bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fadXDEBA locus of Staphylococcus aureus is required for metabolism of exogenous palmitic acid and in vivo growth
Authors: Kuiack Robert C. , Tuffs Stephen W. , Dufresne Karine , Flick Robert , McCormick John K. , McGavin Martin J.
Published: July 2023

In Staphylococcus aureus, genes that should confer the capacity to metabolize fatty acids by β‐oxidation occur in the fadXDEBA locus, but their function has not been elucidated. Previously, incorporation into phospholipid through the fatty acid kinase FakA pathway was thought to be the only option available for S. aureus to metabolize exogenous saturated fatty acids. We now find that in S. aureus USA300, a fadX::lux reporter was repressed by glucose and induced by palmitic acid but not stearic acid, while in USA300ΔfakA basal expression was significantly elevated, and enhanced in response to both fatty acids. When cultures were supplemented with palmitic acid, palmitoyl‐CoA representing the first metabolite in the β‐oxidation pathway was detected in USA300, but not in a fadXDEBA deletion mutant USA300Δfad, which relative to USA300 exhibited increased incorporation of palmitic acid into phospholipid accompanied by a rapid loss of viability. USA300Δfad also exhibited significantly reduced viability in a murine tissue abscess infection model. Our data are consistent with FakA‐mediated incorporation of fatty acids into phospholipid as a preferred pathway for metabolism of exogenous fatty acids, while the fad locus is critical for metabolism of palmitic acid, which is the most abundant free fatty acid in human plasma.
Voiceless and vulnerable: An existential phenomenology of the patient experience in 21st century British hospitals
Authors: Ramsey Sarah M. , Brooks Jane , Briggs Michelle , Hallett Christine E.
Published: July 2023

Current health policy, high‐profile failures and increased media scrutiny have led to a significant focus on patient experience in Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Patient experience data is typically gathered through surveys of satisfaction. The study aimed to support a better understanding of the patient experience and patients' expression of it through consideration of the aspects of the patient experience on NHS wards which are by their nature impossible to capture through patient satisfaction surveys. Existential phenomenology was used to develop an in‐depth exploratory narrative, expressed through the voices of the participants. Data collection involved in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with 12 purposively sampled participants, with analysis by means of hermeneutics. Though the individuality of each experience was apparent and cannot be overemphasised, common factors emerging from the data included uncertainty and unexpectedness, suffering and finitude, the futility of feedback and bureaucracy and absurdity. Overall, participants demonstrated how their individual personalities and expectations affected their response both to illness or injury and to their hospital admissions, highlighting feelings of vulnerability and voicelessness as a response to hospitalisation. The findings of this study provide useful insight into the patient experience on British hospital wards, and the value of an existential–phenomenological approach is demonstrated.
Parallel selection of loss‐of‐function alleles of Pdh1 orthologous genes in warm‐season legumes for pod indehiscence and plasticity is related to precipitation
Authors: Yong Bin , Zhu Weiwei , Wei Siming , Li Bingbing , Wang Yan , Xu Nan , Lu Jiangjie , Chen Qingshan , He Chaoying
Published: July 2023

Pod dehiscence facilitates seed dispersal in wild legumes but results in yield loss in cultivated legumes. The evolutionary genetics of the legume pod dehiscence trait remain largely elusive.

We characterized the pod dehiscence of chromosome segment substitution lines of Glycine max crossed with Glycine soja and found that the gene underlying the predominant quantitative trait locus (QTL) of soybean pod‐shattering trait was Pod dehiscence 1 (Pdh1). A few rare loss‐of‐function (LoF) Pdh1 alleles were identified in G. soja, while only an allele featuring a premature stop codon was selected for pod indehiscence in cultivated soybean and spread to low‐precipitation regions with increased frequency. Moreover, correlated interactions among Pdh1's haplotype, gene expression, and environmental changes for the developmental plasticity of the pod dehiscence trait were revealed in G. max.

We found that orthologous Pdh1 genes specifically originated in warm‐season legumes and their LoF alleles were then parallel‐selected during the domestication of legume crops.

Our results provide insights into the convergent evolution of pod dehiscence in warm‐season legumes, facilitate an understanding of the intricate interactions between genetic robustness and environmental adaptation for developmental plasticity, and guide the breeding of new legume varieties with pod indehiscence.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the well‐being of Victorian children born with cleft lip and/or palate
Authors: Branson E. K. , Collins B. , McGrath R. , Anderson V. , Kilpatrick N. , Crowe L. M.
Published: July 2023

Background

A longitudinal cohort study was established to investigate the well‐being of children born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, in Victoria, Australia.

Materials and Methods

The Royal Children's Hospital cleft service database was used to identify children aged between 4 and 17 years old born with an isolated CL/P. Families of eligible children who consented to participate were asked to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) between October and December 2020 and again 6‐month later. SDQ results from typically developing Australian children during the COVID‐19 pandemic were utilized from a previously published study.

Results

63 parents completed the baseline questionnaire, with 44 completing the 6‐month follow‐up. For participants at baseline, the mean age was 8.9 years, with 55% male. All outcome domains of the SDQ improved between baseline and timepoint 2, with the difference in total difficulties scores being statistically significant, indicating a reduction in total difficulties at timepoint 2, associated with the easing of COVID‐19 restrictions. When compared with the Australian population during the COVID‐19 pandemic, Victorian children born with CL/P had lower SDQ scores for all difficulties outcome domains, with statistically significant results for conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and total difficulties, indicating fewer difficulties for children born with CL/P.

Conclusions

Children born with CL/P experienced fewer difficulties when compared with the typically developing Australian population during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The level of restrictions imposed because of the pandemic also had little influence on the well‐being of these children.
Geochemical evidence of provenance diversity in Holocene sandy land of Qinghai Lake Basin in the north‐eastern margin of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and its implications for climate change
Authors: Ding Zhiyong , Lu Ruijie , Liu Xiaokang , Wu Yongqiu , Chen Dongxue
Published: July 2023

The Qinghai Lake Basin, located in the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau, is crucial for understanding the East Asian monsoon evolution and its interaction with westerlies. Palaeoclimatic studies in this region since the Holocene have primarily focused on interpreting proxy significance from sediments, resulting in being highly controversial. However, exploring palaeoclimate evolution through sediment provenance and proxy integration remains rare. This study analysed the elemental geochemical properties of two fluvial–lacustrine–aeolian profiles in Hudong Sandy Land, east of the Qinghai Lake Basin, and compared these with published modern basin sediments and extensively investigated Late Quaternary aeolian deposits. It was found that Hudong Sandy Land sediments exhibit similar geochemical compositions to other modern basin sediments, primarily consisting of SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO. Contrary to previous understanding, lacustrine sediments in the Hudong Sandy Land are closer to the upper continental crust average than aeolian deposits. Geochemical ratios and parameters suggested that Hudong Sandy Land sediments primarily derived from mixed source rocks of felsic igneous, quartzose sedimentary and intermediate igneous provenances. A comparison with published elemental geochemical data from the basin reveals distinct sediment sources during different periods in the Hudong Sandy Land. From 9.6 to 4.0 ka bp, Hudong Sandy Land hosted numerous lake environments, with sediments displaying a dominant role in sedimentary recycling and reworking, implying a continuously stronger East Asian summer monsoon. During 8.2 to 5.1 ka bp, the Hudong Sandy Land was a fluvial depositional sink for sediments from the Dabanshan Mountains. Bedrock clastic material generated by intense erosion and monsoonal runoff transport contributed to Hudong Sandy Land sedimentation, indicating the East Asian summer monsoon's peak since 9.6 ka bp. After 4.0 ka bp, thick aeolian sands accumulated in the Hudong Sandy Land, primarily derived from Lake Qinghai sediments due to declining water levels, indicating that westerlies and East Asian winter monsoon dominated the basin, with a weaker East Asia summer monsoon. This study facilitates a deeper understanding of the interaction between the East Asia summer monsoon and East Asia winter monsoon/westerlies.
Associations between power, stress, and dominance in romantic relationships during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Examining curvilinear and within‐person effects
Authors: Gresham Abriana M. , Peters Brett J. , Karantzas Gery C. , Cameron Linda D. , Simpson Jeffry A. , DiGiovanni Ana M.
Published: July 2023

Two key processes in romantic relationships—power and dominance—can contribute to relationship disruption, but the association between these variables is complex. Elucidating the association between power and dominance during the COVID‐19 pandemic is particularly important given the economic, social, and health‐related stressors that pose a risk to relationship health. We examined associations between power, stress, and dominance by recruiting 1813 participants to complete an initial online survey at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants were contacted 10 and 22 months later to complete follow‐up surveys. Results revealed two main effects: individuals who had greater relationship power and experienced more COVID‐19‐related stressors than other people engaged in more dominance behaviors. A significant curvilinear effect revealed that at low levels of power, power was not associated with dominance behaviors. However, once power surpassed low levels, individuals with more power engaged in more dominance behaviors. Finally, people engaged in more dominance behaviors when they experienced more power and stress compared to their own average (i.e., within‐person effects) during the pandemic. Implications for theories of power, dominance, and relationship disruption and distress are discussed.
Collective bargaining and technological innovation in the EU15: An analysis at establishment level
Authors: da Silva Bichara Julimar , Monsueto Sandro E. , Viñas Ana I.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the relationship between unionisation and workplace innovation in a cross‐country and multisectoral approach. This is an important and controversial issue in the industrial relation literature; however, the empirical literature on the links between innovation and unionism is rather scarce and results are mixed and ambiguous, both in theory and in empirical practice. The European Company Survey (Eurofound), with data for establishments in 15 European Union countries, is used employing a probit model. Our results contribute to the debate by showing that the adoption of technology not only increases when the company performs collective bargaining but also when the relationship between wage bargaining and innovation adoption is not linear, being more significant in cases where bargaining occurs at the regional/national level.
Discrete representations of finitely generated groups into PSL(2,R)${\rm PSL}(2,\mathbb {R})$
Authors: Liang Hao
Published: July 2023

We prove a factorization theorem for Fuchsian groups similar to those proved by Agol and Liu for 3‐manifold groups. As an application, we build Makanin–Razborov diagrams, which parameterize the collection of all discrete representations from an arbitrary but fixed finitely generated group to . We define a new class of groups called ‐discrete limit groups and then use the factorization theorem to obtain useful information about this class of groups.
Banach spaces of continuous functions without norming Markushevich bases
Authors: Russo Tommaso , Somaglia Jacopo
Published: July 2023

We investigate the question whether a scattered compact topological space K such that has a norming Markushevich basis (M‐basis, for short) must be Eberlein. This question originates from the recent solution, due to Hájek, Todorčević and the authors, to an open problem from the 1990s, due to Godefroy. Our prime tool consists in proving that does not embed in a Banach space with a norming M‐basis, thereby generalising a result due to Alexandrov and Plichko. Subsequently, we give sufficient conditions on a compact K for not to embed in a Banach space with a norming M‐basis. Examples of such conditions are that K is a zero‐dimensional compact space with a P‐point, or a compact tree of height at least . In particular, this allows us to answer the said question in the case when K is a tree and to obtain a rather general result for Valdivia compacta. Finally, we give some structural results for scattered compact trees; in particular, we prove that scattered trees of height less than ω2 are Valdivia.
Marine energy converters: Potential acoustic effects on fishes and
aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Popper Arthur N. , Haxel Joseph , Staines Garrett , Guan Shane , Nedelec Sophie L. , Roberts Louise , Deng Zhiqun D.
Published: July 2023

The potential effects of underwater anthropogenic sound and substrate vibration from offshore renewable energy development on the behavior, fitness, and health of aquatic animals is a continuing concern with increased deployments and installation of these devices. Initial focus of related studies concerned offshore wind. However, over the past decade, marine energy devices, such as a tidal turbines and wave energy converters, have begun to emerge as additional, scalable renewable energy sources. Because marine energy converters (MECs) are not as well-known as other anthropogenic sources of potential disturbance, their general function and what is known about the sounds and substrate vibrations that they produce are introduced. While most previous studies focused on MECs and marine mammals, this paper considers the potential of MECs to cause acoustic disturbances affecting nearshore and tidal fishes and invertebrates. In particular, the focus is on particle motion and substrate vibration from MECs because these effects are the most likely to be detected by these animals. Finally, an analysis of major data gaps in understanding the acoustics of MECs and their potential impacts on fishes and aquatic invertebrates and recommendations for research needed over the next several years to improve understanding of these potential impacts are provided.
Listening for rain: Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis for broadband acoustic rainfall detection
Authors: Mallary C. , Berg C. J. , Buck J. R. , Tandon A.
Published: July 2023

Rain falling on the ocean creates acoustic signals. Ma and Nystuen [(2005). J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol. 22, 1225–1248] described an algorithm that compares three narrowband “discriminant” frequencies to detect rain. In 2022, Trucco, Bozzano, Fava, Pensieri, Verri, and Barla [(2022). IEEE J. Oceanic Eng. 47(1), 213–225] investigated rain detection algorithms that use broadband spectral data averaged over 1 h. This paper implements a rainfall detector that uses broadband acoustic data at 3-min time resolution. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduces the dimensionality of the broadband data. Rainfall is then detected via a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) on the data's principal component projections. This PCA/LDA algorithm was trained and tested on 5 months of data recorded by hydrophones in a shallow noisy cove, where it was not feasible to average spectral data over 1 h. The PCA/LDA algorithm successfully detected 78 ± 5% of all rain events over 1 mm/h, and 73 ± 5% of all rain events over 0.1 mm/h, for a false alarm rate of ≈ 1% in both cases. By contrast, the Ma and Nystuen algorithm detected 32 ± 5% of the rain events over 1.0 mm/h when run on the same data, for a comparable false alarm rate.
Observing ion diffusion and reciprocating hopping motion in water
Authors: Liu Sangui , Han Xinbao , Ophus Colin , Zhou Shiyuan , Jiang You-Hong , Sun Yue , Zhao Tiqing , Yang Fei , Gu Meng , Tan Yuan-Zhi , Sun Shi-Gang , Zheng Haimei , Liao Hong-Gang
Published: July 2023

When an ionic crystal dissolves in solvent, the positive and negative ions associated with solvent molecules release from the crystal. However, the existing form, interaction, and dynamics of ions in real solution are poorly understood because of the substantial experimental challenge. We observed the diffusion and aggregation of polyoxometalate (POM) ions in water by using liquid phase transmission electron microscopy. Real-time observation reveals an unexpected local reciprocating hopping motion of the ions in water, which may be caused by the short-range polymerized bridge of water molecules. We find that ion oligomers, existing as highly active clusters, undergo frequent splitting, aggregation, and rearrangement in dilute solution. The formation and dissociation of ion oligomers indicate a weak counterion-mediated interaction. Furthermore, POM ions with tetrahedral geometry show directional interaction compared with spherical ions, which presents structure-dependent dynamics.
Direct visualization of the quantum vortex lattice structure, oscillations, and destabilization in rotating
4
He
Authors: Peretti Charles , Vessaire Jérémy , Durozoy Émeric , Gibert Mathieu
Published: July 2023

Quantum vortices are a core element of superfluid dynamics and elusively hold the keys to our understanding of energy dissipation in these systems. We show that we are able to visualize these vortices in the canonical and higher-symmetry case of a stationary rotating superfluid bucket. Using direct visualization, we quantitatively verify Feynman’s rule linking the resulting quantum vortex density to the imposed rotational speed. We make the most of this stable configuration by applying an alternative heat flux aligned with the axis of rotation. Moderate amplitudes led to the observation of collective wave mode propagating along the vortices, and high amplitudes led to quantum vortex interactions. When increasing the heat flux, this ensemble of regimes defines a path toward quantum turbulence in rotating
4
He and sets a baseline to consolidate the descriptions of all quantum fluids.
Enterobacterales
draft genome sequences: 15 historical (1998–2004) and 30 contemporary (2015–2016) clinical isolates from Pakistan
Authors: Crawford Matthew A. , Lascols Christine , Lomonaco Sara , Timme Ruth E. , Fisher Debra J. , Anderson Kevin , Hodge David R. , Morse Stephen A. , Pillai Segaran P. , Sharma Shashi K. , Khan Erum , Allard Marc W. , Hughes Molly A.
Published: July 2023

The continued emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria are ever-growing threats to health and economy. Here, we report the draft genomes for 45
Enterobacterales
clinical isolates, including historical and contemporary drug-resistant organisms, obtained in Pakistan between 1998 and 2016: 5
Serratia
, 3
Salmonella
, 3
Enterobacter
, and 34
Klebsiella
.
Supplemental Material: Impact of slab tearing along the Yadong-Gulu rift on Miocene alkaline volcanism from the Lhasa Terrane to the Himalayas, southern Tibet
Authors: Jarquín Esteban , Wang Rui , et al.
Published: July 2023

This supplemental material provides the data of major and trace element compositions of whole-rock and mineral samples used to make the interpretations and figures in this article.
Implementation and evaluation of a longitudinal diabetes educational programme for adolescents
Authors: Pabedinskas Kristina Loreta , Courtney Jennilea , Barrowman Nicholas , Zankar Sarah , Richardson Christine , Stevens Liz , Goldbloom Ellen B , Lawrence Sarah E , Zuijdwijk Caroline , Lawson Margaret L , Robinson Marie-Eve , Dover Saunya , Ahmet Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Introduction

International guidelines recommendstructured and continuouseducational programmes to expand diabetes knowledge and self-efficacy in youth. To address these recommendations within a paediatric diabetes clinic, we conducted a three-phase quality improvement project aimed at improving adolescents’ confidence in diabetes self-management skills.

Methods

In phase 1, the Diabetes Learning Centre (DLC), an educational programme for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) ages 13–17 years, was developed and implemented. Programme feasibility was evaluated through programme attendance rates. Phase 2 aimed to guide ongoing programme development and optimisation. DLC attendees rated their baseline confidence in overall and individual T1D self-management skills on a 5-point Likert scale. Patient characteristics were summarised using descriptive statistics and the association between patient characteristics and overall confidence in T1D self-management was evaluated. Phase 3 used patient surveys to evaluate patient satisfaction and reported change in confidence in self-management skills following DLC attendance.

Results

In phase 1, 232 (81%) of eligible adolescents attended the DLC during the study period. In phase 2, median overall confidence in diabetes management on a Likert scale (0–4) was 3, representing ‘quite confident’, although confidence was low in some essential self-management skills. Higher confidence was associated with lower HbA1c (p<0.001). In phase 3, 77 (85%) of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the DLC. 106 (82%) of completed worksheets were associated with improved confidence in the diabetes self-management skill addressed.

Conclusions

Implementation of a longitudinal T1D educational model was feasible with good uptake in an existing T1D programme. While confidence at baseline was quite high for overall T1D self-management, it was low in some essential self-management skills, highlighting the need for this programme and specific educational gaps. Adolescents reported improvements in confidence and high levels of satisfaction following DLC attendance. Our model provides a replicable programme template to address longitudinal education needs.
Development and validation of an intervention package to improve lifejacket wear for drowning prevention among occupational boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda
Authors: Oporia Frederick , Nuwaha Fred , Kobusingye Olive , Jagnoor Jagnoor , Makumbi Fredrick Edward , Isunju John Bosco , Kibira Simon P S
Published: July 2023

Background

Occupational drowning is a growing public health concern globally. The human cost of fishing is highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Although lifejackets prevent drowning, the majority of boaters in Uganda do not wear them. We developed and validated a peer-to-peer training manual to improve lifejacket wear among occupational boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda.

Methods

The intervention was developed in three stages. In stage one, we conducted baseline studies to explore and identify aspects of practices that need to change. In stage two, we held a stakeholder workshop to identify relevant interventions following the intervention functions of the behaviour change wheel (BCW). In stage three, we developed the content and identified its implementation strategies. We validated the intervention package using the Content Validity Index for each item (I-CVI) and scale (S-CVI/Ave).

Results

Seven interventions were identified and proposed by stakeholders. Training and sensitisation by peers were unanimously preferred. The lowest I-CVI for the content was 86%, with an S-CVI/Ave of 98%. This indicates that the intervention package was highly relevant to the target community.

Conclusion

The stakeholder workshop enabled a participatory approach to identify the most appropriate intervention. All the proposed interventions fell under one of the intervention functions of the BCW. The intervention should be evaluated for its effectiveness in improving lifejacket wear among occupational boaters.
Impact of Sources of Strength on adolescent suicide deaths across three randomized trials
Authors: Wyman Peter , Cero Ian , Brown Charles Hendricks , Espelage Dorothy , Pisani Anthony , Kuehl Tomei , Schmeelk-Cone Karen
Published: July 2023

Universal interventions are key to reducing youth suicide rates, yet no universal intervention has demonstrated reduction in suicide mortality through an RCT. This study pooled three cluster-RCTs ofSources of Strength(n=78 high schools), a universal social network-informed intervention. In each trial, matched pairs of schools were assigned to immediate intervention or wait-list. Six schools were assigned without a pair due to logistical constraints. During the study period, no suicides occurred in intervention schools vs four in control schools, that is, suicide rates of 0 vs. 20.86/100,000, respectively. Results varied across statistical tests of impact. A state-level exact test pooling all available schools showed fewer suicides in intervention vs. control schools (p=0.047); whereas a stricter test involving only schools with a randomised pair found no difference (p=0.150). Results suggest that identifying mortality-reducing interventions will require commitment to new public-health designs optimised for population-level interventions, including adaptive roll-out trials.
Compulsory vaccination protects autonomy
Authors: Gooch Garrett , Graber Abraham
Published: July 2023

In a recent article in this journal, Kowalik argues that compulsory vaccination unjustifiably infringes on the autonomy of vaccine refusers. While accepting Kowalik’s central premises, we argue that, when appropriately expanded in scope, autonomy considerations do not undermine the justifiability of compulsory vaccination. Vulnerable individuals—including the very old, the very young and those with compromised immune systems—face an omnipresent risk of contracting a potentially fatal vaccine-preventable illness and are thus prevented from accessing public goods by coercive pressure. Consequently, when we consider an appropriately broad scope of autonomy constraints, autonomy considerations do not undermine the case for mandating vaccination.
Patient-level factors predictive of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Matteson Eric L. , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Kreuter Michael , Burmester Gerd R , Dieudé Philippe , Emery Paul , Allanore Yannick , Pope Janet , Khanna Dinesh
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important cause of mortality in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patient-level factors may predict which patients with RA are at the highest risk of developing ILD and are therefore candidates for screening for this complication of the underlying disease.

MethodsA systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Embase and Scopus over a 10-year period up to July 2021. Publications reporting patient-level factors in patients with RA with and without ILD that were assessed before development of ILD (or were unchanged over time and therefore could be extrapolated to before development of ILD) were retrieved for assessment of evidence. Genetic variation inMUC5Band treatment with methotrexate were not included in the assessment of evidence because these factors have already been widely investigated for association with ILD.

ResultsWe found consistent associations of age, sex, smoking status and autoantibodies with development of ILD. For biomarkers such as Krebs von den Lungen 6, which have been shown to be diagnostic for ILD, there were no publications meeting criteria for this study.

ConclusionsThis analysis provides an initial step in the identification of patient-level factors for potential development of a risk algorithm to identify patients with RA who may be candidates for screening for ILD. The findings represent a useful basis for future research leading to an improved understanding of the disease course and improved care for patients with RA at risk of development and progression of ILD.
Anti-topoisomerase, but not anti-centromere B cell responses in systemic sclerosis display active, Ig-secreting cells associated with lung fibrosis
Authors: Wortel Corrie M , Liem Sophie IE , van Leeuwen Nina M , Boonstra Maaike , Fehres Cynthia M , Stöger Lauran , Huizinga Tom WJ , Toes René EM , De Vries-Bouwstra Jeska , Scherer Hans U
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Almost all patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) harbour autoantibodies. Anti-topoisomerase antibodies (ATA) and anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) are most prevalent and associate with distinct clinical phenotypes. B cell responses underlying these phenotypes are ill-defined. To understand how B cell autoreactivity and disease pathology connect, we determined phenotypic and functional characteristics of autoreactive B cells in ATA-positive and ACA-positive patients.

Methods

Levels and isotypes of autoantibodies secreted by ex vivo cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with ATA-positive (n=22) and ACA-positive (n=20) SSc were determined. Antibody secreting cells (ASCs) were isolated by cell sorting and cultured separately. Correlations were studied between the degree of spontaneous autoantibody production and the presence and degree of interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Results

Circulating B cells secreting either ATA-immunoglobulin G (IgG) or ACA-IgG on stimulation was readily detectable in patients. The ATA response, but not the ACA response, showed additional secretion of autoreactive IgA. ATA-IgG and ATA-IgA were also secreted spontaneously. Additional cell sorting confirmed the presence of ATA-secreting plasmablasts. The degree of spontaneous ATA-secretion was higher in patients with ILD than in those without (p<0.001) and correlated with the degree of pulmonary fibrosis (p<0.001).

Conclusion

In contrast to ACA-positive patients, ATA-positive patients show signs of recent activation of the B cell response that hallmarks this disease. The degree of activation correlates with the presence and severity of ILD, the most deleterious disease manifestation. This could explain differential responsiveness to B cell depleting therapy. The abundant and spontaneous secretion of ATA-IgG and ATA-IgA may point toward a continuously activating trigger.
The 2023 pipeline of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in clinical development for spondyloarthritis (including psoriatic arthritis): a systematic review of trials
Authors: Denis Agathe , Sztejkowski Cédric , Arnaud Laurent , Becker Guillaume , Felten Renaud
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of current developments and potentially available therapeutic options for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the coming years.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of 17 national and international clinical trial databases for all disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for SpA that are already marketed, in clinical development or withdrawn. The search was performed on February 2023 with the keywords “spondyloarthritis”, “ankylosing spondylitis” and “psoriatic arthritis”. For each molecule, we only considered the study at the most advanced stage of clinical development.

Results

Concerning axial SpA (axSpA), a total of 44 DMARDs were identified: 6 conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs), 27 biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) and 11 targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs). Among the 18 targeted treatments (b+tsDMARDs) in current development, corresponding trials reached phase I (n=1), II (n=10) and III (n=7). Ten molecules are IL-17 inhibitors, two Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and two granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor inhibitors; four have another mode of action. Concerning psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 44 DMARDs were identified: 5 csDMARDs, 27 bDMARDs and 12 tsDMARDs. Among the 15 molecules in current development, corresponding trials reached phase II (n=8) and III (n=7). Six molecules are JAK inhibitors, six IL-17 inhibitors and one an IL-23 inhibitor; two have another mode of action.

Conclusion

This systematic review identified 18 and 15 molecules in clinical development for axSpA and PsA, respectively, which suggests a strengthening of the therapeutic arsenal in the coming years. However, with so many DMARDs but low target diversity, we will need to develop strategies or biomarkers to help clinicians make informed treatment decisions.
A Mendelian randomisation, propensity score matching study to investigate causal association between serum homocysteine and intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Wen Zhuohua , Feng Xin , Tong Xin , Peng Chao , Xu Anqi , Fan Haiyan , Bi Yiming , Liu Wenchao , Li Zhenjun , Guo Shenquan , Jin Fa , Li Ran , Liu Yanchao , Su Shixing , Zhang Xin , Li Xifeng , He Xuying , Liu Aihua , Duan Chuanzhi
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Recent observational studies have reported that serum total homocysteine (tHcy) is associated with intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, the causal effect of tHcy on IAs is unknown. We leveraged large-scale genetic association and real-world data to investigate the causal effect of tHcy on IA formation.

Methods

We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) using publicly available genome-wide association studies summary statistics to investigate the causal relationship between tHcy and IAs, following the recommendations of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-MR statement. Furthermore, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to evaluate the detailed effects of tHcy on risk of IA formation by utilizing real-world multicentre data, including 9902 patients with and without IAs (1:1 matched). Further interaction and subgroup analyses were performed to elucidate how tHcy affects risk of IA formation.

Results

MR analyses indicated that genetically determined tHcy was causally associated with IA risk (OR, 1.38, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.79; p=0.018). This is consistent with the more conservative weighted median analysis (OR, 1.41, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.93; p=0.039). Further sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity of single nucleotide polymorphisms in causal inference. According to the PSM study, we found that, compared with low tHcy (≤15 µmol/L), moderate tHcy (>15–30 µmol/L) (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.93 to 2.36) and high tHcy (>30 µmol/L) (OR 3.66, 95% CI 2.71 to 4.95) were associated with a higher IA risk (p trend <0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated significant ORs of tHcy in each subgroup when stratified by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, there was also a synergistic effect of tHcy and hypertension on IA risk (p interaction <0.001; the relative excess risk due to interaction=1.65, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.01).

Conclusion

Both large-scale genetic evidence and multicentre real-world data support a causal association between tHcy and risk of IA formation. Serum tHcy may serve as a biomarker to identify high-risk individuals who would particularly benefit from folate supplementation.
Learning trivializing flows
Authors: Albandea D. , Del Debbio L. , Hernández P. , Kenway R. , MarshRossney J. , Ramos A.
Published: July 2023

The recent introduction of machine learning techniques, especially normalizing flows, for the sampling of lattice gauge theories has shed some hope on improving the sampling efficiency of the traditional hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) algorithm. In this work we study a modified HMC algorithm that draws on the seminal work on trivializing flows by Lüscher. Autocorrelations are reduced by sampling from a simpler action that is related to the original action by an invertible mapping realised through Normalizing Flows models with a minimal set of training parameters. We test the algorithm in a$$\phi ^{4}$$ϕ4theory in 2D where we observe reduced autocorrelation times compared with HMC, and demonstrate that the training can be done at small unphysical volumes and used in physical conditions. We also study the scaling of the algorithm towards the continuum limit under various assumptions on the network architecture.
Few-Shot Pixel-Precise Document Layout Segmentation via Dynamic Instance Generation and Local Thresholding
Authors: De Nardin Axel , Zottin Silvia , Piciarelli Claudio , Colombi Emanuela , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: July 2023

Over the years, the humanities community has increasingly requested the creation of artificial intelligence frameworks to help the study of cultural heritage. Document Layout segmentation, which aims at identifying the different structural components of a document page, is a particularly interesting task connected to this trend, specifically when it comes to handwritten texts. While there are many effective approaches to this problem, they all rely on large amounts of data for the training of the underlying models, which is rarely possible in a real-world scenario, as the process of producing the ground truth segmentation task with the required precision to the pixel level is a very time-consuming task and often requires a certain degree of domain knowledge regarding the documents at hand. For this reason, in this paper, we propose an effective few-shot learning framework for document layout segmentation relying on two novel components, namely a dynamic instance generation and a segmentation refinement module. This approach is able of achieving performances comparable to the current state of the art on the popular Diva-HisDB dataset, while relying on just a fraction of the available data.
Fully Jacobi–Galerkin algorithm for two-dimensional time-dependent PDEs arising in physics
Authors: Hafez R. M. , Youssri Y. H.
Published: July 2023

Herein, a pure shifted Jacobi–Galerkin (SJG) method is offered for handling linear two-dimensional space-time diffusion and telegraph equations but by considering their integrated forms. The semi-analytic approximate solution is expanded in spatial and temporal variables as polynomials bases built as a linear combination of the shifted Jacobi Polynomials (JPs). Expanding the exact solution regarding these polynomials satisfies the homogeneous initial and boundary conditions. The proposed Jacobi–Galerkin (JG) procedure yields exponential convergence rates when the solution is smooth enough. A careful investigation of the convergence analysis of the suggested approximate triple series expansion examines the offered numerical algorithm. Two test illustrative examples are given to prove the high accuracy of the proposed scheme.
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT ON CARBON EMISSION INTENSITY REDUCTION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: HU YIZHENG , ZHENG HUANYU , CAI JINYANG , DING HUIHUI
Published: July 2023

Digital economy development is important for promoting industrial upgrades and high-quality economic growth. As excessive carbon emissions are a threat to sustainable economic growth, whether digital economy development contributes to reducing carbon emission intensity has gained attention. This study employs the fixed effects model and spatial Dubin model to examine the effect of digital economy development in 275 cities in China on the reduction of carbon emissions intensity. The results show effectiveness in reducing carbon intensity with a spatial spillover effect to neighboring areas. Urban economic primacy plays a positive modulating role in carbon reduction. Policy implications are discussed.
Quantum broadcast and multicast with non-maximally channels
Authors: Jami Safa , Houshmand Monireh
Published: July 2023

Broadcast and multicast protocols are two branches of multi-party quantum communication. Implementing these protocols based on partial entanglement is of great practical importance since maximally entangled channels are not robust due to noise applied by the surrounding environment. Previous research has used global operators (i.e. operators which are applied on the qubits owned by different parties), which contradicts the concept of multi-party communication protocols. In this research, broadcast protocol and multicast protocol with two receivers are proposed using partially entangled channels. Then the protocols are extended to the case with an arbitrary number of receivers. In the proposed protocol, Alice shares a two-qubit maximally entangled state with each receiver, therefore the whole channel is a partially entangled state. Then, the proposed protocol is modified to be secure against eavesdroppers. Also, the effects of phase damping, bit flip, and phase damping noise on the broadcast protocol are examined and compared.
Tests of the parametrizations of fragmentation functions using data on inclusive pion and kaon production in unpolarized pp collisions from the STAR collaboration and at the NICA project
Authors: Kotlorz D. , Christova E. , Leader E.
Published: July 2023

The goal of this study is to check which, if any, of the published versions of the pion and kaon fragmentation functions (FFs) is compatible with the STAR data on semi-inclusive pion and kaon production in proton–proton collisions, and on the basis of this analysis to make reliable predictions for the [Formula: see text] spectra of the pions and kaons in inclusive pion and kaon production at the future NICA proton–proton collider. The calculations are carried out in next-to-leading order (NLO) of perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD), using the well-tested CTEQ6 parton distributions. We consider the following pion and kaon FFs — DSEHS-14 [D. de Florian, R. Sassot, M. Epele, R. J. Hernández-Pinto and M. Stratmann, Phys. Rev. D 91, 014035 (2015), 1410.6027], DSEHS-17 [D. de Florian, M. Epele, R. J. Hernandez-Pinto, R. Sassot and M. Stratmann, Phys. Rev. D 95, 094019 (2017), 1702.06353], LSS-15 [E. Leader, A. V. Sidorov and D. B. Stamenov, Phys. Rev. D 93, 074026 (2016), 1506.06381], HKNS-07 [M. Hirai, S. Kumano, T. H. Nagai and K. Sudoh, Phys. Rev. D 75, 094009 (2007), hep-ph/0702250] and AKK-08 [S. Albino, B. A. Kniehl and G. Kramer, Nucl. Phys. B 803, 42 (2008), 0803.2768]. Our analysis shows that within the experimental errors all tested sets of FFs provide a good fit to STAR data at the c.m. energy [Formula: see text], and the best ones are both LSS-15 and DSEHS-14 for pions and DSEHS-17 for kaons. From comparison of the LO and NLO results it is clear that the latter fit data much better, specially in the region of small [Formula: see text]. The NLO cross-sections are also less scale-[Formula: see text] dependent, where [Formula: see text], than the LO ones. In order to make predictions for NICA energies, we compare the NLO pQCD results with the existing experimental BES STAR data on semi-inclusive hadron production in the most peripheral Au+Au collisions where the nuclear effects can be neglected. The comparison for lower energy scales, like at NICA, shows that a purely pQCD approach is inadequate and suggests the necessity to take into account also higher-order effects of initial-state soft-gluon radiation. Nevertheless, these data on the [Formula: see text] spectra of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and also the ratios [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] seem to favor LSS-15 and DSEHS-14 FFs for pions and DSEHS-17 for kaons, similarly as at the energy scale [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV.
Interaction of the DKP particle with the Coulomb-type potential and Aharonov–Bohm potential under the cosmic rainbow gravity
Authors: Liu Lu , Long Zheng-Wen
Published: July 2023

The Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau (DKP) particle with spin 0 interacts with the Aharonov–Bohm (AB) magnetic vector potential and scalar Coulomb-type potential in the cosmic string space–times under the framework of rainbow gravity (RG). By using Bethe–Ansatz method, we obtain the energy eigenvalue and approximate solution to the wave function of the DKP particle with spin 0. We select two sets of rainbow functions and analyze their influence on the energy eigenvalue and wave functions. We find that the energy eigenvalue is determined by the parameters of the rainbow function. It further shows that the rainbow function affects the properties of the space–time where the DKP particle located, and also affects the distribution probability of DKP particles in the space.
Effect of dissipation on chromo-natural inflation
Authors: Yeasmin Sabina , Deshamukhya Atri
Published: July 2023

In this work, we examined chromo-natural inflation in the context of warm inflation with constant and variable dissipation coefficients. We studied the cosmological perturbation theory in this model and obtained the scalar and tensor power spectra in each case. The sources of density fluctuations in this model are mainly the thermal fluctuations of the inflaton field like a general warm inflationary model. Finally, cosmological observables, namely, the spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio are calculated. It is found that the cosmological observables are consistent with observational Planck 2018 and BICEP bounds for sub-Planckian values of axion decay constant [Formula: see text] in case of temperature–inflaton-dependent dissipation coefficient. In case of the constant and temperature-dependent dissipation coefficient, the values of axion decay constant [Formula: see text] can be lowered below the GUT scale.
TCNN Architecture for Partial Occlusion Handling in Pedestrian Classification
Authors: Thu May , Suvonvorn Nikom
Published: July 2023

Pedestrian classification is of increased interest to autonomous transportation systems due to the development of deep convolutional neural networks. Despite recent progress on pedestrian classification, it is still challenging to identify individuals who are partially occluded because of the diversity of the occluded parts, variation in pose, and appearance. This causes a significant performance reduction when pedestrians are covered by other objects, and feature information is lost due to the occluded parts. To solve this problem, we propose two network architectures using tree structure convolutional neural networks (T-CNN). They use the structural representation of multi-branch deep convolutional features, with the advantages of its end-to-end learning process. The high-level tree structure CNN (HT-CNN) architecture aims to concatenate the output of the classification layer from multi-segmented patches of pedestrians to handle partially occluded problems. The low-level tree structure CNN (LT-CNN) concatenates the discriminative features from each multi-segmented patch and global features. Our T-CNN architecture with a high-level tree structure performed with 94.64% accuracy on the INRIA dataset without occlusions, and with 70.78% accuracy on the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) dataset with occlusions, outperforming a baseline CNN architecture. This indicates that our proposed architecture can be used in a real-world environment to classify the occluded part of pedestrians with the visual information of multi-segmented patches using tree-structured multi-branched CNN.