchi Aya , Tanigawa Shunsuke , Yusoff Farina Mohamad , Nakano Yukiko , Chayama Kazuaki , Nakashima Ayumu , Goto Chikara , Higashi Yukihito
Published: October 2023

The percentage of mean arterial pressure (%MAP) is the height of the mean arterial waveform divided by the peak amplitude of the waveform of pulse volume recording. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the cutoff value of 45% for %MAP at the ankle, which is recommended for the diagnosis of lower extremity artery disease, in combination with ankle-brachial index (ABI) is useful for detecting patients with clinical coronary artery disease (CAD) and investigate the optimal cutoff value of %MAP to diagnose patients with CAD.　We measured ABI and %MAP in 2213 subjects　(mean age: 61.2 ± 15.5 years). Multivariate analysis revealed that %MAP ≥ 45% was significantly associated with a higher risk of CAD after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–3.21; p < 0.001). However, the association was no longer significant after adjusting for ABI (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.83–2.33; p = 0.21), whereas ABI was significantly associated with CAD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.005). The optimal cutoff value of %MAP derived from a receiver operating characteristic curve to diagnose CAD was 40.3%. Multivariate analysis revealed that %MAP ≥ 40.3% was significantly associated with a higher risk of CAD (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.19–2.24; p = 0.002) independent of ABI (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.002). The cutoff value of 40.3%, but not 45%, for %MAP may be useful for detecting patients with advanced atherosclerosis and for cardiovascular risk assessment independent of ABI.

Registration Information

http://www.umin.ac.jp (University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry) (UMIN000039512)
Single-nucleus genomics in outbred rats with divergent cocaine addiction-like behaviors reveals changes in amygdala GABAergic inhibition
Authors: Zhou Jessica L. , de Guglielmo Giordano , Ho Aaron J. , Kallupi Marsida , Pokhrel Narayan , Li Hai-Ri , Chitre Apurva S. , Munro Daniel , Mohammadi Pejman , Carrette Lieselot L. G. , George Olivier , Palmer Abraham A. , McVicker Graham , Telese Francesca
Published: October 2023

The amygdala processes positive and negative valence and contributes to addiction, but the cell-type-specific gene regulatory programs involved are unknown. We generated an atlas of single-nucleus gene expression and chromatin accessibility in the amygdala of outbred rats with high and low cocaine addiction-like behaviors following prolonged abstinence. Differentially expressed genes between the high and low groups were enriched for energy metabolism across cell types. Rats with high addiction index (AI) showed increased relapse-like behaviors and GABAergic transmission in the amygdala. Both phenotypes were reversed by pharmacological inhibition of the glyoxalase 1 enzyme, which metabolizes methylglyoxal—a GABAA receptor agonist produced by glycolysis. Differences in chromatin accessibility between high and low AI rats implicated pioneer transcription factors in the basic helix-loop-helix, FOX, SOX and activator protein 1 families. We observed opposite regulation of chromatin accessibility across many cell types. Most notably, excitatory neurons had greater accessibility in high AI rats and inhibitory neurons had greater accessibility in low AI rats.
Tumor characteristics and survival rate of HER2-low breast cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Abbasvandi Fereshteh , Bayat Mahdis , Akbari Atieh , Shojaeian Fatemeh , Zandi Ashkan , Rahmani Jamal , Hashemi Maryam Omrani , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil
Published: October 2023

HER2 is an important prognostic marker in breast cancer (BC) patients, which also plays a crucial role in their therapeutic plan. Consequently, a great desire is to thoroughly assess the patients based on their HER2 status. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate HER2-low breast cancer as a new subtype in the standard classification of BC patients and review its characteristics and survival rate in a tertiary center in Iran. We retrospectively evaluated disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients referred to the Cancer Research Center in Tehran, Iran from 1991 to 2022. Patients’ clinical characteristics, including HER2 status, which is classified as HER2-low, HER2-positive, or HER2-negative, were obtained from prospectively maintained registries. Among the total 3582 recruited patients, 60.2%, 13.6%, and 26.2% were HER2-negative, HER2-low, and HER2-positive, respectively. HER2-positive patients showed a significantly higher Hazard Ratio (HR) for DFS (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.05) and OS (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.20), compared to HER2-low. Moreover, HER2-low and HER2-negative were found to show the same proportion of high-grade tumors (28 and 28.4%), while 40% of the HER2-positive tumors were high-grade. Accordingly, HER2-low patients had a lower metastasis risk than the others (P-value = 0.01). The Ki67 percentage was significantly lower in the HER2-low group compared to the HER2-positive (P-value < 0.001). HER2-low, a new subtype of HER2-status classification with distinct biological and clinicopathological traits, represented the highest survival rate and less invasive characteristics. This difference was statistically significant when compared to HER2-positive, but not when compared to HER2-negative.

Research registration unique identifying number: NCT05754047.
UBVRI night sky brightness at Kottamia Astronomical Observatory
Authors: Aboushelib Mohamed F. , Morcos A. B. , Nawar S. , Shalabiea O. M. , Awad Z.
Published: October 2023

Photoelectric observations of night sky brightness (NSB) at different zenith distances and azimuths, covering all the sky, at the Egyptian Kottamia Astronomical observatory (KAO) site of coordinates ϕ = 29° 55.9′ N and λ = 31° 49.5′ E, were done using a fully automated photoelectric photometer (FAPP). The Bessel wide range system (UBVRI) is used for the first time to observe NSB for three consecutive nights (1–3 August, 2022) under good seeing conditions after the moon sets. The deduced results were taken in photons and converted into mag/arcsec2. The average zenith sky brightness for U, B, V, R and I filters are found to be 20.49, 20.38, 19.41, 18.60 and 17.94 mag/arcsec2 respectively. The average color indices (U–B), (B–V), (V–R) and (R–I), at the zenith are detected to be 0.11, 0.98, 0.81 and 0.66, respectively. We plotted the isophotes of the sky brightness at KAO in U, B, V, R and I colors (filters) and determined both the average atmospheric extinction and sky transparency through these UBVRI filters. The atmospheric and other meteorological conditions were taken into our consideration during the observational nights. The results of the current study illustrate the main impact of the new cities built around KAO on the sky glow over it, and which astronomical observations are affected.
A pilot study of implication of machine learning for relapse prediction after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adults with Ph-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Afanaseva Kseniia S. , Bakin Evgeny A. , Smirnova Anna G. , Barkhatov Ildar M. , Gindina Tatiana L. , Moiseev Ivan S. , Bondarenko Sergey N.
Published: October 2023

The posttransplant relapse in Ph-positive ALL increases the risk of death. There is an unmet need for instruments to predict the risk of relapse and plan prophylaxis. In this study, we analyzed posttransplant data by machine learning algorithms. Seventy-four Ph-positive ALL patients with a median age of 30 (range 18–55) years who previously underwent allo-HSCT, were retrospectively enrolled. Ninety-three percent of patients received prophylactic/preemptive TKIs after allo-HSCT. The values of the BCR::ABL1 level at serial assessments and over variables were collected in specified intervals after allo-HSCT. They were used to model relapse risk with several machine-learning approaches. GBM proved superior to the other algorithms and provided a maximal AUC score of 0.91. BCR::ABL1 level before and after allo-HSCT, prediction moment, and chronic GvHD had the highest value in the model. It was shown that after Day + 100, both error rates do not exceed 22%, while before D + 100, the model fails to make accurate predictions. As a result, we determined BCR::ABL1 levels at which the relapse risk remains low. Thus, the current BCR::ABL1 level less than 0.06% in patients with chronic GvHD predicts low risk of relapse. At the same time, patients without chronic GVHD after allo-HSCT should be classified as high risk with any level of BCR::ABL1. GBM model with posttransplant laboratory values of BCR::ABL1 provides a high prediction of relapse after allo-HSCT in the era of TKIs prophylaxis. Validation of this approach is warranted.
Vertical tunneling FET with Ge/Si doping-less heterojunction, a high-performance switch for digital applications
Authors: Cherik Iman Chahardah , Mohammadi Saeed , Maity Subir Kumar
Published: October 2023

A vertical tunneling field effect transistor composed of a doping-less tunneling heterojunction and an n+-drain is presented in this paper. Two highly-doped p+ silicon layers are devised to induce holes in an intrinsic source region. Due to employing a double gate configuration and Hafnium in the gate oxide, our proposed structure has an optimized electrostatic control over the channel. We have performed all the numerical simulations using Silvaco ATLAS, calibrated to the verified data of a device with the similar working principle. The impact of the wide range of non-idealities, such as trap-assisted tunneling, interface trap charges, and ambipolar conduction, is thoroughly investigated. We have also evaluated the impact of negative capacitance material to further improve our device switching characteristics. Introducing both n-channel and p-channel devices, and employing them into a 6T SRAM circuit, we have investigated its performance in terms of parameters like read and write SNM. The FOMs such as Ion = 34.4 µA/µm, Ion/Ioff = 7.17 × 107, and fT = 123 GHz show that our proposed device is a notable candidate for both DC and RF applications.
Long term administration of loquat leaves and their major component, ursolic acid, attenuated endogenous amyloid-β burden and memory impairment
Authors: Iwasa Kensuke , Yagishita Sosuke , Yagishita-Kyo Nan , Yamagishi Anzu , Yamamoto Shinji , Yamashina Kota , Haruta Chikara , Asai Masashi , Maruyama Kei , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Yoshikawa Keisuke
Published: October 2023

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves contain many bioactive components such as ursolic acid (UA) and amygdalin. We investigated the effects of loquat leaf powder and methanol extract in human neuroglioma H4 cells stably expressing the Swedish-type APP695 (APPNL-H4 cells) and C57BL/6 J mice. Surprisingly, the extract greatly enhanced cellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) 42 productions in APPNL-H4 cells. Administration of leaf powder increased Aβ42 levels after 3 months and decreased levels after 12 months compared to control mice. Leaf powder had no effect on working memory after 3 months, but improved working memory after 12 months. Administration of UA decreased Aβ42 and P-tau levels and improved working memory after 12 months, similar to the administration of leave powder for 12 months. Amygdalin enhanced cellular Aβ42 production in APPNL-H4 cells, which was the same as the extract. Three-month administration of amygdalin increased Aβ42 levels slightly but did not significantly increase them, which is similar to the trend observed with the administration of leaf powder for 3 months. UA was likely the main compound contained in loquat leaves responsible for the decrease in intracerebral Aβ42 and P-tau levels. Also, amygdalin might be one of the compounds responsible for the transiently increased intracerebral Aβ42 levels.
Realising the circular phosphorus economy delivers for sustainable development goals
Authors: Walsh Michael , Schenk Gerhard , Schmidt Susanne
Published: October 2023

While it remains debated if mineral deposits mined for phosphorus fertilizer are running out, phosphorus insecurity is an emerging global issue. We explore how it is linked to the current linear phosphorus economy (LPE) and the historic and current implications. The problems are multifold: there are geopolitical concerns over phosphorus deposits held only by a few nations, sharply rising costs of phosphorus fertilizers, heavy metal contaminants affecting soil and food, problematic phosphorus mining wastes, and the environmental degradation caused by phosphorus fertilizer inefficiencies. Here we argue that a new phosphorus economy can resolve these problems. Transitioning to sustainable use of phosphorus demands a circular phosphorus economy (CPE). A CPE supports several Sustainable Development Goals and enables greater phosphorus autonomy. We illustrate current problems with case studies and outline opportunities for change. The CPE will feature phosphorus recovery facilities, waste valorisation technologies, and improved fertilizer formulations that are customized to target crops and crop systems. We highlight examples of the rapidly advancing CPE that is essential for sustainable agriculture.
Engineering photocatalytic ammonia synthesis
Authors: Shi Yonghui , Zhao Zhanfeng , Yang Dong , Tan Jiangdan , Xin Xin , Liu Yongqi , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: October 2023

This review is organized based on an engineering perspective, including materials engineering, structure engineering and reaction engineering, spanning photocatalyst preparation to photocatalytic process intensification.
Effects of formative assessment with technology on students’ meaningful learning in chemistry equilibrium concepts
Authors: Hagos Tadesse , Andargie Dereje
Published: October 2023

This study examines how students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge of chemical equilibrium is affected by technology-supported formative assessment (TSFA) strategies. This study's embedded/nested mixed method research design was used to achieve the study's objective. A random sampling method was used to choose the sample of two intact classes for the treatment group and one intact class for the comparison group. To gather quantitative data, the chemical equilibrium conceptual test and the chemical equilibrium procedural test were adapted from the literature. The qualitative data were also gathered using semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were employed to analyze the quantitative data, and theme analysis was utilized to examine the qualitative data. One-way ANOVA results revealed that, in comparison to students who were taught using conventional methods and formative assessment strategies, students who were taught using technology-supported formative assessment strategies demonstrated improvements in conceptual and procedural knowledge. The results of semi-structured interviews and classroom observations also show that, when compared to students who are taught using conventional methods and formative assessment alone, students who are taught using technology-supported formative assessment strategies have a high improvement in learning outcomes of learning chemical equilibrium concepts. In conclusion, conventional methods and formative assessment alone were shown to be less successful for students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge in learning chemical equilibrium concepts than technology-supported formative assessment strategies. These results led the authors of this research to recommend that TSFA be used by chemistry teachers to enhance their students’ conceptual and procedural understanding of chemical equilibrium concepts.
Electronic delocalization in charged macrocycles is associated with global aromaticity
Authors: Bradley David , Hillier Bethany K. , Peeks Martin D.
Published: October 2023

Oxidised porphyrin nanorings and cycloparaphenylenes have enhanced electronic delocalization, supporting their assignment as some of the largest (anti)aromatic molecules known.
Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric addition of imides to alkenes
Authors: Yamakawa Kentaro , Sakamoto Kana , Nishimura Takahiro
Published: October 2023

Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric N–H addition of imides to alkenes proceeded to give the chiral N-alkylamides with high enantioselectivity.
Melting pseudosymmetry and thermal expansion in 3-benzoylpropionic acid
Authors: Poręba Tomasz , Świątkowski Marcin , Confalonieri Giorgia
Published: October 2023

3-Benzoylpropionic acid undergoes continuous transition associated with pseudosymmetry melting upon heating. The transition stems from a directional steric crowding, which refutes the recent premise of its colossal thermal expansion.
Metal-free recycling of waste polyethylene terephthalate mediated by TBD protic ionic salts: the crucial role of anionic ligands
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Yang Linlin , Chen Chenhui , Zeng Guixiang , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2023

The structure–activity relationships of TBD based protic ionic salts for PET glycolysis by EG were comprehensively investigated through theoretical prediction and experimental verification.
Defect physics of intrinsic point defects in BiPO4 photocatalysts: a hybrid functional study
Authors: Zheng Hongchun , Wang Jincheng , Kong Bo , Xu Xiang , Zhang Min , Wang Wentao
Published: October 2023

Via first-principles hybrid functional calculations, it is found that Bi vacancies and O vacancies are the primary native defects in BiPO4. Under O-rich conditions, good p-type conductivity is observed in BiPO4.
Insight into the Fe atom–FeS cluster synergistic catalysis mechanism for the oxygen evolution reaction in NiS2-based electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Changhong , Zhang Lulu , Meng Kun , Yang Yongqiang , Hou Chengyi , Ming Sen , Rong Ju , Yan Wei , Zhang Yannan , Yu Xiaohua
Published: October 2023

A catalyst, (Fed–FeSc)@NiS2, with Fe and FeS acting synergistically on NiS2 substrates is proposed. Fully dynamic monitoring of the OER using metadynamics is performed.
Two birds with one stone: facile fabrication of an iron–cobalt bimetallic sulfide nanosheet-assembled nanosphere for efficient energy storage and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Guo Tong , Zheng Dawei , Xu Guangyu , Ding Yigang , Liu Dong
Published: October 2023

Fe–Co bimetallic sulfide with unique three-dimensional nanosphere structure was prepared using a facile hydrothermal method, and the energy storage and electrochemical hydrogen evolution performance were comprehensively investigated.
Reactions of [(dmpe)2MnH(C2H4)] with hydrogermanes to form germylene, germyl, hydrogermane, and germanide complexes
Authors: Price Jeffrey S. , Vargas-Baca Ignacio , Emslie David J. H. , Britten James F.
Published: October 2023

Reactions of a manganese ethylene hydride complex with hydrogermanes afforded germylene hydride complexes and a germanide complex.