bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic-specific heterozygous loss of Dnmt3a exacerbates colitis-associated colon cancer
Authors: Feng Yang , Yuan Qingchen , Newsome Rachel C. , Robinson Troy , Bowman Robert L. , Zuniga Ashley N. , Hall Kendra N. , Bernsten Cassandra M. , Shabashvili Daniil E. , Krajcik Kathryn I. , Gunaratne Chamara , Zaroogian Zachary J. , Venugopal Kartika , Casellas Roman Heidi L. , Levine Ross L. , Chatila Walid K. , Yaeger Rona , Riva Alberto , Jobin Christian , Kopinke Daniel , Avram Dorina , Guryanova Olga A.
Published: August 2023

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is defined as clonal expansion of mutant hematopoietic stem cells absent diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy. Presence of CH in solid tumor patients, including colon cancer, correlates with shorter survival. We hypothesized that bone marrow–derived cells with heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of DNMT3A, the most common genetic alteration in CH, contribute to the pathogenesis of colon cancer. In a mouse model that combines colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) with experimental CH driven by Dnmt3a+/Δ, we found higher tumor penetrance and increased tumor burden compared with controls. Histopathological analysis revealed accentuated colonic epithelium injury, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma formation. Transcriptome profiling of colon tumors identified enrichment of gene signatures associated with carcinogenesis, including angiogenesis. Treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitor axitinib eliminated the colon tumor-promoting effect of experimental CH driven by Dnmt3a haploinsufficiency and rebalanced hematopoiesis. This study provides conceptually novel insights into non-tumor-cell-autonomous effects of hematopoietic alterations on colon carcinogenesis and identifies potential therapeutic strategies.
Mitochondrial morphology governs ATP production rate
Authors: Garcia Guadalupe C. , Gupta Kavya , Bartol Thomas M. , Sejnowski Terrence J. , Rangamani Padmini
Published: August 2023

Life is based on energy conversion. In particular, in the nervous system, significant amounts of energy are needed to maintain synaptic transmission and homeostasis. To a large extent, neurons depend on oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria to meet their high energy demand. For a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic demands in neuronal signaling, accurate models of ATP production in mitochondria are required. Here, we present a thermodynamically consistent model of ATP production in mitochondria based on previous work. The significant improvement of the model is that the reaction rate constants are set such that detailed balance is satisfied. Moreover, using thermodynamic considerations, the dependence of the reaction rate constants on membrane potential, pH, and substrate concentrations are explicitly provided. These constraints assure that the model is physically plausible. Furthermore, we explore different parameter regimes to understand in which conditions ATP production or its export are the limiting steps in making ATP available in the cytosol. The outcomes reveal that, under the conditions used in our simulations, ATP production is the limiting step and not its export. Finally, we performed spatial simulations with nine 3-D realistic mitochondrial reconstructions and linked the ATP production rate in the cytosol with morphological features of the organelles.
Structural similarity driven joint reconstruction of conductivity and sound speed in EIT/UTT dual-modality tomography
Authors: Liang Guanghui , Kolehmainen Ville , Vauhkonen Marko , Dong Feng
Published: August 2023

A multi-parameter joint reconstruction method is proposed for electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and ultrasonic transmission tomography (UTT) dual-modality tomography based on statistical joint inversion framework. The inherent correlation of two imaging modalities is that the conductivity and sound speed parameters share the same structure, which can be defined by the structural similarity of the spatial distributions of conductivity and sound speed. The structural similarity between conductivity and sound speed is quantitatively characterized by a joint prior model with total variation and cross-gradient functionals. The multi-parameter joint reconstruction problem is constructed by Bayesian joint inverse model, and solved by maximum a posterior method with alternate solution strategy. Numerical and experimental tests are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed EIT/UTT dual-modality tomography method with structural similarity promoting can improve the reconstruction accuracy of conductivity and sound speed compared with the traditional single-modality EIT and UTT methods.
Sharp uniqueness and stability of solution for an inverse source problem for the Schrödinger equation
Authors: Imanuvilov O Y , Yamamoto M
Published: August 2023

This article is concerned with the uniqueness and the stability for an inverse source problem of determining a spatially varying factor f(x) of a source term given by

R
(
t
)
f
(
x
)

with suitably given R(t) of the Schrödinger equation with time independent coefficients. In order to establish these results, for the Schrödinger equation, we prove (i) a logarithmic conditional stability estimate for a Cauchy problem attached with the zero Dirichlet boundary conditions on the whole boundary, (ii) the unique continuation for the Cauchy problem from an arbitrary small part of a lateral boundary. We do not assume any constraints on the geometry of the subboundary and an observation time length. The key is an integral transform with a kernel solving a null controllability problem for the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, which transforms a solution of the Schrödinger equation to a solution of an elliptic equation.
Design and simulation of a source of cold cadmium for atom interferometry
Authors: Bandarupally Satvika , Tinsley Jonathan N , Chiarotti Mauro , Poli Nicola
Published: August 2023

We present a novel optimised design for a source of cold atomic cadmium, compatible with continuous operation and potentially quantum degenerate gas production. The design is based on spatially segmenting the first and second-stages of cooling with the strong dipole-allowed 1S0-1P1 transition at 229 nm and the 326 nm 1S0-3P1 intercombination transition, respectively. Cooling at 229 nm operates on an effusive atomic beam and takes the form of a compact Zeeman slower (∼5 cm) and two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (MOT), both based on permanent magnets. This design allows for reduced interaction time with the photoionising 229 nm photons and produces a slow beam of atoms that can be directly loaded into a three-dimensional MOT using the intercombination transition. The efficiency of the above process is estimated across a broad range of experimentally feasible parameters via use of a Monte Carlo simulation, with loading rates up to 108 atoms s−1 into the 326 nm MOT possible with the oven at only 100 ∘C. The prospects for further cooling in a far-off-resonance optical-dipole trap and atomic launching in a moving optical lattice are also analysed, especially with reference to the deployment in a proposed dual-species cadmium-strontium atom interferometer.
Controlling optical bistability, multistability and all-optical switching through multi-photon excitation process
Authors: Garain Suman , Mondal Suman , Mal Kalan , Roy Subhasish , Bandyopadhyay Amitava
Published: August 2023

We present a theoretical study on optical bistability (OB), optical multistability (OM) and tunable all-optical switching in a four-level cascade type atomic system. The density matrix formalism is used to find out the response of the probe laser field. We explore OB and OM under unidirectional optical ring cavity configuration. A comparison between the effects of electromagnetically induced transparency and electromagnetically induced absorption windows on OB is presented. The threshold of OB and the hysteresis width can be tuned effectively by adjusting the applied coherent fields. A transition from OB to OM and vice-versa can be easily achieved by tuning the field parameters and the atomic cooperation parameter. Dynamic control of the probe laser propagating through the medium has been investigated. We also demonstrate conversion of a continuous wave input probe field into output switched pulse. The ON/OFF time of the switched probe pulse can also be controlled by tuning the field parameters.
Design and development of a detector system and software tool installed on a mobile laboratory to provide both radiological characterisation of large areas and a simple tool for localising radioactive sources
Authors: Rodríguez-Oliver P , Corbacho J A , Caballero J M
Published: August 2023

In emergency situations where an immediate response is required to make appropriate decisions by the competent authorities, it is essential to have measurement tools that provide results as accurate as possible in real-time. This paper presents the description of the upgrade of the mobile laboratory of the Radiological Alert Network of Extremadura, focusing on the characterisation of radioactive-contaminated land during emergency situations and the detection of radioactive sources. The detector system is based on two scintillation detectors and a car-borne dose rate monitor. Additionally, a software tool has been developed to collect information from the different devices involved (detectors, GPS, etc) and display it in an intuitive manner. This system has been tested in an area of a former phosphate facility where soils remain contaminated to varying degrees with radionuclides of TE-NORM origin.
Transient-extracting wavelet transform for impulsive-like signals and application to bearing fault detection
Authors: Bo Han , Zhigang Song , Chenglong Wei , Yiqi Zhou
Published: August 2023

Being able to characterize impulsive-like signals and extract their transitory features is difficult due to the presence of noise and irrelevant signal components in real signals. To address these problems, a brand-new time-frequency (TF) analysis technique called the transient-extracting wavelet transform is developed. This method is put forth by first investigating which TF coefficients can represent the fundamental TF properties of impulsive signals, and then designing an extraction operator to get the most related TF coefficients while simultaneously removing the unrelated ones. The signal reconstruction of this method is also analyzed. Additionally, a transient feature extraction approach is suggested for pinpointing the impulse’s occurrence timing, which is essential for correctly identifying the fault type. The analysis shows that the suggested method is more able to analyze impulsive-like data and is an effective bearing defect detector.
Design and testing of a sew-free origami mask for improvised respiratory protection
Authors: Realmuto Jonathan , Kleinman Michael T , Sanger Terence , Lawler Michael J , Smith James N
Published: August 2023

Respiratory aerosols with diameters smaller than 100 μm have been confirmed as important vectors for the spread of diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. While disposable and cloth masks afford some protection, they are typically inefficient at filtering these aerosols and require specialized fabrication devices to produce. We describe a fabrication technique that makes use of a folding procedure (origami) to transform any filtration material into a mask. These origami masks can be fabricated by non-experts at minimal cost and effort, provide adequate filtration efficiencies, and are easily scaled to different facial sizes. Using a mannequin fit test simulator, we demonstrate that these masks can provide filtration efficiencies of over 90% while simultaneously providing greater comfort as demonstrated by pressure drops of <20 Pa. We also quantify mask leakage by measuring the variations in filtration efficiency and pressure drop when masks are sealed to the mannequin face compared to when the mask is unsealed but positioned to achieve the best fit. While leakage generally trended with pressure drop, some of the best performing mask media achieved <10% reduction in filtration efficiency due to leakage. Because this mask can provide high filtration efficiencies at low pressure drop compared to commercial alternatives, it is likely to promote greater mask wearing tolerance and acceptance.
Effect of high temperature annealing on cryogenic transport properties of silicon MOSFETs with a thin SiO2/HfO2 stacked dielectric
Authors: Li Ze , Yuan Guo-Dong , Zhang Di , Liu Yu-Meng , Long Hao-Ran , He Li , Wang De-Chen , Wei Zhong-Ming , Luo Jun-Wei
Published: August 2023

Quantum computing is expected to break the computing power bottleneck with the help of quantum superposition and quantum entanglement. In order to fabricate fault-tolerant quantum computers for encoding quantum information, it is important to improve the cryogenic mobility of silicon-based metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) with a thin gate dielectric layer as much as possible. Based on a thin SiO2/HfO2 stacked dielectric, we investigate the effect of post-deposition annealing (PDA) temperature on the MOSFET cryogenic transport properties. The results show that silicon atoms will diffuse into the HfO2 to form silicates during PDA, leading to the HfO2 dielectric constant decrease. As the PDA temperature increases, the proportion of monoclinic hafnium oxide decreases and the tetragonal phase increases gradually. The oxygen vacancy content increases gradually, resulting in fixed charge density increases and the mobility decreases. The contribution of the forming gas annealing (FGA) to the mobility enhancement is clarified and the HfO2 recrystallization process is revealed from the perspective of long-time annealing. Finally, the mobility peak of silicon MOSFETs with thin SiO2/HfO2 dielectrics is enhanced to 1387 cm2(V·s)−1 at 1.6 K, which provides a technical pathway for the development of silicon-based quantum computation.
Research on bending vibration characteristics of phononic crystal plates based on Mindlin’s piezoelectric plate theory
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Zhou Chuanping , Dong Yuan , Zhu Shunpeng , Pei Wanrong , Weng Jiayou
Published: August 2023

Based on Mindlin’s theory and the plane wave expansion method, the formulas are proposed for the governing equations and dispersion relations of bending waves in piezoelectric phononic crystal plates. The shear correction factors can be obtained through transcendental equations based on forced vibrations of the plate. The plates are made of inclusions of different shapes and lattice types, finding that the inclusion shape dramatically affects the mid-to-high frequency band gaps. Piezoelectric materials exhibit distinct eigenfrequencies at the high-symmetry point Γ at low frequencies. Thickness affects the band gap width differently than in two-dimensional models, and cuts influence band gap width significantly.
Quantum sensing of electric field distributions of liquid electrolytes with NV-centers in nanodiamonds
Authors: Hollendonner M , Sharma S , Parthasarathy S K , Dasari D B R , Finkler A , Kusminskiy S V , Nagy R
Published: August 2023

To use batteries as large-scale energy storage systems it is necessary to measure and understand their degradation in-situ and in-operando. As a battery’s degradation is often the result of molecular processes inside the electrolyte, a sensing platform which allows to measure the ions with a high spatial resolution is needed. Primary candidates for such a platform are NV-centers in diamonds. We propose to use a single NV-center to deduce the electric field distribution generated by the ions inside the electrolyte through microwave pulse sequences. We show that the electric field can be reconstructed with great accuracy by using a protocol which includes different variations of the free induction decay to obtain the mean electric field components and a pulse sequence consisting of three polarized π-pulses to measure the electric field’s standard deviation

σ

E

. From a semi-analytical ansatz we find that for a lithium ion battery there is a direct relationship between

σ

E

and the ionic concentration. Our results show that it is therefore possible to use NV-centers as sensors to measure both the electric field distribution and the local ionic concentration inside electrolytes.
Evolution and interpretation of LIBS signals based on laser selective layered paint removal from aircraft composite tail
Authors: Shaolong Li , Shaohua Gao , Ziran Qian , Zhixing Wang , Yu Cao , Dehua Zhu , Xiaowei Zhu , Wenfeng Yang
Published: August 2023

The reliability and controllability of laser selective layered paint removal depend on effective online monitoring technology. In the process of laser cleaning the surface paint layer of the aircraft composite tail, this paper studied the evolution and interpretation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) signals. The laser power is adjusted to achieve different depths of the laser cleaned composite surface paint layer to compare the Pearson linear correlation between the LIBS online spectrum and the reference spectrum and decode the characteristic peak signal of the LIBS spectrum. The linear correlation of the LIBS spectra and the evolution of the characteristic peaks of the LIBS spectra are mutually verified to establish the intrinsic correlation between the controllability of layered paint removal and the variation of the LIBS spectra, which demonstrates the feasibility of the LIBS technology for online monitoring and feedback of laser paint removal. The results show that the Pearson correlation coefficient r was 0.87–0.89 for the laser cleaning depth range of 44.79–51.50 μm, the layered boundary of laser cleaning the topcoat without damaging the primer is reached, it is proved that the Pearson correlation coefficient r can determine the laser paint removal process. This research compared the different LIBS spectra with cleaning depths at 44.79 and 51.50 μm. It was found that the characteristic peak of strontium element Sr I at wavelength 460.66 nm could characterize the delamination boundary of laser paint removal from aircraft composite tail.
Tritium burn efficiency in deuterium–tritium magnetic fusion
Authors: Whyte D.G. , Delaporte-Mathurin R. , Ferry S.E. , Meschini S.
Published: August 2023

The controlling parameters regarding tritium burn efficiency (TBE) are derived from first principles and shown to depend fundamentally on the permitted He gas fraction in the divertor and effective pumping speeds of He ash and unburned hydrogenic fuel. The analysis is generic to any equilibrated magnet fusion plasma using a divertor for particle exhaust. The He gas fraction in the plasma limits the maximum TBE due to the link between ash dilution effects in the core plasma and fusion performance. High TBE in magnetic fusion devices is counter-correlated to achieving high gain and power density for commercial fusion. The impact of TBE on fusion performance for several figures of merit are derived, including power density, required

n
−

τ
e

product, and plasma energy gain

Q

p

. The TBE formulation presented here is applied to existing devices, based on published data of enrichment and

τ

He

∗

from research tokamaks. This assessment strongly motivates exploration of technologies that would enhance the effective pumping speed of He to fuel out of the plasma.
Low internal air space in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism may be an anatomical spandrel
Authors: Leverett Alistair , Borland Anne M , Inge Emma J , Hartzell Samantha
Published: August 2023

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a photosynthetic adaptation found in at least 38 plant families. Typically, the anatomy of CAM plants is characterized by large photosynthetic cells and a low percentage of leaf volume consisting of internal air space (% IAS). It has been suggested that reduced mesophyll conductance (gm) arising from low % IAS benefits CAM plants by preventing the movement of CO2 out of cells and ultimately minimizing leakage of CO2 from leaves into the atmosphere during day-time decarboxylation. Here, we propose that low % IAS does not provide any adaptive benefit to CAM plants, because stomatal closure during phase III of CAM will result in internal concentrations of CO2 becoming saturated, meaning low gm will not have any meaningful impact on the flux of gases within leaves. We suggest that low % IAS is more likely an indirect consequence of maximizing the cellular volume within a leaf, to provide space for the overnight storage of malic acid during the CAM cycle.
Novel roles of HSFs and HSPs, other than relating to heat stress, in temperature-mediated flowering
Authors: Majee Adity , Kumari Diksha , Sane Vidhu A , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2023

The thermotolerant ability of heat shock factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in plants has been shown. Recently, focus has been on their function in plant growth and development under non-stress conditions. Their role in flowering has been suggested given that lower levels of HSF/HSPs resulted in altered flowering in Arabidopsis. Genetic and molecular studies of Arabidopsis HSF/HSP mutants advocated an association with temperature-mediated regulation of flowering, but the fundamental genetic mechanism behind this phenomenon remains obscure. Here we outline plausible integration between HSFs/HSPs and temperature-dependent pathways in plants regulating flowering. Moreover, we discuss how similar pathways can be present in thermoperiodic geophytic plants that require ambient high temperatures for flowering induction.
The enantiostylous floral polymorphism of Barberetta aurea (Haemodoraceae) facilitates wing pollination by syrphid flies
Authors: Johnson Steven D , Midgley Jeremy J , Illing Nicola
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Sexual polymorphisms of flowers have traditionally been interpreted as devices that promote cross-pollination, but they may also represent adaptations for exploiting particular pollination niches in local environments. The cross-pollination function of enantiostyly, characterized by flowers having either left- or right-deflected styles, has been uncertain in some lineages, such as the Haemodoraceae, because the positioning of stamens and styles is not always completely reciprocal among morphs.

Methods

We examined the floral biology of populations of the poorly known species Barberetta aurea (Haemodoraceae) across its native range in South Africa to establish the general features of its enanatiostylous reproductive system and the agents and mechanism of pollen transfer.

Results

We confirmed that B. aurea has a system of dimorphic enantiostyly. Style morph ratios varied among populations sampled, but with an overall tendency to being equal. Crossing experiments demonstrated that B. aurea is fully self-compatible, that intra- and inter-morph crosses are equally fertile and that it is wholly dependent on pollinator visits for seed production. Pollination is mainly by syrphid flies that transfer the sticky pollen via their wings, which contact the anthers and stigma precisely as they hover during approach and feeding. The majority of syrphid fly visitors feed on a film of highly concentrated nectar situated at the base of ultraviolet-absorbent ‘nectar guides’. Because one of the three stamens is deflected in the same direction as the style, we predicted a high likelihood of intra-morph pollination, and this was corroborated by patterns of transfer of coloured dye particles in cage experiments involving syrphid flies.

Conclusions

Barbaretta aurea exhibits dimorphic enantiostyly and, in contrast to most enantiostylous species, which are pollinated by bees, its flowers are specialized for pollination by syrphid flies. The lack of complete reciprocity of the enantiostylous arrangement of sexual organs facilitates both inter- and intra-morph pollen transfer on the wings of these flies.
Gonomics: uniting high performance and readability for genomics with Go
Authors: Au Eric H , Fauci Christiana , Luo Yanting , Mangan Riley J , Snellings Daniel A , Shoben Chelsea R , Weaver Seth , Simpson Shae K , Lowe Craig B
Published: August 2023

Many existing software libraries for genomics require researchers to pick between competing considerations: the performance of compiled languages and the accessibility of interpreted languages. Go, a modern compiled language, provides an opportunity to address this conflict. We introduce Gonomics, an open-source collection of command line programs and bioinformatic libraries implemented in Go that unites readability and performance for genomic analyses. Gonomics contains packages to read, write, and manipulate a wide array of file formats (e.g. FASTA, FASTQ, BED, BEDPE, SAM, BAM, and VCF), and can convert and interface between these formats. Furthermore, our modular library structure provides a flexible platform for researchers developing their own software tools to address specific questions. These commands can be combined and incorporated into complex pipelines to meet the growing need for high-performance bioinformatic resources.

Availability and implementation

Gonomics is implemented in the Go programming language. Source code, installation instructions, and documentation are freely available at https://github.com/vertgenlab/gonomics.
P02 A case of congenital panhypopituitarism unmasked by PHACE screening
Authors: Finnegan Paula , Clarke Nicholas , Twomey John , Neylon Orla , Sadlier Muriel
Published: August 2023

PHACE syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder referring to the association of segmental infantile haemangiomas (IH) with congenital brain, arterial, cardiac, eye and mid-line anomalies. Endocrinopathies have infrequently been reported with PHACE syndrome. We present a case of congenital panhypopituitarism detected during PHACE workup. A 7-week-old girl presented with a large 4 × 4 cm superficial partially segmental IH on the mid-neck and three small superficial IHs on the scalp and trunk. She was born at term following an uncomplicated pregnancy. She had a 10-day NICU admission for neonatal hypoglycaemia and hypotonia which had fully resolved. Brain MRI showed an ectopic pituitary gland and an absent pituitary stalk. No other vascular, cardiac or intracranial abnormalities were identified. Dynamic pituitary testing demonstrated severe cortisol deficiency (< 3), central hypothyroidism (TSH 1.82, free T4 9.2) and undetectable gonadotrophins (LH < 1.0, FSH < 1.0), consistent with congenital panhypopituitarism. She was commenced on hormone replacement therapy by endocrinology. A dramatic behavioural difference was noted by her parents within days of starting treatment with increased alertness and less daytime somnolence. Of note there had been no medical or developmental concerns prior to her screening. Her heel prick test had not detected hypothyroidism. She was commenced on propranolol 2 mg kg–1 daily for her IH with excellent response and tolerability. Congenital or acquired endocrinopathy can occur in PHACE syndrome both in the presence and absence of pituitary defects. It is important to be aware of endocrine manifestations in these patients.
Focal seizures unfold variably over time
Authors: Baud Maxime O , Rao Vikram R
Published: August 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Chronic intracranial EEG recordings and interictal spike rate reveal multiscale temporal modulations in seizure states’ by Schroeder et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad205).
Altered neural oscillations underlying visuospatial processing in cerebral visual impairment
Authors: Federici Alessandra , Bennett Christopher R , Bauer Corinna M , Manley Claire E , Ricciardi Emiliano , Bottari Davide , Merabet Lotfi B
Published: August 2023

Visuospatial processing deficits are commonly observed in individuals with cerebral visual impairment, even in cases where visual acuity and visual field functions are intact. Cerebral visual impairment is a brain-based visual disorder associated with the maldevelopment of central visual pathways and structures. However, the neurophysiological basis underlying higher-order perceptual impairments in this condition has not been clearly identified, which in turn poses limits on developing rehabilitative interventions. Using combined eye tracking and EEG recordings, we assessed the profile and performance of visual search on a naturalistic virtual reality-based task. Participants with cerebral visual impairment and controls with neurotypical development were instructed to search, locate and fixate on a specific target placed among surrounding distractors at two levels of task difficulty. We analysed evoked (phase-locked) and induced (non-phase-locked) components of broadband (4–55 Hz) neural oscillations to uncover the neurophysiological basis of visuospatial processing. We found that visual search performance in cerebral visual impairment was impaired compared to controls (as indexed by outcomes of success rate, reaction time and gaze error). Analysis of neural oscillations revealed markedly reduced early-onset evoked theta [4–6 Hz] activity (within 0.5 s) regardless of task difficulty. Moreover, while induced alpha activity increased with task difficulty in controls, this modulation was absent in the cerebral visual impairment group identifying a potential neural correlate related to deficits with visual search and distractor suppression. Finally, cerebral visual impairment participants also showed a sustained induced gamma response [30–45 Hz]. We conclude that impaired visual search performance in cerebral visual impairment is associated with substantial alterations across a wide range of neural oscillation frequencies. This includes both evoked and induced components suggesting the involvement of feedforward and feedback processing as well as local and distributed levels of neural processing.
Age differences in interbrain synchronization during peer cooperation: an EEG hyperscanning study
Authors: Yang Meng , Li Xinqi , Sang Biao , Deng Xinmei
Published: August 2023

Healthy peer relationships could provide emotional and social support for adolescents experiencing dramatic physical and environmental changes. Examining age differences in cognitive neural processing during peer interaction provides insight into adolescent interpersonal contact and “social brain” development. The present study compared the age differences between adolescents and adults by examining the behavior and interbrain synchronization of pairs in a cooperative computer game task. 32 pairs of adolescents and 31 pairs of adults were recruited as participants. The reaction times and interbrain synchronization of the participants were measured. The results revealed that interbrain synchronization activation following the onset of the “ready signal” was primarily detected in low-frequency bands such as delta and theta. Adolescent pairs’ interbrain synchronization activations were significantly higher than those of adult pairs in the anterior and central brain regions, such as the frontal, frontal-central, and parietal lobes. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between occipital region interbrain synchronization and behavioral performance. The findings provide behavioral and neurophysiological evidence for the characteristics of adolescent interpersonal cognitive processing and point to the significance of low-frequency interbrain synchronization in interpersonal coordination.
Anti-HIV drugs lopinavir/ritonavir activate bitter taste receptors
Authors: Chen Shurui , Zhou Xinyi , Lu Yongcheng , Xu Keman , Wen Jiao , Cui Meng
Published: August 2023

Lopinavir and ritonavir (LPV/r) are the primary anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs recommended by the World Health Organization for treating children aged 3 years and above who are infected with the HIV. These drugs are typically available in liquid formulations to aid in dosing for children who cannot swallow tablets. However, the strong bitter taste associated with these medications can be a significant obstacle to adherence, particularly in young children, and can jeopardize the effectiveness of the treatment. Studies have shown that poor palatability can affect the survival rate of HIV-infected children. Therefore, developing more child-friendly protease inhibitor formulations, particularly those with improved taste, is critical for children with HIV. The molecular mechanism by which lopinavir and ritonavir activate bitter taste receptors, TAS2Rs, is not yet clear. In this study, we utilized a calcium mobilization assay to characterize the activation of bitter taste receptors by lopinavir and ritonavir. We discovered that lopinavir activates TAS2R1 and TAS2R13, while ritonavir activates TAS2R1, TAS2R8, TAS2R13, and TAS2R14. The development of bitter taste blockers that target these receptors with a safe profile would be highly desirable in eliminating the unpleasant bitter taste of these anti-HIV drugs.
Two faces of benefit generosity: comparing justice preferences in the access to and level of welfare benefits
Authors: Van Hootegem Arno , Meuleman Bart , Abts Koen
Published: August 2023

Welfare generosity is a multidimensional concept that refers to both the access to benefits and the levels of benefits (in terms of the amounts paid to recipients). However, in analyses of public support for welfare, this distinction has been largely disregarded. To gain a fuller picture of attitudes towards welfare redistribution, the current study explicitly compares the two elements and examines which distributive justice principles—that is, equality, equity, and need—are preferred to govern, on the one hand, the access to benefits and, on the other hand, their levels. The article evaluates this distinction in two different distributive contexts (pensions and unemployment benefits) and contrasts social-structural as well as ideological dividing lines. For this purpose, data from the Belgian National Elections Study 2019 are analysed. The results indicate that the access to and levels of benefits are clearly distinct dimensions in public opinion, as different justice principles are preferred for the two policy dimensions. In addition, structural equation models illustrate that the access dimension is more ideologically structured, whereas preferences regarding the levels of benefits are more strongly stratified along social-structural lines. Overall, the results imply that social justice preferences are clearly different when considering the access to benefits or their level. This distinction should be taken into account in welfare attitude research.
Temporal trends of cause-specific mortality after diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wu Jianhua , Nadarajah Ramesh , Nakao Yoko M , Nakao Kazuhiro , Wilkinson Chris , Cowan J Campbell , Camm A John , Gale Chris P
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Reports of outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate mortality and hospitalization rates following AF diagnosis over time, by cause and by patient features.

Methods

Individuals aged ≥16 years with a first diagnosis of AF were identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink-GOLD dataset from 1 January 2001, to 31 December 2017. The primary outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific mortality and hospitalization at 1 year following diagnosis. Poisson regression was used to calculate rate ratios (RRs) for mortality and incidence RRs (IRRs) for hospitalization and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing 2001/02 and 2016/17, adjusted for age, sex, region, socio-economic status, and 18 major comorbidities.

Results

Of 72 412 participants, mean (standard deviation) age was 75.6 (12.4) years, and 44 762 (61.8%) had ≥3 comorbidities. All-cause mortality declined (RR 2016/17 vs. 2001/02 0.72; 95% CI 0.65–0.80), with large declines for cardiovascular (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.37–0.58) and cerebrovascular mortality (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.29–0.60) but not for non-cardio/cerebrovascular causes of death (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.80–1.04). In 2016/17, deaths caused from dementia (67, 8.0%), outstripped deaths from acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and acute stroke combined (56, 6.7%, P < .001). Overall hospitalization rates increased (IRR 2016/17 vs. 2001/02 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13–1.22), especially for non-cardio/cerebrovascular causes (IRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.39–1.45). Older, more deprived, and hospital-diagnosed AF patients experienced higher event rates.

Conclusions

After AF diagnosis, cardio/cerebrovascular mortality and hospitalization has declined, whilst hospitalization for non-cardio/cerebrovascular disease has increased.
From gene-discovery to gene-tailored clinical management: 25 years of research in channelopathies and cardiomyopathies
Authors: Crotti Lia , Brugada Pedro , Calkins Hugh , Chevalier Philippe , Conte Giulio , Finocchiaro Gherardo , Postema Pieter G , Probst Vincent , Schwartz Peter J , Behr Elijah R
Published: August 2023

In the early nineties, few years before the birth of Europace, the clinical and scientific world of familial arrhythmogenic conditions was revolutionized by the identification of the first disease-causing genes. The explosion of genetic studies over a 15-year period led to the discovery of major disease-causing genes in practically all channelopathies and cardiomyopathies, bringing insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of these conditions. The birth of next generation sequencing allowed a further step forward and other significant genes, as CALM1–3 in channelopathies and FLN C and TTN in cardiomyopathies were identified. Genotype–phenotype studies allowed the implementation of the genetic results in diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic management with a different level of evidence in different arrhythmogenic conditions. The influence of common genetic variants, i.e. SNPs, on disease manifestation was proved in mid-twenties, and in the last 10 years with the advent of genome-wide association studies performed in familial arrhythmogenic diseases, the concept of polygenic risk score has been consolidated. Now, we are at the start of another amazing phase, i.e. the initiation of first gene therapy clinical trials.
Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention: 25 years of research at EP Europace journal
Authors: Lip Gregory Y H , Proietti Marco , Potpara Tatjana , Mansour Moussa , Savelieva Irina , Tse Hung Fat , Goette Andreas , Camm A John , Blomstrom-Lundqvist Carina , Gupta Dhiraj , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is one pillar of the management of this common arrhythmia. Substantial advances in the epidemiology and associated pathophysiology underlying AF-related stroke and thrombo-embolism are evident. Furthermore, the introduction of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (also called direct oral anticoagulants) has clearly changed our approach to stroke prevention in AF, such that the default should be to offer oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention, unless the patient is at low risk. A strategy of early rhythm control is also beneficial in reducing strokes in selected patients with recent onset AF, when compared to rate control. Cardiovascular risk factor management, with optimization of comorbidities and attention to lifestyle factors, and the patient’s psychological morbidity are also essential. Finally, in selected patients with absolute contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion or exclusion may be considered. The aim of this state-of-the-art review article is to provide an overview of the current status of AF-related stroke and prevention strategies. A holistic or integrated care approach to AF management is recommended to minimize the risk of stroke in patients with AF, based on the evidence-based Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway, as follows: A: Avoid stroke with Anticoagulation; B: Better patient-centred, symptom-directed decisions on rate or rhythm control; C: Cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidity optimization, including lifestyle changes.
Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices and disease management
Authors: Varma Niraj , Braunschweig Frieder , Burri Haran , Hindricks Gerhard , Linz Dominik , Michowitz Yoav , Ricci Renato Pietro , Nielsen Jens Cosedis
Published: August 2023

This reviews the transition of remote monitoring of patients with cardiac electronic implantable devices from curiosity to standard of care. This has been delivered by technology evolution from patient-activated remote interrogations at appointed intervals to continuous monitoring that automatically flags clinically actionable information to the clinic for review. This model has facilitated follow-up and received professional society recommendations. Additionally, continuous monitoring has provided a new level of granularity of diagnostic data enabling extension of patient management from device to disease management. This ushers in an era of digital medicine with wider applications in cardiovascular medicine.
Meiosis in budding yeast
Authors: Börner G Valentin , Hochwagen Andreas , MacQueen Amy J
Published: August 2023

Meiosis is a specialized cell division program that is essential for sexual reproduction. The two meiotic divisions reduce chromosome number by half, typically generating haploid genomes that are packaged into gametes. To achieve this ploidy reduction, meiosis relies on highly unusual chromosomal processes including the pairing of homologous chromosomes, assembly of the synaptonemal complex, programmed formation of DNA breaks followed by their processing into crossovers, and the segregation of homologous chromosomes during the first meiotic division. These processes are embedded in a carefully orchestrated cell differentiation program with multiple interdependencies between DNA metabolism, chromosome morphogenesis, and waves of gene expression that together ensure the correct number of chromosomes is delivered to the next generation. Studies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have established essentially all fundamental paradigms of meiosis-specific chromosome metabolism and have uncovered components and molecular mechanisms that underlie these conserved processes. Here, we provide an overview of all stages of meiosis in this key model system and highlight how basic mechanisms of genome stability, chromosome architecture, and cell cycle control have been adapted to achieve the unique outcome of meiosis.
Neighborhood context and children's health care utilization and health outcomes: a comprehensive descriptive analysis of national survey data
Authors: Annis Izabela E , deJong Neal A , Christian Robert B , Davis Scott A , Hughes Phillip M , Thomas Kathleen C
Published: August 2023

While child health and health care disparities arising from unequal distribution of resources are well documented, a nationally representative inventory of health and well-being for children across the spectrum of opportunity is lacking. Using the nationally representative sample of children from pooled 2013–2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data linked to the census-tract-level Child Opportunity Index 2.0, a composite measure of neighborhood health, education, and socioeconomic conditions, we describe US children's socioeconomic characteristics, health care utilization and expenditures across the spectrum of child neighborhood opportunity levels. We found that neighborhood level of child opportunity was associated with almost all of children's health status, health care utilization, expenditures, access to care, and satisfaction with care outcomes. Children living in lower-opportunity neighborhoods had the highest rates of poor physical and mental health status and fewest ambulatory care visits but accounted for the highest share of emergency department visits. Their parents were also least likely to report having positive experiences with health care, good communication with providers, and easy access to care. Our findings underscore the myriad harms to children of gaps in health, education, and financial resources at the community level and provide targets for public investments to improve child-focused outcomes.
Further examination of the support quandary hypothesis: a weekly diary study of how uncertainty both motivates and challenges supporting close others with mental illness
Authors: Thompson Charee M , Taniguchi-Dorios Emiko , Reid Tingting
Published: August 2023

This study further examines a difficult experience for support providers in close relationships that we are calling the social support quandary hypothesis: Mental illness uncertainty simultaneously increases fear/anxiety and decreases supportive communication efficacy. In turn, fear/anxiety motivates support provision, but supportive communication efficacy is needed to provide support and for support to be of quality. Undergraduate students (N = 201) completed weekly online surveys. Broadly, findings at both within-person and between-person levels supported the mediating role of fear/anxiety and supportive communication efficacy in the relationship between mental illness uncertainty and quantity of emotional support provision and between mental illness uncertainty and social support quality. Information quality issues interacted with mental illness uncertainty at the within-person level, and the nature of the interactions differed by support outcome. We discuss this study’s theoretical and practical implications for understanding support provision in the context of chronic illnesses, such as mental illness.
Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 Attenuates Myocardial and Mitochondrial Injury in Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Tangtian , Ye Liang , Zhu Jing , Tan Bin , Yi Qin , Sun Yanting , Xie Qiumin , Xiang Han , Wang Rui , Tian Jie , Xu Hao
Published: August 2023

Background

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a cardiac dysfunction caused by sepsis, with mitochondrial dysfunction being a critical contributor. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is a kinase of pyruvate dehydrogenase with multifaceted actions in mitochondrial metabolism. However, its role in SIC remains unknown.

Methods

Serum PDK4 levels were measured and analyzed in 27 children with SIC, 30 children with sepsis, and 29 healthy children. In addition, for mice exhibiting SIC, the effects of PDK4 knockdown or inhibition on the function and structure of the myocardium and mitochondria were assessed.

Results

The findings from the analysis of children with SIC revealed that PDK4 was significantly elevated and correlated with disease severity and organ injury. Nonsurvivors displayed higher serum PDK4 levels than survivors. Furthermore, mice with SIC benefited from PDK4 knockdown or inhibition, showing improved myocardial contractile function, reduced myocardial injury, and decreased mitochondrial structural injury and dysfunction. In addition, inhibition of PDK4 decreased the inhibitory phosphorylation of PDHE1α (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1 subunit α) and improved abnormal pyruvate metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions

PDK4 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of SIC. In experimental SIC, PDK4 promoted mitochondrial dysfunction with increased phosphorylation of PDHE1α and abnormal pyruvate metabolism.
Modelling calibration uncertainty in networks of environmental sensors
Authors: Smith Michael Thomas , Ross Magnus , Ssematimba Joel , Álvarez Mauricio A , Bainomugisha Engineer , Wilkinson Richard
Published: August 2023

Networks of low-cost environmental sensors are becoming ubiquitous, but often suffer from poor accuracies and drift. Regular colocation with reference sensors allows recalibration but is complicated and expensive. Alternatively, the calibration can be transferred using low-cost, mobile sensors. However, inferring the calibration (with uncertainty) becomes difficult. We propose a variational approach to model the calibration across the network. We demonstrate the approach on synthetic and real air pollution data and find it can perform better than the state-of-the-art (multi-hop calibration). In Summary: The method achieves uncertainty-quantified calibration, which has been one of the barriers to low-cost sensor deployment.