bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic path power and the Laplace transform
Authors: Fitzgerald S P , Honour T J W
Published: April 2024

Transition probabilities for stochastic systems can be expressed in terms of a functional integral over paths taken by the system. Approximately evaluating this integral by the saddle point method in the weak-noise limit leads to a remarkable mapping between dominant stochastic paths through the potential V and conservative, Hamiltonian mechanics with an effective potential

−

|

∇
V

|
2

. The conserved ‘energy’ in this effective system has dimensions of power. We show that this power, H, can be identified with the Laplace parameter of the time-transformed dynamics. As H → 0, corresponding to the long-time limit, the equilibrium Boltzmann density is recovered. However, keeping H finite leads to insights into the non-equilibrium behaviour of the system. Moreover, it facilitates the explicit summation over families of trajectories, which is far harder in the time domain, and turns out to be essential for making contact with the long-time limit in some cases. We illustrate the validity of these results using simple examples that can be explicitly solved by other means.
Bioprinting of human dermal microtissues precursors as building blocks for endogenous in vitro connective tissue manufacturing
Authors: Scalzone Annachiara , Imparato Giorgia , Urciuolo Francesco , Netti Paolo A
Published: April 2024

The advent of 3D bioprinting technologies in tissue engineering has unlocked the potential to fabricate in vitro tissue models, overcoming the constraints associated with the shape limitations of preformed scaffolds. However, achieving an accurate mimicry of complex tissue microenvironments, encompassing cellular and biochemical components, and orchestrating their supramolecular assembly to form hierarchical structures while maintaining control over tissue formation, is crucial for gaining deeper insights into tissue repair and regeneration. Building upon our expertise in developing competent three-dimensional tissue equivalents (e.g. skin, gut, cervix), we established a two-step bottom-up approach involving the dynamic assembly of microtissue precursors (μTPs) to generate macroscopic functional tissue composed of cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM). To enhance precision and scalability, we integrated extrusion-based bioprinting technology into our established paradigm to automate, control and guide the coherent assembly of μTPs into predefined shapes. Compared to cell-aggregated bioink, our μTPs represent a functional unit where cells are embedded in their specific ECM. μTPs were derived from human dermal fibroblasts dynamically seeded onto gelatin-based microbeads. After 9 days, μTPs were suspended (50% v/v) in Pluronic-F127 (30% w/v) (µTP:P30), and the obtained formulation was loaded as bioink into the syringe of the Dr.INVIVO-4D6 extrusion based bioprinter. µTP:P30 bioink showed shear-thinning behavior and temperature-dependent viscosity (gel at T > 30 °C), ensuring µTPs homogenous dispersion within the gel and optimal printability. The bioprinting involved extruding several geometries (line, circle, and square) into Pluronic-F127 (40% w/v) (P40) support bath, leveraging its shear-recovery property. P40 effectively held the bioink throughout and after the bioprinting procedure, until µTPs fused into a continuous connective tissue. µTPs fusion dynamics was studied over 8 days of culture, while the resulting endogenous construct underwent 28 days culture. Histological, immunofluorescence analysis, and second harmonic generation reconstruction revealed an increase in endogenous collagen and fibronectin production within the bioprinted construct, closely resembling the composition of the native connective tissues.
Phosphosulfide semiconductors for optoelectronics and solar energy conversion
Authors: Mittmann Lena A , Crovetto Andrea
Published: April 2024

Inorganic phosphosulfides—materials containing phosphorus, sulfur, and at least one metal—are a vast and chemically-versatile family of materials. Benefiting from a wide range of possible phosphorus oxidation states, phosphosulfide semiconductors exist as thiophosphate compounds with various types of P–S polyanions, as genuine multi-anion compounds with or without P–P bonds, as solid solutions, and as many intermediate cases. Since metal phosphides and metal sulfides are among the highest-performing optoelectronic semiconductors, it seems reasonable to consider the phosphosulfide family as a potential pool of materials for solar cells, photoelectrochemical cells, and light-emitting diodes. Nevertheless, phosphosulfide semiconductors have very rarely been characterized with these applications in mind. In this perspective article, we reflect on the potential applicability of known and hypothetical phosphosulfides as light absorbers and emitters in optoelectronic devices. First, we distill the existing knowledge accessible through the Materials Project database, finding promising phosphosulfides among the compounds already present in the database and identifying what we see as the general advantages and challenges of phosphosulfides as optoelectronic materials. Then, we propose three concrete research directions aimed at finding novel high-quality phosphosulfide semiconductors with high light absorption coefficients, high carrier mobilities, and long carrier lifetimes. In particular, we argue that the versatility of phosphorus in this class of materials could potentially be exploited to engineer defect tolerance. Finally, we describe and explain the advantages of a custom synthesis setup dedicated to high-throughput exploration of thin-film phosphosulfides.
Unveiling the non-innocence of vanadium dopant in TiO2 nanocrystals for advanced energy storage and smart windows
Authors: García-Tecedor Miguel , Villar-García Ignacio J , Gorni Giulio , Liras Marta , de la Peña O´Shea Víctor , Barawi Mariam
Published: April 2024

Vanadium doped TiO2 NCs stand out as a promising candidate for energy storage applications due to its high electrical conductivity and redox properties. However, the thermodynamical behavior of the material under working conditions has not been explored and the reasons for its superior performance remain unlocked. This study explores the use of a combination of advanced in situ spectroscopy techniques, including x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), spectro-electrochemistry (SEC), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to provide unprecedented insights into the intricate electrochemical reaction mechanisms within these nanocrystals. Density functional theory calculations and EIS reveal the active role of substitutional V ions in the TiO2 anatase network as electron donors, enhancing surface charge and carrier density and improving pseudocapacitive properties. Cyclic voltammetry and in situ SEC reveal that V-doped TiO2 NCs exhibit significantly improved charge storage capacities, particularly in the pseudo-capacitance storage mechanism. In situ SEC and XAS analyses indicate that a more effective reduction of Ti4+ ions occurs during the electrochemical process in doped NCs, leading to higher charge capacitance and faster processes. Furthermore, in situ XAS measurements of the V K-edge revealed that the vanadium ions, beyond improving the redox behavior of the host, also actively participate in the reduction process. The significant changes in the V K-edge XANES and extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectra observed under reduction conditions can be ascribed to a change in the structure and oxidation state of the vanadium ions during the electrochemical reaction.
Exploring the impact of AlGaN barrier thickness and temperature on normally-on GaN HEMT performance
Authors: Hidayat Wagma , Usman Muhammad
Published: April 2024

We study varying barrier thicknesses in GaN/AlGaN HEMTs as well as the effect of temperature fluctuation on device functionality theoretically. Structures A, B, C, D, and E are designed each with barrier thickness 16 nm, 19 nm, 22 nm, 25 nm, and 28 nm respectively. The impact of barrier thickness on the surface barrier height, strain relaxation and 2DEG concentration is explained including GaN HEMT’s drain and transfer properties. At elevated temperatures, the polar-optical phonon dispersion is the predominant process. Yet, at lower temperatures, the interface-roughness (IFR) and alloy disorder dispersion both satisfactorily account for the calculated mobilities.
Characterization of Bauhinia Variegata natural fiber treated with bleaching, benzoylation, and alkalization
Authors: Varma Vinod Kumar , Sarangi Saroj Kumar
Published: April 2024

This study describes the physical, chemical, mechanical as well as morphological characterization of surface modified novel Bauhinia Variegata (BVR) stem fibers. Surface modifications for the fiber are accomplished with bleaching, benzoylation, and alkalization treatments. Using standard test methods, the chemical constituents of BVR fiber are evaluated like α- cellulose 62.5%, hemicellulose 10.8%, lignin18.2% and wax 0.8%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to see how different the chemical reactions affect the fiber and SEM images confirmed the enhanced rough surface and existence of voids, along with the subtraction of unusual substances from the fiber surface. In both treated as well as untreated BVR, a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis established the presence of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin components. X-ray diffraction test evaluated the crystalline index for treated and raw fiber. The thermogravimetric test provides proof of enhanced thermal sustainability in the BVR upon treating chemically. The increased tensile strength and Young’s modulus upon chemical treatment confirm the improvement in the mechanical properties of the BVR fiber. The moisture absorption test revealed that the hydrophilic nature of BVR was reduced after the chemical treatment, promoting greater fiber-matrix adhesion. Presently studied BVR fiber seems to be a good substitute to the harmful man-made fibers for making of bio composites.
Enabling low-power analog and RFIC design through advanced semiconductor FDSOI MOSFETs
Authors: Singh Abhay Pratap , Mishra Vimal Kumar , Akhter Shamim
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the electrical performance of advanced semiconductor Ge-pocket-doped fully depleted silicon-on-insulator MOSFETs in comparison to conventional fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) MOSFETs. In this study vital electrical parameters such as the drain current, band diagram, lateral electric field, surface potential, and work function of the gate material were investigated. The advanced Ge pocket-doped FDSOI MOSFET structure demonstrates superior characteristics, such as a higher Ion/Ioff ratio, smaller subthreshold slope, lower capacitance, and higher cut-off frequency, when compared to conventional FDSOI MOSFETs. The structure of the Ge pocket-doped FDSOI MOSFET in the source and drain regions is designed to overcome the scaling effects of the transistor. In addition, this paper delves into the fabrication of the proposed device structure, outlining the key steps and intricacies involved. This study shows that the proposed device can be used for both digital and analog applications because it has good switching performance and a low cut-off frequency. In addition, the fabrication steps of the proposed structure were compatible with the existing fabrication process steps for conventional FDSOI MOSFETs. The simulation and analysis of the advanced semiconductor structure were performed using the Sentaurus TCAD simulator.
Experimental investigation of hydraulic jump characteristics in sloping rough surfaces for sustainable development
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Dwivedi Vijay Kumar
Published: April 2024

Understanding the intricate dynamics of hydraulic jumps in sloped channels holds pivotal importance in various engineering applications. This research explores the intricate relationship between the size of the bed material and the basic properties of hydraulic jumps, providing insight into the relative jump length, height, and energy efficiency. The goal of the research is to get important knowledge that will be useful for optimizing hydraulic systems and enhancing their overall efficiency in diverse engineering domains. This study used an open-channel flow arrangement with four-bed slopes (0° to 6°) and three irregularity heights (10 to 30 mm). During the investigation, the Froude number differed from 2.30 to 8.85 and the Reynolds number differed from 5450 to 25500. A novel instinctive technique was used to create correlations for different hydraulic jump characteristics in roughen-bed inclined channels. The study examines the combined effects of roughness and slope of the bed, and it was discovered that the relative jump height and efficiency of hydraulic jump increase by 19.37% and 8.44% respectively while the relative jump length decreases by 23.05% with an increase in bed slope from 0° to 6°. The relative jump height and efficiency of the hydraulic jump increase by 14.20% and 21.06% respectively while the relative jump length decreases by 29.09% with a rise in bed roughness from 0 to 30 mm.
Higher Airy Structures, 𝒲 Algebras and Topological Recursion
Authors: Borot Gaëtan , Bouchard Vincent , Chidambaram Nitin , Creutzig Thomas , Noshchenko Dmitry
Published: April 2024

We define higher quantum Airy structures as generalizations of the Kontsevich–Soibelman quantum Airy structures by allowing differential operators of arbitrary order (instead of only quadratic). We construct many classes of examples of higher quantum Airy structures as modules of

W

(

g

)

\mathcal {W}(\mathfrak {g})

algebras at self-dual level, with

g

=

g
l

N
+
1

\mathfrak {g}= \mathfrak {gl}_{N+1}

,

s
o

2
N

\mathfrak {so}_{2 N }

or

e

N

\mathfrak {e}_N

. We discuss their enumerative geometric meaning in the context of (open and closed) intersection theory of the moduli space of curves and its variants. Some of these

W

\mathcal {W}

constraints have already appeared in the literature, but we find many new ones. For

g
l

N
+
1

\mathfrak {gl}_{N+1}

our result hinges on the description of previously unnoticed Lie subalgebras of the algebra of modes. As a consequence, we obtain a simple characterization of the spectral curves (with arbitrary ramification) for which the Bouchard–Eynard topological recursion gives symmetric

ω

g
,
n

\omega _{g,n}

s and is thus well defined. For all such cases, we show that the topological recursion is equivalent to

W

(

g
l

)

\mathcal {W}(\mathfrak {gl})

constraints realized as higher quantum Airy structures, and obtain a Givental-like decomposition for the corresponding partition functions.
Transition Threshold for the 3D Couette Flow in a Finite Channel
Authors: Chen Qi , Wei Dongyi , Zhang Zhifei
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study nonlinear stability of the 3D plane Couette flow

(
y
,
0
,
0
)

(y,0,0)

at high Reynolds number

R
e

{Re}

in a finite channel

T

×
[
−
1
,
1
]
×

T

\mathbb {T}\times [-1,1]\times \mathbb {T}

. It is well known that the plane Couette flow is linearly stable for any Reynolds number. However, it could become nonlinearly unstable and transition to turbulence for small but finite perturbations at high Reynolds number. This is so-called Sommerfeld paradox. One resolution of this paradox is to study the transition threshold problem, which is concerned with how much disturbance will lead to the instability of the flow and the dependence of disturbance on the Reynolds number. This work shows that if the initial velocity

v
0

v_0

satisfies

‖

v
0

−
(
y
,
0
,
0
)

‖

H
2

≤

c
0

R
e

−
1

\|v_0-(y,0,0)\|_{H^2}\le c_0{Re}^{-1}

for some

c
0

>
0

c_0>0

independent of

R
e

Re

, then the solution of the 3D Navier-Stokes equations is global in time and does not transit away from the Couette flow in the

L
∞

L^\infty

sense, and rapidly converges to a streak solution for

t
≫
R

e

1
3

t\gg Re^{\frac 13}

due to the mixing-enhanced dissipation effect. This result confirms the threshold result obtained by Chapman via an asymptotic analysis(JFM 2002). The most key ingredient of the proof is the resolvent estimates for the full linearized 3D Navier-Stokes system around the flow

(
V
(
y
,
z
)
,
0
,
0
)

(V(y,z), 0,0)

, where

V
(
y
,
z
)

V(y,z)

is a small perturbation(but independent of

R
e

Re

) of

y
y

.
Mixed Hodge Structures on Alexander Modules
Authors: Elduque Eva , Geske Christian , Herradón Cueto Moisés , Maxim Laurenţiu , Wang Botong
Published: April 2024

Motivated by the limit mixed Hodge structure on the Milnor fiber of a hypersurface singularity germ, we construct a natural mixed Hodge structure on the torsion part of the Alexander modules of a smooth connected complex algebraic variety. More precisely, let

U
U

be a smooth connected complex algebraic variety and let

f
:
U
→

C

∗

f\colon U\to \mathbb {C}^*

be an algebraic map inducing an epimorphism in fundamental groups. The pullback of the universal cover of

C

∗

\mathbb {C}^*

by

f
f

gives rise to an infinite cyclic cover

U
f

U^f

of

U
U

. The action of the deck group

Z

\mathbb {Z}

on

U
f

U^f

induces a

Q

[

t

±
1

]

\mathbb {Q}[t^{\pm 1}]

-module structure on

H
∗

(

U
f

;

Q

)

H_*(U^f;\mathbb {Q})

. We show that the torsion parts

A
∗

(

U
f

;

Q

)

A_*(U^f;\mathbb {Q})

of the Alexander modules

H
∗

(

U
f

;

Q

)

H_*(U^f;\mathbb {Q})

carry canonical

Q

\mathbb {Q}

-mixed Hodge structures. We also prove that the covering map

U
f

→
U

U^f \to U

induces a mixed Hodge structure morphism on the torsion parts of the Alexander modules. As applications, we investigate the semisimplicity of

A
∗

(

U
f

;

Q

)

A_*(U^f;\mathbb {Q})

, as well as possible weights of the constructed mixed Hodge structures. Finally, in the case when

f
:
U
→

C

∗

f\colon U\to \mathbb {C}^*

is proper, we prove the semisimplicity and purity of

A
∗

(

U
f

;

Q

)

A_*(U^f;\mathbb {Q})

, and we compare our mixed Hodge structure on

A
∗

(

U
f

;

Q

)

A_*(U^f;\mathbb {Q})

with the limit mixed Hodge structure on the generic fiber of

f
f

.
Almost Sure Scattering for the One Dimensional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Burq Nicolas , Thomann Laurent
Published: April 2024

We consider the one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a nonlinearity of degree

p
>
1

p>1

. On compact manifolds many probability measures are invariant by the flow of the linear Schrödinger equation (e.g. Wiener measures), and it is sometimes possible to modify them suitably and get invariant (Gibbs measures) or quasi-invariant measures for the non linear problem. On

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, the large time dispersion shows that the only invariant measure is the

δ
\delta

measure on the trivial solution

u
=
0

u =0

, and the good notion to track is whether the non linear evolution of the initial measure is well described by the linear (nontrivial) evolution. This is precisely what we achieve in this work. We exhibit measures on the space of initial data for which we describe the nontrivial evolution by the linear Schrödinger flow and we show that their nonlinear evolution is absolutely continuous with respect to this linear evolution. Actually, we give precise (and optimal) bounds on the Radon–Nikodym derivatives of these measures with respect to each other and we characterise their

L
p

L^p

regularity. We deduce from this precise description the global well-posedness of the equation for

p
>
1

p>1

and scattering for

p
>
3

p>3

(actually even for

1
>
p
≤
3

1>p \leq 3

, we get a dispersive property of the solutions and exhibit an almost sure polynomial decay in time of their

L

p
+
1

L^{p+1}

norm). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first occurence where the description of quasi-invariant measures allows to get quantitative asymptotics (here scattering properties or decay) for the nonlinear evolution.
Survival analysis of freezing stress in the North American native perennial flax, Linum lewisii
Authors: Gossweiler André Dunedin , Smart Brian C , Hulke Brent S
Published: April 2024

Abstract. The expansive range of Lewis flax (Linum lewisii), an herbaceous perennial, exposes the species to a diversity of climatic conditions. As interest in the domestication and adoption of perennial crop alternatives grows and interest in this species for natural area restoration continues, the assurance of a commercial plant variety’s ability to endure the full range of possible climatic extremes is paramount. This study examines the freezing tolerance of a geographically representative sampling of 44 Lewis flax accessions at winter temperature extremes experienced in the northern Great Plains of the USA. Survival analysis models were adapted to include temperature exposure, in replacement of ordinal time typically used in such models, to produce statistics evaluating reactions to extreme temperatures that Lewis flax would encounter in our field environments. Our results revealed Lewis flax is more freezing tolerant than previously reported, and revealed four accessions with significantly superior genetic freezing tolerance than the released ‘Maple Grove’ cultivar. Furthermore, regrowth analyses indicate variation among accessions not associated with survival, which could lead to improving regrowth rate and survival simultaneously. These findings and their methodology expand the understanding of Lewis flax adaptation for winter hardiness and offer an efficient, new model that can be used to evaluate freezing tolerance at ordinal temperatures without requiring extensive prior physiological knowledge for a species.
Anti-cancer effects of plant-derived Micromonospora sp. M2 against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines
Authors: Jeong Gyeong Han , Bak Dong-Ho , Lee Hanui , Cho Ja Young , Kang Seong Hee , Chung Byung Yeoup , Park Sanghwa , Bai Hyoung-Woo
Published: April 2024

The huge diversity of secondary bioactive metabolites, such as antibiotic and anticancer compounds produced by Micromonospora sp., makes it an attractive target for study. Here, we explored the anti-proliferative activities of Micromonospora sp. M2 extract (MBE) in relation to its pro-oxidative activities in A549 and MCF7 cell lines. Anti-proliferative effects were assessed by treating cells with MBE. We found that treatment with MBE decreased cell proliferation and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species, and that these observations were facilitated by the suppression of the PI3K-AKT pathway, alterations to the Bcl/Bad ratio, and increased caspase activity. These observations also demonstrated that MBE induced apoptotic cell death in cell lines. In addition, the phosphorylation of P38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were upregulated following MBE treatment in both cell lines. Collectively, these results indicate that MBE acts as an anticancer agent via oxidative stress and JNK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation, enhancing apoptotic cell death in cell lines.
ViNe-Seg: deep-learning-assisted segmentation of visible neurons and subsequent analysis embedded in a graphical user interface
Authors: Ruffini Nicolas , Altahini Saleh , Weißbach Stephan , Weber Nico , Milkovits Jonas , Wierczeiko Anna , Backhaus Hendrik , Stroh Albrecht
Published: April 2024

Segmentation of neural somata is a crucial and usually the most time-consuming step in the analysis of optical functional imaging of neuronal microcircuits. In recent years, multiple auto-segmentation tools have been developed to improve the speed and consistency of the segmentation process, mostly, using deep learning approaches. Current segmentation tools, while advanced, still encounter challenges in producing accurate segmentation results, especially in datasets with a low signal-to-noise ratio. This has led to a reliance on manual segmentation techniques. However, manual methods, while customized to specific laboratory protocols, can introduce variability due to individual differences in interpretation, potentially affecting dataset consistency across studies. In response to this challenge, we present ViNe-Seg: a deep-learning-based semi-automatic segmentation tool that offers (i) detection of visible neurons, irrespective of their activity status; (ii) the ability to perform segmentation during an ongoing experiment; (iii) a user-friendly graphical interface that facilitates expert supervision, ensuring precise identification of Regions of Interest; (iv) an array of segmentation models with the option of training custom models and sharing them with the community; and (v) seamless integration of subsequent analysis steps.

Availability and implementation

ViNe-Seg code and documentation are publicly available at https://github.com/NiRuff/ViNe-Seg and can be installed from https://pypi.org/project/ViNeSeg/.
Interaction between risk factors, coronary calcium, and CCTA plaque characteristics in patients aged 18–45 years
Authors: Lorenzatti Daniel , Piña Pamela , Huang Dou , Apple Samuel J , Fernandez-Hazim Carol , Ippolito Paul , Abdullah Aftab , Rodriguez-Guerra Miguel , Skendelas John P , Scotti Andrea , Kuno Toshiki , Latib Azeem , Schenone Aldo L , Nasir Khurram , Blankstein Ron , Blaha Michael J , Berman Daniel S , Dey Damini , Virani Salim S , Garcia Mario J , Slipczuk Leandro
Published: April 2024

Aims

The atherosclerotic profile and advanced plaque subtype burden in symptomatic patients ≤45 years old have not been established. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of coronary artery calcium (CAC), plaque subtypes, and plaque burden by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in symptomatic young patients.

Methods and results

We included 907 symptomatic young patients (18–45 years) from Montefiore undergoing CCTA for chest pain evaluation. Prevalence and predictors of CAC, plaque subtypes, and burden were evaluated using semi-automated software. In the overall population (55% female and 44% Hispanic), 89% had CAC = 0. The likelihood of CAC or any plaque by CCTA increased with >3 risk factors {RFs, odds ratio [OR] 7.13 (2.14–23.7) and OR 10.26 (3.36–31.2), respectively}. Any plaque by CCTA was present in 137 (15%); the strongest independent predictors were age ≥35 years [OR 3.62 (2.05–6.41)] and family history of premature coronary artery disease (FHx) [OR 2.76 (1.67–4.58)]. Stenosis ≥50% was rare (1.8%), with 31% of those having CAC = 0. Significant non-calcified plaque (NCP, 37.2%) and low-attenuation plaque (LAP, 4.24%) burdens were seen, even in those with non-obstructive stenosis. Among patients with CAC = 0, 5% had plaque, and the only predictor of exclusively NCP was FHx [OR 2.29 (1.08–4.86)].

Conclusion

In symptomatic young patients undergoing CCTA, the prevalence of CAC or any coronary atherosclerosis was not negligible, and the likelihood increased with RF burden. The presence of coronary stenosis ≥50% was rare and most often accompanied by CAC >0, but there was a significant burden of NCP and LAP even within the non-obstructive group.
Addressing chronic diseases: a comparative study of policies towards type-2 diabetes and hypertension in selected European countries
Authors: Seghieri Chiara , Ferré Francesca , Tortù Costanza , Bertarelli Gaia , Mavrogianni Christina , Usheva Natalya , Toti Florian , Moreno Luis , Agapidaki Eirini , Manios Yannis
Published: April 2024

Background

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN) are two of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs): they both cause a relevant number of premature deaths worldwide and heavily impact the national health systems. This study illustrates the impact of HTN and T2D in four European countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Spain) and compares their policies towards the monitoring and management of HTN and T2D and the prevention of NCDs as a whole. This analysis is conducted throughout the DigiCare4You Project (H2020)—which implements an innovative solution involving digital tools for the prevention and management of T2D and HTN.

Methods

The analysis is implemented through desk research, and it is enriched with additional information directly provided by the local coordinators in the four countries, by filling specific semi-structured forms.

Results

The countries exhibit significant differences in the prevalence of HTN and T2D and available policies and programs targeted to these two chronic conditions. Each country has implemented strategies for HTN and T2D, including prevention initiatives, therapeutic guidelines, educational programs and children's growth monitoring programs. However, patient education on proper disease management needs improvement in all countries, registries about patients affected by HTN and T2D are not always available, and not all countries promoted acts to contain the increasing rates of risk factors related to NCDs.

Conclusions

While political awareness of the risks associated with HTN, T2D and NCDs in general is growing, there is a collective need for countries to strengthen their policies for preventing and managing these chronic diseases.
A Longitudinal Investigation of the Association Between Stroke and Loneliness
Authors: Willroth Emily C , Rule Payton D , Graham Eileen K , Nicholas Marjorie L , Hattori Robin , Thompson Tess , Connor Lisa Tabor
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The present research examined associations between stroke and long-term trajectories of loneliness.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses in 3 large representative panel studies of adults 50 years and older in the United States, Europe, and Israel: the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA; analytic N = 14,992); the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; analytic N = 103,782); and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; analytic N = 22,179). Within each sample, we used discontinuous growth curve modeling to estimate loneliness trajectories across adulthood and the impact of stroke on loneliness trajectories.

Results

Across all 3 samples, participants who experienced stroke reported higher levels of loneliness relative to participants who did not experience stroke. In ELSA and HRS (but not SHARE), loneliness levels were higher after stroke onset relative to before stroke onset.

Discussion

This research adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating elevated loneliness among stroke survivors and highlights the need for interventions to increase social connectedness after stroke.
Correlates of SuperAging in Two Population-Based Samples of Hispanic Older Adults
Authors: Doyle Cassidy , Andel Ross , Saenz Joseph , Crowe Michael
Published: April 2024

Objectives

“SuperAgers” are generally defined as people 80+ years old with episodic memory performance comparable to those 20 years younger. Limited knowledge exists to describe characteristics of SuperAgers, with even less known about Hispanic SuperAgers.

Methods

We examined indicators of cognitive, physical, and psychological resilience in relation to the likelihood of being a SuperAger using data from 2 population-based studies of Hispanic older adults (Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions [PREHCO] Study; Health and Retirement Study [HRS]). SuperAgers were defined as (1) ≥80 years old, (2) recall scores ≥ the median for Hispanic respondents aged 55–64, and (3) no cognitive impairment during the observation period. Overall, 640 PREHCO participants and 180 HRS participants were eligible, of whom 45 (7%) and 31 (17%) met SuperAging criteria.

Results

Logistic regressions controlling for age and sex demonstrated that higher education (PREHCO: odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, p < .001; HRS: OR = 1.14, p = .044) and fewer instrumental activities of daily living limitations (PREHCO: OR = 0.79, p = .019; HRS: OR = 0.58, p = .077; cognitive resilience), fewer activities of daily living limitations (PREHCO: OR = 0.72, p = .031; HRS: OR = 0.67, p = .068; physical resilience), and fewer depressive symptoms (PREHCO: OR = 0.84, p = .015; HRS: OR = 0.69, p = .007; psychological resilience) were associated with SuperAging, although not all results reached threshold for statistical significance, presumably due to low statistical power. Additionally, known indicators of physical health (e.g., chronic conditions and self-rated health) did not relate to SuperAging.

Discussion

Increasing access to education and recognizing/treating depressive symptoms represent potential pathways to preserve episodic memory among older Hispanic adults.
Improved integration of single-cell transcriptome data demonstrates common and unique signatures of heart failure in mice and humans
Authors: Jurado Mariano Ruz , Tombor Lukas S , Arsalan Mani , Holubec Tomas , Emrich Fabian , Walther Thomas , Abplanalp Wesley , Fischer Ariane , Zeiher Andreas M , Schulz Marcel H , Dimmeler Stefanie , John David
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular research heavily relies on mouse (Mus musculus) models to study disease mechanisms and to test novel biomarkers and medications. Yet, applying these results to patients remains a major challenge and often results in noneffective drugs. Therefore, it is an open challenge of translational science to develop models with high similarities and predictive value. This requires a comparison of disease models in mice with diseased tissue derived from humans.

Results

To compare the transcriptional signatures at single-cell resolution, we implemented an integration pipeline called OrthoIntegrate, which uniquely assigns orthologs and therewith merges single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) RNA of different species. The pipeline has been designed to be as easy to use and is fully integrable in the standard Seurat workflow.

We applied OrthoIntegrate on scRNA-seq from cardiac tissue of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and scRNA-seq from the mice after chronic infarction, which is a commonly used mouse model to mimic HFrEF. We discovered shared and distinct regulatory pathways between human HFrEF patients and the corresponding mouse model. Overall, 54% of genes were commonly regulated, including major changes in cardiomyocyte energy metabolism. However, several regulatory pathways (e.g., angiogenesis) were specifically regulated in humans.

Conclusions

The demonstration of unique pathways occurring in humans indicates limitations on the comparability between mice models and human HFrEF and shows that results from the mice model should be validated carefully. OrthoIntegrate is publicly accessible (https://github.com/MarianoRuzJurado/OrthoIntegrate) and can be used to integrate other large datasets to provide a general comparison of models with patient data.
The social science side of marine biodiversity monitoring
Authors: Vadrot Alice B M , Wanneau Krystel
Published: April 2024

Marine biodiversity monitoring is a complex task given the vast ocean areas to be covered, the types of data to be integrated, and the large number of possible parameters to consider when measuring biodiversity change. International agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) or the recently adopted ‘BBNJ treaty’protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), encourage states to monitor marine life both within and beyond their national waters to foster marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. While oceanographers in general, and marine biologists in particular, are aware of the challenges and complexities of measuring biodiversity in the ocean, the politics of marine biodiversity monitoring and the added value of social science perspectives tend to be neglected. This story from the frontline describes our experiences with turning marine biodiversity monitoring into an object of social science inquiry. The MARIPOLDATA project developed an innovative multi-sited approach to capture both the politics and practices of monitoring marine life. During our research, we were confronted with a diversity of perspectives and expectations of what monitoring is, how it works, why it should be done, and whom it should serve. By adopting a mixed-method approach and collecting data at different epistemic sites (negotiation rooms, scientific fields, laboratories, and conferences), we tried to cut through some of the observed ambiguities and trends. We conclude that studying monitoring necessitates a multidisciplinary approach and a sensitivity for the regional, institutional, and cultural specificities and inequalities that shape how we know and govern the ocean.
Left atrial function of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing thoracoscopic hybrid ablation
Authors: van der Heijden Claudia A J , Adriaans Bouke P , van Kuijk Sander M J , Luermans Justin G L M , Chaldoupi Sevasti-Marisevi , Maessen Jos G , Bidar Elham , Maesen Bart
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES

Thoracoscopic hybrid ablation is an effective and safe rhythm control strategy for patients with complex forms of atrial fibrillation. Its effect on left atrial function has not yet been studied.

METHODS

In a retrospective single-centre analysis of patients undergoing thoracoscopic hybrid ablation, the left atrial emptying fraction was calculated using the biplane modified Simpson method in the apical 2- and 4-chamber views on transthoracic echocardiography. Left atrial strain (reservoir, conduction and contractility) was quantified using dedicated software.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were included (mean age 64 years, long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation in 69%, median atrial fibrillation history duration 64 months). At baseline, left atrial function and contractility were poor. The reservoir and contractile strain improved postprocedure compared to baseline [15 (standard deviation (SD): 8) and 17 (SD: 6); P = 0.013; 3 (SD: 5) and 4 (SD: 4), P = 0.008], whereas the left atrial volume indexed to the body surface area was reduced [51 ml/m2 (SD: 14) and 47 ml/m2 (SD: 18), P = 0.0024]. In patients with preoperative (long-standing) persistent atrial fibrillation and in patients with rhythm restoration, improvements in the emptying fraction, (reservoir and contractile) strain and the left ventricular ejection fraction were observed, whereas the left atrial volume decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of patients with severely diseased left atria, improvement in left atrial contractility and in the emptying fraction after thoracoscopic hybrid ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation is mainly due to rhythm restoration. Interestingly, the procedure itself also results in improved left atrial reservoir strain and reversed left atrial remodelling by reducing left atrial volume.
Wrap-around loop pulsating heat-pipe heat exchanger for enhancing the energy efficiency of high-tech cleanroom HVAC systems
Authors: Zheng Jia-Wei , Lin Hong-Yi , Hsieh Chia-Hsing , Wu Yu-Lieh , Yang Kai-Shing
Published: April 2024

To maintain strict temperature, humidity, and cleanliness requirements, the cleanrooms of high-tech semiconductor fabrication plants have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which require substantial amounts of energy. To reduce energy consumption, this study proposes using a wrap-around loop pulsating heat pipe (WLPHP) heat exchanger comprising a pulsating heat pipe for precooling high-temperature outdoor air to reduce relative humidity. The heat absorbed by the heat-pipe evaporator is then transferred to the condenser and released, reducing the energy required to subsequently reheat the air with an HVAC system. The experimental results reveal that the system reduces the required reheating energy and increased the moisture removal rate per unit energy consumption by an average of 24.8% and 33% compared with a typical heat exchanger. Hence, using the WLPHP heat exchanger in HVAC systems could provide large energy savings.
Prevotella timonensis Bacteria Associated With Vaginal Dysbiosis Enhance Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Susceptibility Of Vaginal CD4+ T Cells
Authors: van Teijlingen Nienke H , van Smoorenburg Marleen Y , Sarrami-Forooshani Ramin , Zijlstra-Willems Esther M , van Hamme John L , Borgdorff Hanneke , van de Wijgert Janneke H H M , van Leeuwen Elisabeth , van der Post Joris A M , Strijbis Karin , Ribeiro Carla M S , Geijtenbeek Teunis B H
Published: April 2024

Dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome poses a serious risk for sexual human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission. Prevotella spp are abundant during vaginal dysbiosis and associated with enhanced HIV-1 susceptibility; however, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the direct effect of vaginal bacteria on HIV-1 susceptibility of vaginal CD4+ T cells. Notably, pre-exposure to Prevotella timonensis enhanced HIV-1 uptake by vaginal T cells, leading to increased viral fusion and enhanced virus production. Pre-exposure to antiretroviral inhibitors abolished P timonensis–enhanced infection. Our study shows that the vaginal microbiome directly affects mucosal CD4+ T-cell susceptibility, emphasizing importance of vaginal dysbiosis diagnosis and treatment.
Reviewing the evidence of antimicrobial activity of glycols
Authors: Duggan Katrina , Ijaz M Khalid , McKinney Julie , Maillard Jean-Yves
Published: April 2024

In the 1940s and 1950s, researchers seeking safe and novel ways to eliminate airborne pathogens from enclosed spaces, investigated glycol vapours as a method of disinfection. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a non-toxic aerial disinfectant that can be used in the presence of people. This scoping review is intended to analyse the early and more recent literature on glycol disinfection, scrutinizing the methodologies used, and to determine if the use of glycols as modern-day disinfectants is justified

PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to assess the 749 articles retrieved from the Web of Science platform, with 46 articles retained after the search strategy was applied. Early studies generally demonstrated good disinfection capabilities against airborne bacteria and viruses, particularly with propylene glycol (PG) vapour. Vapour pressure, relative humidity, and glycol concentration were found to be important factors affecting the efficacy of glycol vapours. Contact times depended mainly on the glycol application method (i.e. aerosolization or liquid formulation), although information on how glycol efficacy is impacted by contact time is limited. Triethylene glycol (TEG) is deemed to have low toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity and is registered for use in air sanitization and deodorization by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Glycols are also used in liquid formulations for their antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, although when used as a non-active excipient in products, their contribution to antimicrobial efficacy is rarely assessed. The appropriate use of liquid glycol-containing formulations was found to positively impact the antimicrobial capabilities of disinfectants when used at temperatures <0, food preservatives, and dental medicaments. Providing modern delivery technology can accurately control environmental conditions, the use of aerosolized glycol formulations should lead to successful disinfection, aiding infection prevention, and control regimens.
A novel method to build knowledge graph models for the configuration and operation design of smart and connected industrial products
Authors: Yang Yuqian , Yang Maolin , Shangguan Siwei , Cao Yifan , Jiang Pingyu
Published: April 2024

Smart and connected industrial products (SCIPs), characterized by their capabilities of self-monitoring, environment awareness, machine–machine/machine–human communication and collaboration, intelligent decision-making, etc., have become the fundamental elements for cyber-physical systems, digital twin, industrial internet of things, etc. Configuring the components in SCIPs and modeling their interaction and operation mechanisms are important during SCIPs design. However, existing product design methods were originally developed for none smart and connected products. This could limit the accuracy of SCIP modeling during the design stage and consequently, it may cause more reworks during the implementation stage of the designed SCIPs. In this regard, a SCIP configuration and operation design method is established, including (i) meta knowledge graph (KG)-based configuration of the components in the physical system and status monitoring system of a required SCIP, (ii) event-state swimlane flowchart-based analysis of the dynamic interaction, operation, and data monitoring mechanisms among the components, and (iii) event-state KG based modeling of the overall workflow, monitoring data self-updating and intelligent operation mechanisms of the SCIP. Compared with existing SCIP design methods, the work provides a specific method for not only the configuration of the static components in customized SCIPs, but also the dynamic interaction, data acquisition/storing/transmitting, and intelligent function implementation mechanisms of the configured SCIP using a kind of event-state KG. The event-state KG is both human-readable and computer-programmable, and it can self-update according to predefined reasoning algorithms during the operation of the SCIP. The configuration and operation design modeling of a robot-based grinding processing line is used as a case study.
Harnessing regulatory networks in Actinobacteria for natural product discovery
Authors: Augustijn Hannah E , Roseboom Anna M , Medema Marnix H , van Wezel Gilles P
Published: April 2024

Microbes typically live in complex habitats where they need to rapidly adapt to continuously changing growth conditions. To do so, they produce an astonishing array of natural products with diverse structures and functions. Actinobacteria stand out for their prolific production of bioactive molecules, including antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungals, and immunosuppressants. Attention has been directed especially towards the identification of the compounds they produce and the mining of the large diversity of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in their genomes. However, the current return on investment in random screening for bioactive compounds is low, while it is hard to predict which of the millions of BGCs should be prioritized. Moreover, many of the BGCs for yet undiscovered natural products are silent or cryptic under laboratory growth conditions. To identify ways to prioritize and activate these BGCs, knowledge regarding the way their expression is controlled is crucial. Intricate regulatory networks control global gene expression in Actinobacteria, governed by a staggering number of up to 1000 transcription factors per strain. This review highlights recent advances in experimental and computational methods for characterizing and predicting transcription factor binding sites and their applications to guide natural product discovery. We propose that regulation-guided genome mining approaches will open new avenues toward eliciting the expression of BGCs, as well as prioritizing subsets of BGCs for expression using synthetic biology approaches.

One-Sentence Summary

This review provides insights into advances in experimental and computational methods aimed at predicting transcription factor binding sites and their applications to guide natural product discovery.