bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsurgical robotic system enables the performance of microvascular anastomoses: a randomized in vivo preclinical trial
Authors: Malzone Gerardo , Menichini Giulio , Innocenti Marco , Ballestín Alberto
Published: August 2023

Technical advances in microsurgery have enabled complex oncological reconstructions by performing free tissue transfers, nerve and lymphatic reconstructions. However, the manual abilities required to perform microsurgery can be affected by human fatigue and physiological tremor resulting in tissue damage and compromised outcomes. Robotic assistance has the potential to overcome issues of manual microsurgery by improving clinical value and anastomoses’ outcomes. The Symani Surgical System, a robotic platform designed for microsurgery, was used in this in-vivo preclinical study using a rat animal model. The tests included anastomoses on veins and arteries performed by microsurgeons manually and robotically, with the latter approach using Symani. The anastomoses were assessed for patency, histopathology, and execution time. Patency results confirmed that the robotic and manual techniques for venous and arterial anastomoses were equivalent after anastomosis, however, the time to perform the anastomosis was longer with the use of the robot (p < 0.0001). Histological analysis showed less total average host reaction score at the anastomotic site in robotic anastomosis for both veins and arteries. This study demonstrates the equivalence of vessel patency after microsurgical anastomoses with the robotic system and with manual technique. Furthermore, robotic anastomosis has proven to be slightly superior to manual anastomosis in terms of decreased tissue damage, as shown by histological analysis.
A single-mode tunable plasmonic sensor based on an 8-shaped resonator for cancer cell detection
Authors: Danaie Mohammad , Hajshahvaladi Leila , Ghaderpanah Elham
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a novel 8-shaped resonator coupled to metal–insulator–metal waveguides is used for designing plasmonic filters and sensors. The resonator supports two resonance modes, which result in peaks in the transmission spectrum of the structure. A Q-factor of 247.4 which can reach up to 270 at the wavelength of 1187.5 nm is observed. By placing vertical and horizontal metal blades in the resonator, two tunable single-mode plasmonic filters are obtained at the first and second resonance modes, respectively. The effect of structural parameters on the transmission spectrum is investigated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Based on the obtained results, the proposed plasmonic structure can be used for biosensing applications such as the detection of basal cancer cells with a sensitivity of 1200 nm/RIU. It is of great significance that both the sensitivity and Q-factor values for the proposed structure are higher than most recent sensors reported in the literature. Therefore, the proposed structure is a potentially promising candidate for filtering and sensing applications.
Fatty acid composition and genome-wide associations of a chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) diversity panel for biofortification efforts
Authors: Salaria Sonia , Boatwright J. Lucas , Johnson Nathan , Madurapperumage Amod , Joshi Priyanka , Thavarajah Pushparajah , Vandemark George , Thavarajah Dil
Published: August 2023

Chickpea is a nutritionally dense pulse crop with high levels of protein, carbohydrates, micronutrients and low levels of fats. Chickpea fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of obesity, blood cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases in humans. We measured four primary chickpea fatty acids; palmitic acid (PA), linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and oleic acid (OA), which are crucial for human health and plant stress responses in a chickpea diversity panel with 256 accessions (Kabuli and desi types). A wide concentration range was found for PA (450.7–912.6 mg/100 g), LA (1605.7–3459.9 mg/100 g), ALA (416.4–864.5 mg/100 g), and OA (1035.5–1907.2 mg/100 g). The percent recommended daily allowances also varied for PA (3.3–6.8%), LA (21.4–46.1%), ALA (34.7–72%), and OA (4.3–7.9%). Weak correlations were found among fatty acids. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using genotyping-by-sequencing data. Five significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for PA. Admixture population structure analysis revealed seven subpopulations based on ancestral diversity in this panel. This is the first reported study to characterize fatty acid profiles across a chickpea diversity panel and perform GWAS to detect associations between genetic markers and concentrations of selected fatty acids. These findings demonstrate biofortification of chickpea fatty acids is possible using conventional and genomic breeding techniques, to develop superior cultivars with better fatty acid profiles for improved human health and plant stress responses.
Circularly polarized printed dual port MIMO antenna with polarization diversity optimized by machine learning approach for 5G NR n77/n78 frequency band applications
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay Kumar , Narayanaswamy Nagesh Kallollu , Penmatsa Krishna Kanth Varma , Singh Suyash Kumar , Sharma Anand , Singh Vivek
Published: August 2023

In this communication, a planar dual port multiple input multiple output antenna of size 1.2λ0 × 0.6λ0 × 0.008λ0 with LHCP/RHCP features is reported for the fifth-generation new radio n77/n78 sub-6 GHz wireless applications band. The single unit of the proposed design consists of a modified L-shape rectangular radiator with Z-shape slot loaded DGS. The defected ground structure is optimized through machine learning algorithms to achieve the maximum ARBW (output) by Right Shifting (RS) and left shifting (LS) the DGS and obtaining input features. The performance metric for ANN with ADAM optimizer was found to be optimal with MSE and R2 of 0.99 and 0.82, respectively. ANNs can leverage gradient information to guide the optimization process. This enables faster convergence towards optimal solutions compared to popular GAs and PSO, which are often gradient-free optimization methods. The MIMO configuration is achieved by creating a mirror image of the single unit about the x-axis. The salient features of the proposed design are (a) Impedance bandwidth (IBW) of 3.0–4.2 GHz covering the n77/n78 band, (b) 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of the 2.6–3.9 GHz (c) Port-1 is generating RHCP while Port-2 is generating LHCP, results in polarization diversity. Different diversity performance parameters (ECC < 0.005, DG ~ 9.99 dB, and MEG < 3 dB) are in the optimum range confirming the proposed configuration as a suitable design for a MIMO radiator.
A process-based assessment of the sea-level rise in the northwestern Pacific marginal seas
Authors: Cha Hyeonsoo , Moon Jae-Hong , Kim Taekyun , Song Y. Tony
Published: August 2023

Because regional sea-level rise can threaten coastal communities, understanding and quantifying the underlying process contributing to reginal sea-level budget are essential. Here, we assessed whether the regional sea-level rise on the northwestern Pacific marginal seas can be closed with a combination of observations and ocean reanalyses over 1993–2017, as well as with independent observations from in situ profiles including Argo floats and satellite gravity measurements since 2003. The assessment represents that the major contributions come from the land ice melt and sterodynamic components, while the spatial pattern and interannual variability are dominated by sterodynamic effect. The observation-based estimate further shows that along continental shelves, sterodynamic sea-level changes are substantially induced by ocean mass redistribution due to changes in ocean circulation. This result highlights the ocean mass change between the deep ocean and shallow marginal seas, which plays a role in driving regional sea-level rise and variability.
Electronic current densities and origin-independent property densities induced by optical fields
Authors: Summa Francesco F. , Monaco Guglielmo , Lazzeretti Paolo , Zanasi Riccardo
Published: August 2023

Origin-independent electric dipole polarizability and specific rotation power densities permit visualizing the molecular domains which provide the major contributions to dipole electric polarizability and optical rotation.
Oxygen defect-mediated NiCo2O4 nanosheets as the electrode for pseudocapacitors with improved rate capability
Authors: You Wen , Li Mengyuan , Li Qiong , Jiang Jizhou , Xiang Kun , Xie Mingjiang
Published: August 2023

Transition metal oxide-based supercapacitors have attracted much attention due to their high theoretical specific capacitances.
Coordination engineering of atomically dispersed zirconium on graphene for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Manopo Jessie , Kusumo Pangeran Niti , Sumboja Afriyanti , Darma Yudi
Published: August 2023

We study the effect of boron and sulfur doping on graphene with atomically dispersed zirconium as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by using density functional theory (DFT).
Freezing-induced microplastic degradation in an anoxic Fe(ii)-containing solution: the key role of Fe(iv) and ·OH
Authors: Lv Jiaxin , Chen Ruixin , Wu Zhen , Bai Yang , Song Han , Tian Chen , Wang Mengye , Lin Zhang
Published: August 2023

The Fe(iii)/Fe(ii) cycle together with newly formed EPFRs and H2O2 can cause microplastic degradation in ice.
Confinement engineering for enhanced electrocatalytic nitrate reduction by integrating B-doped graphene with iron catalysts for long-term stability
Authors: Luo Hongxia , Wang Chuqi , Cong Yuting , Ma Yuanyuan , Yang Jianping , Chen Jun
Published: August 2023

Fe@B-Gnc catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic NO3RR performance owing to the protection of nano-chainmail confinement engineering and the regulation of the electronic structure between the Fe–C interface by doping with B.
Toward a molecular mechanism for the interaction of ATP with alpha-synuclein
Authors: Kamski-Hennekam Evelyn Rose , Huang Jinfeng , Ahmed Rashik , Melacini Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

We propose a mechanism for the hydrotrope-like function of ATP on alpha-synuclein whereby ATP enhances initial αS aggregation and inhibits fibril formation in a phosphate-dependent manner that is modulated by PD-related αS mutations E46K and A53T.
11 b 200 MS/s 28‐nm CMOS 2b/cycle successive‐approximation register analogue‐to‐digital converter using offset‐mismatch calibrated comparators
Authors: Lee Jaehyuk , Boo Junho , Park Junsang , An Taiji , Shin Heewook , Cho Youngjae , Choi Michael , Burm Jinwook , Ahn Gilcho , Lee Seunghoon
Published: August 2023

This letter presents an 11 b 200 MS/s 28 nm CMOS 2b/cycle successive‐approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC). The offset calibration technique is proposed to reduce the comparator offset mismatch that degrades the linearity of the high‐resolution 2b/cycle SAR ADC. The offset mismatch is reduced to within 0.25 least significant bit (LSB) by generating a compensation voltage from capacitor‐resistor (C‐R) hybrid digital‐to‐analogue converters (DACs). The prototype ADC implemented in a 28‐nm CMOS process demonstrates measured differential and integral non‐linearities within 0.6 LSB and 1.73 LSB at 11 b resolution, respectively. The measured signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion ratio (SNDR) and spurious‐free dynamic range (SFDR) are 50.9 dB and 66.2 dB at Nyquist, respectively. The prototype ADC occupies an active die area of 0.115 mm2 and consumes 3.98 mW at a 1.1‐V supply voltage.
Unusually long path length for a nearly scatter-free solar particle event observed by Solar Orbiter at 0.43 au
Authors: Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert F. , Berger Lars , Kollhoff Alexander , Kühl Patrick , Heber Bernd , Yang Liu , Heidrich-Meisner Verena , Klassen Andreas , Gomez-Herrero Raúl , Rodriguez-Pacheco Javier , Ho George C. , Mason Glenn M. , Janitzek Nils P. , Kouloumvakos Athanasios , Wang Linghua , Warmuth Alexander , Lario David , Carcaboso Fernando , Owen Christopher J. , Bučík Radoslav , Pacheco Daniel , Malandraki Olga , Allen Robert C. , Rodriguez Luciano , Shukhobodskaia Daria , Espinosa Lara Francisco , Cernuda Ignacio , Böttcher Stephan I. , Eldrum Sandra , Fleth Sebastian , Xu Zigong
Published: August 2023

Context. After their acceleration and release at the Sun, solar energetic particles (SEPs) are injected into the interplanetary medium and are bound to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) by the Lorentz force. The expansion of the IMF close to the Sun focuses the particle pitch-angle distribution, and scattering counteracts this focusing. Solar Orbiter observed an unusual solar particle event on 9 April 2022 when it was at 0.43 astronomical units (au) from the Sun.

Aims. We show that the inferred IMF along which the SEPs traveled was about three times longer than the nominal length of the Parker spiral and provide an explanation for this apparently long path.

Methods. We used velocity dispersion analysis (VDA) information to infer the spiral length along which the electrons and ions traveled and infer their solar release times and arrival direction.

Results. The path length inferred from VDA is approximately three times longer than the nominal Parker spiral. Nevertheless, the pitch-angle distribution of the particles of this event is highly anisotropic, and the electrons and ions appear to be streaming along the same IMF structures. The angular width of the streaming population is estimated to be approximately 30 degrees. The highly anisotropic ion beam was observed for more than 12 h. This may be due to the low level of fluctuations in the IMF, which in turn is very probably due to this event being inside an interplanetary coronal mass ejection The slow and small rotation in the IMF suggests a flux-rope structure. Small flux dropouts are associated with very small changes in pitch angle, which may be explained by different flux tubes connecting to different locations in the flare region.

Conclusions. The unusually long path length along which the electrons and ions have propagated virtually scatter-free together with the short-term flux dropouts offer excellent opportunities to study the transport of SEPs within interplanetary structures. The 9 April 2022 solar particle event offers an especially rich number of unique observations that can be used to limit SEP transport models.
Oort Cloud comets discovered far from the Sun
Authors: Królikowska Małgorzata , Dones Luke
Published: August 2023

Context. Increasingly, Oort Cloud comets are being discovered at great distances from the Sun and tracked over ever wider ranges of heliocentric distances as observational equipment improves.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate in detail how the original semimajor axis for near-parabolic comets depends on the selected data arc and the assumed form of the nongravitational (NG) acceleration.

Methods. Among currently known Oort Cloud comets with large perihelion distances (q > 3 au), we selected 32 objects observed over the widest ranges of heliocentric distances in orbital legs before and after perihelion. For each of them, we determined a series of orbits using at least three basic types of datasets selected from available positional data (pre- and post-perihelion data and the entire dataset), and a few forms of NG acceleration representing water ice or CO sublimation.

Results. We find that the motion of comets is often measurably affected by NG forces at heliocentric distances beyond 5 au from the Sun. The most spectacular example is C/2010 U3 (Boattini), whose perihelion distance is 8.44 au. NG effects are detectable for 19 of the 32 comets within the positional data. For five comets, we find asymmetric effects of NG forces – in three cases significantly greater before perihelion than afterward (C/2017 M4, C/2000 SV75, and C/2015 O1), and in two others the opposite (C/1997 BA6 and C/2006 S3). We also find that the well-known systematic effect of finding more tightly bound original orbits when including the NG acceleration than in purely gravitational solutions may be related to the specific form of the standard g(r) function describing the sublimation of ices.
Drivers of sustained brand engagement: cases of long-term customers of hedonic and utilitarian brands in Japan
Authors: Ishizuka Chikako , Aoki Kei
Published: August 2023

Brand engagement among customers is a dynamic process that requires continuous fostering by companies, irrespective of their products or brand nature. Despite extensive research into the antecedents and impacts of engagement, the aspect of engagement preservation remains under-explored in academic literature, particularly with utilitarian brands that often face challenges in achieving an engaged state compared to their hedonic counterparts. Consequently, this study investigates long-term (spanning from several years to over a decade) engagement of customers with four globally proliferating luxury brands and notable utilitarian brands in Japan, aiming to elucidate the factors pertinent to engagement retention. Employing co-occurrence network analysis via betweenness centrality, we strive to pinpoint the critical contexts influencing these customers. Our findings suggest that the key drivers maintaining engagement consist of a prominent utilitarian component for hedonic brands, and the facilitation of the hedonistic self by utilitarian brands.
A corpus-based study of euphemising body parts in Arabic subtitles
Authors: Sahari Yousef
Published: August 2023

Drawing on prior taboo classifications and euphemism strategies, this study investigates the euphemisms that result from subtitling private body part-related taboo words (PBPRTW). The study utilised quantitative (frequencies and percentages) and qualitative approaches based on subtitler’s linguistic choices and the reasons behind their selection. The sample comprises 75 Hollywood feature films and their Arabic correspondences based on six criteria. The study adopts Pinker’s (2007) and McEnery’s (2006) for taboo language classifications and Al-Adwan’s typology for euphemism strategies, which draws upon Williams (1975), Warren (1992), and Davies (2003). The PBPRTW were selected on the basis of their frequent occurrence in the corpus, appearing more than 150 times. They serve various functions, including descriptive, abusive, referential, and idiomatic. The findings indicated that only approximately 5% of obscene words are retained in Arabic subtitles, while 95% of the English subtitles in the corpus are toned down, euphemised, or omitted. The study identified seven euphemistic strategies employed in dealing with PBPRTW in Arabic subtitles: metaphorical transfer, preservation, implication, metonymy, semantic misrepresentation, and widening. These findings have some implications for subtitlers when translating PBPRTW.
Pre-dispersal seed-predation affects fruit crop and seed fitness in a highly fragmented savanna tree
Authors: Heyes S. D. , Morgan J. W. , Sinclair S. J. , Walker Z. C. , Hoebee S. E.
Published: August 2023

Context Silver banksia (Banksia marginata) savannas of south-eastern Australia were formerly widespread but are now largely cleared and fragmented, with small populations often showing recruitment limitation. Which may, in part, be due to seed predation by yellow-tailed black cockatoos (Zanda funerea), which have been observed foraging for seed. Aims The study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-dispersal seed predation by yellow-tailed black cockatoos on fruit crop between early development and seed release. Additionally, we wanted to assess seed fitness from partially damaged and discarded cones. Methods The study quantified silver banksia infructescence removal at four populations between early December and seed release in March. We also quantified seed mass and germinability of seeds from cones removed in December, February and March. Key results All populations experienced significant seed predation (>50%), with almost complete removal of cones from some populations. Early removal limits seed release from cones (only 18% of early removed follicles released seed). Further, early removal also significantly reduced seed mass and germination. Conclusions Pre-dispersal seed predation by cockatoos is likely to act as a strong filter for recruitment limitation in silver banksia, by negatively affecting annual seed crop size, seed fitness and germinability. Implications Our study showed the potential impact fragmentation can have on antagonistic plant–animal interactions. Small, isolated B. marginata populations are likely to continue to decline without active strategies to remedy seed predation such as large-scale restoration.
Injection Spectra of Different Species of Cosmic Rays from AMS-02, ACE-CRIS and Voyager-1
Authors: Pan Xu , Yuan Qiang
Published: August 2023

Precise measurements of energy spectra of different cosmic ray (CR) species have been obtained in recent years, by particularly the AMS-02 experiment on the International Space Station. It has been shown that apparent differences exist in different groups of the primary CRs. However, it is not straightforward to conclude that the source spectra of different particle groups are different since they will experience different propagation processes (e.g., energy losses and fragmentations) either. In this work, we study the injection spectra of different nuclear species using the measurements from Voyager-1 outside the solar system, and ACR-CRIS and AMS-02 on the top of atmosphere, in a physical framework of CR transportation. Two types of injection spectra are assumed, the broken power-law (BPL) form and the non-parametric spline interpolation form. The non-parametric form fits the data better than the BPL form, implying that potential structures beyond the constrained spectral shape of BPL may exist. For different nuclei the injection spectra are overall similar in shape but do show some differences among each other. For the non-parametric spectral form, the helium injection spectrum is the softest at low energies and the hardest at high energies. For both spectral shapes, the low-energy injection spectrum of neon is the hardest among all these species, and the carbon and oxygen spectra have more prominent bumps in 1–10 GV in the

R

2

dN

/

dR

presentation. Such differences suggest the existence of differences in the sources or acceleration processes of various nuclei of CRs.
An Initial Analysis of a Strongly Lensed QSO Candidate Identified by LAMOST
Authors: Chen Y. H. , Tang M. Y. , Shu H. , Tu H.
Published: August 2023

From 2011 to 2021, LAMOST has released a total of 76,167 quasar data. We try to search for gravitationally lensed QSOs by limiting coordinate differences and redshift differences of these QSOs. The name, brightness, spectrum, photometry and other information of each QSO will be visually checked carefully. Special attention should be paid to check whether there are groups of galaxies, gravitationally lensed arcs, Einstein crosses, or Einstein rings near the QSOs. Through careful selection, we select LAMOST J160603.01+290050.8 (A) and LAMOST J160602.81+290048.7 (B) as a candidate and perform an initial analysis. Components A and B are 3.″36 apart and they display blue during photometric observations. The redshift values of components A and B are 0.2% different, their Gaia_g values are 1.3% different, and their ugriz values are 1.0% or less different. For the spectra covering from 3690 to 9100 Å, the emission lines of C ii, Mg, H γ, O iii, and H β are present for both components A and B and the ratio of flux(B) to flux(A) from LAMOST is basically a constant, around 2.2. However, no galaxies have been found between components A and B. Inada et al. identified them as binary quasars. But we accidentally find a galaxy group near components A and B. If the center of dark matter in the galaxy group is at the center between components A and B, components A and B are probably gravitationally lensed QSOs. We estimate that the Einstein mass is 1.46 × 1011
M
⊙ and the total mass of the lens is 1.34 × 1013
M
⊙. The deflection angle is 1.″97 at positions A and B and the velocity dispersion is 261 km s−1. Theoretically, this candidate could be a pair of fold images of a strong lensing system by a galaxy group, and we will investigate the possibility when the redshifts of nearby galaxies are available.
Photometric and Spectroscopic Study of Two Low Mass Ratio Contact Binary Systems: CRTS J225828.7-121122 and CRTSJ030053.5+230139
Authors: Wadhwa Surjit S. , Petrović Jelena , Tothill Nick F. H. , De Horta Ain Y. , Filipović Miroslav D. , Djurašević Gojko
Published: August 2023

The study reports photometric and spectroscopic observations of two recently recognized contact binary systems. Both systems show total eclipses and analysis of the light curves indicates both have very low mass ratios of less than 0.3. We derive absolute parameters from color and distance based calibrations and show that, although both have low mass ratios, they are likely to be in a stable orbit and unlikely to merge. In other respects, both systems have characteristics similar to other contact binaries with the secondary larger and brighter than their main sequence counterparts and we also find that the secondary is considerably denser than the primary in both systems.
Classifying Core Collapse Supernova Remnants by Their Morphology as Shaped by the Last Exploding Jets
Authors: Soker Noam
Published: August 2023

Under the assumption that jets explode all core collapse supernovae (CCSNe), I classify 14 CCSN remnants (CCSNRs) into five groups according to their morphology as shaped by jets, and attribute the classes to the specific angular momentum of the pre-collapse core. Point-symmetry (one CCSNR): According to the jittering jets explosion mechanism (JJEM) when the pre-collapse core rotates very slowly, the newly born neutron star (NS) launches tens of jet-pairs in all directions. The last several jet-pairs might leave an imprint of several pairs of “ears,” i.e., a point-symmetric morphology. One pair of ears (eight CCSNRs): More rapidly rotating cores might force the last pair of jets to be long-lived and shape one pair of jet-inflated ears that dominates the morphology. S-shaped (one CCSNR): The accretion disk might precess, leading to an S-shaped morphology. Barrel-shaped (three CCSNRs): Even more rapidly rotating pre-collapse cores might result in a final energetic pair of jets that clear the region along the axis of the pre-collapse core rotation and form a barrel-shaped morphology. Elongated (one CCSNR): A very rapidly rotating pre-collapse core forces all jets to be along the same axis such that the jets are inefficient in expelling mass from the equatorial plane and the long-lasting accretion process turns the NS into a black hole. The two new results of this study are the classification of CCSNRs into five classes based on jet-shaped morphological features, and the attribution of the morphological classes mainly to the pre-collapse core rotation in the frame of the JJEM.
SAGDTI: self-attention and graph neural network with multiple information representations for the prediction of drug–target interactions
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Yang Qiang , Luo Gongning , Xu Long , Dong Weihe , Wang Wei , Dong Suyu , Wang Kuanquan , Xuan Ping , Gao Xin
Published: August 2023

Motivation

Accurate identification of target proteins that interact with drugs is a vital step in silico, which can significantly foster the development of drug repurposing and drug discovery. In recent years, numerous deep learning-based methods have been introduced to treat drug–target interaction (DTI) prediction as a classification task. The output of this task is binary identification suggesting the absence or presence of interactions. However, existing studies often (i) neglect the unique molecular attributes when embedding drugs and proteins, and (ii) determine the interaction of drug–target pairs without considering biological interaction information.

Results

In this study, we propose an end-to-end attention-derived method based on the self-attention mechanism and graph neural network, termed SAGDTI. The aim of this method is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks in the identification of DTI. SAGDTI is the first method to sufficiently consider the unique molecular attribute representations for both drugs and targets in the input form of the SMILES sequences and three-dimensional structure graphs. In addition, our method aggregates the feature attributes of biological information between drugs and targets through multi-scale topologies and diverse connections. Experimental results illustrate that SAGDTI outperforms existing prediction models, which benefit from the unique molecular attributes embedded by atom-level attention and biological interaction information representation aggregated by node-level attention. Moreover, a case study on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shows that our model is a powerful tool for identifying DTIs in real life.

Availability and implementation

The data and codes underlying this article are available in Github at https://github.com/lixiaokun2020/SAGDTI.
RepairNatrix: a Snakemake workflow for processing DNA sequencing data for DNA storage
Authors: Schwarz Peter Michael , Welzel Marius , Heider Dominik , Freisleben Bernd
Published: August 2023

Motivation

There has been rapid progress in the development of error-correcting and constrained codes for DNA storage systems in recent years. However, improving the steps for processing raw sequencing data for DNA storage has a lot of untapped potential for further progress. In particular, constraints can be used as prior information to improve the processing of DNA sequencing data. Furthermore, a workflow tailored to DNA storage codes enables fair comparisons between different approaches while leading to reproducible results.

Results

We present RepairNatrix, a read-processing workflow for DNA storage. RepairNatrix supports preprocessing of raw sequencing data for DNA storage applications and can be used to flag and heuristically repair constraint-violating sequences to further increase the recoverability of encoded data in the presence of errors. Compared to a preprocessing strategy without repair functionality, RepairNatrix reduced the number of raw reads required for the successful, error-free decoding of the input files by a factor of 25–35 across different datasets.

Availability and implementation

RepairNatrix is available on Github: https://github.com/umr-ds/repairnatrix.
Pathway-specific polygenic scores for Alzheimer’s disease are associated with changes in brain structure in younger and older adults
Authors: Harrison Judith R , Foley Sonya F , Baker Emily , Bracher-Smith Matthew , Holmans Peter , Stergiakouli Evie , Linden David E J , Caseras Xavier , Jones Derek K , Escott-Price Valentina
Published: August 2023

Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple Alzheimer’s disease risk loci with small effect sizes. Polygenic risk scores, which aggregate these variants, are associated with grey matter structural changes. However, genome-wide scores do not allow mechanistic interpretations. The present study explored associations between disease pathway-specific scores and grey matter structure in younger and older adults. Data from two separate population cohorts were used as follows: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, mean age 19.8, and UK Biobank, mean age 64.4 (combined n = 18 689). Alzheimer’s polygenic risk scores were computed using the largest genome-wide association study of clinically assessed Alzheimer’s to date. Relationships between subcortical volumes and cortical thickness, pathway-specific scores and genome-wide scores were examined. Increased pathway-specific scores were associated with reduced cortical thickness in both the younger and older cohorts. For example, the reverse cholesterol transport pathway score showed evidence of association with lower left middle temporal cortex thickness in the younger Avon participants (P = 0.034; beta = −0.013, CI −0.025, −0.001) and in the older UK Biobank participants (P = 0.019; beta = −0.003, CI −0.005, −4.56 × 10−4). Pathway scores were associated with smaller subcortical volumes, such as smaller hippocampal volume, in UK Biobank older adults. There was also evidence of positive association between subcortical volumes in Avon younger adults. For example, the tau protein-binding pathway score was negatively associated with left hippocampal volume in UK Biobank (P = 8.35 × 10−05; beta = −11.392, CI −17.066, −5.718) and positively associated with hippocampal volume in the Avon study (P = 0.040; beta = 51.952, CI 2.445, 101.460). The immune response score had a distinct pattern of association, being only associated with reduced thickness in the right posterior cingulate in older and younger adults (P = 0.011; beta = −0.003, CI −0.005, −0.001 in UK Biobank; P = 0.034; beta = −0.016, CI −0.031, −0.001 in the Avon study). The immune response score was associated with smaller subcortical volumes in the older adults, but not younger adults. The disease pathway scores showed greater evidence of association with imaging phenotypes than the genome-wide score. This suggests that pathway-specific polygenic methods may allow progress towards a mechanistic understanding of structural changes linked to polygenic risk in pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease. Pathway-specific profiling could further define pathophysiology in individuals, moving towards precision medicine in Alzheimer’s disease.
The Urgent Need to Implement Point-of-Care RNA Testing for Hepatitis C Virus to Support Elimination
Authors: Kapadia Shashi N , Jordan Ashly E , Eckhardt Benjamin J , Perlman David C
Published: August 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is an important global public health goal. However, the United States is not on track to meet the World Health Organization's 2030 targets for HCV elimination. Recently, the White House proposed an HCV elimination plan that includes point-of-care (POC) HCV RNA testing, which is currently in use in many countries but is not approved in the United States. POC HCV RNA testing is crucial for implementing community-based testing and for enabling test-and-treat programs, assessing cure, and monitoring for reinfection. Here, we review the status of POC HCV RNA testing in the United States, discuss factors that are needed for successful implementation, and issue specific public health and policy recommendations that would allow for the use of POC HCV RNA testing to support HCV elimination.
Higher Serologic Responses of Early Syphilis to Single-dose Benzathine Penicillin G Plus Doxycycline Versus Single-dose Benzathine Penicillin G Alone Among People With HIV
Authors: Chen Kai-Hsiang , Sun Hsin-Yun , Chen Chung-Hsu , Chuang Yu-Chung , Huang Yu-Shan , Liu Wang-Da , Hsieh Szu-Min , Sheng Wang-Huei , Cheng Aristine , Wu Tzong-Yow , Lin Kuan-Yin , Hung Chien-Ching
Published: August 2023

Background

Single-dose benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is the preferred therapy for early syphilis, but poorer serologic responses have been observed among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). No enhanced regimen has previously been shown to improve serologic outcomes of early syphilis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to compare the treatment responses to single-dose BPG combined with 7-day doxycycline versus BPG alone in PWH who presented with early syphilis. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers were determined every 3–6 months for all included PWH. Serologic response was defined as at least a 4-fold decline in RPR titers at month 12.

Results

During January 2018 to March 2022, 223 PWH with 307 episodes of early syphilis received single-dose BPG plus doxycycline and 347 PWH with 391 episodes received BPG alone. The median age was 36 years and baseline CD4 count was 600 cells/mm3. In the intention-to-treat with last-observation-carried-forward analysis, PWH receiving BPG plus doxycycline had a significantly higher serologic response rate at 12 months of treatment than those receiving BPG alone (79.5% vs 70.3%, respectively; P = .006). The factors associated with 12-month serologic response were RPR titer (per 1-log2 increase, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–1.35) and receipt of BPG plus doxycycline (AOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20–2.46). In the subgroup analyses, BPG plus doxycycline was consistently associated with a better serologic response than BPG alone at month 12.

Conclusions

Among PWH with early syphilis, single-dose BPG plus doxycycline achieved higher serologic responses than BPG alone during a 12-month follow-up period.
In memoriam: Liv Hatle 1936–2023, pioneering echocardiologist
Authors: Fraser Alan G , Sutherland George R , Bijnens Bart
Published: August 2023

Professor Liv Hatle died in June 2023. In Trondheim, Norway, in the mid-1970s she was the first cardiologist to be given access to a PEDOF Doppler ultrasound system for clinical examinations, which she used to investigate cardiovascular haemodynamics non-invasively. She went on to establish methods for estimating valve gradients, pulmonary arterial pressure, and left ventricular diastolic function, that are still used today in millions of patients worldwide.
External validity of the PRECISE-DAPT score in patients undergoing PCI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Munafò Andrea Raffaele , Montalto Claudio , Franzino Marco , Pistelli Lorenzo , Di Bella Gianluca , Ferlini Marco , Leonardi Sergio , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Gragnano Felice , Oreglia Jacopo A , Oliva Fabrizio , Ortega-Paz Luis , Calabrò Paolo , Angiolillo Dominick J , Valgimigli Marco , Micari Antonio , Costa Francesco
Published: August 2023

Aims

To summarize the totality of evidence validating the Predicting Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Stent Implantation and Subsequent Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (PRECISE-DAPT) score, ascertaining its aggregate discrimination and validation power in multiple population subsets.

Methods and results

We searched electronic databases from 2017 (PRECISE-DAPT proposal) up to March 2023 for studies that reported the occurrence of out-of-hospital bleedings according to the PRECISE-DAPT score in patients receiving DAPT following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as summary statistics and were calculated using a random-effects model. Primary and secondary endpoints were the occurrence of any and major bleeding, respectively. A total of 21 studies and 67 283 patients were included; 24.7% of patients (N = 16 603) were at high bleeding risk (PRECISE-DAPT score ≥25), and when compared to those at low bleeding risk, they experienced a significantly higher rate of any out-of-hospital bleeding (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.24–3.29; P-value <0.001) and major bleedings (OR: 3.51; 95% CI: 2.71–4.55; P-value <0.001). Pooling data on c-stat whenever available, the PRECISE-DAPT score showed a moderate discriminative power in predicting major bleeding events at 1 year (pooled c-stat: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.64–0.77).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis confirms the external validity of the PRECISE-DAPT score in predicting out-of-hospital bleeding outcomes in patients on DAPT following PCI. The moderate discriminative ability highlights the need for future improved risk prediction tools in the field.
Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease and elevated lipoprotein(a): implications for the OCEAN(a)-outcomes trial population
Authors: Shiyovich Arthur , Berman Adam N , Besser Stephanie A , Biery David W , Huck Daniel M , Weber Brittany , Cannon Christopher , Januzzi James L , Booth John N , Nasir Khurram , Di Carli Marcelo F , López J Antonio G , Kent Shia T , Bhatt Deepak L , Blankstein Ron
Published: August 2023

Aims

The ongoing Olpasiran Trials of Cardiovascular Events and Lipoprotein(a) Reduction [OCEAN(a)]-Outcomes trial is evaluating whether Lp(a) lowering can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events among patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and elevated Lp(a) (≥200 nmol/L). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of elevated Lp(a) with cardiovascular outcomes in an observational cohort resembling the OCEAN(a)-Outcomes trial main enrolment criteria.

Methods and results

This study included patients aged 18–85 years with Lp(a) measured as part of their clinical care between 2000 and 2019. While patients were required to have a history of MI, or PCI, those with severe kidney dysfunction or a malignant neoplasm were excluded. Elevated Lp(a) was defined as ≥200 nmol/L consistent with the OCEAN(a)-Outcomes trial. The primary outcome was a composite of coronary heart disease death, MI, or coronary revascularization. Natural language processing algorithms, billing and ICD codes, and laboratory data were employed to identify outcomes and covariates. A total of 3142 patients met the eligibility criteria, the median age was 61 (IQR: 52–73) years, 28.6% were women, and 12.3% had elevated Lp(a). Over a median follow-up of 12.2 years (IQR: 6.2–14.3), the primary composite outcome occurred more frequently in patients with versus without elevated Lp(a) [46.0 vs. 38.0%, unadjHR = 1.30 (95% CI: 1.09–1.53), P = 0.003]. Following adjustment for measured confounders, elevated Lp(a) remained independently associated with the primary outcome [adjHR = 1.33 (95% CI: 1.12–1.58), P = 0.001].

Conclusion

In an observational cohort resembling the main OCEAN(a)-Outcomes Trial enrolment criteria, patients with an Lp(a) ≥200 nmol/L had a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes.
Discontinuities in the Age-Victimisation Profile and the Determinants of Victimisation
Authors: Bindler Anna , Hjalmarsson Randi , Ketel Nadine , Mitrut Andreea
Published: August 2023

Dutch victimisation rates increase by 9%–15% immediately upon reaching ages 16 and 18. We disentangle the role of the many rights granted at these ages using offence location data, cross-cohort variation in the minimum legal drinking age driven by a 2014 reform and survey data of alcohol/drug consumption and mobility behaviours. We conclude that access to weak alcohol, bars/clubs and smoking increases victimisation at 16 and that age-18 rights (hard alcohol, marijuana coffee shops) exacerbate this risk; vehicle access does not play an important role. We find no evidence of systematic spillovers onto individuals still ineligible for these rights.
PIEZO1 promotes ATP release from periodontal ligament cells following compression force
Authors: Horie Seiwa , Nakatomi Chihiro , Ito-Sago Misa , Morii Aoi , Orimoto Ai , Ikeda Hiroshi , Hsu Chia-Chien , Naniwa Mako , Mizuhara Masahiro , Gunjigake Kaori , Kawamoto Tatsuo , Ono Kentaro
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Orthodontic mechanical force on the periodontal ligament induces extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. However, mechanosensitive molecules have not been confirmed functionally in periodontal ligament cells. In the present study, we examined the roles of mechanosensitive PIEZO channels in the mechanically stimulated release of ATP in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLFs).

Materials and methods

To examine PIEZO expression in HPdLFs, we performed reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, fluorescent immunostaining, and Ca2+ imaging. ATP concentrations were measured in culture medium after applications of the PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 and compression force in a newly developed in vitro weight-loaded cell model (IVWLC) using balance weights and a 48-well plate. The mechanosensitive channel inhibitor GsMTx4 and the ATP-releasing route inhibitors clodronic acid, meclofenamic acid, and probenecid were used. To suppress PIEZO1 expression, short interference RNA (siRNA) treatment of the PIEZO1 gene was performed.

Results

PIEZO1 mRNA was expressed more abundantly than PIEZO2 mRNA in HPdLFs. HPdLF cell bodies were immunoreactive to anti-PIEZO1 antibody. Yoda1 increased intracellular Ca2+ and extracellular ATP concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. ATP release was inhibited by GsMTx4 and inhibitors of ATP release routes. In the IVWLC, HPdLFs released ATP in response to compression force but not in response to hypoxic stimulation that was simultaneously applied to cells. Mechanically stimulated ATP release was inhibited by GsMTx4, inhibitors of ATP-releasing routes and siRNA treatment of PIEZO1.

Conclusions

PIEZO1 on the cell membranes of HPdLFs is activated by compression force and then induces ATP release via intracellular Ca2+-dependent exocytosis and ATP-permeable channels.
Critical limb-threatening ischaemia and microvascular transformation: clinical implications
Authors: Tarvainen Santeri , Wirth Galina , Juusola Greta , Hautero Olli , Kalliokoski Kari , Sjöros Tanja , Nikulainen Veikko , Taavitsainen Jouni , Hytönen Jarkko , Frimodig Crister , Happonen Krista , Selander Tuomas , Laitinen Tomi , Hakovirta Harri H , Knuuti Juhani , Laham-Karam Nihay , Hartikainen Juha , Mäkinen Kimmo , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Korpisalo Petra
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Clinical management of critical limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is focused on prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic arterial occlusions. The role of microvascular pathology in disease progression is still largely unspecified and more importantly not utilized for treatment. The aim of this explorative study was to characterize the role of the microvasculature in CLTI pathology.

Methods

Clinical high-resolution imaging of CLTI patients (n = 50) and muscle samples from amputated CLTI limbs (n = 40) were used to describe microvascular pathology of CLTI at the level of resting muscle blood flow and microvascular structure, respectively. Furthermore, a chronic, low arterial driving pressure-simulating ischaemia model in rabbits (n = 24) was used together with adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor A gene transfers to study the effect of microvascular alterations on muscle outcome.

Results

Resting microvascular blood flow was not depleted but displayed decreased capillary transit time (P < .01) in CLTI muscles. Critical limb-threatening ischaemia muscle microvasculature also exhibited capillary enlargement (P < .001) and further arterialization along worsening of myofibre atrophy and detaching of capillaries from myofibres. Furthermore, CLTI-like capillary transformation was shown to worsen calf muscle force production (P < .05) and tissue outcome (P < .01) under chronic ischaemia in rabbits and in healthy, normal rabbit muscle.

Conclusions

These findings depict a progressive, hypoxia-driven transformation of the microvasculature in CLTI muscles, which pathologically alters blood flow dynamics and aggravates tissue damage under low arterial driving pressure. Hypoxia-driven capillary enlargement can be highly important for CLTI outcomes and should therefore be considered in further development of diagnostics and treatment of CLTI.