bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cure for murine sickle cell disease through stable mixed chimerism and tolerance induction after nonmyeloablative conditioning and major histocompatibility complex–mismatched bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Kean Leslie S. , Durham Megan M. , Adams Andrew B. , Hsu Lewis L. , Perry Jennifer R. , Dillehay Dirck , Pearson Thomas C. , Waller Edmund K. , Larsen Christian P. , Archer David R.
Published: July 2002

The morbidity and mortality associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion, and progressive multiorgan damage. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is currently the only curative therapy; however, toxic myeloablative preconditioning and barriers to allotransplantation limit this therapy to children with major SCD complications and HLA-matched donors. In trials of myeloablative BMT designed to yield total marrow replacement with donor stem cells, a subset of patients developed mixed chimerism. Importantly, these patients showed resolution of SCD complications. This implies that less toxic preparative regimens, purposefully yielding mixed chimerism after transplantation, may be sufficient to cure SCD without the risks of myeloablation. To rigorously test this hypothesis, we used a murine model for SCD to investigate whether nonmyeloablative preconditioning coupled with tolerance induction could intentionally create mixed chimerism and a clinical cure. We applied a well-tolerated, nonirradiation-based, allogeneic transplantation protocol using nonmyeloablative preconditioning (low-dose busulfan) and costimulation blockade (CTLA4-Ig and anti-CD40L) to produce mixed chimerism and transplantation tolerance to fully major histocompatibility complex–mismatched donor marrow. Chimeric mice were phenotypically cured of SCD and had normal RBC morphology and hematologic indices (hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte, and white blood cell counts) without evidence of graft versus host disease. Importantly, they also showed normalization of characteristic spleen and kidney pathology. These experiments demonstrate the ability to produce a phenotypic cure for murine SCD using a nonmyeloablative protocol with fully histocompatibility complex–mismatched donors. They suggest a future treatment strategy for human SCD patients that reduces the toxicity of conventional BMT and expands the use of allotransplantation to non–HLA-matched donors.
Dental Coverage and Care When Transitioning From Medicaid to Medicare
Authors: Elani Hawazin W. , Sommers Benjamin D. , Yuan Dan , Kawachi Ichiro , Rosenthal Meredith B. , Tipirneni Renuka
Published: November 2024

Importance

Millions of adults with low incomes lose Medicaid eligibility when transitioning to Medicare at age 65 years. However, it remains unclear how this transition is associated with dental care.

Objective

To examine the consequences of transitions from Medicaid to Medicare on coverage and use of dental services.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional data from the Health and Retirement Study from 2014 to 2020 and a regression discontinuity design were used to compare changes in outcomes before and after turning age 65 years among a population likely to be Medicaid-eligible before age 65 years. The sample included adults aged 50 to 90 years who had not attended college in 28 states.

Exposure

Transitions from Medicaid to Medicare at age 65 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, dual coverage, private, and uninsurance), dental coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, private, or none), and having a dental visit and out-of-pocket dental spending during the previous 2 years.

Results

Of the 15 837 study participants, 9510 (56.2% weighted) were female, 6984 (28.7% weighted) were Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals of other race (including American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals), and 8853 (71.3% weighted) were White; the mean (SD) age was 69.2 (10.3) years. Turning age 65 years was associated with an increase in Medicare coverage in states with Medicaid dental benefits (66.5 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, 58.3-74.7) and those without dental benefits (67.8 pp; 95% CI, 52.6-83.0). There was a concurrent reduction in private coverage, Medicaid, and uninsured rates. For dental outcomes, in states providing Medicaid dental benefits, turning age 65 years was associated with a 13.1-pp decrease in the likelihood of dental coverage (95% CI, 10.7-15.5), largely due to the loss of Medicaid dental coverage. Among adults reporting being Black, Hispanic, or other race, there was a 3.9-pp decline in dental visits during the previous 2 years (95% CI, −6.1 to −1.7). In states without Medicaid dental benefits, turning age 65 years was associated with no change in the likelihood of dental coverage and a 15.6-pp increase in dental visits (95% CI, 6.3-25.0). Out-of-pocket dental spending decreased in both groups of states (−13.0% [95% CI, −24.2 to −0.1] and −19.2% [95% CI, −33.6 to −1.6], respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that transitioning from Medicaid to Medicare at age 65 years was associated with a lower level of dental coverage and may increase barriers to accessing dental care for beneficiaries who had Medicaid dental coverage before age 65 years. However, for adults living in states without Medicaid dental benefits, the transition was associated with increased use of dental services and no change in overall dental coverage rates.
COVID-19 Pandemic Coping, Social Support, and Emotional Health in American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples
Authors: Haskins Cole , Noonan Carolyn , Collier Ann , MacLehose Richard , Buchwald Dedra , Manson Spero M.
Published: November 2024

Importance

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a burden on the health of many people, including significant disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Objective

This study examines the associations between coping behaviors, social support, and emotional health among American Indian and Alaska Native peoples during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included survey data collected from November 2021 to May 2022 from American Indian and Alaska Native adults aged 18 years or older without dementia or other serious cognitive impairments who were seen at 6 urban health organizations primarily in urban settings (in New Mexico, Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Utah, and Kansas) in the year prior to the survey.

Exposures

Exposures of interest included avoidant and direct problem-solving coping behaviors and functional and emotional social support.

Main Outcome and Measures

The study outcome was self-reported change in emotional health since COVID-19 pandemic onset. Poisson regression was used to model adjusted multivariate associations. Data were weighted to account for age, nonresponse, and disproportionate representation by clinic population.

Results

A total of 1164 participants were included in the analysis, with a mean (SD) age of 42.5 (13.4) years; 830 (61%, weighted sample percentage) were female. Since COVID-19 pandemic onset, 465 patients (39% weighted) reported worsened emotional health. Problem-solving coping mean (SD) utilization score was 2.5 (0.5), avoidant coping mean (SD) utilization score was 2.3 (0.5), mean (SD) functional social support score was 11.4 (2.9), and 219 participants (18% weighted) reported that emotional support was always available. Using problem-solving coping skills was associated with better emotional health (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.54-0.81] for highest vs lowest tertile), as was always (vs never or rarely) getting emotional support (APR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.30-0.55) and having more functional support (APR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.87-0.92] per 1-unit increase in functional social support). In examination of psychological resilience potentially modifying primary exposure associations, no interactions were statistically significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of urban American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, problem-solving coping skills and more social support were associated with better emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings can be used to identify strengths-based approaches to support community emotional health during social upheavals.
Hybrid Energy Systems: Synergy Margin and Control Co‐Design
Authors: Garcia‐Sanz Mario
Published: November 2024

Extraordinary properties emerge from subsystems' interactions. Hybrid energy systems (HESs) are a promising concept that could change the renewable energy landscape. By co‐designing generation, storage, and conversion technologies, HESs can provide new electrical power services, increase grid stability and control authority, and generate energy and/or nonenergy products such as electricity, hydrogen, ammonia, heat, digital data, or fresh water. This article discusses some conditions the co‐design of HESs should follow to optimize the combined system (synergy), avoiding deterioration (dysfunction). It introduces some technoeconomic synergy conditions, develops a synergy margin, and analyses several case studies, exploring also the control co‐design methodology to optimize synergistically the hybrid system.
Liquid Metal Chemical Plating Rheological Modification Method for Magnetic Metal Materials
Authors: Luo Zheng , Zhou Xiao‐Ping
Published: November 2024

Liquid metal (LM)‐based magnetic fluids have attracted attention due to their rapid magnetic response, flexibility, and maneuverability. However, the nonwettability at the interface between metal particles and LM due to surface energy mismatch makes it challenging for metal particles to penetrate the LM oxide layer. Here, a strategy for mixing magnetic iron particles into LM through a reactive wetting mechanism is proposed. To address the inherent nonwettability at the interface between Fe particles and LM, FeGa2O4 is synthesized as a shell of Fe particles to enhance compatibility between Fe particles and LM. In particular, the wetting behavior of the FeGa2O4 shell on the interface between Fe@FeGa2O4 and LM is explained and validated based on the contact angle theory and density functional theory. Moreover, the mixture of Fe@FeGa2O4 particles into the LM enhances the rheological properties of the composite, effectively overcomes the inherent limitation of the low mechanical strength of LM, and improves the magnetic, electrical, and thermal properties of LM. Furthermore, studies on the adhesion mechanism of LM composites indicate that Fe@FeGa2O4 particles carrying more oxides into LM are crucial factors for adhesion. Given these notable advantages, LM‐based magnetic composites have shown tremendous potential in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and lightweight LM thermal interface materials.
Self‐Powered UV Photodetectors With Ultrahigh Performance Enabled by Graphene Oxide‐Modulated CuI Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Cen Baofen , Wang Yabing , Zhang Hongrong , Mao Mingfen , Wang Tengfei , Liu Kaixiang , Li Qinghong , Zhang Jing , Luo Shengyun , Luo Guangcan
Published: November 2024

The hole transport layer (HTL) with a function of charge extraction and transport plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs). Herein, a CuI p‐type layer modified with graphene oxide (GO) is efficiently employed as the hole extractor for UV PDs based on ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs). The UV PD fabricated on FTO/ZnO NRs/CuI@GO/Au architecture exhibits exceptional performance characteristics including remarkably high responsivity (up to 387 mA W−1), significant specific detectivity (1.7 × 1013 cm Hz1/2 W−1), and rapid rise/decay time (23/16 ns) under self‐powered mode. The presence of GO effectively adsorbs and aggregates CuI nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of compact films and reduction in surface trap defects. Furthermore, owing to the strong electronegativity of GO terminated oxygen‐containing groups, the work function and band structure of CuI are further optimized, which strengthens the built‐in electric field of the ZnO/CuI heterojunction. Meanwhile, the pyroelectric effect of CuI that obstructs the hole transport is suppressed with the addition of GO. These improvements not only improve charge separation and hole extraction efficiencies but also significantly mitigate surface nonradiative charge recombination. This approach provides a novel strategy for optimizing CuI as an immense potential HTL with GO modulation.
Long‐Term In Vivo Fluorescence Analyses and Imaging‐Guided Tumor Surgery in the Second Near‐Infrared Window Using a Supramolecular Metallacage
Authors: Qin Yi , Niu Niu , Li Xue , Yan Xueke , Lu Shuai , Li Zhikai , Gui Yixiong , Zhu Jun‐Long , Xu Lin , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2024

Long‐term in vivo fluorescence analysis is growing into a sparkling frontier in gaining deep insights into various biological processes. Exploration of such fluorophores with high performance still remains an appealing yet significantly challenging task. In this study, we have elaborately integrated a second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) emissive fluorophore with the metal Pt into a self‐assembled prism‐like metallacage M‐DBTP, which enables the intravital long‐term tracking of the metal Pt through NIR‐II fluorescence imaging technologies. In addition, the intravital bioimaging of the metallacage‐loaded nanoparticles (NPs) indicated an extraordinary photographic performance on the mice blood vessels and the rapid clearance of M‐DBTP NPs from the blood within 7 h. The subsequent transfer to the bones and the retention of NPs in the bone marrow region for up to 35 days was revealed by long‐term fluorescence analysis, which was confirmed by the distribution and metabolism of Pt through an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. Moreover, the bright emission of M‐DBTP NPs in the NIR‐II region enables them to well perform on fluorescence imaging‐guided tumor surgery.
Analysis of Herbal Constituents and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of Gegen–Huangqi Decoction in Rat Plasma Using HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS and HPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS
Authors: Xu Zhou , Wang Linwei , Liu Huan , Tian Xiaoting , Wang Yangyang , Xu Haibo , Chen Shuoji , Chen Mingcang , Hu Pei , Huang Chenggang
Published: November 2024

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, gegen–huangqi (GH) decoction, has been employed for over 200 years, notably for its therapeutic effects in treating conditions such as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Despite its long‐standing use, comprehensive studies on the chemical constituents of GH and their in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) remain limited. This study aimed to profile the bioactive compounds present in GH decoction and to explore their PK characteristics using HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS. Furthermore, a robust and validated analytical method was developed and applied to assess the PK of 11 plasma compounds using HPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS. In total, 79 components were identified within the GH decoction. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed distinct absorption and elimination profiles for compounds such as puerarin, daidzin, genistin, calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, and ononin, which exhibited profiles of quick absorption and excretion. Conversely, compounds such as daidzein, formononetin, genistein, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV, and calycosin showed more complex in vivo metabolic patterns, leading to multipeak concentration‐time curves. All compounds, except astragalosides II and IV, were found to undergo significant hepatic clearance. These findings provide valuable insights into the pharmacokinetic behavior of GH decoction, which lays the foundation for further quality control, pharmacological exploration, and potential clinical application of this traditional remedy.
Positive During COVID‐19: Women Academics' Strategies for Flourishing During a Pandemic
Authors: Lanka Evelyn , Marsh‐Davies Katy , Anderson Deirdre
Published: November 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to far‐reaching detrimental impacts, with challenges weighted toward women, who experience a double‐burden of paid work and care/domestic work. Professional lives were enacted in new spaces, as many were ordered to work from home. This was particularly testing for women, who found themselves servicing additional expectations each day, such as complex relational work and home‐schooling. For many, this caused stress, damage to career, and strained relationships. Yet, as women academics, we were surprised to see that some of our peers were reporting they had positive experiences during lockdowns. Drawing on interview data from 23 women academics based in the United Kingdom, we found that participants did not report damage to their professional identities; indeed, in some cases the pandemic provided new ways to expand academic identities, for example through skill development and international networking. Furthermore, participants reported the pandemic as a chance to choose how to focus their energies, withdrawing from relationships and activities that did not contribute to the achievement of the selves they sought to become and capitalising on those that did. This paper is therefore valuable in revealing the techniques and resources (narrative and otherwise) that can enable women to report positive experiences, even when facing adversity.
Unveiling the Relationships Between Household Labor and Maternal Well‐Being
Authors: Bennett Meghan M. , Oswald Debra L. , Kaugars Astrīda S.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we investigated whether mothers' engagement in household labor, and perceptions of their own and partner's increased household labor, relate to maternal well‐being (burnout and flourishing) and mental health (anxiety and depression). Mothers of children under the age of 18 (N = 213) completed online questionnaires. Mothers' total time spent on household labor was associated with increased odds of having clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression and lower levels of flourishing. Similarly, mothers' perceptions that they had increased their household labor was associated with burnout and increased odds of having clinically significant levels of anxiety. However, perceptions that one's partner/other adult had increased their labor was associated with mothers' lower levels of burnout, lower odds of having clinically significant anxiety, and more flourishing. These findings can assist with providing support for mothers and improving their well‐being. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of Post Myocardial Infarct Ventricular Septal Rupture After Surgical Patch Dehiscence
Authors: Varma Puneet , Ferrari Cristina , Gennari Marco , De Marco Federico
Published: November 2024

Post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (MI‐VSR) is a dreaded complication, closure of which is extremely challenging. We here describe a case which was surgically closed after 10 days but had a failure needing continuous intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) support and was subsequently closed percutaneously with a Post MI‐VSR device.
Edoxaban Monotherapy and Incidence of Transcatheter Heart Valve Leaflet Thrombosis — The Rotterdam Edoxaban (REDOX) Study
Authors: Adrichem Rik , van Wiechen Maarten P. , Knol Wiebe G. , Hokken Thijmen W. , Ooms Joris F. , van den Dorpel Mark M. P. , Verhemel Sarah , Kardys Isabella , Nuis Rutger‐Jan , Daemen Joost , Hirsch Alexander , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Trials comparing non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) versus antiplatelet‐based strategies have shown a reduction of subclinical leaflet thrombosis at the cost of increased mortality and major‐bleedings. NOACs were often combined with antiplatelet therapy.

Aims

The Rotterdam Edoxaban (REDOX) study aimed to evaluate the impact of edoxaban monotherapy on the incidence of hypo‐attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and reduced leaflet motion (RLM) and to evaluate safety in terms of mortality, thromboembolic events and major bleeding.

Methods

The REDOX study is a single‐arm, open‐label trial including patients after successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with no formal indication for oral anticoagulation or dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients received edoxaban monotherapy for 3 months, followed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of HALT. Clinical follow‐up continued up to 1 year after TAVI.

Results

We included 58 patients, of which 50 reached study completion including MSCT scanning and eight withdrew consent before end of study. At 3‐months follow‐up, HALT of any grade was detected in 12.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.0%–23.1%) of patients. HALT grade ≥ 3 occurred in 4.0% (95% CI: 0.8%–12.2%) of patients. At 1 year follow‐up, all patients were alive and free of disabling strokes. Three patients had a non‐disabling stroke and one patient had a major bleeding.

Conclusions

In the REDOX study, edoxaban monotherapy after TAVI was associated with a 12.0% incidence of any HALT and a 4.0% incidence of HALT grade ≥ 3. HALT was not associated with clinical events.
Dupilumab‐Induced Erythrodermic Psoriasiform Dermatitis in Chronic Actinic Dermatitis: Case Report and Innovative Treatment Approach
Authors: Khodeir Joe , Habre Maya
Published: November 2024

The off‐label use of dupilumab has proven to be an effective treatment option for severe chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD). We present the first case of CAD presenting with dupilumab‐induced erythrodermic psoriasiform dermatitis. A modified, spaced dupilumab dosing regimen, combined with cyclosporine, successfully managed both conditions, offering a promising strategy for managing dupilumab adverse effects while maintaining control over chronic actinic dermatitis.
A Case of Recurrent Pemphigus Foliaceus Following Noncompliance to Medication
Authors: Ali Masab , Ahmad Muhammad Husnain , Imran Ali , Ahmad Uswa , Naseer Ahmad Rehan
Published: November 2024

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder requiring consistent immunosuppressive therapy for management. A 66‐year‐old male with a history of PF presented with worsening blisters and erosions after discontinuing medication. The patient had flaccid bullae and erosions on the face, scalp, chest, and back. Histopathology confirmed PF. Treatment with oral prednisolone, azathioprine, and reinitiation of dexamethasone‐cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) therapy led to disease remission. This case underscores the importance of adherence to immunosuppressive therapy in PF management. It also highlights the role of affordable treatment regimens in ensuring patient compliance and successful outcomes.
Analysis of Free Oligosaccharides in Urine by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sharer J. Daniel , Huang Rongrong , Wood Timothy , Huffman Paula , Yan Yang , Zimmerman Chelsea , Pollard Laura
Published: November 2024

Oligosaccharidoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders characterized by abnormal storage and excretion of incompletely processed glycan structures. As with other inherited metabolic disorders, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are essential for optimizing outcomes. Biochemical investigation of suspected oligosaccharidoses has traditionally included thin layer chromatography to detect the presence of disease‐specific free oligosaccharides in urine; however, this qualitative method has long been known to have limited sensitivity and specificity. In this unit, a quantitative technique for measuring oligosaccharides utilizing high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry is described, which provides substantial improvements over other methods, in terms of sensitivity and specificity; moreover, it is relatively inexpensive, accessible, and requires significantly less time, effort, sample volume, and reagents to perform. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Analysis of urinary FOS by HPLC–MS/MS
The Influence of Patient‐, Site‐, and Implant‐Related Factors on Marginal Bone Levels of Dental Implants in a Rural Population in China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Khehra Anahat , Zannar Ossi , Samet Nachum , Levin Liran
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Limited research is available on implant treatment outcomes in rural populations. This may be due to the presence of various barriers, such as access to oral health care, resources, health literacy, and education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of patient‐, site‐, and implant‐related factors on marginal bone levels of dental implants in a rural population in China.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using data from a private dental office. Subjects included in this study received dental implants as part of their routine dental treatment. Information on age, gender, smoking status, diabetes, heart disease, jaw location, restorative type, loading protocol, survival rate, implant length, and diameter was collected. Marginal bone loss was recorded as the largest value at either the mesial or distal aspect on peri‐apical radiographs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed along with linear regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 428 implants were placed in 90 subjects over an average follow‐up period of 453 days. No implant failures were recorded. The average marginal bone loss was 0.10 mm, with 80.6% of implants showing no marginal bone loss. The extent of marginal bone loss was greater in the mandible (0.13 ± 0.25) than in the maxilla (0.08 ± 0.19). An increase in implant diameter by 1 mm resulted in 0.08 mm of marginal bone loss, indicating wider diameter implants are associated with more bone loss. Age was also positively correlated with marginal bone loss, increasing by 0.002 mm per year. No differences were found for gender, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, restoration type, and immediate loading.

Conclusions

Dental implant therapy in a rural Chinese population demonstrated high survival rates and minimal marginal bone loss. Factors such as age, implant location, and diameter influenced bone loss. This study fills a critical gap in understanding implant outcomes specifically within rural settings, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to enhance patient access and care in these communities. Further research is needed to explore these relationships and assess implant outcomes in rural populations.
Design of a Novel CMOS Transimpedance Amplifier Based on a Current Mirror
Authors: Shaaban Aya M. , Sharroush Sherif M. , Abdalla Yasser , Nafea Sherif F.
Published: November 2024

The transimpedance amplifier (TIA) is an essential component in optical communication systems. It converts the photodiode current to a voltage for further processing. In this paper, a novel CMOS current‐mirror‐based TIA is proposed. Its suitability to optical communication systems is verified. The current‐mirror topology is chosen due to its low input resistance and highly linear current amplification. The proposed TIA employs negative feedback and shunt‐inductive peaking to extend the bandwidth. Three configurations of the shunt‐inductive peaking are explored: one with passive inductors and two with active inductors. The proposed TIA is verified by simulation using the 45‐nm CMOS technology with a 1‐V supply and 1‐pF photodiode capacitance with the key performance trade‐offs discussed. A figure of merit (FoM) is introduced to evaluate the performance of the proposed TIA. The simulation results of the proposed TIA with passive inductors show a gain of 30.6 dB, a 3‐dB bandwidth of 2.8 GHz, and a power consumption of 1.63 mW, with an input‐referred noise current of 23.55 pA/√Hz.
A Next Generation of Hierarchical Bayesian Analyses of Hybrid Zones Enables Model‐Based Quantification of Variation in Introgression in R
Authors: Gompert Zachariah , DeRaad Devon A. , Buerkle C. Alex
Published: November 2024

Hybrid zones, where genetically distinct groups of organisms meet and interbreed, offer valuable insights into the nature of species and speciation. Here, we present a new R package, bgchm, for population genomic analyses of hybrid zones. This R package extends and updates the existing bgc software and combines Bayesian analyses of hierarchical genomic clines with Bayesian methods for estimating hybrid indexes, interpopulation ancestry proportions, and geographic clines. Compared to existing software, bgchm offers enhanced efficiency through Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampling and the ability to work with genotype likelihoods combined with a hierarchical Bayesian approach, enabling inference for diverse types of genetic data sets. The package also facilitates the quantification of introgression patterns across genomes, which is crucial for understanding reproductive isolation and speciation genetics. We first describe the models underlying bgchm and then provide an overview of the R package and illustrate its use through the analysis of simulated and empirical data sets. We show that bgchm generates accurate estimates of model parameters under a variety of conditions, especially when the genetic loci analyzed are highly ancestry informative. This includes relatively robust estimates of genome‐wide variability in clines, which has not been the focus of previous models and methods. We also illustrate how both selection and genetic drift contribute to variability in introgression among loci and how additional information can be used to help distinguish these contributions. We conclude by describing the promises and limitations of bgchm, comparing bgchm to other software for genomic cline analyses, and identifying areas for fruitful future development.
State of the art and perspectives of gene therapy in heart failure. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC, the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Genomics and the ESC Working Group on Myocardial & Pericardial Diseases
Authors: Van Linthout Sophie , Stellos Konstantinos , Giacca Mauro , Bertero Edoardo , Cannata Antonio , Carrier Lucie , Garcia‐Pavia Pablo , Ghigo Alessandra , González Arantxa , Haugaa Kristina H. , Imazio Massimo , Lopes Luis R. , Most Patrick , Pollesello Piero , Schunkert Heribert , Streckfuss‐Bömeke Katrin , Thum Thomas , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Tschöpe Carsten , van der Meer Peter , van Rooij Eva , Metra Marco , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Heymans Stephane
Published: November 2024

Gene therapy has recently become a reality in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Strategies to modulate gene expression using antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNA are proving to be safe and effective in the clinic. Adeno‐associated viral vector‐based gene delivery and CRISPR‐Cas9‐based genome editing have emerged as efficient strategies for gene delivery and repair in humans. Overall, gene therapy holds the promise not only of expanding current treatment options, but also of intervening in previously untackled causal disease mechanisms with little side effects. This scientific statement provides a comprehensive overview of the various modalities of gene therapy used to treat heart failure and some of its risk factors, and their application in the clinical setting. It discusses specifically the possibilities of gene therapy for hereditary heart diseases and (non)‐genetic heart failure. Furthermore, it addresses safety and clinical trial design issues and challenges for future regulatory strategies.
Large‐Area Perovskite Solar Cells with PTAA/Ag Combination: Performance Evaluation of the Solar Cell via SCAPS 1D Simulation
Authors: Rana Naba Kumar , Das Tapas , Garg Parul , Bera Ashok , Guchhait Asim
Published: November 2024

Efficient and stable large‐area perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are essential for the translation of the technology. However, the fabrication of large‐area PSCs remains very challenging. Uniformity and homogeneity of different layers of a device over a large area are concerning issues. Poly[bis(4‐phenyl) (2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) amine] (PTAA) has shown excellency as a hole transport layer (HTL) due to its stability and homogeneity over large areas. This work focuses on large‐area (2.0 cm2) PSCs using PTAA as HTL with a device structure of FTO/m‐TiO2/RbCs(MAFA)PbI3/PTAA/Ag. This PSC yields a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.35% and retains 72% of the initial PCE even after 2000 h of storage in ambient conditions, which is optimistic for the translation of the technology. The uniformity of the PTAA layer over the large area and proper band alignment at interfaces result in good performance of PSCs. A numerical model is studied for further optimization of this PSC. A large‐area monolithic tandem PSC is demonstrated using RbCs (MAFA)PbI3/PTAA combination along with a low bandgap perovskite, yielding a PCE of 21.85% with a VOC of 1.83 V, which is quite significant for an active area of 2 cm2. Therefore, this research will aid success in developing effective and stable large‐area PSCs.
Stochastic stability analysis method for doubly fed generator sets considering random blade stress
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Bo , Wei Zhanhong , Li Qiangqiang
Published: November 2024

With the increasing capacity of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs), the diameter of the wind turbine is increasing, the blades are getting longer and longer, and in the process of power generation, the tower shadow effect as well as the role of wind shear are more obvious, and the random blade stresses caused by this is also getting bigger. Random blade stresses cause random and cyclic fluctuations in the power generated by the wind turbine, and power fluctuations often cause voltage flicker, which affects the control system and power quality. To address the impact of random blade stresses on the grid‐connected stability of DFIG, the results of the traditional stability analysis methods may be too conservative or lead to too high a dimensionality to be analyzed. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a grid‐connected stochastic stability analysis method for DFIG sets considering random blade stresses based on the stochastic averaging method under the Hamiltonian system. a stochastic dynamics model of the doubly fed wind farm was established by considering random blade stress. Subsequently, using the proposed generalized Hamiltonian principle, the model and energy functions in the proposed Hamiltonian form H, based on the stochastic averaging method (SAM), were established to obtain the system energy diffusion equation. Probability density function and regional stability probability were obtained from explicit expressions of the mean and regression square root processes. The drift and diffusion coefficients were obtained using the SAM, and the backward Kolmogorov equation was derived from the Ito equation to obtain the conditional reliability function and the probability density of the first crossing time. Finally, the effects of torque fluctuations with different stochastic intensities on the grid‐connected stability of doubly fed wind farms were investigated, and the effectiveness of the proposed generalized Hamiltonian SAM applied to the stochastic stability analysis of DFIG was verified by numerical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. This provides a theoretical foundation for analyzing the grid‐connected stability of DFIG affected by random blade stresses.
Advanced high‐precision methodology for assessing sediment erosion in Pelton turbine buckets
Authors: Qin Bei , Chang Xiao , Pang Jiayang , Yu Zhishun , Liu Jitao , Deng Wanquan , Zhang Li , Yao Bing , Liu Xiaobing
Published: November 2024

Developing highly accurate sediment erosion testing methods for Pelton turbine overflow components is challenging due to their irregularly curved surfaces. In this study, we designed a method to evaluate the sediment erosion of the Pelton turbine bucket using test blocks with an accuracy of 0.0001 g. In addition, we conducted sediment erosion tests on a model Pelton turbine and conducted an in‐depth study on the installation design of the turbine runner and bucket, the design of the erosion test blocks, and the arrangement; we analyzed sediment abrasion distribution on the bucket's working surface. Our test results show that the bucket splitter edge, as well as the root of the working surface, are heavily worn. The maximum erosion rate of the working face is 0.7669 μm/h, and the maximum erosion rate of the splitter edge is close to 5 μm/h, which is highly consistent with the distribution of sediment erosion observed in Pelton turbines operating under sandy river conditions. This test method is essential for examining sediment erosion in Pelton turbines.
Early Failure Diagnosis of Scraper Conveyor Gearboxes Based on DS Evidence Theory and Multimodal Data Fusion
Authors: Feng Long , Ding Zeyu , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Feng , Su Jin Peng , Wang Yang , Liu Xinye , Yin Yibing
Published: November 2024

A scraper conveyor is one of the important equipment to ensure reliable, efficient and stable mining and transportation of coal. As the most important transmission system of the scraper conveyor, the gearbox takes the role of transmitting power and torque. Due to the influence of working conditions in underground coal mines, the gear transmission system is often subject to the impact of nonuniform large loads, which is very prone to failures, and affected by environmental interference, it is difficult to detect the early abnormal signals of the scraper conveyor gearbox in the conventional industrial scenarios of fault monitoring methods. To ensure the stability and reliability of its work, this paper carries out the research on the multi‐parameter fusion of gearbox early fault diagnosis method under strong background noise interference. Aiming at the problem that the change of fluid physical and chemical characteristic parameters can reflect the early health condition of the gear transmission system and the single vibration signal is difficult to be extracted under the strong background noise, a model based on the fluid physical and chemical characteristic parameters and vibration signals is constructed by utilizing the RBF neural network and the Random Forest algorithm, and the body of evidence of the two models is fused at the decision‐making level through the DS evidence theory, which forms the fluid‐vibration multi‐parameter fusion judgment of the early fault diagnosis method of scraper conveyor gearbox. Through comparison, it is found that compared with the fusion methods, such as high‐dimensional variational self‐encoder, and single diagnosis methods, such as the Random Forest Algorithm, the method researched in this paper is more suitable for the early fault warning of the scraper conveyor gearbox of the well coal mine, and the experimental validation finds that the average accuracy rate of the early fault recognition can be up to 96.6%.
Wellbore Stability Prediction Model for Complex Reservoirs: Application to the Bozi Gas Field in the Tarim Basin
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Xian Chenggang , Zhang Hui , Yin Guoqing , Xu Ke , Wang Zhimin , Li Houjun , Shibo Zhong
Published: November 2024

The primary objective of this paper is to propose a method for predicting the safe mud weight window within the Bozi gas field situated in the Tarim Basin and establish a 3D wellbore stability model. The approach combines Mogi–Coulomb criterion using intermediate stress for wellbore shear failure. It considers rock shear breakdown in fracture pressure calculations and predicts reservoir shear slip with Jaeger criterion and drilling fluid invasion on the weak surface in calculating wellbore tensile failure. The study finds that instability in the well wall of this block is not solely due to the intermediate stress criterion or shear fracture of intact rock. Instead, during drilling with high‐density fluid, the weak surface (fracture) undergoes shear‐slip damage before intact rock. The collapse is a result of the interplay between bit replacement, dynamic drilling loads, and drilling fluid intrusion, causing tensile rupture on the weak surface and repeated fluid leakage. Analysis of wellbore instability in 16 wells within ultra‐deep complex formations shows that the collapse pressure prediction accuracy is 87.5%, and the loss pressure prediction accuracy is 93.7%. Compared to traditional methods, this approach is more accurate and practical, providing essential guidance for resolving wellbore instability issues in drilling operations. In conclusion, this paper introduces a novel and more precise method for predicting the safe mud weight window in the Bozi gas field.
Petrogenesis of Silurian Granitoids in the Western Segment of the North Qilian Accretionary Belt, China: Insights Into the Closure of the Northernmost Branch of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: He Weidong , Dong Yunpeng , Sun Jiaopeng , He Lei , Li Zonglin , Qi Yukun , Ye Kai , Wang Zhigang , Wang Teng
Published: November 2024

The North Qilian Accretionary Belt, situated at the northernmost extent of the Proto‐Tethys tectonic domain, preserves key tectonic events such as Proto‐Tethys Ocean subduction and accretion. Despite ongoing debates about the closure mechanisms and timing of the North Qilian Ocean, our study presents novel findings on granitoids from the Changma region in the western segment of the North Qilian Accretionary Belt. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates an emplacement age of 436 Ma for the Qingshixia pluton and 425 Ma for the Heixialao pluton. The ε

Hf
(t) values of the Qingshixia granodiorite range from +8.25 to +10.89, with TDM2 model ages estimated between 614 and 716 Ma. In contrast, the ε

Hf
(t) values of the Heixialao monzogranite range from +1.79 to +4.48, with TDM2 model ages spanning from 1127 to 1291 Ma. The Qingshixia granodiorite displays adakitic traits, characterised by high Sr, low Y, low Yb, and a low K2O/Na2O ratio, whilst the Heixialao monzogranite exhibits peraluminous, high‐potassium calc‐alkaline features. The low concentrations of Ni and Cr, along with moderate Mg# values, suggest that the Qingshixia granodiorite likely originated from the partial melting of a subducting slab. By comparison with experimental melts, the relatively low Rb/Ba and Rb/Sr ratios and higher zircon saturation temperatures of Heixialao monzogranite suggest that it may have formed from partial melting of the mafic middle and lower crust. Integrating these findings with regional geological features and differences between east and west segments, we propose that the western segment of the North Qilian Ocean basin may have closed during the Late Silurian, contributing to a diachronic closure process from east to west and offering insights into the tectonic evolution of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean.
Hypofractionated Accelerated Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer in Fragile Patients
Authors: Salvador Segado‐Guillot , María Jesús García‐Anaya , María Dolores Toledo‐Serrano , Ángel Calvo‐Tudela , Patricia Prieto‐Granados , María Dolores Torres‐Tabanera , José Antonio Medina‐Carmona , Jaime Gómez‐Millán
Published: November 2024

Background

Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for locally advanced non‐metastatic head and neck cancer. Elderly and frail patients cannot always tolerate this therapy and no clear guidelines exist for their treatment. This retrospective study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy for these patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 65 patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy, using a regimen of 57.5 Gy in 23 fractions of 2.5 Gy.

Results

Most patients completed the prescribed treatment. Overall survival at 2 and 5 years was 55% and 33%. Locoregional control at 2 and 5 years was 76% and 51%, respectively. Performance status was an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

This radiotherapy schedule was well tolerated, showing a high rate of locoregional control and shortening the overall treatment time. Prospective studies are necessary to establish the most effective treatment for frail patients.
Morphological and Histological Studies of the Bronchial and Parabronchial System of the White Pekin Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Moneam Alaa Abd El , El Sharaby Ashraf , Aboelnour Asmaa , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Nomir Ahmed G.
Published: November 2024

The present study aimed to provide comprehensive morphological features of the bronchial and parabronchial systems using cast, histological, histochemical, and scanning electron microscopy techniques, with new insights into the parabronchial topographic distribution system on 22 white Pekin ducks. Casting illustrated that the medioventral secondary bronchi (MVSB) were the largest, but the posterior (POSB) ones were the smallest. The primary (PB) and secondary bronchi (SB) were lined with thin pseudostratified, ciliated columnar epithelium. PB contained discontinuous hyaline cartilage plates interconnected by a membrane of fibrous CT with chondrocytes, while SB had mucous glands. There were two types of hexagonal parabronchi with different lumen shapes: circular in neopulmonic and longitudinal in paleopulmonic. The parabronchi had numerous atria opened into the lumen and guarded by different directed muscles: horizontal in the neopulmonic and vertical or horizontal in the paleopulmonic. The atria were lined with squamous to cuboidal cells, forming the interatrial septum (IAS). A funnel atrial duct connecting the atrium to the infundibulum can be branched. The air capillaries were nearby, at a very short distance from the blood capillaries. Despite their small number, air capillaries, which were found in parabronchi, significantly increased in size and diameter. SEM at the 4th torus level showed a parabronchi distribution with elongated paleopulmonic on the dorsomedial part, hexagonal neopulmonic on the ventrolateral part, and some neopulmonic on the medial part. The parabronchial topography distribution exhibited their unique distribution from the 1st to the 6th torus level.
Melatonin Alters Preference to Move Toward Monochromatic Lights in Female Syrian Hamsters: A Behavior Associated With Circadian Rhythm
Authors: Shadman Amir Farshad
Published: November 2024

Different light colors have different effects on endogenous melatonin. The preference for light colors has been studied in various animal species, except hamsters. Additionally, no research has been done on how melatonin affects color preference. In this study, I investigated whether melatonin can influence Syrian hamsters' preferences for various light colors. Eighteen female Syrian hamsters were divided into a control group and a test group orally administered 0.01 mg melatonin daily for 30 days. On Day 31, I placed each hamster in the test box at four stages: dark mid‐phase; beginning, middle, and end of day. The box had four areas with red, yellow, green, and blue lamps. In each stage, the hamsters' movements were recorded for 5 min. I tested the effects of color, stage, and melatonin treatment using a mixed model analysis. The preferences of both groups changed between the stages (p < 0.001) with the except stages 1 and 4 of the control group (p = 0.012); and stages 2 and 3 of the test group for the yellow color (p = 0.104). There was a significant difference between the test and the control groups in all stages and all colors (p < 0.001) except the green light color in stage 2 (p = 0.007). The results suggest that exogenous melatonin controls the preference for monochromatic light by an unknown mechanism. Circadian endogenous melatonin levels are also effective. Scientists must consider melatonin levels in studies evaluating responses to light.