bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the effective range in the weak-binding relation
Authors: Kinugawa Tomona , Hyodo Tetsuo
Published: April 2022

We study the range correction in the weak-binding relation, which relates the internal structure of hadrons with the scattering length and the binding energy. Utilizing the effective field theories, we show that the effective range originates from the derivative coupling interaction as well as from the channel coupling to the bare state, and that the different contributions are not distinguishable. By examining the compositeness in the effective field theories, it is demonstrated that the effective range induces the finite range correction for the weak-binding relation in addition to the previously known contributions. We thus propose to include the range correction in the uncertainty terms of the weak-binding relation.
Low-energy three-body collisions between an antiproton p̅ and muonic hydrogen atom Hμ
Authors: Sultanov Renat A. , Adhikari S.K.
Published: April 2022

A few-body treatment is performed for two low-energy three-body collisions with participation of heavy charge particles such as an antiproton (${\text{\bar p}}$), deuterium (D), tritium (T) and a negative muon (μ–). Specifically, the following reactions are considered: ${\text{\bar p}} + {\left({{\text{D}}{\mu ^ - }} \right)_{{\text{ls}}}} \to {\left({{\text{\bar pD}}} \right)_\alpha } + {\mu ^ - }$ and ${\text{\bar p}} + {\left({{\text{T}}{\mu ^ - }} \right)_{{\text{ls}}}} \to {\left({{\text{\bar pT}}} \right)_\alpha } + {\mu ^ - }$. The final state antinucleon-nucleon (${\text{\bar N}}$N) interaction is included in these calculations and its influence on the cross sections and rates is estimated.
Deep learning for magnetism
Authors: Pollok Stefan , Bjørk Rasmus
Published: April 2022

In deep learning, neural networks consisting of trainable parameters are designed to model unknown functions based on available data. When the underlying physics of the system at hand are known, e.g., Maxwell’s equation in electromagnetism, then these can be embedded into the deep learning architecture to obtain better function approximations.
Austempering of PM HSS ASP2030 for improved fracture toughness
Authors: Firouzi Ahmad , Yazdani Sasan , Tavangar Reza , Shakerifard Behnam , Mohammad Faseeulla Khan
Published: April 2022

This study presents the fracture toughness improvement of the powder metallurgical high speed steel ASP2030 by replacing the martensitic matrix with a bainitic one. For this purpose, the fracture toughness of the steel is compared in both the austempered and marquenched states. The heat treatment of the samples was carried out by austenitizing in the range of 1150–1185 °C followed by either austempering at 235 °C or marquenching processes. Triple tempering at 560 °C for 2 h was also performed on all specimens. Fracture toughness measurements were performed on circumferentially notched tensile specimens. The microstructural features of the specimens were investigated using X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy, and electron backscatter analysis. The results showed that the fracture toughness is sensitive to small changes in austenitizing temperature at both heat treatment conditions. By increasing the austenitizing temperature from 1150 to 1170 °C, the fracture toughness increases and then decreases with a further increase in temperature to 1185 °C. The results suggest that the changes in fracture toughness are due to the simultaneous effects of the volume fraction of undissolved carbides and the lattice microstrain values at different austenitizing temperatures. It can be concluded that the fracture toughness increases when the martensitic matrix is replaced by a bainitic structure. This improvement is related to finer bainitic laths width and also to the larger spacing between the particles of the undissolved carbides.
Molecular genetic diversity and bioinformatic analysis of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi based on the mitochondrial genes cytb, coxI and coxIII and co-infection of Plasmodium spp.
Authors: Nooroong Pornpiroon , Watthanadirek Amaya , Minsakorn Sutthida , Poolsawat Napassorn , Junsiri Witchuta , Srionrod Nitipon , Sangchuai Siriphan , Chawengkirttikul Runglawan , Anuracpreeda Panat
Published: April 2022

Leucocytozoon sabrazesi is an intracellular haemoprotozoan parasite responsible for leucocytozoonosis, which is transmitted by insect vectors and affects chickens in tropical and subtropical areas in many countries. It causes huge economic losses due to decreased meat and egg production. In the present study, we used nested PCR to determine the genetic diversity of L. sabrazesi based on the cytb, coxI, coxIII and concatenated genes in chickens in Thailand. In addition, we found co-infections between L. sabrazesi and Plasmodium spp. (P. gallinaceum or P. juxtanucleare) in chickens that were not identified by microscopic examination of blood smears. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that L. sabrazesi cytb and coxIII genes were conserved with similarity ranging from 99.9 to 100% and 98 to 100%, respectively whereas the coxI gene was diverse, with similarities ranging from 97 to 100%. These findings ascertained the nucleotide analysis of the cytb, coxI, coxIII and concatenated sequences in which 4, 8, 10 and 9 haplotypes were found, respectively. In addition, it was found that the large number of synonymous substitutions and conservative amino acid replacements in these mitochondrial genes occurred by non-synonymous substitution. The evolutionary analysis of the Ka/Ks ratio supported purifying selection and the negative values of both Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s D indicate selective sweep especially for the coxI gene. The entropy and Simplot analysis showed that the genetic variation in populations of Plasmodium spp. was higher than in Leucocytozoon. Hence, the nucleotide sequences of three mitochondrial genes could reflect the evolutionary analysis and geographic distribution of this protozoan population that switches hosts during its life cycle.
Application of Surface Landmarks Combined with Image-Guided Sinus Location in the Retrosigmoid Approach and Their Clinic-Image Relationship Analysis
Authors: Wu Weichi , Li Chang , Zhu Xiaoyan , Guo Xiaoyu , Zhu Hui dan , Lin Zhu , Liu Haibin , Mou Yonggao , Zhang Ji
Published: April 2022

Objectives During craniotomy for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions, the exact exposure of the margin of the venous sinuses complex remains an essential but risky part of the procedure. Here, we revealed the exact position of the asterion and sinus complex by combining preoperative image information and intraoperative cranial landmarks, and analyzed their clinic-image relationship.

Methods Ninety-four patients who underwent removal of vestibular schwannoma (VS) through retrosigmoid craniotomies were enrolled in the series. To determine the exact location of the sigmoid sinus and the transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus junction (TSSJ), we used preoperative images, such as computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with intraoperative anatomical landmarks. The distance between the asterion and the sigmoid sinus was measured using MRI T1 sequences with gadolinium and/or the CT bone window.

Results In 94 cases of retrosigmoid craniotomies, the asterion lay an average of 12.71 mm on the posterior to the body surface projection to the TSSJ. Intraoperative cranial surface landmarks were used in combination with preoperative image information to identify the distance from the asterion to the sigmoid sinus at the transverse sinus level, allowing for an appropriate initial burr hole (the margin of the TSSJ).

Conclusion By combining intraoperative anatomical landmarks and preoperative image information, the margin of the TSSJ, in particular, the inferior margin of the transverse sinus, can be well and thoroughly identified in the retrosigmoid approach.
Public perceptions of wetlands and preferences for on-site visitor facilities and communication media: a case study from an Australian Ramsar wetland
Authors: Wang Xinying , Prahalad Vishnu , Kirkpatrick Jamie B.
Published: April 2022

There is wide recognition, championed by the Ramsar Convention, of the need to increase the public appreciation of wetlands and their conservation by providing meaningful experiences for visitors to Ramsar sites. In a case study of an Australian Ramsar site on the 50th anniversary of the treaty, we investigate the public’s awareness of this internationally significant wetland and their understanding of wetland biota and ecosystem services. To inform future communication, education, participation and awareness (CEPA), we also investigate public preferences for particular wetland-related knowledge, on-site activities, facilities and communication media. Less than half of the 326 survey respondents expressed some familiarity with wetlands. Notably, they were not aware of the existence of the Ramsar site, despite having driven past and being within close proximity to the wetland at the time of surveying. Non-extractive and non-commodified recreational activities such as trail walking and photography were preferred over extractive uses such as fishing and duck hunting and activities such as boat cruises and guided tours. There was a high demand for on-site facilities such as walking tracks and viewing platforms and for communication through web-based sources. Visitation to further the goals of Ramsar CEPA could be encouraged through the resourcing of locally appropriate infrastructure, promotion of activities and better communication.
An ensemble model based on early predictors to forecast COVID-19 health care demand in France
Authors: Paireau Juliette , Andronico Alessio , Hozé Nathanaël , Layan Maylis , Crépey Pascal , Roumagnac Alix , Lavielle Marc , Boëlle Pierre-Yves , Cauchemez Simon
Published: April 2022

Significance

The COVID-19 pandemic is inducing significant stress on health care structures, which can be quickly saturated with negative consequences for patients. As hospitalization comes late in the infection history of a patient, early predictors—such as the number of cases, mobility, climate, and vaccine coverage—could improve forecasts of health care demand. Predictive models taken individually have their pros and cons, and it is advantageous to combine the predictions in an ensemble model. Here, we design an ensemble that combines several models to anticipate French COVID-19 health care needs up to 14 days ahead. We retrospectively test this model, identify the best predictors of the growth rate of hospital admissions, and propose a promising approach to facilitate the planning of hospital activity.
Genomewide CRISPR knockout screen identified PLAC8 as an essential factor for SADS-CoVs infection
Authors: Tse Longping V. , Meganck Rita M. , Araba Kenza C. , Yount Boyd L. , Shaffer Kendall M. , Hou Yixuan J. , Munt Jennifer E. , Adams Lily E. , Wykoff Jason A. , Morowitz Jeremy M. , Dong Stephanie , Magness Scott T. , Marzluff William F. , Gonzalez Liara M. , Ehre Camille , Baric Ralph S.
Published: April 2022

Significance

A potential outbreak of swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) in the human population could be devastating. Using genomewide CRISPR knockout screening, we identified the placenta-associated 8 protein (PLAC8) as an essential host factor for SADS-CoV infection, uncovering a novel antiviral target for CoV infection. The PLAC8-related pathway may also have implications for other CoV infections. Given the ability of SADS-CoV to infect human primary cultures without adaptation, our findings lay the foundation for pandemic preparedness for the potential emergence of SADS-CoVs in response to the One Health Initiative.
Allele-specific collateral and fitness effects determine the dynamics of fluoroquinolone resistance evolution
Authors: Liakopoulos Apostolos , Aulin Linda B. S. , Buffoni Matteo , Fragkiskou Efthymia , Coen van Hasselt J. G. , Rozen Daniel E.
Published: April 2022

Significance

A promising strategy to overcome the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is to use collateral sensitivity-informed antibiotic treatments that rely on cycling or mixing of antibiotics, such that that resistance toward one antibiotic confers increased sensitivity to the other. Here, focusing on multistep fluoroquinolone resistance in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, we show that antibiotic resistance induces diverse collateral responses whose magnitude and direction are determined by allelic identity. Using mathematical simulations, we show that these effects can be exploited via combination treatment regimens to suppress the de novo emergence of resistance during treatment.
Passively harmonic mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser based on 2H-MoTe2 saturable absorber
Authors: Zhang Lu-Lu , Xu Lu-Feng , Wu Yun-Feng , Tian Jin-Rong , Song Yan-Rong
Published: April 2022

We demonstrated a harmonic mode-locked Erbium-doped fiber laser based on a saturable absorber (SA) of 2H-MoTe2, which is a member of the transition metal dichalcogenides. The SA mode-locker was made by integrating the 2H-MoTe2 into a D-shaped fiber, and then was inserted into an erbium-doped fiber laser for mode-locking. The nonlinear modulation depth and saturation power of 2H-MoTe2-based SA were 10.9% and 19 MW cm−2, respectively. The fundamentally mode-locked pulse train had a pulse width of 577 fs and a repetition rate of 14.32 MHz. The highest order of harmonic mode locking was 55th, which had the repetition rate of 787.6 MHz, pulse width of 820 fs and average output power of 11.8 mW. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest operating repetition frequency that has ever been demonstrated in a 2H-MoTe2-based fiber laser. The experimental results validate the feasibility of 2H-MoTe2 as a promising SA for generating ultrashort pulses with high repetition rates.
The effect of stimulus number on the recognition accuracy and information transfer rate of SSVEP–BCI in augmented reality
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Zongxin , Zhang Lipeng , Cao Lijun , Hu Yuxia , Lu Beihan , Shi Li , Yao Dezhong , Zhao Xincan
Published: April 2022

Objective. The biggest advantage of steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) lies in its large command set and high information transfer rate (ITR). Almost all current SSVEP–BCIs use a computer screen (CS) to present flickering visual stimuli, which limits its flexible use in actual scenes. Augmented reality (AR) technology provides the ability to superimpose visual stimuli on the real world, and it considerably expands the application scenarios of SSVEP–BCI. However, whether the advantages of SSVEP–BCI can be maintained when moving the visual stimuli to AR glasses is not known. This study investigated the effects of the stimulus number for SSVEP–BCI in an AR context. Approach. We designed SSVEP flickering stimulation interfaces with four different numbers of stimulus targets and put them in AR glasses and a CS to display. Three common recognition algorithms were used to analyze the influence of the stimulus number and stimulation time on the recognition accuracy and ITR of AR–SSVEP and CS–SSVEP. Main results. The amplitude spectrum and signal-to-noise ratio of AR–SSVEP were not significantly different from CS–SSVEP at the fundamental frequency but were significantly lower than CS–SSVEP at the second harmonic. SSVEP recognition accuracy decreased as the stimulus number increased in AR–SSVEP but not in CS–SSVEP. When the stimulus number increased, the maximum ITR of CS–SSVEP also increased, but not for AR–SSVEP. When the stimulus number was 25, the maximum ITR (142.05 bits min−1) was reached at 400 ms. The importance of stimulation time in SSVEP was confirmed. When the stimulation time became longer, the recognition accuracy of both AR–SSVEP and CS–SSVEP increased. The peak value was reached at 3 s. The ITR increased first and then slowly decreased after reaching the peak value. Significance. Our study indicates that the conclusions based on CS–SSVEP cannot be simply applied to AR–SSVEP, and it is not advisable to set too many stimulus targets in the AR display device.
Air Quality Status in Konya City Centre, Konya, Turkey during Pandemic Covid-19
Authors: Yahaya N Z , Jalaludin J , Toros H , Dursun S
Published: April 2022

High developed industry regions, provincial centers with a heavy traffic and dense populations with cold winters, using low-quality fossil fuel consumption have an effect on quality of life especially for people with respiratory diseases. The air quality data gathered from air monitoring stations for the City Center of Konya, Turkey were analysed statistically during the period when curfew due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The restrictions that cause the reduction of vehicle exhaust emissions, which are important factors in the formation of some air pollutants, are thought to be effective in improving the air quality as well as meteorological conditions are effective on the days when the air quality is analysed. It is thought that the reduction in HC, NOx, CO and PM emissions, which can be evaluated as exhaust emissions, will be an effective factor due to the restrictions of Covid-19 pandemic. Comparing between the 2019 and 2020 MCO data, we identified that most of the gases decreased with NO2 (-24 µg/m3), SO2 (-24 µg/m3), CO (-37 µg/m3) and an increment of O3 of +50 µg/m3 which indicates that the MCO and restricted of movement were give an impact to air quality levels in Konya City. The increase in O3 values were found by the existing of the sun rays in the atmosphere with the formation of O3 during the clean air period.
Sensitivity of bulb tissue section for detection of Fusarium causes Moler disease of shallot
Authors: Widono S , Hadiwiyono  , Poromarto S H , Supyani  , Wahyuni N
Published: April 2022

Moler caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cepae is a seed-borne disease, so the disease intensity in the field is depend on the amount of initial inoculum in the infected bulbs as seeds. Therefore, the detection of seed-borne pathogens is important to determine the potential of their transmission. The aim of this research was to evaluate the sensitivity of the bulb tissue of shallot based on the pathogen Infection Index by incubation method on agar media to detect the presence of F. oxysporum f.sp. cepae. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with five replications and three varieties of shallots (Thailand, Bima, and Bauji). Each treatment unit was placed in a Petri’s dish with a diameter of 20 cm, containing 40 mL PDA on which 16 pieces of the tip, middle, and base of the bulb tissues were placed, which were incubated for 7 days. Pathogen Infection Index is a parameter that was observed macroscopically and microscopically. The results showed that the base of the bulbs tissue section of the three varieties tested showed higher sensitivity than the other part to detect the presence of F. oxysporum f.sp. cepae in shallot. It indicates that the basal bulb is the major infection side of the pathogen.
Can Oecophylla smaragdina be used to suppress incidence of CVPD in citrus orchards in Indonesia?
Authors: Beattie G A C , Holford P
Published: April 2022

Citrus vein phloem degeneration (CVPD) is the Indonesian name for the Asian form of the devastating and incurable citrus disease known internationally as huánglóngbìng. It is associated with a phloem-limited pathogen, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) and transmitted by the Asiatic citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri. ACP originated in South Asia but was first observed on citrus in 1900 in Java to where it may have been introduced decades earlier on lemon or lime seedlings brought from South Asia to reduce the incidence of scurvy among European sailors and in colonial settlements. CLas appears to have been introduced to the Pasar Minggu area of Jakarta in the 1940s from southern China, after it was introduced to Guangzhou, directly or indirectly, from South Asia in the late 1920s–early 1930s. Minimising incidence of the disease relies on planting pathogen-free trees, removal of infected trees, and unstainable use of synthetic pesticides that do not prevent spread of the disease. Parasitoids and predators of ACP are killed by the pesticides. Evidence from China and Việtnam suggests that effective management of the disease may be feasible if the weaver ant (semut rangrang), Oecophylla smaragdina, is deployed, cultivated, and managed in orchards.
Engineering a mechanically stable hybrid photonic crystal cavity coupled to color defects in diamond
Authors: Majumder Ayan , Choudhury Bikash Dev , Saha Kasturi
Published: April 2022

Wavelength scale photonic, high-quality factor (Q-factor), cavities are crucial for enhancing light–matter interaction. Such on-chip hybrid devices could potentially provide a route towards scalable quantum technologies with color defects in diamond. A variety of designs for photonic crystal cavities have been proposed; however, the challenging and multi-step fabrication processes required for such designs limit the experimentally observed Q-factors in addition to significant radiation loss. One possible way to minimize the radiation loss in a one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal cavity is by introducing a so-called Gaussian defect region around the cavity. In this work, we propose a versatile approach to design a Gaussian defect region by changing the lattice parameter in a 1D photonic crystal. Further, to circumvent the problem of creating freestanding cavities for achieving high-Q factor in a 1D photonic crystal cavity, we propose a novel hybrid diamond-titanium dioxide (TiO2) based materials for color defects in diamond, in particular the nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) center. Our proposed mechanically stable and high-Q cavity could be crucial for on-chip integration of different nanophotonic components for chip-scale photonic devices. We show via simulations that Q-factor

>

105 can be achieved with the device.
Investigation on mechanical and tribological properties of AA6061/Gr composites for solar header pipes
Authors: Ranjith R , Pradeep V P , Senthil Kumar B R , Somasundaram K , Lakshmi Prasad K
Published: April 2022

Solar header pipes desire light weight material with extensive mechanical and tribological property at high temperature. In this research work, an attempt was made to reinforce AA6061 aluminium alloy with Graphite particles through Stir Casting (SC) and Compo Casting (CC) technique for solar header pipes. The uniform dispersion of reinforcing particles over the matrix was confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The tensile, hardness and wear experiments were performed on composites at elevated temperature. The wear experimental runs were designed using Taguchi mixed orthogonal array by varying temperature, applied load, sliding velocity, sliding distance and reinforcing weight percentage. The composites produced through CC method exhibit 3.8% and 2.7% higher hardness and tensile strength in comparison with SC. At elevated temperature of 300 C, the composites exhibit better wear resistance owing to the formation of Mechanical Mixed Layer (MML). The wear rate of composites at elevated temperature was three times higher than the room temperature owing to reduction in density and deformation of material. ANOVA table reveals that the most influencing process parameters was temperature followed by the load and percentage reinforcement. The worn surface morphology was analyzed using SEM. Because of the improved dispersion of reinforced particles, the composites generated by CC have higher mechanical and tribological qualities at elevated temperatures, and are considered as an alternative material for solar header pipes.
Sensitivity of bias adjustment methods to low-frequency internal climate variability over the reference period: an ideal model study
Authors: Bonnet Rémy , Boucher Olivier , Vrac Mathieu , Jin Xia
Published: April 2022

Climate simulations often need to be adjusted before carrying out impact studies at a regional scale. Technically, bias adjustment methods are generally calibrated over the last few decades, in order to benefit from a more comprehensive and accurate observational network. At these timescales, however, the climate state may be influenced by the low-frequency internal climate variability. There is therefore a risk of introducing a bias to the climate projections by bias-adjusting simulations with low-frequency variability in a different phase to that of the observations. In this study, we developed a new pseudo-reality framework using an ensemble of simulations from the IPSL-CM6A-LR climate model in order to assess the impact of the low-frequency internal climate variability of the North Atlantic sea surface temperatures on bias-adjusted projections of mean and extreme surface temperature over Europe. We show that using simulations in a similar phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability reduces the pseudo-biases in temperature projections. Therefore, for models and regions where low frequency internal variability matters, it is recommended to sample relevant climate simulations to be bias adjusted in a model ensemble or alternatively to use a very long reference period when possible.
Increased Dephospho-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-Protein Is Associated With Lower Axial Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Vidula Mahesh K , Akers Scott , Ansari Bilal A , Kim Jessica , Kumar Anupam A , Tamvada Dheera , Satija Vaibhav , Mohan-Rao Vanjarapu Jagan , Jehangir Qasim , Magro Caroline , Qian Chenao , Chirinos Julio A
Published: April 2022

Background

Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) is a well-established inhibitor of vascular calcification that is activated by vitamin K-dependent carboxylation. In the setting of vitamin K2 deficiency, dephospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dpucMGP) levels increase, and have been associated with large artery stiffening. Vitamin K2 is also a mitochondrial electron carrier in muscle, but the relationship of vitamin K2 deficiency and dpucMGP with muscle mass is not well understood. We therefore aimed to examine the association of vitamin K2 deficiency and dpucMGP with skeletal muscle mass in patients with hypertension.

Methods

We studied 155 hypertensive adults without heart failure. Axial skeletal muscle mass was measured using magnetic resonance imaging from axial steady-state free precession images. DpucMGP was measured with ELISA. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) was measured from high-fidelity arterial tonometry recordings.

Results

We found an inverse relationship between dpucMGP levels and axial muscle mass, with progressively rising dpucMGP levels correlating with decreasing axial muscle mass. In an unadjusted linear regression model, correlates of dpucMGP included axial skeletal muscle area factor (β = −0.32; P < 0.0001) and CF-PWV (β = 0.31; P = 0.0008). In adjusted analyses, independent correlates of dpucMGP included axial skeletal muscle area factor (β = −0.30; P = 0.0003) and CF-PWV (β = 0.20; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

In hypertensive adults, dpucMGP is independently associated with lower axial muscle mass, in addition to increased large artery stiffness. Further studies are required to investigate the role of vitamin K supplementation in this population.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches using gene expression and variant data for personalized medicine
Authors: Vadapalli Sreya , Abdelhalim Habiba , Zeeshan Saman , Ahmed Zeeshan
Published: April 2022

Precision medicine uses genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors to more accurately diagnose and treat disease in specific groups of patients, and it is considered one of the most promising medical efforts of our time. The use of genetics is arguably the most data-rich and complex components of precision medicine. The grand challenge today is the successful assimilation of genetics into precision medicine that translates across different ancestries, diverse diseases and other distinct populations, which will require clever use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. Our goal here was to review and compare scientific objectives, methodologies, datasets, data sources, ethics and gaps of AI/ML approaches used in genomics and precision medicine. We selected high-quality literature published within the last 5 years that were indexed and available through PubMed Central. Our scope was narrowed to articles that reported application of AI/ML algorithms for statistical and predictive analyses using whole genome and/or whole exome sequencing for gene variants, and RNA-seq and microarrays for gene expression. We did not limit our search to specific diseases or data sources. Based on the scope of our review and comparative analysis criteria, we identified 32 different AI/ML approaches applied in variable genomics studies and report widely adapted AI/ML algorithms for predictive diagnostics across several diseases.
Rethinking Perceptions of Crime and Safety in Rural and Remote Communities
Authors: David Jean-Denis
Published: April 2022

This article examines variations in people’s perceptions of crime and safety across urban, rural and remote communities, with relative geographical isolation as the defining feature of rurality. Using data from a 2014 representative survey of the Canadian population, our findings suggest that these perceptions are much more nuanced than previously considered. While they tend to be more favourable in rural areas than urban areas, citizen perceptions begin to deteriorate with the relative geographical isolation of communities. In the country’s most remote regions, these perceptions are estimated to be even poorer than in urban areas. In sum, rural and remote communities are not the idealized settings so often portrayed in public and academic work.
Free-water imaging of the cholinergic basal forebrain and pedunculopontine nucleus in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ray Nicola J , Lawson Rachael A , Martin Sarah L , Sigurdsson Hilmar P , Wilson Joanna , Galna Brook , Lord Sue , Alcock Lisa , Duncan Gordon W , Khoo Tien K , O’Brien John T , Burn David J , Taylor John-Paul , Rea River C , Bergamino Maurizio , Rochester Lynn , Yarnall Alison J
Published: April 2022

Free-water imaging can predict and monitor dopamine system degeneration in people with Parkinson’s disease. It can also enhance the sensitivity of traditional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics for indexing neurodegeneration. However, these tools are yet to be applied to investigate cholinergic system degeneration in Parkinson’s disease, which involves both the pedunculopontine nucleus and cholinergic basal forebrain.

Free-water imaging, free-water-corrected DTI and volumetry were used to extract structural metrics from the cholinergic basal forebrain and pedunculopontine nucleus in 99 people with Parkinson’s disease and 46 age-matched controls. Cognitive ability was tracked over 4.5 years.

Pearson’s partial correlations revealed that free-water-corrected DTI metrics in the pedunculopontine nucleus were associated with performance on cognitive tasks that required participants to make rapid choices (behavioural flexibility). Volumetric, free-water content and DTI metrics in the cholinergic basal forebrain were elevated in a sub-group of people with Parkinson’s disease with evidence of cognitive impairment, and linear mixed modelling revealed that these metrics were differently associated with current and future changes to cognition.

Free water and free-water-corrected DTI can index cholinergic degeneration that could enable stratification of patients in clinical trials of cholinergic interventions for cognitive decline. In addition, degeneration of the pedunculopontine nucleus impairs behavioural flexibility in Parkinson’s disease, which may explain this region’s role in increased risk of falls.
Tau protein quantification in skin biopsies differentiates tauopathies from alpha-synucleinopathies
Authors: Vacchi Elena , Lazzarini Edoardo , Pinton Sandra , Chiaro Giacomo , Disanto Giulio , Marchi Francesco , Robert Thomas , Staedler Claudio , Galati Salvatore , Gobbi Claudio , Barile Lucio , Kaelin-Lang Alain , Melli Giorgia
Published: April 2022

Abnormal accumulation of microtubule-associated protein tau (τ) is a characteristic feature of atypical parkinsonisms with tauopathies, such as progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. However, pathological τ has also been observed in α-synucleinopathies like Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy. Based on the involvement of the peripheral nervous system in several neurodegenerative diseases, we characterized and compared τ expression in skin biopsies of patients clinically diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration and in healthy control subjects.

In all groups, τ protein was detected along both somatosensory and autonomic nerve fibres in the epidermis and dermis by immunofluorescence. We found by western blot the presence of mainly two different bands at 55 and 70 kDa, co-migrating with 0N4R/1N3R and 2N4R isoforms, respectively. At the RNA level, the main transcript variants were 2N and 4R, and both were more expressed in progressive supranuclear palsy/corticobasal degeneration by real-time PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated significantly higher levels of total τ protein in skin lysates of progressive supranuclear palsy/corticobasal degeneration compared to the other groups. Multivariate regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis of τ amount at both sites showed a clinical association with tauopathies diagnosis and high diagnostic value for progressive supranuclear palsy/corticobasal degeneration versus Parkinson’s disease (sensitivity 90%, specificity 69%) and progressive supranuclear palsy/corticobasal degeneration versus multiple system atrophy (sensitivity 90%, specificity 86%). τ protein increase correlated with cognitive impairment in progressive supranuclear palsy/corticobasal degeneration.

This study is a comprehensive characterization of τ in the human cutaneous peripheral nervous system in physiological and pathological conditions. The differential expression of τ, both at transcript and protein levels, suggests that skin biopsy, an easily accessible and minimally invasive exam, can help in discriminating among different neurodegenerative diseases.
And I’m feeling good: effect of emotional sweat and perfume on others’ physiology, verbal responses, and creativity
Authors: Richard Ortegón Stéphane , Fournel Arnaud , Carlos Olivia , Kawabata Duncan Keith , Hirabayashi Kazue , Tagai Keiko , Abriat Anne , Bensafi Moustafa , Race Bénédicte , Ferdenzi Camille
Published: April 2022

Emotions can be communicated in social contexts through chemosignals contained in human body odors. The transmission of positive emotions via these signals has received little interest in past research focused mainly on negative emotional transmission. Furthermore, how the use of perfumed products might modulate this transmission remains poorly understood. To investigate human positive chemical communication, we explored the autonomic, verbal, and behavioral responses of receivers exposed to body odors of donors having undergone a within-subject positive or neutral mood induction procedure. These responses were compared with those obtained after exposure to the same body odors with added fragrance. Our findings suggest that positive emotions can be transmitted through body odor. They not only induced modifications at the physiological (heart rate) and verbal levels (perceived intensity and familiarity) but also at the behavioral level, with an improved performance on creativity tasks. Perfume did not modulate the physiological effects and had a synergistic effect on the positive body odor ratings (increased perceived differences between the neutral and positive body odor).
Increased LDL-cholesterol level is associated with deterioration of renal function in males
Authors: Osanami Arata , Tanaka Marenao , Furuhashi Masato , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Hanawa Nagisa , Yamashita Tomohisa , Moniwa Norihito , Miura Tetsuji
Published: April 2022

Background

Relationships between levels of serum lipid fractions and the time course of renal function are discrepant in the literature. Here we examined this issue by analyses of healthy subjects in a cohort.

Methods

Of all subjects who received health examinations at Keijinkai Maruyama Clinic, Sapporo in 2006, subjects with hypertension, diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those taking medication for dyslipidemia were excluded and a total of 5586 subjects (male/female: 3563/2023, mean age: 43 ± 8 years) were followed for 10 years.

Results

Linear mixed effect models showed that baseline low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level was negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the 10-year follow-up period after adjustment for confounders. Interactions between the follow-up year and baseline level of LDL-C or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) for eGFR values during the follow-up period were significant in males but not in females. There were no significant interactions for eGFR between the follow-up year and baseline levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, or HDL-C/triglycerides ratio. During the follow-up period, 346 males and 223 females developed CKD. When male subjects were divided into subgroups according to tertiles of baseline levels of LDL-C, the adjusted risk for CKD in the third tertial group was significantly higher than that in the first tertile group as a reference [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.39 (1.02–1.90), P = .035]. Such a difference was not observed for LDL-C tertiles in females or HDL-C tertiles in both sexes.

Conclusions

A high LDL-C level may be a risk factor for new-onset CKD in apparently healthy males.
Impact of Cannabis Use on Inpatient Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes in 2 States Legalizing Recreational Cannabis
Authors: Pusateri Antoinette , Anaizi Ahmad , Nemer Laura , Hinton Alice , Lara Luis , Afzali Anita
Published: April 2022

Background

We evaluated the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on use and inpatient outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Hospitalized adult patients in Colorado and Washington before (2011) and after (2015) recreational cannabis legalization were compared by chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Multivariable regression models adjusting for demographic data were fit to assess the association of cannabis use with hospital outcomes.

Results

Reported cannabis use increased after legalization (1.2% vs 4.2%, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, in 2011, cannabis users were less likely to need total parenteral nutrition (odds ratio 0.12, P = .038), and in 2015 had less hospital charges ($−8418, P = .024).

Conclusions

The impact of cannabis legalization and use on IBD is difficult to analyze but may have implications on inpatient IBD outcomes as described in this retrospective analysis. Large, prospective studies are needed to evaluate other IBD outcomes based on cannabis legalization and use.
Association between BNT162b2 or CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccines and major adverse cardiovascular events among individuals with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Ye Xuxiao , Ma Tiantian , Blais Joseph E , Yan Vincent K C , Kang Wei , Chui Celine S L , Lai Francisco T T , Li Xue , Wan Eric Y F , Wong Carlos K H , Tse Hung Fat , Siu Chung Wah , Wong Ian C K , Chan Esther W
Published: April 2022

Aims

Concern about the cardiovascular safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) may lead to vaccine hesitancy. We sought to assess the association between two COVID-19 vaccines, BNT162b2 and CoronaVac, and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with established CVD.

Methods and results

We identified individuals with a history of CVD before 23 February 2021 and a diagnosis of MACE between 23 February 2021 and 31 January 2022 in Hong Kong. MACE was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, and cardiovascular death. Electronic health records from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority were linked to vaccination records from the Department of Health. A self-controlled case-series method was used to evaluate the risk of MACE for 0–13 and 14–27 days after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) to compare the risk of MACE between each risk period and the baseline period. A total of 229 235 individuals with CVD were identified, of which 1764 were vaccinated and had a diagnosis of MACE during the observation period (BNT162b2 = 662; CoronaVac = 1102). For BNT162b2, IRRs were 0.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23–1.02] for the first dose and 0.87 (95% CI 0.50–1.52) for the second dose during the 0–13 days risk period, 0.40 (95% CI 0.18–0.93) for the first dose and 1.13 (95% CI 0.70–1.84) for the second dose during the 14–27 days risk period. For CoronaVac, the IRRs were 0.43 (95% CI 0.24–0.75) for the first dose and, 0.73 (95% CI 0.46–1.16) for the second dose during the 0–13 days risk period, 0.54 (95% CI 0.33–0.90) for the first dose and 0.83 (95% CI 0.54–1.29) for the second dose during the 14–27 days risk period. Consistent results were found in subgroup analyses for different sexes, age groups and different underlying cardiovascular conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings showed no evidence of an increased risk of MACE after vaccination with BNT162b2 or CoronaVac in patients with CVD. Future research is required to monitor the risk after the third dose of each vaccine.
Standardized papillary muscle relocation for type IIIb secondary mitral regurgitation improves 2-year outcome
Authors: Pausch Jonas , Sequeira Gross Tatiana M , Bhadra Oliver D , Hua Xiaoqin , Müller Lisa , Conradi Lenard , Reichenspurner Hermann , Girdauskas Evaldas
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES

The major drawback of isolated annuloplasty for treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) with restricted leaflet motion during systole (type IIIb) is the recurrence of SMR, leading to adverse clinical outcome. Additional papillary muscle relocation (PMR) specifically addresses leaflet tethering to restore mitral valve geometry. We aimed to compare the 2-year outcome of annuloplasty with additional PMR vs isolated annuloplasty.

METHODS

A total of 105 consecutive type IIIb SMR patients with preoperative left ventricular (LV) ejection faction <45%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter >55 mm and a tenting height >10 mm reached 2-year postoperative follow-up after mitral valve repair and were included in the current analysis. A total of 51 patients underwent annuloplasty and additional PMR (study group). A total of 54 patients underwent isolated annuloplasty (control group). Primary composite study end point comprised death or recurrence of mitral regurgitation ≥2 at 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Echocardiographic baseline variables indicating the severity of LV dysfunction and mitral leaflet tethering were similar. Procedural and periprocedural outcome was comparable in both groups. The primary composite end point was significantly improved in the study group (19.6% [10/51]) in comparison to the control group (44.4% [24/54]; P = 0.009). Two-year all-cause mortality was 7.8% [4/51] in the study group vs 18.5% [10/54] in the control group (P = 0.098). After 2 years, a significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class as compared to the baseline values was observed in the study group.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional PMR to treat SMR type IIIb resulted in an improved 2-year outcome in comparison to isolated annuloplasty. PMR specifically addressing mitral leaflet tethering represents a valid therapeutic option for heart failure patients with SMR type IIIb.
The Crisis of COVID-19 and the Political Economy of China's Vaccine Diplomacy
Authors: Chen Ian Tsung-yen
Published: April 2022

As the global shortage of Western vaccines persisted during the COVID-19 crisis, many severely affected countries become more susceptible to China's vaccine diplomacy, which involves trading vaccines for political concessions. The main focus of this article is to identify the factors that make China's vaccine diplomacy more effective. Using a mixed method, this study finds that political factors matter more than the severity of the health crisis. Countries are more likely to welcome China's vaccines if they enjoy higher geopolitical affinity with China, receive more Belt and Road Initiative investments, have no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and are more authoritarian. No strong evidence can be found that the factor of crisis level is significant. This study also finds that China's donations of vaccines are less politically discriminatory than its sales. They can be used to bring countries closer into China's political orbit during the crisis.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.)pho2mutant plants hyperaccumulate phosphate
Authors: Miller Susan S , Dornbusch Melinda R , Farmer Andrew D , Huertas Raul , Gutierrez-Gonzalez Juan J , Young Nevin D , Samac Deborah A , Curtin Shaun J
Published: April 2022

In this article, we describe a set of novel alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants that hyper-accumulate Phosphate ion (Pi) at levels 3- to 6-fold higher than wild-type. This alfalfa germplasm will have practical applications reclaiming Pi from contaminated or enriched soil or be used in conservation buffer strips to protect waterways from Pi run-off. Hyper-accumulating alfalfa plants were generated by targeted mutagenesis of PHOSPHATE2 (PHO2) using newly created CRISPR/Cas9 reagents and an improved mutant screening strategy. PHO2 encodes a ubiquitin conjugating E2 enzyme (UBC24) previously characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula, and Oryza sativa. Mutations of PHO2 disrupt Pi homeostasis resulting in Pi hyper-accumulation. Successful CRISPR/Cas9 editing of PHO2 demonstrates that this is an efficient mutagenesis tool in alfalfa despite its complex autotetraploid genome structure. Arabidopsis and M. truncatula ortholog genes were used to identify PHO2 haplotypes in outcrossing tetraploid M. sativa with the aim of generating heritable mutations in both PHO2-like genes (PHO2-B and PHO2-C). After delivery of the reagent and regeneration from transformed leaf explants, plants with mutations in all haplotypes of PHO2-B and PHO2-C were identified. These plants were evaluated for morphology, Pi accumulation, heritable transmission of targeted mutations, segregation of mutant haplotypes and removal of T-DNA(s). The Agrobacterium-mediated transformation assay and gene editing reagents reported here were also evaluated for further optimization for future alfalfa functional genomic studies.
From Single-Player Games to Metaverse: A Futuristic Analysis of Challenging Legal Issues in the Video Game Industry in China
Authors: He Tianxiang
Published: April 2022

The video game industry in China is developing rapidly, and as the technologies behind games evolve many legal problems have arisen. This paper provides a detailed account of the legal problems related to legal determination of virtual objects, game modding, cloning, cracking, webcasting and machinima. It points out that the current trend in both court judgments and scholarship is to focus merely on addressing specific problems through the lens of application of the current laws lacks a holistic and futuristic perspective that needs to be considered in conjunction with the future trends in the development of the games industry. This paper suggests that we must watch game developments carefully and assess the potential impact of related legislative moves and legal decisions. The paper concludes that the disruptive power of new technologies will be better regulated by a network of regulatory tools rather than law alone.