bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topological zero modes and bounded modes at smooth domain walls: Exact solutions and dualities
Authors: Marra Pasquale , Nigro Angela 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Topology describes global quantities invariant under continuous deformations, such as the number of elementary excitations at a phase boundary, without detailing specifics. Conversely, differential laws are needed to understand the physical properties of these excitations, such as their localization and spatial behavior. For instance, topology mandates the existence of solitonic zero-energy modes at the domain walls between topologically inequivalent phases in topological insulators and superconductors. However, the spatial dependence of these modes is only known in the idealized (and unrealistic) case of a sharp domain wall. Here, we find the analytical solutions of these zero-modes by assuming a smooth and exponentially-confined domain wall. This allows us to characterize the zero-modes using a few length scales: the domain wall width, the exponential decay length, and oscillation wavelength. These quantities define distinct regimes: featureless modes with “no hair” at sharp domain walls, and nonfeatureless modes at smooth domain walls, respectively, with “short hair”, i.e., featureless at long distances, and “long hair”, i.e., nonfeatureless at all length scales. We thus establish a universal relation between the bulk excitation gap, decay rate, and oscillation momentum of the zero modes, which quantifies the bulk-boundary correspondence in terms of experimentally measurable physical quantities. Additionally, we reveal an unexpected duality between topological zero modes and Shockley modes, unifying the understanding of topologically-protected and nontopological boundary modes. These findings shed some new light on the localization properties of edge modes in topological insulators and Majorana zero modes in topological superconductors and on the differences and similarities between topological and nontopological zero modes in these systems.
Acute endothelial stresses identify microRNA let-7b-5p and non-coding SLC11A2 (NRAMP2/DMT1) exon as biomarkers that overlap with those detected in malignant and non-malignant diseases
Authors: Bielowka Adrianna M , Patel Dilip , Li Dongyang , Bernabeu-Herrero Maria E , Game Laurence , Aldred Micheala A , Mollet Inês G , Shovlin Claire L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Disease biomarkers are often identified long after initiating pathologies, hampering mechanistic understanding and the development of preventative strategies. We hypothesized that aberrant cellular responses to normally-encountered stresses may be relevant to later disease states.

Aim
To model two under-explored acute cellular stresses for blood-exposed cells, and cross-reference to known biomarkers of disease.

Methods
Normal primary human endothelial cells (ECs) were treated for 1–6 h with cycloheximide (CHX) 100 μg/ml to inhibit protein translation and nonsense-mediated decay (modelling the integrated stress response), or 10 μmol/l ferric citrate (modelling diurnal variation in serum iron that can be augmented by treatments prescribed 8 million times/year in England). Directional whole transcriptome RNA-seq identified differentially expressed genes and micro(mi)RNAs. Customized novel scripts examined the expression of 517 225 exons to predict 1 h CHX-stabilized exons. Validations were by cel-miR-39-spiked qRT-PCR and RNA-seq in other EC types, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma.

Results
miRNAs fell transiently at 1 h after 10 μmol/l ferric citrate (P &lt; 0.01), specifically in let-7 family member pre-miRNAs (‘let-7’, P &lt; 0.05), where there was an accompanying differential 6 h increased expression of 570 let-7-target mRNAs identified through TargetScan (P &lt; 0.0001). qRT-PCR and RNA-seq validations in other normal ECs, plasma and PBMCs confirmed up to 80% falls in pre-let-7b/let-7b-5p after 1 h iron, and exon 3B of the SLC11A2 (NRAMP2/DMT1)-encoded iron/copper transporter as a novel exon most consistently stabilized following 1 h treatment with CHX. Overlaps with disease biomarkers for cancer, growth retardation and multiple organ-specific diseases were identified.

Conclusions
Biomarkers for normal, acute cellular responses overlap with disease-state biomarkers, warranting further study.
A performance appraisal of the global survey and the fully automated methods of Forbush event identification and timing using small-amplitude Forbush decreases
Authors: Okike O , Menteso F M 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Forbush decrease (FD), commonly defined as an abrupt reduction in the time-intensity flux of cosmic rays (CRs), is one of the long-investigated astrophysical phenomena. Though the subject has received considerable attention, the peculiarities of each event and different varieties of FDs still present them as the most spectacular and intractable CR intensity variations. Their unpredictable forms and diversities make accurate identification and precise timing of the events difficult. Event selection has remained predominantly manual up to the present era of high-speed and sophisticated computer software. Several catalogues appear in the literature. But no two event lists are comparable. The significant disparities among FD catalogues have led to many conflicting and controversial submissions. A comprehensive validation study of FD lists and their methods of selection are some of the important steps to settle or minimize the age-long disputes in the strongly disputed CR influence on space weather. Such a study will guarantee result reproducibility. Two comprehensive FD catalogues, prepared by the global survey method (GSM) and the recently developed fully automated method (FAM), are well suited for such a test. Our results show that the FAM is more efficient and accurate than the GSM. The presence of many other CR phenomena that constitute noise when timing/calculating the magnitude of small FDs requires both numerical filtering and harmonic analysis to handle. FAM is equipped with various subroutines that perform such analytical transformations and other rigorous analyses.
Varieties of capitalism and patient capital in developing and emerging economies: evidence from Kenya
Authors: Dafe Florence , Upadhyaya Radha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Patient capital (PC) has gained traction in discussions about how finance can better serve society. While PC is a central concept in comparative political economy (CPE), this literature has focused on advanced economies in conceptualizing PC and we know little about the conditions under which PC leads to positive outcomes. We extend the conceptualization of PC to enhance its relevance for developing and emerging economies (DEEs) and examine who provides it, when and how it leads to improvements in employment studying the case of Kenya. We find that the PC landscape in DEEs differs from the one in advanced economies and that institutions shape the extent to which capital is patient and has a positive impact on employment. Our analysis contributes to filling a gap in CPE on the role of PC in DEEs and speaks to broader debates about how to enhance the contribution of finance to society.
Does fragmented sleep mediate the relationship between deficits in sleep spindles and memory consolidation in schizophrenia?
Authors: Mylonas Dimitrios , Patel Rudra , Larson Olivia , Zhu Lin , Vangel Mark , Baxter Bryan , Manoach Dara S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Study Objectives
Sleep spindles, defining electroencephalographic oscillations of nonrapid eye movement (NREM) stage 2 sleep (N2), mediate sleep-dependent memory consolidation (SDMC). Spindles are also thought to protect sleep continuity by suppressing thalamocortical sensory relay. Schizophrenia is characterized by spindle deficits and a correlated reduction of SDMC. We investigated whether this relationship is mediated by sleep fragmentation.

Methods
We detected spindles (12–15 Hz) during N2 at central electrodes in overnight polysomnography records from 56 participants with chronic schizophrenia and 59 healthy controls. Our primary measures of sleep continuity were the sleep fragmentation index and, in a subset of the data, visually scored arousals. SDMC was measured as overnight improvement on the finger-tapping motor sequence task.

Results
Participants with schizophrenia showed reductions of both spindle density (#/min) and SDMC in the context of normal sleep continuity and architecture. Spindle density predicted SDMC in both groups. In contrast, neither increased sleep fragmentation nor arousals predicted lower spindle density or worse SDMC in either group.

Conclusions
Our findings fail to support the hypothesis that sleep fragmentation accounts for spindle deficits, impaired SDMC, or their relationship in individuals with chronic schizophrenia. Instead, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that spindle deficits directly impair memory consolidation in schizophrenia. Since sleep continuity and architecture are intact in this population, research aimed at developing interventions should instead focus on understanding dysfunction within the thalamocortical-hippocampal circuitry that both generates spindles and synchronizes them with other NREM oscillations to mediate SDMC.
A Student Teaching Assistant Program for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism Curricular Enhancement
Authors: Tran Meagan T. , Dillard Desireé Brionne , Abdelwahab Rewan M. , Abdulwadood Isra , Wu Sarah Y. , Adeleye Olufunmilola , Shoukry Mira M. , Alamy Nadine H. , Elegbede Audrey M. , Keddis Mira T. , Valencia Elizabeth M. , Atunah-Jay Sarah J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Problem
In the United States, physician bias is exhibited early in medical training and contributes to systemic inequities within the field of medicine. A lack of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEI-AR) content within medical curricula drives critical gaps in knowledge and deficiencies when preparing medical students to serve patients of diverse backgrounds. At the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM), student-led curricular reviews between 2017 to 2018 and 2020 to 2021 revealed opportunities to improve DEI-AR content within preclinical courses. Course directors expressed concern of limited expertise and time to enact effective changes.

Approach
The MCASOM DEI-AR teaching assistant (TA) program aims to curate a collaborative partnership between course directors and compensated student TAs to facilitate course enhancements responsive to the prior preclinical course review while centering standardized DEI-AR best practices.

Outcomes
As of January 2024, the program has engaged 14 TAs and partnered with 24 preclinical courses. Postcourse student evaluation responses were collected from 8 courses for 2021 to 2022 (before enhancements) and 2022 to 2023 (after enhancements). Student satisfaction with DEI-AR content is tracked through postcourse evaluations, with preliminary data demonstrating improvement after DEI-AR curricular integration (improvement of mean preenhancement and postenhancement scores of 3.81 to 4.05; t
12 = 1.79, P = .21). Qualitative student comments were sorted into general categories of positive, negative, or neutral, showing a 6.25% median increase in positive perception of DEI.

Next Steps
Plans for the MCASOM DEI-AR TA program include application of quality improvement strategies to improve program processes and outcomes. Development of a centralized dashboard that integrates course enhancement progress and ongoing feedback from evaluations is anticipated to facilitate this effort. The program additionally aims to develop partnerships with clinical clerkships, which would allow for a more comprehensive enhancement of the overall medical education experience related to DEI-AR.
Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction by Classical Eyelid Hygiene Measures With and Without Additional Lipid Substitution for Tear Film Stabilization
Authors: Weinstein Isabel , Kelava Augustin , Dausch Dieter , Seitz Berthold 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to document the treatment success of eyelid hygiene with liposomal suspension using new diagnostic tools and to determine whether additional lipid substitution provided measurable benefits in meibomian gland dysfunction.

Methods:
A single-center controlled, partially single masked study was conducted. Group A used eyelid hygiene only, whereas group B additionally applied a liposomal eye spray. Subjective perception using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, measurement of tear film osmolarity, noninvasive tear film break-up time, assessment of the lipid layer, meibography, inspection of lid margins, assessment of the meibomian glands, and measurement of matrix-metallopeptidase-9 were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results:
Eighty-two patients were included and randomized into two groups. Both groups showed a decrease in OSDI score (P<0.001), an increase in lipid layer thickness (P<0.001), significant improvement in the degree of loss of meibomian glands (P<0.001), in the damage pattern of the eyelid margins (P<0.001), in the quality of meibomian gland secretion, and in matrix-metallopeptidase-9 after 12 weeks.

Conclusions:
Our study confirms the success of treatment with eyelid hygiene measures using a liposomal suspension. The additional benefit of lipid substitution was not significant after 12 weeks of treatment.
Quality of Life Survey Using NEI VFQ-25 in Japanese Patients With Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Yamada Keiko , Oie Yoshinori , Nishida Nozomi , Maeno Sayo , Kai Chifune , Kitao Masahiro , Kobayashi Reiko , Soma Takeshi , Koh Shizuka , Kawasaki Ryo , Nishida Kohji 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
To assess the quality of life in Japanese patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) using The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire.

Methods:
Here, 34 patients with FECD (FECD group) and 13 healthy individuals (control group) completed the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire Japanese version by interview format. The association between dominant eye corrected distance visual acuity and composite score (component 11) or subscales in the FECD group was evaluated using Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results:
The average age was 65.8±11.9 and 60.1±7.9 years in the FECD and control groups, respectively. Corrected distance visual acuity was significantly lower in the FECD group (0.021±0.21 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) than in the control group (−0.61±0.055 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) (P<0.0001). Composite scores were significantly lower in the FECD group (77.6±11.0) than in the control group (89.2±7.0) (P=0.0006). All subscale scores were lower in the FECD group, particularly for distance vision and mental health (81.4±13.1 and 84.0±15.6, respectively) than in the control group (90.7±12.0 and 95.7±5.7) (P=0.022 and P=0.0046, respectively). Corrected distance visual acuity in the dominant eye did not significantly correlate with composite scores or subscales in the FECD group.

Conclusions:
Quality of life is lower in patients with FECD than in healthy individuals, particularly regarding distance vision and mental health.
Social Risk Factors Associated With Microbial Keratitis
Authors: Lee Madeleine C. , Vogt Emily L. , Hicks Patrice M. , Pawar Mercy , Lu Ming-Chen , Niziol Leslie M. , Terek Danielle A. , Nallasamy Nambi , Hakim Farida E. , Woodward Maria A. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
The objective of this study was to identify social risk factors (SRFs) that affect microbial keratitis (MK) care using the Penchansky–Thomas (P-T) health care access framework.

Methods:
This combined retrospective and prospective cohort study recruited participants with newly diagnosed MK at an academic medical center. Participant demographic information and SRFs were collected using in-person interviews and chart review. SRFs were categorized into P-T framework domains. Primary analysis included proportion of participants reporting SRFs, distribution of reported SRFs, and demographic differences associated with SRFs using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and two-sample t tests. A subgroup analysis for participants who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) was performed.

Results:
A total of 100 participants with MK were included in this study. Of the 100 participants, 60.0% reported at least 1 SRF affecting care, 42.0% reported ≥2 SRFs, and 12.0% reported ≥4 SRFs; 40.0% had no SRFs. More SRFs were reported for participants with lower income versus those with higher income ($25,000–$50,000 vs. $51,000–$100,000, P = 0.0363); there were no other demographic differences between groups. The most reported SRF was distance to appointment (45.0%). Accessibility was the most reported P-T domain (49.0%). Participants with LTFU, compared with those not LTFU, had more SRFs (100% vs. 52.4%, P = 0.0001) and reported a greater median number of SRFs (3.0 vs. 1.0, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
SRFs affected most patients with MK, most notably accessibility and affordability. Participants with lower income had more SRFs. SRFs are linked to patients being lost to follow-up care.
Assessing Corneal Tomographic Changes in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy Over 1 year: Scheimpflug Versus Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Dorado Cortez Oliver , Fleischmann Caruso Delphine , Crouzet Emmanuel , Poinard Sylvain , Trone Marie-Caroline , Gain Philippe , Okumura Naoki , Koizumi Noriko , Thuret Gilles 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
The objective of this study was to compare the capacity of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and Scheimpflug camera in detecting tomographic changes over 1 year in a cohort of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Methods:
We conducted a single-center prospective study which consisted of 2 identical visits spaced 1 year apart. At each visit, tomographic analyses were performed using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR, Oculus) and swept source AS-OCT (Casia SS-1000 Tomey). The resulting images were analyzed by 3 experienced independent observers. The main outcome was the agreement between the 2 devices for detecting subclinical corneal edema, as assessed using the interdevice reliability measured by the Cohen kappa coefficient. The criteria for subclinical edema were the presence of irregular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point, and presence of posterior surface depression.

Results:
We analyzed 129 eyes of 81 patients with good quality images for both devices. The overall agreement between the 2 devices to detect subclinical edema was good, but the performance was significantly different for 2 parameters (thinnest point displacement and posterior depression). The interdevice reliability was 0.84 for the loss of parallel isopachs, 0.55 for the displacement of the thinnest point, and 0.40 for the focal posterior corneal surface depression.

Conclusions:
Corneal tomographic features of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy can be easily quantified in clinical routine and clinical research by AS-OCT and Scheimpflug imaging, but both are not fully interchangeable. A longitudinal follow-up should always be done with the same device. Neither appears to be more sensitive than the other for detecting minimal changes over 12 months.
Prospective Study of Corneal Sensitivity in Patients Treated With Proton Therapy for Extraocular Tumors
Authors: Lebrun Florian , Thariat Juliette , Marty Pierre-Alban , Bailleul Helélène , Quintyn Jean-Claude 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Several cases of radio-induced neurotrophic keratitis had been observed after proton therapy delivering a mean corneal dose of ≥50 GyRBE. We conducted a prospective exploratory study to assess corneal sensitivity in subsequent patients undergoing proton therapy for cephalic extraocular tumors.

Material and Methods:
Forty-three patients (85 eyes) treated with high-energy proton therapy were included in this prospective, single-center, observational cohort study. All patients had their corneal sensitivity measured using Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer, before and average 6 months after irradiation. Ocular surface was clinically assessed for stromal opacity, corneal thinning, corneal perforation, superficial punctate keratitis graded according to Oxford classification, and tear break-up time. Cornea and extraocular sensitive innervation structures of cornea were contoured and their dose metrics assessed.

Results:
No severe corneal damage was detected. Corneal sensitivity, superficial punctate keratitis according to Oxford classification, and tear break-up time did not vary significantly after irradiation. The mean value of maximal dose to cornea and extraocular sensory innervation of cornea were 10.7 GyRBE and 42.0 GyRBE, respectively. Doses to cornea and its innervation structures were not associated with significant changes in corneal sensitivity (P = 0.423 and P = 0.614). A dose per fraction greater than 2 GyRBE was significantly associated (P = 0.033) with a decrease of corneal sensitivity after proton therapy.

Conclusions:
This pilot study showed no excess risk of damage to corneal sensitivity 6 months after proton therapy, as doses to the cornea could be minimized. However, based on prior neurotrophic keratitis cases for corneal doses above 50 GyRBE, further investigation is needed to establish the impact of high-dose proton therapy on corneal sensitivity.
The Effect of Trabeculectomy on Disc Tissue Blood Flow Across Quadrants in Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Shimazaki Takeru , Nitta Eri , Nakano Yuki , Kobayashi Nobuko , Kojima Hirokazu , Hara Ayaka , Suzuma Kiyoshi 
Published: December 2024

Précis:
Trabeculectomy increases tissue blood flow superior and temporal in the optic nerve head. Improvement of tissue blood flow superior and temporal in the optic nerve could be an indicator of the effectiveness of glaucoma treatment.

Purpose:
To investigate changes in tissue blood flow at the optic nerve head before and after trabeculectomy.

Methods:
This prospective study included 53 eyes who underwent trabeculectomy. The mean blur rate of the tissue area (MT) was determined using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. MT, LSFG waveform parameters (blowout score [BOS] and resistivity index [RI]), intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) were analyzed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results:
Postoperatively, IOP decreased (17.9±6.0 to 9.2±3.4 mmHg) and OPP increased (43.3±9.2 to 52.1±6.4 mmHg). As previously described, BOS increased (73.5±8.3 to 76.7±6.5; P<0.001) with an inverse correlation to IOP and in proportion with OPP; RI decreased (0.40±0.1 to 0.35±0.08; P<0.001) with an inverse correlation to OPP and in proportion to IOP. However, we found that MT increased significantly after surgery (7.9±2.2 to 8.8±2.2 AU; P=0.002) without significant association between MT and IOP or OPP. In the four quadrants of the optic nerve head (ONH), BOS significantly increased, while RI significantly decreased after surgery in all quadrants. On the other hand, MT significantly increased in the superior and temporal quadrants only.

Conclusions:
Blood flow increases in the superior and temporal of optic nerve head.