bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitor binding and disruption of coupled motions in MmpL3 protein: Unraveling the mechanism of trehalose monomycolate transport
Authors: Zhao Likun , Liu Bo , Tong Henry H. Y. , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Huanxiang , Zhang Qianqian
Published: September 2024

Mycobacterial membrane protein Large 3 (MmpL3) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is crucial for the translocation of trehalose monomycolate (TMM) across the inner bacterial cell membrane, making it a promising target for anti‐tuberculosis (TB) drug development. While several structural, microbiological, and in vitro studies have provided significant insights, the precise mechanisms underlying TMM transport by MmpL3 and its inhibition remain incompletely understood at the atomic level. In this study, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations for the apo form and seven inhibitor‐bound forms of Mtb MmpL3 were carried out to obtain a thorough comprehension of the protein's dynamics and function. MD simulations revealed that the seven inhibitors in this work stably bind to the central channel of the transmembrane domain and primarily forming hydrogen bonds with ASP251, ASP640, or both residues. Through dynamical cross‐correlation matrix and principal component analysis analyses, several types of coupled motions between different domains were observed in the apo state, and distinct conformational states were identified using Markov state model analysis. These coupled motions and varied conformational states likely contribute to the transport of TMM. However, simulations of inhibitor‐bound MmpL3 showed an enlargement of the proton channel, potentially disrupting coupled motions. This indicates that inhibitors may impair MmpL3's transport function by directly blocking the proton channel, thereby hindering coordinated domain movements and indirectly affecting TMM translocation.
Modulating Silver Performance in Electrocatalytic Oxidation of HCHO via SMSI between Ag‐Co3O4 Interfaces
Authors: Mao Peiyuan , Chen Bingbing , Huang Rui , Jing Yang , Xiao Long , Zhang Baihao , Shi Chuan
Published: September 2024

The replacement of oxygen evolution reactions with organic molecule oxidation reactions to enable energy‐efficient hydrogen production has been a subject of interest. However, further reducing reaction energy consumption and releasing hydrogen from organic molecules continue to pose significant challenges. Herein, a strategy is proposed to produce hydrogen and formic acid from formaldehyde using Ag/Co3O4 interface catalysts at the anode. The key to improving the performance of Ag‐based catalysts for formaldehyde oxidation lies in the strong SMSI achieved through the well‐designed “spontaneous redox reaction” between Ag and Co3O4 precursors. Nano‐sized Ag particles are uniformly dispersed on Co3O4 nanosheets, and electron‐deficient Agδ+ are formed by the SMSI between Ag and Co3O4. Ag/Co3O4 demonstrates exceptional formaldehyde oxidation activity at low potentials of 0.32 V versus RHE and 0.65 V versus RHE, achieving current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The electrolyzer “Ag/Co3O4||20% Pt/C” achieves over 195% hydrogen efficiency and over 98% formic acid selectivity, maintaining stable operation for 60 hours. This work not only presents a novel approach to precisely modulate Ag particle size and interface electronic structure via SMSI, but also provides a promising approach to efficient and energy‐saving hydrogen production and the transformation of harmful formaldehyde.
Ultra‐Low Loading Fillers Induced Excellent Capacitive Performance in Polymer‐Based Multilayer Nanocomposites under Harsh Environments
Authors: Fan Xu , Ding Xiangping , Wang Peng , Li Zhicheng , Cheng Yu , Liu Jinjun , Yu Jinhong , Zhai Jiwei , Pan Zhongbin , Li Weiping
Published: September 2024

Multilayer‐structured nanocomposites are recognized as a prominent strategy for overcoming the paradox between the breakdown strength (Eb) and polarization (P) to achieve superior energy storage performance. However, current multilayer‐structured nanocomposites involving substantial quantities of nanofillers (>10 vol.%) for high dielectric constant as polarization layer will inevitably deteriorate mechanical properties and breakdown strength. Herein, an innovative approach is reported to breaking conventional rules by designing a multilayered polymer composite with ultralow loading of Al2O3 nanoparticles, i.e., 0.3 vol.% for polarization layers and 2 vol.% for insulation layers. By modulating the spatial distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticles in polymer, a significantly increased interfacial dipole response is induced, and deep interfacial traps are constructed to capture the mobile charges, thereby suppressing high‐temperature conduction loss. The resulting multilayered polymer composite exhibits an unparalleled discharged energy density of 7.8 J cm−3 with a charging/discharging efficiency exceeding 90% at 150 °C. This work provides valuable insights into achieving superior capacitive performance in multilayer composite films operating under extreme conditions.
Achieving Significantly Boosted Dielectric Energy Density of Polymer Film via Introducing a Bumpy Gold/Polymethylsilsesquioxane Granular Blocking Layer
Authors: Chang Zelong , Shi Zhicheng , Liu Yao , Lei Li , Sun Liang , Tang Qingyang , Fan Runhua , Cui Hongzhi , Wang Hong
Published: September 2024

Polymer dielectrics are the key materials for pulsed energy storage systems, but their low energy densities greatly restrict the applications in integrated electronic devices. Herein, a unique bumpy granular interlayer consisting of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and polymethyksesquioxane (PMSQ) microspheres is introduced into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film, forming trilayered PVDF‐Au/PMSQ‐PVDF films. Interestingly, the Au/PMSQ interlayer arouses a dielectric enhancement of 47% and an ultrahigh breakdown strength of 704 MV m−1, which reaches 153% of pure PVDF. It is revealed that the greatly enhanced breakdown strength originated from the Coulomb‐blockade effect of Au NPs and the excellent insulating properties of PMSQ microspheres with a special molecular‐scale organic–inorganic hybrid structure. Benefiting from the concurrently enhanced dielectric and breakdown performances, an outstanding energy density of 22.42 J cm−3 with an efficiency of 67.1%, which reaches 249% of that of the pure PVDF, is achieved. It is further confirmed that this design strategy is also applicable to linear dielectric polymer polyethyleneimine. The composites exhibit an energy density of 8.91 J cm−3 with a high efficiency of ≈95%. This work offers a novel and efficient strategy for concurrently enhancing the dielectric and breakdown performances of polymers toward pulsed power applications.
Calcification of the mesenteric veins suspected of idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with long‐term herbal medicine ‘inchinkoto’ prescribed for biliary atresia: A multicenter study
Authors: Hashizume Naoki , Sugita Koshiro , Masui Daisuke , Sakamoto Saki , Kawano Takafumi , Harumatsu Toshio , Masuya Ryuta , Onishi Shun , Higashidate Naruki , Koga Yoshinori , Egami Hideaki , Ieiri Satoshi , Kaji Tatsuru
Published: September 2024

Aim

Inchinkoto (ICKT) is administered to patients with biliary atresia (BA) after surgery. Gardeniae fructus which is contained in ICKT is reported to be associated with idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP). We investigated the influence of ICKT on calcification of the mesenteric veins suspected of IMP in BA patients.

Methods

All BA patients with native liver survival who received ICKT after Kasai portoenterostomy were reviewed. All patients underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) during treatment. Calcification of the mesenteric veins on the most recent CT scan after the initiation of ICKT was assessed.

Results

Twenty patients (6 males and 14 females) were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 17 (85.0%) and 10 (50%) patients had used ICKT for ≥5 years and >10 years, respectively. Calcification of the mesenteric veins was detected in one patient, who was a 14 year old girl. The total dosage of Gardeniae fructus was 21 800 g.

Conclusions

The incidence of calcification of the mesenteric veins in BA patients receiving ICKT was low. However, it is necessary to be aware that ICKT containing Gardeniae fructus is associated with the risk of developing calcification of the mesenteric veins suspected of IMP.
Bovine abortion caused by leptospirosis
Authors: Murillo Daniel Felipe Barrantes , Negrão Watanabe Tatiane Terumi , Costa Marco Túlio dos Santos , Nakazato Luciano , Pescador Caroline Argenta
Published: September 2024

A 3‐year‐old, 255 kg, mixed breed beef cow has an abortion at the last trimester of gestation, approximately 8 months. The cow was from a 1200‐hectare farm, with 1200 animals. The farm owner reported a total of 13 abortions between June and September 2022, all of them in the last trimester of gestation. Additional serological screening for Leptospira was performed in 40 cows from the herd by microscopic agglutination test with seropositive animals to serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae. Gross postmortem examination yielded icterus, pleural and peritoneal effusions. Histopathological findings were lymphoplasmacytic interstitial pneumonia and nephritis, with intraluminal spirochetes within the renal tubules, hepatic necrosis, and cholestasis. PCR on a fresh tissue pool was positive for Leptospira spp. (LipL32). Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by the infection of the bacterial spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira spp. Serovars Pomona and Icterohaemorrhagiae cause acute systemic leptospirosis in cattle after incidental infections due to poor husbandry conditions and cause abortion loss in cattle in occasional outbreaks.
A natural language processing‐informed adrenal gland incidentaloma clinic improves guideline‐based care
Authors: Frye C. Corbin , Akhund Ramsha , Murcy Mohammad , Veazey Lillie Grace , McLeod M. Chandler , Osborne John D. , Cochran Micah , Negrete Haleigh , Tridandipani Srini , Rothenberg Steven , Gillis Andrea , Fazendin Jessica , Chen Herbert , Lindeman Brenessa
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Adrenal gland incidentalomas (AGIs) are found in up to 5% of cross‐sectional images. However, rates of guideline‐based workup for AGIs are notoriously low. We sought to determine if a natural language processing (NLP)‐informed AGI clinic could improve the rates of indicated biochemical evaluation and adrenal‐specific imaging.

Methods

An NLP algorithm was created to detect clinically significant adrenal nodules from radiology reports of cross‐sectional images at an academic institution. The NLP algorithm was applied to scans occurring between June 2020 and July 2021 to form a baseline cohort. The NLP algorithm was re‐applied to scans from August 2021 to February 2023 and identified patients were invited to join an outpatient clinic dedicated to AGIs. Patients evaluated in the clinic from March 2022 to February 2023 were included in the intervention cohort. Statistical analysis utilized chi‐square, t‐test, and a multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The baseline and intervention cohorts included 1784 and 322 unique patients, respectively. Patients in the intervention cohort were more likely to be female (59% vs. 51%, p = 0.01), be younger (60 ± 13.1 vs. 64 ± 13.2 years, p < 0.001), have smaller nodules (1.7 cm, IQR 1.4–2.1 vs. 1.8 cm, IQR 1.4–2.5 cm, p = 0.017), have had biochemical workup (99% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and have had adrenal‐specific imaging (40% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, intervention cohort patients were significantly more likely to have had biochemical workup (odds ratio ,OR 1209, confidence interval ,CI 434–5117, p < 0.001) and adrenal‐specific imaging (OR 8.89, CI 6.42–12.4, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The implementation of an NLP‐informed AGI clinic was associated with a seven‐fold increase in biochemical workup and a three‐fold increase in adrenal‐specific imaging in participating patients.
Oxygen Redox Activity in Battery Cathodes and the Role of Underbonded Oxygen
Authors: Zhao Yangyang , Middlemiss Laurence , Zhi Xuan , Gross Peter , West Anthony R
Published: September 2024

It is widely recognised that oxygen redox makes a significant contribution to the high capacity of some cathode materials in addition to the more usual transition metal redox. We attribute this to the presence of underbonded oxide ions, either in bulk structures or at surfaces, which act as the initial source of oxygen redox during charging. Underbonded oxide ions experience departures from local electroneutrality; examples include Li4Mn5O12 spinel and Li‐rich layered rock salt structures but not stoichiometric LiCoO2 or Li2MnO3. Underbonded oxide ions ionise more readily than fully‐stabilised lattice oxide ions since, using an ionic bonding description, they are associated with a deficiency of positive charge in the coordination sphere of surrounding cations. Pauling's electrostatic bond strength criterion gives a simple guide to structures or compositions that may show departures from local electroneutrality and provides the starting point for a new way to consider oxygen redox. Li4Mn5O12 behaves as an anode due to Mn redox below 3 V but also behaves as a cathode due to reversible oxygen redox above ~3.8 V. In the high symmetry cubic structure of Li4Mn5O12, depending on the local distribution of cations over the occupied tetrahedral and octahedral sites, some oxygens are inevitably underbonded whereas others must be overbonded, although none show local electroneutrality expected from the average crystal structure. Underbonded oxygens are also identified in other structures, including high capacity Li‐rich layered rock salt structures.
Simultaneously Building and Reconciling a Synteny Tree
Authors: Gascon Mathieu , Delabre Mattéo , El-Mabrouk Nadia
Published: September 2024

We present FullSynesth, a tree reconciliation algorithm predicting the evolution of a set of homologous genomic regions or syntenies, inside a species tree. The considered evolutionary model involves segmental events (i.e. acting on multiple genes) including duplications (D), losses (L), synteny fissions and transfers possibly going through unsampled or extinct species. Formally, given a set of syntenies in a set of genomes and a set $$\mathcal {G}$$
G
of consistent gene trees for the gene families composing the syntenies, the problem is to infer a most parsimonious evolutionary history explaining the observed gene trees and syntenies given a species tree. The problem is NP-hard for the DL distance. FullSynesth is based on Synesth explicating the evolution of a set of syntenies given a single synteny tree, which can be obtained from $$\mathcal {G}$$
G
by selecting an “optimal” supertree. Rather than trying each supertree in turn, FullSynesth is based on a two-in-one approach simultaneously building and reconciling a synteny supertree. The running time of this algorithm is exponential in the number of gene trees rather than in the size of gene trees. We show on simulated datasets that FullSynesth significantly improves the running time of Synesth applied to each possible supertree. An implementation of the algorithm is available at: http://www.iro.umontreal.ca/~mabrouk/.
Corners and islands in the S-matrix bootstrap of the open superstring
Authors: Berman Justin , Elvang Henriette
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We bootstrap the Veneziano superstring amplitude in 10 dimensions from the bottom-up. Starting with the most general maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills EFT, we input information about the lowest-lying massive states, which we assume contribute via tree-level exchanges to the 4-point amplitude. We show the following: (1) if there is only a single state at the lowest mass, it must be a scalar. (2) Assuming a string-inspired gap between the mass of this scalar and any other massive states, the allowed region of Wilson coefficients has a new sharp corner where the Veneziano amplitude is located. (3) Upon fixing the next massive state to be a vector, the EFT bounds have a one-parameter family of corners; these would correspond to models with linear Regge trajectories of varying slopes, one of which is the open superstring. (4) When the ratio between the massive scalar coupling and the trF4 coefficient is fixed to its string value, the spin and mass of the second massive state is determined by the bootstrap and the Veneziano amplitude is isolated on a small island in parameter space. Finally, we compare with other recent bootstraps approaches, both the pion model and imposing Regge-inspired maximal spin constraints.
Heavy flavor production under a strong magnetic field
Authors: Chen Shile , Zhao Jiaxing , Zhuang Pengfei
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The magnetic field created in high energy nuclear collisions will affect the QCD dynamical processes, such as the heavy quark production which happens in the initial stage of the collisions. We calculate in a strong magnetic field the heavy quark production cross section of the process $$ gg\to Q\overline{Q} $$
gg
→
Q

Q
¯

at leading order and the corresponding transverse momentum distribution in nucleus-nucleus collisions. In comparison to the QED process, the heavy quark production is dominated by the unique QCD channel with gluon self-interaction. Due to the dimension reduction of quark phase space in a strong magnetic field, the production is concentrated in a very narrow energy region above the threshold. Since the rotational invariance is broken in a magnetic field, the production becomes anisotropic.
Holocene vegetation change at Grosssee, eastern Swiss Alps: effects of climate and human impact
Authors: Dwileski Allison R. , Rey Fabian , Morlock Marina A. , Glaus Nicole , Szidat Sönke , Vogel Hendrik , Anselmetti Flavio S. , Heiri Oliver
Published: September 2024

Pollen, spores, and microscopic charcoal from the sediments of Grosssee (1,619 m a.s.l.), a small lake in the lower subalpine vegetation zone of the Glarus Alps, Switzerland, were analysed to reconstruct vegetation patterns and land use over the past ca. 12,300 calibrated 14C years bp (cal bp). Pollen data revealed an open landscape covered with grasses and herbs such as Artemisia during the Late Glacial Period. The catchment was likely initially afforested with Betula and Pinus cembra or Pinus sylvestris during the Early Holocene. Thermophilous taxa such as Ulmus, Tilia, and Alnus glutinosa-type expanded from ca. 11,000–9,200 cal bp, and mesophyllic Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica followed, and expanded beginning from ca. 8,000–7,600 cal bp. Interestingly, Alnus viridis (synonym: A. alnobetula) expanded about 2,000 years earlier than at comparable sites in the northern Swiss Alps. Its expansion was profound and persistent, and percentages > 15% were already achieved by ca. 7,000 cal bp. Local erosion events that followed are well explained by vegetation changes and inferred human land use activities at Grosssee. In particular, this led to a more open landscape, and land uses (e.g. grazing) intensified from the Mid- to Late Holocene. Indicators of environmental disturbance including persistently high levels of A. viridis, monolete fern spores, and microscopic charcoal were pronounced after ca. 4,000 cal bp. At that time, high influxes of spores from coprophilous fungi and the consistent presence of cultural indicators (Cerealia-type, Plantago lanceolata) indicate increased grazing and high levels of human impact. Land use and grazing activities seemed to have been particularly pronounced and to have promoted diversity in the vegetation over the past 1,000 years.
Seasonal forecasting of the European North-West shelf seas: limits of winter and summer sea surface temperature predictability
Authors: Atkins Jamie R. C. , Tinker Jonathan , Graham Jennifer A. , Scaife Adam A. , Halloran Paul R.
Published: September 2024

The European North-West shelf seas (NWS) support economic interests and provide environmental services to adjacent countries. Expansion of offshore activities, such as renewable energy infrastructure, aquaculture, and growth of international shipping, will place increasingly complex demands on the marine environment over the coming decades. Skilful forecasting of NWS properties on seasonal timescales will help to effectively manage these activities. Here we quantify the skill of an operational large-ensemble ocean-atmosphere coupled global forecasting system (GloSea), as well as benchmark persistence forecasts, for predictions of NWS sea surface temperature (SST) at 2–4 months lead time in winter and summer. We identify sources of and limits to SST predictability, considering what additional skill may be available in the future. We find that GloSea NWS SST skill is generally high in winter and low in summer. GloSea outperforms simple persistence forecasts by adding information about atmospheric variability, but only to a modest extent as persistence of anomalies in the initial conditions contributes substantially to predictability. Where persistence is low – for example in seasonally stratified regions – GloSea forecasts show lower skill. GloSea skill can be degraded by model deficiencies in the relatively coarse global ocean component, which lacks dynamic tides and subsequently fails to robustly represent local circulation and mixing. However, “atmospheric mode matched” tests show potential for improving prediction skill of currently low performing regions if atmospheric circulation forecasts can be improved. This underlines the importance of coupled atmosphere-ocean model development for NWS seasonal forecasting applications.
Gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional intake among participants in a non-professional cycling event
Authors: Martínez Pau , Martínez Sonia , Mingorance José A. , Riera-Sampol Aina , Aguiló Antoni , Tauler Pedro
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in different settings among cyclists participating in a non-professional cycling event. The nutritional intake during the event and the association between GI symptoms and both nutritional and non-nutritional factors were also analyzed.

Methods

A descriptive correlational study was performed among participants in the 2023 ‘Mallorca 312-Milestone Series’ cycling event. A pre-race questionnaire was completed by 247 participants (37 women) while a post-race questionnaire was completed by 138 participants (24 women).

Results

The prevalence of GI symptoms in training sessions and in previous cycling events were 22–26%. GI complaints during the race were reported by 38.4% of participants. GI symptoms during training (p = 0.003), in previous cycling events (p = 0.012) and in the Mallorca 312 event (during: p = 0.010; after p = 0.014) were associated with rest GI symptoms. Furthermore, GI symptoms during the Mallorca 312 event were associated with an immediately previous more nervous feeling (p = 0.016). Participants with shorter previous experience in similar events reported a more nervous feeling (p = 0.023). On average, participants in the Mallorca 312 achieved the recommended carbohydrate intake (59.2 g/h; recommended 30–60 g/h) and the fluid intake (500 ml; recommended 400–800 ml/h) rates. No association was found between GI symptoms and nutritional parameters or food intake.

Conclusion

GI symptoms at rest could be considered the main factor associated with GI symptoms in cyclists. GI symptoms during the event were also associated with a more nervous feeling, which could be explained, at least in part, by shorter previous experience.
A review of radioactive waste processing and disposal from a life cycle environmental perspective
Authors: Clayton Rachael , Kirk Joel , Banford Anthony , Stamford Laurence
Published: September 2024

The role of nuclear power in a more sustainable, ‘net zero’ energy sector is an important focal point of research. Given the large volume of existing legacy wastes and the future waste arisings that nuclear expansion would entail, attention is needed in the ‘back-end’ of the nuclear fuel cycle: processing (including treatment and conditioning) and disposal of radioactive waste. The range of waste processing techniques already in operation is broad and complex, and many novel technologies are under development. However, whilst prior work only focused on technology development and direct emissions, particularly in post-processing and disposal, a life cycle perspective is underutilised. This review analyses the landscape of life cycle assessment (LCA) within the nuclear sector, focusing on radioactive waste management, decommissioning and disposal. A literature search yielded 225 journal articles plus additional grey literature, yet only eight relevant LCAs were identified. Most studies identified adopted power generation as a functional unit and focused on nuclear power plants currently in operation. The major research gap identified in this review is the lack of holistic life cycle thinking surrounding radioactive waste management caused by poor granularity of published data related to waste treatment, conditioning and disposal, making strategic analysis challenging from the perspective of sustainability. Future LCA work should focus on technologies and processes in the back-end nuclear fuel cycle with considerable granularity to allow system ‘hotspots’ to be identified and strategic research and policy decisions to be taken. Efforts should also be made to incorporate recent developments in radiological impact assessment methodologies such as UCrad.

Graphical abstract
Effectiveness of preoperative micronized purified flavonoid fraction treatment and sucralfate-based rectal ointment on hemorrhoidal disease: A case-matched analysis
Authors: Gallo G. , Lori E. , Goglia M. , Dezi A. , Picciariello A. , Grossi U.
Published: September 2024

Background

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative treatment with the micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) and a sucralfate-based rectal ointment in managing HD symptoms and reducing interventions.

Methods

A prospective quasi-experimental study including consecutive cases and controls matched on the basis of sex was performed in a tertiary referral center. Cases received systemic and local therapy for HD, consisting of a rectal ointment containing 3% sucralfate and herbal extracts plus MPFF, in addition to conservative therapy, while controls received conservative therapy alone. The hemorrhoidal disease symptom score (HDSS), the Short Health Scale for HD (SHS-HD) score, and the Vaizey Incontinence Score were used to evaluate symptoms severity and their impact on quality of life and continence. Intervention requirements were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 60 days of treatment (T1).

Results

Between January and December 2023, a total of 98 patients were assessed for eligibility. After exclusions, 56 patients were enrolled, with 28 in each group. Significant improvements were observed in HD symptom scores from T0 to T1: the intervention group showed a mean change in HDSS of −9 [95% confidence interval (CI) −10 to −8], and the control group showed no significant change (mean change of 0; 95% CI −1.5 to 0). At T1, a higher proportion of patients in the intervention group underwent less invasive interventions compared with controls (18% versus 11%). Age, treatment group, and baseline symptom severity significantly predicted post-treatment symptom scores.

Conclusions

In our study the preoperative treatment with MPFF and a sucralfate-based rectal ointment demonstrated clinical benefits in managing HD symptoms and reducing interventions. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm and explore additional therapeutic strategies.
Comparison of Hemodynamic Performance, Three-Dimensional Flow Fields, and Turbulence Levels for Three Different Heart Valves at Three Different Hemodynamic Conditions
Authors: Ferrari Lorenzo , Obrist Dominik
Published: September 2024

The hemodynamic performance of different prosthetic heart valves is difficult to compare among studies due to a variety of test conditions and experimental techniques. Existing studies are typically limited to one family of valves (biological or mechanical) and testing conditions of 5l/min and often lack sufficient spatial resolution. To address these limitations, a pulse duplicator with a multi-view imaging system (Tomo-PIV) was employed to investigate the three-dimensional flow field in the aortic root of three different valves: a tri-leaflet mechanical heart valve (TRIFLO, Novostia), a bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve (On-X, Artivion), and a biological heart valve (Perimount, Edwards Lifesciences). The valves were tested at low (3 l/min), normal (5 l/min), and elevated (7 l/min) cardiac output $$(CO)$$

(
C
O
)

under hypotensive (40/60mmHg), normotensive (80/120mmHg), and moderate hypertensive (105/170mmHg) pressure conditions, respectively. Compared to the Perimount, peak mean velocity was − 33%, − 24%, − 18% for the TRIFLO and − 32%, − 20%, − 11% for the On-X at low, moderate, and elevated $$CO$$

CO

, respectively. Corresponding peak $$TKE$$

TKE

values decreased by − 66%, − 57%, − 44% (TRIFLO) and − 60%, − 50%, − 36% (On-X). At low $$CO$$

CO

, $$EOA$$

EOA

was lower for Perimount (1.07cm2) than for TRIFLO (1.47cm2) and On-X (1.52cm2), while it increased for elevated $$CO$$

CO

to 2.75cm2 (TRIFLO) and 2.16cm2 (Perimount and On-X). For all valves, increasing $$CO$$

CO

led to increased flow velocities, higher $$EOA,$$

E
O
A
,

and higher levels of turbulence, and the spatial influence of the valve on the flow field in the ascending aorta was extended. $$TKE$$

TKE

peaked closer to the STJ than for TRIFLO and Perimount.
A systematic review of aspect-based sentiment analysis: domains, methods, and trends
Authors: Hua Yan Cathy , Denny Paul , Wicker Jörg , Taskova Katerina
Published: September 2024

Aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) is a fine-grained type of sentiment analysis that identifies aspects and their associated opinions from a given text. With the surge of digital opinionated text data, ABSA gained increasing popularity for its ability to mine more detailed and targeted insights. Many review papers on ABSA subtasks and solution methodologies exist, however, few focus on trends over time or systemic issues relating to research application domains, datasets, and solution approaches. To fill the gap, this paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of ABSA studies with a focus on trends and high-level relationships among these fundamental components. This review is one of the largest SLRs on ABSA. To our knowledge, it is also the first to systematically examine the interrelations among ABSA research and data distribution across domains, as well as trends in solution paradigms and approaches. Our sample includes 727 primary studies screened from 8550 search results without time constraints via an innovative automatic filtering process. Our quantitative analysis not only identifies trends in nearly two decades of ABSA research development but also unveils a systemic lack of dataset and domain diversity as well as domain mismatch that may hinder the development of future ABSA research. We discuss these findings and their implications and propose suggestions for future research.
Framing openness: Exploring Similarities and Differences in Patients’ and Their Social Networks’ Experiences with Participating in Dialogical Network Meetings Through the Lens of Mattering
Authors: Omvik Siri , Andersland Ragnhild , Kalsås Øyvind Reehorst
Published: September 2024

In this qualitative study conducted at a public mental health outpatient clinic in Norway, the integration of patients’ social network in treatment was examined. The aim was to explore the experiences of patients and their network during dialogical network meetings and discuss any similarities and differences between the two participant groups. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed on data obtained from fifty-three meetings, resulting in the development of five themes. For patients, there were two themes: “Enhanced trust within our relationships” and “Providing us a safe space to talk openly,” and for network members there were three: “Empowered through participation,” Being welcomed and taken seriously,” and “Provide more clarity to enhance our ability to contribute.” Mattering was employed as a conceptual framework to discuss the similarities and differences between the themes of the two participant groups. Both patients and network members placed strong emphasis on the freedom of expression and acknowledged the crucial role of the meeting leaders in facilitating discussions on important and challenging topics. Differences included network members’ emphasis on feeling welcome and their need to add value, while patients emphasized strengthened relationships and feeling valued and empowered by being trusted to control the discussion content. Overall, mattering appears to be a valuable tool for understanding the relational dynamics within network meetings.\.
Self-medication among general population in the European Union: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Yeamans Spencer , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Carrasco-Garrido Pilar
Published: September 2024

Self-medication (SM) forms an important part of public health strategy. Nonetheless, little research has been performed to understand the current state of self-medication in the European Union (EU). Utilizing data from the third wave of the European Health Interview Surveys, this study finds an estimated SM prevalence of 34.3% in the EU (95%CI = 34.1-34.5%; n = 255,758). SM prevalence, as well as SM prevalence inequality between men and women, varies substantially between EU member countries. Via multivariable analysis, we also identify a number of variables associated with SM, most notably the substantial impact of health systems on SM behavior (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.00; 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] = 3.81–4.21). Several demographics are also associated with greater SM prevalence, including those aged 25–44 (versus ages 75+: AOR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.12–1.31), women (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.68–1.81), immigrants born in other EU states (AOR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.04–1.30), those with higher education (AOR = 1.83; 95%CI = 1.60–2.09), and urban dwellers (AOR = 1.14; 95%CI = 1.04–1.30). Additionally, long-standing health problems (AOR = 1.39; 95%CI = 1.33–1.45), visits to doctors (both general practitioners and specialists) (AOR = 1.21, 95%CIs = 1.15–1.26, 1.17–1.26), and unmet needs for health care due to waiting lists (AOR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.23–1.55) or inability to afford medical examinations/treatment (AOR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.12–1.42) serve as conditioners for SM. We also find that smoking (AOR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.01–1.10), vaping (AOR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.06–1.32), drinking alcohol (AOR = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.19–1.28), and higher levels of physical activity (AOR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.22–1.32) are factors associated with SM. Analysis of these variables reveals that though women self-medicate more than men, the patterns that govern their consumption are similar.
Cartels, board gender composition and gender quotas
Authors: García Carmen , Borrell Joan-Ramon , Jiménez Juan Luis , Ordóñez-de-Haro José Manuel
Published: September 2024

Cartel busting often results in the restructuring of boards of directors, presumably to remove individuals (both executive and non-executive members) who may have been involved in the cartel. This study employs 2 exogenous changes—cartel busting and binding board gender quotas policies—to examine their impact on board gender composition using DiD and Staggered DiD methods. In countries with binding quotas, boards are already undergoing restructuring to include more women, even without the shock of cartel busting. Furthermore, boards increase the percentage of women in non-cartelized firms only when countries introduce binding gender quotas. Binding board gender quota regulations are effective in improving gender balance on corporate boards. Additionally, in countries without binding board gender quotas, only firms sanctioned for cartel conduct show an increase in the percentage of women after cartel busting, compared to non-sanctioned firms. Thus, board gender quota regulations and anti-cartel policies interact to influence the gender composition of sanctioned firms: binding gender policies are effective in achieving more balanced board gender composition, and cartel busting drives more balanced boards in sanctioned firms regardless of whether their countries have binding board quota regulations or not.
Characterization of the mycobiome of Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings damaged by forest animals, with an emphasis on pathogenic species
Authors: Okorski Adam , Paczkowska Gabriela , Dąbrowska Joanna , Rutkiewicz Artur , Borowik Piotr , Pszczółkowska Agnieszka , Oszako Tomasz
Published: September 2024

In Poland, red deer, roe deer and elk cause great damage to pine stands, and pine is the predominant forest-forming tree species in Polish forests. Pine seedlings planted adjacent to agricultural fields face heightened risk of damage from nocturnal foraging by game animals, which retreat to forested areas during the day. This damage creates openings for fungal entry, particularly by concerning plant pathogens, such as Fusarium species, which are prevalent in agricultural settings. This study aimed to analyze the mycobiome of pine seedlings damaged by forest animals, focusing on the presence of concerning pathogens in infested pine seedlings collected from ten forest plantations at various distances from rural areas. Samples of pine seedlings bitten by forest animals were taken from 10 forest plantations at different distances from rural areas. Selected diversity indices were determined to compare the fungal populations. Mycological analysis of the gnawed pine shoots using culture and qPCR methods revealed 746 fungal colonies. The most frequently isolated species were: Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis sp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, representatives of the genus Penicillium, Rhizopus nigricans and Fusarium oxysporum, which were found in samples from all study plots and are thus ubiquitous. Species that are typical pathogens of agricultural crops, such as Fusarium avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides and F. tricinctum, were also isolated from damaged seedling tissue in forest plantations neighbouring agricultural fields. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that the importance of secondary pathogens, represented by species of the genus Fusarium, decreased with increasing distance from agricultural fields, while the importance of primary pathogens increased. Younger pine seedlings exhibited lower species diversity and a higher prevalence of specific secondary pathogen species, coupled with heightened susceptibility to infection compared to older seedlings when subjected to tissue damage by forest animals. These findings underscore not only variations among plantations in proximity to agricultural fields but also suggest potential inter-land spread of fungi, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies across agricultural and forestry domains.
Mini boson stars in higher dimensions are radially unstable
Authors: Franzin Edgardo
Published: September 2024

Boson stars are self-gravitating solutions made entirely of fundamental massive scalar fields. Here we investigate mini boson stars in D non-compact spacetime dimensions and we show that they are dynamically unstable for $$D>4$$

D
>
4

.
Ethical Causality and Rebirth in the Pātañjalayogaśāstra and Abhidharmakośabhāṣya: A Mirrored Argument
Authors: O’Brien-Kop Karen
Published: September 2024

This paper focuses on Sāṃkhya-Yoga and Buddhist Abhidharma ontologies and their engagement. A close reading of two hitherto uncompared passages from Pātañjalayogaśāstra 2.13 and Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakośabhāṣya 4.94 suggests that they are intertextual or interdiscursive. A mirrored argument form in the texts explains ethical causality (karma) in relation to rebirth (punarjanman). The arguments in both texts are similar in form, sequence, and even conclusion, although not in terms of the doctrinal basis of reasoning. On first examination, both arguments analyse how action (karma) sustains patterns of moral repercussion across life and beyond death in terms of singular and plural causes and effects. But a close reading shows that the level of conceptual engagement on this issue is more nuanced – centred on ‘projecting’ and ‘completing’ mechanisms of karmic retribution (ākṣepaka karman and paripūraka karman) as well as determinate or indeterminate (niyata and aniyata) maturation of karmic effects. The paper suggests that the function of Patañjali’s passage was to serve as a structured engagement with Buddhist Sarvāstivāda karma theory.
Here Comes Revenge: Peer Victimization Relates to Neural and Behavioral Responses to Social Exclusion
Authors: Kellij Sanne , Dobbelaar Simone , Lodder Gerine M.A. , Veenstra René , Güroğlu Berna
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to examine whether repeated victimization relates to differential processing of social exclusion experiences. It was hypothesized that experiences of repeated victimization would modulate neural processing of social exclusion in the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and lateral prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, we hypothesized that repeated victimization relates positively to intentions to punish excluders. Exploratively, associations between neural processing and intentions to punish others were examined. The sample consisted of children with known victimization in the past two years (n = 82 (behavioral) / n = 73 (fMRI), 49.4% girls, Mage = 10.6). The participants played Cyberball, an online ball-tossing game, which was manipulated so that in the first block participants were equally included and in the second block they were excluded from play. Victimization was not related to neural activation during social exclusion, although there were indications that victimization may be related to increased insula activation during explicit exclusion. Behaviorally, repeated victimization was related to more intention to punish excluders. Neural activation during social exclusion did not predict intentions to punish excluders, but results tentatively suggested that increased insula activation during social exclusion may be related to increased intentions to punish. Together, these results provide a replication of earlier Cyberball studies and point toward differential processing of social exclusion by children who are victimized.
Optimal Control of Underdamped Systems: An Analytic Approach
Authors: Sanders Julia , Baldovin Marco , Muratore-Ginanneschi Paolo
Published: September 2024

Optimal control theory deals with finding protocols to steer a system between assigned initial and final states, such that a trajectory-dependent cost function is minimized. The application of optimal control to stochastic systems is an open and challenging research frontier, with a spectrum of applications ranging from stochastic thermodynamics to biophysics and data science. Among these, the design of nanoscale electronic components motivates the study of underdamped dynamics, leading to practical and conceptual difficulties. In this work, we develop analytic techniques to determine protocols steering finite time transitions at a minimum thermodynamic cost for stochastic underdamped dynamics. As cost functions, we consider two paradigmatic thermodynamic indicators. The first is the Kullback–Leibler divergence between the probability measure of the controlled process and that of a reference process. The corresponding optimization problem is the underdamped version of the Schrödinger diffusion problem that has been widely studied in the overdamped regime. The second is the mean entropy production during the transition, corresponding to the second law of modern stochastic thermodynamics. For transitions between Gaussian states, we show that optimal protocols satisfy a Lyapunov equation, a central tool in stability analysis of dynamical systems. For transitions between states described by general Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions, we introduce an infinite-dimensional version of the Poincaré-Lindstedt multiscale perturbation theory around the overdamped limit. This technique fundamentally improves the standard multiscale expansion. Indeed, it enables the explicit computation of momentum cumulants, whose variation in time is a distinctive trait of underdamped dynamics and is directly accessible to experimental observation. Our results allow us to numerically study cost asymmetries in expansion and compression processes and make predictions for inertial corrections to optimal protocols in the Landauer erasure problem at the nanoscale.
The role of non-economic goals in academic spin-offs
Authors: Criaco Giuseppe , Hahn Davide , Minola Tommaso , Pittino Daniel
Published: September 2024

Acting as a crucial link between academia and the business world, Academic Spin-Offs (ASOs) play a key role in translating innovative technologies from academic discoveries into commercial applications. Despite their potential for technological advancements, ASOs often struggle with challenges in financial performance and growth. Traditional explanations attribute these challenges to a lack of commercial resources and competencies. However, since ASOs often demonstrate prolonged survival, such explanations may not fully explain the paradox in ASOs’ outcomes. This paper offers a novel perspective, highlighting how non-economic goals, deeply ingrained in the academic context in which ASOs originate, shape their behavior and outcomes. These goals, related to the dimensions of control, identity, and emotions, go beyond financial gains, reflecting concerns that are specific to the academic environment. Integrating the organizational goals literature with insights from academic entrepreneurship research, we present a conceptual model describing the origins and nature of these goals and explain how they can help shedding light on some paradoxes in ASOs’ development, growth, and performance events. Our model bears significant implications for the academic entrepreneurship literature and related public policy.
Intervertebral disc degenerative disease in South Africa: a case-control analysis of selected gene variants
Authors: Pearce Keenau , Less Stephanie , Liebenberg Adriaan W. , Benjeddou Mongi
Published: September 2024

Background

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative disease is a multifactorial disease for which genetics plays an integral role. Several genes, and their variants, associated with the development and progression of IVD degenerative disease have been identified. While several studies have investigated these genes in Asian and European populations, no available evidence exists for the South African population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these parameters.

Methods and results

Biological samples were collected in the form of buccal swabs from patients and DNA was extracted using a standard salt-lysis protocol. DNA purity and quantity was assessed by spectrophotometry, and subsequent genotyping was performed using the MassARRAY®System IPLEX extension reaction. For associations between variants and the presence of IVD degenerative disease, odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), chi-squared analysis and logistic regression was calculated. Age and sex were adjusted for, and Bonferroni’s correction was applied. This study found statistically significant associations for five of the evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with IVD degenerative disease, whereby IL-1α rs1304037 and rs1800587, ADAMTs-5 rs162509, and MMP-3 rs632478 demonstrated increased odds of a positive diagnosis for IVD degenerative disease, while decreased odds of IVD degenerative disease were seen for GDF-5 rs143383.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first of its kind to investigate the association of gene variants associated with IVD degenerative disease within the South African population. This study has shown that 5 of these gene variants were significantly associated with the presence of IVD degenerative disease, reflecting their integral roles in development and possible progression of the disease.