bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the safety limit in magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia: insights from eddy current induced heating
Authors: Pilpilidis Konstantinos , Tsanidis George , Rouni Maria Anastasia , Markakis John , Samaras Theodoros
Published: January 2025

Objective. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MNH) emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, leveraging alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) to induce localized heating through magnetic nanoparticles. However, the interaction of AMFs with biological tissues leads to non-specific heating caused by eddy currents, triggering thermoregulatory responses and complex thermal gradients throughout the body of the patient. While previous studies have implemented the Atkinson–Brezovich limit to mitigate potential harm, recent research underscores discrepancies between this threshold and clinical outcomes, necessitating a re-evaluation of this safety limit. Therefore, in this study, through electromagnetic (EM) simulations, the complex interaction between AMFs and anatomical models was investigated. Approach. In particular, we considered a circular coil configuration placed at different positions along the craniocaudal axis of various anatomical human models. The excitation current was normalized, at different frequencies, to meet the basic restriction of local 10 g-averaged specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the human models, as defined by the exposure guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the standard IEC 60601-2-33 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Main results. The resulting permissible magnetic field strength values, for the reference levels set by the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines, emerged to be up to approximately 1.4 and 3 times less than that defined in the Atkinson–Brezovich limit. The widely used limit was found to align more closely with the first level of controlled operating mode defined in the IEC 60601-2-33 standard. Significance. The results indicate that the permissible magnetic field amplitude during MNH treatment should be much lower than that in the Atkinson–Brezovich limit. This study offers valuable insights into the role of computational simulations in advancing the potential to establish a reliable metric for safety evaluation and monitoring within the clinical framework of MNH.
The acute effect of bitemporal electroconvulsive therapy on synchronous changes in heart rate variability and heart rate in patients with depression
Authors: Chen Xiang , He Changjiang , Zhang Hui , Yang Han , Li Jin
Published: January 2025

Objective. The transient autonomic nervous system responses induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may serve as critical indicators of treatment efficacy and potential side effects; however, their precise characteristics remains unclear. Considering that the intense stimulation of ECT may disrupt the typical antagonistic relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, this study aims to conduct a meticulous analysis of the rapid changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and HR during ECT, with a particular focus on their synchronized interplay. Methods. Pulse interval sequences were collected from 50 sessions of bitemporal ECT administered to 27 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The average HR and ultra-short term HRV indices RMSSD and SDNN, as well as the Poincaré indices SD1, SD2 and SD2/SD1, were calculated using a 10 s sliding window with a step size of 1 s. In particular, the synchronous changes between SD1, SD2, SD2/SD1 and HR were analyzed. Results. The synchronous changes of the indices showed different characteristics over time. In particular, SD1, SD2 and HR increased significantly by 41.50 ± 11.45 ms, 33.97 ± 10.98 ms and 9.68 ± 2.00 bpm respectively between 8 and 20 s, whereas they decreased significantly by 19.89 ± 9.07 ms, 17.54 ± 8.54 ms and 3.80 ± 1.33 bpm respectively between 45 and 53 s after ECT stimulus onset. SD1 and SD2 both had highly significant positive correlations with HR in the above phases. Conclusion. The results suggest that bitemporal ECT induces the sympathetic and parasympathetic co-activation during the early ictal period and brief co-inhibition approximately 45 s after stimulus. Our findings may provide new insights comprehending the mechanisms of ECT and its associated cardiovascular risks.
Silica as a two-dimensional material for nano-electronics
Authors: Ferry David K
Published: January 2025

Modern microelectronics has transitioned from planar metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors to finFETs to nanowire FETs, and most recently to nanosheet (NS) FETs, in which the channel is composed of a group of gate-all-around thin layers of silicon or a substitute material. It has been suggested that some two-dimensional materials may be used to replace the silicon in these NS FETs. While such two-dimensional materials have been studied over the past couple of decades, they have questionable properties for this application. In fact, it is pointed out here that silica itself may be a more suitable material for use in NS transistors. The properties of silica are discussed, and comparisons with other materials are given. It is shown that silica has a number of advantageous properties for use as a NS, provided that more research can establish viable methods of controlling required dopants for active layers.
Analysis of dispersion characteristics in helically corrugated coaxial waveguides: a theoretical and comparative study
Authors: Lai Ying Xin , Yan An , Chen Cheng , Kuang Wei Chao , Wang Shan Jin
Published: January 2025

Helically corrugated waveguides are valuable for constructing high-performance gyrotron devices and high-power pulse compressors. This paper establishes a theoretical model to analyze the dispersion characteristics of helically corrugated coaxial waveguides, where the dispersion equations for solving the propagation constants of coupled eigenmodes, as well as the detailed coupling coefficients for various mode combinations are provided. On this foundation, the dispersion characteristics of corrugated coaxial waveguides featuring single and dual helical surfaces were systematically analyzed and compared with those of helically corrugated cylindrical waveguides in the context of pulse compression application. The findings reveal that helically corrugated coaxial waveguides operating in TEM mode require fewer auxiliary components, exhibit a wider frequency range of monotonically decreasing group velocity, and have a larger dynamic range of group velocity changes; notably, the dispersion performance of the waveguides with dual corrugated conductors can even be manipulated by varying the initial phase difference between the inner and outer helical corrugations. These advantages contribute to a reduction in compressor’s length, an increase in compression ratio and energy efficiency, and an enhancement in applicability.
Quantifying Lyman-α emissions from reionization fronts
Authors: Wilson Bayu , D'Aloisio Anson , Cain Christopher , Visbal Eli , Becker George D.
Published: January 2025

During reionization, intergalactic ionization fronts (I-fronts) are sources of Lyα
line radiation produced by collisional excitation of hydrogen atoms within the fronts. In
principle, detecting this emission could provide direct evidence for a reionizing intergalactic
medium (IGM). In this paper, we use a suite of high-resolution one-dimensional radiative transfer
simulations run on cosmological density fields to quantify the parameter space of I-front
Lyα emission. We find that the Lyα production efficiency — the ratio of emitted
Lyα flux to incident ionizing flux driving the front — depends mainly on the I-front speed
and the spectral index of the ionizing radiation. IGM density fluctuations on scales smaller than
the typical I-front width produce scatter in the efficiency, but they do not significantly boost
its mean value. The Lyα flux emitted by an I-front is largest if 3 conditions are met
simultaneously: (1) the incident ionizing flux is large; (2) the incident spectrum is hard,
consisting of more energetic photons; (3) the I-front is traveling through a cosmological
over-density, which causes it to propagate more slowly. We present a convenient parameterization
of the efficiency in terms of I-front speed and incident spectral index. We make these results
publicly available as an interpolation table and we provide a simple fitting function for a
representative ionizing background spectrum. Our results can be applied as a sub-grid model for
I-front Lyα emissions in reionization simulations with spatial and/or temporal resolutions
too coarse to resolve I-front structure. In a companion paper, we use our results to explore the
possibility of directly imaging Lyα emission around neutral islands during the last phases
of reionization.
The quasi-continuous exhaust regime in JET
Authors: Faitsch M. , Dunne M. , Lerche E. , Lomas P. , Balboa I. , Bilkova P. , Bohm P. , Kappatou A. , Kos D. , Labit B. , Menmuir S. , Sauter O. , Silburn S. , Solano E.R. , Sun H.J. , Tookey A. , Viezzer E. , Stroth U. ,   JET Contributors,   the EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation Team
Published: January 2025

The quasi-continuous exhaust (QCE) regime is a regime that is naturally type-I ELM-free. It combines the high density at the plasma edge needed for power exhaust with the high normalised energy confinement typical for H-mode operation. In the QCE regime large-scale ELMs are avoided and high-frequency, low-amplitude filaments are present leading to the name-giving quasi-continuous edge transport of particles and energy. This contribution reports that for the first time the QCE regime was successfully achieved in JET with a metal wall. Moreover, it was demonstrated in the recent JET deuterium-tritium campaign DTE3 that the regime is compatible with D–T operation. Porting the QCE regime to JET strongly benefited from the experimental and modelling efforts at the medium sized tokamaks ASDEX Upgrade and TCV. Using the physics picture developed from the ASDEX Upgrade experimental results, the route to the QCE regime in JET reported here is following closely the approach that was successful in ASDEX Upgrade. First, strong plasma shaping—large elongation and triangularity and the highly correlated closeness to double null—is developed. Second, sufficient fuelling to achieve high enough density at the pedestal foot, close to the separatrix, is applied. In addition, neon seeding proved to be very beneficial to avoid type-I ELMs when reducing the main ion fuelling.
Modeling and control of a sperm-inspired robot with helical propulsion
Authors: Deng Liangwei , Zhou Chao , Zhang Zhuoliang , Liao Xiaocun , Fan Junfeng , Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Jiaming
Published: January 2025

Efficient propulsion has been a central focus of research in the field of biomimetic underwater vehicles. Compared to the prevalent fish-like reciprocating flapping propulsion mode, the sperm-like helical propulsion mode features higher efficiency and superior performance in high-viscosity environments. Based on the previously developed sperm-inspired robot, this paper focuses on its dynamic modeling and depth control research. The helical propulsion performance of the sperm-inspired robot is analyzed by resistance-theory-based force analysis, followed by the application of Kirchhoff rod theory to determine the helical waveform parameters. The dynamic model of the sperm-inspired robot is established using the Kirchhoff equation, and its validity is verified through experiments. To enhance the practical application capability of the sperm-inspired robot, this study develops an active disturbance rejection control depth controller for roll-spin coupling motion based on the constructed dynamics model. The effectiveness of the controller is thoroughly validated through a combination of simulation and experiment. Experimental results demonstrate the excellent depth control ability of the robot, with an average depth error controlled within 0.19 cm. This superior performance lays a foundation for the future application of our robot in underwater operations.
The time-dependent harmonic oscillator revisited
Authors: Fiore Gaetano
Published: January 2025

We point out a rather effective approach for solving the time-dependent harmonic oscillator

q
¨

=
−

ω
2

q

under various regularity assumptions. Where

ω
(
t
)

is C
1 this is reduced to Hamilton equation for the angle variable ψ alone (the action variable

I

is obtained by quadrature). The fixed point theorem for the integral equation equivalent to the generic Cauchy problem for

ψ
(
t
)

yields a sequence

{

ψ

(
h
)

}

h
∈

N

0

converging to ψ rather fast; if ω varies slowly or little, already

ψ

(
0
)

approximates ψ well for rather long time lapses. The discontinuities of ω, if any, determine those of

ψ
,

I

. The zeros of

q
,

q
˙

are investigated via Riccati equations. Our approach may simplify the study of: upper and lower bounds on the solutions; the stability of the trivial one; parametric resonance when

ω
(
t
)

is periodic; the adiabatic invariance of

I

; asymptotic expansions in a slow time parameter ɛ; time-dependent driven and damped parametric oscillators; etc.
Investigating the effect of incident intensity on single-junction GaAs PV cells conversion efficiency at different temperatures
Authors: Zhang Junyue , Wu Shunhua , Liu Jiachen , Huang Weizhou , Ling Lei , Meng Qingkai , Zhang Rui , Chen Lang , Zhang Jiachen , Wang Zhenfu , Li Te
Published: January 2025

Laser Power Transmission is emerging as a highly promising method for wireless energy transfer, particularly for extending the operational endurance of small unmanned aerial vehicles and supporting the construction of space-based solar power stations. This study investigated the optimal operational parameters of single-junction gallium arsenide (GaAs) photovoltaic (PV) cells under laser diode irradiation to enhance the efficiency of LPT systems. A detailed theoretical analysis was conducted to examine the effects of incident light intensity and spot size on the photoelectric conversion efficiency of GaAs PV cells across different temperature ranges. Experimental results demonstrated that as the temperature decreases from 55 °C to 5 °C, the incident intensity required for the photovoltaic cells to achieve peak efficiency rises from 0.35 W cm−2 to 0.65 W cm−2. Consequently, higher incident intensities are necessary for optimal efficiency when PV cells operate at lower temperatures. The 2 cm photovoltaic cells can attain a conversion efficiency exceeding 50% only when exposed to a 2 cm incident light spot. Therefore, high efficiency in photovoltaic cells is attainable solely when the size of the incident light spot is as closely matched to the cell’s size as possible. Additionally, this study provides an in-depth discussion of factors limiting photoelectric conversion efficiency and the underlying mechanisms at various temperature conditions.
Enhanced glucose sensing via novel Ni-MOF hybrid structures: Advancements for non-enzymatic wearable glucose sensors
Authors: Soni Prachi , Singh Ujjwal , Agarwal Ajay
Published: January 2025

There is an urgent need of perceptive flexible wearable sensors, for the continuous monitoring of the glucose particularly in a non-invasive way, to control the diabetes at early stages, We have conception of developing non-enzymatic glucose sensing for the detection purpose. Recently, nickel- based metal organic framework (Ni-MOF) has gained a significant importance as a sensing material for label-free, non-enzymatic glucose monitoring using electrochemical sensing techniques. This work, presents a novel state of the art hybridstructure of Ni-MOF consisting of stacked nanosheets embedded with porous nanopillars randomly providing large no. of active sites for the glucose detection. The hybrid structure indicate a close contact between the glucose and the active sites of Ni ions ensuring an efficient glucose sensing. As synthesized Ni-MOF was used for the potentiometric and amperometric electrochemical detection of the glucose using screen-printed electrode (SPE) which are suitable for flexible sensor applications. With SPE, Ni-MOF shows a wide detection range for glucose from 60 µM to 600 µM with the LOD of 0.28 µM and the sensitivity of 4462.03 µA mM-1 cm-2, which is extremely favourable for glucose detection in sweat and saliva of human. The as developed material has potential as a working electrode on the flexible substrate like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for sensing glucose in sweat and saliva samples.
Humidity-controlled interactions and lifting of MoS2 on SiO2
Authors: Haartsen Sebastiaan , Wisman Jantinus , Zandvliet Harold J W , Bampoulis Pantelis
Published: January 2025

Fabrication of 2D material devices under ambient conditions faces challenges from humidity-dependent interfacial interactions and doping effects due to intercalated water layers. This study explores adhesion and force dynamics for a monolayer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) on silicon dioxide (SiO2) as a function of humidity, using atomic force microscopy (AFM). At low humidity (<10%RH), capillary forces dominate due to a liquid bridge forming between the AFM tip and sample. At intermediate humidity 40%RH, an additional water layer intercalates between the MoS2 and the SiO2 and the capillary force model alone is insufficient to describe the tip-sample interactions. Force-distance spectroscopy reveals additional force dynamics related to MoS2-lifting and dynamics in the intercalated water. Above 60%RH, water condenses on the MoS2 and the capillary interactions are reduced. Understanding and identifying these interactions is crucial for optimising deposition of 2D materials under humid conditions.
Pumped hydro energy storage to support 100% renewable energy
Authors: Blakers Andrew , Weber Timothy , Silalahi David
Published: January 2025

The rapidly growing scale of solar photovoltaics and wind energy coupled with electrification of transport, heating and industry offers an affordable pathway for achieving deep decarbonization. Massive integration of variable solar photovoltaics and wind energy requires large-scale adoption of short (seconds-hours) and long (hours-days) duration energy storage. Currently, long-duration pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) accounts for about 95% of global energy storage for the electricity sector. This paper discusses the Global PHES Atlases developed by the Australian National University which identify 0.8 million off-river (closed-loop) PHES sites with a combined 86 million Gigawatt-hours of storage potential, which is about 3 years of current global electricity production. These Atlases show that most global jurisdictions have vast potential for low-cost PHES with small water and land requirements, and that do not require new dams on rivers. The low capital cost of premium PHES systems ($ per kilowatt-hour) is pointed out. Methods for creating shortlists of promising PHES sites from the Atlases for detailed investigation are developed.
Three-dimensional direct lithography of stable quantum dots in hybrid glass
Authors: Zhu Dezhi , Jiang Shangben , Wang Ying , Liu Dejun , Bao Weijia , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle , Wang Yiping , Liao Changrui
Published: January 2025

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), as high-performance materials, play an essential role in contemporary industry, mainly due to their high photoluminescent quantum yield, wide absorption characteristics, and size-dependent light emission. It is essential to construct well-defined micro-/nano- structures using QDs as building blocks for micro-optic applications. However, the fabrication of stable QDs with designed functional structures has long been challenging. Here, we propose a strategy for three-dimensional direct lithography of desired QDs within a hybrid medium with specific protection properties. The acrylate-functionalized hybrid precursors enable local crosslinking through ultrafast laser-induced multiphoton absorption, achieving sub-100 nm resolution surpassing the diffraction limit. The printed micro-/nano- structures possess thermal stability up to 600 °C, which can be transformed to inorganic architectures with a volume shrinkage. Due to the encapsulated QDs within the densely silicon-oxygen molecular networks, the functional structures demonstrate good stability against ultraviolet irradiation, corrosive solutions, and elevated temperatures. Based on hybrid 3D nanolithography, bicolor multilayer micro-/nano- structures are manufactured for applications in 3D data storage and optical information encryption. This research presents an effective strategy for the fabrication of desired QD micro-/nano- structures, supporting the development of stable functional device applications.
Algebraic aspects of homogeneous Kuramoto oscillators
Authors: Harrington Heather , Schenck Hal , Stillman Mike
Published: January 2025

We investigate algebraic characteristics of networks of coupled oscillators. Translating dynamics into a system of algebraic equations enables us to identify classes of network topologies that exhibit unexpected behaviors. Many previous studies focus on synchronization of networks having high connectivity, or of a specific type (e.g. circulant networks). We introduce the Kuramoto ideal; an algebraic analysis of this ideal allows us to identify features beyond synchronization, such as positive dimensional components in the set of potential solutions (e.g. curves instead of points). We prove sufficient conditions on the network structure for such solutions to exist. The points lying on a positive dimensional component of the solution set can never correspond to a linearly stable state. We apply this framework to give a complete analysis of linear stability for all networks on at most eight vertices. Furthermore, we describe a construction of networks on an arbitrary number of vertices having linearly stable states that are not twisted stable states.
Rigidity of area non-increasing maps
Authors: Lee Man-Chun , Tam Luen-Fai , Wan Jingbo
Published: January 2025

In this work, we consider the area non-increasing map between manifolds with positive curvature. By exploring the strong maximum principle along the graphical mean curvature flow, we show that an area non-increasing map between certain positively curved manifolds is either homotopy trivial, Riemannian submersion, local isometry or isometric immersion. This implies that an area non-increasing self map of

C
P

n

\mathbb {CP}^n

,

n
≥
2

n\ge 2

is either homotopically trivial or is an isometry. This confirms a speculation of Tsai-Tsui-Wang. We also use Brendle’s Sphere Theorem and mean curvature flow coupled with Ricci flow to establish related results on manifolds with positive

1
1

-isotropic curvature.
The double and triple bubble problem for stationary varifolds: The convex case
Authors: De Rosa Antonio , Tione Riccardo
Published: January 2025

We characterize the critical points of the double bubble problem in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

and the triple bubble problem in

R

3

\mathbb {R}^3

, in the case the bubbles are convex.
Wave equations with logarithmic nonlinearity on hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Wang Chengbo , Zhang Xiaoran
Published: January 2025

In light of the exponential decay of solutions of linear wave equations on hyperbolic spaces

H

n

\mathbb {H}^n

, to illustrate the critical nature, we investigate nonlinear wave equations with logarithmic nonlinearity, which behaves like

(
ln
⁡

1

/

|

u

|

)

1
−
p

|

u

|

\left (\ln {1}/{|u|}\right )^{1-p}|u|

near

u
=
0

u=0

, on hyperbolic spaces. Concerning the global existence vs blow-up with small data, we expect that the problem admits a critical power

p
c

(
n
)
>
1

p_c(n)>1

. When

n
=
3

n=3

, we prove that the critical power is

3
3

, by proving global existence for

p
>
3

p>3

, as well as generically blow-up for

p
∈
(
1
,
3
)

p\in (1,3)

.
Introduction: deepening cooperation, deepening mistrust
Authors: 6 Perri , Heims Eva
Published: January 2025

Why do states commit resiliently to cooperating in multilateral regimes with other states, even while they may be preparing for war with those states? This is a large and urgent puzzle with contemporary relevance. After defining the puzzle, the chapter introduces the case to be examined in this book—Britain’s relationship with the international regime for telegraphy from the 1860s to 1914, when cooperation with Germany deepened even as war drew nearer. The book examines British commitment to cooperation with countries with which it was in tension or preparing for outright conflict through each of the three parts of the regime—the International Telegraph Union, the Submarine Cable Convention and the International Radiotelegraphy Conventions. It shows that this is a crucial case for any theory to explain. This first chapter describes the data and methods used.
The emergence of parallel integration, 1898–1911
Authors: 6 Perri , Heims Eva
Published: January 2025

The third period began in the great climacteric of 1898–1899. A major transition took place in informal and formal institutional ordering of British government which made possible the emergence of parallel integrated buffering for civilian and security zones of policymaking generally and specifically for international telegraphy. It shaped policy on the cable routes to India, ideas of all-British imperial cable connections, plans for cable-cutting in wartime, British work in the ITU conferences, and especially in the debates about possible British withdrawal from the ITU in 1901–1902, which resulted in major clarification of how buffering was to work in telegraphy.
Comparing the explanatory power of alternative theories
Authors: 6 Perri , Heims Eva
Published: January 2025

The explanatory power of the neo-Durkheimian institutional explanation is compared with those offered by alternative theories. First, the chapter briefly discusses alternative accounts used by historians. It then turns to five theories from international relations and policy process studies—neoclassical realism, liberal institutional integrative bargaining, ideas, regulatory capture, and bureaucratic politics. Each of these explanations is evaluated against five basic methodological virtues of social science explanations, namely, parsimony, generality, causality, fundamentality, and accuracy or the qualitative equivalent of close goodness of fit with the data. Summarizing the book’s empirical findings, the chapter presents an evaluation of all theories against these methodological virtues in a detailed table. This shows the neo-Durkheimian institutional explanation to be more convincing and to give a more satisfying trade-off among these virtues.
The neo-Durkheimian institutional explanation
Authors: 6 Perri , Heims Eva
Published: January 2025

After summarizing the neo-Durkheimian institutional explanation for simultaneous commitment to cooperation and conflict, and considering evidence for the hypotheses on international status, the chapter tabulates and displays graphically the transition in institutional ordering and buffering over the three sub-periods. The International Telegraph Union’s (the ITU’s) ‘offer’ to its members is examined. The chapter presents the book’s treatment of how the neo-Durkheimian explanation might be falsified. Possible objections that buffering might not have explained the outcome are answered by considering major states which did not join the ITU in this period. On this basis, the chapter presents the significance of the argument for international relations, understandings of state development, and for the study of more recent cases of commitment to international cooperation amidst deepening conflict.
Effects of anti-inflammatory agents on clinical outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: Webster Emma R , Perkovic Adam , Neuen Brendon L , Tuttle Katherine R , Perkovic Vlado
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by chronic inflammation, which is strongly linked to risk of cardiovascular disease. Anti-inflammatory agents present a novel strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in people with CKD, but their effects on clinical outcomes are uncertain.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory agents in CKD (PROSPERO CRD42021238755). Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to March 2023 for randomised controlled trials of anti-inflammatory agents in CKD with at least 100 patient-years follow up per treatment arm. The primary study outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events ([MACE], defined as myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, or cardiovascular death). Other outcomes included CKD progression, malignancy and infection.

Results

Nine trials of 12 042 participants and six different anti-inflammatory classes were identified. Overall, anti-inflammatory agents did not reduce the risk of MACE (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.81–1.24), although there was significant heterogeneity across studies (P-heterogeneity = 0.001; I2 = 72%). Anti-inflammatory agents did not have a clear effect on the composite kidney outcome (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.55–1.22), although there were few events and some trials suggested improvements in the rate of decline in kidney function. Infections were increased with anti-inflammatory agents compared with placebo (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01 -1.82).

Conclusion

There is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of anti-inflammatory agents to reduce cardiovascular risk or CKD progression in people with CKD, and further dedicated studies in this population are warranted. The potential increased risk of infection with anti-inflammatory agents is an important consideration in the evaluation of these therapies in CKD.
Association of aortic valve size with the degree of aortic valve calcification in severe high-gradient aortic stenosis
Authors: Mousavi Roya Anahita , Lamm Gudrun , Will Maximilian , Kammerlander Andreas A , Krackowizer Philip , Gunacker Petra Carmen , Höbart Philipp , Voith Nikolaus , Grüninger Marc Felix , Schwarz Konstantin , Vock Paul , Hoppe Uta C , Mascherbauer Julia
Published: January 2025

Aims

Less pronounced calcification of the aortic valve (AVC) was observed in women with aortic stenosis (AS) when compared with men. Since women have smaller aortic valves (AVs), this could explain a lower calcium load. We aimed to analyse the association of AV size with AVC independent from sex.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients with high-gradient AS, who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT), were assessed. AV annulus area and AVC with the Agatston score were measured on CT. In total, 601 patients (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 45% female) were included. Women had smaller AV annulus areas (4.12 ± 0.67 vs. 5.15 ± 0.78 cm2, P < 0.001) and lower Agatston scores [2018 (1456–3017) vs. 3394 (2562–4530), P < 0.001] than men. We found a significant correlation (r = 0.594, P < 0.001) and independent association (β = 926.20, P < 0.001) of AV annulus area with AVC. On separate regression analyses for men and women, AVC was independently associated with AV annulus area in both sexes (βmen = 887.77; βwomen = 863.48, both P < 0.001). When patients were stratified into AV size quartiles, patients in the lower quartiles were more likely to have AVC values below recommended sex-specific AVC thresholds. In the lowest quartile, 28% of female and 27% of male patients had Agatston scores below 1200 Agatston units (AU) (women) and 2000 AU (men), while this proportion decreased to 6 and 2%, respectively, in the quartiles with the largest annulus areas.

Conclusion

In high-gradient AS, AVC strongly depends on AV annulus area. This association is not dependent on sex. Thus, AVC should be indexed to AV size in addition to sex.
The prognostic value of global longitudinal strain in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved ejection fraction: a prespecified substudy of the REDUCE-AMI trial
Authors: Mars Katarina , Hofmann Robin , Jonsson Martin , Manouras Aristomenis , Engvall Jan , Yndigegn Troels , Jernberg Tomas , Shahgaldi Kambiz , Sundqvist Martin G
Published: January 2025

Aims

The REDUCE-AMI trial showed that beta-blockers in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) had no effect on mortality or cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this substudy was to evaluate whether global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a better prognostic marker than LVEF, and if beta-blockers have a beneficial effect in patients with decreased GLS.

Methods and results

REDUCE-AMI was a registry-based randomized clinical trial. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and GLS were obtained and a likelihood ratio test between models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, previous AMI, and multi-vessel disease was used to compare LVEF and GLS as prognostic methods. A Cox regression model evaluated the impact of beta-blocker treatment on the composite endpoint of death from any cause or new AMI. A total of 1436 patients (28.6% of the total population) were included in this substudy. Due to poor image quality or incompatible equipment, 324 (22.6%) patients were excluded from the analysis of GLS. The median GLS was 17.3%. The likelihood ratio test resulted in no difference (P = 0.56) when comparing the combination of GLS to LVEF. The results were robust when adding beta-blocker randomization status as an independent variable.

Conclusion

In patients after AMI with preserved LVEF, GLS did not add prognostic value regarding death from any cause or new AMI. In addition, beta-blocker treatment did not alter the prognostic information obtained from GLS. Consequently, this study does not support an additive value of GLS compared with standard echocardiographic measurement in this patient population.
Strategies to optimize the engagement of culturally and linguistically diverse populations in cardiac research: a systematic review
Authors: Abou Chakra Melissa , L Jessup Rebecca , Beauchamp Alison , Azar Denise , Sharma Laveena , Gumanti Audrey , Šeman Michael , Talevski Jason
Published: January 2025

Aims

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations remain underrepresented in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research despite their higher disease burden compared with non-CALD populations. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the available literature on strategies to engage CALD participants in CVD research.

Methods and results

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched for literature up until May 2024. Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies were included if they focused on CVD research, included participants who identified as coming from a CALD background, and the study included a description of their recruitment strategies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and findings were analysed through a narrative synthesis. A total of 34 studies were included in this review, with the largest proportion conducted in the USA. The African American population was the most common CALD group. The most commonly used strategies to recruit CALD participants were strategically undertaking recruitment from places frequented by CALD communities; using CALD-specific promotional and advertisement material; offering monetary incentives; creating translated and jargon-free material; and improving staff diversity and cultural competency. The success of recruitment strategies was assessed in seven studies showing mostly positive results.

Conclusion

The findings of this review highlight cultural- and language-specific strategies that can be used to improve recruitment of CALD participants in CVD research. CALD communities must be included in CVD research to ensure cultural barriers are addressed when developing evidence-based CVD prevention guidelines.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD42023473688.
Maintenance of long-term transposable element activity through regulation by nonautonomous elements
Authors: Omole Adekanmi Daniel , Czuppon Peter
Published: January 2025

Transposable elements are DNA sequences that can move and replicate within genomes. Broadly, there are 2 types: autonomous elements, which encode the necessary enzymes for transposition, and nonautonomous elements, which rely on the enzymes produced by autonomous elements for their transposition. Nonautonomous elements have been proposed to regulate the numbers of transposable elements, which is a possible explanation for the persistence of transposition activity over long evolutionary times. However, previous modeling studies indicate that interactions between autonomous and nonautonomous elements usually result in the extinction of one type. Here, we study a stochastic model that allows for the stable coexistence of autonomous and nonautonomous retrotransposons. We determine the conditions for this coexistence and derive an analytical expression for the stationary distribution of their copy numbers, showing that nonautonomous elements regulate stochastic fluctuations and the number of autonomous elements in stationarity. We find that the stationary variances of each element can be expressed as a function of the average copy numbers and their covariance, enabling data comparison and model validation. These results suggest that continued transposition activity of transposable elements, regulated by nonautonomous elements, is a possible evolutionary outcome that could for example explain the long coevolutionary history of autonomous LINE1 and nonautonomous Alu element transposition in the human ancestry.
Seismic and ultrasonic frequency measurements on partially saturated rocks under X-ray
Authors: Mews K S , Lozovyi S
Published: January 2025

Low-frequency laboratory measurements provide direct access to the elastic properties of samples within the seismic frequency band, offering calibration data for seismic survey analysis. Additionally, µCT imaging can quantify actual saturations and provides insights into phase distributions at the pore scale. To conduct laboratory triaxial measurements at seismic frequencies while simultaneously imaging the rock interior, we developed an X-ray transparent low-frequency apparatus. Our apparatus determines rock mechanical properties at seismic frequencies (0.5–150 Hz) and strain amplitudes (10$\mathrm{^{-7}}$–10$\mathrm{^{-5}}$), measuring Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and attenuation. In addition P- and S-wave velocities at ultrasonic frequencies are measured. We conducted imbibition-drainage experiments to assess the effect of saturation and patch size on seismic and ultrasonic elastic properties in sandstone. Additional tests with liquid and gaseous $\mathrm{CO_2}$ reveal the impact of partial $\mathrm{CO_2}$-gas saturation. The imbibition-drainage experiment demonstrated that P-wave velocity at ultrasonic frequencies was elevated during drainage and reduced during imbibition. Drainage caused patchy saturation, while imbibition resulted in uniform saturation. This implies that ultrasonic measurements, with wavelengths comparable to the pore fluid patch size, are likely influenced by scattering. In contrast, low-frequency measurements, where the wavelength surpasses the patch size, capture effective medium properties and therefore are not affected by scattering effects. The results of the $\mathrm{CO_2}$ test suggest that low-frequency measurements can detect even low gas saturations (4 per cent gaseous $\mathrm{CO_2}$). In contrast, ultrasonic velocity measurements primarily reflect the response of the fully saturated sample at low gas saturations and do not indicate a reduction in velocity. Identifying fluid–solid interactions and estimating saturation via µCT imaging is crucial, especially with minimal gas presence. Our combined approach allows precise determination of elastic properties at seismic frequencies and shows the importance of low-frequency over ultrasonic measurements.
Resistome and plasmidome genomic features of mcr-1.1-harboring Escherichia coli: a One Health approach
Authors: Simões de Oliveira Gabriela , Lentz Silvia Adriana Mayer , Müller Camila Zanfelice , Guerra Rafaela Ramalho , Dalmolin Tanise Vendruscolo , Volpato Fabiana Caroline Zempulski , de Lima-Morales Daiana , Lamb Wink Priscila , Barth Afonso Luís , Rabinowitz Peter , Martins Andreza Francisco
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic traits of mcr-1.1-harboring Escherichia coli isolates from chickens, pigs, humans, and farm environments. The resistome and the mobile genetic elements associated with the spread of mcr-1.1 in Southern Brazil were also characterized.

Methods and results

The 22 mcr-1.1-harboring E. coli isolates from different origins were selected for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing for characterization of the resistome, plasmids, and sequence types. All isolates presented several resistance genes and harbored the mcr-1.1 gene in a highly similar IncX4 plasmid. Furthermore, the mcr-1.1 gene co-occurred with the mcr-3.12 gene in a multidrug-resistant isolate from the farm environment.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that the mcr-1.1 gene in E. coli isolates from Brazil is spreading mainly by horizontal transfer of the IncX4 plasmid. The co-occurrence of mcr-1.1 and mcr-3.12 highlights pig farming as an important reservoir of colistin resistance.
Development and evaluation of a 4M taxonomy from nursing home staff text messages using a fine-tuned generative language model
Authors: Farmer Matthew Steven , Popescu Mihail , Powell Kimberly
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to explore the utilization of a fine-tuned language model to extract expressions related to the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4M Framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) from nursing home worker text messages, deploy automated mapping of these expressions to a taxonomy, and explore the created expressions and relationships.

Materials and Methods

The dataset included 21 357 text messages from healthcare workers in 12 Missouri nursing homes. A sample of 860 messages was annotated by clinical experts to form a “Gold Standard” dataset. Model performance was evaluated using classification metrics including Cohen’s Kappa (κ), with κ ≥ 0.60 as the performance threshold. The selected model was fine-tuned. Extractions were clustered, labeled, and arranged into a structured taxonomy for exploration.

Results

The fine-tuned model demonstrated improved extraction of 4M content (κ = 0.73). Extractions were clustered and labeled, revealing large groups of expressions related to care preferences, medication adjustments, cognitive changes, and mobility issues.

Discussion

The preliminary development of the 4M model and 4M taxonomy enables knowledge extraction from clinical text messages and aids future development of a 4M ontology. Results compliment themes and findings in other 4M research.

Conclusion

This research underscores the need for consensus building in ontology creation and the role of language models in developing ontologies, while acknowledging their limitations in logical reasoning and ontological commitments. Further development and context expansion with expert involvement of a 4M ontology are necessary.
Estimation of Finite Population Proportions for Small Areas—A Statistical Data Integration Approach
Authors: Sen Aditi , Lahiri Partha
Published: January 2025

Empirical best prediction (EBP) is a well-known method for producing reliable proportion estimates when the primary data source provides only small or no sample from finite populations. There are potential challenges in implementing existing EBP methodology, such as limited auxiliary variables in the frame (not adequate for building a reasonable working predictive model), or unable to accurately link the sample to the finite population frame, due to the absence of identifiers. In this paper, we propose a new data linkage approach, where the finite population frame is replaced by a big probability sample, having a large set of auxiliary variables, but not the outcome binary variable of interest. We fit an assumed model on the small probability sample and then impute the outcome variable for all units of the big sample to obtain standard weighted proportions. We develop a new adjusted maximum likelihood (ML) method so that the estimate of model variance does not fall on the boundary, which is otherwise encountered in the commonly used ML method. We also propose an estimator of the mean squared prediction error using a parametric bootstrap method and address computational issues by developing an efficient Expectation Maximization algorithm. The proposed methodology is illustrated in the context of election projection for small areas.
Modeling plant phenotypic plasticity and its underlying genetic architecture: a comparative study
Authors: Arenas Sebastian , Djabali Yacine , Rincent Renaud , Cubry Philippe , Martin Marie-Laure , Blein-Nicolas Mélisande , Laplaze Laurent , Schneider Hannah , Grondin Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Phenotypic plasticity can contribute to crop adaptation to challenging environments. Plasticity indices are potentially useful to identify the genetic basis of crop phenotypic plasticity. Numerous methods exist to measure phenotypic plasticity, but their ability to capture quantitative trait loci with environmental effects remains elusive. Here, we analysed a published multi-trial maize phenotyping dataset that examined the water stress response of leaf area, shoot biomass, and water use efficiency, calculating phenotypic plasticity for these traits using seven different plasticity indices. A comprehensive genetic analysis of phenotypic plasticity for these traits was further performed and the ability of methods to detect genetic regions capturing variance due to genotype-by-environment interaction was evaluated. Our results suggest that not all plasticity indices are amenable to identifying genomic regions associated with phenotypic plasticity. We observed that plasticity indices based on calculation of a ratio between environments or the slope of the Finlay–Wilkinson model were particularly useful in uncovering the genetic architecture underlying phenotypic plasticity when studying responses to treatments within and across trials. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of phenotypic plasticity should provide opportunities for breeding plants better able to adapt to climate uncertainty.
Rapid Parallel Adaptation in Distinct Invasions of Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Is Driven by Large-Effect Structural Variants
Authors: Battlay Paul , Craig Samuel , Putra Andhika R , Monro Keyne , De Silva Nissanka P , Wilson Jonathan , Bieker Vanessa C , Kabir Saila , Shamaya Nawar , van Boheemen Lotte , Rieseberg Loren H , Stinchcombe John R , Fournier-Level Alexandre , Martin Michael D , Hodgins Kathryn A
Published: January 2025

When introduced to multiple distinct ranges, invasive species provide a compelling natural experiment for understanding the repeatability of adaptation. Ambrosia artemisiifolia is an invasive, noxious weed, and chief cause of hay fever. Leveraging over 400 whole-genome sequences spanning the native-range in North America and 2 invasions in Europe and Australia, we inferred demographically distinct invasion histories on each continent. Despite substantial differences in genetic source and effective population size changes during introduction, scans of both local climate adaptation and divergence from the native-range revealed genomic signatures of parallel adaptation between invasions. Disproportionately represented among these parallel signatures are 37 large haploblocks—indicators of structural variation—that cover almost 20% of the genome and exist as standing genetic variation in the native-range. Many of these haploblocks are associated with traits important for adaptation to local climate, like size and the timing of flowering, and have rapidly reformed native-range clines in invaded ranges. Others show extreme frequency divergence between ranges, consistent with a response to divergent selection on different continents. Our results demonstrate the key role of large-effect standing variants in rapid adaptation during range expansion, a pattern that is robust to diverse invasion histories.