bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonequilibrium phase transitions in metapopulation models of infectious diseases on heterogeneous networks
Authors: Kwon Sungchul , Park Jeong-Man
Published: August 2023

We study two meta-population models of infectious diseases in heterogeneous networks. We distinguish between asymptomatic and symptomatic infections and these two go through the different courses of infection and recovery. We consider that asymptomatic infections are described by an SIS model and symptomatic infections by an SIR or SIRS model depending on the immunity upon recovery. By introducing the probability of being infected asymptomatically, we combine an SIS model for asymptomatic infections with an SIR or SIRS model for symptomatic infections to obtain the SIS-SIR and SIS-SIRS models. We use a heterogeneous mean-field theory and Monte Carlo simulations to analyze two models and find that both models undergo nonequilibrium continuous phase transitions from the endemic phase to the disease-free phase at certain critical thresholds as we vary the proportion of asymptomatic infections. It suggests that it may be possible to maintain the population in the disease-free phase by controlling the proportion of asymptomatic infections. The SIS-SIRS model shows that asymptomatic infection drives symptomatic infection and vice versa. In addition, the spreading of infections eventually ceases as the population decreases even at a fixed proportion of asymptomatic infections corresponding to the endemic phase. The results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the epidemiological facts that social distancing and reducing asymptomatic infections are important factors in optimizing quarantine measures to prevent the epidemic outbreaks of infectious diseases.
A low-cost internal standard loader for solid-phase sorbing tools
Authors: Vivaldi F M , Reale S , Ghimenti S , Biagini D , Lenzi A , Lomonaco T , Di Francesco F
Published: August 2023

Solid-phase sorption is widely used for the analysis of gaseous specimens as it allows at the same time to preconcentrate target analytes and store samples for relatively long periods. The addition of internal standards (ISs) in the analytical workflow can greatly reduce the variability of the analyses and improve the reliability of the protocols. In this work, we describe the development and testing of a portable system for the reliable production of gaseous mixture of 8D-Toluene in a 1L Silonite canister as well as its reproducible loading into solid-phase sorbing tools as ISs. The portable system was tested using needle trap microextraction, solid-phase extraction, and thin-film microextraction techniques commonly employed for the analysis of gaseous samples. Even though our specific interest is in breath analysis, the system can also be used for the collection of any kind of gaseous specimen. A microcontroller allows the fine control of the sampling flow by a digital mass flow controller. Flow rate and sample volume could be set either through a rotary encoder mounted onto the control board or through a dedicated android app. The variability of the airflow is in the range 5–200 ml min−1 and it is lower than 1%, whereas the variability of the IS (8D-Toluene) concentration dispensed over time by the loader measured by selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (MS) is <3%. This combination resulted in intra- and inter-day precision of the amount loaded in the sorbent tools lower than 15%. No carry-over was detected in the loader after the delivery of the 8D-Toluene measured by gas chromatography–MS. The 8D-Toluene concentration in the canister was stable for up to three weeks at room temperature.
Effects of fiber loadings and lengths on mechanical properties of Sansevieria Cylindrica fiber reinforced natural rubber biocomposites
Authors: Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Kalimuthu Mayandi , Dharmalingam Shanmugam , Alavudeen Azeez , Nagarajan Rajini , Ismail Sikiru Oluwarotimi , Siengchin Suchart , Mohammad Faruq , Al-Lohedan Hamad A
Published: August 2023

In this present investigation, Sansevieria cylindrica fiber was used as a reinforcement in a natural rubber matrix. Various biocomposite samples with different fiber contents (lengths and loadings) were fabricated, using compression molding process and vulcanizing technique by maintaining the temperature around 150 °C. From the results obtained, mechanical properties: tensile strength, modulus elongation at break and tear strength of 10.44 MPa, 2.36 MPa, 627.59% and 34.99 N respectively, were obtained from the optimum composite sample with length and loading of 6 mm and 20 wt% composition, respectively. The maximum hardness was observed at 76.85 Shore A from the composite sample of 6 mm and 40 wt%. The optimum properties can be attributed to the presence of strong interfacial adhesion between the Sansevieria cylindrica fiber and the natural rubber matrix. The mechanisms of failure of the biocomposites at their interfaces were examined and analyzed, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The micrographs obtained from SEM further confirmed that the Sansevieria cylindrica fibers were surrounded with more amount of natural rubber which can exhibit strong interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. The optimal composites of this work can be used in general, abrasion resistant conveyor belt.
Assessing the quality of large-area monolayer graphene grown on liquid copper for size-selective ionic/molecular membrane separations
Authors: Romaniak Grzegorz , Cheng Peifu , Dybowski Konrad , Kula Piotr , Kidambi Piran R
Published: August 2023

Monolayer graphene growth on liquid copper (Cu) has attracted attention due to advantages of a flat/smooth catalytic growth surface, high synthesis temperature (>1080 °C) as well as the possibility of forming graphene domains that are mobile on the liquid Cu with potential to minimize grain boundary defects and self-assemble into a continuous monolayer film. However, the quality of monolayer graphene grown on liquid copper and its suitability for size-selective ionic/molecular membrane separations has not been evaluated/studied. Here, we probe the quality of monolayer graphene grown on liquid Cu (via a metallurgical process, HSMG®) using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), Raman spectroscopy and report on a facile approach to assess intrinsic sub-nanometer to nanometer-scale defects over centimeter-scale areas. We demonstrate high transfer yields of monolayer graphene (>93% coverage) from the growth substrate to polyimide track etched membrane (PITEM, pore diameter ∼200 nm) supports to form centimeter-scale atomically thin membranes. Next, we use pressure-driven transport of ethanol to probe defects > 60 nm and diffusion-driven transport of analytes (KCl ∼0.66 nm, L-Tryptophan ∼0.7–0.9 nm, Vitamin B12 ∼1–1.5 nm and Lysozyme ∼3.8–4 nm) to probe nanoscale and sub-nanometer scale defects. Diffusive transport confirms the presence of intrinsic sub-nanometer to nanometer scale defects in monolayer graphene grown on liquid Cu are no less than that in high-quality graphene synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on solid Cu. Our work not only benchmarks quality of graphene grown on liquid copper for membrane applications but also provides fundamental insights into the origin of intrinsic defects in large-area graphene synthesized via bottom-up processes for membrane applications.
The value of using heterogeneous detector groups for the development of time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) systems
Authors: Xin Zhiqiang , Kao Chien-Min , Liu Yuqing , Chen Xun , Zhang Labao , Wu Peiheng , Xie Qingguo
Published: August 2023

Objective. Much recent attention on positron emission tomography (PET) is the development of time-of-flight (TOF) systems with ever-improving coincidence time resolution (CTR). This is because, when all other factors remain the same, a better CTR leads to images of better statistics and effectively increases the sensitivity of the system. However, detector designs that aggressively improve the CTR often compromise the detection efficiency (DE) and offset the benefit gained. Under this circumstance, in developing a TOF PET system it may be beneficial to employ heterogeneous detector groups to balance the overall CTR and DE of the system. In this study, we examine the potential value of this system design strategy by considering two-dimensional systems that assume several representative ways of mixing two detector groups. Approach. The study is based on computer simulation and specifically considers medium time-resolution (MTR) detectors that have a 528 ps CTR and high time-resolution (HTR) detectors that have a 100 ps CTR and a DE that is 0.7 times that of the MTR detector. We examine contrast recovery, noise, and subjective quality of the resulting images under various ways of mixing the MTR and HTR detectors. Main results. With respect to the traditional configuration that adopts only the HTR detectors, symmetric heterogeneous configurations may offer comparable or better images while using considerably fewer HTRs. On the other hand, asymmetric heterogeneous configurations may allow the use of only a few HTRs for improving image quality locally. Significance. This study demonstrates the value of the proposed system-level design strategy of using heterogeneous detector groups for achieving high effective system sensitivity by factoring into the tradeoff between the CTR and DE of the detector.
Characterisation of the UK high energy proton research beamline for high and ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) irradiation
Authors: Aylward J D , Henthorn N , Manger S , Warmenhoven J W , Merchant M J , Taylor M J , Mackay R I , Kirkby K J
Published: August 2023

Objective. This work sets out the capabilities of the high energy proton research beamline developed in the Christie proton therapy centre for Ultra-High Dose Rate (UHDR) irradiation and FLASH experiments. It also characterises the lower limits of UHDR operation for this Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) proton hardware. Approach. Energy dependent nozzle transmission was measured using a Faraday Cup beam collector. Spot size was measured at the reference plane using a 2D scintillation detector. Integrated depth doses (IDDs) were measured. EBT3 Gafchromic film was used to compare UHDR and conventional dose rate spots. Our beam monitor calibration methodolgy for UHDR is described. A microDiamond detector was used to determine dose rates at zref. Instantaneous depth dose rates were calculated for 70–245 MeV. PBS dose rate distributions were calculated using Folkerts and Van der Water definitions. Main results. Transmission of 7.05 ± 0.1% is achieveable corresponding to a peak instantaneous dose rate of 112.7 Gy s−1. Beam parameters are comparable in conventional and UHDR mode with a spot size of σ
x = 4.6 mm, σ
y = 6.6 mm. Dead time in the beam monitoring electonics warrants a beam current dependent MU correction in the present configuration. Fast beam scanning of 26.4 m s−1 (X) and 12.1 m s−1 (Y) allows PBS dose rates of the order tens of Grays per second. Significance. UHDR delivery is possible for small field sizes and high energies enabling research into the FLASH effect with PBS protons at our facility. To our knowledge this is also the first thorough characterisation of UHDR irradiation using the hardware of this clinical accelerator at energies less than 250 MeV. The data set out in this publication can be used for designing experiments at this UK research facility and inform the possible future clinical translation of UHDR PBS proton therapy.
Toward automated screening of band gap sensitivity in 2D materials
Authors: Fanta Roman , Dubecký Matúš
Published: August 2023

Computational materials science relies on simple, yet efficient, measures and indicators of the modeled materials’ properties. Ideally, the desired properties should be linked to such scalar quantities that can be obtained in polynomial time and efficiently integrated within automated high-throughput screening loops for screening and sorting out the evaluated materials to the desired categories. Here, we focus on the freestanding gapped 2D materials and scalar indicator of their band gap sensitivity to the presence of additional stacked 2D layer/s. The proposed measure uses only a freestanding model of a given material, and it is based on an automated integration of the electron density of frontier orbitals extending into the vacuum within the model unit cell. The usefulness and limitations of such an approach for materials pre-screening are demonstrated on a handful of 2D materials, like, e.g. MXenes, graphane, fluorographene, or, allotropes of phosphorus.
A review on modelling methods, tools and service of integrated energy systems in China
Authors: Wu Nianyuan , Zhang Fuzheng , Wang Jiangjiang , Wang Xiaonan , Wu Jianzhong , Huang Jingzhi , Tan Jiawei , Jing Rui , Lin Jian , Xie Shan , Zhao Yingru
Published: August 2023

An integrated energy system (IES) is responsible for aggregating various energy carriers, such as electricity, gas, heating, and cooling, with a focus on integrating these components to provide an efficient, low-carbon, and reliable energy supply. This paper aims to review the modeling methods, tools, and service modes of IES in China to evaluate opportunities for improving current practices. The models reviewed in this paper are classified as demand forecasting or energy system optimization models based on their modeling progress. Additionally, the main components involved in the IES modeling process are presented, and typical domestic tools utilized in the modeling processes are discussed. Finally, based on a review of several demonstration projects of IES, future development directions of IES are summarized as the integration of data-driven and engineering models, improvements in policies and mechanisms, the establishment of regional energy management centers, and the promotion of new energy equipment.
Design of highly stable, high speed and low power 10T SRAM cell in 18-nm FinFET technology
Authors: Kumar Appikatla Phani , Lorenzo Rohit
Published: August 2023

Many scientists are working to develop a static random-access memory (SRAM) cell that used little power and has good stability and speed. This work introduces a fin field effect transistor developed SRAM cell with 10 transistors (10T FinFET SRAM). A cross connected standard inverter and schmitt-trigger inverter is used in the proposed 10T FinFET SRAM cell. We introduce the schmitt trigger based SRAM cell with single-ended read decoupled and feedback-cutting approaches to enhance the static noise margin (SNM) and access time of the SRAM cell. The proposed cell’s power utilization is decreased with the help of stacked N-FinFETs. For determining the relative performance of the proposed 10T FinFET SRAM cell design in terms of fundamental design metrics, it has also been compared with some of the current SRAM cells, including 6T, SBL9T SRAM, 10T SRAM, and DS10T SRAM. The simulation results at 0.6V demonstrate that the suggested design achieves low power utilization when Reading, writing and hold modes of operation in comparison to the aforementioned bit cells. It maintains a high SNM during all operations. The suggested cell is the one with fastest read access. The simulation is carried out with cadence tool using FinFET 18 nm technology.
Improving resilience of sensors in planetary exploration using data-driven models
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Dominguez-Pumar Manuel , Sayrol-Clols Elisa , Torres Josefina , Marín Mercedes , Gómez-Elvira Javier , Mora Luis , Navarro Sara , Rodríguez-Manfredi Jose
Published: August 2023

Improving the resilience of sensor systems in space exploration is a key objective since the environmental conditions to which they are exposed are very harsh. For example, it is known that the presence of flying debris and Dust Devils on the Martian surface can partially damage sensors present in rovers/landers. The objective of this work is to show how data-driven methods can improve sensor resilience, particularly in the case of complex sensors, with multiple intermediate variables, feeding an inverse algorithm (IA) based on calibration data. The method considers three phases: an initial phase in which the sensor is calibrated in the laboratory and an IA is designed; a second phase, in which the sensor is placed at its intended location and sensor data is used to train data-driven model; and a third phase, once the model has been trained and partial damage is detected, in which the data-driven algorithm is reducing errors. The proposed method is tested with the intermediate data of the wind sensor of the TWINS instrument (NASA InSight mission), consisting of two booms placed on the deck of the lander, and three boards per boom. Wind speed and angle are recovered from the intermediate variables provided by the sensor and predicted by the proposed method. A comparative analysis of various data-driven methods including machine learning and deep learning (DL) methods is carried out for the proposed research. It is shown that even a simple method such as k-nearest neighbor is capable of successfully recovering missing data of a board compared to complex DL models. Depending on the selected missing board, errors are reduced by a factor between 2.43 and 4.78, for horizontal velocity; and by a factor between 1.74 and 4.71, for angle, compared with the situation of using only the two remaining boards.
Improving materials property predictions for graph neural networks with minimal feature engineering
*
Authors: Cong Guojing , Fung Victor
Published: August 2023

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have been employed in materials research to predict physical and functional properties, and have achieved superior performance in several application domains over prior machine learning approaches. Recent studies incorporate features of increasing complexity such as Gaussian radial functions, plane wave functions, and angular terms to augment the neural network models, with the expectation that these features are critical for achieving a high performance. Here, we propose a GNN that adopts edge convolution where hidden edge features evolve during training and extensive attention mechanisms, and operates on simple graphs with atoms as nodes and distances between them as edges. As a result, the same model can be used for very different tasks as no other domain-specific features are used. With a model that uses no feature engineering, we achieve performance comparable with state-of-the-art models with elaborate features for formation energy and band gap prediction with standard benchmarks; we achieve even better performance when the dataset size increases. Although some domain-specific datasets still require hand-crafted features to achieve state-of-the-art results, our selected architecture choices greatly reduce the need for elaborate feature engineering and still maintain predictive power in comparison.
SERS-based detection of efficient removal of organic dyes using molybdenum dichalcogenide nanostructures
Authors: Thayil Ruchika , Cherukulappurath Sudhir
Published: August 2023

Two-dimensional materials have been popular in recent times owing to their special properties that can lead to several applications. In particular, transition metal dichalcogenides have been reported to be potential candidates for photocatalytic degradation and adsorptive removal of organic pollutants. Molybdenum-based chalcogenides have shown to be very efficient in removing pollutant dyes from aqueous solutions. Here, we report a facile method for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solution using molybdenum dichalcogenide (MoX2; X = S, Se, Te) based nanostructures. The molybdenum dichalcogenide nanostructures were synthesized chemically using the simple hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The as-prepared samples have been utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of common organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), malachite green (MG), rhodamine B (RhB), rhodamine 6 G (R6G) and mixtures of these organic dyes from aqueous solution. It was observed that among the synthesized samples, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) presented excellent adsorption affinity towards these dyes. In addition, selective adsorption of MB in the presence of MO and RhB was demonstrated. Furthermore, the application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to monitor the degradation of the dyes in the experiments was also investigated.
Citizen and machine learning-aided high-resolution mapping of urban heat exposure and stress
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Hsu Angel , Chakraborty TC
Published: August 2023

Through conversion of land cover to more built-up, impervious surfaces, cities create hotter environments than their surroundings for urban residents, with large differences expected between different parts of the city. Existing measurements of ambient air temperature and heat stress, however, are often insufficient to capture the intra-urban variability in heat exposure. This study provides a replicable method for modeling air temperature, humidity, and moist heat stress over the urban area of Chapel Hill while engaging citizens to collect high-temporal and spatially-resolved air temperature and humidity measurements. We use low-cost, consumer-grade sensors combined with satellite remote sensing data and machine learning to map urban air temperature and relative humidity over various land-cover classes to understand intra-urban spatial variability of ambient heat exposure at a relatively high resolution (10 m). Our findings show that individuals may be exposed to higher levels of air temperature and moist heat stress than weather station data suggest, and that the ambient heat exposure varies according to land cover type, with tree-covered land the coolest and built-up areas the warmest, and time of day, with higher air temperatures observed during the early afternoon. Combining our resulting dataset with sociodemographic data, policymakers and urban planners in Chapel Hill can use data output from this method to identify areas exposed to high temperature and moist heat stress as a first step to design effective mitigation measures.
Proper Equivariant Stable Homotopy Theory
Authors: Degrijse Dieter , Hausmann Markus , Lück Wolfgang , Patchkoria Irakli , Schwede Stefan
Published: August 2023

This monograph introduces a framework for genuine proper equivariant stable homotopy theory for Lie groups. The adjective ‘proper’ alludes to the feature that equivalences are tested on compact subgroups, and that the objects are built from equivariant cells with compact isotropy groups; the adjective ‘genuine’ indicates that the theory comes with appropriate transfers and Wirthmüller isomorphisms, and the resulting equivariant cohomology theories support the analog of an

R
O
(
G
)

R O(G)

-grading.

Our model for genuine proper

G
G

-equivariant stable homotopy theory is the category of orthogonal

G
G

-spectra; the equivalences are those morphisms that induce isomorphisms of equivariant stable homotopy groups for all compact subgroups of

G
G

. This class of

π
∗

\pi _*

-isomorphisms is part of a symmetric monoidal stable model structure, and the associated tensor triangulated homotopy category is compactly generated. Consequently, every orthogonal

G
G

-spectrum represents an equivariant cohomology theory on the category of

G
G

-spaces. These represented cohomology theories are designed to only depend on the ‘proper

G
G

-homotopy type’, tested by fixed points under all compact subgroups.

An important special case of our theory are infinite discrete groups. For these, our genuine equivariant theory is related to finiteness properties in the sense of geometric group theory; for example, the

G
G

-sphere spectrum is a compact object in our triangulated equivariant homotopy category if the universal space for proper

G
G

-actions has a finite

G
G

-CW-model. For discrete groups, the represented equivariant cohomology theories on finite proper

G
G

-CW-complexes admit a more explicit description in terms of parameterized equivariant homotopy theory, suitably stabilized by

G
G

-vector bundles. Via this description, we can identify the previously defined

G
G

-cohomology theories of equivariant stable cohomotopy and equivariant K-theory as cohomology theories represented by specific orthogonal

G
G

-spectra.
TRPS1 immunohistochemical expression in salivary gland tumors: A pilot study
Authors: Tjendra Youley , Kerr Darcy A , Gomez-Fernandez Carmen , Velez Torres Jaylou M
Published: August 2023

Objectives

TRPS1 is a new, sensitive marker for breast carcinoma (BC). Salivary glands and breasts are both exocrine glands; thus, their tumors may share similar morphology and immunophenotype. Among salivary gland–type BC, TRPS1 is reported to be positive in secretory carcinomas (SCs) but negative in acinic cell carcinomas (AciCCs) and most adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs). A subset of salivary duct carcinomas (SDCs) is positive for TRPS1. Herein, we investigate TRPS1 immunohistochemical expression in salivary gland tumors (SGTs).

Methods

A retrospective search yielded 110 SGTs (97 primary and 13 metastatic). TRPS1 immunohistochemistry was scored as negative, low positive, intermediate positive, or strongly positive.

Results

TRPS1 was expressed in 78% (14/18) of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) cases but negative/low positive in all Warthin tumors (6/6 [100%]). In basal cell adenoma (BCA), TRPS1 expression was intermediate to strong (13/14 [92%]) in the stromal cells, whereas ductal or basal cells showed low expression. TRPS1 expression varied in malignant SGTs, with intermediate to strong staining in 100% (15/15) of AdCCs, 100% (5/5) of basal cell adenocarcinoma, 100% (3/3) of intraductal carcinoma, 89% (8/9) of polymorphous adenocarcinoma, and 89% (7/8) of SDCs; negative/low positive expression was observed in 100% (3/3) of SCs, 89% (8/9) of AciCCs, and 50% (3/3) of mucoepidermoid carcinomas. In addition, strong and intermediate TRPS1 expression was observed in metastatic SGT to the lungs, lymph nodes, and soft tissue.

Conclusions

Overall, TRPS1 is strongly expressed in PA as well as malignant and metastatic SGT. In addition, TRPS1 is positive in stromal cells of BCA but negative or low positive in ductal and basal cells.
Clinical pharmacist practitioners on primary care teams play an important role in caring for complex patients with diabetes
Authors: Miller Donald R , Reisman Joel I , McDannold Sarah E , Kleinberg Felicia , Gillespie Chris , Zogas Anna , Ndiwane Ndindam , Ourth Heather L , Morreale Anthony P , Tran Michael , McCullough Megan B
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate whether clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPPs) are being utilized to care for patients with complex medication regimens and multiple chronic illnesses, we compared the clinical complexity of diabetes patients referred to CPPs in team primary care and those in care by other team providers (OTPs).

Methods

In this cross-sectional comparison of patients with diabetes in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system in the 2017-2019 period, patient complexity was based on clinical factors likely to indicate need for more time and resources in medication and disease state management. These factors include insulin prescriptions; use of 3 or more other diabetes medication classes; use of 6 or more other medication classes; 5 or more vascular complications; metabolic complications; 8 or more other complex chronic conditions; chronic kidney disease stage 3b or higher; glycated hemoglobin level of ≥10%; and medication regime nonadherence.

Results

Patients with diabetes referred to one of 110 CPPs for care (n = 12,728) scored substantially higher (P < 0.001) than patients with diabetes in care with one of 544 OTPs (n = 81,183) on every complexity measure, even after adjustment for age, sex, race, and marital status. Based on composite summary scores, the likelihood of complexity was 3.42 (interquartile range, 3.25-3.60) times higher for those in ongoing CPP care (ie, those with 2 or more visits) versus OTP care. Patients in CPP care also were, on average, younger, more obese, and had more prior outpatient visits and hospital stays.

Conclusion

The greater complexity of patients with diabetes seen by CPPs in primary care suggests that CPPs are providing valuable services in comprehensive medication and disease management of complex patients.
Dispositionalism’s (grand)daddy issues: time travelling and perfect masks
Authors: Giannini Giacomo , Donati Donatella
Published: August 2023

There is a tension between Dispositionalism––the view that all metaphysical modality is grounded in actual irreducible dispositional properties––and the possibility of time travel. This is due to the fact that Dispositionalism makes it much harder to solve a potentiality-based version of the grandfather paradox. We first present a potentiality-based version of the grandfather paradox, stating that the following theses are inconsistent: 1) time travel is possible, 2) powers fully ground modality, 3) self-defeating actions are impossible, 4) time-travellers retain their intrinsic powers upon time-travelling, and 5) time-travellers are ordinary agents with basic intrinsic potentialities. We then consider a number of potential solutions, and find them wanting. We argue that the metaphysical impossibility of performing a self-defeating action acts as a necessary perfect mask––while time-travel lets us “slip” the potentiality under the mask, thus generating the contradiction. We conclude considering what are the options for the dispositionalist.
Trends in the Expression of Epistemic Stance in NIH Research Funding Applications: 1985–2020
Authors: Millar Neil , Mathis Bryan , Batalo Bojan , Budgell Brian
Published: August 2023

We report on changes in the expression of epistemic stance in competitive funding applications—that is, applicants’ confidence and certainty towards knowledge and beliefs. We analysed abstracts describing all projects funded by the US National Institutes of Health during the period 1985–2020 for 140 stance features. Trends that we identify indicate that applicants adopt a stance less cautious and less tentative, and increasingly confident, optimistic, and promissory. This is evidenced, for example, by a consistent decline in weak possibility/probability, as expressed by modal verbs (e.g. may, might, should), by epistemic status verbs (indicate, seem) and adverbs (e.g. possible, probable, perhaps); and an increase among features that convey certainty, importance, and empiricism—for example, status verbs (e.g. demonstrate, establish, reveal), and adverbs that emphasize frequency/degree (usually, widely, almost). We argue that (i) these shifts are best understood in relation to increasing salesmanship and structural and cultural shifts within the research ecosystem, and (ii) trends in this dataset are better analysed at the level of individual features, rather than at the level of metadiscoursal categories.
Clock Drawing Test Performance of Young Adults Based on a One-Shot Case Study
Authors: McDaniel Samantha L , Shuster Linda I , Kennedy Mary R T
Published: August 2023

Objective

The clock drawing test (CDT) is being used regularly by medical professionals in a variety of settings to aid in assessing cognitive functioning in adults of all ages. As our technological environment has changed significantly, because of the inception of this measure, the use of and exposure to the analog clock have diminished. We investigated whether young adults, who have grown up in a mainly digital world, can draw and tell time on an analog clock.

Method

Participants aged 18–30 years (N = 80, Mage = 24.2, SD = 3.93), who self-identified as having normal cognition, completed the CDT, as well as setting hands on a pre-drawn clock and identifying analog clock times.

Results

About 25% of participants received a CDT score below the expected range. There was a moderate, positive correlation between analog clock hand setting and time identification in the group who scored below the expected range on the CDT only (rs(16) = 0.472, p = .048). Most participants reported not wearing an analog watch.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, the CDT should be used with caution to screen cognitive functioning in young adults (i.e., aged 18–30 years). Consideration of an alternative approach to screening cognition and modifying cognitive assessments in which the CDT is embedded is recommended for this population. These findings warrant further investigation into CDT performance in the young adult population.
The future is now: the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA)
Authors: Arents Bernd W M , van Zuuren Esther J , Hughes Olivia , Fedorowicz Zbys , Flohr Carsten
Published: August 2023

The International League of Dermatological Societies initiated the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA) in 2022 to address the worldwide differences in prevalence and disease burden of atopic dermatitis (AD), and the lack of data in many middle- and low-income settings. To establish a baseline, the inaugural Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis was recently published. Moving forward, GADA will provide a ‘go to’ hub for AD burden data through regular systematic evidence syntheses and fieldwork in hitherto unstudied populations.
Neuron-binding antibody responses are associated with Black ethnicity in multiple sclerosis during natalizumab treatment
Authors: Telesford Kiel M , Smith Chad , Mettlen Marcel , Davis Melissa B , Cowell Lindsay , Kittles Rick , Vartanian Timothy , Monson Nancy
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory degenerative condition of the central nervous system that may result in debilitating disability. Several studies over the past twenty years suggest that multiple sclerosis manifests with a rapid, more disabling disease course among individuals identifying with Black or Latin American ethnicity relative to those of White ethnicity. However, very little is known about immunologic underpinnings that may contribute to this ethnicity-associated discordant clinical severity. Given the importance of B cells to multiple sclerosis pathophysiology, and prior work showing increased antibody levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of Black-identifying, compared to White-identifying multiple sclerosis patients, we conducted a cohort study to determine B cell subset dynamics according to both self-reported ethnicity and genetic ancestry over time. Further, we determined relationships between ethnicity, ancestry, and neuron-binding IgG levels. We found significant associations between Black ethnicity and elevated frequencies of class-switched B cell subsets, including memory B cells; double negative two B cells; and antibody-secreting cells. The frequencies of these subsets positively correlated with West African genetic ancestry. We also observed significant associations between Black ethnicity and increased IgG binding to neurons. Our data suggests significantly heightened T cell-dependent B cell responses exhibiting increased titres of neuron-binding antibodies among individuals with multiple sclerosis identifying with the Black African diaspora. Factors driving this immunobiology may promote the greater demyelination, central nervous system atrophy and disability more often experienced by Black-, and Latin American-identifying individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Functional and structural brain reorganization in patients with ischemic stroke: a multimodality MRI fusion study
Authors: Cui Fangyuan , Zhao Lei , Lu Mengxin , Liu Ruoyi , Lv Qiuyi , Lin Dan , Li Kuangshi , Zhang Yong , Wang Yahui , Wang Yue , Wang Liping , Tan Zhongjian , Tu Yiheng , Zou Yihuai
Published: August 2023

Understanding how structural and functional reorganization occurs is crucial for stroke diagnosis and prognosis. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies focused on the analyses of a single modality and demonstrated abnormalities in both lesion regions and their associated distal regions. However, the relationships of multimodality alterations and their associations with poststroke motor deficits are still unclear. In this study, 71 hemiplegia patients and 41 matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent MRI examination at baseline and at 2-week follow-up sessions. A multimodal fusion approach (multimodal canonical correlation analysis + joint independent component analysis), with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and gray matter volume (GMV) as features, was used to extract the co-altered patterns of brain structure and function. Then compared the changes in patients’ brain structure and function between baseline and follow-up sessions. Compared with HCs, the brain structure and function of stroke patients decreased synchronously in the local lesions and their associated distal regions. Damage to structure and function in the local lesion regions was associated with motor function. After 2 weeks, ALFF in the local lesion regions was increased, while GMV did not improve. Taken together, the brain structure and function in the local lesions and their associated distal regions were damaged synchronously after ischemic stroke, while during motor recovery, the 2 modalities were changed separately.
The MetaGens algorithm for metagenomic database lossy compression and subject alignment
Authors: Cervi Gustavo Henrique , Flores Cecilia Dias , Thompson Claudia Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

The advancement of genetic sequencing techniques led to the production of a large volume of data. The extraction of genetic material from a sample is one of the early steps of the metagenomic study. With the evolution of the processes, the analysis of the sequenced data allowed the discovery of etiological agents and, by corollary, the diagnosis of infections. One of the biggest challenges of the technique is the huge volume of data generated with each new technology developed. To introduce an algorithm that may reduce the data volume, allowing faster DNA matching with the reference databases. Using techniques like lossy compression and substitution matrix, it is possible to match nucleotide sequences without losing the subject. This lossy compression explores the nature of DNA mutations, insertions and deletions and the possibility that different sequences are the same subject. The algorithm can reduce the overall size of the database to 15% of the original size. Depending on parameters, it may reduce up to 5% of the original size. Although is the same as the other platforms, the match algorithm is more sensible because it ignores the transitions and transversions, resulting in a faster way to obtain the diagnostic results. The first experiment results in an increase in speed 10 times faster than Blast while maintaining high sensitivity. This performance gain can be extended by combining other techniques already used in other studies, such as hash tables.

Database URL https://github.com/ghc4/metagens
Post-diagnostic statin use and its association with cancer recurrence and mortality in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Agrawal Vibhor , Ang Song Peng , Saleeb Marina , Ishak Angela , Hameed Maha , Rajak Kripa , Kalra Kriti , Jaiswal Akash
Published: August 2023

Background

Statins are widely acknowledged for their application in patients with hypercholesterolemia to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. More recently, their potential to exert pleiotropic effects, particularly in impeding the proliferation of neoplastic cells, has attracted considerable attention. Prior studies have demonstrated that statins may mitigate cancer progression and micrometastasis. However, the benefits of statins in breast cancer have been inconclusive.

Objective

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of statin use following a breast cancer diagnosis on breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant articles from inception until 30th May 2023. Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effect model. The primary outcome of interest was the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The secondary outcomes included breast cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 15 studies with 156 448 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of patients between statin users and non-users was 64.59 and 59.15 years, respectively. Statin use was associated with a reduction in the recurrence of breast cancer [HR 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.87] compared with non-statin users. This trend was similar among lipophilic statin users (HR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63–0.85) but not for hydrophilic statin users (HR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.82–1.68). Furthermore, statin users exhibited a lower risk of breast cancer mortality (HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66–0.96) but all-cause mortality (HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.66–1.02) was comparable among both groups of patients. Conversely, lipophilic statins demonstrated a reduction in both all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75–0.93) and breast cancer mortality (HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.99) compared to non-statin users.

Conclusion

Among patients with breast cancer, statin use post-diagnosis decreases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer mortality. Furthermore, lipophilic statins exhibit an additional advantage of reduction in all-cause mortality.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42022362011.
Near chromosome–level genome assembly of the microsporidium Hamiltosporidium tvaerminnensis
Authors: Angst Pascal , Pombert Jean-François , Ebert Dieter , Fields Peter D
Published: August 2023

Microsporidia are intracellular parasitic fungi whose genomes rank among the smallest of all known eukaryotes. A number of outstanding questions remain concerning the evolution of their large-scale variation in genome architecture, responsible for genome size variation of more than an order of magnitude. This genome report presents the first near-chromosomal assembly of a large-genome microsporidium, Hamiltosporidium tvaerminnensis. Combined Oxford Nanopore, Pacific Biosciences (PacBio), and Illumina sequencing led to a genome assembly of 17 contigs, 11 of which represent complete chromosomes. Our assembly is 21.64 Mb in length, has an N50 of 1.44 Mb, and consists of 39.56% interspersed repeats. We introduce a novel approach in microsporidia, PacBio Iso-Seq, as part of a larger annotation pipeline for obtaining high-quality annotations of 3,573 protein-coding genes. Based on direct evidence from the full-length Iso-Seq transcripts, we present evidence for alternative polyadenylation and variation in splicing efficiency, which are potential regulation mechanisms for gene expression in microsporidia. The generated high-quality genome assembly is a necessary resource for comparative genomics that will help elucidate the evolution of genome architecture in response to intracellular parasitism.
Base Composition, Codon Usage, and Patterns of Gene Sequence Evolution in Butterflies
Authors: Näsvall Karin , Boman Jesper , Talla Venkat , Backström Niclas
Published: August 2023

Coding sequence evolution is influenced by both natural selection and neutral evolutionary forces. In many species, the effects of mutation bias, codon usage, and GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) on gene sequence evolution have not been detailed. Quantification of how these forces shape substitution patterns is therefore necessary to understand the strength and direction of natural selection. Here, we used comparative genomics to investigate the association between base composition and codon usage bias on gene sequence evolution in butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), including an in-depth analysis of underlying patterns and processes in one species, Leptidea sinapis. The data revealed significant G/C to A/T substitution bias at third codon position with some variation in the strength among different butterfly lineages. However, the substitution bias was lower than expected from previously estimated mutation rate ratios, partly due to the influence of gBGC. We found that A/T-ending codons were overrepresented in most species, but there was a positive association between the magnitude of codon usage bias and GC-content in third codon positions. In addition, the tRNA-gene population in L. sinapis showed higher GC-content at third codon positions compared to coding sequences in general and less overrepresentation of A/T-ending codons. There was an inverse relationship between synonymous substitutions and codon usage bias indicating selection on synonymous sites. We conclude that the evolutionary rate in Lepidoptera is affected by a complex interaction between underlying G/C -> A/T mutation bias and partly counteracting fixation biases, predominantly conferred by overall purifying selection, gBGC, and selection on codon usage.
Relationships in Shark Skin: Mechanical and Morphological Properties Vary between Sexes and among Species
Authors: Hagood Madeleine E , Alexander Joseph R S , Porter Marianne E
Published: August 2023

Synopsis

Shark skin is a composite of mineralized dermal denticles embedded in an internal collagen fiber network and is sexually dimorphic. Female shark skin is thicker, has greater denticle density and denticle overlap compared to male shark skin, and denticle morphology differs between sexes. The skin behaves with mechanical anisotropy, extending farther when tested along the longitudinal (anteroposterior) axis but increasing in stiffness along the hoop (dorsoventral or circumferential) axis. As a result, shark skin has been hypothesized to function as an exotendon. This study aims to quantify sex differences in the mechanical properties and morphology of shark skin. We tested skin from two immature male and two immature female sharks from three species (bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo; bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas; silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis) along two orientations (longitudinal and hoop) in uniaxial tension with an Instron E1000 at a 2 mm s−1 strain rate. We found that male shark skin was significantly tougher than female skin, although females had significantly greater skin thickness compared to males. We found skin in the hoop direction was significantly stiffer than the longitudinal direction across sexes and species, while skin in the longitudinal direction was significantly more extensible than in the hoop direction. We found that shark skin mechanical behavior was impacted by sex, species, and direction, and related to morphological features of the skin.