bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in physiological signal entropy in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review
Authors: Alotaibi Nawal , Cheung Maggie , Shah Amar , Hurst John R , Mani Ali R , Mandal Swapna
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects an estimated 936 million people worldwide, yet only 15% receive a definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis of OSA poses challenges due to the dynamic nature of physiological signals such as oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate variability (HRV). Linear analysis methods may not fully capture the irregularities present in these signals. The application of entropy of routine physiological signals offers a promising method to better measure variabilities in dynamic biological data. This review aims to explore entropy changes in physiological signals among individuals with OSA. Approach. Keyword and title searches were performed on Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Studies had to analyse physiological signals in OSA using entropy. Quality assessment used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Evidence was qualitatively synthesised, considering entropy signals, entropy type, and time-series length. Main results. Twenty-two studies were included. Multiple physiological signals related to OSA, including SpO2, HRV, and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), have been investigated using entropy. Results revealed a significant decrease in HRV entropy in those with OSA compared to control groups. Conversely, SpO2 and ODI entropy values were increased in OSA. Despite variations in entropy types, time scales, and data extraction devices, studies using receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated a high discriminative accuracy (>80% AUC) in distinguishing OSA patients from control groups. Significance. This review highlights the potential of SpO2 entropy analysis in developing new diagnostic indices for patients with OSA. Further investigation is needed before applying this technique clinically.
Investigation of thermally induced surface composition and morphology variation of magnetron sputtered Sb2Se3 absorber layer for thin film solar cells
Authors: Cantas Ayten
Published: September 2024

One of the most promising semiconductor materials for the development of sustainable thin-film solar cell technology is antimony selenide (Sb2Se3). Its excellent optical and electrical properties have drawn attention lately for potential application in thin-film solar cells. In this study, Sb2Se3 films deposited using the direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering technique have been subjected to a post-annealing process without an extra selenium supply at temperatures between 150 and 450 °C. Without an extra selenium supply, the impact of post-annealing temperature on the surface composition as well as the physical properties of the fabricated films was investigated. The overall evaluations revealed that the post-annealing temperature is highly efficient in altering the physical properties of the Sb2Se3 absorber thin films. We further observed that the post-annealing process improved the crystallization and the heat treatment temperature quite affected preferential orientation. The surface morphology of films exhibited structural deformation at high post-annealing temperatures (> 350 °C). According to optical and electrical characterizations, respectively, the optical energy gap and the resistivity of Sb2Se3 films reduced with an increment in the post-annealing temperature. Based on the XPS result, the variation in temperature of post-annealing led to a change in the surface composition of the films. The findings on the growth of Sb2Se3 thin films indicate the existence of an intermediate growth temperature that permits the growth of Sb2Se3 films to be optimized. The study’s conclusions can serve as a guide to the growth of Sb2Se3 thin films with the desired crystallinity, surface morphology, and composition for thin film solar cell applications.
Specified time dual-group synchronization of uncertain complex chaotic systems
Authors: Yang Yupei , Wang Cong , Zhang Hongli , Ma Ping , Li Xinkai , Zhang Shaohua
Published: September 2024

Aiming at the specified time dual-group synchronization problem of multi-wing complex chaotic systems containing uncertain terms and external disturbances, a new specified-time sliding mode control scheme is proposed, which directly synchronizes the complex chaotic system without separating the real and imaginary parts of the complex chaotic system. First, a new specified time stability criterion is used to construct the integral sliding mode surface of the synchronous error system to ensure stable sliding motion within the specified time. Subsequently, a proximity controller is designed to drive the error system to reach and remain on the sliding surface within another specified time, thereby achieving specified-time synchronization. In order to realize the proposed stability concept, this paper introduces a new sliding surface and defines the corresponding control law and adaptive rate. The effectiveness of this scheme is proved through Lyapunov stability theory and specified time stability theory. Numerical simulation results show that the scheme has strong robustness to uncertainties and external disturbances, and the controller is not affected by internal uncertainties and external disturbances. Compared to other stabilization time control schemes, this scheme has a shorter synchronization time. In general, this study introduces complex variables and adopts a scheme in which sliding mode surface parameters and controller parameters can be preset to simultaneously achieve dual-group synchronization of two groups of complex chaotic systems within the complex domain. This study offers greater flexibility, presenting novel ideas and approaches for the synchronization control of complex systems. It holds significant theoretical and practical value, providing valuable references and insights for research and applications in related fields.
Optimized magnetic properties of a Terfenol-D alloy in an extended temperature range using a high magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Baoze , Zhu Xinying , Luo Ying , Guo Xiaoyu , Sun Qinlu , Tang Ziyuan , Wu Yuxuan , Liu Tie , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2024

Tb–Dy–Fe alloys are among the most suitable magnetostrictive materials for high-power transducers. Optimizing magnetic properties in an extended temperature range could ensure the stable operation of transducers. In this work, a high magnetic field is applied to the directional solidification of Tb–Dy–Fe alloys. We study the microstructure, crystallographic orientation, magnetic susceptibility, crystal structure, and magnetic domain of samples. When the content and alignment of the magnetic phase along with crystallographic orientation remain basically invariant, the magnetic susceptibility of samples increases with the magnetic flux density of the high magnetic field throughout the temperature range from 273 K to Curie temperature (T
C). At 4 T, the maximum magnetic susceptibility is increased by ∼ 40% compared with the sample without a high magnetic field applied, and the advantage is maintained in the range ∼ 300 K. Analysis shows that the enhancement of magnetic susceptibility is not due to the change in crystal structure, as commonly believed, but to the highly ordered alignment of magnetic domains. This research provides a new method for improving the temperature properties of magnetic materials using a high magnetic field.
Mechanical characteristics of kenaf-glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites by varying the stacking sequences
Authors: P Sathyaseelan , Kumar R Ramesh , D Rajesh , K Raja , J Manivannan , M Raju
Published: September 2024

Fiber composite materials are preferred for their lightweight, low-cost, and commercial uses. As part of this study, laminate materials consisting of two different fiber materials as their reinforcement materials are produced using the hand layup method. This study investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid composite laminates fabricated using kenaf and glass fibers. Six stacking arrangements of the fibers are examined, alongside two reference laminates with individual reinforcements. Epoxy resins HY951 and LY556 serve as matrix materials. ASTM standards guide the mechanical testing of the composites. Results indicate varied tensile strengths based on stacking sequence, with laminate L2 (KKGKK) featuring a single glass fiber core at 75 MPa, and increasing strengths in laminates with additional glass layers: L1 (GKKKG) at 123 MPa, L5 (KGKGK) at 110 MPa, L3 (GKGKG) at 150 MPa, L6 (KGGGK) at 118 MPa, and L4 (GGKGG) at 159 MPa, the highest among all. It was observed that adding one layer of glass fiber with kenaf fiber boosts strength and modulus by 9.52% and 12.19% respectively, compared to pure kenaf fiber composites. Morphological analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirms failure due to initial crack propagation in the matrix and fibers. This study offers insights into hybrid composite laminate behavior, pertinent for various industrial applications.
Evolution of low-mode asymmetries introduced by x-ray P2 drive asymmetry during double shell implosions on the SG facility
Authors: Wang Guanqiong , Li Hang , Li Xin , Li Chenguang , Li Xindong , Xu Ruihua , Zhu Ruidong , Li Lulu , Zhang Huasen , Zhao Yingkui , Wang Min , Guo Liang , Zheng Jinhua , Jing Longfei , Jiang Wei , Deng Bo , Deng Keli , Dong Yunsong , Yang Dong , Yang Jiamin , Zhao Zongqing
Published: September 2024

Double shell capsule can provide a potential low-convergence to fusion ignition at relatively low temperature (∼3 keV). One of the main sources of degrading double shell implosion performance is the low-mode asymmetries. Recently, the experiments on the evolution of low-mode asymmetries introduced by x-ray P2 drive asymmetry during double shell implosions were carried out on the SG facility, where the outer shell and inner shell shapes were measured through the backlit radiography, and the fuel shape near stagnation was measured by core x-ray self-emission imaging. The time-dependent x-ray flux symmetry was controlled by varying the inner cone fraction, defined as the ratio of the inner cone power to the total laser power, while keeping the drive temperature histories same across experiments. Both the hohlraum radiation and the capsule implosions were analyzed using a two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code. Comparing the experimental radiographs and self-emission images to the simulations, it is found that the simulated outer shell, inner shell and hot spot shapes are in qualitative agreement with experiments, especially, the symmetry swings of the hot spot shape near stagnation are observed from both experimental and simulation results. Further, the effect of x-ray drive asymmetries on double shell implosion performance is preliminarily investigated using numerical simulations. We find that the azimuthal variations in radial velocity caused by drive asymmetries can generate azimuthal mass flow of the inner shell, thus kinetic energy of the inner shell would be not converted into fuel internal energy with high efficiency, and the mass-averaged ion temperature of the fuel at stagnation would be reduced.
Modelling human postural stability and muscle activation augmented by a supernumerary robotic tail
Authors: Abeywardena Sajeeva , Osman Zaheer , Farkhatdinov Ildar
Published: September 2024

Wearable robots have promising characteristics for human augmentation; however, the the design and specification stage needs to consider biomechanical impact. In this work, musculoskeletal software is used to assess the biomechanical implications of having a two-degrees-of-freedom supernumerary robotic tail mounted posterior to the human trunk. Forward and backward tilting motions were assessed to determine the optimal design specification. Specifically; the key criteria utilised included the centre of pressure, the dynamic wrench exerted by the tail onto the human body and a global muscle activation index. Overall, it was found that use of a supernumerary tail reduced lower limb muscle activation in quiet stance. Furthermore, the optimal design specification required a trade-off between the geometric and inertial characteristics, and the amount of muscle assistance provided by the tail to facilitate safe physical Human–Robot interaction.
Generating pooled quality control samples of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Wilkinson Maxim , Fowler Stephen J
Published: September 2024

Untargeted analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from exhaled breath and culture headspace are influenced by several confounding factors not represented in reference standards. In this study, we propose a method of generating pooled quality control (QC) samples for untargeted VOC studies using a split-recollection workflow with thermal desorption tubes. Sample tubes were desorbed and split from each sample and recollected onto a single tube, generating a pooled QC sample. This QC sample was then repeatedly desorbed and recollected with a sequentially lower split ratio allowing injection of multiple QC samples. We found pooled QC samples to be representative of complex mixtures using principal component analysis and may be useful in future longitudinal, multi-centre, and validation studies to assess data quality and adjust for batch effects.
A highly sensitive photonic crystal fibre biosensor for early malaria detection via RBC variation monitoring
Authors: Pravesh Ram , Kumar Dharmendra , Pandey Bramha P , Chaudhary Vijay Shanker , Kumar Santosh
Published: September 2024

Every year, more than one million individuals die from malaria, an infection spread by mosquitoes infected by haemoparasites with only one cell of the Plasmodium class. In this work, a photonic crystal fibre (PCF)-based refractive index (RI) biosensor for the early detection of malaria in individuals, using red blood cell (RBC) variation monitoring, is presented. The proposed PCF includes three layers of hexagonal lattices of elliptical air holes and also contains a small vertical elliptical channel in which the RBC samples are placed. Because of the RI difference between samples from both healthy and malaria-infected human RBCs, the peak wavelength of infected RBC samples differs from that of normal RBC samples. From calculation, the achieved wavelength sensitivities of the biosensor are 3571.42 nm/RIU, 3157.89 nm/RIU, and 3103.44 nm/RIU in the x-polarized direction and 2857.14 nm/RIU, 2631.57 nm/RIU, and 2758.6 nm/RIU in the y-polarized direction in different phases—ring, trophozoite, and schizont respectively—with a highest possible detection limit of 0.029. Because of the small detection limit and high sensitivity, the proposed PCF biosensor has enhanced sensing abilities that make it suitable for primary diagnosis of malaria. With its high sensitivity and low detection limit, this PCF biosensor has improved sensing capabilities that make it appropriate for malaria diagnosis at the outset.
Evaluation and imaging of biodistribution of magnetic nanoparticles in a model of hepatic cirrhosis via alternating current biosusceptometry
Authors: Willmann Raffael , Almeida Michael , Stoppa Erick , Barbisan Luis F , Miranda Jose R A , Soares Guilherme
Published: September 2024

In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have exhibited theragnostic characteristics which confer a wide range of applications in the biomedical field. Consequently, through Alternating Current Biosusceptometry (ACB), magnetic nanoparticles can be used as tracers, allowing the study of healthy and cirrhotic livers and providing the ability to differentiate them through the reconstruction of quantitative images. The ACB system consists of a developing biomagnetic technique that has the ability to magnetize and measure the magnetic susceptibility of a material such as MNPs, thereby offering quantitative information about biological systems with magnetic tracers.
Mapping cognitive activity from electrocorticography field potentials in humans performing NBack task
Authors: Johnston Renée , Boulay Chadwick , Miller Kai , Sachs Adam
Published: September 2024

Objective. Advancements in data science and assistive technologies have made invasive brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) increasingly viable for enhancing the quality of life in physically disabled individuals. Intracortical microelectrode implants are a common choice for such a communication system due to their fine temporal and spatial resolution. The small size of these implants makes the implantation plan critical for the successful exfiltration of information, particularly when targeting representations of task goals that lack robust anatomical correlates. Approach. Working memory processes including encoding, retrieval, and maintenance are observed in many areas of the brain. Using human electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings during a working memory experiment, we provide proof that it is possible to localize cognitive activity associated with the task and to identify key locations involved with executive memory functions. Results. From the analysis, we could propose an optimal iBCI implant location with the desired features. The general approach is not limited to working memory but could also be used to map other goal-encoding factors such as movement intentions, decision-making, and visual-spatial attention. Significance. Deciphering the intended action of a BCI user is a complex challenge that involves the extraction and integration of cognitive factors such as movement planning, working memory, visual-spatial attention, and the decision state. Examining field potentials from ECoG electrodes while participants engaged in tailored cognitive tasks can pinpoint location with valuable information related to anticipated actions. This manuscript demonstrates the feasibility of identifying electrodes involved in cognitive activity related to working memory during user engagement in the NBack task. Devoting time in meticulous preparation to identify the optimal brain regions for BCI implant locations will increase the likelihood of rich signal outcomes, thereby improving the overall BCI user experience.
Detection of invasive ductal carcinoma by electrical impedance spectroscopy implementing gaussian relaxation-time distribution (EIS-GRTD)
Authors: Setyawan Galih , Ibrahim Kiagus Aufa , Ogawa Ryoma , Sejati Prima Asmara , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hiroto , Takei Masahiro
Published: September 2024

Breast cancer detection and differentiation of breast tissues are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This study addresses the challenge of distinguishing between invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), normal glandular breast tissues (nGBT), and adipose tissue using electrical impedance spectroscopy combined with Gaussian relaxation-time distribution (EIS-GRTD). The primary objective is to investigate the relaxation-time characteristics of these tissues and their potential to differentiate between normal and abnormal breast tissues. We applied a single-point EIS-GRTD measurement to ten mastectomy specimens across a frequency range f = 4 Hz to 5 MHz. The method calculates the differential ratio of the relaxation-time distribution function

Δ
γ

between IDC and nGBT, which is denoted by

Δ

γ

IDC
−
nGBT

,

and

Δ
γ

between IDC and adipose tissues, which is denoted by

Δ

γ

IDC
−
adipose

.

As a result, the differential ratio of

Δ
γ

between IDC and nGBT

Δ

γ

IDC
−
nGBT

is 0.36, and between IDC and adipose

Δ

γ

IDC
−
adipose

is 0.27, which included in the

α

-dispersion at

τ

peak
1

=
0.033
±
0.001

s
.

In all specimens, the relaxation-time distribution function

γ

of IDC

γ

IDC

is higher, and there is no intersection with

γ

of nGBT

γ

nGBT

and adipose

γ

adipose

.

The difference in

γ

suggests potential variations in relaxation properties at the molecular or structural level within each breast tissue that contribute to the overall relaxation response. The average mean percentage error

δ

for IDC, nGBT, and adipose tissues are 5.90%, 6.33%, and 8.07%, respectively, demonstrating the model’s accuracy and reliability. This study provides novel insights into the use of relaxation-time characteristic for differentiating breast tissue types, offering potential advancements in diagnosis methods. Future research will focus on correlating EIS-GRTD finding with pathological results from the same test sites to further validate the method’s efficacy.
Equilibrium reconstruction method for self-organized plasmas on reversed field pinches with polarimeter-interferometer
Authors: HUANG 黄 Yuhua 玉华 , LIU 刘 Ke 珂 , MAO 毛 Wenzhe 文哲 , ZHU 祝 Caoxiang 曹祥 , LAN 兰 Tao 涛 , ZU 祖 Yiming 一鸣 , ZHOU 周 Yongkang 永康 , WANG 汪 Xingkang 兴康 , DENG 邓 Peng 鹏 , WANG 王 Li 立 , PENG 彭 Pai 湃 , LIU 刘 Adi 阿娣 , ZHOU 周 Chu 楚 , LIU 刘 Haifeng 海峰 , LI 李 Hong 弘 , XIE 谢 Jinlin 锦林 , XU 许 Yuhong 宇鸿 , DING 丁 Weixing 卫星 , LIU 刘 Wandong 万东 , ZHUANG 庄 Ge 革
Published: September 2024

In the reversed field pinch (RFP), plasmas exhibit various self-organized states. Among these, the three-dimensional (3D) helical state known as the “quasi-single-helical” (QSH) state enhances RFP confinement. However, accurately describing the equilibrium is challenging due to the presence of 3D structures, magnetic islands, and chaotic regions. It is difficult to obtain a balance between the available diagnostic and the real equilibrium structure. To address this issue, we introduce KTX3DFit, a new 3D equilibrium reconstruction code specifically designed for the Keda Torus eXperiment (KTX) RFP. KTX3DFit utilizes the stepped-pressure equilibrium code (SPEC) to compute 3D equilibria and uses polarimetric interferometer signals from experiments. KTX3DFit is able to reconstruct equilibria in various states, including axisymmetric, double-axis helical (DAx), and single-helical-axis (SHAx) states. Notably, this study marks the first integration of the SPEC code with internal magnetic field data for equilibrium reconstruction and could be used for other 3D configurations.
Universal and holistic privacy protection in quantum computing: a novel approach through quantum circuit equivalence homomorphic encryption
Authors: Zhang Xuejian , Chang Yan , Zeng Lin , Xue Weifeng , Yan Lili , Zhang Shibin
Published: September 2024

Due to the stringent hardware requirements and high cost, quantum computing as a service (QCaaS) is currently the main way to output quantum computing capabilities. However, the current QCaaS has significant shortcomings in privacy protection. The existing researches mainly focus on dataset privacy in some specific quantum machine learning algorithms, and there is no general and comprehensive research on privacy protection for dataset, parameter sets and algorithm models. To solve this problem, this paper defines the concept of generalized quantum homomorphic encryption and pioneers a novel method termed quantum circuit equivalence homomorphic encryption (QCEHE), aiming at protecting the privacy of the complete quantum circuits—encompassing data, parameters, and model. Based on QCEHE, a privacy protection scheme and its approximate implementation called quantum circuit equivalent substitution algorithm are proposed for any quantum algorithm, which can encrypt the complete quantum circuit on a classical computer, ensuring that the encrypted quantum circuit is physically equivalent to the original one, and does not reveal data holders’ privacy (data, parameters and model). By theoretical derivation, we prove that the proposed solution can effectively execute any quantum algorithm while protecting privacy. By applying the proposed solution to the privacy protection of the Harrow–Hassidim–Lloyd algorithm and the variational quantum classifier algorithm, the results showed that the accuracy rate before and after encryption are almost the same, which means that the proposed solution can effectively protect the privacy of data holders without impacting the usability and accuracy.
Enhancing trajectory tracking accuracy in three-wheeled mobile robots using backstepping fuzzy sliding mode control
Authors: Wendemagegn Yebekal Adgo , Ayalew Asfaw Wubshet , Abdissa Chala Merga , Lemma Lebsework Negash
Published: September 2024

The rise in robotics technology has increased interest in ThreeWheeled Mobile Robots (TWMRs) due to their agility and adaptability across various applications. However, effectively controlling TWMRs presents a significant challenge owing to their inherent nonholonomic constraints, which restrict independent movement in all directions. Factors like sensor noise, nonlinear system dynamics, and uncertain system parameters also add to the complexity of controlling TWMRs. This research endeavors to enhance the precision of trajectory tracking in TWMRs. Specifically, it employs Backstepping Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control (BFSMC) with parameters optimized through Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), coupled with the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for state estimation. The study conducts a comprehensive performance comparison between Backstepping Sliding Mode Control (BSMC) and Backstepping Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control(BFSMC) across various trajectory patterns, revealing substantial improvements in trajectory tracking accuracy with BFSMC. BFSMC demonstrates improvements in performance across various trajectory types when considering the integral time absolute error (IAE). Specifically, it achieves a 51.97% improvement for circular trajectories, an 82.09% improvement for infinity trajectories, and an 84.073% improvement for spiral trajectories. Moreover, BFSMC demonstrates superior robustness in the presence of disturbances, noise, parameter variations, and unmodeled dynamics compared to BSMC. Integrating the Extended Kalman Filter further improves accuracy, particularly in noisy conditions.
Novel meta-learning for few-shot bearing fault diagnosis under varying working conditions
Authors: Wang Chuanhao , Peng Jigang , Sun Yongjian
Published: September 2024

In practical engineering, large amount data and variable working conditions poses a challenge to most existing Deep Learning(DL) methods. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new meta-learning approach. Under the condition of limited data, the fault diagnosis under variable working conditions is regarded as a problem with fewer lenses, and the fault diagnosis of few samples across working scenes is carried out based on the Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning(MAML). Gradient-by-gradient rules are used for parameter optimization to achieve an efficient representation of these tasks. Then, the attention mechanism is applied to improve the efficiency of the training. Finally, experiments verified the fault diagnosis accuracy under various working conditions.
Sex-specific manipulation of sexually cannibalistic mantid mating behavior by hairworms
Authors: Kuroda Kazuki , Kuroda Takahiro , Nishino Hiroto , Takami Yasuoki
Published: September 2024

Changes in the morphology, physiology, and behavior of parasitized organisms provide an ideal opportunity to examine the extended phenotype of parasites. Because the quality of the host directly affects the fitness of the parasite, parasites may increase their fitness by manipulating phenotypes of low-quality hosts. Males are usually preyed on by females in sexual cannibalism. Thus, the males of sexually cannibalistic species are unsafe and low-quality hosts for parasites, whereas females may be beneficial hosts because of the chance of nutrient intake from cannibalized males. Under passive modes of transmission, parasites cannot choose the host sex. Such parasites exploiting sexually cannibalistic organisms are subjected to contrasting fitness effects and may evolve to manipulate host mating behavior in a sex-specific manner: decreasing male mating to avoid cannibalism and promoting female mating to engage in cannibalism. We examined this hypothesis by a behavioral experiment using a mantid–hairworm system. Parasitized male mantids (Tenodera angustipennis) changed their behavior as expected, exhibiting increased escapes and decreased courtships and mountings, potentially avoiding encounters with the female. Interestingly, male attack behavior was promoted, possibly decreasing contact with the encountered female. However, contrary to our prediction, parasitized females also exhibited decreased propensities of mating, suggesting costs or little benefits of host mating for parasites in the female host. This study provides novel insights into the evolution of parasite strategies in response to sexual differences in host quality.
Comprehensive assessment of long-read sequencing platforms and calling algorithms for detection of copy number variation
Authors: Yuan Na , Jia Peilin
Published: September 2024

Copy number variations (CNVs) play pivotal roles in disease susceptibility and have been intensively investigated in human disease studies. Long-read sequencing technologies offer opportunities for comprehensive structural variation (SV) detection, and numerous methodologies have been developed recently. Consequently, there is a pressing need to assess these methods and aid researchers in selecting appropriate techniques for CNV detection using long-read sequencing. Hence, we conducted an evaluation of eight CNV calling methods across 22 datasets from nine publicly available samples and 15 simulated datasets, covering multiple sequencing platforms. The overall performance of CNV callers varied substantially and was influenced by the input dataset type, sequencing depth, and CNV type, among others. Specifically, the PacBio CCS sequencing platform outperformed PacBio CLR and Nanopore platforms regarding CNV detection recall rates. A sequencing depth of 10x demonstrated the capability to identify 85% of the CNVs detected in a 50x dataset. Moreover, deletions were more generally detectable than duplications. Among the eight benchmarked methods, cuteSV, Delly, pbsv, and Sniffles2 demonstrated superior accuracy, while SVIM exhibited high recall rates.
Improving wild animal welfare through contraception
Authors: Eckerström Liedholm Simon , Hecht Luke , Elliott Vittoria
Published: September 2024

To date, research on the welfare impacts of wildlife contraceptives has mostly been focused on the potential harms of contraceptives. However, there are compelling theoretical reasons to expect direct and indirect welfare benefits of wildlife contraceptives. These positive welfare effects would be experienced by more than just the treated individuals, because per capita resource availability will increase with decreasing numbers of individuals sharing a resource. In the present article, we discuss the potential for wildlife contraceptives to alleviate resource competition and their associated negative welfare effects at different scales. These effects are expected to vary across contexts and would presumably be stronger when wildlife contraceptives are used with the explicit purpose of improving wild animal welfare. The potential for considerable welfare gains for wildlife through the targeted use of contraceptives highlights the importance of both species-specific studies on the welfare benefits of wildlife contraceptives and further research on the links between population dynamics and wild animal welfare.
Acid-induced conformational switching of helical foldamers containing imidazole amide
Authors: Kimura Sakiko , Takeda Fumi , Ikeda Ayano , Tanimoto Asuka , Katagiri Kosuke , Kawahata Masatoshi , Okada Yusuke , Kobayashi Nagao , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Tanatani Aya
Published: September 2024

N-Alkylated oligo- and poly(p-benzamide)s exist as dynamic helical structures with all-cis amide conformation. Imidazole N-alkylated amides also show cis conformational preference, but their major conformer is changed from cis to trans by addition of acid. Here, based on those findings, we designed and synthesized aromatic triamides 3 and hexaamides 4 containing an imidazole ring as candidate foldamers anticipated to exhibit acid-induced conformational change. X-ray structure analysis of oligomer 3c showed that it takes all-cis conformation in the crystal. In solution, all the oligoamides examined existed as an equilibrium mixture of 4 conformers, among which the major conformer was the folded all-cis structure as judged from the low-temperature 1H NMR spectra. When trifluoroacetic acid-d was added to a solution of the oligoamides in methylene chloride-d2, only 2 conformers were observed in the low-temperature 1H NMR spectra, and the major conformer was the (trans,cis) form with respect to the amide bonds of the imidazole at the 4 and 2 positions. Experimental and theoretical analysis of the CD spectra indicated that the conformation of hexaamides 4 changes upon the addition of acid. Our results suggest that N-alkylated imidazole amide can serve as a key structural motif for the construction of foldamers with acid-switchable conformation.
Cardiac automaticity is modulated by IKACh in sinoatrial node during pregnancy
Authors: Long Valérie , El Gebeily Gracia , Leblanc Élisabeth , Senhadji Marwa , Fiset Céline
Published: September 2024

Aims

Pregnant (P) women have a significantly elevated resting heart rate (HR), which makes cardiac arrhythmias more likely to occur. Although electrical remodelling of the sinoatrial node (SAN) has been documented, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The acetylcholine-activated potassium current (IKACh), one of the major repolarizing currents in the SAN, plays a critical role in HR control by hyperpolarizing the maximal diastolic potential (MDP) of the SAN action potential (AP), thereby reducing SAN automaticity and HR. Thus, considering its essential role in cardiac automaticity, this study aims to determine whether changes in IKACh are potentially involved in the increased HR associated with pregnancy.

Methods and results

Experiments were conducted on non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P; 17–18 days gestation) female CD-1 mice aged 2 to 4 months. IKACh was recorded on spontaneously beating SAN cells using the muscarinic agonist carbachol (CCh). Voltage-clamp data showed a reduction in IKACh density during pregnancy, which returned to control values shortly after delivery. The reduction in IKACh was explained by a decrease in protein expression of Kir3.1 channel subunit and the muscarinic type 2 receptor. In agreement with these findings, current-clamp data showed that the MDP of SAN cells from P mice were less hyperpolarized following CCh administration. Surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) recorded on anaesthetized mice revealed that the cholinergic antagonist atropine and the selective KACh channel blocker tertiapin-Q increased HR in NP mice and had only a minimal effect on P mice. AP and ECG data also showed that pregnancy is associated with a decrease in beating and HR variability, respectively.

Conclusion

IKACh function and expression are decreased in the mouse SAN during pregnancy, strongly suggesting that, in addition to other electrical remodelling of the SAN, reduced IKACh also plays an important role in the pregnancy-induced increased HR.
Combining the vasoactive-inotropic score with lactate levels to predict mortality in post-cardiotomy patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Tian Xiaqiu , Wang Liangshan , Li Chenglong , Shao Juanjuan , Jia Ming , Wang Hong , Hou Xiaotong
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to determine the predictive role of the combined assessment of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and lactate levels for the prognosis of patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

METHODS

The data of adult patients with PCS requiring VA-ECMO between January 2015 and December 2018 at a tertiary hospital were analysed retrospectively. The incidence of in-hospital mortality and other clinical outcomes was analysed. The associations of the VIS and the lactate concentration and in-hospital mortality were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 222 patients were included and divided into 4 groups according to the cut-off points of the VIS (24.3) and the lactate level (6.85 mmol/L). The in-hospital mortality rates were 37.7%, 50.7%, 54.8% and 76.5% for the 4 groups (P < 0.001), and the rates of successful weaning off VA-ECMO were 73.9%, 69%, 61.3% and 39.2%, respectively (P = 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 exhibited significant differences compared to group 4 in both in-hospital mortality and weaning rates (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction between group 1 and group 4 (P < 0.05). Groups 1, 2 and 3 demonstrated significantly improved cumulative 30-day survival compared with group 4 (log-rank test, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, a VIS > 24.3 and lactate levels > 6.85 mmol/L were independently predictive of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with PCS requiring VA-ECMO, the initiation before reaching a VIS > 24.3 and lactate levels > 6.85 mmol/L was associated with improved in-hospital and 30-day outcomes, suggesting that the combined assessment of the VIS and lactate levels may be instructive for determining the initiation of VA-ECMO.
Supportive communication as a collective phenomenon: a dynamic systems account of emotional support provision and outcomes in online health communities
Authors: Rains Stephen A , Carter Shelby N
Published: September 2024

Developing a complete understanding of supportive communication requires learning more about how it unfolds among groups. We leveraged dynamic systems theory to document group-level emotional support provision practices in online health communities and examine their implications for discussion processes and the mood of support seekers. We evaluated sequences of person-centered feedback in the first three responses to threads started by community members seeking emotional support. Twelve different patterns of sequences were identified reflecting collective support provision behavior. Compared to the sequence containing only implicit recognition of a seeker’s feelings, sequences containing high person-centered feedback were more likely to foster high person-centered feedback in a later community response to the thread and more likely to be associated with an improvement in support seekers’ self-reported mood. The results of this project demonstrate how online communities collectively construct emotional support and the implications of those patterns for support seeking and provision.
Assessment of the public perception of the hospital pharmacist and their satisfaction level with the pharmacy services provided in a developing country: a cross-sectional survey in Malaysia
Authors: Kong Kian Keong , Ong Siew Chin
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the public perception of the role of hospital pharmacists, their satisfaction with the pharmacy service provided, and the factors associated with their perception and satisfaction.

Methods

A cross-sectional, questionnaire survey was conducted on adults older than 18 years who utilized public pharmacy services. A self-developed, validated questionnaire consisting of three parts was used, i.e., demographic data, perception, and satisfaction. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study of 50 study participants and demonstrated good reliability results of 0.900 for the perception section and 0.836 for the satisfaction section. Therefore, all items were used in the final questionnaire.

Key findings

Four hundred and seventy-nine completed questionnaires were collected with a response rate of 91.6%. The Cronbach’s α for perception and satisfaction scores were 0.938 and 0.841, respectively. The median total score for public perception was 83 (interquartile range [IQR]: 15), whereas the median total score for public satisfaction was 38 (IQR: 33). The level of public perception was significantly associated with the age groups (P = .009), ethnic groups (P < .001), respondents’ locality groups (P < .001), the level of education achieved group (P = .017), and the income groups (P = .006). Satisfaction was not significantly associated with any sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions

This study has found that the general public had a favorable perception of the role of hospital pharmacists, and they were generally satisfied with the pharmacy service provided.
Cancer-associated SF3B1 mutations inhibit mRNA nuclear export by disrupting SF3B1–THOC5 interactions
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhao Bo , Shi Yueru , Wan Youzhong
Published: September 2024

Mutations in SF3B1 are common in many types of cancer, promoting cancer progression through aberrant RNA splicing. Recently, mRNA nuclear export has been reported to be defective in cells with the SF3B1 K700E mutation. However, the mechanism remains unclear. Our study reveals that the K700E mutation in SF3B1 attenuates its interaction with THOC5, an essential component of the mRNA nuclear export complex THO. Furthermore, the SF3B1 mutation caused reduced binding of THOC5 with some mRNA and inhibited the nuclear export of these mRNAs. Interestingly, overexpression of THOC5 restores the nuclear export of these mRNAs in cells with the SF3B1 K700E mutation. Importantly, other types of cancer-associated SF3B1 mutations also inhibited mRNA nuclear export similarly, suggesting that it is common for cancer-associated SF3B1 mutations to inhibit mRNA nuclear export. Our research highlights the critical role of the THOC5–SF3B1 interaction in the regulation of mRNA nuclear export and provides valuable insights into the impact of SF3B1 mutations on mRNA nuclear export.
Development of modular expression across phylogenetically distinct diazotrophs
Authors: Kulakowski Shawn , Rivier Alex , Kuo Rita , Mengel Sonya , Eng Thomas
Published: September 2024

Diazotrophic bacteria can reduce atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia enabling bioavailability of the essential element. Many diazotrophs closely associate with plant roots increasing nitrogen availability, acting as plant growth promoters. These associations have the potential to reduce the need for costly synthetic fertilizers if they could be engineered for agricultural applications. However, despite the importance of diazotrophic bacteria, genetic tools are poorly developed in a limited number of species, in turn narrowing the crops and root microbiomes that can be targeted. Here, we report optimized protocols and plasmids to manipulate phylogenetically diverse diazotrophs with the goal of enabling synthetic biology and genetic engineering. Three broad-host-range plasmids can be used across multiple diazotrophs, with the identification of one specific plasmid (containing origin of replication RK2 and a kanamycin resistance marker) showing the highest degree of compatibility across bacteria tested. We then demonstrated modular expression by testing seven promoters and eleven ribosomal binding sites using proxy fluorescent proteins. Finally, we tested four small molecule inducible systems to report expression in three diazotrophs and demonstrated genome editing in Klebsiella michiganensis M5al.

One-sentence summary

In this study, broad-host plasmids and synthetic genetic parts were leveraged to enable expression tools in a library of diazotrophic bacteria.
The effect of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation on adjuvant chemotherapy with tegafur/uracil for patients with completely resected, non-lymph node metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (> 2 cm): a multicenter, retrospective, observational study as exploratory analysis of the CSPOR-LC03 study
Authors: Miyoshi Tomohiro , Aokage Keiju , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Ito Hiroyuki , Sakakura Noriaki , Mun Mingyon , Yamashita Motohiro , Ohde Yasuhisa , Aoki Tadashi , Nishio Wataru , Taguri Masataka , Tsuboi Masahiro
Published: September 2024

Background

The use of adjuvant osimertinib for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutants is expected to expand to earlier stage I in the future, potentially competing with the current standard of care, oral tegafur/uracil (UFT), in Japan. However, the effect of EGFR mutation status on the therapeutic effect of UFT remains unclear. This study was conducted as an exploratory analysis of a retrospective observational study that investigated the real-world data of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in Japan (CSPOR-LC03).

Methods

Between 2008 and 2013, 1812 patients with completely resected adenocarcinoma diagnosed as pathologic stage I (T1 > 2 cm, TNM classification, sixth edition) who have maintained organ function, and no history of other cancers were included. The primary endpoint was the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate, and we compared this rate between four groups classified based on the administration of adjuvant UFT and EGFR mutation status.

Results

Of the 933 (51%) patients with EGFR mutations, 394 underwent adjuvant UFT therapy. Of the 879 (49%) patients without EGFR mutations, 393 underwent adjuvant UFT therapy. The 5-year DFS of UFT+/EGFR+ and UFT−/EGFR+ patients were 82.0 and 87.1%, respectively, and those of UFT+/EGFR− and UFT−/EGFR− patients were 80.0 and 86.9%, respectively. DFS was significantly worse in the UFT+ group than in the UFT− group (P = 0.015). Adjuvant UFT therapy was not an independent prognostic factor for DFS, regardless of the EGFR mutation status.

Conclusion

In pathologic stage I (>2 cm) lung adenocarcinomas with EGFR mutation, the survival benefit of adjuvant UFT was not observed.
Direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flow with wall transpiration using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Wu Chung-Ming , Lin Chao-An
Published: September 2024

Direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flow with wall transpiration are conducted using the multi-relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method for the first time. Flows with two friction Reynolds numbers, $Re_\tau$ = 150 and 250, are investigated, and the explored transpiration rates based on the friction velocity range from 0.05 to 0.26. A successive block mesh-refinement strategy is adopted to resolve the near-wall structure, where the grid sizes are $\Delta ^+ \sim$1, 2, and 4. Under such resolution, the size of the maximum grid density employed is $775 \times 10^6$. At the low transpiration rate ($V^+=0.05$), the turbulence level at the suction side is damped relative to the less altered values along the injection side. However, at the high level of wall transpiration, i.e. $V^+=0.26$, turbulence levels are severely retarded on both the injection and suction sides. The predicted mean and turbulence quantities show good agreements with the available direct numerical simulation data, indicating the effectiveness of lattice Boltzmann method combined with mesh refinement in reproducing the correct physics of turbulent channel flows with different levels of wall transpiration.
The Current Regulation of Conflicts of Laws in International Commercial Arbitration
Authors: Hayward Benjamin
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines the current regulation of conflicts of laws in international commercial arbitration. It shows that diversity of approach is the regulatory status quo. It discusses the legal framework regulating conflicts questions, the categories of private international law provisions operating in international commercial arbitration, and ten conflict of laws rules arbitrators may draw upon. Arbitrators may apply the conflicts rules of: the arbitral seat; the State most closely connected to the dispute; the State which, absent the parties’ arbitration agreement, would have had jurisdiction over the dispute; the arbitrator’s home jurisdiction; the State of likely enforcement. They may also apply the substantive law of the seat of arbitration; the closest connection test; the cumulative approach; general principles of the conflict of laws; and they may also adopt conflicts rules found in a relevant international instrument.