bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Procedural Efficacy in Typical Atrial Flutter Ablation With a Visualizable Steerable Sheath
Authors: Fuding Guo , Xiaohua Zhao , Sen Yang , Chende He , Mei Lu , Jing Yang , Dongyan Li , Qiwei Liao , Shaolong Li
Published: January 2025

Objective

The Vizigo sheath, a novel visualizable steerable sheath, has been utilized effectively in the clinical management of atrial fibrillation. However, its application in the ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL) remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of the Vizigo sheath against a conventional fixed sheath during catheter ablation for typical AFL.

Methods

This single‐center cohort study involved 60 patients undergoing their first AFL ablation procedure. Patients were divided into two groups: the Vizigo sheath group and the fixed sheath group. The primary endpoints included procedural efficiency, lesion quality, and recurrence rates.

Results

The Vizigo sheath demonstrated significant advantages over the fixed sheath, including a shorter procedure time (59.8 ± 13.8 vs. 71.5 ± 11.8 min; p = 0.0008) and reduced fluoroscopy duration (0.96 ± 0.32 vs. 1.31 ± 0.24 min; p < 0.0001). The initial bidirectional block rate was also higher in the Vizigo sheath group (84% vs. 68%). A detailed analysis of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) revealed significant differences in the anterior 2/3 of the CTI, where the Vizigo sheath demonstrated greater catheter contact force, higher ablation index, increased force‐time integral, and larger impedance drops (all p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups in the posterior 1/3 of the CTI. Both groups achieved a 100% acute procedural success rate, with no major complications reported. During a mean follow‐up period of 18.68 months, the AFL recurrence rates were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.75).

Conclusions

The Vizigo sheath enhances procedural efficiency and lesion quality during AFL ablation, particularly in challenging anatomical regions, and offers notable advantages over traditional fixed sheaths. Further studies are needed to assess its long‐term clinical benefits.
Leadless Pacemaker Implantation Following Lead Extraction in a Patient With Recent Percutaneous Tricuspid Valve Repair
Authors: Segreti Luca , Torre Marco , Parollo Matteo , Pistelli Lorenzo , Cori Andrea Di , Zucchelli Giulio
Published: January 2025

This case details the successful implantation of a leadless pacemaker following the extraction of transvenous leads in a 72‐year‐old female patient with a complex cardiovascular history. The patient had undergone a series of cardiac interventions, including a recent percutaneous tricuspid valve repair with a metal clip implant due to severe regurgitation. After presenting with an infection at the pacemaker site, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus hominis was identified, necessitating the removal of the entire pacing system. A leadless pacemaker was subsequently implanted without complications, despite the recent tricuspid valve repair. This case highlights the efficacy and safety of leadless pacemakers in complex clinical scenarios, especially when traditional transvenous systems are no longer viable due to infections or other complications. The report underscores the importance of personalized management strategies for cardiac device infections, illustrating that leadless pacemakers offer a feasible and safe alternative even in patients with previous valvular interventions.

The increasing rate of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantations and of CIED‐related complications highlight the importance of transvenous lead extraction (TLE). TLE scenario is constantly evolving and it is a key procedure in lead management strategies.

Leadless pacemaker (LP) implant is an effective and safe procedure in patients still requiring a ventricular pacing after TLE, with similar electrical performance and outcome compared with naïve patients at long‐term follow‐up.

LPs represent an innovative and feasible option even in specific situations such as after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair.
Sensory Symptoms as an Early Manifestation of Active Vitiligo: A Case–Control Clinical and Molecular Study
Authors: El Sayed Hagar , El Wakeel Hala , Nour Zeinab , Mohyeeldeen Riham , Hafez Vanessa
Published: January 2025

Vitiligo pathogenesis is complex. There is some evidence in support of the neurohormonal pathways involved. Although considered a nonpruritic condition, some patients may experience itching, which can occur ahead of the appearance of the patches. We aimed to assess sensory symptoms in active and stable vitiligo patients and to measure 3 neuropeptide expressions in their lesional skin (neuropeptide Y [NPY], calcitonin gene–related peptide [CGRP], and nerve growth factors [NGF]) to correlate neuropeptide levels and sensory symptoms, with vitiligo activity. This case–control study included 85 patients, aged 18 years and older, analyzed into active or stable vitiligo groups. Patients were screened for itching or other abnormal neurological sensations such as paresthesia and numbness. The Vitiligo Disease Activity Score, Vitiligo Signs of Activity Score, and dermoscopic score were performed to assess disease activity. Three neuropeptides were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in skin biopsies from the edge of vitiligo lesions. A normal control group was also included. Results showed that 24.7% of patients had sensory symptoms: itching (18.8%), paresthesia (2.4%), and numbness (3.5%). The NGF, CGRP, and NPY levels were significantly higher in skin of normal controls compared to stable and active vitiligo patients. They were lowest in active vitiligo skin (p = 0.001, 0.016, and 0.01, respectively). NGF was the most relevant neuropeptide to vitiligo activity and sensory manifestations. In conclusion, almost one‐third of the patients with active vitiligo reported sensory symptoms, predominantly itching, thus sensory manifestations may suggest a prodroma of activity and could be included in the screening tools for vitiligo activity.

Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05390164).
Investigation of the effect of salt stress on photosynthetic electron transport pathways in the SynechocystisPCC 6803 cyanobacterium
Authors: Patil Priyanka Pradeep , Kodru Sandeesha , Szabó Milán , Vass Imre
Published: January 2025

Cyanobacteria are important model organisms for studying the process of photosynthesis and the effects of environmental stress factors. This study aimed to identify the inhibitory sites of NaCl in the whole photosynthetic electron transport in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 WT cells by using multiple biophysical tools. Exposure of cells to various NaCl concentrations (200 mM to 1 M) revealed the inhibition of Photosystem II (PSII) activity at the water oxidizing complex and between the QA and QB electron acceptors. In contrast to the inhibition of PSII, electron flow through Photosystem I (PSI) was accelerated, indicating enhanced cyclic electron flow. The oxygen‐evolving capacity of the cells was inhibited to a larger extent when only CO2 was the final electron acceptor in the Calvin‐Benson‐Bassham (CBB) cycle than in the presence of the PSII electron acceptor DMBQ, suggesting important NaCl inhibitory site(s) downstream of PSI. Measurements of NADPH kinetics revealed NaCl‐induced inhibition of light‐induced production of NADPH as well as retardation of NADPH consumption both in the light and in the initial dark period after switching off the light. Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, measured in parallel with NADPH fluorescence, showed the enhancement of post‐illumination fluorescence rise up to 500 mM NaCl, which was however inhibited at higher NaCl concentrations. Our results show, for the first time, that NaCl inhibits the activity of the CBB cycle at least at two different sites, and confirm earlier results about the NaCl‐induced inhibition of the PSII donor and acceptor side and the enhancement of electron flow through PSI.
Integrated physiological, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal potential mechanisms of potato tuber dormancy release
Authors: Liu Hao , Wang Hongyang , Feng Youhong , Yang Yan , Feng Cai , Li Junhua , Zaman Qamar ur , Kong Yunxin , Fahad Shah , Deng Gang
Published: January 2025

Regulating potato tuber dormancy is crucial for crop productivity and food security. We conducted the first comprehensive physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic investigations of two varieties of long and short dormant potato tubers in order to clarify the mechanisms of dormancy release. In the current study, three different dormant stages of UGT (ungerminated tubers), MGT (minimally germinated tubers), and GT (germinated tubers) were obtained by treatment with the germination promoter gibberellin A3 and the germination inhibitor chlorpropham. The results revealed that the contents of reducing reducing sugar, sucrase, glutamine synthetase, and nitrate reductase were increased in the dormancy release stages, whereas the contents of sucrose and starch were decreased, leading to a change in the phenotype of the potato tuber bud eyes. According to transcriptomic and metabolomic investigations, four metabolomic pathways were impacted by the dormancy release process. Zeatin biosynthesis was identified in both potato varieties in the dormant release stage (trans‐zeatin riboside, isopentenyl adenosine, 5′‐methylthioadenosine, IPT, CYP735A, CKX, and UGT73C); glutathione metabolism was identified in short‐dormant potato varieties ((5‐L‐Glutamyl)‐L‐amino acid, oxidized glutathione, GPX, IDH1, GGT1_5, and GST); and the pentose phosphate pathway (D‐Xylulose 5‐phosphate, ribose 1‐phosphate, PGD, and RPIA) and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (caffeic acid, sinapine, CYP98A, and CSE) were identified in long‐dormant potato varieties. In conclusion, the four pathways mentioned above involve DEGs and DEMs that are crucial to the control of tuber dormancy release. This work offers a theoretical foundation and useful recommendations for potato tuber quality improvement and molecular breeding.
Measuring Realistic Emotional Perception With EEG: A Comparison of Multimodal Videos and Naturalistic Scenes
Authors: Farkas Andrew H. , Gehr Matthew C. , Jia Han , Sabatinelli Dean
Published: January 2025

Emotional experiences involve dynamic multisensory perception, yet most EEG research uses unimodal stimuli such as naturalistic scene photographs. Recent research suggests that realistic emotional videos reliably reduce the amplitude of a steady‐state visual evoked potential (ssVEP) elicited by a flickering border. Here, we examine the extent to which this video‐ssVEP measure compares with the well‐established Late Positive Potential (LPP) that is reliably larger for emotional relative to neutral scenes. To address this question, 45 participants viewed 90 matched pairs of realistic videos and scenes. Consistent with prior work, reduced 7–8 Hz ssVEP amplitude was evident during emotional relative to neutral videos. However, this reduction in power was not specific to the driving frequency of 7.5 Hz, and in fact, Fourier transformation analyses limited to 7.5 Hz were not modulated by video content. Still, at the group level, the video‐driven reductions in 7–8 Hz power and LPP modulation by scenes produced similarly large valence effects, and both measures strongly correlated with arousal ratings. Consistent with previous research, the scene‐LPP was sensitive to specific emotional contents (erotica and gore) somewhat inconsistent arousal ratings. In contrast, the video‐driven oscillation modulation did not show this content sensitivity and was better explained by individual arousal ratings per video clip. In sum, these results show that the 7.5 Hz flickering‐border paradigm does not index emotional engagement with video stimuli, yet emotional videos do evoke robust decreases in 3–10 Hz oscillatory power that is somewhat distinct from emotional modulation of the scene‐evoked LPP.

Matched emotional video and scenes evoke large EEG responses compared with neutral content within‐participant. Our findings align with previous research indicating that video modulation of power around the evoked 7.5 Hz ssVEP frequency (7–8 Hz) serves as a reliable emotional measure. However, further analyses reveal that this effect is attributable to a general decrease in power across the 3–10 Hz frequency range.
How Populists Rally Around the People: Evidence from the Yellow Vests Movement Using an Embedding Regression Model
Authors: Gonthier Frédéric
Published: January 2025

This research bridges populism and populist social movement studies to address the question of how left‐ and right‐wing populists unite in a common social movement. Using the novel “à la carte” (ALC) embedding regression model, it analyzes a unique dataset of 5,342 protesters and supporters from the Yellow Vests movement in France, capturing their understandings of the People from responses to open‐ended questions. Findings reveal that while left‐ and right‐wing populists diverge in their understandings of the People, differences are not politically divisive and do not preclude common vocabularies allowing for identification with the movement. This study contributes to the literature by showcasing the innovative application of the embedding regression method to textual data collected during social movements. Whereas research on the subject is predominantly qualitative, this study employs quantitative techniques to demonstrate that identification with the People fosters a unified movement despite divergent political beliefs and contrasting social identity frames.
The Novel HLA‐DQA1*02:39 Allele Characterised by Two Different Sequencing‐Based Typing Techniques
Authors: Dhuyser Adèle , Pérès Michaël , Morel Thomas , Clément Sandra , Aarnink Alice
Published: January 2025

The novel allele HLA‐DQA1*02:39 differs from HLA‐DQA1*02:01:01:01 by one non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
The Delusional Hedge Algorithm as a Model of Human Learning From Diverse Opinions
Authors: Chuang Yun‐Shiuan , Zhu Xiaojin , Rogers Timothy T.
Published: January 2025

Whereas cognitive models of learning often assume direct experience with both the features of an event and with a true label or outcome, much of everyday learning arises from hearing the opinions of others, without direct access to either the experience or the ground‐truth outcome. We consider how people can learn which opinions to trust in such scenarios by extending the hedge algorithm: a classic solution for learning from diverse information sources. We first introduce a semi‐supervised variant we call the delusional hedge capable of learning from both supervised and unsupervised experiences. In two experiments, we examine the alignment between human judgments and predictions from the standard hedge, the delusional hedge, and a heuristic baseline model. Results indicate that humans effectively incorporate both labeled and unlabeled information in a manner consistent with the delusional hedge algorithm—suggesting that human learners not only gauge the accuracy of information sources but also their consistency with other reliable sources. The findings advance our understanding of human learning from diverse opinions, with implications for the development of algorithms that better capture how people learn to weigh conflicting information sources.
Dimerization among multiple NAC proteins mediates secondary cell wall cellulose biosynthesis in cotton fibers
Authors: Chen Feng , Qiao Mengfei , Chen Li , Liu Min , Luo Jingwen , Gao Yanan , Li Mengyun , Cai Jinglong , Persson Staffan , Huang Gengqing , Xu Wenliang
Published: January 2025

Cotton fibers, essentially cellulosic secondary cell walls (SCWs) when mature, are the most important raw material for natural textiles. SCW cellulose biosynthesis determines fiber thickness and industrially important fiber quality parameters, such as fiber strength and fiber length. However, transcriptional regulatory networks controlling fiber SCW cellulose formation remain incomplete. Here, we identify eight NAC domain proteins (GhNACs) that are involved in fiber SCW cellulose synthesis. These eight GhNACs can form pairwise heterodimers that may act as dimers, or perhaps even as an octameric protein complex, to transactivate GhCesA expression. Moreover, heterodimerization of GhNACs can in different combinations synergistically activate GhCesA genes. Through our analyses of transcription factor—DNA and transcription factor—transcription factor interactions, we propose a multi‐layered transcriptional regulatory network in which the regulation of SCW cellulose biosynthesis in cotton fiber is mediated by multiple NAC protein dimers. These findings enhance our understanding of the roles of NAC proteins in SCW formation and offer new insights into fiber‐specific transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of cellulose synthesis.
Use of full‐thickness mesh grafts and full‐thickness meek micrografts in five horses with ear skin defects caused by trauma or neoplasm resection
Authors: Resetic Nina , Comino Francesco , Wilmink Jacintha , Gorvy Dylan A.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To report the management and outcomes of five horses with ear skin defects treated with the use of full‐thickness mesh grafts and full‐thickness Meek micrografts.

Animals

Five horses with acute or granulating pinna skin wounds.

Study design

Short case series.

Methods

A full‐thickness graft was harvested from the pectoral region under general anesthesia. The sheet graft was stretched on a sterile plastic board with the epidermal side facing down. The subcutaneous fat and fascia were removed by sharp dissection. The skin graft was then meshed by hand or using a block mesher, or manually cut into micrografts, and transferred to the ear wounds. Cyanoacrylate glue or staples were used to fixate the graft. Immobilization was achieved with a thermoplastic splint, stockinette and an adhesive elastic bandage.

Results

A full‐thickness meshed sheet graft was used in two horses to cover a fresh or granulating degloving wound, and in two horses to cover a fresh skin defect after excision of a cutaneous neoplasm. A full‐thickness Meek micrograft was used in one horse to cover a granulating degloving wound. Complete acceptance of the graft was achieved in all five cases within 2 weeks after grafting, with a good to excellent cosmetic appearance and retained function of the pinna.

Conclusion

Full‐thickness meshed sheet grafts or full‐thickness Meek micrografts provide an effective treatment for ear skin defects with an excellent outcome regardless of etiology.
An IgM Cleaving Enzyme for Clearance of Anti‐Pig Xenoreactive Antibodies in a Nonhuman Primate Model
Authors: Martinino Alessandro , Smith Timothy J. , Elmore Zachary C. , Yoon Janghoon , Ladowski Joseph , Schiliro Davide , Hull Joshua A. , Schwalb Allie , Hu Meghan , Spangler Ryan , Lee Kyo Won , Kim Min Jung , Williams Kyha , Jackson Annette , Knechtle Stuart J. , Asokan Aravind , Kwun Jean
Published: January 2025

Background

The removal of preformed antibodies with cleaving enzyme like IdeS (Imlifidase) has demonstrated therapeutic potential in organ transplantation for sensitized recipients. However, preformed xenoreactive antibodies (XAbs) against porcine glycans are predominantly IgM and considered detrimental in pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation.

Methods

Recombinant IceM, an endopeptidase cleaving IgM, was generated in Escherichia coli. Four maximally MHC‐mismatched rhesus macaques underwent two serial skin transplantations to model allosensitized patients awaiting xenotransplantation. IceM was administered IV in allosensitized animals at 28 and 56 days after the first skin transplantation to assess in vivo IgM cleavage. Total IgG and IgM were quantified with western blot, and anti‐pig (xenoreactive) IgG/IgM were evaluated using flowcrossmatch. B cell and its subpopulations were assessed using flow cytometry.

Results

IceM selectively cleaved human IgM, while showing no cleavage activity toward other isotypes including IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Additionally, IceM cleaves only human and non‐human primate IgM in vitro, but not in sera from other species. At a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, IceM reduced xenoreactive IgM levels to 13.76% ± 4.98% of baseline (B cell flow crossmatch) at 24 h post‐administration, with baseline levels restored approximately 2 weeks after treatment. Additionally, animals showed similar kinetics of xenoreative IgM degradation with the repeated dose of IceM.

Conclusion

In this study, we report a recombinant bacterial enzyme that selectively cleaves IgM in human and non‐human primate sera. Repeat administration of IceM in macaques enables selective, robust clearance of circulating xenoreactive IgM. This approach will be useful in treating preformed natural and rebound IgM in xenotransplantation.
A first morphological and electrophysiological characterization of Fañanas cells of the mouse cerebellum
Authors: Singer A. , Trigo F. , Vinel L. , Gruere O. , Llano I. , Oheim Martin
Published: January 2025

Fañanas cells (FCs) are cerebellar glia of unknown function. First described more than a century ago, they have been almost absent from the scientific literature ever since. Here, we combined whole‐cell, patch clamp recordings, near‐UV laser photolysis, dye‐loading and confocal imaging for a first characterization of FCs in terms of their morphology, electrophysiology and glutamate‐evoked currents. We identified FCs of the molecular layer in cerebellar slices by their stubby process and small cell bodies. Despite their more compact shape compared to Bergmann glia (BGs), FCs showed similar membrane resistances and basal currents, suggesting that these passive currents are partly a result of electrical coupling between neighbouring glia. Dye filling and pharmacological experiments confirmed both homo‐ and heterotypic gap‐junction coupling among FCs and BGs. Parallel‐fibre stimulation evoked TTX‐sensitive slow inward currents in FCs that were partially blocked by NBQX but not APV. Occasionally, we observed superimposed fast (milliseconds) current transients. Near‐UV flash photolysis of MNI‐caged glutamate revealed rapid desensitization of these AMPA‐receptor mediated currents, which fully recovered only for stimulation intervals >500 ms. We mapped the highest current densities in proximal processes. We conclude that FCs respond with fast AMPA currents to local glutamate release and they integrate ambient glutamate rises to a slow inward current. Interestingly, we found FCs to prevail throughout adulthood at stable but different densities among cerebellar lobules, with the highest cell densities in lobules I–II and X. Our results strongly suggest that FCs are not just displaced BGs, and that they may have lobule‐specific functions ‐ both locally and at the circuit level, yet to be uncovered.

image

Key points

Using whole‐cell recordings and near‐UV laser photolyisis of caged glutamate, we provide a first characterization of cells of Fañanas (FCs) in mouse cerebellar slices.

FCs are present from postnatal day 5 onward throughout adulthood and have a lobule‐ dependent density.

Parallel‐fibre stimulation generates biphasic, predominantly AMPA‐mediated currents in FCs.

Currents induced in FCs by parallel fibre stimulation are not NMDA receptor‐dependent and are enhanced upon glutamate‐transporter block with TBOA.

Local near‐UV glutamate uncaging indicates that FCs can detect fast glutamatergic inputs on the millisecond‐time scale.

FCs functionally integrate into the glial syncytium.
Dendritic alterations precede age‐related dysphagia and nucleus ambiguus motor neuron death
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J.
Published: January 2025

Motor neurons (MNs) within the nucleus ambiguus innervate the skeletal muscles of the larynx, pharynx and oesophagus, which are essential for swallow. Disordered swallow (dysphagia) is a serious problem in elderly humans, increasing the risk of aspiration, a key contributor to mortality. Despite this importance, very little is known about the pathophysiology of ageing dysphagia and the relative importance of frank muscle weakness compared to timing/activation abnormalities. In elderly humans and in aged Fisher 344 (F344) rats, a variety of motor pools exhibit weakness and atrophy (sarcopenia), contemporaneous to MN death. Synchronisation of swallow is dependent on the stability of MN dendrites, which integrate neural circuits. Dendritic derangement occurs in many neuromotor degenerative conditions prior to MN death. We hypothesise behavioural weakness and death of nucleus ambiguus MNs will occur by age 24 months in F344 rats and that this will be preceded by swallow‐respiration dyscoordination and dendritic arbour degenerations from 18 months compared to controls at 6 months. Using pressure catheters to estimate laryngeal and diaphragm function during naturalistic water bolus applications, we show that swallow number and post‐swallow apnoeas are altered from 18 months. Swallow pressure (weakness) and nucleus ambiguus MN numbers (evaluated via stereological assessments of Nissl staining) were reduced at 24 months. Dendritic lengths, surface areas and dendritic spines were reduced in nucleus ambiguus MNs from 18 months (evaluated by confocal imaging of Golgi‐Cox impregnated brainstem). These results show that synapse loss occurs prior to MN death and behavioural weakness. Strategies to preserve synapses may be of utility in ameliorating sarcopenia.

image

Key points

Dysphagia is a major contributor to ageing morbidity and mortality, but the underling pathophysiology is unexplored.

Here, in Fischer 344 rats, we use pressure and timing evaluations of swallow‐respiration, showing timing impairments occur prior to frank pressure defects.

In nucleus ambiguus motor neurons, dendritic defects were apparent with the onset of swallow–respiration dyscoordination, with frank motor neuron loss occurring subsequently to synapse loss.

Our results show that synapse loss occurs prior to motor neuron death and behavioural impairments. Strategies to preserve synapses may be of utility in ameliorating sarcopaenia.
Incremental Machine Learning-integrated Blockchain for Real-time Security Protection in Cyber-enabled Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Oskolkov Boris , Kan Chen , Tian Wenmeng , Law Andrew Chung Chee , Liu Chenang
Published: January 2025

Cyber-enabled manufacturing systems become increasingly data-rich, generating vast amounts of real-time sensor data for quality control and process optimization. However, it also exposes these systems to significant cyber-physical security threats. For instance, attackers may delete, change, or replace data, leading to defective products, damaged equipment, or operational safety hazards. False data injection attacks can compromise machine learning (ML) models, resulting in erroneous outcomes. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to employ robust data processing techniques that can adapt to varying process conditions and detect anomalies in real-time. In this context, incremental machine learning (IML) can be valuable, allowing models to be updated incrementally with newly collected data without retraining from scratch. Moreover, although recent studies have demonstrated the potential of blockchain in enhancing data security in manufacturing systems, most existing frameworks are primarily based on cryptography, which does not sufficiently address data quality issues. Thus, this study proposes a gatekeeper mechanism to integrate IML with blockchain and discusses how this integration could potentially increase data integrity of cyber-enabled manufacturing systems. The proposed IML-integrated blockchain can potentially address data security concerns from both intentional (e.g., malicious tampering) and unintentional alterations (e.g., process anomalies). The case study results show that the proposed gatekeeper integration algorithm can successfully filter out over 80% of malicious data entries while maintaining comparable classification performance to standard IML models. Furthermore, the integration of blockchain enables effective detection of tampering attempts, ensuring the trustworthiness of the stored information.
An Artificial Intelligence Application for In-Process Springback Control of Sheet Metal Bending
Authors: Fann Kuang-Jau , Chen Lin-Pen , Yang Chun-Yen , Lee Chen-Yi , Tsai Chang-Yu , Wang Jyhwen
Published: January 2025

Bending is the fastest and most efficient process commonly used in the industry for processing thin metal sheets into three-dimensional shapes by localized deformation using only a single geometrical die. However, suppliers provide metal sheets with variations in dimension and mechanical properties, which causes inconsistencies in the final angle after bending. This requires manual checking and correction of each angle, resulting in inefficiency. The problem can be resolved by considering the variations in the sheets and adjusting the bending stroke accordingly. This study used neural network technology to create a model that predicts the final stroke required based on load measurements during the bending process. The model was implemented and validated using a laboratory press. With a root-mean-square error of less than 0.27 deg, the model demonstrates its feasibility for practical industrial applications within the range of its training data.
Evolution Design Methodology of the Metamorphic Mechanisms Inspired by Gene Deduction
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Peng , Li Bing
Published: January 2025

This article proposes an evolutionary design method for metamorphic mechanisms inspired by gene deduction. First, the correlations between biological evolution and mechanical evolution, biological systems and mechanical systems, and genes and mechanisms are revealed. There are many similarities between biology and mechanism. Biological principles can be applied to the study and design of the mechanisms to adapt well to tasks and environments. The correlation between genetic operation and mechanical design is developed. The selection operator, recombination operator, and mutation operator of the mechanisms are deduced by inspiring genes. To verify the rationality of these operators, they are used to construct 5R (revolute joints) overconstrained closed-loop linkage, 6R metamorphic closed-loop linkage, 7R deployable closed-loop linkage, and 2RP (prismatic joint) RR metamorphic parallel mechanism (MPM). The mobilities of these mechanisms are analyzed via the atlas method. Finally, the evolutionary design method of MPMs is introduced and used to design the mechanisms with 2R1T (two rotation one translation) and 1R2T modes, which verify the effectiveness of the method. The proposed evolutionary design method provides a new theoretical tool for the design of metamorphic single-loop and parallel mechanisms.
HM-SYNC: A Multimodal Dataset of Human Interactions With Advanced Manufacturing Machinery
Authors: Martins John , Lin Cheyu , Flanigan Katherine A. , McComb Christopher
Published: January 2025

A deep understanding of manufacturing processes is essential for advancing manufacturing-oriented design and engineering complex systems. As advanced manufacturing technologies evolve, systems have grown more complex, and human interaction has become a vital component of both operation and design. This shift introduces new challenges as human roles within these systems extend beyond traditional boundaries and are not yet fully understood in current design processes. Characterizing human interactions within manufacturing systems is therefore critical to supporting further advancements. Additionally, human behavior plays a significant role in many engineered systems beyond manufacturing, underscoring the value of developing methodologies to better analyze human behavior and interactions within complex environments. These methodologies can broadly support and enhance diverse aspects of engineering design. This study presents HM-SYNC, which is a comprehensive dataset of human interactions with advanced manufacturing machinery, specifically a wire-arc additive manufacturing machine. Depth images and 3D skeleton joints are collected over 6 months using privacy-preserving pose tracking with depth cameras. HM-SYNC includes thousands of interactions across various contexts, goals, and users, providing valuable insights into patterns of human–machine interaction. By capturing a diverse range of interactions in natural settings, this dataset supports advancements in human-centered manufacturing design and facilitates the development of more effective manufacturing systems. This dataset can enhance models and digital twins of manufacturing systems, help operators optimize machinery use and efficiency, and guide designers in refining machine and system design, to name just a few applications.
Selective metal-carbides hardmask strip with chlorine and oxygen plasma
Authors: Song Wan Soo , Yang Paul , Ahn Karam , Lee Chiyoung , Lee Yun Young , Son Jin Cheol , Hong Sang Jeen
Published: January 2025

Metal carbides (MCs) are novel hardmask materials tailored for high aspect ratio etching processes, and their strip technologies are presented. Unlike conventional plasma strip methods that target amorphous carbon layers and photoresists composed of C–H–O organic compounds, MCs require a chemically distinct approach involving Cl2-based plasma. We present an MC strip method characterized by high selectivity toward SiO2 layers. We analyze the dissociation rate of Cl2 by using optical emission spectroscopy to identify the strippable region of the MCs as a next-generation etch hardmask. We use a design of experiment to systematically investigate the influence of process parameters on the strip rate and selectivity. We optimize the gas flow rate ratio of Cl2 to O2 to identify the appropriate process conditions for stripping MCs with a sufficiently high strip rate suitable for semiconductor manufacturing standards. Notably, we observe a consistent relationship between the normalized intensity ratio of oxygen and chlorine species obtained from the optical emission spectroscopy data and the normalized strip rate of the MCs, thereby underscoring the strip mechanism of MCs with high selectivity toward SiO2.
Tungsten oxide nanowires prepared by thermal oxidation for application in cold cathode flat panel x-ray source
Authors: Liu Qi , Lin Zufang , Song Guichen , Kang Song , Wang Chengyun , Deng Shaozhi , Xu Ningsheng , Chen Jun
Published: January 2025

Tungsten oxide (WO3−X) nanowire field emitters have important applications in vacuum microelectronic devices, such as cold cathode flat panel x-ray sources. In this study, large-area, high current density, and defect-rich monoclinic WO3−X nanowires were directly synthesized on a glass substrate by thermal oxidation. Field emission measurements from a 4.5 × 4.5 cm2 sample show that a turn-on field of 4.8 MV/m and a high current density of 15.2 mA/cm2 were achieved. Stable emission current with a fluctuation of 1.78% was obtained. Furthermore, a flat panel x-ray source with a reflective anode was fabricated using as-grown WO3−X nanowires as the cold cathode. A radiation dose rate of 1.83 mGy/s was obtained at an anode voltage of 60 kV and a current of 484.1 μA. X-ray imaging experiments were carried out and clear imaging results were obtained. This work is significant for promoting the application of WO3−X nanowires in large-area field emission devices.
A story with twists and turns: How to control the rotation of the notched stick
Authors: Luttmann Martin , Luttmann Michel
Published: January 2025

The notched stick, also known as the Gee-Haw-Whammy-Diddle, is a wooden toy able to convert linear vibration into rotational motion, whose behavior has been intriguing both children and physicists for decades. The oldest scientific article one can find on this subject was published 87 years ago in the present journal. Here, we derive an analytical model of the system, supported by experimental results. We predict the direction of rotation and explain why the device is so easy to operate, even without fine control of the various parameters. The potential importance of the vertical displacement of the finger exerting the perturbation force is also highlighted. We finally discuss similarities between the mechanical system described here and the optical effect of birefringence.
Running Low: A Seasonal Analysis of Micronutrient Deficiencies on External-Load Measures in Elite Female Rugby League Players
Authors: Pengelly Michael , Pumpa Kate , Pyne David B. , Etxebarria Naroa
Published: January 2025

Iron and vitamin D are essential for physiological mechanisms underpinning physical capacities characterizing team-sport performance. Yet, the impact of iron deficiency on physical capacities beyond endurance is not clear. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess variations in seasonal micronutrient concentrations and how iron deficiency impacts external-load measures in elite female rugby league players. Methods: Iron and vitamin D status were measured in 28 players (age 24 [4] y, body mass 76 [11] kg) across 3 time points of the 17-week National Rugby League Women’s season. Physical demands were evaluated using external-load measures (eg, total distance, PlayerLoad) for training and competition. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to assess the effect of change in serum ferritin concentration on external-load measures. Effect sizes with 95% CIs were calculated to interpret the magnitude of difference in change in indices and performance outcomes between iron-deficient and iron-sufficient players. Results: Iron-deficiency prevalence ranged from 26% to 57% across the season, and <22% of players were vitamin D deficient at each time point. Weak to strong positive associations (R2 = .3–.6) were observed between all external-load measures and moderating variables (serum ferritin, week, position, and athlete). However, these associations were largely attributable to the contribution of week and position. Differences in load measures between iron-deficient and iron-sufficient players were mostly trivial to small. Conclusions: Iron status of elite female rugby league players had little effect on most workload measures within this cohort. However, longitudinal monitoring is warranted to identify how external-load measures are affected individually in response to fluctuations in serum ferritin.
Educational Needs of the Esports Industry: A Delphi Study
Authors: Leis Oliver , Sharpe Benjamin T. , Moriconi Marcelo , Ascenso Inês , Barkoukis Vasileios
Published: January 2025

Although esports has grown significantly over the past decades with educational programs expanding globally, there is a lack of understanding of the specific areas where students in esports require development, including technical and interpersonal skills essential for success in emerging disciplines. To identify these educational needs in esports and thereby inform future research and educational programs, a Delphi study including global experts was conducted. Using an online survey, 25 experts prioritized educational needs for esports based on existing programs and suggest missing elements. Following this survey, 20 experts joined panel discussions to discuss the survey ranking and reach consensus. The study highlighted “Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” “Sport Science and Health,” and “Esports Management and Business” as the top three educational needs. Although aspects such as “Technology and IT Skills,” “Broadcasting and Journalism,” and “Game Design and Development” were ranked lower, the panels stressed the role of every educational need identified within this study and the constant-changing environment, including short- and long-term needs. The findings underline the necessity for evidence-based educational programs to support the esports industry and facilitate the transition from education to employment. Further research is needed to adjust educational pathways to keep up with the evolving esports industry.
Improving Motor Competence of Children: The “Super Quinas” Intervention Program in Portuguese Primary Schools
Authors: Rodrigues Luis P. , Cordovil Rita , Costa Júlio A. , Seabra André , Guilherme José , Vale Susana , Luz Carlos , Flôres Fábio , João Lagoa Maria , Almeida Gabriela , Lopes Vítor P. , Mercê Cristiana , Esteves Pedro Tiago , Santos Sara , Correia Vanda , Serrano João , Mendes Rui , Matos Rui , Loureiro Vânia , Neto Carlos , _ _
Published: January 2025

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the effects of an extra hour of a structured motor program on the motor competence (MC) of children 6–10 years old.. Design: The need for movement interventions to enhance MC among school-aged children has gained vital importance in the last years, given the negative secular trends reported. Hence, the Portuguese Football Federation organized an intervention program on MC to be implemented on the extracurricular time of the Portuguese primary schools: the Super Quinas program. Methods: Thirty-nine schools from all of Portugal were assigned to intervention and control condition, with a total of 1034 children (6–10 y old) completing all the program (77.7%). The Super Quinas intervention comprised of 1 hour of activity per week, led by a physical educator teacher during extracurricular activities for 12 wees. MC was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) before and at the end of the program (January and April 2023). Normative results of the MCA were used to compare changes between pre and posttest according to experimental or control condition. Results: Results showed a general improvement (P ≤ .001) for all subscales (Locomotor, Manipulative, Stability) and total MCA. More importantly, the experimental group showed significant and positive differences, when compared with the control group, in the Stability (P = .007), Manipulative (P = .015), and total MCA results (P = .018) after controlling for gender, age, and baseline effect. Conclusions: The Super Quinas intervention program proved that adding 1 hour of structured movement program to the regular primary school schedule can lead to greater development of MC in school-age children.
Psychological Responses Among Individuals Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Naoi Airi , Yonetani Yasukazu , Tanaka Yoshinari , Horibe Shuji
Published: January 2025

This study elucidated how previous surgery experience, coping, and optimism influenced the mood of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Additionally, it examined the relationships among age, preoperative mood, and postoperative mood. Sixty-four patients (n = 42 men, n = 22 women; age range = 18–51 y) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery at one hospital in western Japan completed questionnaires before and after surgery. Results revealed that patients who underwent previous ACL reconstruction surgery reported higher tension-anxiety (P < .01) and total mood disturbance (TMD) (P < .05) than did patients who underwent primary surgery. Additionally, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, TMD (P < .001), depression-dejection, fatigue, and confusion (P < .01) assessed before surgery were significantly reduced after surgery, and preoperative mood was positively related to postoperative mood. Furthermore, positive interpretation was negatively related to TMD before surgery (P < .05), and evading one’s responsibility was positively related to TMD after surgery (P < .05). Therefore, psychological support might be necessary for patients who underwent previous ACL reconstruction surgery and patients who evade responsibility. The results of this study will help sport medicine professionals identify several individual factors that are related to psychological responses of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery.
A Coach Perspective on a Mastery Motivational Climate in the Competitive Youth Soccer Context
Authors: Gjesdal Siv
Published: January 2025

This study examined how coaches working in Norwegian competitive youth soccer viewed a mastery motivational climate and how they worked to create such a climate. Seven coaches participated in semistructured interviews (six men and one woman; Mage = 27.43, SD = 4.50, average coaching experience = 8 years). A reflexive thematic analysis was used, and results yielded three higher order themes, namely (a) providing opportunities for skill development, (b) interpersonal relationships as a vehicle, and (c) contextual barriers and facilitators. The overall results indicated that while creating a mastery climate seemed to be an ambition for the coaches, they narrowly defined it as balancing the level of mastery and challenge for their players. They found it challenging to maintain a mastery focus when competitive results had real-life consequences for them, and contextual aspects, such as working conditions and the peer climate, could function as either barriers or facilitators.
Complete genome sequence of
Colletotrichum jinshuiense
, the causal agent of goldthread anthracnose disease
Authors: Wang Zuo-Qian , Zhang Shu , Chang Xiang-Qian , Yang Xiao-Lin , You Jing-Mao , Zhou Yang , Luo Chao-Xi , Lv Liang
Published: January 2025

The complete genome sequence of
Colletotrichum jinshuiense
, a goldthread anthracnose pathogen, was sequenced using PacBio Revio and MGI DNBSEQ-T7 PE150. It contains 10 chromosomes, 5 mini chromosomes, a circular mitochondrial chromosome, and 13,129 genes predicted with RNA-Seq data in a 52.13-Mb genome with an
N
50
of 5.05 Mb.
Shaka Ridge (South Atlantic)—a Remnant of Continental Crust?
Authors: Sushchevskaya N. M. , Leitchenkov G. L. , Belyatsky B. V. , Agapitova D. A.
Published: January 2025

As a result of a study of igneous rocks of the basalt - andesite series, dredged on the Shaka Ridge in the South Atlantic, it was found that they differ from the basalts of mid-ocean ridges and ocean islands, and have an age of 183.8 ± 2.2 Ma, comparable to the time of manifestation of the Karoo-Maud mantle plume in central Gondwana. Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic features of the studied igneous rocks show their similarity with the Jurassic mafic complexes of the Ferrar province in Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, formed during the intrusion of the Karoo-Maud plume and under the influence of paleo-Pacific subduction. However the supply of ice rafted debris into the study area due to ice transportation is considered unlikely. Based on the all data obtained, it was concluded that the Shaka Ridge is a continental block that was moved during the opening of the South Atlantic in the Early Cretaceous-Early Miocene from the continental margin of Africa along an extended transform fault into the present Bouvet triple junction area.
Stellar Evolution and Axion-like Particles: New Constraints and Hints from Globular Clusters in the GAIA DR3 Data
Authors: Troitsky S. V.
Published: January 2025

Axion-like particles (ALPs) are hypothetical pseudoscalar bosons, natural in extensions of the Standard Model. Their interactions with ordinary matter and radiation are suppressed, making it challenging to detect them in laboratory experiments. However, these particles, produced within stellar interiors, can provide an additional mechanism for energy loss, potentially influencing stellar evolution. Prominent methods for searching for such effects involve measuring the properties of red giants and helium-burning stars in globular clusters (GCs). Here we use published catalogs of stars selected as members of seven GCs on the basis of parallaxes and proper motions measured by Gaia (Data Release 3). Making use of previously derived theoretical relations and the new data, we find the upper limit on the ALP-electron coupling, g

ae
< 5.2 × 10–14 (95% CL), and an indication (3.3σ) to nonzero ALP-photon coupling, g

aγ =
$$(6.5_{{ - 1.3}}^{{ + 1.1}})$$
× 10–11 GeV–1. Given the precision of contemporary observational data, it is imperative to refine ALP constraints through more sophisticated analyses, which will be explored in detail elsewhere.