bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distal humeral coronal shear fractures in children and adolescents: Need for cross-sectional imaging and a revised classification
Authors: Kraus Ralf , Esser Michael , Schmal Hagen , Bergmann Florian , Trück Mike , Kirschner Hans Joachim , Kaiser Martin M , Lieber Justus
Published: February 2025

Background: The classification of fractures is necessary to ensure a reliable means of communication for clinical interaction, research, and education. Distal humeral coronal plane shear fractures (CSF) are very rare in the growing-age population, despite that multiple classification schemes exist.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the 4 most commonly used CSF classifications and their role in guiding treatment decisions in everyday clinical practice.

Materials and methods: 51 patients with CSF were retrospectively analyzed in a multicenter study. Of these, X-rays in two planes of 20 randomly selected CSF were given to 8 independent raters for classification according to Dubberley, Bryan & Morgan, Murthy, and AO. Cohens Kappa statistic was used to assess inter-rater agreement and intra-rater consistency. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates and 95% confident intervals (CI) were calculated. Reliability values were classified as excellent (ICC ≥0.8), substantial (ICC 0.61-0.80), moderate (ICC 0.41-0.6), fair (ICC 0.2-0.4), slight (ICC 0.00-0.2), and poor (ICC <0.00).

Results: All patients received x-rays in 2 planes initially. Cross-sectional imaging was added in 76.5% of cases (CT 58,8%, MRI 11,7%, both 5,9%). Inter-rater reliabilities were classified as fair for Dubberley (ICC 0,354; 95% CI 0,198; 0,573) and Bryan & Morgan (ICC 0,357; 95% CI 0,200; 0,576), slight for AO (ICC 0,226; 95% CI 0,100; 0,434), and poor for Murthy (ICC -0,012; 95% CI -0,063; 0,102). The Dubberley subtype showed slight agreement at lower ICC values (ICC 0,024; 95% CI -0,041; 0,161). Intra-rater agreement was moderate to substantial for most of the 8 raters, and did not differ between the four classification systems. The rate of surgical treatment was 49/51 patients.

Conclusion: The most commonly used classification schemes for CSF failed to achieve a substantial agreement among the raters. This is probably because the fracture patterns of CSF in adolescence and high adulthood differ significantly. An adaptation of the classification for pediatric and adolescent patients is necessary, but only for scientific purposes. Classification is not necessary for the clinical management of patients, as virtually all patients require surgical treatment.
Pseudopeptides of Marine Vibrio spp. from Taiwan and their Combined-Treatment Effects with Commercial Antibiotics
Authors: Hong Mao-Xuan , Wang Bo-Wei , Lo Li-Hua , Jayalath Gamaralalage Eranga Dilshan , Lin Wei-Tsen , Yang Yu-Liang , Tseng Sung-Pin , Chen Yen-Hsu , Tsai Wan-Chi , Cheng Wei-Chieh , Liaw Chih-Chuang
Published: February 2025

Vibrio strains, identified by 16S rDNA, were isolated from the marine environment surrounding Taiwan, revealing diverse bioactive effects, such as iron-chelating and antimicrobial activities. Notably, the hierarchical clustering dendrogram of mass spectrum profiles (MSP) of the Vibrio strains using MALDI-TOF, in contrast to the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, exhibited a strong correlation with their observed bioactivities. Within this set, GNPS molecular network analysis by LC-HRMS/MS highlighted that three strains, Vibrio tubiashii DJW05-1, V. japonicas DJW05-8, and V. fortis DJW21-4 shared similar bioactive pseudopeptides in the same cluster. Subsequent chromatographical isolation and purification yield an unprecedented unsaturated diketopiperazine, (Z)-3-(2-methylpropylidene)-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione (1), along with a series of diketopiperazines, and a potential new annotated pseudopeptide 2, as well as three pseudopeptides, including andrimid (10), moiramide B (11), and moiramide C (12), and several alkaloids from V. tubiashii DJW05-1. Further investigation into the combined applications of the major antimicrobial compound and commercial antibiotics revealed that andrimid (10) displayed significant inhibitory effects against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Acinetobacter baumannii, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nevertheless, the potential for synergistic and additive effects of andrimid (10) with certain antibiotics remains, presenting valuable prospects for medicinal applications.
Morphological-engineering-based capacitive tactile sensors
Authors: Niu Hongsen , Li Hao , Li Ning , Niu Hongkai , Gao Song , Yue Wenjing , Li Yang
Published: February 2025

Capacitive tactile sensors have garnered significant attention due to their simple structure, temperature independence, and wide applicability. However, with the continuous evolution of the intellectualization process, developing tactile sensors that can compare or even surpass the sensing ability of human skin remains a significant challenge. Consequently, various strategies aimed at enhancing sensing performance have emerged, with the introduction of morphological structures into the active layer being the most effective. In light of this, capacitive tactile sensors based on morphological structure designs have gained favor among researchers, gradually forming a “hundred schools of thought contend” trend. Nevertheless, the processes and applicability of morphological structures have yet to form a complete system, and the development and intelligence of morphological-engineering-based capacitive tactile sensors have reached a bottleneck stage, requiring a comprehensive and systematic review to provide inspiration for breakthroughs. This review delves deeply into the impact of various morphological structure designs on device performance and provides a comprehensive overview of the applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of morphological structure fabrication technologies derived from these structures. Finally, their progress in advanced intelligent systems is summarized, and the challenges and prospects faced in this emerging field are envisioned.
Improved dynamic model of small stand-alone diesel generators to assess the stability of autonomous microgrids
Authors: Martinez-Bolanos Julio Romel , Manito Alex R. A. , Almeida Marcelo Pinho , Almeida José Cesar , Torres Pedro Ferreira , Pinho João T. , Zilles Roberto
Published: February 2025

Many remote, isolated communities rely on diesel generators to meet their electrical demands because connecting to conventional electrical grids is either too expensive or technically impractical. In such situations, microgrids made up of diesel gensets and renewable energy sources are most appropriate. However, when diesel generators operate with reduced operating reserve margins, these isolated systems do not have sufficient capacity to withstand large electrical transients, which can lead to instability. As a result, a more detailed evaluation of acceptable levels of renewable energy penetration is required. Hence, the focus of this work is to develop a high-fidelity model for small three-phase diesel generators (SDG), incorporating adaptations to the traditional IEEE Exciter and the Woodward Diesel Engine-Governor Model, with the goal of enhancing the accuracy of dynamic frequency and voltage responses. The effectiveness of the proposed SDG model is validated using field test data of a three-phase genset of 40 kVA–220 V that is part of an operational microgrid. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed model is satisfactory, presenting Normalized Mean Squared Error (NMSE) values around 16% and 10% for speed and voltage responses, respectively.
Convergence rate of the three-dimensional compressible fluid models of Korteweg type to the Navier–Stokes system
Authors: Yao Zheng-an , Yin Xuan
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we focus on the three-dimensional isentropic compressible fluids models of Korteweg type, that is, the three-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes–Korteweg system. We establish the convergence rate for the solution of three-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes–Korteweg system to the solution of three-dimensional Navier–Stokes system as the capillary coefficient tends to zero. Once the capillary coefficient tends to zero, this convergence rate will tend to zero. This explicit convergence rate result extracted in the vanishing capillary limit improves the important work of [Bian et al. SIAM J. Math. Anal. 46(2), 1633 (2014)].
Development of a stick-slip piezoelectric actuator using bending deformation based on hammer-type driving foot
Authors: Qi Ji , Wang Liang
Published: February 2025

A new stick-slip piezoelectric actuator using bending deformation based on a hammer-type driving foot is proposed. Ten pieces of piezoelectric ceramic plates instead of a piezoelectric stack are clamped as a sandwich configuration to be served as an actuation unit in this work. The actuator can generate bending deformation by exciting the piezoelectric ceramic plates. Then the bending deformation is converted into the pressing and lateral displacements to press and drive the slider simultaneously due to the special structure of the hammer-type driving foot. The proposed piezoelectric actuator is introduced, and its working principle is clarified. The actuator is designed, and its main sizes are determined by means of the simulation method. A prototype is fabricated, and its output characteristics are measured. The measured results show that the proposed actuator obtained the output speed of 4.44 mm/s when the voltage and frequency are 200Vp-p and 1940 Hz. These results verify the feasibility of the proposed piezoelectric actuator based on a hammer-type driving foot in this work.
Modeling the charging effect of the hardmask and silicon substrate during plasma etching in advanced nodes
Authors: Zhai Yuxuan , Ge Rui , Hu Ziyi , Li Junjie , Shao Hua , Cheng Jiawei , Filipovic Lado , Chen Rui
Published: February 2025

Profile non-idealities after plasma etching negatively affect the performance of advanced node devices. The charging effect is a well-known mechanism affecting the hardmask and substrate profiles. Unfortunately, directly characterizing this phenomenon in practical processes is extremely challenging. In this article, we propose a novel etching model to overcome this challenge by incorporating algorithms that simultaneously account for charging effects and particle reflection mechanisms. The model is able to reproduce the real-time profile evolution of both hardmask and substrate layers in an advanced nanoscale etching process. We calculate the electric field distribution induced by the surface charges accumulated on the hardmask, which affects both the trajectory of individual incident ions and the overall etching profiles. To validate our approach, we perform experiments of Si etching in Cl2 plasma and compare the simulated profiles with scanning electron microscope images. The model also identifies the impact of the charging effect on profile defects, such as mask faceting, substrate bowing, and microtrenching. This work provides insights into the charging effect mechanism and its influence on the etching profile, ultimately providing new knobs for advanced process development and optimization.
Insights into the impact of small anionic additives on Mg-silicate hydrate nucleation
Authors: Bastian Annika , Emminger Yannick Hermann , Kerdieh Nour , Bernard Ellina , Ruiz-Agudo Cristina
Published: February 2025

Magnesium silicate (MS) cement, which uses magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) as its primary binding phase, is a promising low-carbon alternative to Portland cement. However, the slow dissolution of MgO limits the release of Mg ions, which is critical for the formation of M-S-H. To address this issue, solubilizers that complex Mg2+ and promote MgO dissolution have been proposed, provided that they do not significantly hinder M-S-H formation. This study systematically examined the effects of four anionic additives—acetate, citrate, orthophosphate, and carbonate—on M-S-H nucleation and early growth, developing a highly reproducible crystallization scenario. The observed reduction in supersaturation at the nucleation point for specific additive concentrations suggests that Mg-anion complexes may play an active role in M-S-H nucleation, potentially allowing M-S-H to form at lower supersaturation levels, which could be beneficial for MS cement applications. However, as shown here, additives such as citrate, while not inhibiting nucleation, can significantly slow the growth of M-S-H, potentially compromising the strength development of MS cement. Among the additives studied, moderate concentrations of phosphate and carbonate show the most promise, as they have minimal effects on the formation process while potentially reducing the supersaturation for M-S-H nucleation. Although further research is necessary to fully understand the effects of these anions, this study provides valuable insights into their impact on M-S-H nucleation and early growth.
Extremely low frequency communication using signal modulation of sphere-string structured mechanical antenna
Authors: Yao Xinyan , Liu Tao , Wang Hongli , Yuan Weifeng
Published: February 2025

Mechanical antennae have been considered a promising solution for the miniaturization of underwater low-frequency communication. The research on mechanical antennae mainly focuses on the use of strong magnetic fields rather than strong electric fields at present. This paper proposed a method to generate extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves by utilizing the periodic motion of conductive spheres to disturb a strong electrostatic field. Both theoretical analysis and experimental verification demonstrated that this method can effectively generate ELF electromagnetic waves matching the frequency of the conductive spheres. A mechanical antenna system was designed and fabricated combining a sphere-string structure next to a van de Graaff generator, based on the above principle. Leveraging the multi-modal rapid frequency-switching characteristics of the sphere-string structure, an effective information-loading method was proposed and realized for ELF communication. This study provides more options for the radiator and information modulation of mechanical antennae.
Effects of a refractory metal protective barrier on uranium carbonitride ceramic–metallic composites exposed to a high temperature hydrogen environment
Authors: Taylor Brian , Cröll Arne , Williams Jamelle K. P. , Rosales Jhonathan , Wilkerson Ryan , Volz Martin , Reynolds Jason
Published: February 2025

Uranium nitride has been under consideration at NASA and the Department of Energy for nuclear thermal propulsion applications intended for deep space exploration vehicles. It is critical to the success of the technology development that the behavior of the fuel system is properly characterized in operational environments. This body of work fabricated ceramic metal composites consisting of uranium ceramic fuel in a molybdenum and molybdenum–tungsten metal matrix, both with and without an exterior molybdenum barrier. Specimens were introduced to a high temperature hydrogen environment and characterized through x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to identify characteristic changes. A portion of the specimens was fabricated with a 1.27 mm thick molybdenum barrier in order to isolate the material from the hydrogen environment. Instability of the uranium nitride occurred as low as 2073 K, leading to aggressive instability approaching 2658 K. Carbon reactions with the metal matrix were observed as well as alloying between the uranium and metal matrix constituents. The liquid uranium resulting from the instability of the uranium nitride was observed to attack the grain boundaries of the refractory metal, resulting in the formation of a liquid uranium molybdenum eutectic melt. Specimens encased in a barrier experienced similar results. The authors conclude this is a significant challenge to applications of this cermet at these temperatures. Alternate configurations with resilient hermetic seals or lower temperature applications such as power reactors may have more success.
An improved immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method for boiling simulation on curved boundary
Authors: Ma Jiwei , Li Yan , Zhang Da
Published: February 2025

This study applies the improved immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM) to simulate heat transfer during boiling. By introducing velocity correction terms, we optimized the calculation method for body forces, significantly improving the accuracy and stability of the simulation. It ensures the accuracy of heat and mass transfer. The method allows the construction of complex surface boundaries in a regular Eulerian grid system, effectively preventing the phenomenon of streamlines penetrating the boundary. The computational capability of the current model has been validated through several classic test cases, including boiling bubbles around a cylinder, sharp-edged quadrilateral boundaries, and complex curved boundary flows, which comprehensively evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The research results show that the improved IB-LBM method can provide smoother and more continuous streamline distributions when handling non-isothermal flow problems under complex boundary conditions, and more effectively address the flow dynamics caused by changes in boundary shapes. In addition, the method demonstrates good performance in simulating heat transfer, being able to more effectively and accurately resolve temperature distributions and heat transfer processes, even under complex boundary conditions.
Time-frequency characterization and energy distribution of fluid pressure pulsation of a centrifugal pump in the low-frequency domain
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Yibin , Ma Wensheng , Lei Mengxiang
Published: February 2025

In order to explore the time domain and frequency domain characteristics of the pressure pulsation signal of centrifugal pumps in the low-frequency domain, the pressure pulsation data obtained from a centrifugal pump through testing are analyzed by using the method of complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and Hilbert transform. The results show that the CEEMDAN method demonstrates the variation pattern of pressure pulsation signals in the low-frequency domain of intrinsic mode function (IMF) and reveals the difference of hydraulic energy among the frequency bands. The paper defines the normalized correlation coefficient to indicate that the flow rate and the spatial location are the important factors affecting the correlation between the original pressure pulsation signal and IMFs. The correlation coefficient is the largest at the flow rate of 40 m3/h. At the same time, IMF7 and IMF8 contain the basic information of the original pressure pulsation signal. Using the method of energy averaging process, the instantaneous frequency of IMFs in the low-frequency domain is used to conduct analysis. It is proved that the pressure pulsation of the centrifugal pump at the low-frequency domain is the effect of the dynamic–static interaction between the impeller and tongue of volute. The relative standard deviation shows that the instantaneous frequency of pressure pulsation in the low-frequency domain is relatively concentrated with small fluctuations. With the increase in flow rate, the concentration of energy distribution shows a positive growth trend. The direction of energy distribution is consistent with the impeller rotational circumference. The energy of low frequency accounts for more than 50% and is concentrated in the long-wave region.
Impact of aft deformation with wedge and step on performance and stability of high-speed hard chine monohulls via experimental and numerical assessments
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Sajedi Sayyed Mahdi , Ghadimi Aliakbar
Published: February 2025

This study examines the stability and performance of three types of boat models: stepless, wedge-mounted, and two-stepped, across different movement conditions—displacement, semi-planing, and planing (or skiing). Parameters like trim (the angle of the boat), rise-up (how the boat lifts out of the water), and resistance (drag) were experimentally measured. Spray patterns were examined at various speeds. Notably, this study focuses on chined models (a chine in boat design is a sharp change in angle in the cross section of a hull), which have not been compared before. The tests were conducted at speeds of 2, 4, 6, and 8 m/s. The results showed that the models were stable in displacement and semi-displacement conditions. However, the bare hull (without any steps) was unstable in planing conditions. In contrast, vessels with two transverse steps were stable and had less drag across all conditions. Additionally, both trim and rise-up were lower in the stepped and wedged models compared to the bare hull. At higher speeds, the two-step model had less drag than the other models. For further analysis, different wedge-mounted and two-stepped vessels were selected for numerical studies using simulation of turbulent flow in arbitrary regions—computational continuum mechanics (C++ based) software. The findings indicated that optimizing the position of the first step can reduce resistance at speeds above 8 m/s; moving it farther from the stern decreases the drag. However, increasing the distance of the second step from the stern can actually increase the drag.
Globally hyperbolic evaporating black hole and the information loss issue
Authors: Pêgas Juan V O , Landulfo André G S , Matsas George E A , Vanzella Daniel A T
Published: February 2025

We discuss the information loss issue for completely evaporating black holes in the context of a globally hyperbolic spacetime that maintains unchanged the entire semiclassical picture except for the ‘last evaporation breath,’ which pertains to full quantum gravity. Even though observers outside the black hole cannot access information that enters the horizon, there is no actual loss of information imposed by the spacetime causal structure since it is carried over from one Cauchy surface to the next (provided the local evolution is unitary).
Disclosing the catalog pulsars dominating the Galactic positron flux
Authors: Orusa Luca , Manconi Silvia , Donato Fiorenza , Mauro Mattia Di
Published: February 2025

The cosmic-ray flux of positrons is measured with high precision by the space-borne particle spectrometer AMS-02. The hypothesis that pulsars and their nebulae can significantly contribute to the excess of the AMS-02 positron flux has been consolidated after the observation of a γ-ray emission at GeV and TeV energies of a few degree size around a few sources, that provide indirect evidence that electron and positron pairs are accelerated to very high energies from these sources.

By modeling the emission from pulsars in the ATNF catalog, we find that combinations of positron emission from cataloged pulsars and secondary production can fit the observed AMS-02 data. Our results show that a small number of nearby, middle-aged pulsars, particularly B1055-52, Geminga (J0633+1746), and Monogem (B0656+14), dominate the positron emission, contributing up to 80% of the flux at energies above 100 GeV. From the fit to the data, we obtain a list of the most important sources for which we recommend multi-wavelength follow-up observations, particularly in the γ-ray and X-ray bands, to further constrain the injection and diffusion properties of positrons.
The vela supernova remnant: The unique morphological features of jittering jets
Authors: Soker Noam , Shishkin Dmitry
Published: February 2025

We identify an S-shaped main-jet axis in the Vela core-collapse supernova (CCSN) remnant (CCSNR) that we attribute to a pair of precessing jets, one of the tens of pairs of jets that exploded the progenitor of Vela according to the jittering jets explosion mechanism (JJEM). A main-jet axis is a symmetry axis across the CCSNR and through the center. We identify the S-shaped main-jet axis by the high abundance of ejecta elements, oxygen, neon, and magnesium. We bring the number of identified pairs of clumps and ears in Vela to seven, two pairs shaped by the pair of precessing jets that formed the main-jet axis. The pairs and the main-jet axis form the point-symmetric wind-rose structure of Vela. The other five pairs of clumps/ears do not have signatures near the center, only on two opposite sides of the CCSNR. We discuss different possible jet-less shaping mechanisms to form such a point-symmetric morphology and dismiss these processes because they cannot explain the point-symmetric morphology of Vela, the S-shaped high ejecta abundance pattern, and the enormous energy to shape the S-shaped structure. Our findings strongly support the JJEM and further severely challenge the neutrino-driven explosion mechanism.
A novel liquid argon purity monitor based on 207Bi
Authors: Baibussinov B. , Bettini M. , Fabris F. , Gan R. , Guglielmi A. , Gurung G. , Marchini S. , Meng G. , Nicoletto M. , Pietropaolo F. , Pons X. , Rampazzo G. , Triozzi R. , Varanini F. , Voirin B.
Published: February 2025

A novel liquid argon purity monitor based on a 207Bi
radioactive source, emitting monochromatic internal-conversion
electrons, is presented. This new monitor allows for a very precise
and fast measurement of the electronegative impurities concentration
in liquid argon. It can be operated continuously in liquid argon TPC
experiments without interfering with the main detector operation.
Different drift lengths can be assembled for the proposed device, to
assess a large range of liquid argon purities while minimizing
systematic uncertainties. Two prototypes have been built and
successfully operated in dedicated test stands. The results and
performance are reported.
Deformations in spinor bundles: Lorentz violation and further physical implications
Authors: Hoff da Silva J M , Cavalcanti R T , Caires da Rocha G M
Published: February 2025

This paper delves into the deformation of spinor structures within nontrivial topologies and their physical implications. The deformation is modeled by introducing real functions that modify the standard spinor dynamics, leading to distinct physical regions characterized by varying degrees of Lorentz symmetry violation. It allows us to investigate the effects in the dynamical equation and a geometrized nonlinear sigma model. The findings suggest significant implications for the spinor fields in regions with nontrivial topologies, providing a robust mathematical approach to studying exotic spinor behavior.
A bibliometric analysis of wildlife governance in relation to African elephant conservation and community participation
Authors: Mundoga Tanyaradzwa , Musakwa Walter , Chanza Nelson
Published: February 2025

Discussions surrounding wildlife governance are lacking in critical engagement concerning the impact of different tiers of governance on elephant conservation and community participation. Although most studies acknowledge that local-level wildlife governance is impacted by higher levels of governance, few have endeavored to analyze the nature and impact of this interface. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to investigate how studies have addressed this complex subject matter. The study aims to determine how wildlife governance scholarship considers global multilateralism, particularly CITES decisions, and their impact on elephant conservation and community participation. A bibliometric analysis was performed using data from online databases and visualization software. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were then used as a protocol to select relevant literature from the larger database for content analysis. The findings suggest that, while wildlife governance is a globally documented and acceptable concept, research on the impact of environmental multilateralism, especially CITES, on African elephant conservation and community participation is very limited. Existing studies mainly focus on approaches to elephant and broader wildlife conservation, protected area management, sustainable development, governance approaches, approaches to community participation, CITES, and wildlife trade. There is an identified dearth in the available literature on how the participation of communities living with wildlife, in particular, the African elephant is affected by higher governance structures such as Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). These findings provide valuable insights for future research trends, highlighting opportunities for building research partnerships and strengthening engagements at all levels of wildlife governance, policy generation, and community participation.
Orchestration of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp4 and host-cell ESCRT proteins induces morphological changes of the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Kifer Allison , Pina Franciso , Codallos Nicholas , Hermann Anita , Ziegler Lauren , Niwa Maho
Published: February 2025

Upon entry into the host cell, the non-structural proteins 3, 4, and 6 (Nsp3, Nsp 4, and Nsp6) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) facilitate the formation of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) through extensive rearrangement of the host cell endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to replicate the viral genome and translate viral proteins. To dissect the functional roles of each Nsp and the molecular mechanisms underlying the ER changes, we exploited both yeast S. cerevisiae and human cell experimental systems. Our results demonstrate that Nsp4 alone is sufficient to induce ER structural changes. Nsp4 expression led to robust activation of both the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the ER surveillance (ERSU) cell cycle checkpoint, resulting in cortical ER inheritance block and septin ring mislocalization. Interestingly, these ER morphological changes occurred independently of the canonical UPR and ERSU components but were mediated by the endosomal sorting complex for transport (ESCRT) proteins Vps4 and Vps24 in yeast. Similarly, ER structural changes occurred in human cells upon Nsp4 expression, providing a basis for a minimal experimental system for testing the involvement of human ESCRT proteins and ultimately advancing our understanding of DMV formation.
A ternary complex of MIPs in the A-tubule of basal bodies and axonemes depends on RIB22 and the EF-hand domain of RIB72A in Tetrahymena cilia
Authors: Howard-Till Rachel A. , Li Sam , Kar Usha Pallabi , Fuentes Christopher N. , Fabritius Amy S. , Winey Mark
Published: February 2025

The lumens of the highly stable microtubules that make up the core of basal bodies, cilia, and flagella are coated with a network of proteins known as MIPs, or microtubule inner proteins. MIPs are hypothesized to enhance the rigidity and stability of these microtubules, but how they assemble and contribute to cilia function is poorly understood. Here we describe a ciliate specific MIP, RIB22, in Tetrahymena thermophila. RIB22 is a calmodulin-like protein found in the A-tubule of doublet and triplet microtubules in cilia and basal bodies. Its localization is dependent on the conserved MIP RIB72. Here we use cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) to examine RIB22 and its interacting partners in axonemes and basal bodies. RIB22 forms a ternary complex with the C-terminal EF-hand domain of RIB72A and another MIP, FAM166A. Tetrahymena strains lacking RIB22 or the EF-hand domain of RIB72A showed impaired cilia function. CryoET on axonemes from these strains demonstrated an inter-dependence of the three proteins for stabilization within the structure. Deletion of the RIB72A EF-hand domain resulted in the apparent loss of multiple MIPs in the region. These findings emphasize the intricacy of the MIP network and the importance of understanding MIPs’ functions during cilium assembly and regulation.
Introduction
Authors: Weaver Erica
Published: February 2025

Because distraction and numbness are now too often and easily diagnosed as decidedly modern maladies, this extended Introduction offers a deep history. It uncovers influential frameworks from the Desert Fathers to the early Middle Ages and reveals why this archive is so helpful for theorists of attention and medievalists alike, while clarifying the central terms and assumptions for the chapters to follow. As I show, distraction was a longstanding problem for monks and nuns, and anxieties about inattentive minds were present from the beginnings of monasticism itself, with figures like John Cassian, Evagrius of Pontus, and the Venerable Bede theorizing distraction, attention, and reading in influential ways as they sought lives of perfect, continual prayer.
Chanting Lips and Wandering Minds
Authors: Weaver Erica
Published: February 2025

This chapter cuts to the heart of monastic life to tease out the particular problem posed by the Psalms in my larger framework of distracted devotional reading. Drawing together saints’ lives, autobiographical notes, and regulatory texts like The Rule of St. Benedict and Regularis concordia, I first demonstrate that psalmody required focused attention but proved troublingly prone to distraction, in part because the Psalms were so central and thus so well known. With the Royal and Lambeth Psalters serving as case studies, I then argue that tenth-century monastic reformers developed a defamiliarizing glossing technique in order to re-enliven the Psalms and thus to resist their tendency to become overly familiar. Finally, I situate the resulting “hermeneutic English” of the Winchester Vocabulary within the particular language politics of the Benedictine movement. As I demonstrate, in order to inculcate responsible and responsive reading, the reformers first had to create a prestige style that would resist quick and careless perusal.
Living in enigmate
Authors: Weaver Erica
Published: February 2025

My second chapter delves further into the demands of difficulty and defamiliarization, arguing that, to preempt distracted reading, Æthelwold devoted enormous energy to promoting the study of the Enigmata (‘mysteries’ or ‘riddles’) of the seventh-century poet aldhelm of Malmesbury. Inspired by these mysteries, Æthelwold experimented further with “hermeneutic English.” He also cultivated the highly stylized and enigmatic “hermeneutic Latin” that would dominate every major monastic center in England by the end of the century. The result was to defamiliarize well-known texts and elicit heightened concentration, just as Aldhelm’s riddles unsettle readerly expectations. After analyzing the hermeneutic potential of Aldhelm’s Enigmata, I contend that together, hermeneutic English and Latin cultivated attentive reading through intentional difficulty.
Concentrated Poems
Authors: Weaver Erica
Published: February 2025

Whereas my opening two chapters attend to the communal and institutional uses of the hermeneutic style, my third looks to its utility for private meditation and prayer. To show how several poems respond to the pressures of attention and distraction, I take up the influential Continental reformer Odo of Cluny’s Occupatio. Odo’s preoccupying poetics helps to explain a marked shift in late Old English poetic conventions—to what has been deemed “late Old English” poetry by Thomas Bredehoft and the “Southern mode” by Emily Thornbury. These tenth- and eleventh-century experiments with formal gamesmanship, intentional difficulty, and confrontational poetics in poems such as Solomon and Saturn I and The Menologium further moved the center of Old English poetic production from the mead hall to the study. With their defamiliarizing and highly ornamented language, these poems became vehicles of meditation, reflection, and knowledge production—as well as of what would later come to be called affective piety.
Lessons in Distraction
Authors: Weaver Erica
Published: February 2025

Together, my first three chapters explore how and why distraction affected advanced readers for whom overfamiliarity could prove defeating. My fourth chapter pivots to demonstrate that distraction threatened very beginning readers as well. Moreover, it could actually be surprisingly useful. Reading elementary Latin colloquies and handbooks by Ælfric of Eynsham, Ælfric Bata, and Byrhtferth of Ramsey, I argue that, confronted with distraction as an incessant threat to devotional life, these early medieval schoolmasters reflected on the problem by composing self-conscious scripts of distraction, which their students were required to memorize and perform. They thereby strove to cultivate classroom and liturgical spaces in which students were “distracted from distraction by distraction.” These schoolroom texts, perhaps unsurprisingly, offer an exceptionally rich body of texts concerned with combatting inattention, and they demonstrate that attentive aesthetics were mobilized not only for elite, in-group projects geared toward the most senior officials but also for initiating new readers into the fold.
Mechanisms and treatment of obesity-related hypertension: Part 2. Treatments
Authors: Parvanova Aneliya , Abbate Manuela , Reseghetti Elia , Ruggenenti Piero
Published: February 2025

Hypertension is a frequent comorbidity of obesity that significantly and independently increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal events. Obesity-related hypertension is a major challenge to the healthcare system because of the rapid increase in obesity prevalence world-wide. However, its treatment is still not specifically addressed by current guidelines. Weight loss (WL) per se reduces blood pressure (BP) and increases patient responsiveness to BP-lowering medications. Thus, a weight-centric approach is essential for the treatment of obesity-related hypertension.

Diet and physical activity are key components of lifestyle interventions for obesity-related hypertension, but, in real life, their efficacy is limited by poor long-term patient adherence and frequently require pharmacotherapy implementation to achieve target BP. In this context, first-generation anti-obesity drugs like orlistat, phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion are poorly effective, whereas second-generation incretin agonists, including the GLP-1 receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide, and in particular the dual GLP-1/GIP co-agonist tirzepatide, substantially contribute to effective WL and BP control in obesity. SGLT2 inhibitors are weak body weight and BP-lowering medications, but clearly synergize the benefits of these medications. Bariatric surgery remains the gold standard treatment for severe ‘pathological’ obesity and related life-threatening complications. Renal denervation is a valuable rescue treatment for drug-resistant hypertension, commonly related to obesity.

Integrating a multifaceted weight-based approach with other strategies, like antihypertensive drugs and renal denervation, could specifically target the main neuro-hormonal and renal pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity-related hypertension, including sympathetic-nervous and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems overactivity, salt retention and volume expansion. This comprehensive strategy can provide a personalized algorithm for managing hypertension in obesity within the context of ‘precision medicine’ principles.
Adverse maternal outcomes after vaginal versus caesarean delivery in women with Crohn’s disease and prior perianal surgery: A population-based study
Authors: Zhang Xiaocen , Nørgård Bente Mertz , Garvik Olav Sivertsen , Nielsen Jan , Andersen Mette Louise , Friedman Sonia
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

For pregnant women with perianal Crohn’s disease (CD), major guidelines recommend delivery by caesarean section (c-section) for active disease, and that delivery mode be governed by obstetric indications for women with inactive disease. However, a significant grey zone exists between active vs. inactive disease, such as for women who had a history of prior perianal surgery. We examined adverse maternal outcomes of vaginal delivery vs. c-section in women with perianal CD and prior perianal surgeries.

Methods

We used the Danish national registries to collect information on singleton live births from 1997 through 2022 by mothers with CD and previous perianal surgery. Adverse postpartum maternal outcomes included new perianal or intestinal surgery within 12 months, hospital diagnosed infection or outpatient antibiotic prescription within 6 months, and major haemorrhage within 3 days. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated in logistic regression models.

Results

There were 704 deliveries by women with CD and prior perianal surgery, including 245 vaginal deliveries (34.8%) and 459 c-sections (65.2%). Women who delivered vaginally versus by c-section had less new perianal surgery (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.93) and no significant differences in intestinal CD surgery (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.43-1.75), hospital diagnosed infection (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.18-1.38), outpatient antibiotic prescription (aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.65-1.28) or major hemorrhage (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.39-1.59).

Conclusions

Vaginal delivery was not associated with increased important adverse maternal outcomes in mothers with CD and prior perianal surgery.
Highlights of the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2024 Conference: the first joint European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology, and Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance conference
Authors: Stojanovska Jadranka , Nijveldt Robin , Ordovas Karen , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Seiberlich Nicole , Prieto Claudia , Ojha Vineeta , Hanneman Kate , Lawton Benny , Hughes Marina , Ferreira Vanessa , Grizzard John , Natale Luigi , Kim Daniel , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Petersen Steffen , Treibel Thomas A
Published: February 2025

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2024 Conference (CMR2024) convened in London, UK, from 24 to 26 January 2024 and brought together 2705 learners and renowned cardiac imaging professionals to discuss and learn about the latest advancements. Organized by the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), in collaboration with the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR), CMR2024 was the largest international cardiac magnetic resonance conference to date. This conference underscored the collaboration between cardiologists, radiologists, scientists, and technologists by bringing together three major societies—SCMR, EACVI, and ESCR. Innovative session formats like ‘Shark Tank’ and ‘Workflow, Innovations & Patients’ facilitated expert opinion and practical experiences sharing in a ‘TED-talk style’. With over 1168 abstract submissions and 75% acceptance rate, the programme featured multiple Early Career Award sessions, oral scientific sessions, oral case sessions, and rapid-fire sessions, all categorized by topic. Highlights included patient- and physician-centred imaging sessions, sharing referring physicians’ and patients’ insights of incremental value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patient’s management. The programme offered invited lectures in eight parallel tracks with three plenary and two keynote speakers. In addition, the interactive workshops and panel discussions provided a platform for knowledge exchange, support, and collaboration. A great emphasis was placed on collaboration between radiologists, cardiologists, scientists, and technologists, showcasing an ideal cardiac imaging marriage as a model for enhanced patient care around the globe. The event also featured exhibitions of the latest CMR technology and software, offering attendees a glimpse into the future cardiac imaging. CMR2024 emerged as a remarkable scientific, educational, and networking event, inspiring attendees to learn and collaborate within the global CMR community.
MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN BONE DENSITY METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER UNDER METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT
Authors: Hsu *Wenyu
Published: February 2025

Background

Recent studies have also shown that mitochondrial function and oxidative stress might play important roles in bone metabolism. Whether patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) experienced a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures through this mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, we examined the mitochondrial function between health control subjects the OUD patients under methadone maintenance treatment.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study. Patients with OUD receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Changhua Christian Hospital in Taiwan were recruited. We compared the difference between patients with OUD and without OUD in Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, oxidative modification of mtDNA index(mtDNA(DeltaCT)), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine.

Results

Finally, 29 patients from MMT were allocated in opioid group. 37 health control subjects were allocated in control group. Patients in opioid group had significantly lower mtDNA than those in control group. Besides, patients in opioid group also had significantly lower DeltaCT and 8-hydroxy-2’ -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) than those in control group.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial dysfunction was found in patients with OUD in our study. The precise role of mitochondrial dysfunction in bone density metabolism in this population should be further investigated.
TAAR1 AGONISTS AS POTENTIAL ANTI-ADDICTION CANDIDATES: PRECLINICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Li *Jun-Xu
Published: February 2025

Background

TAAR1 represents an exciting new drug target for the development of medications to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, with most exciting discoveries coming from the positive clinical trials of TAAR1 agonist for the treatment of schizophrenia 1.

Aim & Objectives

The objective of this presentation is to provide emerging preclinical findings that TAAR1 functions as a modulating “brake” of central dopaminergic system excitability and as such TAAR1 agonists can counter addiction-related effects of a number of commonly abused drugs with cocaine as an example.

Methods

Commonly used behavioral paradigms designed to measure different aspects of drugs of abuse were employed to examine the reinforcing, motivational and relapse effects of cocaine in rats. Genetic, pharmacological and molecular approaches were used to delineate the underlying mechanisms of TAAR1 agonist-induced anti- addiction effects.

Results

TAAR1 partial agonist RO-5263397 reduced cocaine intake and cocaine reinforcing efficacy as well as cue, drug and stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior 2. TAAR1 agonist RO5166017 recapitulated the similar efficacy as RO-5263397. RO5166017 attenuated drug-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking and prevented drug priming-induced CaMKIIα activity in the NAc shell. Activation of TAAR1 dampened the CaMKIIα/GluR1 signaling pathway in the NAc shell and reduced AMPAR-EPSCs on the NAc slice. Microinjection of the selective TAAR1 antagonist EPPTB into the NAc shell enhanced drug-induced reinstatement as well as potentiated CaMKIIα activity in the NAc shell. Furthermore, viral-mediated expression of CaMKIIα in the NAc shell prevented the behavioral effects of TAAR1 activation 3.

Discussion & Conclusion

TAAR1 agonists reduced different aspects of cocaine addiction, and the effects may be mediated via CaMKIIα/GluR1 signaling pathway in the NAc shell. These results provide strong preclinical evidence that TAAR1 agonists have potential as anti- addiction medications against cocaine use disorder.

References

1. Achtyes ED, Hopkins SC, Dedic N, Dworak H, Zeni C, Koblan K (2023) Ulotaront: review of preliminary evidence for the efficacy and safety of a TAAR1 agonist in schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 273(7): 1543-56.

2. Thorn DA, Jing L, Qiu Y, Gancarz-Kausch AM, Galuska CM, Dietz DM, Zhang Y, Li JX. (2014) Effects of the trace amine-associated receptor 1 agonist RO5263397 on abuse-related effects of cocaine in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology, 39(10):2309-16.

3. Liu J, Wu R, Seaman R Jr, Manz KM, Johnson B, Vu J, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Robison AJ, Neve R, Grueter BA, Dietz D, Li JX. (2022) TAAR1 regulates drug-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking via negatively modulating CaMKIIα activity in the NAc. Mol Psychiatry, 27(4):2136-2145.