bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motifs-based link prediction for heterogeneous multilayer networks
Authors: Liu Yafang , Zhou Jianlin , Zeng An , Fan Ying , Di Zengru
Published: September 2024

Link prediction has a wide range of applications in the study of complex networks, and the current research on link prediction based on single-layer networks has achieved fruitful results, while link prediction methods for multilayer networks have to be further developed. Existing research on link prediction for multilayer networks mainly focuses on multiplexed networks with homogeneous nodes and heterogeneous edges, while there are relatively few studies on general multilayer networks with heterogeneous nodes and edges. In this context, this paper proposes a method for heterogeneous multilayer networks based on motifs for link prediction. The method considers not only the effect of heterogeneity of edges on network links but also the effect of heterogeneous and homogeneous nodes on the existence of links between nodes. In addition, we use the role function of nodes to measure the contribution of nodes to form the motifs with links in different layers of the network, thus enabling the prediction of intra- and inter-layer links on heterogeneous multilayer networks. Finally, we apply the method to several empirical networks and find that our method has better link prediction performance than several other link prediction methods on multilayer networks.
An efficient Cherenkov oscillator with an independent injection channel for generating phase-controlled super-radiance pulses
Authors: Wang Jiaoyin , Cheng Renjie , Wu Ping , Xiao Renzhen , Cao Yibing , Wang Haiyang , Li Hao , Zhou Yihong , Hu Biao , Zhou Hao , Chen Tingxu , Chen Kun , Li Tianming
Published: September 2024

An efficient Cherenkov oscillator with gigawatt phase-controlled super-radiance (SR) pulses is studied for the application of coherent summation systems. To obtain phase-controlled SR pulses, an ultra-short seed pulse is required to be injected into the interaction space from the direction of the collector, which substitutes the impact of the spontaneous emission from the front edge of the electron beam. It means that, for a conventional Cherenkov oscillator, the injection seed pulse and output gigawatt SR pulse need to share the same channel. Therefore, an additional quasi-optical reflection system is needed to separate these two signals. To optimize such a scheme, we introduce a front extractor near the reflector and an injection channel at the side of the collector, allowing the output and injection channels to be independent of each other. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal that as the diode voltage is 260 kV, the beam current is 3.5 kA, and the magnetic field is 0.42 T, a short SR pulse with peak power of 1.93 GW is obtained. The corresponding conversion factor (ratio of average output power and input DC power) is up to 2.12. When the seed pulse has a rise time of 0.3 ns and a width of 0.2 ns injection, the phase of the seed pulse and the initiated SR pulse are closely correlated with the accuracy of 0.17 rad as the power ratio is down to −25 dB. The advantages of high efficiency and phase control make the oscillator a promising device used for the miniaturization and practicability of coherent summation systems.
Mid-infrared all-solid anti-resonant chalcogenide fiber with large mode area and coupling tolerance
Authors: Jiao Kai , Wang Xian-ge , Liang Xiaolin , Wang Yuze , Bai Shengchuang , Zhang Peiqing , Dai Shixun , Nie Qiuhua , Shen Xiang , Wang Xunsi , Zhao Zheming , Wang Rongping
Published: September 2024

Large-mode-area anti-resonant fibers (LMA ARF) with high beam quality have the potential to revolutionize mid-infrared high-power laser delivery by mitigating mode instabilities and nonlinear degradation. However, their tens-of-microns mode field diameters and small numerical aperture significantly increase the mode field mismatch and coupling complexity, respectively. In this work, an LMA all-solid anti-resonant fiber-microlens with a robust operation of high beam quality in the mid-infrared region was designed and prepared. It can significantly stabilize the efficiencies of coupling and transmission at a large radial offset. Consequently, this AS-ARF demonstrates substantial potential for advancing mid-infrared laser power delivery via fiber, ensuring exceptional beam quality throughout the process.
Vision-informed flow field super-resolution with quaternion spatial modeling and dynamic fluid convolution
Authors: Cao Qinglong , Chen Yuntian , Wang Ding , Xu Zhengqin , Ma Chao , Yang Xiaokang , Chen Shiyi
Published: September 2024

Flow field super-resolution (FFSR) aims at recovering high-resolution turbulent velocity fields from low-resolution flow fields. Existing FFSR methods mainly process the flow fields in natural image patterns, while the critical and distinct fluid visual properties are rarely considered. This negligence would cause the significant domain gap between fluid and natural images to severely hamper the accurate perception of turbulent flows, thereby undermining super-resolution performance in a wrong perception pattern. To tackle this dilemma, we rethink the FFSR task with the fluid visual properties, including the unique fluid imaging principle and morphological information, and propose the first fluid visual property-informed FFSR algorithm. Particularly, different from natural images that are constructed by independent red, green, and blue channels in the light field, flow fields build on the orthogonal streamwise, spanwise, and vertical (UVW) velocities in the fluid field. To empower the FFSR network with an awareness of the fluid imaging principle, we propose quaternion spatial modeling to model this orthogonal spatial relationship for improved FFSR. Moreover, due to viscosity and surface tension characteristics, fluids often exhibit a droplet-like morphology in flow fields. Inspired by this morphological property, we design the dynamic fluid convolution to effectively mine the morphological information to enhance FFSR. Extensive experiments on the newly acquired fluid field datasets demonstrate the state-of-the-art performance of our method.
Charge transport and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of electroconductive pump and integrated optimization design
Authors: Shao Yice , Wang Hong , Fu Zhong , Tian Yuchen , Zhu Xun , Ding Yudong , Cheng Min , Chen Rong , Liao Qiang
Published: September 2024

Electroconductive pump-driven active liquid cooling offers a promising avenue for enhancing thermal management in future electronic devices. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the electroconductive pumping mechanism, characterizing its operational states and performance metrics. By employing numerical simulations and theoretical derivations, we elucidate the Coulomb force distribution and its impact on pump functionality. We introduce a novel classification of four operational states of the pump, determined by voltage-induced charge distribution, which has not been systematically characterized before. Additionally, our investigation extends to the influence of structural parameters on pump performance, providing critical insights for optimizing design. Notably, we explore the interaction of electroosmotic flow with the electric double layer and heterocharge layers at micro-scales, establishing guidelines for optimal voltage application. This work advances the understanding of electrodynamic pumping mechanisms and contributes to the broader application of electroconductive pump technology in cooling systems.
Investigation on aeroelasticity of morphing wing through dynamic response and virtual structural damping
Authors: Boughou Smail , Batistić Ivan , Omar Ashraf , Cardiff Philip , Inman Daniel J. , Boukharfane Radouan
Published: September 2024

This study employs a high-fidelity numerical approach to simulate fluid–structure interaction phenomena for the dynamic response of flexible hyperelastic morphing wing structures under low aerodynamic loads. The computations are performed using the open-source solids4Foam toolbox, employing a partitioned two-way fluid–structure interaction approach with a finite volume solver for both fluid and solid. The considered morphing wing is divided into a flexible and a rigid segment, with the flexible segment featuring a 60% chord length and being made of a hyperelastic rubber-like material. The concept of damping is incorporated into the solid momentum balance equation as a virtual force that opposes the velocity of the structure. Damping is employed to disperse energy from the system, hence mitigating the oscillations and reducing computational time. To understand morphing wing aerodynamics and aeroelasticity behavior, a series of tests are conducted at low and medium Reynolds numbers, specifically 2×105 and 5×105. The results show that, for low Reynolds number, the morphing structure has a negligible impact on aerodynamic behavior. However, at higher Reynolds numbers, morphing results in improved aerodynamic efficiency at low angles of attack. Overall, the study highlights the aero-structural behavior of hyperelastic morphing wings and their potential for developing efficient and adaptive wing structures, highlighting their promise for future aircraft design innovations.
Anisotropic coarse-grain Monte Carlo simulations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and NISTmAb by precomputing atomistic models
Authors: Hatch Harold W. , Bergonzo Christina , Blanco Marco A. , Yuan Guangcui , Grudinin Sergei , Lund Mikael , Curtis Joseph E. , Grishaev Alexander V. , Liu Yun , Shen Vincent K.
Published: September 2024

We develop a multiscale coarse-grain model of the NIST Monoclonal Antibody Reference Material 8671 (NISTmAb) to enable systematic computational investigations of high-concentration physical instabilities such as phase separation, clustering, and aggregation. Our multiscale coarse-graining strategy captures atomic-resolution interactions with a computational approach that is orders of magnitude more efficient than atomistic models, assuming the biomolecule can be decomposed into one or more rigid bodies with known, fixed structures. This method reduces interactions between tens of thousands of atoms to a single anisotropic interaction site. The anisotropic interaction between unique pairs of rigid bodies is precomputed over a discrete set of relative orientations and stored, allowing interactions between arbitrarily oriented rigid bodies to be interpolated from the precomputed table during coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulations. We present this approach for lysozyme and lactoferrin as a single rigid body and for the NISTmAb as three rigid bodies bound by a flexible hinge with an implicit solvent model. This coarse-graining strategy predicts experimentally measured radius of gyration and second osmotic virial coefficient data, enabling routine Monte Carlo simulation of medically relevant concentrations of interacting proteins while retaining atomistic detail. All methodologies used in this work are available in the open-source software Free Energy and Advanced Sampling Simulation Toolkit.
Influence of complex inlet conditions on the flow field and flow characteristics in compact combustor for gas turbine
Authors: Sun Ruzhou , Fan Weijun , Zhang Rongchun
Published: September 2024

The interstage turbine burner can improve the compactness of the engine structure and increase the thrust–weight ratio of the engine without using afterburner. Achieving this goal requires stable combustion within a very short distance after the high-pressure turbine. It is necessary to study the flow field structure in the interstage turbine burner. In this study, numerical simulation was used to investigate the flow field structure and flow characteristics in the combustor. The influence of the inlet residual swirl and the radial distribution of the inlet flow velocity on the flow field structure, the proportion of the mainstream and secondary flows, and the flow loss of the combustor under different inflow conditions was obtained. The analysis of the numerical simulation results showed that the influence of inlet residual swirl on the total pressure loss coefficient showed a positive correlation trend, but within a range of 4500–6000 revolutions per minute (rpm), swirl would minimize the total pressure loss coefficient. Residual swirl has a significant impact on the strength and circumferential spatial distribution of primary and secondary vortices within the combustor, while the radial velocity distribution has a lower impact on the vortex structure within the cavity, but it has a certain influence on the total pressure loss coefficient and the proportion of the mainstream and secondary flows. At 0.315 Mach number (Ma), the total pressure loss of the faster inside radial distribution of the velocity is reduced by 1% compared to a uniform inlet.
Drag reduction by the effect of rounded corners for a square cylinder
Authors: Goktepeli Ilker
Published: September 2024

Flow around square cylinders has been studied via unsteady simulations done at a Reynolds number of Re = 100. In the present study, the effects of rounded corners on different flow characteristics have been evaluated. The main influence of rounded corners has been considered for various ratios (r*) up to 0.45 in terms of drag coefficient values. Flow stagnation points have been obtained in front of the square cylinders. These points constitute the maximum pressure. The cluster sizes for cross-stream velocity components are nearly the same. Viscous flow generates vortices around the top and bottom edges of the square cylinder. The produced vortices have been affected by the wake region. When moving away from the bodies, streamwise velocity profiles have been influenced by the variation of the rounded corner ratios. The wake region has shrunk owing to the rounded corners, and the drag reduction has been provided. The drag coefficient (CD) has been obtained as 1.418 for r* = 0. As a result of increasing the ratio for the rounded corners, drag coefficients decreased for the square cylinders. The percentage values are 4.6%, 7.2%, 8.4%, 9.6%, 11.1%, 11.9%, 12.5%, 13.3%, and 14.3% for the drag decrement from r* = 0.05 to r* = 0.45 when compared to the reference value. The most effective value for drag reduction has been attained as 4.6% for the ratio of rounded corners in a row. Even though the decrement percentage tends to increase by enhancing the ratio of the rounded corners, the increment rate indicates the decreasing trend.
A quintessential quantum simulator takes a 10 000-fold leap
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: September 2024

Experiments on the fermionic Hubbard model can now be made much larger, more uniform, and more quantitative.
Toward a more credible assessment of the credibility of science by many-analyst studies
Authors: Auspurg Katrin , Brüderl Josef
Published: September 2024

We discuss a relatively new meta-scientific research design: many-analyst studies that attempt to assess the replicability and credibility of research based on large-scale observational data. In these studies, a large number of analysts try to answer the same research question using the same data. The key idea is the greater the variation in results, the greater the uncertainty in answering the research question and, accordingly, the lower the credibility of any individual research finding. Compared to individual replications, the large crowd of analysts allows for a more systematic investigation of uncertainty and its sources. However, many-analyst studies are also resource-intensive, and there are some doubts about their potential to provide credible assessments. We identify three issues that any many-analyst study must address: 1) identifying the source of variation in the results; 2) providing an incentive structure similar to that of standard research; and 3) conducting a proper meta-analysis of the results. We argue that some recent many-analyst studies have failed to address these issues satisfactorily and have therefore provided an overly pessimistic assessment of the credibility of science. We also provide some concrete guidance on how future many-analyst studies could provide a more constructive assessment.
Cabbage Seedpod Weevil (
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus
) Management in Canola (
Brassica napus
) across western Canada
Authors: Merkosky Kian , Leibovitz Amy , Wong Sydney
Published: September 2024

The cabbage seedpod weevil (CSW),
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus
(Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a significant pest of canola (
Brassica napus
L.) and other brassicaceous crops in western Canada, causing considerable yield losses if not effectively managed. It is primarily a pest of the southern prairies in western Canada, where damage can vary from 5 to 30% yield loss depending on region and year. CSW is a univoltine insect that overwinters in the adult stage. Adults are attracted to flowering fields each spring, where they mate, and females lay eggs in developing canola pods. Early flowering fields are most susceptible to damage and should be given priority in initial monitoring and management. Although adults can cause limited damage, larvae feeding on seeds in developing pods cause most of the damage. Insecticides are most often used for management, with no currently active biological control programs, though different options are being explored, and various cultural control strategies may prove effective in western Canada. This case study will review the current monitoring and management strategies for CSW in western Canada and suggest future areas of research.

Information

© The Authors 2024
Enhancing n-type doping in diamond by strain engineering
Authors: Cheng Chunmin , Sun Xiang , Shen Wei , Wang Qijun , Li Lijie , Dong Fang , Liang Kang , Wu Gai
Published: September 2024

The utilization of diamond, the ultimate semiconductor, in electronic devices is challenging due to the difficulty of n-type doping. Phosphorus (P)-doped diamond, the most prevalent type of n-type diamond, is still limited by the low solubility of P dopant and undesirable compensating defects such as vacancy defects and hydrogen incorporation. In order to overcome this limitation, strain engineering is introduced to the n-type P-doped diamond theoretically in this work. Uniaxial, equibiaxial, and hydrostatic triaxial strains are applied to the P-doped diamond. The formation energy, charge transition level, defect binding energy and other physical properties of the P-doped diamond are then calculated based on first-principles calculations. The results show that uniaxial, equibiaxial, and hydrostatic triaxial tensile strain can reduce the formation energy and the donor ionization energy of P dopant, and also reduce the binding energy of phosphorus–vacancy (PV) and phosphorus–hydrogen (PH) defects. Our results indicate that under tensile strain, the solubility of the P dopant and the n-type conductivity of the P-doped diamond can be increased, and the formation of compensating defects can be suppressed. Therefore, strain engineering is anticipated to be used to enhance the n-type characteristics of the P-doped diamond, facilitating its application in electronic devices.
Investigating student perspectives on alternate final assessment approaches in upper-level physics courses
Authors: Stonehouse Callum , O’Meara Joanne M
Published: September 2024

During the pandemic, traditional final assessments in the form of in-person, timed, invigilated final examinations were not an option. As a result, in the academic years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, students in the second year Electricity and Magnetism courses at the University of Guelph were asked to complete personalized study guides/portfolios as a means of communicating to the instructor what they had learned in the course. Although research has shown that portfolio-style assessment procedures support student achievement at least at the same level as traditional assessment procedures and appear to have additional benefits, they have not been widely adopted in the physical sciences. The goal of this work was to assess some of the affective consequences of using portfolio assessment procedures in an upper-level core physics course. Feedback from students, both in the form of an online anonymous survey as well as a more in-depth, in-person, focus group discussion, was positive. The general consensus was that students found the portfolios to be similar in workload to preparing for a final examination but offered additional benefits such as finding them to be significantly less stressful as well as feeling a greater sense of accomplishment after submission. Learning outcomes of the course were achieved through this approach at similar levels as seen previously, as demonstrated through student performance on the pre- and post-conceptual assessment, and further evidenced by the high-level example problems included here from student submissions. Grades earned on the portfolios were similar to those seen previously with invigilated traditional final examinations. Based on these findings, portfolio assessments will remain a core component of the pedagogical toolbox employed by faculty in physics at the University of Guelph. This project was reviewed by the Research Ethics Board at the University of Guelph for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants. Approval was granted on 11 January 2023, REB # 22–11-004.
The geometry of the moduli space of curves and abelian varieties
Authors: Tommasi Orsola
Published: September 2024

Both algebraic curves and abelian varieties are basic objects in algebraic geometry and the study of their moduli spaces is a classical topic, with connections to number theory and other areas of geometry. In these expository notes, we discuss and compare the main geometric properties of moduli spaces of curves and abelian varieties, also in view of the relationships between them arising from Torelli and Prym-type maps.
Phylotranscriptomic analyses reveal the evolutionary complexity of Paris L. (Melanthiaceae), a morphologically distinctive genus with significant pharmaceutical importance
Authors: Zhou Nian , Miao Ke , Hou Luxiao , Liu Haiyang , Chen Jiahui , Ji Yunheng
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Previous phylogenetic studies on the pharmaceutically significant genus Paris (Melanthiaceae) have consistently revealed substantial cytonuclear discordance, yet the underlying mechanism responsible for this phenomenon remains elusive. This study aims to reconstruct a robust nuclear backbone phylogeny and elucidate the potential evolutionarily complex events contributing to previously observed cytonuclear discordance within Paris.

Methods

Based on a comprehensive set of nuclear low-copy orthologous genes obtained from transcriptomic data, the intrageneric phylogeny of Paris, along with its phylogenetic relationships to allied genera, were inferred using coalescent and concatenated approaches. The analysis of gene tree discordance and reticulate evolution, in conjunction with an incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) simulation, was conducted to explore potential hybridization and ILS events in the evolutionary history of Paris and assess their contribution to the discordance of gene trees.

Key Results

The nuclear phylogeny unequivocally confirmed the monophyly of Paris and its sister relationship with Trillium, while widespread incongruences in gene trees were observed at the majority of internal nodes within Paris. The reticulate evolution analysis identified five instances of hybridization events in Paris, indicating that hybridization events might have occurred recurrently throughout the evolutionary history of Paris. In contrast, the ILS simulations revealed that only two internal nodes within section Euthyra experienced ILS events.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the previously observed cytonuclear discordance in the phylogeny of Paris can primarily be attributed to recurrent hybridization events, with secondary contributions from infrequent ILS events. The recurrent hybridization events in the evolutionary history of Paris not only drove lineage diversification and speciation but also facilitated morphological innovation, and enhanced ecological adaptability. Therefore, artificial hybridization has great potential for breeding medicinal Paris species. These findings significantly contribute to our comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary complexity of this pharmaceutically significant plant lineage, thereby facilitating effective exploitation and conservation efforts.
Subcellular compartmentalized localization of transmembrane proteins essential for production of fungal cyclic peptide cyclochlorotine
Authors: Katayama Takuya , Jiang Yulu , Ozaki Taro , Oikawa Hideaki , Minami Atsushi , Maruyama Jun-ichi
Published: September 2024

Fungal biosynthetic gene clusters often include genes encoding transmembrane proteins, which have been mostly thought to be transporters exporting the products. However, there is little knowledge about subcellular compartmentalization of transmembrane proteins essential for biosynthesis. Fungal mycotoxin cyclochlorotine is synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase, which is followed by modifications with three transmembrane UstYa-family proteins. Heterologous expression in Aspergillus oryzae revealed that total biosynthesis of cyclochlorotine requires additional two transporter proteins. Here, we investigated subcellular localizations of the five transmembrane proteins under heterologous expression in A. oryzae. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusions to the transmembrane proteins, which were confirmed to normally function in cyclochlorotine production, were expressed together with organellar markers. All the transmembrane proteins exhibited localizations commonly in line of the trans-Golgi, endosomes, and vacuoles. This study suggests that subcellular compartmentalization of UstYa family proteins and transporters allows corporative functions of delivering intermediates and subsequent modifications, completing cyclochlorotine biosynthesis.
Decomposition of brown algae in the ocean by microbiota: biological insights for recycling blue carbon
Authors: Katsuhiro Natsuko , Sato Kanomi , Takase Ryuichi , Kawai Shigeyuki , Ogura Kohei , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: September 2024

Brown algae are one of the most abundant biomasses on Earth. To recycle them as blue carbon sources, an effective decomposition system is necessary. This study focused on microorganisms present in seawater that decompose brown algae which contain laminarin and alginate. Where Undaria and Sargassum spp. were present, genera Psychromonas, Psychrobacter, and Pseudoalteromonas were predominant in seawater, while genera Arcobacter and Fusobacterium increased in abundance during the process of decomposition. The inoculation of Undaria samples into laminarin-minimal media led to a predominance of Pseudoalteromonas species. A Pseudoalteromonas isolate, identified as Pseudoalteromonas distincta, possesses genes encoding a putative laminarinase, polysaccharide lyase family 6 (PL6) alginate lyases, and a PL7 alginate lyase. The culture media of P. distincta contained no monosaccharides, suggesting the rapid conversion of polysaccharides to metabolites. These findings indicated that Pseudoalteromonas species play a major role in the decomposition of brown algae and affect the microbiota associated with them.
Gender and contemporary risk of adverse events in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Champsi Asgher , Mobley Alastair R , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Wang Xiaoxia , Shukla David , Bunting Karina V , Molgaard Inge , Dwight Jeremy , Arroyo Ruben Casado , Crijns Harry J G M , Guasti Luigina , Lettino Maddalena , Lumbers R Thomas , Maesen Bart , Rienstra Michiel , Svennberg Emma , Țica Otilia , Traykov Vassil , Tzeis Stylianos , van Gelder Isabelle , Kotecha Dipak
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

The role of gender in decision-making for oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial.

Methods

The population cohort study used electronic healthcare records of 16 587 749 patients from UK primary care (2005–2020). Primary (composite of all-cause mortality, ischaemic stroke, or arterial thromboembolism) and secondary outcomes were analysed using Cox hazard ratios (HR), adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities.

Results

78 852 patients were included with AF, aged 40–75 years, no prior stroke, and no prescription of oral anticoagulants. 28 590 (36.3%) were women, and 50 262 (63.7%) men. Median age was 65.7 years (interquartile range 58.5–70.9), with women being older and having other differences in comorbidities. During a total follow-up of 431 086 patient-years, women had a lower adjusted primary outcome rate with HR 0.89 vs. men (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.92; P < .001) and HR 0.87 after censoring for oral anticoagulation (95% CI 0.83–0.91; P < .001). This was driven by lower mortality in women (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.89; P < .001). No difference was identified between women and men for the secondary outcomes of ischaemic stroke or arterial thromboembolism (adjusted HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.94–1.07; P = .87), any stroke or any thromboembolism (adjusted HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96–1.07; P = .58), and incident vascular dementia (adjusted HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.97–1.32; P = .11). Clinical risk scores were only modest predictors of outcomes, with CHA2DS2-VA (ignoring gender) superior to CHA2DS2-VASc for primary outcomes in this population (receiver operating characteristic curve area 0.651 vs. 0.639; P < .001) and no interaction with gender (P = .45).

Conclusions

Removal of gender from clinical risk scoring could simplify the approach to which patients with AF should be offered oral anticoagulation.
Acoustic-based rule-out of stable coronary artery disease: the FILTER-SCAD trial
Authors: Bjerking Louise Hougesen , Skak-Hansen Kim Wadt , Heitmann Merete , Hove Jens Dahlgaard , Haahr-Pedersen Sune Ammentorp , Engblom Henrik , Erlinge David , Räder Sune Bernd Emil Werner , Brønnum-Schou Jens , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Kjærgaard Camilla Lyngby , Strange Søren , Galatius Søren , Prescott Eva Irene Bossano
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Overtesting of low-risk patients with suspect chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is widespread. The acoustic-based coronary artery disease (CAD)-score has superior rule-out capabilities when added to pre-test probability (PTP). FILTER-SCAD tested whether providing a CAD-score and PTP to cardiologists was superior to PTP alone in limiting testing.

Methods

At six Danish and Swedish outpatient clinics, patients with suspected new-onset CCS were randomized to either standard diagnostic examination (SDE) with PTP, or SDE plus CAD-score, and cardiologists provided with corresponding recommended diagnostic flowcharts. The primary endpoint was cumulative number of diagnostic tests at one year and key safety endpoint major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

In total, 2008 patients (46% male, median age 63 years) were randomized from October 2019 to September 2022. When randomized to CAD-score (n = 1002), it was successfully measured in 94.5%. Overall, 13.5% had PTP ≤ 5%, and 39.5% had CAD-score ≤ 20. Testing was deferred in 22% with no differences in diagnostic tests between groups (P for superiority = .56). In the PTP ≤ 5% subgroup, the proportion with deferred testing increased from 28% to 52% (P < .001). Overall MACE was 2.4 per 100 person-years. Non-inferiority regarding safety was established, absolute risk difference 0.49% (95% confidence interval −1.96–0.97) (P for non-inferiority = .003). No differences were seen in angina-related health status or quality of life.

Conclusions

The implementation strategy of providing cardiologists with a CAD-score alongside SDE did not reduce testing overall but indicated a possible role in patients with low CCS likelihood. Further strategies are warranted to address resistance to modifying diagnostic pathways in this patient population.
Prediction of incident atrial fibrillation using deep learning, clinical models, and polygenic scores
Authors: Jabbour Gilbert , Nolin-Lapalme Alexis , Tastet Olivier , Corbin Denis , Jordà Paloma , Sowa Achille , Delfrate Jacques , Busseuil David , Hussin Julie G , Dubé Marie-Pierre , Tardif Jean-Claude , Rivard Léna , Macle Laurent , Cadrin-Tourigny Julia , Khairy Paul , Avram Robert , Tadros Rafik
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Deep learning applied to electrocardiograms (ECG-AI) is an emerging approach for predicting atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF). This study introduces an ECG-AI model developed and tested at a tertiary cardiac centre, comparing its performance with clinical models and AF polygenic score (PGS).

Methods

Electrocardiograms in sinus rhythm from the Montreal Heart Institute were analysed, excluding those from patients with pre-existing AF. The primary outcome was incident AF at 5 years. An ECG-AI model was developed by splitting patients into non-overlapping data sets: 70% for training, 10% for validation, and 20% for testing. The performance of ECG-AI, clinical models, and PGS was assessed in the test data set. The ECG-AI model was externally validated in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) hospital data set.

Results

A total of 669 782 ECGs from 145 323 patients were included. Mean age was 61 ± 15 years, and 58% were male. The primary outcome was observed in 15% of patients, and the ECG-AI model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve of .78. In time-to-event analysis including the first ECG, ECG-AI inference of high risk identified 26% of the population with a 4.3-fold increased risk of incident AF (95% confidence interval: 4.02–4.57). In a subgroup analysis of 2301 patients, ECG-AI outperformed CHARGE-AF (AUC-ROC = .62) and PGS (AUC-ROC = .59). Adding PGS and CHARGE-AF to ECG-AI improved goodness of fit (likelihood ratio test P < .001), with minimal changes to the AUC-ROC (.76–.77). In the external validation cohort (mean age 59 ± 18 years, 47% male, median follow-up 1.1 year), ECG-AI model performance remained consistent (AUC-ROC = .77).

Conclusions

ECG-AI provides an accurate tool to predict new-onset AF in a tertiary cardiac centre, surpassing clinical and PGS.
Microvascular resistance reserve: impact on health status and myocardial perfusion after revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Rasmussen Laust Dupont , Westra Jelmer , Karim Salma Raghad , Dahl Jonathan Nørtoft , Søby Jacob Hartmann , Ejlersen June Anita , Gormsen Lars Christian , Eftekhari Ashkan , Christiansen Evald Høj , Bøttcher Morten , Winther Simon
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

The microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) is a novel invasive index of the microcirculation, which is independent of epicardial stenoses, and has both diagnostic and prognostic implications. This study investigates whether MRR is associated with health status outcomes by revascularization in patients with moderate coronary stenoses.

Methods

Consecutive patients with stable chest pain and moderate (30%–90% diameter) stenoses on invasive coronary angiography (n = 222) underwent invasive physiology assessment. Revascularization was performed according to guideline recommendations. At baseline and follow-up, health status and myocardial perfusion were assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and positron emission tomography. The primary endpoint was freedom from angina at follow-up with secondary endpoints including changes in health status by SAQ domains and myocardial perfusion by MRR and revascularization status. Low MRR was defined as ≤3.0.

Results

Freedom from angina occurred in 38/173 patients. In multivariate analyses, MRR was associated with freedom from angina at follow-up (odds ratio 0.860, 95% confidence interval 0.740–0.987). By MRR and revascularization groups, patients with normal MRR who did not undergo revascularization, and patients with abnormal MRR who underwent revascularization, had improved health status of angina frequency [mean difference SAQ angina frequency score 8.5 (3.07–13.11) and 13.5 (2.82–23.16), respectively]. For both groups, health status of physical limitation [mean difference in SAQ physical limitation score 9.7 (4.79–11.93) and 8.7 (0.53–13.88), respectively] and general health status [mean difference in SAQ summary score 9.3 (5.18–12.50) and 10.8 (2.51–17.28), respectively] also improved. Only patients with abnormal MRR who underwent revascularization had improved myocardial perfusion.

Conclusions

In patients with moderate coronary stenoses, MRR seems to predict the symptomatic and perfusion benefit of revascularization.

Clinical trial identifiers

NCT03481712 and NCT04707859.
A phase unwrapping approach in measuring surface wave phase velocities from ambient noise
Authors: Xie Yanan , Luo Yinhe , Yang Yingjie
Published: September 2024

In the past two decades or so, ambient noise tomography (ANT) has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating high-resolution crustal and upper-mantle structures. A crucial step in the ANT involves extracting phase velocities from cross-correlation functions (CCFs). However, obtaining precise phase velocities can be a formidable challenge, particularly when significant lateral velocity variations exist in shallow subsurface imaging that relies on short-period surface waves from ambient noise. To address this challenge, we propose an unwrapping correction method that enables the accurate extraction of short-period dispersion curves. Our method relies on the examination of the continuity of phase velocities extracted from CCFs between a common station and other neighbouring stations along a linear array. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by applying our method to both synthetic and field data. Both applications suggest our unwrapping correction method can identify and correct unwrapping errors in phase velocity measurements, ensuring the extraction of accurate and reliable dispersion curves at short periods from ambient noise, which is essential for subsequent inversion for subsurface structures.
Quantitative evaluation of mantle flow traction on overlying tectonic plate: linear versus power-law mantle rheology
Authors: Cui Fengyuan , Li Zhong-Hai , Fu Hui-Ying
Published: September 2024

Sub-plate mantle flow traction (MFT) has been considered as a major driving force for plate motion; however, the force acting on the overlying plate is difficult to constrain. One of the reasons lies in the variable rheological flow laws of mantle rocks, for example, linear versus power-law rheology, applied in previous studies. Here, systematic numerical models are conducted to evaluate MFT under variable rheological, geometrical and kinematic conditions. The results indicate that MFT with power-law rheology is much lower than that with linear rheology under the same mantle/plate velocity contrast. In addition, existence of a lithospheric root in the overlying plate could enhance MFT, where integrated normal force acting on the walls of lithospheric root is much lower than the shear force in a large-scale domain. In the acting domain of several thousand kilometres, MFT with power-law rheology is comparable to the ridge push of about 3×1012 N m−1, whereas that with linear rheology is comparable to the slab pull of about 3×1013 N m−1. The roles of MFT in driving plate motion are further analysed for the Tethyan evolution. It indicates that MFT with power-law rheology could partially support the Wilson cycles experienced in the Tethyan system, whereas that with linear rheology could easily dominate any kinds of plate tectonic evolutions. The quantitative evaluation of MFT in this study clarifies the roles of rheological flow laws on MFT and could help us to better understand the contrasting results in previous numerical studies.
The effectiveness of community dance in people with cancer: a
mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nelson Eimear , Kelly Dervla , Ni Bhriain Orfhlaith , Garry Fran , Clifford Amanda M , Allardyce Joanna M
Published: September 2024

There is a need for both feasible and enjoyable physical activity programmes for people on a cancer journey. Emerging evidence suggests that dance can have a positive effect on health and well-being in this cohort. We aimed to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative literature exploring the effectiveness and impact of community dance interventions in people with all types and stages of cancer. A systematic search was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in Pubmed, EMBASE, Medline Ovid, CINAHL and PEDro databases. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and synthesized using a convergent segregated approach. The numeric data were analysed using descriptive statistics, narrative synthesis and meta-analysis where possible. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The Downs and Black critical appraisal tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme were used to assess the quality of the quantitative and qualitative literature, respectively. Eighteen studies were included in this mixed-methods review with seven trials included in the meta-analysis. Statistically significant improvements were found in favour of community dance for functional capacity, fatigue, quality-of-life and depression in comparison to no intervention. Evidence suggests dance is a safe and feasible form of physical activity both during and after cancer treatment. Participants reported good social support, education regarding physical activity and local access as key facilitators to participation. We concluded that dance is a feasible and enjoyable intervention for many people with various forms of cancer. Community dance programmes can improve both physical and psychological outcomes in people on a cancer journey.
GluN2B on Adult-Born Granule Cells Modulates (R,S)-Ketamine’s Rapid-Acting Effects in Mice
Authors: Bulthuis Nicholas E , McGowan Josephine C , Ladner Liliana R , LaGamma Christina T , Lim Sean C , Shubeck Claire X , Brachman Rebecca A , Sydnor Ezra , Pavlova Ina P , Seo Dong-oh , Drew Michael R , Denny Christine A
Published: September 2024

Background

Standard antidepressant treatments often take weeks to reach efficacy and are ineffective for many patients. (R,S)-ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been shown to be a rapid-acting antidepressant and to decrease depressive symptoms within hours of administration. While previous studies have shown the importance of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor on interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, no study to our knowledge has investigated the influence of GluN2B-expressing adult-born granule cells.

Methods

Here, we examined whether (R,S)-ketamine’s efficacy depends on adult-born hippocampal neurons using a genetic strategy to selectively ablate the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor from Nestin+ cells in male and female mice, tested across an array of standard behavioral assays.

Results

We report that in male mice, GluN2B expression on 6-week-old adult-born neurons is necessary for (R,S)-ketamine’s effects on behavioral despair in the forced swim test and on hyponeophagia in the novelty suppressed feeding paradigm, as well on fear behavior following contextual fear conditioning. In female mice, GluN2B expression is necessary for effects on hyponeophagia in novelty suppressed feeding. These effects were not replicated when ablating GluN2B from 2-week-old adult-born neurons. We also find that ablating neurogenesis increases fear expression in contextual fear conditioning, which is buffered by (R,S)-ketamine administration.

Conclusions

In line with previous studies, these results suggest that 6-week-old adult-born hippocampal neurons expressing GluN2B partially modulate (R,S)-ketamine’s rapid-acting effects. Future work targeting these 6-week-old adult-born neurons may prove beneficial for increasing the efficacy of (R,S)-ketamine.
Transient Electromagnetic Field Response Analysis Considering Dam Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zhang Shenghang , Tang Lei , Li Po , Ming Pan
Published: September 2024

The transient electromagnetic (TEM) method has outstanding advantages in detecting depth and response information and can be used to detect anomalies hidden deep inside dams. However, the current data analysis method based on geological exploration is inapplicable to the interpretation of dam detection data, the main reason being the lack of consideration of the influence of dam boundary conditions on the diffusion of the TEM field. In this work, by establishing a numerical model of a dam for TEM detection, the effects of the dam slope ratio, upstream water body, overburden, and other dam boundary conditions on the TEM field were studied. The results showed that the slope ratio made the propagating TEM field to exhibit a constraining behavior, and a negative deviation could be seen in the attenuation curve, indicating a false high-resistance anomaly. The upstream water body distorted the diffusion of the electromagnetic field, and the low-resistance covering layer caused a low-retardation retention phenomenon in the magnetic field, leading to a positive deviation in the attenuation curve, indicating a false low-resistance anomaly. The influence of the boundary conditions was present throughout the entire observation window in which the detection was performed, and the sensitivity of the magnetic field to these boundary conditions was significantly higher than that of the change rate of the magnetic field. With the increase in the observation time, the main influencing factors were the slope ratio, overburden layer, and upstream water body.
The 3D Lyman-α forest power spectrum from eBOSS DR16
Authors: de Belsunce Roger , Philcox Oliver H E , Iršič Vid , McDonald Patrick , Guy Julien , Palanque-Delabrouille Nathalie
Published: September 2024

We measure the three-dimensional power spectrum (P3D) of the transmitted flux in the Lyman-$\alpha$ (Ly $\alpha$) forest using the complete extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey data release 16 (eBOSS DR16). This sample consists of $\sim$205 000 quasar spectra in the redshift range $2\le z \le 4$ at an effective redshift $z=2.334$. We propose a pair-count spectral estimator in configuration space, weighting each pair by $\exp (i\mathbf {k}\cdot \mathbf {r})$, for wave vector $\mathbf {k}$ and pixel pair separation $\mathbf {r}$, effectively measuring the anisotropic power spectrum without the need for fast Fourier transforms. This accounts for the window matrix in a tractable way, avoiding artefacts found in Fourier-transform based power spectrum estimators due to the sparse sampling transverse to the line of sight of Ly $\alpha$ skewers. We extensively test our pipeline on two sets of mocks: (i) idealized Gaussian random fields with a sparse sampling of Ly $\alpha$ skewers, and (ii) log-normal LyaCoLoRe mocks including realistic noise levels, the eBOSS survey geometry and contaminants. On eBOSS DR16 data, the Kaiser formula with a non-linear correction term obtained from hydrodynamic simulations yields a good fit to the power spectrum data in the range $(0.02 \le k \le 0.35)\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}\,$ at the 1–2σ level with a covariance matrix derived from LyaCoLoRe mocks. We demonstrate a promising new approach for full-shape cosmological analyses of Ly $\alpha$ forest data from cosmological surveys such as eBOSS, the currently observing Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and future surveys such as the Prime Focus Spectrograph, WEAVE-QSO, and 4MOST.