bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodic pattern formation during embryonic development
Authors: Sudderick Zoe R. , Glover James D.
Published: January 2024

During embryonic development many organs and structures require the formation of series of repeating elements known as periodic patterns. Ranging from the digits of the limb to the feathers of the avian skin, the correct formation of these embryonic patterns is essential for the future form and function of these tissues. However, the mechanisms that produce these patterns are not fully understood due to the existence of several modes of pattern generation which often differ between organs and species. Here, we review the current state of the field and provide a perspective on future approaches to studying this fundamental process of embryonic development.
Transition from totipotency to pluripotency in mice: insights into molecular mechanisms
Authors: Vega-Sendino Maria , Ruiz Sergio
Published: January 2024

Totipotency is the ability of a single cell to develop into a full organism and, in mammals, is strictly associated with the early stages of development following fertilization. This unlimited developmental potential becomes quickly restricted as embryonic cells transition into a pluripotent state. The loss of totipotency seems a consequence of the zygotic genome activation (ZGA), a process that determines the switch from maternal to embryonic transcription, which in mice takes place following the first cleavage. ZGA confers to the totipotent cell a transient transcriptional profile characterized by the expression of stage-specific genes and a set of transposable elements that prepares the embryo for subsequent development. The timely silencing of this transcriptional program during the exit from totipotency is required to ensure proper development. Importantly, the molecular mechanisms regulating the transition from totipotency to pluripotency have remained elusive due to the scarcity of embryonic material. However, the development of new in vitro totipotent-like models together with advances in low-input genome-wide technologies, are providing a better mechanistic understanding of how this important transition is achieved. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular determinants that regulate the exit from totipotency.
Robust zero‐watermarking algorithm based on discrete wavelet transform and daisy descriptors for encrypted medical image
Authors: Yuan Yiyi , Li Jingbing , Liu Jing , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Liu Zilong , Chen Yen‐wei
Published: January 2024

In the intricate network environment, the secure transmission of medical images faces challenges such as information leakage and malicious tampering, significantly impacting the accuracy of disease diagnoses by medical professionals. To address this problem, the authors propose a robust feature watermarking algorithm for encrypted medical images based on multi‐stage discrete wavelet transform (DWT), Daisy descriptor, and discrete cosine transform (DCT). The algorithm initially encrypts the original medical image through DWT‐DCT and Logistic mapping. Subsequently, a 3‐stage DWT transformation is applied to the encrypted medical image, with the centre point of the LL3 sub‐band within its low‐frequency component serving as the sampling point. The Daisy descriptor matrix for this point is then computed. Finally, a DCT transformation is performed on the Daisy descriptor matrix, and the low‐frequency portion is processed using the perceptual hashing algorithm to generate a 32‐bit binary feature vector for the medical image. This scheme utilises cryptographic knowledge and zero‐watermarking technique to embed watermarks without modifying medical images and can extract the watermark from test images without the original image, which meets the basic requirements of medical image watermarking. The embedding and extraction of watermarks are accomplished in a mere 0.160 and 0.411s, respectively, with minimal computational overhead. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness of the algorithm against both conventional attacks and geometric attacks, with a notable performance in resisting rotation attacks.
Learning to represent 2D human face with mathematical model
Authors: Zhang Liping , Li Weijun , Sun Linjun , Yu Lina , Ning Xin , Dong Xiaoli
Published: January 2024

How to represent a human face pattern? While it is presented in a continuous way in human visual system, computers often store and process it in a discrete manner with 2D arrays of pixels. The authors attempt to learn a continuous surface representation for face image with explicit function. First, an explicit model (EmFace) for human face representation is proposed in the form of a finite sum of mathematical terms, where each term is an analytic function element. Further, to estimate the unknown parameters of EmFace, a novel neural network, EmNet, is designed with an encoder‐decoder structure and trained from massive face images, where the encoder is defined by a deep convolutional neural network and the decoder is an explicit mathematical expression of EmFace. The authors demonstrate that our EmFace represents face image more accurate than the comparison method, with an average mean square error of 0.000888, 0.000936, 0.000953 on LFW, IARPA Janus Benchmark‐B, and IJB‐C datasets. Visualisation results show that, EmFace has a higher representation performance on faces with various expressions, postures, and other factors. Furthermore, EmFace achieves reasonable performance on several face image processing tasks, including face image restoration, denoising, and transformation.
An all‐metal wideband circularly polarized single‐patch antenna based on TM11 mode
Authors: Wu Qiong‐Sen , Tang Xiao‐Yu , Du Zhi‐Xia , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes an all‐metal wideband circularly polarized (CP) single‐patch antenna based on TM11 mode. The conventional square patch is divided into four small square patch units by loading metal shorting walls under the two vertical centerlines. The shorting walls are windowed to facilitate coupling between the adjacent units. When the TM11 mode is excited, the coupling windows not only distribute energy but also provide the 90° phase difference required for CP radiation. An additional feeding network is not required, and its profile is less than 0.05λ0 (λ0 is the free space wavelength at the center frequency). Three minima in the axial ratio (AR) response are present. The results show that right‐hand circularly polarized (RHCP) radiation is achieved. The measured 3 dB AR bandwidth is 6.9%, ranging from 1.52 to 1.62 GHz, and the RHCP realized peak gain is 7.72 dBic. An all‐metal construction suitable for satellite communication systems is designed that has superior performance in harsh space environments.
Renewable energy integration in healthcare systems: A case study of a hospital in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Naveed Ausnain , Iqbal Sheeraz , Munir Saba , Rehman Anis ur , Eslami Mahdiyeh , Kamel Salah
Published: January 2024

Renewable energy sources have gained widespread attention due to their abundance and cost‐effectiveness. In particular, healthcare systems and hospitals are increasingly seeking clean and renewable energy solutions to reduce energy costs, price volatility, and protect community health. However, proper load estimation and techno‐economic analysis are crucial to ensure the optimal performance and reliable power supply of renewable energy systems. This study focuses on conducting a case study on load estimation and techno‐economic analysis for a hospital located in a remote area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Through this analysis, the study aims to determine the feasibility of implementing a renewable energy system at the hospital and assess the potential benefits in terms of energy production, cost savings, and environmental impact. Two different clean energy management softwares, HOMER PRO and RETScreen Expert, are utilized to compare the proposed hybrid (PV/Wind/Battery/Convertor/Grid) system with the existing system in terms of cost minimization, optimal system configuration, and environmental effects. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid system is more efficient, stable, cost‐effective, and a environmentally friendly option. Moreover, the annualized energy production, consumption, and grid load reduction are also calculated. The findings of both software programs are compared for validation of the proposed optimal system. The techno‐economic analysis of the proposed system can serve as a useful guideline for other commercial facilities in the region to utilize solar and wind energy.
The discovery of two new benchmark brown dwarfs with precise dynamical masses at the stellar-substellar boundary
Authors: Rickman E. L. , Ceva W. , Matthews E. C. , Ségransan D. , Bowler B. P. , Forveille T. , Franson K. , Hagelberg J. , Udry S. , Vigan A.
Published: January 2024

Aims. Measuring dynamical masses of substellar companions is a powerful tool for testing models of mass-luminosity-age relations as well as for determining observational features that constrain the boundary between stellar and substellar companions. In order to dynamically constrain the mass of such companions, we use multiple exoplanet measurement techniques to remove degeneracies in the orbital fits of these objects and place tight constraints on their model-independent masses.

Methods. We combined long-period radial velocity data from the CORALIE survey with relative astrometry from direct imaging with VLT/SPHERE as well as with astrometric accelerations from HIPPARCOS-Gaia eDR3 to perform a combined orbital fit and measure precise dynamical masses of two newly discovered benchmark brown dwarfs.

Results. We report the discovery of HD 112863 B and HD 206505 B, which are two new benchmark likely brown dwarfs that sit at the substellar-stellar boundary, with precise dynamical masses. We performed an orbital fit that yielded the dynamical masses of 77.1−2.8+2.9 MJup and 79.8 ± 1.8 MJup for HD 112863 B and HD 206505 B, respectively. We determined the orbital period of HD 112863 B to be 21.59 ± 0.05 yr and the orbital period of HD 206505 B to be 50.9−1.5+1.7 yr. From the H and K band photometry from IRDIS data taken with VLT/SPHERE, we estimate the spectral types of both HD 112863 B and HD 206505 B to be early-mid L-types.
Quality Evaluation of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Guidelines and Expert Consensus
Authors: Chen Meijing , Chen Ying , Liu Dun , Li Ka , Hu Rong , Chen Jingyi , Jiang Xiaoying , Lin Jinqing
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and analyze the quality of guidelines
and expert consensus on clinical practice regarding metabolically associated
fatty liver disease (MAFLD) over the past five years. Data from the websites
were retrieved using computers. We evaluated guidelines and expert consensus on
MAFLD that were officially published between January 1, 2018 and March 24, 2023.
Two evaluators independently examined the literature and extracted data. The
included literature on guidelines and expert consensus was then subjected to
quality review and analysis using assessment tools from Appraisal of Guidelines
for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Joanna Briggs Institute
Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) (2016). The intraclass
correlation coefficient (ICC) values of all items on the AGREE II scale for the
two evaluators were greater than 0.75, indicating a high degree of agreement
between their assessments. Scope and purpose (48.90%), participants
(49.21%), rigor in the formulation process (56.97%), clarity of
expression (90.08%), applicability (66.08%), and independence of
file compiling (60.12%) were the AGREE II scoring items with the
standardized average scores. Apart from the participants, the average scores of
all the scoring items in the guidelines from other countries other than China
were higher than those from China
(|Z|+>+2.272,
p+<+0.05). MAFLD guidelines must be revised to enhance
their methodological quality. When creating guidelines, it is recommended that
the formulators strictly adhere to the formulation and drafting standards of
AGREE II and elevate the quality of the guidelines.
HINT2 may be One Clinical Significance Target for Patient with
Diabetes Mellitus and Reduced ROS-Induced Oxidative Stress and Ferroptosis by
MCU
Authors: Bai Mei , Lu Wei , Tan Jun , Mei Xin
Published: January 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that patients with diabetes around
the world will increase to 600 million by 2040, of which about 1/3 will
develop diabetic nephropathy (DN). Therefore, the present study aimed to uncover
therapeutic effect of HINT2 and determined its possible mechanisms. Patients
with diabetes mellitus and normal volunteers were enrolled at our hospital. Male
C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high fat diet and injected
intraperitoneally with STZ for once (100 mg/kg body weight).
Mouse podocytes (MPC5) cells were induced with 20 mmol/l
D-glucose. Inhibition of HINT2 mRNA expression levels in patients with DN was
observed, compared with normal group. The serum of HINT2 mRNA expression was
negative in correlation with blood sugar, tubulo-interstitial damage, glomerular
damage score or urine protein level in patients with DN. HINT2 expression in
kidney tissue of mice with DN were downregulated. HINT2 presented reduced DN and
inflammation and ROS-induced oxidative stress in model of DN. HINT2 promoted
ferroptosis in model of DN by mitochondrial membrane potential. HINT2 suppressed
MCU expression in model of DN. HINT2 protein combined with MCU protein increased
MCU protein ubiquitination. HINT2 triggers mitochondrial Ca2+ influx to
increase ROS production level by MCU. Taken together, these findings
demonstrated that HINT2 reduced ROS-induced Oxidative stress and ferroptosis by
MCU, suggesting that HINT2 may be a feasible strategy to treat DN.
A Combined Approach of Facial Neuromuscular Rehabilitation and Surgical Reconstruction in the Remediation of Facial Palsy: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Authors: Kimber Rebecca , Rodger Anne , Higgins Rachel , Christofi Gerry
Published: January 2024

Facial neuromuscular rehabilitation (fNMR) is an evidence-based practice for the treatment of peripheral facial palsy (PFP). Surgical reconstruction can be indicated for patients who demonstrate poor or no recovery to support symmetry, function, and aesthesis. There is paucity of research demonstrating the therapeutic benefit of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in facial recovery of this specific subpopulation of patients. This article will outline the role of specialist facial therapy in the remediation of PFP, focusing on those who undergo surgical reconstruction to optimize their facial recovery. Case studies are used to demonstrate surgical and therapeutic outcomes as well as the results of a patient survey conducted for a service evaluation. We discuss the role of the MDT in supporting recovery as well as the role of targeted fNMR. The term fNMR is often used interchangeably with facial therapy or facial rehabilitation. We will refer to fNMR as a technique of facial rehabilitation.

We aim to demonstrate that an MDT approach to the treatment of people with facial palsy provides positive outcomes for this surgical population and that future research would be beneficial to support this service delivery model.
A decomposition-guided mechanism for nonstationary time series forecasting
Authors: Wang Hao , Al Tarawneh Lubna , Cheng Changqing , Jin Yu
Published: January 2024

Time series forecasting has been playing an important role in decision making, control, and monitoring across various fields. Specifically, the forecasting of nonstationarity time series remains a challenging problem where traditional time series modeling may not fully capture temporal dynamics. Recent studies of applying machine learning (ML) or more advanced hybrid models combining the ML and decomposition methods have shown their flexible nonstationary and nonlinear modeling capability. However, the end-effect problem introduced by the decomposition methods still introduces significant forecasting errors because of the unknown realm beyond the time series boundary. Therefore, a novel method applying a decomposition-guided mechanism is proposed in this work to eliminate the end effect problem while inheriting the knowledge learned from the decomposition state space to improve the prediction accuracy of such hybrid models in time series forecasting. Additionally, a domain adaptation model is integrated with the proposed mechanism to transfer knowledge from the source domain to the target domain regarding the decomposition state space. In this work, the intrinsic time-scale decomposition and Gaussian process are considered as examples of decomposition and ML methods to demonstrate the proposed mechanism’s effectiveness. Both simulation experiments and real-world case studies are conducted to show that a hybrid model with the proposed mechanism outperforms the conventional time series forecasting model, pure ML, and the original hybrid model in terms of prediction accuracy.
Tungstoborate heteropolyacid-catalyzed lignin liquefaction: Product yield and component distribution
Authors: Chen Min , Lou Jing , Zhang Yang , Li Lu , Li Yan , Xie Xin-an
Published: January 2024

Tungstoborate heteropolyacid catalysts have good catalytic degradation performance, especially for selective cleavage of C–C bonds in biomass. In this paper, the product yield and component distribution of tungstoborate heteropolyacid (BW12)-catalyzed lignin liquefaction were investigated at different parameters, including temperatures (120, 140, 160, 180, and 200 °C), catalyst amount (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt. %), and reaction time (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min). It was found that a higher conversion (72.16 wt. %) and bio-oil yield (68.41 wt. %) could be obtained under suitable reaction conditions (180 °C, 60 min, 5 wt. %). Bio-oil analysis showed that the BW12 catalyst had a significant effect on the distribution of bio-oil fractions, in which mono-aromatic components increased from 32.96% to 47.56% compared to those without the catalyst. In particular, carbonyl substances in the mono-aromatic components increased from 18.66% to 26.97%. Spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR) found that the absorption peaks of C–O and C–C bonds in the liquefied residue catalyzed by BW12 decreased compared to the raw lignin. Moreover, the mechanism of BW12-catalyzed lignin depolymerization was investigated by DFT simulations. The simulation results demonstrated that the shortening of Cα–O bond, the breaking of Cβ–Cγ and Cα–Cβ bonds in lignin promoted the formation of vanillin and benzaldehyde, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy. Finally, based on the experimental data and simulation results, a possible reaction pathway for the BW12-catalyzed liquefaction of lignin into mono-aromatic substances was proposed.
A large-effect fitness trade-off across environments is explained by a single mutation affecting cold acclimation
Authors: Lee Gwonjin , Sanderson Brian J. , Ellis Thomas J. , Dilkes Brian P. , McKay John K. , Ågren Jon , Oakley Christopher G.
Published: January 2024

Identifying the genetic basis of local adaptation and fitness trade-offs across environments is a central goal of evolutionary biology. Cold acclimation is an adaptive plastic response for surviving seasonal freezing, and costs of acclimation may be a general mechanism for fitness trade-offs across environments in temperate zone species. Starting with locally adapted ecotypes of
Arabidopsis thaliana
from Italy and Sweden, we examined the fitness consequences of a naturally occurring functional polymorphism in
CBF2
. This gene encodes a transcription factor that is a major regulator of cold-acclimated freezing tolerance and resides within a locus responsible for a genetic trade-off for long-term mean fitness. We estimated the consequences of alternate genotypes of
CBF2
on 5-y mean fitness and fitness components at the native field sites by comparing near-isogenic lines with alternate genotypes of
CBF2
to their genetic background ecotypes. The effects of
CBF2
were validated at the nucleotide level using gene-edited lines in the native genetic backgrounds grown in simulated parental environments. The foreign
CBF2
genotype in the local genetic background reduced long-term mean fitness in Sweden by more than 10%, primarily via effects on survival. In Italy, fitness was reduced by more than 20%, primarily via effects on fecundity. At both sites, the effects were temporally variable and much stronger in some years. The gene-edited lines confirmed that
CBF2
encodes the causal variant underlying this genetic trade-off. Additionally, we demonstrated a substantial fitness cost of cold acclimation, which has broad implications for potential maladaptive responses to climate change.
Dual-axial engineering on atomically dispersed catalysts for ultrastable oxygen reduction in acidic and alkaline solutions
Authors: Dan Meng , Zhang Xiting , Yang Yongchao , Yang Jingfei , Wu Fengxiu , Zhao Shenlong , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: January 2024

Atomically dispersed catalysts are a promising alternative to platinum group metal catalysts for catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), while limited durability during the electrocatalytic process severely restricts their practical application. Here, we report an atomically dispersed Co-doped carbon−nitrogen bilayer catalyst with unique dual-axial Co–C bonds (denoted as Co/DACN) by a smart phenyl-carbon-induced strategy, realizing highly efficient electrocatalytic ORR in both alkaline and acidic media. The corresponding half-wave potential for ORR is up to 0.85 and 0.77 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) in 0.5 M H
2
SO
4
and 0.1 M KOH, respectively, representing the best ORR activity among all non-noble metal catalysts reported to date. Impressively, the Zn–air battery (ZAB) equipped with Co/DACN cathode achieves outstanding durability after 1,688 h operation at 10 mA cm
−2
with a high current density (154.2 mA cm
−2
) and a peak power density (210.1 mW cm
−2
). Density functional theory calculations reveal that the unique dual-axial cross-linking Co−C bonds of Co/DACN significantly enhance the stability during ORR and also facilitate the 4e
−
ORR pathway by forming a joint electron pool due to the improved interlayer electron mobility. We believe that axial engineering opens a broad avenue to develop high-performance heterogeneous electrocatalysts for advanced energy conversion and storage.
RIPK1 activation in Mecp2-deficient microglia promotes inflammation and glutamate release in RTT
Authors: Cao Ze , Min Xia , Xie Xingxing , Huang Maoqing , Liu Yingying , Sun Weimin , Xu Guifang , He Miao , He Kaiwen , Li Ying , Yuan Junying
Published: January 2024

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (Mecp2) gene. Here, we found that inhibition of Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) kinase ameliorated progression of motor dysfunction after onset and prolonged the survival of Mecp2-null mice. Microglia were activated early in myeloid Mecp2-deficient mice, which was inhibited upon inactivation of RIPK1 kinase. RIPK1 inhibition in Mecp2-deficient microglia reduced oxidative stress, cytokines production and induction of SLC7A11, SLC38A1, and GLS, which mediate the release of glutamate. Mecp2-deficient microglia release high levels of glutamate to impair glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and promote increased levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 proteins in vivo, which was reduced upon RIPK1 inhibition. Thus, activation of RIPK1 kinase in Mecp2-deficient microglia may be involved both in the onset and progression of RTT.
Chapter 4. Two types of bodily-mimetic communication
Authors: Wacewicz Sławomir , Żywiczyński Przemysław
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we outline a novel approach to the study of pantomime, through applying the logic of evolutionary signalling theory to analysing the properties of the proposed precursors of language, in particular bodily-mimetic communication. We rely on a classic account by Krebs & Dawkins (1984), who outline two very different trajectories of the evolution of communication: into conspicuous, repetitive, exaggerated, and loud displays (expensive hype) versus cheap, subtle, inconspicuous and efficient messages (conspiratorial whispers). Pantomimic scenarios of language origins envisage a progression from mimetic to conventional communication, i.e., towards greater efficiency and expressive power, thereby assuming the latter trajectory. We argue that as a default, bodily mimetic communication is instead predicted to follow (or, remain trapped in) the expensive-hype trajectory, resulting in the communicative uses of the body that are defined by a high cost, such as artistic, sexual or ritual displays. The development of such forms of communication into systems increasingly resembling language could not happen on the surface level of communicative properties alone. Such changes could instead only happen as a result of the communication system switching to the efficient trajectory, which requires very special socio-ecological conditions.
Microglia at sites of atrophy restrict the progression of retinal degeneration via galectin-3 and Trem2
Authors: Yu Chen , Lad Eleonora M. , Mathew Rose , Shiraki Nobuhiko , Littleton Sejiro , Chen Yun , Hou Jinchao , Schlepckow Kai , Degan Simone , Chew Lindsey , Amason Joshua , Kalnitsky Joan , Bowes Rickman Catherine , Proia Alan D. , Colonna Marco , Haass Christian , Saban Daniel R.
Published: January 2024

Outer retinal degenerations, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are characterized by photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy. In these blinding diseases, macrophages accumulate at atrophic sites, but their ontogeny and niche specialization remain poorly understood, especially in humans. We uncovered a unique profile of microglia, marked by galectin-3 upregulation, at atrophic sites in mouse models of retinal degeneration and human AMD. In disease models, conditional deletion of galectin-3 in microglia led to phagocytosis defects and consequent augmented photoreceptor death, RPE damage, and vision loss, indicating protective roles. Mechanistically, Trem2 signaling orchestrated microglial migration to atrophic sites and induced galectin-3 expression. Moreover, pharmacologic Trem2 agonization led to heightened protection but in a galectin-3–dependent manner. In elderly human subjects, we identified this highly conserved microglial population that expressed galectin-3 and Trem2. This population was significantly enriched in the macular RPE-choroid of AMD subjects. Collectively, our findings reveal a neuroprotective population of microglia and a potential therapeutic target for mitigating retinal degeneration.
Analysis of swallowtail mutation instability of slope with weak interlayer under blasting disturbance
Authors: Wang Zeqi , Hu Bin , Li Jing , Zhong Zhuoxi , Chang Shuxiang
Published: January 2024

The stability analysis of slope under blasting disturbance is one of the important research topics in blasting engineering and geotechnical engineering. Based on the dynamic instabil-ity mechanical model of slope with weak interlayer, the mechanical effect of blasting dis-turbance on slope system is analyzed. The swallowtail mutation model of slope system under blasting disturbance is established. Two methods to determine slope stability under blasting disturbance are proposed: safety factor method and double judgment method. Through the analysis of the dynamic instability mechanism of the slope system under the effect of blast-ing disturbance, it is concluded that: (1) the greater the amplitude of blasting disturbance vibration, the worse the stability of the slope system, and the greater the possibility of land-slide disaster. The slope landslide disaster caused by blasting disturbance mainly occurs in the middle and late stage of blasting disturbance (0.17 ∼ 0.5s). (2) When the period of blast-ing vibration wave (T > 1s), the frequency of blasting disturbance wave can be appropriately increased, which is conducive to reducing the impact of blasting disturbance on slope stabil-ity. When the period of blasting disturbance wave (T < 1s), proper adjustment of blasting disturbance frequency will not have a direct impact on the stability of slope. (3) With the increase of the incident angle of blasting vibration wave, the change of the dynamic self-stability critical height of the slope system shows a trend of increasing, and the in-creasing rate is decreasing. The greater the incident angle of blasting vibration wave, the worse the stability of slope system. Proper reduction of the incident angle of blasting vibra-tion wave is beneficial to improve the stability of slope system. Finally, the rationality and applicability of thse proposed double judgment method are verified based on the actual con-ditions of the current slope in Laoyingzui.
A review on ionothermal synthesis of zeolites and zeotype materials
Authors: Fortas Wissam , Boukoussa Bouhadjar , Hasnaoui Mohamed Abdelkrim , Lerari Djahida , Sassi Mohamed , Bachari Khaldoun
Published: January 2024

Known as green inorganic products and environmentally beneficial, ionic liquids (ILs) are increasingly used in the ionothermal synthesis of zeolites and zeotype materials compared to the hydrothermal method. This safe and successful process offers new opportunities to produce several molecular sieves with different morphologies and structures for promising applications. In this review, we summarize the history of the most successful phases of zeolites and zeotype materials, with different structures such as AEL, AEI, AFI, AST, ATS, CHA, -CLO, ITW, LEV, LTA, MFI, MTN, MTT, SOD, TON, IRR, and STW, from ILs discovery until 2022. The use of the ionothermal method compared to the hydrothermal route is evaluated and reported in this paper, besides synthesis parameters affecting the final product formation, such as IL dosage, cation size and shape, water content, (P, Si, F, IL/Al) ratios, crystallization time and temperature, mineralizing agent, Me/Al ratio, the addition of a secondary template (co-SDA), the use of IL as both SDA and solvent, competition in forming the framework, and the use of eutectic mixture and deep eutectic solvent (DES). Furthermore, we collected the various applications of these materials and highlighted the advantages of the ionothermal process, offering a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
Stability and melting behavior of boron phosphide under high pressure
Authors: Liang 梁 Wenjia 文嘉 , Xiang 向 Xiaojun 晓君 , Li 李 Qian 倩 , Liang 梁 Hao 浩 , Peng 彭 Fang 放
Published: January 2024

Boron phosphide (BP) has gained significant research attention due to its unique photoelectric and mechanical properties. In this work, we investigated the stability of BP under high pressure using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The phase diagram of BP was explored in both B-rich and P-rich environments, revealing crucial insight into its behavior at 5.0 GPa. Additionally, we measured the melting curve of BP from 8.0 GPa to 15.0 GPa. Our findings indicate that the stability of BP under high pressure is improved within B-rich and P-rich environments. Furthermore, we report a remarkable observation of melting curve frustration at 10.0 GPa. This study will enhance our understanding of stability of BP under high pressure, shedding light on its potential application in semiconductor, thermal, and light-transmitting devices.
Metabolic insights at the finish line: deciphering physiological changes in ultramarathon runners through breath VOC analysis
Authors: Chou Hsuan , Arthur Kayleigh , Shaw Elen , Schaber Chad , Boyle Billy , Allsworth Max , Kelley Eli F , Stewart Glenn M , Wheatley Courtney M , Schwartz Jesse , Fermoyle Caitlin C , Ziegler Briana L , Johnson Kay A , Robach Paul , Basset Patrick , Johnson Bruce D
Published: January 2024

Exhaustive exercise can induce unique physiological responses in the lungs and other parts of the human body. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath are ideal for studying the effects of exhaustive exercise on the lungs due to the proximity of the breath matrix to the respiratory tract. As breath VOCs can originate from the bloodstream, changes in abundance should also indicate broader physiological effects of exhaustive exercise on the body. Currently, there is limited published data on the effects of exhaustive exercise on breath VOCs. Breath has great potential for biomarker analysis as it can be collected non-invasively, and capture real-time metabolic changes to better understand the effects of exhaustive exercise. In this study, we collected breath samples from a small group of elite runners participating in the 2019 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc ultra-marathon. The final analysis included matched paired samples collected before and after the race from 24 subjects. All 48 samples were analyzed using the Breath Biopsy Platform with GC-Orbitrap™ via thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine whether VOC abundances differed between pre- and post-race breath samples (adjusted P-value < .05). We identified a total of 793 VOCs in the breath samples of elite runners. Of these, 63 showed significant differences between pre- and post-race samples after correction for multiple testing (12 decreased, 51 increased). The specific VOCs identified suggest the involvement of fatty acid oxidation, inflammation, and possible altered gut microbiome activity in response to exhaustive exercise. This study demonstrates significant changes in VOC abundance resulting from exhaustive exercise. Further investigation of VOC changes along with other physiological measurements can help improve our understanding of the effect of exhaustive exercise on the body and subsequent differences in VOCs in exhaled breath.
Self-propelled Leidenfrost droplets on femtosecond-laser-induced surface with periodic hydrophobicity gradient
Authors: Li Bohong , Jiang Lan , Li Xiaowei , Wang Zhipeng , Yi Peng
Published: January 2024

Highlights

A surface with periodic hydrophobicity gradient (SPHG) is fabricated by shaped femtosecond laser.

The directional self-propulsion of the Leidenfrost droplets is realized.

The viscous gradient force between gas and liquid is used to drive the droplet to move.

A brand-new method for controlling the movement of droplets is provided.
Signalling mechanisms driving homeostatic and inflammatory effects of interleukin-15 on tissue lymphocytes
Authors: Skariah Neema , James Olivia J , Swamy Mahima
Published: January 2024

There is an intriguing dichotomy in the function of cytokine interleukin-15—at low levels, it is required for the homeostasis of the immune system, yet when it is upregulated in response to pathogenic infections or in autoimmunity, IL-15 drives inflammation. IL-15 associates with the IL-15Rα within both myeloid and non-haematopoietic cells, where IL-15Rα trans-presents IL-15 in a membrane-bound form to neighboring cells. Alongside homeostatic maintenance of select lymphocyte populations such as NK cells and tissue-resident T cells, when upregulated, IL-15 also promotes inflammatory outcomes by driving effector function and cytotoxicity in NK cells and T cells. As chronic over-expression of IL-15 can lead to autoimmunity, IL-15 expression is tightly regulated. Thus, blocking dysregulated IL-15 and its downstream signalling pathways are avenues for immunotherapy. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways involved in IL-15 signalling and how these pathways contribute to both homeostatic and inflammatory functions in IL-15-dependent mature lymphoid populations, focusing on innate, and innate-like lymphocytes in tissues.
Mitral valve early systolic billowing induces following annular expansion and leaflet augmentation in Barlow’s disease: sequential analysis using 3D echocardiography
Authors: Amano Masashi , Izumi Chisato , Toki Misako , Yanagi Yoshiki , Hayashida Akihiro , Kawamoto Takahiro , Hiraoka Arudo , Fukushima Satsuki , Sakaguchi Taichi , Watanabe Nozomi , Yoshida Kiyoshi
Published: January 2024

Aims

Although systolic expansion of the annulus has been recognized in Barlow’s disease, the mechanisms of the unique pathological movement of the annulus and its relation to the leaflet augmentation have not yet been clarified. We aimed to investigate the detailed mechanisms of the characteristic mitral apparatus dynamics in Barlow’s disease by frame-by-frame sequential geometric analysis using real-time 3D transoesophageal echocardiography.

Methods and results

Fifty-three patients with Barlow’s disease and severe mitral regurgitation without torn chordae, as well as 10 controls, were included. We evaluated geometric changes in the mitral complex using 3D transoesophageal echocardiography at five points during systole. To identify early systolic billowing of leaflets, the annulo-leaflet angle was measured. We also performed a more detailed analysis in four consecutive frames just before and after leaflet free-edge prolapse above the annulus plane. The median annulo-leaflet angle of both leaflets in early systole was >0° (above annulus plane) in patients with Barlow’s disease, and billowing of the leaflet body was observed from early systole. The prolapse volume of both leaflets increased markedly from early to mid-systole [1.60 (0.85–2.80) to 4.00 (2.10–6.45) mL; analysis of variance (ANOVA), P < 0.001; post hoc, P < 0.05]. With frame-by-frame analysis, dynamic augmentation of the annulus and leaflets developed between frames just before and just after leaflet free-edge prolapse (ANOVA, P < 0.01; post hoc, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In Barlow’s disease, early systolic billowing of the mitral leaflet induces systolic annulus expansion followed by leaflet augmentation and leaflet free-edge prolapse.
Severe functional ischaemic mitral regurgitation: is functional a misnomer for a dysfunctional valve? A case report
Authors: Chrissoheris Michael P , Kourkoveli Panagiota , Aravantinos Dionysios , Spargias Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) in the context of left ventricular systolic dysfunction is often designated as functional, with emphasis on the underlying cardiomyopathy leading to malcoaptation of the ‘otherwise normal valve’.

Case summary

A 63-year-old male with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction 20%) presented with intractable heart failure in need of inotropic support and could not be stepped down from an ICU hospital setting. Functional MR, graded as moderate on transthoracic echocardiography, was initially not considered as pertinent to the clinical condition and options discussed included initiation of dialysis for volume management, chronic inotropic support, and palliative measures. However, a re-examination of the mitral valve by transoesophageal echo revealed severe regurgitation from annular dilatation and restricted mobility during systole. Transcatheter edge to edge repair utilizing the PASCAL device resulted in marked reduction of MR followed by an abrupt clinical improvement, weaning off inotropes and discharge home 4 days later. At four-year follow-up, the patient is stable on optimal heart failure therapy.

Discussion

For many patients with heart failure and underlying cardiomyopathy, the presence of significant functional MR, instead of a ‘bystander’ disease, actually becomes the dominant driver of symptoms and compounds the low cardiac output state. In these patients, the term ‘functional’ MR becomes a misnomer, as in fact the so called ‘otherwise normal’ mitral valve is actually a severely dysfunctional valve with a wide malcoaptation zone. Transcatheter edge to edge repair is an effective bailout procedure for patients with low cardiac output and disproportionate severe functional MR.
Atrial arrhythmias and acute pericarditis triggered by bleach ingestion-associated oesophageal perforation: a case report
Authors: Saleh Ahmed , D'amico Alex , Hasnie Ammar , Clarkson Stephen , Heindl Brittain
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute pericarditis due to oesophageal perforation and caustic injury is a rare presentation of bleach ingestion. Cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter have been associated with certain aetiologies of acute pericarditis. This case report presents a unique occurrence of acute pericarditis following bleach ingestion and intermittent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter triggered by liquid intake.

Case summary

A 36-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented after attempted suicide by ingesting bleach. He had acute pericarditis resulting from caustic oesophageal perforation and extensive mediastinal injury. In the following days, he developed recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter following fluid intake, prompting treatment with metoprolol. On Day 5 of hospitalization, he underwent an oesophagogram and developed persistent atrial arrhythmia with haemodynamic instability requiring cardioversion. He underwent thoracoscopic surgery to address the oesophageal injury. A jejunostomy tube was placed and he had complete resolution of his recurrent atrial arrhythmia.

Discussion

This case highlights a rare presentation of atrial arrhythmias and acute pericarditis caused by corrosive oesophageal injury due to bleach ingestion. The effective management of such cases necessitates a co-ordinated approach, involving the collaboration of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, and critical care specialists, with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes and mitigating the life-threatening risks associated with oesophageal perforation and cardiac arrhythmias. Furthermore, this case underscores the imperative for further research to better understand the relationship between traumatic acute pericarditis and atrial arrhythmias, offering the potential for improved patient care in these intricate clinical scenarios.
Artificial intelligence for ventricular arrhythmia capability using ambulatory electrocardiograms
Authors: Barker Joseph , Li Xin , Kotb Ahmed , Mavilakandy Akash , Antoun Ibrahim , Thaitirarot Chokanan , Koev Ivelin , Man Sharon , Schlindwein Fernando S , Dhutia Harshil , Chin Shui Hao , Tyukin Ivan , Nicolson William B , Ng G Andre
Published: January 2024

Aims

European and American clinical guidelines for implantable cardioverter defibrillators are insufficiently accurate for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) risk stratification, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Artificial intelligence offers a novel risk stratification lens through which VA capability can be determined from the electrocardiogram (ECG) in normal cardiac rhythm. The aim of this study was to develop and test a deep neural network for VA risk stratification using routinely collected ambulatory ECGs.

Methods and results

A multicentre case–control study was undertaken to assess VA-ResNet-50, our open source ResNet-50-based deep neural network. VA-ResNet-50 was designed to read pyramid samples of three-lead 24 h ambulatory ECGs to decide whether a heart is capable of VA based on the ECG alone. Consecutive adults with VA from East Midlands, UK, who had ambulatory ECGs as part of their NHS care between 2014 and 2022 were recruited and compared with all comer ambulatory electrograms without VA. Of 270 patients, 159 heterogeneous patients had a composite VA outcome. The mean time difference between the ECG and VA was 1.6 years (⅓ ambulatory ECG before VA). The deep neural network was able to classify ECGs for VA capability with an accuracy of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.66–0.87), F1 score of 0.79 (0.67–0.90), area under the receiver operator curve of 0.8 (0.67–0.91), and relative risk of 2.87 (1.41–5.81).

Conclusion

Ambulatory ECGs confer risk signals for VA risk stratification when analysed using VA-ResNet-50. Pyramid sampling from the ambulatory ECGs is hypothesized to capture autonomic activity. We encourage groups to build on this open-source model.

Question

Can artificial intelligence (AI) be used to predict whether a person is at risk of a lethal heart rhythm, based solely on an electrocardiogram (an electrical heart tracing)?

Findings

In a study of 270 adults (of which 159 had lethal arrhythmias), the AI was correct in 4 out of every 5 cases. If the AI said a person was at risk, the risk of lethal event was three times higher than normal adults.

Meaning

In this study, the AI performed better than current medical guidelines. The AI was able to accurately determine the risk of lethal arrhythmia from standard heart tracings for 80% of cases over a year away—a conceptual shift in what an AI model can see and predict. This method shows promise in better allocating implantable shock box pacemakers (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) that save lives.
Diversification history and morphological evolution of larks
Authors: García-Navas Vicente , Stervander Martin , Alström Per
Published: January 2024

Larks (Alaudidae) constitute one of the avian families best adapted to xeric environments, having colonized a wide suite of open habitats including deserts. Although their highest diversity is in Africa, larks occur on all nonpolar continents. We tested whether larks exhibit exceptional and/or correlated shifts in the tempos of speciation and ecological trait diversification in the face of open ecological space. We employed a near-complete phylogeny and a morphological dataset including several recently recognized species. We found homogeneity in diversification dynamics across the family and evidence for a diversity-dependent slowdown in cladogenesis, which indicates that Alaudidae may approach their ‘ecological limit’. We did not observe an early burst in phenotypic diversification, as would be expected in a ‘classic’ adaptive radiation. Our findings suggest that the morphology of larks shows a high level of evolutionary conservatism and overall lack of ecomorphological convergence: ecological variables (diet and habitat)—which by contrast display a higher lability—explain little of shape/size variation except beak shape. Both adaptation to aridity and dietary transitions have evolved independently in multiple lineages across subfamilies. This study supports the idea that continental radiations in open habitats may reach an equilibrium faster than those in tropical forests, due to differences in ecological opportunities.
GPI-anchored Gas1 protein regulates cytosolic proteostasis in budding yeast
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Ruan Linhao , Li Rong
Published: January 2024

The decline in protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is a hallmark of cellular aging and aging-related diseases. Maintaining a balanced proteostasis requires a complex network of molecular machineries that govern protein synthesis, folding, localization, and degradation. Under proteotoxic stress, misfolded proteins that accumulate in cytosol can be imported into mitochondria for degradation through the “mitochondrial as guardian in cytosol” (MAGIC) pathway. Here, we report an unexpected role of Gas1, a cell wall-bound glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase in the budding yeast, in differentially regulating MAGIC and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Deletion of GAS1 inhibits MAGIC but elevates protein ubiquitination and UPS-mediated protein degradation. Interestingly, we found that the Gas1 protein exhibits mitochondrial localization attributed to its C-terminal GPI anchor signal. But this mitochondria-associated GPI anchor signal is not required for mitochondrial import and degradation of misfolded proteins through MAGIC. By contrast, catalytic inactivation of Gas1 via the gas1-E161Q mutation inhibits MAGIC but not its mitochondrial localization. These data suggest that the glucanosyltransferase activity of Gas1 is important for regulating cytosolic proteostasis.