bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH CREUZTFELDT‐JAKOB DISEASE
Authors: Kettlun A , Collados L , García L , Cartier LA , Wolf ME , Mosnaim AD , Valenzuela MA
Published: April 2023

Preliminary findings suggest that abnormalities in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity may be found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD). In this study of 16 subjects with CJD and 16 age‐, and sex‐matched controls, we determined the presence of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in their active and proenzyme forms, the relative levels of MMP‐3 and four inhibitors of MMP activity (TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, TIMP‐3 and TIMP‐4), and the concentration of 4‐3‐3 protein. The methodology used involved zymography and immunological techniques. The results indicate that, compared with controls, CJD patients have a significantly higher positive frequency of pro‐MMP‐9 and of the active form of MMP‐2, along with significantly higher levels of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, classical inhibitors of MMP‐9 and MMP‐2, respectively. We also found a positive correlation between 14‐3‐3 protein concentration and that of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 levels (correlation coefficients of 0.793 and 0.798, respectively). These results suggest that abnormalities in MMP and TIMP profiles may be helpful in the biochemical characterisation of CJD.
THE REALITY OF TREATING DYSLIPIDAEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE: A PRIMARY CARE SURVEY
Authors: Wright DJ , Grayson AD , Jackson M , Dainty C
Published: April 2023

Management of hyperlipidaemia in patients with ischaemic heart disease is suboptimal despite the proven benefit of statin therapy. Significant improvement in management has been shown in the EUROASPIRE II study. It is unclear, however, whether such changes have also occurred in primary care. We aimed to evaluate the use of statin therapy by performing a cross‐sectional survey of 300 patients with CHD aged >30 years from three general practices. A total of 249 (83%) of the 300 patients had their cholesterol measured and 141 (47%) were on statin therapy; 129 (43% of total) achieved a target cholesterol of <5 mmol/l, of whom 85 (64%) were on statin therapy. Of the remaining 120 patients whose cholesterol exceeded 5 mmol/l, 56 (47%) were on statin therapy. Thus 60% (85/141) of those on statin therapy achieved adequate control compared with 40% (44/108) without statins (p<0.008). Those patients with CHD diagnosed on objective evidence were more likely to receive statin therapy (55.5%). Many patients with CHD are still not receiving appropriate secondary prevention. Those on statin therapy are more likely to achieve target levels <5 mmol/l. The average doses of statins vary and are lower than the evidence‐based doses used in previous large‐scale studies, which may help explain the persistence of failed treatment. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(6): 488–491)
FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS: EARLY INTERVENTION STRATEGIES WITH SECOND‐GENERATION ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS
Authors: Bryden KE , Gardner DM , Kopala LC
Published: April 2023

Schizophrenia is a debilitating chronic illness that has its onset in adolescence or the early years of adulthood. The benefit of early diagnosis and treatment has been acknowledged for decades, although facilitating the early identification of patients with schizophrenia remains a challenge. Research has demonstrated that many individuals are living with the symptoms of Psychosis for prolonged periods in the community, and family physicians are well positioned to identify such patients Community education is an important strategy, in that it increases the general awareness of psychotic illness and lessens the stigma of mental illness, eventually encouraging individuals to seek help. We review here some of the evidence indicating the benefit of early treatment, and describe the strategies to assist in the identification of patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and key treatment modalities available. Ultimately, there is a need for comprehensive, accessible healthcare including medications that have minimal side‐effects and are effective.
OCCUPATIONAL HEPATITIS DUE TO CHRONIC INHALATION OF PROPANE AND BUTANE GASES
Authors: Aydin Y , Özçakar L
Published: April 2023

Toxic hepatitis due to anaesthetic gas inhalation has been well documented, but hepatitis caused by inhalation of non‐halogenated hydrocarbons has not been reported. We present an acute case of occupational hepatitis due to chronic inhalation of propane and butane gases. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(6): 546)
MANAGEMENT OF COLONIC INJURY FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY
Authors: Hussain M , Hamid R , Arya M , Peters JL , Kellett MJ , Philip T
Published: April 2023

Injury to the colon during percutaneous nephrolithotomy is rare. There are no definitive management guidelines for this injury We report a case of left‐sided colonic injury diagnosed following percutaneous nephrolithotomy and suggest a treatment algorithm.
THE VALUE OF COAGULATION PROFILES IN EPISTAXIS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Jones GL , Browning S , Phillipps J
Published: April 2023

A prospective pilot study was conducted to investigate the role and relevance of clotting profiles in the management of epistaxis patients. Forty‐eight per cent of the study patients had abnormal clotting profiles. Half of the abnormal clotting profiles could have been predicted from a routine history, but half could not. The coagulation screens on this group were repeated and 5% of the initial study group were found to have a persistent abnormality. The authors suggest that although coagulation screens will not predict the potential management problems associated with the epistaxis patient, they remain an important part of the clinical investigation. An epistaxis may be the only indication of an underlying coagulation disorder. The diagnosis of such a disorder following an epistaxis may lead to the treatment of an otherwise unknown condition and prevention of more serious sequelae.
A COMPARISON OF INITIAL TREATMENT WITH LOSARTAN/HCTZ VERSUS LOSARTAN MONOTHERAPY IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Li Y , Liu G , Jiang B , Gao R , Chen L , Su L , Li J
Published: April 2023

The antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and losartan monotherapy as initial treatment were compared in a double‐blind trial in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Patients were randomised to initial treatment with either losartan/HCTZ (50 mg/12.5 mg) or losartan alone (50 mg). The doses were doubled after four weeks if diastolic blood pressure (SiDBP)was >90 mmHg. Both losartan/HCTZ and losartan alone significantly reduced SiDBP and SiSBP from baseline at the first measurement at 4 weeks (−10.1/‐15.3 and −6.1/‐6.9 mmHg, respectively; p<0.001) and at 8 weeks (−13.1/‐18.5 and −8.7/‐10.9 mmHg; p<0.001). The reductions with losartan/HCTZ were significantly greater than with losartan alone at weeks 4 and 8 (p<0.001). Both regimens were similarly well tolerated. In conclusion, initial therapy with losartan/HCTZ is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension and produces a greater reduction in blood pressure than losartan alone.
ASSOCIATION OF IMMUNE FUNCTION WITH BONE MINERAL DENSITY AND BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF BONE TURNOVER IN PATIENTS WITH ANKLYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Authors: Yilmaz N , Pence S , Kepekçi Y , Geyikli I , Özaslan J
Published: April 2023

The lymphocyte‐osteoclast interaction has recently been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and bone metabolism. Bone metabolism was evaluated in the blood of 49 patients with AS by means of biochemical markers and bone mineral density (BMD) with a Lunar device. Bone formation markers, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (BGP), bone resorption markers, pyridinoline (Pyd), deoxypyridinoline (Dpyd) and lymphocyte surface markers (CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8, CD16+56) were analysed with ELISA and flow‐cytometry methods. The patients had significantly lower femoral neck and trochanter BMD than the controls. Dpyd concentrations were negatively correlated to CD3+% and CD3‐/CD16+56% cells. Neither mineral nor hormone levels were significantly correlated with absolute T scores of BMD of the hip sites. BALP and BGP were negatively correlated to BMD when expressed as T scores. We conclude that AS is related to accelerated osteoclastic activity. Many lymphokines and growth factors produced by lymphocytes can influence osteoclastogenesis and probably play a role in rheumatologic/inflammatory disorders. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(8): 681–685)
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 2
Authors: Uppal S , Coatesworth AP
Published: April 2023

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is often not recognised as a distinct entity from peripheral neurofibromatosis. NF2 is a predominantly intracranial condition whose hallmark is bilateral vestibular schwannomas. NF2 results from a mutation in the gene named merlin, located on chromosome 22. The disease has a variable presentation, with the severe subtype having an early and rapid progression and the milder type having a later onset and a less aggressive course. The diagnosis and management of these patients present a unique challenge. There are also implications for the family members as half the cases are inherited. We discuss the genetic characteristics, clinical presentation, natural history, diagnostic criteria, investigations, screening and management of this condition.
LEVONORGESTREL AS AN EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE DRUG
Authors: Sarkar NN
Published: April 2023

The potential of low‐dose levonorgestrel, alone or in combination with ethynyloestradiol (Yuzpe regimen), as emergency contraception is reviewed for its acceptability and effectiveness. Plasma levonorgestrel concentration ranges from 9–12 nmol/l at 12 hours with a peak of 27–33 nmol/l 2–2.5 hours after taking one 0.75 mg tablet. The concentration of steroid hormone binding globulins in plasma is not influenced by the presence of levonorgestrel during this period. The success rates for levonorgestrel‐only and the Yuzpe regimen as emergency contraception are 85% and 57%, respectively, while the failure rates are 1.1% and 3.2%, respectively, within the prescribed time limit of use. The mode of action of levonorgestrel emergency contraception is to prevent or delay ovulation and/or alter the endometrium unfavourably the for implantation of an embryo. The use of emergency contraceptive pills within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 75% and is safe, with no serious side‐effects.
PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA‐INDUCED MYOCARDITIS MIMICKING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Dinckal MH , Davutoglu V , Soydinc S , Kirilmaz A
Published: April 2023

A 44‐year‐old woman presented with sudden onset of chest pain, headache and nausea. Physical examination was remarkable for mild hypotension and tachycardia. ECG demonstrated sinus tachycardia with poor R wave progression in precordial leads and T wave inversion in leads V1‐3. Cardiac enzymes were raised. Echocardiographic examination revealed normal cavity diameters with basal and mid left ventricular hypokinesia and an ejection fraction of 45%. A diagnosis of non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction was made. A few orthostatic hypotensive attacks occurred at follow‐up. A coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries. Within a few days, the echocardiographic findings, ECG and all cardiac markers had returned to normal. Two months later she presented with headache, palpitation, fever, neck swelling, flushing and hypertensive attacks. Phaeochromocytoma was diagnosed on the basis of increased metanephrine on urinalysis and a left suprarenal mass on CT scan. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(9): 842–843)
INTRATESTICULAR CYSTS AND MALIGNANT POTENTIAL: CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT IS AN OPTION
Authors: Shergill IS , Damani N , Hamid R , Arya M , Patel HRH
Published: April 2023

Benign intratesticular cysts are rare, but recognition is essential to prevent unnecessary surgical intervention. The diagnostic dilemma is to differentiate these cysts from testicular malignancy. As they are extremely uncommon, experience of their management is limited and controversial. We present a case of a simple intratesticular cyst and discuss the diagnostic and management principles. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(9): 848)
A RARE COMPLICATION OF A PROSTATIC STENT
Authors: Shah J , Saleem M , Ellis BW
Published: April 2023

We describe a case in which an elderly man with deteriorating lower urinary tract symptoms had problems with an indwelling prostatic stent. We discuss the merits of prostatic stents and recommend indications for their use.
ISOLATED FATAL RENAL MUCORMYCOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AND TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Lin CY , Lee SC , Lin CC , Chan SC , Lee CT
Published: April 2023

Renal mucormyosis is a rare entity and normally diagnosed at postmortem. Isolated cases diagnosed antemortem are even rarer and only a few cases have been reported. The disease is associated with a high mortality rate, especially in patients with underlying disease. Clinical presentation is non‐specific and includes flank pain, fever and pyuria with or without haematuria. Identifying fungal hyphae microscopically is essential for diagnosis. We present a rare isolated fatal case of renal mucormycosis in a 77‐year‐old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and old tuberculosis (TB) who had been diagnosed after a right nephrectomy. We believe early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for fungal infection, together with the predisposing underlying disease, is crucial for survival.
Machine learning can guide suitability of consultation and patient referral through telemedicine for hepatobiliary diseases
Authors: Verma Nipun , Vojjala Nikhil , Mishra Saurabh , Valsan Arun , Kaur Rajwant , Kaur Talwinder , De Arka , Premkumar Madhumita , Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Singh Meenu , Singh Virendra
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

Telemedicine is an evolving tool to provide health‐care services. We evaluated the suitability of telemedicine to deliver effective consultation for hepatobiliary disorders.

Methods

In this prospective study spanning over a year, we interviewed hepatologists delivering the teleconsultations through a pre‐validated questionnaire. A consult was deemed suitable based on the physician's judgment in the absence of unplanned hospitalization. We evaluated factors determining the suitability through inferential statistics and machine learning models, namely, extreme gradient boosting (XGB) and decision tree (DT).

Results

Of 1118 consultations, 917 (82.0%) were deemed suitable. On univariable analysis, patients with skilled occupation, higher education, out‐of‐pocket expenses, and diseases such as chronic hepatitis B, C, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) without cirrhosis were associated with suitability (P < 0.05). Patients with cirrhosis (compensated or decompensated), acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), and biliary obstruction were likely unsuitable (P < 0.05). XGB and DT models predicted suitability with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.808 and 0.780, respectively. DT demonstrated that compensated cirrhosis with higher education or skilled occupation with age < 55 years had 78% chance of suitability whereas hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensated cirrhosis, and ACLF patients were unsuitable with a 60–95% probability. In non‐cirrhotic liver diseases, hepatitis B, C, and NAFLD were suitable, with a probability of 89.7%. Biliary obstruction and previous failure of teleconsultation were unsuitable, with a probability of 70%. Non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis, dyspepsia, and dysphagia not requiring intervention were suitable (probability: 88%).

Conclusion

A simple decision tree can guide the referral of unsuitable and the management of suitable patients with hepatobiliary diseases through telemedicine.
We have the technology: Why aren't better blood pressure data available from nursing home residents?
Authors: Pajewski Nicholas M. , Supiano Mark A.
Published: April 2023

This editorial comments on the article by Liu et al. in this issue.
Use of External Uterine Electromyography Across Stage I Labor
Authors: Benfield Rebecca , Newton Edward R.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Highly sensitive, external uterine electromyography (EMG) measures myometrial electrical activity and is noninvasive compared with the clinical intrauterine pressure catheter. Most experimental studies have measured EMG in 30‐minute epochs, limiting the utility of this instrumentation in intrapartum clinical practice. To test proof of concept, surface uterine EMG contraction activity was continuously collected throughout the first stage of labor from healthy women at term gestation with (n = 3) and without (n = 1) epidural or combined spinal‐epidural analgesia for a maximal length of 11 hours and 24 minutes.

Methods

EMG activity was recorded concurrently with tocodynamometer (toco) signals, using a pair of electrodes on the left and right sides of the maternal umbilicus with grounds attached to both hips of the reclining woman in labor. The preamplifier cutoff frequency settings were appropriate to monitor smooth muscle contraction in labor, with the analog high‐pass filter set at 0.05 Hz and the low‐pass filter at 1.50 Hz. Signals were sampled at 100 Hz, transmitted to a computer, and visualized by Chart 4.2 software. EMG data from epochs at baseline, during the pre‐epidural fluid bolus and at the 60‐minute post‐epidural test dose, and at 3, 5, 6, and 8 cm dilatation were analyzed for burst power spectrum peak frequency (Hz), burst power spectrum amplitude (mV2), and burst duration (seconds).

Results

Uterine EMG contractile bursts were preceded and followed by a stable baseline and coincided with toco contractions. Movement artifacts were negligible, and large movement artifacts were easily distinguishable. The EMG bursts and toco contractions remained clearly identifiable, even when one woman without epidural analgesia stood beside the bed laboring for approximately 10 minutes. Burst spectral components fell within the expected 0.34‐to‐1.00 Hz range for term labor.

Discussion

High‐quality data demonstrate that EMG instrumentation effectively and accurately measures uterine contraction parameters across the first stage of term labor.
Sleep architecture as a candidate for phenotyping sleep bruxism: A narrative physiological review
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Toyota Risa , Shiraishi Yuki , Katagiri Ayano , Yamada Masaharu , Higashiyama Makoto , Toyoda Hiroki , Lavigne Gilles , Kato Takafumi
Published: April 2023

Background

Sleep bruxism (SB), an oral behaviour in otherwise healthy individuals, is characterised by frequent rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) during sleep. RMMA/SB episodes occur over various sleep stages (N1‐N3 and rapid eye movement (REM)), sleep cycles (non‐REM to REM), and frequently with microarousals. It currently remains unclear whether these characteristics of sleep architecture are phenotype candidates for the genesis of RMMA/SB.

Objectives

This narrative review investigated the relationship between sleep architecture and the occurrence of RMMA as a SB phenotype candidate.

Methods

PubMed research was performed using keywords related to RMMA/SB and sleep architecture.

Results

In non‐SB and SB healthy individuals, RMMA episodes were most frequent in the light non‐REM sleep stages N1 and N2, particularly during the ascending phase of sleep cycles. The onset of RMMA/SB episodes in healthy individuals was preceded by a physiological arousal sequence of autonomic cardiovascular to cortical activation. It was not possible to extract a consistent sleep architecture pattern in the presence of sleep comorbidities. The lack of standardisation and variability between subject complexified the search for specific sleep architecture phenotype(s).

Conclusion

In otherwise healthy individuals, the genesis of RMMA/SB episodes is largely affected by oscillations in the sleep stage and cycle as well as the occurrence of microarousal. Furthermore, a specific sleep architecture pattern cannot be confirmed in the presence of sleep comorbidity. Further studies are needed to delineate sleep architecture phenotype candidate(s) that contribute to the more accurate diagnosis of SB and treatment approaches using standardised and innovative methodologies.
It is time for ancient DNA to sweat the small stuff
Authors: Bunce Michael
Published: April 2023

When one thinks of the field of ancient DNA it conjures images of extinct megafauna, from mammoths and woolly rhinos, through to the giant, flightless elephant bird (but hopefully not dinosaurs – despite the pervasive idea of ‘dino DNA’ from Jurassic park). These taxa have fascinating evolutionary histories, and their extinction stories need to be told. At the other end of the vertebrate scale, however, is the often neglected ‘small stuff’ – lizards, frogs, and other herpetofauna. But here's the rub – extracting DNA from the bones of this ‘small stuff’ is not only difficult, it often destroys the sample. In this issue, Scarsbrook et al. (2023) describe a new way to study the ancient (or historical) DNA of small vertebrates that is minimally destructive. The authors use the method to reconstruct the dynamic evolutionary history of New Zealand geckos and make new insights into how remnant populations should be managed. This work provides some key insights into New Zealand geckos but also opens up opportunities of biomolecular research on the smallest of vouchered vertebrate samples held within museum collections.
Yesterday's Daily Bread: Petitionary Prayer for Past Events
Authors: Recio Gonzalo Luis
Published: April 2023

The paper's subject is whether one is justified to pray for an event that has already happened from the point of view of the individual who is praying. About this, there are several possibilities, all of which I will consider: a) the past event is not known to the one who prays, b) it is known by them to have happened in a way which is not the desired one by the one praying and c), it is known to have happened according to their wishes. It also deals with two derived problems: if knowledge and ignorance are essential to our possibility of petitioning for something in the past, should we remain willfully ignorant about the past in order to pray to God so that it happened as we desire? Also, once we come to know that the past event did not go about as we desire, is it reasonable to pray to God so that our knowledge about the past is incorrect?
A simple way to calculate the volume and surface area of avian eggs
Authors: Shi Peijian , Chen Long , Quinn Brady K. , Yu Kexin , Miao Qinyue , Guo Xuchen , Lian Meng , Gielis Johan , Niklas Karl J.
Published: April 2023

Egg geometry can be described using Preston's equation, which has seldom been used to calculate egg volume (V) and surface area (S) to explore S versus V scaling relationships. Herein, we provide an explicit re‐expression of Preston's equation (designated as EPE) to calculate V and S, assuming that an egg is a solid of revolution. The side (longitudinal) profiles of 2221 eggs of six avian species were digitized, and the EPE was used to describe each egg profile. The volumes of 486 eggs from two avian species predicted by the EPE were compared with those obtained using water displacement in graduated cylinders. There was no significant difference in V using the two methods, which verified the utility of the EPE and the hypothesis that eggs are solids of revolution. The data also indicated that V is proportional to the product of egg length (L) and maximum width (W) squared. A 2/3‐power scaling relationship between S and V for each species was observed, that is, S is proportional to (LW2)2/3. These results can be extended to describe the shapes of the eggs of other species to study the evolution of avian (and perhaps reptilian) eggs.
Severe asthma ILC2s demonstrate enhanced proliferation that is modified by biologics
Authors: Malik Bilal , Bartlett Nathan W. , Upham John W. , Nichol Kristy S. , Harrington John , Wark Peter A. B.
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective

Type 2 (T2) innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) contribute to airway inflammation and disease in asthma. We hypothesize that ILC2s isolated from people with severe allergic and eosinophilic asthma would exhibit an enhanced T2 inflammatory activity that would be altered following treatment with mepolizumab and omalizumab. We compare peripheral blood (PB) isolated ILC2's proliferative capacity, IL‐5 and IL‐13 secretion and phenotype between healthy without asthma (HC), non‐asthma allergic (NAA), mild asthma (MA) and severe allergic and eosinophilic asthma (SA) subjects. We then determined the impact of 6 months treatment with either mepolizumab or omalizumab on ILC2s physiology of SA subjects.

Methods

ILC2s were sorted and cultured in the presence of IL‐2, IL‐25, IL‐33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) for 14 days. ILC2s proliferation, phenotypes and functions were assessed using flowcytometry. The ILC2s response was then reassessed following clinically successful treatment of SA subjects with mepolizumab and omalizumab.

Results

SA ILC2s demonstrated increased proliferative capacity, TSLP receptor (TSLPR), GATA3 and NFATc1 protein expressions and increased IL‐5 and IL‐13 release. ILC2s were also capable of releasing IL‐6 in response to stimulation. Mepolizumab treatment reduced ILC2s proliferative capacity and expression of TSLPR, GATA3 and NFATc1. Both mepolizumab and omalizumab were associated with reduced ILC2s release of IL‐5 and IL‐13, only mepolizumab reduced IL‐6.

Conclusion

ILC2s from severe allergic and eosinophilic asthma demonstrated an active phenotype typified by increased proliferation, TSLPR, GATA3 and NFATc1 expression and increased IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐6 release. Mepolizumab reduced markers of ILC2s activation.
Syntaxin 3 SPI‐2 dependent crosstalk facilitates the division of Salmonella containing vacuole
Authors: Chatterjee Ritika , Nair Abhilash Vijay , Singh Anmol , Mehta Nishi , Setty Subba Rao Gangi , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: April 2023

Intracellular membrane fusion is mediated by membrane‐bridging complexes of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). SNARE proteins are one of the key players in vesicular transport. Several reports shed light on intracellular bacteria modulating host SNARE machinery to establish infection successfully. The critical SNAREs in macrophages responsible for phagosome maturation are Syntaxin 3 (STX3) and Syntaxin 4 (STX4). Reports also suggest that Salmonella actively modulates its vacuole membrane composition to escape lysosomal fusion. Salmonella containing vacuole (SCV) harbours recycling endosomal SNARE Syntaxin 12 (STX12). However, the role of host SNAREs in SCV biogenesis and pathogenesis remains unclear. Upon knockdown of STX3, we observed a reduction in bacterial proliferation, which is concomitantly restored upon the overexpression of STX3. Live‐cell imaging of Salmonella‐infected cells showed that STX3 localises to the SCV membranes and thus might help in the fusion of SCV with intracellular vesicles to acquire membrane for its division. We also found the interaction STX3‐SCV was abrogated when we infected with SPI‐2 encoded Type 3 secretion system (T3SS) apparatus mutant (STM ∆ssaV) but not with SPI‐1 encoded T3SS apparatus mutant (STM ∆invC). These observations were also consistent in the mice model of Salmonella infection. Together, these results shed light on the effector molecules secreted through T3SS encoded by SPI‐2, possibly involved in interaction with host SNARE STX3, which is essential to maintain the division of Salmonella in SCV and help to maintain a single bacterium per vacuole.
Linear Quadratic Regulator for Delayed Systems Using the Hamiltonian Approach and Exact Closed-Loop Poles for First-Order Systems
Authors: Shaik Junaidvali , Vyasarayani C. P. , Chatterjee Anindya
Published: April 2023

We consider the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) for linear constant-coefficient delay differential equations (DDEs) with multiple delays. The Hamiltonian approach is used instead of an algebraic Riccati partial differential equation. Two coupled DDEs governing the state and control input are derived using the calculus of variations. This coupled system, with infinitely many roots in both left and right half-planes, defines a boundary value problem. Its left half-plane roots are the exact closed-loop poles of the controlled system. These closed-loop poles have not been used to compute the optimal feedback before. Here, the distributed delay kernel that yields exactly those poles is first computed using an eigenfunction expansion. Increasing the number of terms in the truncated expansion yields a highly oscillatory kernel. However, the oscillatory kernel's antiderivative converges to a piecewise smooth function on the delay interval plus a Dirac delta function at zero. Discontinuities in the kernel coincide with discrete delay values in the original DDE. Using this insight, a fitted piecewise polynomial kernel matches the exact closed-loop poles very well. The twofold contribution of the Hamiltonian approach is thus clarity on the form of the feedback kernel as well as the exact closed-loop poles. Subsequently, the fitted piecewise polynomial kernel can be used for a much simpler control calculation. The polynomial coefficients can be fitted by solving a few simultaneous linear equations. Two detailed numerical examples of the LQR for DDEs, one with two delays and one with three delays, show excellent results.
Optimization of Piecewise-Focusing Concentrating Solar Thermal Collectors Using the System Advisor Model, and Comparison to a Central Receiver System
Authors: Bisset David K
Published: April 2023

Heat collection performance simulations using the system advisor model (SAM) with typical meteorological year weather data from four geographic locations are used to investigate (a) the optimum overall tilt of piecewise-focusing (PWF) collectors, and (b) PWF collector performance in comparison to the SAM default central receiver system. Results show that the overall tilt angle is not critical, but values up to 50 deg are best at non-tropical latitudes, even when output in summer is more valuable than in winter. For tropical latitudes, 40 deg of tilt is sufficient. Increasing PWF collector width relative to height is advantageous. Depending on location, PWF collector performance is 66–90% better than for the SAM default 100 MWe central receiver system, per square meter of reflector or heliostat. Using SAM’s detailed control over system parameters, it is shown that the PWF collector’s superior performance is derived mainly from better geometry (smaller cosine losses), but the near-absence of atmospheric attenuation and the smaller receiver heat losses are also significant.
Acute Mechanical and Skin Temperature Responses to Different Interrepetition Rest Intervals During Full-Squat Exercise
Authors: Baena-Raya Andrés , Díez-Fernández David M. , García-Ramos Amador , Martinez-Tellez Borja , Boullosa Daniel , Soriano-Maldonado Alberto , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the acute effects of different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, velocity loss (VL), and skin temperature (Tsk) and (2) determine whether the VL, the changes in Tsk, or the individual strength level is associated with the change in CMJ height. Methods: Sixteen resistance-trained men randomly performed 3 squat protocols at maximal intended velocity with 60% of the 1-repetition maximum (sets × repetitions [interrepetition rest]): traditional (2 × 6 [0 s]), cluster 2 (2 × 6 [30 s every 2 repetitions]), and cluster 1 (1 × 12; [36 s every repetition]), plus a control session. CMJ height was assessed before and 2, 4, and 8 minutes after the protocols. Results: There was a significant main effect of protocol for the VL (F = 20.54, P < .001) and loss in mean power (F = 12.85, P < .001; traditional > cluster 2 > cluster 1). However, we found a comparable reduction of CMJ height after 8 minutes: traditional (−3.4% [4.2%]), cluster 2 (−5.3% [4.9%]), cluster 1 (−5.4% [2.9%]), and control (−4.2% [3.6%]). Overall, mean Tsk acutely decreased after all the protocols. Higher individual strength level (but not VL or the changes in Tsk) was associated with lower CMJ-height loss (P < .05). Conclusions: Although different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols may alter the loss in velocity and power, they result in a similar decrease in Tsk and CMJ height, which could be more influenced by individual strength level than VL or changes in Tsk.
Mapping the in vivo fitness landscape of a tethered ribosome
Authors: Radford Felix , Rinehart Jesse , Isaacs Farren J.
Published: April 2023

Fitness landscapes are models of the sequence space of a genetic element that map how each sequence corresponds to its activity and can be used to guide laboratory evolution. The ribosome is a macromolecular machine that is essential for protein synthesis in all organisms. Because of the prevalence of dominant lethal mutations, a comprehensive fitness landscape of the ribosomal peptidyl transfer center (PTC) has not yet been attained. Here, we develop a method to functionally map an orthogonal tethered ribosome (oRiboT), which permits complete mutagenesis of nucleotides located in the PTC and the resulting epistatic interactions. We found that most nucleotides studied showed flexibility to mutation, and identified epistatic interactions between them, which compensate for deleterious mutations. This work provides a basis for a deeper understanding of ribosome function and malleability and could be used to inform design of engineered ribosomes with applications to synthesize next-generation biomaterials and therapeutics.
Effective single web–structured electrode for high membrane electrode assembly performance in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Authors: Ji Yunseong , Kwon Ohchan , Jeon Ok Sung , Yim Sungdae , Jeon Yukwon , Shul Yong-gun
Published: April 2023

To achieve a sustainable society, CO
2
emissions must be reduced and efficiency of energy systems must be enhanced. The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has zero CO
2
emissions and high effectiveness for various applications. A well-designed membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) composed of electrode layers of effective materials and structure can alter the performance and durability of PEMFC. We demonstrate an efficient electrode deposition method through a well-designed carbon single web with a porous 3D web structure that can be commercially adopted. To achieve excellent electrochemical properties, active Pt nanoparticles are controlled by a nanoglue effect on a highly graphitized carbon surface. The developed MEA exhibits a notable maximum power density of 1082 mW/cm
2
at 80°C, H
2
/air, 50% RH, and 1.8 atm; low cathode loading of 0.1 mg
Pt
/cm
2
; and catalytic performance decays of only 23.18 and 13.42% under commercial-based durability protocols, respectively, thereby achieving all desirables for commercial applications.
Helicity-modulated remote C-H functionalization
Authors: Yang Na , Shen Chengshuo , Zhang Guoli , Gan Fuwei , Ding Yongle , Crassous Jeanne , Qiu Huibin
Published: April 2023

Remote C-H functionalization is highly important for the conversion and utilization of arenes, but the conventional routes are comprehensively developed with the assistance of transition metal catalysts or templates. We report a facile metal/template-free electrochemical strategy for remote C-H functionalization in a helical system, where aromatic or aliphatic hydrogen act as a directing group to promote the alkoxylation at the opposite site of the helical skeleton by generating a unique helical “back-biting” environment. Such helicity-modulated C-H functionalization is prevalent for carbo[
n
]helicenes (
n
 = 6 to 9, primitive or substituted) and hetero[6]helicenes and also occurs when the aryl hydrogen on the first position is replaced by a methyl group or a phenyl group. Thus, the relatively inert helicene skeleton can be precisely furnished with a rich array of alkoxy pendants with tunable functional moieties. Notably, the selective decoration of a methoxy group on
N
-methylated aza[6]helicene close or distant to the nitrogen atom leads to distinct luminescence variation upon changing the solvents.
Oligocene–Miocene northward growth of the Tibetan Plateau: Insights from intermontane basins in the West Qinling Belt, NW China
Authors: Zhang Yi-Peng , Zhang Pei-Zhen , Lease Richard O. , Zhou Renjie , Wang Yue-Jun , Yan Yong-Gang , Wang Ying , Zheng Wen-Jun , Liu Bing-Xu , Li Zhi-Gang , Liang Hao , Hui Ge-Ge , Sun Chuang , Tian Qing-Ying , Xu Bin-Bin , Wang Wei-Tao
Published: April 2023

Growth of the Tibetan Plateau, Earth’s broadest and highest elevation collisional system, shapes orographic barriers, reorganizes drainage networks, and influences surface erosion and sediment delivery, whose changes in space and provenance feed back to intracontinental tectonic processes. Studies of interior basins within the northern Tibetan Plateau provide new sediment accumulation, provenance, paleodrainage, and deformation timing data that enable a reconstruction of the far-field tectono-geomorphic evolution of the rising Tibetan Plateau. Along the northern plateau margin, topographic growth in the West Qinling Belt is inferred to have initiated in the Eocene, nearly coeval with the India-Asia collision, as well as in the late Miocene. However, geological knowledge about the intervening period remains at present enigmatic, and the kinematics and dynamics are uncertain. This study presents a multidisciplinary data set from the intermontane Anhua-Huicheng Basin (AHB; Gansu Province, China) to fill this gap. Magnetostratigraphic dating, regional mapping, and sedimentological analysis imply that contractional deformation and thrust-top basin systems formed within the West Qinling Belt in the Oligocene (not later than ca. 24 Ma). A combination of observations including paleocurrent changes, detrital zircon U-Pb age variations, and appearance of growth strata along the Anhua-Huicheng Basin reveal the rapid uplift of the West Qinling Belt at ca. 15 Ma. Sedimentation in the intermontane basins ended after the late Miocene (ca. 8 Ma), when the region experienced intrabasinal deformation, uplift, and erosion with the establishment of an external drainage system. Since the late Miocene, the growth of the West Qinling Belt reached a climax with the lack of substantial contractional deformation in Cenozoic sequences heralding the onset of the modern kinematic regime and attainment of high elevation. Observed transitions in the tectonostratigraphy and paleodrainage define different phases of deformation and plateau-wide shifts in stress reorganization, which led to the northward growth and later lateral expansion of the Tibetan Plateau.
Calibrating violence risk assessments for uncertainty
Authors: Connors Michael H , Large Matthew M
Published: April 2023

Psychiatrists and other mental health clinicians are often tasked with assessing patients’ risk of violence. Approaches to this vary and include both unstructured (based on individual clinicians’ judgement) and structured methods (based on formalised scoring and algorithms with varying scope for clinicians’ judgement). The end result is usually a categorisation of risk, which may, in turn, reference a probability estimate of violence over a certain time period. Research over recent decades has made considerable improvements in refining structured approaches and categorising patients’ risk classifications at a group level. The ability, however, to apply these findings clinically to predict the outcomes of individual patients remains contested. In this article, we review methods of assessing violence risk and empirical findings on their predictive validity. We note, in particular, limitations in calibration (accuracy at predicting absolute risk) as distinct from discrimination (accuracy at separating patients by outcome). We also consider clinical applications of these findings, including challenges applying statistics to individual patients, and broader conceptual issues in distinguishing risk and uncertainty. Based on this, we argue that there remain significant limits to assessing violence risk for individuals and that this requires careful consideration in clinical and legal contexts.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles by Perturbing Piecewise Linear Hamiltonian Systems with Piecewise Polynomials
Authors: Chen Jiangbin , Han Maoan
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we study a class of piecewise smooth near-Hamiltonian systems with piecewise polynomial perturbations. We first give the expression of the first order Melnikov function, and then estimate the number of limit cycles bifurcated from periodic annuluses by Melnikov function method. In addition, we discuss the number of limit cycles that can appear simultaneously near both sides of a generalized homoclinic or generalized double homoclinic loop.
Magnetostratigraphy of the Mercia Mudstone Group (Devon, UK): implications for regional relationships and chronostratigraphy in the Middle to Late Triassic of Western Europe
Authors: Hounslow Mark W. , Gallois Ramues
Published: April 2023

Global synchronization of environmental change in terrestrial successions in deep time is challenging owing to the paucity of dating methods, a case also applicable to the Middle to Upper Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group in Britain. Using coastal cliff sections, magnetostratigraphy was evaluated at 263 horizons, defining 53 magnetozones. Magnetozones from the lower 140 m of the group demonstrate correspondence to those from the mid-Ladinian to early Carnian polarity timescale, dating that is compatible with magnetostratigraphy from the underlying Sherwood Sandstone Group. Magnetostratigraphy of the Dunscombe Mudstone Formation, and associated palynological data, suggest a late Carnian to earliest Norian age, and a dramatically lower accumulation rate than for adjacent formations. The polarity record demonstrates coeval flooding events, evaporite deposits and intervals of sand supply between the Wessex Basin and the Central European Basin in the Carnian. This is the result of linked climatic and eustatic changes between these separate basins, related to aeolian dust supply and the shrinkage of hyper-arid source regions for the fine material. Magnetostratigraphy from the Branscombe Mudstone and Blue Anchor formations demonstrates their Norian and early Rhaetian age. These and other data suggest an alternative synchronization of marine and non-marine polarity records for the Norian polarity timescale.

Supplementary material
: Section details and detailed logs of the sampled sections and inferred sequence boundaries, magnetic mineralogy data, demagnetization behaviour and mean directions, summary of virtual geomagnetic pole data and a comparison with other European poles, construction of other composite reference sections and revised polarity scales, an Excel sheet of magnetic data, statistically evaluated correlation models and age models are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6613788
An Ontological Approach for Unlocking the Colonial Archive
Authors: Candela Gustavo , Pereda Javier , Sáez Dolores , Escobar Pilar , Sánchez Alexander , Torres Andrés Villa , Palacios Albert A. , McDonough Kelly , Murrieta-Flores Patricia
Published: April 2023

Cultural Heritage institutions have been exploring new ways of making available their catalogues in digital format. Recently, new approaches have emerged as methods to reuse and make available the contents for computational purposes. This work introduces a methodology to transform digital collections into Linked Open Data following best practices. The framework has been applied to Indigenous and Spanish colonial archives based on the collection
Relaciones Geográficas of Mexico and Guatemala
provided by the LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections. The results of this work are publicly available. This work aims at encouraging Cultural Heritage institutions to publish and reuse their digital collections using advanced methods and techniques.
Task-oriented Energy Scheduling in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Jin , Gao Hong , Chen Quan , Li Jianzhong
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the flourishing of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology brings Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) a renewable, reliable, and controllable energy source. To achieve high efficiency, WPT and sensors both adopt directional antennas. Most previous works about directional charging optimize overall charging efficiency, but neglect energy scheduling on nodes for optimizing tasks. This disadvantage may cause a serious imbalance between the energy supply and task loads. This article takes both aspects into consideration. To achieve an overall performance improvement, we jointly schedule rotatable chargers and allocate tasks to nodes in a WSN powered by directional chargers. As far as we know, this is the first work to propose the Task-oriented Energy Scheduling (TOES) problem, i.e., given a set of rotatable directional chargers and some wireless rechargeable sensor nodes, scheduling chargers and nodes to maximize the total utility gained from a set of tasks. We prove the NP-Hardness of TOES. Then we design a 4-approximation algorithm for TOES by jointly solving two subproblems of the original one. We further extend this problem to the windowed task model and propose a

\(\frac{4}{1-\gamma }\)

approximation algorithm for it, where γ is the proportion of the rotating period. Finally, extensive simulation results show that our algorithms outperform baselines by at least 40.3%.
A Study on the Improvement Direction of Artificial Intelligence Speakers Applying DeLone and McLean’s Information System Success Model
Authors: Yoon SeongJeong , Kim MinYong
Published: April 2023

Recently, many artificial intelligence speakers have been released on the market worldwide. However, the AI speaker thinks autonomously, which is a characteristic of AI. There seems to be no element to talk about. Even answering the question of this study and saying, “It’s not like an artificial intelligence speaker, it’s like a slightly advanced Internet-connected radio.” To determine the difference between these released technologies and users’ expectations in detail, we tried to analyze whether the quality and value of artificial intelligence speakers affect the positive (+) effect on use and user satisfaction. Finally, we tried to determine if it comes with user benefits. As a result of analyzing DeLone and McLean’s IS SUCCESS model, it was found that the information quality provided by the artificial intelligence speaker is used, but it is difficult to deliver satisfaction, but the service and system quality deliver user satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that perceived pleasure had no positive effect on the use or user satisfaction. It is necessary to upgrade to a level that can provide information providing quality and enjoyment that users can perceive. This means that it is a system with built-in voice recognition to answer questions connected to the Internet.