bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Use of Terrestrial Robots for Atmospheric Electricity Measurement
Authors: Zijlstra Gjosse , Aplin Karen L , Hunt Edmund R
Published: February 2024

Measuring the electric field is a central goal in electrostatics research, such as the study of electrostatics in atmospheric processes. It serves as a key indicator for various atmospheric phenomena, including the presence of lightning, dust or charged clouds. Traditionally, electric field measurements have been conducted from static platforms, with limited mobile measurements from airborne platforms such as balloons or, more recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Here, we explore the potential of terrestrial robots to measure the electric field with some level of autonomy, such as during supervised navigation between user-defined waypoints. We mount a field mill on a four-wheeled rover and use a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track the position of its measurements during an outdoor survey. The robot has a depth camera for 3D terrain mapping to contextualise local field measurements. We present plans for future research, including the use of semi-autonomous identification and exploration of electrostatic ‘hotspots’; and deployment of multiple robots (e.g., six) in a ‘sparse swarm’ configuration. We consider opportunities to employ such a robot system in environmental science or space research, for instance on Mars or the moon, where an understanding of electrostatic processes could be significant for future space missions.
Slow evaporation of a small sessile liquid drop: new solutions based on the electrostatic analogy
Authors: Lebedev-Stepanov P
Published: February 2024

Evaporating sessile drop of liquid deposited on horizontal surface is an important object of applications and theoretical investigations. The evaporating flow density dramatically depends on contact angle of the droplet. Previously, the dependence of the flux density on the polar angle was established for arbitrary contact angles. The expression has the form of an integral and is rather complicated for use in modelling algorithms. In this paper, we propose new exact solutions for the set of some specific contact angles (135-180 degrees). The analogy of the drop evaporation problem with a similar problem from the field of electrostatics of equipotential surfaces, which has been solved in general terms before us, was used. The results of British mathematician H.M. Macdonald and Soviet scientist G.A. Grinberg were used in the derivation. Thus, relatively simple expressions for the evaporation flux density were found.
Electric Field Measurement Techniques And Their Practical Applications
Authors: Noras Maciej A.
Published: February 2024

Static, quasi-static and low frequency electric fields are being used in many fields of science and engineering. They are utilized in research studies of fundamental properties of materials, exploration of high-energy physics, in biology and medicine, etc., but also in a multitude of practical applications such as precipitation, painting, xerography, to name a few. In all these endeavors it is a good practice to find out what the electric fields are in terms of value, direction, and temporal and spatial distribution. This information can be crucial for making the application successful. Electric fields are also being created by many naturally occurring and man-made phenomena. The aim of this paper is to present different options for electric field evaluation and measurement. Aside from traditional approaches, new concepts using machine learning in electric field assessment and interpretation are discussed. As technologies progress, electric field detection methods become a part of sensor fusion realm by providing additional capabilities in process, environmental and situational awareness monitoring. They can provide unique information enhancing our knowledge and understanding. Examples of such sensor integrations are shown and explained.
Electrostatic modelling of the Groza-2 discharge sensor on the Venera missions to Venus
Authors: Sukanjanajtee P , Aplin K L
Published: February 2024

The Soviet Venera 13 and 14 missions landed on the surface of Venus five days apart in 1982. An instrument called Groza-2, designed to search for thunderstorms, carried an electrode that recorded discharge currents in the lower atmosphere. In this paper a possible location and likely geometry of the electrode are deduced using the limited information available on Groza-2, combined with electrostatic modelling. The spacecraft’s geometry significantly screens the electrode potential, which helps to constrain the sensor’s size, shape and location. Due to its high atmospheric pressure, Venus is anticipated to have a high breakdown field, approximately 300 MV/m near the surface if linear scaling with pressure is assumed. The existence of a signal in the discharge sensor combined with the electrostatic screening of the spacecraft geometry implies there is a substantial potential difference between the atmosphere and the electrode.
Solvay method of estimating the risk of electrostatic ignition
Authors: Mark Egan Simon
Published: February 2024

IEC TS 60079-32-1 “ATEX - Electrostatic hazards, guidance” gives us the best practice to avoid ignition from electrostatic sources. In Solvay we follow this guideline but, when we find that our existing practice, at a particular site for a particular chemical process in a particular piece of equipment, does not comply with that guidance, we are faced with a difficult question: what priority should we give to putting it right? To answer that question we have to analyse the risk associated with electrostatic ignition sources for the particular process and that particular piece of equipment. It depends on many factors, including the frequency of the presence of an explosive atmosphere, the Minimum Ignition Energy of the flammable gas or combustible dust and the number of people who would be exposed to the blast wave or shrapnel from an explosion or the thermal radiation from a fire. Such considerations allow us to prioritize the risk in three levels, ranging from Risk 1 (Unacceptable), through Risk 2 (Intermediate) to Risk 3 = Acceptable. This paper shows how to estimate the risk level of scenarios involving electrostatic and indeed other ignition sources using the Solvay method.
Influence of the Reynolds number from Reτ
= 150 to 210 on size-dependent bipolar charging
Authors: Jantač S , Grosshans H
Published: February 2024

We recently found wall-bounded turbulence to suppress and control bipolar triboelectric charging of particles of identical material. This control is due to fluid modifying the motion of light particles. Thus, the particles’ charge distribution depends on their Stokes number distribution. More specifically, fluid forces narrow the bandwidth of the charge distribution, and bipolar charging reduces dramatically. Consequently, not the smallest but mid-sized particles collect the most negative charge. However, the influence of the Reynolds number or particle concentration on bipolar charging of polydisperse particles is unknown. This paper presents the charging simulations of same-material particles the in different wall-bounded flows. In a comprehensive study, we vary the Reynolds number from Reτ
= 150 to 210 and the particle number density from 4 × 109m-3 to 1 × 1010m-3 to further explore the influence of the carrier flow on bipolar charging. We model charge transfer based on the balance of transferable charge species. Such species can represent adsorbed ions transferred during collisions or free electrons captured into a lower energy state on the other surface. The turbulent flow is modeled via Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) and is coupled to the particulate phase modeled via the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Overall, our multiphysics approach couples the fluid dynamics, electric field, triboelectric charging, and particle momentum into one complex simulation.
Polarity switch of PMMA powder transported through a PMMA duct
Authors: Xu Wenchao , Grosshans Holger
Published: February 2024

During pneumatic conveying, powder electrifies rapidly due to the high flow velocities. In our experiments, the particles even charge if the conveying duct is made of the same material, which might be caused by triboelectrification between two asymmetric contact surfaces. Surprisingly, we found the airflow rate to determine the polarity of the overall powder charge. This study investigates the charging of microscale PMMA particles in turbulent flows passing through a square PMMA duct. The particles are spherical and monodisperse. A Faraday at the duct outlet measured the total charge of the particles. At low flow velocities, the particles charged negatively after passing through the duct. However, the powder’s overall charge switched to a positive polarity when increasing the flow velocity.
Inequalities in urban air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa: an empirical modeling of ambient NO and NO2 concentrations in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Wang Jiayuan , Alli Abosede S , Clark Sierra N , Ezzati Majid , Brauer Michael , Hughes Allison F , Nimo James , Moses Josephine Bedford , Baah Solomon , Nathvani Ricky , D Vishwanath , Agyei-Mensah Samuel , Baumgartner Jill , Bennett James E , Arku Raphael E
Published: February 2024

Road traffic has become the leading source of air pollution in fast-growing sub-Saharan African cities. Yet, there is a dearth of robust city-wide data for understanding space-time variations and inequalities in combustion related emissions and exposures. We combined nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) measurement data from 134 locations in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), with geographical, meteorological, and population factors in spatio-temporal mixed effects models to predict NO2 and NO concentrations at fine spatial (50 m) and temporal (weekly) resolution over the entire GAMA. Model performance was evaluated with 10-fold cross-validation (CV), and predictions were summarized as annual and seasonal (dusty [Harmattan] and rainy [non-Harmattan]) mean concentrations. The predictions were used to examine population distributions of, and socioeconomic inequalities in, exposure at the census enumeration area (EA) level. The models explained 88% and 79% of the spatiotemporal variability in NO2 and NO concentrations, respectively. The mean predicted annual, non-Harmattan and Harmattan NO2 levels were 37 (range: 1–189), 28 (range: 1–170) and 50 (range: 1–195) µg m−3, respectively. Unlike NO2, NO concentrations were highest in the non-Harmattan season (41 [range: 31–521] µg m−3). Road traffic was the dominant factor for both pollutants, but NO2 had higher spatial heterogeneity than NO. For both pollutants, the levels were substantially higher in the city core, where the entire population (100%) was exposed to annual NO2 levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 10 µg m−3. Significant disparities in NO2 concentrations existed across socioeconomic gradients, with residents in the poorest communities exposed to levels about 15 µg m−3 higher compared with the wealthiest (p < 0.001). The results showed the important role of road traffic emissions in air pollution concentrations in the GAMA, which has major implications for the health of the city’s poorest residents. These data could support climate and health impact assessments as well as policy evaluations in the city.
When 2D materials meet metals
Authors: Pirker Luka , Honolka Jan , Velický Matěj , Frank Otakar
Published: February 2024

This review delves into the intricacies of the interfaces formed between two-dimensional (2D) materials and metals, exploring a realm rich with fundamental insights and promising applications. Historically, our understanding of 2D materials emanated from studies employing dielectric substrates or suspended samples. However, integrating metals in the exfoliation and growth processes of 2D materials has opened up new avenues, unveiling various shades of interactions ranging from dispersive forces to covalent bonding. The resulting modifications in 2D materials, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), offer more than a theoretical intrigue. They bear substantial implications for (opto)electronics, altering Schottky barrier heights and contact resistances in devices. We explore metal-mediated methods for TMDC exfoliation, elucidating the mechanisms and their impact on TMDC-metal interactions. Delving deeper, we scrutinize the fundamentals of these interactions, focusing primarily on MoS2 and Au. Despite the recent surge of interest and extensive studies, critical gaps remain in our understanding of these intricate interfaces. We discuss controversies, such as the changes in Raman or photoemission signatures of MoS2 on Au, and propose potential explanations. The interplay between charge redistribution, substrate-induced bond length variations, and interface charge transfer processes are examined. Finally, we address the intriguing prospect of TMDC phase transitions induced by strongly interacting substrates and their implications for contact design.
Preparation and performance analysis of micro-nano composite coatings reinforced with WC particles
Authors: Chen Baijiang , Xu Mengkuo
Published: February 2024

In order to research the effect of Tungsten carbide (WC) particles with different particle sizes additions in the reinforced coating, the strengthening coatings were produced by the compound process of high frequency induction cladding. The microstructure, phases and basic properties of the composite strengthening coatings were analyzed by means of metallographic microscope and FESEM. It was found that the addition of WC micro-nano particles further refined the grain phase in the strengthened coatings. The average hardness of the coating significantly increased with the increase of nanoparticle composition. The coating hardness of 30% na-WC involvement was the highest, 17% higher than that of 30% micron WC involvement. In the frictional wear experiments, the minimum amount of wear was the coating with the involvement of 20% micron WC and 10% na-WC, 20% less compared to that of 30%na-WC. The experiments showed that the introduction of an appropriate proportion of WC nanoparticles further improves the hardness of the reinforced coating. But due to the agglomeration phenomenon of nanoparticles, the hardness will be reduced instead as the proportion of WC nanoparticles further increased. The appropriate proportion of nanoparticles can effectively improve the wear resistance, but excessive proportion of nanoparticle addition can lead to a decrease in wear resistance. The involvement of 20% micron WC and 10%na-WC is the best addition ratio considering all factors.
Fabrication and characterization of durable superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces on stainless steel mesh substrates
Authors: Saira Iqbal
Published: February 2024

Introduction. This study explores the fabrication of durable superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces on stainless steel mesh, inspired by natural structures like lotus leaves. Achieving superoleophobicity, especially with enhanced durability, is challenging due to the lower surface tension of oils. Methodology. This novel technique involves using Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles to create re-entrant structures, low surface energy, and high roughness. This cost-effective approach ensures simplicity without requiring expensive equipment. Results. The resulting surfaces exhibit remarkable superoleophobic properties, with hexadecane and soybean oil contact angles reaching 170° and 163.8°, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirms successful fabrication, and wear abrasion tests demonstrate mechanical durability, with contact angles remaining high even after cyclic loading and sandpaper abrasion. Conclusion. This study presents a pioneering, cost-effective method for fabricating durable superoleophobic surfaces on stainless steel mesh. These surfaces hold promise for applications in self-cleaning coatings and oil-repellent materials.
NEMA NU 2-2018 evaluation and image quality optimization of a new generation digital 32-cm axial field-of-view Omni Legend PET-CT using a genetic evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Smith Rhodri Lyn , Bartley Lee , O’Callaghan Christopher , Haberska Luiza , Marshall Chris
Published: February 2024

A performance evaluation was conducted on the new General Electric (GE) digital Omni Legend PET-CT system with 32 cm extended field of view. The first commercially available clinical digital bismuth germanate system. The system does not use time of flight (ToF). Testing was performed in accordance with the NEMA NU2–2018 standard. A comparison was made between two other commercial GE scanners with extended fields of view; the Discovery MI − 6 ring (ToF enabled) and the Discovery IQ (non-ToF). A genetic evolutionary algorithm was developed to optimize image reconstruction parameters from image quality assessments. The Omni demonstrated average spatial resolutions at 1 cm radial offset as 3.9 mm FWHM. The total system sensitivity at the center was 44.36 cps/kBq. The peak NECR was measured as 501 kcps at 17.8 kBq ml−1 with a 35.48% scatter fraction. The maximum count-rate error below NECR peak was 5.5%. Using standard iterative reconstructions, sphere contrast recovery coefficients were from 52.7 ± 3.2% (10 mm) to 92.5 ± 2.4% (37 mm). The PET-CT co-registration accuracy was 2.4 mm. In place of ToF, the Omni employs software corrections through a pre-trained neural network (PDL) (trained on non-ToF to ToF) that takes Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction (Q.Clear) images as input. The optimum parameters for image reconstruction, determined using the genetic algorithm were a Q.Clear parameter, β, of 350 and a ‘medium’ PDL setting. Using standard iterative reconstructions, the Omni initially showed increased background variability compared to the Discovery MI. With optimized PDL reconstruction parameters selected using the genetic algorithm the performance of the Omni surpassed that of the Discovery MI on all NEMA tests. The genetic algorithm’s demonstrated ability to enhance image quality in PET-CT imaging underscores the importance of algorithm driven optimization and underscores the requirement to validate its use in the clinical setting.
Impact of increased protein intake in older adults: a 12-week double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wirth Janine , Segat Annalisa , Horner Katy , Crognale Domenico , Smith Thomas , O’Sullivan Maurice , Brennan Lorraine
Published: February 2024

Background

Emerging evidence suggests health-promoting properties of increased protein intake. There is increased interest in plant protein but a dearth of information in relation to its impact on muscle function. The objective of the present work was to examine the impact of intake of different types of proteins on muscle functional parameters including handgrip strength, biomarkers of metabolic health, sleep quality and quality of life in a group of older adults.

Methods

Healthy men and women aged 50 years and older entered a double-blinded, randomised, controlled nutritional intervention study with three parallel arms: high plant protein, high dairy protein and low protein. Participants consumed once daily a ready-to-mix shake (containing 20 g of protein in high protein groups) for 12 weeks. Changes in handgrip and leg strength, body composition, metabolic health, quality of life and sleep quality were analysed by linear mixed models in an intention-to-treat approach.

Results

Eligible participants (n = 171) were randomly assigned to the groups (plant: n = 60, dairy: n = 56, low protein: n = 55) and 141 completed the study. Handgrip strength increased after the intervention (Ptime = 0.038), with no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference between groups for any other health outcomes.

Conclusions

In a population of older adults, increasing protein intake by 20 g daily for 12 weeks (whether plant-based or dairy-based) did not result in significant differences in muscle function, body composition, metabolic health, sleep quality or quality of life, compared with the low protein group.
PB-LKS: a python package for predicting phage–bacteria interaction through local K-mer strategy
Authors: Qiu Jingxuan , Nie Wanchun , Ding Hao , Dai Jia , Wei Yiwen , Li Dezhi , Zhang Yuxi , Xie Junting , Tian Xinxin , Wu Nannan , Qiu Tianyi
Published: February 2024

Bacteriophages can help the treatment of bacterial infections yet require in-silico models to deal with the great genetic diversity between phages and bacteria. Despite the tolerable prediction performance, the application scope of current approaches is limited to the prediction at the species level, which cannot accurately predict the relationship of phages across strain mutants. This has hindered the development of phage therapeutics based on the prediction of phage–bacteria relationships. In this paper, we present, PB-LKS, to predict the phage–bacteria interaction based on local K-mer strategy with higher performance and wider applicability. The utility of PB-LKS is rigorously validated through (i) large-scale historical screening, (ii) case study at the class level and (iii) in vitro simulation of bacterial antiphage resistance at the strain mutant level. The PB-LKS approach could outperform the current state-of-the-art methods and illustrate potential clinical utility in pre-optimized phage therapy design.
Genomic hallmarks and therapeutic targets of ribosome biogenesis in cancer
Authors: Zang Yue , Ran Xia , Yuan Jie , Wu Hao , Wang Youya , Li He , Teng Huajing , Sun Zhongsheng
Published: February 2024

Hyperactive ribosome biogenesis (RiboSis) fuels unrestricted cell proliferation, whereas genomic hallmarks and therapeutic targets of RiboSis in cancers remain elusive, and efficient approaches to quantify RiboSis activity are still limited. Here, we have established an in silico approach to conveniently score RiboSis activity based on individual transcriptome data. By employing this novel approach and RNA-seq data of 14 645 samples from TCGA/GTEx dataset and 917 294 single-cell expression profiles across 13 cancer types, we observed the elevated activity of RiboSis in malignant cells of various human cancers, and high risk of severe outcomes in patients with high RiboSis activity. Our mining of pan-cancer multi-omics data characterized numerous molecular alterations of RiboSis, and unveiled the predominant somatic alteration in RiboSis genes was copy number variation. A total of 128 RiboSis genes, including EXOSC4, BOP1, RPLP0P6 and UTP23, were identified as potential therapeutic targets. Interestingly, we observed that the activity of RiboSis was associated with TP53 mutations, and hyperactive RiboSis was associated with poor outcomes in lung cancer patients without TP53 mutations, highlighting the importance of considering TP53 mutations during therapy by impairing RiboSis. Moreover, we predicted 23 compounds, including methotrexate and CX-5461, associated with the expression signature of RiboSis genes. The current study generates a comprehensive blueprint of molecular alterations in RiboSis genes across cancers, which provides a valuable resource for RiboSis-based anti-tumor therapy.
New techniques to identify the tissue of origin for cancer of unknown primary in the era of precision medicine: progress and challenges
Authors: Ma Wenyuan , Wu Hui , Chen Yiran , Xu Hongxia , Jiang Junjie , Du Bang , Wan Mingyu , Ma Xiaolu , Chen Xiaoyu , Lin Lili , Su Xinhui , Bao Xuanwen , Shen Yifei , Xu Nong , Ruan Jian , Jiang Haiping , Ding Yongfeng
Published: February 2024

Despite a standardized diagnostic examination, cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a rare metastatic malignancy with an unidentified tissue of origin (TOO). Patients diagnosed with CUP are typically treated with empiric chemotherapy, although their prognosis is worse than those with metastatic cancer of a known origin. TOO identification of CUP has been employed in precision medicine, and subsequent site-specific therapy is clinically helpful. For example, molecular profiling, including genomic profiling, gene expression profiling, epigenetics and proteins, has facilitated TOO identification. Moreover, machine learning has improved identification accuracy, and non-invasive methods, such as liquid biopsy and image omics, are gaining momentum. However, the heterogeneity in prediction accuracy, sample requirements and technical fundamentals among the various techniques is noteworthy. Accordingly, we systematically reviewed the development and limitations of novel TOO identification methods, compared their pros and cons and assessed their potential clinical usefulness. Our study may help patients shift from empirical to customized care and improve their prognoses.
Delayed maturation of the exoskeleton and muscle fibres in the ant Platythyrea punctata
Authors: Matte Arthur , Billen Johan , Shit Piuli , Heinze Jürgen , Bernadou Abel
Published: February 2024

In many species of eusocial Hymenoptera, workers exhibit a division of labour based on age, wherein young workers remain protected within the nest before transitioning to foraging activities. These changes in tasks and in external stress exposure are accompanied by physiological and anatomical modifications. Although pigmentation changes in the exoskeleton are well documented in ants, limited information is available on muscle morphology and developmental changes in the adult cuticle. Here, we investigated the alterations in the exoskeleton and thoracic muscles across different age groups of the clonal ant Platythyrea punctata, in which reproduction is monopolized by one or a few dominant workers. Our findings revealed a significant thickening of the cuticle and muscle fibres in young workers during the intranidal period, reaching a final stage in forager individuals. We further tested the influence of reproductive status on body development and found variations only in muscle fibres between reproductive and nonreproductive individuals. This suggests that dominant individuals allocate resources in egg-laying by minimizing other metabolic costs. These findings shed light on how eusociality profoundly alters selection pressures and results in temporal shifts in individual development. This strategy probably provides advantages to colonies by minimizing nutritional waste and optimizing resource allocation.
Current spectrum and outcomes of infarct-related cardiogenic shock: insights from the CULPRIT-SHOCK registry and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zeymer Uwe , Heer Tobias , Ouarrak Taoufik , Akin Ibrahim , Noc Marko , Stepinska Janina , Oldroyd Keith , Serpytis Pranas , Montalescot Giles , Huber Kurt , Windecker Stephan , Savonitto Stefano , Vrints Christiaan , Schneider Steffen , Desch Steffen , Thiele Holger
Published: February 2024

Aims

We analysed consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) who were enrolled into the CULPRIT-SHOCK randomized controlled trial (RCT) and those with exclusion criteria who were included into the accompanying registry.

Methods and results

In total, 1075 patients with infarct-related CS were screened for CULPRIT-SHOCK in 83 specialized centres in Europe; 369 of them had exclusion criteria for the RCT and were enrolled into the registry. Patients were followed over 1 year. The mean age was 68 years and 260 (25%) were women. 13.5%, 30.9%, and 55.6% had one-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), respectively. Significant left main (LM) coronary artery stenosis was present in 8.0%. 54.2% of the patients had cardiac arrest before admission. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 patency of the infarct vessel after percutaneous coronary intervention was achieved in 83.6% of all patients. Mechanical circulatory support was applied in one-third of patients. Total mortality after 30 days and 1 year was 47.6% and 52.9%. Mortality after 1 year was highest in patients with LM coronary artery stenosis (63.5%), followed by three-vessel (56.6%), two-vessel (49.8%), and one-vessel CAD (38.6%), respectively. Mechanical complications were rare (21/1008; 2.1%) but associated with a high mortality of 66.7% after 1 year.

Conclusion

In specialized centres in Europe, short- and long-term mortality of patients with infarct-related CS treated with an invasive strategy is still high and mainly depends on the extent of CAD. Therefore, there is still a need for improvement of care to improve the prognosis of infarct-related CS.
Remote monitoring of atrial fibrillation recurrence using mHealth technology (REMOTE-AF)
Authors: Adasuriya Gamith , Barsky Andrey , Kralj-Hans Ines , Mohan Siddhartha , Gill Simrat , Chen Zhong , Jarman Julian , Jones David , Valli Haseeb , Gkoutos Georgios V , Markides Vias , Hussain Wajid , Wong Tom , Kotecha Dipak , Haldar Shouvik
Published: February 2024

Aims

This proof-of-concept study sought to evaluate changes in heart rate (HR) obtained from a consumer wearable device and compare against implantable loop recorder (ILR)-detected recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial tachycardia (AT) after AF ablation.

Methods and results

REMOTE-AF (NCT05037136) was a prospectively designed sub-study of the CASA-AF randomized controlled trial (NCT04280042). Participants without a permanent pacemaker had an ILR implanted at their index ablation procedure for longstanding persistent AF. Heart rate and step count were continuously monitored using photoplethysmography (PPG) from a commercially available wrist-worn wearable. Photoplethysmography-recorded HR data were pre-processed with noise filtration and episodes at 1-min interval over 30 min of HR elevations (Z-score = 2) were compared with corresponding ILR data. Thirty-five patients were enrolled, with mean age 70.3 ± 6.8 years and median follow-up 10 months (interquartile range 8–12 months). Implantable loop recorder analysis revealed 17 out of 35 patients (49%) had recurrence of AF/AT. Compared with ILR recurrence, wearable-derived elevations in HR ≥ 110 beats per minute had a sensitivity of 95.3%, specificity 54.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 15.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) 99.2%, and overall accuracy 57.4%. With PPG-recorded HR elevation spikes (non-exercise related), the sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity 62.2%, PPV 39.2%, NPV 92.3%, and overall accuracy 64.0% in the entire patient cohort. In the AF/AT recurrence only group, sensitivity was 87.6%, specificity 68.3%, PPV 53.6%, NPV 93.0%, and overall accuracy 75.0%.

Conclusion

Consumer wearable devices have the potential to contribute to arrhythmia detection after AF ablation.

Study Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05037136 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05037136
Validation and comparison of 2D grading scales and 3D volumetric measurements for outcome assessment of bone-grafted alveolar clefts in children
Authors: Lemberger Mathias , Benchimol Daniel , Pegelow Marie , Jacobs Reinhilde , Karsten Agneta
Published: February 2024

Background

Several methods have been proposed to assess outcome of bone-grafted alveolar clefts on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), but so far these methods have not been compared and clinically validated.

Objectives

To validate and compare methods for outcome assessment of bone-grafted clefts with CBCT and provide recommendations for follow-up.

Methods

In this observational follow-up study, two grading scales (Suomalainen; Liu) and the volumetric bone fill (BF) were used to assess the outcome of 23 autogenous bone-grafted unilateral alveolar clefts. The mean age at bone grafting was 9 years. The volumetric BF was assessed in five vertical sections. The bone-grafted cleft outcome was based on a binary coding (success or regraft) on a clinical multidisciplinary expert consensus meeting. Grading scales and volumetric assessment were compared in relation to the bone-grafted cleft outcome (success or regraft). Reliability for the different outcome variables was analyzed with intra-class correlation and by calculating kappa values.

Limitations

The study had a limited sample size. Clinical CBCT acquisitions had a varying tube current and exposure time.

Results

Volumetric 3D measurements allowed for outcome assessment of bone-grafted alveolar clefts with high reliability and validity. The two grading scales showed highly reliable outcomes, yet the validity was high for the Suomalainen grading scale but low for the Liu grading scale.

Conclusions

Volumetric 3D measurement as well as the Suomalainen grading can be recommended for outcome assessment of the bone-grafted cleft. Yet, one must always make a patient-specific assessment if there is a need to regraft.
To be or not to be: orb, the fusome and oocyte specification in Drosophila
Authors: Barr Justinn , Diegmiller Rocky , Colonnetta Megan M , Ke Wenfan , Imran Alsous Jasmin , Stern Tomer , Shvartsman Stanislav Y , Schedl Paul
Published: February 2024

In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, two cells in a cyst of 16 interconnected cells have the potential to become the oocyte, but only one of these will assume an oocyte fate as the cysts transition through regions 2a and 2b of the germarium. The mechanism of specification depends on a polarized microtubule network, a dynein dependent Egl:BicD mRNA cargo complex, a special membranous structure called the fusome and its associated proteins, and the translational regulator orb. In this work, we have investigated the role of orb and the fusome in oocyte specification. We show here that specification is a stepwise process. Initially, orb mRNAs accumulate in the two pro-oocytes in close association with the fusome. This association is accompanied by the activation of the orb autoregulatory loop, generating high levels of Orb. Subsequently, orb mRNAs become enriched in only one of the pro-oocytes, the presumptive oocyte, and this is followed, with a delay, by Orb localization to the oocyte. We find that fusome association of orb mRNAs is essential for oocyte specification in the germarium, is mediated by the orb 3′ UTR, and requires Orb protein. We also show that the microtubule minus end binding protein Patronin functions downstream of orb in oocyte specification. Finally, in contrast to a previously proposed model for oocyte selection, we find that the choice of which pro-oocyte becomes the oocyte does not seem to be predetermined by the amount of fusome material in these two cells, but instead depends upon a competition for orb gene products.
Special Alternating Knots Are Band Prime
Authors: Boninger Joe , Evan Greene Joshua
Published: February 2024

We prove that a special alternating knot does not decompose as a non-trivial band sum. This restricts concordances from special alternating knots, and we conjecture that special alternating knots are ribbon concordance minimal. We verify our conjecture in many cases. This work is motivated by another conjecture of Owens and the second author, which posits that the set of alternating knots is downward closed under ribbon concordance.
Range expansion of a declining forest species, the Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus), into semiarid woodland
Authors: Sultaire Sean M , Montgomery Robert A , Jackson Patrick J , Millspaugh Joshua J
Published: February 2024

Globally, animals that are range-restricted are frequently becoming species of conservation concern, in part due to competitive exclusion by phylogenetically and ecologically similar species that are more tolerant of human disturbance. However, climate and land use changes to natural landscapes can create pockets of refugia for range-restricted species. Western gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus) are native to the west coast of North America, principally California and western Oregon. Over the past several decades, Western Gray Squirrel populations have declined in human-dominated areas, with increased competition from introduced congeneric species native to eastern North America cited as a primary driver. Despite declines in their established range west of the Pacific Crest in western North America, western gray squirrels are extending their range into the Great Basin, where they were not historically found. Using a network of remote camera traps deployed across the Sierra Nevada–Great Basin ecotone in northwestern Nevada, we detected western gray squirrels across 16 of 100 camera-trapping sites. The majority of detections were located in piñon–juniper woodland, a land cover type not previously occupied by this species. Occupancy modeling revealed that western gray squirrels were equally likely to occur in piñon–juniper woodland compared to mature pine forest that they occupy elsewhere in their range. A species distribution model parameterized with historical gray squirrel observations (pre-1950), indicated increased climatic suitability for the species on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in recent decades, which may have facilitated this range expansion. Our findings reveal the potential for species declining in their historical range to colonize novel habitats that become increasingly suitable as a result of human-driven changes to ecosystems.
‘Unleash the tiger within your soul’: Interplays among professionalism, socializing discourses, and work–life management in adventure work
Authors: Coker Michael C , Godager Emily A , Pink Kari J
Published: February 2024

Socializing messages shape individuals’ perceptions of professionalism and meaningful work. For individuals in the USA, many anticipatory socialization messages consist of normative notions of work; socializing discourses often draw from dominant ideologies. However, not all workers align their understandings and enactments of work with socializing discourses and/or dominant ideologies. This study draws on 14 interviews with adventure workers (AWs) to examine how socializing messages interplay with their conceptualizations of meaningful work and professionalism, as well as take shape in their work–life management. AWs simultaneously resisted and retooled professionalism depending on the value they associated with work, illuminating ways that professionalism can be a resource and constraint in particular contexts. Our findings illustrate how AWs’ perceptions of work–life management, notions of meaningfulness, and enactments of professionalism are co-constituted. We situate our findings alongside work–life scholarship and call for future investigations of the interplay between meaningfulness and professionalism in nonnormative work.
Evaluation of the Pedagogical Impact of “Traum’Cast” Podcast: A Pilot Study Based on Metacognition
Authors: Pouessel Kafka Tara , Soniak Claire , Benbrika Widad , Vacher Antony , Boutonnet Mathieu , Martinez Thibault
Published: February 2024

Introduction

With the evolution of educational tools, the French Military medical service has created a podcast program, Traum’Cast, about the principles of war medicine, accessible online for free.

Method

Our objective was to measure the learning effect of the Traum’Cast program’s first episode. A non-randomized pilot trial between July and December 2021 included 80 health care providers: 40 in the video podcast group compared to 40 in a group reading a pdf file providing the same information. Using a 10 MCQs, we evaluated knowledge acquisition before, just after, and 2 weeks after the intervention. It was measured using metacognition tools based on confidence marking (number of correct answers, score weighted by certainty level, and realism).

Results

Knowledge acquisition was better in the podcast group than in the pdf file group immediately after the intervention (correct answers: 9.0 [9.0–10.0] vs 9.0 [7.8–9.0], P = 0.015; weighted score: 177.0 [159.0–198.0] vs 160.0 [129.5–176.5], P = 0.020). This difference was persistent 2 weeks after (weighted score: 127.5 [101.8–145.2] vs 105.5 [74.2–128.5], P = 0.023).

Conclusion

This podcast is an innovative teaching tool which has proven to strengthen the knowledge of the principles of war medicine.
Lymphoproliferative disorder progressing after partial remission following immunosuppressive drugs withdrawal in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fukumoto Kazuo , Watanabe Ryu , Tsutsumi Minako , Takakuwa Teruhito , Miyamoto Masafumi , Hayashi Noriyuki , Yamada Shinsuke , Furumitsu Yutaka , Hino Masayuki , Hashimoto Motomu
Published: February 2024

Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) are serious complications that arise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs). Here, we reported a 73-year-old woman diagnosed with RA at 60 years of age and treated with methotrexate, bucillamine, prednisolone, and infliximab. She was referred to our hospital, Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital, with general malaise, pancytopenia, a right adrenal mass, and enlarged periaortic lymph nodes. Epstein–Barr virus was detected in serum. We suspected LPD development and performed a bone marrow biopsy, on which no malignant cells could be detected. Upon ISDs withdrawal, her symptoms and blood counts improved, and the right adrenal mass and enlarged lymph nodes regressed. The patient was followed up for clinical LPD. However, 7 months after the initial visit to our hospital, she developed fever and pancytopenia. A repeat bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Epstein–Barr virus–positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma complicated by haemophagocytic syndrome. After pulse steroid therapy, the patient received rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone therapy, which resulted in a complete response. In conclusion, when LPDs develop in patients with RA during ISD treatment, LPDs can progress and complicate haemophagocytic syndrome after partial remission following ISDs withdrawal. Therefore, we should carefully follow up RA patients with LPDs, and aim to achieve an early diagnosis of LPD and promptly initiate chemotherapy.
Pan-transcriptomic analysis reveals alternative splicing control of cold tolerance in rice
Authors: Zhong Yuanyuan , Luo Yuhong , Sun Jinliang , Qin Xuemei , Gan Ping , Zhou Zuwen , Qian Yongqing , Zhao Rupeng , Zhao Zhiyuan , Cai Wenguo , Luo Jijing , Chen Ling-Ling , Song Jia-Ming
Published: February 2024

Plants have evolved complex mechanisms to adapt to harsh environmental conditions. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food crop that is sensitive to low temperatures. However, its cold stress responses remain poorly understood, thus limiting possibilities for crop engineering to achieve greater cold tolerance. In this study, we constructed a rice pan-transcriptome and characterized its transcriptional regulatory landscape in response to cold stress. We performed Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq of 11 rice cultivars subjected to a time-course cold treatment. Our analyses revealed that alternative splicing-regulated gene expression plays a significant role in the cold stress response. Moreover, we identified CATALASE C (OsCATC) and Os03g0701200 as candidate genes for engineering enhanced cold tolerance. Importantly, we uncovered central roles for the 2 serine-arginine-rich proteins OsRS33 and OsRS2Z38 in cold tolerance. Our analysis of cold tolerance and resequencing data from a diverse collection of 165 rice cultivars suggested that OsRS2Z38 may be a key selection gene in japonica domestication for cold adaptation, associated with the adaptive evolution of rice. This study systematically investigated the distribution, dynamic changes, and regulatory mechanisms of alternative splicing in rice under cold stress. Overall, our work generates a rich resource with broad implications for understanding the genetic basis of cold response mechanisms in plants.
The Myb73–GDPD2–GA2ox1 transcriptional regulatory module confers phosphate deficiency tolerance in soybean
Authors: Hu Dandan , Cui Ruifan , Wang Ke , Yang Yuming , Wang Ruiyang , Zhu Hongqing , He Mengshi , Fan Yukun , Wang Le , Wang Li , Chu Shanshan , Zhang Jinyu , Zhang Shanshan , Yang Yifei , Zhai Xuhao , Lü Haiyan , Zhang Dandan , Wang Jinshe , Kong Fanjiang , Yu Deyue , Zhang Hengyou , Zhang Dan
Published: February 2024

Phosphorus is indispensable in agricultural production. An increasing food supply requires more efficient use of phosphate due to limited phosphate resources. However, how crops regulate phosphate efficiency remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a major quantitative trait locus, qPE19, that controls 7 low-phosphate (LP)-related traits in soybean (Glycine max) through linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies. We identified the gene responsible for qPE19 as GLYCEROPHOSPHORYL DIESTER PHOSPHODIESTERASE2 (GmGDPD2), and haplotype 5 represents the optimal allele favoring LP tolerance. Overexpression of GmGDPD2 significantly affects hormone signaling and improves root architecture, phosphate efficiency and yield-related traits; conversely, CRISPR/Cas9-edited plants show decreases in these traits. GmMyb73 negatively regulates GmGDPD2 by directly binding to its promoter; thus, GmMyb73 negatively regulates LP tolerance. GmGDPD2 physically interacts with GA 2-oxidase 1 (GmGA2ox1) in the plasma membrane, and overexpressing GmGA2ox1 enhances LP-associated traits, similar to GmGDPD2 overexpression. Analysis of double mutants for GmGDPD2 and GmGA2ox1 demonstrated that GmGDPD2 regulates LP tolerance likely by influencing auxin and gibberellin dose-associated cell division in the root. These results reveal a regulatory module that plays a major role in regulating LP tolerance in soybeans and is expected to be utilized to develop phosphate-efficient varieties to enhance soybean production, particularly in phosphate-deficient soils.
Reflections on the ABC model of flower development
Authors: Bowman John L , Moyroud Edwige
Published: February 2024

The formulation of the ABC model by a handful of pioneer plant developmental geneticists was a seminal event in the quest to answer a seemingly simple question: how are flowers formed? Fast forward 30 years and this elegant model has generated a vibrant and diverse community, capturing the imagination of developmental and evolutionary biologists, structuralists, biochemists and molecular biologists alike. Together they have managed to solve many floral mysteries, uncovering the regulatory processes that generate the characteristic spatio-temporal expression patterns of floral homeotic genes, elucidating some of the mechanisms allowing ABC genes to specify distinct organ identities, revealing how evolution tinkers with the ABC to generate morphological diversity, and even shining a light on the origins of the floral gene regulatory network itself. Here we retrace the history of the ABC model, from its genesis to its current form, highlighting specific milestones along the way before drawing attention to some of the unsolved riddles still hidden in the floral alphabet.