bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between hopping dimerization and quasi-periodicity on flux-driven circular current in an incommensurate Su–Schrieffer–Heeger ring
Authors: Roy Souvik , Ganguly Sudin , Maiti Santanu K.
Published: March 2023

We report for the first time the phenomenon of flux-driven circular current in an isolated Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) quantum ring in presence of cosine modulation in the form of the Aubry–André–Harper (AAH) model. The quantum ring is described within a tight-binding framework, where the effect of magnetic flux is incorporated through Peierls substitution. Depending on the arrangements of AAH site potentials we have two different kinds of ring systems that are referred to as staggered and non-staggered AAH SSH rings. The interplay between the hopping dimerization and quasiperiodic modulation leads to several new features in the energy band spectrum and persistent current which we investigate critically. An atypical enhancement of current with increasing AAH modulation strength is obtained that gives a clear signature of transition from a low conducting phase to a high conducting one. The specific roles of AAH phase, magnetic flux, electron filling, intra- and inter-cell hopping integrals, and ring size are discussed thoroughly. We also study the effect of random disorder on persistent current with hopping dimerization to compare the results with the uncorrelated ones. Our analysis can be extended further in studying magnetic responses of similar kinds of other hybrid systems in presence of magnetic flux.
Contractility-induced self-organization of smooth muscle cells: from multilayer cell sheets to dynamic three-dimensional clusters
Authors: Wang Xiuyu , Gonzalez-Rodriguez David , Vourc’h Thomas , Silberzan Pascal , Barakat Abdul I.
Published: March 2023

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are mural cells that play a vital contractile function in many tissues. Abnormalities in SMC organization are associated with many diseases including atherosclerosis, asthma, and uterine fibroids. Various studies have reported that SMCs cultured on flat surfaces can spontaneously form three-dimensional clusters whose organization resembles that encountered in some of these pathological settings. Remarkably, how these structures form remains unknown. Here we combine in vitro experiments and physical modeling to show that three-dimensional clusters initiate when cellular contractile forces induce a hole in a flat SMC sheet, a process that can be modeled as the brittle fracture of a viscoelastic material. The subsequent evolution of the nascent cluster can be modeled as an active dewetting process with cluster shape evolution driven by a balance between cluster surface tension, arising from both cell contractility and adhesion, and cluster viscous dissipation. The description of the physical mechanisms governing the spontaneous emergence of these intriguing three-dimensional clusters may offer insight into SMC-related disorders.
Human parasagittal dura is a potential neuroimmune interface
Authors: Melin Erik , Ringstad Geir , Valnes Lars Magnus , Eide Per Kristian
Published: March 2023

Parasagittal dura (PSD) is located on both sides of the superior sagittal sinus and harbours arachnoid granulations and lymphatic vessels. Efflux of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to human PSD has recently been shown in vivo. Here we obtain PSD volumes from magnetic resonance images in 76 patients under evaluation for CSF disorders and correlate them to age, sex, intracranial volumes, disease category, sleep quality, and intracranial pressure. In two subgroups, we also analyze tracer dynamics and time to peak tracer level in PSD and blood. PSD volume is not explained by any single assessed variable, but tracer level in PSD is strongly associated with tracer in CSF and brain. Furthermore, peak tracer in PSD occurs far later than peak tracer in blood, implying that PSD is no major efflux route for CSF. These observations may indicate that PSD is more relevant as a neuroimmune interface than as a CSF efflux route.
Experimental and density functional study of the light-assisted gas-sensing performance of a TiO2–CoFe2O4 heterojunction
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Zhang Lu , Kang Yanli , Yang Xiaodong , Ge Shenguang , Yu Feng
Published: March 2023

Toluene gas as a solvent is widely present in industrial production and indoor decoration, and can seriously harm human health even at low concentrations.
Ionic liquid-based electrolysis-deposition for modulating Pb crystal facets to boost CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Jiang Chongyang , Zeng Shaojuan , Feng Jiaqi , Li Guilin , Wang Zongxu , Peng Kuilin , Bai Lu , Zhang Xiangping
Published: March 2023

The IL-based electrolysis-deposition method was used to modulate Pb crystal facets (ED-Pb) for enhancing the CO2RR. ED-Pb-900 shows a formate formation rate of 2067.2 μmol h−1 cm−2, due to the preferential exposure of Pb(111) and larger ECSA.
Activating dual atomic electrocatalysts for the nitric oxide reduction reaction through the P/S element
Authors: Zang Yanmei , Wu Qian , Wang Shuhua , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Ma Yandong
Published: March 2023

A novel mechanism of introducing the P/S element is proposed to activate the TM atom of dual-atomic electrocatalysts for NORR.
Sulfur-modulated metal–organic framework MIL-101(Fe) with CQDs anchored as an efficient light-driven photocatalyst: photocatalytic performance and mechanism investigation
Authors: Huang Yuwen , Yu Zongxue , Wang Pingquan , Li Shuangli , Tan Qiuyue , He Niandan , Xiang Qingcan
Published: March 2023

A novel sulfur-modulated metal–organic framework photocatalyst, MIL-101(Fe), with CQDs anchored on its surface has been successfully synthesized to efficiently separate photo-induced carriers for the degradation of Rhodamine B and Cr6+ removal.
Lithium salt-regulated dual-stabilized elastomeric quasi-solid electrolyte for high-voltage lithium metal batteries
Authors: Liu Yali , Xu Youlong , Wang Jing , Niu Yao , Ding Xiangdong
Published: March 2023

An elastomeric quasi-solid electrolyte was fabricated by the incorporation of LiDFOB. LiDFOB facilitated uniform lithium deposition morphology and decomposed to form a LiF-rich CEI to enhance the high-voltage (4.7 V) battery performance.
A novel dehydroabietic acid-based multifunctional fluorescent probe for the detection and bioimaging of Cu2+/Zn2+/ClO−
Authors: Sun Lu , Wang Zhonglong , Chen Linlin , Sun Xuebao , Yang Zihui , Gu Wen
Published: March 2023

A novel dehydroabietic acid-based fluorescent probe (CPS) was designed and synthesized for selectively sensing Cu2+, Zn2+ and ClO− ions from other analytes, and it was successfully utilized for bioimaging in living cells and zebrafishes.
Axially chiral N-alkyl-N-cinnamoyl amide type P,olefin ligands for Pd-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Mino Takashi , Takaya Kaho , Koki Kaito , Akimoto Natsume , Yoshida Yasushi , Kasashima Yoshio , Sakamoto Masami
Published: March 2023

We synthesized cinnamoyl amide type compounds 1 with axial chirality. We demonstrated the use of (–)-1 for chiral ligands in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions of allylic esters with indoles (up to 97% ee).
Recent progress in heteroatom doping to modulate the coordination environment of M–N–C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Xie Xuan , Peng Hui , Ma Guofu , Lei Ziqiang , Xu Yuxi
Published: March 2023

This review focuses on the effects of heteroatom doping on the coordination configuration and electronic structure of M–N–C catalysts for ORR from three aspects: coordinated atoms, environmental atoms, and axial coordinated atoms.
Variable switching frequency PWM for quasi‐Z‐Source inverter based on DC current ripple prediction
Authors: Liu Xin , Huang Zhenbin , Wang Litong
Published: March 2023

Herein, a variable switching frequency pulse width (VSFPWM) modulation strategy for quasi‐Z‐source inverter (qZSI) based on a recently proposed modulation method, named as ZSVM8, is proposed. The formulae of quasi‐Z‐source inverter inductor current ripple of ZSVM8 are deduced in detail, and a prediction model for the current ripple is obtained. Combining with the VSFPWM technique, an improved modulation method named ZSVM8 VSFPWM is proposed to further reduce the switching times without increasing the maximum inductor current ripple. As a result, the switching losses can be reduced compared with the conventional ZSVM8. Besides, ZSVM8 VSFPWM also suppresses electromagnetic interference noise, such as current EMI and common‐mode voltage. Simulations and hardware experimental results are implemented to verify the efficacies of the proposed modulation method.
Preventive frequency control of a microgrid with deloaded wind turbines using analytical frequency predictor and a PSO‐based pitch angle optimizer
Authors: Luo Guo‐Tai , Xiao Li‐Quan , Huang Yu‐Jia , Hsu Yuan‐Yih
Published: March 2023

Microgrids that rely heavily on photovoltaic (PV) and wind generation are vulnerable to frequency dips under severe weather conditions. This paper presents a preventive frequency control strategy to avoid under‐frequency load‐shedding due to drastic changes in renewable power generation and load. An analytical frequency predictor based on series expansion of matrix exponential is first presented to estimate future system frequency accurately in an efficient manner. When there is risk that future system frequency will drop to a level below the under‐frequency threshold, the pitch angle is increased in advance according to a trapezoidal pitch angle command such that mechanical energy can be stored in the de‐loaded wind turbine. The reserved mechanical energy is released later on to improve future frequency nadir to a level above the under‐frequency threshold. The parameters for the trapezoidal pitch angle command such as time and maximum pitch angle are determined using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Results from MATLAB/Simulink simulations demonstrated the accuracy of the proposed analytical frequency predictor and the effectiveness of the proposed preventive frequency controller in avoiding future under‐frequency load‐shedding.
Transient obscuration event captured in NGC 3227
Authors: Grafton-Waters S. , Mao J. , Mehdipour M. , Branduardi-Raymont G. , Page M. , Kaastra J. , Wang Y. , Pinto C. , Kriss G. A. , Walton D. J. , Petrucci P.-O. , Ponti G. , De Marco B. , Bianchi S. , Behar E. , Ebrero J.
Published: March 2023

Context. Obscuration events in type I active galactic nuclei (AGN) have been detected more frequently in recent years. The strong flux decrease in the soft X-ray band between observations has been caused by clouds with large column densities transiting our line of sight (LOS) and covering the central AGN. Another event has been captured in NGC 3227 at the end of 2019, which was observed with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and the Hubble Space Telescope.

Aims. We aim to determine the nature and origin of the observed spectral variability in the 2019 obscuration event.

Methods. We study the evolution of the obscurer by splitting the two XMM-Newton observations from 2019 into timing bins of length ∼10 ks. We used the SPEX code to analyse the 0.35–10 keV EPIC-PN spectra of each timing bin.

Results. In the first observation (Obs 1), there is a strong anti-correlation between the column density (NH) of the obscurer and the continuum normalisations of the X-ray power law and soft Comptonisation components (Npow and Ncomt, respectively). The power-law continuum models the hard X-rays produced by the corona, and the Comptonisation component models the soft X-ray excess and emission from the accretion disk. Through further testing, we conclude that the continuum is likely to drive the observed variability, but we cannot rule out a possible contribution from NH of the obscurer if it fully transverses across the ionising source within our LOS during the observation. The ionisation parameter (ξ) of the obscurer is not easily constrained, and therefore it is not clear whether it varies in response to changes in the ionising continuum. The second observation (Obs 2) displays a significantly lower count rate due to the combination of a high NH and covering fraction of the obscurer, and a lower continuum flux.

Conclusions. The observed variability seen during the obscuration event of NGC 3227 in 2019 is likely driven by the continuum, but the obscurer varies at the same time, making it difficult to distinguish between the two possibilities with full certainty.
Topology of reionisation times: Concepts, measurements, and comparisons to Gaussian random field predictions
Authors: Thélie Emilie , Aubert Dominique , Gillet Nicolas , Hiegel Julien , Ocvirk Pierre
Published: March 2023

Context.In the next decade, radio telescopes, such as the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), will explore the Universe at high redshift, and particularly during the epoch of reionisation (EoR). The first structures emerged during this epoch, and their radiation reionised the previously cold and neutral gas of the Universe, creating ionised bubbles that percolate at the end of the EoR (z ∼ 6). SKA will produce 2D images of the distribution of the neutral gas at many redshifts, pushing us to develop tools and simulations to understand its properties.

Aims.With this paper, we aim to measure topological statistics of the EoR in the so-called reionisation time fields from both cosmological and semi-analytical simulations. This field informs us about the time of reionisation of the gas at each position; it is used to probe the inhomogeneities of reionisation histories and can be extracted from 21 cm maps. We also compare these measurements with analytical predictions obtained within Gaussian random field (GRF) theory.

Methods.The GRF theory allows us to compute many statistics of a field, namely the probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the field or its gradient, isocontour length, critical point distributions, and skeleton length. We compare these theoretical predictions to measurements made on reionisation time fields extracted from anEMMAsimulation and a21cmFASTsimulation at 1 cMpc/h resolution. We also compared our results to GRFs generated from the fitted power spectra of the simulation maps.

Results.BothEMMAand21cmFASTreionisation time fields (treion(r)) are close to being Gaussian fields, in contrast with the 21 cm, density, or ionisation fraction, which have all been shown to be non-Gaussian. Only accelerating ionisation fronts at the end of the EoR seem to be the cause of small non-gaussianities intreion(r). Overall, this topological description of reionisation times provides a new quantitative and reproducible way to characterise the EoR scenario. Under the assumption of GRFs, it enables the generation of reionisation models with their propagation, percolation, or seed statistics simply from the reionisation time power spectrum. Conversely, these topological statistics provide a means to constrain the properties of the power spectrum and by extension the physics that drive the propagation of radiation.
Dynamical evolution of basaltic asteroids outside the Vesta family in the inner main belt
Authors: Troianskyi Volodymyr , Kankiewicz Paweł , Oszkiewicz Dagmara
Published: March 2023

Context. Basaltic V-type asteroids are leftovers from the formation and evolution of differentiated planetesimals. They are thought to originate from mantles and crusts of multiple different parent bodies. Identifying the links between individual V-type asteroids and multiple planetesimals is challenging, especially in the inner part of the main asteroid belt, where the majority of V-type asteroids are expected to have originated from a single planetesimal, namely, (4) Vesta.

Aims. In this work, we aim to trace the origin of a number of individual V-type asteroids from the inner part of the main asteroid belt. The main goal is to identify asteroids that may not be traced back to (4) Vesta and may therefore originate from other differentiated planetesimals.

Methods. We performed a 2 Gyr backward numerical integration of the orbits of the selected V-type asteroids. For each asteroid, we used 1001 clones to map the effect of orbital uncertainties. In the integration, we use information on physical properties of the considered V-type asteroids such as pole orientation, rotational period, and thermal parameters.

Results. The majority of the studied objects can be traced back to the Vesta family within 2 Gyr of integration. The number of objects of the low-inclination V-types did not reach the boundary of the Vesta family during the integration time. Two asteroids, namely, (3307) Athabasca and (17028) 1999 FJ5, do not show a dynamic link to (4) Vesta. Increasing the integration time for these objects leads to further separation from (4) Vesta.

Conclusions. The majority of V-types in the inner main belt outside the Vesta family are clearly Vesta fugitives. Two objects, namely, (3307) Athabasca and (17028) 1999 FJ5, show no clear dynamical link to (4) Vesta. Together with (809) Lundia (from our previous work), these objects could represent the parent bodies of anomalous HED meteorites such as the Banbura Rockhole. Furthermore, some objects of the low-inclination population cannot be traced back to (4) Vesta within the 2 Gyr integration.
Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion as a Predictor of Moderate–Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Comparative Cohort Study of Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Bolat Fatih , Dursun Mesut , Sarıaydın Mehmet
Published: March 2023

Objective Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units. Our aim was to evaluate association between packed red blood cell transfusion and the development of BPD in very preterm infants.

Study Design This retrospective study of very preterm infants (mean gestational age: 27.1 ± 2.4 weeks, birth weight: 970 ± 271 g) was conducted at Biruni University (Turkey) between July 2016 and December 2020.

Results BPD developed in 107 of the 246 enrolled neonates, including 47 (43.9%), 27 (25.3%), and 33 (30.8%) diagnosed with mild, moderate, and severe BPD, respectively. A total of 728 transfusions were administered. The increased number (4 transfusions [2–7] vs. 1 [1–3], p = 0.001) and volume of transfusions (75 mL/kg volume [40–130] vs. 20 [15–43], p = 0.001) were significantly higher in infants with BPD compared to those without BPD. The transfusion volume cut-off for the prediction of BPD by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 42 mL/kg (sensitivity 73.6%; specificity 75%; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.82). In multivariate analysis, multiple transfusions and larger transfusion volume were independent risk factors for moderate–severe BPD.

Conclusion The increased number and volume of transfusions were associated with BPD in very preterm infants. A packed red blood cell transfusion volume ≥42 mL/kg was a statistically significant predictor of the development of BPD at a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks.

Key Points
Systematic Review of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Outcomes in Pregnancy and a Proposed Management Guideline
Authors: Champion Macie L. , Maier Julia G. , Bushman Elisa T. , Barney Joseph B. , Casey Brian M. , Sinkey Rachel G.
Published: March 2023

Objective Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, multisystem disease that primarily affects women of reproductive age. Disease progression has been linked to estrogen exposure, and as such many patients are advised to avoid pregnancy. Data are limited regarding the interaction between LAM and pregnancy, and as such we performed a systematic review to summarize available literature reporting outcomes of pregnancies complicated by maternal LAM.

Study Design This was a systematic review including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, case reports, clinical practice guidelines, and quality improvement studies with full-text manuscripts or abstracts in the English language with primary data on pregnant or postpartum patients with LAM. The primary outcome was maternal outcomes during pregnancy as well as pregnancy outcomes. Secondary outcomes were neonatal outcomes and long-term maternal outcomes. This search occurred in July 2020 and included MEDLINE, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, Embase, and Cochrane Central. Risk of bias was ascertained using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Our systematic review was registered with PROSPERO as protocol number CRD 42020191402.

Results A total of 175 publications were identified in our initial search; ultimately 31 studies were included. Six (19%) studies were retrospective cohort studies and 25 (81%) studies were case reports. Patients diagnosed during pregnancy had worse pregnancy outcomes compared to those diagnosed with LAM prior to pregnancy. Multiple studies reported a significant risk of pneumothoraces during pregnancy. Other significant risks included preterm delivery, chylothoraces, and pulmonary function deterioration. A proposed strategy for preconception counseling and antenatal management is provided.

Conclusion Patients diagnosed with LAM during pregnancy generally experience worse outcomes including recurrent pneumothoraces and preterm delivery as compared to patients with a LAM diagnosis prior to pregnancy. Given that there are limited studies available, and that the majority are low-quality evidence and subject to bias, further investigation of the interaction between LAM and pregnancy is warranted to guide patient care and counseling.

Key Points
Treatment and Outcome of Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA) Aneurysms: Helsinki Series of 15 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Muhammad Sajjad , Hafez Ahmad , Kaukovalta Hanna , Jahromi Behnam Rezai , Kivisaari Riku , Hänggi Daniel , Niemelä Mika
Published: March 2023

Objective Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms are rare posterior circulation lesions that are challenging to treat. This article presents the treatment and clinical outcome of AICA aneurysms in an unselected cohort of patients.

Methods A retrospective analysis of patient record files, digital subtraction angiography, and computed tomography angiography images of 15 consecutive patients harboring AICA aneurysms treated between 1968 and 2017.

Results Of the 15 AICA aneurysm patients reviewed, 12 (80%) were females. Twenty percent had intracerebral hemorrhage and 40% presented with intraventricular hemorrhage. Eleven out of 15 (73%) patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); 82% of SAH patients had a good-grade SAH (Hunt and Hess grade 1–3). Eleven patients (73%) were treated surgically, three (20%) were treated conservatively, and one (7%) had coil embolization. In 27% of patients, a subtemporal approach with anterior petrosectomy was performed. A retrosigmoid approach was used in the remaining 73%. In 18% of the patients, a parent vessel occlusion was necessary to occlude the aneurysm. Five out of 11 (47%) of the patients developed postoperative cranial nerve deficits. Twenty-seven percent developed shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. All patients who presented with an unruptured AICA aneurysm had good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 1–2). In patients with SAH, 82% achieved good clinical outcome and 18% had poor clinical outcome (mRS 3–6) after 1 year.

Conclusion Surgical treatment of AICA aneurysms has a high rate of cranial nerve deficits but most of patients have a good long-term clinical outcome.
Does historical data still matter for demand forecasting in uncertain and turbulent times? An extension of the additive pickup time series method for SME hotels
Authors: Heo Cindy Yoonjoung , Viverit Luciano , Pereira Luís Nobre
Published: March 2023

Demand forecast accuracy is critical for hotels to operate their properties efficiently and profitably. The COVID-19 pandemic is a massive challenge for hotel demand forecasting due to the relevance of historical data. Therefore, the aims of this study are twofold: to present an extension of the additive pickup method using time series and moving averages; and to test the model using the real reservation data of a hotel in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study shows that historical data are still useful for a SME hotel amid substantial demand uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Empirical results suggest that the proposed method performs better than the classical one, particularly for longer forecasting horizons and for periods when the hotel is not fully occupied.
Dizziness and vestibular disease among hospitalized and outpatients in the U.S. commonwealth of Virginia and the Tidewater region
Authors: Guy Kevin M. , Walker Kendra N. , Volsky Peter G.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Vestibular disease and dizziness are important causes of morbidity. The purpose of this study is to assess the regional prevalence of these diagnoses.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, population-based study of all patients in the region of interest diagnosed with dizziness or vestibular disease between 2010 and 2020.

Results

During the study period, 31,670 patients were diagnosed with dizziness. The mean age was 62 years (SD = 17). There were 20,269 females and 11,401 males; 64% (OR 1.34, p < .0001) of patients were white and 92% (OR 5.16, p < .0001) of patients were non-Hispanic. The prevalence of dizziness was 2.91%. A total of 8480 patients were diagnosed with vestibular disease. The mean age was 62 years (SD = 16). There were 5766 females and 2714 males; 60% (OR 1.13 p < .0001) of patients were white and 88% (OR 3.29, p < .0001) of patients were non-Hispanic. The prevalence of vestibular disease was 0.78%. The most common causes of vestibular disease were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (n = 7040, 83%), vestibular schwannoma (n = 580, 7%), and Meniere’s disease (n = 360, 4%).

Conclusions

Dizziness and vestibular disease are disproportionately diagnosed in non-Hispanic white women. The regional prevalence of dizziness and vestibular disease was lower than other published values.
Dynamic Alterations in Cerebral Hemodynamics Measured by Portable Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Orthostatic Hypotension and Intolerance
Authors: Kim Jae-Myoung , Park Kyung-Il , Choi Su-Yeon , Park Hyo Eun , Lee Heesun , Bae Hyeon-Min
Published: March 2023

Background

We aimed to evaluate dynamic alterations in cerebral total hemoglobin concentration (HbT) in individuals with orthostatic hypotension (OH) and orthostatic intolerance (OI) symptoms using a portable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system.

Methods

Participants comprised 238 individuals (mean age, 47.9 years) without a history of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, or cerebrovascular diseases, including those with unexplained OI symptoms and healthy volunteers. Participants were categorized by the presence of OH based on the supine-to-stand blood pressure (BP) drop and OI symptoms using on OH questionnaires: classic OH (OH-BP), OH symptoms alone (OH-Sx), and control groups. Random case–control matching sets were constructed, resulting in 16 OH-BP and 69 OH-Sx-control sets. The time-derivative of HbT change in the prefrontal cortex during the squat-to-stand maneuver was measured using a portable NIRS system.

Results

There were no differences in demographics, baseline BP, and heart rate among matched sets. The peak time of maximum slope variation in HbT change, indicating the recovery rate and speed of cerebral blood volume (CBV) change, was significantly longer in OH-Sx and OH-BP groups than in the control group under transition to a standing position after squatting. In the OH-BP subgrouping, the peak time of maximum slope variation in HbT change was significantly longer only in OH-BP with OI symptoms, but did not differ between OH-BP without OI symptoms and controls.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that OH and OI symptoms are associated with dynamic alterations in cerebral HbT. Regardless of the severity of the postural BP drop, OI symptoms are associated with prolonged CBV recovery.
Clinal variations in seedling traits and responses to water availability correspond to seed-source environmental gradients in a foundational dryland tree species
Authors: Vasey Georgia L , Urza Alexandra K , Chambers Jeanne C , Pringle Elizabeth G , Weisberg Peter J
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

In dryland ecosystems, conifer species are threatened by more frequent and severe droughts, which can push species beyond their physiological limits. Adequate seedling establishment will be critical for future resilience to global change. We used a common garden glasshouse experiment to determine how seedling functional trait expression and plasticity varied among seed sources in response to a gradient of water availability, focusing on a foundational dryland tree species of the western USA, Pinus monophylla. We hypothesized that the expression of growth-related seedling traits would show patterns consistent with local adaptation, given clinal variation among seed source environments.

Methods

We collected P. monophylla seeds from 23 sites distributed across rangewide gradients of aridity and seasonal moisture availability. A total of 3320 seedlings were propagated with four watering treatments representing progressively decreasing water availability. Above- and below-ground growth-related traits of first-year seedlings were measured. Trait values and trait plasticity, here representing the degree of variation among watering treatments, were modelled as a function of watering treatment and environmental conditions at the seed source locations (i.e. water availability, precipitation seasonality).

Key Results

We found that, under all treatments, seedlings from more arid climates had larger above- and below-ground biomass compared to seedlings from sites experiencing lower growing-season water limitation, even after accounting for differences in seed size. Additionally, trait plasticity in response to watering treatments was greatest for seedlings from summer-wet sites that experience periodic monsoonal rain events.

Conclusions

Our results show that P. monophylla seedlings respond to drought through plasticity in multiple traits, but variation in trait responses suggests that different populations are likely to respond uniquely to changes in local climate. Such trait diversity will probably influence the potential for future seedling recruitment in woodlands that are projected to experience extensive drought-related tree mortality.
Multi-omics studies in interpreting the evolving standard model for immune functions
Authors: Ganguly Dipyaman
Published: March 2023

A standard model that is able to generalize data on myriad involvement of the immune system in organismal physio-pathology and to provide a unified evolutionary teleology for immune functions in multicellular organisms remains elusive. A number of such ‘general theories of immunity’ have been proposed based on contemporaneously available data, starting with the usual description of self–nonself discrimination, followed by the ‘danger model’ and the more recent ‘discontinuity theory.’ More recent data deluge on involvement of immune mechanisms in a wide variety of clinical contexts, a number of which fail to get readily accommodated into the available teleologic standard models, makes deriving a standard model of immunity more challenging. But technological advances enabling multi-omics investigations into an ongoing immune response, covering genome, epigenome, coding and regulatory transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and tissue-resident microbiome, bring newer opportunities for developing a more integrative insight into immunocellular mechanisms within different clinical contexts. The new ability to map the heterogeneity of composition, trajectory and endpoints of immune responses, in both health and disease, also necessitates incorporation into the potential standard model of immune functions, which again can only be achieved through multi-omics probing of immune responses and integrated analyses of the multi-dimensional data.
Oligo-Miocene radiation within South-west Pacific arc terranes underpinned repeated upstream continental dispersals in pigeons (Columbiformes)
Authors: Oliver Paul M , Hugall Andrew F , Prasteya Audrey , Slavenko Alex , Zahirovic Sabin
Published: March 2023

Upstream colonizations from islands to continents have played an important role in two major global bird radiations: the oscine passerines and the pigeons. Here, we investigate insular diversification and upstream dispersal dynamics of pigeons (Columbiformes) within the Indo-Australian Archipelago using a supermatrix fossil-calibrated phylogeny and model-based biogeographical analyses. These analyses show that the islands of Melanesia, now centred on New Guinea and considered separately from Australia, have been a centre of pigeon diversification since the Eocene–Oligocene transition (~34 Mya). Geological reconstructions are concordant in suggesting that arc terranes and continental ribbon fragments that underpin the contemporary Melanesian region might have formed extensive archipelagos for much of the Oligocene and Miocene. These islands are also inferred to have functioned as a net source of pigeon lineages for Asia and especially Australia. Arboreal fruit-eating pigeons have colonized nearby continents on multiple occasions yet show little evidence of subsequent radiation. Insular terrestrial pigeons have been largely unable to colonize Asia, and a single Miocene colonization of Australia preceded an endemic radiation. Upstream dispersal may well be a frequent process in the history of the Indo-Australian Archipelago and surrounds, however ecological and environmental factors likely place strong constraints on its success and evolutionary outcomes.
Isavuconazole in the Treatment of Chronic Forms of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Heidari Arash , Sharma Rupam , Shakir Qusai , Shah Madiha , Clement Josh , Donnelley Monica A , Reynolds Trina , Trigg Kate , Jolliff Jeff , Kuran Rasha , Johnson Royce , Thompson George R
Published: March 2023

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection with a range of clinical manifestations. Currently used antifungal agents exhibit variable efficacy and toxicity profiles that necessitate evaluation of additional therapeutic options. Improvement was observed in the majority of patients treated with isavuconazole, with clinical failures observed only in those with coccidioidal meningitis.
Effect of ultrafiltration on cerebral small-vessel disease and related outcomes in hemodialysis
Authors: Shi Lin , Zheng Ke , Qian Yujun , Han Fei , You Hui , Yuan Jing , Wang Haiyun , Song Dan , Zhang Dingding , Feng Feng , Zhu Yicheng , Li Xuemei
Published: March 2023

Background

Increasing evidence suggests a high prevalence of cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) in hemodialysis patients. Variable ultrafiltration during hemodialysis may contribute to brain lesions by inducing hemodynamic instability. We aimed to investigate the effect of ultrafiltration on CSVD and relative outcome in this population.

Methods

In a prospective cohort of maintenance hemodialysis adults, three features of CSVD including cerebral microbleed (CMB), lacunae and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) were measured by brain magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrafiltration parameters included the difference between annual average ultrafiltration volume (UV, kg) and 3%–6% of dry weight (kg), respectively, and the percentage of UV to dry weight (UV/W). The effect of ultrafiltration on CSVD and the risk of cognitive decline were investigated by multivariate regression analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess mortality over 7 years of follow-up.

Results

In the 119 study subjects, the frequency of CMB, lacunae and WMH was 35.3%, 28.6% and 38.7%, respectively. All ultrafiltration parameters were associated with the risk of CSVD in the adjusted model. There was a 37%, 47% and 41% greater risk of CMB, lacunae, and WMH, respectively, per 1% increment of UV/W. Ultrafiltration showed different effects on different distributions of CSVD. Restricted cubic splines depicted a linear relationship between UV/W and the risk of CSVD. At follow-up, lacunae and WMH were associated with cognitive decline, CMB and lacunae were associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

UV/W was associated with the risk of CSVD in hemodialysis. Reducing UV/W might protect hemodialysis patients from CSVD and subsequent cognitive decline and mortality.
Reliability Evaluation Of Multiprocessor System Based On The Balanced Complete Multipartite Graphs
Authors: Yu Zhecheng , Xu Liqiong
Published: March 2023

Reliability evaluation of multiprocessor systems is of significant importance in the design and maintenance of multiprocessor systems. Based on edge-connectivity, more refined quantitative indicators for the reliability of multiprocessor systems have been introduced. The extra edge-connectivity and the component edge-connectivity, as two important parameters to evaluate the robustness of multiprocessor systems, are explored extensively. In this paper, we determine the $h$-extra edge-connectivity and the $(g+1)$-component edge-connectivity of the balanced complete $t$-partite graph $K_{r}^{t}$ for $t, r\geq 2$, where $1\leq h \leq \lfloor tr/2 \rfloor$ and $2\leq g \leq tr-1$.
Model selection for varying coefficient nonparametric transformation model
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Xu , Shi Xingjie
Published: March 2023

Based on the smoothed partial rank (SPR) loss function, we propose a group LASSO penalized SPR estimator for the varying coefficient nonparametric transformation models, and derive its estimation and model selection consistencies. It not only selects important variables, but is also able to select between varying and constant coefficients. To deal with the computational challenges in the rank loss function, we develop a group forward and backward stagewise algorithm and establish its convergence property. An empirical application of a Boston housing dataset demonstrates the benefit of the proposed estimators. It allows us to capture the heterogeneous marginal effects of high-dimensional covariates and reduce model misspecification simultaneously that otherwise cannot be accomplished by existing approaches.
Causal inference and data fusion in econometrics
Authors: Hünermund Paul , Bareinboim Elias
Published: March 2023

Learning about cause and effect is arguably the main goal in applied econometrics. In practice, the validity of these causal inferences is contingent on a number of critical assumptions regarding the type of data that has been collected, and the substantive knowledge that is available about the phenomenon under investigation. For instance, unobserved confounding factors threaten the internal validity of estimates; data availability is often limited to nonrandom, selection-biased samples; causal effects need to be learned from surrogate experiments with imperfect compliance; and causal knowledge has to be extrapolated across structurally heterogeneous populations. A powerful and flexible causal inference framework is required in order to tackle all of these challenges, which plague essentially any data analysis to varying degrees. Building on the structural perspective on causality introduced by Haavelmo (1943) and the graph-theoretic approach proposed by Pearl (1995), the artificial intelligence (AI) literature has developed a wide array of techniques for causal inference that allow us to leverage information from various imperfect, heterogeneous, and biased data sources (Bareinboim and Pearl, 2016). In this paper, we review recent advances made in this literature that have the potential to contribute to econometric methodology along three broad dimensions. First, they provide a unified and comprehensive framework for causal learning, in which the above-mentioned problems can be addressed in generality. Second, due to their origin in AI, they come together with sound, efficient, and complete (to be formally defined) algorithmic criteria for automation of the corresponding identification task. And third, because of the nonparametric description of structural models that graph-theoretic approaches build on, they combine the analytical rigor of structural econometrics with the flexibility of the potential outcomes framework, and thus offer a valuable complement to these two literature streams.
Cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure: ‘Cinderella’ or evidence-based pillar of care?
Authors: Taylor Rod S , Dalal Hasnain M , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe
Published: March 2023

Cardiac rehabilitation remains the ‘Cinderella’ of treatments for heart failure. This state-of-the-art review provides a contemporary update on the evidence base, clinical guidance, and status of cardiac rehabilitation delivery for patients with heart failure. Given that cardiac rehabilitation participation results in important improvements in patient outcomes, including health-related quality of life, this review argues that an exercise-based rehabilitation is a key pillar of heart failure management alongside drug and medical device provision. To drive future improvements in access and uptake, health services should offer heart failure patients a choice of evidence-based modes of rehabilitation delivery, including home, supported by digital technology, alongside traditional centre-based programmes (or combinations of modes, ‘hybrid’) and according to stage of disease and patient preference.
Central and Eastern European migrant worker status, co-living situation and SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission risk
Authors: Boogaard L H , Hautvast J L A , Timen A , van Jaarsveld C H M
Published: March 2023

Background

Central and Eastern European (CEE) migrant workers in essential industries are at higher risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure and transmission. We investigated the relationship of CEE migrant status and co-living situation with indicators of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission risk (ETR), aiming to find entry points for policies to reduce health inequalities for migrant workers.

Methods

We included 563 SARS-CoV-2-positive workers between October 2020 and July 2021. Data on ETR indicators were obtained from source- and contact-tracing interviews via retrospective analysis of medical records. Associations of CEE migrant status and co-living situation with ETR indicators were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

CEE migrant status was not associated with occupational ETR but was with higher occupational-domestic exposure [odds ratio (OR) 2.92; P = 0.004], lower domestic exposure (OR 0.25, P < 0.001), lower community exposure (OR 0.41, P = 0.050) and transmission (OR 0.40, P = 0.032) and higher general transmission (OR 1.76, P = 0.004) risk. Co-living was not associated with occupational and community ETR but was with higher occupational-domestic exposure (OR 2.63, P = 0.032), higher domestic transmission (OR 17.12, P < 0.001) and lower general exposure (OR 0.34, P = 0.007) risk.

Conclusions

The workfloor poses an equal SARS-CoV-2 ETR for all workers. CEE migrants encounter less ETR in their community but pose a general risk by delaying testing. When co-living, CEE migrants encounter more domestic ETR. Coronavirus disease preventive policies should aim at occupational safety for essential industry workers, reduction of test delay for CEE migrants and improvement of distancing options when co-living.
Effects of Norway spruce shelter density and soil scarification method on mortality and height growth of underplanted European beech, European silver fir and Douglas fir
Authors: Reventlow D O J , Nord-Larsen T , Sørensen H , Skovsgaard J P
Published: March 2023

In Europe, 6–7 million ha even-aged, pure stands of Norway spruce grown outside its natural range are prone to butt rot, windthrow, and bark beetle infestation. Climate change may well accelerate these problems and there is an urgent need to develop methods for converting Norway spruce plantations into more heterogeneous forest with larger resistance and resilience towards natural disturbances. Based on a field experiment located on former heathland on an outwash plain in western Denmark, we examined the mortality and height growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), European silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) planted under a shelterwood of 17–19 m tall Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) at shelter densities initially ranging by basal area from 10 to 36 m2 ha−1 (271–1099 stems ha−1). Underplanting included plots of beech (100 per cent) and silver fir (100 per cent) as well as plots with two-species mixtures of silver fir/beech (66 per cent/33 per cent and 33 per cent/66 per cent) and Douglas fir/beech (66 per cent/33 per cent). The experiment also included two soil scarification methods (patch and strip scarification). The experiment was laid out in an unbalanced factorial split-plot design, replicated in time and space, and totaling 144 plots in four blocks. The experiment was followed for 19 years during which a gradual reduction in shelter density took place although in some plots the shelterwood was removed abruptly by windthrow and bark beetle infestation. Shelter densities larger than 10 m2 ha−1 had only a minor effect on the mortality of beech and silver fir, while shelter densities larger than 20 m2 ha−1 resulted in increased mortality of Douglas fir. Subsequent abrupt reduction in shelter density resulted in increased mortality, especially of silver fir. Height growth decreased with increasing shelter density, more for Douglas fir than for beech, and marginally more for beech than for silver fir. For shelter densities <15 m2 ha−1, height growth of silver fir was unaffected. Beech grew faster when mixed with Douglas fir. The soil scarification method did not influence mortality, but strip scarification resulted in marginally larger height growth than patch scarification. We hypothesize that the shelter effect was related mainly to competition for light, while late frost and browsing were important factors in open shelters (<10 m2 ha−1). Based on these results, recommended initial shelter densities are at or <10 m2 ha−1 for the establishment of Douglas fir, at ~15–20 m2 ha−1 for silver fir, and around 15 m2 ha−1 for beech.
Chromosome-level genome of the three-spot damselfish, Dascyllus trimaculatus
Authors: Roberts May B , Schultz Darrin T , Gatins Remy , Escalona Merly , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: March 2023

Damselfishes (Family: Pomacentridae) are a group of ecologically important, primarily coral reef fishes that include over 400 species. Damselfishes have been used as model organisms to study recruitment (anemonefishes), the effects of ocean acidification (spiny damselfish), population structure, and speciation (Dascyllus). The genus Dascyllus includes a group of small-bodied species, and a complex of relatively larger bodied species, the Dascyllus trimaculatus species complex that is comprised of several species including D. trimaculatus itself. The three-spot damselfish, D. trimaculatus, is a widespread and common coral reef fish species found across the tropical Indo-Pacific. Here, we present the first-genome assembly of this species. This assembly contains 910 Mb, 90% of the bases are in 24 chromosome-scale scaffolds, and the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs score of the assembly is 97.9%. Our findings confirm previous reports of a karyotype of 2n = 47 in D. trimaculatus in which one parent contributes 24 chromosomes and the other 23. We find evidence that this karyotype is the result of a heterozygous Robertsonian fusion. We also find that the D. trimaculatus chromosomes are each homologous with single chromosomes of the closely related clownfish species, Amphiprion percula. This assembly will be a valuable resource in the population genomics and conservation of Damselfishes, and continued studies of the karyotypic diversity in this clade.