bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An artificial intelligence‐enabled electrocardiogram algorithm for the prediction of left atrial low‐voltage areas in persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tao Yirao , Zhang Deyun , Tan Chen , Wang Yanjiang , Shi Liang , Chi Hongjie , Geng Shijia , Ma Zhimin , Hong Shenda , Liu Xing Peng
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We aimed to construct an artificial intelligence‐enabled electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm that can accurately predict the presence of left atrial low‐voltage areas (LVAs) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Methods

The study included 587 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent catheter ablation procedures between March 2012 and December 2023 and 942 scanned images of 12‐lead ECGs obtained before the ablation procedures were performed. Artificial intelligence‐based algorithms were used to construct models for predicting the presence of LVAs. The DR‐FLASH and APPLE clinical scores for LVA prediction were calculated. We used a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis to evaluate model performance.

Results

The data obtained from the participants were split into training (n = 469), validation (n = 58), and test sets (n = 60). LVAs were detected in 53.7% of all participants. Using ECG alone, the deep learning algorithm achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.752, outperforming both the DR‐FLASH score (AUROC = 0.610) and the APPLE score (AUROC = 0.510). The random forest classification model, which integrated a probabilistic deep learning model and clinical features, showed a maximum AUROC of 0.759. Moreover, the ECG‐based deep learning algorithm for predicting extensive LVAs achieved an AUROC of 0.775, with a sensitivity of 0.816 and a specificity of 0.896. The random forest classification model for predicting extensive LVAs achieved an AUROC of 0.897, with a sensitivity of 0.862, and a specificity of 0.935.

Conclusion

The deep learning model based exclusively on ECG data and the machine learning model that combined a probabilistic deep learning model and clinical features both predicted the presence of LVAs with a higher degree of accuracy than the DR‐FLASH and the APPLE risk scores.
Cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression of FPN1 diminishes cardiac hypertrophy induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Song Ji‐Xian , Xu Shan , Chen Qi , Gou Yujing , Zhao Chen‐Bing , Jia Cui‐Ling , Liu Han , Zhang Zhi , Li Bo‐liang , Gao Yuhui , Zhao Yashuo , Ji En‐Sheng
Published: July 2024

The significance of iron in myocardial mitochondria function cannot be underestimated, because deviations in iron levels within cardiomyocytes may have profound detrimental effects on cardiac function. In this study, we investigated the effects of ferroportin 1 (FPN1) on cardiac iron levels and pathological alterations in mice subjected to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The cTNT‐FPN1 plasmid was administered via tail vein injection to induce the mouse with FPN1 overexpression in the cardiomyocytes. CIH was established by exposing the mice to cycles of 21%–5% FiO2 for 3 min, 8 h per day. Subsequently, the introduction of hepcidin resulted in a reduction in FPN1 expression, and H9C2 cells were used to establish an IH model to further elucidate the role of FPN1. First, FPN1 overexpression ameliorated CIH‐induced cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis. Second, FPN1 overexpression attenuated ROS levels during CIH. In addition, FPN1 overexpression mitigated CIH‐induced cardiac iron accumulation. Moreover, the administration of hepcidin resulted in a reduction in FPN1 levels, further accelerating the CIH‐induced levels of ROS, LIP and apoptosis in H9C2 cells. These findings indicate that the overexpression of FPN1 in cardiomyocytes inhibits CIH‐induced cardiac iron accumulation, subsequently reducing ROS levels and mitigating mitochondrial damage. Conversely, the administration of hepcidin suppressed FPN1 expression and worsened cardiomyocyte iron toxicity injury.
Toward a policy landscape to support the product‐as‐a‐service design process for a circular economy
Authors: Neramballi Abhijna , Milios Leonidas , Sakao Tomohiko , Matschewsky Johannes
Published: July 2024

Despite the widely recognized potential of product‐as‐a‐service (PaaS) business models to contribute to the circular economy, many industrial case studies have reported that several systemic factors tend to hinder product manufacturers from effectively designing such solutions. More specifically, factors such as linear value chains, organizational structures, and market and financial conditions tend to restrict the freedom of product manufacturers to design circular PaaS solutions effectively. In this article, we take a novel approach to advance the body of knowledge concerning the interactions between policies and circular PaaS designing. We first explore the potential of the existing policy landscape to support designing for a circular economy in the manufacturing industry. The results suggest that the existing policy landscape is primarily focused on regulating product design outcomes and is thus deemed unsuitable for supporting circular PaaS designing. Subsequently, we investigate the literature to uncover how internal and external systemic factors may hinder the implementation of the key facets of circular PaaS designing in the manufacturing industry. Based on these findings, we propose a prospective policy framework that includes a mix of complementary policy interventions that systemically target the identified internal and external factors to support the implementation of the key facets of circular PaaS designing.
Protein S‐acylation, a new panacea for plant fitness
Authors: Liu Fei , Lu Jin‐Yu , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2024

Protein S‐acylation or palmitoylation is a reversible post‐translational modification that influences many proteins encoded in plant genomes. Exciting progress in the past 3 years demonstrates that S‐acylation modulates subcellular localization, interacting profiles, activity, or turnover of substrate proteins in plants, participating in developmental processes and responses to abiotic or biotic stresses. In this review, we summarize and discuss the role of S‐acylation in the targeting of substrate proteins. We highlight complex roles of S‐acylation in receptor signaling. We also point out that feedbacks of protein S‐acyl transferase by signaling initiated from their substrate proteins may be a recurring theme. Finally, the reversibility of S‐acylation makes it a rapid and efficient way to respond to environmental cues. Future efforts on exploring these important aspects of S‐acylation will give a better understanding of how plants enhance their fitness under ever changing and often harsh environments.
Clinical Applications of Fetal Cell‐Free DNA: State of the Science
Authors: Knutson Julie , Anthony Kathryn , Russo Melissa L. , Kole‐White Martha B.
Published: July 2024

Advances in technology have correlated with expanding prenatal genetic testing options for pregnant people. Leading medical organizations recommend cell‐free DNA as the most sensitive screening test for trisomies 13, 18, and 21, as well as for fetal sex chromosome aneuploidies. The commercially available testing options go beyond these recommended tests, and prenatal care professionals should be familiar with the tests that their patients may choose despite being beyond the scope of current medical recommendations. This article explains updates in cell‐free DNA technology and clinical considerations for prenatal care professionals, recognizing that this is a rapidly changing field of science and health care.
Non‐linear association between air pollutants and secondary sensitive skin in acne patients
Authors: Chen Xiangfeng , Wen Jing , Wu Wenjuan , Tu Ying , Peng Qiuzhi , Tao Sifan , Yang Haoran , He Li
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a growing number of patients suffering from sensitive skin secondary to acne, but its prevalence and influencing factors are not yet well‐understood.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the nonlinear relationship between air pollutants and secondary sensitive skin in acne patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study comprising 4325 acne outpatients in China was carried out between September 2021 and December 2022, employing a simple random sampling approach. Air pollutants data was derived from the nearest air quality monitoring station corresponding to the subjects' residential locations. Furthermore, socio‐economic characteristics, biological attributes, and lifestyle data of patients were acquired via questionnaire surveys. The data were subsequently analyzed utilizing the XGBoost machine learning model.

Results

A nonlinear relationship has been observed between secondary sensitive skin in acne patients and various factors, including particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), the severity of depression, different levels of exercise intensity, acne grading, frequency of sunscreen application, gender, and age.

Conclusion

The occurrence of secondary sensitive skin in acne patients be mitigated through the implementation of measures such as the control of air pollutant emissions, regulation of negative emotions, and improvement of personal lifestyle.
In vitro study to analyze reverse torque values of attachment screws with multiple loosening/tightening preload cycles
Authors: Alhameed Amira , Sinha Nikita , Thompson Geoffrey A. , Drago Carl , An Hongseok
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To determine the number of torque/reverse torque cycles attachment screws can withstand before fracture, and to record the magnitude of reverse torque values for each of the 10 cycles of screw tightening and loosening.

Materials and Methods

The testing assemblies consisted of 30 temporary cylinder/multiunit abutment/internal connection implants (10 each from Dentsply Sirona Astra, Biohorizons, and Zimmer Biomet Dental). The assemblies were inserted into resin blocks, and temporary cylinders were connected to the multiunit abutments with new attachment screws and torqued to the recommended preload (15 Ncm Dentsply Sirona Astra; 15 Ncm Biohorizons; 10 Ncm Zimmer Biomet Dental) using a digital torque gauge instrument (Model 3, MARK‐10 Corporation, New York, USA) at room temperature without lubrication. After 24 h, the attachment screws were reverse torqued with the same instrument and the values were recorded. The torque/reverse torque cycles were repeated every 24 h for 10 days. Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis. A second test included torquing the used screws (30) until fracture or stripping occurred. The reverse torque values were recorded and compared with new screws that were torqued until fracture or stripping. A sample of used and new attachment screws from each assembly were viewed under both laser microscope (LEXT OLS4000, 3D Measuring Laser Microscope, Olympus) and scanning electron microscope (JEOL‐JSM6510, Tokyo, Japan). Data were analyzed using t‐test.

Results

Following 10 cycles of torquing and reverse torquing, the reverse torque values measured on day 10 were lesser compared with the reverse torque value measured on day 1 for 29/30 attachment screws (96.6%). According to the t‐test used for the second test, the p‐values among all three groups were ≥0.9 which were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that after 10 cycles of torquing and reverse torquing attachment screws, the reverse torque values decreased. There were no statistical differences between the magnitude of torque necessary to fracture new and used attachment screws.
Sleep discrepancy and cognitive function in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Soh Nadia , Rainey‐Smith Stephanie R. , Doecke James D. , Canovas Rodrigo , Bucks Romola S. , Ree Melissa , Weinborn Michael
Published: July 2024

This was the first study to use cluster analysis to characterise sleep discrepancy (the discordance between self‐reported and objective sleep) across multiple sleep parameters, in community‐dwelling older adults. For sleep efficiency, negative discrepancy (the tendency to self‐report worse sleep than objectively‐measured) was associated with poorer memory, independent of insomnia severity, depressive symptoms and objective sleep. This suggests a unique role for sleep discrepancy as a possible risk factor for future cognitive decline, and warrants the need for further research.
Trait correlation and the assembly of island plant communities: Evidence from the Southwest Pacific
Authors: Ciarle Riccardo
Published: July 2024

Aims

Predictable and consistent differences between island and mainland organisms arising from biased colonization/establishment are known as insular assembly rules. Baker's rule is a long‐standing assembly rule predicting that the incidence of dioecy among early island colonizers should be lower than that of the mainland source pool. While Baker's rule is an established pattern of island floras, whether it results from trait correlation or factors other than insularity remains poorly understood. Here, I investigated the relative roles of insularity, climate, and dioecy‐correlated traits in regulating the incidence of dioecy across islands.

Location

Southwest Pacific.

Methods

I amassed a data set of 485 plant species distributed across eight archipelagos surrounding New Zealand. Trait correlation was estimated using an association rule algorithm. I then used a null model and undirected network models to test for Baker's rule and to disentangle the relative roles of insularity, climate, and dioecy‐correlated traits in filtering dioecy among undifferentiated island colonizers.

Results

Some archipelagos conformed to Baker's rule, but the incidence of dioecy was not directly linked to insularity. Instead, it was directly regulated by dioecy‐related traits, that is, fleshy‐fruitedness and woody habit, which in turn were primarily driven by climate.

Conclusions

Island assembly rules can result from trait correlation. While results were partially consistent with predictions by Baker's rules, this resulted from dioecy‐related traits being largely excluded from island colonization/establishment because of climatic factors, not insularity. Geographic variation in this plant breeding system can be determined endogenously, rather than by being filtered directly by the characteristics of islands per se.
The nature and significance of the political ideal of the Rule of Law: Hayek, Buchanan, and beyond
Authors: Kliemt Hartmut
Published: July 2024

Hayek and Buchanan endorsed Böhm's “private law society” as expressive of the ideal of a government of laws, and not of men. But they also acknowledged that among the many, the enforceability of legal custom, adjudication, and legislation must be politically guaranteed by a state. Due to unavoidable state‐involvement, risks of excessive rent‐seeking and authoritarian arbitrary government loom large once “rules of rule change” enable sophisticated forms of ruling by law. Even if in WEIRDS (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Societies) legal rules are enacted, modified, and derogated exclusively according to legal “rules of rule change,” the prevalence of the key attributes of “generality, certainty, and equality of enforcement” of the Rule of Law is in no way guaranteed. — The paper addresses this and the role, nature, and significance of constraining ruling by law through practicing the “political ideal of the Rule of Law”.
Integrated vision language and foundation model for automated estimation of building lowest floor elevation
Authors: Ho Yu‐Hsuan , Li Longxiang , Mostafavi Ali
Published: July 2024

Street view imagery has emerged as a valuable resource for urban analytics research. Recent studies have explored its potential for estimating lowest floor elevation (LFE), offering a scalable alternative to traditional on‐site measurements, crucial for assessing properties' flood risk and damage extent. While existing methods rely on object detection, the introduction of image segmentation has expanded the utility of street view images for LFE estimation, although challenges still remain in segmentation quality and capability to distinguish front doors from other doors. To address these challenges in LFE estimation, this study integrates the Segment Anything model, a segmentation foundation model, with vision language models (VLMs) to conduct text‐prompt image segmentation on street view images for LFE estimation. By evaluating various VLMs, integration methods, and text prompts, the most suitable model was identified for street view image analytics and LFE estimation tasks, thereby improving the coverage of the current LFE estimation model based on image segmentation from 33% to 56% of properties. Remarkably, our proposed method, ELEV‐VISION‐SAM, significantly enhances the availability of LFE estimation to almost all properties in which the front door is visible in the street view image. In addition, the findings present the first baseline and quantified comparison of various vision models for street view image‐based LFE estimation. The model and findings not only contribute to advancing street view image segmentation for urban analytics but also provide a novel approach for image segmentation tasks for other civil engineering and infrastructure analytics tasks.
Fibrin aggravates periodontitis through inducing NETs formation from mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Chen Yinan , Mei Enhua , Nan Shunxue , Chen Xueting , Zhang Pengye , Zhu Qingyu , Lan Dongmei , Qi Shengcai , Wang Yan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the role of fibrin on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation from neutrophils and to elucidate the involvement of mitochondria in NETs formation during periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Plasminogen‐deficient (Plg−/−) mice were employed to evaluate the effects of fibrin deposition on inflammation, bone resorption, and neutrophil infiltration in periodontal tissues. In addition, in vitro tests evaluated fibrin's impact on neutrophil‐driven inflammation. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) levels within neutrophils were quantified utilizing flow cytometry and immunofluorescence in vitro. Furthermore, the anti‐inflammatory properties of the mtROS scavenger, Mito‐TEMPO, were confirmed to regulate the NET formation in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Plasminogen deficiency resulted in increased fibrin deposition, neutrophil infiltration, inflammatory factors concentration, and alveolar bone resorption in periodontal tissues. After neutrophils were treated by fibrin in vitro, the expression of inflammatory factors, the formation of mtROS, and NETs enriched in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were upregulated, which were reversed by Mito‐TEMPO in vitro. Moreover, Mito‐TEMPO alleviated inflammation in Plg−/− mice.

Conclusions

This study showed that fibrin deposition in gingiva induced the NET formation in Plg−/− mice, in which the DNA in NETs was from mitochondria depending on increasing mtROS.
Exploring the relationship between 24‐2 visual field and widefield optical coherence tomography data across healthy, glaucoma suspect and glaucoma eyes
Authors: Tong Janelle , Phu Jack , Alonso‐Caneiro David , Kugelman Jason , Khuu Sieu , Agar Ashish , Coroneo Minas , Kalloniatis Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To utilise ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) measurements acquired using widefield optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans spanning 55° × 45° to explore the link between co‐localised structural parameters and clinical visual field (VF) data.

Methods

Widefield OCT scans acquired from 311 healthy, 268 glaucoma suspect and 269 glaucoma eyes were segmented to generate GCIPL thickness measurements. Estimated ganglion cell (GC) counts, calculated from GCIPL measurements, were plotted against 24‐2 SITA Faster visual field (VF) thresholds, and regression models were computed with data categorised by diagnosis and VF status. Classification of locations as VF defective or non‐defective using GCIPL parameters computed across eccentricity‐ and hemifield‐dependent clusters was assessed by analysing areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCCs). Sensitivities and specificities were calculated per diagnostic category.

Results

Segmented linear regression models between GC counts and VF thresholds demonstrated higher variability in VF defective locations relative to non‐defective locations (mean absolute error 6.10–9.93 dB and 1.43–1.91 dB, respectively). AUROCCs from cluster‐wide GCIPL parameters were similar across methods centrally (p = 0.06–0.84) but significantly greater peripherally, especially when considering classification of more central locations (p < 0.0001). Across diagnoses, cluster‐wide GCIPL parameters demonstrated variable sensitivities and specificities (0.36–0.93 and 0.65–0.98, respectively), with the highest specificities observed across healthy eyes (0.73–0.98).

Conclusions

Quantitative prediction of VF thresholds from widefield OCT is affected by high variability at VF defective locations. Prediction of VF status based on cluster‐wide GCIPL parameters from widefield OCT could become useful to aid clinical decision‐making in appropriately targeting VF assessments.
CT Anatomical Analysis of C4 Pedicle and Lateral Mass in Children Aged 0–14 in Southern China
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Huang Chengqian , Huang Shengsheng , Chen Tianyou , Zhou Chenxing , Zhu Jichong , Wu Shaofeng , Feng Sitan , Xue Jiang , Zhang Bin , Zhou Zhongxian , Li Jiakun , Pan Shixin , Xie Xiangtao , Zhan Xinli , Liu Chong
Published: July 2024

Objective

The C4 is the transition point between the upper and lower cervical vertebrae and plays a pivotal role in the middle of the cervical spine. Currently, there are limited reports on large‐scale sample studies regarding C4 anatomy in children, and a scarcity of experience exists in pediatric cervical spine surgery. The current study addresses the dearth of anatomical measurements of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass in a substantial sample of children. This study aims to measure the imaging anatomy of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass in children under 14 years of age across various age groups, investigate the growth and development of these structures.

Methods

We measured 12 indicators, including the size (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8) and angle (A, C, D, and E) of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass, in 513 children who underwent cervical CT examinations at our hospital. We employed the aggregate function for statistical analysis, conducted t‐tests for difference statistics, and utilized the least squares method for regression analysis.

Results

Overall, as age increased, there was a gradual increase in the size of the vertebral arch and lateral mass. Additionally, the medial inclination angle of the vertebral arch decreased, and the lateral mass flattened gradually. The rate of change decreased gradually with age. The mean value of D1 increased from 2.31 mm to 3.88 mm, of D2 from 16.75 mm to 29.2 mm, of D3 from 2.21 mm to 4.92 mm, and of D4 from 7.34 mm to 11.84 mm. Meanwhile, the mean value of D5 increased from 5.2 mm to 9.71 mm, of D6 from 10.19 mm to 16.16 mm, of D7 from 2.53 mm to 5.67 mm, and of D8 from 6.11 mm to 11.45 mm. Angle A ranged from 49.12° to 54.97°, angle C from 15.28° to 19.83°, angle D from 39.91° to 53.7°, and angle E from 18.63° to 28.08°.

Conclusion

Prior to cervical spine surgery in children, meticulous CT imaging anatomical measurements is essential. The imaging data serves as a reference for posterior C4 internal fixation, aids in designing posterior cervical screws for pediatric patients, and offer morphological anatomical references for posterior cervical spine surgery and screw design in pediatric patients.
Chlorhexidine gluconate for antisepsis in preterm neonates: A review of safety and efficacy
Authors: Harris Jamie B. , Monir Reesa L. , Schoch Jennifer J.
Published: July 2024

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in preterm neonates. The increased susceptibility to sepsis is due to prolonged hospitalization, the need for invasive procedures, and immaturity of innate and adaptive immunity. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a popular topical disinfectant that was not recommended for use in preterm neonates until 2012. Thus, there are few studies assessing the role of chlorhexidine gluconate in antisepsis for preterm neonates. A better understanding of the safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate as an antiseptic agent for preterm neonates is the first step in establishing best practice guidelines for this population.
Timely stenting in malignant central airway obstruction: Timely guidelines and time for multidisciplinary care
Authors: Holden Van K. , Sachdeva Ashutosh
Published: July 2024

See related article
Does gender predict research awards among prolific suicidologists? A research note
Authors: Stack Steven , Lester David
Published: July 2024

Background

Rewards can both validate and promote the stature of a researcher in their field. Research has been mixed on the role of gender as a predictor of receiving scholarly awards, but much of it lacks control for research excellence, and awards in interdisciplinary associations have been neglected. This study fills these gaps for suicidology.

Methods

Bibliometric data from the Web of Science was utilized for this study. To control for research excellence the analysis is restricted to the 116 most highly prolific researchers, each with 70 or more works published on suicide, from the Web of Science. The research awards in suicidology, given by three different interdisciplinary associations, include the Louis I. Dublin Award, the Morselli Medal, and the Stengel Research Award. The link between gender and receipt of a major award is adjusted for possible mediators including long‐term research productivity (h‐index), years of experience, and organizational prestige.

Results

While the percentage of women winning awards is less than that of men, we find that there is no significant difference between the genders. The quality of research and years of experience predict the receipt of each award.

Conclusion

Based on a bibliometric analysis, women are not at a disadvantage in receiving research awards in suicidology. These results are consistent with recent research on gender and awards in economics, mathematics, and psychology.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐DRB1*04:379N allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: July 2024

HLA‐DRB1*04:379N differs from HLA‐DRB1*04:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 4 in exon 1.
Effect of body condition score on the interobserver variability of vertebral heart scale assessment in dogs
Authors: Bruining‐Staal Karin , Tiemessen Ilse , Vernooij Johannes C M , Beijerink Niek
Published: July 2024

The vertebral heart scale (VHS) is widely known and used as an objective standard for the evaluation of cardiomegaly on thoracic radiographs. It, therefore, plays an important role in assessing the severity of canine heart disease. The body condition score (BCS) is a nine‐scale body condition scoring system used to objectively document the body condition in dogs. Obese animals have widened precardiac and postcardiac mediastinum, fat deposits between the sternum and lungs or heart, as well as increased pericardial fat. These conditions could complicate cardiac silhouette evaluation and could, therefore, result in higher interobserver variability in the assessment of VHS. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether overweight dogs (BCS 6/9, 7/9, 8/9, and 9/9) have more variability in the interobserver VHS measurement compared with dogs with a normal BCS (BCS 4/9 and 5/9). The dogs were admitted to a private referral center for different medical reasons. The VHS was measured by three trained observers in right lateral radiographs of 18 overweight dogs and 33 dogs with a normal BCS. Bland–Altmann plots were constructed, and limits of agreement were calculated to show the variability of VHS measurements. No statistically significant differences in VHS variability were found between BCS categories, observers, sex, or age categories. In conclusion, BCS does not affect the reliability of VHS assessment among trained veterinarians.
Computed tomography scan accuracy for the prediction of lobe and division of liver tumors by four board‐certified radiologists
Authors: Thomsen Brian J. , Ward Michael , Heo Jin Y. , Huynh Elizabeth , Ledesma Marc A. , Fuerst Jason A. , Vinayak Arathi
Published: July 2024

Objective

(1) Evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scans for localization of liver masses. (2) Assess the agreement between radiologists on localization. (3) Determine if location influences the accuracy of localization and histopathologic diagnosis. (4) Determine what lobar vasculature radiologists found most useful for localization.

Study design

Retrospective.

Animals

A total of 67 client‐owned dogs with a total of 75 hepatic masses.

Methods

Records were reviewed for relevant data. Localization for each hepatic mass was performed by four radiologists (JH, EH, ML, JF) independently.

Results

Overall accuracy of mass localization was 217/292 (74.3%) by lobe and 264/300 (88%) by division. Accuracy for the quadrate lobe (11/27, 40.7%) was lower (p < .05) than for the caudate process of the caudate lobe (19/24, 79.2%), left medial lobe (47/64, 73.4%) and left lateral lobe (95/101, 89.6%). Accuracy for the right lateral lobe (17/35, 48.6%) was lower (p < .05) lower than for the left lateral lobe (95/101, 89.6%). Accuracy of localization was 173/192 (90.1%) for masses located in the left division, 37/48 (77.1%) in the central division, and 53/60 (88.3%) for the right division. The agreement (kappa) between radiologists was good (0.61–0.8) to excellent (0.81–1) for division and moderate (0.41–0.6) to good for lobe localization.

Conclusion

CT localization was more accurate for division than lobe localization of canine hepatic masses. Similarly, radiologists had a better agreement for division than lobe localization.

Clinical significance

This study supports CT as a useful modality for liver mass localization based on division. CT localization to specific lobes should be interpreted with some caution.
Fuel Consumption Prediction in Dual-Fuel Low-Speed Marine Engines With Low-Pressure Gas Injection
Authors: Rempel da Silva Amanda , França Gean Carlos , Ordonez Juan Carlos , Marques Crístofer Hood
Published: July 2024

The International Maritime Organization has expressed its concern about the pollution caused by ships by putting in place regulations to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, ships must evermore be fitted with efficient and environmentally friendly engines, and one of the most essential selection parameters to consider is the specific fuel consumption. This parameter can be obtained by means of simulation models with various levels of sophistication, which can be either coded in basic programming languages or run in dedicated packages. The aim of the present study is to conceive a facilitated model to calculate the specific fuel consumption of low-speed dual-fuel engines with low-pressure gas injection driving either fixed or controllable pitch propellers. Clear specific fuel consumption trends were revealed when a normalization process was employed and then polynomials were obtained by numerical regression. This model requires very limited input data to predict the specific fuel consumption of an engine at any contractual maximum continuous rating, including part load operation. Results showed very close qualitative behavior and the highest deviations occurred for the brake-specific pilot consumption, peaking at about 5%. At last, the developed approach was concluded to be an easy-to-implement and fast-to-run model with promising usage for optimization studies.
Assessing Energy Savings: A Comparative Study of Reflective Roof Coatings in Four US Climate Zones
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Phelan Patrick , Neithalath Narayanan , Chopra Divya , Zhu Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

High albedo roof coatings are designed with the specific aim of reflecting a greater proportion of solar radiation compared to traditional roofing materials, thereby lowering the solar energy absorption into the roof. In this article, we present the energy-saving potential of silicone, acrylic, and aluminum roof coatings using EnergyPlus. Two of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) prototype commercial buildings—standalone retail of area 2294 m2 (24,692 ft2) and strip-mall of area 2090 m2 (22,500 ft2)—across four cities namely Phoenix, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami have been used to model the effects of different types of coatings. The performance with reflective coatings was compared with respect to a black roof having a solar reflectance of 5% and a thermal emittance of 90%. Furthermore, we quantified the capacity of reflective coatings to reduce rooftop temperatures. A sensitivity analysis was done to assess the impact of solar reflectance and thermal emittance on the ability of roof coatings to reduce surface temperatures, a key factor behind energy savings. A contour plot between these properties reveals that high values of both result in reduced cooling needs and a heating penalty which is insignificant when compared with cooling savings for cooling-dominant climates like Phoenix where the cooling demand significantly outweighs the heating demand, yielding significant energy savings. Additionally, the study investigates how the insulation thermal resistance of the roof relates to the energy savings resulting from the application of reflective coatings, particularly in terms of their effect on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption.
Impact of sputtering and redeposition on the morphological profile evolution during ion-beam etching of blazed gratings
Authors: Liu Ze-Xuan , Li Xing-Yu , Zhang Quan-Zhi , Schulze Julian , Zhang Ruo-Bing , Wang You-Nian
Published: July 2024

Ion-beam etching (IBE) is widely used in the fabrication of high-quality blazed gratings due to its high resolution and directionality, which allows for the control of blazed angles and smooth surface profiles. Throughout the ion-beam etching process, the redeposition of sputtered species onto the wafer occurs, affecting the profile evolution and blazed angle. To investigate this phenomenon in the fabrication of blazed gratings, a self-consistent simulation model utilizing the cellular method has been developed to analyze the etching and redeposition mechanisms in the IBE process. The model yields good agreement with the experimentally observed evolution of the etching profile. By examining the density and velocity distributions of the sputtered species, the coexistence of etching and redeposition is confirmed and explained, highlighting the visually significant role of redeposition. Our model takes into account the “footing effect” that is unavoidable in mask manufacturing, and its impact on the morphology evolution during blazed grating IBE is studied.
Nitrogen-incorporated tetrahedral amorphous carbon optically transparent thin film electrode
Authors: Baule Nina , Haubold Lars , Schuelke Thomas
Published: July 2024

Nitrogen-incorporated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:N) has electrochemical properties that are comparable to boron-doped diamond (BDD), but can be deposited at low temperatures, and is scalable across substrate areas substantially exceeding what is currently possible for BDD. Most published studies of ta-C:N electrodes focus on films deposited on conductive substrates due to the relatively high resistivity of ta-C:N compared to other carbon and metal-based electrodes. However, some of the most compelling applications of electrochemistry, for example, optically transparent spectroelectrochemical devices, require insulating substrates such as fused silica glass (FSG) or polymers. In this study, we deposited 50 nm of ta-C:N by laser controlled pulsed cathodic vacuum arc (Laser-Arc) onto insulating FSG to investigate the electrochemical response compared to conductive silicon (c-Si) substrates. No oxidation or reduction of potassium ferrocyanide during cyclic voltammetry (CV) could be observed at the FSG electrode. To address this, we introduced a 5 nm chromium (Cr) interlayer deposited by magnetron sputtering between ta-C:N and FSG. This electrode configuration led to clear cathodic and anodic CV peaks of potassium ferro/ferricyanide but with an increased peak separation compared to the c-Si electrode. However, the peak separation could be reduced to values comparable to ta-C:N deposited on c-Si by optimizing Cr sputtering conditions and introducing an argon plasma pretreatment of the FSG surface. Atomic force microscopy revealed that these changes improved the Cr growth homogeneity, which in turn increased the electrical conductivity of the Cr interlayer as determined by 4-point probe measurements.
Rigorous justification of a localized approximation to encode off-axis Gaussian acoustical beams
Authors: Gouesbet Gérard , Ambrosio Leonardo André
Published: July 2024

With the model of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT) and the extended boundary condition method, describing the interaction between electromagnetic (EM) waves (more specifically laser beams) and particles, an acoustical GLMT-like framework can be used to deal with acoustical wave scattering. The incident acoustical wave may then be encoded in a set of beam shape coefficients (BSCs) similar to the ones used in EM scattering. Following a paper devoted to the evaluation of acoustical BSCs using a localized approximation in the case of on-axis Gaussian acoustical beams, the present paper deals with the evaluation of acoustical BSCs in the case of off-axis Gaussian acoustical beams.
Fast topological pumps via quantum metric engineering on photonic chips
Authors: Song Wange , You Oubo , Sun Jiacheng , Wu Shengjie , Chen Chen , Huang Chunyu , Qiu Kai , Zhu Shining , Zhang Shuang , Li Tao
Published: July 2024

Topological pumps have garnered substantial attention in physics. However, the requirement for slow evolution speed to satisfy adiabaticity greatly restricts their application in on-chip devices. Here, we discover a direct link between adiabaticity and quantum metric, the real part of quantum geometry that has been relatively less explored compared to its imaginary counterpart, the Berry curvature. We demonstrate that the evolution speed of topological pumps between nontrivial edge states can be increased by reducing the quantum metric via introduction of long-range coupling to the celebrated Rice-Mele model. This fast topological pump can occur without affecting the bulk state evolution, which challenges the common understanding. We experimentally confirm our findings by using a platform consisting of bilayer integrated silicon waveguides operating at telecommunication wavelengths. Our work provides possibilities for lifting topological pumps from the constraints of slow evolution and paves the way toward compact photonic integration.
T3SS protein EsrC binds to the
lacI
-like operator of type 1 fimbrial operon to suppress adhesion of
Edwardsiella piscicida
Authors: Sun Shan Shan , He Tian Tian , Zhang Shu Ya , Yu Xiu-Jun , Chen Chang , Laghari Zubair Ahmed , Nie Pin , Xie Hai Xia
Published: July 2024

Type 1 fimbria, the short hair-like appendage assembled on the bacterial surface, plays a pivotal role in adhesion and invasion in
Edwardsiella piscicida
. The type III secretion system (T3SS), another bacterial surface appendage, facilitates
E. piscicida
’s replication
in vivo
by delivering effectors into host cells. Our previous research demonstrated that
E. piscicida
T3SS protein EseJ inhibits adhesion and invasion of
E. piscicida
by suppressing type 1 fimbria. However, how EseJ suppresses type 1 fimbria remains elusive. In this study, a
lacI
-like operator (nt −245 to −1 of
fimA
) upstream of type 1 fimbrial operon in
E. piscicida
was identified, and EseJ inhibits type 1 fimbria through the
lacI
-like operator. Moreover, through DNA pull-down and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, an AraC-type T3SS regulator, EsrC, was screened and verified to bind to nt −145 to −126 and nt −50 to −1 of
fimA
, suppressing type 1 fimbria. EseJ is almost abolished upon the depletion of EsrC. EsrC and EseJ impede type 1 fimbria expression. Intriguingly, nutrition and microbiota-derived indole activate type 1 fimbria through downregulating T3SS, alleviating EsrC or EseJ’s inhibitory effect on
lacI
-like operator of type 1 fimbrial operon. By this study, it is revealed that upon entering the gastrointestinal tract, rich nutrients and indole downregulate T3SS and thereof upregulate type 1 fimbria, stimulating efficient adhesion and invasion; upon being internalized into epithelium, the limit in indole and nutrition switches on T3SS and thereof switches off type 1 fimbria, facilitating effector delivery to guarantee
E. piscicida
’s survival/replication
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE

In this work, we identified the
lacI
-like operator of type 1 fimbrial operon in
E. piscicida
, which was suppressed by the repressors-T3SS protein EseJ and EsrC. We unveiled that
E. piscicida
upregulates type 1 fimbria upon sensing rich nutrition and the microbiota-derived indole, thereof promoting the adhesion of
E. piscicida
. The increase of indole and nutrition promotes type 1 fimbria by downregulating T3SS. The decrease in EseJ and EsrC alleviates their suppression on type 1 fimbria, and
vice versa
.
ER-transiting bacterial toxins amplify STING innate immune responses and elicit ER stress
Authors: Schlenker Catherine , Richard Katharina , Skobelkina Sofia , Mathena R. Paige , Perkins Darren J.
Published: July 2024

The cGAS/STING sensor system drives innate immune responses to intracellular microbial double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and bacterial cyclic nucleotide second messengers (e.g., c-di-AMP). STING-dependent cell-intrinsic responses can increase resistance to microbial infection and speed pathogen clearance. Correspondingly, STING activation and signaling are known to be targeted for suppression by effectors from several bacterial pathogens. Whether STING responses are also positively regulated through sensing of specific bacterial effectors is less clear. We find that STING activation through dsDNA, by its canonical ligand 2′-3′ cGAMP, or the small molecule DMXAA is potentiated following intracellular delivery of the AB
5
toxin family member pertussis toxin from
Bordetella pertussis
or the B subunit of cholera toxin from
Vibrio cholerae
. Entry of pertussis toxin or cholera toxin B into mouse macrophages triggers markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and enhances ligand-dependent STING responses at the level of STING receptor activation in a manner that is independent of toxin enzymatic activity. Our results provide an example in which STING responses integrate information about the presence of relevant ER-transiting bacterial toxins into the innate inflammatory response and may help to explain the
in vivo
adjuvant effects of catalytically inactive toxins.
A scoping review of undergraduate anatomy and physiology education: approaches to evaluating student outcomes in the United States
Authors: Royse Emily A. , Pullen Nicholas A. , Cogswell Andi , Holt Emily A.
Published: July 2024

Studies document difficulties undergraduate pre-nursing and allied health students face when learning human anatomy and physiology (A&P) course content. A comprehensive synthesis exploring the teaching practices within the course and how those practices are evaluated is warranted. This scoping literature review identified 78 journal articles investigating teaching practices, and we charted their research methods, student outcomes, and institutional contexts. Content analysis found the teaching practices described most frequently in A&P education research literature involved multiple aligned changes across the curriculum, including student activities, course delivery, and assessments. Critical appraisal of study methodologies revealed that most studies in undergraduate A&P were longitudinal, included comparison groups, and used simple inferential statistics. In contrast, few studies listed limitations of their research, collected data from multiple institutions, or reported student demographic data. We believe these factors pose notable limitations to the interpretation of A&P education studies across institutional contexts. The results of this review identify future lines of inquiry to enrich existing evidence about pedagogical interventions in A&P courses.
A new dynamic
in vitro
model for evaluating antimicrobial activity against bacterial biofilms on central venous catheters
Authors: Fang Liangyan , Qiao Yunqian , Li Xiuting , Wang Changbin , Li Chunqiao , Luan Tongqing , Wang Wenqing
Published: July 2024

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are widely used for intravenous medication administration. However, biofilm formation along the catheter surface is the main most important cause of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Nowadays, several antimicrobial-coated catheters are available to prevent biofilm development. In this study, we introduced a new dynamic
in vitro
model to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against bacterial biofilms on CVCs. Rifampicin–minocycline-coated catheters and control catheters without antimicrobial component were assembled into the model to test the antimicrobial activity on external surface and internal surface. After 1 h irrigation of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
or
Staphylococcus aureus
preculture and 23 h irrigation of Trypticase Soy Broth, the viable adherent organism was collected and counted. The enumeration results showed that the number of bacteria attached to antibacterial catheter was significantly less than that of the control catheter, both on external surface (
P
< 0.05) and internal surface (
P
< 0.05). The results were further confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy. In conclusion, the dynamic
in vitro
model can be applied to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against bacterial biofilms grown on the external and internal surfaces of CVCs used in clinical practice.

IMPORTANCE

For the first time, a new dynamic
in vitro
model was constructed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against bacterial biofilms on central venous catheters (CVCs) on both external surface and internal surface. This model could be applied to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against bacterial biofilms not only on CVCs but also other types of catheters.
Severe burns in a resource-limited rural healthcare centre
Authors: Masih Sanglap , Dsouza Royson , Goldstein Adam Lee
Published: July 2024

A woman in her mid-30s presented to our 30-bed healthcare centre with extensive burns, hours after falling into a shallow pit of burning dried tea leaves. On arrival, there was no evidence of airway compromise. She was fully conscious but had signs of shock and hypovolemia. Forty-five per cent of the total body surface area was burned, including the face, neck, thorax, abdomen, upper limbs and thighs. The family refused referral to a burns centre and insisted on continuing treatment at our facility. Our hospital, not equipped to manage burns, was adapted to deliver effective, immediate care. After initial stabilisation, the patient was unwilling to remain hospitalised because of her husband’s employment commitment. Subsequently, we were notified that the patient died within 1 month of discharge. This article highlights the importance of burns care facilities in rural India and the impact of a failure to access quality health on outcomes.