bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural divergence and morphological variation of isolated remnant populations of the endangered Floreana mockingbird
Authors: Reyes Enzo M. R. , Roper Michelle M. , Sevilla Christian , Rueda Danny , Brunton Dianne H. , Smith Adam N. H. , Ortiz-Catedral Luis
Published: July 2024

Context Cultural divergence refers to changes over time in behavioural traits. These cultural changes could have important implications for conservation planning, and impact the success of conservation efforts such as translocations. Aims Here, we investigate the extent, and potential impacts, of cultural divergence in two isolated populations of the Floreana mockingbird (Mimus trifasciatus) on the Galápagos Islands. Methods Using contemporary recordings of vocalisations we test for spatial vocal differentiation between mockingbird populations. Furthermore, we explore the potential drivers of change using morphological measurements and historical recordings of the species. Key results We found evidence of spatial and temporal differentiation in vocalisations between the two populations of the Floreana mockingbird. We accurately classified over 75% of the birds to the correct populations based on multivariate measures of audio recordings using canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP). We also found significant differences in morphometrics between populations; specifically, beak depth was associated with frequency modulation, an acoustic measure that is significantly different between populations. Furthermore, we found evidence of change in the complexity of the vocalisations over a period of 57 years. Conclusions Cultural divergence was found in the two remaining populations of this endangered species. Factors such as changes in morphology and cultural drift might have been influenced the change in vocalisation across time and populations. Implications We highlight the importance of considering behavioural factors when planning reintroductions of endangered species where there is a need to minimise the risk of assortative mating so as to maximise genetic diversity.
The art of the seminar and the power of small things
Authors: Kattago Siobhan
Published: July 2024

Jeffrey Goldfarb’s intellectual engagement in the public sphere is rooted in his commitment to the seminar as a unique form of pedagogy, social interaction, and democratic deliberation. His skill around a table is, however, not only a craft that has been honed in the classroom; Goldfarb’s art of the seminar has also travelled geographically and virtually onto various platforms. His commitment to dialogue continues to serve as a way in which individuals can engage with one another across differences. From his early fascination with conversations around kitchen tables in communist Poland to the Democracy and Diversity Summer Schools that he organised with colleagues while teaching at the New School, from the virtual forums of Deliberately Considered, Public Seminar and The Democracy Seminar to his current professorship at the American University of Afghanistan, Goldfarb invites faculty and students to engage with one another to think critically about the pressing problems of our increasingly fractured world.
Epilepsy-associated Kv1.1 channel subunits regulate intrinsic cardiac pacemaking in mice
Authors: Si Man , Darvish Ahmad , Paulhus Kelsey , Kumar Praveen , Hamilton Kathryn A. , Glasscock Edward
Published: July 2024

The heartbeat originates from spontaneous action potentials in specialized pacemaker cells within the sinoatrial node (SAN) of the right atrium. Voltage-gated potassium channels in SAN myocytes mediate outward K+ currents that regulate cardiac pacemaking by controlling action potential repolarization, influencing the time between heartbeats. Gene expression studies have identified transcripts for many types of voltage-gated potassium channels in the SAN, but most remain of unknown functional significance. One such gene is Kcna1, which encodes epilepsy-associated voltage-gated Kv1.1 K+ channel α-subunits that are important for regulating action potential firing in neurons and cardiomyocytes. Here, we investigated the functional contribution of Kv1.1 to cardiac pacemaking at the whole heart, SAN, and SAN myocyte levels by performing Langendorff-perfused isolated heart preparations, multielectrode array recordings, patch clamp electrophysiology, and immunocytochemistry using Kcna1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Our results showed that either genetic or pharmacological ablation of Kv1.1 significantly decreased the SAN firing rate, primarily by impairing SAN myocyte action potential repolarization. Voltage-clamp electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry revealed that Kv1.1 exerts its effects despite contributing only a small outward K+ current component, which we term IKv1.1, and despite apparently being present in low abundance at the protein level in SAN myocytes. These findings establish Kv1.1 as the first identified member of the Kv1 channel family to play a role in sinoatrial function, thereby rendering it a potential candidate and therapeutic targeting of sinus node dysfunction. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that small currents generated via low-abundance channels can still have significant impacts on cardiac pacemaking.
ERT-based fetus monitoring system using wearable conductive fabrics
Authors: Khambampati Anil Kumar , Solano Sanchez Felipe Alberto , Jeon Minho , Kim Kyung Youn
Published: July 2024

During pregnancy, it is important to monitor the health of the fetus and fetal movement count is one of the key parameters that can be used to check the health of the fetus. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing non-invasive passive methods for fetal monitoring techniques that can be used outside of clinical settings. This study introduces a home-use system based on electrical resistance tomography that pregnant mothers can utilize for fetus monitoring. The setup utilizes a conductive fabric, functioning as electronic skin (e-skin), positioned on the mother’s abdomen to detect alterations in the fabric’s electrical characteristics caused by fetal movements. This method is validated through both numerical simulations and experimental investigations, which assess conductivity changes on the fabric’s surface in reaction to localized pressure fluctuations, mimicking fetal motions.
Data-driven dynamic inclination angle estimation of monorail crane under complex road conditions
Authors: Liu Zechao , Wu Weimin , Li Jingzhao , Zheng Changlu , Wang Guofeng
Published: July 2024

Monorail cranes are crucial in facilitating auxiliary transportation within deep mining operations. As unmanned driving technology becomes increasingly prevalent in monorail crane operations, it encounters challenges such as low accuracy and unreliable attitude recognition, significantly jeopardizing the safety of monorail crane operations. Hence, this study proposes a dynamic inclination estimation methodology utilizing the Estimation-Focused-EKFNet algorithm. Firstly, based on the driving characteristics of the monorail crane, a dynamic inclination model of the monorail crane is established, based on which the dynamic inclination value can be calculated in real-time by the extended Kalman filter (EKF) estimator; however, given the complexity of the driving road conditions, in order to improve the dynamic inclination recognition accuracy, the CNN-LSTM-ATT algorithm combining the convolutional neural network (CNN), the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network and the attention mechanism (ATT) is used to firstly predict the current dynamic camber is predicted by the CNN-LSTM-ATT algorithm combined with the CNN and the attention mechanism, and then the predicted dynamic inclination value is used as the observation value of the EKF estimator, which finally realizes that the EKF estimator can output the accurate dynamic inclination value in real-time. Experimental results indicate that, compared with the unscented Kalman filter, LSTM-ATT, and CNN-LSTM algorithms, the Estimation-Focused-EKFNet algorithm enhances dynamic inclination recognition in complex road conditions by at least 52.34%, significantly improving recognition reliability. Its recognition accuracy reaches 99.28%, effectively ensuring the safety of unmanned driving for monorail cranes.
MBE-grown ZnTe epitaxial layer based broadband photodetector with high response and excellent switching characteristics
Authors: Tyagi Subodh , Sheoran Hardhyan , Meena Udai Ram , Tiwari Shivansh , Mishra Puspashree , Kumar Shiv , Singh Rajendra
Published: July 2024

Zinc telluride (ZnTe) epitaxial layers were grown on gallium arsenide (GaAs) (211) substrate at different growth temperatures by molecular beam epitaxy. The fabricated interdigitated metal semiconductor metal configuration-based photodetector (PD) on ZnTe epitaxial layers exhibited a stable and excellent photo response in a broad spectral range (250–550 nm) up to 125 °C. The room temperature and higher temperature (125 °C) values of maximum current, spectral responsivity and detectivity at an applied bias of 5 V and 550 nm wavelength were 3.5 × 10−8 A, 0.1 A W−1 and 1 × 1011 Jones and 1.7 × 10−6 A, 2.5 A W−1 and 1.5 × 1011 Jones, respectively. The maximum photo-to-dark-current ratio (PDCR) value at zero bias and 100 °C was obtained for the ZnTe layer grown at an optimum growth temperature of 380 °C. The high PDCR value exhibits the self-powered capability of the detector. Furthermore, the detector exhibits good on–off switching to the illuminating light with rise and decay times less than 0.29 s and 0.4 s, respectively, at room temperature. The dependence of the photo response on material quality was analysed by varying the substrate growth temperature. The broadband responsivity of the ZnTe-based PD shows its capability as a multicolour detector in the UV and visible region with the use of suitable blocking filters.
Dynamic responses of normal and partially failed piezoelectric stack actuators under sinusoidal voltages with DC biasing
Authors: Yang Jialin , Mao Yongjian , Qu Bingbing , Yan Xia , Yang Mao , Zhou Bangzhao , Lu Yonggang
Published: July 2024

Piezoelectric (PZT) stack actuators are widely used in many fields due to the advantages such as small stroke and high force output. However, failures of one or more PZT layers may exist in PZT stacks and then have influences on their performances. This paper investigates dynamic responses of normal and partially failed PZT stack actuators, in order to evaluate the influences of a failed layer at different positions and furthermore explore the rules, which is of great significance for understanding and improving the performances of partially failed PZT stack actuators. Firstly, a group of experiments were performed and responses of PZT stacks were obtained under sinusoidal voltages with DC biasing. Then a multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) spring-mass system was built as a theoretical model which was verified by the experimental results to simulate output responses of PZT stack actuators. Based on that, the influences of a failed PZT layer at different positions in the stack were obtained by solving the model under various conditions. The results reveal that the farther the failed PZT layer is from the fixed end, the more significant the influences on the displacement or force output of the PZT stack are. Moreover, the rules of influences of a failed PZT layer at different positions were expressed as a general formula which can be used to better understand, evaluate or identify health conditions of PZT stack actuators.
Antibunched N-photon bundles from dark states assisted by ac Stark shift
Authors: Gou Chengdeng , Xu Jun , Wang Fei , Hu Xiangming
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose an interesting scheme to generate antibunched N-photon bundles from dark states by using a single-atom cavity quantum electrodynamics system. The dispersive coupling between the atom and cavity introduces a Stark shift to one of the ground states, while the resonant coupling, along with a control field, forms a coherent N-excitation dark state assisted by the shift. Consequently, super-Rabi oscillation is established between the vacuum state and the N-excitation dark state when a probe field weakly couples to two ground states, enabling antibunched N-photon bundle emission within long-lived atomic coherence. As a byproduct, the generated high-efficiency single-photon source with a large mean photon number and high fidelity is of great value in quantum information processing.
Research on high-precision encoder based on optical-magnetic combination structure to measure absolute angle
Authors: Zhao Tai , Zhang Quanbing , Tian Hao , Jiang Yikang
Published: July 2024

As a kind of sensor for real-time feedback and dynamic monitoring of angular velocity and angular displacement of the system, the common photoelectric encoder is widely used in many fields such as new energy electric vehicles, servo closed-loop control systems, industrial control, security monitoring. In order to improve the resolution and accuracy, a kind of optical and magnetic combined encoder which combines photoelectricity and multi-pole magnetoelectricity is designed in this paper, where the light-blocking disk of photoelectric sensor is designed according to the pseudo-random sequence, and the photoelectric coding is used to determine the magnetic interval of multi-pole. The absolute angle is calculated according to the number of multiple circles plus the angle of single circle. The experimental results at different temperatures (−40 °C∼100 °C) show that the accuracy of the proposed combined encoder can reach ±0.08°, which is improved by 0.37° compared with that of the single-pole encoder. Finally, the combined encoder was applied to the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera of a video surveillance enterprise, and the experiment showed that its repeated positioning accuracy reached ±0.02°, which is greatly improved compared with single-pole encoder.
Multilevel dynamics of matter waves scattering in finite potential wells
Authors: Mandujano Miguel A G , Villavicencio J , Romo R
Published: July 2024

We explore the dynamics of matter wave scattering in finite potential wells using analytical solutions of the Schrödinger equation within the framework of a quantum shutter model. We find that the incident wave interferes with the bound states of the quantum well, resulting in time-domain oscillations. These oscillations exhibit Rabi-type frequencies, characterised by the energy differences between the incident wave and the bound states of the quantum well. We show that in systems with double-bound states, the interference pattern is characterised by quantum beats in the time-dependent probability density. The period of these beatings depends on the energy difference between the bound states, which can be tuned by controlling the potential parameters. In the general case where bound, anti-bound, and resonant states coexist in the system spectrum, complex oscillations in the probability density arise from the interactions of the incident wave with different quantum states. We demonstrate that the bound states sector can effectively describe this complex behaviour, providing a simple and reliable analytical expression for the probability density in multilevel systems. This formula highlights the significant role of bound states, whose interaction with the incident wave dominates the transient probability density. This contrasts with conventional systems with potential barriers and wells, where resonances govern the wave dynamics.
Low mass naked singularities from dark core collapse
Authors: Chakraborty Chandrachur , Bhattacharyya Sudip , Joshi Pankaj S.
Published: July 2024

Near-solar mass black holes (BHs) could have been involved in the two recent gravitational wave events, GW190425 and GW190814. Since such a low mass BH cannot be formed via stellar evolution, a model has been proposed based on the core collapse of a neutron star initiated by a certain number of dark matter (DM) particles. In this process, the accumulated DM particles collapse to form a tiny BH inside the neutron star, and the entire neutron star is transmuted into a BH after a certain time due to the accretion of matter by the endoparasitic BH from its host. Here, we argue that, depending on the initial conditions,
a dark core collapse could give rise to either a BH or a naked singularity.
For example, if the accumulated cloud of DM particles in the core of a neutron star can be modeled as an anisotropic fluid and it fulfils the criterion for collapse, an endoparasitic naked singularity could form instead of an endoparasitic BH.
Immediately after its formation, the naked singularity should begin accreting matter from the host neutron star,
thus eventually transmuting the entire host into a near-solar mass, relatively slowly-spinning naked singularity.
We also propose a general technique to constrain the DM particle-neutron scattering cross section using the lack of pulsars near the Galactic centre and assuming that these missing pulsars have already been transmuted into BHs and/or naked singularities.
Thus, the missing pulsars also indicate the existence of many such singularities near the Galactic center.
Investigation of decay mechanisms and associated aspects of exotic nobelium isotopes using the Skyrme energy density formalism*
Authors: Kaur Shubhpreet , Kumar Raj , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: July 2024

The search for heavy elements has yielded many surprises and enhanced our knowledge of nuclear synthesis and associated dynamical aspects. Although new elements and their associated isotopes have been synthesized, information concerning elements with

, remains scarce. Further, concerning the transfermium elements, the nuclear shell structure is key to ensuring nuclear stability. Hence, the shell effects have key implications on such nuclei. Many experimental and theoretical investigations have been conducted to examine the reactions induced by heavy ions and the subsequent decay mechanisms in the superheavy mass region. In addition, the region of transfermium elements is of great interest because of the neutron/proton shell effects. Here, our objective is to analyze the decay mechanisms of nuclides having Z = 102 nuclei, i.e.,
248No* and 250No*. An extensive study was conducted using the dynamical cluster-decay model (DCM) based on Quantum Mechanical Fragmentation Theory (QMFT). The focus was to investigate compound nucleus (CN) and non-compound nucleus (nCN) mechanisms, including fusion-fission (ff), quasi-fission (QF), and fast fission (FF). The specific isotopes of interest are 248No* and 250No*, with attention given to the role of the center-of-mass energy

and angular momentum

. The nuclear interaction potential was derived using the Skyrme energy density formalism (SEDF) with the GSkI force parameters. The capture cross-sections were calculated using the

-summed Wong Model. The determination of the probability of compound nucleus formation (PCN) involved a function that is dependent upon the center-of-mass energy. The lifetimes of the ff and QF channels were also investigated. Here, CN and nCN decay mechanisms for two isotopes of Z = 102 nobelium were analyzed over the range of center-of-mass values

considering the quadrupole deformation

and optimum orientations

of the decaying fragments. The fragmentation potential, preformation probability, neck length parameter, and reaction cross-sections were explored. Further, PCN was calculated to determine the mechanisms of decay of 248No* and 250No* isotopes. The obtained fusion–fission lifetimes and quasi-fission lifetimes are compared with the dinuclear system (DNS) approach. Among the considered isotopes having Z = 102, i.

e., the 248No* formed in the 40Ca + 208Pb reaction and 250No* formed via two different entrance channels, 44Ca+206Pb and 64Ni+186W, show asymmetric fragmentation with the effect of

deformation at the energies beyond the Coulomb barrier. Of note, the nCN (QF and FF) decay mechanisms compete with the CN fission channels. The calculations based on the DCM show a strong correlation with the experimental data. The most probable fragments, such as 122Sn and 128Te, were observed near the magic shell closure at Z = 50 and N = 82. Further, as the excitation energy increased, the fusion–fission and quasi-fission lifetimes decreased.
Overview of damage to beryllium limiters by unmitigated disruptions and runaway electrons in the JET tokamak with metal walls
Authors: Jepu I. , Widdowson A. , Matthews G.F. , Coad J.P. , Likonen J. , Brezinsek S. , Rubel M. , Pintsuk G. , Petersson P. , Fortuna-Zalesna E. , Grzonka J. , Porosnicu C. , Dinca P. , Pompilian O. , Butoi B. , Moga S. G. , Silburn S. , Kuksenko S. , Alves E. , Catarino N. , Pitts R.A. , Chen L. , Ratynskaia S. ,   JET Contributors
Published: July 2024

The Joint European Torus (JET) fusion reactor was upgraded to the metallic wall configuration in 2011 which consisted of bulk beryllium (Be) tiles in the main chamber and bulk tungsten (W) and W-coated CFC tiles in the divertor (Matthews G.F. et al 2011 Phys. Scr.
T148 014001). During each campaign, a series of wall damages were observed; on the upper dump plates (UDP) positioned to the top part of the vessel walls and on the inner wall—mainly affecting the inner wall guard limiters (IWGL). In both cases, it was concluded that the causes of these damages were unmitigated plasma disruptions. In the case of JET with the metallic wall configuration, most of these plasma disruptions were intentionally provoked. The overall objective was to study the behaviour of these phenomena, in order to assess their impact on the wall, improve understanding of morphological material changes, and—based on that—to develop, implement and test mitigation techniques for their prospective use on ITER. The current results bring additional information on the effects of the unmitigated plasma disruptions on the UDPs and are a significant extension of work presented in (Jepu et al 2019 Nucl. Fusion
59 086009) where the scale of the damage after three operational campaigns on the Be top limiters of JET was highlighted. In addition, new data is presented on the damaging effect that the high energetic runaway electrons had on the Be IWGL in JET.
Demonstration of aneutronic p-11B reaction in a magnetic confinement device
Authors: Ogawa K. , Magee R.M. , Tajima T. , Gota H. , McCarroll P. , Allfrey I. , Nuga H. , Isobe M. , Osakabe M.
Published: July 2024

Aneutronic fusion using commonly available fuel such as hydrogen and boron 11 (11B) is one of the most attractive potential energy sources. On the other hand, it requires 30 times higher temperature than deuterium–tritium fusion in a thermonuclear fusion reactor condition. Development of techniques to realize its potential for the experimental capability to produce proton-boron 11 (p-11B) fusion in the magnetically confined fusion device using neutral beam injection is desired. Here we report clear experimental exploration and measurements of p-11B fusion reactions supported by intense hydrogen beams and impurity powder dropper installed in the magnetic confinement plasma Large Helical Device. We measured a significant amount of fusion alpha particle emission using a custom designed alpha particle detector based on a passivated implanted planar silicon detector. Intense negative-ion-based hydrogen beam injectors created a large population of up to 160 keV energetic protons to react with the boron-injected plasma. The p-11B alpha particles having MeV energy were measured with the alpha particle detector which gave a fusion rate in a good agreement with the global p-11B alpha emission rate calculated based on classical confinement of energetic proton, using experimentally obtained plasma parameters.
Policy support for BECCS and DACCS in Europe: the view of market participants
Authors: Yang Pu , Fankhauser Sam , Smith Stephen M , Sundvor Ingrid , Hirmer Stephanie , Johnstone Injy , Stemmler Joseph
Published: July 2024

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is the essential ‘net’ in net zero. However, a thriving CDR industry will not come into being without government intervention. As governments start to devise CDR support policies, this paper solicits the views of market participants in two of the most prominent CDR methods: bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS). We survey 47 BECCS and DACCS project developers and financiers active in Europe, conducting in-depth interviews with 27 of them to identify their key challenges and preferred policy interventions to address them. We find that participants prefer compliance markets, such as links to emissions trading systems, to generate demand but seek government support to cushion early market risks. They acknowledge the need for stringent monitoring and regulation to ensure environmental integrity. Bearing industry expectations in mind, policymakers face five key challenges in developing CDR: reaching scale, striking a balance with emissions cuts, safeguarding integrity, ensuring fairness and accelerating the speed of deployment.
Canonical lifts in multisymplectic De Donder–Weyl Hamiltonian field theories
Authors: Guerra IV Arnoldo , Román-Roy Narciso
Published: July 2024

We define canonical lifts of vector fields to the multisymplectic multimomentum bundles of De Donder–Weyl Hamiltonian (first-order) field theories and to the appropriate premultisymplectic embedded constraint submanifolds on which singular field theories are studied. These new canonical lifts are used to study the so-called natural Noether symmetries present in both regular and singular Hamiltonian field theories along with their associated conserved quantities obtained from Noether’s theorem. The Klein–Gordon field, the Polyakov bosonic string, and Einstein–Cartan gravity in 3+1 dimensions are analyzed in depth as applications of these concepts; as a peripheral result obtained in the analysis of the bosonic string, we provide a new geometrical interpretation of the well-known Virasoro constraint.
Experimental study on multiple impact resistance of geogrid reinforced cushion
Authors: Ren F- , Liu J-H
Published: July 2024

Rock-sheds are often used at mountain roads and tunnel entrances for preventing rockfall disasters. Placing geogrids in sand cushion can improve the resistance to rockfall impacts. However, the mechanism of geogrid reinforced sand cushion under multi-impacts remains unclear. This study conducted four model tests to investigate the mechanical response of geogrid-sand cushions with different reinforcement positions under multiple impacts. The results showed that geogrids effectively reduced the impact penetration depth and improved its buffering capacity. When the geogrid was placed at 2/3 the height of the cushion, with increase in the number of impacts, the growth rate of the maximum impact force and peak earth pressure, and the reduction rate of the penetration depth and impact stress factor were the smallest. Moreover, the vibration of the shed roof slab was mitigated. This is because this working condition effectively converted the impact stress into horizontal tensile stress of the geogrid, which is beneficial for evening the distribution of the stress on the shed roof slab. Thus, this study provides a reference for the optimization and design of rock-sheds.
From Monoracial to Multiracial Biblical Studies
Authors: Park Wongi
Published: July 2024

The discourse around race and ethnicity in biblical studies has grown exponentially in recent years. Yet there is a curious lack of attention to whiteness. The field of biblical studies in the United States and Europe is profoundly monoracial, and one of the ways this whiteness operates is through traditional methods of biblical scholarship. This chapter proposes that critical race theory and whiteness studies are useful aids in rendering whiteness visible in the field. New sources are foregrounded to rethink the normative Eurocentricity of biblical studies. Decentring whiteness does not mean eliminating Eurocentric sources entirely; it entails particularizing whiteness and examining its effects. Through contextual awareness, biblical studies can move from being monoracial to becoming multiracial.
Reported vote: An observational measure of political stigma
Authors: Valentim Vicente
Published: July 2024

How can one measure the influence of social norms using observational data? This chapter argues that whenever one can find variation in the publicness of a given political behavior, one can compare its prevalence across more private and more public settings. The gap provides a measure of the strength of social norms for or against that behavior. In an application of this logic, a measure of political stigma is proposed, called reported vote. Reported vote captures the proportion of the official vote for a party that is declared in post-electoral surveys. If there is a strong social norm against supporting a party, even individuals who voted for it have an incentive not to admit that they did so. A number of validation tests are presented for reported vote as a measure of political stigma. The chapter discusses how the logic underlying this variable can be used to construct other measures.
Individualized treatment effects of a digital alcohol intervention and their associations with participant characteristics and engagement
Authors: Crawford Joel , Collier Elizabeth S , Bendtsen Marcus
Published: July 2024

Aims

Conditional average treatment effects are often reported in intervention studies, in which assumptions are made regarding how effects are similar across a heterogeneous sample. Nonetheless, differing factors, such as genetics, age, and sex, can impact an intervention’s effect on outcomes. The study aimed to estimate the individualized effects of a digital alcohol intervention among individuals looking online to reduce their drinking.

Methods

We used data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), including 2129 adults from the Swedish general population. The RCT concerned a text message-based alcohol intervention that sought to engender change through increasing knowledge on how to change and instilling confidence in changing behaviour. Outcomes were total weekly alcohol consumption and monthly heavy episodic drinking. Individualized treatment effects were modelled using baseline characteristics (age, gender, alcohol consumption, and psychosocial variables) and engagement with the intervention content.

Results

We found evidence that the effects of the digital alcohol intervention were heterogeneous concerning participants’ age, baseline alcohol consumption, confidence, and importance. For heavy episodic drinking, there was evidence that effects were heterogeneous concerning age, sex, and baseline alcohol consumption. Overall, women, older individuals, and heavier drinkers benefitted more from the intervention in terms of effect size. In addition, participants who engaged more with the goal-setting and screening content reported better outcomes.

Conclusions

The results highlight how different individuals respond differently to a digital alcohol intervention. This allows insight into who benefits the most and least from the intervention and highlights the potential merit of designing interventions adapted to different individuals’ needs.
MiRAGE: mining relationships for advanced generative evaluation in drug repositioning
Authors: Hassanali Aragh Aria , Givehchian Pegah , Moslemi Amirani Razieh , Masumshah Raziyeh , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: July 2024

Motivation

Drug repositioning, the identification of new therapeutic uses for existing drugs, is crucial for accelerating drug discovery and reducing development costs. Some methods rely on heterogeneous networks, which may not fully capture the complex relationships between drugs and diseases. However, integrating diverse biological data sources offers promise for discovering new drug–disease associations (DDAs). Previous evidence indicates that the combination of information would be conducive to the discovery of new DDAs. However, the challenge lies in effectively integrating different biological data sources to identify the most effective drugs for a certain disease based on drug–disease coupled mechanisms.

Results

In response to this challenge, we present MiRAGE, a novel computational method for drug repositioning. MiRAGE leverages a three-step framework, comprising negative sampling using hard negative mining, classification employing random forest models, and feature selection based on feature importance. We evaluate MiRAGE on multiple benchmark datasets, demonstrating its superiority over state-of-the-art algorithms across various metrics. Notably, MiRAGE consistently outperforms other methods in uncovering novel DDAs. Case studies focusing on Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia showcase MiRAGE’s ability to identify top candidate drugs supported by previous studies. Overall, our study underscores MiRAGE’s efficacy and versatility as a computational tool for drug repositioning, offering valuable insights for therapeutic discoveries and addressing unmet medical needs.
Discovering predisposing genes for hereditary breast cancer using deep learning
Authors: Passi Gal , Lieberman Sari , Zahdeh Fouad , Murik Omer , Renbaum Paul , Beeri Rachel , Linial Michal , May Dalit , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , Schneidman-Duhovny Dina
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy affecting Western women today. It is estimated that as many as 10% of BC cases can be attributed to germline variants. However, the genetic basis of the majority of familial BC cases has yet to be identified. Discovering predisposing genes contributing to familial BC is challenging due to their presumed rarity, low penetrance, and complex biological mechanisms. Here, we focused on an analysis of rare missense variants in a cohort of 12 families of Middle Eastern origins characterized by a high incidence of BC cases. We devised a novel, high-throughput, variant analysis pipeline adapted for family studies, which aims to analyze variants at the protein level by employing state-of-the-art machine learning models and three-dimensional protein structural analysis. Using our pipeline, we analyzed 1218 rare missense variants that are shared between affected family members and classified 80 genes as candidate pathogenic. Among these genes, we found significant functional enrichment in peroxisomal and mitochondrial biological pathways which segregated across seven families in the study and covered diverse ethnic groups. We present multiple evidence that peroxisomal and mitochondrial pathways play an important, yet underappreciated, role in both germline BC predisposition and BC survival.
Aortic valved homograft degeneration: surgical or transcatheter approach for repeat aortic valve replacement?
Authors: Peterss Sven , Fabry Thomas G , Steffen Julius , Orban Martin , Buech Joscha , Radner Caroline , Theiss Hans D , Pichlmaier Maximilian , Massberg Steffen , Hagl Christian , Deseive Simon
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES

Aortic valved allografts (homografts) have been used alternatively to mechanical or biological valve prostheses in expectation of better durability; however, homograft valves do degenerate, and redo procedures have proven challenging due to heavy wall calcification. The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of open surgical (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in degenerated homografts.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2022, 81 patients underwent repeat aortic valve procedures having previously received an aortic homograft. The redo had become necessary due to regurgitation in 85% and stenosis in 15%. Sixty-five percent underwent open surgery, 35% TAVR.

RESULTS

Isolated SAVR was possible in 79%, and root procedures were necessary in 21%. TAVR was performed in 79% via transfemoral and 21% via transapical access. Median prosthetic valve size was 23 (22.3–23.2) mm in the SAVR and 26 (25.2–26.9) in the TAVR group. Thirty-day mortality was 0% in the TAVR and 7% in the SAVR group (P = n.s.). TAVR showed a significantly better outcome concerning prolonged ventilation (0 vs 21%, P = 0.013) as well as ICU (1 vs 2 days; P < 0.001) and in-hospital stay (10.5 vs 13 days; P = 0.028). Five-year survival was statistically comparable between groups, and no severe leakage was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

SAVR following structural homograft degeneration shows acceptable results, but the perioperative risk remains substantial and poorly predictable. TAVR presents a reasonable and more easily accessible alternative and is associated with good short- and mid-term results. In the absence of relevant contraindications, TAVR is presently the preferred treatment option for these patients at our center.
Implementation of the Versius robotic surgical system for thoracic surgery: first clinical evaluation of feasibility and performance
Authors: Fra Sara , Caballero-Silva Usue , Cabañero-Sánchez Alberto , Muñoz-Molina Gemma María , Cavestany García-Matres Cristina , Lozano-Ayala Jose Deymar , Lomanto-Navarro Luis , Vílchez-Pernias Elena , Moreno-Mata Nicolás
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the ability of the Versius surgical system to successfully and safely complete a range of thoracic procedures aligned with Stage 2a (Development) of the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term follow-up framework for surgical innovation.

METHODS

This prospective study included the first 30 consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery with Versius by 2 surgeons without prior robotic experience between 1 April 2023 and 30 December 2023 [25 lung resections (wedge, segmentectomy and lobectomy) and 5 thymectomies]. There were no specific predetermined selection criteria for each case. The primary outcome was safe completion of the procedure without unplanned conversion. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraoperative device-related outcomes and pathology results.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (93.3%) cases were completed without conversion. Both conversions were to thoracoscopy, one due to a ‘console alarm’ and the other due to pulmonary artery bleeding. In lung resections, median console time was 103 (90–129) min. Five (20%) patients experienced postoperative complications, most frequent was persistent air leak (16%). Median length-of-stay was 3 (2–4) days. Neither readmissions nor mortality was observed. In thymectomies, no intraoperative or postoperative complications, readmissions, reinterventions or mortality were observed. Median console time was 77 (75–89) min and median length of stay was 1 (1–1) day.

CONCLUSIONS

This phase 2a IDEAL-D study confirms lung resections and thymectomies are feasible with the use of Versius system, laying the foundation for larger phase 2b and 3 clinical studies within the IDEAL-D framework.
CRABP2 promotes cell migration and invasion by activating PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways via upregulating LAMB3 in prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Rui , Liao Zhaoping , Liu Chunhua , Yu Shifang , Xiang Kaihua , Wu Ting , Feng Jie , Ding Senjuan , Yu Tingao , Cheng Gang , Li Sanlian
Published: July 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) has become a worldwide health burden among men. Previous studies have suggested that cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) significantly affects the regulation of cell proliferation, motility and apoptosis in multiple cancers; however, the effect of CRABP2 on PCa is poorly reported. CRABP2 expression in different PCa cell lines and its effect on different cellular functions varied. While CRABP2 promotes cell migration and invasion, it appears to inhibit cell proliferation specifically in PC-3 cells. However, the proliferation of DU145 and 22RV1 cells did not appear to be significantly affected by CRABP2. Additionally, CRABP2 had no influence on the cell cycle distribution of PCa cells. The RNA-seq assay showed that overexpressing CRABP2 upregulated laminin subunit beta-3 (LAMB3) mRNA expression, and the enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/activated protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. The following western blot experiments also confirmed the upregulated LAMB3 protein level and the activation of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways. Moreover, overexpressing CRABP2 significantly inhibited tumour growth in vivo. In conclusion, CRABP2 facilitates cell migration and invasion by activating PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways through upregulating LAMB3 in PCa.
Unraveling the interplay between a small RNA and RNase E in bacteria
Authors: Vigoda Meshi Barsheshet , Argaman Liron , Kournos Mark , Margalit Hanah
Published: July 2024

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are major regulators of gene expression in bacteria, exerting their regulation primarily via base pairing with their target transcripts and modulating translation. Accumulating evidence suggest that sRNAs can also affect the stability of their target transcripts by altering their accessibility to endoribonucleases. Yet, the effects of sRNAs on transcript stability and the mechanisms underlying them have not been studied in wide scale. Here we employ large-scale RNA-seq-based methodologies in the model bacterium Escherichia coli to quantitatively study the functional interaction between a sRNA and an endoribonuclease in regulating gene expression, using the well-established sRNA, GcvB, and the major endoribonuclease, RNase E. Studying single and double mutants of gcvB and rne and analysing their RNA-seq results by the Double Mutant Cycle approach, we infer distinct modes of the interplay between GcvB and RNase E. Transcriptome-wide mapping of RNase E cleavage sites provides further support to the results of the RNA-seq analysis, identifying cleavage sites in targets in which the functional interaction between GcvB and RNase E is evident. Together, our results indicate that the most dominant mode of GcvB-RNase E functional interaction is GcvB enhancement of RNase E cleavage, which varies in its magnitude between different targets.
DdrC, a unique DNA repair factor from D. radiodurans, senses and stabilizes DNA breaks through a novel lesion-recognition mechanism
Authors: Szabla Robert , Li Mingyi , Warner Victoria , Song Yifeng , Junop Murray
Published: July 2024

The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans is known to survive high doses of DNA damaging agents. This resistance is the result of robust antioxidant systems which protect efficient DNA repair mechanisms that are unique to Deinococcus species. The protein DdrC has been identified as an important component of this repair machinery. DdrC is known to bind to DNA in vitro and has been shown to circularize and compact DNA fragments. The mechanism and biological relevance of this activity is poorly understood. Here, we show that the DdrC homodimer is a lesion-sensing protein that binds to two single-strand (ss) or double-strand (ds) breaks. The immobilization of DNA breaks in pairs consequently leads to the circularization of linear DNA and the compaction of nicked DNA. The degree of compaction is directly proportional with the number of available nicks. Previously, the structure of the DdrC homodimer was solved in an unusual asymmetric conformation. Here, we solve the structure of DdrC under different crystallographic environments and confirm that the asymmetry is an endogenous feature of DdrC. We propose a dynamic structural mechanism where the asymmetry is necessary to trap a pair of lesions. We support this model with mutant disruption and computational modeling experiments.
Intrauterine device (IUD) embedded in bladder wall with calculus formation treated with cystoscopy: a case report
Authors: Hoang Van Trung , Le Ny Ny Thi , Hoang The Huan , Chansomphou Vichit
Published: July 2024

In the realm of unusual gynecological complications, the displacement of an intrauterine device (IUD) into the bladder, resulting in stone formation, stands out as an exceptionally rare and perplexing condition. Such occurrences challenge diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, often leading to unique case studies that expand our understanding of IUD-related complications. We present an interesting case of a 50-year-old woman with a stone-forming ectopic IUD in the bladder diagnosed with imaging modalities and treated with cystoscopy, with a subsequent resolution of symptoms. This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic IUD placement in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with urinary symptoms and a history of IUD use. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of imaging in the accurate diagnosis of such cases and highlights cystoscopy as an effective treatment modality for the removal of IUD and stones.
A case of repeated stent fracture
Authors: Migita Shohei , Murata Nobuhiro , Takahashi Kurara , Nakajima Yuki , Mizobuchi Saki , Miyagawa Masatsugu , Tanaka Yudai , Fukumoto Katsunori , Arai Riku , Morikawa Tomoyuki , Mineki Takashi , Kojima Keisuke , Sudo Mitsumasa , Fukamachi Daisuke , Okumura Yasuo
Published: July 2024

Stent fracture is one of the complications of drug-eluting stent implantation. An 84-year-old man underwent coronary angiography for unstable angina. He had diffuse severe stenosis and calcified plaque in the left anterior descending artery and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the left anterior descending artery for severe stenosis with chest pain. Thereafter, two subsequent stent fractures occurred, so the patient underwent another PCI to cover them. However, a stent fracture was found again one year later. The patient was asymptomatic and PCI was avoided due to the risk of further stent fracture. When a stent fracture occurs, it is important to provide appropriate treatment according to the anatomical findings of the vessel, symptoms and the presence of ischemia.
Le développement sain de l’enfant par le jeu risqué extérieur : un équilibre à trouver avec la prévention des blessures
Authors: Beaulieu Emilie , Beno Suzanne
Published: July 2024

Le jeu libre est essentiel pour le développement de l’enfant, de même que pour sa santé physique, mentale et sociale. Les occasions de se livrer au jeu libre extérieur, et au jeu risqué en particulier, ont considérablement diminué ces dernières années, en partie parce que les mesures de sécurité ont visé à prévenir toutes les blessures liées aux jeux plutôt que seulement les blessures graves et fatales. Le jeu risqué désigne des formes passionnantes et stimulantes de jeu libre dont l’issue est incertaine et qui comportent une possibilité de blessure physique. Les promoteurs du jeu risqué distinguent le « risque » du « danger » et aspirent à recadrer la perception du risque pour qu’il devienne une occasion d’évaluer une situation et de favoriser le développement personnel. Dans le présent document de principes, les auteures soupèsent le fardeau des blessures liées au jeu par rapport aux données probantes en appui au jeu risqué, notamment les avantages, les risques et les nuances, qui peuvent varier en fonction de l’étape de développement de l’enfant, de ses aptitudes et du contexte social et médical. Elles proposent des approches pour promouvoir des échanges ouverts et constructifs avec les familles et les organisations. Les pédiatres sont invités à percevoir le jeu risqué extérieur comme un moyen de contribuer à prévenir et à gérer des problèmes de santé courants tels que l’obésité, l’anxiété et les problèmes de comportement.