bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-decay patterns and irregular disturbance: contrasting roles of abundant and rare microbial communities in dynamic coastal seawater
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Song Derui , Yao Peng , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Liu Jiwen
Published: December 2024

Microbial communities in coastal seas experience strong environmental disturbances, yet their response patterns, especially regarding differently abundant subcommunities, remain poorly understood. Here, through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we investigated the diversity, time-decay pattern, and assembly process of abundant, conditionally rare taxa (CRT) and rare microbial subcommunities in temperate coastal waters over 60 consecutive weeks. The abundant (50.9%) and CRT (46.1%) communities each comprised approximately half of the planktonic community, while the CRT and rare communities contributed to the extremely high species diversity. Distinct temporal heterogeneity was observed among the three fractions and was associated with taxonomic level. The abundant subcommunity exhibited time-decay patterns at all taxonomic levels, while for CRT, the pattern was found only at finer levels. In contrast, variations of the rare community loosely followed a temporal rhythm and were largely confined within a specific taxonomic range, likely raised from turnovers among closely related taxa. Determinism dominated the community assembly of the abundant fraction, while the rare one was more controlled by stochasticity that may be related to pulse terrigenous inputs and anthropogenic disturbances. The rare subcommunity with narrow niche widths likely represented a stable repository to offer episodic specialists, while the abundant taxa that exhibited broader niche widths were considered the generalists in fluctuating environments. Our study revealed the distinct strategies that abundant and rare communities adopt to maintain community stability in temporal dynamics of prokaryotic plankton in the coastal seawater.

IMPORTANCE

The relative importance of rare and abundant taxa in microbial temporal patterns remains debated. Here, we identified taxonomically associated distinct diversity modes of abundant and rare subcommunities from a year-round time-series study in dynamic coastal seawater. We highlighted the significance of the rare subcommunity in maintaining community stability by serving as a repository to offer specialists driven by stochastic processes over time. The abundant subcommunity, by contrast, contributed mainly to temporal rhythmic variations. This study expands the current understanding of the temporal dynamics and stability of coastal microbial communities by revealing distinct variation patterns of subcommunities with different abundances.
The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is required for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus uncoating
Authors: Yang Kang , Dong Jiarui , Li Jian , Zhou Rui , Jia Xiangchao , Sun Zhijian , Zhang Weida , Li Zili
Published: December 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) continues to cause substantial economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. Previous studies from other groups showed that CD163 is required for PRRSV uncoating and genome release. However, CD163 does not interact with nucleocapsid (N) protein. In this study, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) was demonstrated to be irreplaceable for PRRSV infection by knockdown, overexpression, antibodies or IgG blocking, knockout, and replenishment assays. FcRn was further revealed to be involved in PRRSV uncoating for the first time rather than viral attachment and internalization. In detail, FcRn was determined to colocalize with CD163 and PRRSV virions in early endosomes and specially interact with N protein in early endosomes. Taken together, these results provide evidence that FcRn is an essential cellular factor for PRRSV uncoating, which will be a promising target to interfere with the viral infection.

IMPORTANCE

PRRSV infection results in a severe swine disease affecting pig farming in the world. Although CD163 has been implicated as the uncoating receptor for PRRSV but the uncoating mechanism of PRRSV remains unclear. Here, we identified that FcRn facilitated virion uncoating
via
interaction with viral N protein in early endosomes. Our work actually expands the knowledge of PRRSV infection and provides an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and control of PRRS.
Draft genome of
Streptococcus agalactiae
serotype Ia FBC260 causing hemorrhagic septicemia with massive cellular meningitis in cultured Nile tilapia from the Philippines
Authors: Choresca Casiano H. , Legario Francis S. , De Leon Ma. Elaine E. , Santos Mary Nia M. , Bumanlag Benjamin E. , Ca-as Christine Grace P. , Gente Angelie A. , Gloria Paul Christian T.
Published: December 2024

We report the draft genome of
Streptococcus agalactiae
serotype Ia strain FBC260, associated with hemorrhagic septicemia and massive cellular meningitis in cultured Nile tilapia from the Philippines. This genomic resource of
S. agalactiae
from the Philippines will provide valuable insights for disease management.
Backtranslation of human RNA biosignatures of tuberculosis disease risk into the preclinical pipeline is condition dependent
Authors: Painter Hannah , Larsen Sasha E. , Williams Brittany D. , Abdelaal Hazem F. M. , Baldwin Susan L. , Fletcher Helen A. , Fiore-Gartland Andrew , Coler Rhea N.
Published: December 2024

It is unclear whether human progression to active tuberculosis disease (TB) risk signatures are viable endpoint criteria for evaluations of treatments in development. TB is the deadliest infectious disease globally and more efficacious vaccines are needed to reduce this mortality. However, the immune correlates of protection for either preventing infection with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
or preventing TB disease have yet to be completely defined, making the advancement of candidate vaccines through the pipeline slow, costly, and fraught with risk. Human-derived correlate of risk (COR) gene signatures, which identify an individual’s risk of progressing to active TB disease, provide an opportunity for evaluating new therapies for TB with clear and defined endpoints. Though prospective clinical trials with longitudinal sampling are prohibitively expensive, the characterization of COR gene signatures is practical with preclinical models. Using a 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) approach we reanalyzed heterogeneous publicly available transcriptional data sets to determine whether a specific set of COR signatures are viable endpoints in the preclinical pipeline. We selected RISK6, Sweeney3, and BATF2 human-derived blood-based RNA biosignatures because they require relatively few genes and have been carefully evaluated across several clinical cohorts. These data suggest that in certain experimental designs and in several tissue types, human COR signatures correlate with disease progression as measured by the bacterial burden in the preclinical TB model pipeline. We observed the best performance when the model most closely reflected human infection or disease conditions. Human-derived COR signatures offer an opportunity for high-throughput preclinical endpoint criteria of vaccine and drug therapy evaluations.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the strengths or limitations of back-translating human-derived correlate of risk (COR) RNA signatures into the preclinical pipeline may help streamline down-selection of therapeutic vaccine and drug candidates and better align preclinical models with proposed clinical trial efficacy endpoints.
Management of pain and sedation in the intensive care unit
Authors: Boncyk Christina , Rolfsen Mark L , Richards David , Stollings Joanna L , Mart Matthew F , Hughes Christopher G , Ely E Wesley
Published: December 2024

Advances in our approach to treating pain and sedation when caring for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been propelled by decades of robust trial data, knowledge gained from patient experiences, and our evolving understanding of how pain and sedation strategies affect patient survival and long term outcomes. These data contribute to current practice guidelines prioritizing analgesia-first sedation strategies (analgosedation) that target light sedation when possible, use of short acting sedatives, and avoidance of benzodiazepines. Together, these strategies allow the patient to be more awake and able to participate in early mobilization and family interactions. The covid-19 pandemic introduced unique challenges in the ICU that affected delivery of best practices and patient outcomes. Compliance with best practices has not returned to pre-covid levels. After emerging from the pandemic and refocusing our attention on optimal pain and sedation management in the ICU, it is imperative to revisit the data that contributed to our current recommendations, review the importance of best practices on patient outcomes, and consider new strategies when advancing patient care.
Discontinuation of β-blocker therapy in stabilised patients after acute myocardial infarction (SMART-DECISION): rationale and design of the randomised controlled trial
Authors: Choi Ki Hong , Kim Juwon , Kang Danbee , Doh Joon-Hyung , Kim Juhan , Park Yong Hwan , Ahn Sung Gyun , Kim Weon , Park Jong Pil , Kim Sang Min , Cho Byung-Ryul , Nam Chang-Wook , Cho Jang Hyun , Joo Seung-Jae , Suh Jon , Jeong Jin-Ok , Jang Woo , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Hwang Jin-Yong , Lim Seong-Hoon , Lee Sang-Rok , Shin Eun-Seok , Kim Byung Jin , Yu Cheol Woong , Her Sung-Ho , Kim Hyun Kuk , Park Kyu Tae , Kim Jihoon , Park Taek Kyu , Lee Joo-Myung , Cho Juhee , Yang Jeong Hoon , Song Young Bin , Choi Seung Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Guallar Eliseo , Hahn Joo-Yong
Published: December 2024

Introduction

There is a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of prolonged β-blocker therapy after stabilisation of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without heart failure (HF) or left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Methods and analysis

The SMart Angioplasty Research Team: DEcision on Medical Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery DIsease or Structural Heart Disease Undergoing InterventiON (SMART-DECISION) trial is a multicentre, prospective, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial designed to determine whether discontinuing β-blocker therapy after ≥1 year of maintenance in stabilised patients after AMI is non-inferior to continuing it. Patients eligible for participation are those without HF or left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction >40%) who have been continuing β-blocker therapy for ≥1 year after AMI. A total of 2540 patients will be randomised 1:1 to continuation of β-blocker therapy or not. Randomisation will be stratified according to the type of AMI (ie, ST-segment-elevation MI or non-ST-segment-elevation MI), type of β-blocker (carvedilol, bisoprolol, nebivolol or other) and participating centre. The primary study endpoint is a composite of all-cause death, MI and hospitalisation for HF over a median follow-up period of 3.5 years (minimum, 2.5 years; maximum, 4.5 years). Adverse effects related to β-blocker therapy, the occurrence of atrial fibrillation, medical costs and Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information system-29 questionnaire responses will also be collected as secondary endpoints.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study was granted by the Institutional Review Board of Samsung Medical Center (no. 2020-10-176). Informed consent is obtained from every participant before randomisation. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and the key findings will be presented at international scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov,
NCT04769362
.
Assessing the state of polypectomy practice: are we ready for the new colonoscopy training pathway?
Authors: Rankin Melissa , Hambleton Scott , Derbyshire Edmund , O'Toole Paul , Smith Grahame
Published: December 2024

Objective

The 2023 Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy consensus statements on colonoscopy training and certification in the UK recommend that trainees should be competent in size, morphology, site, access (SMSA) level 2 polypectomy; familiar with classification systems for describing polyps and able to handle common intraprocedural complications. Anecdotal concerns expressed by established colonoscopists regarding their own competence in relation to these new requirements prompted an assessment of the competence and confidence of the existing colonoscopy workforce.

Method

An anonymous online survey was used to ascertain self-reported competence and confidence in polypectomy among colonoscopists from all professional groups: both medically qualified endoscopists (MEs) (from a medical or surgical background) and clinical endoscopists (CEs), who are nurses or allied health professionals trained to perform independent colonoscopy. Respondents were predominantly from Northwest England. The survey ran between May and August 2023. Attempts were made to identify barriers preventing more advanced practice.

Results

120 independent colonoscopists responded (55% medical, 45% clinical). 21% of respondents were confident tackling lesions at SMSA level 4. However, 20% do not remove non-pedunculated lesions >9 mm. The majority of these were CEs. Of those involved in training or supervision, 11% restricted their polypectomy practice to Level 1. Overall, 21% expressed only ‘slight’ or ‘no confidence’ in teaching the SMSA scoring system. CEs involved in training were at least as confident as MEs in teaching aspects of polyp assessment. Lack of support in the event of a complication was of significantly more concern to CEs than MEs (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The new curriculum presents a technical challenge for only a small minority of established colonoscopists, but we have identified a lack of confidence in teaching about optical diagnosis and the SMSA scoring system. Endoscopy training academies may have a role in educating training supervisors in their region rather than focusing solely on trainees.
Retrospective study on the utility of optical genome mapping as a follow-up method in genetic diagnostics
Authors: Dremsek Paul , Schachner Anna , Reischer Theresa , Krampl-Bettelheim Elisabeth , Bettelheim Dieter , Vrabel Sybille , Delissen Zoja , Pfeifer Mateja , Weil Beatrix , Bajtela Robert , Hengstschläger Markus , Laccone Franco , Neesen Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Background

Current standard-of-care (SOC) methods for genetic testing are capable of resolving deletions and sequence variants, but they mostly fail to provide information on the breakpoints of duplications and balanced structural variants (SV). However, this information may be necessary for their clinical assessment, especially if the carrier’s phenotype is difficult to assess and/or carrier analysis of relatives is not viable. A promising approach to solving such challenging cases arises with access to optical genome mapping (OGM) but has not been systematically explored as of yet.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we evaluated diagnostic cases from a 1-year period (2023) in which an SV discovery by SOC methods (microarray, karyotyping and whole-exome sequencing) was followed up by OGM, with the objective to unlock clinically relevant information about the SV.

Results

Seven cases were shown by SOC methods to bear potential pathogenic SVs and were consequently followed up by OGM. Of these, six were solved by the additional use of OGM alone. One case required sequencing after OGM analysis to further specify the SV’s breakpoints. In all seven cases, OGM was crucial for determining the clinical relevance of the detected SV.

Conclusion

This study describes the use of OGM as a valuable method for characterising duplications and balanced SVs. Often, this additional information does not add to the quality of a clinical report. However, for a subset of patients, these data are critical, especially in the prenatal setting or when no familial analyses are possible.
Genomic sequencing in paediatric oncology: navigating conflicting roles and responsibilities
Authors: Goudie Catherine , Zawati Ma'n H , Knoppers Bartha Maria , Laberge Anne-Marie
Published: December 2024

Background

This study explores the ethical and moral challenges faced by paediatric oncologists when they are informed of patient genomic results, particularly during molecular tumour boards (MTBs), highlighting the interplay between their clinic, research and expert roles.

Methods

This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study using a survey distributed to paediatric oncologists in Quebec followed by optional semi-structured interviews. Oncologists’ attitudes and comfort levels with six hypothetical germline DNA results identified in a patient from a clinical vignette were assessed using Likert scales. Hypothetical genetic results represented ethical challenges of extended paediatric genomic sequencing. Interviews were conducted with a subgroup of participants to gain insight and context on key survey results.

Results

Eighty per cent (n=28) of oncologists in Quebec completed the survey; five participated in the interviews. Comfort levels of oncologists were influenced by the type of genetic result (expected, secondary, incidental finding), whether or not the oncologist was the patient’s treating physician, and whether the information disclosed to the patient aligned with the information that they had received. Awareness of a genetic result was sufficient to trigger a feeling of responsibility and liability for that result.

Conclusion

Oncologists who take part in genomic sequencing initiatives and who attend MTBs have privileged access to genomic results, above what may be accessible to patients. This imbalance in knowledge contributes to moral discomfort experienced by oncologists who feel responsible for genomic information they are aware of. We propose recommendations applicable to consent processes, policies and pipelines for sharing genomic results.
Assisted dying: participation barriers and facilitators – qualitative interview study of doctors’ perceptions
Authors: Ley Greaves Laura , Willmott Lindy , Feeney Rachel , White Ben P
Published: December 2024

Objectives

As more countries legalise assisted dying, it is of increasing significance for policy-makers and the medical profession. Doctors are needed for patients to access this choice; however, there is currently limited participation. Few studies identify what factors, if any, facilitate participation in assisted dying and how the inter-relationship of multiple factors may also influence participation. This study investigates factors influencing potential participation of doctors who have no in-principle objection to assisted dying in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

A qualitative interview study with 31 doctors who have no in-principle objection to assisted dying. Interviews were conducted between March 2022 and January 2023 during the implementation period, when the assisted dying law had passed but was not yet in effect.

Results

Participants identified four categories of barriers to participation: personal burdens; professional ramifications; external constraints and the difference from the traditional role of a doctor. Facilitators to participation were: continuation of care; philosophical support for assisted dying; providing a good death and scope of provision. The interplay between barriers and facilitators influenced the degree of expected participation, if any. Three key decision points determining participation were also identified: providing for all patients or only their own patients; participation as the co-ordinating or consulting practitioner and whether to participate in practitioner administration.

Conclusions

Participation in assisted dying may be shaped by whether or not an individual doctor’s philosophical support for this choice is outweighed by barriers to participation. Removing barriers could positively affect the future sustainability of an assisted dying workforce.
Soil organic carbon and 13C changes when annual crops are replaced with perennial biomass crops in southwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vijayakumar Sowthini , Bazrgar Amir Behzad , Thimmanagari Mahendra , Deen Bill , Schneider Kimberley , Lauzon John , Voroney Paul , Thevathasan Naresh
Published: December 2024

Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum) and miscanthus ( Miscanthus spp.) are C4 perennial biomass crops (PBCs) commonly cultivated in Ontario. The 13C natural abundance technique was used to assess the following: (i) quantify the proportion of C4-derived soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (Mg C ha−1) within the SOC stocks of the whole soil, (ii) determine the C4-derived SOC sequestration rate, and (iii) quantify C4-derived SOC stocks in soil particle size fractions. This was achieved by analyzing the δ13C values in SOC of both the whole soil and various soil particle size fractions in PBC fields that were converted from agriculture. At Guelph after 11 years of PBC, C4-derived SOC stock as a proportion of SOC stock in the whole soil accounted for 30% in switchgrass and 31% in miscanthus fields, while at Elora it comprised 41% in switchgrass and 50% in miscanthus. However, in Burlington after 4 years, C4-derived SOC represented 10%–12% in PBC fields compared to 17% in agriculture fields. The C4-derived SOC sequestration rates were 0.8, 0.7, and 0.4 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in switchgrass, miscanthus, and agriculture fields, respectively at the Guelph site. In miscanthus fields, lower C4-derived SOC stock in macro soil particles were observed, yet higher percentages were observed in micro soil particles and the silt plus clay fractions compared to switchgrass and agriculture fields. Agriculture fields had higher C4-derived SOC in macro soil particles, indicating lower SOC stability. Therefore, cultivating PBCs on low-productive agricultural lands could contribute to climate change mitigation practices due to increased SOC stability.
The influence of density models on wormhole formation in Finsler–Barthel–Randers geometry
Authors: Yashwanth B. R. , Narasimhamurthy S. K. , Praveen J. , Malligawad Manjunath
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the structure and stability of wormholes within the framework of Finsler–Barthel–Randers geometry, focusing on the influence of different density models. Finsler geometry, as a generalization of Riemannian geometry, allows for the incorporation of anisotropic characteristics, making it a valuable tool in exploring cosmological phenomena. By employing osculating Riemannian space approaches, we develop wormhole models under non-commutative geometry and power-law energy density distributions. We analyze the role of the Finsler parameter

$$\eta $$

η

while evaluating the energy conditions in each model. The specific models developed here with Finsler geometry offer insights into the physical viability of wormholes in this context, potentially resolving some of the longstanding issues in wormhole theory. These findings suggest that Finsler geometry, combined with osculating Barthel–Randers geometry, provides a promising avenue for the construction of stable and physically plausible wormhole structures, The results are validated through analytical solutions and 3-D visualizations, thus contributing to our broader understanding of gravitational physics and spacetime geometry.
Effective dimensionality of space-time in f(R)-general relativity with quantum boundary terms included
Authors: Bellini Mauricio
Published: December 2024

I study an extended theory of General Relativity that incorporates normalized relativistic velocities, where the boundary terms in the varied f(R)-action are considered as a part of the physical system to be studied. Within this context, I investigate how the classical perturbations can be originated by quantum geometric perturbations, that alters the dynamics of the physical system without perturbations. To do it we use a modified nonlinear quantum algebra recently introduced. The quantum field perturbations of space-time also alter the geodesic equations that describe the dynamics of the relativistic velocities, the metric tensor and the Ricci tensor. But perhaps the most intriguing of this phenomena is that these space-time alterations change the effective number of space-time dimensions of the system with perturbations included N(z), in a such manner that N(z) can take an irrational value

$$N(z=2)=8/(1+\sqrt{5})\simeq 2.4721$$

N

(
z
=
2
)

=
8
/

(
1
+

5

)

≃
2.4721

, when the nonlinear quantum perturbations of space-time are related to the relativistic velocities

$$\bar{U}^{\mu }$$

U

¯

μ

. To illustrate the theory, we calculate exactly the cosmological parameter in an early inflationary universe.
Short-hair black holes and the strong cosmic censorship conjecture
Authors: Tu Zhiqin , Tang Meirong , Xu Zhaoyi
Published: December 2024

The singularity problem has always been a key focus of physicists’ research. To address this issue, Penrose proposed the cosmic censorship conjecture, with the Strong Cosmic Censorship Conjecture (SCCC) being particularly crucial. However, verifying SCCC in different scenarios still faces many challenges. This paper, set against the background of short-hair black holes, explores whether they obey SCCC when subjected to scalar field perturbations. Using the WKB method, Prony method, Lyapunov exponent, and Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC), the behavior of a short-hair black hole under different parameter conditions was systematically analyzed. Numerical results indicate that as the charge

$$ Q $$

Q

of the short-hair black hole approaches its extremal value, the SCCC is violated. However, as the order

$$ k $$

k

of the metric equation and the angular quantum number

$$ \ell $$

ℓ

increase, the violation of SCCC is delayed. These results suggest that the proximity of the black hole’s charge

$$ Q $$

Q

to its extremal value, along with the size of the angular quantum number

$$ \ell $$

ℓ

and the order

$$ k $$

k

, play key roles in exploring the physical properties of black holes and verifying SCCC. Finally, research using the WGC shows that when the charge-to-mass ratio in a scalar field meets certain conditions, short-hair black holes can still comply with the SCCC under extreme conditions. This study not only reveals the behavior of short-hair black holes in extreme situations but also offers a new perspective for further exploration of such black holes.
Black shale contamination and platinum group elements prospect of the Khandwa basalt, Eastern Deccan Volcanic Province (India) – an experimental approach
Authors: Dey Payel , Ray Jyotisankar , Chakraborty Debapriya , Pal Shrestha , Koeberl Christian , Satyanarayanan M.
Published: December 2024

An experimental study at 1 atm (101 kPa) was carried out with basalts of the Deccan Traps and black shale as a contaminant to assess the potentiality of the platinum group elements (PGEs) in the contaminated magma. The experiments involved 10, 15 and 20% black shale as contaminants to understand the incremental concentration in the PGEs. The results show that Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and Os substantially rise in the contaminated melt. Though the quantitative increase in the PGE content owing to contamination is evident, the increase is case-specific and related to the degree of black shale contamination, e.g. for Pt, Ru and Pd, 20% contamination yields maximum enrichment, whereas for Rh and Ir, the maximum increment is obtained for 10% contamination; Os gives the most significant increase for 15% contamination. Black shale contamination leads to the sulfide supersaturation of the basaltic magma and the formation of the PGE-rich sulfide liquid owing to immiscibility. The present experimental study revealed a significant role of black shale as a crustal contaminant for the flood basalt and consequent PGE enrichment in the contaminated magma. The findings of this study are important for the other Large Igneous Provinces of the world as well.
Reinforcement Learning for Intra- & Inter-Node Recommender Data Pipeline Optimization
Authors: Nagrecha Kabir , Liu Lingyi , Delgado Pablo
Published: December 2024

Deep learning-based recommender models (DLRMs) have become an essential component of many modern recommender systems. Several companies are now building large compute clusters reserved for DLRM training, driving new interest in cost- & time- saving optimizations. The systems challenges faced in this setting are unique; while typical deep learning (DL) training jobs are dominated by model execution times, the most important factor in DLRM training performance is often
online data ingestion.

In this paper, we study real-world DLRM data processing pipelines taken from our compute cluster at Netflix to observe the performance impacts of online ingestion and identify shortfalls in existing data pipeline optimizers. Our studies lead us to design a new solution for data pipeline optimization,
InTuneX
.

InTuneX
 is designed for production-scale multi-node recommender data pipelines. It unifies & tackles the challenges of both
intra-
and
inter-
node pipeline optimization. We achieve this with a multi-agent reinforcement learning (RL) design, simultaneously optimizing node assignments at the cluster level & CPU assignments within nodes.

Our experiments show that
InTuneX
 can build optimized data pipeline configurations within minutes. We apply
InTuneX
 to our cluster, and find that it increases single-node data ingestion throughput by as much as 2.29X versus state-of-the-art optimizers, while improving the cost-efficiency of multi-node pipelines by 15-25%.
QC Speller: User Interface Design of a Hands-Free Touch-Free Speller with Brain Electroencephalogram Sensory Rhythm
Authors: Nama Tutan , Samanta Debasis
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are being extensively explored by researchers to recover the abilities of motor-impaired individuals and improve their communication. Text entry is one of the most important regular tasks in communication, and BCI has high application potential to develop a speller. Although BCI has been a growing research topic for the last decade, more progress is yet to be made for BCI-based spellers. Two challenges are there in BCI speller development: designing an effective graphical user interface with an optimal arrangement of symbols enabling a minimum number of control commands and reducing users’ efforts in error correction following an efficient error correction policy. With this scope in mind, this work proposes a novel BCI speller paradigm with an efficient symbol arrangement to improve the text entry rate. Additionally, it provides a user-friendly error correction approach through six text-cursor navigation keys to enhance the accuracy of text entry. The proposed speller includes 36 target symbols and is operated with two control commands obtained from electroencephalogram motor-imagery signals. The experimental results revealed that the proposed speller outperforms the existing motor imagery-based BCI spellers when tested on 10 motor-impaired users. This speller achieved a mean performance of 5.20 characters per minute without any typing error and 6.04 characters per minute with a 2.9% mean error. The mean correction efficiency was 0.69; that is, users corrected 69% of incorrect inputs with a single correction key pressed.
Modelling Concept Drift in Dynamic Data Streams for Recommender Systems
Authors: Caroprese Luciano , Pisani Francesco , Veloso Bruno Miguel , Konig Matthias , Manco Giuseppe , Hoos Holger , Gama Joao
Published: December 2024

Recommendation systems play a crucial role in modern e-commerce and streaming services. However, the limited availability of public datasets hampers the rapid development of more efficient and accurate recommendation algorithms within the research community. This work introduces a stream-based data generator designed to generate user preferences for a set of items while accommodating progressive changes in user preferences. The underlying principle involves using user/item embeddings to derive preferences by exploring the proximity of these embeddings. Whether randomly generated or learned from a real finite data stream, these embeddings serve as the basis for generating new preferences. We investigate how this fundamental model can adapt to shifts in user behavior over time; in our framework, changes correspond to alterations in the structure of the tripartite graph, reflecting modifications in the underlying embeddings. Through an analysis of real-life data streams, we demonstrate that the proposed model is effective in capturing actual preferences and the changes that they can exhibit over time. Thus, we characterize these changes and develop a generalized method capable of simulating realistic data, thereby generating streams with similar yet controllable drift dynamics.
Transmission of peripheral blood α-synuclein fibrils exacerbates synucleinopathy and neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease by endothelial Lag3 endocytosis
Authors: Duan Qingrui , Zhang Qingxi , Jiang ShuoLin , Nie Kun , Feng Shujun , Qiu Yihui , He Peikun , Xing Yuxuan , Liu Jiaxuan , Ma Guixian , Zhang Yuhu , Gao Yuyuan , Wang Lijuan
Published: December 2024

This study highlights the transmission mechanism of peripheral blood α-synuclein preformed fibrils (α-syn PFFs) through endothelial Lag3 endocytosis in the mild pathology or early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD). Targeting endothelial Lag3 as a perspective of decreasing peripheral blood α-syn PFFs transmission may be a disease-modifying therapy in early-stage PD.
Anxio-depressive phenotype and impaired memory in mice with a conditional knockout of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in endothelial cells
Authors: Quirié Aurore , Mor Damien , Méloux Alexandre , Etievant Adeline , Garnier Philippe , Totoson Perle , Wirtz Julien , Prigent-Tessier Anne , Marie Christine , Demougeot Céline
Published: December 2024

The study provides the proof of concept that endothelial brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in postnatal synaptogenesis and development of behavior/memory. It also shows that neuronal tropomyosin-related kinase type B (TrkB) receptors are not a target of endothelium-derived BDNF.
Aerobic Capacity of Adults With Fontan Palliation: Disease-Specific Reference Values and Relationship to Outcomes
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Ali Ahmed E. , Miranda William R. , Connolly Heidi M. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Patients with Fontan palliation have reduced aerobic capacity because of impaired cardiac, pulmonary, and skeletal muscle function. However, the assessment of aerobic capacity in this population still relies on comparisons with people without cardiovascular disease rather than comparison with the expected aerobic capacity of other Fontan patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the expected aerobic capacity of adults with Fontan palliation.

METHODS:

Adults with Fontan palliation who underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test at Mayo Clinic (2003–2023) were stratified into quartiles based on the predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO
2
). We assessed the correlates of predicted peak VO
2
and the relationship between predicted peak VO
2
quartiles and cardiovascular outcomes (death/transplant).

RESULTS:

Of 323 patients (age, 29±9 years; 177 [55%] men), the median peak VO
2
was 19.1 (15.2–23.9) mL/kg per minute, and this corresponds to a predicted peak VO
2
of 51% (range, 19–88; interquartile range, 41–62). After multivariable adjustments, the correlates of predicted peak VO
2
were body mass index (β±SE, −2.61±0.95; 2.61% decrease in predicted peak VO
2
per 5 kg/m
2
increase in body mass index;
P
=0.009), systemic saturation (β±SE, 3.65±0.85; 3.65% increase in predicted peak VO
2
per 5% increase in oxygen saturation;
P
<0.001), and Fontan pressure (β±SE, −1.24±0.22; 1.24% decrease in predicted peak VO
2
per 1 mm Hg increase in Fontan pressures;
P
<0.001). There was a 47% increase in the risk for death/transplant from a higher predicted peak VO
2
quartile to the next lower quartile (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.09–2.05];
P
=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study would help calibrate the interpretation of exercise test data in adults with Fontan palliation and improve risk stratification in this population. It also underscores the need to maintain normal Fontan hemodynamics and body weight, which are important determinants of aerobic capacity.
Moyamoya Angiopathy and Antiphospholipid Antibodies: A Coincidental Association?
Authors: Grosset Lina , Stepanian Alain , Labeyrie Marc-Antoine , Civelli Vittorio , Chabriat Hugues , Siguret Virginie , Hervé Dominique
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been suggested as a potential cause of moyamoya angiopathy (MMA), but this remains uncertain. In this case-control study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of circulating aPL in patients with MMA and in non-MMA cerebrovascular controls.

METHODS:

For comparison, we included 95 patients with MMA from the French National Referral Centre for this condition and 182 age- and sex-matched non-MMA controls with a different cerebrovascular disease, all younger than 55 years. Anticardiolipin antibodies, anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant were assessed using the guidelines of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

RESULTS:

aPL prevalence was 22% in patients with MMA and 25% in controls (
P
=0.74) with no differences in aPL subtypes between the 2 groups. The prevalence of transient ischemic attacks, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke did not differ between patients with aPL-positive and aPL-negative MMA.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of aPL in patients with MMA is comparable to that in non-MMA controls. The present results do not support any causal relationship between aPL and MMA.
Angiotensin Inhibition Reduces the Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Hossein , Brensinger Colleen M. , Acton Emily K. , Favilla Christopher G. , Burkhardt Jan‐Karl , Kasner Scott E.
Published: December 2024

Background

Local angiotensin activity is thought to play a critical role in arterial wall homeostasis and remodeling, and impaired arterial wall integrity contributes to the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here we aimed to assess the association between pharmacologic inhibition of angiotensin‐converting enzyme and subsequent nontraumatic SAH.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study based on Optum's Clinformatics Datamart deidentified database records (2000–2021), we included all subjects with a history of hypertension. We collected medication history, and the exposure of interest was the use of an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB). The primary outcome was the subsequent development of nontraumatic SAH. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compare the time to SAH by type of antihypertensive treatment.

Results

A total of 7.5 million patients with hypertension were assessed. Patients on ACEI/ARBs with or without other antihypertensives (n = 4.8 million, follow‐up: 6.3 years) had lower rates of SAH compared with those on alternative antihypertensive regimens (n = 1.3 million, follow‐up: 5.7 years) (hazard ratio [HR]:0.94 [0.91–0.97];
P
<0.0001), as well as compared with those on no antihypertensive medications (n = 1.4 million, follow‐up: 5.3 years) (HR:0.94 [0.91–0.97];
P
= 0.0002). However, antihypertensive medications other than ACEI/ARBs were not associated with SAH risk compared with treatment by no antihypertensives (HR:1.00 [0.97–1.04];
P
= 0.83). Among 8034 patients with known unruptured intracerebral aneurysms, no difference in SAH with ACEI/ARBs was observed compared to alternative antihypertensive regimens (HR:1.04 [0.95–1.13]) or no antihypertensive therapy (HR:1.06 [0.97–1.16]). Uninterrupted ACEI/ARBs use for ≥3 years reduced the risk of SAH by 23%, compared with treatment by only other hypertensives (HR:0.71 [0.68–0.74];
P
<0.001).

Conclusion

Treatment of hypertension with ACEI/ARBs was associated with a lower risk of SAH than other types of antihypertensive agents, particularly with longer courses of therapy.
A Methodology of Structural Incorporation for Model Transfer and Construction: The Case of Malthus’ and Darwin’s Models of Population
Authors: Chen Ruey-Lin , Bolduc Jean-Sébastien
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a methodology to investigate how the conceptual structure of a model may have borrowed from an already existing model in a different field. From a reverse perspective, it amounts to hypothesizing that an already existing model was somehow transferred to a new field and incorporated into a newly constructed model with the purpose of explaining some additional phenomena. We use two well-known theoretic models, Robert Malthus’ model of human population and Darwin’s model of organism population included in the theory of evolution by natural selection, to exemplify this “incorporation of a conceptual structure” methodology. By highlighting how the conceptual structure of Malthus’ model actually sits within that of Darwin’s model, we show how Darwin’s model may have been constructed, on the one hand, and how Malthus’ model may have been transferred, on the other hand. In order to show how the construction and transfer occur, we outline five epistemic strategies that could be underlying incorporation. Overall, this methodology can be viewed as a diadic and bijective perspective on models that can be applied to other similar cases, using “construction” and “transfer” as complementary handles to probe the available conceptual, structural, and historiographical material.
Planothidium minuanum sp. nov., a new diatom (Bacillariophyta) species fromsouthern Brazilian coastal lakes
Authors: JUNQUEIRA MARIA GABRIELA , CROSSETTI LUCIANE O. , WETZEL CARLOS E.
Published: December 2024

A new Planothidium species discovered in epiphytic samples from southern Brazil’s coastal lakes is described as new using light and scanning electron microscopy. Named Planothidium minuanum sp. nov., it is distinguished from the most similar species by its elliptical, slightly asymmetrical valves with pronounced short rostrate ends and coarse striae consisting of one to two rows of areolae. This taxon bears resemblance to the cavum-bearing species in the “Planothidium rostratum sensu lato” group and the recently described Planothidium xinguense from the Brazilian Amazon. This study compares the morphology and ecology of this new species with related taxa and provides insights into its occurrence in southern Brazilian coastal lakes.
Vamsapriya yadongensis sp. nov. (Vamsapriyaceae, Xylariales) from Southwestern China
Authors: WANG ZHI-YANG , THIYAGARAJA VINODHINI , MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S. N. , DISSANAYAKE LAKMALI S. , HE SHU-CHENG , AL-OTIBI FATIMAH , HYDE KEVIN D , ZHAO QI
Published: December 2024

During an investigation of microfungi in the Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), China, a specimen was collected from unidentified terrestrial dead wood. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, the specimen is described as a new species, Vamsapriya yadongensis. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tub2 sequence data indicate that Vamsapriya yadongensis is a sister to V. uniseptata. However, it differs from Vamsapriya uniseptata by its comparatively larger conidia, synnemata and higher number of conidial septa. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, a synopsis table, phylogenetic affinities and key to the genus are provided.
The Responses of Antarctic Sea Ice and Overturning Cells to Meridional Wind Forcing
Authors: Song Hajoon , Choi Yeonju , Doddridge Edward W. , Marshall John
Published: December 2024

Meridional winds over the seasonal ice zone of the Antarctic have undergone changes and likely contributed to sea ice extent variability in recent decades. In this study, using observations and an eddy-resolving channel model of the Antarctic seasonal ice zone, we investigate the influence of meridional wind changes on the sea ice distribution and document how the underlying ocean might change. We find that southerly wind anomalies in austral winter lead to an increase in sea ice extent by encouraging equatorward sea ice drift. This results in more leads and polynyas, ice production, and buoyancy loss near the coastal region and freshening out in the open ocean near the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. In contrast, summertime southerly wind anomalies reduce sea ice extent due to warming anomalies near the sea ice edge. This is a consequence of enhanced meridional overturning circulation (MOC) triggered by enhanced buoyancy loss through surface heat flux and brine rejection, which brings relatively warm water toward the summertime sea ice edge. A water-mass transformation analysis reveals the increased bottom water formation caused by brine rejection and heat loss in leads and polynyas. Changes in sea ice extent and MOC behave in the opposite way when the sign of the wind anomaly is switched from southerly to northerly. Our study shows that meridional wind anomalies can modify not only the sea ice distribution, extent of polynyas, and air–sea buoyancy fluxes but also the ocean’s MOC and bottom water properties.
Trust and confidence in regime creation and sustainment: A taxonomy
Authors: Egeland Kjølv
Published: December 2024

The concepts of trust, confidence, faith, and we-feeling feature prominently in discussions about international cooperation and conflict. In broad strokes, each term is typically used to refer to a notion of risk or dependability, that is, a sense or assessment of the extent to which someone or something can be relied upon. Yet, there is considerable confusion about what the respective concepts describe more specifically. Many analysts have resorted to using just one concept and not the others, risking conceptual overstretch and imprecision. To help provide clarity, I propose a novel taxonomy of distinctive notions of reliability organized around two key questions: First, is the notion in question internal or external to an individual’s mind? And second, is the notion concerned a product of considered reflection or unquestioned, reflexive assumptions?
The effectiveness of schoolteachers as first aid instructors
Authors: Tse Eleana , Plakitsi Katerina , Voulgaris Spyridon , Alexiou George A
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of specialised personnel versus schoolteachers in delivering first aid teaching and trauma management to children aged 4–8 years in Greece.

Methods:

An experimental study with an educational intervention was conducted, involving three groups of children: a control group which received no special teaching, and two experimental groups which received teaching by either regular teachers or specialised personnel. The study comprised 180 students with an average age of 6 years. Four repeated measurements were taken in the experimental groups, while the control group underwent a single measurement. An assessment of the children’s first aid knowledge and skills was undertaken using scenario-based observations with checklists and questionnaires.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in children’s first aid knowledge and skills between the two experimental groups ( p > .05). Participants in both teaching groups demonstrated significant improvements after teaching and maintained these skills at subsequent follow-ups ( p < .05).

Conclusion:

The study findings suggest that teacher-led first aid teaching can be as effective as teaching by specialised personnel for young children aged 4–8 years. Integrating first aid education into schools, delivered by teachers, can be a cost-effective approach to imparting valuable life-saving skills. These findings contribute to efforts in enhancing community safety by ensuring broad-based preparedness to respond to emergencies.