bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep transfer learning-based algorithm for concrete surface defect detection
Authors: Jin Zhisheng , Wang Lifeng
Published: July 2024

The integrity and safety of concrete structures are crucial in modern civil engineering. Traditional image-defect detection methods are significantly affected by light and noise. Methods based on deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), offer new solutions for automated defect detection. This paper introduces a concrete surface defect detection algorithm based on deep transfer learning. Our model utilizes the ResNet50 architecture as its backbone and incorporates Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) to adapt to the diversity of defects and enhance recognition accuracy. In addition, the use of a self-attention mechanism effectively enhances the model’s focus on and analysis of key defect areas, improving its ability to perceive and select features for defects of various sizes, aiding precise localization and classification under complex conditions. Image preprocessing techniques such as resizing, conversion to grayscale, histogram equalization, and noise addition further enhance the robustness of the model in diverse real-world scenarios. On the publicly available COncrete DEfect BRidge IMage Dataset, our model achieved a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 0.90, showing a 3.4% improvement over the current best baseline method. Through transfer learning, it reached 0.92 on our custom dataset, significantly outperforming existing methods. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model for detecting concrete defects. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of different architectures on model performance. Compared to traditional models using the VGG16 as the backbone, the ResNet50 architecture used in this study reduces parameter count by 5.41 times while improving performance by 6.1%.
Combining wavelet-enhanced feature selection and deep learning techniques for multi-step forecasting of urban water demand
Authors: Hao Wenjin , Cominola Andrea , Castelletti Andrea
Published: July 2024

Urban water demand (UWD) forecasting is essential for water supply network optimization and management, both in business-as-usual scenarios, as well as under external climate and socio-economic stressors. Different machine learning and deep learning (DL) models have shown promising forecasting skills in various areas of application. However, their potential to forecast multi-step ahead UWD has not been fully explored. Modelling uncertain UWD patterns and accounting for variations in water demand behaviors require techniques that can extract time-varying information and multi-scale changes. In this research, we comparatively investigate different state-of-the-art machine learning- and DL-based predictive models on 1 d- and 7 d-ahead UWD forecasting, using daily demand data from the city of Milan, Italy. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, we compare the forecasting performance of different machine learning and DL models on single- and multi-step daily UWD forecasting. These models include an artificial neural network, a support vector regression, a light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and long short-term memory networks with and without an attention mechanism (LSTM and AM-LSTM). We benchmark their prediction accuracy against autoregressive time series models. Second, we investigate the potential enhancement in predictive accuracy by incorporating the wavelet transform and feature selection performed by LightGBM into these models. Results show that, overall, wavelet-enhanced feature selection improves the model predictive performance. The hybrid model combining wavelet-enhanced feature selection via LightGBM with LSTM (WT-LightGBM-(AM)-LSTM) can achieve high levels of accuracy with Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency larger than 0.95 and Kling–Gupta Efficiency higher than 0.93 for both 1 d- and 7 d-ahead UWD forecasts. Furthermore, performance is shown to be robust under the influence of external stressors causing sudden changes in UWD.
Explicit bounds on the coefficients of modular polynomials for the elliptic 𝑗-invariant
Authors: Breuer Florian , Pazuki Fabien
Published: July 2024

We obtain an explicit upper bound on the size of the coefficients of the elliptic modular polynomials

Φ
N

\Phi _N

for any

N
≥
1

N\geq 1

. These polynomials vanish at pairs of

j
j

-invariants of elliptic curves linked by cyclic isogenies of degree

N
N

. The main term in the bound is asymptotically optimal as

N
N

tends to infinity.
Hook lengths in self-conjugate partitions
Authors: Amdeberhan Tewodros , Andrews George , Ono Ken , Singh Ajit
Published: July 2024

In 2010, G.-N. Han obtained the generating function for the number of size

t
t

hooks among integer partitions. Here we obtain these generating functions for self-conjugate partitions, which are particularly elegant for even

t
t

. If

n
t

(
λ
)

n_t(\lambda )

is the number of size

t
t

hooks in a partition

λ
\lambda

and

S
C

\mathcal {SC}

denotes the set of self-conjugate partitions, then for even

t
t

we have
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sigma-summation Underscript lamda element-of script upper S script upper C Endscripts x Superscript n Super Subscript t Superscript left-parenthesis lamda right-parenthesis Baseline q Superscript StartAbsoluteValue lamda EndAbsoluteValue Baseline equals left-parenthesis negative q semicolon q squared right-parenthesis Subscript normal infinity Baseline dot left-parenthesis left-parenthesis 1 minus x squared right-parenthesis q Superscript 2 t Baseline semicolon q Superscript 2 t Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript normal infinity Superscript StartFraction t Over 2 EndFraction Baseline period">

∑

λ
∈

S
C

x

n
t

(
λ
)

q

|
λ
|

=
(
−
q
;

q
2

)

∞

⋅
(
(
1
−

x
2

)

q

2
t

;

q

2
t

)

∞

t
2

.

\begin{equation*} \sum _{\lambda \in \mathcal {SC}} x^{n_t(\lambda )} q^{\vert \lambda \vert } = (-q;q^2)_{\infty } \cdot ((1-x^2)q^{2t};q^{2t})_{\infty }^{\frac {t}{2}}. \end{equation*}

As a consequence, if

a
t

⋆

(
n
)

a_t^{\star }(n)

is the number of such hooks among the self-conjugate partitions of

n
n

, then for even

t
t

we obtain the simple formula
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="a Subscript t Superscript star Baseline left-parenthesis n right-parenthesis equals t sigma-summation Underscript j greater-than-or-equal-to 1 Endscripts q Superscript star Baseline left-parenthesis n minus 2 t j right-parenthesis comma">

a
t

⋆

(
n
)
=
t

∑

j
≥
1

q

⋆

(
n
−
2
t
j
)
,

\begin{equation*} a_t^{\star }(n)=t\sum _{j\geq 1} q^{\star }(n-2tj), \end{equation*}

where

q

⋆

(
m
)

q^{\star }(m)

is the number of partitions of

m
m

into distinct odd parts. As a corollary, we find that

t
∣

a
t

⋆

(
n
)

t\mid a_t^{\star }(n)

, which confirms a conjecture of Ballantine, Burson, Craig, Folsom and Wen.
Security and Intergenerational Equity in the Net Zero Transition
Authors: Lucas Alastair R , Olugbemi Akinbobola Olukayode
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines the conflicting energy security and intergenerational equity implications of net zero transition for the development of energy and natural resources. It evaluates how resource-rich countries such as Canada can balance net zero ambitions with the goal of sustainable energy development in a manner that advances intergenerational equity. It examines concerns about faux law—unenforceable political pronouncements that may arise from Canada’s net zero ambitions, especially federal system jurisdictional limitations, including federal, provincial, and indigenous jurisdiction, rights-based limitations, particularly constitutional, statutory, civil, and indigenous rights. The chapter evaluates existing and potential international and domestic law and policy tools to reconcile and address intergenerational equity concerns in Canada’s net zero ambitions and its current position among developed states as a leading global hydrocarbon producer (focused on the Alberta oil sands).
Extractive Justice and the Net Zero Transition
Authors: Mostert Hanri , Moses Lindsay Taylah
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines how the security of supply of strategic mineral resources must be approached to position resource-rich countries in a global renewable energy supply chain. It argues that the regulatory systems in such countries must balance and manage the justice implications of the increased demand for energy transition minerals (ETMs) to avoid falling victim to the negative socio-environmental impacts, the energy- and resource-intensive aspects of mining, and the adverse human rights impacts of net zero policies. The chapter evaluates the extent to which existing natural resource laws support a justice-based extraction of ETMs in Zambia and South Africa. It points out where these jurisdictions already have supporting rules or frameworks in place, but also highlights sticking points in relation to five identified tenets of extractive justice in these jurisdictions that may hamper just resource extraction and responsible supply chains in the net zero age. In doing so, the chapter contributes to discourse about the meaning and concepts of justice within the ‘just transition’ thematic.
Regional Free Trade Agreements and Net Zero Transitions
Authors: González José Juan , Pacheco Ruiz Ana María
Published: July 2024

This chapter unpacks the role of regional free trade agreements, with clear and comprehensive natural resource and environmental provisions, as an instrument for decarbonizing natural resource supply value chains and advancing regional solidarity for net zero. Drawing lessons from the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), this chapter proposes a roadmap for promoting regional solidarity for net zero through regional trade agreements that allow countries to move towards a net zero emissions economy, contribute to sustainable development, and guarantees access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. One of the key lessons highlighted in this chapter is that, although the USMCA is a trade agreement whose objective is not environmental protection, it could provide an ideal mechanism to establish an institutional structure that allows the definition of a regional policy to achieve the goal of zero emissions by 2050 based on the principle of climate solidarity.
Optimizing discharge antimicrobial therapy: Evaluation of a transitions of care process and electronic scoring system for patients with community-acquired pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Belza-Mai Ana Christine , Efta Jessica , Kenney Rachel , MacDonald Nancy , Stine John , McCollom Robert , Ratusznik Martin , Patel Nisha
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Prescribing excess antibiotic duration at hospital discharge is common. A pharmacist-led Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Transition of Care (ASP TOC) intervention was associated with improved discharge prescribing. To improve the sustainability of this service, an electronic scoring system (ESS), which included the ASP TOC electronic variable, was implemented in the electronic medical record to prioritize pharmacist workload. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the ASP TOC variable in the ESS in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

This institutional review board–approved, retrospective quasi-experiment included patients discharged on oral antibiotics for CAP or COPD exacerbation (lower respiratory tract infection) from November 1, 2021, to March 1, 2022 (the preintervention period) and November 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023 (the postintervention period). The primary endpoint was optimized discharge antimicrobial regimen. A sample of at least 194 patients was required to achieve 80% power to detect a 20% difference in the frequency of optimized therapy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with optimized regimens.

Results

Similar baseline characteristics were observed in both study groups (n = 100 for both groups). The frequency of optimized discharge regimens improved from 69% to 82% (P = 0.033). The percentage of ASP TOC interventions documented as completed by a pharmacist increased from 4% to 25% (P < 0.001). ASP TOC intervention, female gender, and COPD were independently associated with an optimized discharge regimen (adjusted odds ratios, 6.57, 1.61, and 3.89, respectively; 95% CI, 1.51-28.63, 0.81-3.17, and 1.85-8.20, respectively).

Conclusion

After the launch of the ASP TOC variable, there was an increase in optimized discharge regimens and ASP TOC interventions completed. Pharmacists’ use of the ASP TOC variable through an ESS can aid in improving discharge prescribing.
Neural responses to reward, threat, and emotion regulation and transition to hazardous alcohol use
Authors: Kirk-Provencher Katelyn T , Sloan Matthew E , Andereas Keinada , Erickson Cooper J , Hakimi Rosa H , Penner Anne E , Gowin Joshua L
Published: July 2024

Aims

Reward processing and regulation of emotions are thought to impact the development of addictive behaviors. In this study, we aimed to determine whether neural responses during reward anticipation, threat appraisal, emotion reactivity, and cognitive reappraisal predicted the transition from low-level to hazardous alcohol use over a 12-month period.

Methods

Seventy-eight individuals aged 18–22 with low-level alcohol use [i.e. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score <7] at baseline were enrolled. They completed reward-based and emotion regulation tasks during magnetic resonance imaging to examine reward anticipation, emotional reactivity, cognitive reappraisal, and threat anticipation (in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, superior frontal gyrus, and insula, respectively). Participants completed self-report measures at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up time points to determine if they transitioned to hazardous use (as defined by AUDIT scores ≥8).

Results

Of the 57 participants who completed follow-up, 14 (24.6%) transitioned to hazardous alcohol use. Higher baseline AUDIT scores were associated with greater odds of transitioning to hazardous use (odds ratio = 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.66, P = .005). Brain activation to reward, threat, and emotion regulation was not associated with alcohol use. Of the neural variables, the amygdala response to negative imagery was numerically larger in young adults who transitioned to hazardous use (g = 0.31), but this effect was not significant.

Conclusions

Baseline drinking levels were significantly associated with the transition to hazardous alcohol use. Studies with larger samples and longer follow-up should test whether the amygdala response to negative emotional imagery can be used to indicate a future transition to hazardous alcohol use.
Debiasing Welch’s method for spectral density estimation
Authors: Astfalck Lachlan C , Sykulski Adam M , Cripps Edward J
Published: July 2024

Welch’s method provides an estimator of the power spectral density that is statistically consistent. This is achieved by averaging over periodograms calculated from overlapping segments of a time series. For a finite-length time series, while the variance of the estimator decreases as the number of segments increases, the magnitude of the estimator’s bias increases: a bias-variance trade-off ensues when setting the segment number. We address this issue by providing a novel method for debiasing Welch’s method that maintains the computational complexity and asymptotic consistency, and leads to improved finite-sample performance. Theoretical results are given for fourth-order stationary processes with finite fourth-order moments and an absolutely convergent fourth-order cumulant function. The significant bias reduction is demonstrated with numerical simulation and an application to real-world data. Our estimator also permits irregular spacing over frequency and we demonstrate how this may be employed for signal compression and further variance reduction. The code accompanying this work is available in R and python.
Low genetic differentiation despite high habitat fragmentation in an endemic and endangered species of Iridaceae from South America: implications for conservation
Authors: Forgiarini Cristiane , Meimberg Harald , Curto Manuel , Stiehl-Alves Eudes M , Vijayan Thapasya , Engl Pia T , Bräuchler Christian , Kollmann Johannes , de Souza-Chies Tatiana T
Published: July 2024

To conserve threatened species effectively, it is crucial to map the genetic variation of the remaining populations. Thus, using 15 microsatellites markers, from which 10 were specially developed for this study, we investigated genetic structure and gene flow patterns of Herbertia zebrina Deble, a critically endangered species endemic from grasslands of southern Brazil. We also investigated the degree of habitat fragmentation and the impacts on levels of genetic diversity, mating system and pollinators of the species. STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal components identified the existence of three genetic clusters. Populations were not isolated by distance, and genetic differentiation among populations was low (7.0%). Migration rates were also low, but no evidence of genetic bottlenecks was found. However, effective population-scaled mutation rates (Θ) were < 1, suggesting that populations could be experiencing genetic drift, but the reason remains unknown. The results indicate that measurements of habitat fragmentation were not significantly correlated with genetic diversity estimates, which tend to increase with fragment size. H. zebrina was identified as an outcrossing species and specialized pollinators, such as Chalepogenus goeldianus and Lanthanomelissa betinae were rarely observed. Our findings suggest that genetic differentiation across multiple populations within the entire geographic distribution of H. zebrina is very low and populations may struggle to adapt to the current environmental and pollination changes. However, habitat fragmentation is still too recent to detect significant impacts on the levels of genetic variation. Thus, conservation plans are necessary to avoid further declines of this species.
Head motion in the UK Biobank imaging subsample: longitudinal stability, associations with psychological and physical health, and risk of incomplete data
Authors: Ward Joey , Cox Simon R , Quinn Terry , Lyall Laura M , Strawbridge Rona J , Russell Emma , Pell Jill P , Stewart William , Cullen Breda , Whalley Heather , Lyall Donald M
Published: July 2024

Participant motion in brain magnetic resonance imaging is associated with processing problems including potentially non-useable/incomplete data. This has implications for representativeness in research. Few large studies have investigated predictors of increased motion in the first instance. We exploratively tested for association between multiple psychological and physical health traits with concurrent motion during T1 structural, diffusion, average resting-state and task functional magnetic resonance imaging in N = 52 951 UK Biobank imaging subsample participants. These traits included history of cardiometabolic, inflammatory, neurological and psychiatric conditions, as well as concurrent cognitive test scores and anthropometric traits. We tested for stability in motion in participants with longitudinal imaging data (n = 5305, average 2.64 years later). All functional and T1 structural motion variables were significantly intercorrelated (Pearson r range 0.3–0.8, all P < 0.001). Diffusion motion variables showed weaker correlations around r = 0.1. Most physical and psychological phenotypes showed significant association with at least one measure of increased motion including specifically in participants with complete useable data (highest β = 0.66 for diabetes versus resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging motion). Poorer values in most health traits predicted lower odds of complete imaging data, with the largest association for history of traumatic brain injury (odds ratio = 0.720, 95% confidence interval = 0.562 to 0.923, P = 0.009). Worse psychological and physical health are consistent predictors of increased average functional and structural motion during brain imaging and associated with lower odds of complete data. Average motion levels were largely consistent across modalities and longitudinally in participants with repeat data. Together, these findings have implications for representativeness and bias in imaging studies of generally healthy population samples.
From electricity to vitality: the emerging use of piezoelectric materials in tissue regeneration
Authors: Wu Yifan , Zou Junwu , Tang Kai , Xia Ying , Wang Xixi , Song Lili , Wang Jinhai , Wang Kai , Wang Zhihong
Published: July 2024

The unique ability of piezoelectric materials to generate electricity spontaneously has attracted widespread interest in the medical field. In addition to the ability to convert mechanical stress into electrical energy, piezoelectric materials offer the advantages of high sensitivity, stability, accuracy and low power consumption. Because of these characteristics, they are widely applied in devices such as sensors, controllers and actuators. However, piezoelectric materials also show great potential for the medical manufacturing of artificial organs and for tissue regeneration and repair applications. For example, the use of piezoelectric materials in cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers and other equipment may help to restore body function. Moreover, recent studies have shown that electrical signals play key roles in promoting tissue regeneration. In this context, the application of electrical signals generated by piezoelectric materials in processes such as bone healing, nerve regeneration and skin repair has become a prospective strategy. By mimicking the natural bioelectrical environment, piezoelectric materials can stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation and connection, thereby accelerating the process of self-repair in the body. However, many challenges remain to be overcome before these concepts can be applied in clinical practice, including material selection, biocompatibility and equipment design. On the basis of the principle of electrical signal regulation, this article reviews the definition, mechanism of action, classification, preparation and current biomedical applications of piezoelectric materials and discusses opportunities and challenges for their future clinical translation.
Evaluation of confocal laser scanning microscopy in histological classification and photodynamic therapy of low-risk basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tang Zhen , Lu Tingting , Chen Xue , Lu Jianyun , Ding Shu , Guo Aiyuan , Huang Jian , Tan Lina
Published: July 2024

Background

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a noninvasive technique utilized for identification and analysis of skin malignancies. Several studies have applied CLSM in monitoring the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of CLSM in low-risk BCC and the evaluation of photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Methods

We diagnosed 149 patients with BCC using CLSM and histopathological examination. Based on histopathology, we summarized the classification of low-risk BCC along with imaging features observed through CLSM. Thirty-four patients with low-risk BCC underwent PDT treatment, and we used CLSM to evaluate its efficacy.

Results

Out of 149 BCCs examined by CLSM, 52 were diagnosed as the pigmented type, 87 as the nodular type and 10 as the superficial type. After histopathological examination of the 52 BCCs identified as pigmented by CLSM, 44 out of 52 were seen to be pigmented, 5 were nodular and 3 were superficial. The histopathology results were consistent with CLSM for the 87 nodular and 10 superficial BCCs. The distinguishing CLSM feature of nodular BCC was tissue fissures around the tumour, while the pigmented mass was the CLSM characteristic of the pigmented type. The simultaneous occurrence of inflammation and increased vasculature was characteristic of superficial BCC. The effective rate of PDT was 100%, and the cure rate was 68%. At the 12-month follow-up, the recurrence rate of PDT was 12%; 15% for nodular BCC, 10% for pigmented and 0% for superficial.

Conclusions

The tissue classification of CLSM for low-risk BCC was consistent with histopathology. CLSM can be used to monitor the ­efficacy of PDT for low-risk BCC.
Diagnostic accuracy of carotid plaque instability by noninvasive imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pakizer David , Kozel Jiří , Taffé Patrick , Elmers Jolanda , Feber Janusz , Michel Patrik , Školoudík David , Sirimarco Gaia
Published: July 2024

Aims

There is increasing evidence that plaque instability in the extracranial carotid artery may lead to an increased stroke risk independently of the degree of stenosis. We aimed to determine diagnostic accuracy of vulnerable and stable plaque using noninvasive imaging modalities when compared to histology in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Medline Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive imaging modalities (CT, MRI, US) in the detection of 1) vulnerable/stable plaque, and 2) vulnerable/stable plaque characteristics, compared to histology. The quality of included studies was assessed by QUADAS-2 and univariate and bivariate random-effect meta-analyses were performed. We included 36 vulnerable and 5 stable plaque studies in the meta-analysis, and out of 211 plaque characteristics from remaining studies, we classified 169 as vulnerable and 42 as stable characteristics (28 CT, 120 MRI, 104 US characteristics). We found that MRI had high accuracy [90% (95% CI: 82–95%)] in the detection of vulnerable plaque, similar to CT [86% (95% CI: 76–92%); P > 0.05], whereas US showed less accuracy [80% (95% CI: 75–84%); P = 0.013]. CT showed high diagnostic accuracy in visualizing characteristics of vulnerable or stable plaques (89% and 90%) similar to MRI (86% and 89%; P > 0.05); however, US had lower accuracy (77%, P < 0.001 and 82%, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

CT and MRI have a similar, high performance in detecting vulnerable carotid plaques, whereas US showed significantly less diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, MRI visualized all vulnerable plaque characteristics allowing for a better stroke risk assessment.

Registration

PROSPERO ID CRD42022329690
The Rise of Pass-Throughs: an Empirical Investigation
Authors: Dyrda Sebastian , Pugsley Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Almost half of all private employment in the United States is within businesses that do not pay corporate income tax. Instead, business income passes through to the owners’ individual income taxes. This pass-through share of employment has more than tripled since the early 1980s. Using comprehensive, confidential administrative data, this paper highlights five core findings underlying this growth: (1) the rise in pass-throughs is pervasive across industries and states; (2) the pass-through share converges unconditionally across both; (3) entrants’ organisational choices drive 60% of the rise; (4) shifts in firm and organisational dynamics following the 1986 Tax Reform Act show continued effects through the 2000s; (5) organisational forms exhibit high persistence with little life-cycle variation. Our study implies that tax or regulatory policy changes might take decades to manifest fully.
Wearable device-measured moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of degenerative aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Li Ziang , Cheng Sijing , Guo Bo , Ding Lu , Liang Yu , Shen Yinghan , Li Jinyue , Hu Yiqing , Long Tianxin , Guo Xinli , Ge Junbo , Gao Runlin , Pibarot Philippe , Zhang Bin , Xu Haiyan , Clavel Marie-Annick , Wu Yongjian
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Physical activity has proven effective in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but its role in preventing degenerative valvular heart disease (VHD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the dose–response association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) volume and the risk of degenerative VHD among middle-aged adults.

Methods

A full week of accelerometer-derived MVPA data from 87 248 UK Biobank participants (median age 63.3, female: 56.9%) between 2013 and 2015 were used for primary analysis. Questionnaire-derived MVPA data from 361 681 UK Biobank participants (median age 57.7, female: 52.7%) between 2006 and 2010 were used for secondary analysis. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of incident degenerative VHD, including aortic valve stenosis (AS), aortic valve regurgitation (AR), and mitral valve regurgitation (MR). The secondary outcome was VHD-related intervention or mortality.

Results

In the accelerometer-derived MVPA cohort, 555 incident AS, 201 incident AR, and 655 incident MR occurred during a median follow-up of 8.11 years. Increased MVPA volume showed a steady decline in AS risk and subsequent AS-related intervention or mortality risk, levelling off beyond approximately 300 min/week. In contrast, its association with AR or MR incidence was less apparent. The adjusted rates of AS incidence (95% confidence interval) across MVPA quartiles (Q1–Q4) were 11.60 (10.20, 13.20), 7.82 (6.63, 9.23), 5.74 (4.67, 7.08), and 5.91 (4.73, 7.39) per 10 000 person-years. The corresponding adjusted rates of AS-related intervention or mortality were 4.37 (3.52, 5.43), 2.81 (2.13, 3.71), 1.93 (1.36, 2.75), and 2.14 (1.50, 3.06) per 10 000 person-years, respectively. Aortic valve stenosis risk reduction was also observed with questionnaire-based MVPA data [adjusted absolute difference Q4 vs. Q1: AS incidence, −1.41 (−.67, −2.14) per 10 000 person-years; AS-related intervention or mortality, −.38 (−.04, −.88) per 10 000 person-years]. The beneficial association remained consistent in high-risk populations for AS, including patients with hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions

Higher MVPA volume was associated with a lower risk of developing AS and subsequent AS-related intervention or mortality. Future research needs to validate these findings in diverse populations with longer durations and repeated periods of activity monitoring.
Role Theory, Non-Coercive Influence, and the Agency of Target States: The Case of Kazakhstan’s Ambassadorial Corps and the Russian Diplomatic Academy
Authors: Stanko John C
Published: July 2024

This article contributes to foreign policy analysis by applying role theory to the study of soft power, evaluating the relationship between a state’s chosen international role(s) and susceptibility to non-coercive influence. I argue that in countries where said role involves committed engagement with varied power poles, elites derive benefits from their various partners and thus abide soft power bases such as the Russian Diplomatic Academy (RDA) without violating the principle of autonomy maximization. I utilize a mixed methods approach, using logistic regression as part of a qualitative case study of Kazakhstan. Drawing on an original dataset of Kazakhstani ambassadors since 1992, I find that foreign policy role better explains the continued presence of RDA-trained diplomats within the Kazakhstani ambassadorial corps than traditional security arguments. This outcome demonstrates the promise of examining soft power through the lens of role theory, with an emphasis on the agency of potential targets of influence.
Panax notoginseng: panoramagram of phytochemical and pharmacological properties, biosynthesis, and regulation and production of ginsenosides
Authors: Wei Guangfei , Zhang Guozhuang , Li Mengzhi , Zheng Yuqing , Zheng Wenke , Wang Bo , Zhang Zhaoyu , Zhang Xiao , Huang Ziying , Wei Tengyun , Shi Liping , Chen Shilin , Dong Linlin
Published: July 2024

Panax notoginseng is a famous perennial herb widely used as material for medicine and health-care food. Due to its various therapeutic effects, research work on P. notoginseng has rapidly increased in recent years, urging a comprehensive review of research progress on this important medicinal plant. Here, we summarize the latest studies on the representative bioactive constituents of P. notoginseng and their multiple pharmacological effects, like cardiovascular protection, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory activities. More importantly, we emphasize the biosynthesis and regulation of ginsenosides, which are the main bioactive ingredients of P. notoginseng. Key enzymes and transcription factors (TFs) involved in the biosynthesis of ginsenosides are reviewed, including diverse CYP450s, UGTs, bHLH, and ERF TFs. We also construct a transcriptional regulatory network based on multi-omics data and predicted candidate TFs mediating the biosynthesis of ginsenosides. Finally, the current three major biotechnological approaches for ginsenoside production are highlighted. This review covers advances in the past decades, providing insights into quality evaluation and perspectives for the rational utilization and development of P. notoginseng resources. Modern omics technologies facilitate the exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ginsenoside biosynthesis, which is crucial to the breeding of novel P. notoginseng varieties. The identification of functional enzymes for biosynthesizing ginsenosides will lead to the formulation of potential strategies for the efficient and large-scale production of specific ginsenosides.
Morphology and Mechanics of the Fin Whale Esophagus: The Key to Fast Processing of Large Food Volumes by Rorquals
Authors: Gil K N , Vogl A W , Shadwick R E
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

Lunge feeding rorqual whales feed by engulfing a volume of prey laden water that can be as large as their own body. Multiple feeding lunges occur during a single foraging dive and the time between each lunge can be as short as 30 s (Goldbogen et al. 2013). During this short inter-lunge time, water is filtered out through baleen to concentrate prey in the oral cavity, and then the prey is swallowed prior to initiating the next lunge. Prey density in the ocean varies greatly, and despite the potential of swallowing a massive volume of concentrated prey as a slurry, the esophagus of rorqual whales has been anecdotally described as unexpectedly narrow with a limited capacity to expand. How rorquals swallow large quantities of food down a narrow esophagus during a limited inter-lunge time remains unknown. Here, we show that the small diameter muscular esophagus in the fin whale is optimized to transport a slurry of food to the stomach. A thick wall of striated muscle occurs at the pharyngeal end of the esophagus which, together with the muscular wall of the pharynx, may generate a pressure head for transporting the food down the esophagus to the stomach as a continuous stream rather than separating the food into individual boluses swallowed separately. This simple model is consistent with estimates of prey density and stomach capacity. Rorquals may be the only animals that capture a volume of food too large to swallow as a single intact bolus without oral processing, so the adaptations of the esophagus are imperative for transporting these large volumes of concentrated food to the stomach during a time-limited dive involving multiple lunges.
Trading with Frenemies: How Economic Diplomacy Affects Exports
Authors: Casler Don , Connelly Matthew , Hicks Raymond
Published: July 2024

Abstracts

Trade is inherently risky, involving a commitment problem for both importers and exporters. The former must deal with ex ante uncertainty about whether exporters will deliver the goods or services as promised, while the latter has to identify an importer willing to trade a product. How, then, do firms establish trading relationships, especially in new markets? While both classical and newer trade theories tend to downplay the role of government in trade, we argue that government institutions play a crucial role in resolving this uncertainty. Specifically, export promotion agencies and embassies in foreign countries vet potential trade contacts and head off potential disputes before they get too serious, thus insuring against the basic risks of trade. We expect that this institutional backing will have stronger export-promoting effects on great powers’ trade with economically developing and politically dissimilar countries. Using a large collection of U.S. State Department cables from the 1970s that concern export promotion, we find strong evidence that promotion efforts had the largest effect when economic trade barriers were high and in countries that were politically dissimilar to the U.S. Rather than passively participating in trade, government bureaucrats play a large role in helping firms establish trading relationships.
Direct activation of PI3K in osteoblasts and osteocytes strengthens murine bone through sex-specific actions on cortical surfaces
Authors: Wee Natalie K Y , McGregor Narelle E , Walker Emma C , Poulton Ingrid J , Dang Michelle Kieu Mi , Gooi Jonathan H , Phillips Wayne A , Sims Natalie A
Published: July 2024

Intracellular phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling is activated by multiple bone-active receptors. Genetic mutations activating PI3K signaling are associated with clinical syndromes of tissue overgrowth in multiple organs, often including the skeleton. While one formation is increased by removing the PI3K inhibitor (phosphatase and TENsin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)), the effect of direct PI3K activation in the osteoblast lineage has not been reported. We introduced a known gain-of-function mutation in Pik3ca, the gene encoding the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K, in osteocytes and late osteoblasts using the dentin matrix protein-1 Cre (Dmp1Cre) mouse and assessed the skeletal phenotype. Femur shape was grossly normal, but cortical thickness was significantly greater in both male and female Dmp1Cre.Pik3caH1047R mice, leading to almost doubled bone strength at 12 wk of age. Both sexes had smaller marrow areas from 6 wk of age. Female mice also exhibited greater cross-sectional area, which continued to increase until 24 wk of age, resulting in a further increase in bone strength. Although both male and female mice had increased endocortical mineralizing surface, only female mice had increased periosteal mineralizing surface.

The bone formed in the Dmp1Cre.Pik3caH1047R mice showed no increase in intracortical remodeling nor any defect in cortical bone consolidation. In contrast, on both endocortical and periosteal surfaces, there was more lamellar bone formation, including highly organized osteocyte networks extending along the entire surface at a greater thickness than in control mice. In conclusion, direct activation of PI3Kα in cells targeted by Dmp1Cre leads to high cortical bone mass and strength with abundant lamellar cortical bone in female and male mice with no increase in intracortical remodeling. This differs from the effect of PTEN deletion in the same cells, suggesting that activating PI3Kα in osteoblasts and osteocytes may be a more suitable target to promote formation of lamellar bone.
Deubiquitination of aryl hydrocarbon receptor by USP21 negatively regulates T helper 17 cell differentiation
Authors: Wang Lingbiao , Cheng Hao , Wang Xiaoxia , Zhu Fangming , Tian Na , Xu Zhan , Yin Hanlin , Liang Minrui , Yang Xue , Liu Xinnan , Shan Hongying , Fu Rong , Cao Boran , Li Dan , Xiao Lianbo , Lu Liangjing , Dai Sheng-Ming , Wang Qingwen , Lv Ling , Zou Hejian , Li Bin
Published: July 2024

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a key transcription factor that modulates the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. How AhR is regulated at the post-translational level in Th17 cells remains largely unclear. Here, we identify USP21 as a newly defined deubiquitinase of AhR. We demonstrate that USP21 interacts with and stabilizes AhR by removing the K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from AhR. Interestingly, USP21 inhibits the transcriptional activity of AhR in a deubiquitinating-dependent manner. USP21 deubiquitinates AhR at the K432 residue, and the maintenance of ubiquitination on this site is required for the intact transcriptional activity of AhR. Moreover, the deficiency of USP21 promotes the differentiation of Th17 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, adoptive transfer of USP21-deficient naïve CD4+ T cells elicits more severe colitis in Rag1−/− recipients. Therefore, our study reveals a novel mechanism in which USP21 deubiquitinates AhR and negatively regulates the differentiation of Th17 cells.
Sporadic neurofibroma of facial nerve presenting as parotid gland tumor: a rare case report
Authors: Hassan Shko H , Salih Karzan M , Salih Abdulwahid M , Qaradakhy Aras J , Abdullah Ari M , Saeed Yadgar A , Muhialdeen Aso S , Habibullah Imad J , Dhahir Hardi M , Kakamad Fahmi H , Ahmed Masty K
Published: July 2024

Intraparotid gland neurofibroma is a rare benign tumor that arises from Schwann cells of the facial nerve within the parotid gland. This case report discusses a 41-year-old woman who experienced a painless preauricular swelling on her right side for over 5 years. Clinical examination and ultrasound revealed a well-defined mass in the parotid gland. The patient underwent total mass excision, resulting in transient facial nerve dysfunction but complete recovery. These tumors often manifest as solitary masses in the parotid region and may compress nearby structures, causing facial paralysis or numbness. Their diagnosis can be challenging due to similarities with other parotid gland tumors and possible associations with neurofibromatosis. Managing intraparotid tumors, including neurofibromas, involves a multidisciplinary approach with input from cytopathologists, radiologists, and surgeons.
The benefits of permutation-based genome-wide association studies
Authors: John Maura , Korte Arthur , Grimm Dominik G
Published: July 2024

Linear mixed models (LMMs) are a commonly used method for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that aim to detect associations between genetic markers and phenotypic measurements in a population of individuals while accounting for population structure and cryptic relatedness. In a standard GWAS, hundreds of thousands to millions of statistical tests are performed, requiring control for multiple hypothesis testing. Typically, static corrections that penalize the number of tests performed are used to control for the family-wise error rate, which is the probability of making at least one false positive. However, it has been shown that in practice this threshold is too conservative for normally distributed phenotypes and not stringent enough for non-normally distributed phenotypes. Therefore, permutation-based LMM approaches have recently been proposed to provide a more realistic threshold that takes phenotypic distributions into account. In this work, we discuss the advantages of permutation-based GWAS approaches, including new simulations and results from a re-analysis of all publicly available Arabidopsis phenotypes from the AraPheno database.
Survey of extended main-sequence turn-offs in galactic open clusters: stellar rotations from Gaia RVS spectra
Authors: Cordoni G , Casagrande L , Yu J , Milone A P , Marino A F , D’Antona F , Dell’Agli F , Buder S , Tailo M
Published: July 2024

The origin of extended main-sequence turn-offs (eMSTO) in star clusters younger than 2 Gyr still challenges our current understanding of stellar evolution. Exploiting data from Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3), we investigate eMSTOs in a large sample of 32 Galactic open clusters younger than 2.4 Gyr. We first validate Gaia rotational velocities from radial velocity spectrometer spectra by comparing them with literature values and assessing their correlation with magnetic activity measurements from LAMOST spectra. We detect a general positive correlation between turn-off colour and projected stellar rotation, with slow-rotating stars predominantly found on the bluer side of the turn-off. Comparing our observations with theoretical models, we find that the eMSTO morphology is well reproduced by a single population formed with a high rotation rate, and observed with rotation axis inclination ranging between 0° (pole-on) and 90° (edge-on). This contrasts with observations of Magellanic Cloud clusters, where a population of non-rotating stars appears to be ubiquitous in clusters younger than 700 Myr. However, we note that our interpretation, while successfully explaining the overall eMSTO morphology, cannot fully explain the observed projected rotational velocities. Additionally, two young clusters, NGC 3532 and NGC 2287, exhibit moderate evidence of a split-main sequence in colour and rotation, suggesting a possible small spread in the initial rotation rate. Finally, we advise caution in determining the ages of young clusters from non-rotating isochrones, as neglecting the effects of stellar rotation can impact the isochrone dating by up to factors of 5–20 per cent.
Structure and RNA-binding of the helically extended Roquin CCCH-type zinc finger
Authors: Tants Jan-Niklas , Oberstrass Lasse , Weigand Julia E , Schlundt Andreas
Published: July 2024

Zinc finger (ZnF) domains appear in a pool of structural contexts and despite their small size achieve varying target specificities, covering single-stranded and double-stranded DNA and RNA as well as proteins. Combined with other RNA-binding domains, ZnFs enhance affinity and specificity of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The ZnF-containing immunoregulatory RBP Roquin initiates mRNA decay, thereby controlling the adaptive immune system. Its unique ROQ domain shape-specifically recognizes stem-looped cis-elements in mRNA 3′-untranslated regions (UTR). The N-terminus of Roquin contains a RING domain for protein-protein interactions and a ZnF, which was suggested to play an essential role in RNA decay by Roquin. The ZnF domain boundaries, its RNA motif preference and its interplay with the ROQ domain have remained elusive, also driven by the lack of high-resolution data of the challenging protein. We provide the solution structure of the Roquin-1 ZnF and use an RBNS-NMR pipeline to show that the ZnF recognizes AU-rich RNAs. We systematically refine the contributions of adenines in a poly(U)-background to specific complex formation. With the simultaneous binding of ROQ and ZnF to a natural target transcript of Roquin, our study for the first time suggests how Roquin integrates RNA shape and sequence features through the ROQ-ZnF tandem.
Distinct mobility patterns of BRCA2 molecules at DNA damage sites
Authors: Paul Maarten W , Aaron Jesse , Wait Eric , Van Genderen Romano M , Tyagi Arti , Kabbech Hélène , Smal Ihor , Chew Teng-Leong , Kanaar Roland , Wyman Claire
Published: July 2024

BRCA2 is an essential tumor suppressor protein involved in promoting faithful repair of DNA lesions. The activity of BRCA2 needs to be tuned precisely to be active when and where it is needed. Here, we quantified the spatio-temporal dynamics of BRCA2 in living cells using aberration-corrected multifocal microscopy (acMFM). Using multicolor imaging to identify DNA damage sites, we were able to quantify its dynamic motion patterns in the nucleus and at DNA damage sites. While a large fraction of BRCA2 molecules localized near DNA damage sites appear immobile, an additional fraction of molecules exhibits subdiffusive motion, providing a potential mechanism to retain an increased number of molecules at DNA lesions. Super-resolution microscopy revealed inhomogeneous localization of BRCA2 relative to other DNA repair factors at sites of DNA damage. This suggests the presence of multiple nanoscale compartments in the chromatin surrounding the DNA lesion, which could play an important role in the contribution of BRCA2 to the regulation of the repair process.