bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of acoustically actuated magnetoelectric antennas via equivalent circuit method
Authors: Du Yongjun , Qiao Jiacheng , Wu Jingen , Xu Yiwei , Nan Tianxiang , Dong Shuxiang , Hu Zhongqiang , Liu Ming
Published: March 2024

Acoustically actuated magnetoelectric (ME) antennas based on resonant magnetoelectric coupling within ferromagnetic/piezoelectric ME laminated composites have recently been considered as a promising solution for antenna miniaturization. However, its radiation performance has been theoretically overestimated, since the negative effects on performances due to the magnetization saturation and the nonlinear mechanical behavior that occur from high-field driving have not been paid enough attention. This work presents a unique equivalent-circuit-based numerical method to analyze the near-field resonance radiation performances of ME antennas driven by high electric fields. In this method, we establish an equivalent circuit of the converse magnetoelectric effect for a ME laminated composite to describe the operating principle of acoustically actuated electromagnetic radiation. The equivalent parameters related to resonance characteristics are determined by fitting the circuit model to the data from frequency response measurements of the near-field magnetic flux density. The validity of the model is verified by comparing the theoretical predictions with the experimental results, in the view of the volume fraction dependence of the mechanical resonance-related radiation characteristics of the fabricated ME composites. Based on the proposed model, the influence of driving voltage amplitude on near-field radiation performances is further analyzed by experimental fitting to the model, and the potential limiting factors of ME antennas are discussed according to the driving-amplitude dependence of parameters obtained from the fit. This work provides an effective and engineering-friendly approach to predict the evolution of ME antenna performances, leading a way to improve the performance limit for resonant magnetoelectric coupling.
Predicting pressure-dependent rate constants for the furan + OH reactions and their impact under tropospheric conditions
Authors: Nascimento Joel Leitão , Queiroz Murillo H. , Rivelino Roberto , Alves Tiago Vinicius
Published: March 2024

In this work, we have evaluated the influence of temperature and pressure on the mechanism of furan oxidation by the OH radical. The stationary points on the potential energy surface were described at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. In the kinetic treatment at the high-pressure limit (HPL), we have combined the multistructural canonical variational theory with multidimensional small-curvature tunneling corrections and long-range transition state theory. The system-specific quantum Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel theory was employed to estimate the pressure-dependent rate. In the HPL, the OH addition on the α carbon is the dominant pathway in the mechanism, producing a product via the ring-opening process, also confirmed by the product branching ratio calculations. The overall rate constant, obtained by a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation, reads the form koverall=5.22×10−13T/3001.10⁡exp1247(K/T) and indicates that the furan oxidation by OH radicals is a pressure-independent reaction under tropospheric conditions.
Controlled transport of fluid particles by microrotors in a Stokes flow using linear transfer operators
Authors: Buzhardt Jake , Tallapragada Phanindra
Published: March 2024

The manipulation of a collection of fluid particles in a low Reynolds number environment has several important applications. As we demonstrate in this paper, this manipulation problem is related to the scientific question of how fluid flow structures direct Lagrangian transport. We investigate this problem of directing the transport by manipulating the flow, specifically in the Stokes flow context, by controlling the strengths of two rotors fixed in space. We demonstrate a novel dynamical systems approach for this problem and apply this method to several scenarios of Stokes flow in unbounded and bounded domains. Furthermore, we show that the time-varying flow field produced by the optimal control can be understood in terms of dynamical structures such as coherent sets that define Lagrangian transport. We model the time evolution of the fluid particle density using finite-dimensional approximations of the Liouville operators for the microrotor flow fields. Using these operators, the particle transport problem is framed as an optimal control problem, which we solve numerically. This framework is then applied to the problem of transporting a blob of fluid particles in domains with different boundary conditions: free space, near to a plane wall, in a circular confinement, and the transport of two distributions of particles to a common target. These examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework and also shed light on the effects of boundaries on the ability to achieve a desired fluid transport using a rotor-driven flow.
Potential energy landscape of a coarse grained model for water: ML-BOP
Authors: Neophytou Andreas , Sciortino Francesco
Published: March 2024

We quantify the statistical properties of the potential energy landscape for a recently proposed machine learning coarse grained model for water, machine learning-bond-order potential [Chan et al., Nat. Commun. 10, 379 (2019)]. We find that the landscape can be accurately modeled as a Gaussian landscape at all densities. The resulting landscape-based free-energy expression accurately describes the model properties in a very wide range of temperatures and densities. The density dependence of the Gaussian landscape parameters [total number of inherent structures (ISs), characteristic IS energy scale, and variance of the IS energy distribution] predicts the presence of a liquid–liquid transition located close to P = 1750 ± 100 bars and T = 181.5 ± 1 K.
Auger-limited minority carrier lifetime in GeSn/SiGeSn quantum well
Authors: Grant Perry C. , Webster Preston T. , Carrasco Rigo A. , Logan Julie V. , Hains Christopher P. , Gajowski Nathan , Yu Shui-Qing , Li Baohua , Morath Christian P. , Maestas Diana
Published: March 2024

A minority carrier lifetime of 2.7 ns is measured at 77 K for a GeSn/SiGeSn single quantum well using time-resolved photoluminescence, and subsequent analyses indicate that the lifetime is Auger-limited. The 77 K lifetime is evaluated as a function of stepwise dose of 63 MeV proton irradiation up to a fluence of 1.5 × 1012 p+/cm2 with no discernable reduction in the observed lifetime, which implies that the lifetime damage factor slope to 63 MeV proton irradiation is not greater than 2 × 10−5 cm2/s. Steady-state photoluminescence is used to evaluate the total luminescence output as a function of excitation, yielding a 2/3 power law slope consistent with Auger-limited recombination. The observed Auger-limited behavior is consistent with reports of high p-type background carrier concentration in these alloys. The temperature dependence of the steady-state photoluminescence spectra also provides the Einstein single oscillator model parameters for the ground state transition energy and Urbach energy of the GeSn quantum well.
Recent developments on electron optics simulator
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Hu Quan , Zhu Xiaofang , Hu Yulu , Gao Luanfeng , Liao Li , Li Bin
Published: March 2024

Recent developments on the electron optics simulator (EOS) are reported in this paper. The EOS is a finite element two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) electrostatic particle steady-state trajectory code that has been widely used for beam optics modeling of vacuum electronic devices. To extend the application scope and improve the computation efficiency, four significant advances have been made and are presented in this paper. First, the code is reprogrammed to consider physical models that contain dielectrics and to support charge excitation. Second, more primary particle emission models are added in EOS to meet the needs for simulating electron and ion optics devices for diverse applications. For the precise simulation of the secondary electron emission, the Vaughan model is improved, and the Furman model is newly added in EOS. Finally, the algebraic multigrid algorithm has been embedded in EOS, which can significantly improve the computation efficiency for problems with large-scale matrices. For these developments, the necessary principles and corresponding performance are shown in detail in this paper.
Thermodynamics and collective modes in hydrogen-bonded fluids
Authors: Cockrell Cillian , Dragović Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

The thermodynamics of liquids and supercritical fluids is notorious for eluding a general theory, as can be done for crystalline solids on the basis of phonons and crystal symmetry. The extension of solid state notions, such as configurational entropy and phonons, to the liquid state remains an intriguing but challenging topic. This is particularly true for liquids, such as water, whose many structural anomalies give it unique properties. Here, for simple fluids, we specify the thermodynamics across the liquid, supercritical, and gaseous states using the spectrum of propagating phonons, thereby determining the non-ideal entropy of the fluid using a single parameter arising from this phonon spectrum. This identifies a marked distinction between these “simple” fluids and hydrogen bonded fluids whose non-ideal entropy cannot be determined by the phonon spectrum alone. We relate this phonon theory of thermodynamics to the previously observed excess entropy scaling in liquids and how the phonon spectrum creates corresponding states across the fluid phase diagram. Although these phenomena are closely related, there remain some differences, in practice, between excess entropy scaling and the similar scaling seen due to phonon thermodynamics. These results provide important theoretical understanding to supercritical fluids, whose properties are still poorly understood despite widespread deployment in environmental and energy applications.
Comparative study on heteropolar/homopolar magnetic bearings for high-speed rotating applications
Authors: Noh Sujin , Park Joo Hong , Shin Kyung-Hun , Cho Han-wook
Published: March 2024

Bearing technology must be supported to attain high-speed and high-efficiency rotating applications. Previous research focused on performance enhancement and optimization, rather than comparative studies among magnetic bearings. This study presents the design and comparison of five magnetic bearing types for high-speed rotating applications: an 8-pole conventional heteropolar, fork-type heteropolar, hybrid fork-type homopolar, and hybrid homopolar magnetic bearings. For quantitative evaluation, mechanical parameters were selected to ensure a uniform coil volume and current supply. The heteropolar magnetic bearings employed 35PN440 steel, whereas the homopolar magnetic bearings utilized pure solid iron. The bias currents were determined based on the respective material properties. The driving circuits were compared by comparing models with and without permanent magnets. The magnetic flux density was assessed at equilibrium and maximum control current, and the loss characteristics were evaluated at 30 000 rpm. Linear control regions were identified by analyzing the relationships between the electromagnetic force, current, and displacement. As a result, the most suitable magnetic bearing for high-speed rotating applications is proposed.
Transcription-induced active forces suppress chromatin motion
Authors: Shin Sucheol , Shi Guang , Cho Hyun Woo , Thirumalai D.
Published: March 2024

The organization of interphase chromosomes in a number of species is starting to emerge thanks to advances in a variety of experimental techniques. However, much less is known about the dynamics, especially in the functional states of chromatin. Some experiments have shown that the motility of individual loci in human interphase chromosome decreases during transcription and increases upon inhibiting transcription. This is a counterintuitive finding because it is thought that the active mechanical force (F) on the order of ten piconewtons, generated by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) that is presumably transmitted to the gene-rich region of the chromatin, would render it more open, thus enhancing the mobility. We developed a minimal active copolymer model for interphase chromosomes to investigate howFaffects the dynamical properties of chromatin. The movements of the loci in the gene-rich region are suppressed in an intermediate range ofFand are enhanced at smallFvalues, which has also been observed in experiments. In the intermediateF, the bond length between consecutive loci increases, becoming commensurate with the distance at the minimum of the attractive interaction between nonbonded loci. This results in a transient disorder-to-order transition, leading to a decreased mobility during transcription. Strikingly, theF-dependent change in the locus dynamics preserves the organization of the chromosome atF=0. Transient ordering of the loci, which is not found in the polymers with random epigenetic profiles, in the gene-rich region might be a plausible mechanism for nucleating a dynamic network involving transcription factors, RNAPII, and chromatin.
“The youths are wiser now”
Authors: Ikechukwu-Ibe Chioma Juliet , Aboh Sopuruchi Christian
Published: March 2024

This study examines several Nigerians’ resistance to the two major political parties and their presidential
candidates using positive discourse analysis. Additionally, the study critically investigates Nigerians’ support for the
presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the build-up to the 2023 Nigeria’s general elections. Data for the study
comprise 1000 tweets with the hashtags #Obidients, #Atikulated, #Tinubu and tweets that mentioned Peter Obi, Atiku, Atikulated,
Jagaban, Tinubu, Emilokan, PDP, APC and LP between June and October 2022. The analysis reveals that tweeps construct resistance
via three discursive strategies: critiquing and resisting the APC and PDP, portraying Peter Obi of the Labour Party as a political
saviour, and positioning Nigerians as politically wiser. This study provides a fresh perspective on analysing Nigeria’s electoral
rhetoric by identifying social media as sites for atypical resistance, social change, and revolution.
WW domains form a folded type of nuclear localization signal to guide YAP1 nuclear import
Authors: Yang Yilin , Wu Mengxiao , Pan Yu , Hua Yue , He Xinyu , Li Xinyang , Wang Jiyong , Gan Xiaoqing
Published: March 2024

The nuclear translocation of YAP1 is significantly implicated in the proliferation, stemness, and metastasis of cancer cells. Although the molecular basis underlying YAP1 subcellular distribution has been extensively explored, it remains to be elucidated how the nuclear localization signal guides YAP1 to pass through the nuclear pore complex. Here, we define a globular type of nuclear localization signal composed of folded WW domains, named as WW-NLS. It directs YAP1 nuclear import through the heterodimeric nuclear transport receptors KPNA−KPNB1, bypassing the canonical nuclear localization signal that has been well documented in KPNA/KPNB1-mediated nuclear import. Strikingly, competitive interference with the function of the WW-NLS significantly attenuates YAP1 nuclear translocation and damages stemness gene activation and sphere formation in malignant breast cancer cells. Our findings elucidate a novel globular type of nuclear localization signal to facilitate nuclear entry of WW-containing proteins including YAP1.
The void side of silica: surveying optical properties and applications of mesoporous silica
Authors: Olla Chiara , Carbonaro Carlo Maria
Published: March 2024

Mesoporous silica stands out as a remarkable, low-density transparent material characterized by well-defined nanometric pore sizes. It is available in various morphologies, including monoliths, nanoparticles, and films. This material plays a pivotal role in numerous technological applications, both independently and as a component in hybrid composites, acting as a host for a diverse range of inorganic and organic materials. Among the synthetic routes, we accounted for the sol–gel method because of its large success in producing both nanoparticles and bulk mesoporous silica. This review focuses on exploring the optical properties of mesoporous silica and mesoporous silica-based composites, delving into how the huge void space within mesoporous silica can be harnessed across various fields: thermal and electrical insulations, photonics, environmental devices, or nanocargos for drugs and bioimaging. This comprehensive examination underscores the multifaceted potential of mesoporous silica, positioning it as a key player in the development of innovative solutions across various scientific domains.
Hydrological impacts of altered monsoon rain spells in the Indian Ganga basin: a century-long perspective
Authors: Maurya Amit Kumar , Swarnkar Somil , Prakash Shivendra
Published: March 2024

The Indian Ganga basin (IGB) is one of the most valuable socioeconomic regions in the Indian subcontinent. The IGB supports more than half a billion people due to an abundant supply of freshwater for agro-industrial purposes, primarily through Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) rainfall contributions (∼85%). Any alterations in ISM characteristics would significantly affect freshwater availability, and as a result, socioeconomic activities would be affected. Therefore, in this study, we have attempted to assess how the monsoon rain spell characteristics, i.e. peak, volume, and duration, altered historically between 1901 to 2019. We further analyzed the specific IGB regions where monsoon rain spell changes are more prominent and their hydrological implications. Our estimates reveal that short-duration high-magnitude rain spells have significantly increased across the major regions of the IGB after 1960, which implies the increased probabilities of flash flood hazards. At the same time, the rain spell volumes have been depleted across the IGB after 1960, especially in the eastern Indo-Gangetic plains and southern IGB regions, indicating increased drought frequencies. Further, Himalayan regions, i.e. upper Ganga, upper Yamuna, and upper Ghaghra, have demonstrated increasing magnitudes of rain spell peaks, volume, and duration post-1960. In addition, the continuous warming and anthropogenic alterations might further exaggerate the current situation. Thus, these inferences are helpful for river basin management strategies to deal with the extreme hydrological disasters in the IGB.
A Comparative Study on the Difference of Blood Pressure Criteria and the Difference in Blood Pressure Measurement Among Children and Adolescents in China, the United States, and Europe
Authors: Gao Liwang , Wang Xi , Wang Xia , Dong Hongbo , Mi Jie
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

To compare the difference of blood pressure criteria and the difference in blood pressure measurement among children and adolescents.

METHODS

The latest blood pressure criteria for children and adolescents in China, the normal blood pressure standard the United States, and Europe have been used to calculate blood pressure differences for the same age, gender, and height. Based on 3 blood pressure measurements of 45,314 Chinese and 15,279 American children and adolescents, the differences in blood pressure measurements were calculated through repeated measurement analysis of variance and compared with criteria differences.

RESULTS

More than 60% of the difference in blood pressure standard is distributed between −3 and 3 mm Hg. But the difference between Chinese standards and American standards can be 5–10 mm Hg in children aged 13. The difference between Chinese standards and European standards can be 6–9 mm Hg at the age of 16. The analysis of repeated blood pressure data shows that the maximum difference in systolic blood pressure measurement for Chinese boys and girls is 3.7 and 4.1 mm Hg, respectively, and the maximum difference in diastolic blood pressure measurement is 2.0 and 2.1 mm Hg. The difference between the 3 measurements of boys and girls in the United States is nearly 1 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

The difference between blood pressure standards is smaller than the measurement difference, and accurate measurement and repeated measurement of blood pressure may be more important for evaluating blood pressure status than the selection of blood pressure standards.
Lower Eyelid Dark Circles (Tear Trough and Lid-Cheek Junction): A Stepwise Assessment Framework
Authors: Liew Steven , Doreian Simone , Kunathathorn Wachira , Lam Stephanie , Jorge Alvin , Lan Lam Bee , Selkon Ellen , Arendse Sean , Silleri Jodie , Telfer Tara
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite increasing popularity, the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for the correction of dark under-eye shadows remains challenging. Specific guidance on patient assessment is limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a stepwise assessment framework for lower eyelid dark shadows to help practitioners classify patients based on their underlying problems and facilitate a more strategic approach to treatment.

Methods

Literature review and peer collaboration informed the current availability of educational material for use by experienced injectors when assessing patients presenting with dark circles. A practitioner survey provided insight into current practices. A focus group convened to review the survey results and discuss best practice approaches to patient assessment.

Results

Surveyed practitioners (n = 39) reported patient concern about under-eye hollows (91%), dark eye circles (80%), and looking tired (60%). All (100%) agreed that midcheek volume was critical when treating tear-trough depression, and only 26% reported use of a tear-trough classification system. The focus group developed a framework for assessing tear-trough depression and the lid-cheek junction in patients presenting with dark circles. Key factors within this framework included the importance of appropriate lighting when conducting a visual inspection, regional inspection of the cheek and tear trough, palpation of the orbital rim and soft tissues, determination of the orbital vector, and assessment of lower eyelid pigmentation and skin quality.

Conclusions

Careful step-by-step assessment can reduce the challenges of treating dark circles by identifying patients in whom dark eye circles may be improved without the need to directly inject filler into the tear trough.

Level of Evidence: 5
The effects of mental fatigue on fine motor performance in humans and its neural network connectivity mechanism: a dart throwing study
Authors: Niu Suoqing , Guo Jianrui , Hanson Nicholas J , Wang KaiQi , Chai Jinlei , Guo Feng
Published: March 2024

While it is well known that mental fatigue impairs fine motor performance, the investigation into its neural basis remains scant. Here, we investigate the impact of mental fatigue on fine motor performance and explore its underlying neural network connectivity mechanisms. A total of 24 healthy male university students were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: a mental fatigue group (MF) and a control group (Control). Both groups completed 50 dart throws, while electroencephalography (EEG) data were collected. Following the Stroop intervention, participants in the MF group exhibited a decrease in Stroop task accuracy and throwing performance, and an increase in reaction time along with VAS and NASA scores. The EEG data during dart-throwing revealed that the network connectivity strength of theta oscillations in the frontal and left central regions was significantly higher in the MF group compared with the Control group, while the network connectivity strength of alpha oscillations in the left parietal region was significantly enhanced. The interregional connectivity within the theta and alpha rhythm bands, particularly in the frontal-central-parietal network connections, also showed a significant increase in the MF group. Mental fatigue impairs dart throwing performance and is accompanied by increased connectivity in alpha and theta.
Left ventricular strain–volume loops in bicuspid aortic valve disease: new insights in cardiomechanics
Authors: Keuning Zoë A , Kerstens Thijs P , Zwaan Robert R , Bowen Daniel J , Vos Hendrik J , van Dijk Arie P J , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Thijssen Dick H J , Hirsch Alexander , van den Bosch Annemien E
Published: March 2024

Aims

By combining temporal changes in left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) with LV volume, LV strain–volume loops can assess cardiac function across the cardiac cycle. This study compared LV strain–volume loops between bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients and controls, and investigated the loop’s prognostic value for clinical events.

Methods and results

From a prospective cohort of congenital heart disease patients, BAV patients were selected and compared with healthy volunteers, who were matched for age and sex at group level. GLS analysis from apical views was used to construct strain–volume loops. Associations with clinical events, i.e. a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure, arrhythmias, and aortic valve replacement, were assessed by Cox regression. A total of 113 BAV patients were included (median age 32 years, 40% female). BAV patients demonstrated lower Sslope (0.21%/mL, [Q1–Q3: 0.17–0.28] vs. 0.27%/mL [0.24–0.34], P < 0.001) and ESslope (0.19%/mL [0.12–0.25] vs. 0.29%/mL [0.21–0.43], P < 0.001) compared with controls, but also greater uncoupling during early (0.48 ± 1.29 vs. 0.05 ± 1.21, P = 0.04) and late diastole (0.66 ± 1.02 vs. −0.07 ± 1.07, P < 0.001). Median follow-up duration was 9.9 [9.3–10.4] years. Peak aortic jet velocity (HR 1.22, P = 0.03), enlarged left atrium (HR 3.16, P = 0.003), E/e′ ratio (HR 1.17, P = 0.002), GLS (HR 1.16, P = 0.008), and ESslope (HR 0.66, P = 0.04) were associated with the occurrence of clinical events.

Conclusion

Greater uncoupling and lower systolic and diastolic slopes were observed in BAV patients compared with healthy controls, suggesting presence of altered LV cardiomechanics. Moreover, lower ESslope was associated with clinical events, highlighting the strain–volume loop’s potential as prognostic marker.
Population-based study on surgical care for primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: van Steenwijk Quirine C A , Spaans Louisa N , Heineman David J , van den Broek Frank J C , Dickhoff Chris
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

The optimal surgical strategy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax remains a matter of debate and variation in surgical practice is expected. This variation may influence clinical outcomes, such as postoperative complications and length of stay. This national population-based registry study provides an overview and extent of variability of current surgical practice and outcomes in the Netherlands.

METHODS

To identify national patterns of care and between-hospital variability in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, patients who underwent surgical pleurodesis and/or bullectomy between 2014 and 2021, were identified from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit—Surgery database. The type of surgical intervention, postoperative complications, length of stay and ipsilateral recurrences were recorded.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Out of 4338 patients, 1851 patients were identified to have primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The median age was 25 years (interquartile range 20–31) and 82% was male. The most performed surgical procedure was bullectomy with pleurodesis (83%). The overall complication rate was 12% (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥III 6%), with the highest recorded incidence for persistent air leak >5 days (5%). Median postoperative length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range 3–6) and 0.7% underwent a repeat pleurodesis for ipsilateral recurrence. Complication rate and length of stay differed considerably between hospitals. There were no differences between the surgical procedures. In the Netherlands, surgical patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax are preferably treated with bullectomy plus pleurodesis. Postoperative complications and length of stay vary widely and are considerable in this young patient group. This may be reduced by optimization of surgical care.
Recombinant human soluble domain of CD39L3 and ticagrelor: cardioprotective effects in experimental myocardial infarction
Authors: Vilahur Gemma , Radike Monika , Sutelman Pablo , Ben-Aicha Soumaya , Gutiérrez Manuel , Casaní Laura , Hovdal Daniel , Ongstad Emily L , Gabrielsen Anders , Hidalgo Alberto , Fjellström Ola , Carlsson Leif , Badimon Lina
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

The ecto–nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases of the CD39 family degrade ATP and ADP into AMP, which is converted into adenosine by the extracellular CD73/ecto-5-nucleotidase. This pathway has been explored in antithrombotic treatments but little in myocardial protection. We have investigated whether the administration of solCD39L3 (AZD3366) confers additional cardioprotection to that of ticagrelor alone in a pre-clinical model of myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Ticagrelor-treated pigs underwent balloon-induced MI (90 min) and, before reperfusion, received intravenously either vehicle, 1 mg/kg AZD3366 or 3 mg/kg AZD3366. All animals received ticagrelor twice daily for 42 days. A non-treated MI group was run as a control. Serial cardiac magnetic resonance (baseline, Day 3 and Day 42 post-MI), light transmittance aggregometry, bleeding time, and histological and molecular analyses were performed.

Results

Ticagrelor reduced oedema formation and infarct size at Day 3 post-MI vs. controls. A 3 mg/kg AZD3366 provided an additional 45% reduction in oedema and infarct size compared with ticagrelor and a 70% reduction vs. controls (P < .05). At Day 42, infarct size declined in all ticagrelor-administered pigs, particularly in 3 mg/kg AZD3366-treated pigs (P < .05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was diminished at Day 3 in placebo pigs and worsened at Day 42, whereas it remained unaltered in ticagrelor ± AZD3366-administered animals. Pigs administered with 3 mg/kg AZD3366 displayed higher left ventricular ejection fraction upon dobutamine stress at Day 3 and minimal dysfunctional segmental contraction at Day 42 (χ2P < .05 vs. all). Cardiac and systemic molecular readouts supported these benefits. Interestingly, AZD3366 abolished ADP-induced light transmittance aggregometry without affecting bleeding time.

Conclusions

Infusion of AZD3366 on top of ticagrelor leads to enhanced cardioprotection compared with ticagrelor alone.
Calling Structural Variants with Confidence from Short-Read Data in Wild Bird Populations
Authors: David Gabriel , Bertolotti Alicia , Layer Ryan , Scofield Douglas , Hayward Alexander , Baril Tobias , Burnett Hamish A , Gudmunds Erik , Jensen Henrik , Husby Arild
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive characterization of structural variation in natural populations has only become feasible in the last decade. To investigate the population genomic nature of structural variation, reproducible and high-confidence structural variation callsets are first required. We created a population-scale reference of the genome-wide landscape of structural variation across 33 Nordic house sparrows (Passer domesticus). To produce a consensus callset across all samples using short-read data, we compare heuristic-based quality filtering and visual curation (Samplot/PlotCritic and Samplot-ML) approaches. We demonstrate that curation of structural variants is important for reducing putative false positives and that the time invested in this step outweighs the potential costs of analyzing short-read–discovered structural variation data sets that include many potential false positives. We find that even a lenient manual curation strategy (e.g. applied by a single curator) can reduce the proportion of putative false positives by up to 80%, thus enriching the proportion of high-confidence variants. Crucially, in applying a lenient manual curation strategy with a single curator, nearly all (>99%) variants rejected as putative false positives were also classified as such by a more stringent curation strategy using three additional curators. Furthermore, variants rejected by manual curation failed to reflect the expected population structure from SNPs, whereas variants passing curation did. Combining heuristic-based quality filtering with rapid manual curation of structural variants in short-read data can therefore become a time- and cost-effective first step for functional and population genomic studies requiring high-confidence structural variation callsets.
Evidence of Nonrandom Patterns of Functional Chromosome Organization inDanaus plexippus
Authors: Kimura Ashlyn , Go Alwyn C , Markow Therese , Ranz José M
Published: March 2024

Our understanding on the interplay between gene functionality and gene arrangement at different chromosome scales relies on a few Diptera and the honeybee, species with quality reference genome assemblies, accurate gene annotations, and abundant transcriptome data. Using recently generated ‘omic resources in the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus, a species with many more and smaller chromosomes relative to Drosophila species and the honeybee, we examined the organization of genes preferentially expressed at broadly defined developmental stages (larva, pupa, adult males, and adult females) at both fine and whole-chromosome scales. We found that developmental stage–regulated genes do not form more clusters, but do form larger clusters, than expected by chance, a pattern consistent across the gene categories examined. Notably, out of the 30 chromosomes in the monarch genome, 12 of them, plus the fraction of the chromosome Z that corresponds to the ancestral Z in other Lepidoptera, were found enriched for developmental stage–regulated genes. These two levels of nonrandom gene organization are not independent as enriched chromosomes for developmental stage–regulated genes tend to harbor disproportionately large clusters of these genes. Further, although paralogous genes were overrepresented in gene clusters, their presence is not enough to explain two-thirds of the documented cases of whole-chromosome enrichment. The composition of the largest clusters often included paralogs from more than one multigene family as well as unrelated single-copy genes. Our results reveal intriguing patterns at the whole-chromosome scale in D. plexippus while shedding light on the interplay between gene expression and chromosome organization beyond Diptera and Hymenoptera.
The Effects of Exergame Telerehabilitation in Persons With Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: Salisbury Dereck L , Pituch Keenan A , Yu Fang
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

The primary aim of this Stage IB randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to test the preliminary effects of a dual-task exergaming telerehabilitation intervention on cognition and aerobic fitness, compared to aerobic exercise (AEx) only and attention control (stretching) in older adults with subjective cognitive decline.

Research Design and Methods

This RCT randomized 39 participants on a 2:1:1 allocation ratio to supervised exergame (n = 20), AEx (n = 11), and stretching (n = 8) for 12 weeks. The dual-task exergaming was concurrent moderate-intensity cycling and BrainFitRx cognitive telerehabilitation. Cognition was assessed by NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery and aerobic fitness by 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and shuttle walk test.

Results

The participants were 74.6 (7.4) years old and 69% were female. The effect of time was significant, F(1, 23.9) = 13.16, p = .001, for the Fluid Composite score, and significant within-group changes were seen for the exergame group, t(14.08) = 2.53, p = .024, d = 0.33. Between-group changes did not reach significant levels for any cognitive test. Between-group changes for the 6MWT were not significant.

Discussion and Implications

The exergame participants further improved their fluid cognition, whereas the AEx and stretching groups did not, indicating a potential synergistic effect from AEx and cognitive training. The aerobic fitness changes were similar between the exergame and AEx-only groups, indicating that the feasibility of adding cognitive training to AEx concurrently without sacrificing gains in aerobic fitness from AEx. This study shows the flexibility of exergame delivery and its potentially therapeutic effects in persons at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT04311736
A comparative analysis of Spanish Clinical encoder-based models on NER and classification tasks
Authors: García Subies Guillem , Barbero Jiménez Álvaro , Martínez Fernández Paloma
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This comparative analysis aims to assess the efficacy of encoder Language Models for clinical tasks in the Spanish language. The primary goal is to identify the most effective resources within this context

Importance

This study highlights a critical gap in NLP resources for the Spanish language, particularly in the clinical sector. Given the vast number of Spanish speakers globally and the increasing reliance on electronic health records, developing effective Spanish language models is crucial for both clinical research and healthcare delivery. Our work underscores the urgent need for specialized encoder models in Spanish that can handle clinical data with high accuracy, thus paving the way for advancements in healthcare services and biomedical research for Spanish-speaking populations.

Materials and Methods

We examined 17 distinct corpora with a focus on clinical tasks. Our evaluation centered on Spanish Language Models and Spanish Clinical Language models (both encoder-based). To ascertain performance, we meticulously benchmarked these models across a curated subset of the corpora. This extensive study involved fine-tuning over 3000 models.

Results

Our analysis revealed that the best models are not clinical models, but general-purpose models. Also, the biggest models are not always the best ones. The best-performing model, RigoBERTa 2, obtained an average F1 score of 0.880 across all tasks.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates the advantages of dedicated encoder-based Spanish Clinical Language models over generative models. However, the scarcity of diverse corpora, mostly focused on NER tasks, underscores the need for further research. The limited availability of high-performing models emphasizes the urgency for development in this area.

Conclusion

Through systematic evaluation, we identified the current landscape of encoder Language Models for clinical tasks in the Spanish language. While challenges remain, the availability of curated corpora and models offers a foundation for advancing Spanish Clinical Language models. Future efforts in refining these models are essential to elevate their effectiveness in clinical NLP.
Epilepsy as a Cause of Burns: Our Experience in Ain Shams University Burn Unit
Authors: Mabrouk Amr , Hammad Mai Raafat , Mabrouk Adel , Badawy Mohamed Samir
Published: March 2024

Lack of patient education, and unaffordable or inaccessible medications, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Egypt, leave patients with epilepsy at a higher risk of suffering burn-related injuries, especially with the unpredictable nature of seizures, which leads to accidental burns. We present this study to investigate all epileptic patients whose seizures were involved in the burn injury who presented to the Ain Shams University Burn Unit from January 2019 to July 2022, examining the epidemiology and outcome. A total of 369 burn patients were admitted to out unit during the study period (1st of January 2019 to 31st of July 2022), 5 (1.35%) of which sustained the burn during an epileptic seizure. The parameters assessed were patient demographics, location where burn injury occurred, type and extent of burns, treatment and hospital stay, and morbidity/ mortality rates. The mean age was 24.6 years. A total of 80% lived in low-income areas. Scalding was the most common cause followed by flame. The mean total body surface area and full-thickness burned surface area were 16.2% and 8.6%, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 34.4 days. None of the patients died. However, 1 case had to have an above-elbow amputation.
An uncommon case of right hepatic duct entering cystic duct associated to multiple complications of biliary tract disease: acute pancreatitis, hepatolithiasis, acute cholecystitis and hepatic abscess
Authors: Meza-Hernandez Javier A , Zubillaga-Mares Asya , Serrano-Sanchez Minnet , Alvarez-Bautista Francisco E , Trejo-Avila Mario , Nuñez-Venzor Alejandra
Published: March 2024

Anatomical variations of the biliary tree pose diagnostic and treatment challenges. While most are harmless and often discovered incidentally during procedures, some can lead to clinical issues and biliary complications, making knowledge of these variants crucial to prevent surgical mishaps. Here, we present an unusual and clinically significant case. A 61-year-old man is admitted to the hospital with epigastric pain and diagnosis of pancreatitis of biliary origin and intermediate risk of choledocholithiasis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) reported hepatolithiasis and choledocholithiasis, whereas endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed cystic drain of the right hepatic duct. One month later the patient presented again to the emergency room with increasing abdominal pain and a computed tomography that demonstrated the presence of hepatic abscess and acute cholecystitis. The patient underwent percutaneous drain abscess and a subtotal laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Biliary anatomical variants present challenges on the diagnostic investigations, interventional and surgical procedures, understanding the possible complications is essential.
Ergonomic hand positioning overcomes visual perception mismatch in nonsimulated robotic colorectal surgery
Authors: Wong Shing Wai , Lim Ranah , Wong Xiuling Jasmine , Crowe Philip
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to compare the internal instrument and external surgeon hand positions to determine whether visual perception mismatch (VPM) is a factor during robotic colorectal surgery. Continuous video footage of 24 consecutive robotic colorectal surgery cases were analysed concurrently with sagittal video recordings of surgeon hand positions. Separated sagittal hand positions would indicate nonergonomic positioning without clutching of the robotic controls, either matching the on-screen up/down instrument tip positions (no VPM) or in the opposite direction (true VPM). Variables (30-min surgery time blocks, anatomic target, and task performed), which resulted in hand separation or VPM, were analysed. Operating with the presence of VPM for more than one duration occurred 51 times and nonergonomic sagittal hand positioning occurred 22 times. For an experienced robotic surgeon, ergonomic positioning of the hands is favoured over adjustment for VPM despite the potential higher mental workload.
Anterior dislocation of the coronoid process above a ZMC fracture: case report and a technical note
Authors: Nini Khaoula , Opango Alban Déo Christian , Nshimirimana Bosco , Rabaa Ghassane Elidrissi , Aziz Zakaria , Hattab Nadia Mansouri
Published: March 2024

Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures are very common in maxillofacial trauma and may be associated with fractures of the coronoid process. We report a case of dislocation of the coronoid process above a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture locking the mandible.

We also report the surgical management of this uncommon case and its follow-up.
Isolation of azole-resistant Aspergillus spp. from food products
Authors: Uehara Satomi , Takahashi Yumi , Iwakoshi Keiko , Nishino Yukari , Wada Kotono , Ono Asuka , Hagiwara Daisuke , Chiba Takashi , Yokoyama Keiko , Sadamasu Kenji
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is increasing worldwide and is speculated to be related to the use of azole pesticides. Aspergillus spp., the causative agent of aspergillosis, could be brought into domestic dwellings through food. However, studies on azole-resistant Aspergillus spp. in food products are limited. Therefore, we aimed to isolate Aspergillus spp. from processed foods and commercial agricultural products and performed drug susceptibility tests for azoles. Among 692 food samples, we isolated 99 strains of Aspergillus spp. from 50 food samples, including vegetables (22.9%), citrus fruits (26.3%), cereals (25.5%), and processed foods (1.8%). The isolates belonged to 18 species across eight sections: Aspergillus, Candidi, Clavati, Flavi, Fumigati, Nidulantes, Nigri, and Terrei. The most frequently isolated section was Fumigati with 39 strains, followed by Nigri with 28 strains. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. welwitschiae were the predominant species. Ten A. fumigatus and four cryptic strains, four A. niger cryptic strains, two A. flavus, and four A. terreus strains exceeded epidemiological cutoff values for azoles. Aspergillus tubingensis, A. pseudoviridinutans, A. lentulus, A. terreus, and N. hiratsukae showed low susceptibility to multi-azoles. Foods containing agricultural products were found to be contaminated with Aspergillus spp., with 65.3% of isolates having minimal inhibitory concentrations below epidemiological cutoff values. Additionally, some samples harbored azole-resistant strains of Aspergillus spp. Our study serves as a basis for elucidating the relationship between food, environment, and clinically important Aspergillus spp.
A complex multiphase DLA associated with a compact group at z = 2.431 traces accretion, outflows, and tidal streams
Authors: Nielsen Nikole M , Kacprzak Glenn G , Sameer  , Murphy Michael T , Nateghi Hasti , Charlton Jane C , Churchill Christopher W
Published: March 2024

As part of our program to identify host galaxies of known z = 2–3 Mg ii absorbers with the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI), we discovered a compact group giving rise to a z = 2.431 DLA with ultrastrong Mg ii absorption in quasar field J234628+124859. The group consists of four star-forming galaxies within 8–28 kpc and v ∼ 40–340 km s−1 of each other, where tidal streams are weakly visible in deep HST imaging. The group geometric centre is D = 25 kpc from the quasar (D = 20–40 kpc for each galaxy). Galaxy G1 dominates the group (1.66L*, SFRFUV = 11.6 M⊙ yr−1) while G2, G3, and G4 are less massive (0.1–0.3L*, SFRFUV = 1.4–2.0 M⊙ yr−1). Using a VLT/UVES quasar spectrum covering the H i Lyman series and metal lines such as Mg ii, Si iii, and C iv, we characterized the kinematic structure and physical conditions along the line of sight with cloud-by-cloud multiphase Bayesian modelling. The absorption system has a total $\log (N({{{\rm H}\,\rm{\small I}}})/{\rm cm}^{-2})=20.53$ and an $N({{{\rm H}\,\rm{\small I}}})$-weighted mean metallicity of log (Z/Z⊙) = −0.68, with a very large Mg ii linewidth of Δv ∼ 700 km s−1. The highly kinematically complex profile is well modelled with 30 clouds across low- and intermediate-ionization phases with values ${13\lesssim \log (N({{{\rm H}\,\rm{\small I}}})/{\rm cm}^{-2})\lesssim 20}$ and −3 ≲ log (Z/Z⊙) ≲ 1. Comparing these properties to the galaxy properties, we infer a wide range of gaseous environments, including metal-rich outflows, metal-poor IGM accretion, and tidal streams from galaxy–galaxy interactions. This diversity of structures forms the intragroup medium around a complex compact group environment at the epoch of peak star formation activity. Surveys of low-redshift compact groups would benefit from obtaining a more complete census of this medium for characterizing evolutionary pathways.
Risk, Non-Identity, and Extinction
Authors: Kowalczyk Kacper , Venkatesh Nikhil
Published: March 2024

This paper examines a recent argument in favour of strong precautionary action—possibly including working to hasten human extinction—on the basis of a decision-theoretic view that accommodates the risk-attitudes of all affected while giving more weight to the more risk-averse attitudes. First, we dispute the need to take into account other people’s attitudes towards risk at all. Second, we argue that a version of the non-identity problem undermines the case for doing so in the context of future people. Lastly, we suggest that we should not work to hasten human extinction, even if significant risk aversion is warranted.