bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Design of Valve Base Insulation and Power Supply Transformer for High-Voltage DC Circuit Breaker
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Lyu Wei , Zhao Yinfeng , Zou Feng , Lu Yu , Fang Taixun
Published: July 2024

High-voltage DC circuit breaker is a key piece of equipment to building DC power grids. DC circuit breakers need to support and isolate from high voltage to ground through valve-based equipment and use valve-based power supply transformer to continuously supply energy to high potential components, the electrical performance of these two equipment determines whether DC circuit breakers and DC networks can be operated safely and reliably. For this reason, this paper carries out the research on the insulation capability of the valve base and the performance of the power supply transformer, such as the design and simulation of electric and thermal fields, as well as the test program. Firstly, the insulation design and simulation study of the valve base as a whole is carried out, and the design optimization of the equipotential scheme of the top homogeneous tubular bus, diagonal pull insulator and hydroelectric pole is completed. Secondly, the design and simulation verification of the thermal field distribution of the energy-supply transformer, the overvoltage between the ends of the output windings and the optimization scheme, and the short-circuit impedance were carried out. Finally, the insulation performance of the valve base, the temperature rise of the energy supply transformer, the overvoltage simulation of the output winding and the short-circuit characteristics were tested. The results show that: after optimization, the maximum field strength of the homogenizer is 2.3kV/mm, and the overall maximum field strength of the valve base is 2.61 kV/mm on the diagonal insulator, and there is no pressure difference between the water circuit and the fittings using the three-pin vertically distributed hydropower electrode scheme; the temperature rise of the supply transformer in the simulation and the actual measurement is 27K and less than 30K; by means of the parallel connection of the MOV, the overvoltage of the output winding of the power supply transformer under voltage impulse is effectively reduced to -1.8kV; the measured short-circuit impedance of the power supply transformer is 69.5%. The optimized design of DC circuit breaker valve base and power supply transformer can operate safely, and effectively support the construction of DC circuit breaker and DC power network.
Investigation of the mineralogical composition and origin analysis of black jadeite
Authors: Guo Fenghui , Xu Wei , Tang Minghui , Zhang Ziqi , Chen Zean , Lu Hao
Published: July 2024

Analyzing black jadeite variety is helpful not only to distinguish black jadeite from the common omphacite jadeite, but also to learn the origin of jadeite by studying these special specimens. The basic gemological properties, mineral composition, structural characteristics, spectroscopic features, and color-causing mechanisms of black jadeite were studied through testing methods such as Polarizing microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy. Recent studies have confirmed the distinct crystalloblastic textures of black jadeite—namely columnar, granular, and fibrous—alongside its characteristic fracture structures. This research further identifies the presence of secondary minerals, primarily opaque black impurities consisting of a graphite and disordered graphite mixture, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. These analyses have elucidated that the variable distribution of graphite mixtures contributes to differing degrees of light absorption, thereby forming various shades of black, a critical factor in the gemstone’s coloration. This study suggests that these carbonaceous materials are a byproduct of the carbonization of organic matter within metamorphic fluids, subsequently forming dispersed graphite structures within the mineral matrix and its fractures, indicative of multi-stage metamorphic processes. Additionally, the identification of graphite supports the theory that jadeite’s protolith originated from the subduction processes of the Neotethys Ocean, accompanied by metasomatism and high-pressure metamorphism of olivinite.
A novel boost power converter suitable for bearingless switched reluctance motor with wider rotor teeth
Authors: Xiang Yu , Yue Minghao , Mei Jianwei
Published: July 2024

Aiming at the problem that the excitation current build-up speed of the bearingless switched reluctance motor with wider rotor teeth (BSRMWR) is too slow during commutation, this paper proposes a simple structured boost power converter. When the motor is commutation, it uses the winding demagnetization energy to quickly establish the excitation current for the latter phase winding and realizes the low torque ripple operation of the motor on the basis of ensuring the stable levitation of the motor. The topology and working status of the novel power converter are analyzed. On this basis, a 12/8 pole single-winding BSRMWR driving system based on the novel boost power converter is constructed. Through Matlab/Simulink simulation, the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel power converter are verified.
Simulation of temperature rise in low voltage winding of natural oil circulation transformer and analysis of oil flow heat dissipation
Authors: Yang Haoshuo , Liang Jingjing , Wu Chuyan , Tang Gengkun , Wu Jiarui , Wang Yongyan , Lu Binxian
Published: July 2024

The heat dissipation performance of an oil-immersed transformer is the key to its stable operation. Winding loss is a crucial part of transformer heat loss, and winding heat dissipation greatly influences the rise in transformer temperature. In this paper, depending on the finite element method, the magnetic field distribution of a 66 MVA (225/26.4 kV) natural oil circulation transformer is analyzed, and the DC and eddy current losses of the low voltage winding are calculated. Based on the finite volume method, the temperature field distribution of the low-voltage winding is calculated, and the heat flux distribution of the contact surface between the disc insulation paper and the oil flow is obtained. It is found that there are transition points and extreme points between the upper and lower surface of the disc and the inner and outer surface of the disc, and the heat flux on the upper and lower surface of the disc conductor has obvious alternating oscillation. This study provides direction for further analysis and understanding of the heat dissipation mechanism and structural design of natural oil circulation transformers.
Aero-engine performance evaluation model in the entire flight envelope
Authors: Li Peiyuan , Chen Yufeng , Fan Wenlan
Published: July 2024

An aero-engine performance characteristics mathematical model in the entire flight envelope is proposed based on the stratification analysis method and multi-condition test data. The thrust, fuel flow, low/high-pressure rotor speed, exhaust temperature, and other engine output parameters can be calculated in the entire flight envelope, according to the engine operating characteristic model and input parameters of aircraft flight altitude, velocity, ambient temperature, throttle angle, etc. Based on the evaluation model proposed in this paper, the evaluation data of an aero-engine is consistent with the test data, and the error is less than 5%. The research and model can support flight performance calculation and mission planning and can be applied to flight simulator engine modules.
Numerical simulation and exploration of influencing factors on transmission conductor ice-covering
Authors: Zhang Lu , Han Yanhua , Sun Lei , Zhang Hebin , Zhang Fan , Ji Shengchang
Published: July 2024

In order to explore the influence of environmental factors on the effect of wire surface ice-covering, this paper uses the artificial climate chamber to build an experimental platform that can be used in the laboratory for wire ice-covering experiments. Through the numerical simulation of wire ice-covering, we observe the change of the ice-covering state inside the water layer on the surface of the conductor over time and get the experimental optimal time of cooling through comparison. In the experiment, by controlling different wind speed levels and water pump power, we explored the effect of wind speed and droplet average diameter size on the thickness of ice-covering on the surface of the conductor and the quality of the icicle, and analysed the change rule of the ice-covering ratio of the conductor.
Design of air-breathing supersonic vehicle guidance law for intercepting the high maneuvering target with impact angle constraint
Authors: Xu Zihe , Ming Chao , Bai Zhiheng , Feng Tong
Published: July 2024

To achieve interception vehicles that can intercept high maneuvering targets with impact angle constraint, and improve the strike effectiveness of the vehicle, based on the two-dimensional planar motion model of the vehicle and the target, this article proposes a sliding mode control vehicle guidance law. The stability of the guidance law is verified through the Lyapunov function, and an extended state observer is set to check for disturbances. After simulation verification, the guidance law can intercept the target with predetermined terminal angle constraints and has good tracking performance.
Research on controlling dual buck inverter in sliding mode based on buffered inductor
Authors: Li Bo , Yue Zhou , Lu Chongwen
Published: July 2024

To overcome the problems of power transistor passthrough and switching loss in traditional bridge inverters, it is suggested to replace the conventional double Buck inverter with a double Buck inverter that has a buffer inductor placed in the center of the bridge arm with one that has a very modest inductance value. Firstly, a dual inductor single structure of the Buck inverter was examined, and based on this, a dual Buck inverter topology structure based on a buffer inductor was proposed. Then, the application of the sliding mode control strategy in dual Buck inverters based on buffer inductance was elaborated. Ultimately, tests were conducted to confirm the accuracy of the theoretical theory. The proposed dual Buck inverter based on buffer inductance solves the problem of low inductance utilization while retaining high reliability. Compared with single inductance DBI, it has smaller losses and lower control complexity, which has practical application value.
Adaptive reconstruction of ship trajectory considering motion states
Authors: Li Gaocai , Zhang Xinyu , Huang Ruining , Jiang Chenxing , Lian Xiaorong
Published: July 2024

In response to the presence of noise and missing data in the records of ship trajectories from the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which affects the accuracy of ship traffic flow modeling and knowledge discovery, an adaptive reconstruction method for ship trajectories is proposed, taking into account the state of motion of the ship. This method comprehensively considers latitude, longitude, speed, course, and turn rate in the ship trajectory data and enables the identification and removal of position, speed, and course noise. In addition, the ship’s trajectory is divided into straight segments and turning segments based on the rate of change of the ship’s course. Various interpolation methods are adaptively applied to repair the trajectory. The validation with real ship trajectories shows that the proposed method has higher accuracy than other benchmark methods and provides a solid basis for evaluating ship trajectories.
Research on the method of air gap clearance selection for bushing at high-altitude areas
Authors: Yao Xiuyuan , Ma Xiaoxu , Liu Delong , Ding Yujian , Hu Meixin
Published: July 2024

As an important component of the core equipment of the UHV substation, the operation reliability of the bushing is directly related to the safe operation of the main equipment. There are some technical problems in the development of casing in the Sichuan-Chongqing project, such as technical problems at high altitudes and a lack of relevant experience in the correction of air gap and equipment external insulation altitude. Therefore, there is an urgent need to research the selection of gap distance for UHV AC substation bushing electrical characteristics test in high altitude areas. In this paper, based on the standard meteorological conditions and the rod-plate gap switching impulse discharge test data at an altitude of 4300 m, the minimum gap distance of UHV AC substation bushing withstanding 1800 kV and 1950 kV under different methods is obtained. The results show that by comparing the two calculation methods, the minimum distance calculation method of the true test combined with the gap coefficient method avoids the error of altitude correction, and the minimum gap distance is reduced by 7.84%-14.17% compared with the former. The research content can provide a reference for selecting the dry arc distance of the casing. The next step should be to carry out the discharge characteristic test of the true-size electrode at a high altitude, so as to simulate the field situation more realistically and provide more powerful technical support for the project.
Water-based quantum dots liquid scintillator for particle physics
Authors: Zhao M. , Taani M. , Cole J. , Crudele B. , Zou B. , Bhuiyan N. , Chowdhury E. , Duan Y. , Fekri S. , Harvey D. , Mitra D. , Raz O. , Thompson A. , Katori T. , Rakovich A.
Published: July 2024

Liquid scintillators are typically composed from organic
compounds dissolved in organic solvents. However, usage of such
material is often restricted due to fire safety and environmental
reasons. Because of this, R&D of water-based liquid scintillators
is of extreme relevance; yet, no such scintillators have been made
commercially available as yet. Here, we investigate an alternative,
water-based quantum dots liquid scintillator. Pre-determined and
controllable optical properties of the quantum dots, as well as the
existence of large libraries of established protocols for their
dispersion in aqueous solutions, make them an attractive option for
nuclear and particle physics applications. We characterize the
optical properties of water-based quantum dots liquid scintillator
and find that most of its optical properties are preserved upon
quantum dots' phase transfer into water, through the addition of an
oleic acid hydrophilic layer. Using the developed scintillator, the
time and charge responses from atmospheric muons are measured,
highlighting the practical viability of water-based quantum dots
liquid scintillators for nuclear and particle physics, special
interest on neutrino physics.
Tailoring zirconia surface topography via femtosecond laser-induced nanoscale features: effects on osteoblast cells and antibacterial properties
Authors: Ghalandarzadeh Arash , Ganjali Monireh , Hosseini Milad
Published: July 2024

The performance and long-term durability of dental implants hinge on the quality of bone integration and their resistance to bacteria. This research aims to introduce a surface modification strategy for zirconia implants utilizing femtosecond laser ablation techniques, exploring their impact on osteoblast cell behavior and bacterial performance, as well as the integral factors influencing the soft tissue quality surrounding dental implants. Ultrafast lasers were employed to craft nanoscale groove geometries on zirconia surfaces, with thorough analyses conducted using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle measurements. The study evaluated the response of human fetal osteoblastic cell lines to textured zirconia ceramics by assessing alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen I, and interleukin 1β secretion over a 7 day period. Additionally, the antibacterial behavior of the textured surfaces was investigated using Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common culprit in infections associated with dental implants. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a widely used antibacterial antibiotic, was loaded onto zirconia ceramic surfaces. The results of this study unveiled a substantial reduction in bacterial adhesion on textured zirconia surfaces. The fine biocompatibility of these surfaces was confirmed through the MTT assay and observations of cell morphology. Moreover, the human fetal osteoblastic cell line exhibited extensive spreading and secreted elevated levels of collagen I and interleukin 1β in the modified samples. Drug release evaluations demonstrated sustained CIP release through a diffusion mechanism, showcasing excellent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.
Can blue–green infrastructure counteract the effects of climate change on combined sewer overflows? Study of a swiss catchment
Authors: Cavadini Giovan Battista , Rodriguez Mayra , Nguyen Trang , Cook Lauren M
Published: July 2024

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs), the discharge of untreated sewage mixed with stormwater into surface waters, are expected to increase under climate change as a result of more extreme rainfall. Blue–green infrastructure (BGI), such as bioretention cells and porous pavements, can help to reduce the amount of stormwater entering combined sewer systems, thus reducing CSO discharge. However, our understanding of the potential for BGI to mitigate CSOs in a future climate is still lacking, as performance is typically evaluated for individual BGI elements with fixed implementation areas under historical climate conditions or limited future scenarios. In response, this study investigates the performance of 30 combinations of BGI elements and implementation rates to prevent increases in CSOs under a range of future climate scenarios in an urban catchment near Zurich, Switzerland. Median total annual rainfall, projected to increase by as much as 46%, could double the median annual CSO volume and increase median annual CSO frequency by up to 52%. Four BGI combinations that include bioretention cells show the most promise to prevent increases in CSO volume and frequency in a future climate; and given the diverse responses of BGI elements to distinct rainfall patterns, their combinations can enhance CSO discharge reduction across varying climate patterns. BGI is also likely to become more cost-effective under future climatic conditions as projected increases in total rainfall led to larger CSO volume reductions obtained through BGI. However, there is a trade-off between robustness to climate change and cost-effectiveness, since CSO volume reduction capacity scales with BGI implementation rate but cost-effectiveness declines. Our study illustrates the effectiveness of various BGI combinations to prevent increases in CSOs in a future climate, calling for a range of BGI elements and implementation areas to be considered for urban drainage adaptation.
Temporal and spatial changes in the environmental lapse rate distribution over the Arctic
Authors: Zhang Zelu , Bamber Jonathan , Igneczi Adam
Published: July 2024

The Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) depicts how the temperature near the surface varies with altitude and can be used for temperature downscaling coarse resolution data and for understanding boundary layer processes. We calculated the ELR using ERA5 reanalysis data, examined its temporal and larger-scale spatial variability, and found a prevalent seasonal ELR cycle over the Arctic. There are extensive positive ELR values resulting from pervasive inversions over most of the Arctic in winter; hence, we also explored the possible factors that lead to inversions in polar regions. Our results can serve as a reference for future research on the inversions in different morphological regions at different pressure levels. By improving the characterization of the ELR, we obtain a more explicit representation of the vertical temperature variation across the Arctic region and examine potential trends in ELR over time. Our results challenge the commonly assumed fixed ELR values that are typically used in the Arctic region in, for example, correcting ice-core temperature reconstructions or estimating higher-resolution runoff from land ice.
Roadmap on optical communications
Authors: Agrell Erik , Karlsson Magnus , Poletti Francesco , Namiki Shu , Chen Xi (Vivian) , Rusch Leslie A , Puttnam Benjamin , Bayvel Polina , Schmalen Laurent , Tao Zhenning , Kschischang Frank R , Alvarado Alex , Mukherjee Biswanath , Casellas Ramon , Zhou Xiang , van Veen Dora , Mohs Georg , Wong Elaine , Mecozzi Antonio , Alouini Mohamed-Slim , Diamanti Eleni , Uysal Murat
Published: July 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic showed forcefully the fundamental importance broadband data communication and the internet has in our society. Optical communications forms the undisputable backbone of this critical infrastructure, and it is supported by an interdisciplinary research community striving to improve and develop it further. Since the first ‘Roadmap of optical communications’ was published in 2016, the field has seen significant progress in all areas, and time is ripe for an update of the research status. The optical communications area has become increasingly diverse, covering research in fundamental physics and materials science, high-speed electronics and photonics, signal processing and coding, and communication systems and networks. This roadmap describes state-of-the-art and future outlooks in the optical communications field. The article is divided into 20 sections on selected areas, each written by a leading expert in that area. The sections are thematically grouped into four parts with 4–6 sections each, covering, respectively, hardware, algorithms, networks and systems. Each section describes the current status, the future challenges, and development needed to meet said challenges in their area. As a whole, this roadmap provides a comprehensive and unprecedented overview of the contemporary optical communications research, and should be essential reading for researchers at any level active in this field.
Multidimensional fluorescence spectroscopy of wine using synchronous excitation/emission matrices and time-resolved fluorescence interferometric detection
Authors: Mori Sakuya , Hall Christopher R , Bradley Siobhan J , Smith Trevor A
Published: July 2024

Wines are complex mixtures of chemical compounds with broad and overlapping absorption and emission spectral features in the UV and visible spectral regions, making them challenging to study with conventional optical spectroscopic techniques. Multidimensional fluorescence spectroscopies correlate fluorescence spectra with other degrees of freedom, and have proven useful for studying complex molecular systems, offering a pathway for the analysis of wines utilising their inherent fluorescence. Here we employ steady-state excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and time-resolved fluorescence spectral measurements to investigate representative commercial white and red wine samples and a fluorescent ‘model’ wine base. Combining these multidimensional measurement methods provides information on the emission characteristics of the components that wines contain. This investigation illustrates the potential for multidimensional fluorescence techniques as diagnostic tools for the wine industry.
The influence of tourist values on environmental responsibility behavior—a multi-case study from Guilin
Authors: Zhou Huiling , Tang Kaixuan , Huang Longfang , Jiang Yajun , Wu Ke
Published: July 2024

Cultivating tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior is an effective way to relieve the pressure of ecological environment in tourist destinations. Based on the value-attitude-behavior theory, this paper constructs a relationship model of values, ecotourism attitude, social responsibility awareness and environmental responsibility behavior, and explores the mechanism of tourists’ values influence on environmental responsibility behavior. Taking three scenic areas (Mao’er Mountain, Yulong River and Xingping Ancient Town) in the Lijiang River Basin of Guilin, a world-famous tourist destination in China, as a case study, the structural equation model is used to test the theoretical hypotheses of tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior. The results of the three studies show that values have a significant positive impact on tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior, while ecotourism attitude cannot directly affect tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior, but values can indirectly affect tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior through the chain intermediary of ecotourism attitude and social responsibility awareness. The findings of the study can effectively guide tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior, which has far-reaching significance for the sustainable development of tourist destinations.
Background suppression for volcano muography with machine learning
Authors: Galgóczi Gábor , Albrecht Gábor , Hamar Gergő , Varga Dezső
Published: July 2024

A machine learning (ML) algorithm (deep neural network) is presented to suppress background in muography applications mainly targeting volcanoes. Additionally it could be applied for large scale geological structures, such as ophiolites. The detector system investigated in this article is designed to suppress the low energy background by applying up to 5 lead absorber layers arranged among 8 detectors. This complicated system was simulated with a Monte-Carlo based particle simulation to provide training sample for the ML algorithm. It is shown that the developed deep neural network is capable of suppressing the low energy background considerably better than the classical tracking algorithm, therefore this additional suppression with ML yields in a significant improvement. The target areas of volcanoes lie beneath approximately a kilometer of rock that only a fraction of a percent of muons have enough energy to penetrate. The ML algorithm takes advantage of the directional changes in the absorbers, as well as the correlation between the muons energy and the deposited energy in the detectors. Identifying very high energy muons is also a challenge: the classical algorithm discards considerable fraction of 1 TeV muons which create multiple hits due to bremsstrahlung, while the ML algorithm easily adapts to accept such patterns.
Cytosolic acidification and oxidation are the toxic mechanisms of SO2 in Arabidopsis guard cells
Authors: Mozhgani Mahdi , Ooi Lia , Espagne Christelle , Filleur Sophie , Mori Izumi C
Published: July 2024

SO2/H2SO3 can damage plants. However, its toxic mechanism has still been controversial. Two models have been proposed, cytosolic acidification model and cellular oxidation model. Here, we assessed the toxic mechanism of H2SO3 in three cell types of Arabidopsis thaliana, mesophyll cells, guard cells (GCs), and petal cells. The sensitivity of GCs of Chloride channel a (CLCa)-knockout mutants to H2SO3 was significantly lower than those of wildtype plants. Expression of other CLC genes in mesophyll cells and petal cells were different from GCs. Treatment with antioxidant, disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (tiron), increased the median lethal concentration (LC50) of H2SO3 in GCs indicating the involvement of cellular oxidation, while the effect was negligible in mesophyll cells and petal cells. These results indicate that there are two toxic mechanisms of SO2 to Arabidopsis cells: cytosolic acidification and cellular oxidation, and the toxic mechanism may vary among cell types.
Mining drug–target interactions from biomedical literature using chemical and gene descriptions-based ensemble transformer model
Authors: Aldahdooh Jehad , Tanoli Ziaurrehman , Tang Jing
Published: July 2024

Motivation

Drug–target interactions (DTIs) play a pivotal role in drug discovery, as it aims to identify potential drug targets and elucidate their mechanism of action. In recent years, the application of natural language processing (NLP), particularly when combined with pre-trained language models, has gained considerable momentum in the biomedical domain, with the potential to mine vast amounts of texts to facilitate the efficient extraction of DTIs from the literature.

Results

In this article, we approach the task of DTIs as an entity-relationship extraction problem, utilizing different pre-trained transformer language models, such as BERT, to extract DTIs. Our results indicate that an ensemble approach, by combining gene descriptions from the Entrez Gene database with chemical descriptions from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), is critical for achieving optimal performance. The proposed model achieves an F1 score of 80.6 on the hidden DrugProt test set, which is the top-ranked performance among all the submitted models in the official evaluation. Furthermore, we conduct a comparative analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of various gene textual descriptions sourced from Entrez Gene and UniProt databases to gain insights into their impact on the performance. Our findings highlight the potential of NLP-based text mining using gene and chemical descriptions to improve drug–target extraction tasks.

Availability and implementation

Datasets utilized in this study are accessible at https://dtis.drugtargetcommons.org/.
CCDC189 depletion leads to oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia and male infertility in mice
Authors: Zhou Huiping , Yang Fan , Li Guanghua , Yuan Lu , Ge Tingting , Niu Changmin , Zheng Ying
Published: July 2024

In male reproductive system, proteins containing the coiled-coil domain (CCDC) are predominantly expressed in specific regions including the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate. They play a vital role in centriole formation, sperm motility and flagellar development in male gametes. Despite being highly expressed in the testis, the exact physiological function of the coiled-coil domain-containing 189 (Ccdc189) gene remain largely unclear. Our research provides a comprehensive and detailed investigation into the localization of CCDC189 protein within the testis seminiferous tubules. CCDC189 specifically expressed in spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongating spermatids in mouse testis. The deletion of Ccdc189 in mouse leads to male infertility, characterized by significantly reduced sperm counts and motility. Abnormally shaped spermatozoa with irregular tails, exhibiting shortened and twisted morphology, were observed in the seminiferous tubules. Electron microscopy revealed disordered and missing peripheral microtubule doublets (MTD) and outer dense fibers (ODF) in the sperm flagella, accompanied by a consistent absence of central pairs (CP). The knockout of Ccdc189 resulted in oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, which is characterized by low sperm count and reduced sperm motility and abnormal morphology. Furthermore, we identified poly(A)-binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) and PABPC2 as interacting proteins with CCDC189. These proteins belong to the PABP family and are involved in regulating mRNA translational activity in spermatogenic cells by specifically binding to poly(A) tails at the 3′ ends of mRNAs.
Generative Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Patient Education in Cardiovascular Imaging
Authors: Marey Ahmed , Saad Abdelrahman M , Killeen Benjamin D , Gomez Catalina , Tregubova Mariia , Unberath Mathias , Umair Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality worldwide, especially in resource-limited countries with limited access to healthcare resources. Early detection and accurate imaging are vital for managing CVD, emphasizing the significance of patient education. Generative artificial intelligence (AI), including algorithms to synthesize text, speech, images, and combinations thereof given a specific scenario or prompt, offers promising solutions for enhancing patient education. By combining vision and language models, generative AI enables personalized multimedia content generation through natural language interactions, benefiting patient education in cardiovascular imaging. Simulations, chat-based interactions, and voice-based interfaces can enhance accessibility, especially in resource-limited settings. Despite its potential benefits, implementing generative AI in resource-limited countries faces challenges like data quality, infrastructure limitations, and ethical considerations. Addressing these issues is crucial for successful adoption. Ethical challenges related to data privacy and accuracy must also be overcome to ensure better patient understanding, treatment adherence, and improved healthcare outcomes. Continued research, innovation, and collaboration in generative AI have the potential to revolutionize patient education. This can empower patients to make informed decisions about their cardiovascular health, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes in resource-limited settings.
Systematic assessment of serum i-tRF-AsnGTT in gastric cancer: a potential clinical biomarker
Authors: Jiang Xiaodan , Li Xun , Li Yang , Zhang Yu , Gu Xinliang , Zong Wei , Shen Xianjuan , Ju Shaoqing
Published: July 2024

Since gastric cancer (GC) shows no apparent signs in its early stages, most patients are diagnosed later with a poor prognosis. We therefore seek more sensitive and specific GC biomarkers. Small RNAs formed from tRNAs represent a novel class of non-coding RNAs that are highly abundant in bodily fluids and essential to biological metabolism. This study explores the potential of i-tRF-AsnGTT in gastric cancer diagnostics. To begin with, we sequenced i-tRF-AsnGTT using high-throughput methods. i-tRF-AsnGTT expression levels in GC were determined using real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction. Agarose gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and repeated freezing and thawing were performed to verify molecular properties. A correlation was found between clinical and pathological parameters and i-tRF-AsnGTT expression levels through the χ2 test, and receiver operating characteristic was used to analyze its diagnostic value in GC. In serum, i-tRF-AsnGTT has a low and stable expression level. It can differentiate between patients with gastric cancer and gastritis and healthy donors with better diagnostic efficacy. In combination with clinicopathological parameters, i-tRF-AsnGTT correlates with tumor differentiation; infiltration depth of tumors; tumor, node, metastasis stage; lymph node metastases; and neural/vascular invasion. Serum i-tRF-AsnGTT expression is low in GC patients. Serum from postoperative patients shows increased i-tRF-AsnGTT expression levels. Potentially, this could be used as a biomarker to help diagnose gastric cancer and monitor its prognosis.
Multiomic profiling of new-onset kidney function decline: insights from the STANISLAS study cohort with a 20-year follow-up
Authors: Dupont Vincent , Xhaard Constance , Behm-Ansmant Isabelle , Bresso Emmanuel , Thuillier Quentin , Branlant Christiane , Lopez-Sublet Marilucy , Deleuze Jean-François , Zannad Faiez , Girerd Nicolas , Rossignol Patrick
Published: July 2024

Background

Identifying the biomarkers associated with new-onset glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decrease in an initially healthy population could offer a better understanding of kidney function decline and help improving patient management.

Methods

Here we described the proteomic and transcriptomic footprints associated with new-onset kidney function decline in an initially healthy and well-characterized population with a 20-year follow-up. This study was based on 1087 individuals from the familial longitudinal Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non-Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux (STANISLAS) cohort who attended both visit 1 (from 1993 to 1995) and visit 4 (from 2011 to 2016). New-onset kidney function decline was approached both in quantitative (GFR slope for each individual) and qualitative (defined as a decrease in GFR of >15 ml/min/1.7 m2) ways. We analysed associations of 445 proteins measured both at visit 1 and visit 4 using Olink Proseek® panels and 119 765 genes expressions measured at visit 4 with GFR decline. Associations were assessed using multivariable models. The Bonferroni correction was applied.

Results

We found several proteins (including PLC, placental growth factor (PGF), members of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily), genes (including CCL18, SESN3), and a newly discovered miRNA—mRNA pair (MIR1205–DNAJC6) to be independently associated with new-onset kidney function decline. Complex network analysis highlighted both extracellular matrix and cardiovascular remodelling (since visit 1) as well as inflammation (at visit 4) as key features of early GFR decrease.

Conclusions

These findings lay the foundation to further assess whether the proteins and genes herein identified may represent potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets to prevent renal function impairment.
Human Tales on the Pathless Sea? Imperial Subjectivities and Exploration Ship Tracks in European Maritime Mapping, c.1500–c.1800
Authors: Caputo Sara
Published: July 2024

During the Renaissance, Europeans began to mark sea journeys on maps and charts as lines or dotted lines—‘ship tracks’. This new graphical depiction of voyages, which flanked and often replaced verbal itinerary descriptions, ultimately lies behind present-day route-marking devices, but it has not been much investigated by historians. Tracing its development between the sixteenth and the early nineteenth centuries, through cartographic sources, hydrographical manuals and voyage accounts, this article argues that ship tracks constituted a fundamental turning point in European understandings of human movement and influence in the world. In particular, the tracks of late eighteenth-century imperial explorers, built through novel accuracy claims, established a unique cognitive and ontological link between representation and reality and between human agency and the natural world, and explicitly embedded the perspectival subjectivity of storytelling into the alleged objectivity of ‘scientific’ geometrisations of the globe. As such, tracks are useful tools with which to understand and deconstruct the roots of ‘modernity/coloniality’. They also reveal the extent to which maritime history holds important keys to the past: as a representational and directional device, the modern journey track owes much of its ancestry to confrontation with the liquid and supposedly ‘pathless’ sea.
Preventing Child Maltreatment: Beneficial Side Effects of Public Childcare
Authors: Sandner Malte , Thomsen Stephan L , González Libertad
Published: July 2024

We investigate the impact of public childcare provision on the incidence of severe child maltreatment. For identification, we exploit a reform that expanded early childcare in Germany, generating large temporal and spatial variation in childcare coverage at the county level. Using high-quality administrative data covering all reported cases of child maltreatment in Germany by county and year, we find that an increase in childcare slots by one percentage point in a county reduced child maltreatment cases leading to out-of-home placement by about 1%. Our results suggest that the provision of universal public childcare may be more cost effective than previously thought.
Clinical and echographic parameters as risk factors for atrial fibrilation in patients with hypertophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Panagiotou C , Marinopoulos E , Linardos S
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most prevalent inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and manifests with atrial fibrillation in 25% of patients, correlating with heightened morbidity and mortality rates.

Purpose

To investigate the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the occurrence and progression of atrial fibrillation in patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Material and Methods

The study sample consisted of 72 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy attending the Hereditary Heart Disease Unit at a tertiary cardiac surgery center. Thorough examination of patients' medical records was conducted.

Results

Myocardial fibrosis was observed in 68.1% of the patients. Analysis of the data revealed that atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes were more prevalent in older individuals (p=0.035) with a lower ejection fraction (p=0.003). Additionally, a larger left atrial diameter of 49.8mm (p<0.001), functional stage according to NYHA III (p=0.015), a history of syncope/pre-syncope events (p=0.018), patients with an implanted pacemaker/defibrillator (p=0.003), and those with known coronary artery disease factors (p=0.032), particularly dyslipidemia (p=0.049) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.027), were associated with higher AF incidence.

Conclusions

. This study underscores the importance of recognizing clinical and echocardiographic factors that contribute to atrial fibrillation risk in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, enabling early identification of high-risk individuals and implementation of preventive strategies to reduce the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes and associated complications.
EASI monitoring in ventricular tachycardia, an alternative to conventional electrocardiography?
Authors: Pina Astete L , Buelga Suarez M L , Munoz Gomez M I , Rodriguez Sanchez P , Tur Sainz A , Penaranda Romero N , Garcia Montalvo J , Rebolleda Sanchez A , Alonso Salinas G L
Published: July 2024

Background

12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the gold standard for detecting ventricular arrhythmias. In cardiac critical care units (UCC), monitoring systems are used to detect transient events such as arrhythmias or ST-segment acute changes. The discomfort caused in the patient by the need for 10 electrodes to obtain the 12 leads continuously means that complete monitoring is not routine.

The EASI monitoring system, based on vector electrocardiography, is an alternative that uses only 5 electrodes (4 thoracic and 1 ground) and theoretically allows obtaining a complete standard ECG.

Objectives

The main endpoint of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the EASI monitoring system in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT), compared with conventional ECG.

Methods

Seven cases of patients admitted to the CCU due to episodes of VT are presented. The patients were monitored with the EASI system upon arrival, and the conventional ECG and the one derived from the EASI system were taken simultaneously for VT events for comparison.

The 4 electrodes of the EASI system were placed, as recommended, on the sternal manubrium (S), lower sternum at the level of the 5th intercostal space (E), at the level of the 5th intercostal space, and on the right and left midclavicular lines (I and A).

Results

Analysing case by case, the axis of the tachycardia was similar in 5 patients, being able to assess the origin of the tachycardia in them. In 2 patients it was different. These cases of patients that differ, one episode has its origin in the right ventricular outflow tract (endocardial) and the other in the area of the left ventricular summit (epicardial). Two patients with different tachycardias and no cardiac characteristics in common. Figure 1.

Conclusions

EASI monitoring is a feasible alternative for monitoring patients in the CCU, which could give us reliable information (compared with standard ECG) with limitations in some cases in which the cardiac axis differs. For patients admitted for arrhythmic events, a better characterization of the differences would be interesting in order to optimize its use.
Quality of life in patients with heart failure and implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Results from 42 heart failure clinics in norway
Authors: Flagtvedt H , Torstein Hole T H , Tore Wentzel-Larsen T W L , Christer Aase C A A , Tone M Norekvaal T M N
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients with heart failure (HF) have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, and treatment with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has become standard treatment for selected patient groups. HF is associated with impaired QoL, but there is no consensus regarding the implication of having an ICD. Knowledge regarding QoL in patients with HF and ICD attending follow-up in outpatient HF-clinics is sparse.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine QoL in patients with HF and ICD. Further, to compare QoL in patients with HF with and without ICD, using data from the first and follow-up visits in outpatient HF clinics.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the National Norwegian Heart Failure Registry (NNHFR), including 9 274 patients, of which 1 206 with an ICD, were studied. QoL was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Data was collected at the first and follow-up visits in outpatient HF clinics approximately six months after optimal treatment was achieved.

Results

Patients with an ICD were younger, more often men, and had higher frequency of coronary artery disease (all p<0.001). At the first visit, there was no significant difference in QoL between patients with and without ICD, with both groups reporting moderate QoL. Both groups had a significant improvement in QoL from the first visit to the follow-up visit (p<0.001). However, patients with ICD reported significantly less improvement in QoL (p<0.001) at follow-up. This disparity was evident regarding both the physical (p<0.001) and the emotional (p<0.001) dimension.

Conclusion

QoL in patients with HF and ICD improves after follow-up in outpatient HF clinics, although not to the same extent as in patients without ICD. Thus, tailored interventions in outpatient HF clinics may be necessary to improve outcomes in this subgroup of patients with both HF and ICD.
The STEP-ONE program (Supportive Training and Essential Preparation for Optimal Nursing Education) - what have we done and what will we do in the STEP-TWO edition?
Authors: Uchmanowicz I , Lisiak M H , Wleklik M , Sawielajc L , Turgonyi E , Ponikowski P , Jankowska E A
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The STEP-ONE program was a significant initiative designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of nurses specializing in heart failure care in Central and Eastern Europe, and the Baltic countries (CEE-BA).

Purpose

Its importance lies in addressing the crucial role of nurses in heart failure management, an area often overlooked in these regions. By training nurses to provide optimal, integrated care, the program aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations. The number of nurses who participated in the program is not specified, but its impact is likely substantial in advancing heart failure care. Continuing the program as the STEP-TWO edition is planned to be updated of nurses and patients materials according to ESC HF 2023 guidelines6, taking into account the profile of the patient with HFrEF, HFmREF, HFimEF, HFpEF and taking into account the implementation of pilot projects: (1a) Assessment of HFpEF risk7 and recommendations for medical staff regarding further diagnostics; (1b) Analysis of recommended therapies according to guidelines; (2) Pilot training Program center Poland centers- CEE-BA; (3) Pilot research programs - 1a and 1/b in 2-3 centers (fig.1). All of the activities undertaken in the program are intended to improve care for heart failure patients and can be seen as a model solution for providing qualified personnel in the European countries.

Conclusions

The STEP ONE educational program was developed with the participation of the medical community, especially nurses caring for HF patients. Educational materials for nurses and patients, as well as an educational program, were prepared and implemented in Poland and the region of CEE-BA. During the second phase, an updated materials with the 2023 guidelines on HF will be prepared. A pilot study will evaluate the impact of educating HF nurses on patient risk assessment of HFPEF and on identifying patients who do not have optimal therapy according to GDMT. Optimization of the HF patient pathway at the pilotage centers of the program and collaboration between HF nurses and cardiologists will be sought. Moreover, the STEP-TWO program will include preparing educational materials focused and dedicated not only on patients but also on caregivers.