bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A γ-ray-emitting NLS1 galaxy, SDSS J095909.51+460014.3, identified by multi-wavelength contemporaneous brightening
Authors: Li Yang-Ji , Liao Neng-Hui , Sheng Zhen-feng , Chen Sina , Wang Yi-Bo , Wang Ting-Gui
Published: June 2023

We report on the identification of a new γ-ray-emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy (γ-NLS1), SDSS J095909.51+460014.3 (z = 0.399), by establishing an association with a γ-ray source 4FGL 0959.6+4606, although its low-energy counterpart was suggested to be a radio galaxy (RG) 2MASX J09591976+4603515. Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer long-term light curves of these two sources reveal diverse infrared variability patterns. Brightenings of 2.5 mag are detected for the former source, while flux decays of 0.5 mag are found for the other one. More importantly, the time that the infrared flux of the NLS1 rises is coincident with the time of flux increase of 4FGL 0959.6+4606. At the same time, no infrared activity of the RG has been observed. A specific analysis of 15-month data from Large Area Telescope aboard Fermi, aimed at the high γ-ray flux state, yields a significant source (TS = 43). The corresponding γ-ray localisation analysis suggests that only the NLS1 falls into the uncertainty area, further supporting the updated association relationship. A broadband spectral energy distribution of SDSS J095909.51+460014.3 has been drawn and well described by the classic single-zone homogeneous leptonic jet model. Its jet properties were investigated and found to be comparable with the known γ-NLS1s.
The spectral index-flux density relation for extragalactic radio sources selected at metre and decametre wavelengths
Authors: Dabhade Pratik , Gopal-Krishna
Published: June 2023

We use the recent releases of sensitive VLA/LOFAR large-area surveys at 340 MHz and 54 MHz, in conjunction with the 1.4 GHz NVSS, to accurately determine the ‘spectral index-flux density relation’ (α − S) for extragalactic radio sources selected at metre and decametre wavelengths, with the latter explored for the first time. This newly determinedα − S340 MHzrelation shows a progressive flattening ofαmediantowards lower flux densities, starting from its steepest value (peak) occurring nearS340 MHz ∼ 1 − 2 Jy. This resolves the controversy extant in the literature since the 1980s. Theα − S54 MHzrelation also shows a spectral index flattening with decreasing flux density which is, however, significantly milder and the relation less sharply peaked than that found at 340 MHz. A possible reason for the difference could be that the 54 MHz sample has a distinctly stronger and more conspicuous presence ( at ∼20% level) of very steep spectrum sources havingα541400 < −1.3, most of which are probably associated with clusters of galaxies.
Improved model-free adaptive control considering wind speed and platform motion for floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Yang Xiyun , Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Shuyan , Chen He
Published: June 2023

To cope with the problems of cumbersome modeling and strongly disturbances in the control of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), an improved model-free adaptive control (MFAC) strategy considering both wind speed disturbance and floating platform motion response to wave disturbance is proposed. In this strategy, a detailed mathematical model of the FOWT is avoided and the feedback controller is designed based on improved MFAC using only the input–output data to dynamically linearize the FOWT. Strongly disturbances caused by random wind and floating platform motion response to wave are compensated by a feedforward controller. The proposed method and the comparison method including the baseline controller are simulated under different wind scenarios using FAST. The results show that the proposed controller regulates the generator speed more smoothly and closer to the rated value, suppresses the motion of the floating platform more effectively, and can significantly improve the performance of FOWTs.
Promoting synchrony of power grids by restructuring network topologies
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Wei Wenjie , Zheng Zhigang
Published: June 2023

The optimization of synchronization on distributed power grids is an important topic in recent years. We extensively study the optimization by restructuring grid topology in terms of connection rewirings. Due to the node-link dual property of power networks, i.e., the intrinsic generator-load dynamics of nodes and the multiple-attribute connections, we propose the frequency-correlation-optimization scheme to get grid topology with the largest anti-correlation by targeting the frequency-correlation function among nodes. The topology optimizations on both sparse and dense networks are successfully realized. The optimized topology exhibits more generator–consumer connections, indicating that a decentralization of the distribution of generator nodes on power grids favors synchronizability. The benefits of these frequency-correlation-optimized power grids to synchrony are verified. By comparing with the phase-coherence-optimization scheme that favors both the optimal topology and efficient synchronizability, we show that the frequency-correlation optimization and the phase-coherence optimization of power grids are usually compatible, while the former is more efficient and simpler in avoiding tedious simulations of high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics. Our explorations may shed light on the predesign and construction of modern distributed power grids, which are composed of decentralized miscellaneous power sources.
Dynamics of semiflexible ring polymer in chiral Brownian particles bath
Authors: Zhou Xiaolin , Wang Yanzhi , Xu Binjie , Liu Yuping , Lu Dan , Luo Jun , Yang Zhiyong
Published: June 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the dynamic behavior of ring polymer in a bath containing a high concentration of chiral Brownian particles. The chiral Brownian particles around the chain drive the ring polymer to deform, and torque acting on ring is produced and drive the ring to rotate in one direction. Furthermore, the relationship between the ring's rotation speed and the angular velocity of the surrounding Brownian particles is not monotonically linear. The rotation of the ring chain increases initially, then decreases as the angular velocity of the Brownian particle increases. These findings offer a theoretical framework for investigating the conformation and motion properties of polymer macromolecules in Brownian particle systems.
Behavioral patterns of turbulent kinetic energy budget and quadrant analysis for flows over bedform under the influence of downward seepage
Authors: Behera Pradyumna Kumar , Deshpande Vishal , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: June 2023

Seepage is one of the important factors involved in natural flow conditions, contributing to changes in flow turbulence patterns and morphological changes due to the transport of sediments. This transport of sediment particles influences the development of fluvial bedforms in any river channel. However, previous research on fluvial dynamics has not considered the influence of seepage on the flow field over the fluvial bedforms. The present experimental research aims to explore the behavioral patterns of turbulent kinetic energy, the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget, and quadrant analysis for flows over two-dimensional dune shaped bedforms in the absence and presence of downward seepage. Results from the study illustrate that at the measurement locations on the initial and lee side sections of a dune, the TKE increases with the introduction of downward seepage, leading to an increase in turbulence production near the bed-surface region. The flow energy under both no seepage and seepage conditions contributes mainly to the turbulent production. Turbulence diffusion and dissipation rates have been found to decline in the near-bed region of the initial and lee side sections of the dune. However, turbulent production has been found to be significantly higher in the presence of downward seepage than under the no seepage condition. Similarly, turbulent kinetic energy flux increases in the streamwise direction, while it reduces in the vertical direction at initial sections and lee side sections of the dune under seepage conditions. However, at the middle sections and crest portion of the dune, opposite behavioral patterns are observed for all the aforementioned turbulent entities. Quadrant analysis reveals that the sweep and ejection event increases while inward and outward interaction reduces in the near bed zone. Although the contribution of both sweep and ejection events increases in the presence of downward seepage, sweep events have clear dominance in the near bed region, suggesting the possibility of a higher rate and amount of sediment transportation than under the no seepage condition.
Heavy metals in yttrium silicide electride (Y5Si3:e−)
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Chroneos Alexander , Grimes Robin W.
Published: June 2023

Materials are needed to preferentially remove heavy metal pollutants from waste streams. Here, atomic scale simulation, based on density functional theory, is used to predict encapsulation energies and electronic structures of the one-dimensional yttrium silicide electride (Y5Si3:e–) hosting the heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), or lead (Pb). Assuming that the metals are present as dimers in gaseous waste, encapsulation is highly exoergic for those metals with incomplete p or d electrons (Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb). Of the heavy metals with complete d shells (Zn, Cd, and Hg), only Zn exhibits strong encapsulation. Differences in encapsulation behavior are analyzed in terms of electronic structures, electron affinities, atomic radii, and Bader charges.
Perovskite-inspired materials for energy applications
Authors: Hoye Robert L Z
Published: June 2023

Lead-halide perovskites have come to dominate the emerging photovoltaics research scene over the past decade. But whilst perovskite photovoltaics exhibit exceptional efficiencies, their limited stability, as well as the toxicity of their lead component remain challenges. This focus collection captures a snapshot of the efforts in the community to address these challenges, from modifications to the synthesis and device structure of perovskite photovoltaics to improve their stability, through to efforts to understand, develop, and improve lead-free perovskite-inspired materials (PIMs). PIMs range from direct perovskite-derivatives (e.g. CsSnI3 or halide elpasolites) through to electronic analogs (e.g. BiOI). The collection discusses the application of these materials not only for solar cells, but also more broadly for photodetection, light emission, and anti-counterfeiting devices. This collection emphasizes the diversity of strategies and directions in this field, as well as its highly interdisciplinary nature.
Multiple soliton solutions and symmetry analysis of a nonlocal coupled KP system
Authors: Liu Xi-zhong , Li Jie-tong , Yu Jun
Published: June 2023

A nonlocal coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashivili (ncKP) system with shifted parity (

P

ˆ

s

x

) and delayed time reversal (

T

ˆ

d

) symmetries is generated from the local coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashivili (cKP) system. By introducing new dependent variables which have determined parities under the action of

P

ˆ

s

x

T

ˆ

d

d

, the ncKP is transformed to a local system. Through this way, multiple even number of soliton solutions of the ncKPI system are generated from N-soliton solutions of the cKP system, which become breathers by choosing appropriate parameters. The standard Lie symmetry method is also applied on the ncKPII system to get its symmetry reduction solutions.
Electric modulation of the Fermi arc spin transport via three-terminal configuration in topological semimetal nanowires
Authors: Zhu 祝 Guang-Yu 光宇 , Ning 宁 Ji-Ai 纪爱 , Wang 王 Jian-Kun 建坤 , Liu 刘 Xin-Jie 心洁 , Yang 杨 Jia-Jie 佳洁 , Lin 林 Ben-Chuan 本川 , Wang 王 Shuo 硕
Published: June 2023

Spin–momentum locking is a key feature of the topological surface state, which plays an important role in spintronics. The electrical detection of current-induced spin polarization protected by the spin–momentum locking in nonmagnetic systems provides a new platform for developing spintronics, while previous studies were mostly based on magnetic materials. In this study, the spin transport measurement of Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 was studied by three-terminal geometry, and a hysteresis loop signal with high resistance and low resistance state was observed. The hysteresis was reversed by reversing the current direction, which illustrates the spin–momentum locking feature of Cd3As2. Furthermore, we realized the on–off states of the spin signals through electric modulation of the Fermi arc via the three-terminal configuration, which enables the great potential of Cd3As2 in spin field-effect transistors.
Thermal Hall effect and the Wiedemann–Franz law in Chern insulator
Authors: Wang 王 Anxin 安新 , Qin 秦 Tao 涛
Published: June 2023

Thermal Hall effect, where a transverse temperature difference is generated by implementing a longitudinal temperature gradient and an external magnetic field in the perpendicular direction to systems, is a useful tool to reveal transport properties of quantum materials. A systematic study of the thermal Hall effect in a Chern insulator is still lacking. Here, using the Landauer–Büttiker formula, we investigated the thermal Hall transport of the Harper–Hofstadter model with flux φ = 1/2 and its generalizations. We demonstrated that the Wiedemann–Franz law, which states that the thermal Hall conductivity is linearly proportional to the quantum Hall conductivity in the low temperature limit, is still valid in this Chern insulator, and that the thermal Hall conductivity can be used to characterize the topological properties of quantum materials.
Improving dynamic characteristics for IGBTs by using interleaved trench gate
Authors: Wu 吴 Yi-Fan 毅帆 , Deng 邓 Gao-Qiang 高强 , Tan 谭 Chen 琛 , Liang 梁 Shi-Wei 世维 , Wang 王 Jun 俊
Published: June 2023

A novel trench insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) with improved dynamic characteristics is proposed and investigated. The poly gate and poly emitter of the proposed IGBT are arranged alternately along the trench. A self-biased p-MOSFET is formed on the emitter side. Owing to this unique three-dimensional (3D) trench architecture, both the turn-off characteristic and the turn-on characteristic can be greatly improved. At the turn-off moment, the maximum electric field and impact ionization rate of the proposed IGBT decrease and the dynamic avalanche (DA) is suppressed. Comparing with the carrier-stored trench gate bipolar transistor (CSTBT), the turn-off loss (E
off) of the proposed IGBT also decreases by 31% at the same ON-state voltage. At the turn-on moment, the built-in p-MOSFET reduces the reverse displacement current (I
G_dis), which is conducive to lowing dI
C/dt. As a result, compared with the CSTBT with the same turn-on loss (E
on), at I
C = 20 A/cm2, the proposed IGBT decreases by 35% of collector surge current (I
surge) and 52% of dI
C/dt.
Valley polarization in transition metal dichalcogenide layered semiconductors: Generation, relaxation, manipulation and transport
Authors: Ma 马 Hui 惠 , Zhu 朱 Yaojie 耀杰 , Liu 刘 Yulun 宇伦 , Bai 白 Ruixue 瑞雪 , Zhang 张 Xilin 喜林 , Ren 任 Yanbo 琰博 , Jiang 蒋 Chongyun 崇云
Published: June 2023

In recent years, valleytronics researches based on 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides have attracted considerable attention. On the one hand, strong spin–orbit interaction allows the presence of spin–valley coupling in this system, which provides spin addressable valley degrees of freedom for information storage and processing. On the other hand, large exciton binding energy up to hundreds of meV enables excitons to be stable carriers of valley information. Valley polarization, marked by an imbalanced exciton population in two inequivalent valleys (+K and −K), is the core of valleytronics as it can be utilized to store binary information. Motivated by the potential applications, we present a thorough overview of the recent advancements in the generation, relaxation, manipulation, and transport of the valley polarization in nonmagnetic transition metal dichalcogenide layered semiconductors. We also discuss the development of valleytronic devices and future challenges in this field.
Reciprocating Magnetic Fields in the Pulsar Wind Observed from the Black Widow Pulsar J1720-0534
Authors: Miao Chen-Chen , Blackmon Victoria , Zhu Wei-Wei , Li Dong-Zi , Ge Ming-Yu , You Xiao-Peng , McLaughlin Maura , Li Di , Wang Na , Wang Pei , Niu Jia-Rui , Cruces M. , Yuan Jian-Ping , Bai Jun-Tao , Champion D. J. , Chen Yu-Tong , Chi Ming-Min , Freire P. C. C. , Feng Yi , Gan Zhen-Ye , Kramer M. , Kou Fei-Fei , Li Yu-Xi , Miao Xue-Li , Meng Ling-Qi , Niu Chen-Hui , Sun Sheng-Nan , Sun Zhong-Yi , Tedila H. M. , Wang Shuang-Qiang , Wu Qing-Dong , Wang Jing-Bo , Wen Zhi-Gang , Wang Shen , Wang Ya-Biao , Wang Cheng-Jie , Xue Meng-Yao , Yue You-Ling , Yuan Mao , Yao Ju-Mei , Yan Wen-Ming , Zhao Ru-Shuang , Zhang Lei , Zhao De
Published: June 2023

We report the radio observations of the eclipsing black widow pulsar J1720−0534, a 3.26 ms pulsar in orbit with a low mass companion of mass 0.029 to 0.034 M
⊙. We obtain the phase-connected timing ephemeris and polarization profile of this millisecond pulsar (MSP) using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), and the Parkes Telescope. For the first time from such a system, an oscillatory polarization angle change was observed from a particular eclipse egress with partial depolarization, indicating 10-milliGauss-level reciprocating magnetic fields oscillating in a length scale of 5 × 103 km (assuming an orbital inclination angle of 90°) outside the companion’s magnetosphere. The dispersion measure variation observed during the ingresses and egresses shows the rapid raising of the electron density in the shock boundary between the companion’s magnetosphere and the surrounding pulsar wind. We suggest that the observed oscillatory magnetic fields originate from the pulsar wind outside the companion’s magnetosphere.
Revisiting the Epoch of Cosmic Acceleration
Authors: Dahiya David , Jain Deepak
Published: June 2023

We revisit the epoch of cosmic speed-up characterized by the redshift of transition from a decelerated to an accelerated phase. This redshift is termed the transition redshift (z

t
). We use the spatially flat and non-flat variants of the most common ΛCDM and XCDM models to put constraints on the transition redshift along with the other model parameters. The data for this analysis come from the recent and updated Pantheon+ supernova (SN) data set and the Hubble parameter measurements obtained from Cosmic Chronometers. We consider both data sets with their respective covariance matrices incorporating all statistical and systematic uncertainties. We observe that using the combined data sets of H(z) and SNe, the best fit value of transition redshift lies in the range 0.61 < z

t
< 0.79 for all four dark energy models. Incidentally, we observe a positive curvature for the non-flat models, correlations between several model parameters and a strong degeneracy between the curvature and the equation of state parameter.
Artificial intelligence-assisted analysis reveals amino acid effects and interactions on Limosilactobacillus fermentum growth
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshimi , Chiou Tai-Ying , Konishi Masaaki
Published: June 2023

To understand the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Limosilactobacillus fermentum, in response to medium compositions, a deep neural network (DNN) was designed using amino acids (AAs) as explanatory variables and LAB growth as the objective variable. Sixty-four different patterns of free AAs were set using an orthogonal array. The best DNN model had high accuracy with low mean square errors and predicted that Asp would affect LAB growth. Bayesian optimization (BO) using this model recommended an optimal growth media comprising maximum amounts of Asn, Asp, Lys, Thr, and Tyr and minimum amounts of Gln, Pro, and Ser. Furthermore, this proposed media was empirically validated to promote LAB growth. The absence of Gln, Ser, and Pro indicates that the different growth trends among the DNN–BO-optimized media were likely caused by the interactions among the AAs and the other components.
Brassica rapa L. prevents Western diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice through its binding capacity of cholesterol and fat
Authors: Tanaka Yuna , Inaba Chihiro , Sawa Toko , Endo Katsunori , Saiki Takeru , Haga Hazuki , Tanaka Sachi
Published: June 2023

Obesity, a chronic disorder caused by excessive energy intake leading to fat accumulation in adipose tissue, increases the risk of severe diseases. Brassica rapa L. is known as a traditional vegetable in the Nagano area of Japan. C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups, with different diets as follows: a normal diet, a Western diet (WD), and a WD plus B. rapa L. powder (BP) in a 56-day experiment. Brassica rapa L. supplementation reduced the body weight gain and lipid accumulation of mice significantly. The BP group also had higher fecal bile acid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride excretion levels compared with those in the other groups. The antiobesity effects of B. rapa L. were due to its binding with cholesterol and fat, and possibly enhancing the bile acid excretion and modulating gut microbiota, suggesting that B. rapa L. could be a functional vegetable with potential uses in targeting obesity.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use in chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes: a clinical practice document by the European Renal Best Practice (ERBP) board of the European Renal Association (ERA)
Authors: Sarafidis Pantelis , Iatridi Fotini , Ferro Charles , Alexandrou Maria-Eleni , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz , Kanbay Mehmet , Mallamaci Francesca , Nistor Ionut , Rossignol Patrick , Wanner Christoph , Cozzolino Mario , Ortiz Alberto
Published: June 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a major public health issue; it develops in about 30%–40% of patients with diabetes mellitus and is the most common cause of CKD worldwide. Patients with CKD and T2D are at high risk of both developing kidney failure and of cardiovascular events. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers were considered the cornerstone of treatment of albuminuric CKD in T2D for more than 20 years. However, the residual risk of progression to more advanced CKD stages under RAS blockade remains high, while in major studies with these agents in patients with CKD and T2D no significant reductions in cardiovascular events and mortality were evident. Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are known to reduce albuminuria in individuals on RAS monotherapy, but their wide clinical use has been curtailed by the significant risk of hyperkalemia and absence of trials with hard renal outcomes. In recent years, non-steroidal MRAs have received increasing interest due to their better pharmacologic profile. Finerenone, the first compound of this class, was shown to effectively reduce the progression of kidney disease and of cardiovascular outcomes in participants with T2D in phase 3 trials. This clinical practice document prepared from a task force of the European Renal Best Practice board summarizes current knowledge on the role of MRAs in the treatment of CKD in T2D aiming to support clinicians in decision-making and everyday management of patients with this condition.
Initiation of eplerenone or spironolactone, treatment adherence, and associated outcomes in patients with new-onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Larsson Johan E , Denholt Cæcilie Stilling , Thune Jens Jakob , Raja Anna Axelsson , Fosbøl Emil , Schou Morten , Køber Lars , Nielsen Olav Wendelboe , Gustafsson Finn , Kristensen Søren L
Published: June 2023

Background

The mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) eplerenone and spironolactone are beneficial in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but have not been prospectively compared. We compared clinical outcomes, daily dosages, and discontinuation rates for the two drugs in a nationwide cohort.

Methods

We identified all patients with HFrEF in the period 2016–2020, who were alive and had initiated MRA treatment at study start, 180 days after HF diagnosis. We estimated the 2-year risk of a composite of death and HF hospitalization, as well as each component separately, using Kaplan–Meier, cumulative incidence functions, and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities. Secondly, we assessed treatment withdrawal, cross-over, and daily drug dosage.

Results

We included 7479 patients; 653 (9%) on eplerenone and 6840 (91%) on spironolactone. Patients in the eplerenone group were younger (median age 65 vs. 69 years), and more often men (91% vs. 68%), both P < 0.001. In adjusted analyses, with spironolactone as reference, there were no differences in the risk of the composite of all-cause death and HF hospitalization (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.82–1.27), all-cause death (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67–1.30), or HF hospitalization (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.84–1.42). Treatment withdrawal occurred in 34% in the eplerenone group and 53% in the spironolactone group (P < 0.001), treatment cross-over in 3%, and 10%, respectively. Daily dose >25 mg at 12 months, was observed in 230 patients (37%) in the eplerenone group and 771 patients (12%) in the spironolactone (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In a contemporary nationwide cohort of patients with new-onset HFrEF who initiated MRA, we found no differences in clinical outcomes associated with initiation of eplerenone vs. spironolactone. Treatment was more frequently withdrawn, and daily drug dosage was lower among patients treated with spironolactone.
Economic and environmental performance of controlled-environment supply chains for leaf lettuce
Authors: Nicholson Charles F , Eaton Michael , Gómez Miguel I , Mattson Neil S
Published: June 2023

We assess landed costs and selected environmental metrics for field-based and controlled-environment agriculture greenhouse (GH) supply chains for leaf lettuce delivered to New York City. Landed costs for a GH are 46 to 174 per cent higher than field production, with the lower value for an automated GH located in the peri-urban area. Energy use and global warming potential per kg lettuce delivered were larger for the GH, particularly if located in a peri-urban area. Water use was much higher for the field-based supply chain. Controlled-environment GH technologies will require further development to meet goals for lower costs and environmental impact.
Real-world utilization of the pill-in-the-pocket method for terminating episodes of atrial fibrillation: data from the multinational Antiarrhythmic Interventions for Managing Atrial Fibrillation (AIM-AF) survey
Authors: Reiffel James A , Blomström-Lundqvist Carina , Boriani Giuseppe , Goette Andreas , Kowey Peter R , Merino Jose L , Piccini Jonathan P , Saksena Sanjeev , Camm A John
Published: June 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Episodes may stop spontaneously (paroxysmal AF); may terminate only via intervention (persistent AF); or may persist indefinitely (permanent AF) (see European and American guidelines, referenced below, for more precise definitions). Recently, there has been renewed interest in an approach to terminate AF acutely referred to as ‘pill-in-the-pocket’ (PITP). The PITP is recognized in both the US and European guidelines as an effective option using an oral antiarrhythmic drug for acute conversion of acute/recent-onset AF. However, how PITP is currently used has not been systematically evaluated.

Methods and results

The recently published Antiarrhythmic Interventions for Managing Atrial Fibrillation (AIM-AF) survey included questions regarding current PITP usage, stratified by US vs. European countries surveyed, by representative countries within Europe, and by cardiologists vs. electrophysiologists. This manuscript presents the data from this planned sub-study. Our survey revealed that clinicians in both the USA and Europe consider PITP in about a quarter of their patients, mostly for recent-onset AF with minimal or no structural heart disease (guideline appropriate). However, significant deviations exist. See the Graphical abstract for a summary of the data.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the frequent use of PITP and the need for further physician education about appropriate and optimal use of this strategy.
Dynamic heterogeneity of colorectal cancer during progression revealed clinical risk-associated cell types and regulations in single-cell resolution and spatial context
Authors: Ke Haoxian , Li Zhihao , Li Peisi , Ye Shubiao , Huang Junfeng , Hu Tuo , Zhang Chi , Yuan Ming , Chen Yuan , Wu Xianrui , Lan Ping
Published: June 2023

Background

Tumor heterogeneity is contributed by tumor cells and the microenvironment. Dynamics of tumor heterogeneity during colorectal cancer (CRC) progression have not been elucidated.

Methods

Eight single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data sets of CRC were included. Milo was utilized to reveal the differential abundance of cell clusters during progression. The differentiation trajectory was imputed by using the Palantir algorithm and metabolic states were assessed by using scMetabolism. Three spatial transcription sequencing (ST-seq) data sets of CRC were used to validate cell-type abundances and colocalization. Cancer-associated regulatory hubs were defined as communication networks affecting tumor biological behaviors. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining were performed for validation.

Results

TM4SF1+, SOX4+, and MKI67+ tumor cells; CXCL12+ cancer-associated fibroblasts; CD4+ resident memory T cells; Treg; IgA+ plasma cells; and several myeloid subsets were enriched in stage IV CRC, most of which were associated with overall survival of patients. Trajectory analysis indicated that tumor cells from patients with advanced-stage CRC were less differentiated, when metabolic heterogeneity showed a highest metabolic signature in terminal states of stromal cells, T cells, and myeloid cells. Moreover, ST-seq validated cell-type abundance in a spatial context and also revealed the correlation of immune infiltration between tertiary lymphoid structures and tumors followed by validation in our cohort. Importantly, analysis of cancer-associated regulatory hubs revealed a cascade of activated pathways including leukocyte apoptotic process, MAPK pathway, myeloid leukocyte differentiation, and angiogenesis during CRC progression.

Conclusions

Tumor heterogeneity was dynamic during progression, with the enrichment of immunosuppressive Treg, myeloid cells, and fibrotic cells. The differential state of tumor cells was associated with cancer staging. Assessment of cancer-associated regulatory hubs suggested impaired antitumor immunity and increased metastatic ability during CRC progression.
Impacts of Sex Ratio Meiotic Drive on Genome Structure and Function in a Stalk-Eyed Fly
Authors: Reinhardt Josephine A , Baker Richard H , Zimin Aleksey V , Ladias Chloe , Paczolt Kimberly A , Werren John H , Hayashi Cheryl Y , Wilkinson Gerald S
Published: June 2023

Stalk-eyed flies in the genus Teleopsis carry selfish genetic elements that induce sex ratio (SR) meiotic drive and impact the fitness of male and female carriers. Here, we assemble and describe a chromosome-level genome assembly of the stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni, to elucidate patterns of divergence associated with SR. The genome contains tens of thousands of transposable element (TE) insertions and hundreds of transcriptionally and insertionally active TE families. By resequencing pools of SR and ST males using short and long reads, we find widespread differentiation and divergence between XSR and XST associated with multiple nested inversions involving most of the SR haplotype. Examination of genomic coverage and gene expression data revealed seven X-linked genes with elevated expression and coverage in SR males. The most extreme and likely drive candidate involves an XSR-specific expansion of an array of partial copies of JASPer, a gene necessary for maintenance of euchromatin and associated with regulation of TE expression. In addition, we find evidence for rapid protein evolution between XSR and XST for testis expressed and novel genes, that is, either recent duplicates or lacking a Dipteran ortholog, including an X-linked duplicate of maelstrom, which is also involved in TE silencing. Overall, the evidence suggests that this ancient XSR polymorphism has had a variety of impacts on repetitive DNA and its regulation in this species.
Social Isolation/Loneliness and Tooth Loss in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Sukagawa Study
Authors: Takahashi Sei , Naganuma Toru , Kurita Noriaki , Omae Kenji , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Yoshioka Takashi , Ito Fumihito , Takeshima Taro , Fukuma Shingo , Hamaguchi Sugihiro , Fukuhara Shunichi ,   Sukagawa Study Group, Hasegawa Takeshi , Yajima Nobuyuki , Niihata Kakuya , Iida Hidekazu , Kobayashi Susumu , Sasaki Sho , Nishiwaki Hiroki , Tominaga Ryoji
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

The relationship between social isolation/loneliness and oral health is unclear. This study investigated the association between social isolation/loneliness and tooth loss in older Japanese adults.

Research Design and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of a population-based cohort (the Sukagawa Study); 5,490 cohort study participants aged ≥75 years and who were independent answered a self-administered questionnaire in 2018. Social isolation was defined based on the 6-item Japanese version of the Lubben Social Network Scale. Loneliness was measured by the 3-item Japanese version of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale version 3. The primary outcome was tooth loss, defined as having fewer than 20 teeth. The secondary outcomes were decreased toothbrushing frequency and diminished ability to chew food. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated using a modified Poisson regression analysis in 2 models—Model 1, which adjusted for age, gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, low annual income, and short education period, and Model 2, which added history of depression, history of diabetes mellitus, history of stroke, and cognitive impairment to Model 1.

Results

The primary analysis included 5,490 participants. Adjusted PRs of social isolation and loneliness for tooth loss (Model 1) were 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.01) and 1.07 (95% CI 1.02–1.12), respectively; those for decreased toothbrushing frequency were 1.17 (95% CI 0.98– 1.39) and 1.59 (95% CI 1.30–1.93), respectively; and those for chewing difficulty were 1.65 (95% CI 1.12–2.43) and 3.01 (95% CI 2.02–4.51), respectively. The adjusted PRs in Model 2 demonstrated results similar to that of Model 1.

Discussion and Implications

Loneliness is associated with tooth loss among older adults, whereas social isolation is not. Our findings can inform plans for policymakers, professionals, and organizations to identify lonely older adults and provide social prescriptions to improve their access to oral health care services.
Learning to Move in a Changing Body in a Changing World
Authors: Cole Whitney G , Adolph Karen E
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

Infants of all species learn to move in the midst of tremendous variability and rapid developmental change. Traditionally, researchers consider variability to be a problem for development and skill acquisition. Here, we argue for a reconsideration of variability in early life, taking a developmental, ecological, systems approach. Using the development of walking in human infants as an example, we argue that the rich, variable experiences of infancy form the foundation for flexible, adaptive behavior in adulthood. From their first steps, infants must cope with changes in their bodies, skills, and environments. Rapid growth spurts and a continually expanding environment of surfaces, elevations, and obstacles alter the biomechanical constraints on balance and locomotion from day to day and moment to moment. Moreover, infants spontaneously generate a variable practice regimen for learning to walk. Self-initiated locomotion during everyday activity consists of immense amounts of variable, time-distributed, error-filled practice. From infants’ first steps and continuing unabated over the next year, infants walk in short bursts of activity (not continual steps), follow curved (not straight) paths, and take steps in every direction (not only forward)—all the while, accompanied by frequent falls as infants push their limits (rather than a steady decrease in errors) and explore their environments. Thus, development ensures tremendous variability—some imposed by physical growth, caregivers, and a changing environment outside infants’ control, and some self-generated by infants’ spontaneous behavior. The end result of such massive variability is a perceptual-motor system adept at change. Thus, infants do not learn fixed facts about their bodies or environments or their level of walking skill. Instead, they learn how to learn—how to gauge possibilities for action, modify ongoing movements, and generate new movements on the fly from step to step. Simply put, variability in early development is a feature, not a bug. It provides a natural training regimen for successfully navigating complex, ever-changing environments throughout the lifespan. Moreover, observations of infants' natural behavior in natural, cluttered environments—rather than eliciting adult-like behaviors under artificial, controlled conditions—yield very different pictures of what infants of any species do and learn. Over-reliance on traditional tasks that artificially constrain variability therefore risks distorting researchers’ understanding of the origins of adaptive behavior.
Integrating habitat features into spatio-temporal biomass dynamics models for a better understanding of stock productivity: a case study of sea scallop in the Bay of Fundy
Authors: McDonald Raphaël R , Keith David M , Sameoto Jessica A , Mills Flemming Joanna
Published: June 2023

Recent efforts in ocean mapping of seafloor habitat have made data increasingly available. For bottom-dwelling and/or sessile species, there is often a strong relationship between population productivity and habitat, and stock assessment models are likely to be improved by the inclusion of habitat. Here, we extend a recently developed spatio-temporal biomass dynamics model to allow habitat to inform probabilities of non-zero tows and catchability. Simulation experiments demonstrate the ability of this new approach to reliably capture population trends over time and space, with the applicability of the method further demonstrated using data from the Canadian Maritimes Inshore Sea Scallop Fishery in the Bay of Fundy. This habitat-informed spatio-temporal biomass dynamics model better captures underlying processes, reduces uncertainty, thereby improving our understanding of stock status from which fisheries management decisions can be based.
Effect of preterm birth on growth and blood pressure in adulthood in the Pelotas 1993 cohort
Authors: Lapidaire Winok , Proaño Alvaro , Blumenberg Cauane , Loret de Mola Christian , Delgado Carlos A , del Castillo Darwin , Wehrmeister Fernando C , Gonçalves Helen , Gilman Robert H , Oberhelman Richard A , Lewandowski Adam J , Wells Jonathan C K , Miranda J Jaime
Published: June 2023

Background

Preterm birth has been associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in adulthood, attributed to cardiovascular and metabolic alterations in early life. However, there is paucity of evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

We investigated the differences between preterm (<37 weeks gestational age) and term-born individuals in birth length and weight as well as adult (18 and 20 years) height, weight and blood pressure in the Brazilian 1993 Pelotas birth cohort using linear regressions. Analyses were adjusted for the maternal weight at the beginning of pregnancy and maternal education and family income at childbirth. Additional models were adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and birthweight. Separate analyses were run for males and females. The complete sample was analysed with an interaction term for sex.

Results

Of the 3585 babies included at birth, 3010 were followed up in adulthood at 22 years. Preterm participants had lower length and weight at birth. This difference remained for male participants in adulthood, but female participants were no shorter than their term counterparts by 18 years of age. At 22 years, females born preterm had lower blood pressures (systolic blood pressure −1.00 mmHg, 95%CI −2.7, 0.7 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure −1.1 mmHg, 95%CI −2.4, 0.3 mmHg) than females born at term. These differences were not found in male participants.

Conclusions

In this Brazilian cohort we found contrasting results regarding the association of preterm birth with blood pressure in young adulthood, which may be unique to an LMIC.
Civilian Protection Payment and the Escalation of Violence against Civilians in Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Buba Imrana
Published: June 2023

How do civilian protection payments to militias affect the dynamics of communal conflict? Building on the literature on communal conflict, civilian agency, rebel taxation, and criminal extortion, I argue that civilian protection payment is not a sustainable self-protection strategy. Civilian protection payment refers to an arrangement whereby communities pay levies to militias for protection against attacks, often buying temporary safety. Drawing on fieldwork in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northwest region, I inductively build a theory that identifies two pathways that explain how protection payments transform into extortion and contribute to the escalation of militia violence: acquiescence or resistance. The acquiescence pathway shows how militias increase predation by demanding ever higher payments. The resistance pathway theorizes militias’ violent retaliation to punish communities that refuse to pay, instilling fear in communities that may be considering resisting and justifying their protection role for those communities that pay. The article improves our understanding of the unintended negative consequences of civilian self-protection and changing dynamics of conflict in northwestern Nigeria.
Patterns of gender identity data within electronic health record databases can be used as a tool for identifying and estimating the prevalence of gender-expansive people
Authors: Hines Nicole G , Greene Dina N , Imborek Katherine L , Krasowski Matthew D
Published: June 2023

Objective

Electronic health records (EHRs) within the United States increasingly include sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) fields. We assess how well SOGI fields, along with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and medication records, identify gender-expansive patients.

Materials and Methods

The study used a data set of all patients that had in-person inpatient or outpatient encounters at an academic medical center in a rural state between December 1, 2018 and February 17, 2022. Chart review was performed for all patients meeting at least one of the following criteria: differences between legal sex, sex assigned at birth, and gender identity (excluding blank fields) in the EHR SOGI fields; ICD-10 codes related to gender dysphoria or unspecified endocrine disorder; prescription for estradiol or testosterone suggesting use of gender-affirming hormones.

Results

Out of 123 441 total unique patients with in-person encounters, we identified a total of 2236 patients identifying as gender-expansive, with 1506 taking gender-affirming hormones. SOGI field differences or ICD-10 codes related to gender dysphoria or both were found in 2219 of 2236 (99.2%) patients who identify as gender-expansive, and 1500 of 1506 (99.6%) taking gender-affirming hormones. For the gender-expansive population, assigned female at birth was more common in the 12–29 year age range, while assigned male at birth was more common for those 40 years and older.

Conclusions

SOGI fields and ICD-10 codes identify a high percentage of gender-expansive patients at an academic medical center.
Voyage optimization using dynamic programming with initial quadtree based route
Authors: Choi Gwang-Hyeok , Lee Wonhee , Kim Tae-wan
Published: June 2023

This research proposes an integrated voyage optimization algorithm that combines quadtree graph generation, visibility graph simplification, Dijkstra’s algorithm, and a 3D dynamic programming (3DDP) method. This approach enables the determination of a minimum distance initial reference route and the creation of a 2D navigational graph for efficient route optimization. We effectively store and process complex terrain information by transforming the GEBCO uniform grid into a quadtree structure. By utilizing a nearest neighbour search algorithm, edges are connected between adjacent ocean nodes, facilitating the generation of a quadtree graph. Applying Dijkstra’s algorithm to the quadtree graph, we derive the shortest initial route and construct a visibility graph based on the waypoints. This results in a simplified reference route with reduced search distance, allowing for more efficient navigation. For each waypoint along the reference route, a boundary is defined angled at 90 degrees to the left and right, based on the waypoint’s reference bearing. A line segment formed by the waypoint and both boundaries is defined as a navigational stage. A navigational graph is defined by connecting adjacent stages. Employing a 3DDP method on the navigational graph, and incorporating weather forecasting data, including wind, wave, and currents, we search for a route that minimizes fuel oil consumption with estimated time of arrival restrictions. Our approach is tested on several shipping routes, demonstrating a fuel consumption reduction compared to other voyage optimization routes. This integrated algorithm offers a potential solution for tackling complex voyage optimization problems in marine environments while considering various weather factors.
Towards Tree Species Preservation: Protecting Ash Amidst the Emerald Ash Borer Invasion in the Northeast
Authors: D’Amato Anthony W , Orwig David A , Siegert Nathan W , Mahaffey Amanda , Benedict Les , Everett Tyler , Daigle John , Johnson Logan , Catanzaro Paul , Cusack Caitlin
Published: June 2023

The introduced emerald ash borer (EAB) represents the costliest invasive forest insect in US history, causing significant mortality of ash species across much of eastern North America as well as in Colorado and Oregon. Few surviving overstory ash trees exist in areas first invaded by EAB, such as the Lake States region; however, forests with healthy, mature ash remain in recently invaded regions, such as the northeastern United States. Given the importance of ash to cultural lifeways of Indigenous peoples and the ecology and economies of working forest lands, there is growing interest in applying protection measures to maintain ash in forested settings. We further develop our call for species preservation by presenting Indigenous and Western science case studies of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of EAB, illustrating specific applications of these strategies for meeting different preservation goals in lowland and northern hardwood forests in northeastern North America.

Study Implications: The introduced emerald ash borer (EAB) threatens to functionally eliminate ash species from large portions of the United States. Although the impacts of EAB are now widespread in many areas, portions of the United States, such as the Northeast, still contain forests with healthy, mature ash. This presents a unique opportunity to apply the integrated pest management strategies and knowledge gained from other invaded regions to preserve the cultural and ecological values provided by ash in the forest. Multistakeholder partnerships built around preserving the cultural and ecological values of ash have provided a powerful approach for sustaining ash into the future.