bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing photocatalytic activity via formation of heterojunctions introduced through postmetalation of metal organic frameworks with silver ions
Authors: Gupta Himanshi , Saini Isha , Singh Vinamrita , Singh Varsha , Mishra Bikash
Published: September 2024

The postmetalation of silver in zinc and manganese-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represents a versatile and efficient approach for enhancing the degradation of methylene blue (MB) pollutant in aqueous environment. In the present study, zinc, manganese, and their bimetallic MOFs are synthesized using the solvothermal method. Subsequently, silver ions are incorporated into the synthesized MOFs. A suite of characterization techniques is employed to analyze the resulting material. Among the three silver loaded MOFs, Ag-mixed bimetallic MOF (Ag-BM) exhibits the least band gap of 2.28 eV, possessing a greater propensity for light absorption. The particle size of Ag-BM lies in the nanometer range, and it possesses the largest surface area. X-ray diffraction depicts the successful integration of Ag into MOF structure. The synthesized samples are used for degrading MB. Ag-BM outperforms the other MOFs in decomposing MB, with a degradation percentage of 91.8% in 120 min. The degradation process follows the first-order kinetics depicting that the rate of degradation positively correlates with the dye concentration remaining in the solution. Employing a reactive species quenching experiment with scavengers, hydroxyl radicals were identified as the principal active species responsible for MB degradation by Ag-BM.
Information disturbance tradeoff in bidirectional QKD
Authors: Abdul Salam Nur Rahimah Sakinah , Shamsul Shaari Jesni , Mancini Stefano
Published: September 2024

Making use of the Quantum Network formalism of Phys. Rev. A, 82 (2010) 062 305, we present the case for quantum networks with finite outcomes, more specifically one which could distinguish only between specific unitary operators in a given basis for operators. Despite its simplicity, we proceed to build a network derived from the optimal strategy in Phys. Rev. A, 82 (2010) 062 305 and show that the information-disturbance tradeoff in distinguishing between two operators acting on qubits, selected from mutually unbiased unitary bases is equal to the case of estimating an operator selected randomly from the set of SU(2) based on the Haar measure. This suggests that such strategies in distinguishing between mutually unbiased operators is not any easier than estimating an operator derived from an infinite set. We then show how this network can be used as a natural attack strategy against a bidirectional quantum cryptographic protocol.
Spin/valley dependent dwell time in an 8-Pmmn borophene junction
Authors: Sattari Farhad , Mirershadi Soghra
Published: September 2024

Spin/valley dependent dwell time in 8-Pmmn borophene junction under Rashba spin–orbit interaction (RSOI) is studied. The dwell time as well as transmission probability for incident electrons with spin-up show a different behavior than the incident electrons with spin-down, and these quantities can be controlled effectively by the junction direction, incident angle, the RSOI strength and the barrier width. Also, the dwell time is dependent on the degree of freedom of the valley and shows oscillating behavior with the increase of the barrier width. The spin polarization and spin filtering in 8-Pmmn borophene junction under RSOI can be obtained in the time domain.
Quantum state estimation based on deep learning
Authors: Xiao 肖 Haowen 皓文 , Han 韩 Zhiguang 枝光
Published: September 2024

We used deep learning techniques to construct various models for reconstructing quantum states from a given set of coincidence measurements. Through simulations, we have demonstrated that our approach generates functionally equivalent reconstructed states for a wide range of pure and mixed input states. Compared with traditional methods, our system offers the advantage of faster speed. Additionally, by training our system with measurement results containing simulated noise sources, the system shows a significant improvement in average fidelity compared with typical reconstruction methods. We also found that constraining the variational manifold to physical states, i.e., positive semi-definite density matrices, greatly enhances the quality of the reconstructed states in the presence of experimental imperfections and noise. Finally, we validated the correctness and superiority of our model by using data generated on IBM Quantum Platform, a real quantum computer.
DOCTer: a novel EEG-based diagnosis framework for disorders of consciousness
Authors: Zhao Sha , Cao Yue , Yang Wei , Yu Jie , Xu Chuan , Dai Wei , Li Shijian , Pan Gang , Luo Benyan
Published: September 2024

Objective. Accurately diagnosing patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is challenging and prone to errors. Recent studies have demonstrated that EEG (electroencephalography), a non-invasive technique of recording the spontaneous electrical activity of brains, offers valuable insights for DOC diagnosis. However, some challenges remain: (1) the EEG signals have not been fully used; and (2) the data scale in most existing studies is limited. In this study, our goal is to differentiate between minimally conscious state (MCS) and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) using resting-state EEG signals, by proposing a new deep learning framework. Approach. We propose DOCTer, an end-to-end framework for DOC diagnosis based on EEG. It extracts multiple pertinent features from the raw EEG signals, including time-frequency features and microstates. Meanwhile, it takes clinical characteristics of patients into account, and then combines all the features together for the diagnosis. To evaluate its effectiveness, we collect a large-scale dataset containing 409 resting-state EEG recordings from 128 UWS and 187 MCS cases. Main results. Evaluated on our dataset, DOCTer achieves the state-of-the-art performance, compared to other methods. The temporal/spectral features contributes the most to the diagnosis task. The cerebral integrity is important for detecting the consciousness level. Meanwhile, we investigate the influence of different EEG collection duration and number of channels, in order to help make the appropriate choices for clinics. Significance. The DOCTer framework significantly improves the accuracy of DOC diagnosis, helpful for developing appropriate treatment programs. Findings derived from the large-scale dataset provide valuable insights for clinics.
Interannual ENSO diversity, transitions, and projected changes in observations and climate models
Authors: Freund Mandy B , Brown Josephine R , Marshall Andrew G , Tozer Carly R , Henley Benjamin J , Risbey James S , Ramesh Nandini , Lieber Ruby , Sharmila S
Published: September 2024

Diverse characteristics of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events challenge the traditional view of tropical coupled ocean-atmosphere systems. The probability of a transition from one type of event to another is influenced by multiple factors of which many are projected to change. Here we assess the likelihood of ENSO transitions in observations and climate models, including a distinction between events that peak in the Eastern Pacific (EP) and Central Pacific (CP). We find that the initial ENSO state influences the likelihood of certain transitions and that some transitions are not physically possible or stochastically likely. For example, transitions to CP events are more likely than EP events except from a neutral state. We also find that El Niños tend to occur as singular events compared to La Niñas. While consecutive El Niño and La Niña events of EP type are possible, opposing EP events do not occur in succession. We identify several transitions likely driven by internal dynamical processes including neutral conditions to El Niño, CP El Niño to another El Niño, EP El Niño to CP La Niña, CP La Niña to CP El Niño and La Niña, and EP La Niña to neutral and CP El Niño. Projections of future transitions show an increased probability of transitions to CP El Niño events while transitions to EP La Niña events become less frequent under a high-emissions scenario. Accordingly, transitions to these events become more and less likely, respectively. We also find changes in the likelihood of specific transitions in a warming world: consecutive CP El Niño events become more likely while EP El Niño events become less likely to transition into CP La Niña events. These changes are expected to occur as early as 2050 with some changes to be accelerated by the end of the 21st century.
Rebalancing Regional and Remote Australia: a vision for a global carbon sink while creating sustainable communities
Authors: Troccoli Alberto , Stone Roger , Bardi Ugo , Breyer Christian , Henggeler Chris
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces a visionary strategy, Rebalancing Regional and Remote Australia. It aims at transforming Australia into a significant global carbon sink by sequestering 4 gigatonne (Gt) of CO2 equivalent annually, leveraging about 25% of the nation’s land area. Addressing the unique challenges of Australia’s arid climate, the plan employs innovative, proven solutions in energy, water, and agriculture, including agrivoltaics, to enhance sustainability across diverse environmental and socioeconomic contexts. A central pillar of the plan is the creation of sustainable regional and remote communities. Designed for scalability, it begins with a pilot community of 100 000 residents, showcasing the initiative’s feasibility and potential for significant return on investment. Beyond its environmental objectives, the plan presents substantial business opportunities, positioning Australia as a leader in global sustainability efforts. Through collaborative innovation, it offers a model for national and international action, highlighting the imperative for comprehensive strategies that promote economic, environmental, and social advancement.
Probabilistic explanation for episodic ecological events
Authors: Bai Husile , Mondlock Olivia , Strong Courtenay , LaMontagne Jalene M , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Climate associated ecological phenomena that occur approximately once per decade suggest the influence of decadal climate oscillations. However, the consistency and origins of such climate patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific regions is currently under debate. Here, we propose a probabilistic explanation for episodic ecological events based on the likelihood of multiple climate patterns converging in a particular phase combination. To illustrate, we apply this model to continental scale facultative migration of seed-eating finches out of the boreal forest. This irruption phenomenon is triggered by seed crop failures stemming from two weakly correlated climate patterns occurring simultaneously in their positive phases—the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO). The joint probability of NAO and NPO both being positive (above upper tercile) is about

(
1

/

3

)
2

≈
0.11

, illustrating a simple probabilistic explanation for quasi-decadal finch irruption and potentially other episodic ecological events in regions affected by multiple climate modes.
Study on recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in organic fish production
Authors: Masum Beg Mirza , Roy Subha M. , Kar Arup , Mukherjee C. K. , Kumar Bhagat Suraj , Tanveer Mohammad
Published: September 2024

The growth of conventional aquaculture has created environmental issues due to excessive feeding, low dissolved oxygen level etc into the water body. Organic aquaculture is a recent development as a solution to these issues. It is a clean alternative to reduce pollution and to produce safer consumable food. In the past few decades, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) were introduced to maintain pond water quality through lesser water exchange, by focusing on water reuse after treatment. In this study, the technical viability of RAS was analyzed for introduction in organic aquaculture systems. Indian major carps (IMCs) were cultured through conventional methods in the three tanks of conventional system, while the same species was grown organically in another three tanks in organic system. The stocking density and physical conditions were kept same for both cultured systems. The RAS consisted of fish culture tank with an average volume of each tank was 165 m3, a screen filter, foam fractionator and trickling filter. The various water quality parameters, i.e., solid size distribution in water, and removal efficiencies in biological treatment of both systems were compared. The present study, particle size distribution of solids in water body was measured by filtration, followed by weighing of dry residue solids. Pore sizes of 1000μ, 100μ, 20μ and 3μ were employed for filtration. For organic tanks, a majority of solids are of size between 1 mm and 100 μm. The larger sized particles (> 30 μm) constitute nearly 70 % of the solids and the trait differs from the generalized conclusions of that a major part of sediments will be of sizes less than 20 μm. For the conventional tanks, majority of solids are of size between 3 mm and 20 μm and TAN shows higher removal efficiencies for effluents from organic system rather than conventional system. The results showed that organic aquaculture causes lesser pollution load per weight of fish. The particle size distribution of organic water was better compatible to screening and sedimentation than conventional water. Also the filtration efficiencies in nitrifying trickling filters of both water bodies were comparable, with that of organic water slightly on the higher side. Thus recirculating water treatment systems are introduced in organic aquaculture.
The role of the informal sector in waste sorting, collection, and recycling in Tan An City, Long An
Authors: Thi Thanh Duong , Thi Le Lien Nguyen , Cong Chinh Duong , Thi Long Trinh , Nguyen Hoang Giang Vu
Published: September 2024

Despite efforts to adopt at-source waste separation, Tan An city’s solid waste management is under strain due to a lack of infrastructure. The demand of the scrap recycling market has resulted in the forming of a network of informal scrap trading establishments everywhere. Informal garbage workers efficiently collect (pick, buy) scraps from homes, grocery stores, businesses, workplaces, schools, parks, dump sites, and landfills. This boosts waste segregation at the source. Therefore, in Tan An city, most households separate recyclables for sale to informal waste workers. According to survey results, there are approximately 247 informal waste workers in Tan An City engaged in recyclables collection at a daily average rate of 69.66 kilograms per person. Thus, the total quantity of recyclables collected by this sector is approximately 17,260 kg per day, contributing to the daily diversion of 11.4% of waste from landfills. It helps that the annual savings to the city are estimated at VND 2.75 billion for waste collection and transportation and VND 2.47 billion for waste treatment. It also contributes to the creation of jobs, and the reduction of plastic emissions into the ocean because approximately 28.39% of recyclables are plastic waste, and the reduction of approximately 3.076 tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere if this amount of waste is transported to a landfill. This study could initiate further research to find a way to introduce modern initiatives that aim to improve working conditions and the environmental impact of the informal sector and include the informal sector into the EPR scheme as their integration is related to social, labor, health, economic, and other issues.
Feed Forward Modeling: an efficient approach for mathematical modeling of the force frequency relationship in the rabbit isolated ventricular myocyte
Authors: Silva Robson Rodrigues da , Motta Gabriel Marcos de Sousa , de Camargo Matheus Leonardo Alves , Goroso Daniel Gustavo , Puglisi e José Luis
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective. This study addresses the Force-Frequency relationship, a fundamental characteristic of cardiac muscle influenced by β
1-adrenergic stimulation. This relationship reveals that heart rate (HR) changes at the sinoatrial node lead to alterations in ventricular cell contractility, increasing the force and decreasing relaxation time for higher beat rates. Traditional models lacking this relationship offer an incomplete physiological depiction, impacting the interpretation of in silico experiment results. To improve this, we propose a new mathematical model for ventricular myocytes, named ‘Feed Forward Modeling’ (FFM). Methods. FFM adjusts model parameters like channel conductance and Ca2+ pump affinity according to stimulation frequency, in contrast to fixed parameter values. An empirical sigmoid curve guided the adaptation of each parameter, integrated into a rabbit ventricular cell electromechanical model. Model validation was achieved by comparing simulated data with experimental current–voltage (I-V) curves for L-type Calcium and slow Potassium currents. Results. FFM-enhanced simulations align more closely with physiological behaviors, accurately reflecting inotropic and lusitropic responses. For instance, action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) decreased from 206 ms at 1 Hz to 173 ms at 4 Hz using FFM, contrary to the conventional model, where APD90 increased, limiting high-frequency heartbeats. Peak force also showed an increase with FFM, from 8.5 mN mm−2 at 1 Hz to 11.9 mN mm−2 at 4 Hz, while it barely changed without FFM. Relaxation time at 50% of maximum force (t50) similarly improved, dropping from 114 ms at 1 Hz to 75.9 ms at 4 Hz with FFM, a change not observed without the model. Conclusion. The FFM approach offers computational efficiency, bypassing the need to model all beta-adrenergic pathways, thus facilitating large-scale simulations. The study recommends that frequency change experiments include fractional dosing of isoproterenol to better replicate heart conditions in vivo.
Evaluation of urban low-carbon development efficiency: evidence from 30 cities in China
Authors: Xiang Chenyu , Li Yang , Liu Ning
Published: September 2024

With the acceleration of global urbanization, the issues faced by urban development are becoming increasingly apparent. Some countries and regions have placed less emphasis on low-carbon emissions in the development process and prioritized urban development. However, blindly pursuing rapid urbanization has led to excessive urban carbon emissions, which outweigh the gains. Therefore, based on panel data from 30 cities in China from 2010 to 2019, this study combines the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (SBM) model and the Malmquist index, taking urban carbon emissions as undesirable outputs, to evaluate urban development efficiency. Through a multidimensional comparative analysis, this study reveals the developmental challenges encountered by various cities. The results show that: statically, the overall urbanization progress of these 30 cities is commendable, but significant fluctuations are observed in the development trend. The mean super-efficiency of cities in the eastern coastal areas is relatively high, whereas other regions exhibit instances of ineffective mean super-efficiency. Dynamically, there are few periods of efficiency improvement during 2010–2019, and there is an imbalance in the sources of efficiency improvement. Shanghai and Hangzhou exhibit the best continuous dynamic improvement status, with small fluctuations in dynamic efficiency, whereas Guiyang has the worst dynamic efficiency improvement status, indicating poor urban development. This study underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to urban development that incorporates low-carbon initiatives to ensure sustainable progress and mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
Angle-dependent ion-beam etching of RuAl thin films for structuring GHz-frequency electronics
Authors: Hampel Nils Alexander , Seifert Marietta , Leszczynska Barbara , Gemming Thomas
Published: September 2024

The ruthenium aluminide (RuAl) alloy is a promising electrode material for wireless surface acoustic wave sensors working under harsh conditions at high temperatures. However, during the structuring of RuAl thin films using ion-beam etching, etched material can redeposit at the edges of the electrodes and form objects, so-called fences, on top of the structured features. These decrease the high-temperature stability and lead to an undesired alteration of the sensor performance. In this work, the angle-dependent ion-beam etching of RuAl thin films was investigated to inhibit the formation of such fence structures. The etch rate was determined as a function of the etching angle between ion-beam and sample surface in a range between 90° and 40°. Furthermore, finger structures with pitches below 500 nm, which are required for devices working in the intended GHz regime, were patterned to study the influence of the etching angle on the profile of the RuAl electrode fingers using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results show that an etching angle of 50° results in the highest etch rate. For etching angles of 50° and below, the width of the fences is reduced below 10 nm, so they break off during standard resist removal procedures. Such low etching angles lead to shadowed areas on the side of structured features in which unetched material remains. However, this material can be removed by using a two-step etching process combining a 50° step with a 90° step. This process is capable of structuring fence-free trapezoidal-shaped electrode finger profiles. Therefore, the developed process is well suited for the fabrication of high-temperature GHz-frequency RuAl electrodes.
Keeping Teens Safe at a Time of Risk
Authors: Kurz Demie
Published: September 2024

Chapter 3 examines the challenges mothers of adolescents face in keeping teens safe while letting go and allowing them more freedoms. Teens want to be out more and doing new things. They have increased access to information and activities, some of which parents consider risky. Mothers negotiate with their teens about where they can go and monitor their teens’ whereabouts as they go places on their own. As they work to keep teens safe, mothers debate with themselves about how to ensure the safety of their teens while not being too controlling or, as one mother said, how not to be “policing my teens all the time.” Mothers with resources are able to move to neighborhoods where they feel their teens will be safer. African American mothers face more challenges in keeping their teens and young adults safe given the possibility of police harassment and violence toward young African American men.
The Long-Term Associations of Perinatal Obesogenic Environment with Offspring Biological Aging
Authors: Shapiro Ilona , Youssim Iaroslav , Israel Salomon , Friedlander Yechiel , Hochner Hagit
Published: September 2024

Biological age (BA), reflecting aging-related health decline beyond chronological age, varies among individuals. While previous research explored associations of maternal pregnancy-related body size with offspring health outcomes, its implications for BA in young adults remain unclear. Utilizing longitudinal data of 1,148 mother-offspring pairs from the Jerusalem Perinatal Study, we analyzed associations of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) with offspring Klemera-Doubal method (KDM)-based BA at age 32, and potential familial life-course underlying mechanisms. Maternal pregnancy-related body size, adjusted for sociodemographic/lifestyle factors was associated with offspring BA (βmaternal pre-pregnancy BMI=0.183,95%CI:0.098,0.267;βGWG=0.093,95%CI:0.021,0.165). Association of GWG with BA was largely direct (90%,95%CI,44%,100%), while association with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was partially mediated through adolescent BMI (36%,95%CI=18%,75%), with both associations eliminated after adjustment for offspring adult BMI. Associations persisted after adjusting for offspring polygenic risk score for BMI (βmaternal pre-pregnancy BMI=0.128;95%CI=0.023,0.234; βGWG=0.102;95%CI=0.006,0.198), and somewhat altered after adjustment for maternal cardiometabolic conditions (βmaternal pre-pregnancy BMI=0.144,95%CI=0.059, 0.230). Impact on GWG associations was negligible. Thus, perinatal obesogenic environment contributes to offspring BA beyond sociodemographic factors and maternal cardiometabolic history, yet intergenerational transmission of obesity seems to underlie these associations. Nonetheless, the period between adolescence and young adulthood could be targeted for weight-reducing interventions, ultimately promoting healthy aging.
Competitiveness without Competition: The Role of Antitrust Law in the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Svetlicinii Alexandr
Published: September 2024

The economic integration of the constituent jurisdictions in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) involves an enhanced market connectivity and an asymmetric opening up for trade in goods and services. The development of the GBA presents a unique case study for understanding the role of the competition law and policy in the context of regional economic integration. In contrast to the regulatory experiences of other economic integration projects around the world, such as, for example, the European Union, where harmonization of competition laws and their coordinated enforcement became the norm, the GBA explicitly abandons this approach. The regulatory framework for the GBA development does not envisage common competition rules or policies. Equally, it does not seek to harmonize the existing divergences in competition laws. This article analyses the specifics of the GBA economic integration in the context of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and explains the reasons behind the distinct role of the competition law and policy in this process.
Explanatory Games in International Relations
Authors: Lenine Enzo
Published: September 2024

Explanation plays a central role in international relations (IR). However, as different conceptions of explanation inform our conduct of practices in IR inquiry, such centrality is far from being a settled matter in the discipline. These conceptions tend to be subsumed under broad dichotomies—such as explanation vs. understanding, constitutive vs. causal explanation, and positivism vs. interpretivism—which, in turn, generate a sense of a perennially divided discipline, obfuscating in this process the explanatory pluralism that characterises IR research. In this paper, I argue that different approaches to explanation coexist in IR, with different explanatory games being played by scholars in various fields of international inquiry. Explanatory games are characterised by constitutive rules, rules of representation, rules of inference, and rules of scope, all of which provide the basis for tailoring explanations. Scholars play the game that works best for their explanatory puzzles, following a specific set of rules that validate their form of explanation and thus achieve their research goals. Ultimately, explanation in the discipline is inherently plural. Examining this explanatory pluralism, therefore, requires investigating the rules of our explanatory games.
Efficient computation of Katz centrality for very dense networks via negative parameter Katz
Authors: Noferini Vanni , Wood Ryan
Published: September 2024

Katz centrality (and its limiting case, eigenvector centrality) is a frequently used tool to measure the importance of a node in a network, and to rank the nodes accordingly. One reason for its popularity is that Katz centrality can be computed very efficiently when the network is sparse, ie having only O(n) edges between its n nodes. While sparsity is common in practice, in some applications one faces the opposite situation of a very dense network, where only O(n) potential edges are missing with respect to a complete graph. We explain why and how, even for very dense networks, it is possible to efficiently compute the ranking stemming from Katz centrality for unweighted graphs, possibly directed and possibly with loops, by working on the complement graph. Our approach also provides an interpretation, regardless of sparsity, of ‘Katz centrality with negative parameter’ as usual Katz centrality on the complement graph. For weighted graphs, we provide instead an approximation method that is based on removing sufficiently many edges from the network (or from its complement), and we give sufficient conditions for this approximation to provide the correct ranking. We include numerical experiments to illustrate the advantages of the proposed approach.
Smad1/5 is acetylated in the dorsal aortae of the mouse embryo before the onset of blood flow, driving early arterial gene expression
Authors: Daems Margo , Ponomarev Ljuba C , Simoes-Faria Rita , Nobis Max , Scheele Colinda L G J , Luttun Aernout , Ghesquière Bart , Zwijsen An , Jones Elizabeth A V
Published: September 2024

Aims

During embryonic development, arteriovenous (AV) differentiation ensures proper blood vessel formation and maturation. Defects in arterial or venous identity cause inappropriate fusion of vessels, resulting in atypical shunts, so-called AV malformations (AVMs). Currently, the mechanism behind AVM formation remains unclear, and treatment options are fairly limited. Mammalian AV differentiation is initiated before the onset of blood flow in the embryo; however, this pre-flow mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we aimed to unravel the role of Smad1/5 signalling in pre-flow arterial identity and, in the process, uncovered an unexpected control mechanism of Smad1/5 signalling.

Methods and results

We establish that despite Notch1 being expressed in the pre-flow mouse embryo, it is not activated, nor is it necessary for the expression of the earliest arterial genes in the dorsal aortae (i.e. Hey1 and Gja4). Furthermore, interrupting blood flow by using the Ncx1 KO model completely prevents the activation of Notch1 signalling, suggesting a strong role of shear stress in maintaining arterial identity. We demonstrate that early expression of Hey1 and Gja4 requires SMAD1/5 signalling. Using embryo cultures, we show that Smad1/5 signalling is activated through the Alk1/Alk5/transforming growth factor (TGF)βR2 receptor complex, with TGFβ1 as a necessary ligand. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that early arterial gene expression requires the acetylation of Smad1/5 proteins, rendering them more sensitive to TGFβ1 stimulation. Blocking acetyl-CoA production prevents pre-flow arterial expression of Hey1 and Gja4, while stabilizing acetylation rescues their expression.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of the acetyl-CoA production in the cell and provide a novel control mechanism of Smad1/5 signalling involving protein acetylation. As disturbed canonical Smad1/5 signalling is involved in several vascular conditions, our results offer new insights in treatment options for circumventing canonical Smad1/5 signalling.
Atrioventricular node ablation and the pathological findings of a refractory ectopic atrial tachycardia in a small infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a case report
Authors: Mori Masayoshi , Ichikawa Chihiro , Matsuyama Taka-aki , Nawa-Hasegawa Risa , Aoki Hisaaki
Published: September 2024

Background

An atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation and permanent pacing have been previously reported as effective treatments for patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias. However single-ventricle patients requiring chronic ventricular pacing are at a higher risk of developing ventricular dysfunction and atrioventricular valve regurgitation. We report a case of successful AVN ablation in a 3-month-old infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT).

Case summary

A boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who had a refractory EAT resistant to various medications. At 2 months old, we performed an urgent radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of the EAT and the applications delivered at the cavo-atrial junction. Although it disappeared after the first catheter ablation for 2 weeks, it recurred on the next day after the diaphragm plication. At 3 months old and weighed 3.1 kg, we decided to perform an urgent AVN ablation of the EAT. The application was performed on the mid-septum of the tricuspid septum. A permanent pacemaker was implanted after the ablation. After the AVN ablation, the haemodynamics stabilized during the EAT. However, he died from a bacteraemia infection at 4 months.

Discussion

This patient received an AVN ablation due to failure to previous RF catheter ablation and was haemodynamically stable with the dual-chamber pacemaker. The AV block was successfully created by RF energy on the mid-septum of the tricuspid annulus in this hypoplastic left heart syndrome patient. Pathological findings exhibited that the compact AVN was totally ablated without damage to the tricuspid leaflets or coronary artery.
Preliminary experience of the isolate left subclavian artery in-situ fenestration during ‘zone 2’ thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Piffaretti Gabriele , Gaggiano Andrea , Pratesi Giovanni , Tolva Valerio , Pacini Davide , Pulli Raffaele , Trimarchi Santi , Bertoglio Luca , Angiletta Domenico ,   AIDA (Ankura Italian Data Collection) Group, Piffaretti Gabriele , Gaggiano Andrea , Pratesi Giovanni , Tolva Valerio , Pacini Davide , Pulli Raffaele , Trimarchi Santi , Bertoglio Luca , Angiletta Domenico , Franchin Marco , Piacentino Filippo , Ferri Michelangelo , Quaglino Simone , Bastianon Martina , Esposito Davide , Compagnoni Nicola Monzio , De Febis Erika , Di Marco Luca , Murana Giacomo , Fargion Aaron Thomas , Speziali Sara , Lomazzi Chiara , Grassi Viviana , Fulgheri Irene , Bonardelli Stefano , Verrengia Apollonia , Zacà Sergio , De Santis Lucia , Veraldi Gianfranco , Mezzetto Luca , Moniaci Diego , Frigatti Paolo , Scrivere Paola , Dall’Antonia Alberto , Ippoliti Arnaldo , Fazzini Stefano , Tshomba Yamume , Tinelli Giovanni , Porretta Tiziano , Tadiello Marco
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the results of isolated left subclavian artery in-situ fenestration (ISF) during ‘zone 2’ thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using a new adjustable needle puncturing device system.

METHODS

It is a multicentre, retrospective, physician-initiated cohort study of patients treated from 28 July 2021 to 3 April 2024. Inclusion criteria were isolate left subclavian artery revascularization for elective or urgent/emergent ‘zone 2’ TEVAR. The primary outcome was technical success and freedom from ISF TEVAR-related reintervention or endoleak.

RESULTS

We treated 50 patients: 28 (56.0%) atherosclerotic thoracic aneurysms, 12 (24.0%) type B aortic dissection and 10 (20.0%) penetrating aortic ulcers. Elective intervention was carried out in 46 (92.0%) cases. ISF was successful in all cases, with a procedural primary technical success in 47 (94.0%) cases. The median time of intervention was 184 min (interquartile range 135–220) with a median fenestration time of 20 min (interquartile range 13–35). Operative mortality did not occur. We observed 1 case of spinal cord ischaemia and 2 cases of bilateral posterior non-disabling stroke. Mortality at 30 days occurred in 1 (2.0%) patient (not aorta-related). The median follow-up was 4 months (interquartile range 1–12.25). Bridging stent graft patency was 100% with no ISF-related endoleak. ISF-related reintervention was never required

CONCLUSIONS

ISF TEVAR using the Ankura™-II device with the self-centring adjustable needle system showed high technical success, promising stability and stable aortic-related outcomes. Owing to these results, it represents a safe and effective alternative for standard ‘zone 2’ TEVAR.
Estimation of seismometer clock time offsets using Kalman Filter towards accurate seismic velocity change
Authors: Takano Tomoya , Nishida Kiwamu
Published: September 2024

Monitoring seismic velocity changes obtained from ambient noise correlations is widely used to understand changes in rock properties in response to earthquakes, volcanic activities and environmental changes. Since continuous seismic data have been accumulated, this method can estimate long-term changes in seismic velocity, such as crustal recovery after a major earthquake and temporal variations in seismic velocity related to long-term environmental change. Changes in seismic velocity can be estimated with a high temporal resolution by measuring the phase differences of ambient noise correlations based on a seismic interferometry method. Still, these phase differences are influenced not only by seismic wave velocity changes but also by errors in clock timing in seismometers. The clock drift occurs due to out-of-synchronization with the GPS clock and the drift of the internal clock. Therefore, to accurately monitor temporal changes in crustal structure by measuring the phase differences of noise correlations, it is crucial to evaluate the contribution of errors in clock timing to the phase differences. Recently, a method using an extended Kalman filter based on a state-space model was developed for reliable detection of temporal changes in the waveforms of ambient noise correlations, with the state-space model offering the advantage of flexible modelling of time-series data. In this study, we incorporated the time-shifts caused by clock time errors of the seismometer into the state-space model of the temporal changes in ambient noise correlations. We estimated seismic velocity changes, amplitude changes of noise correlations and clock time errors from 2010 April to 2021 September at seismic stations around the Shinmoe-dake volcano in Japan, which experienced eruptions in 2011 and 2018, respectively. Several stations exhibited clear clock time offsets, and the occurrence of clock time-shifts coincided with the dates when the data logger was turned off for seismic station maintenance or replacement of the seismometer. The proposed method provides stable estimations with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio of the waveform, and this stable estimation facilitates accurate timing of seismic recordings, enabling precise analysis of seismic phase arrival times.
Review and Evaluate the Bioinformatics Analysis Strategies of ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag Data
Authors: Cheng Siyuan , Miao Benpeng , Li Tiandao , Zhao Guoyan , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2024

Efficient and reliable profiling methods are essential to study epigenetics. Tn5, one of the first identified prokaryotic transposases with high DNA-binding and tagmentation efficiency, is widely adopted in different genomic and epigenomic protocols for high-throughputly exploring the genome and epigenome. Based on Tn5, the Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) and the Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) were developed to measure chromatin accessibility and detect DNA–protein interactions. These methodologies can be applied to large amounts of biological samples with low-input levels, such as rare tissues, embryos, and sorted single cells. However, fast and proper processing of these epigenomic data has become a bottleneck because massive data production continues to increase quickly. Furthermore, inappropriate data analysis can generate biased or misleading conclusions. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the performance of Tn5-based ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag data processing bioinformatics tools, many of which were developed mostly for analyzing chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) data. Here, we conducted a comprehensive benchmarking analysis to evaluate the performance of eight popular software for processing ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag data. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, and peak width distribution for both narrow-type and broad-type peak calling. We also tested the influence of the availability of control IgG input in CUT&Tag data analysis. Finally, we evaluated the differential analysis strategies commonly used for analyzing the CUT&Tag data. Our study provided comprehensive guidance for selecting bioinformatics tools and recommended analysis strategies, which were implemented into Docker/Singularity images for streamlined data analysis.
11. Parliamentary Scrutiny of Central Government
Authors: Elliott Mark , Thomas Robert
Published: September 2024

As Parliament’s role is not that of directing, commanding, or obstructing the government; rather, it is there to influence, advise, criticise, and scrutinise the government, this chapter examines the accountability of the central government to Parliament. It addresses questions such as: what is Parliament’s proper role in scrutinising government? What does the constitutional convention of ministerial responsibility mean? And how does it operate in practice? The chapter also considers topics of particular importance to government accountability: freedom of information, accountability and oversight of the security and intelligence services, and financial accountability.
8. Jurisdictional Sovereignty
Authors: Dixon Martin , McCorquodale Robert , Williams Sarah
Published: September 2024

A State’s administrative, judicial, executive and legislative activity is part of the exercise of its sovereignty, sometimes known as its jurisdictional sovereignty. This chapter examines the objects of a State’s jurisdictional sovereignty (both natural and legal persons) and the circumstances in which it may be exercised. It considers the general principles of jurisdiction; grounds for the assertion of jurisdiction by national courts; and state jurisdiction and persons apprehended in violation of international law.
7. Breach of duty: the standard of care
Authors: Horsey Kirsty , Rackley Erika
Published: September 2024

Once it has been established that there is a sufficient relationship between the parties to establish a duty, the question then arises whether the defendant has been in breach of this duty. This involves a number of issues, many of which involve the judgement of the ‘reasonable man’. The defendant’s behaviour must have fallen below the level of the standard of care owed, which defines the level of safety a claimant is entitled to expect. The ‘reasonable man’ may give the impression of certainty where there is none, for whether it is reasonable to take a certain risk involves questions of economic and social policy which are rarely expressed in the law reports.
24. Blackmail and related offences
Authors: Ormerod David , Laird Karl , Gibson Matthew
Published: September 2024

This chapter deals with blackmail and related offences. The crime of blackmail involves making any unwarranted demand with menaces. Blackmail initially appears to have been coextensive with robbery and attempted robbery, but has since embraced more subtle methods of extortion. The law is currently set out in s 21 of the Theft Act 1968. This chapter considers unwarranted demand, the paradox of blackmail, the requirement of a view to gain or intent to cause loss, unlawful harassment of debtors, and other offences based on threats including threats to kill, threats to damage property, threats of food terrorism, demanding payment for unsolicited goods with threats, robbery, assaults, threats of violence for the purpose of securing entry to premises, and sending malicious communications.
5. Legal Estates and Legal Interests
Authors: McFarlane Ben , Hopkins Nicholas , Nield Sarah
Published: September 2024

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter investigates legal property rights in land and their content. The numerus clausus (or ‘closed list’) principle is of crucial importance when addressing the content question in relation to legal property rights in land. The Law of Property Act 1925 (LPA 1925) divides such rights into legal estates and legal interests. As a result of s 1 of LPA 1925, there are now only two permissible legal estates in land. The chapter then explores the content of a freehold and of a lease, and covers the vital question of why the LPA 1925 imposed this limit on the types of permissible legal estate in land. The facts of Hill v Tupper and Keppell v Bailey offer particular examples of a more general question that land law has to tackle when deciding on the content of legal interests in land.
7. Personal Rights: Licences
Authors: McFarlane Ben , Hopkins Nicholas , Nield Sarah
Published: September 2024

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter presents a discussion of licences. Licences can be grouped into a number of categories, including bare licences, contractual licences, estoppel licences, statutory licences, and licences coupled with an interest. The key feature of a bare licence is that A is under no duty to B not to revoke the licence. The distinction between a bare licence and a contractual licence turns on the question of whether A is under a contractual duty to B. An estoppel licence, as well as a statutory licence, is similar to a contractual licence: the key difference is the source of A’s duty to B. A ‘licence coupled with an interest’ is a permission to make a particular use of A’s land, which arises as part of a distinct property right held by B in A’s land. The chapter considers the impact of all these forms of licences, looking at the positions of A, of X (a stranger who interferes with the land), and of C (a party who acquires a right in the land from A). It considers whether particular forms of licence ought to count as equitable interests in land. It also examines when a licensee may be protected by a new, direct right against a third party, even though the licence itself is only a personal right.
13. Regulating Co-ownership: The Content Question
Authors: McFarlane Ben , Hopkins Nicholas , Nield Sarah
Published: September 2024

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter discusses the internal regulation of co-ownership. It is concerned with the content question: the rights enjoyed by co-owners, including their rights and duties in relation to each other, and whether one co-owner can insist on a sale of the land against the wishes of another. The joint tenancy and the tenancy in common are two forms of co-ownership. The chapter explores the operation of survivorship in respect of a joint tenancy and the process through which a joint tenant may become a tenant in common through severance. Co-ownership is terminated once there is a sole legal and equitable owner. The process of partition can also terminate co-ownership. In both forms of co-ownership, the rights and duties of the co-owners are governed through the imposition of a trust of land, regulated by the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA 1996). TOLATA 1996 contains a procedure enabling disputes relating to land held on trust to be determined by an application to court. The chapter considers how the courts have resolved disputes between the beneficiaries as to whether land should be sold. The relationship between TOLATA 1996 and ‘home rights’ (of occupation) conferred by the Family Law Act 1996 are also considered.