bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful discontinuation of corticosteroids through remission induction therapy with benralizumab for chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Kai Yoshiro , Kataoka Ryosuke , Suzuki Kentaro , Nakamura Eriko , Takano Masato , Muro Shigeo
Published: January 2024

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an eosinophilic lung disease. Treatment for CEP includes corticosteroids; however, CEP often recurs. A 53‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital because of poorly controlled asthma. She was treated with combination of moderate‐dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long‐acting β2‐agonist (LABA), and betamethasone/dexchlorpheniramine. She was switched to single‐inhaler triple therapy, after which her asthma control improved; thus, betamethasone/dexchlorpheniramine was discontinued. Ten weeks later, she was diagnosed with CEP due to marked eosinophilia and pulmonary eosinophilic infiltrates. Oral corticosteroid treatment was initiated, symptoms improved, and peripheral blood eosinophilia decreased with improved infiltrative shadows. Remission induction therapy was initiated with benralizumab combined with corticosteroid therapy. Eosinophilia and inflammatory responses decreased. After 7 months, corticosteroid was discontinued, and she was treated with benralizumab alone. She remained in remission for 4 months. This case suggests that benralizumab may be useful as a remission induction therapy in patients with CEP.
Achieving Fast and Stable Sodium Storage in Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) via Entropy Engineering
Authors: Jiang Ning , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Haoran , Wang Yichao , Sun Shouyu , Yang Cheng , Liu Yu
Published: January 2024

Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) (NFPP) has been considered a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its environmental friendliness and economic viability. However, its electrochemical performance is constrained by connatural low electronic conductivity and inadequate sodium ion diffusion. Herein, a high‐entropy substitution strategy is employed in NFPP to address these limitations. Ex situ X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals a single‐phase electrochemical reaction during the sodiation/desodiation processes and the increased configurational entropy in HE‐NFPP endows an enhanced structure, which results in a minimal volume variation of only 1.83%. Kinetic analysis and density functional theory calculation further confirm that the orbital hybrid synergy of high‐entropy transition metals offers a favorable electronic structure, which efficaciously boosts the charge transfer kinetics and optimizes the sodium ion diffusion channel. Based on this versatile strategy, the as‐prepared high‐entropy Na4Fe2.5Mn0.1Mg0.1Co0.1Ni0.1Cu0.1(PO4)2(P2O7) (HE‐NFPP) cathode can deliver a prominent rate performance of 55 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and an ultra‐long cycling lifespan of over 18 000 cycles at 5 A g−1. When paired with a hard carbon (HC) anode, HE‐NFPP//HC full cell exhibits a favorable cycling durability of 1000 cycles. This high‐entropy engineering offers a feasible route to improve the electrochemical performance of NFPP and provides a blueprint for exploring high‐performance SIBs.
In Situ Biosynthesis of FeS Nanoparticles Boosts Current Generation in Bioelectrochemical Systems Through Efficient Electron Transfer
Authors: He Yuting , Fu Qian , Li Jun , Zhang Liang , Zhu Xun , Liao Qiang
Published: January 2024

The utility of electrochemical active biofilm in bioelectrochemical systems has received considerable attention for harvesting energy and chemical products. However, the slow electron transfer between biofilms and electrodes hinders the enhancement of performance and still remains challenging. Here, using Fe3O4 /L‐Cys nanoparticles as precursors to induce biomineralization, a facile strategy for the construction of an effective electron transfer pathway through biofilm and biological/inorganic interface is proposed, and the underlying mechanisms are elucidated. Taking advantage of an on‐chip interdigitated microelectrode array (IDA), the conductive current of biofilm that is related to the electron transfer process within biofilm is characterized, and a 2.10‐fold increase in current output is detected. The modification of Fe3O4/L‐Cys on the electrode surface facilitates the electron transfer between the biofilm and the electrode, as the bio/inorganic interface electron transfer resistance is only 16% compared to the control. The in‐situ biosynthetic Fe‐containing nanoparticles (e.g., FeS) enhance the transmembrane EET and the EET within biofilm, and the peak conductivity increases 3.4‐fold compared to the control. The in‐situ biosynthesis method upregulates the genes involved in energy metabolism and electron transfer from the transcriptome analysis. This study enriches the insights of biosynthetic nanoparticles on electron transfer process, holding promise in bioenergy conversion.
Bacterial Surface Appendages Modulate the Antimicrobial Activity Induced by Nanoflake Surfaces on Titanium
Authors: Liu Xiayi , Ishak Mohd I. , Ma Huan , Su Bo , Nobbs Angela H.
Published: January 2024

Bioinspired nanotopography is a promising approach to generate antimicrobial surfaces to combat implant‐associated infection. Despite efforts to develop bactericidal 1D structures, the antibacterial capacity of 2D structures and their mechanism of action remains uncertain. Here, hydrothermal synthesis is utilized to generate two 2D nanoflake surfaces on titanium (Ti) substrates and investigate the physiological effects of nanoflakes on bacteria. The nanoflakes impair the attachment and growth of Escherichia coli and trigger the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially contributing to the killing of adherent bacteria. E. coli surface appendages type‐1 fimbriae and flagella are not implicated in the nanoflake‐mediated modulation of bacterial attachment but do influence the bactericidal effects of nanoflakes. An E. coli ΔfimA mutant lacking type‐1 fimbriae is more susceptible to the bactericidal effects of nanoflakes than the parent strain, while E. coli cells lacking flagella (ΔfliC) are more resistant. The results suggest that type‐1 fimbriae confer a cushioning effect that protects bacteria upon initial contact with the nanoflake surface, while flagella‐mediated motility can lead to elevated membrane abrasion. This finding offers a better understanding of the antibacterial properties of nanoflake structures that can be applied to the design of antimicrobial surfaces for future medical applications.
On‐Demand Preparation of Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Functional Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Yijie , Liu Xiangyu , Li Pengli , Li Zhe , Jiang Pingkai , Huang Xingyi
Published: January 2024

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have garnered significant attention across diverse fields; however, accomplishing on‐demand, large‐scale, and highly efficient preparation of BNNSs remains a challenge. Here, an on‐demand preparation (OdP) method combining high‐pressure homogenization and short‐time ultrasonication is presented; it enables a highly efficient and controllable preparation of BNNSs from bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN). The homogenization pressure and number of cycles are adjusted, and the production efficiency and yield of BNNSs reach 0.95 g g−1h−1 and 82.8%, respectively, which significantly exceed those attained by using existing methods. The universality of the OdP method is demonstrated on h‐BN raw materials of various bulk sizes from various producers. Furthermore, this method allows the preparation of BNNSs having specific sizes based on the final requirements. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that large BNNSs are particularly suitable for enhancing the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties of dielectric polymer nanocomposites. Interestingly, the small BNNS‐filled photonic nanocomposite films fabricated via the OdP method exhibit superior daytime radiative cooling properties. Additionally, the OdP method offers the benefits of low energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use. These findings underscore the unique advantages of the OdP method over other techniques for a high‐efficiency and controllable preparation of large BNNSs.
Unlocking the Mechanisms behind Austenite Formation of Cold‐Rolled Ferrite–Martensite Dual‐Phase Steels: The Role of Ferrite Recrystallization
Authors: Lan Huifang , Tang Shuai , Li Jianping , Du Linxiu
Published: January 2024

In this study, the austenite formation behavior is investigated for the ferrite–pearlite initial microstructure, considering the influence of ferrite recrystallization and cementite distribution. Special attention is also given to the effect of recrystallization state on cementite distribution for varied heating routes. Austenite nucleation for varied recrystallization state is elucidated in terms of activation energy evaluation and post microstructural characterization, and the austenite transformation kinetics are modeled and experimentally validated. In the uncrystallized state, austenite forms on the original pearlite colonies quickly due to the short carbon diffusion path. The high activation energy leads to the exceptionally difficult nucleation at the ferrite–cementite interface inside ferrite matrix. Once recrystallization occurs partially, priority of austenite nucleation is on those ferrite boundaries (both recrystallized and unrecrystallized boundaries) decorated by cementite. With complete recrystallization, preferential nucleation sites are found to be junctions of ferrite–cementite interface on recrystallized ferrite boundaries. Austenite transformation kinetics is well predicted by considering the varied nucleation density due to different recrystallization state, showing a good agreement with experimental data. It is demonstrated directly by experimental evidence that proceeding of recrystallization postpones the austenite transformation kinetics, while getting rid of the interference of heating rate and nucleation location.
Experimental and numerical research on the performance of cast‐in‐situ concrete wet joints in closure section in precast concrete segmental bridges under cyclic loading
Authors: Su Han , Liu Haibin , Li Wentao , Huang Zhenkun , Du Jinsheng , Wang Jian
Published: January 2024

The closure section of precast concrete segmental bridges (PCSBs) usually adopts the wet joint of cast‐in‐situ concrete, the width is generally 10–20 cm, and the regular longitudinal reinforcement is discontinuous, which makes the section the vulnerable part of the bridge. To explore the mechanical property of the wet joint in the closure section of PCSB under cyclic load, six wet joint specimens are tested to investigate the influence of loading mode, interface treatment mode, setting of regular reinforcement, and prestress level. The results show that the failure modes of wet joint specimens have similar characteristics, careful roughening of joint surfaces can improve the bonding effect of the new and old concrete and delay the cracking of the specimen, the cracking load of the specimen increases by 10.3% after careful roughening. When the prestress level increases from 6 to 8 MPa and 10 MPa, the stiffness of the specimens increases obviously, and the fracture development of the specimen in the loading process is improved. The cracking load increases by 21.9% and 32.8%, the shear strength increases by 9.9% and 6.6%, respectively, but the ultimate displacement decreases by 5.6% and 11.4%, respectively. Then, the finite element model of the wet joint was established and verified, the influence of shear key, concrete strength, and wet joint width are selected for parameter analysis. It is found that stress concentration is easy to occur after shear key is set, which has adverse effects on structural flexural resistance. The shear capacity of the model decreases by 22.4% and 21.5%, respectively after the setting of single and double‐shear keys, but the stiffness of the wet joint model before cracking is improved. Compared with C50 concrete model, the ultimate bearing capacity of C60 and C70 concrete models is increased by 11.5% and 24.8%, respectively. Wet joint width has little influence on the mechanical properties of wet joints in the closure section. The research results provide references for design and construction of PCSB wet joints in practical engineering.
Complexity of life sciences in quantum and AI era
Authors: Pyrkov Alexey , Aliper Alex , Bezrukov Dmitry , Podolskiy Dmitriy , Ren Feng , Zhavoronkov Alex
Published: January 2024

Having made significant advancements in understanding living organisms at various levels such as genes, cells, molecules, tissues, and pathways, the field of life sciences is now shifting towards integrating these components into the bigger picture to understand their collective behavior. Such a shift of perspective requires a general conceptual framework for understanding complexity in life sciences which is currently elusive, a transition being facilitated by large‐scale data collection, unprecedented computational power, and new analytical tools. In recent years, life sciences have been revolutionized with AI methods, and quantum computing is touted to be the next most significant leap in technology. Here, we provide a theoretical framework to orient researchers around key concepts of how quantum computing can be integrated into the study of the hierarchical complexity of living organisms and discuss recent advances in quantum computing for life sciences.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Quantum Computing > Algorithms

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
Variational determination of the two‐electron reduced density matrix: A tutorial review
Authors: Eugene DePrince A.
Published: January 2024

The two‐electron reduced density matrix (2RDM) carries enough information to evaluate the electronic energy of a many‐electron system. The variational 2RDM (v2RDM) approach seeks to determine the 2RDM directly, without knowledge of the wave function, by minimizing this energy with respect to variations in the elements of the 2RDM, while also enforcing known N‐representability conditions. In this tutorial review, we provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the v2RDM approach and the N‐representability constraints that are typically applied to the 2RDM. We also discuss the semidefinite programming (SDP) techniques used in v2RDM computations and provide enough Python code to develop a working v2RDM code that interfaces to the libSDP library of SDP solvers.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Quantum Chemistry
First successful artificial insemination of the endangered Louisiana pinesnake, Pituophis ruthveni
Authors: Roberts Beth M. , Sandfoss Mark R. , Schwartz Tonia S. , Lindsey Alexis , Hinkson Kristin M. , Reichling Steven B.
Published: January 2024

The Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) is considered one of the rarest snakes in North America and was federally listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2018. Captive breeding and reintroduction of zoo‐bred hatchlings has been successful, however, limited founders in the captive population and the inability to bring new, wild genes into the captive colony presents a major concern for the conservation of this species. The use of artificial insemination (AI) was first applied to snakes in the 1980s but further development of the technique has since received little attention. Our goal was to develop a method of AI for use in breeding Louisiana pinesnakes to facilitate gene flow from wild to captive populations. We inseminated two captive Louisiana pinesnakes with semen collected from one donor male, novel to both females. Timing of AI occurred following the emergence of females from brumation, and when large, distinct follicles were detected using digital palpation. Females were inseminated four and five times over a period of 14 and 19 days, respectively, using fresh and 2‐day refrigerator stored semen. One female laid seven eggs, which resulted in four fertile eggs and two viable hatchlings, while the second female produced three fertile of seven eggs laid but no viable hatchlings. Genetic analyses confirmed the donor male was the sire of hatchlings. This is the first successful AI of an endangered snake species and provides a framework for the use and optimization of assisted reproductive technologies for use in conservation breeding programs.
QCD worldsheet axion from the bootstrap
Authors: Gaikwad Adwait , Gorbenko Victor , Guerrieri Andrea L.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The worldsheet axion plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the Yang-Mills confining flux tubes. According to the lattice measurements, its mass is of order the string tension and its coupling is close to a certain critical value. Using the S-matrix Bootstrap, we construct non-perturbative 2 → 2 branon scattering amplitudes which also feature a weakly coupled axion resonance with these properties. We study the extremal bootstrap amplitudes in detail and show that the axion plays a dominant role in their UV completion in two distinct regimes, in one of which it cannot be considered a parametrically light particle. We conjecture that the actual flux tube amplitudes exhibit a similar behavior.
Large N and large representations of Schur line defect correlators
Authors: Hatsuda Yasuyuki , Okazaki Tadashi
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We study the large N and large representation limits of the Schur line defect correlators of the Wilson line operators transforming in the (anti)symmetric, hook and rectangular representations for 𝒩 = 4 U(N) super Yang-Mills theory. By means of the factorization property, the large N correlators of the Wilson line operators in arbitrary representations can be exactly calculated in principle. In the large representation limit they turn out to be expressible in terms of certain infinite series such as Ramanujan’s general theta functions and the q-analogues of multiple zeta values (q-MZVs). Several generating functions for combinatorial objects, including partitions with non-negative cranks and conjugacy classes of general linear groups over finite fields, emerge from the large N correlators. Also we find conjectured properties of the automorphy and the hook-length expansion satisfied by the large N correlators.
SOG – Spezielle Orthopädische Geriatrie
Authors: Meyer Matthias , Michalk Katrin , Greimel Felix , Maderbacher Günther , Grifka Joachim , Kappenschneider Tobias
Published: January 2024

Hintergrund

Für die Versorgung geriatrischer Patienten bei elektiven orthopädischen Operationen existieren in Deutschland bisher noch keine adäquaten Versorgungskonzepte. Die SOG-Studie evaluiert hierzulande erstmalig den Einfluss eines komplexen orthogeriatrischen Co-Managements auf das Outcome älterer Patienten mit elektivem Hüft- und Kniegelenkersatz im Vergleich zur orthopädischen Standardversorgung.

Methodik

In die Zwischenanalyse der noch laufenden Studie wurden 174 Patienten eingeschlossen, wovon 87 Patienten in die Interventionsgruppe und 87 Patienten in die Kontrollgruppe randomisiert wurden. Das SOG-Versorgungsmodell besteht aus Screening, präoperativem Assessment mit präoperativer Intervention/Optimierung, Operation nach dem Fast-Track-Prinzip und multimodaler perioperativer Versorgung im orthogeriatrischen Team. Die Kontrollgruppe erhielt eine orthopädische Standardbehandlung. Verglichen wurden Mobilität, Komplikationen und „patient-reported outcome measures“ (PROM).

Ergebnisse

Die Interventionsgruppe wies postoperativ gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe zu allen Erfassungszeitpunkten eine klinisch relevant verbesserte Mobilität auf (p < 0,01). Die Komplikationsauswertung zeigte eine signifikante Risikoreduktion für Minor-Komplikationen (p < 0,01) sowie einen deutlichen Trend zur Risikoreduktion für Major-Komplikationen. Die Auswertung der PROM zeigte unabhängig von der Intervention eine signifikante Verbesserung der Gelenkfunktion und der allgemeinen gesundheitsbedingten Lebensqualität.

Schlussfolgerung

Integrierte orthogeriatrische Modelle, wie die Spezielle Orthopädische Geriatrie, könnten zukünftig die Versorgung geriatrischer Patienten in der elektiven orthopädischen Chirurgie verbessern und vor allem sicherer gestalten.

Graphic abstract
“Threatened and empty selves following AI-based virtual influencers”: comparison between followers and non-followers of virtual influencers in AI-driven digital marketing
Authors: Jin S. Venus , Viswanathan Vijay
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based virtual influencers are now frequently used by brands in various categories to engage customers. However, little is known about who the followers of these AI-based virtual influencers are and more importantly, what drives the followers to use AI-based virtual influencers. The results from a survey support the notion that compensatory mechanisms and the need to belong play important roles in affecting usage intentions of AI-based virtual influencers. Specifically, the study finds that usage intentions are mediated and moderated by compensatory mechanisms that arise from the perception of AI-based virtual influencers’ functional benefits and existential threats to human identity. Furthermore, the need for belonging moderates the effects of the following status (following versus non-following) on perceived personalization benefits of AI-based virtual influencers and behavioral intentions to use AI-based virtual influencers. This study provides important implications for academia delving into the social, cultural, and philosophical implications of AI-based virtual influencers for human societies as well as for brands that plan to use AI-based virtual influencers and gain a better understanding of their customers in AI-driven digital marketing.
Theory and simulation of shock waves freely propagating through monoatomic non-Boltzmann gas
Authors: Döntgen Malte
Published: January 2024

The effect of non-Boltzmann energy distributions on the free propagation of shock waves through a monoatomic gas is investigated via theory and simulation. First, the non-Boltzmann heat capacity ratio $$\gamma $$
γ
, as a key property for describing shock waves, is derived from first principles via microcanonical integration. Second, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations resembling a shock tube setup are used to test the theory. The presented theory provides heat capacity ratios ranging from the well-known $$\gamma = 5/3$$

γ
=
5
/
3

for Boltzmann energy-distributed gas to $$\gamma \rightarrow 1$$

γ
→
1

for delta energy-distributed gas. The molecular dynamics simulations of Boltzmann and non-Boltzmann driven gases suggest that the shock wave propagates about 9% slower through the non-Boltzmann driven gas, while the contact wave appears to be about 4% faster if it trails non-Boltzmann driven gas. The observed slowdown of the shock wave through applying a non-Boltzmann energy distribution was found to be consistent with the classical shock wave equations when applying the non-Boltzmann heat capacity ratio. These fundamental findings provide insights into the behavior of non-Boltzmann gases and might help to improve the understanding of gas dynamical phenomena.

Graphical abstract
Research on knowledge graph-driven equipment fault diagnosis method for intelligent manufacturing
Authors: Cai Chang , Jiang Zhengyi , Wu Hui , Wang Junsheng , Liu Jiawei , Song Lei
Published: January 2024

In the process of rotating machinery fault diagnosis (RMFD), the lack of feature conditions leads to the problem of low accuracy of traditional rule-based reasoning methods FD. This paper proposed a knowledge graph (KG)-driven device FD method and applied it to RMFD. First, we proposed a multi-level KG construction method to get multi-source data based on each level and analyzed the levels that affected the system state. A single-level KG was constructed through data features, and a multilevel KG with a stereostructure was built using a multi-source data fusion model as data support for FD. Second, we proposed an approach based on multilevel KG and Bayes theory to detect the system state and located the source of faults by combining the KG reasoning based on relational paths, then used the relationships between the structures of rotating mechanical equipment for fault cause reasoning and used the KG as a knowledge base for a reason using machine learning. Finally, the proposed method was validated using a steelworks motor as an example and compared with other ways, such as rule-based FD. The results show that under the condition of missing input features, the accuracy of the proposed method reaches 91.1%, which is significantly higher than other methods and effectively solves the problem of low diagnostic accuracy.
A quasi-geostrophic analysis of summertime southern African linear-regime westerly waves
Authors: Ndarana Thando , Rammopo Tsholanang S. , Bopape Mary-Jane M. , Hart Neil C. G. , Reason Chris J. C. , Chikoore Hector
Published: January 2024

Linear-regime westerly waves that propagate across the South African domain are often linked to well-known rainfall producing systems such as tropical temperate troughs and synoptic scale tropical low-pressure systems, and ridging South Atlantic Ocean anticyclones at the surface. It is accepted that the baroclinic waves that propagate across the domain provide the lifting mechanism that causes the required vertical motion for rainfall to occur. This study shows that there exists a jet streak embedded in these waves that is located downstream of the trough axis, to the east of which vertically upward motion is expected to occur. The entrance of the jet streak passes just south of the country, as the waves propagate past the domain. The study further shows that for this class of waves, the vertical motion that causes rainfall to occur is induced by the thermally direct transverse ageostrophic circulation that is located at this jet entrance. This is instead of the conventional upper air divergence that is located at the inflection point east of the trough axis. Using a method of decomposing the Q-vector into its transverse ($${Q}_n$$

Q
n

) and shear ($${Q}_s$$

Q
s

) components, the divergence fields of which are used to decompose the vertical motion into the corresponding components, i.e $$\omega _n$$

ω
n

and $$\omega _s$$

ω
s

, respectively; it was shown that the vertical motion over South Africa is explained more by the former than the latter. Therefore, the uplift over the country and that located at the infection point east of the trough are dynamically distinct processes. Taking the limitations of the quasi-geostrophic framework into consideration, the study concludes that during the passage of linear-regime waves vertical motion that might lead to rainfall is caused by the circulation at the jet entrance and not the divergence in the baroclinic wave.
Low-flow in aortic valve stenosis patients with reduced ejection fraction does not depend on left ventricular function
Authors: Gersch Svante , Lange Torben , Beuthner Bo Eric , Elkenani Manar , Paul Niels , Schnelle Moritz , Zeisberg Elisabeth , Puls Miriam , Hasenfuß Gerd , Schuster Andreas , Toischer Karl
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be distinguished into high- (HG) and low-gradient (LG) subgroups. However, less is known about their characteristics and underlying (pathophysiological) hemodynamic mechanisms.

Methods

98 AS patients with reduced LVEF were included. Subgroup characteristics were analyzed by a multimodal approach using clinical and histological data, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and applying echocardiography as well as cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Biopsy samples were analyzed with respect to fibrosis and mRNA expression profiles.

Results

40 patients were classified as HG-AS and 58 patients as LG-AS. Severity of AS was comparable between the subgroups. Comparison of both subgroups revealed no differences in LVEF (p = 0.1), LV mass (p = 0.6) or end-diastolic LV diameter (p = 0.12). Neither histological (HG: 23.2% vs. LG: 25.6%, p = 0.73) and circulating biomarker-based assessment (HG: 2.6 ± 2.2% vs. LG: 3.2 ± 3.1%; p = 0.46) of myocardial fibrosis nor global gene expression patterns differed between subgroups. Mitral regurgitation (MR), atrial fibrillation (AF) and impaired right ventricular function (MR: HG: 8% vs. LG: 24%; p < 0.001; AF: HG: 30% vs. LG: 51.7%; p = 0.03; RVSVi: HG 36.7 vs. LG 31.1 ml/m2, p = 0.045; TAPSE: HG 20.2 vs. LG 17.3 mm, p = 0.002) were more frequent in LG-AS patients compared to HG-AS. These pathologies could explain the higher mortality of LG vs. HG-AS patients.

Conclusion

In patients with low-flow severe aortic stenosis, low transaortic gradient and cardiac output are not primarily due to LV dysfunction or global changes in gene expression, but may be attributed to other additional cardiac pathologies like mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation or right ventricular dysfunction. These factors should also be considered during planning of aortic valve replacement.

Graphical Abstract

Comparison of patients with high-gradient (HG) and low-gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS) and reduced ejection fraction. Comprehensive analyses including clinical data, gene expression analyses, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging as well as echocardiography were performed. AF: Atrial fibrillation, MR: mitral regurgitation, RVEF: right ventricular ejection fraction, ECV%: extracellular volume.
Differences in clinical characteristics of early-onset and late-onset severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections in neonates
Authors: Wu Yi-Xin , Wang Dan-Dan , Zhao Ru-Qi , Jin Ou-Xuan , Yang Jing-Yun , Zhang Mei-Xian , Wang Li-Zhen
Published: January 2024

Differences in clinical characteristics of early-onset and late-onset severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in neonates remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether there are differences in the main clinical, radiological, and laboratory features of early-onset and late-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections in neonates. This single-center, prospective cohort study enrolled neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infection from December 7, 2022, to January 3, 2023, and evaluated their clinical characteristics during hospitalization. All neonates (N = 58) infected with SARS-CoV-2 within 28 days of birth who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Taizhou Hospital were included. These neonates were classified into the early-onset (diagnosed within 7 days of birth) and late-onset (diagnosed more than 7 days after birth) groups. The symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were the main study outcomes. The incidence of hospitalization attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection was 10.6% (58 of 546 neonates) in Linhai. Sixteen (28%) of the 58 SARS-CoV-2 infections were early-onset cases, and 42 (72%) were late-onset cases. The common symptoms among the late-onset group were fever (p < 0.001) and cough (p < 0.001). Neonates with late-onset SARS-CoV-2 infection (p < 0.001) were significantly more likely to develop pneumonia.

  Conclusion: The clinical symptoms and rates of pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates differed between the early-onset and late-onset groups. Different clinical management is necessary for neonates with early-onset and late-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections.

What is Known:• Neonates are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).• Differences in clinical characteristics of early-onset and late-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections in neonates remain unclear.

What is New:• Fever and cough were the most common symptoms among neonates with late-onset infection.• Neonates with late-onset SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to develop pneumonia.
Decadal-scale variability and warming affect spring timing and forest growth across the western Great Lakes region
Authors: McPartland Mara Y.
Published: January 2024

The Great Lakes region of North America has warmed by 1–2 °C on average since pre-industrial times, with the most pronounced changes observable during winter and spring. Interannual variability in temperatures remains high, however, due to the influence of ocean-atmosphere circulation patterns that modulate the warming trend across years. Variations in spring temperatures determine growing season length and plant phenology, with implications for whole ecosystem function. Studying how both internal climate variability and the “secular” warming trend interact to produce trends in temperature is necessary to estimate potential ecological responses to future warming scenarios. This study examines how external anthropogenic forcing and decadal-scale variability influence spring temperatures across the western Great Lakes region and estimates the sensitivity of regional forests to temperature using long-term growth records from tree-rings and satellite data. Using a modeling approach designed to test for regime shifts in dynamic time series, this work shows that mid-continent spring climatology was strongly influenced by the 1976/1977 phase change in North Pacific atmospheric circulation, and that regional forests show a strengthening response to spring temperatures during the last half-century.
Description, identification, and growth of Tuber borchii Vittad. mycorrhized Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings on different lime contents
Authors: Mrak Tanja , Grebenc Tine , Friedrich Silke , Münzenberger Babette
Published: January 2024

Tuber borchii forms ectomycorrhiza with oaks, hazel, and pines, including Pinus sylvestris. However, its ectomycorrhiza morphotype with P. sylvestris was not comprehensively described so far, and molecular analyses are missing despite a high danger of misidentification of T. borchii ectomycorrhiza with other closely related and less valuable truffle species. We described for the first time the morphology and anatomy of T. borchii-P. sylvestris ectomycorrhiza using differential interference contrast technique and semi-thin sections in combination with molecular confirmation of identity. Color of ectomycorrhiza is reddish to dark brown, and morphotypes are unevenly but densely covered by warts-bearing pin-like cystidia. All layers of the hyphal mantle are pseudoparenchymatous with outer mantle layer formed of epidermoid cells. T. borchii ectomycorrhiza was identified by a molecular comparison with fruitbodies used for inoculation and its respective ectomycorrhizae. T. borchii has a wide ecological amplitude. To get a better insight in mycorrhization requirements, we investigated growth of P. sylvestris and its ectomycorrhiza infection rate with T. borchii in substrate with different lime content. The mycorrhization of P. sylvestris with T. borchii in the mycorrhization substrate and cultivation in greenhouse conditions was successful, with colonization of P. sylvestris varying between 36.5 and 48.1%. There was no significant correlation of mycorrhization to applied lime contents, and consequently to pH in substrate, while the increased levels of lime improved growth of the P. sylvestris seedlings.
Clinical characteristics of outpatients with influenza-B-associated pneumonia and molecular evolution of influenza B virus in Beijing, China, during the 2021–2022 influenza season
Authors: Wang Yanxin , Liu Yafen , Wang Yue , Mai Huan , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Yifan , Ji Ying , Cong Xu , Gao Yan
Published: January 2024

We analyzed the clinical characteristics of outpatients with influenza-B-associated pneumonia during the 2021–2022 influenza season and analyzed the molecular epidemiology and evolution of influenza B virus. The presence of influenza B virus was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Electronic medical records were used to collect and analyze data of outpatients. The HA and NA genes were phylogenetically analyzed using ClustalW 2.10 and MEGA 11.0. Out of 1569 outpatients who tested positive for influenza B virus, 11.7% (184/1569) developed pneumonia, and of these, 19.0% (35/184) had underlying diseases. Fever, cough, and sore throat were the most common symptoms. Among the complications, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney injury (AKI), and shock accounted for 2.7% (5/184), 4.9% (9/184), and 1.6% (3/184), respectively. Of the outpatients, 2.7% (5/184) were admitted to the hospital, and 0.5% (1/184) of them died. All of the strains from Beijing were identified as belonging to the B/Victoria lineage. The HA and NA gene sequences of 41 influenza B viruses showed high similarity to each other, and all of them belonged to clade 1A.3. Compared with the vaccine strain B/Washington/02/2019, all of the isolates contained N150K, G181E, and S194D mutations. S194D, E195K, and K200R mutations were detected in the 190 helix of the receptor binding region of HA. Co-mutations of H122Q, A127T, P144L, N150K, G181E, S194D, and K200R in HA and D53N, N59S, and G233E in NA were detected in 78.0% (32/41) of the isolates, and 56.3% (18/32) of these were from outpatients with influenza-B-associated pneumonia. Influenza outpatients with underlying diseases were more likely to develop pneumonia. No significant differences were observed in clinical symptoms or laboratory results between outpatients with and without pneumonia, so testing for influenza virus seems to be a good choice. The observed amino acid variations suggest that current vaccines might not provide effective protection.
Winning the race to customers with micro-fulfillment centers: an approach for network planning in quick commerce
Authors: Yang Xuefei , Ostermeier Manuel , Hübner Alexander
Published: January 2024

In 2020, the first quick commerce businesses in grocery retail emerged in the European market. Customers can order online and receive their groceries within 15 min in the best case. The ability to provide short lead times is, therefore, essential. However, the ambitious service promises of quick deliveries further complicate order fulfillment, and many retailers are struggling to achieve profitability. Quick commerce retailers need to establish an efficient network of micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) in customer proximity, i.e., urban areas, to master these challenges. We address this strategic network problem and formulate it as a location routing problem. This enables us to define the number, location, type, and size of MFCs based on setup, replenishment, order processing, and transportation costs. We solve the problem using a cluster-first-route-second heuristic based on agglomerative clustering to approximate transportation costs. Our numerical experiments show that our heuristic solves the problem effectively and provides efficient decision support for quick commerce retailing. We generate managerial insights by analyzing key aspects of a quick commerce business, such as lead times and problem-specific cost factors. We show, for example, that allowing slightly higher delivery flexibility (e.g., offering extended lead times) enables bundling effects and results in cost savings of 50% or more of fulfillment costs. Furthermore, using multiple small MFCs is more efficient than larger, automated MFCs from a lead time and cost perspective.
Creating the Dutch One Health Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs)
Authors: Dellar Martha , Geerling Gertjan , Kok Kasper , van Bodegom Peter , Schrama Maarten , Boelee Eline
Published: January 2024

The world is changing, in terms of both climate and socio-economics. These changes have the potential to have a profound impact on the health of humans, animals and the environment, often grouped together as ‘One Health’. Humans, animals and the environment are closely interlinked and to determine realistic future vulnerabilities we must consider everything together. We need comprehensive scenarios which cover a broad range of variables affecting One Health. We developed a methodology to create national-level One Health scenarios based on the global Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs), which we applied to the Netherlands. We identified variables which should be included in such scenarios and gathered input from existing scenarios, stakeholder consultation and current plans and commitments. This information was combined to create detailed descriptions, which were used to assess the main health risks under each scenario. All the scenarios face similar challenges, for example an aging population, introductions of infectious diseases and rising sea-levels and extreme weather events; however, in some scenarios, they deal with these challenges much better than in others. The healthiest outcome was achieved when a policy of low greenhouse gas emissions was combined with a well-functioning society which looks after both its citizens and the environment. These scenarios can be used to analyse specific health risks and to consider options for mitigation and preparedness. Because they are national-level scenarios, they allow the local context, policies and customs to be accounted for and should be a valuable tool for protecting One Health in the future.
Factors Associated with Having both Male and Female Recent Sexual Partnerships Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Davis Morgan , Musuka Godfrey , Mapingure Munyaradzi P. , Hakim Avi , Parmley Lauren E. , Mugurungi Owen , Chingombe Innocent , Miller Sophia S. , Rogers John H. , Lamb Matthew R. , Samba Chesterfield , Harris Tiffany G.
Published: January 2024

To better understand male and female sexual partnerships among men who have sex with men (MSM), we used data from a 2019 biobehavioral survey among MSM in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to conduct bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to determine whether sociodemographic characteristics and HIV-related factors were associated with having both male and female sexual partnerships within the last 6 months. Of included MSM (N = 1143), 31% reported both male and female partnerships in the last 6 months. Being married/cohabiting (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 8.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.92–14.95) or separated/divorced/widowed (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.24–3.08) vs. being single, and hazardous alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19–2.09) were associated with higher odds of having both male and female recent partnerships. Being aged 35 + vs. 18–24 (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31–0.81), condomless receptive anal intercourse at last sex with the main male partner (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26–0.74), and positive HIV status (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.31–0.67) were associated with lower odds of recent male and female partnerships. MSM in Harare who reported harassment/abuse (aOR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.72–5.79) had higher odds of both male and female partnerships than MSM in Bulawayo reporting harassment/abuse. The prevalence of both male and female recent partnerships (31%) was lower among MSM in this survey than in other biobehavioral surveys of MSM in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings suggest that MSM with recent male and female partnerships compared to MSM with only male recent partners have lower odds of positive HIV status and participate in behaviors that lower HIV risk; however, the direction of these relationships cannot be determined due to the cross-sectional nature of the data. The findings also suggest a possible connection between experiences of stigma of MSM behavior and not having both male and female partnerships that warrants further exploration. Accessible, stigma-free HIV testing and education programming that considers the potential overlap between the MSM and general populations via both male and female partnerships and the associated behaviors could be a key component of HIV elimination in Zimbabwe.
Virtual Reality Breathing Interventions for Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Cortez-Vázquez Gabriela , Adriaanse Marcel , Burchell George Louis , Ostelo Raymond , Panayiotou Georgia , Vlemincx Elke
Published: January 2024

Breathing exercises have been shown to reduce mental health problems among clinical and non-clinical populations. Although virtual reality (VR) breathing interventions are assumed to have potential benefits, it remains unclear whether VR breathing interventions are more effective at improving mental health than non-VR breathing interventions. We conducted a systematic literature search in six electronic databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and PubMed) from inception to 30th September, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials in adults evaluating effects of VR compared to non-VR breathing interventions on primary outcomes of mental health (stress, anxiety and mood), and secondary outcomes of physiological stress measures (e.g., heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV)). Within these selected studies, we explored differences in likeability and future use between VR and non-VR breathing interventions. 2.848 records were identified of which 65 full-text articles were assessed. Six RCTs were included, of which five were suitable for meta-analyses. Comparing VR to non-VR breathing interventions, there were no significant differences in overall mental health, stress, anxiety or mood, nor in HR or HRV. There was no evidence that participants liked VR breathing interventions more than non-VR, nor would use them more in the future. These results suggest that there is no evidence that VR breathing interventions are more effective than non-VR in improving mental health outcomes, HR, HRV. Further research is required to determine whether there may be advantages to longer-term VR-implementation and practice, and explore possible mechanisms.
Algebraic Dynamical Systems in Machine Learning
Authors: Jones Iolo , Swan Jerry , Giansiracusa Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

We introduce an algebraic analogue of dynamical systems, based on term rewriting. We show that a recursive function applied to the output of an iterated rewriting system defines a formal class of models into which all the main architectures for dynamic machine learning models (including recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and diffusion models) can be embedded. Considered in category theory, we also show that these algebraic models are a natural language for describing the compositionality of dynamic models. Furthermore, we propose that these models provide a template for the generalisation of the above dynamic models to learning problems on structured or non-numerical data, including ‘hybrid symbolic-numeric’ models.
Some Benefits and Limitations of Modern Argument Map Representation
Authors: Rathkopf Charles
Published: January 2024

Argument maps represent some arguments more effectively than others. The goal of this article is to account for that variability, so that those who wish to use argument maps can do so with more foresight. I begin by identifying four properties of argument maps that make them useful tools for evaluating arguments. Then, I discuss four types of argument that are difficult to map well: reductio ad absurdum arguments, charges of equivocation, logical analogies, and mathematical arguments. The difficulties presented by these four types appear unrelated to one another, but I show that, in each case, the difficulty can be traced back to the use of metalinguistic reasoning. The need to represent a transition between object language and metalanguage can undermine one or more of the benefits that argument map representation would otherwise confer.