bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble learning and graph topological indices for predicting physical properties of mental disorder drugs
Authors: Ejima O , Abubakar M S , Sarkin Pawa S S , Ibrahim A H , Aremu K O
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we use the ensemble machine learning technique to evaluate the strength of three supervised machine learning algorithms, namely, the random forest regression (RFR), support vector regression (SVR) and the gradient boosting regression (GBR) in the prediction of physical properties of mental disorder drugs with small dataset. The model was implemented on a dataset of neighborhood degree-based topological indices which served as predictor variables and physical properties of the drugs which served as target variables. To compute the neighborhood degree-based indices, we employed an algorithm that utilizes the canonical SmilES notations of the drugs. The ensemble method identifies the neighborhood third Zagreb index (NM3(G)) as an efficient predictor of boiling point, flash point and enthalpy of vaporization. The neighborhood Randic index (NR(G)) provides better prediction for molar refractivity, molar volume and polarizability. In the same vein, the neighborhood sum connectivity index (NSC(G)) is an efficient predictor of surface tension while the neighborhood reciprocal Randic index (NRR(G)) is most effective in the prediction of polar surface area. Furthermore, the comparison of the average performance between the ensemble method and the base models (RFR, SVR, GBR) over the neighborhood topological indices shows efficient performance of the individual models across multiple physical properties of mental disorder drugs, when using the neighborhood topological indices as the predictor or input feature. Overall, this research highlights the combination of three supervised machine learning models in an ensemble environment to mitigating the challenges associated with small datasets when applying machine learning models in QSPR analysis.
Analysis of rock-breaking mechanisms of high-voltage pulsed electric electrode bits
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Liu Siqi , Liu Weiji , Zhou Xin , Zhang Youjian , Liu Ming
Published: September 2024

High-voltage pulsed electric rock-breaking technology is an innovative, green, and efficient method with substantial potential in the field of rock fragmentation. The efficiency of this technology is primarily determined by the design of the electrode bit. To investigate the impact of electrode bit design on rock fragmentation, this study developed a three-dimensional electro-rock breaking model based on the coupling of multiple fields: current field, electrostatic field, breakdown field, heat transfer field, and solid mechanics field. Using this comprehensive three-dimensional model, we conducted dynamic electrical breakdown simulations of granite, incorporating five different electrode bit structures and six degrees of rock heterogeneity. The simulation results elucidate the effects of pulsed peak voltage, granite heterogeneity
H
, and electrode bit structure on the efficiency of high-voltage pulsed electric rock breaking. To validate the simulation results, laboratory experiments on electro-rock breaking were performed. The experimental findings indicate that the conical electrode bit exhibited the highest rock-breaking efficiency, while the pentagonal prism-shaped electrode bit showed the poorest performance. The tip of prismatic electrodes generates a tip discharge effect; for the triangular prism, this effect often results in irregular rock fragmentation, which is detrimental to drilling efficiency. These results highlight the significant influence of electrode shape on rocks’ electrical breakdown and fragmentation. This study provides valuable insights into the engineering application of high-voltage pulsed electric rock-breaking technology.
Efficient in situ learning of hybrid LIF neurons using WTA mechanism for high-speed low-power neuromorphic systems
Authors: Hussain Syed Ali , Prasad V P N S B S V , Sanki Pradyut Kumar
Published: September 2024

The emerging market for hardware neuromorphic systems has fulfilled the growing demand for fast and energy-efficient computer architectures. Memristor-based neural networks are a viable approach to meet the need for low-power neuromorphic devices. Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are widely recognized as the best hardware solution for mimicking the brain’s efficient processing capabilities. To build the SNN model, we have designed an energy-efficient hybrid Leaky Integrated and Fire (LIF) neuron model using Carbon Nano Tube Field Effect Transistors (CNTFET) and memristors. This hybrid neuron operates at 3.89 MHz, with 1.047nW and 0.257fJ of power and energy per spike with a constant power supply (V
dd
) and an excitation voltage of 0.5V, under the ideal conditions. When the intrinsic constraints of CNTFETs and memristors, such as parasitic elements and hysteresis effects, are taken into consideration, the operating frequency is lowered to 3.45 MHz (an 11.5% decrease), and energy consumption rises to 0.317 fJ per spike (a 23.3% increase). Despite these limitations, our design outperforms with existing works. On the other hand the development of in situ, Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP) learning through memristors as synapses results in a computational challenge. In this paper, we adopt a potent technique capable of carrying out both learning and inference. The weight modulation is accomplished using a linear memristor model, resulting in high speed and reduced power consumption. We intend to apply the winner-takes-all (WTA) mechanism within the SNN architecture, which incorporates recurrently connected proposed neurons in the output layer, for real-time pattern recognition. The proposed design has been implemented and the performance metrics superseded the existing works in terms of power, energy, and accuracy. Furthermore, the design is capable of classifying 50×104 images per second.
Fermi Blazars in the Zwicky Transient Facility Survey: Properties of Large Optical Variations
Authors: Sun Si-Si , Wang Zhong-Xiang , Ji Shun-Hao
Published: September 2024

We analyze the optical light curve data, obtained with the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) survey, for 47 γ-ray blazars monitored by the Large Area Telescope onboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (Fermi). These 47 sources are selected because they are among the Fermi blazars with the largest optical variations in the ZTF data. Two color–magnitude variation patterns are seen in them, with one being redder-to-stable-when-brighter (RSWB; in 31 sources) and the other being stable when brighter (in 16 sources). The patterns fit with the results recently reported in several similar studies with different data. Moreover, we find that the colors in the stable state of the sources share similar values, for which (after being corrected for the Galactic extinction) most sources are in a range of 0.4–0.55. This feature could be intrinsic and may be applied in, for example, study of the intragalactic medium. We also determine the turning points for the sources showing the RSWB pattern, after which the color changes saturate and become stable. We find a correlation between optical fluxes and γ-ray fluxes at the turning points. The physical implications of the correlation remain to be investigated, probably better with a sample of high-quality γ-ray flux measurements.
Deuterium plasma induced preferential erosion in ultra-high temperature ceramics TiB2 and ZrB2
*
Authors: Nuckols L. , Baldwin M.J. , Meyer III H.M. , Nishijima D. , Patino M.I. , Parish C.M. , Rapp J.
Published: September 2024

Steady-state deuterium plasma exposures were performed on ultra-high temperature ceramics titanium diboride (TiB2) and zirconium diboride (ZrB2) using the PISCES-RF linear plasma device (LPD) as early screening for first wall, plasma-facing applications. Deuterium plasma exposures were performed using 40 eV ion energies at 240, 525, and 800 °C sample temperatures and 90 eV ion energies at 240 °C sample temperatures to analyze TiB2 and ZrB2 surface morphology and chemistry evolution behavior. Post-plasma exposure chemistry characterization of the near surface (

<

50 nm) region of the samples all show transition metal enrichment, indicating boron preferential erosion. Transition metal to boron fractions vary with plasma exposure temperature under the 40 eV ion energy; metal enrichment is maximized at 800 °C and then minimized at 525 °C. SEM micrographs of all plasma exposed sample surfaces show no significant or noticeable plasma induced damage from cracking or blistering.
Biofabrication & cryopreservation of tissue engineered constructs for on-demand applications
Authors: Budharaju Harshavardhan , Sundaramurthi Dhakshinamoorthy , Sethuraman Swaminathan
Published: September 2024

Tissue engineered constructs prepared using conventional scaffold-based approaches have the potential to repair or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Various scaffold fabrication strategies such as electrospinning, solvent casting, particulate leaching, gas foaming, hydrogels, freeze-drying, and 3D bioprinting have been used to fabricate artificial tissues. In recent times, 3D bioprinting has been predominantly used in various biomedical fields, including healthcare and pharmaceutical applications due to precision in 3D geometry. However, there are no viable strategies to preserve bioprinted constructs for on-demand applications because of the lack of specialized techniques or cryopreservation agents to maintain the cell viability and functionality of the bioprinted tissues. To solve this issue, cryopreservation of bioprinted tissues has emerged in recent years to develop methods to create and cryopreserve bioprinted constructs for on-demand applications. This review discusses various techniques used for producing ready-to-use tissue engineered products such as electrospinning, hydrogels, 3D bioprinting, and other bioprinting approaches. Further, the factors influencing the bioprinted tissues, such as cryoprotectants, polymer types and crosslinker concentrations, crosslinking approaches, viscoelastic properties, storage facilities, etc, were also discussed in detail. The potential of cryopreservable bioprinted tissues in various healthcare applications are elaborated with lucid examples. Finally, the conclusions and possible future directions for the fabrication and cryopreservation of tissue engineered products are highlighted.
Design and fabrication of polarization independent LCoS phase modulators with polymer waveplate and analog driving
Authors: Zachmann Isaac , Zhang Qirui , Svanidze Anastasiia , Ji Lianhua , Mao Chongchang
Published: September 2024

Phase-only liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) spatial light modulators are used in a variety of applications. Despite their wide use, current phase-only LCoS devices are hindered by their single-polarization modulation. We propose a polarization independent LCoS device which uses a polymer quarter-wave plate for polarization conversion. We designed a custom pixel circuit which enables high driving voltage and high pixel grayscale by utilizing an analog driving frame buffer pixel circuit. Our pixel circuit is optimized for small pixel size and the silicon backplanes can be fabricated at a traditional foundry. We demonstrate polarization independent phase modulation through optical beam steering tests for various input polarizations. Our fabricated device lays the foundation for commercial LCoS devices highly suitable for wavelength selective switches, holographic display, wavefront correction, and optical beam shaping.
Mitigation of soil salinity by addition of different rice straw biochar doses in salt-affected acid soil
Authors: Shwe Kyi Kyi , Chaopayao Nantanat , Yampracha Sukunya
Published: September 2024

The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of rice straw biochar amendment and to identify the appropriate dose of biochar application to reduce soil acidity, salinity, toxicity, and sodicity in salt-affected acid soils. The rice straw biochar at 4 different rates of 0%, (control) 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w) was mixed with 6 salt-affected acid soils: S1 (non-saline), S2 and S3 (low saline), and S4, S5, and S6 (moderate saline). The mixture was continuously shaken in distilled water for 7 days. The biochar application significantly increased soil pH and saturated electrical conductivity (ECe) with an increasing biochar application rate compared with the control. Significant decreases in sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) values below the critical level of sodicity were observed above the biochar application rate of 1%. Soluble chloride (Cl–) and soluble and exchangeable sodium (Na+) were significantly reduced above the biochar application rate of 1%. The biochar application (≥ 1%) led to a significant increase in soluble and exchangeable potassium (K+) and declines in soluble and exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). This study concluded that the biochar application rate of 1% was suitable for reducing soil acidity to a safe level for rice plants. The rice straw biochar application improved soil toxicity and sodicity by reducing soluble Cl– and soluble and exchangeable Na+, decreasing SAR and ESP. The biochar application also increased available K+, essential for rice plant growth and development in salt-affected soils.
Gate leakage reduction in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using in situ ion treatment
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Imran , Gurbuz Abdulkadir , Salkim Gurur , Zafar Salahuddin , Akoglu Busra Cankaya , Bek Alpan , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: September 2024

A new in situ treatment method is proposed to reduce the gate leakage in normally-on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. It consists of O2-Ar ion bombardment before the gate metalization. Ion treatment is found to improve the quality of gate metal and semiconductor interfaces. This process reduces the gate leakage current by around 25 times. The process is validated for wafer level uniformity and temperature dependency against the traditional NH4OH treatment. Ion treated HEMT devices are found to possess two orders of magnitude smaller standard deviations in gate leakage distribution across the wafer. The gate leakage is found to be less dependent on temperature comparatively. The trap energy level of the HEMTs treated using the proposed method is found to be higher than the traditional ones as extracted from Poole-Frenkel electron emission analysis. The new method results in a 0.13 dB improvement in the minimum noise figure of the HEMT on average from DC—16 GHz.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework needs headline indicators that can actually monitor forest integrity
Authors: Pillay Rajeev , Watson James E M , Goetz Scott J , Hansen Andrew J , Jantz Patrick A , Ramírez-Delgado Juan Pablo , Grantham Hedley S , Ferrier Simon , Venter Oscar
Published: September 2024

Intact native forests under negligible large-scale human pressures (i.e. high-integrity forests) are critical for biodiversity conservation. However, high-integrity forests are declining worldwide due to deforestation and forest degradation. Recognizing the importance of high-integrity ecosystems (including forests), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has directly included the maintenance and restoration of ecosystem integrity, in addition to ecosystem extent, in its goals and targets. Yet, the headline indicators identified to help nations monitor forest ecosystems and their integrity can currently track changes only in (1) forest cover or extent, and (2) the risk of ecosystem collapse using the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE). These headline indicators are unlikely to facilitate the monitoring of forest integrity for two reasons. First, focusing on forest cover not only misses the impacts of anthropogenic degradation on forests but can also fail to detect the effect of positive management actions in enhancing forest integrity. Second, the risk of ecosystem collapse as measured by the ordinal RLE index (from Least Concern to Critically Endangered) makes it unlikely that changes to the continuum of forest integrity over space and time would be reported by nations. Importantly, forest ecosystems in many biodiverse African and Asian nations remain unassessed with the RLE. As such, many nations will likely resort to monitoring forest cover alone and therefore inadequately report progress against forest integrity goals and targets. We concur that monitoring changes in forest cover and the risk of ecosystem collapse are indeed vital aspects of conservation monitoring. Yet, they are insufficient for the specific purpose of tracking progress against crucial ecosystem integrity components of the GBF’s goals. We discuss the pitfalls of merely monitoring forest cover, a likely outcome with the current headline indicators. Augmenting forest cover monitoring with indicators that capture change in absolute area along the continuum of forest integrity would help monitor progress toward achieving area-based targets related to both integrity and extent of global forests.
Indonesian WAIS-IV Cultural Research
Authors: Suwartono Christiany , Santoso Justinus Budi , Fujii Daryl
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study examined regional differences between Indonesians on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV Indonesia (WAIS-IV ID) and, in comparison, to the US. Three hypotheses were examined: a) Java will demonstrate stronger WAIS-IV ID performances than non-Java (NJ) samples. b) WAIS-IV ID performances will be correlated with educational attainment. c) Indonesians with higher levels of education will perform comparably to US samples.

Method

The WAIS-IV was translated into Bahasa Indonesia and administered to a convenience sample representative of the Indonesian population breakdown by island. Comparisons between Java and NJ samples were analyzed by analyses of covariance controlling for education attainment. Comparisons between the Indonesian and US samples were analyzed by one sample t-tests.

Results

The Java sample performed significantly higher than the NJ sample. Performances for the Java but not the NJ sample significantly correlated with educational attainment. Indonesians performed significantly lower than the US on 19/20 WAIS-IV ID subtests measures. However, the Java sample demonstrated comparable performances with the US with both countries scoring significantly higher than the other on select subtests and indexes. The Java sample demonstrated lower performances for older age cohorts with increasingly stronger scores across younger age cohorts. This pattern was paralleled by increases in educational attainment.

Conclusions

All hypotheses were supported except for correlations between educational attainment and WAIS-IV ID performances which was significant for the Java sample but not the NJ sample. Findings were interpreted within the context of economics and educational attainment and quality.
Reflectance confocal microscopy in diagnosing basal cell carcinoma in the UK: a prospective observational single-centre trial
Authors: Stevens Howard P , Pampena Riccardo , Farnetani Francesca , Pellacani Giovanni , Angus Colin , El-Jabbour Joseph N
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous work with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has shown high sensitivity and specificity for basal cell carcinoma (BCC); however, to date, there have been few studies in UK cohorts.

Objectives

To assess the potential of RCM to accurately diagnose BCC in a private UK secondary care, single-clinician setting, and to investigate the potential of RCM as a routine diagnostic procedure.

Methods

In total, 522 lesions where BCC featured in the differential diagnosis after clinical examination were prospectively recruited; 78 lesions were subsequently excluded. We used an arm-mounted confocal microscope unless access to the lesion was awkward and required a handheld probe to be used. The likelihood of BCC was scored for each modality (clinical examination, dermoscopy and RCM), with each diagnosis building on the last. Histology was assessed by a single blinded histopathologist. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03509415).

Results

The analysis included 444 lesions (327 BCCs) from 326 patients. The median maximum lesion diameter was 6 mm. The sensitivity and specificity for BCC were 69.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 64.1–74.4] and 53.0% (95% CI 43.6–62.3), respectively, for clinical examination alone; 91.8% (95% CI 88.3–94.5) and 41.0% (95% CI 32.0–50.5), respectively, for clinical examination plus dermoscopy; and 98.8% (95% CI 96.9–99.7) and 85.5% (95% CI 77.8–91.3), respectively, for clinical examination plus dermoscopy plus RCM. For RCM, the positive predictive value in diagnosing BCC was 95.0% (95% CI 92.1–97.1) and the negative predictive value was 96.2% (95% CI 90.4–98.9). The area under the curve increased from 0.61 to 0.66 to 0.92 as the respective modalities were added.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that RCM can reliably and quickly diagnose BCC, and that the addition of RCM to dermoscopy permits higher diagnostic accuracy for BCC in the UK. The specificity and sensitivity of the RCM diagnosis did not alter significantly with experience, reflecting the ease and speed of acquiring the skills required to use this modality.
There and back again: molecular phylogenetics of the Brazilian endemic Psyllocarpus (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae) supports a circumscription of the genus based on its original concept
Authors: Carmo João A M , Reginato Marcelo , Sobrado Sandra V , Miguel Laila M , Janssens Steven B , Dessein Steven , Salas Roberto M , Simões André O
Published: September 2024

The Spermacoce clade, found primarily in the Americas, poses taxonomic challenges, notably in the unclear boundaries of Borreria and Spermacoce. These genera intertwine with smaller, morphologically distinct ones, including Psyllocarpus, a Brazilian endemic redefined into two sections. Psyllocarpus sect. Psyllocarpus, being based on the original genus delineation, encompasses nine species in the Cerrado and campo rupestre of eastern Brazil, and P. sect. Amazonica includes three species in the Amazonian campinas, while Psyllocarpus intermedius remains unclassified. Our phylogenetic study, sampling extensively across the Spermacoce clade for nuclear ribosomal (ETS and ITS) and plastid (rps16 and trnL-trnF) DNA regions and using a variety of approaches to analyse our dataset, revealed that Psyllocarpus is not monophyletic. Notably, P. campinorum (representing P. sect. Amazonica) and P. intermedius are distinct lineages in the Spermacoce clade but fall outside Psyllocarpus. Conversely, P. sect. Psyllocarpus forms a well-supported clade, closely related to Staelia. Therefore, Psyllocarpus has to be circumscribed based on its original concept, excluding P. sect. Amazonica and P. intermedius. This defines the genus as a distinct, easily diagnosable taxon. We provide a synoptic list of names and nomenclatural types of Psyllocarpus to formalize our results, with an updated description of the genus.
Increases in amyloid-β42 slow cognitive and clinical decline in Alzheimer’s disease trials
Authors: Abanto Jesus , Dwivedi Alok K , Imbimbo Bruno P , Espay Alberto J
Published: September 2024

Positive effects of new anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been attributed to brain amyloid reduction. However, most anti-Aβ antibodies also increase the CSF levels of the 42-amino acid isoform (Aβ42). We evaluated the associations of changes in CSF Aβ42 and brain Aβ-PET with cognitive and clinical end points in randomized trials of anti-Aβ drugs that lowered (β- and γ-secretase inhibitors) or increased CSF Aβ42 levels (anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies) to test the hypothesis that post-treatment increases in CSF Aβ42 levels are independently associated with cognitive and clinical outcomes.

From long-term (≥12 months) randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials of anti-Aβ drugs published until November 2023, we calculated the post-treatment versus baseline difference in ADAS-Cog (cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale) and CDR-SB (Clinical Dementia Rate-Sum of Boxes) and z-standardized changes in CSF Aβ42 and Aβ-PET Centiloids (CL). We estimated the effect size [regression coefficients (RCs) and confidence intervals (CIs)] and the heterogeneity (I2) of the associations between AD biomarkers and cognitive and clinical end points using random-effects meta-regression models.

We included 25 966 subjects with AD from 24 trials. In random-effects analysis, increases in CSF Aβ42 were associated with slower decline in ADAS-Cog (RC: −0.55; 95% CI: −0.89, −0.21, P = 0.003, I2 = 61.4%) and CDR-SB (RC: −0.16; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.06, P = 0.002, I2 = 34.5%). Similarly, decreases in Aβ–PET were associated with slower decline in ADAS-Cog (RC: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.89, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and CDR-SB (RC: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.33, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results.

Higher CSF Aβ42 levels after exposure to anti-Aβ drugs are independently associated with slowing cognitive impairment and clinical decline. Increases in Aβ42 may represent a mechanism of potential benefit of anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies in AD.
Causal relationships of grey matter structures in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: insights from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Sun Jie , Xie Yingying , Li Tongli , Zhao Yunfei , Zhao Wenjin , Yu Zeyang , Wang Shaoying , Zhang Yujie , Xue Hui , Chen Yayuan , Sun Zuhao , Zhang Zhang , Liu Yaou , Zhang Ningnannan , Liu Feng
Published: September 2024

Multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder are two debilitating inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS. Although grey matter alterations have been linked to both multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in observational studies, it is unclear whether these associations indicate causal relationships between these diseases and grey matter changes. Therefore, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal relationships between 202 grey matter imaging–derived phenotypes (33 224 individuals) and multiple sclerosis (47 429 cases and 68 374 controls) as well as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (215 cases and 1244 controls). Our results suggested that genetically predicted multiple sclerosis was positively associated with the surface area of the left parahippocampal gyrus (β = 0.018, P = 2.383 × 10−4) and negatively associated with the volumes of the bilateral caudate (left: β = −0.020, P = 7.203 × 10−5; right: β = −0.021, P = 3.274 × 10−5) and putamen nuclei (left: β = −0.030, P = 2.175 × 10−8; right: β = −0.024, P = 1.047 × 10−5). In addition, increased neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder risk was associated with an increased surface area of the left paracentral gyrus (β = 0.023, P = 1.025 × 10−4). Conversely, no evidence was found for the causal impact of grey matter imaging–derived phenotypes on disease risk in the opposite direction. We provide suggestive evidence that genetically predicted multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder are associated with increased cortical surface area and decreased subcortical volume in specific regions. Our findings shed light on the associations of grey matter alterations with the risk of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
White matter microstructure and functional connectivity in the brains of infants with Turner syndrome
Authors: Blanchett Reid , Chen Haitao , Vlasova Roza M , Cornea Emil , Maza Maria , Davenport Marsha , Reinhartsen Debra , DeRamus Margaret , Edmondson Pretzel Rebecca , Gilmore John H , Hooper Stephen R , Styner Martin A , Gao Wei , Knickmeyer Rebecca C
Published: September 2024

Turner syndrome, caused by complete or partial loss of an X-chromosome, is often accompanied by specific cognitive challenges. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of adults and children with Turner syndrome suggest these deficits reflect differences in anatomical and functional connectivity. However, no imaging studies have explored connectivity in infants with Turner syndrome. Consequently, it is unclear when in development connectivity differences emerge. To address this gap, we compared functional connectivity and white matter microstructure of 1-year-old infants with Turner syndrome to typically developing 1-year-old boys and girls. We examined functional connectivity between the right precentral gyrus and five regions that show reduced volume in 1-year old infants with Turner syndrome compared to controls and found no differences. However, exploratory analyses suggested infants with Turner syndrome have altered connectivity between right supramarginal gyrus and left insula and right putamen. To assess anatomical connectivity, we examined diffusivity indices along the superior longitudinal fasciculus and found no differences. However, an exploratory analysis of 46 additional white matter tracts revealed significant group differences in nine tracts. Results suggest that the first year of life is a window in which interventions might prevent connectivity differences observed at later ages, and by extension, some of the cognitive challenges associated with Turner syndrome.
Achievement of fluid removal targets during intermittent renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit
Authors: Gouin Michel , Joyal Rose , Lamothe Mathilde , Luo Yi Hui , Fan Xin Yi , Huard Karel , Côté Jean-Maxime , Neyra Javier A , Wald Ron , Beaubien-Souligny William
Published: September 2024

Background

In patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), fluid balance management often relies on the prescription and achievement of fluid removal using intermittent renal replacement therapy (IRRT). This study aimed to describe characteristics associated with the failure to achieve target fluid removal (FATFR).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study including IRRT sessions of conventional duration (<5 hours) performed for AKI in the intensive care unit (ICU) from 2017 to 2022 at a tertiary academic center. FATFR-50% was defined as fluid removal of <50% of the prescribed target. Characteristics of patients and sessions, as well as outcomes at 90 days were collected. The causes of FATFR were manually adjudicated.

Results

A total of 291 patients and 1280 IRRT sessions in the ICU were included. FATFR-50% occurred in 7.3% of sessions and 19.2% of patients had at least one session with FATFR-50% during the first week of IRRT. Sessions with FATFR-50% were characterized by a higher occurrence of intradialytic hypotension (24.2% vs 60.2%, P < .001) and a higher planned fluid removal (6.19 vs 5.27 m/kg/h, P = .02). Multiple episodes of FATFR-50% were associated with a positive cumulative fluid balance (β 3876 (CI 2053–5899) P < .001). At 90-day follow-up, FATFR-50% during the first week after IRRT initiation was independently associated with fewer ICU- and hospital-free days, as well as with a higher risk of mortality (odds ratio 2.01 CI 1.04–3.89, P = .04).

Conclusions

FATFR occurs in about one out of five critically ill patients within the first week of IRRT and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes.
Measuring Perceptions of School Lockdown Drills: Development and Validation of the Lockdown Impact Scale for Caregivers (LIS-C)
Authors: Dailey Stephanie F , Campbell Andrew , Mjavanadze Eter
Published: September 2024

Understanding the extent to which caregivers perceive active shooter lockdown drills in K–12 schools as physically and emotionally safe for their children is pertinent, yet little empirical evidence exists. Negative parental perceptions of drills can lead to decreased student participation and compliance and amplify public concerns associated with school safety. This article introduces the Lockdown Impact Scale for Caregivers (LIS-C), a novel instrument developed to assess caregiver perceptions of K–12 school lockdown drills. Utilizing a national sample of 999 caregivers, this study validates the LIS-C through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, revealing a three-dimensional construct that includes perceived impact, school safety, and expressed concern. The development and validation of the LIS-C provide school-based mental health professionals with a psychometrically sound tool to address caregiver concerns, paving the way for a more informed and intentional implementation of lockdown drills. This research underscores the pertinence of examining caregiver perceptions to foster a safer and more supportive school environment.
A computational study on the influence of antegrade accessory pathway location on the 12-lead electrocardiogram in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Authors: Gillette Karli , Winkler Benjamin , Kurath-Koller Stefan , Scherr Daniel , Vigmond Edward J , Bär Markus , Plank Gernot
Published: September 2024

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a cardiovascular disease characterized by abnormal atrio-ventricular conduction facilitated by accessory pathways (APs). Invasive catheter ablation of the AP represents the primary treatment modality. Accurate localization of APs is crucial for successful ablation outcomes, but current diagnostic algorithms based on the 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) often struggle with precise determination of AP locations. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying localization failures observed in current diagnostic algorithms, we employ a virtual cardiac model to elucidate the relationship between AP location and ECG morphology. We first introduce a cardiac model of electrophysiology that was specifically tailored to represent antegrade APs in the form of a short atrio-ventricular bypass tract. Locations of antegrade APs were then automatically swept across both ventricles in the virtual model to generate a synthetic ECG database consisting of 9271 signals. Regional grouping of antegrade APs revealed overarching morphological patterns originating from diverse cardiac regions. We then applied variance-based sensitivity analysis relying on polynomial chaos expansion on the ECG database to mathematically quantify how variation in AP location and timing relates to morphological variation in the 12 lead ECG. We utilized our mechanistic virtual model to showcase limitations of AP localization using standard ECG-based algorithms and provide mechanistic explanations through exemplary simulations. Our findings highlight the potential of virtual models of cardiac electrophysiology not only to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome but also to potentially enhance the diagnostic accuracy of ECG-based algorithms and facilitate personalized treatment planning.
Role of male gonad-enriched microRNAs in sperm production in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lu Lu , Abbott Allison L
Published: September 2024

Germ cell development and gamete production in animals require small RNA pathways. While studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are necessary for normal sperm production and function, the specific roles for individual miRNAs are largely unknown. Here, we use small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of dissected gonads and functional analysis of new loss-of-function alleles to identify functions for miRNAs in the control of fecundity and sperm production in Caenorhabditis elegans males and hermaphrodites. We describe a set of 29 male gonad-enriched miRNAs and identify a set of individual miRNAs (mir-58.1 and mir-235) and a miRNA cluster (mir-4807-4810.1) that are required for optimal sperm production at 20°C and a set of miRNAs (mir-49, mir-57, mir-83, mir-261, and mir-357/358) that are required for sperm production at 25°C. We observed defects in meiotic progression in mutants missing mir-58.1, mir-83, mir-235, and mir-4807-4810.1, which may contribute to the observed defects in sperm production. Further, analysis of multiple mutants of these miRNAs suggested genetic interactions between these miRNAs. This study provides insights on the regulatory roles of miRNAs that promote optimal sperm production and fecundity in males and hermaphrodites.
The exploration of the application of smart solar pavilions in green urban public facilities
Authors: Tao Zhang , Yan Liu Guang , Bo Zhang Li , An Hu Cong , Wei Xie , Zhi Gong Xin
Published: September 2024

The low-carbon era imposes new requirements on traditional public facilities. Public facilities need to simultaneously consider aesthetics, practicality, intelligent usage, and low-carbon emissions, among many other requirements. Currently, smart public facilities, as an integral part of smart cities, still lack relevant design solutions, particularly in practical applications, with most research remaining at the theoretical stage. Traditional designs are no longer able to meet the demands of modern green urban public facilities. To address this issue, this study proposes the concept of smart photovoltaic pavilions as a feasible solution based on the theoretical foundation of intelligent public facilities. This project designs four types of solar pavilions suitable for different scenarios, and one set of these designs is practically implemented in real-life situations. Furthermore, environmental data from the surrounding area has been collected over a period of time, contributing to the accumulation of future databases. This project provides an important case study for promoting public understanding of low-carbon development requirements and cultivating awareness of zero-carbon living. It also offers efficient low-carbon and zero-carbon technological solutions to society, serving as a demonstration for exploring paths to achieve carbon neutrality.
Protist predation promotes antimicrobial resistance spread through antagonistic microbiome interactions
Authors: Liu Chen , Wang Yijin , Zhou Zeyuan , Wang Shimei , Wei Zhong , Ravanbakhsh Mohammadhossein , Shen Qirong , Xiong Wu , Kowalchuk George A , Jousset Alexandre
Published: September 2024

Antibiotic resistance has grown into a major public health threat. In this study, we reveal predation by protists as an overlooked driver of antibiotic resistance dissemination in the soil microbiome. While previous studies have primarily focused on the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes, our work sheds light on the pivotal role of soil protists in shaping antibiotic resistance dynamics. Using a combination of metagenomics and controlled experiments in this study, we demonstrate that protists cause an increase in antibiotic resistance. We mechanistically link this increase to a fostering of antimicrobial activity in the microbiome. Protist predation gives a competitive edge to bacteria capable of producing antagonistic secondary metabolites, which secondary metabolites promote in turn antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study provides insights into the complex interplay between protists and soil microbiomes in regulating antibiotic resistance dynamics. This study highlights the importance of top–down control on the spread of antibiotic resistance and directly connects it to cross-kingdom interactions within the microbiome. Managing protist communities may become an important tool to control outbreaks of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
Use of echinocandin outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of infection caused by Candida spp.: utilization, outcomes and impact of a change to weekly dosing
Authors: Clarke Fiona , Grenfell Adelaide , Chao Sarah , Richards Helen , Korman Tony , Rogers Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Background

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) can deliver extended parenteral treatment of fungal infections in an ambulatory setting, whilst minimizing treatment burden and cost. The extended dosing interval of rezafungin may potentiate the benefits of OPAT.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study includes all adult patients who received echinocandin therapy in a large OPAT programme between 2012 and 2022. Patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes were studied. Data were analysed to determine the effects of replacing daily dosing with weekly dosing of echinocandin.

Results

Across the study period, 11% (44/386) of all patients in our Health Service treated with ≥7 days of echinocandin were managed via OPAT. All were Candida and related ‘yeast-like’ species infections. Nakaseomyces glabrata (20/41; 49%) was the most common pathogen, fungaemia the most common presentation (17/41; 41%) and azole resistance the most frequent indication for echinocandin use (21/41; 51%).

In total, 633 days of echinocandin were administered as OPAT. Thirteen patients (13/41; 32%) received concurrent parenteral antibacterials. Treatment success was achieved in 30/41 (73%) patients. If daily echinocandin dosing was replaced with weekly dosing, a potential 52% (633 to 326) reduction in the total number of treatments (for any therapy) delivered by the OPAT team is possible. The ongoing need for daily antibacterial administration mitigated the benefit in some of this cohort.

Conclusions

Echinocandin therapy can be safely delivered via OPAT with outcomes equivalent to bed-based care. The extended dosing interval of rezafungin will allow for a substantial reduction in the number of treatments required across the patient cohort.
Establishing data elements and exchange standards to support long COVID healthcare and research
Authors: Dolin Gay , Saitwal Himali , Bertodatti Karen , Mueller Savanah , Bierman Arlene S , Suls Jerry , Brandt Katie , Camara Djibril S , Leppry Stephanie , Jones Emma , Gallego Evelyn , Carlson Dave , Norton Jenna
Published: September 2024

Objective

The Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs) Electronic Care (e-Care) Plan project aims to establish care planning data standards for individuals living with MCCs. This article reports on the portion of the project focused on long COVID and presents the process of identifying and modeling data elements using the HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard.

Materials and Methods

Critical data elements for managing long COVID were defined through a consensus-driven approach involving a Technical Expert Panel (TEP). This involved 2 stages: identifying data concepts and establishing electronic exchange standards.

Results

The TEP-identified and -approved long COVID data elements were mapped to the HL7 US Core FHIR profiles for syntactic representation, and value sets from standard code systems were developed for semantic representation of the long COVID concepts.

Discussion

Establishing common long COVID data standards through this process, and representing them with the HL7 FHIR standard, facilitates interoperable data collection, benefiting care delivery and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) for long COVID. These standards may support initiatives including clinical and pragmatic trials, quality improvement, epidemiologic research, and clinical and social interventions.

By building standards-based data collection, this effort accelerates the development of evidence to better understand and deliver effective long COVID interventions and patient and caregiver priorities within the context of MCCs and to advance the delivery of coordinated, person-centered care.

Conclusion

The open, collaborative, and consensus-based approach used in this project will enable the sharing of long COVID-related health concerns, interventions, and outcomes for patient-centered care coordination across diverse clinical settings and will facilitate the use of real-world data for long COVID research.
The NRF2 inducer CDDO-2P-Im provokes a reduction in amyloid β levels in Alzheimer’s disease model mice
Authors: Uruno Akira , Kadoguchi-Igarashi Shiori , Saito Ritsumi , Koiso Shohei , Saigusa Daisuke , Chu Ching-Tung , Suzuki Takafumi , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C , Cuadrado Antonio , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common aetiology of dementia. The transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) induces the expression of genes encoding phase II detoxification and antioxidant genes. NRF2 is regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), and the KEAP1-NRF2 system is the key regulatory system involved in cytoprotection. To examine whether pharmacological induction of NRF2 expression alleviates AD phenotypes in vivo, we employed two AD mouse models, i.e. App  NL-G-F/NL-G-F (AppNLGF) and APPV717I::TAUP301L (APP/TAU) mice. As the synthetic oleanane triterpenoid 1-[2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11-dien-28-oyl)] (CDDO)-4(−pyridin-2-yl)-imidazole (CDDO-2P-Im) exhibits strong NRF2-inducing activity, we treated AD model mice with CDDO-2P-Im. We found that Aβ42 levels were markedly greater in the brains of AppNLGF mice than in those of APP/TAU mice. CDDO-2P-Im treatment significantly decreased Aβ42 levels, but not Aβ40 levels, in APP/TAU mice. Consequently, CDDO-2P-Im also decreased the ratio of Aβ42/Aβ40, a vital marker of amyloid plaque formation. LC–MS/MS analyses revealed that CDDO-2P-Im was delivered to the brains of the APP/TAU mice. CDDO-2P-Im induced the expression of detoxification and antioxidant gene targets of NRF2 and elevated reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the mouse brain. These results support the notion that CDDO-2P-Im ameliorates AD-related pathologic changes.
Computational Modelling and Simulations to Study the Thermal Enhancement in Nanofluid Flow in Undulating Wavy Cavity of a Cylinder: Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Fayz-Al-Asad Md , Iqbal Zahoor , Hasan Md Shamim , Eljaneid Nidal H E , Alam Sarker Md Manirul , Alhazmi Sharifah E , Shah Jaffer , Alqarni M M , Awwad Tarek M , Elnaqeeb Thanaa
Published: September 2024

The goal of this present work is to produce a computational model to discover the Cu – water nanofluid flow patterns and heat transfer features through a wavy chamber via a different cross-section cylinder. A finite element method based on the Galerkin weighted residual technique solves the nonlinear governing equations for the current computational model. We have conducted a parametric exploration to investigate the influence of Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), several angles of an elliptical cylinder (0° ≤ θ ≤ 90°), aspect ratios (1 ≤ AR ≤ 3), and varied nanofluid volume fractions (0 ≤ φ ≤ 0.1). The graphical representation of the numerical results, such as streamlines, isotherm contours, the angle of elliptical cylinders, and the average Nusselt number as it relates to the rate of heat transfer. The present research and a prior publication agree strongly. The results show that the heat transfer rate increases with the angle of orientation and aspect ratio for each value. The vertical direction of an elliptical cylinder significantly enhanced the rate of heat transfer. The result indicates that for mutually pure water and nanoparticles, the maximum heat transmission rate appears at θ = 90°, AR = 3.0, λ = 5, φ = 4%, and Ra = 106. The undulation effectiveness reaches its highest at an undulation number of 5.
Case report of the combination of a TRAM flap, lipofilling, and 3-D tattooing after failed implant-based reconstruction: improving aesthetic results
Authors: Damin Andrea Pires , Tiellet Bibiana Quatrin , de Melo Marcia Portela , Zucatto Angela E , Cericatto Rodrigo , Biazus Jorge Villanova
Published: September 2024

We present a complex case of a patient diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. The patient initially underwent bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate subpectoral implant-base breast reconstruction. She had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery. However, three months later, she developed a severe and persistent local infection during adjuvant chemotherapy, resulting in the loss of the breast implants and the formation of massive deforming scars in the chest area. To address this, the patient underwent a series of reconstructive procedures. Lipofilling was used on the chest wall to improve skin quality, followed by a late bilateral transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction. Additionally, the final aesthetic result was enhanced by applying a 3-D tattoo. This case highlights the use of a sequence of reconstructive procedures as a feasible alternative to manage complex and extensive scars after failure of primary breast reconstruction.