bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE RISKS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: ZHAI PENGXIANG , FAN YING , JI QIANG , MA YAN-RAN
Published: May 2024

This study reviews how climate change could be considered an additional source of financial market risk using a bibliometric methodology. We find that the primary impetus for academics’ research into these concerns has come from significant international climate change events, e.g., the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement. Ecological Economics, Energy Policy, and Energy Economics emerge as the major journals of the existing research output. The bibliographic coupling analysis of the corpus further reveals the existence of five major themes. The first theme evaluates the climate risk and explores mechanisms by which can financial risks be impacted by climate change. The second theme talks about the losses brought on by climate change. The third theme talks about how climate finance products, such as green bonds, green securities, and green insurance, are created and issued, as well as how they help to address and mitigate climate risks. The fourth theme examines how the current financial policy frameworks and instruments can be optimized and adapted in light of the considerable degree of uncertainty that surrounds climate change. The fifth theme discusses the climate-related financial risk modeling. We provide a summary of the development of these themes as well as the future direction to be explored.
Synthesis and study of structural and electrophysical characteristics of piezoceramic section (1–x)(0.8PbMg1∕3Nb2∕3O3⋅0.2BiScO3)⋅ x(0.8PbTiO3⋅0.2BiScO3) of the ternary system BiScO3–PbTiO3–PbMg1∕3Nb2∕3O3
Authors: Nogai Artur , Sysoev Maxim , Bush Alexandr , Nogai Adolf
Published: May 2024

X-ray diffraction and dielectric studies were performed on synthesized ceramic samples of the section (1–x) (0.8PbMg[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]BiScO3)⋅ x(0.8PbTiO[Formula: see text]BiScO3) with [Formula: see text]–1 of the ternary BiScO3–PbTiO3–PbMg[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]O3 (BS–PT–PMN) system, including the temperature dependence of thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC). It was found that the samples are solid solutions with a perovskite structure, which have cubic symmetry in the range of x = 0–0.587 and tetragonal symmetry in the range of x = 0.680–1. In the intermediate composition range of x = 0.587–0.680 (morphotropic region — MR), the samples consist of a mixture of solid solutions of different symmetries. Data on the change in dielectric properties and TSDC(T) dependencies of solid solutions with a change in their composition were obtained. It was found that samples of compositions x =0–0.625 and 0.6875–1 exhibit relaxor-ferroelectric and conventional ferroelectric properties, respectively, while samples of compositions x = 0.625–0.6875 combine ferroelectric and relaxor-ferroelectric properties.
Data Completion-Guided Unified Graph Learning for Incomplete Multi-View Clustering
Authors: Liang Tianhai , Shen Qiangqiang , Wang Shuqin , Chen Yongyong , Zhang Guokai , Chen Junxin
Published: May 2024

Due to its heterogeneous property, multi-view data has been widely concerned over single-view data for performance improvement. Unfortunately, some instances may be with partially available information because of some uncontrollable factors, for which the incomplete multi-view clustering (IMVC) problem is raised. IMVC aims to partition unlabeled incomplete multi-view data into their clusters by exploiting the heterogeneity of multi-view data and overcoming the difficulty of data loss. However, most existing IMVC methods like BSV, MIC, OMVC, and IVC tend to conduct basic completion processing on the input data, without taking advantage of the correlation between samples and information redundancy. To overcome the above issue, we propose one novel IMVC method named data completion-guided unified graph learning (DCUGL), which could complete the data of missing views and fuse multiple learned view-specific similarity matrices into one unified graph. Specifically, we first reduce the dimension of the input data to learn multiple view-specific similarity matrices. By stacking all view-specific similarity matrices, DCUGL constructs a third-order tensor with the low-rank constraint, such that sample correlation within and between views can be well explored. Finally, by dividing the original data into observed data and unobserved data, DCUGL can infer and complete the missing data according to the view-specific similarity matrices, and obtain a unified graph, which can be directly used for clustering. To solve the proposed model, we design an iterative algorithm, which is based on the alternating direction method of multipliers framework. The proposed model proves to be superior by benchmarking on six challenging datasets compared with state-of-the-art IMVC methods.
Body and Brain Quality-Diversity in Robot Swarms
Authors: Mkhatshwa Sindiso , Nitschke Geoff
Published: May 2024

In biological societies, complex interactions between the behavior and morphology of evolving organisms and their environment have given rise to a wide range of complex and diverse social structures. Similarly, in artificial counterparts such as swarm-robotics systems, collective behaviors emerge via the interconnected dynamics of robot morphology (sensory-motor configuration), behavior (controller), and environment (task). Various studies have demonstrated morphological and behavioral diversity enables biological groups to exhibit adaptive, robust, and resilient collective behavior across changing environments. However, in artificial (swarm robotic) systems there is little research on the impact of changing environments on morphological and behavioral (body-brain) diversity in emergent collective behavior, and the benefits of such diversity. This study uses evolutionary collective robotics as an experimental platform to investigate the impact of increasing task environment complexity (collective behavior task difficulty) on the evolution and benefits of morphological and behavioral diversity in robotic swarms. Results indicate that body-brain evolution using coupled behavior and morphology diversity maintenance yields higher behavioral and morphological diversity, which is beneficial for collective behavior task performance across task environments. Results also indicate that such behavioral and morphological diversity maintenance coupled with body-brain evolution produces neuro-morpho complexity that does not increase concomitantly with task complexity.
Ribosome Assembly and Repair
Authors: Yang Yoon-Mo , Karbstein Katrin
Published: May 2024

Ribosomes synthesize protein in all cells. Maintaining both the correct number and composition of ribosomes is critical for protein homeostasis. To address this challenge, cells have evolved intricate quality control mechanisms during assembly to ensure that only correctly matured ribosomes are released into the translating pool. However, these assembly-associated quality control mechanisms do not deal with damage that arises during the ribosomes’ exceptionally long lifetimes and might equally compromise their function or lead to reduced ribosome numbers. Recent research has revealed that ribosomes with damaged ribosomal proteins can be repaired by the release of the damaged protein, thereby ensuring ribosome integrity at a fraction of the energetic cost of producing new ribosomes, appropriate for stress conditions. In this article, we cover the types of ribosome damage known so far, and then we review the known repair mechanisms before surveying the literature for possible additional instances of repair.
Plant Cell Wall Loosening by Expansins
Authors: Cosgrove Daniel J.
Published: May 2024

Expansins comprise an ancient group of cell wall proteins ubiquitous in land plants and their algal ancestors. During cell growth, they facilitate passive yielding of the wall's cellulose networks to turgor-generated tensile stresses, without evidence of enzymatic activity. Expansins are also implicated in fruit softening and other developmental processes and in adaptive responses to environmental stresses and pathogens. The major expansin families in plants include α-expansins (EXPAs), which act on cellulose-cellulose junctions, and β-expansins, which can act on xylans. EXPAs mediate acid growth, which contributes to wall enlargement by auxin and other growth agents. The genomes of diverse microbes, including many plant pathogens, also encode expansins designated expansin-like X. Expansins are proposed to disrupt noncovalent bonding between laterally aligned polysaccharides (notably cellulose), facilitating wall loosening for a variety of biological roles.
Collaborative online international learning in physiology: a case study
Authors: Priego-Quesada Jose Ignacio , Germano Andresa M. C. , Schmidt Daniel , Encarnación-Martínez Alberto , Lemos Andressa L. , Sendra-Pérez Carlos , Laett Conrado T. , da Rocha Emmanuel S. , Zaumseil Falk , Oficial-Casado Fran , de Oliveira Inaê , Aparicio-Aparicio Inmaculada , Escalona-Navarro Jesus A. , Marzano-Felisatti Joaquín Martín , Gil-Calvo Marina , Catalá-Vilaplana Ignacio , Masuch Niclas , Pérez-Soriano Pedro , Sanchis-Sanchis Roberto , Carpes Felipe P.
Published: May 2024

Although the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) methodology is expanding, its use in physiology is still scarce. Our example COIL project of 7 weeks developed a sports-assessment service concept focused on physiology and biomechanics assessments. The program involved teams from Brazil, Germany, and Spain, comprising undergraduate and master’s students. Students perceived extracurricular activities in this format as beneficial. Coaches also expressed positive views about such initiatives, noting benefits for students and their development.
Cilia-deficient renal tubule cells are primed for injury with mitochondrial defects and aberrant tryptophan metabolism
Authors: Zuo Xiaofeng , Winkler Brennan , Lerner Kasey , Ilatovskaya Daria V. , Zamaro Aleksandra S. , Dang Yujing , Su Yanhui , Deng Peifeng , Fitzgibbon Wayne , Hartman Jessica , Park Kwon Moo , Lipschutz Joshua H.
Published: May 2024

Mitochondria are centrally involved in acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we show that cilia-deficient renal tubule cells both in vitro in cell culture and in vivo in mice are primed for injury with mitochondrial defects and aberrant tryptophan metabolism. These data suggest therapeutic strategies such as enhancing ciliogenesis or improving mitochondrial function to protect patients at risk for AKI.
Targeting of C-ROS-1 Activity Using a Controlled Release Carrier to Treat Craniosynostosis in a Preclinical Model of Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome
Authors: Camp Esther , Garcia Laura Gonzalez , Pribadi Clara , Paton Sharon , Vasilev Krasimir , Anderson Peter , Gronthos Stan
Published: May 2024

Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) is one of the most prevalent craniosynostosis, caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the TWIST-1 gene, with current treatment options relying on major invasive transcranial surgery. TWIST-1 haploinsufficient osteogenic progenitor cells exhibit increased osteogenic differentiation potential due to an upregulation of the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, C-ROS-1, a TWIST-1 target gene known to promote bone formation. The present study assessed the efficacy of suppressing C-ROS-1 activity using a known chemical inhibitor to C-ROS-1, crizotinib, to halt premature coronal suture fusion in a preclinical mouse model of SCS. Crizotinib (1 μM, 2 μM, or 4 μM) was administered locally over the calvaria of Twist‐1del/+ heterozygous mice prior to coronal suture fusion using either a nonresorbable collagen sponge (quick drug release) or a resorbable sodium carboxymethylcellulose microdisk (slow sustained release). Coronal suture fusion rates and bone parameters were determined by μCT imaging and histomorphometric analysis of calvaria postcoronal suture fusion. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in the efficacy of crizotinib to maintain coronal suture patency, with no adverse effects to brain, kidney, liver, and spleen tissue, or blood cell parameters. Moreover, crizotinib delivered on microdisks resulted in a greater efficacy at a lower concentration to reduce bone formation at the coronal suture sites compared to sponges. However, the bone inhibitory effects were found to be diminished by over time following cessation of treatment. Our findings lay the foundation for the development of a pharmacological nonsurgical, targeted approach to temporarily maintain open coronal sutures in SCS patients. This study could potentially be used to develop similar therapeutic strategies to treat different syndromic craniosynostosis conditions caused by known genetic mutations.
Biomarker Identification and Risk Prediction Model Development for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Lung Metastasis Based on Primary Lesion Proteomics
Authors: Peng Xiaoqi , Zhao Hongbo , Ye Lijuan , Hou Fei , Yi Zihan , Ren Yanxin , Lu Lin , Chen Fukun , Lv Juan , Wang Yinghui , Cai Haolin , Zheng Xihua , Yang Qing , Chen Ting
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

The rising global high incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has led to a significant increase in patients presenting with lung metastasis of DTC (LMDTC). This population poses a significant challenge in clinical practice, necessitating the urgent development of effective risk stratification methods and predictive tools for lung metastasis.

Experimental Design:

Through proteomic analysis of large samples of primary lesion and dual validation employing parallel reaction monitoring and IHC, we identified eight hub proteins as potential biomarkers. By expanding the sample size and conducting statistical analysis on clinical features and hub protein expression, we constructed three risk prediction models.

Results:

This study identified eight hub proteins—SUCLG1/2, DLAT, IDH3B, ACSF2, ACO2, CYCS, and VDAC2—as potential biomarkers for predicting LMDTC risk. We developed and internally validated three risk prediction models incorporating both clinical characteristics and hub protein expression. Our findings demonstrated that the combined prediction model exhibited optimal predictive performance, with the highest discrimination (AUC: 0.986) and calibration (Brier score: 0.043). Application of the combined prediction model within a specific risk threshold (0–0.97) yielded maximal clinical benefit. Finally, we constructed a nomogram based on the combined prediction model.

Conclusions:

As a large sample size study in LMDTC research, the identification of biomarkers through primary lesion proteomics and the development of risk prediction models integrating clinical features and hub protein biomarkers offer valuable insights for predicting LMDTC and establishing personalized treatment strategies.
Phase II Clinical Trial of Intravenous Levothyroxine to Mitigate Pharyngocutaneous Fistula in Euthyroid Patients Undergoing Salvage Laryngectomy
Authors: Heft Neal Molly E. , Haring Catherine T. , Bellile Emily , Jaffe Craig C. , Shuman Andrew G. , Chinn Steven B. , Stucken Chaz L. , Malloy Kelly M. , Casper Keith A. , Prince Mark E.P. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Rosko Andrew J. , Spector Matthew E.
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery after prior radiation or chemoradiation are at high risk for wound complications. Hypothyroidism is a known risk factor for wound complications, especially fistulae after salvage total laryngectomy. The purpose of this phase II clinical trial is to investigate the effect of perioperative intravenous levothyroxine supplementation on wound complications in patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy.

Patients and Methods:

Euthyroid patients previously treated with radiation/chemoradiation undergoing total laryngectomy were prospectively recruited (n = 72). Postoperatively, intravenous levothyroxine was administered at a weight-based dose (1.3 mcg/kg/d) and transitioned to enteral dosing on day 7. Free T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormones were collected, and dosing was adjusted accordingly. The primary endpoints were rates of fistula formation and fistula requiring reoperation, compared with matched historic controls. All patients were monitored for adverse effects.

Results:

The rate of postoperative hypothyroidism was 21% compared with 49% in a matched historic cohort. The rate of fistula formation was 18.1%, whereas the rate of fistula requiring reoperation was 4.2%, significantly lower than rates in our historic cohort (34.6% and 14.8%, respectively; P = 0.02 and 0.01). Postoperative hypothyroidism and recurrent clinical stage predicted fistula requiring reoperation in multivariate analysis; other acute phase reactants were not predictive. There were no observed adverse events related to levothyroxine supplementation.

Conclusions:

Postoperative intravenous levothyroxine supplementation reduced rates of acute hypothyroidism, fistula formation, and fistula requiring reoperation in patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy without adverse effects. Intravenous levothyroxine is a viable strategy to reduce wound complications in this high-risk patient population.
Reshaping the Tumor Microenvironment of KRASG12D Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma with Combined SOS1 and MEK Inhibition for Improved Immunotherapy Response
Authors: Norgard Robert J. , Budhani Pratha , O'Brien Sarah A. , Xia Youli , Egan Jessica N. , Flynn Brianna , Tagore Joshua R. , Seco Joseph , Peet Gregory W. , Mikucka Ania , Wasti Ruby , Chan Li-Chuan , Hinkel Melanie , Martinez-Morilla Sandra , Pignatelli Jeanine , Trapani Francesca , Corse Emily , Feng Di , Kostyrko Kaja , Hofmann Marco H. , Liu Kang , Kashyap Abhishek S.
Published: May 2024

KRAS inhibitors have demonstrated exciting preclinical and clinical responses, although resistance occurs rapidly. Here, we investigate the effects of KRAS-targeting therapies on the tumor microenvironment using a library of KrasG12D, p53-mutant, murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma–derived cell lines (KPCY) to leverage immune-oncology combination strategies for long-term tumor efficacy. Our findings show that SOS1 and MEK inhibitors (SOS1i+MEKi) suppressed tumor growth in syngeneic models and increased intratumoral CD8+ T cells without durable responses. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed an increase in inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAF), M2 macrophages, and a decreased dendritic cell (DC) quality that ultimately resulted in a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment driven by IL6+ iCAFs. Agonist CD40 treatment was effective to revert macrophage polarization and overcome the lack of mature antigen-presenting DCs after SOS1i+MEKi therapy. Treatment increased the overall survival of KPCY tumor-bearing mice. The addition of checkpoint blockade to SOS1i+MEKi combination resulted in tumor-free mice with established immune memory. Our data suggest that KRAS inhibition affects myeloid cell maturation and highlights the need for combining KRAS cancer-targeted therapy with myeloid activation to enhance and prolong antitumor effects.

Significance:

Combination of SOS1 and MEK inhibitors increase T cell infiltration while blunting pro-immune myeloid cell maturation and highlights the need for combining KRAS cancer-targeted therapy with myeloid activation to enhance and prolong anti-tumor effects.
Immunosuppressant Agents as Add-On Therapy Failed to Improve the Outcome of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy with Crescent Score C1
Authors: Bi Xianjin , Yu Yanlin , Zhou Siyan , Zhou Yue , Zhao Jinghong , Xiong Jiachuan
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The renoprotective benefits of adding immunosuppressant therapy to corticosteroid (CS) treatment for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients with less than 25% crescent formation (C1) remain uncertain, warranting further research. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on IgAN patients with crescent C1 lesions confirmed by renal biopsy at Xinqiao Hospital between May 1, 2017, and May 1, 2020. Patients were stratified into either the CS treatment group or the CS combined with an additional immunosuppressant therapy group. Follow-up assessments were conducted within 24 months. Propensity score analysis was used to match patients receiving CS and CS + immunosuppressant drug treatment in a 1:1 ratio. Primary outcomes included changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the benefits of different populations. Composite endpoint outcomes comprised a 30% eGFR decrease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) necessitating dialysis or transplant, or kidney disease-related mortality. Adverse events were also compared between the two groups. Results: 296 IgAN patients with C1 lesions were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics indicated that IgAN patients in the CS + immunosuppressant group exhibited poorer renal function and higher UACR levels. Propensity score analysis effectively minimized the influence of baseline clinical characteristics, including age, serum creatinine, initial eGFR, UACR, and 24-h proteinuria. Both treatment groups demonstrated continuous eGFR improvement and significant UACR reduction during follow-up, especially at 6 months. However, no significant differences in eGFR and UACR reduction rates were observed between the two groups throughout the entire follow-up period, both before and after matching. Subgroup analysis revealed improved eGFR in both treatment groups, notably among patients with an initial eGFR below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conversely, IgAN patients with C1 lesions and a cellular crescent ratio exceeding 50% treated with CS and immunosuppressant therapy experienced a significant improvement in renal function and a decline in urinary protein creatinine ratio. Composite endpoint outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups, while the incidence of adverse events was comparable. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the addition of immunosuppressant therapy to corticosteroid monotherapy did not confer significant therapeutic advantages in patients with C1 lesions compared to CS monotherapy, although some specific patient populations appeared to derive modest benefits from this combined approach.
Motivation and Confidence about Physical Activity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Health Benefits Matter to Patients
Authors: Aljama Cristina , Granados Galo , Ramon Marian , Barrecheguren Miriam , Loeb Eduardo , Nuñez Alexa , Pleguezuelos Eulogio , García-Río Francisco , Miravitlles Marc
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has shown great benefits in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, their PA is below average. Motivational factors associated with PA in COPD have not been widely studied and could be a target for improving adherence to PA. The objective of our study was to identify and understand the different motivational and confidence factors related to low levels of PA in a COPD cohort. Method: Observational, prospective, multicenter study of COPD patients. Sociodemographic data, respiratory symptoms, comorbidities, spirometry, and exercise capacity were collected. PA was measured using the Dynaport accelerometer and patient motivation and confidence in PA were assessed by a questionnaire previously used in a COPD population in the USA. Results: Eighty six COPD patients were included, 68.6% being male, with a mean (SD) age of 66.6 (8.5) years and a mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (%) of 50.9% (17.3%). The mean walking time was 82.8 (37.8) minutes/day. Questions related to health benefits and enjoying exercise were ranked highest in the motivation questionnaire and statistically significant differences were found in PA measures between patients with low and high motivation. A lack of confidence regarding hot weather and health-related issues significantly influenced PA levels. Advice from third parties, including healthcare providers, was not associated with higher PA levels. Conclusions: Improving the health of COPD patients is their main motivation to perform PA. Lack of confidence when it is hot or when they fear for their health is related to low levels of PA. Advice from third parties, including healthcare professionals, is not associated with higher PA. These results are relevant for developing strategies to increase the adherence of COPD patients to PA programs.
Low power network on chip architectures: A survey
Authors: Muhammad Raza Naqvi
Published: May 2024

Mostly communication now days is done through system on chip (SoC) models so, network on chip (NoC) architecture is most appropriate solution for better performance. However, one of major flaws in this architecture is power consumption. To gain high performance through this type of architecture it is necessary to confirm power consumption while designing this. Use of power should be diminished in every region of network chip architecture. Lasting power consumption can be lessened by reaching alterations in network routers and other devices used to form that network. This research mainly focusses on state-of-the-art methods for designing NoC architecture and techniques to reduce power consumption in those architectures like, network architecture, network links between nodes, network design, and routers.
Aletheia, un proyecto en crecimiento
Authors: Bernal Cerquera Lucía
Published: May 2024

Con este nuevo número de la Revista Aletheia que estamos entregando, volumen 5, número 1, correspondiente al primer semestre del 2013, traemos la buena noticia de la indexación de la Revista en categoría C de Publindex. Esto es un reconocimiento al esfuerzo académico que han realizado las Maestrías de la Fundación Centro Internacional de Educación y Desarrollo Humano CINDE, en convenio con la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional y la comunidad académica en general.
Association of Morphology of Lenticulostriate Arteries and Proximal Plaque Characteristics With Single Subcortical Infarction: A Whole‐Brain High‐Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging Study
Authors: Li Jin , Bian Yueyan , Wu Fang , Fan Zhaoyang , Zhang Chen , Zhao Xihai , Ji Xunming , Yang Qi
Published: May 2024

Background

We aimed to investigate the association of characteristics of lenticulostriate artery (LSA) morphology and parental atheromatous disease (PAD) with single subcortical infarction (SSI) and to explore whether the LSA morphology is correlated with proximal plaque features in asymptomatic PAD.

Methods and Results

Patients with acute SSI were prospectively enrolled and classified as large‐ and small‐SSI groups. The clinical data and imaging features of LSA morphology (branches, length, dilation, and tortuosity) and middle cerebral artery plaques (normalized wall index, remodeling index, enhancement degree, and hyperintense plaques) were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association of large SSIs with morphologic features of LSAs and plaques. The Spearman correlation between the morphologic characteristics of LSAs and plaque features in asymptomatic PAD was analyzed. Of the 121 patients recruited with symptomatic PAD, 102 had coexisting asymptomatic contralateral PAD. The mean length of LSAs (odds ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.73–0.95];
P
=0.007), mean tortuosity of LSAs (odds ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.05–1.22];
P
=0.002), dilated LSAs (odds ratio, 22.59 [95% CI, 2.46–207.74];
P
=0.006), and normalized wall index (odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01–1.15];
P
=0.022) were significantly associated with large SSIs. Moreover, the normalized wall index was negatively correlated with the mean length of LSAs (
r
=−0.348,
P
<0.001), and the remodeling index was negatively correlated with the mean tortuosity of LSAs (
r
=−0.348,
P
<0.001) in asymptomatic PAD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that mean length of LSAs, mean tortuosity of LSAs, dilated LSAs, and normalized wall index are associated with large SSIs. Moreover, plaque features in asymptomatic PAD are correlated with morphologic features of LSAs.
Sex Differences in the Associations of Traditional Risk Factors and Incident Heart Failure Hospitalization: A Prospective Cohort Study of 102 278 Chinese General Adults
Authors: Qiu Weida , Cai Anping , Nie Zhiqiang , Wang Jiabin , Ou Yanqiu , Feng Yingqing
Published: May 2024

Background

Evidence regarding sex differences in the associations of traditional risk factors with incident heart failure (HF) hospitalization among Chinese general adults is insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the potential sex differences in the associations of traditional risk factors with HF among Chinese general adults.

Methods and Results

Data were from a subcohort of the China PEACE (Patient‐Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events) Million Persons Project. The traditional risk factors were collected at baseline, and the study outcome was HF‐related hospitalization identified from the Inpatients Registry.

A total of 102 278 participants (mean age, 54.3 years; 39.5% men) without prevalent HF were recruited. A total of 1588 cases of HF‐related hospitalization were captured after a median follow‐up of 3.52 years. The incidence rates were significantly higher in men (2.1%) than in women (1.2%). However, the observed lower risk of HF in women was significantly attenuated or even vanished when several traditional risk factors were poorly controlled (
P
for sex‐by‐risk factors <0.05). The selected 11 risk factors collectively explained 62.5% (95% CI, 55.1–68.8) of population attributable fraction for HF in women, which is much higher than in men (population attributable fraction, 39.6% [95% CI, 28.5–48.9]).

Conclusions

Although women had a lower incidence rate of hospitalization for HF than men in this study, the risk for HF increased more remarkably in women than in men when several traditional risk factors were poorly controlled. This study suggests that intensive preventative strategies are immediately needed in China.
Angiotensin II Directly Increases Endothelial Calcium and Nitric Oxide in Kidney and Brain Microvessels In Vivo With Reduced Efficacy in Hypertension
Authors: Becerra Calderon Alejandra , Shroff Urvi Nikhil , Deepak Sachin , Izuhara Audrey , Trogen Greta , McDonough Alicia A. , Gurley Susan B. , Nelson Jonathan W. , Peti‐Peterdi János , Gyarmati Georgina
Published: May 2024

Background

The vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II via type 1 angiotensin II receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells are well established, but the direct effects of angiotensin II on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vivo and the mechanisms how VECs may mitigate angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction are not fully understood. The present study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological relevance of the direct actions of angiotensin II on VECs in kidney and brain microvessels in vivo.

Methods and Results

Changes in VEC intracellular calcium ([Ca
2+
]

i

) and nitric oxide (NO) production were visualized by intravital multiphoton microscopy of cadherin 5–Salsa6f mice or the endothelial uptake of NO‐sensitive dye 4‐amino‐5‐methylamino‐2′,7′‐difluorofluorescein diacetate, respectively. Kidney fibrosis by unilateral ureteral obstruction and Ready‐to‐use adeno‐associated virus expressing Mouse Renin 1 gene (Ren1‐AAV) hypertension were used as disease models.

Acute systemic angiotensin II injections triggered >4‐fold increases in VEC [Ca
2+
]

i

in brain and kidney resistance arterioles and capillaries that were blocked by pretreatment with the type 1 angiotensin II receptor inhibitor losartan, but not by the type 2 angiotensin II receptor inhibitor PD123319. VEC responded to acute angiotensin II by increased NO production as indicated by >1.5‐fold increase in 4‐amino‐5‐methylamino‐2′,7′‐difluorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence intensity. In mice with kidney fibrosis or hypertension, the angiotensin II–induced VEC [Ca
2+
]

i

and NO responses were significantly reduced, which was associated with more robust vasoconstrictions, VEC shedding, and microthrombi formation.

Conclusions

The present study directly visualized angiotensin II–induced increases in VEC [Ca
2+
]

i

and NO production that serve to counterbalance agonist‐induced vasoconstriction and maintain residual organ blood flow. These direct and endothelium‐specific angiotensin II effects were blunted in disease conditions and linked to endothelial dysfunction and the development of vascular pathologies.
Prognostic Value and Determinants of High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in Patients With a Systemic Right Ventricle: Insights From the SERVE Trial
Authors: Ruperti‐Repilado Francisco Javier , Tran Fabian , Haaf Philip , Lopez‐Ayala Pedro , Greutmann Matthias , Schwerzmann Markus , Bouchardy Judith , Gabriel Harald , Stambach Dominik , Rutz Tobias , Schwitter Juerg , Wustmann Kerstin , Freese Michael , Mueller Christian , Tobler Daniel
Published: May 2024

Background

The determinants and prognostic value of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) among patients with a systemic right ventricle are largely unknown.

Methods and Results

Ninety‐eight patients from the randomized controlled SERVE (Effect of Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibition With Tadalafil on Systemic Right Ventricular Size and Function) trial were included. The correlation between baseline hs‐cTnT concentrations and biventricular volumes and function quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance or cardiac multirow detector computed tomography was assessed by adjusted linear regression models. The prognostic value of hs‐cTnT was assessed by adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, survival analysis, and concordance statistics. The primary outcome was time to the composite of clinically relevant arrhythmia, hospitalization for heart failure, or all‐cause death. Median age was 39 (interquartile range, 32–48) years, and 32% were women. Median hs‐cTnT concentration was 7 (interquartile range, 4–11) ng/L. Coefficients of determination for the relationship between hs‐cTnT concentrations and right ventricular end‐systolic volume index and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) were +0.368 (
P
=0.046) and −0.381 (
P
=0.018), respectively. The sex‐ and age‐adjusted hazard ratio for the primary outcome of hs‐cTnT at 2 and 4 times the reference level (5 ng/L) were 2.89 (95% CI, 1.14–7.29) and 4.42 (95% CI, 1.21–16.15), respectively. The prognostic performance quantified by the concordance statistics for age‐ and sex‐adjusted models based on hs‐cTnT, right ventricular ejection fraction, and peak oxygen uptake predicted were comparable: 0.71% (95% CI, 0.61–0.82), 0.72% (95% CI, 0.59–0.84), and 0.71% (95% CI, 0.59–0.83), respectively.

Conclusions

Hs‐cTnT concentration was significantly correlated with right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular end‐systolic volume index in patients with a systemic right ventricle. The prognostic accuracy of hs‐cTnT was comparable to that of right ventricular ejection fraction and peak oxygen uptake predicted.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03049540.
Blood Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Apolipoproteins With Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Prospective Study Among Racially Diverse Populations
Authors: Deng Kui , Pan Xiong‐Fei , Voehler Markus W. , Cai Qiuyin , Cai Hui , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Gupta Deepak K. , Lipworth Loren , Zheng Wei , Yu Danxia
Published: May 2024

Background

Comprehensive blood lipoprotein profiles and their association with incident coronary heart disease (CHD) among racially and geographically diverse populations remain understudied.

Methods and Results

We conducted nested case–control studies of CHD among 3438 individuals (1719 pairs), including 1084 White Americans (542 pairs), 1244 Black Americans (622 pairs), and 1110 Chinese adults (555 pairs). We examined 36 plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins, measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, with incident CHD among all participants and subgroups by demographics, lifestyle, and metabolic health status using conditional or unconditional logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. Conventionally measured blood lipids, that is, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, were each associated with incident CHD, with odds ratios (ORs) being 1.33, 1.32, 1.24, and 0.79 per 1‐SD increase among all participants. Seventeen lipoprotein biomarkers showed numerically stronger associations than conventional lipids, with ORs per 1‐SD among all participants ranging from 1.35 to 1.57 and a negative OR of 0.78 (all false discovery rate <0.05), including apolipoprotein B100 to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.45–1.7]), low‐density lipoprotein‐triglycerides (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.43–1.69]), and apolipoprotein B (OR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.37–1.62]). All these associations were significant and consistent across racial groups and other subgroups defined by age, sex, smoking, obesity, and metabolic health status, including individuals with normal levels of conventionally measured lipids.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted several lipoprotein biomarkers, including apolipoprotein B/ apolipoprotein A1 ratio, apolipoprotein B, and low‐density lipoprotein‐triglycerides, strongly and consistently associated with incident CHD. Our results suggest that comprehensive lipoprotein measures may complement the standard lipid panel to inform CHD risk among diverse populations.
A Critique of Chinese Loans in Sub-Saharan Africa: A fruitful Prospect or Neo-Colonisation
Authors: Muruko-Jaezuruka Veundjua , Birks Rubina
Published: May 2024

Economic development has been on Sub Sahara Africa’s (SSA) agenda for the past two decades. However, the stark reality is that it has been sporadic, slack and slow. One can argue that these nations had a late start due to their economies being controlled by conquerors until the late 20th century. Others might reinforce the idea that the late blooming of SSA was due to their economic development being stifled by the punitive interests levied by the IMF under the guise of reconstruction loans following decolonisation. Thus, in a bid to egress of that vicious circle of debt, another beacon has lit for SSA in the form of Chinese loans. Albeit, an acceptable macro reality that growth can be achieved through loans, this stance has raised moot questions: Is this financial help a strategy that will make SSA beholden to the Chinese government akin to a re-colonisation, or will it propel SSA nations into developed nations by alleviating poverty, creating jobs and promoting growth? The critical lesson of this paper is that confiscation of resources, in the event of non-payment of loans, should be solved with other measures of debt repayment to ensure the continent is not exposed to neo-colonisation.
New species of Bryophaenocladius Thienemann, 1934 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Argentina
Authors: DONATO MARIANO , MAUAD MELINA , SIRI AUGUSTO
Published: May 2024

Three new species of Bryophaenocladius Thienemann are described and figured as male imagines: B. urbanus sp. n. from Central Argentina, and B. virgotruncatus sp. n. and B. nasus sp. n. from Argentinean Patagonia. A geometric morphometric analysis was performed to evaluate the taxonomic value of the shape of the anal point in species delimitation. The analysis involved 96 species. As a result, the Bryophaenocladius species showed significant anal point patterns of shape change, recovering three main shape types: rounded, equilateral triangle-shaped, and isosceles triangle-shaped. An identification key of the Bryophaenocladius species from the Neotropical region is provided.
Research on Leakage Current Waveform Spectrum Characteristics of Artificial Pollution Composite Insulator
Authors: Xia Xing-Yu , Zhang Feng , Pan Shu , Dong Sheng-Cheng , Fang Chun-Hua , Xue Tian-Liang , Zhu Guang-Xiu-Yuan , Peng Wan-Zhao
Published: May 2024

In order to know about the change features of leakage current during the pollution flashover process of composite insulators, the study of the pollution flashover test on composite insulator under the pollutional condition is presented in the artificial fog cabinet. The characteristics
of leakage current waveforms in time-domain and frequency-domain are measured and analyzed during the test. The analysis results show that there is a strong correlation among the fundamental harmonic, the third harmonic and fifth harmonic. The characteristics of leakage current spectrum are
represented by the maximum value of leakage current (Im), total harmonic distortion (THD), and phase difference of fundamental leakage current (θ). During a near-flash event, the leakage current exhibits high amplitude, low harmonic content, and small
phase difference between the fundamental leakage current and voltage. The research findings provide a basis for establishing a pollution flash warning system based on leakage current characteristic quantities.
Integration of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Hybrid Energy Storage in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ferents Koni Jiavana K. , Suganthi K. , Kayalvizhi S. , Malarvizhi S.
Published: May 2024

Hybrid energy storage systems benefit significantly from incorporating nanoparticles containing metallic oxides, potassium phosphate, chemical compounds, and sulfides. The current technological problem is to increase the device’s electrical capacity without decreasing its energy
capacity. The energy storage capacity of lithium-ion cells has been greatly improved by the use of tiny carbon particles owing to their conductive qualities, extensive specific surface area, customizable form, and intrinsic resilience. Further biologically active layouts, thinner ion-diffusion
dimensions, and increased aboard carrier-/charge-transport motion are all made possible by incorporating effective bi-dimensional nanomaterials into future-oriented battery packs. For applications like lithium-ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors, this research presents carbon-based
energy storage (CES) using a support vector machine (SVM) incorporating Particle Swarm Optimization (CES-SVM) to investigate the long-term stability of nanoparticle alloy forms of a specific shape and chemical makeup. This paper provides a potential improvement to the intermittent particle
swarm optimization technique and its accompanying algorithmic architecture. Hybrid nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized, allowing the easy synthetic pathway and unique growth of nanostructuring technology to be used for electrodes with outstanding electrochemical effectiveness
in conventional lithium-ion batteries. This paper shows how the cell’s conductivity, the electrode/electrolyte contact, and ion diffusion all affect impedance performance. Carbonaceous electrodes for lithium-ion battery systems, electrochemical storage units, and related combination
devices are examined as a final area.
Construction of an Adaptive Metric Model for Maximum Access Capacity of Distributed Photovoltaic in Active Distribution Networks
Authors: Ge Yunlong , Zhang Yangrui , Zhang Chao , Zhu Yakui , Zhang Bingyu , Wang Hongying
Published: May 2024

Distributed photovoltaic (PV) access to the active distribution network can easily cause power fluctuation and affect the reasonable setting. The maximum access capacity is constructed as an adaptive metric model. Taking the total installed capacity as the objective function, the maximum
access capacity adaptive metering model is constructed. For the constructed model, the constraints of light abandonment constraint, energy storage system constraint, voltage deviation constraint at the common connection point, line limit capacity constraint and distribution transformer capacity
constraint are set. The model is solved by using multiple swarm genetic algorithms, output maximum access capacity. The abandonment rate of PV nodes is less than 3%, and the voltage overrun rate and line capacity overrun rate are less than 1%.
Advanced Defect Detection in High-Speed Train Wheel Treads Using Nanoelectronic Systems
Authors: Yu Shao-dong , Gan Fang-ji , Wang Si-yu
Published: May 2024

Detecting defects on the wheel tread of high-speed trains is crucial for ensuring train safety. However, the challenge lies in acquiring sufficient defect data for effective detection. To address this, we propose a novel multi-similarity based few-shot segmentation network (MSFSNet),
which employs different architecture for training and detection. Taking advantage of the principle of feature tensor similarity, MSFSNet enables precise extraction tread defects. In the training phase, the network comprises three branches: query branch, support branch, and task discrimination
branch. To enhance defect detection efficiency, the detection phase employs an alternative architecture, where the support branch is replaced with a database of extracted defect feature tensors. The support branch provides tread defect information to the query branch, which employs the Multi-Similarity
(MS) module to integrate for defect segmentation and detection. This integration effectively mitigates the overfitting issue caused by a scarcity of tread defect images. To ensure the effectiveness of defect information from the support branch, a task discrimination branch is constructed to
discriminate tasks on query images and select similar support images. The Query Segmentation Module (QSM) is devised to achieve precise detection across various tread defect scales, enabling accurate segmentation amidst background noise. Experimental testing of MSFSNet on public datasets and
the collected Wheel Tread Defect Dataset (WTDD) shows promising results: on FSSD-12 dataset, MSFSNet improves few-shot segmentation mIoU by 8.9% (1-shot) and 7.0% (5-shot); its capability for few-shot defect detection was confirmed on industrial dataset industrial-5i; and achieves 99.63% accuracy
in detecting wheel tread defects on WTDD.
Design of Laser-Powered Opto-Electrical Current Transformer and Its Application in Electrical Automation of Substations
Authors: Zhang Xueping , Zou Huan , Chen Rong , Liu Zhenrong
Published: May 2024

The novel power equipment represented by the Opto-Electrical Current Transformer (OECT) possesses unparalleled advantages compared to traditional Current Transformers (CTs), rendering it with vast potential in power systems. In the design of OECT, this study employs laser power supply
and focuses on the overall perspective, particularly the design of the laser power supply module and the optical fiber digital transmission module. The laser power supply module selects a high-power semiconductor laser to provide power to the circuit, incorporating line filters, thermistor
resistors, and a laser overcurrent protection circuit. An automatic temperature control circuit based on PI regulation is utilized to stabilize the working temperature of the laser diode (LD). The photoelectric conversion device PPC-6E achieves a maximum photoelectric conversion efficiency
of 40%, and the MAX639 DC–DC conversion chip ensures stable output voltage. The optical fiber digital transmission module adopts a circuit composed of multiple NOR gate logic for electro-optical conversion, a low-power driving circuit based on the 74LVC1G07 chip, and the HFBR-2412 photoelectric
converter to simplify the circuit board design. To achieve a higher communication baud rate, a quartz multimode optical fiber with a diameter of 62.5 μm is chosen. In the experimental phase, a simulation of high-power AC power with equal turns is conducted. The linearity/temperature
test results demonstrate that the designed OECT in this study meets expectations. In the electrical automation test of substations, a comparison between traditional CTs and the designed OECT is carried out using traditional protection algorithms and optical differential protection algorithms.
The results indicate that, compared to traditional protection algorithms, the optical differential algorithm using the designed OECT achieves faster protection times.