bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated determination of transport and depositional environments in sand and sandstones
Authors: Hasson Michael , Marvin M. Colin , Lapôtre Mathieu G. A.
Published: September 2024

As sand moves across Earth’s landscapes, the shapes of individual grains evolve, and microscopic textures accumulate on their surfaces. Because transport processes vary between environments, the shape and suite of microtextures etched on sand grains provide insights into their transport histories. For example, previous efforts to link microtextures to transport environments have demonstrated that they can provide important information about the depositional environments of rocks with few other indicators. However, such analyses rely on 1) subjective human description of microtextures, which can yield biased, error-prone results; 2) nonstandard lists of microtextures; and 3) relatively large sample sizes (>20 grains) to obtain reliable results, the manual documentation of which is extremely labor intensive. These drawbacks have hindered broad adoption of the technique. We address these limitations by developing a deep neural network model, SandAI, that classifies scanning electron microscope images of modern sand grains by transport environment with high accuracy. The SandAI model was developed using images of sand grains from modern environments around the globe. Training data encompass the four most common terrestrial environments: fluvial, eolian, glacial, and beach. We validate the model on quartz grains from modern sites unknown to it, and Jurassic-Pliocene sandstones of known depositional environments. Next, the model is applied to two samples of the Cryogenian Bråvika Member (of contested origin), yielding insights into periglacial systems associated with Snowball Earth. Our results demonstrate the robustness and versatility of the model in quickly and automatically constraining the transport histories recorded in individual grains of quartz sand.
Capacity configuration of compressed air energy storage systems with consideration of variable operating conditions
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Jiabin , Yao Yuchen , Chen Siyuan
Published: September 2024

The extensive integration of high proportions of new energy poses difficulties to the secure and stable operation of power systems. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology, as a large-scale, long-duration energy storage technology, has garnered significant attention. However, CAES systems often work in off-nominal conditions, leading to the issue that capacity configured based on nominal conditions may struggle to meet the demands of wind and solar energy consumption. This paper conducts an in-depth study of the off-nominal operation characteristics of CAES systems, constructs a variable operation condition configuration model for CAES systems, and proposes a configuration method for scenarios involving wind and solar energy consumption. Numerical examples have proven that the proposed configuration method can effectively mitigate the fluctuation of new energy output and satisfy the demand for combined heat and power supply.
Study on powdering properties of silicone rubber insulating material in a coastal area
Authors: Liang Tian , Zhang Zhijin , Jiang Xingliang , Hu Jianlin , Hu Qin
Published: September 2024

Silicone rubber insulation materials are widely used in energy systems. The powdering of silicone rubber sheds is a newly discovered aging phenomenon in recent years, and there is no specific research. In this paper, the powder composition of the composite insulators in coastal areas was studied, and the powdering process of silicone rubber under a high humidity environment of salt fog was repeated in the laboratory. The results show that the powders can be divided into two types according to particle shape, element composition, and molecule groups: the inorganic filler and its dehydrated product and the small molecule siloxane after polymer aging fracture. The particle size of Type I of powder is 3∼8μm, and the particle size of Type II of small molecule siloxane is 0.3∼1.1μm. The surface hydrophobicity of the powdered sample in a salt-fog environment will deteriorate, and the static contact angle will decrease. However, the hydrophobicity will gradually recover after leaving the harsh environment. Powdering of composite insulator silicone rubber in coastal areas is a complex physical and chemical process caused by the combined action of electricity, heat, and moisture. During this, polymer molecular chains break, and fillers gradually precipitate, forming powders.
Thermal design of high-protection BMS for cascaded energy storage system
Authors: Chen Man , Peng Peng , Wan Minhui , Wen Ke , Wang Wenjie , Tan Qipeng , Lei Qikai , Cong Haibo
Published: September 2024

The BMS of a 10kV medium-voltage cascaded energy storage system has high protection requirements, and a surface cooler scheme is designed to solve the heat emission problem. In the CFD analysis process of this system, a program to calculate the performance of the cooler in this scenario is designed so that the accurate and reasonable input conditions of the heat exchanger simulation model can be obtained. The thermal design through iterative calculation and simulation analysis is completed, and at the same time, the feasibility and accuracy of the above methods are verified.
Influence of magnetron sputtering process parameters on the morphology of palladium thin films: An empirical study
Authors: Jiao Yizhou , Wu Zhicheng , Zhang Wenshuang , Fu Zhong , Zhao Aihua , Hu Dan , Zhang Qiaogen
Published: September 2024

The heightened initial energy of deposited atoms during the magnetron sputtering process alters the conventional rules of structure zone transformation for film morphology, posing challenges in fabricating Pd films with specific morphologies. This study aims to elucidate the impacts of substrate temperature and sputtering power on the morphology of Pd films and to determine the magnetron sputtering process parameters for preparing Pd films within a typical structure zone. Pd thin films were fabricated by using magnetron sputtering under varying substrate temperatures and sputtering powers. The morphologies of the films were examined through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). With increasing substrate temperature, the structure zone of Pd films transitions from Zone T to Zone 2, and subsequently to Zone 3. Given that initial energy enhances the diffusion capability of deposited atoms, the threshold temperature for structural zone transformation of Pd films prepared by magnetron sputtering is lower than the critical value suggested by the Structure Zone Model (SZM). While sputtering power does not critically affect the structure zone of Pd films, it influences grain size and preferred orientation. The substrate temperature is the decisive factor affecting the structural zone of thin films, with the critical temperature for structure zone transformation in magnetron sputtering being lower than that proposed by the Structural Zone Model (SZM). Furthermore, the research has determined the magnetron sputtering process parameters necessary for fabricating Pd thin films with specific structure zones. This study paves the way for subsequent enhancements in the hydrogen sensitivity of palladium thin film sensors through morphology control.
Bimetallic MOF-derived CoFe phosphide nanomaterials imparted efficient synergism for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Hao Lukuan , Guo Yangge , Zhang Junliang , Shen Shuiyun
Published: September 2024

The study introduces novel and efficient metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives, pivotal for advancing high-performance catalyst fabrication and applications. We synthesized a MOF-CoFe phosphide catalyst through a combination of MOF derivation and phosphating techniques, exhibiting significant catalytic synergy for the electrochemical OER. The optimized catalysts displayed superior OER performance, achieving the overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm−2 significantly outperforming the original MOF-CoFe. This research broadens the potential applications of MOF derivatives in catalysis and energy conversion, marking a significant contribution to the field.
Investigation of high-entropy prussian blue analogues for zinc ion electrochromic film
Authors: Song Yixin , Yuan Linhua , Mei Houshan
Published: September 2024

Prussian Blue and its Analogues (PBA) have achieved fruitful results in the field of electrochromic coloration, yet researchers are ceaselessly seeking extensions in their color-switching capabilities. Metal element modulation in PBA is considered a viable approach. High-entropy Prussian Blue Analogues (HPBA) contain multiple metal elements but lack relevant electrochromic studies. Therefore, this study focuses on HPBA containing Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and V elements, revealing a yellow-brown color switch with significant modulation in the short-wave region (ΔTmax=48.3% at 294 nm). It also exhibits short response times (9 s/18 s) and good cycling stability (68% retention after 100 cycles). This study can serve as a valuable reference for researchers dedicated to the field of electrochromic coloration in PBA.
Simulation study on the growth of silicon carbide crystals using iron as a solvent
Authors: Li Haonan , Wu Hongjun , Chen Xiuhua , Ma Wenhui , Lv Guoqiang , Mu Fengwen , Sun Zhaorui , Li Shaoyuan , Sun Huizhen , Fu Kaixin
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a simulation study on silicon carbide crystal preparation using the Top-Seeded Solution Growth (TSSG) method. The numerical simulation software CGsim was used to develop a model of the crystal growth process. Simulations were optimized for iron as a solvent under various crystal growth conditions. A comprehensive analysis of crystal growth kinetics, including temperature fields, pressure fields, flow fields, and distributions of carbon diffusion flux, yielded optimal conditions. The best solvent ratio was Si: Fe=50: 50, with an ideal growth temperature of 1700°C. The optimal carbon diffusion flux at the seed crystal was determined to be 6.35×10−6 Kg/m2/s, and the average diffusion flux of carbon in the melt was 3.413×10−5 Kg/m/s. The simulation studies offer valuable insights contributing to technological innovation and advancement in producing silicon carbide single crystals using the TSSG method.
Optimization of coupling coils for downhole magnetic resonance wireless energy transmission system
Authors: Tian Erlei
Published: September 2024

In drilling engineering, resonant wireless energy transmission technology can effectively solve the problem of frequent charging or battery replacement of cable-less electronic tools downhole. However, due to the narrow space, high temperature, and high pressure inside the oil well, as well as the complex environment where oil, water, gas, and sand coexist, the traditional coil shape is not applicable. Therefore, spiral coils with inner and outer casing are usually used. However, in practice, due to the complex downhole environment, resonant wireless energy transmission coupling devices often encounter difficulties when nested downhole, thus affecting the transmission efficiency. To solve these problems and ensure transmission efficiency, a novel coil coupling model is proposed in this paper, and the power and efficiency expressions of the coupled electrical energy transmission system are derived. Subsequently, the spiral cylinder and the novel coil were simulated and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The experimental results show that the model maintains a good transmission efficiency and improves the nesting effect in a complex downhole environment. This study provides a valuable reference for the optimization and design of wireless energy transmission systems.
Determination of critical pressure in the free molecular region and performance analysis of vacuum glass-covered flat plate collector under typical days
Authors: Li Yan , Wu Shuang-ying , Xiao Lan
Published: September 2024

The pressure of the gas in the interlayer of the vacuum glass-covered flat plate collector (VGFC) is critical in evaluating its performance. Even though the gas in the interlayer under high vacuum conditions is in the free molecular region, the critical pressure is also influenced by external environmental parameters. In this paper, based on the theory of heat transfer of rarefied gas in the free molecular region and the principle of energy balance, a mathematical-physical model of VGFC was established and validated under two typical days’ meteorological parameters of the spring equinox and the summer solstice. The results show that, compared with the spring equinox day, on the summer solstice day, the critical pressure of the interlayer gas under the free molecular region is notably higher and exhibits greater fluctuations. Specifically, the minimum and maximum critical pressures of the gas increased by 7.88% and 16.2%, respectively. Additionally, the heat loss coefficient of the top of the VGFC is also significantly higher than on the spring equinox day, with an increase of 6.58%.
Research on the critical speed of a double span rotor system based on finite element method
Authors: Pei Dan , Ye Zhenqi , Pi Xiaoyan , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2024

Double-span rotor systems are commonly used in aerospace engines and large turbines, where critical criticality is critical in their dynamic characteristics. This paper calculates the critical critical value of the rotor through the intervention matrix method and verifies it through the finite element method. The changes in the support and wheel disc were discussed and the results show that the increase in support stiffness, the reduction in wheel disc mass, and the increase in coupling stiffness will increase the critical stress of the double-span rotor. In addition, the increase in the position of the support and the installation position of the coupling will affect the critical point.
Optimization design of GIL insulation spacer based on finite element analysis
Authors: Chen Wei , Yang Zhenbao , Song Jinyang , Zhou Lifu , Xiang Lingchen
Published: September 2024

In gas-insulated metal-enclosed transmission lines (GIL), spacers experience surface charge accumulation phenomena when subjected to DC voltage, leading to electric field distortion and spacer flashover under lightning impulse voltage. Therefore, this paper proposes a design approach for dual-purpose bowl spacers capable of suppressing charge accumulation under DC voltage, based on finite element analysis-optimized spacer bowl shape design. Results show that optimized surface electric field strength decreases by 32.5% compared with the non-optimized level.
Real-time study of radiation damage in monocrystalline diamond sensors
Authors: Nizam M. , Bohon J. , Freeman P. , Kennedy M. , Kim D. , Padilla R. , Prebys E. , Schumm B.A. , Smedley J. , Tarka M. , Torrecilla I.S. , Wilder M.
Published: September 2024

Being an excellent radiation hard material, diamond is
preferred as an ionizing radiation sensor in radiation harsh
environments. In this study, radiation damage from a beam of
67.5 MeV protons at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory on the campus of
the University of California, Davis, was used to determine exposure
lifetime in detectors made from a thinned (∼ 40 μm)
monocrystalline CVD (chemical vapor deposition) diamond
substrate. The sensor response was sampled in real time as the
sensor was exposed to a total fluence of
∼ 4×1016 / cm2, yielding an overall damage
constant of
k = (3.3 ± 0.3) × 10-18 cm2 /
p-μm. Damage levels were later confirmed using a
non-destructive x-ray technique at the LINAC Coherent Light Source
(LCLS) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Results are
presented on the real-time degradation of the charge collection
efficiency as a function of proton fluence.
A novel recovery controllability method on temporal networks via temporal lost link prediction
Authors: Qin Yanjiao , Yan Ke
Published: September 2024

Temporal networks are essential in representing systems where interactions between elements evolve over time. A crucial aspect of these networks is their controllability the ability to guide the network to a desired state through a set of control inputs. However, as these networks evolve, links between nodes can be lost due to various reasons, such as network failures, disruptions, or attacks. The loss of these links can severely impair the network’s controllability, making it challenging to recover desired network functions. In this paper, while investigating the destructive effects of various attacks on controllability processes in temporal networks, a new controllability recovery method is proposed, in which it prevents disruptions in this type of network processes by predicting lost links. In the proposed method, using network embedding and feature extraction, the dissimilarity of the nodes is calculated and then the missing links are predicted by designing a neural network. The results of the implementation of the proposed method on the datasets have demonstrates that the proposed method performed better than other conventional methods.
Moving from the unknown to the known: a multidisciplinary approach to the identification of skeletal remains from Sandy Point, Australia
Authors: Blau Soren , Hartman Dadna , Stock April , Leahy Fiona , Leditschke Jodie , Smythe Lyndall , Woodford Noel , Rowbotham Samantha
Published: September 2024

When human remains are inadvertently located, case-related circumstantial information is used to generate an identification hypothesis, and the preservation of the remains typically informs which identification methods may then be used to validate that hypothesis. What happens, however, when there is no contextual information to generate an identification hypothesis? This paper presents the case of a near-complete human skeleton discovered at Sandy Point in Victoria, Australia. The circumstances of the case did not facilitate an identification hypothesis, and with no hypothesis to triage the identification process, all possible identification methods were employed. Preservation of the individual meant neither a visual nor a fingerprint identification was possible, and the lack of an identification hypothesis meant there was no antemortem reference data to compare with the postmortem DNA or dental information. Consequently, in addition to historical research, novel methods, such as radiocarbon dating and genetic intelligence, were utilized to complement information provided by the forensic anthropology and odontology analyses, which ultimately resulted in the identification. This example highlights the complexity of cases of unidentified skeletal remains and emphasizes the fact that identification is a process that necessarily requires a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.

Key points
Alternating minimization for generalized rank-1 matrix sensing: sharp predictions from a random initialization
Authors: Chandrasekher Kabir Aladin , Lou Mengqi , Pananjady Ashwin
Published: September 2024

We consider the problem of estimating the factors of a rank-$1$ matrix with i.i.d. Gaussian, rank-$1$ measurements that are nonlinearly transformed and corrupted by noise. Considering two prototypical choices for the nonlinearity, we study the convergence properties of a natural alternating update rule for this non-convex optimization problem starting from a random initialization. We show sharp convergence guarantees for a sample-split version of the algorithm by deriving a deterministic one-step recursion that is accurate even in high-dimensional problems. Notably, while the infinite-sample population update is uninformative and suggests exact recovery in a single step, the algorithm—and our deterministic one-step prediction—converges geometrically fast from a random initialization. Our sharp, non-asymptotic analysis also exposes several other fine-grained properties of this problem, including how the nonlinearity and noise level affect convergence behaviour. On a technical level, our results are enabled by showing that the empirical error recursion can be predicted by our deterministic one-step updates within fluctuations of the order $n^{-1/2}$ when each iteration is run with $n$ observations. Our technique leverages leave-one-out tools originating in the literature on high-dimensional $M$-estimation and provides an avenue for sharply analyzing complex iterative algorithms from a random initialization in other high-dimensional optimization problems with random data.
Diffraction by a right-angled no-contrast penetrable wedge: recovery of far-field asymptotics
Authors: Kunz Valentin D , Assier Raphael C
Published: September 2024

We provide a description of the far-field encountered in the diffraction problem resulting from the interaction of a monochromatic plane-wave and a right-angled no-contrast penetrable wedge. To achieve this, we employ a two-complex-variable framework and use the analytical continuation formulae derived in Kunz & Assier (2023, Diffraction by a right-angled No-contrast penetrable wedge: analytical continuation of spectral functions. Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math., 76, 211−241) to recover the wave-field’s geometrical optics components, as well as the cylindrical and lateral diffracted waves. We prove that the corresponding cylindrical and lateral diffraction coefficients can be expressed in terms of certain two-complex-variable spectral functions, evaluated at some given points.
Structural equation models to infer relationships between energy-related blood metabolites and milk daily energy output in Holstein cows
Authors: Pegolo Sara , Ramirez Mauricio Marco Aurelio , Mancin Enrico , Giannuzzi Diana , Bisutti Vittoria , Mota Lucio Flavio Macedo , Ajmone Marsan Paolo , Trevisi Erminio , Cecchinato Alessio
Published: September 2024

During lactation, high-yielding cows experience metabolic disturbances due to milk production. Metabolic monitoring offers valuable insights into how cows manage these challenges throughout the lactation period, making it a topic of considerable interest to breeders. In this study, we used Bayesian networks to uncover potential dependencies among various energy-related blood metabolites, i.e., glucose, urea, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol (CHOL), and daily milk energy output (dMEO) in 1,254 Holstein cows. The inferred causal structure was then incorporated into structural equation models (SEM) to estimate heritabilities and additive genetic correlations among these phenotypes using both pedigree and genotypes from a 100k chip. Dependencies among traits were determined using the Hill-Climbing algorithm, implemented with the posterior distribution of the residuals obtained from the standard multiple-trait model. These identified relationships were then used to construct the SEM, considering both direct and indirect relationships. The relevant dependencies and path coefficients obtained, expressed in units of measurement variation of 1σ, were as follows: dMEO → CHOL (0.181), dMEO → BHB (−0.149), dMEO → urea (0.038), glucose → BHB (−0.55), glucose → urea (−0.194), CHOL → urea (0.175), BHB → urea (−0.049), and NEFA → urea (−0.097). Heritabilities for traits of concern obtained with SEM ranged from 0.09 to 0.2. Genetic correlations with a minimum 95% probability (P) of the posterior mean being >0 for positive means or <0 for negative means include those between dMEO and glucose (−0.583, P = 100), dMEO and BHB (0.349, P = 99), glucose and CHOL (0.325, P = 100), glucose and NEFA (−0.388, P = 100), and NEFA and BHB (0.759, P = 100). The results of this analysis revealed the existence of recursive relationships among the energy-related blood metabolites and dMEO. Understanding these connections is paramount for establishing effective genetic selection strategies, enhancing production and animal welfare.
Effects of a veterinary gastrointestinal diet on fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota concentrations of adult cats treated with metronidazole
Authors: Belchik Sara E , Oba Patricia M , Lin Ching-Yen , Swanson Kelly S
Published: September 2024

Antibiotics are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases or infections but are known to negatively affect stool quality and gut microbiota in cats and dogs. Therefore, identifying dietary strategies that may aid in antibiotic recovery is of interest. The objective of this study was to determine how a veterinary gastrointestinal diet affected the fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolite and bile acid (BA) concentrations of cats recovering from metronidazole administration. Twenty-four healthy adult cats were used in an 8-wk completely randomized design study. During a 2-wk baseline, all cats consumed a leading grocery brand diet (GBD). Over the next 2 wk, cats consumed GBD and received metronidazole (20 mg/kg body weight twice daily). At week 4, cats were randomly allotted to one of 2 treatments [GBD; BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support (BB)] and fed for 4 wk. Fecal scores were recorded daily and fresh fecal samples were collected at weeks 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 for measurement of pH, dry matter (DM) %, metabolites, and microbiota. Microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR, which was used to calculate dysbiosis index. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, testing for effects of diet, time and diet*time. Metronidazole had dramatic effects on all outcomes, including increased fecal scores (looser stools), reduced fecal pH and DM%, reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, ammonia, phenol, and indole concentrations, and altered fecal BA concentrations (increased primary BA; reduced secondary BA). Metronidazole reduced fecal bacterial alpha diversity, increased dysbiosis index, and altered the relative abundance of 78 bacterial genera. Fecal outcomes partially recovered over the next 4 wk, with some being impacted by diet. Fecal acetate concentrations were higher after metronidazole in cats fed BB. Dysbiosis index and alpha diversity measures slowly recovered over 4 wk, without diet differences. Recovery of 16 bacterial genera was impacted by diet. Fecal BA profiles demonstrated a prolonged impairment of primary to secondary BA conversion, with cholic acid being lower after metronidazole in cats fed BB. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that metronidazole is a powerful antibiotic that has long-lasting effects on the fecal microbiota and metabolites of cats. Outcome variables slowly recovered over time, but a gastrointestinal diet may aid in recovery.
Farmed crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) raised with dermestids (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) suffer from reduced and delayed growth, but not enough to explain reports of dramatic yield loss
Authors: Muzzatti Matthew J , Ritchie Marshall W , Bess Emilie C , Bertram Susan M , MacMillan Heath A
Published: September 2024

The mass production of insects for food and feed is an expanding North American industry. Facilities that mass rear insects are at risk of pest infestations because the optimal environmental conditions for rearing beneficial species may also support the development of pest species. Here, we present the first recorded results detailing the interactions between dermestids and farmed crickets. Cricket farms have reported extremely low harvest yield during heavy dermestid infestations, but the exact reasons for this low yield are unknown. Many dermestid larvae are covered in dense, detachable, barbed setae called hastisetae, which are used by the larvae as an active trapping system against arthropod predators. We designed a series of experiments to test the hypotheses that a dermestid pest of cricket farms, black larder beetle (Dermestes ater DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)), may be directly impacting Gryllodes sigillatus Walker (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) yield through the physical effects of hastisetae ingestion and/or indirectly impacting cricket yield through competition for fishmeal, a primary source of protein in conventional cricket feed. Our predictions that G. sigillatus life history and survival would be negatively affected by dermestids were largely refuted. Females fed infested diets grew less mass, but not smaller body size, compared to females fed uninfested diets. We also found that while G. sigillatus experienced delayed growth early in life after living with dermestids, they were able to tolerate living with, and consuming, dermestid larvae. We discuss how these findings have led to new hypotheses concerning how dermestid infestations drive reductions in cricket farm yield.
Dynamics of tumor evolution after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for sporadic vestibular schwannoma: Defining volumetric patterns characterizing individual trajectory
Authors: Balossier Anne , Olteanu Madalina , Delsanti Christine , Troude Lucas , Thomassin Jean-Marc , Roche Pierre-Hugues , Chavent Marie , Régis Jean
Published: September 2024

Background

The definition of tumor control and treatment failure after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for vestibular schwannoma (VS) is still debated. The lack of knowledge on the dynamics of tumor evolution can lead to misinterpretation and subsequent inappropriate second treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-GKRS dynamics of the evolution of tumor volume and characterize volumetric patterns.

Methods

We included patients with sporadic VS treated by GKRS with an MRI follow-up of a minimum of 3 years. A clustering was performed in 2 steps: Definition of the patterns of evolution based on a subset of patients with the most comprehensive follow-up, and then the assignment of the remaining patients on a best-fit basis. The minimum length of follow-up was assessed by measuring the consistency of the clusters over time (adjusted rand index and normalized mutual information). An analysis of the discriminant variables was finally performed.

Results

A total of 1607 patients were included (median follow-up: 67 months). Five patterns were defined with 1 pattern gathering almost all cases of treatment failure. The clustering at 5 years afforded the highest consistency with long-term follow-up. Discriminant variables for clusters were as follows: sex, initial symptoms, delay of diagnosis, Koos grading, fundus invasion, and number of isocenters.

Conclusions

The definition of these robust distinct patterns is likely to help the physicians tremendously to distinguish tumor control from potential failure. We advocate for no retreatment decision before 5 years post-GKRS. Further investigations are required to decide if the dynamics of evolution can be predicted at GKRS on an individual basis.
Large-volume fully automated cell reconstruction generates a cell atlas of plant tissues
Authors: Hu Zijian , Liu Jiazheng , Shen Shiya , Wu Weiqian , Yuan Jingbin , Shen Weiwei , Ma Lingyu , Wang Guangchao , Yang Shunyao , Xu Xiuping , Cui Yaning , Li Zhenchen , Shen Lijun , Li Linlin , Bian Jiahui , Zhang Xi , Han Hua , Lin Jinxing
Published: September 2024

The geometric shape and arrangement of individual cells play a role in shaping organ functions. However, analyzing multicellular features and exploring their connectomes in centimeter-scale plant organs remain challenging. Here, we established a set of frameworks named large-volume fully automated cell reconstruction (LVACR), enabling the exploration of 3D cytological features and cellular connectivity in plant tissues. Through benchmark testing, our framework demonstrated superior efficiency in cell segmentation and aggregation, successfully addressing the inherent challenges posed by light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging. Using LVACR, we successfully established a cell atlas of different plant tissues. Cellular morphology analysis revealed differences of cell clusters and shapes in between different poplar (Populus simonii Carr. and Populus canadensis Moench.) seeds, whereas topological analysis revealed that they maintained conserved cellular connectivity. Furthermore, LVACR spatiotemporally demonstrated an initial burst of cell proliferation, accompanied by morphological transformations at an early stage in developing the shoot apical meristem of Pinus tabuliformis Carr. seedlings. During subsequent development, cell differentiation produced anisotropic features, thereby resulting in various cell shapes. Overall, our findings provided valuable insights into the precise spatial arrangement and cellular behavior of multicellular organisms, thus enhancing our understanding of the complex processes underlying plant growth and differentiation.
Phylogenomics of Bivalvia Using Ultraconserved Elements Reveal New Topologies for Pteriomorphia and Imparidentia
Authors: Li Yi-Xuan , Ip Jack Chi-Ho , Chen Chong , Xu Ting , Zhang Qian , Sun Yanan , Ma Pei-Zhen , Qiu Jian-Wen
Published: September 2024

Despite significant advances in phylogenetics over the past decades, the deep relationships within Bivalvia (phylum Mollusca) remain inconclusive. Previous efforts based on morphology or several genes have failed to resolve many key nodes in the phylogeny of Bivalvia. Advances have been made recently using transcriptome data, but the phylogenetic relationships within Bivalvia historically lacked consensus, especially within Pteriomorphia and Imparidentia. Here, we inferred the relationships of key lineages within Bivalvia using matrices generated from specifically designed ultraconserved elements (UCEs) with 16 available genomic resources and 85 newly sequenced specimens from 55 families. Our new probes (Bivalve UCE 2k v.1) for target sequencing captured an average of 849 UCEs with 1085 bp in mean length from in vitro experiments. Our results introduced novel schemes from 6 major clades (Protobranchina, Pteriomorphia, Palaeoheterodonta, Archiheterodonta, Anomalodesmata, and Imparidentia), though some inner nodes were poorly resolved, such as paraphyletic Heterodonta in some topologies potentially due to insufficient taxon sampling. The resolution increased when analyzing specific matrices for Pteriomorphia and Imparidentia. We recovered 3 Pteriomorphia topologies different from previously published trees, with the strongest support for ((Ostreida + (Arcida + Mytilida)) + (Pectinida + (Limida + Pectinida))). Limida were nested within Pectinida, warranting further studies. For Imparidentia, our results strongly supported the new hypothesis of (Galeommatida + (Adapedonta + Cardiida)), while the possible non-monophyly of Lucinida was inferred but poorly supported. Overall, our results provide important insights into the phylogeny of Bivalvia and show that target enrichment sequencing of UCEs can be broadly applied to study both deep and shallow phylogenetic relationships.
A reappraisal of mitochondrial DNA introgression in the Mus musculus musculus/Mus musculus domesticus hybrid zone suggests ancient North-European associations between mice and humans
Authors: Macholán Miloš , Baird Stuart J E , Fornůsková Alena , Ďureje Ľudovít , Burgstaller Jörg P , Goüy de Bellocq Joëlle , Heitlinger Emanuel , Klusáčková Pavla , Koshev Yordan , Piálek Jaroslav
Published: September 2024

The house mouse is the best-studied mammal species after humans, yet our understanding of its evolutionary history remains incomplete. Here, we focused on the colonisation of Europe by two subspecies and formation of a hybrid zone between them. We carried out a large-scale study of ~7000 mice sampled across an area embracing an ~900 km long portion of the zone, supplemented with cytochrome b and D-loop sequencing of ~1200 individuals collected worldwide. We demonstrate that the course of the mtDNA contact front is intricate and highly discordant with the consensus front for autosomal and X-linked markers, suggesting that local snapshots of mtDNA introgression may be misleading when treated in isolation. While multiple unrelated M. m. domesticus haplotypes occur in the zone area, the diversity of M. m. musculus haplotypes is limited. Moreover, we uncovered a vast region of domesticus introgression into musculus territory in northern areas and showed this introgression is unlikely to be driven by positive selection. We consider two previously published hypotheses explaining this phenomenon and put forth an alternative scenario assuming associations between mice and humans in northern Europe during the Nordic Bronze Age and subsequent zone movement associated with the expansion of Balto-Slavic peoples.
Plasmodiophora brassicae Effector PbPE23 Induces Necrotic Responses in Both Host and Nonhost Plants
Authors: Hossain Md. Musharaf , Pérez-López Edel , Todd Christopher D. , Wei Yangdou , Bonham-Smith Peta C.
Published: September 2024

Plasmodiophora brassicae is an obligate biotroph that causes clubroot disease in cruciferous plants, including canola and Arabidopsis. In contrast to most known bacterial, oomycete, and fungal pathogens that colonize at the host apoplastic space, the protist P. brassicae establishes an intracellular colonization within various types of root cells and secretes a plethora of effector proteins to distinct cellular compartments favorable for the survival and growth of the pathogen during pathogenesis. Identification and functional characterization of P. brassicae effectors has been hampered by the limited understanding of this unique pathosystem. Here, we report a P. brassicae effector, PbPE23, containing a serine/threonine kinase domain, that induces necrosis after heterologous expression by leaf infiltration in both host and nonhost plants. Although PbPE23 is an active kinase, the kinase activity itself is not required for triggering necrosis in plants. PbPE23 shows a nucleocytoplasmic localization in Nicotiana benthamiana, and its N-terminal 25TPDPAQKQ32 sequence, resembling the contiguous hydrophilic TPAP motif and Q-rich region in many necrosis and ethylene inducing peptide 1-like proteins from plant-associated microbes, is required for the induction of necrosis. Furthermore, transcript profiling of PbPE23 reveals its high expression at the transition stages from primary to secondary infection, suggesting its potential involvement in the development of clubroot disease.
Assessment of Racial, Ethnic, and Sex-Based Disparities in Time-to-Antibiotics and Sepsis Outcomes in a Large Multihospital Cohort*
Authors: Pak Theodore R. , Sánchez Sarimer M. , McKenna Caroline S. , Rhee Chanu , Klompas Michael
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To characterize associations between race/ethnicity/sex, time-to-antibiotics, and mortality in patients with suspected sepsis or septic shock.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study, with race/ethnicity/sex as the exposure, and time-to-antibiotics (relative to emergency department arrival) and in-hospital mortality as the outcome.

SETTING:

Five Massachusetts hospitals.

PATIENTS:

Forty-nine thousand six hundred nine adults admitted 2015–2022 with suspected sepsis or septic shock (blood cultures drawn and IV antibiotics administered within 24 hr of arrival, plus evidence of organ dysfunction for sepsis, and hypotension or lactate ≥ 4.0 mmol/L for septic shock).

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among included patients, 22,598 (46%) were women, 36,626 (75%) were White, and 4,483 (9.2%) were Black. Women had longer median time-to-antibiotics than men when presenting with either suspected sepsis (203 vs. 190 min) or septic shock (160 vs. 142 min). Differences in time-to-antibiotics for women vs. men persisted after adjusting for age, race, comorbidities, source of infection, and severity of illness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for 3–6 vs. < 3 hr; 1.16 [95% CI, 1.07–1.25] for sepsis and aOR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.01–1.18] for septic shock). Median time-to-antibiotics was also longer for Black vs. White patients for both sepsis (215 vs. 194 min; aOR for 3–6 vs. < 3 hr; 1.24 [95% CI, 1.06–1.45]) and septic shock (median 159 vs. 148 min; aOR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.12–1.55]). There was no association between race/ethnicity/sex and in-hospital mortality for sepsis without shock; however, women with septic shock had higher mortality (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.29) vs. men. Higher mortality for women with septic shock persisted when also adjusting for time-to-antibiotics (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03–1.32).

CONCLUSIONS:

In a large cohort of patients with sepsis, time-to-antibiotics was longer for both women and Black patients even after detailed risk-adjustment. Women with septic shock had higher adjusted in-hospital mortality than men, but this association was not moderated by time-to-antibiotics.
Multi-layered effects of Codonopsis Radix on the immune system
Authors: Chen Xiyu , Shao Rui , Wang Yu
Published: September 2024

Recent research has highlighted the potential of Codonopsis Radix to modulate the immune system, making it a promising candidate for treating chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and aging. However, because of the complex immune activities of its various components, a comprehensive understanding of Codonopsis Radix immune-regulating properties is still lacking. This knowledge gap hinders its widespread utilization in clinical practice. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the impact of Codonopsis Radix on the immune system and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we compared the immunomodulatory effects of different active ingredients derived from Codonopsis Radix to provide a theoretical basis for future investigations on immunomodulation.
The Burden and Clinical Features of Neovascular Glaucoma in a Major Tertiary Care Center in China
Authors: Lin Huishan , Gao Xinbo , Xu Zixing , Zhang Yuxuan , Liao Yunru , Ren Jiawei , Qin Xi , Liu Yao , Huang Wei , Zuo Chengguo , Lin Mingkai
Published: September 2024

Précis:

This research presents the burden and clinical characteristics of NVG in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, employing the most extensive sample size and the longest uninterrupted temporal duration so far, which may provide a theoretical reference for the effective prevention and diagnosis of NVG.

Purpose:

To summarize the burden and clinical characteristics of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in a major tertiary care center in China.

Methods:

The clinical data of NVG patients in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) between 2012 and 2021 were collected retrospectively, including their age, sex, the affected eye, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), clinical stage and etiology.

Results:

In this study, we included 1877 eyes of 1749 patients who developed NVG, with a 2.01:1 ratio of male to female. Their mean age was 53.14±16.69 years and those aged 41–70 years (65.2%) were most affected. Monocular patients were more predominant in most of them (92.7%), while 7.3% were binocular and 1667 eyes (88.8%) were at the angle closure stage. The BCVA and IOP were 2.42±0.70 logMAR and 38.6±12.2 mm Hg, respectively. Over the decade, the number of NVG patients and the proportion of NVG patients among glaucoma patients showed an increasing trend, with annual percentage changes (APCs) of 9.1% (95% CI: 5.0%–13.3%, P=0.001) and 4.8% (95% CI: 2.2%–7.4%, P=0.003), respectively. The top 3 primary conditions were diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and retinal detachment (RD). Moreover, the APCs for the constituent ratio of DR and RVO were 4.4% (95% CI: 0.5%–8.4%, P=0.031) and −4.6% (95% CI: −8.4% to −0.7%, P=0.028), respectively. However, the first and second causes of NVG in minors (below 18 years old) were Coat’s disease and ocular tumors, followed by RD and RVO in third place. The top cause of NVG in patients aged 65 years and older was RVO.

Conclusions:

The burden of NVG is increasing, emphasizing the need to improve preventive strategies focusing on primary diseases such as DR, RVO, and RD, particularly the increasing proportion of DR cases and the previously underemphasized RD patients, while also highlighting the differences in primary diseases across different age groups.
SeHCAT retention measurements may be compromised by traces of 177Lu/177mLu more than 90 days after 177Lu-DOTATATE was administered
Authors: Willson Tamar , Meades Richard
Published: September 2024

[75Se]tauroselcholic acid (SeHCAT) retention measurement provides a noninvasive test for bile acid diarrhea (BAD); however, it is sensitive to the presence of other radionuclides. Two SeHCAT patients at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) had significant discrepancies between the lower photopeak (111–159 keV) and central photopeak (242–296 keV) windows, indicating contamination with a radionuclide other than 75Selenium. These patients had received lutetium-177 oxodotreotide (177Lu-DOTATATE) therapy 98 and 151 days before their SeHCAT tests. Traces of 177Lu may be retained longer than typically modeled, along with the contaminant 177mLu. This work includes a retrospective audit to examine the prevalence of SeHCAT tests being affected by 177Lu and phantom measurements to investigate the potential impact. Of 579 patients who received 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy at our center, 11 subsequently attended for a SeHCAT test. The two previously identified patients may have had compromised SeHCAT results; however, the other patients had longer intervals between their therapy and test, and their tests are believed to be valid. Spectra were acquired from a phantom containing either a SeHCAT capsule or a mixture of 177Lu/177mLu representative of a patient >90 days after their treatment. The SeHCAT spectrum was scaled to produce simulated day-7 spectra, and the SeHCAT retention that would have been calculated if 177Lu/177mLu were present was determined. All SeHCAT measurement windows are affected by the 177Lu/177mLu, producing clinically significant errors. Patients requiring SeHCAT testing should be asked whether they have ever received 177Lu-DOTATATE. Patient-specific background measurements may be useful for checking for significant levels of other radionuclides.
Two Patients With Ipsilateral Cerebellar Hemorrhage After Superficial Temporal Artery–Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Yan Fengjuan , Pang Chunxiao
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To summarize the clinical experience of ipsilateral cerebellar hemorrhage after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass surgery.

Methods:

The clinical data of 2 patients with cerebellar hemorrhage after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass grafting were retrospectively collected, including 1 case with left cerebellar hemorrhage after left cerebral artery bypass grafting and 1 case with right cerebellar hemorrhage after right cerebral artery bypass grafting. The perioperative blood pressure, laboratory, and imaging data were analyzed.

Results:

All patients had a history of hypertension, and their perioperative blood pressure was stable. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were normal before the operation. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebral atherosclerosis and multiple ischemic cerebral infarcts. At 24 hours after surgery, the patients’ continuous epidural low drainage was 260 mL and 160 mL, respectively. The amount of cerebellar bleeding was small, and no new sequelae were left after conservative treatment with drugs.

Conclusion:

Cerebellar hemorrhage after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass grafting is related to perioperative blood pressure fluctuation, hemodynamic changes, hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic lesions, and excessive cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Maintaining stable blood pressure during the perioperative period and avoiding excessive and rapid loss of cerebrospinal fluid after operation can reduce the occurrence of this complication.