Coupling Function Research Articles

Responses of water-carbon coupling to seasonal drought in different land use types in Northwest China

Climate warming has led to frequent drought events, moisture factors have become important indicators limiting ecosystem carbon cycling, which enhances the uncertainty of water-carbon coupling process in response to seasonal droughts. The results of the relationship between water-carbon coupling function and drought in Northwest China show that: 1) The water-carbon coupling coordination degree (WCccd) in all seasons showed summer (0.388) > fall (0.335) > spring (0.275) > winter (0.198), spatially reflected as high in the east and low in the west. 2) The WCccd was highly resistant to mild drought. Mild drought in spring, summer and fall led to an increase of 18.57%, 11.99% and 10.21% in WCccd. As severe and extreme droughts can break the resilience of ecosystems, we should select afforestation or drought-tolerant vegetation according to regional water deficit and surplus situations, and increase artificial interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of drought on the water-carbon coupling function.

Right ventricular dysfunction for prediction of long-term recovery in de novo HFrEF : a PROLONG-II substudy.

To analyse the predictive value of advanced markers of right ventricular (RV) function and RV-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling in forecasting long-term left ventricular (LV) improvement in de novo heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). 260 patients (mean age 57years, 68% men) from the PROLONG-II study were included. PROLONG-II analysed patients with new-onset HFrEF receiving a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator. For this substudy, RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling ratios [RVFWS/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP), TAPSE/PASP and FAC/PASP] at baseline and 3-month follow-up (early follow-up) were examined. LV improvement and non-improvement were defined as an LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of >35% or ≤35% at last available (long-term) follow-up. The median follow-up was 31.5months (IQR: 18.2-45.4), and 151 (58%) patients experienced LV improvement in the long term. No significant differences of RV function and markers of RV-PA coupling were observed at baseline; however, the subgroup of patients with long-term LVEF improvement showed better RV function at early follow-up (RVFWS -20.9±4.3 vs. -18.5±5.1%, TAPSE 19.7±5.1 vs. 17.4±4.9mm, FAC 39.7±8.5 vs. 35.2±9.4%, all P<0.01). In multivariable analysis, RVFWS at early follow-up was shown to be an independent predictor of later LV recovery [odds ratio 1.078 (95% confidence interval 1.010-1.150), P<0.05]. The non-improvers exhibited worse RV-PA coupling at early follow-up [RVFWS/PASP 0.82±0.35 vs. 0.65±0.35%/mmHg, TAPSE/PASP 0.71 (0.55-1.00) vs. 0.54 (0.35-0.75) mm/mmHg, FAC/PASP 1.54±0.61 vs. 1.24±0.75%/mmHg, all P<0.01]. RVFWS/PASP identified RV-PA uncoupling was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 4.64, 95% confidence interval 1.34-16.09, P=0.033). Persistent RV dysfunction, as indicated by both standard and advanced echocardiographic markers during the early follow-up period, implies a reduced potential for long-term LV recovery in patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF.

Machine Learning Nonadiabatic Dynamics: Eliminating Phase Freedom of Nonadiabatic Couplings with the State-Interaction State-Averaged Spin-Restricted Ensemble-Referenced Kohn-Sham Approach.

Excited-state molecular dynamics (ESMD) simulations near conical intersections (CIs) pose significant challenges when using machine learning potentials (MLPs). Although MLPs have gained recognition for their integration into mixed quantum-classical (MQC) methods, such as trajectory surface hopping (TSH), and their capacity to model correlated electron-nuclear dynamics efficiently, difficulties persist in managing nonadiabatic dynamics. Specifically, singularities at CIs and double-valued coupling elements result in discontinuities that disrupt the smoothness of predictive functions. Partial solutions have been provided by learning diabatic Hamiltonians with phaseless loss functions to these challenges. However, a definitive method for addressing the discontinuities caused by CIs and double-valued coupling elements has yet to be developed. Here, we introduce the phaseless coupling term, Δ2, derived from the square of the off-diagonal elements of the diabatic Hamiltonian in the state-interaction state-averaged spin-restricted ensemble-referenced Kohn-Sham (SI-SA-REKS, briefly SSR)(2,2) formalism. This approach improves the stability and accuracy of the MLP model by addressing the issues arising from CI singularities and double-valued coupling functions. We apply this method to the penta-2,4-dieniminium cation (PSB3), demonstrating its effectiveness in improving MLP training for ML-based nonadiabatic dynamics. Our results show that the Δ2-based ML-ESMD method can reproduce ab initio ESMD simulations, underscoring its potential and efficiency for broader applications, particularly in large-scale and long-time scale ESMD simulations.

Right ventricular function of patients with multiple myeloma treated with carfilzomib

Abstract Carfilzomib is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor used for treatment of multiple myeloma which improves progression-free survival and reduces the risk of death. Several adverse effects are described and especially cardiovascular events. Pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood but oxidative stress may damage cardiomyocytes (1). Most common cardiovascular side effects are arterial hypertension, left heart failure, arrhythmia and thromboembolic events. Therefore, transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is recommended prior to the initiation of treatment and throughout the follow-up. Carfilzomib has also been shown to be associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension, however the effect on right ventricular function remains unknown (2). We aimed to evaluate the evolution of right ventricular (RV) function and RV-pulmonary artery coupling under carfilzomib. This retrospective study included thirty-six patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma with a median age of 65.5 [58.8 – 71.5] years. The main comorbidity was systemic hypertension (n=18, 50%) and twenty-eight (77.8%) patients received at least one line of chemotherapy before carfilzomib. Every patient underwent TTE before and during treatment with carfilzomib. Our results showed that the baseline TTE revealed preserved left ventricular (LV) function with a median LV ejection fraction of 60 [58.8 – 63.5] % without LV dilatation. Concerning RV function, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was 24.5 [21.1 – 27.3] mm, and lateral tricuspid annulus peak systolic velocity (S’ wave) was 13.0 [11.7 – 15.0] cm/s. Systolic peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (peak TRV) was measured at 2.4 [2.2 – 2.6] m/s. RV-pulmonary artery coupling, estimated by TAPSE/sPAP ratio was 0.94 [0.79 – 1.11] mm/mmHg. During the follow up, TAPSE significantly decreased under carfilzomib treatment at 21.5 [19.9 – 25.3] (p=0.03). TAPSE decreased in more than 57.1% of patients with a mean of 5.4 ± 4.1 mm. However, peak TRV was not different during follow-up (2.4 [2.3 – 2.5]] m/s, p=0.97) nor TAPSE/sPAP ratio (0.88 [0.80 – 1.10] mm/mmHg, p=0.17). These data are the first to suggest that carfilzomib may impair right ventricular (RV) function even in the absence of evident pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, close monitoring of RV function in patients treated with carfilzomib is crucial due to the risk of RV side effects. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), particularly the follow-up of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), seems to be a valuable screening tool for monitoring these patients before they undergo more specific evaluations.

Right ventricular function and pulmonary coupling in relation to loop diuretic resistance in patients with congestive heart failure

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been proven to be a prognostic factor among heart failure (HF) patients. Loop diuretic resistance (LDR) is associated with worse clinical outcomes, greater symptom burden and mortality. Limited data exist to characterise the relation between RV and kidney function, especially LDR. Purpose To assess relationship of different echocardiographic RV function parameters with loop diuretic resistance in patients with congestive HF exacerbation. Methods Consecutive patients with congestive HF exacerbation were prospectively included in the study. LDR was defined as persistent congestion on the 4th day of hospital stay despite high i.v. loop diuretic dose. Transthoracic echo with detailed assessment of right heart geometry and function, clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated on the 1st and 4th day of hospital stay. A TAPSE/PASP ratio was used to assess RV to pulmonary circulation coupling. Results are presented as mean±standard deviation or median (interquartile range). Results 40 patients were included in the study with median age 84 (72,8; 86) years, mean left ventricle ejection fraction (EF) 37.3±13.0 %, mean E/e’ 18.6±5.0, median NT-proBNP 8967.5 (3024; 15241) pg/ml. LDR was found in 14 (35%) patients. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors for LDR: pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), right ventricle to pulmonary circulation coupling index (TAPSE/PASP ratio), serum creatinine concentration, serum urea concentration, serum low-density cholesterol (LDL) concentration (results are shown in the table). TAPSE/PASP on admission correlated negatively with NT-pro BNP (r -0.44 , p=0.007) and positively with diuresis/40mg of furosemide (r 0.38, p=0.02). In the multivariable model, the significant negative relationship between LDR and TAPSE/PASP (beta coefficient -0.653, p= 0.047) as well as LDL (beta coefficient -0.055, p=0.043) was observed. Conclusions TAPSE/PASP, one of the most significant non-invasive indexes of RV failure, assessed at admission might be a clinically relevant marker of LDR in patients with congestive HF exacerbation. Study group characteristics

Left atrial function and left atrioventricular coupling indices for atrial fibrillation prediction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), atrial fibrillation (AF) is a marker of disease progression and worse outcome, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. Identification of HCM patients (pts) at risk of AF is pivotal for their clinical management and follow-up. Purpose We aimed to explore whether a detailed echocardiographic evaluation of the left atrium (LA) remodeling and function in HCM pts might improve the predictive value for new AF compared to standard parameters. Methods In consecutive HCM pts referred to our Cardiomyopathy Clinic between 2020 and 2023, we assess left ventricular (LV) and LA volumes and strain by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), and LV and LA volumes and total LA emptying fraction (EF) by three-dimensional (3DE) echocardiography. 3DE left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) was calculated as the ratio of respective LA to LV end-diastolic volumes and expressed as percentage %. Clinical, ECG, and 48h ECG Holter data were also collected. Results A total of 180 HCM pts (58±18 years, 55% men) were followed for 23±13 months. Twenty-seven patients experienced at least one episode of AF during follow-up. They were older and had more impaired LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-13±4% vs -15±4%, p=0.004), total LA EF (31±12 vs 42±11%, p=0.001) and LA reservoir strain (LASr, 10±6 vs 16 ±8%, p=0.001) compared to pts without AF. In addition, larger values of 3DE LACI (75±51% vs 43±25%p=0.009) were found in the HCM pts with new AF episode during follow-up. At Cox univariable analysis, 3DE LACI, LA EF and LASr were associated with AF (AUC 0.68, 0.69 and 0.72, respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001 for all). The optimal cutoffs for predicting AF were &amp;gt; 59% for 3DE LACI and &amp;lt; 26% for LA EF with significant discriminative value in Kaplan-Meier analysis. The addition of 3DE LACI and LA EF to a model including LV GLS and 2DE LA volume had a significant incremental value for predicting the occurrence of AF (Figure 1). Conclusions In HCM patients, the advanced evaluation of LA function and left atrio-ventricular coupling by 3DE may improve the identification of patients at risk for subsequent AF episodes within 1 year follow-up. Predictive Model

Impact of right ventricular function on outcome in low-risk secondary tricuspid regurgitation according to effective regurgitant orifice area

Abstract Background The threshold value of the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) that identifies patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR) at high risk of events during follow-up remains unclear. Purpose Our study aimed to identify the threshold value of the EROA defining patients with STR at high-risk of events during follow-up and to evaluate the impact of right ventricular (RV) remodeling in modulating the outcome of low-risk STR patients according to EROA. Methods 513 consecutive outpatients with STR were included. Using the threshold value derived by spline curves, we divided our cohort into two groups: low- (EROA≤ 0.47cm2) and high- (EROA&amp;gt; 0.47cm2) risk STR patients. The endpoint was a composite of heart failure hospitalization and death. Results At 18±15 months from enrolment, 195 patients (38%) reached the endpoint. The Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a higher rate of events for high-risk patients (54±6% vs 30±7%, p &amp;lt;0.0001). EROA&amp;gt; 0.47 cm2 was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of experiencing the outcome (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 2.08, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.56-2.77, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Patients with atrial STR had a significantly lower threshold value (0.44 cm²) than patients with ventricular STR (0.49 cm²). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, EROA remained independently associated with the composite endpoint (adjusted HR: 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p&amp;lt;0.0001) both in the entire cohort and in high-risk patients. Patients with low-risk STR were associated with a dismal prognosis only if they had dilated or dysfunctioning RV. In patients with EROA≤ 0.47cm2, the event rate at two years for RV end-diastolic volume &amp;gt;90 mL/m2, RV end-systolic volume (RV ESV) &amp;gt;46 mL/m2, RV ejection fraction &amp;lt;45% and RV forward stroke volume/RV ESV&amp;lt; 0.40 were respectively: 42±4%, 51±4%, 44±4%, and 47±4%). Conclusions Our results refine the independent association between STR severity assessed by EROA and outcomes. In patients with low-risk STR, the assessment of RV function and RV-PA coupling may improve the patient’s risk prediction, demonstrating a clinically relevant link between STR severity and RV geometry and function.

Total Synthesis of the Psammaplysins: Evolution of a Dipolar Cycloaddition Approach

The psammaplysins are a unique group of bromotyrosine-derived natural products isolated from the Psammaplysilla genus of marine sponges. Aside from the various biological activities they possess, synthetic chemists have been drawn to the family for decades due to the intriguing 5/7-spiroisoxazoline-oxepine core common to all members. Herein, we describe our synthetic approach towards the psammaplysin family in the context of this broader work. Our route centers upon the use of a carefully choreographed alkoxymethylenation/1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to construct the key spiroisoxazoline-oxepine ring system, followed by its functionalization and divergent coupling to access various family members. We also detail the development of the first asymmetric approach to this class of marine natural products.

Droplet Trajectory Movement Modeling Using a Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Printhead Simulations

Previous studies of the authors were focused on the vertical movement of the jet print when the printed head was stationary. In this work, the following study was presented, in which the movement of droplets is achieved using a moving horizontal print head. The printed head moves at various velocities, which affects the time of printing and deposition accuracy. This study provides a 3D numerical model with a complete turnover/interchange of the droplet shape at different time steps during the formation and movement process. By considering the dynamics of a droplet surrounded by air, we modeled them using the two-phase flow coupling and level set function from the computational fluid dynamics module by COMSOL Multiphysics. The trajectory shifts of the inkjet droplet are considered from its ejection to its impact on the surface at each time step. The conclusions summarize all the factors responsible for the trajectory shift of the droplet during vertical fall.

Exact flux vacua, symmetries, and the structure of the landscape

Identifying flux vacua in string theory with stabilized complex structure moduli presents a significant challenge, necessitating the minimization of a scalar potential complicated by infinitely many exponential corrections. In order to obtain exact results we connect three central topics: transcendentality or algebraicity of coupling functions, emergent symmetries, and the distribution of vacua. Beginning with explicit examples, we determine the first exact landscape of flux vacua with a vanishing superpotential within F-theory compactifications on a genuine Calabi-Yau fourfold. We find that along certain symmetry loci in moduli space the generically transcendental vacuum conditions become algebraic and can be described using the periods of a K3 surface. On such loci the vacua become dense when we do not bound the flux tadpole, while imposing the tadpole bound yields a small finite landscape of distinct vacua. Away from these symmetry loci, the transcendentality of the fourfold periods ensures that there are only a finite number of vacua with a vanishing superpotential, even when the tadpole constraint is removed. These observations exemplify the general patterns emerging in the bulk of moduli space that we expose in this work. They are deeply tied to the arithmetic structure underlying flux vacua and generalize the finiteness claims about rational CFTs and rank-two attractors. From a mathematical perspective, our study is linked with the recent landmark results by Baldi, Klingler, and Ullmo about the Hodge locus that arose from connecting tame geometry and Hodge theory.

Right Ventricular Function and Outcomes Stratified by the Effective Regurgitant Orifice Area in Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation.

In patients with moderate and severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR), the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), corrected using the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method for tricuspid valve leaflet tethering and low TR jet velocities, has an unclear threshold for identifying high-risk patients. This study aimed to establish a risk-based EROA cutoff and assess the impact of right ventricular (RV) remodeling on outcomes in low-risk STR patients according to EROA. We included 513 consecutive outpatients (age 75±13 years, 47% male) with moderate and severe STR. Patients were categorized by a spline-derived EROA threshold into low (≤0.47cm2) and high (>0.47cm2) risk groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of heart failure hospitalization and death. Over a follow-up period of 18±15 months, 195 patients reached the composite endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly higher event rate in high-risk patients (54±6% vs. 30±7%, p <0.0001). An EROA>0.47cm2 was associated with a two-fold increased risk (Hazard Ratio [HR]:2.08, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.56-2.77, p<0.0001). This association remained significant after multivariable adjustment (adjusted HR:1.01, 95%CI:1.00-1.02, p<0.0001). In the low-risk group, poor outcomes were linked to RV dilation or dysfunction. Two-year event rates for RV parameters were as follows: RV end-diastolic volume>90 mL/m2 (42±4%), RV end-systolic volume>46 mL/m2 (51±4%), RV ejection fraction<45% (44±4%), and RV forward stroke volume/RV end-systolic volume<0.40 (47±4%). EROA independently predicts outcomes in STR. For low-risk patients by EROA, evaluating RV function and RV-PA coupling enhances risk stratification.

Coupling immersed boundary method with wall function for high Reynolds number compressible flows on adaptive Cartesian grids

In this paper, a high Reynolds number compressible flow simulation method based on the immersed boundary method (IBM) is developed on the adaptive Cartesian grids to address two problems: one is the ability of large-scale Cartesian grid generation, and the other is the resolution of thin shear layers. For the former, an efficient automatic parallel generation method of adaptive Cartesian grids is proposed based on the k-d tree theory. The method has good parallel scalability and computational efficiency, e.g., the generation of 1.41 × 109 cells by 2048 cores takes only 0.40 min. For the latter, an IBM-wall function coupling method is designed to simulate geometrical configurations with high Reynolds numbers in the parallel framework. Numerical experiments show that the presented method can yield results consistent with the use of body-fitted grids. In conclusion, the presented method can realize a fully automatic simulation of high Reynolds number compressible flows, significantly reducing the labor cost in the computational fluid dynamics process, and can improve the accuracy and efficiency of engineering applications.

Primordial black holes in SB SUSY Gauss-Bonnet inflation

Here, we explore the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) within a scalar field inflationary model coupled to the Gauss-Bonnet (GB) term, incorporating the low-scale spontaneously broken supersymmetric (SB SUSY) potential.The coupling function amplifies the curvature perturbations, consequently leading to the formation of PBHs and detectable secondary gravitational waves (GWs).Through the adjustment of the model parameters, the inflaton can be decelerated during an ultra-slow-roll (USR) phase, thereby augmenting curvature perturbations. Beside the observational constraints, the swampland criteria are investigated.Our computations forecast the formation of PBHs with masses around 𝒪(10)M ⊙, aligning with the observational data of LIGO-Virgo, and PBHs with masses 𝒪(10-6)M ⊙ as potential explanation for the ultrashort-timescale microlensing events recorded in the OGLE data.Additionally, our proposed mechanism can generate PBHs with masses around 𝒪(10-13)M ⊙, constituting roughly 99% of the dark matter.The density parameters of the produced GWs (ΩGW 0) intersect with the sensitivity curves of GW detectors. Two cases of our model fall within the nano-Hz frequency regime. One of them satisfies the power-law scaling as ΩGW(f) ∼ f 5-γ, with the γ = 3.51, which is consistent with the data of NANOGrav 15-year.

Gravitational-wave signatures of gravito-electromagnetic couplings

Gravitational waves (GWs) can undoubtedly serve as a messenger from the early Universe acting as well as a novel probe of the underlying gravity theory. In this work, motivated by one-loop vacuum-polarization effects on curved spacetime, we investigate a gravitational theory with non-minimal curvature-electromagnetic coupling terms of the form ξR/M Pl2 F μν F μν , where M Pl is the reduced Planck mass, R is the scalar curvature and F μν the Faraday tensor, being responsible for the generation of primordial electromagnetic fields. We study then the GW signatures of such coupling terms deriving in particular for the first time to the best of our knowledge the modified tensor modes equation of motion. Remarkably, we find a universal infrared (IR) frequency scaling f 5 of the electromagnetically induced GW (EMIGW) signal, which, depending on the energy scale of inflation, the duration of inflation and reheating as well as the dynamical behaviour of the coupling function ξ, can be well within the detection sensitivity bands of GW experiments such as SKA, LISA, ET and BBO, being thus potentially detectable in the future by GW observatories.

Exploring confinement in Anti-de Sitter space

We study Yang-Mills theory on four dimensional Anti-de Sitter space. The Dirichlet boundary condition cannot exist at arbitrarily large radius because it would give rise to colored asymptotic states in flat space. As observed in [1] this implies a deconfinement-confinement transition as the radius is increased. We gather hints on the nature of this transition using perturbation theory. We compute the anomalous dimensions of the lightest scalar operators in the boundary theory, which are negative for the singlet and positive for non-trivial representations. We also compute the correction to the coefficient CJ and we estimate that the singlet operator reaches marginality before the value of the coupling at which CJ = 0. These results favor the scenario of merger and annihilation as the most promising candidate for the transition. For the Neumann boundary condition, the lightest scalar operator is found to have a positive anomalous dimension, in agreement with the idea that this boundary condition extrapolates smoothly to flat space. The perturbative calculations are made possible by a drastic simplification of the gauge field propagator in Fried-Yennie gauge. We also derive a general result for the leading-order anomalous dimension of the displacement operator for a generic perturbation in Anti-de Sitter, showing that it is related to the beta function of bulk couplings.

Impact and Heterogeneity of Self-reported Hearing on Trajectories of Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Couples.

Hearing status is identified as a significant predictor of cognitive function. The life course principle of linked lives posits that the lives of couples often become increasingly interconnected or embedded over time, thereby cumulatively intensifying their influence on spouse's health and well-being. We aim to examine the impact of self-reported hearing on cognitive function among married couples across adulthood and whether there is heterogeneity in the associations. Utilizing data from the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (n=2847 middle-aged and older couples, totaling 5694 observations across all waves), we employ the growth curve model (GCM) to examine the impact of self-reported hearing, both individually and from spouses, on the age-related trajectories of cognitive function. This study demonstrates that poor self-reported hearing is significantly associated with worse cognitive function compared to those with good hearing. Additionally, there is a significant temporal association between poor spousal hearing and cognitive decline, compared to individuals whose spouses have good hearing. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the association between poor spousal hearing and increasing cognitive disadvantage across time is particularly significant among men and rural residents. This research provides new evidence of the longitudinal association between hearing and cognitive function among married couples, thus contributing to a growing body of literature documenting the importance of understanding how spousal health conditions impact health trajectories.

Evaluation of left atrial function and the relationship between left atrial stiffness index and exercise capacity in hypertension-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

The left atrial stiffness index (LASI) holds significance in the atrioventricular coupling function and heart failure progression. To assess left atrial function and evaluate the relationship between LASI and exercise capacity in hypertension-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HT-HFpEF). The study involved 62 healthy subjects and 163 patients with HT (112 patients in simple HT group and 51 patients in HT-HFpEF group). Each patient performed exercise stress test and standard ultrasonic images were evaluated. A comprehensive evaluation of atrioventricular function, along with investigation into the correlation between these functional parameters and exercise capacity. And further to investigate the feasibility of predicting exercise intolerance using three-dimensional derived left atrial strain index (LASI) (E/e'/LASr and E/e'/LASr-c). Compared to healthy subjects, HT group demonstrated the elevation in left atrial volume accompanied by decrease in strain value (P < 0.05). In HT-HFpEF group, further significant reductions were observed in both longitudinal (LASr) and circumferential strain (LASr-c, LASct-c) (P < 0.05). Univariate regression demonstrated that both E/e'/LASr and E/e'/LASr-c were significantly correlated with metabolic equivalents (METs) (r = -0.462, P < 0.001; r = -0.381, P < 0.001). The E/e'/LASr demonstrates comparable diagnostic efficacy to exercise-E/e' in assessing exercise intolerance in HT-HFpEF patients (AUC: 0.836 vs. 0.867, P = 0.239). Progressive LA remodeling contributes to decreased atrioventricular compliance in HT and HT-HFpEF patients.E/e'/LASr serves as an independent indicator of exercise intolerance in patients with HT-HFpEF.

Impact of Right Ventricular to Pulmonary Artery Coupling on Survival Following Indirect Mitral Annuloplasty.

Right ventricular-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling is an important predictor of long-term survival following transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. However, its impact on survival in patients undergoing indirect mitral annuloplasty is unknown. The study aimed to assess the impact of baseline RV-PA coupling on survival following indirect mitral annuloplasty in heart failure patients. Patients were classified according to baseline RV-PA coupling: TAPSE (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion)/PASP (pulmonary artery systolic pressure) > 0.55 (group 1), ≤ 0.55 ≥ 0.32 (group 2) and ≤ 0.32 (group 3). Clinical follow-up and RV function were assessed 3 and 12 months following indirect annuloplasty. A TAPSE/PASP > 0.55 was found in 19 patients, while 47 patients showed a TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.55 > 0.32 and 26 a TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.32. A significant reduction in vena contracta and regurgitant volume compared to baseline was found in all groups at 3-months and 12-months follow-up. One-year mortality was significantly increased in group 3 compared to the other groups (group 1: 0.95, group 2: 0.91, group 3: 0.77; Log-Rank test p = 0.018). In groups 2 and 3 the TAPSE/PASP significantly improved during the 12-months follow-up, while it remained unchanged in group 1 (group 1: baseline = 0.71 ± 0.03, 12-months = 0.67 ± 0.01; group 2: baseline = 0.43 ± 0.06, 12-months: 0.56 ± 0.04; group 3: baseline = 0.25 ± 0.06, 12-months: 0.4 ± 0.03; p < 0.001). RV-PA uncoupling before indirect mitral annuloplasty is associated with poor survival. However, Carillon device implantation improved right heart function and RV-PA coupling in patients with severe RV dysfunction at baseline. Therefore, Carillon device implantation can be a valuable option for transcatheter treatment of patients with FMR and right heart failure.

Pd‐Catalyzed Denitrative C2‐Arylation of Oxazoles, Benzoxazoles, and Benzimidazoles with Nitroarenes

AbstractA step‐economic method for C2‐arylated azoles via Pd‐catalyzed denitrative arylation of nitroarenes and azoles is reported. This protocol employs synthetically upstream nitroarenes as arylating reagents and proceeds through the selective cleavage of the C−NO2 and C−H bonds. Various nitroarenes and nitroheteroarenes were coupled with oxazoles, benzoxazoles, and methylbenzimidazoles, achieving yields of up to 95%. The method's utility is exemplified by its application in the synthesis of Flunoxaprofen. This strategy reduces synthetic steps and minimizes pollution, offering substantial cost‐effectiveness and environmental benefits. Furthermore, the relatively inert C−NO2 bond in nitroarenes enables late‐stage functionalization or stepwise coupling reactions, providing a complementary method for C2‐arylation of azoles.

A novel scheme for modelling dissipation (gain) and thermalization in open quantum systems

Abstract In this letter, we introduce a novel method for investigating dissipation (gain) and thermalization in an open quantum system. In this method, the quantum system is coupled linearly with a copy of itself or with another system described by a finite number of bosonic operators. The time-dependent coupling functions play a fundamental role in this scheme. To demonstrate the efficiency and significance of the method, we apply it to some ubiquitous open quantum systems. Firstly, we investigate a quantum oscillator in the presence of a thermal bath at the inverse temperature β, obtaining the reduced density matrix, the Husimi distribution function, and the quantum heat distribution function accurately. The results are consistent with existing literature by appropriate choices for the time-dependent coupling function. To illustrate the generalizability of this method to systems interacting with multiple thermal baths, we study the interaction of a quantum oscillator with two thermal baths at different temperatures and obtain compatible results. Subsequently, we analyze a two-level atom with energy or phase dissipation and derive the spontaneous emission and the pure dephasing processes consistently using the new method. Finally, we investigate the Markovianity in a dissipative two-level system.