bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dressing field method for diffeomorphisms: a relational framework
Authors: André J T François
Published: June 2024

The dressing field method (DFM) is a tool to reduce gauge symmetries. Here we extend it to cover the case of diffeomorphisms. The resulting framework is a systematic scheme to produce

Diff
(
M
)

-invariant objects, which has a natural relational interpretation. Its precise formulation relies on a clear understanding of the bundle geometry of field space. By detailing it, among other things we stress the geometric nature of field-independent and field-dependent diffeomorphisms, and highlight that the heuristic ‘extended bracket’ for field-dependent vector fields often featuring in the covariant phase space literature can be understood as arising from the Frölicher-Nijenhuis bracket. Furthermore, by articulating this bundle geometry with the covariant phase space approach, we give a streamlined account of the elementary objects of the (pre)symplectic structure of a

Diff
(
M
)

-theory: Noether charges and their bracket, as induced by the standard prescription for the presymplectic potential and 2-form. We give conceptually transparent expressions allowing to read the integrability conditions and the circumstances under which the bracket of charge is Lie, and the resulting Poisson algebras of charges are central extensions of the Lie algebras of field-independent (

diff

(
M
)

) and field-dependent vector fields.

We show that, applying the DFM, one obtains a

Diff
(
M
)

-invariant and manifestly relational formulation of a general relativistic field theory. Relying on results just mentioned, we easily derive the ‘dressed’ (relational) presymplectic structure of the theory. This reproduces or extends results from the gravitational edge modes and gravitational dressings literature. In addition to simplified technical derivations, the conceptual clarity of the framework supplies several insights and allows us to dispel misconceptions.
In-plane radiation pattern generated by large particles in dielectric substrates
Authors: Merlo Juan M , Carhart Madeleine H
Published: June 2024

In this work we present the study of in-plane radiation patterns generated by particles with dimensions larger than the excitation wavelength. We studied the in-plane radiation of Au structures focusing on two cases: particles and triangular crystals. We found that the radiation patterns were produced by the scattering of the excitation field at the bottom edges of the studied structures. In addition, we found the in-plane radiation decay exponentially due to the refractive index contrast between the substrate and superstate. Furthermore, we proved that in-plane radiation patterns originating from different structures can interact and generate interesting geometries. Finally, in addition to our experimental studies, we show numerically calculated simulations which agreed with our experimental results and thus confirmed our findings.
Influence of chemical treatment of Bamboo fibers on the vibration and acoustic characterization of Carbon/Bamboo fiber reinforced hybrid composites
Authors: Kudva Abhijit , G T Mahesha , Hegde Sriharsha , Pai Dayananda
Published: June 2024

In the pursuit of sustainable materials, natural fibers are gaining attention because of their renewable nature and low environmental impact. However, their application in composites has been hindered by their hydrophilicity and non-homogeneity in the properties. To address these issues, chemical treatments such as Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Permanganate have been utilized. This study explored the impact of chemical treatments on Bamboo fibers and their subsequent influence on the vibration and acoustic properties of Carbon/Bamboo fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. This study investigates the vibration damping and acoustic characteristics of hybrid composites, considering the synergistic advantages of Bamboo’s natural damping properties and Carbon fiber’s mechanical strength. The damping factor of Sodium Hydroxide treated Bamboo fiber reinforced hybrid composites is 34.55% higher than that of untreated Bamboo fiber reinforced hybrid composites. It is also 11.95% higher than that of Potassium Permanganate treated Bamboo fiber reinforced hybrid composites. The flexural modulus of untreated Bamboo fiber reinforced hybrid composites was 164.36% and 157.77% higher than that of Sodium Hydroxide treated and Potassium Permanganate treated Bamboo fiber reinforced hybrid composites, respectively. The effect of chemical treatment on the fiber properties were analysed using the FTIR spectrum. Acoustic characterization revealed that untreated Bamboo fiber composites have higher sound absorption coefficients at lower frequencies, whereas Sodium Hydroxide-treated composites have higher sound absorption coefficients at medium and high frequencies. The results indicated that chemical treatment enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion, reduced stiffness, and influenced the damping and acoustic performance of the hybrid composites.
Climate change mitigation from increased paper recycling in Sweden: conserving forests or utilizing substitution?
Authors: Schulte Maximilian , Jonsson Ragnar , Hammar Torun , Eggers Jeannette , Stendahl Johan , Hansson Per-Anders
Published: June 2024

Climate change mitigation by increased paper recycling can alleviate the two-sided pressure on the Swedish forest sector: supplying growing demands for wood-based products and increasing the forest carbon sink. This study assesses two scenarios for making use of a reduced demand for primary pulp resulting from an increased paper recycling rate in Sweden, from the present 72% to 78%. A Conservation scenario uses the saved primary pulp to reduce pulplog harvests so as to increase the forest carbon sink concomitant with constant overall wood product supply. In contrast, a Substitution scenario uses the saved primary pulp to produce man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) from dissolving pulp replacing cotton fiber, implying increased overall wood product supply. Our results suggest that utilizing efficiency gains in paper recycling to reduce pulplog harvests is better from a climate change mitigation perspective than producing additional MMCF to substitute cotton fiber. This conclusion holds even when assuming the use of by-products from dissolving pulp making and an indirect increase in MMCF availability. Hence, unless joint improvements across the value chain materialize, the best climate change mitigation option from increased paper recycling in Sweden would seemingly be to reduce fellings rather than producing additional MMCF.
Impact of global warming on labor productivity in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, China
Authors: Wang Jiajin , Guo Jie , Wang Chunxue , Pang Yanmei
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle (CCEC) has experienced frequent heat events, significantly impacting labor productivity. The CCEC is an important economic growth pole in western China. Therefore, an in-depth study of the impact of heat stress on labor productivity holds great significance for climate change adaptation and enhancing economic efficiency. Based on the relationship between the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and labor productivity of different industries, the labor productivity loss caused by heat in the CCEC was estimated using the observation data of the meteorological station and the projection results of the BCC-CSM2-MR model from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The results showed that the impact of heat on the labor productivity of different industries in the CCEC mainly occurs from June to August, with the largest impact on agriculture, followed by industry, and the smallest impact on service sectors. Losses from heat stress to labor productivity in agriculture, industry, and services showed a significant increasing trend from 1980 to 2020 but a decreasing trend in comprehensive labor productivity loss. From 2020–2100, labor productivity losses in different industries due to heat stress show an increasing and then decreasing trend in the low emissions scenario, productivity losses in the medium emissions scenario are characterized by an increasing and then sustained change, and labor productivity losses in the high emissions scenario show a sustained increasing trend from 2020. By the end of the 21st century, the increase in labor productivity losses across different industries under the high emission scenario is approximately 15%–23%, and the large value center shifts slightly to the west. In most areas, the losses of agricultural, industrial, service, and comprehensive labor productivity exceed 45%, 32%, 20%, and 24%, respectively.
Amesp: Atomic and molecular electronic structure program
Authors: Zhang Yingfeng
Published: June 2024

The atomic and molecular electronic structure program (Amesp) is a general-purpose electronic structure program designed for the study of molecular electronic structures. It incorporates a series of modern electronic structure methods, including Hartree–Fock, density functional theory, Multiconfigurational self-consistent field, Møller–Plesset, configuration-interaction, coupled-cluster, semiempirical methods, and molecular force fields. Amesp strives to offer an efficient and user-friendly tool specifically designed for computing for molecules ranging from small to complex biomolecules. In this paper, we highlight the features of Amesp and offer an overview.
Advances in antimicrobial orthopaedic devices and FDA regulatory challenges
Authors: Kazemzadeh-Narbat Mehdi , Memic Asija , McGowan Kevin B , Memic Adnan , Tamayol Ali
Published: June 2024

Implant-associated infections, caused by the formation of biofilms especially antibiotic resistant organisms, are among the leading causes of orthopaedic implant failure. Current strategies to combat infection and biofilm focus on either inhibiting bacterial growth or preventing bacterial adherence that could lead to biofilm creation. Despite research on developing numerous antimicrobial orthopaedic devices, to date, no robust solution has been translated to the clinic. One of the key bottlenecks is the disconnect between researchers and regulatory agencies. In this review, we outline recent strategies for minimizing orthopaedic implant-associated infections. In addition, we discuss the relevant Food and Drug Administration regulatory perspectives, challenges. We also highlight emerging technologies and the directions the field that is expected to expand. We discuss in depth challenges that include identifying strategies that render implants antibacterial permanently or for a long period of time without the use of antimicrobial compounds that could generate resistance in pathogens and negatively impact osseointegration.
A single DC source, seven-level switched capacitor tripple boost inverter with fewer switches for renewable energy applications
Authors: Kumar Vinayak , Agarwal Ruchi
Published: June 2024

This article presents a new SSTB-MLI with 3 times voltage boosting capability for medium voltage applications with optimal efficiency. Single DC source MLI topologies are more appropriate for many applications, including grid applications and renewable energy (RE) conversion systems than multiple DC source MLI topologies. The ability of switched-capacitor multi-level inverters (SCMLIs) to raise voltage has made them more and more popular in recent years. LS-PWM technique is used for the switching scheme. Two capacitors are employed in SSTB topology to operate alternatively in charging and discharging states at the carrier frequency of this LS-PWM algorithm for making the levels of output voltage. Comparing this innovative topology to those documented in the literature. It can also minimise the number of switches and capacitors needed, their voltage stresses, and switching loss. Since the suggested topology includes built-in capacitor voltage balancing, no additional voltage balancing circuit is required. Applications requiring industrial drives as well as grid-connected and R, RL loads can employ the suggested architecture. Based on less TSV (total standing voltage), MSV (Maximum standing voltage), the number of components used, optimum efficiency 98.43%, and other factors, a comparative analysis is done between the existing topology and the proposed topology. Experimental data and thorough simulation are used to verify the suggested switched capacitor multilevel topology.
A modified invasive weed optimization for MPPT of PV based water pumping system driven by induction motor
Authors: Revathi V M , Subramani K , Krishnakumar S , Alawadi Ahmed Hussein , Senthil Kumar R , Malla Siva Ganesh
Published: June 2024

A novel approach called Modified Invasive Weed Optimization (MIWO) technique has been developed and combined with the Perturb and Observes (P&O) algorithm to enhance the extraction of maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) panels in the presence of partial shading conditions. The conventional P&O algorithm falls short in extracting the maximum power from PV systems under partial shading conditions due to the existence of multiple maximum points. In such scenarios, optimization techniques can be employed to search for the global maximum point. The proposed MIWO-based P&O algorithm updates the reference voltage to ensure that the PV system operates at the Maximum Power Point (MPP) based on the prevailing weather conditions. This MIWO based PV system is further fed to water pumping system. A PV-based water pumping system is utilized for both irrigation and domestic purposes. Additionally, a sensorless vector control-based induction motor is employed in this study to drive the pump. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the achievement of an efficient PV-based water pumping system without the need for battery storage. Various results based on MIWO are compared with PSO and GWO. The results are presented based on various water pumping applications and the availability of solar irradiance during rapid climate changes. MATLAB/Simulink simulations, along with hardware-based experiments, are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method under both transient and steady-state conditions.
National Causes
Authors: Mueller Sean
Published: June 2024

This chapter analyses the causes of the extent of shared rule at the level of countries. It combines a paired comparison of the USA and Canada with a quantitative analysis of forty-two Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/European Union countries plus Bosnia and Herzegovina. Shared rule is higher in ‘coming-together’ federations with extensive linguistic diversity and extended degrees of de- or non-centralization. The chapter also identifies two resulting tensions: that in ‘staying-together’ federations with high levels of self-rule, calls will inevitably arise for greater shared rule too; and that in systems with already high levels of shared rule, regional influence over state-wide decisions might not always work as intended and/or only to the profit of some regions, for instance those aligned with the state-wide majority or richer ones.
Was the Enlightenment a Social Practice?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

The Enlightenment has recently been taken out the hands of ‘philosophers’ by historians who stress social practice, especially the ‘scientific revolution’ and (an idea deriving from Jürgen Habermas) the ‘public sphere’. This chapter offers a reconsideration of the Royal Society through a close reading of Thomas Sprat’s programmatic account of it (1667), and a detailed reconsideration of the work of Habermas. It provides substance to these methodological enquiries by investigating two seemingly related institutions, the English coffee house and the French salon. Both emerge as much more various, and not to be explained by the conventional historical formulae. Finally, it considers recent scholarship on the theme of spreading literacy and concludes that it too does not establish the validity of the concept ‘the Enlightenment’.
Was the Enlightenment Invented in France?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

Chapter 2 addresses the four greatest French figures conventionally enlisted in the ranks of the Enlightenment—Voltaire, d’Alembert, Diderot, and Rousseau—and highlights both their early preoccupations and their conflicts (rather than their sociable co-operation). The chapter examines the work often (but, it argues, wrongly) held to be the embodiment of the Enlightenment, the Encyclopédie. It concludes that religious scepticism rather than social or political reform was at the heart of these four men’s concerns; it explains Voltaire’s limited reception in England; and it stresses the significance of the divisions between these four as well as of the conflict between Rousseau and Hume.
Why Could Even Leading Reformers in the Age of Revolution Not Conceptualize ‘the Enlightenment’?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

To explain historically why something did not happen is far harder than to explain why something else did. Chapter 5 confronts this difficulty in arguably its most difficult location, the case of three leading British intellectuals of the late eighteenth century: Richard Price, Joseph Priestley, and Thomas Paine. It accounts for the absence of this later concept in their writings in terms of their theology (also a source of division between them) and the barriers their theologies placed in the way of formulating teleological goals of secular reform. As such, it links the technical theological positions of Arianism, Socinianism, and Deism with their practical consequences in the world of politics in the ‘Age of Revolutions’.
Was the Enlightenment Invented in America?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

The conventional history of the Enlightenment as an international movement inevitably led to an interpretation of the American Revolution as the first to fall of a line of dominoes, naturally leading on to the French. Chapter 6 examines how this model came into existence through a critical review of the writings of Richard Price, its chief anglophone framer. It argues instead that he had little knowledge of the inner life of the American colonies, but saw events through the eyes of his Protestant Nonconformist co-religionists there. This perspective Price then applied to events in France in 1789, a misunderstanding that his correspondent in Paris, Thomas Jefferson, did nothing to correct.
Did Socialists Recognize the Enlightenment?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

Karl Marx was a German historian of German philosophy who early in his life occasionally used the term die Aufklärung, but soon discontinued this usage when he adopted political economy as his explanatory framework. His English followers, including Henry Hyndman and the Fabians, produced sophisticated economic explanations of the necessary course of social evolution without reifying or drawing on an eighteenth-century Enlightenment. Robert Owen, often hailed as the father of English socialism, emerges here as similarly unindebted both to Marx and to any eighteenth-century movement. Socialism rested on its own historical and economic foundations. Not until the work in the 1950s of a former economics don, Anthony Crosland, did British socialism begin to orient itself away from an austere Marxist model and towards what is now called ‘identity politics’; only now did ‘enlightenment’ begin to enter into the vocabulary of the British Left.
Was ‘the Enlightenment’ Invented in Germany?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

Chapter 10 argues that German influences were important in introducing the term die Aufklärung into English discourse, but that this happened slowly, and with difficulties of translation. Chapter 10 provides a detailed survey of the German history of German philosophy from the early eighteenth century to the late nineteenth. It places Kant in the middle of this intellectual tradition, but argues that the conventional attribution to him of a leading role in launching a movement is a retrospective misunderstanding. Nevertheless, German philosophers and historians of philosophy did work out an idea of die Aufklärung as a chronological period and eventually attributed to it a normative and purposeful set of social meanings. From shortly before 1914, this usage began to be adopted by British and American philosophers also. But this did not justify the invention of ‘the Counter Enlightenment’, which is here attributed chiefly to the scholarly shortcomings of Isaiah Berlin.
Was There an ‘Enlightenment Project’?
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

When ‘the Enlightenment’ was finally conceptualized in anglophone usage, it was taken up and employed to forward a number of reforming causes. Three are examined here. The first crusade, for parity of esteem for agnostics and atheists, is notable for having almost but not quite coined the concept, and this may have limited its effectiveness. The second, to defend Jews from Nazi persecution, engaged with the lives and works of a remarkable generation of German Jewish émigré intellectuals, whose contributions to Enlightenment studies are traced. The third has been a crusade for parity of esteem for people of alternative sexualities; but whether ‘the Enlightenment’ acted in that crusade as an effective analysis, or was appealed to as an emphasizer the historical truth of which needed no proof, is open to debate.
Conclusion
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

This book responds to the breakdown of modernism and to the problems of postmodernism. Instead of modernism’s self-evident truths and over-determined outcomes, it illustrates on the territory of intellectual history the force of contingency and the precariousness of things. The Conclusion ties together these arguments to make clear that ‘enlightenment’ was a metaphor, ‘the Enlightenment’ a concept; and it reflects on the relation between these two figures of speech in historical explanations. It anticipates objections that may be made to the arguments of the book, and offers defences. Finally it suggests that emancipation from the force of hitherto inescapable concepts offers a route to intellectual liberation.
Liberal Anxieties and Ideological Adjustment in Global Development
Authors: Alami Ilias , Dixon Adam D
Published: June 2024

This chapter shows that the new state capitalism is triggering complex ideological adjustments, focusing in particular on official discourses, practices, and agendas of global Development. Empirically, the analysis relies upon a close reading of policy documents released by multilateral development actors such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the G-20. The new state capitalism is prompting these liberal regulative agencies to react and adapt. This has taken the form of a strategic discursive and ideological adjustment involving a certain re-legitimation of the place of the state in Development, and a limited embrace of its role as promoter, supervisor, investor, and owner of capital. The articulation of this new vision of the state in Development plays a fundamentally political role: it attempts at minimizing the multiple risks and dangers that are perceived to be associated with the current rise of state capitalism. This includes minimizing the potential for the political ‘use’ of state-capital hybrids, which would risk creating a spiral of protectionism, or what the IMF now refers to as ‘geoeconomic fragmentation’. This also includes controlling the proliferation of state-capital hybrids and making sure that they assume liberal forms (especially in developing countries). Finally, this involves ensuring that their increasing cross-border activities create the least political frictions possible. Put differently, this discursive re-legitimation of the state, and its limited embrace of state-capital hybrids, is a way of addressing liberal anxieties regarding the new state capitalism and its potential geoeconomic consequences.
Social Support Buffers the Effect of Social Deprivation on Comorbidity Burden in Adults with Cancer
Authors: Bellizzi Keith M , Fritzson Emily , Ligus Kaleigh , Park Crystal L
Published: June 2024

Background

Adults with cancer have higher rates of comorbidity compared to those without cancer, with excess burden in people from lower socioeconomic status (SES). Social deprivation, based on geographic indices, broadens the focus of SES to include the importance of “place” and its association with health. Further, social support is a modifiable resource found to have direct and indirect effects on health in adults with cancer, with less known about its impact on comorbidity.

Purpose

We prospectively examined associations between social deprivation and comorbidity burden and the potential buffering role of social support.

Methods

Our longitudinal sample of 420 adults (Mage = 59.6, SD = 11.6; 75% Non-Hispanic White) diagnosed with cancer completed measures at baseline (~6 months post-diagnosis) and four subsequent 3-month intervals for 1 year.

Results

Adjusting for age, cancer type, and race/ethnicity, we found a statistically significant interaction between social support and the effect of social deprivation on comorbidity burden (β = −0.11, p = 0.012), such that greater social support buffered the negative effect of social deprivation on comorbidity burden.

Conclusion

Implementing routine screening for social deprivation in cancer care settings can help identify patients at risk of excess comorbidity burden. Clinician recognition of these findings could trigger a referral to social support resources for individuals high on social deprivation.
What is military strategy?
Authors: Echevarria II Antulio J.
Published: June 2024

Military strategy is the practice of reducing an adversary’s physical capacity and willingness to fight, and continuing to do so until one’s aim is achieved. It takes place in wartime and peacetime and may involve using force, directly or indirectly, as a threat. Military strategy is often divided into four components: ends (objectives), ways (courses of action), means (resources), and risk. The practice of military strategy is described along with military power, which is augmented by nine “principles of war”: objective, maneuver, surprise, mass, economy of force, offensive, security, simplicity, and unity of command. A general will likely use combinations of military strategies, linking them into a series of operations or campaigns.
Decapitation and targeted killing
Authors: Echevarria II Antulio J.
Published: June 2024

The military strategies of decapitation and targeted killing derive from dislocation and attrition, respectively. Decapitation is the attempt to paralyze or destroy a group by removing its leadership, and targeted killing is the systematic elimination of an organization’s members, whether these individuals are in key positions of leadership or in the rank and file. Both strategies have been widely used to combat terrorists and insurgents. “Decapitation and targeted killing” shows that the use of these strategies has increased markedly since the twenty-first century began, particularly with the widespread production of remotely piloted vehicles, but they remain highly controversial as strategic techniques. They may not destroy an organization permanently, but they can temporarily degrade its effectiveness.
Malaria
Authors: McMillen Christian W.
Published: June 2024

Malaria originated in Africa and is caused by an infection with the plasmodium protozoan. Five types have infected humans; Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal and is responsible for the vast majority of global malaria deaths. ‘Malaria’ outlines the spread of malaria from Africa, into Europe and the New World. Generally, agricultural and rural development has been responsible for the proliferation of malaria, but poor sanitation and stagnant water can make malaria an urban disease. Vector and parasite control is described, along with the World Health Organization’s Malaria Eradication Program and attempts to stem malaria with treated bed nets and more effective drugs.
Epilogue
Authors: McMillen Christian W.
Published: June 2024

There will be more pandemics. A pandemic might come from an old, familiar foe such as influenza or might emerge from a new source—a zoonosis that makes its way into humans. The epilogue asks how the world will confront pandemics in the future. It is likely that patterns established long ago will re-emerge. But how will new challenges, like climate change, affect future pandemics and our ability to respond? Will lessons learned from the past help with plans for the future? One thing is clear: in the face of a serious pandemic much of the developing world’s public health infrastructure will be woefully overburdened. This must be addressed.
Data-driven surveillance: new challenges
Authors: Lyon David
Published: June 2024

This chapter explores the challenges of data-driven surveillance. It provides an overview of platforms that depend on data, gathered from multiple sources wherein data-gathering relies on the everyday involvement of people going about their daily lives in digital environments. Data are deliberately gathered to be analysed through algorithms for the various purposes that platform companies have in mind. The chapter elaborates on the spread of surveillance capitalism, which erodes the limits and legal regulations by the government that were once placed on commercial practices. It also introduces the notion of predictive policing, which is about how data may be used to say what sorts of criminal activity are likely to occur, where, and when.
Small World derived index to distinguish Alzheimer’s type dementia and healthy subjects
Authors: Vecchio Fabrizio , Miraglia Francesca , Pappalettera Chiara , Nucci Lorenzo , Cacciotti Alessia , Rossini Paolo Maria
Published: June 2024

Background

This article introduces a novel index aimed at uncovering specific brain connectivity patterns associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), defined according to neuropsychological patterns.

Methods

Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings of 370 people, including 170 healthy subjects and 200 mild-AD patients, were acquired in different clinical centres using different acquisition equipment by harmonising acquisition settings. The study employed a new derived Small World (SW) index, SWcomb, that serves as a comprehensive metric designed to integrate the seven SW parameters, computed across the typical EEG frequency bands. The objective is to create a unified index that effectively distinguishes individuals with a neuropsychological pattern compatible with AD from healthy ones.

Results

Results showed that the healthy group exhibited the lowest SWcomb values, while the AD group displayed the highest SWcomb ones.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SWcomb index represents an easy-to-perform, low-cost, widely available and non-invasive biomarker for distinguishing between healthy individuals and AD patients.
Development and validation of a frailty index for use in the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: O’Brien Myles W , Maxwell Selena P , Moyer Rebecca , Rockwood Kenneth , Theou Olga
Published: June 2024

Background

The Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) evaluates the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Frailty captures the heterogeneity in aging. Use of this resource-intensive dataset to answer aging-related research questions could be enhanced by a frailty measure.

Objective

To: (i) develop a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI) for the OAI; (ii) examine its relationship with age and compare between sexes, (iii) validate the FI versus all-cause mortality and (iv) compare this association with mortality with a modified frailty phenotype.

Design

OAI cohort study.

Setting

North America.

Subjects

An FI was determined for 4,755/4,796 and 4,149/4,796 who had a valid FI and frailty phenotype.

Methods

Fifty-nine-variables were screened for inclusion. Multivariate Cox regression evaluated the impact of FI or phenotype on all-cause mortality at follow-up (up to 146 months), controlling for age and sex.

Results

Thirty-one items were included. FI scores (0.16 ± 0.09) were higher in older adults and among females (both, P < 0.001). By follow-up, 264 people had died (6.4%). Older age, being male, and greater FI were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (all, P < 0.001). The model including FI was a better fit than the model including the phenotype (AIC: 4,167 vs. 4,178) and was a better predictor of all-cause mortality than the phenotype with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.652 vs. 0.581.

Conclusion

We developed an FI using the OAI and validated it in relation to all-cause mortality. The FI may be used to study aging on clinical, functional and structural aspects of osteoarthritis included in the OAI.
Invited commentary: motivating better methods—and better data collection—for measuring the prevalence of drug misuse
Authors: Kiang Mathew V , Alexander Monica J
Published: June 2024

The United States continues to suffer a drug overdose crisis that has resulted in over 100 000 deaths annually since 2021. Despite decades of attention, estimates of the prevalence of drug use at the spatiotemporal resolutions necessary for resource allocation and intervention evaluation are lacking. Current approaches for measuring the prevalence of drug use, such as population surveys, capture–recapture, and multiplier methods, have significant limitations. In a recent article, Santaella-Tenorio et al (Am J Epidemiol. 2024;193(7):959-967) used a novel joint bayesian spatiotemporal modeling approach to estimate the county-level prevalence of opioid misuse in New York State from 2007 to 2018 and identify significant intrastate variation. By leveraging 5 data sources and simultaneously modeling different opioid-related outcomes—such as numbers of deaths, emergency department visits, and treatment visits—they obtained policy-relevant insights into the prevalence of opioid misuse and opioid-related outcomes at high spatiotemporal resolutions. The study provides future researchers with a sophisticated modeling approach that will allow them to incorporate multiple data sources in a rigorous statistical framework. The limitations of the study reflect the constraints of the broader field and underscore the importance of enhancing current surveillance with better, newer, and more timely data that are both standardized and easily accessible to inform public health policies and interventions.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Jingle–Jangle Fallacies in L2 Motivational Self System Research: A Response to Al-Hoorie et al. (2024)
Authors: Henry Alastair , Liu Meng
Published: June 2024

In a systematic examination of scales commonly used in L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) research, Al-Hoorie et al. (2024) found discriminant validity problems. Raising jangle fallacy concerns, they argue that substantive research should be paused until validity issues are ironed out. However, validity at the measurement level is dependent on validity at the construct level. Replication attempts can fail when models are poorly theorized. To resolve problems at the measurement level, problems at the construct level need to be addressed.
Future Perspective of Risk Prediction in Aesthetic Surgery: Is Artificial Intelligence Reliable?
Authors: Duran Alpay , Cortuk Oguz , Ok Bora
Published: June 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are showing significant potential in the medical field. The rapid advancement in artificial intelligence methods suggests their soon-to-be essential role in physicians’ practices.

Objectives

In this study, we sought to assess and compare the readability, clarity, and precision of medical knowledge responses provided by 3 large language models (LLMs) and informed consent forms for 14 common aesthetic surgical procedures, as prepared by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Methods

The efficacy, readability, and accuracy of 3 leading LLMs, ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA), Gemini (Google, Mountain View, CA), and Copilot (Microsoft, Redmond, WA), was systematically evaluated with 14 different prompts related to the risks of 14 common aesthetic procedures. Alongside these LLM responses, risk sections from the informed consent forms for these procedures, provided by the ASPS, were also reviewed.

Results

The risk factor segments of the combined general and specific operation consent forms were rated highest for medical knowledge accuracy (P < .05). Regarding readability and clarity, the procedure-specific informed consent forms, including LLMs, scored highest scores (P < .05). However, these same forms received the lowest score for medical knowledge accuracy (P < .05). Interestingly, surgeons preferred patient-facing materials created by ChatGPT-4, citing superior accuracy and medical information compared to other AI tools.

Conclusions

Physicians prefer patient-facing materials created by ChatGPT-4 over other AI tools due to their precise and comprehensive medical knowledge. Importantly, adherence to the strong recommendation of ASPS for signing both the procedure-specific and the general informed consent forms can avoid potential future complications and ethical concerns, thereby ensuring patients receive adequate information.
Characterization of chloroplastic thioredoxin dependent glutathione peroxidase like protein in Euglena gracilis: biochemical and functional perspectives
Authors: Raihan Md Topu , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Ishikawa Takahiro
Published: June 2024

Euglena gracilis, a fascinating organism in the scientific realm, exhibits characteristics of both animals and plants. It maintains redox homeostasis through a variety of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules. In contrast to mammals, Euglena possesses nonselenocysteine glutathione peroxidase homologues that regulate its intracellular pools of reactive oxygen species. In the present study, a full-length cDNA of chloroplastic EgGPXL-1 was isolated and subjected to biochemical and functional characterization. Recombinant EgGPXL-1 scavenged H2O2 and t-BOOH, utilizing thioredoxin as an electron donor rather than glutathione. Despite its monomeric nature, EgGPXL-1 exhibits allosteric behavior with H2O2 as the electron acceptor and follows typical Michaelis–Menten kinetics with t-BOOH. Suppression of EgGPXL-1 gene expression under normal and high-light conditions did not induce critical situations in E. gracilis, suggesting the involvement of compensatory mechanisms in restoring normal conditions.
Isolation of 2,2′-azoxybisbenzyl alcohol from Agaricus subrutilescens and its inhibitory activity against bacterial biofilm formation
Authors: De Padua Jewel C , Tanaka Tomoya , Ueno Kotomi , dela Cruz Thomas Edison E , Ishihara Atsushi
Published: June 2024

Virulence pathways in pathogenic bacteria are regulated by quorum sensing mechanisms, particularly biofilm formation through autoinducer (AI) production and sensing. In this study, the culture filtrate extracted from an edible mushroom, Agaricus subrutilescens, was fractionated to isolate a compound that inhibits biofilm formation. Four gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter cloacae) and two gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) were used for the bioassay. The bioassay-guided chromatographic separations of the culture filtrate extract resulted in the isolation of the compound. Further, spectroscopic analyses revealed the identity of the compound as 2,2′-azoxybisbenzyl alcohol (ABA). The minimum inhibitory and sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compound were also determined. Azoxybisbenzyl alcohol was significantly effective in inhibiting biofilm formation in all tested bacteria, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 3–11 µg/mL. Additionally, the bioactivity of ABA was confirmed through the bioassays for the inhibition of exopolysaccharide matrixes and AI activities.
Effect of phenolic-hydroxy-group incorporation on the biological activity of a simplified aplysiatoxin analog with an (R)-(−)-carvone-based core
Authors: Yanagita Ryo C , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kawanami Yasuhiro , Hanaki Yusuke , Irie Kazuhiro
Published: June 2024

We synthesized a phenolic hydroxy group-bearing version (1) of a simplified analog of aplysiatoxin comprising a carvone-based conformation-controlling unit. Thereafter, we evaluated its antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines and its binding affinity to protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes. The antiproliferative activity and PKC-binding ability increased with the introduction of the phenolic hydroxy group. The results of molecular dynamics simulations and subsequent relative binding free-energy calculations conducted using an alchemical transformation procedure showed that the phenolic hydroxy group in 1 could form a hydrogen bond with a phospholipid and the PKC. The former hydrogen bonding formation facilitated the partitioning of the compound from water to the phospholipid membrane and the latter compensated for the loss of hydrogen bond with the phospholipid upon binding to the PKC. This information may facilitate the development of rational design methods for PKC ligands with additional hydrogen bonding groups.
Optimizing in silico drug discovery: simulation of connected differential expression signatures and applications to benchmarking
Authors: Gonzalez Gomez Catalina , Rosa-Calatrava Manuel , Fouret Julien
Published: June 2024

Background

We present a novel simulation method for generating connected differential expression signatures. Traditional methods have struggled with the lack of reliable benchmarking data and biases in drug–disease pair labeling, limiting the rigorous benchmarking of connectivity-based approaches.

Objective

Our aim is to develop a simulation method based on a statistical framework that allows for adjustable levels of parametrization, especially the connectivity, to generate a pair of interconnected differential signatures. This could help to address the issue of benchmarking data availability for connectivity-based drug repurposing approaches.

Methods

We first detailed the simulation process and how it reflected real biological variability and the interconnectedness of gene expression signatures. Then, we generated several datasets to enable the evaluation of different existing algorithms that compare differential expression signatures, providing insights into their performance and limitations.

Results

Our findings demonstrate the ability of our simulation to produce realistic data, as evidenced by correlation analyses and the log2 fold-change distribution of deregulated genes. Benchmarking reveals that methods like extreme cosine similarity and Pearson correlation outperform others in identifying connected signatures.

Conclusion

Overall, our method provides a reliable tool for simulating differential expression signatures. The data simulated by our tool encompass a wide spectrum of possibilities to challenge and evaluate existing methods to estimate connectivity scores. This may represent a critical gap in connectivity-based drug repurposing research because reliable benchmarking data are essential for assessing and advancing in the development of new algorithms. The simulation tool is available as a R package (General Public License (GPL) license) at https://github.com/cgonzalez-gomez/cosimu.
Stratifying TAD boundaries pinpoints focal genomic regions of regulation, damage, and repair
Authors: Chen Bijia , Ren Chao , Ouyang Zhangyi , Xu Jingxuan , Xu Kang , Li Yaru , Guo Hejiang , Bai Xuemei , Tian Mengge , Xu Xiang , Wang Yuyang , Li Hao , Bo Xiaochen , Chen Hebing
Published: June 2024

Advances in chromatin mapping have exposed the complex chromatin hierarchical organization in mammals, including topologically associating domains (TADs) and their substructures, yet the functional implications of this hierarchy in gene regulation and disease progression are not fully elucidated. Our study delves into the phenomenon of shared TAD boundaries, which are pivotal in maintaining the hierarchical chromatin structure and regulating gene activity. By integrating high-resolution Hi-C data, chromatin accessibility, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) data from various cell lines, we systematically explore the complex regulatory landscape at high-level TAD boundaries. Our findings indicate that these boundaries are not only key architectural elements but also vibrant hubs, enriched with functionally crucial genes and complex transcription factor binding site–clustered regions. Moreover, they exhibit a pronounced enrichment of DSBs, suggesting a nuanced interplay between transcriptional regulation and genomic stability. Our research provides novel insights into the intricate relationship between the 3D genome structure, gene regulation, and DNA repair mechanisms, highlighting the role of shared TAD boundaries in maintaining genomic integrity and resilience against perturbations. The implications of our findings extend to understanding the complexities of genomic diseases and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting the structural and functional integrity of TAD boundaries.
deTELpy: Python package for high-throughput detection of amino acid substitutions in mass spectrometry datasets
Authors: Landerer Cedric , Scheremetjew Maxim , Moon HongKee , Hersemann Lena , Toth-Petroczy Agnes
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Errors in the processing of genetic information during protein synthesis can lead to phenotypic mutations, such as amino acid substitutions, e.g. by transcription or translation errors. While genetic mutations can be readily identified using DNA sequencing, and mutations due to transcription errors by RNA sequencing, translation errors can only be identified proteome-wide using mass spectrometry.

Results

Here, we provide a Python package implementation of a high-throughput pipeline to detect amino acid substitutions in mass spectrometry datasets. Our tools enable users to process hundreds of mass spectrometry datasets in batch mode to detect amino acid substitutions and calculate codon-specific and site-specific translation error rates. deTELpy will facilitate the systematic understanding of amino acid misincorporation rates (translation error rates), and the inference of error models across organisms and under stress conditions, such as drug treatment or disease conditions.

Availability and implementation

deTELpy is implemented in Python 3 and is freely available with detailed documentation and practical examples at https://git.mpi-cbg.de/tothpetroczylab/detelpy and https://pypi.org/project/deTELpy/ and can be easily installed via pip install deTELpy.