bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum metabolite signatures of cardiac function and morphology in individuals from a population-based cohort
Authors: Maushagen Juliane , Addin Nuha Shugaa , Schuppert Christopher , Ward-Caviness Cavin K. , Nattenmüller Johanna , Adamski Jerzy , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Schlett Christopher L. , Wang-Sattler Rui , Rospleszcz Susanne
Published: March 2024

Background

Changes in serum metabolites in individuals with altered cardiac function and morphology may exhibit information about cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathway dysregulations and potential CVD risk factors. We aimed to explore associations of cardiac function and morphology, evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a large panel of serum metabolites.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from CVD-free individuals from the population-based KORA cohort were analyzed. Associations between 3T-MRI-derived left ventricular (LV) function and morphology parameters (e.g., volumes, filling rates, wall thickness) and markers of carotid plaque with metabolite profile clusters and single metabolites as outcomes were assessed by adjusted multinomial logistic regression and linear regression models.

Results

In 360 individuals (mean age 56.3 years; 41.9% female), 146 serum metabolites clustered into three distinct profiles that reflected high-, intermediate- and low-CVD risk. Higher stroke volume (relative risk ratio (RRR): 0.53, 95%-CI [0.37; 0.76], p-value < 0.001) and early diastolic filling rate (RRR: 0.51, 95%-CI [0.37; 0.71], p-value < 0.001) were most strongly protectively associated against the high-risk profile compared to the low-risk profile after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors. Moreover, imaging markers were associated with 10 metabolites in linear regression. Notably, negative associations of stroke volume and early diastolic filling rate with acylcarnitine C5, and positive association of function parameters with lysophosphatidylcholines, diacylphosphatidylcholines, and acylalkylphosphatidylcholines were observed. Furthermore, there was a negative association of LV wall thickness with alanine, creatinine, and symmetric dimethylarginine. We found no significant associations with carotid plaque.

Conclusions

Serum metabolite signatures are associated with cardiac function and morphology even in individuals without a clinical indication of CVD.
Endoscopic retroperitoneal repair of superior lumbar hernia (Grynfeltt hernia) using self-fixating mesh to prevent nerve injury: a case report
Authors: Mizuno Ryosuke , Honma Shusaku
Published: March 2024

Background

The primary superior lumbar hernia, also called the Grynfeltt Hernia, is a rare entity; hence, a standard surgical repair method has not been established. It is important for this repair procedure not only to prevent recurrence by placing an adequate size of mesh but also to avoid nerve injury. The endoscopic retroperitoneal approach is considered a useful technique for this procedure, requiring no mobilization of the colon and providing good visibility of the surrounding nerves. A self-fixating mesh does not require a traumatic fixation, which is considered advantageous for nerve preservation.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old woman, complaining of left lumbar swelling, was diagnosed with a primary left superior lumbar hernia and underwent endoscopic retroperitoneal hernia repair. With the patient in the right lateral decubitus position, five small ports were inserted, and the retroperitoneal space was dissected. The 2.0 × 1.0-cm hernial orifice was found, and the 12th subcostal nerve above the hernial orifice and the iliohypogastric and the ilioinguinal nerves below the hernial orifice were identified. A 15 × 10-cm self-fixating mesh was placed in the retroperitoneal space without mesh tacking. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the first postoperative day. Two years after surgery, there was no sign of recurrence, and chronic pain and neuropathic symptoms were absent.

Conclusions

Endoscopic retroperitoneal repair of primary superior lumbar hernia using a self-fixating mesh seems to be useful for nerve preservation.
Can ETFs affect U.S. financial stability? A quantile cointegration analysis
Authors: Laborda Juan , Laborda Ricardo , de la Cruz Javier
Published: March 2024

This study evaluates whether exchange traded funds (ETFs) threaten financial market stability by testing two hypotheses relating the growing importance of ETFs to increased market volatility and rising equity valuations. We estimate quantile cointegration models using Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) and Chicago Board Options Exchange volatility Index (VIX) data for 1994–2020. We found that an increase in ETFs is positively and significantly related to the long-term valuation of the S&P 500 for quantile values above the median. By contrast, ETFs have only a negative and significant effect on the VIX for quantiles around the median. Ultimately, two novel results were obtained. First, the distortion in the value of the S&P 500 relative to its fundamentals is driven by investor flow into ETFs during a bull market. Second, the impact of equity ETFs on the VIX is only affected when fundamental factors are in play, decreasing it. Therefore, ETFs contribute to forming equity bubbles and support valuation market dynamics. Both regulators and policymakers should consider these conclusions.
Metabolic network of the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sugihara Kohei , Kamada Nobuhiko
Published: March 2024

Gut dysbiosis is closely linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Emerging studies highlight the relationship between host metabolism and the modulation of gut microbiota composition through regulating the luminal microenvironment. In IBD, various disease-associated factors contribute to the significant perturbation of host metabolism. Such disturbance catalyzes the selective proliferation of specific microbial populations, particularly pathobionts such as adherent invasive Escherichia coli and oral-derived bacteria. Pathobionts employ various strategies to adapt better to the disease-associated luminal environments. In addition to the host-microbe interaction, recent studies demonstrate that the metabolic network between commensal symbionts and pathobionts facilitates the expansion of pathobionts in the inflamed gut. Understanding the metabolic network among the host, commensal symbionts, and pathobionts provides new insights into the pathogenesis of IBD and novel avenues for treating IBD.
Does preoperative opioid use predict outcomes to 6 months following primary unilateral knee or hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis? A data-linked retrospective study
Authors: Genel Furkan , Harris Ian A. , Pavlovic Natalie , Lewin Adriane , Mittal Rajat , Huang Andrew Y. , Penm Jonathan , Patanwala Asad E. , Brady Bernadette , Adie Sam , Naylor Justine M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Few Australian studies have examined the incidence of prescribed opioid use prior to primary total knee or total hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA) and whether it predicts post-surgery outcomes. A recent Australian study demonstrated that the prevalence of pre-arthroplasty opioid use was approximately 16%. In the United States, approximately 24% of people undergoing TKA or THA are chronic opioid users preoperatively.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine (i) the proportion of TKA and THA patients who use prescribed opioids regularly (daily) before surgery (i.e., opioid use reported between the time of waitlisting and any time up to 3 months before surgery), (ii) if opioid use before surgery predicts (a) complication/readmission rates to 6-months post-surgery, and (b) patient-reported outcomes to 6-months post-surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent TKA or THA between January 2013 and June 2018 from two Australian public hospitals was undertaken utilizing linked individual patient-level data from two prospectively collected independent databases comprising approximately 3,500 and 9,500 people (database contained known opioid usage data within the 5-year time frame). Inclusion criteria included (i) primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the index joint, (ii) primary elective THA or TKA, and (iii) age ≥ 18 years. Exclusion criteria included (i) revision arthroplasty, (ii) non-elective arthroplasty, (iii) hip hemiarthroplasty, (iv) uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty, and (v) previous unilateral high tibial osteotomy.

Results

Analysis was completed on 1,187 study participants (64% female, 69% TKA, mean (SD) age 67 [9.9]). 30% were using regular opioids preoperatively. Adjusted regression analyses controlling for multiple co-variates indicated no significant association between preoperative opioid use and complications/readmission rates or patient-reported outcomes to 6 months post-surgery. Model diagnostics produced poor discrimination for area under the curves and non-significant goodness of fit tests. Pre-arthroplasty opioid use was associated with lower health-related quality of life (EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) compared to non-opioid users undergoing primary THA (mean difference -5.04 [-9.87, -0.22], P = 0.04, Adjusted R2 = 0.06)

Conclusion

In this study, 30% of patients were using prescribed opioids daily prior to primary TKA or THA. Pre-arthroplasty opioid use was not associated with postoperative adverse events or patient-reported pain, function, or global perceived improvement up to six months post-surgery.
An initial typology of approaches used by policy and practice agencies to achieve sustained implementation of interventions to improve health
Authors: Wolfenden Luke , Shoesmith Adam , Hall Alix , Bauman Adrian , Nathan Nicole
Published: March 2024

Background

Scientific investigation of how to sustain the implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBI) is emerging. Sustaining the implementation of EBIs helps ensure their effects on improving health endure. External policy or practice agencies, such as government health departments, are often tasked with supporting individual organisations with sustaining their delivery of EBIs, for example, through financing, training or the provision of other supports. However, to our knowledge, the approaches taken by policy and practice agencies to support the sustainment of EBIs have not been consolidated, categorised and described as a typology.

Main body

To improve conceptual clarity and support both research and practice, we developed an initial working typology of the practical approaches to sustain implementation of EBIs (i.e. sustainment) in order to improve long term health from the perspective of these agencies. The working typology includes three broad approaches. The first, termed ‘Self-Sustainment’, is when implementation of the EBI by an organisation (e.g. hospital, clinic, school) is expected to continue (sustain) in the absence of external (agency) support. The second, termed ‘Static Sustainment Support’, involves the provision of pre-defined external (agency) support to assist organisations to continue implementation of an EBI. The final approach is termed ‘Dynamic Sustainment Support’, whereby support provided by an external agency is dynamic (continues to be adapted) overtime to assist organisations continue implementation of an intervention which may itself also evolve.

Conclusions

We describe the contexts and circumstances where each may be most appropriate in achieving sustained implementation and discuss their research and practice implications.
Evaluating the prediction power and accuracy of two smart response surface experimental designs after revisiting repaglinide floating tablets
Authors: Elsayed Tarek , Hathout Rania M.
Published: March 2024

Background

There is a soar in the figure of companies aiming to achieve efficiency in undergoing experimental processes. Therefore, instead of deploying one-factor-at-a-time, design of experiments is becoming rampantly utilized in order to reduce the resources outflow. There are a copious of different smart designs which could be employed as design of experiments tools. Central composite and d-optimal designs were investigated in this paper. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the two designs and identify the most accurate design at analyzing, interpreting and making predictions with regards to the data offered. The aforementioned purpose was achieved by applying both designs to a preexisting study which sought to prolong the gastrointestinal retention of repaglinide tablets through deploying a full factorial design. Further optimization was performed using Design-Expert software after inducing an outlier point.

Results

R-squared, adjusted R-squared, predicted R-squared and adequate precision were computed in addition to acquiring diagnostics figures such as predicted versus actual, residual versus run, Box–Cox, contour plot and 3D surface plots. Model equations were also produced for each design. Results showed that both designs were successful at modeling the data both scoring r-squared values > 0.7 and adequate precision > 4 implying high fitting, prediction power and ability to navigate the experimental space using a reduced number of experimental runs. The d-optimal design obtained the least relative error of only 3.81%.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the d-optimal design provides a great tool for reduction of experimental testing which in turn diminishes resources consumption. Therefore, this design is favored to be enforced in the pharmaceutical sector.
Unpredicted transformation of acute myeloid leukemia with translocation (16;16) (p13; q22): a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zaiema Shams ElDoha Galal ElDin , Hafez Heba Mohamed Saber
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The transformation of acute myeloid leukemia with translocation (16;16) (p13; q22) from AML M2 to acute monocytic leukemia (AML M5) during therapy is a rare clinical occurrence, and this is the first time it has been reported.

Clinical complain

A 19-year-old male patient was admitted for severe fatigue with anemic manifestation and weight loss, for more than 1 month, with exacerbation of the condition in the last 2 days.

Diagnosis

A primary diagnosis was made for AML M2 with t (16;16) (p13; q22) established on bone marrow (BM) morphology. A consequential detection of FLT-3 ITD mutation was done. At day 28 follow-up after induction and maintenance therapy, the diagnosis of AML M2 was maintained with a high bone marrow (BM) blast count, prompting the initiation of a more aggressive treatment protocol. After 1 month of implementing the recent protocol, the patient remains morphologically resistant with a notable transformation of bone marrow infiltration by an abnormal monocytic population (monoblasts and promonocytes). The final diagnosis of transforming FLT3-mutated AML with t (16;16) (p13; q22) was established.

Intervention

After the initial diagnosis of AML M2 with t (16;16) (p13; q22), the patient received the 3 + 7 induction protocol. The 2nd induction protocol initiated after the second evaluation and morphological resistance was the FLAG Adrian protocol. The 3rd protocol after transformation to AML M5 was 1 cycle of the MEC protocol. Anti-FLT3 treatment was considered.

Outcomes

The patient was maintained on the 3rd protocol of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he was admitted to the ICU unit complaining of neutropenic fever and severe sepsis where he died before final re-evaluation and the anti-FLT3 treatment initiation.

Conclusion

AML with t (16;16) (p13; q22) characterized by favorable outcome. However, identifying additional chromosome abnormality or genetic aberration, especially FLT3 gene mutation, is recognized as an important factor influencing final disease outcome. Therefore, early detection of FLT3 mutations will allow comprehensive disease course prediction and targeted therapy that might achieve longer and more durable remissions.
Predictive accuracy of years score in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Fayiad Hussien , Moussa Heba , Nosair Yara , Mostafa Amira Ismail
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden obstruction of pulmonary arteries usually associated with a high rate of mortality due to acute right ventricular failure. Early diagnosis is of much importance because most patients die within the first hours of presentation. Emergency management is usually highly valuable and right heart failure is potentially reversible. Multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the best diagnostic imaging modality to document acute pulmonary embolism. Overuse of CTPA increases the unrequired risk of radiation exposure, increasing the risk of malignancy, contrast-related anaphylaxis, and acute kidney injury. To abolish these issues, the simplified score for suspected acute pulmonary embolism using variable D dimer cut-off value in combination with clinical signs can exclude pulmonary embolism safely.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the predictive accuracy of YEARS score in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism compared to CTPA that might lead to a decrease in the overuse of CTPA.

Methods

The study was held at the chest unit in Kasr ElAini hospitals. It included 50 patients, for which full history, examination, calculation of wells score, D-dimer, YEARS score, and CTPA were done.

Results

The results showed that the YEARS score succeeded in predicting the presence or the absence of PE in 80% of the 50 enrolled patients in our study. YEARS score has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 65%.

Conclusion

Patients with zero YEARS score and D-dimer ≥ 1000 ng/ml as well as those with ≥ 1 YEARS score and D-dimer ≥ 500 ng/ml are rendered PE likely by the YEARS algorithm with a sensitivity of 90%. Using years score, we can exclude pulmonary embolism in patients with zero YEARS score and a D-dimer ˂ 1000 ng/ml as well as in patients with ≥ 1 YEARS score and D-dimer ˂ 500 ng/ml with 65% specificity, thus decreasing overuse of CTPA in the diagnosis of PE.
Free-surface multiple attenuation and seismic deghosting for blended data using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Kiraz Mert S. R. , Snieder Roel , Sheiman Jon
Published: March 2024

Simultaneous source acquisition has become common over the past few decades for marine seismic surveys because of the increased efficiency of seismic acquisition by limiting the time, reducing the cost, and having less environmental impact than conventional single-source (or unblended) acquisition surveys. For simultaneous source acquisition, seismic sources at different locations are fired with time delays, and the recorded data are referred to as the blended data. The air-water interface (or free surface) creates strong multiples and ghost reflections for blended seismic data. The multiples and/or ghost reflections caused by a source in the blended data overlap with the primary reflections of another source, thus creating a strong interference between the primary and multiple events of different sources. We develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) method to attenuate free-surface multiples and remove ghost reflections simultaneously from the blended seismic data. The CNN-based solution that we develop operates on single traces and is not sensitive to the missing near-offset traces, missing traces, and irregular/sparse acquisition parameters (e.g., for ocean-bottom node acquisition and time-lapse monitoring studies). We illustrate the efficacy of our free-surface multiple attenuation and seismic deghosting method by presenting synthetic and field data applications. The numerical experiments demonstrate that our CNN-based approach for simultaneously attenuating free-surface multiples and removing ghost reflections can be applied to the blended data without the deblending step. Although the interference of primaries and multiples from different shots in the blended data makes free-surface multiple attenuation harder than the unblended data, we determine that our CNN-based method effectively attenuates free-surface multiples in the blended synthetic and field data even when the delay time for the blending is different in the training data than in the data to which the CNN is applied.
Characterization of Novel PHEX Variants in X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets and Genotype-PHEX Activity Correlation
Authors: Wu Huixiao , Ying Hui , Zhao Wanyi , Sun Yan , Wang Yanzhou , Chen Xinyu , Li Guimei , Yao Yangyang , Xu Shuo , Li Tianyou , Fang Li , Sun Xiaoqing , Wang Ning , Xu Jin , Guan Qingbo , Xia Weibo , Wang Li , Gao Ling , Zhao Jiajun , Xu Chao
Published: March 2024

Background

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLHR) is the most common genetic form of hypophosphatemic rickets (HR), which is caused by phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog X-linked (PHEX) gene mutation. At present, the genotype–phenotype relationship of XLHR and the pathogenic role of PHEX are not fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we summarized clinical features in a new cohort of 49 HR patients and detected 16 novel PHEX and 5 novel non-PHEX variants. Subsequently, we studied the pathogenesis of new variants by protein expression, glycosylation analysis, subcellular localization, and endopeptidase activity.

Results

The results showed that missense variants (Q189H and X750R) slightly reduced protein expression without obviously altering protein length and localization, whereas truncating variants significantly impaired the synthesis of PHEX and produced a shorter immature protein in cells. Interestingly, no evident correlation was observed between mutation types and clinical phenotypes. However, when we analyzed the relationship between PHEX activity and serum phosphorus level, we found that patients with low PHEX activity tended to have severe hypophosphatemia and high rickets severity score. Following this observation, we established 2 new knock-in XLHR mouse models with 2 novel Phex variants (c.T1349C and c.C426G, respectively) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Both mouse models demonstrated clinical manifestations of XLHR seen in patients, and PhexC426G mice showed more severe phenotype than PhexT1349C mice, which further confirmed the rationality of genotype–PHEX enzymatic activity correlation analysis.

Conclusion

Therefore, our findings demonstrated that novel PHEX variants could disrupt protein function via affecting protein synthesis, post-translational modification, cellular trafficking, and catalytic activity. Our study facilitates a better understanding of XLHR pathogenic mechanism and PHEX activity-phenotype correlation, which is of crucial importance for future diagnosis and treatment of XLHR.
Pediatric Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinical Presentations and Long-Term Outcomes in 144 Patients Over 6 Decades
Authors: Hensley Sarah G , Hu Mimi I , Bassett Roland L , Ying Anita K , Zafereo Mark E , Perrier Nancy D , Busaidy Naifa L , Hyde Samuel M , Grubbs Elizabeth G , Waguespack Steven G
Published: March 2024

Context

Sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC) rarely occurs in childhood and no studies have specifically focused on this entity.

Objective

To describe the clinical presentations and long-term outcomes of a large cohort of children and young adults with sMTC compared with hereditary MTC (hMTC).

Methods

Retrospective study of 144 patients diagnosed with MTC between 1961 and 2019 at an age ≤ 21 years and evaluated at a tertiary referral center.

Results

In contrast to hMTC (n = 124/144, 86%), patients with sMTC (n = 20/144, 14%) are older (P < .0001), have larger tumors (P < .0001), a higher initial stage grouping (P = .001) and have more structural disease (P = .0045) and distant metastases (DM) (P = .00084) at last follow-up, but are not more likely to die from MTC (P = .42). Among 77 patients diagnosed clinically, not by family history (20/20 sMTC and 57/124 hMTC), there was no difference in the initial stage (P = .27), presence of DM at diagnosis (P = 1.0), disease status at last follow-up (P = .13), overall survival (P = .57), or disease-specific survival (P = .87). Of the 12 sMTC tumors that underwent somatic testing, 11 (91%) had an identifiable alteration: 10 RET gene alterations and 1 ALK fusion.

Conclusion

sMTC is primarily a RET-driven disease that represents 14% of childhood-onset MTC in this cohort. Pediatric sMTC patients are older, present with clinical disease at a more advanced TNM classification, and have more persistent disease at last follow-up compared with hMTC, but these differences disappear when comparing those presenting clinically. Somatic molecular testing should be considered in sMTC patients who would benefit from systemic therapy.
Multicenter Registry of Adenomas of the Pituitary and Related Disorders: Initial Description of Cushing Disease Cohort, Surgical Outcomes, and Surgeon Characteristics
Authors: Little Andrew S. , Karsy Michael , Evans James J. , Kim Won , Pacione Donato R. , Kim Albert H. , Gardner Paul A. , Hendricks Benjamin K. , Sarris Christina E. , Torok Ildiko E. , Low Trevor M. , Crocker Tomiko A. , Valappil Benita , Kanga Mridu , Abdallah Hussein , Collopy Sarah , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Vigo Vera , Ljubimov Vladimir A. , Zada Gabriel , Garrett Norman E. , Delery William , Yuen Kevin C. J. , Rennert Robert C. , Couldwell William T. , Silverstein Julie M. , Kshettry Varun R. , Chicoine Michael R.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

To address the lack of a multicenter pituitary surgery research consortium in the United States, we established the Registry of Adenomas of the Pituitary and Related Disorders (RAPID). The goals of RAPID are to examine surgical outcomes, improve patient care, disseminate best practices, and facilitate multicenter surgery research at scale. Our initial focus is Cushing disease (CD). This study aims to describe the current RAPID patient cohort, explore surgical outcomes, and lay the foundation for future studies addressing the limitations of previous studies.

METHODS:

Prospectively and retrospectively obtained data from participating sites were aggregated using a cloud-based registry and analyzed retrospectively. Standard preoperative variables and outcome measures included length of stay, unplanned readmission, and remission.

RESULTS:

By July 2023, 528 patients with CD had been treated by 26 neurosurgeons with varying levels of experience at 9 academic pituitary centers. No surgeon treated more than 81 of 528 (15.3%) patients. The mean ± SD patient age was 43.8 ± 13.9 years, and most patients were female (82.2%, 433/527). The mean tumor diameter was 0.8 ± 2.7 cm. Most patients (76.6%, 354/462) had no prior treatment. The most common pathology was corticotroph tumor (76.8%, 381/496). The mean length of stay was 3.8 ± 2.5 days. The most common discharge destination was home (97.2%, 513/528). Two patients (0.4%, 2/528) died perioperatively. A total of 57 patients (11.0%, 57/519) required an unplanned hospital readmission within 90 days of surgery. The median actuarial disease-free survival after index surgery was 8.5 years.

CONCLUSION:

This study examined an evolving multicenter collaboration on patient outcomes after surgery for CD. Our results provide novel insights on surgical outcomes not possible in prior single-center studies or with national administrative data sets. This collaboration will power future studies to better advance the standard of care for patients with CD.
A Role for SNU66 in Maintaining 5’ Splice Site Identity During Spliceosome Assembly
Authors: Sarka Kenna , Katzman Sol , Zahler Alan M.
Published: March 2024

In spliceosome assembly, the 5’ splice site is initially recognized by U1snRNA. U1 leaves the spliceosome during the assembly process, therefore other factors contribute to maintenance of 5’ splice site identity as it is loaded into the catalytic site. Recent structural data suggest that human tri-snRNP 27K (SNRP27) M141 and SNU66 H734 interact to stabilize the U4/U6 quasi-pseudo knot at the base of the U6 snRNA ACAGAGA box in pre-B complex. Previously, we found that mutations in C. elegans at SNRP-27 M141 promote changes in alternative 5’ss usage. We tested whether the potential interaction between SNRP-27 M141 and SNU-66 H765 (the C. elegans equivalent position to human SNU66 H734) contributes to maintaining 5’ splice site identity during spliceosome assembly. We find that SNU-66 H765 mutants promote alternative 5’ splice site usage. Many of the alternative 5’ splicing events affected by SNU-66(H765G) overlap with those affected SNRP-27(M141T). Double mutants of snrp-27(M141T) and snu-66(H765G) are homozygous lethal. We hypothesize that mutations at either SNRP-27 M141 or SNU-66 H765 allow the spliceosome to load an alternative 5’ splice sites into the active site. Tests with mutant U1 snRNA and swapped 5’ splice sites indicate that the ability of SNRP-27 M141 and SNU-66 H765 mutants to affect a particular 5’ splice alternative splicing event is dependent on both the presence of a weaker consensus 5’ss nearby and potentially nearby splicing factor binding sites. Our findings confirm a new role for the C-terminus of SNU-66 in maintenance of 5’ splice site identity during spliceosome assembly.
A new record of the invasive land snail Monacha cartusiana (O. F. Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) in the south of Belarus
Authors: Ostrovsky Artsiom M.
Published: March 2024

New records, reported here, of the invasive land snail Monacha cartusiana in Khoyniki city extend the known range of the species in the regions of Gomel and Brest of southern Belarus. Apart from the shells, the reproductive anatomy of M. cartusiana from Khoyniki are described and illustrated, confirming their identity as distinct from the conchologically indistinguishable Monacha claustralis. M. cartusiana occupies open, anthropogenic habitats in S. Belarus. It is likely that its spread into Belarus is caused by accidental transport on road transport and railways from Poland and Ukraine to the south and west.
In the footsteps of the ice sheet in the area of the planned geopark postglacial land of the Drawa and Dębnica rivers (the Drawskie Lakeland, Poland)
Authors: Górska-Zabielska Maria
Published: March 2024

The article presents 20 geosites located on five geotourist paths and their closest vicinity, constituting the initial part of the planned geopark Postglacial land of Drawa and Dębnica. Geosites represent the most valuable abiotic resources, proving the large geodiversity of the studied area. These are: 1. glacial and fluvioglacial accumulation forms (e.g.: terminal end-moraine of the Parsęta lobe, undulating moraine uplands, glacial deposits including erratic border boulders, esker ridges), 2. glacial and fluvioglacial erosive forms (e.g.: channel and melt-out-depressions), 3. other (like e.g.: deep erosive and erosional-denudation valleys, erosive forms of groundwater or 1st order watershed between the Odra and Parsęta catchments). The purpose of the geosites characteristics in this paper is to support the development of geotourism in the peripheral tourist area.
Rekonstrukcja zmian paleośrodowiskowych w eemskich zagłębieniach bezodpływowych przedpola lądolodu ostatniego zlodowacenia na przykładzie stanowiska Stara Maryśka II (Północne Mazowsze, Polska Centralna)
Authors: Rychel Joanna , Sieradz Dominika , Massalska Barbara , Standzikowski Karol , Wasiluk Radosław , Woronko Barbara , Nawrocki Jerzy
Published: March 2024

Odsłonięta w stanowisku Stara Maryśka II sukcesja osadowa obejmuje górną część interglacjału eemskiego po zlodowacenie wisły. Na podstawie ciągłości zapisu palinologicznego w osadach wypełniających zbiornik odtworzony został przebieg zmian klimatu i środowiska w okresie późnego plejstocenu (MIS5e-MIS2). Wyniki datowań metodą OSL pozwoliły wyróżnić okresy funkcjonowania warstwy czynnej wieloletniej zmarzliny podczas zlodowacenia wisły (MIS4-MIS2), która jest wyznacznikiem warunków peryglacjalnych panujących przed czołem lądolodu. Oznaczony został również czas formowania się wydm w rejonie stanowiska.
Possibilities and limitations of using iPhone 13 Pro with built-in LiDAR sensor in cave research – on the example of paleoflow analysis in Mylna Cave (Western Tatra Mts, Poland)
Authors: Pluta Przemysław , Siemek Dawid
Published: March 2024

The study tested the capabilities of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro device using two measurement techniques, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and SfM (Structure from Motion), in a cave environment by measuring scallops in Mylna Cave in Western Tatra Mountains. The tested device provides an interesting and inexpensive alternative for cave research using TLS (Terrestrial Land Scanner) type scanners or more expensive MLS (Mobile Laser Scanning) type scanners. The study used a dedicated 3D Scanner App™ application to create two terrain models: LiDAR and SfM. A comparative analysis of the models shows that the SfM model is characterised by greater detail. The results obtained for this model indicate that the scallops measured in Wielki Chodnik passage of Mylna Cave belong to at least two different generations of forms. In the LiDAR method case, the obtained models’ resolution was not precise enough to identify small (<3 cm) scallops. For three LiDAR models, the average length of scallops was 10.32 cm; for three SfM models, it was 5.16 cm. The length of scallops obtained from models allowed for calculating paleoflow velocity and, thus, the flow rate. The average velocity value for LiDAR models was 28.98 cm s−1, and for SfM models – 48.10 cm s−1 and the average flow rate obtained from SfM data was 1.93 m³ s−1. It corresponds well with the today-observed Kościeliski Potok flow rate of 1.7 m³ s−1 according to the 1966–2000 period (Baścik et al. 2014). On the contrary, the average paleoflow rate obtained from the LiDAR model, which is 0.94 m³ s−1, does not match the contemporary flow rate. Based on the asymmetry of scallops, the paleoflow direction was determined. It is consistent with the current direction of the Kościeliski Potok flow. The spatial imaging techniques used with iPhone 13 Pro differ regarding the DEM creation method and model details. It is influenced by parameters related to lighting, distance, scanned surface character and microclimatic conditions of the cave.
Platelet indices and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio as a predictive tool in acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis: A study protocol
Authors: Khurana Kashish , Mahajan Satish
Published: March 2024

Platelet indices and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio are newly emerging indicators of systemic inflammation in chronic diseases, such as hemoglobinopathies. The objectives of this study include estimation of platelet indices and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients with and without vaso-occlusive crisis. This cross-sectional study will be conducted in the Department of Medicine at a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in the rural area of Wardha district. The participants will include patients of SCD older than 18 years of age attending the sickle cell clinic. We hypothesize the use of neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet indices as clinically significant predictive markers in acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis.
Systematic Calibration and Validation Approach for Discrete Element Method (DEM) Modeling of Corn Under Varying Moisture Contents (MC)
Authors: Mousaviraad Mohammad , Tekeste Mehari Z.
Published: March 2024

Abstract. Discrete Element Method (DEM) based simulation of grain threshing and conveyance processing at relatively dry to wet grain moisture content range has been limited. A comprehensive five-step framework of a DEM grain model calibration and validation of flow and grain impacts on equipment was investigated. The framework was examined by developing DEM models for corn grain moisture conditions sampled during crop harvesting, and simulated hopper discharge corn flow, and corn impact forces on a grain paddle elevator of a crop harvesting machine. Five bulk material response parameters were obtained from two calibration experiments of the angle of repose and direct shear test at the MC levels of 11%, 16%, and 26%. Latin hypercube sampling statistical design of experiment points, Gaussian Process Regression surrogate model, and optimization algorithms were successfully implemented to generate Hertz-Mindlin (HM) with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) cohesive model of corn at three moisture content levels. The DEM simulation results predict the corn mass flow rate of hopper discharge with relative errors of -5%, -4%, and 1% for corn at 11%, 16%, and 26% MC levels, respectively. The DEM also predicts corn impact forces on a paddle elevator with a relative error of less than 11%. The established DEM calibration methodology, used for simulation of crop threshing, and harvested grain handling processes at extreme grain moisture content, can accelerate the simulation-based design of crop harvesting equipment. Keywords: Calibration, Corn, Discrete Element Method, Moisture Content, Sensitivity analysis, Validation.
Survey of Liner Characteristics Used in Japan
Authors: Enokidani Masafumi , Inui Yoji , Kondo Hitoshi , Ando Akihiro , Tomiyasu Hirotsugu
Published: March 2024

Highlights

The vacuum during milking causes teat ends to suck into liners by 7 to 10 cm.

Liner rubber is classified as hard or soft.

Volume changes are greater in round liners than those of other shapes in the pulsation cycle.

Non-round liners did not press completely during the closing phase.

The liner shape had a greater effect on liner volume change than the material.

ABSTRACT. A variety of liner shapes are used in the dairy industry in Japan, and it is not known which is optimal for maintaining teat-end condition, preventing mastitis, ensuring milk quality, and improving dairy cow and milking system performance. Liners can be generally classified into types based on their internal shape: round, round with ribs on the outside of the liner, triangular, clover-shaped, or square. In addition, liners can be characterized based on the position of the air vent. The optimal combination of air vent location and internal shape for the maintenance of good teat end condition has not been clarified. The aim of this study is to survey liners in Japan to determine the characteristics of liners currently in use. The depth to which the teat end is pulled into the liner during milking was investigated. An experimental vacuum device was fabricated to measure the touch-point and closure-point (the vacuum levels at which the opposite sides of the internal liner surface begin to touch, and the level at which the liner bore completely closes, respectively). In addition, the volume change of the pulsation chamber during the pulsator opening and closing phases was also investigated. The internal shape of the liner was molded when the liner was opened and closed, and the cross-sectional area was compared for each liner type. The findings showed that liner hardness could be characterized as being either soft or hard. The change in the borevolume of round liners during a pulsation cycle, i.e., between the pulsation opening phase and the closing phase, was larger than that observed with the other liners. The cross-sectional area of the molded shape tended to be wider for liners of other shapes than for round liners. This study investigated and compared the characteristics of various types of liners and found that the characteristics varied widely. It is not clear what kind of liner shape is best, and further research is needed. Keywords: Liner internal shape, Overpressure, Pulsation, Teat end condition, Teat end position.
The Archaeology of Tradition: Theological Implications of Liturgiewissenschaft
Authors: Turpin Alexander
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: In any discussion of sacred tradition, polemics abound. The superficial is often confused with the theologically essential. Against such obfuscation, this essay contends that the fundamental values and rituals of an ecclesial tradition can be established empirically. This can be done by submitting the individual liturgical units of that tradition to the critical methods of liturgiology. Taking as a case study the Paschal Vigil of the extinct Jerusalem liturgy, this essay demonstrates that an archaeological approach, i.e., peeling back layers of evidence for liturgical evolution, has great value for establishing the authentic tradition of a liturgical family. The study concludes with a theological reflection on tradition and how this methodology can contribute to ongoing renewal of the Church.
Genuine five-partite quantum steering generated by an injection signal optical parametric oscillation cascaded with two sum-frequency processes
Authors: Cheng X. Y. , Shen Y. R. , Lv J. W. , Jiang Y. X. , Cheng L. , Yu Y. B. , Chen A. X.
Published: March 2024

Multipartite quantum steering is an important quantum resource and the basis of quantum computing and quantum secure communication. In this paper, a scheme is proposed to produce genuine five-partite quantum steering by an injected signal optical parametric oscillation cascaded with two sum-frequency processes. First, an idler beam is generated by a difference-frequency generation process between the pump and the injected signal in an optical superlattice. By using the quasi-phase-matching technique, two sum-frequency beams are generated by the sum-frequency processes of pump and idler beams as well as pump and injected signals in the same optical superlattice. It is found that the genuine five-partite steering exists by applying a criterion for genuine multipartite quantum steering. Finally, the variation properties of the quantum steering with parameters are discussed. The genuine five-partite quantum steering generated by the present scheme has potential applications in quantum computing and quantum secure communication.
Total net-rate of 27.88 Tb/s full C-band transmission over 4,550 km using 150 km span length and high-gain EDFA amplification
Authors: He Xingchen , Jiang Lin , Sun Jihui , Yi Anlin , Fu Chengpeng , Hu Qianggao , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan
Published: March 2024

We experimentally demonstrate a total net-rate of 27.88 Tb/s for C-band wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission over an ultralong span-length of 150 km. It is the largest net capacity × span-length product of 4182 Tb/s·km for C-band, single-core, standard single-mode optical fiber transmission over a length of more than 3,000 km. A total of 99 channels, spaced at 50 GHz intervals, are employed for transmitting 32 GBaud probabilistically constellation-shaped (PCS) 64QAM signals with an information entropy of 5.5. High gain amplifiers can achieve wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission with a bandwidth of 6.25 THz, at a noise figure below 4.3 dB, without the assistance of distributed Raman amplification.
Magneto-optical-like effect in tight focusing of azimuthally polarized sine-Gaussian beams
Authors: Zhang Wenfei , Fu Shenggui , Man Zhongsheng
Published: March 2024

Magneto-optical effects, which have been known for over a century, are among the most fundamental phenomena in physics and describe changes in the polarization state of light when it interacts with magnetic materials. When a polarized plane wave propagates in or through a homogeneous and isotropic transparent medium, it is generally accepted that its transverse polarization structure remains unchanged. However, we show that a strong radial polarization component can be generated when an azimuthally polarized sine-Gaussian plane wave is tightly focused by a high numerical aperture lens, resulting in a magneto-optical-like effect that does not require external magnetic field or magnetic medium. Calculations show that the intensity structure and polarization distribution of the highly confined electric field strongly depend on the parameters m and φ0 in the sinusoidal term, where m can be used to control the number of the multifocal spots and φ0 can be used to control the position of each focal spot. Finally, we show that this peculiar electric field distribution can be used to realize multiple particles trapping with controllable numbers and locations.
Fast nonlinear Fourier transform algorithms for optical data processing
Authors: Medvedev Sergey , Vaseva Irina , Kachulin Dmitry , Chekhovskoy Igor , Fedoruk Mikhail
Published: March 2024

The nonlinear Fourier transform (NFT) is an approach that is similar to
a conventional Fourier transform. In particular, NFT allows to analyze
the structure of a signal governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger
equation (NLSE). Recently, NFT applied to NLSE has attracted special
attention in applications of fiber-optic communication. Improving the
speed and accuracy of the NFT algorithms remains an urgent problem in
optics. We present an approach that allows to find all variants of
symmetric exponential splitting schemes suitable for the fast NFT
(FNFT) algorithms with low complexity. One of the obtained schemes
showed good numerical results in computing the continuous spectrum
compared with other fast fourth-order NFT schemes.
Stimulated emission does not radiate in a pure dipole pattern
Authors: Barentine Andrew E. S. , Moerner W. E.
Published: March 2024

Stimulated emission (StE) remains relatively unused as an image-forming signal despite having potential advantages over fluorescence in speed, coherence, and ultimately resolution. Several ideas for the radiation pattern and directionality of StE remain prevalent, namely, whether a single molecule would radiate StE itself in a pure dipole pattern, or whether its emission direction depends on the driving field. Previous StE imaging has been carried out in transmission, which would collect signal either way. Here, we introduce the StE driving field (the probe) at an angle, using total internal reflection to avoid incident probe light and its specular reflections in our detection path. In this non-collinear detection configuration that also collects some fluorescence from the sample, we observe fluorescence depletion even in the spectral window where an increase in detected signal from StE would be expected if StE radiated like a simple classical dipole. Because simultaneous direct measurement of the fluorescence represents a calibration of the potential size of StE were it spatially patterned like a classical dipole emitter, our study clarifies a critical characteristic of StE for optimal microscope design, optical cooling, and applications using small arrays of emitters.
Broadband near-ultraviolet dual comb spectroscopy
Authors: Fürst Lukas , Kirchner Adrian , Eber Alexander , Siegrist Florian , di Vora Robert , Bernhardt Birgitta
Published: March 2024

The highly energetic photons of ultraviolet light drive electronic and
rovibronic transitions in all molecular species. This radiation is
thus a prime tool for strongly selective spectroscopic fingerprinting
and real-time environmental monitoring if broad spectral coverage,
short acquisition times, and high spectral resolution are
achieved–requirements that are in mutual competition in
traditional applications. As an approach with intrinsic potency in all
three aspects, here we introduce ultraviolet dual comb spectroscopy
using two broadband ultraviolet frequency combs centered at
871 THz and covering a spectral bandwidth of 35.7 THz.
Within a 100 µs acquisition time window, we obtain
rotational state-resolved absorption spectra of formaldehyde, a
prototype molecule with high relevance for laser spectroscopy and
environmental sciences. To our knowledge, this is the first
realization of broadband dual comb spectroscopy in the ultraviolet
spectral region and a pioneering tool to allow for real-time
monitoring of rovibronic transitions.