bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on free and entangled binary metal nanocatalysts for removal of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in aqueous phase: a comparative study
Authors: Chris Felshia S , Gnanamani A
Published: April 2023

The present study highlights the comparative catalytic removal of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) in the aqueous phase by binary nanoparticles in free as well as entangled forms. In brief, binary nanoparticles comprising Fe–Ni are prepared, characterized, and subsequently entangled in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for better performances. Optimization studies on the mass of free and rGO-entangled binary nanoparticles with respect to TCP concentration and other environmental factors were carried out. Results suggested that free binary nanoparticles at 40 mg ml−1 took 300 min to dechlorinate 600 ppm of TCP, whereas rGO-entangled Fe–Ni particles at the same mass took only 190 min to dechlorinate when the pH was maintained at near neutral. In addition, experiments on the reuse of the catalyst with respect to removal efficiency were carried out, and the results implied that, compared to free form, rGO-entangled nanoparticles exemplify more than 98% of removal efficacy even after 5 times of exposure to 600 ppm TCP concentration. The reduction in percentage removal was observed after the sixth exposure. A sequential dechlorination pattern was assessed and confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Further, the phenol-enriched aqueous phase is exposed to Bacillus licheniformis SL10, which degrades the phenol effectively within 24 h. In conclusion, the prepared binary nanoparticles, both in free as well as in rGO-entangled forms, effectively dechlorinate 2,4,6-TCP contaminations in the aqueous phase, but with differences in removal duration. Entanglement also makes it easier to reuse the catalyst. Furthermore, microbial phenol degradation allows the aqueous phase to be free of 2, 4, and 6-TCP contamination and allows for the reuse of treated water.
Persistent charge storage and memory operation of top-gate transistors solely based on two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Tsai Po-Cheng , Yan Coung-Ru , Chang Shoou-Jinn , Chang Shu-Wei , Lin Shih-Yen
Published: April 2023

We fabricate top-gate transistors on the three-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with three, two, and one layers in the source and drain regions using atomic layer etching (ALE). In the presence of ALE, the device at zero gate voltage can exhibit high and low levels of drain current under the forward and reverse gate bias, respectively. The hysteresis loop on the transfer curve of transistor indicates that two distinct charge states exist in the device within a range of gate bias. A long retention time of the charge is observed. Unlike conventional semiconductor memories with transistors and capacitors, the two-dimensional (2D) material itself plays two parts in the current conduction and charge storage. The persistent charge storage and memory operation of the multilayer MoS2 transistors with thicknesses of a few atomic layer will further expand the device application of 2D materials with reduced linewidths.
The role of fast ions in spontaneous neoclassical tearing mode instabilities in NSTX
Authors: Yang J , Podestà M , Fredrickson E D , Liu C , Berkery J W , Poli F M
Published: April 2023

Spontaneous neoclassical tearing modes (spontaneous NTMs) have been observed in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). Recently, a TRANSP based model for the modified Rutherford equation analysis was developed to accurately predict the effect of fast ions on the growth of magnetic islands. The goal of this paper is to utilize the TRANSP NTM model to understand the role of fast ions in NSTX spontaneous NTMs. Our analysis shows that when the passing fast ion driven kinetic neoclassical polarization current term is larger than 1% of the bootstrap current term in the modified Rutherford equation, fast ions play a decisive role in the early growth phase of spontaneous NTM. This result is applicable to any tokamak plasmas with a fast ion drift orbit width, or the fast ion poloidal Larmor radius, comparable to the magnetic island width.
Influence of interlocking blocks assembly on the actuation time, shape change, and reversibility of voxel-based multi-material 4D structures
Authors: Benyahia Kheira , Gomes Samuel , André Jean-Claude , Qi H Jerry , Demoly Frédéric
Published: April 2023

Interlocking blocks have been explored to solve assembly issues in large and complex structures, and are increasingly being used in additive manufacturing (AM) to build objects with multiple properties and dissimilar materials. 4D printing, which combines AM and smart materials, is being investigated to upgrade objects in terms of shape and/or property changes once stimulated with energy. A trend in 4D printing is to strategically arrange active and passive materials for better control and performance. Multi-material AM is challenging, but one alternative solution is to develop interlocking mechanisms to print dissimilar materials. This work deepens the approach of interlocking blocks assembly by investigating their effect on the behavior of multi-material 4D printed structures. Using a computational design approach, which converts a material distribution into interlocking blocks intended to be printed separately and then assembled to achieve a desired shape change, the study compares structures printed in one go versus interlocking ones. The mechanical/stimulation tests and numerical simulations conducted demonstrate that interlocking structures exhibit relevant mechanical performance while enhancing better actuation response than multi-material structures within a single print.
Systematic strain-induced bandgap tuning in binary III–V semiconductors from density functional theory
Authors: Mondal Badal , Tonner-Zech Ralf
Published: April 2023

The modification of the nature and size of bandgaps for III-V semiconductors is of strong interest for optoelectronic applications. Strain can be used to systematically tune the bandgap over a wide range of values and induce indirect-to-direct transition (IDT), direct-to-indirect transition (DIT), and other changes in bandgap nature. Here, we establish a predictive first-principles approach, based on density functional theory, to analyze the effect of uniaxial, biaxial, and isotropic strain on the bandgap. We show that systematic variation is possible. For GaAs, DITs are observed at 1.56% isotropic compressive strain and 3.52% biaxial tensile strain, while for GaP an IDT is found at 2.63% isotropic tensile strain. We additionally propose a strategy for the realization of direct-to-indirect transition by combining biaxial strain with uniaxial strain. Further transition points are identified for strained GaSb, InP, InAs, and InSb and compared to the elemental semiconductor silicon. Our analyses thus provide a systematic and predictive approach to strain-induced bandgap tuning in binary III-V semiconductors.
Relaxation echo
Authors: Sazonov S V
Published: April 2023

The possibility of generation of a microwave echo-signal due to irreversible phase relaxation in a system of equidistant triplets with a cascade scheme of magnetic-dipole transitions is predicted. The disappearance of relaxation entails the disappearance of this echo-signal. The mechanism of this effect lies in the destructive interference of quantum transitions, which radiate in anti-phase with the same eigen-frequencies. The difference in phase relaxation times for these transitions leads to incomplete damping of the resulting coherence. As a result an echo-signal is generated.
Validation of Foreground Emission Model using GALEX Medium Observations
Authors: Narayanan Nimmi , Menon Shivashankar S. , Sujatha N. V.
Published: April 2023

The study of diffuse ultraviolet (UV) background radiation is vital in the investigation of stellar and galactic evolution. Space-based UV observations are comprised of both foreground and background radiations. The foreground emission in an observation is a result of solar contamination in the direction of observation. In our previous work, we modeled airglow (one of the major constituents of the foreground emission) as a function of 10.7 cm Solar Flux and Sun Angle with great accuracy using GALEX deep observations. We adopt a similar methodology to validate the obtained model and run equivalent experiments here using far-UV (FUV) and near-UV (NUV) GALEX medium imaging surveys (MIS) with a total exposure time greater than 3300 s. We obtained a predictive model having excellent compatibility with the earlier model. Our analysis shows that the total foreground emission varies between 59 and 295 photon units in FUV whereas in NUV, it varies between 671 and 1195 photon units depending upon the date and time of observation. We also noticed a strong correlation between the background emission and optical depth both in FUV and NUV, especially in the low density regions. This clearly indicates that the major contributor in diffuse background radiation is the starlight scattered by interstellar dust grains.
PFPO plasma scenarios for exploration of long pulse operation in ITER
Authors: Polevoi A.R. , Loarte A. , Gorelenkov N.N. , Gribov Y. , Medvedev S.Yu. , Bilato R. , Dubrov M. , Hosokawa M. , Kavin A. , Kazakov Ye.O. , Khayrutdinov R. , Kim S.H. , Kuyanov A.Yu. , Lukash V. , Schneider M.
Published: April 2023

Long Pulse Scenarios (LPS) in ITER foreseen during the Pre-Fusion Power Operation (PFPO) phase of the ITER Research Plan (IRP) are assessed using 1.5D transport simulations within the ASTRA framework. Such assessment is required to predict the operational space for LPS operation in PFPO, as well as to evaluate which physics processes for LPS operation during Fusion Power Operation (FPO) could be studied during PFPO. An important aspect in the development of LPSs in PFPO is to minimize lifetime consumption of the Central Solenoid (CS) for these scenarios. The maximum pulse length achievable for LPSs in PFPO with no consumption of CS lifetime (currents in CS coils ⩽30 kA per turn) has been assessed for a range of heating schemes and heating mixes, confinement regimes (L-mode and H-mode) and for helium and hydrogen plasmas. The operational space of LPS and pulse length has been explored through density scans with the Heating and Current Drive mix required for the FPO Q ⩾ 5 steady-state plasma scenario (namely Neutral Beam Injection and Electron Cyclotron Heating) including acceptable shine through losses on the first wall for both helium and hydrogen plasmas. Fast particle physics aspects that are common between FPO plasmas and LPS PFPO H-mode plasmas at low densities are studied including MHD stability analysis with the KINX code and non-perturbative critical gradient model based on high-n Toroidal Alfven Eigenmodes (TAE) stability kinetic ballooning code HINST calculations.
Effects of one-loop on-shell and off-shell decay H* → VV at future lepton colliders
Authors: Nguyen Anh Thu , Tran Dzung Tri , Phan Khiem Hong
Published: April 2023

One-loop on-shell and off-shell decays H → VV with VV = γγ, Zγ, ZZ are presented in this paper. The effects of one-loop on-shell and off-shell Higgs decays via Higgs productions at future lepton colliders are also then examined. We find that the impacts of one-loop Higgs decays are significant and they are should be taken into account at future lepton colliders.
Investigating structural features of dimeric SARS-CoV-2 Mpro catalytic site with bound covalent ligands at physiological temperature
Authors: Lai Hien T. T. , Nguyen Toan T.
Published: April 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) plays an important role in the viral transcription and replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is causing the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide. Therefore, it represents a very attractive target for drug development for treatment of this disease. It is a cysteine protease because it has in the active site the catalytic dyad composed of cysteine (C145) and histidine (H41). The catalytic site represents the binding site for inhibitors, many of them bind to Mpro with a covalent bond. In this research, structural and physiochemical characteristics of the Mpro binding site are investigated when the ligand 11a is covalently and non-covalently bound. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were run for 500 ns at physiological temperature (310 K). It is found that conformations of both the Mpro protein and the ligand are stable during the simulation with covalently bound complex showing stronger stability. When the ligand is covalently bound (its final state), residues that stably interact with the ligand are H41, C145, H163, H164 and E166. The optimal conformation of these residues is stabilized also via the Hbond interactions with the catalytic water present in the Mpro binding site. In the case of the non-covalently bound ligand (state before the covalent bond is formed), the binding site residues retain their conformations similar to the covalent binding site, and they still form Hbonds with the catalytic water, except H41. This residue, instead, adopts a different conformation and looses the Hbond with the catalytic water, leaving more freedom to move to the ligand. We hypothesize that H41 could play a role in guiding the ligand to the optimal position for final covalent bonding. Further analyses are in process to check this hypothesis. These results represent an important basis for studying drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 by means of computer aided drug design.
Analysis on transient characteristics of air-cooled thermoelectric cooler in confined space with internal heat source
Authors: Meng Fankai , Xu Chenxin , Sun Yuetong
Published: April 2023

A transient model of the thermoelectric refrigerator working in a cooling space with an internal heat source is established. The influence of key parameters on the transient performance of the thermoelectric refrigerator under different working conditions is analyzed. The changes of the minimum cooling temperature and the cooling coefficient is analyzed, which were compared with different internal heat source power, input current and filling factor. The results show that the power of internal heat source has a significant impact on the cooling temperature and the time required for temperature stabilization. There are optimal working current and optimal filling coefficient which can make the cooling rate reach the maximum and the cooling space temperature reach the minimum respectively. The optimal filling factor increases with the power of the internal heat source.
Preliminary application of Air-Wave-Sea coupling model in Bohai sea
Authors: Zhang Yansheng , Yang Jinkun , Miao Qingsheng
Published: April 2023

In view of the important practical needs of marine forecasting and marine production in the Bohai Sea port, this paper constructs a regional high-resolution coupled forecasting model of sea air waves to carry out 5-day marine forecasting. The resolution of ocean and wave models is higher than 1km, and the resolution of the inner layer grid of the atmospheric model is 3km. Compared with the international advanced model HYCOM, it is found that the simulation results of the high sub regional coupling model are obviously better than those of HYCOM, its results clearly shows the flow field and tidal current characteristics, which are consistent with the observation results; The spatial modes of SST are consistent with HYCOM. The results of current and SST indicate that the prediction results of the coupled model are reliable and better than those of HYCOM.
Mine environment evaluation in Anhui Province based on RS and GIS
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Yang Jinzhong , Dong Qilang , Zhou Yingjie , Yu Hang
Published: April 2023

In order to understand the extent of damage to the environment and the scope of impact of mine development, using domestic high resolution satellite data, application of remote sensing and geographic information system technology, for comprehensive evaluation of the mining environment in Anhui Province, through the analytic hierarchy process, the quantitative analysis and zoning study of the mine environmental conditions are carried out, 16 evaluation factors were determined, and the comprehensive evaluation index model of mine geological environment was established, set comprehensive evaluation grade. Through analysis and research, the mining geological environment in Anhui Province is divided into four grades: seriously affected area, relatively seriously affected area, generally affected area and non-affected area. Field investigation and verification were carried out in the area seriously affected by the geological environment of the mine. The results showed that use of RS and GIS technology to carry out mine environment assessment in Anhui Province can more accurately reflect the extent of damage and scope of impact of mine development on the environment, and provide relatively reliable technical support and scientific basis for subsequent mine environment restoration and management.
High frequency variation characteristics of water quality and algae in Meiliang Bay of Taihu Lake in summer and the correlation analysis
Authors: Yuan Qifan
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to observe the characteristics of water quality and algae in Meiliang bay of Taihu Lake, China, and probe the correlation. The water quality and algae were observed at fixed sites and high frequency (three times per day) for five days. The observation indexes included: (1) water temperature, dissolved oxygen percentage, dissolved oxygen concentration, electrical conductivity, TDS, salinity, pH and ORP. (2) Total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total phosphorus (TP), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), chlorophyll-a content, permanganate index (COD), NO3
−-N, NH4
+-N, and PO4
3-P. Then correlation analysis was conducted between the above indexes and algae growth. The results showed that:(1) The concentration of TN was 1.479±0.152mg/L. The concentration of TP was 0.113± 0.019mg/L. The COD concentration was 4.584±0.549mg/L. (2) A variety of algae were observed in the samples, among which microcystis was the most abundant. The concentration of chlorophyll-a was 28.509±7.421ug/L. (3) Chlorophyll-a content was significantly correlated with TDN, TDP, PO4
3-P (P < 0.001), NH4
+-N, NO3
−-N (P < 0.01), and TP (P < 0.05). Based on above results, we conclude that all the indexes in Meiliang Bay of Taihu Lake are in the normal range, indicating that the effects of ecological management is obvious. However, the water environment is still suitable for the growth of algae, especially cyanobacteria, so there is still potential danger of cyanobacteria bloom. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring and take timely countermeasures.
Hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide/PEDOT:PSS composite for flexible temperature sensor application
Authors: Aidit S N , Rezali F A M , Nor N H M , Yusoff N , Ma Li-Ya , Hatta S F W M , Soin N
Published: April 2023

A flexible and printable temperature sensor was proposed for a fast detection of temperature measurements. A hybrid composite of zinc oxide (ZnO) and a conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonicacid) (PEDOT:PSS) was utilized as the temperature-sensing layer. An interdigitated electrodes structure based on silver (Ag) ink was used to electrically connect the composite through a facile drop-casting technique. A standout aspect of this work is the presentation of ZnO/PEDOT:PSS as a temperature-sensing layer. The PEDOT:PSS flakes were connected by hydrothermally prepared ZnO nanorods, which increased the composite sheets’ electrical conductivity. The linearity, sensitivity, stability and dynamic response of the flexible sensor were examined from a temperature of 29 °C–60 °C. The sensor has high sensitivity of 1.06% °C−1 with response and recovery times of 5 s and 12.7 s, respectively. This work clearly demonstrates the potential of ZnO/PEDOT:PSS composite for flexible temperature sensor and adds to the rapidly expanding field of personalized mobile healthcare.
A systematic printability study of direct ink writing towards high-resolution rapid manufacturing
Authors: Zheng Qingyang , Xie Bin , Xu Zhoulong , Wu Hao
Published: April 2023

Direct ink writing (DIW) holds enormous potential in fabricating multiscale and multi-functional architectures by virtue of its wide range of printable materials, simple operation, and ease of rapid prototyping. Although it is well known that ink rheology and processing parameters have a direct impact on the resolution and shape of the printed objects, the underlying mechanisms of these key factors on the printability and quality of DIW technique remain poorly understood. To tackle this issue, we systematically analyzed the printability and quality through extrusion mechanism modeling and experimental validating. Hybrid non-Newtonian fluid inks were first prepared, and their rheological properties were measured. Then, finite element analysis of the whole DIW process was conducted to reveal the flow dynamics of these inks. The obtained optimal process parameters (ink rheology, applied pressure, printing speed, etc) were also validated by experiments where high-resolution (<100 μm) patterns were fabricated rapidly (>70 mm s−1). Finally, as a process research demonstration, we printed a series of microstructures and circuit systems with hybrid inks and silver inks, showing the suitability of the printable process parameters. This study provides a strong quantitative illustration of the use of DIW for the high-speed preparation of high-resolution, high-precision samples.
On endomorphism algebras of Gelfand-Graev representations
Authors: Li Tzu-Jan
Published: April 2023

For a connected reductive group

G
G

defined over

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

and equipped with the induced Frobenius endomorphism

F
F

, we study the relation among the following three

Z

\mathbb {Z}

-algebras: (i) the

Z

\mathbb {Z}

-model

E

G

\mathsf {E}_G

of endomorphism algebras of Gelfand-Graev representations of

G
F

G^F

; (ii) the Grothendieck group

K

G
∗

\mathsf {K}_{G^\ast }

of the category of representations of

G

∗

F
∗

G^{\ast F^\ast }

over

F

q

¯

\overline {\mathbb {F}_q}

(Deligne-Lusztig dual side); (iii) the ring

B

G
∨

\mathsf {B}_{G^\vee }

of the scheme

(

T
∨

/

/

W

)

F
∨

(T^\vee /\!\!/ W)^{F^\vee }

over

Z

\mathbb {Z}

(Langlands dual side). The comparison between (i) and (iii) is motivated by recent advances in the local Langlands program.
Effects of Nightshift Work on Blood Metabolites in Female Nurses and Paramedic Staff: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: van de Langenberg Daniella , Dollé Martijn E T , van Kerkhof Linda W M , Vermeulen Roel C H , Vlaanderen Jelle J
Published: April 2023

Nightshift work disturbs the circadian rhythm, which might contribute to the development of cardio-metabolic disorders. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to gain insight into perturbations of disease relevant metabolic pathways due to nightshift work. We characterized the metabolic profiles of 237 female nurses and paramedic staff participating in the Klokwerk study using the Nightingale Health platform. We performed analyses on plasma levels of 225 metabolites, including cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, and amino acids. Using both principal component- and univariate-regression, we compared metabolic profiles of nightshift workers to metabolic profiles from workers that did not work night shifts (defined as day workers). We also assessed whether differential effects were observed between recently started versus more experienced workers. Within the group of nightshift workers, we compared metabolic profiles measured right after a nightshift with metabolic profiles measured on a day when no nightshift work was conducted. We observed evidence for an impact of nightshift work on the presence of unfavorable fatty acid profiles in blood. Amongst the fatty acids, effects were most prominent for PUFA/FA ratios (consistently decreased) and SFA/FA ratios (consistently elevated). This pattern of less favorable fatty acid profiles was also observed in samples collected directly after a night shift. Amino acid levels (histidine, glutamine, isoleucine, and leucine) and lipoproteins (especially HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides) were elevated when comparing nightshift workers with day workers. Amino acid levels were decreased in the samples that were collected directly after working a nightshift (compared to levels in samples that were collected during a non-nightshift period). The observed effects were generally more pronounced in samples collected directly after the nightshift and among recently started compared to more experienced nightshift workers. Our finding of a suggested impact of shift work on impaired lipid metabolism is in line with evidence that links disruption of circadian rhythmicity to obesity and metabolic disorders.
Improving drug-target affinity prediction via feature fusion and knowledge distillation
Authors: Lu Ruiqiang , Wang Jun , Li Pengyong , Li Yuquan , Tan Shuoyan , Pan Yiting , Liu Huanxiang , Gao Peng , Xie Guotong , Yao Xiaojun
Published: April 2023

Rapid and accurate prediction of drug-target affinity can accelerate and improve the drug discovery process. Recent studies show that deep learning models may have the potential to provide fast and accurate drug-target affinity prediction. However, the existing deep learning models still have their own disadvantages that make it difficult to complete the task satisfactorily. Complex-based models rely heavily on the time-consuming docking process, and complex-free models lacks interpretability. In this study, we introduced a novel knowledge-distillation insights drug-target affinity prediction model with feature fusion inputs to make fast, accurate and explainable predictions. We benchmarked the model on public affinity prediction and virtual screening dataset. The results show that it outperformed previous state-of-the-art models and achieved comparable performance to previous complex-based models. Finally, we study the interpretability of this model through visualization and find it can provide meaningful explanations for pairwise interaction. We believe this model can further improve the drug-target affinity prediction for its higher accuracy and reliable interpretability.
MKMR: a multi-kernel machine regression model to predict health outcomes using human microbiome data
Authors: Li Bing , Wang Tian , Qian Min , Wang Shuang
Published: April 2023

Studies have found that human microbiome is associated with and predictive of human health and diseases. Many statistical methods developed for microbiome data focus on different distance metrics that can capture various information in microbiomes. Prediction models were also developed for microbiome data, including deep learning methods with convolutional neural networks that consider both taxa abundance profiles and taxonomic relationships among microbial taxa from a phylogenetic tree. Studies have also suggested that a health outcome could associate with multiple forms of microbiome profiles. In addition to the abundance of some taxa that are associated with a health outcome, the presence/absence of some taxa is also associated with and predictive of the same health outcome. Moreover, associated taxa may be close to each other on a phylogenetic tree or spread apart on a phylogenetic tree. No prediction models currently exist that use multiple forms of microbiome-outcome associations. To address this, we propose a multi-kernel machine regression (MKMR) method that is able to capture various types of microbiome signals when doing predictions. MKMR utilizes multiple forms of microbiome signals through multiple kernels being transformed from multiple distance metrics for microbiomes and learn an optimal conic combination of these kernels, with kernel weights helping us understand contributions of individual microbiome signal types. Simulation studies suggest a much-improved prediction performance over competing methods with mixture of microbiome signals. Real data applicants to predict multiple health outcomes using throat and gut microbiome data also suggest a better prediction of MKMR than that of competing methods.
Survival analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy in rare malignant adnexal carcinomas
Authors: Elias Marcus L , Koptyev Jonathan , Yan Bernice Y.  , Strunk Andrew , Sharon Victoria R , Garg Amit
Published: April 2023

This study may inform existing guidelines on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) staging of adnexal carcinomas (AC), which vary based on tumour type. Although causation cannot be inferred from these data, the association supports consideration of SLNB in the management of patients with rare AC.
Culture and Gender Differences in Willingness to Compete
Authors: Hauge Karen Evelyn , Kotsadam Andreas , Riege Anine
Published: April 2023

We investigate how culture affects gender differences in willingness to compete in a large pre-registered experiment using an epidemiological approach. Our sample of 1,943 Norwegians with parents born in 59 different countries shows a smaller gender gap in willingness to compete among individuals of more gender-equal ancestries. The difference is driven by women with parents from more gender-equal countries wanting to compete more and men with the same ancestry wanting to compete less. The results are robust to controlling for a large set of factors at the individual, parental and ancestral country levels, indicating that gendered culture shapes competitive preferences.
Epicardial open chest ventricular tachycardia ablation in no entry left ventricle
Authors: Kronenberger Rani , Pannone Luigi , de Asmundis Carlo , La Meir Mark
Published: April 2023

A 57-year-old patient with a history of aortic and mitral mechanical valve replacement was admitted with recurrent implantable cardioverter device shocks and antitachycardia pacing therapies. On electrocardiogram, the clinical ventricular tachycardia (VT) was compatible with an antero-lateral peri-mitral basal exit. Because of the inability to access the left ventricle through a percutaneous approach, epicardial VT ablation was performed. The VT and a second VT, consistently induced and coming from the left ventricular apex, were successfully treated with epicardial cryoablation via median sternotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Prediction of

s

urvival

a

fter a

l

ung

t

ransplant at

1

year (SALTO cohort) using information available at different key time points
Authors: Belaroussi Yaniss , Hustache-Castaing Romain , Maury Jean-Michel , Lehot Laurent , Rodriguez Arnaud , Demant Xavier , Rozé Hadrien , Brioude Geoffrey , D’Journo Xavier-Benoit , Drevet Gabrielle , Tronc Francois , Mathoulin-Pélissier Simone , Jougon Jacques , Thomas Pascal-Alexandre , Thumerel Matthieu
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES

A lung transplant is the final treatment option for end-stage lung disease. We evaluated the individual risk of 1-year mortality at each stage of the lung transplant process.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing bilateral lung transplants between January 2014 and December 2019 in 3 French academic centres. Patients were randomly divided into development and validation cohorts. Three multivariable logistic regression models of 1-year mortality were applied (i) at recipient registration, (ii) the graft allocation and (iii) after the operation. The 1-year mortality was predicted for individual patients assigned to 3 risk groups at time points A to C.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 478 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 49.0 (14.3) years. The 1-year mortality rate was 23.0%. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the development (n = 319) and validation (n = 159) cohorts. The models analysed recipient, donor and intraoperative variables. The discriminatory power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.67 (0.62–0.73), 0.70 (0.63–0.77) and 0.82 (0.77–0.88), respectively, in the development cohort and 0.74 (0.64–0.85), 0.76 (0.66–0.86) and 0.87 (0.79 – 0.95), respectively, in the validation cohort. Survival rates were significantly different among the low- (< 15%), intermediate- (15%–45%) and high-risk (> 45%) groups in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk prediction models allow estimation of the 1-year mortality risk of individual patients during the lung transplant process. These models may help caregivers identify high-risk patients at times A to C and reduce the risk at subsequent time points.
Leveraging electronic health records to streamline the conduct of cardiovascular clinical trials
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Talha Khawaja M , Van Spall Harriette G C , Greene Stephen J , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Khan Sadiya S , Mills Nicholas L , Ali Ziad A , Mentz Robert J , Fonarow Gregg C , Rao Sunil V , Spertus John A , Roe Matthew T , Anker Stefan D , James Stefan K , Butler Javed , McGuire Darren K
Published: April 2023

Conventional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be expensive, time intensive, and complex to conduct. Trial recruitment, participation, and data collection can burden participants and research personnel. In the past two decades, there have been rapid technological advances and an exponential growth in digitized healthcare data. Embedding RCTs, including cardiovascular outcome trials, into electronic health record systems or registries may streamline screening, consent, randomization, follow-up visits, and outcome adjudication. Moreover, wearable sensors (i.e. health and fitness trackers) provide an opportunity to collect data on cardiovascular health and risk factors in unprecedented detail and scale, while growing internet connectivity supports the collection of patient-reported outcomes. There is a pressing need to develop robust mechanisms that facilitate data capture from diverse databases and guidance to standardize data definitions. Importantly, the data collection infrastructure should be reusable to support multiple cardiovascular RCTs over time. Systems, processes, and policies will need to have sufficient flexibility to allow interoperability between different sources of data acquisition. Clinical research guidelines, ethics oversight, and regulatory requirements also need to evolve. This review highlights recent progress towards the use of routinely generated data to conduct RCTs and discusses potential solutions for ongoing barriers. There is a particular focus on methods to utilize routinely generated data for trials while complying with regional data protection laws. The discussion is supported with examples of cardiovascular outcome trials that have successfully leveraged the electronic health record, web-enabled devices or administrative databases to conduct randomized trials.
Cardiac magnetic resonance in ischemic cardiomyopathy: present role and future directions
Authors: Scatteia Alessandra , Dellegrottaglie Santo
Published: April 2023

Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity, with peculiar needs for accurate diagnostic and prognostic characterization. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can help to satisfy these requirements by allowing a comprehensive evaluation of myocardial function, perfusion and tissue composition, with a demonstrated utility in guiding clinical management of patients with known or suspected ischemic cardiomyopathy. When compared with alternative non-invasive imaging modalities, such as stress echocardiography and nuclear techniques, CMR is able to provide accurate (function and perfusion) or peculiar (tissue characterization) information on cardiac pathophysiology, while avoiding exposition to ionizing radiations and overcoming limitations related to the quality of the imaging window. In particular, stress perfusion CMR showed to be accurate, safe, cost-effective, and clinically valuable as a non-invasive test for detecting severity and distribution of myocardial ischemia. In many circumstances, however, local availability of the technique, together with procedural costs, and scanning and post-processing time duration still limit the use of CMR in clinical routine. In the current review, we focused on clinical applications of CMR in ischemic cardiomyopathy. The consolidated role of the technique is described by illustrating both standard and advanced sequences that constitute the current body of a dedicated CMR examination. Ongoing developments and potential future diagnostic and prognostic applications of CMR when assessing ischemic cardiomyopathy are also discussed, with a focus on artificial intelligence-based implementations proposed for refining the efficiency of CMR analysis and reporting.
Multi-modality imaging for pre-procedural planning of transcatheter mitral valve interventions
Authors: Tarzia Pierpaolo , Ciampi Pellegrino , Lanza Oreste , Canali Emanuele , Canestrelli Stefano , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TMVI), either repair or replacement, are established alternative options for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) deemed not suitable for conventional open-heart surgery. Multi-modality imaging plays a pivotal role in the selection of patients, gaining insights into the anatomy of the mitral valve the mechanism and the severity of MR, which are essential to predict the success of these procedures. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the role of multi-modality imaging in the patient selection and pre-procedural planning of TMVI.
Echocardiography in cardioembolic stroke prevention
Authors: Canali Emanuele , Serani Marco , Tarzia Pierpaolo , Ciampi Pellegrino , Canestrelli Stefano , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability, and cardiac embolism accounts for one-third of all ischaemic strokes. Thirty per cent of strokes are cryptogenic. In this setting, echocardiography is essential in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of embolic stroke of undetermined source since it is a widely available, safe, and inexpensive tool. Transthoracic echocardiography and transoesophageal echocardiography, furthermore, are proven to change therapeutic management leading to initiation of anti-coagulation, anti-microbial therapy, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, or cardiac tumour resection. The most common cardioembolic sources include left atrial appendage thrombus, left ventricular thrombus, vegetations in endocarditis, paradoxical embolization in PFO, prosthesis thrombosis, and intracardiac tumours. Although the presence of a cardioembolic source only represents a risk factor for an ischaemic stroke, it could not assure the certain or the unique cause of the event. The purpose of this review is to underline the importance of echocardiography and overview the main sources of cardiac embolism and the echocardiographic features.
The implantable cardiac monitor in heart failure patient: a possible new indication?
Authors: Cicogna Francesco , Lanza Oreste , Monzo Luca , Tota Claudia , Cice Gennaro , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs) have found increasing use in clinical practice over the years, proving, when used in high-risk populations, to facilitate the diagnosis of bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias requiring treatment. Experience with heart failure patients undergoing pacemaker (PMK) or implantable defibrillator (ICD) implantation, which allow for continuous electrocardiographic monitoring and transthoracic impedance assessment, has made it possible to identify predictors of heart failure flare-ups. In this context, the use of telemonitoring has been shown to ensure better management of patients with heart failure. These benefits cannot be assessed to date in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 35% who have no indication for PMK or ICD implantation. This population has been shown to have a significant incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias. In addition, a significant number of cerebrovascular events are observed in this population, largely attributable to the high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this population, the occurrence of AF has also been shown to have a negative impact on patients’ prognosis; at the same time, a rhythm control strategy has been shown to be more beneficial in this area than a rate control strategy. Studies also suggest arrhythmias have a negative impact on the cognitive status and quality of life of heart failure patients. These reasons could justify the implantation of ICMs equipped with telemonitoring systems in heart failure patients. The information provided by the monitoring system, if properly managed, could bring benefits in terms of prognosis and quality of life along with a reduction in economic costs. We will try here, by answering a few questions, to assess whether there is an indication for ICM in heart failure, which patients should be candidates and how these patients should be managed.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs in atrial fibrillation: tailor-made treatments
Authors: Capucci Alessandro , Stronati Giulia , Guerra Federico
Published: April 2023

During the last decades, many improvements have been made regarding the treatment of atrial fibrillation in terms of risk prevention, anti-coagulation strategies, and gain in quality of life. Among those, anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) have progressively fallen behind and overtaken by technological aspects as devices as procedures are now the standards of care for many patients. But is this it? Are AADs doomed to be relegated to an obscure and rarely read paragraph of the European recommendations? Or could they be still employed safely and effectively? In the present paper, we will discuss contemporary evidence in order to define where AADs still play a pivotal role, how should AADs be used, and whether a tailored approach can be the way to propose the right treatment to the right patient.
The Brugada syndrome: risk stratification
Authors: Gaita Fiorenzo , Cerrato Natascia , Saglietto Andrea , Caponi Domenico , Calò Leonardo , Giustetto Carla
Published: April 2023

Thirty years after its first description, the knowledge regarding Brugada syndrome has greatly increased. Spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern (BrECG) is a well-defined prognostic marker in asymptomatic patients and is associated with a double risk of arrhythmic events during follow-up as compared to drug-induced ECG pattern. Due to the extreme variability of the ECG pattern over time, the spontaneous type 1 BrECG must be carefully sought, not only through periodic ECGs but especially with repeated 12-lead 24-h Holter monitoring, with V1 and V2 electrodes placed also on the second and third intercostal space, in order to explore the right ventricular outflow tract. 12-lead 24-h Holter should also be performed in all the patients with a dubious BrECG pattern even before the drug challenge with sodium channel blockers, which carries a low but definite risk of complications. In addition to spontaneous type 1, other electrocardiographic markers of increased arrhythmic risk have been described, such as first-degree AV block, QRS fragmentation, S wave in lead I and II, and increased QRS duration. The electrophysiological study in asymptomatic patients with a spontaneous ECG Brugada pattern is still under jury and further studies need to clarify its precise role.
HeartLogic™: real-world data—efficiency, resource consumption, and workflow optimization
Authors: Mariani Marco Valerio , Lavalle Carlo , Forleo Giovanni Battista , Della Rocca Domenico Giovanni , Martino Annamaria , Panuccio Marco , Fagagnini Alessandro , Rebecchi Marco , Calò Leonardo , Santini Luca
Published: April 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a major and still growing medical problem and is characterized by episodes of acute decompensation that are associated with a negative prognosis and a significant burden on the patients, doctors, and healthcare resources. Early detection of incipient HF may allow outpatient treatment before patients severely decompensate, thus reducing HF hospitalizations and related costs. The HeartLogic™ algorithm is an automatic, remotely managed system combining data directly related to HF pathophysiology into a single score, the HeartLogic™ index. This index proved to be effective in predicting the risk of incipient HF decompensation, allowing to redistribute resources from low-risk to high-risk patients in a timely and cost-saving manner. The alert-based remote management system seems more efficient than the one based on scheduled remote transmission in terms of caregivers’ workload and alert detection timing. The widespread application of the HeartLogic™ algorithm requires the resolution of logistical and financial issues and the adoption of a pre-defined, functional workflow. In this paper, we reviewed general aspects of remote monitoring in HF patients, the functioning and pathophysiological basis of the HeartLogic index, its efficiency in the management of HF patients, and the economic effects and the organizational revolution associated with its use.
Atrial fibrillation and sympatho–vagal imbalance: from the choice of the antiarrhythmic treatment to patients with syncope and ganglionated plexi ablation
Authors: Rebecchi Marco , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Sgueglia Marianna , Lavalle Carlo , Canestrelli Stefano , Politano Alessandro , Jacomelli Ilaria , Golia Paolo , Crescenzi Cinzia , De Luca Lucia , Panuccio Marco , Fagagnini Alessandro , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

For several years, the autonomic nervous system has played a central role in the pathophysiological mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF), so much so that it has been considered one of the cornerstones of Coumel’s triangle. The clinical and therapeutic management of AF secondary to sympatho–vagal imbalance represents one of the most important examples of how precision medicine should be applied. Increasing knowledge of this kind of arrhythmias has made it possible to select specific antiarrhythmic drugs and to diversify their use according to vagal or adrenergic AF forms. Ablative strategies, such as cardioneuroablation and non-direct cardiac neuromodulation methods (such as renal denervation and peripheral vagal stimulation), have gradually emerged. In the possibly near future, there will be a development of new acquisitions regarding new pharmacological therapeutic strategies and gene therapy. Finally, finding an AF in patients experiencing syncopal episodes opens a whole chapter regarding interesting, but also complex, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ranging from neurally mediated forms to convulsive seizure that could also increase the risk of sudden death.