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Htra4 promotes vascular endothelial cell injury and is associated with the early-onset of preeclampsia
ICRL: independent causality representation learning for domain generalization
Computational insights into exploring the potential effects of environmental contaminants on human health
Active regulatory elements recruit cohesin to establish cell specific chromatin domains
Abstract As the 3D structure of the genome is analysed at ever increasing resolution it is clear that there is considerable variation in the 3D chromatin architecture across different cell types. It has been proposed that this may, in part, be due to increased recruitment of cohesin to activated cis-elements (enhancers and promoters) leading to cell-type specific loop extrusion underlying the formation of new sub-TADs. Here we show that cohesin correlates well with the presence of active enhancers and that this varies in an allele-specific manner with the presence or absence of polymorphic enhancers which vary from one individual to another. Using the alpha globin cluster as a model, we show that when all enhancers are removed, peaks of cohesin disappear from these regions and the erythroid specific sub-TAD is no longer formed. Re-insertion of the major alpha globin enhancer (R2) is associated with re-establishment of recruitment and increased interactions. In complementary experiments insertion of the R2 enhancer element into a “neutral” region of the genome recruits cohesin, induces transcription and creates a new large (75 kb) erythroid-specific domain. Together these findings support the proposal that active enhancers recruit cohesin, stimulate loop extrusion and promote the formation of cell specific sub-TADs.
Selenomethionine inhibits the proliferation of hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by inhibiting ROS and HIF-1α-ACE-AngII axis
Using artificial intelligence system for assisting the classification of breast ultrasound glandular tissue components in dense breast tissue
Deep learning for simultaneous phase and amplitude identification in coherent beam combination
Abstract Coherent beam combination has emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming the power limitations of individual fibre lasers. This approach relies on maintaining precise phase difference between the constituent beamlets, which are typically established using phase retrieval algorithms. However, phase locking is often studied under the assumption that the power levels of the beamlets remain stable, an idealisation that does not hold always in practical applications. Over the operational lifetime of fibre lasers, power degradation inevitably occurs, introducing additional challenges to phase retrieval. To address this, we propose a deep learning algorithm for single-step simultaneous phase and amplitude identification, directly from a single camera observation of the intensity distribution of the combined beam. By leveraging its ability to detect and interpret subtle variations in intensity interference patterns, the deep learning approach can accurately disentangle phase and power contributions, even in the presence of significant power fluctuations. Using a spatial light modulator, we systematically investigate the impact of power-level fluctuations on phase retrieval within a simulated coherent beam combination system. Furthermore, we explore the scalability of this deep learning approach by evaluating its ability to achieve the required phase and amplitude precision as the number of beamlets increases.
Hybrid vision GNNs based early detection and protection against pest diseases in coffee plants
Taper wear in total joint arthroplasty can be reliably assessed with various coordinate measuring systems
Abstract In total joint arthroplasty, wear and corrosion at modular taper junctions is an issue with clinical implications, as ions and wear debris can lead to adverse tissue reactions. The quantification of the generated wear is, therefore, an important measure to judge the performance of such modular junctions. This applies to pre-clinical in vitro investigations as well as to retrospective investigations of retrieved implants. The volume of the worn material can be determined with coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), which can generally be classified as tactile and optical systems. The study aims on the comparison of a tactile with two optical CMM systems for the determination of taper wear. To do so, four taper samples—three trunnions and one bore taper—with different amounts of known volumetric wear (range 1.5 mm3 to 8.3 mm3) were fabricated. Wear volume, linear deviation and taper angle were determined with the different CMM systems. The tactile system yielded the highest deviation from the gravimetric reference values of about 0.3 mm3, while the optical systems exhibited deviations of about 0.1 mm3 and 0.2 mm3. Clinically relevant taper wear, however, is well measurable with all investigated systems.
Psychometric validation and item invariance of the French version of the Brief Resilience Scale in a sample of French university students following the first COVID-19 lockdown
Quasi resonant soft switching high gain interleaved quadratic coupled inductor converter
Blending of cellulose nanofibers with cotton linter pulp to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of paper
HOPE and AMPK activation reduce reperfusion injury and metabolic dysfunction in primate steatotic liver grafts
Abstract Living liver transplantation has become a significant and evolving aspect of organ transplantation, with a notable proportion of cases involving pediatric patients. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease. The growing number of individuals with MAFLD has led to an annual increase in the proportion of non-alcoholic fatty liver donors for pediatric living liver transplantation. Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) has been demonstrated to improve graft quality through the implementation of a continuous mechanical perfusion cycle. However, there is currently a paucity of evidence regarding its ability to reduce steatosis and improve prognosis within a shorter time window of living-organ transplantation, especially in primate models. This study simulated steatotic liver grafts in living liver transplantation using the MAFLD model of the cynomolgus monkey and explored the effects of HOPE combined with the AMPK activator AICAR on the amelioration of the donor liver. The left outer lobe livers were statically cold preserved for two hours, subjected to HOPE for two hours, or treated with HOPE + AICAR (1 mmol/L) for two hours, respectively. Subsequently, a normothermic ex vivo reperfusion model (IRM) simulating post-transplant reperfusion was established using diluted autologous blood. Following simulated reperfusion in vitro, steatotic liver grafts in the static cold preservation group exhibited notable reperfusion injury. The degree of reperfusion injury induced by the remaining two groups was reduced, with the HOPE + AICAR group showing the most significant reduction (P < 0.05). The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level of the hepatic tissues in the HOPE + AICAR group was observed to improve at two hours of reperfusion, exhibiting a significantly higher level than that in the cold-preserved group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the HOPE + AICAR group exhibited a notable decline in MDA levels (P < 0.05), accompanied by a considerable reduction in 8-OHdG and lactate concentrations in both the liver tissue and perfusate. Additionally, there was a marked decrease in the release of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, along with a reduction in TLR-4 activation (P < 0.05). In comparison to the cold-preserved and HOPE groups, the HOPE + AICAR group demonstrated the capacity to alter the degree of steatosis following a two-hour treatment period, as evidenced by a notable reduction in liver tissue triglyceride and cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, p-AMPK levels in liver tissue were significantly increased in the HOPE + AICAR group (P < 0.05). The combination of HOPE and AMPK activators has been shown to reduce the degree of steatotic liver grafts in a relatively short time, significantly reduce reperfusion injury, and improve liver function. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on mechanical perfusion in primate models, addressing a previously identified gap in the literature.
The YAP/TEAD4 transcriptional complex in intestinal macrophages promotes M2 polarization and alleviates DSS-induced colitis via the regulation of C/EBPβ
Layer combination of similar infill patterns on the tensile and compression behavior of 3D printed PLA
Abstract With the growing popularity of 3D-printed products, material consumption has been a major concern in additive manufacturing in recent years. Choosing the infill structure and the printing parameters for an application can be challenging for product designers and engineers, which can lead to reduced material and increased cost savings while maintaining product functioning. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed PLA structures by exploring the influence of multi-layer infill patterns on tensile and compressive strength. Three common infill patterns (triangular, grid, and honeycomb) were evaluated at 20% and 50% densities. A novel approach was employed, incorporating specimens with single-, two-, and four-layer same pattern combinations, where subsequent layers were rotated 180 degrees to enhance interlayer bonding. Results demonstrated significant improvements in both tensile (up to 64%) and compressive strength (up to 47%) for two-layer structures compared to single-layer counterparts. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing infill design and layer configurations for improved tensile and compressive strength and material efficiency in 3D-printed structures. This research highlights the potential for optimizing 3D-printed part performance through strategic multi-layer infill design, offering a pathway toward reduced material consumption and enhanced mechanical properties in additive manufacturing.
Three-dimensional organ segmentation-derived CT attenuation parameters for assessing hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis B patients
Testosterone dynamics of migratory birds during stopover
Abstract Birds migrating in the spring must balance energy with hormonal preparations in anticipation of the forthcoming breeding season. We investigated the relationships between testosterone, body condition, sociality, territoriality and fueling rates in Western Subalpine Warbler (Curruca iberiae) males during a trans-Saharan stopover. Baseline testosterone was highly variable in correspondence with the transitional nature of spring stopover. Some individuals reached breeding testosterone levels while others had undetectable levels. Testosterone varied with body condition suggesting an endocrine-energy link during migration. Simulated territory intrusions induced an increase of testosterone up to physiological maxima- a similar pattern to breeding contexts. Testosterone was negatively associated with territorial male density, suggesting a ‘dear enemy’ effect related to the daily variation in social stability. In repeatedly-sampled individuals, stopover duration and fueling rate were not correlated with baseline testosterone. However, as testosterone decreased, body condition increased. This suggests that stopover territoriality may reduce the reported negative effects of chronically high testosterone. Our data supports the hypothesis that hormonal preparation for breeding may already occur during stopover, and that this is largely linked to body condition. In this system, the endocrine-energy relationship is likely maintained by stopover territoriality. We conclude that male-male social contexts are modulated in similar ways during spring migration as during the breeding life history stage.
Integrated process for lignin depolymerization and nanoparticle production using deep eutectic solvent
Abstract Lignin, the most abundant natural aromatic macromolecule, holds significant potential for high-value applications. However, its complex and irregular structure, along with challenges in efficient processing, has limited its widespread use. In this study, we propose an ecofriendly continuous process utilizing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for lignin depolymerization and subsequent production of lignin nanoparticles. DESs, composed of choline chloride and lactic acid, effectively break down lignin into low-molecular-weight homogeneous fragments while also serving as a solvent for nanoparticle formation. The depolymerized lignin nanoparticles (DLNPs) exhibited a uniform particle size distribution and enhanced surface charge due to interactions with the DES, resulting in excellent long-term dispersion stability. Chemical analyses indicated that lignin depolymerization primarily involved the cleavage of β-O-4 linkages while retaining its aromatic structure and forming condensation products such as pinoresinol and phenylcoumaran. Thermal analysis revealed that DLNP produced through this continuous process displayed improved thermal stability compared to kraft lignin, suggesting potential applications in high-temperature environments, such as flame retardants. This study demonstrates that the DES-based process is a promising alternative to conventional organic solvent methods, providing a sustainable and efficient pathway for lignin nanoparticle production and valorization.