bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling and optimization of photonic integrated Silicon-LiNbO3 hybrid interferometer for E-S-C-L wavelength band
Authors: Vardhan Shalini , Singh Ritu Raj 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Silicon on Insulator (SOI) is a potential technology for thin-film optical waveguide, enabling the design of optical interconnects, including modulators and interferometers. The manuscript presents the broadband modulator for phase and intensity modulation. The nanoscale optimized interferometric modulator utilizes Silicon (Si) and Electro-optic material Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) as the guiding material to work in terahertz regime, without any bends in the structure. Optimization of the structure is validated by the evaluation of the confinement factor at the operational wavelength of 1550 nm using Finite Element Method (FEM) based simulation. To excite the SOI interferometric modulator, an external RF signal with a maximum amplitude of 5 V is used. The hybrid structure of Si and LiNbO3-based modulators shows the electro-optic phenomenon caused by nonlinearities, namely the Pockels effect and Kerr effect, which in turn changes the effective mode index, providing π phase shift along with −0.92 dB/cm absorption loss, 117 μm electrode length at V
π
Volts and 265 nm 3dB optical bandwidth covering the E-S-C-L optical bands. The device footprint calculated is 667 μm2, whereas the active region footprint is ∼46.8 μm2.
The Impact of Prior Incarceration on Cognitive Trajectories Among Older Adults: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Testa Alexander , Mijares Luis , Jackson Dylan B 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study examines the association between prior incarceration and cognition trajectories among older adults in the United States.

Methods
Data are from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative longitudinal survey of older adults in the United States. The analysis included respondents aged 55 and older who participated in the 2012–2020 HRS surveys and had valid responses on Langa-Weir cognition scores, incarceration history, and covariates (n = 5,663). Cognition trajectories were estimated using group-based trajectory modeling, and multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between prior incarceration and cognition trajectory group membership.

Results
The study identified four distinct cognition trajectories. Formerly incarcerated individuals were significantly more likely to be in cognition trajectory groups defined by lower cognition scores and steeper declines in cognitive functioning over time. However, these associations were attenuated after accounting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, and all associations were rendered statistically nonsignificant after accounting for educational attainment.

Discussion
These findings highlight poorer cognition among older formerly incarcerated individuals compared with their never incarcerated counterparts, as well as underscore the role of educational attainment in this relationship. Future research and data collection efforts are needed to further understand the nexus between incarceration and cognitive functioning and the mechanisms underpinning this association.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of the Taking Care of Us Intervention for Couples Living With Heart Failure
Authors: Lyons Karen S , Whitlatch Carol J , Vest Amanda R , Upshaw Jenica N , Hutton Johnson Stacy , Walters Anna , Lee Christopher S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Despite the significant impact of heart failure on both members of the care dyad, few interventions focus on optimizing the health of the dyad. The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of the novel Taking Care of Us (TCU) program with mid-late-life couples living with heart failure and explored preliminary efficacy.

Research Design and Methods
This NIH Stage I study used a 2-arm randomized controlled trial with pretest–post-test design and an additional 5-month follow-up to compare TCU with an educational counseling attention-control condition. 37 couples were randomized to TCU (18 couples) or an educational control group (19 couples). Both programs were delivered virtually over 2 months.

Results
Adults with heart failure were primarily male (mean age = 66.32, standard deviation [SD] = 13.72); partners were primarily female (mean age = 63.00, SD = 12.73). Feasibility findings were mixed with over half of the eligible couples randomized, but only 67% of TCU couples completed the post-test. Acceptability of the TCU program was strong for both adults with heart failure and their partners. Recommendations for change focused on shortening session length, offering fewer sessions, and providing alternative modes of delivery. Exploratory between-group analyses found medium effect sizes for physical and mental health and dyadic management for both members of the couple, with many effects remaining 3 months later.

Discussion and Implications
Findings suggest the TCU program is acceptable to couples with heart failure and shows promise for optimizing outcomes. Recommendations and strategies for improving retention and a more diverse sample are discussed.

Clinical Trial Registration
NCT04737759
Discovery of highly active kynureninases for cancer immunotherapy through protein language model
Authors: Eom Hyunuk , Park Sukhwan , Cho Kye Soo , Lee Jihyeon , Kim Hyunbin , Kim Stephanie , Yang Jinsol , Han Young-Hyun , Lee Juyong , Seok Chaok , Lee Myeong Sup , Song Woon Ju , Steinegger Martin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Tailor-made enzymes empower a wide range of versatile applications, although searching for the desirable enzymes often requires high throughput screening and thus poses significant challenges. In this study, we employed homology searches and protein language models to discover and prioritize enzymes by their kinetic parameters. We aimed to discover kynureninases as a potentially versatile therapeutic enzyme, which hydrolyses L-kynurenine, a potent immunosuppressive metabolite, to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in anticancer therapy. Subsequently, we experimentally validated the efficacy of four top-ranked kynureninases under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Our findings revealed a catalytically most active one with a nearly twofold increase in turnover number over the prior best and a 3.4-fold reduction in tumor weight in mouse model comparisons. Consequently, our approach holds promise for the targeted quantitative enzyme discovery and selection suitable for specific applications with higher accuracy, significantly broadening the scope of enzyme utilization. A web-executable version of our workflow is available at seekrank.steineggerlab.com and our code is available as free open-source software at github.com/steineggerlab/SeekRank.
Mechano‐induced arachidonic acid metabolism promotes keratinocyte proliferation through cPLA2 activity regulation
Authors: Shan Shengzhou , Jin Rui , Cheng Xinwei , He Jiahao , Luo Xusong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMechano‐induced keratinocyte hyperproliferation is reported to be associated with various skin diseases. Enhanced cell proliferation often requires the active metabolism of nutrients to produce energy. However, how keratinocytes adapt their cellular metabolism homeostasis to mechanical cues remains unclear. Here, we first found that mechanical stretched keratinocytes showed the accumulation of metabolic arachidonic acid by metabolomic analysis. Second, we found that mechanical stretch promoted keratinocyte proliferation through the activation of cytosolic calcium‐dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Knockdown or inhibition of cPLA2 could reduce the release of arachidonic acid and inhibit the proliferation of stretched keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. Third, by analyzing overlapping transcriptomes of stretched keratinocytes and arachidonic acid‐stimulated keratinocytes, we identified the upregulation of hexokinase domain‐containing protein 1 (HKDC1) expression, a novel gene involved in glucose metabolism, which was associated with arachidonic acid‐induced keratinocyte proliferation during stretching. Our data reveal a metabolic regulation mechanism by which mechanical stretch induces keratinocyte proliferation, thereby coupling cellular metabolism to the mechanics of the cellular microenvironment. Strategies to change the metabolism process may lead to a new way to treat skin diseases that are related to biophysical forces.
RETINAL DISPLACEMENT AFTER IDIOPATHIC MACULAR HOLE SURGERY
Authors: Rossi Tommaso , Querzoli Giorgio , Ripandelli Guido , Placentino Luca , Parravano Mariacristina , Steel David H. , Romano Mario R. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To measure the displacement of retinal vascular plexi and choriocapillaris after pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole, using optical coherence tomography angiography, and correlate it with clinical data.

Methods:
Retrospective series with a 6-month follow-up. Records included Best Corrected Visual Acuity, M-charts, structural optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. Coronal displacement was calculated comparing consecutive images across the 6.4 mm × 6.4 mm field and concentric circular regions of 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 mm radii. Each circular region was further divided in four quadrants indicated as follows: SuperoTemporal; SuperNasal; InferoTemporal; InferoNasal.

Results:
The study comprised 33 patients (11 men and 22 women) with 68.9 ± 10.2 years mean age, similar among sexes. Macular hole closed in 31/33 (93.9%) of cases and Best Corrected Visual Acuity improved from mean 20/62 (0.50 ± 0.62 logarithm of Minimum Angle of Resolution) to 20/47 (0.23 ± 0.63 logarithm of Minimum Angle of Resolution; P = 0.0064). Vertical and horizontal metamorphopsia decreased from 0.98 ± 0.68 to 0.51 ± 0.59° (P = 0.0028) and 0.84 ± 0.63 to 0.29 ± 0.45° (P < 0.001), respectively. The average retinal displacement was 81.2 ± 44.1 µm for the superficial plexus and 79.4 ± 45.7 µm for the deep one, both greater than the choriocapillaris displacement (60.9 ± 20.2 µm; P < 0.05). The temporal and superior quadrants displaced more than the others (P < 0.05). Macular hole size correlated to retinal displacement within the central 0.5-mm radius area at all layers (P < 0.05 in all cases).

Conclusion:
Macular hole closure is associated with significant retinal displacement of all retinal layers and choriocapillaris remodeling. Surgical peeling removes the constraining effect of the internal limiting membrane and promotes a multilayered displacement that fills the retinal defect, likely due to a change in the equilibrium of forces between the contractile retinal structures: the larger superficial retinal vessels and the retinal nerve fiber layer.
BISAP beyond pancreatitis: a new horizon in acute kidney injury prediction
Authors: Tawfik Mark , Mourad Omar , Grovu Radu , Lahoud Chloe , Makram Marina , Khattar Georges , Grabie Yisroel , El-Sayegh Suzanne 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in acute pancreatitis (AP), with a significant impact on mortality. The Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score is well-established for assessing mortality risk in AP, but its utility in predicting AKI is less explored.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 779 AP patients across 2 hospitals in New York, USA, from 2016 to 2022. Data on patient demographics, laboratory values, and vital signs were collected. BISAP scores were calculated. The primary outcome was AKI, defined by the KDIGO criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was done to assess the association between the BISAP score and AKI, adjusting for confounders. Secondary outcomes include the association of the BISAP score to hospital length of stay and mortality.

Results:
There was a significant association between the BISAP score and AKI, with an odds ratio of 2.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42–4.41, P = .001), indicating a more than twofold increase in AKI risk for each point increase in BISAP score. The BISAP score was also significantly correlated with longer hospital stays and increased mortality risk.

Conclusion:
The BISAP score is a strong predictor of AKI in AP patients. This association and relation to hospital stay and mortality highlight the potential of the BISAP score as a comprehensive risk assessment tool in AP, especially for early identification of patients at high risk for AKI. This study paves the way for future research into risk-scoring systems for AKI in AP based on significant BISAP components.
Examining the Priorities of Local Health Departments in California: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Sandhu Nimrat K. , Mendoza Ana Lucia. , Pokhrel Mamata , Renteria Melissa , Bristow Kim , Brown Paul M. 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
Prioritization is an essential task of local health departments (LHDs). We examined the alignment of priorities reported in Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) priorities align with priorities in the Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP). We report factors that influence the choice of priorities and the alignment of the priorities.

Design:
A mixed method study design.

Setting:
California.

Participants:
CHNA and CHIP documents were sought for all 58 counties. Interviews were conducted with 19 state and local public health officials.

Outcome Measures:
The priorities in the CHNA and the CHIP were coded as i) only in the CHNA, ii) only in the CHIP, or iii) in both the CHNA and the CHIP. The interviewees were asked to share their experiences related to issue prioritization and decision-making in public health agencies. The interviews were coded and thematically analyzed to identify barriers and facilitators of the prioritization process.

Results:
The alignment between the needs prioritized in CHNA and the priorities targeted in CHIP was 35%. The interviews identify reasons for the misalignment, including a need to include priorities in the CHNA even though LHDs are not able to address them, political factors that influence the selection of priorities, and a lack of discretionary funding or capacity/expertise within the agency or its community partners to respond to the needs identified. The lack of discretionary funding was particularly acute for smaller (rural) LHDs (CMSP) and resulted in their often having to focus on priorities where there was state or federal funding.

Conclusions:
LHDs face numerous challenges in aligning the priorities reported in the CHNA and the priorities they focus upon in the CHIP. LHDs should consider using a formal, transparent, and evidence-based approach to setting aligning. Future research should focus on developing a formal decision-making process that is appropriate for local public health decision-making.
Reducing the Energy Consumption of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Scanners: Integrating Ecodesign and Sustainable Operations
Authors: Hernandez Andrew M. , Chen Anthony F. , Ghatpande Omkar , Omary Reed A. , Woolen Sean , Jung Youngkyoo , Fananapazir Ghaneh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This review aims to provide valuable insights into how energy consumption in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners can be effectively monitored, managed, and reduced, thereby contributing to more sustainable medical imaging practices. Demand for advanced imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scanners continues to increase, and understanding the resultant impact on greenhouse gas emissions requires a thorough evaluation of their energy consumption. This review examines the energy monitoring and consumption characteristics of MRI and CT scanners, highlighting potential approaches for energy savings. An overview of MRI and CT principles, hardware components, and their associated energy consumption is provided. After addressing the technical aspects, the hardware and software requirements essential for accurate energy metering are detailed. Baseline measurements of energy consumption data are then provided as a foundation to understand current usage patterns and identify areas for improvement. Ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption are categorized into 3 main strategies: operations, scanner design enhancements, and active scanning techniques, including accelerated MRI protocols. Ultimately, we emphasize that achieving sustainability in medical imaging requires collaboration across disciplines. By incorporating eco-friendly design in new imaging equipment, we can reduce the environmental impact, promote sustainability, and set a health care industry standard for a healthier planet.
Comparative forewing ultrastructure of high-frequency singing crickets (Gryllidae, Eneopterinae)
Authors: Royer L. , Gaiddon T. , Robillard T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMale crickets belonging to the tribe Lebinthini (Eneopterinae) produce high-frequency, sometimes ultrasonic, calling songs characterized by a dominant harmonic frequency -a phenomenon known as harmonic hopping. While cricket sound production is well understood, the mechanism allowing the dominant frequency to move to the harmonics of the spectrum is little studied. The wing region known as the harp corresponds to the primary resonator of the cricket tegmina. Here we hypothesize that the surface ultrastructure of this region could play a role in the physical properties of the wings and in their vibratory behavior. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to explore the diversity of wing membrane ultrastructure in the harp region of 33 species of Eneopterinae, including species producing both low-frequency and high-frequency calling songs. We highlighted a great diversity of ultrastructure within the subfamily. We defined and measured 5 morphological traits concerning the hexagonal cells visible on the dorsal face of the wing, and the microtrichia, filiform sensory structures present on the ventral face. Significant differences are found in hexagonal cell size and density between males and females, and between the males of the species of the Lebinthini tribe and the non-Lebinthini species. These results suggest a link between the presence of these hexagonal structures and the song frequency value. Surfacic structures could play a role in the stiffening of the wing, a property directly related to vibration frequency of the wing. The observation of these structure and more precisely their size and distribution between high-frequency songs producing species and Low-frequency species constitute a new avenue for the understanding of harmonic-hoppings in Lebinthini crickets.
Effects of Hypomethylating Agents on Gene Modulation in the Leukemic Microenvironment and Disease Trajectory in a Mouse Model of AML
Authors: Ebelt Nancy D. , Loganathan Suvithanandhini , Avsharian Lara C. , Manuel Edwin R. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHypomethylating agents (HMAs), such as decitabine and 5-azacytidine (AZA), are valuable treatment options for patients with acute myeloid leukemia that are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Despite providing significant extensions in survival when used alone or in combination, eventual relapse and resistance to HMAs are observed. The mechanisms leading to these outcomes are still not well defined and may, in part, be due to a focus on leukemic populations with limited information on the effects of HMAs on non-leukemic cells in the blood and other tissue compartments. In this study, we elucidated effects on immune-related gene expression in non-leukemic blood cells and the spleen during AZA treatment in leukemia-challenged mice. We observed significant changes in pathways regulating adhesion, thrombosis, and angiogenesis as well as a dichotomy in extramedullary disease sites that manifests during relapse. We also identify several genes that may contribute to the anti-leukemic activity of AZA in blood and spleen. Overall, this work has identified novel gene targets and pathways that could be further modulated to augment efficacy of HMA treatment.
A CRISPR/SpCas9M-reporting system for efficient and rapid genome editing inCaulobacter crescentus
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Yu Xin , Tang Guiyue , Chen Mengqing , Zheng Yixin , Hu Yucan , Li Qingmei , Li Xiaoyang , Li Ningning , Li Zhongyue , Li Yingying , Lu Ning , Tan Wei , Yang Yujiao , Zeng Xiaoye , Zhao Guohong , Wang Hailong , Dai Lei , Zhao Guo-Ping , Ai Lianzhong , Zhao Wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAs members of the α-proteobacteria group,Caulobacter crescentusand its relatives are known for their asymmetric life cycle and comprehensive applications in gene delivery, agricultural biotechnology, and the production of high-value compounds. However, genetic manipulations of these bacteria are often time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the lack of efficient genome editing tools. Here, we report a practical CRISPR/SpCas9M-reporting system that overcomes the limitations ofSpCas9 expression, enabling efficient, markerless, and rapid genome editing inC. crescentus. As a demonstration, we successfully knocked out two genes encoding the scaffold proteins, achieving apparent editing efficiencies up to 80%. Key components, including the Cas protein, Cas inducer, sgRNA, homologous arms, and reporter, were systematically analyzed and optimized to enhance the editing efficiency or decrease the cell lethality. A nearly zero off-target ratio was observed after the curing of the editor plasmid in editing strains. Furthermore, we applied the CRISPR/SpCas9M-reporting system to twoC. crescentusrelatives,Agrobacterium fabrumandSinorhizobium meliloti, establishing it as an efficient and reliable editing strategy. We anticipate that this system could be applied to other hard-to-edit organisms, accelerating both basic and applied research in α-proteobacteria.