bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics and robust n-type charge carrier density in Co-doped FeTe2: strain strategy
Authors: Alvi Kaynat , Nazir S
Published: April 2023

Herein, we investigated the combined effect of Co-doping and strain (biaxial [110] and hydrostatic [111]) on the thermodynamics and electronic structure of the FeTe2 motif using ab-initio calculations by considering the strong correlation effects. The pristine one has a non-magnetic semiconducting nature with an indirect band gap (E

g
) of 0.384 eV. Interestingly, our results revealed that the Co-doping at the Fe site induced an n-type conductivity (i.e. few states are crossing the Fermi level from the valence to conduction band) in the system having a substantial charge carrier density magnitude of 0.14 × 1021 cm−3. The metallicity mainly comprises the Co-3d orbitals along with a significant contribution from Fe-3d states. Thermodynamic, mechanical, and dynamical stability of the Co-doped FeTe2 structure is confirmed by computing the formation energetic, elastic constants, and phonon band structure, respectively. Generally, an increasing and decreasing trend in E

g
value is evident against the applied compressive and tensile strains having ranged from −5% to +5% for the case of the undoped system, respectively. On the other hand, the Co-doped structure maintained its n-type conduction against considered both types of strains. Moreover, it is demonstrated that compressive strains strengthen the charge carrier density amplitude, while tensile strains show a negative impact. Hence, the present work displays that robust n-type conductivity and stable structure of Co-doped FeTe2 system, makes it a desirable candidate for device applications.
Enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of fabricated ZnS nanoparticles in the photodegradation of methylene blue
Authors: Riazian Mehran
Published: April 2023

This paper first aims to synthesize and characterize ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized NPs are investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Thiosemicarbazide/Zinc acetate dehydrate/ Ethylenediamine/Deionized water are utilized as precursors with three molar ratios and labeled as S1 = 2:1:1:1, S2 = 2:1:1:3 and S3 = 1:2:2:2, respectively. The synthesized pure ZnS NPs under UV irradiation present a higher photodegradation rate in comparison with the existing pure and doped ZnS-based ZnS. The direct optical bandgap of S1, S2 and S3 are estimated by the DRS method and approved by the Tauc method as 3.29 eV, 3.38 eV and 3.37 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized pure NPs (S1, S2 and S3) are calculated to be 0.044, 0.036 and 0.050 min−1, respectively. The results indicate the significant effect of precursors on the crystallite phase, optical bandgap and photocatalytic activity of the ZnS NPs so that in comparison with other studies, they could be an effective candidate in the field of photodegradation of the organic dyes.
NET-TEN: a silicon neuromorphic network for low-latency detection of seizures in local field potentials
Authors: Ronchini Margherita , Rezaeiyan Yasser , Zamani Milad , Panuccio Gabriella , Moradi Farshad
Published: April 2023

Objective. Therapeutic intervention in neurological disorders still relies heavily on pharmacological solutions, while the treatment of patients with drug resistance remains an unresolved issue. This is particularly true for patients with epilepsy, 30% of whom are refractory to medications. Implantable devices for chronic recording and electrical modulation of brain activity have proved a viable alternative in such cases. To operate, the device should detect the relevant electrographic biomarkers from local field potentials (LFPs) and determine the right time for stimulation. To enable timely interventions, the ideal device should attain biomarker detection with low latency while operating under low power consumption to prolong battery life. Approach. Here we introduce a fully-analog neuromorphic device implemented in CMOS technology for analyzing LFP signals in an in vitro model of acute ictogenesis. Neuromorphic networks have progressively gained a reputation as low-latency low-power computing systems, which makes them a promising candidate as processing core of next-generation implantable neural interfaces. Main results. The developed system can detect ictal and interictal events with ms-latency and with high precision, consuming on average 3.50 nW during the task. Significance. The work presented in this paper paves the way to a new generation of brain implantable devices for personalized closed-loop stimulation for epilepsy treatment.
Experimental and simulation studies on damage mechanisms of tungsten and molybdenum under compressed plasma flow irradiation
Authors: Zhang Lisong , Zhang Xiaonan , Li Na , Zhang Peng , Mei Xianxiu , Wang Younian , Uglov Vladimir V
Published: April 2023

The failure mechanism of plasma-facing components (PFCs) under extreme plasma conditions relevant for fusion reactors were investigated. Here, edge-localized mode (ELM)-like transient thermal shock irradiation experiments were performed on tungsten and molybdenum using compressed plasma flow, and combined with thermal–mechanical analysis by means of finite element simulations to discuss the grain structure evolution, cracking behavior and variations of hardness. When ELM-like thermal shock irradiation was sufficient to melt tungsten and molybdenum, a submicron-sized cellular sub-grain structure was created on their surface due to the high temperature gradient of the molten layer under the effect of Bénard–Marangoni instability. Rapid directional solidification from the bottom of the molten layer to the surface induced the formation of columnar grains dominated by the <200> orientation. While the formation of cellular sub-grains increased hardness, the thermal effect of irradiation and the formation of columnar grains led to softening. The high thermal stress induced by the ELM-like thermal shock produced macro-cracks and micro-cracks on the surface of tungsten and only micro-cracks on the surface of molybdenum. Macro-cracks were generated due to the intrinsic brittleness of tungsten. As a result of stress evolution, longitudinal macro-cracks extending perpendicular to the surface experienced transverse transformation within the material. Micro-cracks formed due to the embrittlement of the re-solidification zone, and their width increased with the melting depth. These results help us to understand failure mechanisms in PFCs under extreme operating conditions and are valuable for developing future fusion reactors.
Encounter-based model of a run-and-tumble particle II: absorption at sticky boundaries
Authors: Bressloff Paul C
Published: April 2023

In this paper we develop an encounter-based model of a run-and-tumble particle (RTP) confined to a finite interval

[
0
,
L
]

with partially absorbing, sticky boundaries at both ends. We assume that the particle switches between two constant velocity states ±v at a rate α. Whenever the particle hits a boundary, it becomes stuck by pushing on the boundary until either a tumble event reverses the swimming direction or it is permanently absorbed. We formulate the absorption process by identifying the first passage time (FPT) for absorption with the event that the time A(t) spent attached to either wall up to time t (the occupation time) crosses some random threshold

A
ˆ

. Taking

Ψ
(
a
)
≡

P

[

A
ˆ

>
a
]

to be an exponential distribution,

Ψ
=

e

−

κ
0

a

, we show that the joint probability density for particle position X(t) and velocity state

σ
(
t
)
=
±

satisfies a well-defined boundary value problem (BVP) with κ
0 representing a constant absorption rate. The solution of this BVP determines the so-called occupation time propagator, which is the joint probability density for the triplet

(
X
(
t
)
,
A
(
t
)
,
σ
(
t
)
)

. The propagator is then used to incorporate more general models of absorption based on non-exponential (non-Markovian) distributions

Ψ
(
a
)

. We illustrate the theory by calculating the mean FPT and splitting probabilities for absorption. We also show how our previous results for partially absorbing, non-sticky boundaries can be recovered in an appropriate limit. Absorption now depends on the number of collisions

ℓ
(
t
)

of the RTP with the boundary. Finally, we extend the theory by taking absorption to depend on the individual occupation times at the two ends.
Werner states from diagrams
Authors: Lyons David W , Mullican Cristina , Rilatt Adam , Putnam Jack D
Published: April 2023

We present two results on multiqubit Werner states, defined to be those states that are invariant under the collective action of any given single-qubit unitary that acts simultaneously on all the qubits. Motivated by the desire to characterize entanglement properties of Werner states, we construct a basis for the real linear vector space of Werner invariant Hermitian operators on the Hilbert space of pure states; it follows that any mixed Werner state can be written as a mixture of these basis operators with unique coefficients. Continuing a study of ‘polygon diagram’ Werner states constructed in earlier work, with a goal to connect diagrams to entanglement properties, we consider a family of multiqubit states that generalize the singlet, and show that their 2-qubit reduced density matrices are separable.
Phase transition between pure modes A and B in a circular cylinder’s wake. Part I: analysis of fluid forces
Authors: Lin L M
Published: April 2023

Through direct numerical simulations, the transition from pure mode A to mode B in the near wake of a circular cylinder is studied with no effect of vortex dislocations. The Reynolds number is computed from 100 to 330 with the computational spanwise length of 4 diameters. In the present part, fluid forces are analyzed. The results show that mode swapping still exists in the range of Reynolds numbers from 230 to 240. In this range, fluid forces with low and high levels occur intermittently. Moreover, when the critical Reynolds number of 193 (

±

0.5) is exceeded, with the increase of the Reynolds number, the vortex-shedding frequency gradually shifts from a single low frequency, high and low frequency coexistence to a single high frequency.
Importance of PET geogrid in the enhancement of hill slope's safety factor: a finite element approach
Authors: Samal Rasmiranjan , Sahoo Smrutirekha
Published: April 2023

Slope stability analysis is crucial since the instability of the slope contributes to the failure of many buildings in hilly areas. Numerous ground improvement techniques are used to address this issue, including vertical drains, grouting, soil replacement, geosynthetic reinforcement, and piling. Geosynthetics are used more frequently to stabilize the hill slope as an alternative and cost-effective approach. The behavior of a geogrid reinforced slope was investigated in the current work utilizing 3D numerical analyses using the finite element program MIDAS GTS NX 2021 v1.1. Five types of geogrid are made up of different materials such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) were considered to stabilize the slope. The percentage Increase in Factor of safety for PET, HDPE, LDPE, PVC and PP Geogrid reinforced slopes are 18%, 17.1%, 16.7%, 15.6% and 16.3% respectively as compared to Unreinforced slope. The percentage decrease in deformations for PET, HDPE, LDPE, PVC and PP Geogrid reinforced slopes are 97%, 78.4%, 64.79%, 78.17% and 49% respectively as compared to Unreinforced slope. The PET geogrid reinforced Slope provides a higher factor of safety and lower deformation among other geogrid reinforced Slopes because PET geogrid provides maximum pull-out resistance among different types of geogrid. Similarly, the strain induced in PET geogrid-reinforced slope is minimum among other geogrid-reinforced Slopes due to the lower stiffness of PET geogrid. Hence the slope reinforced with PET geogrid performed well compared to different geogrid-reinforced slopes.
Fine Compactified Moduli of Enriched Structures on Stable Curves
Authors: Biesel Owen , Holmes David
Published: April 2023

Enriched structures on stable curves over fields were defined by Mainò in the late 1990s, and have played an important role in the study of limit linear series and degenerating jacobians. In this paper we solve three main problems: we give a definition of enriched structures on stable curves over arbitrary base schemes, and show that the resulting fine moduli problem is representable; we show that the resulting object has a universal property in terms of Néron models; and we construct a compactification of our stack of enriched structures.
Why should clinical practitioners ask about their patients’ concerns about falling?
Authors: Ellmers Toby Jack , Freiberger Ellen , Hauer Klaus , Hogan David B , McGarrigle Lisa , Lim Mae Ling , Todd Chris , Martin Finbarr , Delbaere Kim ,   The World Falls Guidelines Working Group on Concerns About Falling, Kempen Ruud , sadly Ruud , Martin F
Published: April 2023

Concerns (or ‘fears’) about falling (CaF) are common in older adults. As part of the ‘World Falls Guidelines Working Group on Concerns about Falling’, we recommended that clinicians working in falls prevention services should regularly assess CaF. Here, we expand upon these recommendations and argue that CaF can be both ‘adaptive’ and ‘maladaptive’ with respect to falls risk. On the one hand, high CaF can lead to overly cautious or hypervigilant behaviours that increase the risk of falling, and may also cause undue activity restriction (‘maladaptive CaF’). But concerns can also encourage individuals to make appropriate modifications to their behaviour to maximise safety (‘adaptive CaF’). We discuss this paradox and argue that high CaF—irrespective of whether ‘adaptive’ or ‘maladaptive’—should be considered an indication that ‘something is not right’, and that is represents an opportunity for clinical engagement. We also highlight how CaF can be maladaptive in terms of inappropriately high confidence about one’s balance. We present different routes for clinical intervention based on the types of concerns disclosed.
Heterogeneity of reported outcomes in epidermolysis bullosa clinical research: a scoping review as a first step towards outcome harmonization
Authors: Korte Eva W H , Welponer Tobias , Kottner Jan , van der Werf Sjoukje , van den Akker Peter C , Horváth Barbara , Kiritsi Dimitra , Laimer Martin , Pasmooij Anna M G , Wally Verena , Bolling Maria C
Published: April 2023

Background

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of skin fragility disorders. No cure is currently available, but many novel and repurposed treatments are upcoming. For adequate evaluation and comparison of clinical studies in EB, well-defined and consistent consensus-endorsed outcomes and outcome measurement instruments are necessary.

Objectives

To identify previously reported outcomes in EB clinical research, group these outcomes by outcome domains and areas and summarize respective outcome measurement instruments.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in the databases MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO and trial registries covering the period between January 1991 and September 2021. Studies were included if they evaluated a treatment in a minimum of three patients with EB. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction. All identified outcomes and their respective instruments were mapped onto overarching outcome domains. The outcome domains were stratified according to subgroups of EB type, age group, intervention, decade and phase of clinical trial.

Results

The included studies (n = 207) covered a range of study designs and geographical settings. A total of 1280 outcomes were extracted verbatim and inductively mapped onto 80 outcome domains and 14 outcome areas. We found a steady increase in the number of published clinical trials and outcomes reported over the past 30 years. The included studies mainly focused on recessive dystrophic EB (43%). Wound healing was reported most frequently across all studies and referred to as a primary outcome in 31% of trials. Great heterogeneity of reported outcomes was observed within all stratified subgroups. Moreover, a diverse range of outcome measurement instruments (n = 200) was identified.

Conclusions

We show substantial heterogeneity in reported outcomes and outcome measurement instruments in EB clinical research over the past 30 years. This review is the first step towards harmonization of outcomes in EB, which is necessary to expedite the clinical translation of novel treatments for patients with EB.
Is a vegan diet associated with worse outcomes following dermatological surgery?
Authors: Afzal Usamah M , Ali Faisal R
Published: April 2023

Poorer outcomes are observed in people who are vegan after dermatological surgery. Authors postulate impaired neocollagenesis driven by micronutrient deficiencies is the likely explanation.
Blue light and skin: what is the intriguing link?
Authors: Das Anupam , Sil Abheek , Kumar Piyush , Khan Ismat
Published: April 2023

Blue light has garnered attention because of its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin layers, and induce cellular dysfunction and DNA damage. Photoageing, hyperpigmentation and melasma are some of the cutaneous changes that develop on exposure to blue light. To date, the therapeutic roles of blue light have been evaluated in dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, actinic keratosis and cutaneous malignancies, among others. In this review, we have attempted to present an evidence-based compilation of the effects of blue light on the skin.
A case of scarring and nonscarring alopecia secondary to vascular occlusion with dermal filler
Authors: Pearce Julian , Al-Wahab Yasir , Brent Geoffrey  , Natkunarajah Janakan
Published: April 2023

We report a case of scarring and nonscarring alopecia secondary to vascular occlusion with dermal filler. Vascular occlusion is a known complication of dermal filler injections, and alopecia as a clinical sequela has only rarely been reported. Our novel use of hydroxychloroquine, in addition to hyaluronidase and oral and topical steroids, may improve clinical outcomes associated with this complication.
Comment on ‘Associations between hidradenitis suppurativa and dermatological conditions in adults: a national cross-sectional study’
Authors: Martora Fabrizio , Ruggiero Angelo , Battista Teresa , Potestio Luca , Megna Matteo
Published: April 2023

We read with interest the article recently published by Brown et al. reporting the results of a national cross-sectional study between 2016 and 2018, enrolling 60 000 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), identifying new correlations between HS and other dermatological conditions, and we wish to report our comment.
Dermatology ethics and health equity elective: a model for incorporating cultural diversity into undergraduate medical education
Authors: Okorie Chiamaka L , Anderson Blaire , Bennett Raven  , Dagrosa Alicia T
Published: April 2023

This letter concerns the discussion on expanding education on diversity and ethical issues in dermatology. As documented in previous literature, undergraduate medical education (UME) in dermatology lacks content on historical inequities, sexual and gender diversity, and skin of colour. We propose using a preclinical elective to create a more diverse dermatology UME, particularly when there is limited space for expansion in the core curriculum.
Efficiently extracting local anaesthetic from dental cartridges
Authors: Afzal Usamah M , Ali Faisal R
Published: April 2023

The authors suggest two innovative methods to extract local anaesthetic from dental cartridges, thus improving the time efficiency of dermatological surgery.
The effect of immunomodulatory therapy with recombinant human interferon alpha-2β on blood cytokine levels in children with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis
Authors: Kenzhetaeva Tattigul , Lukyanenko Nataliia S , Kaliakpar Danara M , Dolinnaya Vilena T , Tkachenko Olexandr
Published: April 2023

The high incidence of children with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis is a widespread problem. Correct identification of children at risk of developing bronchial asthma at school age may improve treatment and prevention approaches to this pathology, but the ability to identify these children remains limited. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of recombinant interferon alpha-2β in children with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis in the course of treatment based on the assessment of cytokine profile. The study examined 59 children of the main group with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis and 30 children of the comparison group who suffered from acute bronchitis, aged 2–8 years, who were in the hospital. The results of laboratory studies were compared with the data of 30 healthy children. In children with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis, the content of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-4 was significantly reduced compared to healthy children, after treatment with recombinant human interferon alpha-2β, the content of interferon-γ and interleukin-4 in children significantly increased. The content of interleukin-1β in children with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis was significantly higher than in healthy children, after immunomodulatory therapy with recombinant interferon alpha-2β, interleukin-4 normalized to its level in healthy children. It was found that children with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bronchitis have an imbalance of cytokines, the effectiveness of recombinant human interferon alpha-2β therapy, which normalized the levels of the studied cytokines in the serum.
A Publicly Verifiable Optimistic Fair Exchange Protocol Using Decentralized CP-ABE
Authors: Zhang Liang , Kan Haibin , Qiu Feiyang , Hao Feng
Published: April 2023

Fair exchange is a challenging problem for two mutually distrusting players. It is widely known that fair exchange is impossible without a trusted third party (TTP). However, relying on a single TTP can cause a single-point failure. An intuitive idea is to adopt multiple TTPs to distribute trust. This paper constructs a two-party optimistic fair exchange (OFE) protocol using decentralized ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE), achieving decentralized TTPs. This is achievable because decentralized CP-ABE ciphertext supports a nested access control policy. A nested access control policy fits perfectly in a fair exchange protocol which contains multiple roles (i.e. players and TTPs). Further, we apply non-interactive zero knowledge proofs to prove the well-formedness of ciphertexts, so as to enforce players to follow the protocol specification honestly. Consequently, we construct an OFE protocol in which each player’s operations are publicly verifiable without revealing secret information. Also, we obtain decentralized TTPs with optimism (i.e. the TTPs are involved only when arbitration is required), autonomy (i.e. the TTPs do not need to interact with each other), statelessness (i.e. the TTPs do not need to store data for the exchange protocol) and verifiability (i.e. the TTPs are publicly verifiable). Compared with previous work, our protocol assumes only a public communication channel and each party’s operations are publicly verifiable. Besides, it achieves a favorable $O(n)$ verification complexity in the normal case, where $n$ is the number of TTPs. Finally, we present a proof-of-concept implementation to demonstrate the feasibility.
An Improved Genetic-XGBoost Classifier for Customer Consumption Behavior Prediction
Authors: Li Yue , Qi Jianfang , Jin Haibin , Tian Dong , Mu Weisong , Feng Jianying
Published: April 2023

In an increasingly competitive market, predicting the customer’s consumption behavior has a vital role in customer relationship management. In this study, a new classifier for customer consumption behavior prediction is proposed. The proposed methods are as follows: (i) A feature selection method based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to achieve efficient feature selection and eliminate correlations between variables. (ii) An improved genetic-eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) for customer consumption behavior prediction, to improve the accuracy of prediction. Furthermore, the global search ability and flexibility of the genetic mechanism are used to optimize the XGBoost parameters, which avoids inaccurate parameter settings by manual experience. The adaptive crossover and mutation probabilities are designed to prevent the population from falling into the local extremum. Moreover, the grape-customer consumption behavior dataset is employed to compare the six Lasso-based models from the original, normalized and standardized data sources with the Isometric Mapping, Locally Linear Embedding, Multidimensional Scaling, PCA and Kernel Principal Component Analysis methods. The improved genetic-XGBoost is compared with several well-known parameter optimization algorithms and state-of-the-art classification approaches. Furthermore, experiments are conducted on the University of California Irvine datasets to verify the improved genetic-XGBoost algorithm. All results show that the proposed methods outperform the existing ones. The prediction results provide the decision-making basis for enterprises to formulate better marketing strategies.
Review of databases for experimentally validated human microRNA–mRNA interactions
Authors: Kariuki Dorian , Asam Kesava , Aouizerat Bradley E , Lewis Kimberly A , Florez Jose C , Flowers Elena
Published: April 2023

MicroRNAs (miRs) may contribute to disease etiology by influencing gene expression. Numerous databases are available for miR target prediction and validation, but their functionality is varied, and outputs are not standardized. The purpose of this review is to identify and describe databases for cataloging validated miR targets. Using Tools4miRs and PubMed, we identified databases with experimentally validated targets, human data, and a focus on miR–messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions. Data were extracted about the number of times each database was cited, the number of miRs, the target genes, the interactions per database, experimental methodology and key features of each database. The search yielded 10 databases, which in order of most cited to least were: miRTarBase, starBase/The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes, DIANA-TarBase, miRWalk, miRecords, miRGator, miRSystem, miRGate, miRSel and targetHub. Findings from this review suggest that the information presented within miR target validation databases can be enhanced by adding features such as flexibility in performing queries in multiple ways, downloadable data, ongoing updates and integrating tools for further miR–mRNA target interaction analysis. This review is designed to aid researchers, especially those new to miR bioinformatics tools, in database selection and to offer considerations for future development and upkeep of validation tools.

Database URL http://mirtarbase.cuhk.edu.cn/
Pulmonary artery pulsatility index in patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation: a simple non-invasive tool for risk stratification
Authors: Kane Conor J , Lara-Breitinger Kyla M , Alabdaljabar Mohamad S , Nkomo Vuyisile T , Padang Ratnasari , Pislaru Cristina , Kane Garvan C , Scott Christopher , Pislaru Sorin V , Lin Grace
Published: April 2023

Aims

Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is a common valvular disease associated with increased mortality. There is a need for tools to assess the interaction between the pulmonary artery (PA) circulation and the right ventricle in patients with TR and to investigate their association with outcomes. The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) has emerged as a haemodynamic risk predictor in left heart disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Whether PAPi discriminates risk in unselected patients with greater than or equal to moderate TR is unknown.

Methods and results

In 5079 patients with greater than or equal to moderate TR (regardless of aetiology) and PA systolic and diastolic pressures measured on their first echocardiogram, we compared all-cause mortality at 5 years based on the presence or absence of PH and PAPi levels. A total of 2741 (54%) patients had PH. The median PAPi was 3.0 (IQR 1.9, 4.4). Both the presence of PH and decreasing levels of PAPi were associated with larger right ventricles, worse right ventricular systolic function, higher NT-pro BNP levels, greater degrees of right heart failure, and worse survival. In a subset of patients who had an echo and right heart catheterization within 24 h, the correlation of non-invasive to invasive PA pressures and PAPi levels was very good (r = 0.76).

Conclusion

In patients with greater than or equal to moderate TR with and without PH, lower PAPi is associated with right ventricular dysfunction, right heart failure, and worse survival. Incorporating PA pressure and PAPi may help stratify disease severity in patients with greater than or equal to moderate TR regardless of aetiology.
Ablation of atrial fibrillation and dementia risk reduction during long-term follow-up: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Li Guan-Yi , Chen Yun-Yu , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chien Kuo-Liong , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Chung Fa-Po , Lo Li-Wei , Chang Shih-Lin , Chao Tze-Fan , Hu Yu-Feng , Lin Chin-Yu , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: April 2023

Aims

This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of new-onset dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the association of catheter ablation with different subtypes of dementia.

Methods and results

We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In total, 136 774 patients without a history of dementia were selected after 1:1 propensity score matching based on age (with AF vs. without AF). A competing risk model was used to investigate the three subtypes of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and other/mixed dementia. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to minimize the impact on dementia risk due to the imbalanced baseline characteristics. After a median follow-up period of 6.6 years, 8704 events of new-onset dementia occurred. Among all AF patients developing dementia, 73% were classified as having Alzheimer’s disease, 16% as having vascular dementia, and 11% as having other/mixed dementia. The cumulative incidence of dementia in AF patients was higher than those without AF (log-rank test: P < 0.001 for both before and after IPTW). In patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation, the total dementia risk decreased significantly [P = 0.015, hazard ratio (HR): 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58–0.94] after multivariable adjustment, but not for the subtype of vascular dementia (P = 0.59, HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.49–1.50).

Conclusion

Patients with AF have a higher incidence of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and a mixed type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is less likely to occur in patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation.
Educational inequalities in hypothermia mortality in the Baltic countries and Finland in 2000–15
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Baburin Aleksei , Jasilionis Domantas , Krumins Juris , Martikainen Pekka , Kondo Naoki , Shin Jae Il , Oh Hans , Waldman Kyle , Leinsalu Mall
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite an increased focus on cold-related mortality in recent years, there has been comparatively little research specifically on hypothermia mortality and its associated factors.

Methods

Educational inequalities in hypothermia mortality among individuals aged 30–74 in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and Finland in 2000–15 were examined using data from longitudinal mortality follow-up studies of population censuses (the Baltics) and from a longitudinal register-based population data file (Finland).

Results

Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were much higher in the Baltic countries than in Finland across the study period. From 2000–07 to 2008–15, overall ASMRs declined in all countries except among Finnish women. Although a strong educational gradient was observed in hypothermia mortality in all countries in 2000–07, inequalities were larger in the Baltic countries. Between 2000–07 and 2008–15, ASMRs declined in all educational groups except for high-educated women in Finland and low-educated women in Lithuania; the changes however were not always statistically significant. The absolute mortality decline was often larger among the low educated resulting in narrowing absolute inequalities (excepting Lithuania), whereas a larger relative decline among the high educated (excepting Finnish women) resulted in a considerable widening of relative inequalities in hypothermia mortality by 2008–15.

Conclusion

Although some reduction was observed in absolute educational inequalities in hypothermia mortality in 2000–15, substantial and widening relative inequalities highlight the need for further action in combatting factors behind deaths from excessive cold in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, including risky alcohol consumption and homelessness.
Is cooperation favored by horizontal gene transfer?
Authors: Scott Thomas W , West Stuart A , Dewar Anna E , Wild Geoff
Published: April 2023

It has been hypothesized that horizontal gene transfer on plasmids can facilitate the evolution of cooperation, by allowing genes to jump between bacteria, and hence increase genetic relatedness at the cooperative loci. However, we show theoretically that horizontal gene transfer only appreciably increases relatedness when plasmids are rare, where there are many plasmid-free cells available to infect (many opportunities for horizontal gene transfer). In contrast, when plasmids are common, there are few opportunities for horizontal gene transfer, meaning relatedness is not appreciably increased, and so cooperation is not favored. Plasmids, therefore, evolve to be rare and cooperative, or common and noncooperative, meaning plasmid frequency and cooperativeness are never simultaneously high. The overall level of plasmid-mediated cooperation, given by the product of plasmid frequency and cooperativeness, is therefore consistently negligible or low.
Bacillus thuringiensis: a natural endophytic bacterium found in wild plants
Authors: Espinoza-Vergara Gabriela , García-Suárez Rosalina , Verduzco-Rosas Luis Alfonso , Cando-Narvaez Areli , Ibarra Jorge E
Published: April 2023

Despite the fact that Bacillus thuringiensis is the most widely used bacterium in biological pest control, its ecology has been notoriously neglected. Its role in nature is uncertain, and a defined habitat and niche are under discussion. In this report, wild-type strains were isolated from the inner plant tissues as natural endophytic bacteria in wild plants. Once a reliable superficial sterilization technique was standardized, leaf samples from 110 wildlife plant species within 52 families were processed to obtain their endophytic microflora, which were able to grow in artificial media. From 93 morphologically different isolates, 22 showed the typical sporangium morphology of B. thuringiensis (endospore and parasporal bodies). These isolates were identified and characterized by their 16S ribosomal RNA, hag gene, MLST, and cry gene sequences. Also, isolates were characterized by Bc-RepPCR and parasporal body protein content. All the isolates showed at least some of the typical B. thuringiensis features tested, but 10 showed information in all those features, which, in a rigorous selection, were taken as B. thuringiensis sensu stricto strains. Only three subspecies were identified: five kurstaki, four nigeriensis, and one thuringiensis. None showed toxicity against mosquito larvae or Caenorhabditis elegans, and only one showed significant toxicity against Manduca sexta larvae. The role of B. thuringiensis as a natural endophytic bacterium is discussed.
The mysterious diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A)
Authors: Zegarra Victor , Mais Christopher-Nils , Freitag Johannes , Bange Gert
Published: April 2023

Dinucleoside polyphosphates, a class of nucleotides found amongst all the Trees of Life, have been gathering a lot of attention in the past decades due to their putative role as cellular alarmones. In particular, diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) has been widely studied in bacteria facing various environmental challenges and has been proposed to be important for ensuring cellular survivability through harsh conditions. Here, we discuss the current understanding of AP4A synthesis and degradation, protein targets, their molecular structure where possible, and insights into the molecular mechanisms of AP4A action and its physiological consequences. Lastly, we will briefly touch on what is known with regards to AP4A beyond the bacterial kingdom, given its increasing appearance in the eukaryotic world. Altogether, the notion that AP4A is a conserved second messenger in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans and is able to signal and modulate cellular stress regulation seems promising.
Engineering lanthipeptides by introducing a large variety of RiPP modifications to obtain new-to-nature bioactive peptides
Authors: Fu Yuxin , Xu Yanli , Ruijne Fleur , Kuipers Oscar P
Published: April 2023

Natural bioactive peptide discovery is a challenging and time-consuming process. However, advances in synthetic biology are providing promising new avenues in peptide engineering that allow for the design and production of a large variety of new-to-nature peptides with enhanced or new bioactivities, using known peptides as templates. Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). The modularity of post-translational modification (PTM) enzymes and ribosomal biosynthesis inherent to lanthipeptides enables their engineering and screening in a high-throughput manner. The field of RiPPs research is rapidly evolving, with many novel PTMs and their associated modification enzymes being identified and characterized. The modularity presented by these diverse and promiscuous modification enzymes has made them promising tools for further in vivo engineering of lanthipeptides, allowing for the diversification of their structures and activities. In this review, we explore the diverse modifications occurring in RiPPs and discuss the potential applications and feasibility of combining various modification enzymes for lanthipeptide engineering. We highlight the prospect of lanthipeptide- and RiPP-engineering to produce and screen novel peptides, including mimics of potent non-ribosomally produced antimicrobial peptides (NRPs) such as daptomycin, vancomycin, and teixobactin, which offer high therapeutic potential.
Childhood Disadvantage Moderates Late Midlife Default Mode Network Cortical Microstructure and Visual Memory Association
Authors: Tang Rongxiang , Elman Jeremy A , Dale Anders M , Dorros Stephen M , Eyler Lisa T , Fennema-Notestine Christine , Gustavson Daniel E , Hagler Donald J , Lyons Michael J , Panizzon Matthew S , Puckett Olivia K , Reynolds Chandra A , Franz Carol E , Kremen William S
Published: April 2023

Background

Childhood disadvantage is a prominent risk factor for cognitive and brain aging. Childhood disadvantage is associated with poorer episodic memory in late midlife and functional and structural brain abnormalities in the default mode network (DMN). Although age-related changes in DMN are associated with episodic memory declines in older adults, it remains unclear if childhood disadvantage has an enduring impact on this later-life brain–cognition relationship earlier in the aging process. Here, within the DMN, we examined whether its cortical microstructural integrity—an early marker of structural vulnerability that increases the risk for future cognitive decline and neurodegeneration—is associated with episodic memory in adults at ages 56–66, and whether childhood disadvantage moderates this association.

Methods

Cortical mean diffusivity (MD) obtained from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure microstructural integrity in 350 community-dwelling men. We examined both visual and verbal episodic memory in relation to DMN MD and divided participants into disadvantaged and nondisadvantaged groups based on parental education and occupation.

Results

Higher DMN MD was associated with poorer visual memory but not verbal memory (β = −0.11, p = .040 vs β = −0.04, p = .535). This association was moderated by childhood disadvantage and was significant only in the disadvantaged group (β = −0.26, p = .002 vs β = −0.00, p = .957).

Conclusions

Lower DMN cortical microstructural integrity may reflect visual memory vulnerability in cognitively normal adults earlier in the aging process. Individuals who experienced childhood disadvantage manifested greater vulnerability to cortical microstructure-related visual memory dysfunction than their nondisadvantaged counterparts who exhibited resilience in the face of low cortical microstructural integrity.
Terms of Engagement: Understanding the Motivations, Preferences, and Attitudes of Older Adults Toward Mobile Cognitive Assessment and Training
Authors: Dieciuc Michael , Zhang Shenghao , Gray Nicholas , Lustria Mia Liza A , Carr Dawn C , Charness Neil , Boot Walter R
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives

The future of cognitive assessment is likely to involve mobile applications for smartphones and tablets; cognitive training is also often delivered in these formats. Unfortunately, low adherence to these programs can hinder efforts at the early detection of cognitive decline and interfere with examining cognitive training efficacy in clinical trials. We explored factors that increase adherence to these programs among older adults.

Research Design and Methods

Focus groups were conducted with older adults (N = 21) and a younger adult comparison group (N = 21). Data were processed using reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive, bottom-up approach.

Results

Three primary themes related to adherence were developed from the focus group data. Switches of engagement reflects factors that must be present; without them, engagement is unlikely. Dials of engagement reflects a cost–benefit analysis that users undergo, the outcome of which determines whether a person will be more or less likely to engage. Bracers of engagement reflects factors that nudge users toward engagement by minimizing barriers associated with the other themes. Older adults in general were more sensitive to opportunity costs, preferred more cooperative interactions, and were more likely to mention technology barriers.

Discussion and Implications

Our results are important for informing the design of mobile cognitive assessment and training apps for older adults. These themes provide guidance about ways apps could be modified to increase engagement and adherence, which in turn can more effectively facilitate the early detection of cognitive impairment and the evaluation of cognitive training efficacy.
Low light intensity elongates period and defers peak time of photosynthesis: a computational approach to circadian-clock-controlled photosynthesis in tomato
Authors: Huang Ting , Liu Hui , Tao Jian-Ping , Zhang Jia-Qi , Zhao Tong-Min , Hou Xi-Lin , Xiong Ai-Sheng , You Xiong
Published: April 2023

Photosynthesis is involved in the essential process of transforming light energy into chemical energy. Although the interaction between photosynthesis and the circadian clock has been confirmed, the mechanism of how light intensity affects photosynthesis through the circadian clock remains unclear. Here, we propose a first computational model for circadian-clock-controlled photosynthesis, which consists of the light-sensitive protein P, the core oscillator, photosynthetic genes, and parameters involved in the process of photosynthesis. The model parameters were determined by minimizing the cost function ( $\boldsymbol{\delta} =\mathbf{8.56}$), which is defined by the errors of expression levels, periods, and phases of the clock genes (CCA1, PRR9, TOC1, ELF4, GI, and RVE8). The model recapitulates the expression pattern of the core oscillator under moderate light intensity (100 μmol m −2 s−1). Further simulation validated the dynamic behaviors of the circadian clock and photosynthetic outputs under low (62.5 μmol m−2 s−1) and normal (187.5 μmol m−2 s−1) intensities. When exposed to low light intensity, the peak times of clock and photosynthetic genes were shifted backward by 1–2 hours, the period was elongated by approximately the same length, and the photosynthetic parameters attained low values and showed delayed peak times, which confirmed our model predictions. Our study reveals a potential mechanism underlying the circadian regulation of photosynthesis by the clock under different light intensities in tomato.
Two Formulas for F-Polynomials
Authors: Lin Feiyang , Musiker Gregg , Nakanishi Tomoki
Published: April 2023

We discuss a product formula for $F$-polynomials in cluster algebras and provide two proofs. One proof is inductive and uses only the mutation rule for $F$-polynomials. The other is based on the Fock–Goncharov decomposition of mutations. We conclude by expanding this product formula as a sum and illustrate applications. This expansion provides an explicit combinatorial computation of $F$-polynomials in a given seed that depends only on the $\textbf {c}$-vectors and $\textbf {g}$-vectors along a finite sequence of mutations from the initial seed to the given seed.
Geospatial modelling of lymphatic filariasis and malaria co-endemicity in Nigeria
Authors: Eneanya Obiora A , Reimer Lisa J , Fischer Peter U , Weil Gary J
Published: April 2023

Background

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and malaria are important vector-borne diseases that are co-endemic throughout Nigeria. These infections are transmitted by the same mosquito vector species in Nigeria and their transmission is similarly influenced by climate and sociodemographic factors. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between the geospatial distribution of both infections in Nigeria to better coordinate interventions.

Methods

We used national survey data for malaria from the Demographic and Health Survey dataset and site-level LF mapping data from the Nigeria Lymphatic Filariasis Control Programme together with a suite of predictive climate and sociodemographic factors to build geospatial machine learning models. These models were then used to produce continuous gridded maps of both infections throughout Nigeria.

Results

The R2 values for the LF and malaria models were 0.68 and 0.59, respectively. Also, the correlation between pairs of observed and predicted values for LF and malaria models were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61 to 0.79; p<0.001) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.71; p<0.001), respectively. However, we observed a very weak positive correlation between overall overlap of LF and malaria distribution in Nigeria.

Conclusions

The reasons for this counterintuitive relationship are unclear. Differences in transmission dynamics of these parasites and vector competence may contribute to differences in the distribution of these co-endemic diseases.