bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing process efficiency through improved temperature measurement: the EMPRESS projects
Authors: Pearce J V , Edler F , Fateev A , Sutton G , Andreu A , Machin G
Published: July 2023

EMPRESS 2 is a European project to enhance the efficiency of high value manufacturing processes by improving temperature measurement and control capability. This project seeks to address four contemporary thermometry challenges in this sector, and new developments from this and its predecessor project, EMPRESS, will be described:

• Below 1000°C many industrial processes require reliable surface thermometry e.g. welding, coating, forging and forming. Conventional non-contact surface thermometry techniques e.g. thermal imaging are prone to large errors (tens of degrees) due to reflected thermal radiation and unknown emissivity. Contact thermometry approaches are prone to similarly large errors. Traceable imaging phosphor thermometry is being developed to overcome these difficulties, and is being combined with quantitative thermography to determine emissivity for thermometry over wide fields of view.

• Above 1300°C sensor drift is a significant unaddressed issue for casting, forging and heat treatment, causing large errors. There is a need for more stable sensors and standardisation of at least one new thermocouple type to fill the gap from 1300°C to 1800°C. This is being addressed through improved Pt-Rh thermocouples and optimisation of double-walled mineral insulated, metal sheathed thermocouples by mitigating insulation breakdown and drift effects.

• Combustion temperature measurement is very challenging and traceability is almost non-existent; for example, thermocouple measurements of flame temperatures can be in error by hundreds of degrees. A ‘standard flame’ that can be transported to users’ sites has been developed, and is being deployed in several high value manufacturing and industrial applications to a) demonstrate the possibility of reducing flame temperature uncertainties by at least an order of magnitude and b) for the first time to demonstrate in-situ traceability to the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90).

• Many processes are not amenable to any conventional thermometry techniques due to inaccessibility, ionising radiation, electromagnetic interference, and contamination; here methods based on optical fibres are ideal but there are no traceable calibration techniques for such sensors currently available. A suite of different fibre-optic thermometers and calibration techniques is being developed to address this. In some cases (ionising radiation) darkening of the fibre is a problem, and this is being overcome by the development of novel thermometry approaches based on practical ‘hollow core’ fibres.
The effect of metal quantity on the temperature plateau time
Authors: Liu Yu Sheng , Cai Jing , Meng Su , Ren Jia
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the miniaturization and portability of fixed-point containers are becoming a trend. This paper introduces a sealed small container, which is filled with 99.9999% high purity tin, with related reproducing experiments carried out in a Fluke dry-well furnace. A precision platinum resistance thermometer with 3.6 mm diameter is put into the bottom of the temperature well for running several tests. The differences in temperature plateau time are compared between the 40 g case and the 16 g case. The data shows that the reduction of the tin filling can significantly shorten the temperature plateau time.
Towards robust PICOSEC Micromegas precise timing detectors
Authors: Lisowska M. , Angelis Y. , Aune S. , Bortfeldt J. , Brunbauer F. , Chatzianagnostou E. , Dehmelt K. , Desforge D. , Fanourakis G. , Floethner K.J. , Gallinaro M. , Garcia F. , Garg P. , Giomataris I. , Gnanvo K. , Gustavsson T. , Iguaz F.J. , Janssens D. , Kallitsopoulou A. , Kovacic M. , Legou P. , Liu J. , Lupberger M. , Malace S. , Maniatis I. , Meng Y. , Muller H. , Oliveri E. , Orlandini G. , Papaevangelou T. , Pomorski M. , Ropelewski L. , Sampsonidis D. , Scharenberg L. , Schneider T. , Scorsone E. , Sohl L. , van Stenis M. , Tsipolitis Y. , Tzamarias S.E. , Utrobicic A. , Veenhof R. , Wang X. , White S. , Zhang Z. , Zhou Y.
Published: July 2023

The PICOSEC Micromegas (MM) detector is a precise timing gaseous detector consisting of
a Cherenkov radiator combined with a photocathode and a MM amplifying structure. A 100-channel
PICOSEC MM prototype with 10 × 10 cm2 active area equipped with a Cesium Iodide (CsI)
photocathode demonstrated a time resolution below σ = 18 ps. The objective of this work
is to improve the PICOSEC MM detector robustness aspects, i.e. integration of resistive MM and
carbon-based photocathodes, while maintaining good time resolution. The PICOSEC MM prototypes
have been tested in laboratory conditions and successfully characterised with 150 GeV/c muon
beams at the CERN SPS H4 beam line. The excellent timing performance below σ = 20 ps for
an individual pad obtained with the 10 × 10 cm2 area resistive PICOSEC MM of
20 MΩ/□ showed no significant time resolution degradation as a result of adding a
resistive layer. A single-pad prototype equipped with a 12 nm thick Boron Carbide (B4C)
photocathode presented a time resolution below σ = 35 ps, opening up new possibilities for
detectors with robust photocathodes. The results made the concept more suitable for the
experiments in need of robust detectors with good time resolution.
Construction of digital twin of the space furnace based on thermal simulation and data-driven thermophysical parameter identification technology
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Yu Qiang
Published: July 2023

This study aims to demonstrate the construction of a
simulation-based digital twin of a space furnace. During simulation
processes, uncertainties in the results can arise from variations in
parameter inputs and the utilization of different simulation
models. Moreover, simulating complex models often demands
substantial computational resources. To effectively achieve the
desired digital twin effect, it is crucial to employ specific
measures that address these challenges. In this paper, we propose a
layered meshing strategy that aims to strike a balance between
simulation accuracy and computational costs. By implementing this
strategy, we can optimize the mesh design and achieve accurate
results while efficiently managing computational resources. The
performance of the meshing strategy is evaluated based on three
indices: orthogonal quality, skewness, and aspect ratio. To enhance
the repeatability of simulation results, we employ two key methods:
model selection and thermophysical parameter identification. Laminar
and discrete ordinate (DO) models are selected by comparing
simulation results from different model combinations. A data-driven
method is proposed to identify the thermophysical parameters when
prior knowledge is lacking. To assess the validity of the proposed
method, simulation results are compared with state-of-art
methods. Results show satisfactory agreement between measured
temperatures and simulated temperatures, with the relative error
being approximately 1% at the temperature control
thermocouples. The proposed thermophysical identification method
achieves equivalent or better error performance compared to
cumbersome manual adjustment and instrument measurement methods,
which reduces experimental risks and costs.
Enhancing photocatalytic performance: a study of anionic (congo red, orange-g) and cationic (malachite green) dye degradation using WSe2 and WSe2/ZnIn2S4 nanocomposite
Authors: Chand Mool , Rawat Arun Singh , Khanuja Manika , Rawat Seema
Published: July 2023

In the work, we developed a novel visible-light-driven photocatalyst WSe2/ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanocomposite and performed a comparative dye degradation study on cationic (Malachite green, MG) and anionic (Congo red, CR and Orange-g, OG) dyes. WSe2/ZIS nanocomposite was synthesised by the benign chemical aqueous solution method, under low temperature and pressure. The crystal structure and surface morphology of WSe2 and WSe2/ZIS nanocomposite were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), respectively. The optical properties of sample were examined using the UV–vis spectrophotometer and the obtained value of band-gap of WSe2 and WSe2/ZIS was about 1.76 and 2.0 eV, respectively. The WSe2/ZIS nanocomposite displays superior photocatalytic activity compared to bare WSe2 due to optimised surface charge and optical appealing characteristics of WSe2 powder, on the incorporation of ZIS. Pseudo-first-order and second-order rate kinetics were also studied and the result revealed that second-order model fitted well and the overall adsorption process is dominated by the chemisorption process. Scavenger tests were conducted to determine the active species (

O

2

⋅
−

) in photocatalysis mechanics, and the reusability of the nanocomposite was evaluated over 5 cycles. The photocatalytic study result demonstrated that WSe2/ZIS nanocomposite might be employed as an efficient, highly stable photocatalyst for the dye degradation application.
Palladium oxides could make high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: July 2023

Researchers have found that palladates, oxide materials based on the element palladium, could be used to make superconductors that work at higher temperatures than cuprates (copper oxides) or nickelates (nickel oxides).
Mystery of the Pacific shrimp’s striking white colour solved
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: July 2023

A team in Israel has uncovered the unique optical nanostructure that gives the Pacific cleaner shrimp its brilliant white colour.
Arecibo replacement downsized
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: July 2023

A lack of support has forced astronomers to alter their plans for the Next Generation Arecibo Telescope, which would consist of an array of small parabolic antennas. Peter Gwynne reports.
UK quantum tech gets £45m boost
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: July 2023

A £45m package to support universities and businesses working in the UK’s quantum technologies sector has been unveiled by the UK science minister George Freeman.
The precision explorer
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: July 2023

Robert P Crease pays tribute to the late Toichiro “Tom” Kinoshita, who played a key role in the development of quantum electrodynamics.
The surprising artificial radioactivity of glaciers
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: July 2023

Glaciers accumulate significant amounts of fallout radionuclides from nuclear accidents and weapons testing – sometimes in the highest radioactive concentrations ever found outside of nuclear exclusion zones and test sites. Michael Allen digs into the depths of this unexpected issue and the associated risks as glaciers melt.
Ask me anything: Moiya McTier
Authors: Tesh Sarah
Published: July 2023

Moiya McTier is an astrophysicist, science communicator and author in New York City, US. She was the first person at Harvard University to major in both astrophysics and folklore, and in 2021 became the first Black woman to get a PhD from the astronomy programme at Columbia University. In 2022 McTier published her first book, The Milky Way: an Autobiography of our Galaxy.
Real-time decoding for fault-tolerant quantum computing: progress, challenges and outlook
Authors: Battistel F , Chamberland C , Johar K , Overwater R W J , Sebastiano F , Skoric L , Ueno Y , Usman M
Published: July 2023

Quantum computing is poised to solve practically useful problems which are computationally intractable for classical supercomputers. However, the current generation of quantum computers are limited by errors that may only partially be mitigated by developing higher-quality qubits. Quantum error correction (QEC) will thus be necessary to ensure fault tolerance. QEC protects the logical information by cyclically measuring syndrome information about the errors. An essential part of QEC is the decoder, which uses the syndrome to compute the likely effect of the errors on the logical degrees of freedom and provide a tentative correction. The decoder must be accurate, fast enough to keep pace with the QEC cycle (e.g. on a microsecond timescale for superconducting qubits) and with hard real-time system integration to support logical operations. As such, real-time decoding is essential to realize fault-tolerant quantum computing and to achieve quantum advantage. In this work, we highlight some of the key challenges facing the implementation of real-time decoders while providing a succinct summary of the progress to-date. Furthermore, we lay out our perspective for the future development and provide a possible roadmap for the field of real-time decoding in the next few years. As the quantum hardware is anticipated to scale up, this perspective article will provide a guidance for researchers, focusing on the most pressing issues in real-time decoding and facilitating the development of solutions across quantum, nano and computer science.
Effect of nitrogen application on nitrogen leaching pattern and leaching loss from drip irrigated cotton fields in Southern Xinjiang
Authors: Ma Honghong , Yang Zhiying , Pu Shenghai , Wu Xianglin , Wang Zeyu , Ma Xingwang , Yang Tao
Published: July 2023

Farmers provided excessive nitrogen fertilizer to obtain high cotton yield in Xinjiang, Northwest China. Although drip irrigation could save water resources and improve nitrogen use efficiency, it is not known if leaching is occurring or not and whether leaching will harm the water environment under different nitrogen application. The purpose of our study was to estimate the effect of different nitrogen (N) application on the N leaching loss in drip irrigated cotton fields in South Xinjiang. A field experiment was conducted with N application rates of 317(N317), 395(N395) and 476(N476) kg hm−2 from 2021 to 2022. The characteristics of N pattern and leaching amount were analyzed. The concentration of NO3- and total nitrogen in the leaching water significantly decreased with the decrease of N application. The proportion of NO3–to total nitrogen reached the highest values of 51.52%–58.16%, 49.53%–56.91%, and 57.52%–62.87% at bud, flower, and boll stages of cotton, respectively. Moreover, the proportion of NO3– to total nitrogen remained at a stable level, which indicated that NO3–was the main pattern of N leaching. The N loss in the treatment N395 and N317 was 79.67% and 67.48% of that in the N476 treatment (1.23 kg hm−2), while the yield was 120.56% and 112.46% of that in the N476 treatment. Compared with conventional fertilizer application (476 kg hm−2), the reasonable N fertilizer application would not only reduce the amount of N leaching, but also increase the cotton yield.
Estimation of soil water content using electromagnetic induction sensors under different land uses
Authors: Mensah Clinton , Katanda Yeukai , Krishnapillai Mano , Cheema Mumtaz , Galagedara Lakshman
Published: July 2023

The complex nature of podzolic soils makes investigating their subsurface challenging. Near-surface geophysical techniques, like electromagnetic induction (EMI), offer significant assistance in studying podzolic soils. Multi-coil (MC-EMI) and multi-frequency (MF-EMI) sensors were selected to maximize soil water content (SWC) prediction in this study. The objectives were to (i) compare apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measurements from the MC and MF-EMI sensors under different land use conditions, (ii) investigate the spatial variation of ECa, SWC, texture, soil organic matter (SOM), and bulk density (BD) under different land use conditions, and (iii) use statistical and geostatistical analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of ECa measurements in characterizing SWC under different land use conditions, considering the texture, SOM, and BD contents. The study found that MC-EMI had statistically significant relations (p-value < 0.05) with SWC relative to the MF-EMI. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were also shown to be more effective in representing SWC variations (higher coefficient of determination and lower root mean square error) than simple linear regression models. MC-EMI sensor provided better SWC predictions compared to the MF-EMI sensor, possibly due to larger sampling depths differences between time domain reflectometry measured SWC (SWCTDR) and MF-EMI sensor than those between SWCTDR and MC-EMI sensor. Lastly, cokriging of measured SWC was found to offer more accurate maps than cokriging of predicted SWC obtained from MLR across different land use conditions. The study has shown that EMI may not be highly effective for shallow depths, and ECa can be affected by various soil properties, making it difficult to extrapolate other parameters. However, EMI still shows promise as a reliable method for predicting SWC in boreal podzolic soils. Research into EMI’s usefulness for this purpose has yielded promising results, as indicated in this study. Further investigation is needed to fully harness the potential of this promising technique.
Fractal dimensions of continuous piecewise linear iterated function systems
Authors: Prokaj R. , Raith Peter , Simon Károly
Published: July 2023

We consider iterated function systems on the real line that consist of continuous, piecewise linear functions. Under a mild separation condition, we show that the Hausdorff and box dimensions of the attractor are equal to the minimum of 1 and the exponent which comes from the most natural system of covers of the attractor.
Strategies of diaspore dispersal investment in Compositae: the case of the Andean highlands
Authors: Tovar Carolina , Hudson Lucia , Cuesta Francisco , Meneses Rosa Isela , Muriel Priscilla , Hidalgo Oriane , Palazzesi Luis , Suarez Ballesteros Carlos , Hammond Hunt Eleanor , Diazgranados Mauricio , Hind D J Nicholas , Forest Félix , Halloy Stephan , Aguirre Nikolay , Baker William J , Beck Stephan , Carilla Julieta , Eguiguren Paúl , Françoso Elaine , Gámez Luis E , Jaramillo Ricardo , Llambí Luis Daniel , Maurin Olivier , Melcher Inga , Muller Gemma , Roy Shyamali , Viñas Paul , Yager Karina , Viruel Juan
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Understanding diaspore morphology and how much a species invests on dispersal appendages is key for improving our knowledge of dispersal in fragmented habitats. We investigate diaspore morphological traits in high-Andean Compositae and their main abiotic and biotic drivers and test whether they play a role in species distribution patterns across the naturally fragmented high-Andean grasslands.

Methods

We collected diaspore trait data for 125 Compositae species across 47 tropical high-Andean summits, focusing on achene length and pappus-to-achene length ratio, with the latter as a proxy of dispersal investment. We analysed the role of abiotic (temperature, elevation and latitude) and biotic factors (phylogenetic signal and differences between tribes) on diaspore traits and whether they are related to distribution patterns across the Andes, using phylogenomics, distribution modelling and community ecology analyses.

Key Results

Seventy-five percent of the studied species show small achenes (length <3.3 mm) and 67% have high dispersal investment (pappus length at least two times the achene length). Dispersal investment increases with elevation, possibly to compensate for lower air density, and achene length increases towards the equator, where non-seasonal climate prevails. Diaspore traits show significant phylogenetic signal, and higher dispersal investment is observed in Gnaphalieae, Astereae and Senecioneae, which together represent 72% of our species. High-Andean-restricted species found across the tropical Andes have, on average, the pappus four times longer than the achene, a significantly higher dispersal investment than species present only in the northern Andes or only in the central Andes.

Conclusions

Small achenes and high diaspore dispersal investment dominate among high-Andean Compositae, traits typical of mostly three tribes of African origin; but traits are also correlated with the environmental gradients within the high-Andean grasslands. Our results also suggest that diaspore dispersal investment is likely to shape species distribution patterns in naturally fragmented habitats.
Spiralian genomics and the evolution of animal genome architecture
Authors: Liao Isabel Jiah-Yih , Lu Tsai-Ming , Chen Mu-En , Luo Yi-Jyun
Published: July 2023

Recent developments in sequencing technologies have greatly improved our knowledge of phylogenetic relationships and genomic architectures throughout the tree of life. Spiralia, a diverse clade within Protostomia, is essential for understanding the evolutionary history of parasitism, gene conversion, nervous systems and animal body plans. In this review, we focus on the current hypotheses of spiralian phylogeny and investigate the impact of long-read sequencing on the quality of genome assemblies. We examine chromosome-level assemblies to highlight key genomic features that have driven spiralian evolution, including karyotype, synteny and the Hox gene organization. In addition, we show how chromosome rearrangement has influenced spiralian genomic structures. Although spiralian genomes have undergone substantial changes, they exhibit both conserved and lineage-specific features. We recommend increasing sequencing efforts and expanding functional genomics research to deepen insights into spiralian biology.
Socioeconomic disparities in surgery for carotid artery disease in England
Authors: Tong Thaison , Maheswaran Ravi , Michaels Jonathan , Brindley Paul , Walters Stephen , Nawaz Shah
Published: July 2023

Background

Carotid artery disease and stroke are more prevalent in socioeconomically deprived areas. The aim was to investigate socioeconomic disparities in carotid artery disease surgery rates and in outcomes following surgery.

Methods

The study used population-based ecological and cohort study designs, 31 672 census areas in England, hospital admissions from April 2006 to March 2018, the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 as the area-level deprivation indicator, and Poisson, logistic, and Cox regression.

Results

A total of 54 377 patients (67 per cent men) from a population aged 55 years and older of 14.7 million had carotid artery disease procedures (95 per cent carotid endarterectomy). Carotid endarterectomy rates were 116 per cent (95% c.i. 101 to 132) higher in men and 180 per cent (95% c.i. 155 to 207) higher in women aged 55–64 years in the most compared with the least socioeconomically deprived areas by quintile. However, this difference diminished and appeared to reverse with increasing age, with 24 per cent (95% c.i. 14 to 33) and 12 per cent (95% c.i. −3 to 24) lower carotid endarterectomy rates respectively in men and women aged 85 years and older in the most deprived areas. Patients in deprived areas having carotid endarterectomy were more likely to have been admitted as symptomatic emergency carotid artery disease admissions. Mortality, and a combined outcome of mortality or stroke-related re-admission, were both worse in patients living in more deprived areas and were only partially accounted for by the higher prevalence of co-morbidities. There was, however, no clear pattern of association between deprivation and elective waiting time for carotid endarterectomy.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence of socioeconomic disparities in surgery for carotid artery disease. Clear policies are needed to address these disparities.
Evolutionary history, traits, and weediness inDigitaria(Poaceae: Panicoideae)
Authors: Touafchia Sami , Maurin Olivier , Boonsuk Boonchuang , Hodkinson Trevor R , Chantaranothai Pranom , Rakotomalala Nantenaina , Randrianarimanana Fenitra , Randriamampianina Jean Augustin , Roy Shyamali , MacKinnon Lorna , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro , Besnard Guillaume , Haevermans Thomas , Vorontsova Maria S
Published: July 2023

Digitaria is a large pantropical genus, which includes a number of economically problematic agricultural weeds. Difficulties in species identification and the circumscription of the genus have previously hindered progress in understanding its evolution and developing a stable classification. We investigate the evolutionary history of Digitaria by combining two approaches: (i) phylogenetic analyses of the currently available Sanger sequence data with previously unpublished sequences mainly from South East Asia, and (ii) newly generated genomic data from low-copy nuclear genes obtained using the Angiosperms353 probe kit, with new data mainly from Madagascar. Both methods gave congruent results. The combination of these results allowed us to confirm a new clade structure within Digitaria lineages, in partial agreement with the previous morphology-based classifications. We confirm that Digitaria as traditionally circumscribed is not monophyletic, comprising Anthephora, Baptorhachis, Chaetopoa, and Chlorocalymma. We present an inference of key character evolution with morphological support for clades with spikelets arranged in binate and ternate groups, with variable trichome morphology, spikelet length, and culm length. Geographical clade structure is also observed. No phylogenetic signal of weedy function was observed.
Surveillance and the power of platforms
Authors: Lyon David
Published: July 2023

It is a truism that the power of platform companies rests, among other things, on their capacity to engage in surveillance. Their existence depends on the acquisition and analysis of data, which fuels their movement, that is steered by algorithms. Surveillance capitalism, usually instantiated in the activities of platform companies, expanded even more markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms have ambiguous relations with already existing corporations and government agencies, often leading to tension and conflict. Also, surveillance enabled by the massive datasets used by platforms does not have uniform outcomes. Its operations sort populations into categories, enabling differential treatment, which may be experienced negatively by some vulnerable groups. This includes groups experiencing precarity, and in particular places. An emergent kind of power is visible in surveillance-dependent platform companies, raising critical questions of political resistance and legal regulation.
Schools and Juvenile Treatment Drug Courts: A Case Study on Treatment Access through Collaboration and Advocacy
Authors: Smith Ramey Jennifer , Volk Fred
Published: July 2023

Adolescent substance use is typically addressed from the perspectives of school personnel (e.g., teachers, school counselors, social workers, and resource officers) who interact daily with students in school settings. Consequences of adolescent substance use in the schools may include suspension or expulsion and possible legal involvement. However, many adolescents do not have access to evidence-based treatment to address drug and alcohol use. Services are often not available or fragmented, resulting in poor compliance with treatment and inadequate treatment outcomes for youth. Cross-sector collaboration among schools, community behavioral health agencies, and juvenile court service units offers an opportunity to improve access to care and efficiency in delivering care to adolescents with drug and alcohol problems. Illuminated through a single case study, embedded substance use treatment in schools through partnerships with the court service unit and community behavioral health providers can increase access to care. Counselors and social workers play a key role in advocating for joint efforts to increase service access and improve treatment outcomes. Advocacy efforts may include participation and leadership in community coalitions, training and consultation in evidence-based practices, and seamless communication across all organizations that serve youth with substance use disorders.
School-Based Postvention Services: Exploring the Perspectives of Students
Authors: Mirick Rebecca G , Berkowitz Lawrence
Published: July 2023

Adolescent suicide is a public health issue with 15 percent of adolescents experiencing the suicide loss of a classmate, acquaintance, or friend. This article reports findings from an online survey of individuals (N = 40) who lost a peer to suicide in middle or high school. The most frequently provided school-based postvention responses were school counselors, outside grief counselors, education on depression and suicide, and assemblies. Participants identified the following student needs from schools following a student suicide death: genuineness and sincerity of response, easy-to-access supports, recognition that students need help and support, awareness that students have different needs following a death, opportunities for commemoration, and flexibility in terms of academic requirements and expectations. Implications for schools are discussed, including the importance of resources for teachers and other staff supporting students, a trauma-informed response, and the careful consideration of the balance of suicide prevention and grief. Most important, it is essential for schools to recognize the magnitude of the impact of a suicide death on students, and that students need help and support from the school.
Integrative human atrial modelling unravels interactive protein kinase A and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II signalling as key determinants of atrial arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Ni Haibo , Morotti Stefano , Zhang Xianwei , Dobrev Dobromir , Grandi Eleonora
Published: July 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent clinical arrhythmia, is associated with atrial remodelling manifesting as acute and chronic alterations in expression, function, and regulation of atrial electrophysiological and Ca2+-handling processes. These AF-induced modifications crosstalk and propagate across spatial scales creating a complex pathophysiological network, which renders AF resistant to existing pharmacotherapies that predominantly target transmembrane ion channels. Developing innovative therapeutic strategies requires a systems approach to disentangle quantitatively the pro-arrhythmic contributions of individual AF-induced alterations.

Methods and results

Here, we built a novel computational framework for simulating electrophysiology and Ca2+-handling in human atrial cardiomyocytes and tissues, and their regulation by key upstream signalling pathways [i.e. protein kinase A (PKA), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)] involved in AF-pathogenesis. Populations of atrial cardiomyocyte models were constructed to determine the influence of subcellular ionic processes, signalling components, and regulatory networks on atrial arrhythmogenesis. Our results reveal a novel synergistic crosstalk between PKA and CaMKII that promotes atrial cardiomyocyte electrical instability and arrhythmogenic triggered activity. Simulations of heterogeneous tissue demonstrate that this cellular triggered activity is further amplified by CaMKII- and PKA-dependent alterations of tissue properties, further exacerbating atrial arrhythmogenesis.

Conclusions

Our analysis reveals potential mechanisms by which the stress-associated adaptive changes turn into maladaptive pro-arrhythmic triggers at the cellular and tissue levels and identifies potential anti-AF targets. Collectively, our integrative approach is powerful and instrumental to assemble and reconcile existing knowledge into a systems network for identifying novel anti-AF targets and innovative approaches moving beyond the traditional ion channel-based strategy.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin alleviates vascular calcification through suppression of nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 inflammasome
Authors: Chen An , Lan Zirong , Li Li , Xie Luting , Liu Xiaoyu , Yang Xiulin , Wang Siyi , Liang Qingchun , Dong Qianqian , Feng Liyun , Li Yining , Ye Yuanzhi , Fu Mingwei , Lu Lihe , Yan Jianyun
Published: July 2023

Aims

Vascular calcification (VC) is prevalent in pathological processes such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and atherosclerosis, but effective therapies are still lacking by far. Canagliflozin (CANA), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and exhibits beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of CANA on VC remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesize that CANA protects against VC.

Methods and results

Micro-computed tomography analysis and alizarin red staining revealed that CANA treatment prevented aortic calcification in CKD rats and in VitD3-overloaded mice. Moreover, CANA alleviated the calcification of rat and human arterial rings. Alizarin red staining revealed that calcification of rat and human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was attenuated by CANA treatment and this phenomenon was confirmed by calcium content assay. In addition, CANA downregulated the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers Runx2 and BMP2. Of interest, qPCR and western blot analysis revealed that CANA downregulated the expression of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3), and the downstream signalling molecules Caspase-1 and IL-1β in VSMCs as well. Both NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 and knockdown of NLRP3 by siRNA independently resulted in decreased calcification of VSMCs. By contrast, activation of NLRP3 exacerbated VSMC calcification, and this effect was prevented by the addition of CANA.

Conclusions

Our study for the first time demonstrates that CANA exerts a protective effect on VC at least partially via suppressing the NLRP3 signalling pathway. Therefore, supplementation of CANA as well as inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome presents a potential therapy for VC.
How to test adhesive strength: a biomechanical testing for aortic glue used in type a dissection repair
Authors: Zientara Alicja , Tseng Yuan-Tsan , Salmasi Yousuf Mohammad , Quarto Cesare , Stock Ulrich
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop a method to quantify the peel force in an in vitro model simulating repair of ascending aortic dissections with tissue glue (Bioglue).

METHODS

This study adapted an adhesive T-Peel test for the determination of the peel strength of adhesives by measuring the peeling force of a T-shaped bonded tissue. Measurements were performed on iatrogenic dissected ascending porcine aorta, which has been repaired with Bioglue using different pressure levels. Four conditions were tested: zero sample pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation (n = 10), low (504 Pa; n = 11), moderate pressure (1711 Pa; n = 24) and pressure applied by a round shaped vascular ‘Borst clamp’ (1764 Pa; n = 23). Non-parametric one-way analysis of variance was applied for statistical significance.

RESULTS

The median peel force (lower quartile, upper quartile) of aortic samples increased depending on the applied pressure: [no pressure 0.030 N/mm (0.016, 0.057), low pressure 0.040 N/mm (0.032, 0.070) and moderate pressure 0.214 N/mm (0.050, 0.304)]. Samples pressurized with the Borst clamp reached 0.078 N/mm (0.046, 0.152), which was comparable to the peel force of the unpeeled controls [0.107 N/mm (0.087, 0.124)]. Compared to samples without pressure, Bioglue with the application of the Borst clamp (P = 0.021) and with moderate pressure (P = 0.0007) performed significantly better.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel T-Peel test offers an attractive method to test tissue glues in defined in vitro environments. Bioglue peel force increased with pressure on the aortic sample in contrast to low or no pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Modifying current recommended use may aid in increasing effectiveness of this approach.
The experience of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) Interviews in Phase 1 of Developing & feasibility testing a complex intervention: supportive self-management in PoTS study (SSPoTS)
Authors: Eftekhari H , Pearce G , Staniszewska S , Seers K
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation.

Background

Crucial for future healthcare delivery is supporting people in self-management. POTS is underdiagnosed with impact on quality of life comparable to other long-term conditions.

Aim

An insight into the diverse experience of people with PoTS and health care practitioners with experience of PoTS.

Methods

University of Warwick sponsorship and NHS Health Research Authority ethical approval gained.

Sample

Purposive sampling of people with PoTS from 3 NHS clinics. Snowball sampling of health care professionals from PoTS UK charity network.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to provide informed consent, speak English, aged >18. People with PoTS require a recorded PoTS diagnosis. Health care practitioners require minimally six months PoTS experience

Thematic analysis was utilised and NVivo was used to manage the data.

Results

In depth semi structured iterative interviews: average length 65 minutes (range 40-93) exploring the experience of PoTS and supportive self-management. Transcribed Verbatim and pseudo-anonymised.

44 interviews were conducted representing a diverse range of 25 Health Care Practitioners (HCPs) and 19 people with PoTS. Interviewing stopped when theoretical and meaning saturation was achieved.

HCP interviews are analysed first. A HCP framework was developed. Interview data from with people with PoTS data was then merged into the framework, whilst also identifying new emergent codes. A conceptual framework was developed.

Findings Four core themes and subthemes (see figure one)

Key Concepts

PoTS is a challenging condition with often multifactorial impacts. People frequently experienced their symptoms being dismissed. Healthcare professionals and people with PoTS often took individual responsibility for PoTS management

“That sense of belonging and feeling accepted and understood is so fundamental …. we need to….dig deep to keep that compassion and to understand some of what might be playing out here and to be able to not take it personally… that can lead to that really rewarding engagement where ….improvement is significant, improvement happens, which is hugely rewarding for both parties” (HCP4)

Conclusion

There was a key need for support and understanding to be able to manage PoTS. A workshop will prioritise components for a supportive self-management programme for future feasibility testing.

Limitations: The sample of people with PoTS had no person from an African-Caribbean or Southeast Asian background.
The value of plasma NGAL and Cystatin C in the diagnosis of type 1 cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Phan H A O
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The presence of acute kidney injury in the setting of acute heart failure (AHF) is common occurrence and was termed type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS1). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is one of the earliest biomarkers of acute kidney injury due to ischemia or renal toxicity. Cystatin C has a role in the diagnosis renal dysfunction. Does the combination of NGAL and Cystatin C increase diagnostic value of CRS1? This study was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma NGAL and Cystatin C in diagnosis of CRS1.

Methods

there were 139 patients with AHF in the department of Cardiovascular resuscitation and Interventional cardiology Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 115 People Hospital from September 2018 to March 2019. This was a prospective cohort study.

Results

the optimal cut-off plasma NGAL to diagnosing CRS1 was 353.23 ng/ml, Area Under Curve (AUC) 0.732 (95% CI 0.65-0.80, p < 0.001), sensitivity 74.47%, specificity 68.48%, positive predictive value 54.7%, negative predictive value 84%. The optimal cut-off Cystatin C to diagnosing CRS1 was 1.81 mg/l, AUC 0.787 (95% CI 0.71-0.852, p < 0.001), sensitivity 75%, specificity 83.5%, positive predictive value 70.6%, negative predictive value 86.4%. Combination of plasma NGAL and Cystatin C in diagnosing CRS1 with AUC 0.787 (95% CI 0.71-0.852, p < 0.001), sensitivity 72.9%, specificity 86.8%, positive predictive value 74.5%, negative predictive value 85.9%.

Conclusions

Combination of plasma NGAL and Cystatin C in the diagnosis of type 1 cardiorenal syndrome with higher specificity than each biomarker.
The effects of music in cardiac surgery patients: early results
Authors: Carroll D L , Donahue V , Velez C L
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Sundry fund to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Background/Significance

Research into the health benefits of music has expanded, driven by a desire to see how it can be better applied in healthcare. There has been an interest in the chemical and biological biomarkers of music. Most studies have focused on physical, and psychological findings. There have been few systematic studies that consider the parallel psychological, physical, and biological effects of music in cardiac surgical patients.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure psychological, physiological, and biological responses to a music intervention compared to standard of care in cardiac surgical patients. The primary outcome is serum cortisol levels pre and post a 30-minute music intervention compared to the standard of care group. The secondary outcomes are state anxiety, pain, blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, and serum Immunoglobulin A (IgA).

Methods

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, pre/post clinical trial to compared responses to the study intervention of music versus standard of care. Psychological responses were measured for anxiety by the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale, and pain by a visual analogy scale, physical responses were measured by blood pressure, heart rate, and respirations, and the biologic markers were measured by serum cortisol and IgA.

Results

Sixty-three patients were approached, 14 were excluded and 25 declined participation. Most patients who declined stated that they did not feel well enough to participate or did not want more blood samples taken.

There were 20 subjects, 15 males and 5 females, mean age of 58.8 years, who did participate. The groups were similar on demographics and pre intervention outcome measures. There was no difference between standard of care and treatment group in the primary outcome, serum cortisol levels (17.8+7.4 vs 15.6+7.6) and no differences in the secondary outcomes post the intervention period.

Conclusions

This is the early results of a study on use of music as a nursing intervention in cardiac surgery patients. Subject enrollment will continue to provide evidence of the benefits for patients after cardiac surgery.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Nurses are poised to provide the evidence for non-pharmacological interventions to enhance the patient experience after cardiac surgery.
Understanding cardiac rehabilitation delivery during Covid-19; lessons for future delivery; a mixed methods study
Authors: Hanson C , Mchale S , Dawkes S , Rowat A , Neubeck L
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Scottish Funding Council (additional research funding for universities 2020-21)

Background/introduction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services were disrupted during early COVID-19 due to limited interpersonal contacts, exercise facility closures, and clinical service reorganisation to meet COVID-19 patients’ needs. This necessitated urgent service reorganisation.

Purpose

We aimed to understand CR delivery changes in Scotland, the impact on staff and participant experiences, and implications for future delivery.

Methods

A concurrent mixed methods study with data collected between April-December 2021. A quantitative online survey compared CR service provision pre-COVID-19 (21 March 2019 – 20 November 2019) with provision during early COVID-19 (21 March 2020 – 20 November 2020). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively using SPSSv26. Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with CR professionals and CR participants. These were thematically analysed using the framework approach. Data were integrated during study design by aligning survey and interview questions, and at the discussion stage.

Results

Eleven CR services completed the online survey, and 11 individual CR staff and 17 CR participants from six services completed qualitative interviews. Services reported staffing reductions, delayed initial patient contact, replacing face-to-face CR with web-based and telephone support, and a reduction in goal setting, functional capacity testing and exit assessments. Three main qualitative themes represented the challenges and opportunities of changing CR delivery during COVID-19: 1) Access to health professional support; 2) Disruption in continuity of care and 3) CR technology use (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Initially, Covid-19 adversely affected CR delivery. Telephone support, the provision of web-based information and exercise options, wearables and mHealth apps can enhance future CR delivery. Technological resources must be accessible, and staff require training to ensure competency.
Epicardial adiposity in people with atrial fibrillation modified by physical exercise: an umbrella review
Authors: Menzies R , Breen C J , Kernohan W G
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) affects 30% of the world’s population and accounts for 3 million deaths annually, and current management pathways often result in poor outcomes in recurrence of AF with up to 50% reoccurring post pulmonary vein isolation cardiac ablation (PVICA). Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active substrate implicated in the pathogenesis of AF. Increased levels of EAT thickness have been associated with the risk of developing AF and has also been associated with poorer outcomes and increased likelihood of AF recurrence after PVICA. 

The aim of this work was to explore current knowledge on levels of EAT in people with AF, post cardiac ablation, taking account of physical activity (PA).

  Objectives:  Three research questions were set:

· Does volume of EAT contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of AF?

· Does any kind of PA modify EAT volumes?

· Does PA improve outcomes in patients with AF who have undergone PVICA?

Methods

An umbrella review format was adopted with eligible studies from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus and registered on Prospero.  All results were reported adhering to Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).  Quality assessment evaluation involved the AMSTAR 2 tool and risk of bias evaluated using the ROBIS tool.  No ethical considerations were identified for this review.

Results

Ten reviews were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Five examined the relationship between EAT and AF occurrence, three examined EAT modifications with PA and two examined the effect of PA on AF outcomes.  The quality of the studies was high, with a low risk of bias. Increased EAT volumes were associated with a large effect size for the development of AF Hedges’ g=0.86[0.79,0.92] for Total EAT volume and g=1.31[1.16,1.47] for Left Atrial (LA) EAT volume, and AF severity also had a large effect size for both Total and LA EAT volumes with g=0.87[0.71,1.02] and 0.99[0.69,1.3] respectively. EAT also showed a large effect on recurrence of AF post PVICA in both the Total and LA EAT groups 1.15[0.88,1.43] and 0.92[0.65,1.2].  The overall impact of PA showed a small to medium effect in reducing EAT volumes g=0.23[0,0.46]. Despite this PA was shown to significantly improve outcomes in reducing AF frequency, duration and severity and risk of mortality and serious adverse events in the intervention groups 

Conclusion

Higher levels of EAT are associated with AF after PVICA but the influence of PA is unclear. This review highlights the need for further research evaluating the impact that physical activity has on EAT volume reduction and recurrence of AF post PVICA.