bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the public space of a mono-functional town (on the example of the town of Novoyavorivsk, Ukraine)
Authors: Petryshyn H , Sosnova N , Tupis S , Bolila A
Published: August 2024

On the example of the town of Novoyavorivsk, the transformation of public spaces in resource-dependent towns, which were formed as residential quarters with service infrastructure for workers of industrial plants in the second half of the 20th century, was considered. In the 1990s, the transition to a market economy and the reduction of enterprises caused the stagnation of towns that had only one town-forming function. Founded on the basis of the Soviet ideological paradigm which had strict planning and construction norms, these towns are trying to be transformed into multifunctional towns.

Changes in the functional and spatial structure of public spaces are the most dynamic. That is why the issue of modernizing of the functional-spatial structure of a monofunctional tows and determining the direction of development of their public centers and public space arises. This study analyzes the compliance of public spaces, which were formed for the few functions of the “town for sleeping”, to the modern conditions of a significant increase in the number of commercial functions. The conducted investigation of the development of the resource-oriented town of Novoyavorivsk made it possible to reveal the foundations of ideologically determined modernist formation.

The scientific novelty of this work consists in establishing of the peculiarities of the functioning of public spaces in the town of Novoyavorivsk, which were formed under the conditions of the Soviet socio-economic model, which is no longer in force today. Problems of the quality of public space of monofunctional towns of the Soviet period as a rule have several common features, including morphological, social, visual, perceptual and functional dimensions.

The practical value of this study lies in the improvement of the methodology for the analysis of urban areas.

The main results of the work consist in obtaining of the information about the object of research, based on the results of a comparative analysis of field research data and urban planning documentation, and spreading of the identified patterns to other towns and cities.
Investigation of the Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Deformability of a Model of Soil Base of limited Width in The Form of a Linearly Deformable Elastic Half-Plane
Authors: Aleksandrovych V , Samorodov O , Tabachnikov S , Havryliuk O
Published: August 2024

The paper examines the available approaches to the distribution of vertical compressive stresses over the depth of the soil base from a uniformly distributed load on the surface. The paper investigates the effect of boundary constraints in plan of the model of a continuous linearly deformable (elastic) layer of finite width on its distribution capability and stress-strain performance from a loaded foundation on the surface. Numerical calculations of the stress-strain state of a uniformly loaded foundation with different relative bending stiffness (flexibility), which interacts with a layer of a certain depth (compressible depth) and strict horizontal constraints in terms of width (the width dimensions of the model), were performed using the SCAD software. Based on the analysis of the results of numerical calculations for the plane problem (plane-strain deformation), the width of the model of a linearly deformable layer of finite width, which considers the distribution of compressive loads over the depth at an angle of α≈20÷25° to the vertical from the edges of the loaded foundation, was justified. In this case, the width of the model according to the angle of distribution of α≈20÷25° has virtually no effect on the average settlements and the maximum moment forces of the foundation in comparison with the increase in the width of the model.
Optimization of the body strut of the grain hopper wagon
Authors: Lovska A O , Vatulia G L , Pavliuchenkov M V , Vichare P , Leslie T
Published: August 2024

The article describes the optimization of vertical body struts of the bearing structure of the grain hopper wagon. The study included obtaining mathematical models using modern methods of the mathematical planning of the experiment. At the same time, the target function of the optimization was to reduce the material consumption for the strut. Based on the study conducted, it has been found that the mass of the strut, allowing for the optimization of its geometric parameters, is 4.3% lower than that of the existing structure. It should be noted that the optimization model proposed can also be used for selecting the optimal material for the strut, which may additionally reduce the material consumption of the hopper wagon body. The strength of the hoper wagon body with its optimized struts was calculated using the finite element method. The results of the calculation have shown that the strength indicators of the frame under the main operating loading conditions are within the permissible limits. The conducted research will contribute to the development of best practices for modern rail wagon designs with improved technical and economic characteristics.
Study of structural, surface energies, and tribomechanical properties of thermoplastics irradiated by electron beam
Authors: Rakhadilov Bauyrzhan , Ormanbekov Kuanysh , Zhassulan Ainur , Mukhamedov Nurzhan , Mukhametov Yeldos , Kussainov Rinat
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the effects of electron irradiation on the structural, surface energy, and tribomechanical properties of two key thermoplastics: polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The experimental methods included electron beam irradiation using the ILU-10 pulsed linear accelerator, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness testing, surface roughness assessment, tribology tests, and contact angle measurements.The FT-IR analysis revealed significant chemical changes on the surfaces of the polymers, including oxidation processes and the breaking of molecular bonds. XRD analysis showed an increase in the crystallinity of PTFE after irradiation, while the structure of PEEK remained stable. Microhardness testing indicated a notable increase in hardness for both polymers, particularly for PTFE, suggesting cross-linking of molecular chains. Surface roughness measurements demonstrated a decrease in roughness for both irradiated polymers. Tribology tests revealed that electron irradiation increased the coefficient of friction for PTFE and PEEK under various loads, which can be attributed to the alterations in their surface properties. Contact angle measurements indicated improved wettability of the irradiated surfaces, especially for PEEK, due to the formation of new functional groups. The total surface energy increased for both polymers post-irradiation, as determined using the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaeble method. Electron irradiation leads to significant modifications in the surface and bulk properties of PEEK and PTFE, enhancing their tribomechanical and adhesive properties. These changes open new opportunities for the application of these materials in various engineering fields where specific performance characteristics are required.
Nonequilibrium fluctuations of a quantum heat engine
Authors: Denzler Tobias , Santos Jonas F G , Lutz Eric , Serra Roberto M
Published: August 2024

The thermodynamic properties of quantum heat engines are stochastic owing to the presence of thermal and quantum fluctuations. We here experimentally investigate the efficiency and nonequilibrium entropy production statistics of a spin-1/2 quantum Otto cycle in a nuclear magnetic resonance setup. We first study the correlations between work and heat within a cycle by extracting their joint distribution for different driving times. We show that near perfect correlation, corresponding to the tight-coupling condition between work and heat, can be achieved. In this limit, the reconstructed efficiency distribution is peaked at the deterministic thermodynamic efficiency, and fluctuations are strongly suppressed. We further successfully test the second law in the form of a joint fluctuation relation for work and heat in the quantum cycle. Our results characterize the statistical features of a small-scale thermal machine in the quantum domain, and provide means to control them.
Compactness of Toeplitz operators with continuous symbols on pseudoconvex domains in ℂⁿ
Authors: Rodriguez Tomas Miguel , Şahutoğlu Sönmez
Published: August 2024

LetΩ\Omegabe a bounded pseudoconvex domain inCn\mathbb {C}^nwith Lipschitz boundary andϕ\phibe a continuous function onΩ¯\overline {\Omega }. We show that the Toeplitz operatorTϕT_{\phi }with symbolϕ\phiis compact on the weighted Bergman space if and only ifϕ\phivanishes on the boundary ofΩ\Omega. We also show that compactness of the Toeplitz operatorTϕp,qT^{p,q}_{\phi }on∂¯\overline {\partial }-closed(p,q)(p,q)-forms for0≤p≤n0\leq p\leq nandq≥1q\geq 1is equivalent toϕ=0\phi =0onΩ\Omega.
Songs by Rodgers and Hart
Authors: Block Geoffrey
Published: August 2024

This chapter, “The Songs by Rodgers and Hart,” focuses on the lyrics and music of all the songs in Love Me Tonight and the role these songs play within their dramatic contexts and their reprises. The songs, which feature a wide variety of song types and purposes (divided equally between diegetic and nondiegetic), relate to and enhance the film’s drama and visual realization. The chapter also discusses the duet “The Man for Me,” which was sung and filmed but removed before the film’s release. The goal of the musical analysis is accessibility, and the author strives to keep musical jargon to a necessary minimum. Finally, the chapter discusses “Give Me a Moment,” for which only lyrics have survived, a song planned in the Treatment months earlier for a love scene that eventually was replaced by the title song. Surprisingly, the Treatment assigns the central love song, “Love Me Tonight,” to a secondary character, Valentine, several months before this role was offered to the nonsinging but delightfully man-hungry Myrna Loy.
Lessons for the Future
Authors: Colvin Molly , Reesman Jennifer Linton , Glen Tannahill
Published: August 2024

This chapter addresses the future implications and lessons learned from widespread educational disruption. Ideas for how to remediate and repair the losses at the individual level and societal level are addressed. The significant need to mitigate against future disruption, as well as the potential reasons for future disruption, is reviewed. Policy implications are discussed, and concerning trends regarding rolling closures in response to a variety of situations is outlined. Areas critical to future research are outlined and organized tracing the longitudinal impact of pandemic-era disruption from later impacts to normative data concerns. The impact on accessibility to the future of mental health care is discussed as the societal impacts of pandemic-era disruption impact the pipeline of mental health care provider training.
Difficult Ornaments
Authors: Mlinko Ange
Published: August 2024

Difficult Ornaments is a book about six twentieth-century American poets, the mythical Florida they explored, and the American tropical style they created. Wallace Stevens, Marianne Moore, Elizabeth Bishop, James Merrill, and Harry Mathews compose a chain of friendship and influence. Only Laura Riding Jackson stands apart as a poet who renounced poetry and became a recluse on a citrus farm. In proximity to the tropics—nature’s own laboratory of invention and experiment—their poetry became more fecund and experimental. The ornaments of poetry correspond to the ornaments of nature, which is why the peacock, that most decorated of birds, features so prominently in their work. These seven essays comprise a lyrical meditation on literary style that ranges through history and myth to better understand the relationship between persons and places, weather and language, and the climate of the planet and the climate of the mind.
Exploring the landscape of social epidemiologic research: a scoping review of AJE publications
Authors: Sakakibara Koichi , Dean Lorraine T
Published: August 2024

As social epidemiology is a growing interdisciplinary field with a broad scope, this scoping review investigated its current landscape based on articles published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Among 1194 extracted records between 2013 and 2022 submitted under the “social” category, we identified 178 accepted articles that had a social factor as a primary exposure. We categorized social exposures into 9 major domains and health outcomes into 8 domains. Study design, population, and authorship were also analyzed. Our findings indicate that social epi studies reflect a range of social exposures, including socioeconomic position (37%); neighborhood and built environment (20%); race, racism, and discrimination (16%); and policy and social welfare (12%). The most frequently studied health outcomes were noncommunicable diseases and chronic conditions (42%), mental health (14%), and maternal and child health outcomes (11%). Most studies had quantitative observational designs and focused on high-income countries, particularly the US contexts. Most authors appeared only once, suggesting a range of voices as contributors. Findings suggest that, to enhance knowledge, social epi could benefit from a greater representation of social factors beyond tangible resources, a broader range of health outcomes, study designs and populations, and low- and middle-income countries.
Elevated Blood Pressure: A Genetically Determined Risk Factor for Cerebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Xu Xinchun , Li Qiong , Chen Qiuping , Wang Haibo , Wu Chuchu , Chen Xiaohu , Chen Fei , Yue Chaoyan
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

We aim to investigate the potential causal link between blood pressure (BP) levels and cerebral artery dissection (CAD) risk by employing a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) framework.

METHODS

Utilizing large-scale genome-wide association studies-retrieved data, we employed various Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode, to ascertain BP’s causal impact on CAD. The MR-Egger intercept was calculated to assess pleiotropy presence, determining heterogeneity by Cochran’s Q statistic.

RESULTS

The findings highlighted a significant association between elevated systolic BP (SBP; IVW: OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.11–8.61, P = 0.031) and increased diastolic BP (DBP; IVW: OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.14–6.21, P = 0.023) with CAD risk. Sensitivity analyses reinforced the robustness and reliability of these results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this TSMR study suggest a causal link between high SBP and DBP and the increased likelihood of CAD, which provides genetic evidence for a reduced risk of CAD under BP control.
The flower does not open in the city: evolution of plant reproductive traits of Portulaca oleracea in urban populations
Authors: Fujita Tomohiro , Tsuda Naoe , Koide Dai , Fukano Yuya , Inoue Tomomi
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

The impact of urbanization on plant evolution, particularly the evolution of reproductive traits, remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the consequences of urbanization on the reproductive traits of Portulaca oleracea in the Kantō region of Japan. Portulaca oleracea has a unique cleistogamous reproductive system, which consists of genetically determined chasmogamous (open, CH) and cleistogamous (closed, CL) plants.

Methods

We collected seeds of P. oleracea from ten populations in rural areas and ten populations in urban areas. In a common garden experiment, we recorded the type of flowers (CH or CL), reproductive phenology and seed production.

Key Results

All individuals produced either CH or CL flowers, allowing us to classify them as either CH or CL plants. We observed a significant difference in the prevalence of CH and CL plants between rural and urban populations: the number of CH plants was generally low and was particularly low among urban individuals. Compared to CH plants, CL plants showed earlier phenology and produced heavier seeds, which is consistent with stress avoidance in response to heat and drought stress conditions in urban areas.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that urbanization may drive an evolutionary change in the cleistogamous reproductive system of P. oleracea. CL plants with earlier phenology and larger seeds might be better adapted to urban environments, where they are subjected to harsh heat and drought stress.
Species that require long-day conditions to flower are not advancing their flowering phenology as fast as species without photoperiod requirements
Authors: Zeng Karen , Sentinella Alexander T , Armitage Charlotte , Moles Angela T
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Over the last few decades, many plant species have shown changes in phenology, such as the date on which they germinate, bud or flower. However, some species are changing more slowly than others, potentially owing to daylength (photoperiod) requirements.

Methods

We combined data on flowering-time advancement with published records of photoperiod sensitivity to try to predict which species are advancing their flowering time. Data availability limited us to the Northern Hemisphere.

Key Results

Cross-species analyses showed that short-day plants advanced their flowering time by 1.4 days per decade and day-neutral plants by 0.9 days per decade, but long-day plants delayed their flowering by 0.2 days per decade. However, photoperiod-sensitivity status exhibited moderate phylogenetic conservation, and the differences in flowering-time advancement were not significant after phylogeny was accounted for. Both annual and perennial herbs were more likely to have long-day photoperiod cues than woody species, which were more likely to have short-day photoperiod cues.

Conclusions

Short-day plants are keeping up with plants that do not have photoperiod requirements, suggesting that daylength requirements do not hinder changes in phenology. However, long-day plants are not changing their phenology and might risk falling behind as competitors and pollinators adapt to climate change.
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a functional ‘superfood’: new insights into its botanical, genetic and nutraceutical characteristics
Authors: Zare Tannaz , Fournier-Level Alexandre , Ebert Berit , Roessner Ute
Published: August 2024

Background

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds have become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers owing to their high content of ω-3 fatty acids, which provide various health benefits. Comprehensive chemical analyses of the fatty acids and proteins in chia seeds have been conducted, revealing their functional properties. Recent studies have confirmed the high ω-3 content of chia seed oil and have hinted at additional functional characteristics.

Scope

This review article aims to provide an overview of the botanical, morphological and biochemical features of chia plants, seeds and seed mucilage. Additionally, we discuss the recent developments in genetic and molecular research on chia, including the latest transcriptomic and functional studies that examine the genes responsible for chia fatty acid biosynthesis. In recent years, research on chia seeds has shifted its focus from studying the physicochemical characteristics and chemical composition of seeds to understanding the metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms that contribute to their nutritional benefits. This has led to a growing interest in various pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and agricultural applications of chia. In this context, we discuss the latest research on chia and the questions that remain unanswered, and we identify areas that require further exploration.

Conclusions

Nutraceutical compounds associated with significant health benefits, including ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, have been measured in high quantities in chia seeds. However, comprehensive investigations through both in vitro experiments and in vivo animal and controlled human trials are expected to provide greater clarity on the medicinal, antimicrobial and antifungal effects of chia seeds. The recently published genome of chia and gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, facilitate functional studies deciphering molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis and metabolic pathways in this crop. This necessitates development of stable transformation protocols and creation of a publicly available lipid database, mutant collection and large-scale transcriptomic datasets for chia.
Enhanced lignin and cellulose metabolism promote cell wall synthesis and growth of wild soybean HRA under alkali stress
Authors: Hu Yunan , Hu Yongjun , Gao Shujuan , Luan Zhihui , Zhang Tao , Guo Jixun , Shi Lianxuan
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Soil salinization adversely threatens plant survival and food production globally. The mobilization of storage reserves in cotyledons and establishment of the hypocotyl/root axis (HRA) structure and function are crucial to the growth of dicotyledonous plants during the post-germination growth period. Here we report the adaptive mechanisms of wild and cultivated soybeans in response to alkali stress in soil during the post-germination growth period.

Methods

Differences in physiological parameters, microstructure, and the types, amounts and metabolic pathways of small-molecule metabolites and gene expression were compared and multi-omics integration analysis was performed between wild and cultivated soybean under sufficient and artificially simulated alkali stress during the post-germination growth period in this study.

Key Results

Structural analysis showed that the cell wall thickness of wild soybean under alkali stress increased, whereas cultivated soybeans were severely damaged. A comprehensive analysis of small-molecule metabolites and gene expression revealed that protein breakdown in wild soybean cotyledons under alkali stress was enhanced, and transport of amino acids and sucrose increased. Additionally, lignin and cellulose syntheses in wild soybean HRA under alkali stress were enhanced.

Conclusions

Overall, protein decomposition and transport of amino acids and sucrose increased in wild soybean cotyledons under alkali stress, which in turn promoted HRA growth. Similarly, alkali stress enhanced lignin and cellulose synthesis in the wild soybean HRA, which subsequently enhanced cell wall synthesis, thereby maintaining the stability and functionality of the HRA under alkali stress. This study presents important practical implications for the utilization of wild plant resources and sustainable development of agriculture.
Automatic detection of fish scale circuli using deep learning
Authors: Hanson Nora N , Ounsley James P , Henry Jason , Terzić Kasim , Caneco Bruno
Published: August 2024

Teleost fish scales form distinct growth rings deposited in proportion to somatic growth in length, and are routinely used in fish ageing and growth analyses. Extraction of incremental growth data from scales is labour intensive. We present a fully automated method to retrieve this data from fish scale images using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Our pipeline of two CNNs automatically detects the centre of the scale and individual growth rings (circuli) along multiple radial transect emanating from the centre. The focus detector was trained on 725 scale images and achieved an average precision of 99%; the circuli detector was trained on 40 678 circuli annotations and achieved an average precision of 95.1%. Circuli detections were made with less confidence in the freshwater zone of the scale image where the growth bands are most narrowly spaced. However, the performance of the circuli detector was similar to that of another human labeller, highlighting the inherent ambiguity of the labelling process. The system predicts the location of scale growth rings rapidly and with high accuracy, enabling the calculation of spacings and thereby growth inferences from salmon scales. The success of our method suggests its potential for expansion to other species.
An introduction to key ecological concepts, financial opportunities, and risks underpinning aspirations for nature positive
Authors: Luxton Sarah J , Smith Greg S , Williams Kristen J , Ferrier Simon , Bond Anthelia J , Prober Suzanne M
Published: August 2024

Global biodiversity is in decline, and businesses and society are being required to urgently create new operating models to ameliorate the crisis. Among the strategies proposed to do this, implementing the concept of nature positive has captured worldwide attention. Critical to its success will be effective collaboration between ecologists and businesspeople, driven by a shared understanding of key nature positive terminology, concepts, and risks. To this end, we introduce three core aspects: the ecological concepts in the definition of nature positive (health, abundance, diversity, and resilience), a typology of financial instruments that may be applied to achieving nature positive, and an overview of risks to biodiversity and society. The pivotal findings include that ecological complexity and uncertainty belie the simplicity of the definition of nature positive and that managing risk requires embedding aspirations into existing and emerging biodiversity conservation and restoration science and policy. Although it is challenging, nature positive deserves pursuit.
Assessing the breadth and multidisciplinarity of the conservation curriculum in the United Kingdom and Australia
Authors: Slater Helena , Fisher Janet , Holmes George , Sandbrook Chris , Keane Aidan
Published: August 2024

There have been repeated calls to train conservationists capable of transcending disciplinary boundaries. However, little empirical work has been done to document conservation teaching. We investigate the content taught in conservation higher education across the United Kingdom and Australia. Using data from an online survey and content analysis of module descriptions, we assess the prevalence of subject areas in 146 conservation modules and topics in 368 conservation modules and 62 conservation degrees. Biological sciences subject areas were represented in 92% of the modules, whereas social sciences subject areas only featured in 60% and humanities in 24%. Of the modules teaching biological sciences subject areas, 84% included biological sciences faculty but only 31% of the modules covering social sciences subject areas included faculty from the social sciences. Who teaches matters. The disciplinary expertise in conservation education needs to diversify to train conservationists capable of addressing conservation challenges. This requires institutional changes and support from prominent societies to promote interdisciplinary education.
Incorporating a One Health Approach Into the Study of Environmental Crimes and Harms: Towards a ‘One Health Green Criminology’
Authors: Alonso Aitor Ibáñez , South Nigel
Published: August 2024

Amid increasingly intense and frequent Emerging Infectious Disease events, such as COVID-19, it is evident that the current global ecological crisis poses a threat to the health and well-being of humans, non-human animals and ecosystems. This paper aims to expand existing green criminological scholarship by arguing for the incorporation of a ‘One Health’ perspective. This would (1) enable the integration of scientific knowledge to better address threats, harms and crimes to health and well-being; and (2) contribute to the advance of Eco-justice. The study identifies four areas where a One Health perspective within green criminology may reveal overlooked harms and threats to health and well-being. Conversely, integrating green criminology would benefit the One Health scientific community and specific programs.
Definition and Measurement of Violence in the Crime Survey for England and Wales: Implications for the Amount and Gendering of Violence
Authors: Davies Elouise , Obolenskaya Polina , Francis Brian , Blom Niels , Phoenix Jessica , Pullerits Merili , Walby Sylvia
Published: August 2024

The definitions and the methodology used in surveys to measure violence have implications for its estimated volume and gendered distribution. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) uses quite a narrow definition of ‘violence against the person’ which excludes crimes which are arguably violent in nature. This article expands the CSEW’s measurement of violence by regarding threats, robbery, sexual violence and mixed violence/property crimes as violence. This results in a shift in the gender distribution of violence, with a higher proportion of violence against women (from 39% to 58%) and by domestic perpetrators (from 29% to 32%). Impacts of violence (injuries and emotional harm) are also affected by the change in definition and disproportionally so for women.
On Special Liberty and the Motivation to Harm
Authors: Kotzé Justin
Published: August 2024

Special liberty is a destructive and criminogenic force operating throughout the social structure and is arguably the main source of social harm today. The subject of special liberty feels entitled to risk harm to others in pursuit of their own expressive and/or instrumental interests. Since its inception, the concept of special liberty has been used to make sense of numerous issues. However, little attention has been directed towards clearly delineating the two main forms of self-interest served by its use. Our understanding of why special liberty is employed in particular circumstances and conditions is therefore limited. This article makes an original contribution by attempting to formalize an initial delineation of expressive and instrumental self-interest apropos the use of special liberty.
Identifying novel risk genes in intracranial aneurysm by integrating human proteomes and genetics
Authors: Wu Congyan , Liu Hanchen , Zuo Qiao , Jiang Aimin , Wang Chuanchuan , Lv Nan , Lin Ruyue , Wang Yonghui , Zong Kang , Wei Yanpeng , Huang Qinghai , Li Qiang , Yang Pengfei , Zhao Rui , Liu Jianmin
Published: August 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become increasingly popular for detecting numerous loci associated with intracranial aneurysm (IA), but how these loci function remains unclear. In this study, we employed an integrative analytical pipeline to efficiently transform genetic associations and identify novel genes for IA.

Using multidimensional high-throughput data, we integrated proteome-wide association studies (PWAS), transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), Mendelian randomization (MR) and Bayesian co-localization analyses to prioritize genes that can increase IA risk by altering their expression and protein abundances in the brain and blood. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of the circle of Willis was performed to enrich filtered genes in cells, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted for each gene using bulk RNA-seq data for IA.

No significant genes with cis-regulated plasma protein levels were proven to be associated with IA. The protein abundances of five genes in the brain were found to be associated with IA. According to cellular enrichment analysis, these five genes were expressed mainly in the endothelium, fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. Only three genes, CNNM2, GPRIN3 and UFL1, passed MR and Bayesian co-localization analyses. While UFL1 was not validated in confirmation PWAS as it was not profiled, it was validated in TWAS. GSEA suggested these three genes are associated with the cell cycle. In addition, the protein abundance of CNNM2 was found to be associated with IA rupture (based on PWAS, MR and co-localization analyses).

Our findings indicated that CNNM2, GPRIN3 and UFL1 (CNNM2 correlated with IA rupture) are potential IA risk genes that may provide a broad hint for future research on possible mechanisms and therapeutic targets for IA.
Cardiovascular, renal and mortality risk by the KDIGO heatmap in Japan
Authors: Maruyama Shoichi , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Akiyama Hiroki , Hoshino Mitsuru , Inokuchi Shoichiro , Kaneko Shuji , Shimamoto Koji , Ozaki Asuka
Published: August 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the prognosis of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Japan using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) heatmap.

Methods

The prognoses of individuals with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 were evaluated based on the KDIGO heatmap using an electronic medical record database in Japan. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and in-hospital death (referred to as MACE1). Additionally, ad hoc MACE2 (MI hospitalization, stroke hospitalization, HF hospitalization, and in-hospital death) was examined. The secondary outcome was the renal outcome.

Results

Of the 543 606 individuals included, the mean age was 61.6 ± 15.3 years, 50.1% were male, and 40.9% lacked urine protein results. The risk of MACEs increased independently with both eGFR decline and increasing proteinuria from the early KDIGO stages: Hazard ratios (with 95% confidence interval) of MACE1 and MACE2, compared to G2A1 were 1.16 (1.12–1.20) and 1.17 (1.11–1.23), respectively, for G3aA1, and 1.17 (1.12–1.21) and 1.35 (1.28–1.43), respectively, for G2A2. This increased up to 2.83 (2.54–3.15) and 3.43 (3.00–3.93), respectively, for G5A3. Risks of renal outcomes also increased with CKD progression.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate the applicability of the KDIGO heatmap in assessing cardiovascular and renal risk in Japan. The risk increased from the early stages of CKD, indicating the importance of early diagnosis and intervention through appropriate testing.
Trading Stocks Builds Financial Confidence and Compresses the Gender Gap
Authors: Jha Saumitra , Shayo Moses
Published: August 2024

Many studies document low rates of financial literacy and suboptimal levels of participation in financial markets. These issues are particularly acute among women. Does this reflect a self-reinforcing trap? If so, can a nudge to participate in financial markets generate knowledge, confidence and further increase informed participation? We conduct a large field experiment that enables and incentivises working-age men and women—a challenging group to reach with standard financial training programs—to trade stocks for four to seven weeks. We provide no additional educational content. We find that trading significantly improves financial confidence, as reflected in stock market participation, objective and subjective measures of financial knowledge, and risk tolerance. These effects are especially strong among women. Participants also become more self-reliant and consult others less when making financial decisions.
Shared care for patients with a left ventricular assist device: a scoping review
Authors: Drost Valérie C E , Otterspoor Luuk C , Zijderhand Casper F , Sjatskig Jelena , Kluin Jolanda , De Boer Rudolf A , Caliskan Kadir
Published: August 2024

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly implanted in patients with advanced heart failure. Currently, LVAD care is predominantly concentrated at specialized tertiary care hospitals. However, the increasing workload and logistical burden for implanting centres pose significant challenges to accessing care for individual patients in remote areas. An emerging approach to LVAD patient management is the use of a shared care model (SCM), which facilitates collaboration between implanting centres and local non-implanting hospitals. This scoping review explores and synthesizes the current scientific evidence on the use of SCMs in LVAD care management. Eligible studies were identified in EMBASE, PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Findings were synthesized in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Of the 950 records screened, five articles met the inclusion criteria. Four review articles focused on the proposed benefits and challenges of using SCMs. Main benefits included improved patient satisfaction and continuity of care. Important challenges were initial education of non-implanting centre staff and maintaining competency. One prospective study showed that absence of LVAD-specific care was associated with impaired survival and higher rates of pump thrombosis and LVAD-related infections. The use of SCMs is a promising approach in the long-term management of LVAD patients. However, sufficient evidence about the impact of SCMs on patients and the healthcare system is not currently available. Standardized protocols based on prospective studies are needed to develop safe and effective shared care for LVAD patients.
Social drivers in atrial fibrillation occurrence, screening, treatment, and outcomes: systematic-narrative hybrid review
Authors: Frost Lars , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Benjamin Emelia J , Trinquart Ludovic , Vinter Nicklas
Published: August 2024

The importance of social drivers of health (SDOH) in the occurrence, detection, treatment, and outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) has attracted increasing attention. Addressing SDOH factors may suggest opportunities to prevent AF and its complications. We aimed to conduct a structured narrative review and summarize current knowledge on the association between race and ethnicity, SDOH, including rural vs. urban habitation, education, income, and neighbourhood, and the risk of AF, its management, and complications. We identified 537 references in PubMed and 473 references in Embase. After removal of duplicates, we screened the abstracts of 975 references, resulting in 113 references that were examined for eligibility. Subsequently, 34 references were excluded leaving 79 references for the review. Evidence of a social gradient in AF incidence and prevelance were conflicting. However, we found substantial evidence indicating social inequities in the detection of AF, access to treatment, and outcomes such as healthcare utilization, bleeding, heart failure, stroke, dementia, work disability, and death. Inequities are reported across various health care systems and constitute a global problem affecting several continents, although data from Africa and South America are lacking. Given the documented social inequities in AF detection, management, and outcomes, there is an urgent need for healthcare systems, policymakers, and society to identify and implement effective interventions that can reduce inequities and improve outcomes in individuals with AF.
The budget impact of implementing atrial fibrillation-screening in European countries
Authors: Eklund Michaela , Bernfort Lars , Appelberg Kajsa , Engler Daniel , Schnabel Renate B , Martinez Carlos , Wallenhorst Christopher , Boriani Giuseppe , Buckley Claire M , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Montaner Joan , Potpara Tatjana , Levin Lars-Åke , Lyth Johan
Published: August 2024

A budget impact analysis estimates the short-term difference between the cost of the current treatment strategy and a new treatment strategy, in this case to implement population screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to estimate the financial impact of implementing population-based AF-screening of 75-year-olds compared with the current setting of no screening from a healthcare payer perspective in eight European countries. The net budget impact of AF-screening was estimated in country-specific settings for Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden. Country-specific parameters were used to allow for variations in healthcare systems and to reflect the healthcare sector in the country of interest. Similar results can be seen in all countries AF-screening incurs savings of stroke-related costs since AF treatment reduces the number of strokes. However, the increased number of detected AF and higher drug acquisition will increase the drug costs as well as the costs of physician- and control visits. The net budget impact per invited varied from €10 in Ireland to €122 in the Netherlands. The results showed the increased costs of implementing AF-screening were mainly driven by increased drug costs and screening costs. In conclusion, across Europe, though the initial cost of screening and more frequent use of oral anti-coagulants will increase the healthcare payers’ costs, introducing population screening for AF will result in savings of stroke-related costs.
Atrial fibrillation rhythm management: a matter of timing
Authors: Krisai Philipp , Kühne Michael
Published: August 2024

Rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved dramatically in the last decades. Several studies have informed us of the benefits of an early rhythm control strategy and primary rhythm control by catheter ablation (CA). Similarly, several studies have investigated the effects of CA in patients with longer AF duration and more comorbidities, especially heart failure. In the current review, we summarize the current evidence on rhythm control at different time points during the disease course of AF [Table 1 and Central illustration].
Screening for atrial fibrillation: the role of CHA2DS2-VASc and atrial fibrillation burden
Authors: Xing Lucas Yixi , Vad Oliver B , Engler Daniel , Svendsen Jesper H , Diederichsen Søren Z
Published: August 2024

Individuals with subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) face an increased risk of thromboembolic events, which may potentially be mitigated through AF screening and subsequent anticoagulation. However, data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) indicate a lower stroke risk in subclinical AF compared with the clinical phenotype. This—along with the inherent bleeding risk related to anticoagulation—seems to render the net clinical benefit of AF screening less evident. Further, current guidelines recommend consideration of CHA2DS2-VASc score and AF episode duration to guide screening and treatment. These recommendations, in general, lack support and seem questionable in view of the limited RCT data. More evidence is warranted to provide insights into the potential benefits of screening and treatment of screen-detected AF in specific population subgroups and AF phenotypes.
Incidence and predictors of 2-year mortality following percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in the EWOLUTION trial
Authors: Aarnink Errol W , Ince Hueseyin , Kische Stephan , Pokushalov Evgeny , Schmitz Thomas , Schmidt Boris , Gori Tommaso , Meincke Felix , Protopopov Alexey Vladimir , Betts Timothy , Mazzone Patrizio , Grygier Marek , Sievert Horst , De Potter Tom , Vireca Elisa , Stein Kenneth , Bergmann Martin W , Boersma Lucas V A
Published: August 2024

Aims

Sufficient survival time following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is essential for ensuring the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this strategy for stroke prevention. Understanding prognostic factors for early mortality after LAAO could optimize patient selection. In the current study, we perform an in-depth analysis of 2-year mortality after LAAO, focusing particularly on potential predictors.

Methods and results

The EWOLUTION registry is a real-world cohort comprising 1020 patients that underwent LAAO. Endpoint definitions were pre-specified, and death was categorized as cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, or unknown origin. Mortality rates were calculated from Kaplan–Meier estimates. Baseline characteristics significantly associated with death in univariate Cox regression analysis were incorporated into the multivariate analysis. All multivariate predictors were included in a risk model. Two-year mortality rate was 16.4% [confidence interval (CI): 14.0–18.7%], with 50% of patients dying from a non-cardiovascular cause. Multivariate baseline predictors of 2-year mortality included age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, CI: 1.03–1.08, per year increase], heart failure (HR 1.73, CI: 1.24–2.41), vascular disease (HR 1.47, CI: 1.05–2.05), valvular disease (HR 1.63, CI: 1.15–2.33), abnormal liver function (HR 1.80, CI: 1.02–3.17), and abnormal renal function (HR 1.58, CI: 1.10–2.27). Mortality rate exhibited a gradual rise as the number of risk factors increased, reaching 46.1% in patients presenting with five or six risk factors.

Conclusion

One in six patients died within 2 years after LAAO. We identified six independent predictors of mortality. When combined, this model showed a gradual increase in mortality rate with a growing number of risk factors, which may guide appropriate patient selection for LAAO.

Clinical trial registration

The original EWOLUTION registry was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT01972282.
Safety and efficacy of same-day discharge for premature ventricular complex ablations
Authors: Padanilam Mathew S , Patel Parin J , Joshi Sandeep A , Nair Girish V , Clark Bradley A , Shah Ankur , Field Justin , Prystowsky Eric N , Gilge Jasen L
Published: August 2024

Aims

Patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are generally observed overnight in the hospital given the concern for complications. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of same-day discharge (SDD) of patients undergoing elective CA of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs).

Methods and results

A retrospective evaluation of all patients undergoing elective VA ablation at Ascension St Vincent Hospital from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019 was undertaken. Of those, the patients undergoing PVC ablation were divided into SDD and non-SDD. Patients underwent SDD at the discretion of the operator. The primary safety outcome was the 30-day incidence of complications and death. The primary efficacy outcome was procedural success. Among 188 patients who underwent VA ablation, 98 (52.1%) were PVC ablations, and of those, 55 (56.1%) were SDD. There was no difference in age, gender, comorbidities, or ejection fraction between the two groups. Patients that were non-SDD were more likely to be on chronic anticoagulation (P = 0.03), have ablation in the LV (P = 0.04), have retrograde access (P = 0.03), and receive heparin during the procedure (P = 0.01). There were no complications in the SDD group compared with one (2.3%) in the non-SDD group. There was no difference in primary efficacy between the two groups with a 90.9% acute success in the SDD and 88.4% in the non-SDD (P = 0.68).

Conclusion

Same-day discharge for CA of PVCs is feasible and could lower healthcare resource utilization without compromising outcomes in this unique population.
Full waveform inversion of ocean bottom seismometer data from the oceanic Pacific Plate of the Japan trench
Authors: Kakhkhorov U , Weibul W W , Raknes E B , Kodaira S , Fujie G , Arntsen B
Published: August 2024

The geometrical and seismic structure of the Pacific oceanic Plate of the Japan Trench is essential for the understanding of earthquake activity in the area. Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) data can be used, via ray-based tomography, to obtain estimates of properties such as crust thickness and structure, hydration and depth to the Moho boundary. The spatial resolution of these properties can be substantially improved by using the full waveform inversion (FWI) method. Most OBS data in this area are acquired with a sparse receiver spacing of 5–6 km, whereas FWI is assumed to work best with denser (1–2 km) receiver spacing. We show that FWI can be adapted to sparsely sampled data with better resolution than traveltime tomography. Using a 500 km long OBS longitudinal profile from the Japan Trench we obtain a detailed velocity structure of the crust, a better definition of the Moho boundary, a well-defined low-velocity layer in the lower crust and a clear spatial definition of areas with velocity inversions.