bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subseasonal reversals of winter surface air temperature in mid-latitude Asia and the roles of westward-shift NAO
Authors: Song Xiaolei , Yin Zhicong , Zhang Yijia
Published: January 2023

Reversals of surface air temperature anomalies over mid-latitude Asia (SATMA) have become more frequent. Six winters have been reversed over the last decade, which had serious negative consequences for agricultural production, ecological systems, and human health. This subseasonal reversal can be observed in the second mode of season-reliant empirical orthogonal function analysis, showing a persistent opposite anomaly between early and late winter. The difference in SATMA between early and late winter exceeds 3 °C when the reversal occurs. At the time of the reversal, the North Atlantic jet stream extends eastward in early winter and recedes westward in late winter. The main influencing system changes from the Scandinavia teleconnection to the Ural blocking high, accompanied by a change from strong southerly to northerly winds. These factors jointly lead to the reversal of SATMA between early and late winter. More importantly, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has been shown to affect SATMA variability in a variety of different ways. Changes in SATMA are influenced not only by the intensity of the NAO, but also by its spatial distribution. When the southern center of the NAO shifts westward and is located over the North Atlantic, atmospheric circulation and SATMA in early and late winter show similar changes to those seen in SATMA reversal winters. In contrast, when the NAO southern center shifts eastward and is located over Western Europe, persistent anomalies are observed in atmospheric circulation and SATMA throughout the winter. Therefore, when studying the relationship between SATMA and the NAO, attention should be paid to the different responses of SATMA to the spatial distribution of the NAO at subseasonal timescales.
Comment on ‘The operational foundations of PT-symmetric and quasi-Hermitian quantum theory’
Authors: Znojil Miloslav
Published: January 2023

In Alase et al (2022 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor.
55 244003), Alase et al wrote that ‘the constraint of quasi-Hermiticity on observables’ is not ‘sufficient to extend the standard quantum theory’ because ‘such a system is equivalent to a standard quantum system.’ Three addenda elucidating the current state of the art are found necessary. The first one concerns the project: in the related literature the original ‘aim of extending standard quantum theory’ has already been abandoned shortly after its formulation. The second comment concerns the method, viz., the study in ‘the framework of general probabilistic theories’ (GPT). It is noticed that a few other, mathematically consistent GPT-like theories are available. The authors do not mention, in particular, the progress achieved, under the quasi-Hermiticity constraint, in the approach using the effect algebras. We add that this approach already found its advanced realistic applications in the quasi-Hermitian models using the unbounded operators of observables acting in the infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces. Thirdly, the ‘intriguing open question’ about ‘what possible constraints, if any, could lead to such a meaningful extension’ (in the future) is given an immediate tentative answer: the possibility is advocated that the desirable constraint could really be just the quasi-Hermiticity of the observables, provided only that one has in mind its recently developed non-stationary version.
A review on electronic nose for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response in lung cancer
Authors: Vadala Rohit , Pattnaik Bijay , Bangaru Sunil , Rai Divyanjali , Tak Jaya , Kashyap Seetu , Verma Umashankar , Yadav Geetika , Dhaliwal RS , Mittal Saurabh , Hadda Vijay , Madan Karan , Guleria Randeep , Agrawal Anurag , Mohan Anant
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer is one of the common malignancies with high mortality rate and a poor prognosis. Most lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage either due to limited resources of infrastructure, trained human resources, or delay in clinical suspicion. Low-dose computed tomography has emerged as a screening tool for lung cancer detection but this may not be a feasible option for most developing countries. Electronic nose is a unique non-invasive device that has been developed for lung cancer diagnosis and monitoring response by exhaled breath analysis of volatile organic compounds. The breath-print have been shown to differ not only among lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, but also between various types of lung cancer. Hence, we postulate that the breath-print analysis by electronic nose could be a potential biomarker for the early detection of lung cancer along with monitoring treatment response in a resource-limited setting. In this review, we have consolidated the current published literature suggesting the use of an electronic nose in the diagnosis and monitoring treatment response of lung cancer.
SMART materials & systems: has embracing uncertainty become vital to commercialisation?
Authors: O’Mahony M
Published: January 2023

As humans we have a tendency to seek to confirm data and to avoid disconfirming data. COVID-19 that has thrown plans large and small into disarray, but well before then, the pace of change was already challenging the ability of SMART materials and systems to achieve full scalable commercialisation. While plans may not be feasible, what is possible and indeed necessary is planning. In this presentation I will present a toolkit that takes account of and even embraces uncertainty as a planning method directed at a more effective route for commercialisation and market growth.
Bending Properties of Fiber Composite Dilatant Compound
Authors: Kobayashi Shunichi , Nitta Taiki , Kobayashi Takumi
Published: January 2023

We have developed a viscoelastic-plastic dilatant compound, whose stiffness increases with increasing deformation rate, as a matrix material, and a "fiber composite dilatant compound" to which fibers have been added. In this study, three-point bending flexural tests were conducted to clarify the mechanical properties of the material. The results showed that the bending load increased when the fibers were oriented in the bending direction. It was also found that, under constant fiber content, lengthening the fibers and increasing the number of fibers by decreasing their diameter contributed to the increase in bending load.
The effect of laminate sequences on tuft bridging in GFRP laminates under tensile loading
Authors: Marzdashti S , Joncas S
Published: January 2023

This conference paper reports the tuft bridging behaviour of a single tuft when used in an orthotropic or a quasi-isotropic laminate. Laminates are subjected to pull-out experiments with a full release film placed in the mid-layer of laminates. The force-separation diagrams and damaged samples obtained by tensile tests are analysed to compare two different laminate. The results show that the larger amount of resin present around the tuft in orthotropic laminate reduces by 60% the ultimate tensile strength of the tuft when compared to quasi-isotropic laminates. The tuft tends to fail in the mid-layer of quasi-isotropic laminate with no pull-out, while the tuft has a bit pulling out in orthotropic laminate, causing an increase in the fracture energy.
Morphological study on composite materials developed through reinforcing natural and synthetic woven fabrics from glass and hemp
Authors: Faridul Hasan K. M. , Török György , Ali Tahir Chenar , Horváth Péter György , Bak Miklós , Alpár Tibor
Published: January 2023

The composites made of natural and synthetic fiber reinforced materials are getting attentions continuously for different engineering applications. Previously, only synthetic fibers were considered for the reinforcement materials due to their superior mechanical properties. However, with the span of time natural fibers are also gaining popularity for their sustainable features. However, the pretreatment of fiber materials could enhance the thermomechanical performances through improving the fiber to matrix interfaces. In this regard, a comparative study is conducted between the synthetic glass and natural hemp woven fabrics to investigate their morphological (before and after the tensile loads) properties. Furthermore, the mechanical tensile properties (tensile and flexural) also shown improved mechanical performances of the products. Glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite shown 79 (1.8) MPa tensile strength, whereas the hemp fibers reinforced composites only provided 39 (1.5) MPa. In case of flexural characteristics, glass fibers also showing better strength by 196 (32.8) MPa than that of hemp 48 (3.5). Thermal stability of the products was also tested using TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis)/DTG (Derivative thermogravimetry) analysis and found that glass fiber reinforced composites have better stability than that of hemp. The results obtained from the developed composite materials clearly reflects the significant differences between the two types of woven fabrics.
Biodegradation properties of natural fibers for agro textile nonwovens production
Authors: Brunsek R , Jugov N , Marasovic P , Mioč A
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate biodegradation properties of PLA (as a bio-based polymer), Hemp, Jute (as natural bast fibers) and Viscose (as a cellulose regenerates) for agrotextile nonwovens production. For the purpose of those investigations, an analysis of the biodegradation time of samples were performed by soil burial test (ISO 11721 – Textiles – Determination of resistance of cellulose-containing textiles to microorganisms – Soil burial test) conducted under controlled conditions in laboratory and under real weather conditions. The samples were exposed in the soil for 4, 7, 9 and 11 days. An analysis of mass loss and changes in their mechanical properties, compared to unexposed samples, were determined.
Novel lyocell fibre from Alberta-grown hemp
Authors: Degenstein L M , King D , Lawson L , Chute W , Dolez P I
Published: January 2023

Lyocell is a man-made, regenerated cellulosic fibre developed through cellulose dissolution in non-derivative solvents. Hemp offers a preferential source of cellulose for lyocell production as it is considered an environmentally friendly agricultural crop, requiring less water, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides than other crops and sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. There are currently no Canadian sources of domestically manufactured lyocell filament or staple fibres. Our goal is to manufacture 100% lyocell fibre and to demonstrate techniques for pulping and solution-spinning hemp-based lyocell fibre. Utilizing both the bast and hurd of the hemp plant allows for the creation of many different fibre densities with varying properties while contributing to whole plant utilization and Canadian industry creation and expansion.
Multifilaments based on partially miscible polymers blend filled with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Regnier J , Cloarec C , Cayla A , Campagne C , Devaux E
Published: January 2023

Many textile fields, such as industrial structures or clothing, use the electrical conductivity variation of yarns to detect fluid leakage. Such yarns can be developed by melt spinning conductive polymer composites (CPC). CPC filaments are composed of a polymer’s matrix which is blended with sufficient quantity of electrically conductive fillers to make the filament conductive. To combine properties or improve the compounds preparation, more and more studies are investigating different polymers blends. In this study, CPC monofilaments and multifilaments are developed and characterized to observe the formulation influence on spinnability and the implementation process on the water detection. Two principles of water detection are studied on the CPC which is composed of a blend of partially miscible polymers (polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)) filled with carbon nanotubes (CNT). The principle of absorption is based on the electrical conductivity variation of the filament in contact with water. For the short circuit principle, the presence of the liquid is detected when the water creates a conductive path between two filaments in parallel.
High-Speed Imaging Analysis of Laminated Fabric Tearing Behaviour
Authors: Munevar-Ortiz Laura , Nychka John A. , Dolez Patricia I.
Published: January 2023

Laminated fabrics are widely used in diverse industries because of their ability to adapt to many different functions. Understanding their tear force behaviour is critical to evaluate their serviceability. The tearing behaviour of laminated fabrics can be examined using high-speed imaging and analyzed using image analysis techniques. This technique is an attractive tool to elucidate the tearing behaviour of laminated fabrics. Through high-speed imaging it is possible to observe the tearing process on the fabric (e.g., yarns bearing the load before failure, yarn breaking behaviour) and membrane (e.g., pop-in crack length, crack propagation, formation of wrinkles, thinning) sides of the laminated fabrics to understand the tearing behaviour. In addition, this technique helps quantify different phenomena such as the membrane pop-in crack length, and crack wake bridging width by yarns. High-speed imaging analysis is a promising technique to visualize the tear phenomena in laminated fabrics.
MWCNTs polymer nanocomposite with enhanced thermomechanical properties and electrical insulation for effective encapsulation
Authors: Kumar Shambhu , Singh Akhilendra , Tiwari Mayank
Published: January 2023

This study presents the effect of the variation in weight fraction of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in polymer with the objective of enhancing the thermo-mechanical properties along with the electrical insulating properties. Polymer multi-walled nanocomposites (PMWCNC) and MWCNTs/Al2O3 bi-layer nanocomposites were prepared by solution mixing method with ultrasonication and magnetic stirring, then molded in vertical sandwich molds, made of acrylic and aluminum sheet as per ASTM standards. The tensile strength of PMWCNC was enhanced by 32%, 23%, 15%, and 5% compared to unmodified epoxy with the incorporation of 1 wt%, 0.75 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 0.25 wt% of MWCNTs. The dispersion morphology of MWCNTs in epoxy was observed with field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) investigation found that increasing the weight percentage of MWCNTs resulted in improved thermal stability. The enhanced electrical conductivity of PMWCNC caused by the addition of MWCNTs was countered through the deposition of a thin film layer of alumina-filled polymer nanocomposite on the top surface of PMWCNC to retain the electrical insulation properties. The representative volume element (RVE) technique was employed to predict the effective modulus of nanocomposite based on the various constituent properties, weight fractions and interfacial behavior between MWCNTs and epoxy with the help of finite element analysis. Additionally, Modified Mori-Tanaka (MMT) micromechanics scheme was used to find the effective elastic modulus of the nanocomposite with the help of the MATLAB code. The elastoplastic behavior of polymer nanocomposites was also simulated in ANSYS APDL through the Voce model. The enhanced thermomechanical properties while retaining the electrical insulation properties suggest that the MWCNTs-based polymer would make the electronic chip more reliable.
Synthesis of AgInS2-ZnS quantum dot/TiO2 nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for methylene blue degradation
Authors: Lushaba Nomfundo Ruth , Parani Sundararajan , Maluleke Rodney , Mbaz Gracia It Mwad , Oluwafemi Oluwatobi Samuel
Published: January 2023

Photocatalytic degradation has been demonstrated to be an efficient and eco-friendly method for the removal of dye pollutants. Herein, we report the synergetic effect of glutathione (GSH)-capped AgInS2-ZnS (AIS-ZnS) core–shell quantum dots (QDs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a novel nanocomposite for the efficient photocatalytic treatment of methylene blue (MB). The AIS-ZnS core–shell QDs and the corresponding QD/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized directly in an aqueous medium followed by annealing. The optical properties of the AIS-ZnS core–shell QDs showed strong yellow photoluminescence, which decreased gradually with the addition of TiO2. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the GSH capping on the QDs and nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed the nanocrystalline nature and shape of the as-synthesized materials and showed the integration of the QDs (3.9 nm) on the TiO2 particles after annealing. These materials were then investigated as a photocatalyst for MB degradation using visible light irradiation. The effect of TiO2 content in the catalyst, calcination, photoirradiation period, catalyst dose, and initial MB concentration on photodegradation of MB was studied. The results indicated that the AIS-ZnS QD/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited better photodegradation performance compared to AIS-ZnS QDs and TiO2. The increasing TiO2 concentration in the nanocomposite also enhanced MB degradation efficiency (up to 99%). The kinetics of MB degradation follows a pseudo-first-order process. The prepared AIS-ZnS QD/TiO2 nanocomposite would serve as an effective and eco-friendly photocatalyst for MB degradation.
Reinforcing critical links for robust network logistics: A centrality measure for substitutability
Authors: Ezaki Takahiro , Imura Naoto , Nishinari Katsuhiro
Published: January 2023

Logistics networks are becoming more complex and interconnected. Guaranteeing the performance of the entire system when a part of the network is disrupted (e.g. due to excessive demands and extreme weather conditions) is one of the important issues. However, how much transportation resources should be allocated to which part of the network while maintaining efficiency is an open question. In this paper, we propose a novel metric, the substitutability centrality, which quantifies how much each transport link in the network contributes to the robustness of the system against disruptions. This metric is compelling in the following aspects: (1) it is intuitively interpretable; (2) it does not require simulation or optimization calculations; and (3) it takes into account changes in transportation routes of delivery due to disruptions. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, we demonstrate a simple case study, in which capacity allocation based on the proposed metric can maintain high performance of the system against various types of disruptions. We also found that this approach might not be effective for further increasing the robustness of networks that have many bypass routes.
SWEET: a single-sample network inference method for deciphering individual features in disease
Authors: Chen Hsin-Hua , Hsueh Chun-Wei , Lee Chia-Hwa , Hao Ting-Yi , Tu Tzu-Ying , Chang Lan-Yun , Lee Jih-Chin , Lin Chun-Yu
Published: January 2023

Recently, extracting inherent biological system information (e.g. cellular networks) from genome-wide expression profiles for developing personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies has become increasingly important. However, accurately constructing single-sample networks (SINs) to capture individual characteristics and heterogeneity in disease remains challenging. Here, we propose a sample-specific-weighted correlation network (SWEET) method to model SINs by integrating the genome-wide sample-to-sample correlation (i.e. sample weights) with the differential network between perturbed and aggregate networks. For a group of samples, the genome-wide sample weights can be assessed without prior knowledge of intrinsic subpopulations to address the network edge number bias caused by sample size differences. Compared with the state-of-the-art SIN inference methods, the SWEET SINs in 16 cancers more likely fit the scale-free property, display higher overlap with the human interactomes and perform better in identifying three types of cancer-related genes. Moreover, integrating SWEET SINs with a network proximity measure facilitates characterizing individual features and therapy in diseases, such as somatic mutation, mut-driver and essential genes. Biological experiments further validated two candidate repurposable drugs, albendazole for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and encorafenib for HNSCC. By applying SWEET, we also identified two possible LUAD subtypes that exhibit distinct clinical features and molecular mechanisms. Overall, the SWEET method complements current SIN inference and analysis methods and presents a view of biological systems at the network level to offer numerous clues for further investigation and clinical translation in network medicine and precision medicine.
Autophagy in the pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Gong Yunquan , Li Song , Wu Jinghui , Zhang Tongyi , Fang Shunzheng , Feng Daibo , Luo Xiaoqing , Yuan Jing , Wu Yaran , Yan Xiaojing , Zhang Yan , Zhu Jun , Wu Jiangyi , Lian Jiqin , Xiang Wei , Ni Zhenhong
Published: January 2023

Autophagy, as a fundamental mechanism for cellular homeostasis, is generally involved in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease that often leads to pain, disability and economic loss in patients. Post-traumatic OA (PTOA) is a subtype of OA, accounting for >12% of the overall burden of OA. PTOA is often caused by joint injuries including anterior cruciate ligament rupture, meniscus tear and intra-articular fracture. Although a variety of methods have been developed to treat acute joint injury, the current measures have limited success in effectively reducing the incidence and delaying the progression of PTOA. Therefore, the pathogenesis and intervention strategy of PTOA need further study. In the past decade, the roles and mechanisms of autophagy in PTOA have aroused great interest in the field. It was revealed that autophagy could maintain the homeostasis of chondrocytes, reduce joint inflammatory level, prevent chondrocyte death and matrix degradation, which accordingly improved joint symptoms and delayed the progression of PTOA. Moreover, many strategies that target PTOA have been revealed to promote autophagy. In this review,  we summarize the roles and mechanisms of autophagy in PTOA and the current strategies for PTOA treatment that depend on autophagy regulation, which may be beneficial for PTOA patients in the future.
Structural analysis of water networks
Authors: Benzi Michele , Daidone Isabella , Faccio Chiara , Zanetti-Polzi Laura
Published: January 2023

Liquid water, besides being fundamental for life on Earth, has long fascinated scientists due to several anomalies. Different hypotheses have been put forward to explain these peculiarities. The most accredited one foresees the presence in the supercooled region of two phases at different densities: the low-density liquid phase and the high-density liquid phase. In our previous work [Faccio et al. (2022), J. Mol. Liq., 355, 118922], we showed that it is possible to identify these two forms in water networks through a computational approach based on molecular dynamics simulation and on the calculation of the total communicability of the associated graph, in which the nodes correspond to water molecules and the edges represent the connections (interactions) between molecules. In this article, we present a more in-depth investigation of the application of graph-theory based approaches to the analysis of the structure of water networks. In particular, we investigate different connectivity and centrality measures and we report on the use of a variety of global metrics aimed at giving a topological and geometrical characterization of liquid water.
Strain-minimizing hyperbolic network embeddings with landmarks
Authors: Keller-Ressel Martin , Nargang Stephanie
Published: January 2023

We introduce L-hydra (landmarked hyperbolic distance recovery and approximation), a method for embedding network- or distance-based data into hyperbolic space, which requires only the distance measurements to a few ‘landmark nodes’. This landmark heuristic makes L-hydra applicable to large-scale graphs and improves upon previously introduced methods. As a mathematical justification, we show that a point configuration in $d$-dimensional hyperbolic space can be perfectly recovered (up to isometry) from distance measurements to just $d+1$ landmarks. We also show that L-hydra solves a two-stage strain-minimization problem, similar to our previous (unlandmarked) method ‘hydra’. Testing on real network data, we show that L-hydra is an order of magnitude faster than the existing hyperbolic embedding methods and scales linearly in the number of nodes. While the embedding error of L-hydra is higher than the error of the existing methods, we introduce an extension, L-hydra+, which outperforms the existing methods in both runtime and embedding quality.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Increases Cardiovascular Risk in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Kablawi Dana , Aljohani Faisal , Palumbo Chiara Saroli , Restellini Sophie , Bitton Alain , Wild Gary , Afif Waqqas , Lakatos Peter L , Bessissow Talat , Sebastiani Giada
Published: January 2023

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease in the general population. Both conditions seem more frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to assess the effect of NAFLD and liver fibrosis on intermediate–high cardiovascular risk in IBD.

Methods

We prospectively included IBD patients undergoing a routine screening program for NAFLD by transient elastography (TE) with associated controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were defined as CAP ≥275 dB m−1 and liver stiffness measurement by TE ≥8 kPa, respectively. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimator and categorized as low if <5%, borderline if 5%–7.4%, intermediate if 7.5%–19.9%, and high if ≥20% or if previous cardiovascular event. Predictors of intermediate–high cardiovascular risk were investigated by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 405 patients with IBD included, 278 (68.6%), 23 (5.7%), 47 (11.6%), and 57 (14.1%) were categorized as at low, borderline, intermediate, and high ASCVD risk, respectively. NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were found in 129 (31.9%) and 35 (8.6%) patients, respectively. After adjusting for disease activity, significant liver fibrosis and body mass index, predictors of intermediate–high ASCVD risk were NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.97, 95% CI, 1.56–5.68), IBD duration (aOR 1.55 per 10 years, 95% CI, 1.22–1.97), and ulcerative colitis (aOR 2.32, 95% CI, 1.35–3.98).

Conclusions

Assessment of cardiovascular risk should be targeted in IBD patients with NAFLD, particularly if they have longer IBD duration and ulcerative colitis.
A test of the species confidence hypothesis in dusky damselfish
Authors: Overs Elle , Stump Sydney , Severino Isabel , Blumstein Daniel T
Published: January 2023

Visual cues are important in both interspecific and intraspecific communication. The species confidence hypothesis proposes that animals are more attracted to conspecific colors and repelled by colors, not on their bodies. Studies on terrestrial lizards and birds have tested the species confidence hypothesis and shown that conspecific colors elicit reduced antipredator behavior. To date, the species confidence hypothesis has not been tested in the marine environment, specifically on coral reefs where color communication is of vital importance. We addressed this knowledge gap by measuring flight initiation distance (the distance an individual moves away from an approaching threat) in dusky damselfish (Stegastes nigricans) in response to an approaching disc of 1 of 4 different color treatments: conspecific, blue, yellow, and black. If the species confidence hypothesis explained variation in damselfish flight initiation distance, then we expected individuals to tolerate closer approaches when approached by a conspecific color. In addition, we calculated the color difference between each stimulus and its corresponding background as a potential alternative explanation for flight responses. Damselfish tolerated the closest approach from the conspecific color stimulus; there were no significant differences between other colors and there was no support for the alternative color difference hypothesis. As with similar terrestrial studies, these results are relevant to ecotourists’ choice of swimsuit and wetsuit colors because color choice may modify natural antipredator behavior.
The year 2021 in the European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging Part II
Authors: Cosyns Bernard , Sade Leyla Elif , Gerber Bernhard L , Gimelli Alessia , Muraru Denisa , Maurer Gerald , Edvardsen Thor
Published: January 2023

The European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging was launched in 2012 and has during these years become one of the leading multimodality cardiovascular imaging journals. The journal is currently ranked as Number 19 among all cardiovascular journals. It has an impressive impact factor of 9.130. The most important studies published in our Journal from 2021 will be highlighted in two reports. Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease, while Part I of the review has focused on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging.
Role of temperature fluctuations and shocks during refrigeration on pork and salmon quality
Authors: Cui Haoxin , Karim Naymul , Jiang Feng , Hu Haimei , Chen Wei
Published: January 2023

Refrigeration is considered a prime technology for preserving meat products. Temperature alterations are commonly ignored by industry during refrigeration, which have impacts on product quality. Thus, we conducted research on pork loin and salmon fillets that were preserved for 0, 5, 9, 12, and 15 d, where different temperature fluctuations and shocks were established on 4 °C. Data revealed that several meat parameters such as total volatile basic nitrogen, total viable count, and lipid oxidation were significantly changed in the ±2 °C fluctuations group compared with the constant temperature group. Additionally, both the temperature fluctuations and shocks groups had accelerated myofibril protein degradation, while desmin expression and species richness/diversity of bacteria were significantly reduced in the ±2 °C fluctuations group compared with the constant temperature group. Briefly, temperature fluctuations and shocks accelerated the destruction of muscle structural integrity. Furthermore, both conditions accelerated meat spoilage by progressively expanding the water-loss channels, which can reduce meat edibility. This study provides a new theoretical basis for the proper use of refrigerated temperatures for storing meat products.
Isolation by distance in populations with power-law dispersal
Authors: Smith Tyler B , Weissman Daniel B
Published: January 2023

Limited dispersal of individuals between generations results in isolation by distance, in which individuals further apart in space tend to be less related. Classic models of isolation by distance assume that dispersal distances are drawn from a thin-tailed distribution and predict that the proportion of the genome that is identical by descent between a pair of individuals should decrease exponentially with the spatial separation between them. However, in many natural populations, individuals occasionally disperse over very long distances. In this work, we use mathematical analysis and coalescent simulations to study the effect of long-range (power-law) dispersal on patterns of isolation by distance. We find that it leads to power-law decay of identity-by-descent at large distances with the same exponent as dispersal. We also find that broad power-law dispersal produces another, shallow power-law decay of identity-by-descent at short distances. These results suggest that the distribution of long-range dispersal events could be estimated from sequencing large population samples taken from a wide range of spatial scales.
Highly Dynamic Gene Family Evolution Suggests Changing Roles forPONGenes Within Metazoa
Authors: Lucas Sarah A M , Graham Allie M , Presnell Jason S , Clark Nathan L
Published: January 2023

Change in gene family size has been shown to facilitate adaptation to different selective pressures. This includes gene duplication to increase dosage or diversification of enzymatic substrates and gene deletion due to relaxed selection. We recently found that the PON1 gene, an enzyme with arylesterase and lactonase activity, was lost repeatedly in different aquatic mammalian lineages, suggesting that the PON gene family is responsive to environmental change. We further investigated if these fluctuations in gene family size were restricted to mammals and approximately when this gene family was expanded within mammals. Using 112 metazoan protein models, we explored the evolutionary history of the PON family to characterize the dynamic evolution of this gene family. We found that there have been multiple, independent expansion events in tardigrades, cephalochordates, and echinoderms. In addition, there have been partial gene loss events in monotremes and sea cucumbers and what appears to be complete loss in arthropods, urochordates, platyhelminths, ctenophores, and placozoans. In addition, we show the mammalian expansion to three PON paralogs occurred in the ancestor of all mammals after the divergence of sauropsida but before the divergence of monotremes from therians. We also provide evidence of a novel PON expansion within the brushtail possum. In the face of repeated expansions and deletions in the context of changing environments, we suggest a range of selective pressures, including pathogen infection and mitigation of oxidative damage, are likely influencing the diversification of this dynamic gene family across metazoa.
Age, Resources, and Emotion Regulation Need in Daily-Life Emotional Contexts
Authors: Growney Claire M , Springstein Tabea , English Tammy
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The Strengths and Vulnerabilities Integration model (Charles, 2010) suggests older adults experience difficulty regulating emotions with high-arousal negative stimuli due to decreases in resources. We investigate relationships among age, physical and cognitive resources, emotional experience, and perceived emotion regulation (ER) needs.

Methods

Participants aged 25–85 (N = 290) completed assessments of cognitive ability and physical health. In an experience sampling procedure (6x per day for 10 days), participants reported their momentary emotion experience and perceived need to regulate their emotions.

Results

Regardless of arousal level, negative emotion was associated with higher ER need and positive emotion was associated with lower ER need. This pro-hedonic orientation was stronger among older adults and individuals with more cognitive resources. In contrast to predictions, older adults in poor physical health who experience high levels of high-arousal negative emotion on average reported lower ER need compared with younger adults in poor physical health. However, older adults with lower cognitive resources who experience high levels of high-arousal negative emotion on average reported higher ER need.

Discussion

Findings suggest that younger age and lower levels of cognitive ability are linked to less perceived need to regulate negative emotional states. Physical vulnerabilities also may dampen the perceived need for regulating high-arousal negative emotions, but only among older adults. Age-related shifts in resources and emotional goals may influence the likelihood that individuals are motivated to engage in ER, as well as the effectiveness of those efforts.
Evaluation of Microbiological Concordance of a Rapid Molecular Diagnostic Pneumonia Panel in a Real-World Population with Pneumonia
Authors: Larry Rachel C , Hoff Brian M , Bertram Christie M
Published: January 2023

Background

The Biofire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel (PN Panel) provides a more rapid and sensitive method of respiratory pathogen detection than standard culture. However, it is often unclear how to apply the results clinically, especially in the case of discordant culture results. We evaluated the concordance of bacterial organism and resistance gene identification between the PN Panel and standard culture methods in hospitalized patients with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia.

Methods

This single-center retrospective observational study of 274 inpatients assessed the positive predictive value (PPV) and described the prevalence of individual bacterial organism and resistance marker targets on the PN Panel.

Results

The overall PPV of the PN Panel in identifying bacteria was 70.1%, with individual organism PPV ranging from 50.0% to 90.9%. For resistance gene identification, the PN Panel’s PPV ranged from 46.2% for CTX-M to 68.4% for mecA/C and the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec element right extremity junction (MREJ), although resistance was uncommon. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial pathogen detected by the PN Panel (38.7%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.3%), and Haemophilus influenzae (12.0%).

Conclusions

The PN Panel detected more bacteria and resistance gene targets than standard culture methods. To optimize the use of this technology for both patient care and antimicrobial stewardship, results should be coupled with clinical assessment and clinician education.
Desirable traits for a good biocontrol agent against fire blight disease
Authors: Abdallah Dorra Ben , Frikha Yosra , Triki Mohamed Ali , Tounsi Slim , Frikha-Gargouri Olfa
Published: January 2023

Aims

This study aimed to improve the screening strategy for the selection of biocontrol agents with high biocontrol efficacy against fire blight disease.

Methods and Results

A two-step screening procedure consisting of in-vitro laboratory tests and an ex-vivo test system using detached pear leaves was applied to 43 Bacillus strains originated from the rhizosphere and the aerial parts of apple and pear plants. The grouping of the studied strains and the tested traits based on the principal component analysis and the two-way hierarchical cluster analysis showed that siderophore production and biofilm formation are the most desirable traits in a Bacillus biocontrol agent to control fire blight disease and that rhizospheric originating strains are the most effective.

Conclusions

In contrast to the previous screening strategies that are often insufficient to select the most suitable microorganisms, this study reported an improved strategy based on the microbial competition traits to select potential Bacillus biocontrol agents with high biocontrol efficacy against fire blight disease.
‘Objects’? The Legal Status of Computer Data under International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Pomson Ori
Published: January 2023

This article discusses whether computer data constitutes an ‘object’, in the meaning of this term under international humanitarian law (IHL). After providing background on what is meant by ‘computer data’, and on the significance of any determination whether computer data constitutes an ‘object’ for the purposes of IHL, the article proceeds to consider the meaning of the term ‘object’ as found in the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions (API). Recourse is made to the customary rules of treaty interpretation while focusing on both the English and French versions of API. The ordinary meaning of the term ‘object’ in its context in API solely connotes material things, thus excluding computer data. Moreover, recourse to the object and purpose of API, or to so-called ‘evolutionary’ interpretation, does not lead to a different conclusion. Considering the importance of customary international law for states non-parties to API, and for the purposes of non-international armed conflicts, the article proceeds to analyse whether computer data constitutes an ‘object’ for the purposes of custom. The article analyses the development of the term ‘object’ in legal discourse over the past century in determining what states intended this term to mean, and finds that here, too, states considered ‘objects’ in the context of IHL to be material things. It also explains that there is no apparent trend among states as to whether data constitutes an ‘object’, whereas the paucity of official government statements is far from the necessary volume for it to carry particular legal significance.
Costs of malaria treatment in the United States
Authors: Park Joohyun , Joo Heesoo , Maskery Brian A , Alpern Jonathan D , Weinberg Michelle , Stauffer William M
Published: January 2023

We estimated inpatient and outpatient payments for malaria treatment in the USA. The mean cost per hospitalized patient was significantly higher than for non-hospitalized patients (e.g. $27 642 vs $1177 among patients with private insurance). Patients with severe malaria payed two to four times more than those hospitalized with uncomplicated malaria.
Clinician–patient communication about emergency aerial medical evacuation in case of infectious disease
Authors: Albury Charlotte , Tremblett Madeleine , Webb Helena , Begh Rachna , Barnes Rebecca , Lawrence Wendy , Walmsley Nichola , Groenewald Deborah , Caunter Marise , Patel Dipti
Published: January 2023

Conversation analysis of clinician–patient telephone consultations showed that communicating the process and possibility of aerial medical evacuation with people who may require it in future could support better understanding of the process and informed decision-making prior to travel. We identified clear steps clinicians can take to do this.
Two 4-valued implicative expansions of first-degree entailment logic: The relevant logic BN4VSP and the (relevant) entailment logic BN4AP
Authors: Robles Gemma
Published: January 2023

A logic L has the ‘variable-sharing property’ (VSP) if in all L-theorems of the form $A\rightarrow B$, $A$ and $B$ share at least a propositional variable. A logic L has the ‘Ackermann property’ (AP) if in all L-theorems of the form $A\rightarrow (B\rightarrow C)$, $A$ contains at least a conditional connective ($\rightarrow $). Anderson and Belnap consider the VSP a necessary property of any relevant logic, and both the VSP and the AP necessary properties of any (relevant) entailment logic. Now, among relevant logicians, Brady’s logic BN4 is widely viewed as the adequate 4-valued implicative logic. But BN4 lacks the VSP and the AP. The aim of this paper is to define the logics BN4$^{\text {VSP}}$ and BN4$^{\text {AP}}$. The former one has the VSP, whereas the latter one has the VSP and the AP. Moreover, both logics have some properties that do not support their consideration as mere artificial constructs.
A review of rheumatoid meningitis with case studies
Authors: Aktan Suzgun Merve , Erener Nursena , Cavus Gokce Hande , Ozdede Ayse , Guner Sabriye , Ugurlu Serdal , Comunoglu Nil , Kizilkilic Osman , Saip Sabahattin
Published: January 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving synovial joints, and it is known that extra-articular manifestations that may affect the central and peripheral nervous systems may develop during its course. Rheumatoid meningitis is very rare among all neurological involvements. In this study, cases diagnosed as rheumatoid meningitis with clinical, imaging, laboratory, and histopathological features are presented, and the aim of the study is to present current approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid meningitis in the light of case studies and current literature. The data of the patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis in neurology clinic between 2017 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Three cases diagnosed with rheumatoid meningitis are presented in detail. In the first case, the diagnosis was reached by clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings as well as treatment response, while the diagnosis was made by histopathological verification in the second case. The third case shows that spontaneous remission can be observed in the course of rheumatoid meningitis. Rheumatoid meningitis, which is one of the rarest involvements in the course of RA, may present with headaches, focal neurological deficits, seizures, and altered consciousness. A meningeal biopsy is recommended when the differential diagnosis cannot be ruled out with imaging and laboratory findings. In the differential diagnosis Mucobacterium tuberculosis, syphilis, neuro-sarcoidosis, immunoglobulin G4–related disease, lymphoproliferative diseases, and systemic metastasis should be kept in mind. Aggressive RA management is recommended for treatment.
Self- and cross-attention accurately predicts metabolite–protein interactions
Authors: Campana Pedro Alonso , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: January 2023

Metabolites regulate activity of proteins and thereby affect cellular processes in all organisms. Despite extensive efforts to catalogue the metabolite–protein interactome in different organisms by employing experimental and computational approaches, the coverage of such interactions remains fragmented, particularly for eukaryotes. Here, we make use of two most comprehensive collections, BioSnap and STITCH, of metabolite–protein interactions from seven eukaryotes as gold standards to train a deep learning model that relies on self- and cross-attention over protein sequences. This innovative protein-centric approach results in interaction-specific features derived from protein sequence alone. In addition, we designed and assessed a first double-blind evaluation protocol for metabolite–protein interactions, demonstrating the generalizability of the model. Our results indicated that the excellent performance of the proposed model over simpler alternatives and randomized baselines is due to the local and global features generated by the attention mechanisms. As a results, the predictions from the deep learning model provide a valuable resource for studying metabolite–protein interactions in eukaryotes.