bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An asymmetrical multilevel inverter with minimum voltage stress and fewer components for photovoltaic renewable-energy system
Authors: Memon Rabail , Mahar Mukhtiar Ahmed , Larik Abdul Sattar , shah Syed Asif Ali 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The enhanced power quality provided by multilevel inverters (MLIs) has made them more appropriate for medium- and high-power applications, including photovoltaic systems. Nevertheless, a prevalent limitation involves the necessity for numerous switches and increased voltage stress across these switches, consequently increasing the overall system cost. To address these challenges, a new 17-level asymmetrical MLI with fewer components and low voltage stress is proposed for the photovoltaic system. This innovative MLI configuration has four direct current (DC) sources and 10 switches. Based on the trinary sequence, the proposed topology uses photovoltaics with boost converters and fuzzy logic controllers as its DC sources. Mathematical equations are used to calculate crucial parameters for this proposed design, including total standing voltage per unit (TSVPU), cost function per level (CF/L), component count per level (CC/L) and voltage stress across the switches. The comparison is conducted by considering switches, DC sources, TSVPU, CF/L, gate driver circuits and CC/L with other existing MLI topologies. The analysis is carried out under various conditions, encompassing different levels of irradiance, variable loads and modulation indices. To reduce the total harmonic distortion of the suggested topology, the phase opposition disposition approach has been incorporated. The suggested framework is simulated in MATLAB®/Simulink®. The results indicate that the proposed topology achieves a well-distributed stress profile across the switches and has CC/L of 1.23, TSVPU of 5 and CF/L of 4.58 and 5.76 with weight coefficients of 0.5 and 1.5, respectively. These values are notably superior to those of existing MLI topologies. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed topology maintains a consistent output at varying irradiance levels with FLCs and exhibits robust performance under variable loads and diverse modulation indices. Furthermore, the total harmonic distortion achieved with phase opposition disposition is 7.78%, outperforming alternative pulse width modulation techniques. In summary, it provides enhanced performance. Considering this, it is suitable for the photovoltaic system.
Widening Health Gap in the US Labor Force Participation at Older Ages
Authors: Cajner Tomaz , Fernández-Blanco Javier , Sánchez-Marcos Virginia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Using microdata from the CPS and the HRS, we document changes in labor force participation at older ages in the USA since the mid-1990s. Our main finding is that the over two-decade increase in participation is solely driven by individuals in good health, and does not differ across either educational or occupational groups. This phenomenon may importantly affect the results of social security reforms aiming at raising the mandatory retirement age and may exacerbate the health gap in lifetime earnings. (JEL codes: J22 and I14)
Hybrid de novo genome assembly of the sexually dimorphic Lady Amherst’s pheasant
Authors: Garg Kritika M , Dovih Pilot , Chattopadhyay Balaji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pheasants are an important group of birds, valued for their economic benefit as poultry birds, game birds, and as ornamental species for their plumage. Lady Amherst’s pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae is an ornamental species, valued for its elaborate and beautiful plumage. In this study, we present a high-quality de novo hybrid genome assembly of C. amherstiae. Previous attempts to sequence the genome of this species resulted in draft-level assemblies, which are not available in the public domain. Using a combination of Illumina short reads and Oxford Nanopore’s long-reads, we assembled a high-quality genome of N50 ~3.9 Mb and near complete BUSCO assessment. We observed a correlation between effective population size and past climatic conditions, with an increase in population size during the warm interglacial periods. We further observed significant fluctuations in genes involved with the immune system and visual perception. C. amherstiae is a highly dimorphic species, and significant fluctuations in gene families involved in immune response, visual perception, among others, suggesting a role of mate choice and sexual selection in the evolution and maintenance of exaggerated traits in the males.
D-alanine Inhibits Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Suppressing IL-12 and IL-23 Production in Macrophages
Authors: Hashimoto Hikaru , Takagi Tomohisa , Asaeda Kohei , Yasuda Takeshi , Kajiwara Mariko , Sugaya Takeshi , Mizushima Katsura , Inoue Ken , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Kamada Kazuhiro , Higashimura Yasuki , Inoue Ryo , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Free D-amino acids, which have different functions from L-amino acids, have recently been discovered in various tissues. However, studies on the potential interactions between intestinal inflammation and D-amino acids are limited. We examined the inhibitory effects of D-alanine on the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation.

Methods
We investigated serum D-amino acid levels in 40 patients with ulcerative colitis and 34 healthy volunteers. For 7 days [d], acute colitis was induced using dextran sulphate sodium in C57BL/6J mice. Plasma D-amino acid levels were quantified in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis, and these animals were administered D-alanine via intraperitoneal injection. IFN-γ, IL-12p35, IL-17A, and IL-23p19 mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. In vitro proliferation assays were performed to assess naïve CD4+ T cell activation under Th-skewing conditions. Bone marrow cells were stimulated with mouse macrophage-colony stimulating factor to generate mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Results
Serum D-alanine levels were significantly lower in patients with ulcerative colitis than in healthy volunteers. Dextran sulphate sodium-treated mice had significantly lower plasma D-alanine levels than control mice. D-alanine-treated mice had significantly lower disease activity index than control mice. IFN-γ, IL-12p35, IL-17A, and IL-23p19 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in D-alanine-administered mice than in control mice. D-alanine suppressed naïve T cell differentiation into Th1 cells in vitro, and inhibited the production of IL-12p35 and IL-23p19 in bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that D-alanine prevents dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis in mice and suppresses IL-12p35 and IL-23p19 production in macrophages.
Antithrombotic therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: similarities and differences between a European expert consensus document and the 2023 European Society of Cardiology guidelines
Authors: Landi Antonio , Aboyans Victor , Angiolillo Dominick J , Atar Dan , Capodanno Davide , Fox Keith A A , Halvorsen Sigrun , James Stefan , Jüni Peter , Leonardi Sergio , Mehran Roxana , Montalescot Gilles , Navarese Eliano Pio , Niebauer Josef , Oliva Angelo , Piccolo Raffaele , Price Susanna , Storey Robert F , Völler Heinz , Vranckx Pascal , Windecker Stephan , Valgimigli Marco 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Antithrombotic therapy represents the cornerstone of the pharmacological treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The optimal combination and duration of antithrombotic therapy is still matter of debate requiring a critical assessment of patient comorbidities, clinical presentation, revascularization modality, and/or optimization of medical treatment. The 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of patients with ACS encompassing both patients with and without ST segment elevation ACS have been recently published. Shortly before, a European expert consensus task force produced guidance for clinicians on the management of antithrombotic therapy in patients with ACS as well as chronic coronary syndrome. The scope of this manuscript is to provide a critical appraisal of differences and similarities between the European consensus paper and the latest ESC recommendations on oral antithrombotic regimens in ACS patients.
Peripheral microvascular function is linked to cardiac involvement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance in systemic sclerosis–related pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Vos Jacqueline L , Lemmers Jacqueline M J , El Messaoudi Saloua , Snoeren Miranda , van Dijk Arie P J , Duijnhouwer Anthonie L , Rodwell Laura , van Leuven Sander I , Post Martijn C , Vonk Madelon C , Nijveldt Robin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, and carries one of the worst prognoses if patients also develop pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although PAH is a known prognosticator, patients with SSc–PAH demonstrate disproportionately high mortality, presumably due to cardiac involvement. In this cross-sectional study, the relationship between cardiac involvement revealed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and systemic microvascular disease severity measured with nailfold capillaromicroscopy (NCM) in patients with SSc–PAH is evaluated and compared with patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH).

Methods and results
Patients with SSc–PAH and IPAH underwent CMR, echocardiography, and NCM with post-occlusive reactivity hyperaemia (PORH) testing on the same day. CMR imaging included T2 (oedema), native, and post-contrast T1 mapping to measure the extracellular volume fraction (ECV, fibrosis) and adenosine-stress-perfusion imaging measuring the relative myocardial upslope (microvascular coronary perfusion). Measures of peripheral microvascular function were related to CMR indices of oedema, fibrosis, and myocardial perfusion. SSc-PAH patients (n = 20) had higher T2 values and a trend towards a higher ECV, compared with IPAH patients (n = 5), and a lower nailfold capillary density (NCD) and reduced capillary recruitment after PORH. NCD correlated with ECV and T2 (r = −0.443 and −0.464, respectively, P &lt; 0.05 for both) and with markers of diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography. PORH testing, but not NCD, correlated with the relative myocardial upslope (r = 0.421, P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
SSc-PAH patients showed higher markers of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, compared with IPAH patients. These markers correlated well with peripheral microvascular dysfunction, suggesting that SSc-driven inflammation and vasculopathy concurrently affect peripheral microcirculation and the heart. This may contribute to the disproportionate high mortality in SSc–PAH.
The feasibility of motivational interviewing on adherence to care practices, emotional intelligence, and dispositional optimism among patients with permanent pacemakers
Authors: Khedr Mahmoud Abdelwahab , Ali Eman Abdeen , Sanhoury Mohamed Ibrahim , Hussein Rasha Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Motivational interviewing (MI) has been recognized as highly effective for treating chronic diseases and various conditions, with encouraging results demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting health behaviour change. The current study was proposed to evaluate the feasibility of MI on adherence to care practices, emotional intelligence (EI), and dispositional optimism among patients with permanent pacemakers.

Methods and results
This study was a parallel arm randomized controlled trial. Seventy clients with permanent pacemakers were randomly allocated to a six-session MI intervention (n = 35) or a waiting list control group (n = 35). A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of adherence to care practices, EI, and dispositional optimism, along with a significant reduction in pessimism, was registered among the study group compared with the control group.

Conclusion
Following the intervention for 1- and 2-month follow-up measurements, there were statistically significant improvements in self-care practice adherence. After 1 month of intervention, there were statistically significant gains in EI and dispositional optimism, but at the 2-month follow-up measurement, this improvement had somewhat lessened. The findings suggest that MI may be a feasible and practical approach for improving adherence to care practices, EI, and dispositional optimism in patients with permanent pacemakers.

Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05883514
Remnant cholesterol and intensive blood pressure control in older patients with hypertension: a post hoc analysis of the STEP randomized trial
Authors: Yang Ruixue , Zhang Juyan , Yu Xiaoxu , Yang Guohong , Cai Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Emerging evidence shows a close relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and hypertension. However, it is unknown whether RC is associated with the effects of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods and results
We performed a post hoc analysis of the Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) trial. Participants were randomly allocated to intensive (110 to &lt;130 mmHg) or standard (130 to &lt;150 mmHg) treatment groups. The effects of intensive SBP lowering on the primary composite outcome (stroke, acute coronary syndrome, acute decompensated heart failure, coronary revascularization, atrial fibrillation, or cardiovascular death), the components thereof, and all-cause mortality were analysed by the tertile of baseline RC (lowest, middle, and highest). We followed 8206 patients for 3.33 years (median). The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for the primary outcome were 1.06 (0.73–1.56), 0.58 (0.38–0.87), and 0.67 (0.46–0.96) in the lowest, middle, and highest RC tertiles, respectively (P for interaction = 0.11). However, significant heterogeneity in the treatment effects was observed when comparing the upper two tertiles with the lowest tertile (P for interaction = 0.033). For all-cause mortality, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) were 2.48 (1.30–4.73), 1.37 (0.71–2.65), and 0.42 (0.22–0.80) in the lowest, middle, and highest RC tertiles, respectively (P for interaction &lt;0.0001).

Conclusion
Baseline RC concentrations were associated with the effects of intensive SBP lowering on the primary composite cardiovascular outcome and all-cause mortality in hypertensive patients. These results are hypothesis-generating and merit further study.

Registration
STEP ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03015311
Exploring sex variations in the incidence of cardiovascular events: a counterfactual decomposition analysis
Authors: Castel-Feced Sara , Malo Sara , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel , Maldonado Lina , Rabanaque María José , San Sebastián Miguel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Some cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) that occur differently in men and women can be addressed to reduce the risk of suffering a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Furthermore, the development of MACE is highly influenced by social determinants of health. Counterfactual decomposition analysis is a new methodology that has the potential to be used to disentangle the role of different factors in health inequalities. This study aimed to assess sex differences in the incidence of MACE and to estimate how much of the difference could be attributed to the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods
Descriptive and counterfactual analyses were conducted in a population of 278 515 people with CVRFs. The contribution of the causal factors was estimated by comparing the observed risk ratio with the causal factor distribution that would have been observed if men had been set to have the same factor distribution as women. The study period was between 2018 and 2021.

Results
The most prevalent CVRF was hypercholesterolaemia, which was similar in both sexes, while diabetes was more prevalent in men. The incidence of MACE was higher in men than in women. The main causal mediating factors that contributed to the sex differences were diabetes and SES, the latter with an offsetting effect.

Conclusions
This result suggests that to reduce the MACE gap between sexes, diabetes prevention programmes targeting men and more gender-equal salary policies should be implemented.
Bourgeois Enlightenment revivified
Authors: Bell David A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article, inspired by Colin Jones’ ‘Bourgeois revolution revivified’, calls on historians to pay renewed attention to the social and economic contexts of the French Enlightenment, and its relationship to the rise of commercial capitalism. It criticizes influential works in the ‘social history of ideas’ for placing too much emphasis on the compatibility of the Enlightenment and Old Regime social structures, and instead suggests that French Enlightenment writing had a symbiotic relationship to the period’s consumer revolution. This relationship becomes clear if we recognize that consumerism centrally involved practices of self-cultivation. French Enlightenment writing not only provided the expanding reading public of the eighteenth century with tools and guides for self-cultivation, but actively encouraged the process through the styles and genres with which it sought to appeal to and interact with this public. The article concludes by noting that in the political context of late eighteenth-century France, social experience and intellectual exploration alike metamorphosed into pointed social critique, which worked especially to the benefit of the upper Third Estate—that is to say, France’s emerging bourgeoisie.
Aging and Caring: Exploring Older Adults’ Motivation for Informal Caregiving to Other Aging Individuals in Nigeria
Authors: Ezulike Juliet Chigozie Donatus , Lu Shiyu , Chiu Marcus Yu Lung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Because of the global population aging, more informal carers become older adults. In Nigeria, the African country with the largest population of adults aged 60 years and older, self-construal rooted in the African collectivist philosophy generally shapes informal caregiving for older adults. However, there is a general paucity of studies on older adults’ informal caregiving roles, particularly about their motivations for caregiving. This study explored older adults’ motives for informal caregiving to their care recipients in urban Southeast Nigeria.

Research Design and Methods
This study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenological research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposively selected older adults aged 54–88 who were the primary carers of other older adults in the family and community. The collected data were analyzed using van Manen’s thematic analysis method, using QSR NVivo 12 software.

Results
A total of 4 main themes emerged from the participants’ responses: reciprocity of kindness, altruism, a sense of moral responsibility, and eagerness for peaceful longevity. The findings generally showed that religion and culture were the latent factors ingrained in these motivations for informal caregiving.

Discussion and Implications
Although the African philosophy emphasizes altruism, reciprocity seems more prominent in specific traditional African communities, as observed in Southeast Nigeria. It serves as a means to prioritize family members’ needs. The findings indicate the need for the government to establish sustainable programs and policies that support older people in their caregiving role. Doing so will enable carers to derive psychosocial gains from informal caregiving and sustain the caregiving culture of Nigeria.
The effectiveness of a government-sponsored health protection scheme in reducing financial risks for the below-poverty-line population in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md Zahid , Ahmed Sayem , Mehdi Gazi Golam , Ahmed Mohammad Wahid , Arifeen Shams El , Chowdhury Mahbub Elahi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Government of Bangladesh is piloting a non-contributory health protection scheme called Shasthyo Surokhsha Karmasuchi (SSK) to increase access to quality essential healthcare services for the below-poverty-line (BPL) population. This paper assesses the effect of the SSK scheme on out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for healthcare, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and economic impoverishment of the enrolled population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Tangail District, where the SSK was implemented. From August 2019 to March 2020, a total of 2315 BPL households (HHs) (1170 intervention and 1145 comparison) that had at least one individual with inpatient care experience in the last 12 months were surveyed. A household is said to have incurred CHE if their OOPE for healthcare exceeds the total (or non-food) HH’s expenditure threshold. Multiple regression analysis was performed using OOPE, incidence of CHE and impoverishment as dependent variables and SSK membership status, actual BPL status and benefits use status as the main explanatory variables. Overall, the OOPE was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.01) in the intervention areas (Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 23 366) compared with the comparison areas (BDT 24 757). Regression analysis revealed that the OOPE, CHE incidence at threshold of 10% of total expenditure and 40% of non-food expenditure and impoverishment were 33% (P &lt; 0.01), 46% (P &lt; 0.01), 42% (P &lt; 0.01) and 30% (P &lt; 0.01) lower, respectively, in the intervention areas than in the comparison areas. Additionally, HHs that utilized SSK benefits experienced even lower OOPE by 92% (P &lt; 0.01), CHE incidence at 10% and 40% threshold levels by 72% (P &lt; 0.01) and 59% (P &lt; 0.01), respectively, and impoverishment by 27% at 10% level of significance. These findings demonstrated the significant positive effect of the SSK in reducing financial burdens associated with healthcare utilization among the enrolled HHs. This illustrates the importance of the nationwide scaling up of the scheme in Bangladesh to reduce the undue financial risk of healthcare utilization for those in poverty.