bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3001: Multiomics Analysis On Ascending Aorta Reveals New Potential Targets Of Marfan Syndrome-associated Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Rega Sara , Bouhuis Silvia , Vescio Martina , Gaspardo Anna , Munno Marco , Pattini Linda , Lambroia Luca , Climent Montserrat , Elia Leonardo , Banfi Cristina , Pompilio Giulio , Perrucci Gianluca Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is defined as the pathological enlargement of the first aortic trait. Patients with genetic Marfan syndrome (MFS) develop TAA in young age, since mutations of fibrillin-1 contribute to aortic wall detrimental weakening. To date, effective treatment options for this life-threatening condition are lacking, and pharmacological approaches are merely palliative, postponing the surgical aortic replacement. To identify new treatments for MFS-related TAA (MFS-TAA), current research is concentrated on pinpointing specific biological targets and mechanisms underlying this aortic disorder.

Aim of this study is to unveil new specific and potential targets of MFS-TAA.

Spatial transcriptomics was performed on healthy subject and MFS patients’ thoracic aortas, whereas protein expression levels of vascular smooth muscle cells from MFS patients’ (MFS-VSMC) and healthy subjects (HC-VSMC) were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry. -Omics results were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays.

Spatial transcriptomic results revealed 2 different cell clusters in the aortic
tunicae
, best representing aortic VSMC. Structural proteins (
e.g.
,
NES
,
DES
,
CNN1
), were the most transcribed genes in MFS-TAA in comparison with HC aorta. Notably, proteomics yielded five proteins, statistically more abundant in MFS-VSMC
vs.
HC-VSMC (p<0.05): nestin, filamin B, A-kinase anchor protein 12, catenin delta-1, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan core protein. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis performed on cellular components of both transcripts and proteins more expressed in MFS aortic samples highlighted the enrichment of GO terms related to extracellular compartment, actin and cytoskeleton components, and cell adhesion. We validated the levels of nestin, which increased expression in MFS specimens has been observed by both -omics techniques. The results of validation experiments confirmed higher nestin gene expression and protein levels in MFS-VSMC samples (p<0.05) when compared with HC-VSMC.

Results suggest a valuable biological target role for nestin, which pharmacological targeting may represent, in the future, a novel and exploitable therapeutic option for limiting/inhibiting TAA onset or progression in MFS scenario.
Abstract 3002: Pcsk9 In Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Beyond Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Rhee Yae Hyun , Shen Wen-Jun , Deng Alicia , Cheng Paul , Headley Colwyn A , Spin Joshua M , Tsao Philip S
Published: July 2024

Background:
Our lab has identified a role for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type9 (Pcsk9) in murine abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Beyond its pathological effects on degradation of LDL-receptors, and enhancement of tissue inflammation via the NF-kB pathway, reports suggest that it alters vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence and metabolism. However, the specific cellular mechanisms connecting Pcsk9 to AAA disease (particularly SMC-derived Pcsk9) are still unclear.

Hypothesis:
Intercellular communication between VSMCs and macrophages via enhanced local Pcsk9 expression drives macrophages towards pro-inflammatory polarization and promotes AAA growth by upregulated aortic wall inflammation. Pcsk9 also enhances mitochondrial metabolism in VSMCs, contributing to cell senescence. Pcsk9 knockdown inhibits these effects.

Aims:
We explored the impacts of SMC-derived Pcsk9 on aortic inflammation and VSMC behavior, seeking to further understand AAA pathophysiology and provide a basis for re-purposing Pcsk9 inhibitors as a treatment for non-surgical AAA.

Methods:
Single-cell RNASeq of murine AAA tissue (porcine pancreatic elastase model) utilizing control and Pcsk9-knockout mice (systemic) was performed to examine local changes in aortic wall cell-subtype gene expression. Pcsk9 silenced VSMCs (with siRNA) were co-cultured with macrophages to assess polarization towards pro-inflammatory phenotype and pro-inflammatory gene/protein expression was identified. VSMCs were also treated either with exogenous Pcsk9 or Pcsk9 siRNA in vitro to assess mitochondrial metabolism via Seahorse assay.

Results:
Pcsk9 knock-out AAA tissue exhibited reductions in pro-inflammatory gene expression profiles in vascular cell sub-populations (compared to wildtype). In vitro, Pcsk9-silenced VSMC-cocultured macrophages presented decreased inflammatory profile assessed by flow cytometry. Further, exogenous Pcsk9-treated-VSMCs displayed metabolic changes compared to control (Mann-Whitney Test).

Conclusions:
Our data suggest significant mechanistic involvement of Pcsk9 in AAA disease at the cellular level. Absence of Pcsk9 appears to mitigate vascular inflammation and alter VSMC metabolism in ways that may decelerate AAA.
Abstract 3008: Aortic Arch Endovascular Stent Grafts With Zone 0 Proximal Landing Zones For Geometrically Complex Aortas
Authors: Twohig Kelly , Pugar Joseph , McDougall Ian , Pocivavsek Luka
Published: July 2024

Objectives:
Fluctuation in total curvature (δK) significantly outperforms all other available measurements of shape in predicting clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We aim to identify if the Nexus® Aortic Arch Stent Graft System is a suitable and safe treatment modality for aortas with high δK.

Methods:
Twenty-five patients that underwent transcatheter aortic arch repair using the Nexus stent graft were included. 3D aortic models were segmented from the CTA image data using Simpleware ScanIP. The aorta segmentations were then smoothed and the outer surface isolated. A triangular mesh from the outer surface was generated in Python, and the mesh was divided into a number of partitions. δK was calculated by the sum of per partition total curvatures and the fluctuation in total curvature across the entire manifold surface. Failed TEVAR was defined by a) any device-related mortality or b) unplanned or device-related secondary surgical intervention 30 days from index TEVAR. This data was plotted into a pre-defined (δK,L
–1
)-feature space with pre-established machine learning-derived boundary conditions.

Results:
Within a (δK,L
–1
)-feature space defined by patients with aortic stent grafts with zone 2 or 3 proximal landing zones, our group used predictive modeling to classify patients into three zones (normal, successful TEVAR, and unsuccessful TEVAR) with 92.8% mean accuracy. Within this pre-defined boundary zone of unsuccessful TEVAR, 72.2% (13/18) of patients with the Nexus stent graft with zone 0 proximal landing zone underwent a successful TEVAR without need for re-intervention.

Conclusions:
Transcatheter aortic arch repair with a single branch, two-stent graft system with a zone 0 proximal landing zone can offer patients with a high degree of aortic shape fluctuation a greater chance at successful TEVAR than traditional aortic stent grafts with zone 2 or 3 landing zones.
Abstract 3021: An Examination Of Emerging Techniques Forquantification Of Systemic-to-pulmonary Collateral Vessel Burden Using Imaging Modalities
Authors: Shaylor Jemual , Kassab Alain J
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
The quantification of systemic-to-pulmonary collateral vessels (SPCs) and their effects on hemodynamics is a subjective standard that has been intriguing for physicians due to the implications they could have; in cases where there is significant collateral burden, occlusion of these SPCs may be desirable, though this can present with a risk of stroke due to errant embolization particles. No benchmark method of SPC flow assessment has been established. Quantitative analysis of systemic and pulmonary flow values is possible through the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD models can provide advanced and accurate analysis of cardiovascular hemodynamics providing more information beyond routine imaging.

Hypothesis:
Current methods for quantifying SPC burden are inadequate and could be improved through the use of additional CFD analysis.

Methods:
A PubMed and Science Direct search was performed. Select inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to search results.

Results:
The search resulted in a total of 155 unique articles. Of these, 94 articles were found to meet inclusion criteria, and 54 articles were settled on after reviewing articles for further exclusion criteria. Seven articles discussed the use of CT and catheterization for quantifying collateral burden while 43 described using MRI to provide flow values. Eight articles mentioned the use of CFD to quantify hemodynamics in patients with SPCs, and 25 articles provided specific formulas for collateral flow.

Conclusions:
Using cardiac magnetic resonance velocity mapping is currently regarded as the best method for quantifying SPC burden. The incorporation of CFD analysis with flow data acquired with CMR may be useful in simulating the effects of SPC burden prior to any intervention as well as in predicting the effects of SPC occlusion on patient hemodynamics.
Abstract 3048: The Role Of 17:0(2r-oh) Ceramide In Lps Activated Macrophages
Authors: Sarangi Karisma , Shah Ritika , Venkatesan Aravind , Garelnabi Mahdi O
Published: July 2024

Macrophages play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, contributing to the buildup of fatty deposits which results in the plaque formation in the walls of arteries. Macrophages modulate the mediators of inflammation and immune response in atherosclerosis. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exerts significant effects on these macrophages including secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The current study is designed to examine the role of sphingosine intermediate N-(2'-(R)-hydroxyheptadecanoyl)-D-erythro-sphingosine (17:0(2R-OH) in the macrophage’s inflammation potential. Couple of studies have indicated a protective role for sphingosine however 17:0(2R-OH) didn’t receive adequate attention.

Study design:
Mouse J774 macrophages were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium with 4.5g/L glucose and sodium pyruvate without L-glutamine containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin/streptomycin in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO
2
at 37 °C. The cells were treated in 6-well plates at a density of 5.5х10
6
cells/well. Sphingosine was dissolved in DMSO prior to the treatment. The cells were treated with the 17:0(2R-OH) with 3 different concentrations (5, 25, 50 μg) in duplicates with or without LPS except for the controls. The cells and media were collected at 3 time points (12,24,36) hours. Cells were harvested in Trizol reagent, RNA was then extracted from cells and genes expression were determined in RTPCR using SYBR Green.

Results and Conclusion:
Our initial microscopic observations suggest that 17:0(2R-OH) potentially modulates inflammation in macrophages, this appears to be dose-dependent. 17:0(2R-OH) has been identified in marine and freshwater fish, marine oils, seaweed, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and may have dietary benefits.
Abstract 3061: Sigma1 Receptor Protein: A Novel Player In Pcsk9/Western Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis And Vascular Endothelial Inflammation
Authors: Remex Naznin Sultana , Abdullah Chowdhury S. , Aishwarya Richa , Traylor James , Kolluru Gopi , Kevil Chris , Pattillo Christopher B , Orr A. Wayne , Rom Oren , Bhuiyan Md Shenuarin
Published: July 2024

Background:
Atherosclerosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation that is initiated by endothelial dysfunction and altered lipid homeostasis. Sigma1 receptor (Sigmar1) is a ubiquitously expressed chaperone protein known to have a role in lipid metabolism and ER-mitochondrial lipid transport. Although studies showed a correlation between Sigmar1 inhibition and induction of inflammation, the role of Sigmar1 in regulating vascular inflammation during atherosclerosis remained unknown.

Hypothesis:
Absence of Sigmar1 will accelerate the development and progression of atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Methods and Results:
We used a hypercholesterolemia model induced by AAV8-PCSK9 injection followed by 12 weeks of western diet (WD) in wildtype (Wt) and global Sigmar1 knockout (Sigmar1
-/-
) mice to determine the role of Sigmar1 in diet-induced atherosclerosis. We also used human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated Sigmar1 knockout HAECs (HAEC
hKO
) to delineate the molecular mechanisms
in vitro
. Sigmar1 protein level was notably decreased in the human and mouse atherosclerotic tissues and in HAECs treated with inflammatory trigger, LPS+IFNγ. We observed increased atherosclerotic plaque area in aorta by en face analysis in Sigmar1
-/-
mice compared to Wt mice subjected to PCSK9/WD model. LPS+IFNγ treated HAEC
hKO
showed significant upregulation of EC adhesion molecules (VCAM1, ICAM1) and activated nuclear factor NFκB expressions than the control HAEC
hWT
. Since mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation play a role in inflammation and diseases, and Sigmar1 is known to regulate mitochondrial function, we wanted to dissect the contribution of EC-Sigmar1 in vascular inflammation. Both lack of Sigmar1 and LPS+IFNγ stimuli significantly reduced mitochondrial respiration in HAEC
hKO
cells and induced ROS production along with the induction of inflammation.

Conclusion:
So, lack of Sigmar1 leads to increased atherosclerotic plaque area in mice in response to PCSK9/WD suggesting a novel protective role for Sigmar1 in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation.
Abstract 3063: Canonical And Noncanonical Heat Shock Factor 1 Signaling In Smooth Muscle Cells Promote Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden
Authors: Chattopadhyay Abhijnan , Guan Pujun , Majumder Suravi , Kwartler Callie , Milewicz Dianna M
Published: July 2024

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerotic plaques undergo complex phenotypic modulation, characterized by migration from the aortic medial layer to the intima, proliferation, de-differentiation, and variable increases in molecular markers characteristic of macrophages, fibroblasts, osteogenic cells and mesenchymal stem cells. This transition is driven in part by cholesterol entering the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and activating ER stress. The importance of ER stress-driven PERK signaling in atherosclerosis is underscored by the observation that SMC-specific deletion of
Perk
reduces lesion size by ~70% in hypercholesterolemic (HC) mice. HC mice harboring either an SM α-actin (
ACTA2
) missense variant or SMC-specific deletion of the centrosomal scaffolding protein pericentrin (
PCNT
) have increased augmented plaque burden compared to their HC wildtype (WT) counterparts, despite having comparable serum lipid levels. We went on to demonstrate that both these genetic alterations increase SMC cytosolic stress and activation of canonical heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) signaling, which in turn increases HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) activity and cholesterol biosynthesis, ER stress, PERK signaling, SMC phenotypic modulation and finally, augments the plaque burden. We also noted another distinct pro-atherogenic form of HSF1 activation in SMCs: SMCs in culture exposed to high levels of exogenous cholesterol activate PERK signaling, but also consistently activate HSF1, and blocking PERK signaling prevents HSF1 activation, suggesting “noncanonical” HSF1 activation. While global loss of
Hsf1
in HC mice reduces plaque burden, we generated tamoxifen-inducible SMC-specific
Hsf1
-deficient mice (

Hsf1
SMC-/-

) to assess the role of HSF1 signaling in SMCs of HC mice. Hyperlipidemia was induced in these mice by a single injection of AAV-

PCSK9
DY

followed by a high fat diet for 12 weeks.
En face
aortic Oil Red O staining demonstrated that

Hsf1
SMC-/-

mice had 67% reduction in plaque size in the whole aorta (p=0.0007), compared to HC WT mice, similar to the results seen with SMC-specific
Perk
deficiency. These data suggest distinct roles of canonical and noncanonical HSF1 signaling in SMCs that contribute to atherosclerotic plaque burden.
Abstract 3066: Pro-Atherogenic Macrophages Induce The Upregulation Of MLKL And Cell Death In Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells During Atherogenic Stimulation
Authors: Sarakbi Rama J , Rasheed Adil , Rayner Katey J
Published: July 2024

Background:
A hallmark of advanced, rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques is the presence of a necrotic core - a dense mass of pro-inflammatory and cellular debris. Traditionally, it has been thought that most of the foam cells within this core are derived from macrophages. However, recent advances in single cell technologies have revealed that vascular smooth muscle cells have the capacity to transdifferentiate into "macrophage-like foam cells", accounting for almost half of the cell content in advanced plaques. Our lab and others have discovered that a primary cause of the necrotic core is necroptotic cell death, where the mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase MLKL is a key executioner of this process. While the contribution of necroptotic macrophage-derived foam cells to atherosclerotic lesion growth and instability has been fairly well-studied, the role of necroptotic vascular smooth muscle cell-derived foam cells in this process remains unclear.

Hypothesis:
MLKL regulates cell death differently in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells when challenged with pro-atherogenic stimuli.

Methods and Results:
Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from wildtype mice and treated with pro-atherogenic stimuli in the presence or absence of apoptotic and necroptotic inhibitors, zVAD and Necrostatin-1 (Nec1). BMDMs underwent cell death in response to treatment with oxLDL or LPS plus zVAD within 24 hours (as measured by LDH release and SYTOX assays) while VSMCs survive up to 72 hours. However, when VSMCs are treated with BMDM conditioned media in addition to pro-atherogenic stimuli, VSMCs begin to show higher relative rates of cell death compared to controls. Confocal microscopy and Western blots revealed that VSMCs treated with cell death ligands in conjunction with BMDM conditioned media showed an increase in relative expression of total and pMLKL- a hallmark of necroptosis, compared to VSMCs without conditioned media.

Conclusions:
Overall, this work suggests VSMCs are inherently resistant to necroptosis unless treated with conditioned media from BMDMs, which may suggest that macrophages have the capacity to prime necroptosis in VSMCs, likely via secreted factors.
Abstract 3075: Effect Of Inhaled Benzene Exposure On Atherogenesis
Authors: Zelko Igor N , Taylor Breandon , Malovichko Marrina , McFall Samantha , Conklin Daniel J , srivastava sanjay
Published: July 2024

Background:
Benzene is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant generated by a variety of natural and anthropological sources. It is a known carcinogen and hematopoietic toxin; however, little is known about benzene's potential atherogenicity.

Hypothesis:
Inhaled benzene induces atherogenesis by increasing vascular inflammation in LDL receptor Knockout (LDLR-KO) mice.

Methods:
Male LDLR-KO mice were exposed to HEPA-filtered air or benzene (1 ppm, 6h/day, 5days/week) for 24 weeks. For the last 12 weeks of exposure, the mice were maintained on a western diet. The single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) of aortae was performed at Novogene. In an independent experiment, male ApoE-KO mice were maintained on a western diet for 12 weeks and then exposed to benzene for 2 weeks. Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) analysis was used for the plaque immunophenotyping. For
in vitro
experiments, splenic naïve T cells were exposed to 1 μM of hydroquinone (HQ) for 24 hours, and intracellular ROR-gamma levels were measured by flow cytometry.

Results:
Benzene inhalation increased the aortic valve lesion area by more than 25% (P<0.05) in LDLR-KO mice. Using snRNAseq, eleven major cell types were detected, including T cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Benzene increased the number of T cells by 2.5-fold, proliferating T-cells by 5.8-fold, and VSMC by 1.6-fold, suggesting increased cellularity and reduced plaque stability. In addition, benzene upregulated Th17 polarization marker
Rorc
and negative regulators of apoptosis
Rag1
and
Bcl11b
while significantly attenuating the expression of proliferation inhibitor
Ms4a4b
in T cells. In VSMC, benzene downregulated extracellular matrix organization genes and upregulated platelet degranulation pathways. CyTOF analysis of the plaques of ApoE-KO mice showed that even short-term benzene exposure increased T-cell abundance in pre-existing lesions. Polarization of T cells into Th17 was confirmed by HQ-dependent upregulation of ROR-gamma
in vitro
.

Conclusion:
Our data suggest that inhaled benzene exposure compromises plaque cellularity and stability by facilitating T-cell proliferation and polarization, which coincides with the degradation of smooth muscle extracellular matrix and platelet activation.
Abstract 3076: Cd36 Restricts Lipid-associated Macrophages Accumulation In White Adipose Tissues During Atherogenesis
Authors: Zhang Jue , Chang Jackie , Chen Vaya , Wang Yaxin , Vick Lance , Beg Mirza Ahmar , Chen Yiliang
Published: July 2024

Visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) regulates systemic lipid metabolism and inflammation. Dysfunctional WAT drives chronic inflammation and facilitates atherosclerosis. Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are the predominant immune cells in WAT, but their heterogeneity and phenotypes are poorly defined during atherogenesis. The scavenger receptor CD36 mediates ATMs crosstalk with other cells, driving chronic inflammation. Here, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on major WAT ATM subpopulations using a diet-induced atherosclerotic mouse model (
Apoe
-null). We also examined the role of CD36 using
Apoe
/
Cd36
double-null mice. Our results indicate that ATMs are constantly under lipid stress. We identified lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs), which were previously described in obesity. Interestingly, LAMs increased 8.4-fold in
Apoe
/
Cd36
double-null mice on an atherogenic diet, but not in
Apoe
-null mice. The increase in LAM was accompanied by more ATM lipid uptake, reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, and less inflammation, which indicate a delicate balance between lipid metabolism and inflammation, mediated through CD36.
Abstract 3095: Characterization Of Interactions Between Skeletal Muscle Myosin And Activated Factor XI
Authors: Yang Chih-Jen , Griffin John H , Deguchi Hiroshi , Gailani David , McCarty Owen J , Puy Cristina
Published: July 2024

Background:
We recently demonstrated that the procoagulant activity of skeletal muscle myosin (SkM) involved the binding of coagulation factor (F) XI to enhance FXI activation by thrombin. However, the impact of SkM on the enzymatic activities of activated FXI (FXIa) remains unclear.

Aims:
Determine the influence of SkM interactions on the expression of FXIa activities.

Methods:
Binding studies between FXIa and SkM were conducted using biolayer interferometry (BLI). Kallikrein, a FXIa homolog, served as a negative control. The interactions between SkM and FXIa were investigated through fluorescence spectroscopy using dansyl-labeled FXIa. Chromogenic assays for FXIIa were employed to measure FXII activation by FXIa. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) inactivation by FXIa was assessed by determining FXa inhibition by TFPI using FX chromogenic assays. Quantification of complement factor H (CFH) cleavage by FXIa as well as FV activation by FXIa were carried out using SDS PAGE and Coomassie blue staining.

Results:
BLI data showed that SkM exhibited a high binding affinity for FXIa with a dissociation constant of 1.6 nM, whereas SkM did not bind kallikrein. The addition of SkM induced a 9 nm shift in the emission spectrum of dansyl-labeled FXIa. The presence of SkM increased the rate of feedback FXII activation by FXIa but not by kallikrein. The addition of SkM inhibitors, trifluoperazine and blebbistatin, reduced the enhancement effect of SkM on the ability of FXIa to activate FXII. Furthermore, SkM increased the rate of enzymatic inactivation of TFPI by FXIa, the rate of cleavage of CFH by FXIa, and the rate of activation of FV by FXIa.

Conclusions:
SkM binds with high affinity to FXIa and serves as a co-factor to enhance multiple different enzymatic activities of FXIa. Future work is needed to examine the multiple procoagulant activities of SkM in the setting of hemostasis and acute trauma.
Lectotypification and new data on the distribution of the Philippine endemic Liparis dumaguetensis (Orchidaceae)
Authors: FULGENCIO BEA KATRINA R. , COOTES JIM , AMPARADO OLIVE A. , NAIVE MARK ARCEBAL K.
Published: July 2024

Liparis dumaguetensis (Orchidaceae) is a Philippine endemic species widely distributed throughout the Philippine archipelago. A review of literature and specimens demonstrated the necessity for lectotypification of this species which we accomplished in this paper. Further, detailed information is provided based on our current collection such as a description, colour photographs, an updated geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, and an IUCN conservation assessment.
Redescription of the deep-sea benthic ctenophore genus Tjalfiella from the North Atlantic (Class Tentaculata, Order Platyctenida, Family Tjalfiellidae)
Authors: BEZIO NICHOLAS , COLLINS ALLEN G.
Published: July 2024

Some of the most fascinating and poorly known animals on this planet are comb jellies of the phylum Ctenophora. About one-quarter of ctenophore richness is encompassed by the benthic species of the order Platyctenida, nearly all known from shallow waters. In this work, we integrate several systematic methods to elucidate an enigmatic genus, Tjalfiella, known previously only from deep waters near the western coastline of Greenland in the North Atlantic. For the first time, we employ microCT on museum specimens—one nearly 100 years old from the type locality of the only known species of the genus, T. tristoma—of extant ctenophores to visualize and compare their anatomy. With these data, we integrate in situ videography and genetic sequence data derived from newly collected deep sea specimens observed via NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in 2018 and 2022 at two distant localities in the North Atlantic, near North Carolina, USA, and the Azores, Portugal. The genetic data indicate that the newly collected specimens represent closely related but distinct species of Tjalfiella. However, neither can be named at this time because neither one could be definitively differentiated from T. tristoma, given that microCT and in situ imagery reveal striking morphological similarities and only variation in color and host preference. Despite the lack of new species descriptions, this work characterizes both the morphology and genetics of the benthic ctenophore genus Tjalfiella and specimens representing species within it, advancing our understanding of a rarely observed component of the deep-sea fauna.
New species of the leafhopper tribes Agalliini and Macropsini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from north and northeast India with checklist of species of the tribes from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: VIRAKTAMATH C.A. , YESHWANTH H. M. , AJAYKUMARA K.M.
Published: July 2024

One new species of Agalliini, Nandigallia serratistyla sp. nov. and one new species of Macropsini, Oncopisis (Parasitades) ramanii sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh, India are described and illustrated. New locality records for Durgades nigropicta Distant, Igerna priyankae Viraktamath, I. shillongensis Meshram, I. wilsoni Viraktamath and Varicopsella elegans Viraktamath are given and most of these species are illustrated. A revised key to species of Nandigallia Viraktamath is provided. In addition, checklists of genera and species of the tribes Agalliini and Macropsini recorded from the Indian subcontinent are also provided.
Exploring a Novel Approach of K-mean Gradient Boosting Algorithm with PCA for Drought Prediction
Authors: Ayinla Babatunde , Abdulsalam Rasheedat
Published: July 2024

Drought poses a significant threat to essential resources like food, land, and public health. Machine Learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful tool in weather forecasting, leveraging algorithms to predict weather phenomena with remarkable accuracy. ML models excel in navigating complex atmospheric systems, including those affected by climate change, offering precision beyond traditional forecasting methods. However, predicting drought remains challenging due to its uneven distribution and varying degrees. To tackle this challenge, an exploration of a novel approach of combining K-means++ clustering and Gradient Boosting Algorithm (KGBA) with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction was carried out. Using a dataset spanning from 2000 to July 2016, comprising 2,756,796 US Drought Monitor records, the study developed and evaluated the KGBA model's effectiveness in drought prediction. The results demonstrated the superiority of high precision and recall rates, particularly in forecasting extreme and exceptional drought periods. Specifically, KGBA attained precision accuracies of 33% and 74%, along with recall rates of 72% and 77% for predicting extreme and exceptional drought periods, respectively. The model had an overall accuracy of 46% in predicting all the multiple classes of droughts. A performance that is slightly better than other ensemble methods that had the closest performance. These findings underscore the potential of KGBA in enhancing the predictive capabilities for drought mitigation efforts, as it outperformed other models such as Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Bayes Naive, and K-Nearest Neighbor.
Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in Children: A Case Report in Barranquilla-Colombia
Authors: Algarín Ricardo , Caballero Angelica , Villadiego Emanuel , Ruiz Richard , Montañez Adolfo
Published: July 2024

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy is a rapidly progressive disease of the central nervous system that is generally described in texts as a pathology of pediatric patients, but even in people of this age range, it is rare to find a case of this disease, which presents with a fulminant tissue necrosis and can be secondary to infections, mainly of viral origin. Due to presenting very non-specific clinical manifestations, this diagnosis often goes unnoticed or is made late. ANE survivors go through three phases during the clinical course that include the prodromal stage, the period of acute encephalopathy, and the recovery stage. It is through specific radiological findings observed on computed tomography affecting the bilateral thalamus and possibly the cerebral white matter, brainstem, or cerebellum that the diagnosis can be confirmed. This report discusses the case of an 8-year-old schoolboy who begins with acute gastroenteritis, which progresses with seizures and neurological deterioration. A skull CT scan is performed with imaging findings suggestive of acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Management is established with adequate clinical response and favorable recovery of neurological symptoms. The clinical characteristics and radiological findings are the key to facilitating an early diagnosis, reducing sequelae and improving the prognosis, which provides a chance of life to people who suffer from this condition.
Evaluation Method of Average House Demand in Iraq’s Middle Territories
Authors: Shaker Qais , Jabbar Rashid , Hammadi Fadhil , Al-Chaderchi Monadhil
Published: July 2024

Iraqi householders are commonly interesting of hybrid power systems due to the considerable shortage of grid utility to meet there simple daily residential demands. Hybrid power systems that based on combination of multiple power sources (solar panels) and (diesel or gasoline) power generators are most favorable to use there, due to the small sizes and comparatively cheap initial prices of such systems. Renewable energy sources (RES) are intermittent in nature and change seasonally and daily, which make the hourly function evaluation, of electricity demand, is very important in the design of power systems based on these sources. In this work, average house electricity demand of Iraq’s middle territories is estimated, by considered Baghdad average house demand as representative for this region, in terms of appliances sizes and annual distribution of daily operation hours. Also, solar system is designed based on the estimated consumption profile. It’s found that the estimated profile with and without two tons of refrigeration air-conditioner system provide close results to the real values of Baghdad average house demand. Beside its reliability, independence and environmentally advantages, solar system that designed here show considerably cost effective than the private business diesel generator and discontinuous grid service in this area.
A Pedagogic Approach Serving Inclusive Design
Authors: Gallouzi Samia
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an architecture teaching approach intended to final year architecture students, which is based on a human-centered design perspective, while respecting environment in all its compounds. The present work claims, as a hypothesis, that to design inclusive projects, it is worthy to develop in future architects’ capacity to analyze and reconcile both environment requirements and users’ needs as well. The large array of environment key elements and the complexity of users’ global apprehension, make it crucial for the future architects and urban planners to control the appropriate set of analysis methodologies and put to contribution the most efficient design tools. The pedagogical approach we deal with in this article, educates students in empathy, listening, and developing an open-mindedness that according to this study, allows them design better inclusive spaces. I am adopting such a vision for several years now, and I am experimenting pedagogical strategies and tools accordingly, either within the final year Architectural Design Studio I share with other colleagues, or during the Seminar I offer to the same audience. In trying to subscribe to a perspective of action research and reflexivity, I chose to present in this paper the analysis of four architectural dissertations addressing inclusive design concerns. This analysis aims to fathom how experienced analysis tools, such as SWOT grid, urban transect and qualitative social survey, as well as design tools, such as sequential approach of space, functional analysis and value creation tools, may help final year architecture students better analyze and design inclusive projects.
Profitability Analysis of Long Coriander Crop Share by Small-Scale Producers in Battambang, Cambodia
Authors: Darith Siek , Eav Lim , Kim Heng
Published: July 2024

This paper is intended to introduce Long Coriander, the best-known leafy vegetable in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Coriander family. It has a strong coriander scent and adds flavor to common ingredients in Central and Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in soups, curries, and noodle dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, Long Coriander also has many benefits in medicine. To meet the criteria of this study, researchers seek to investigate the profitability of the Long Coriander crop for small-scale producers in Cambodia's Battambang Province. It weighs the revenue from producing Long Coriander against the costs of planting and harvesting its crop. The study also illustrates the estimated total revenue and costs for each planting. Producing Long Coriander may beneficially result in large sums of earnings for farmers, with a profit margin of approximately 57%. Furthermore, according to an economic efficiency (EE) analysis, the cost-to-revenue ratio is higher than 1. This proves that the total amount of revenue made from the sale of Long Coriander outweighs the costs of planting and harvesting, so small-scale producers are convincingly supposed to earn more money from this crop. This research study, through dedication and commitment, aims to address the profitability potential of Long Coriander production by integrating the fundamental economic analysis methods to gather rich data that may enhance and influence further agricultural research.
Influence of Graphene on Sheet Resistivity and Urbach Enery of Nano TiO2 for DSSC Electrode
Authors: Riungu Geoffrey , Mugo Simon , Ngaruyia James , Gitu Leonard
Published: July 2024

Importance of renewable energy cannot be over emphasized. Titanium IV oxide (TiO2) is the most suitable semiconductor for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) due to its chemical stability, non toxicity and excellent optoelectronic properties. In this research TiO2 is coated on graphene to enhance its charge transport aiming to reduce recombination which is a main set back in DSSCs. undestanding graphene- TiO2 contact is therefore essential for DSSC application. TiO2 thin films were deposited on single layer graphene (SLG) as well as on flourine tin oxide (FTO) using doctor blading technique. The films were annealed at rates of 2°C /min and 1°C/min up to a temperature of 450°C followed by sintering at this temperature for 30 minutes. Four point probe SRM-232 was used to measure sheet resistance of the samples. The film thickness were obtained from transmittance using pointwise unconstrained minimization approximation (PUMA). UV –VIS spectrophotometer was employed to measure transmittance. Resistivity of TiO2 on both FTO and Graphene were of order 10-4 Ωcm. However, TiO2 annealed on graphene matrix exhibited a slightly lower resistivity 5.6 x10-4 Ωcm as compared to 6.0x10-4 Ωcm on FTO. Optical transmittance on visible region was lower for TiO2 on FTO than on SLG, 71.48% and 80.11% respectively. Urbach energy (Eu) for weak absorption region decreased with annealing rate. Urbach energies for 1°C/min TiO2 on FTO and SLG were 361 meV and 261meV respectively. This was used to account for decrease of disoders of films due to annealing. A striking relation between sheet resistivity and urbach was reported suggesting SLG as a suitable candidate for photoanode of a DSSC.
Effects of a Single Session of Repetitive Transcranial Stimulation in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Teresa Del , Alfredo Lerin , Maria Sanchez , Raffaele Gizzi , Francesca Tecce , Antimo Moretti , Patrizia Fiori
Published: July 2024

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique proposed for recovery of gait and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Our aim was to evaluate the effects of rTMS in PD patients by clinical evaluation and computerized gait analysis. Ten patients were recruited. Each patient was assessed before and after a single session of rTMS by: Berg Scale, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT), 10MWT, Time Up and Go (TUG) and spatial-temporal gait analysis by Pablo Gait Assessment sensor. We availed of STM 9000, stimulating with 2000 pulses of 20 Hz rTMS, delivered in 5-second trains with 25 seconds between trains, on the hand area of the motor cortex at 90% resting motor threshold (RMT) on each hemisphere, with 5 minutes pause between hemispheres. Eighty percent of the patient reported subjective benefits, corroborated by objective examination of the results. A significant improvement on the Berg scale was observed. Moreover, a tendence to a significant decrease of stiffness at the lower limbs was evident at UPDRS. Gait analysis showed not significant improvements of evaluated parameters. Although it is premature to draw conclusions, because of the small number of patients, underwent to a single session of rTMS, we confirm the possible beneficial effects and the safety of rTMS. Further studies are needed to validate our findings by clinical evaluation and gait analysis at short, medium, and long term. These may be different in relation to the age, duration and stage of the disease, prevalence of tremor or akinesia and rigidity.
Effects of Blended NPSZnB Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Quality Traits of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) at Assosa District
Authors: Bekele Desta
Published: July 2024

Potato is ranked third after rice and wheat in terms of consumption in the world, and first among root and tuber crops. However, the production is limited by several factors including low in soil fertility, lack of improved varieties, inappropriate spacing, and other poor agronomic management. The objective of the present study is to recognize the optimum rate of the blended NPSZnB and potassium fertilizers for profitable production of potato at Assosa area. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with arrangement of split plot in three replications. The main plot consisted of two potato varieties i.e. Belete and Gudane varieties. The subplot consisted of four levels of blended NPSZnB with potassium chloride rates, one recommended NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and unfertilized plot. The interaction effects of potato tuber size distribution and quality traits were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by different rates of NPSZnB with adjusted nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium chloride fertilizers and different potato varieties. Out of different potato varieties, Belete variety gave the highest yield as compared to Gudane variety. The highest total tuber yield and large sized tuber yield were obtained by the application of 200% NPSZnB (35.4N+70.6P2O5+15.2S+0.5B+4.4Zn) +138 kg K2O ha-1, with adjusted 184.6kg N+ 109.6kg P2O5 per ha therefore, we are tentatively recommended for beneficiaries at Assosa area.
Understanding the Source and Evolution of Precipitation Stable Isotope Composition across O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Authors: Brennis Theodore , Lautze Nicole , Whittier Robert , Kagawa-Viviani Aurora , Tseng Han , Torri Giuseppe , Thomas Donald
Published: July 2024

Pacific Islands present unique challenges for water resource management due to their environmental vulnerability, dynamic climates, and heavy reliance on groundwater. Quantifying connections between meteoric, ground, and surface waters is critical for effective water resource management. Analyses of the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen in the hydrosphere can help illuminate such connections. This study investigates the stable isotope composition of rainfall on O‘ahu in the Hawaiian Islands, with a particular focus on how altitude impacts stable isotope composition. Rainfall was sampled at 20 locations from March 2018 to August 2021. The new precipitation stable isotope data were integrated with previously published data to create the most spatially and topographically diverse precipitation collector network on O‘ahu to date. Results show that δ18O and δ2H values in precipitation displayed distinct isotopic signatures influenced by geographical location, season, and precipitation source. Altitude and isotopic compositions were strongly correlated along certain elevation transects, but these relationships could not be extrapolated to larger regions due to microclimate influences. Altitude and deuterium excess were strongly correlated across the study region, suggesting that deuterium excess may be a reliable proxy for precipitation elevation in local water tracer studies. Analysis of spring, rainfall, and fog stable isotope composition from Mount Ka‘ala suggests that fog may contribute up to 45% of total groundwater recharge at the summit. These findings highlight the strong influence of microclimates on the stable isotope composition of rainfall, underscore the need for further investigation into fog’s role in the water budget, and demonstrate the importance of stable isotope analysis for comprehending hydrologic dynamics in environmentally sensitive regions.
Evaluating Machine Learning–Based Probabilistic Convective Hazard Forecasts Using The HRRR: Quantifying Hazard Predictability and Sensitivity to Training Choices
Authors: Sobash Ryan A. , Ahijevych David A.
Published: July 2024

The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model provides hourly updating forecasts of convective-scale phenomena, which can be used to infer the potential for convective hazards (e.g., tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts), across the United States. We used deterministic 2019–20 HRRR, version 4 (HRRRv4), forecasts to train neural networks (NNs) to generate 4-hourly probabilistic convective hazard forecasts [neural network probability forecasts (NNPFs)] for HRRRv4 initializations in 2021, using storm reports as ground truth. The NNPFs were compared to the skill of a smoothed updraft helicity (UH) baseline to quantify the benefit of the NNs. NNPF skill varied by initialization time and time of day but was all superior to the UH forecast. NNPFs valid at hours between 1800 and 0000 UTC were most skillful in aggregate, significantly exceeding the baseline forecast skill. Overnight NNPFs (i.e., valid 0600–1200 UTC) were least skillful, indicating a diurnal cycle in hazard predictability that was present across all HRRRv4 initializations. We explored the sensitivity of HRRRv4 NNPF skill to NN training choices. Including an additional year of 2021 HRRRv4 forecasts for training slightly improved skill for 2022 HRRRv4 NNPFs, while reducing the training dataset size by 40% using only forecasts with storm reports was not detrimental to forecast skill. Finally, NNs trained with 2018–20 HRRRv3 forecasts led to a reduction in NNPF skill when applied to 2021 HRRRv4 forecasts. In addition to documenting practical predictability challenges with convective hazard prediction, these findings reinforce the need for a consistent model configuration for optimal results when training NNs and provide best practices when constructing a training dataset with operational convection-allowing model forecasts.

Significance Statement

Convective hazards, such as hail and tornadoes, are often challenging to predict. To improve hazard predictions, we used machine learning (ML) to generate forecasts of convective hazards across the United States leveraging forecasts of prior events. The ML hazard forecasts were consistently better than a non-ML approach and varied in skill based on the time of day, with nighttime forecasts being particularly challenging. ML forecasts of wind gusts and hail were more skillful than tornadoes. Different strategies of constructing the dataset of prior events led to differences in forecast performance; thus, this work provides recommendations for how to assemble these datasets and train ML models to generate improved forecasts of severe weather events.
Empty Heart Disease: Teaching and Learning in China
Authors: Scharff Jill Savege , Scharff David E.
Published: July 2024

Drawing on 15 years of experience teaching psychoanalytic theory and therapy primarily from an object relations perspective to Chinese psychotherapists onsite and online, the authors present their learning about Chinese culture, social history, and philosophy, and the Chinese way of communicating about emotional experience. Their essay is imbued with the Chinese use of metaphor and psychosomatic symbolization, particularly involving the heart. They elaborate on the Chinese concept of Empty Heart Disease, comparing and contrasting it to Western concepts from literature, sociology and psychoanalysis, namely spleen, anomie, dead mother, and schizoid, empty, false, and narcissistic self-states. They expand upon and extend the empty heart concept to various age groups and symptom presentations in China, illustrated by a vignette from individual psychoanalysis with a woman and three vignettes from applied psychoanalysis of a couple with no intimacy, a child with an obsessive psychosomatic symptom, and an adolescent school dropout who was self-harming and suicidal in response to academic pressure. Having emphasized the connection between symptom presentations and social life and times, they discuss the impact of trauma, its transgenerational transmission in China, and the impact of unprecedented economic growth and social change on individuals, couples and families.