Does dispersal differ between the sexes? This question, anchored in a body of rich theoretical literature, has received little empirical attention in marine invertebrates. Yet, dispersal is a key ecological process with profound implications for species management and conservation. In this study, we investigated sex-biased dispersal in the European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) by sampling females and males from six marine reserves and their surroundings in the northwestern Mediterranean. By genotyping 180 individuals at 8,390 markers, we found that both sexes exhibited panmixia. However, females displayed slightly higher and more geographically structured estimates of genetic differentiation than males, although this difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, we identified sex-linked markers with significant differences in heterozygosity between females and males. These markers not only allowed the sex assignment of 61 individuals of unknown sex but also provided the first evidence for a ZZ/ZW sex determination system in P. elephas. Beyond their fundamental insights, these sex-linked markers hold strong applied potential for species management, particularly in fisheries where sex-specific regulations exist. Our findings underscore the power of genomic markers to study sex-biased dispersal, elucidate sex determination systems, and facilitate sex assignment, with important implications for species conservation and management.

A document by Huang Haosheng Huang. Click on the document to view its contents.

Integration of CRISPR with other cutting-edge technologies, such as synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and high-throughput phenotyping, holds immense promise for accelerating crop improvement efforts. As research continues to refine CRISPR tools and expand their applicability across diverse plant species, this transformative technology is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and productive global food system for future generations.

Water markets for short-term transfers exhibit high price volatility linked to hydrologic conditions, creating financial risk when prices are intermittently driven higher by drought. The California water price index (Nasdaq: NQH2O) alongside its associated water futures (CME: H2O) offer water users an opportunity to hedge against unfavorable price movements in California’s water market, particularly during extended drought periods. This research explores the potential of systems-based models to predict water index prices using ensemble forecasts of daily water deliveries, storage levels, and irrigation district demands in the Central Valley of California. Forecasting of the spot market price was conducted using a random forest model trained on modelled water supply and delivery data from 2013 to 2024, achieving an R² value of 0.98. These predictions are applied to a 9-month futures contract to manage the costs of supplemental short-term water purchases during drought for an industrial farm in California. By covering 50% of the water deficit with futures contracts, the strategy reduces variance by 25.6% across a 100-member synthetically generated ensemble, while maintaining relatively low estimated contract fees and initial margin requirements. The seasonal hydrologic forecasting model of water prices thus offers a cost-effective hedging tool to reduce water purchase cost volatility, providing an enhanced ability to manage the financial risk posed by constrained water resources and competing demands.

A Case of Noncommunicating Hydrocephalus Presenting as Isolated HyposmiaBartels Walker, BS 1; Siddharth A. Patel, M.D2,3; Caitlin Jackson, CNP 2; Graham M. Strub, MD, PhD 2,3

Agricultural land plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food security and improving farmers’ living standards. However, its utilization faces sustainability challenges due to greenhouse gas emissions and associated environmental impacts. Improving agricultural land use benefits (ALUB) has become imperative for achieving sustainable agricultural development. This study combines the SDGs with agricultural land systems to construct a theoretical framework and evaluation index system for ALUB based on the ”element-structure-function-benefit-interaction” model. Using county-level data (2000-2020) from Hubei Province, we quantified ALUB indices for 75 counties, analyzed spatiotemporal patterns via a Mechanical Equilibrium Model, and identified key influencing factors using Optimal Parameters Geographical Detector. Results show: (1) Economic, social, and comprehensive benefits grew fluctuantly, while ecological benefits remained stable; (2) The 2020 average coordination level (0.378) indicated ”basic coordination,” with stable non-high-coordination spatial patterns; (3) Socioeconomic factors (e.g., GDP density, rural labor force) predominantly influenced trade-off/synergy relationships. Through deviation distribution analysis, the counties were categorized into three distinct typologies: (Quadrant I) excellent ecological benefits but weak economic and poor social benefits, (Quadrant II) excellent economic benefits but weak ecological and poor social benefits, and (Quadrant VI) excellent ecological benefits but weak social and poor economic benefits. Based on these classifications, tailored optimization strategies were proposed to enhance coordination among ALUB dimensions. This study not only enriches the conceptual framework of ALUB formation and its interrelationships but also provides practical guidance for sustainable agricultural land management.

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) as a molecular ”container” for targeted delivery of the antioxidant quercetin to a given area of the body, organ or cell. Based on the density functional theory with the PBE0 functional and the Alrich Def2-TZVP atomic basis set for all atoms, the structures of the inclusion compound and adduct based on quercetin and CB[7] were obtained in this work. It is shown that for the correct calculation of the thermodynamic parameters of the reactions of adduct and inclusion compound formation, it is necessary to carry out calculations in a combined molecular-continuum model for taking into account the solvent effect. The formation of supramolecular compounds occurs due to many weak bonds, among which dispersion interactions play a significant role. Therefore, in the work, dispersion interactions were taken into account within the semi-empirical D4 Grimme model. The obtained results convincingly demonstrate the thermodynamic possibility of an adduct formation in aqueous solution, whereas the process of inclusion compound formation under standard conditions is practically in a state of chemical equilibrium.

This study investigates the gigacycle fatigue behavior of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy – a critical aerospace material – following laser shock peening (LSP). While prior work by the authors demonstrated LSP enhances fatigue life by up to 8 times in stress-concentrated samples, the present research reveals a paradoxical deterioration under gigacycle conditions ( N=10 10 using ultrasonic testing (Shimadzu USF-2000). Contrary to established LSP benefits, treated specimens exhibited a significant reduction in fatigue limit compared to as-received material. Infrared thermography confirmed substantially higher energy dissipation in LSP-processed specimens, while fractography showed a complete transition in failure origin: cracks invariably initiated centrally in LSP specimens versus near-surface initiation in untreated counterparts. These findings are attributed to tensile residual stresses in the specimen core and microstructural alterations induced by LSP.

Cerebellar Agenesis with developmental delay case report: -Negelle Arsi General Hospital and Medical College, Ethiopia.

Aviation lubricants play a crucial role in ensuring the safe, stable, and durable operation of aviation engines under high-speed and high-temperature conditions. They provide lubrication, cooling, cleaning, sealing, and rust prevention for all gears, bearings, and splines. However, it's important to note that high temperatures can significantly impact the performance of these lubricants.This paper examines the factors influencing the high-temperature performance of aviation lubricants, taking into account various operational conditions and their resulting requirements. It explores the mechanisms of oxidation and evaluates different methods for assessing the performance of aviation lubricating oil.This research integrates existing methodologies to explore the high-performance characteristics of aviation engine oil.

Aims: This study compares the efficacy of conventional radiofrequency (RF) and high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation in reducing the need for second interventions in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 701 patients undergoing RF ablation for AF. Patients were divided into two groups: 362 with conventional RF and 339 with HPSD ablation. The need for second interventions and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) outcomes were assessed at 12 and 24 months. Results: The study demonstrated a significantly higher risk of reintervention in the conventional RF group compared to the HPSD group within the first two years (9.9% vs. 3.2%, P < 0.001). At 12 months, 1.5% of patients in the HPSD group required a second intervention compared to 5% in the conventional group (P = 0.009), with similar trends at 24 months (1.8% vs. 5%, P = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed these findings. A greater proportion of patients in the HPSD group reached reintervention with all pulmonary veins isolated (45.5% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.167), and the mean percentage of reconnected pulmonary veins was lower in the HPSD group (18% vs. 33%, P = 0.048). Reconnection of the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) was more frequent in the conventional RF group (62% vs. 25%, P = 0.021). Conclusions: HPSD ablation significantly reduces the need for a second intervention compared to conventional RF ablation, with a trend toward greater durability of PVI and comparable safety profiles.

A document by Md Tawfiqul Islam. Click on the document to view its contents.

Background Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a devastating complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) characterized by onset of obstructive lung disease. Oscillometry is a novel pulmonary function assessment technology which superimposes pressure waves on normal tidal breathing, and the alterations in flow and pressure caused by the external waves are measured. Oscillometry assesses physiological parameters that provide insight into respiratory mechanics. We hypothesized that oscillometry may allow for detection of small airway disease to diagnose BOS, especially in children unable to perform spirometry. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to characterize oscillometry findings in patients with BOS compared to a control cohort of HSCT patients without BOS. PFT testing were performed on all patients at the time of oscillometry testing. Results Thirty-six patients post HSCT were approached, 18 with BOS and 18 controls. These two groups were similar in demographic parameters. BOS patients had significantly abnormal spirometry values. Oscillometry results demonstrated significant differences between the two cohorts in X5, fres, AX, R5 and R5-19 in both height adjusted and height non-adjusted calculations. There were significant differences between BOS and transplant control groups when assessing the association between oscillometry parameter and spirometry parameters. Conclusion In our cohort oscillometry revealed significant differences between the BOS and non BOS cohort. Resistance at R5 Hz and the difference between R5-R19 Hz, which characterizes peripheral lung resistance, were both abnormally increased when compared with non BOS subjects. In addition reactance parameters, X5, fres and AX, which correlate with lung stiffness demonstrated significant differences between the BOS and non BOS cohorts. Our data reveal a strong correlation between oscillometry and spirometric abnormalities in patients with established BOS originally identified by standard spirometry testing supporting our hypothesis that oscillometry might enhance our ability to diagnose BOS.

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) remains among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in preterm and low birth weight infants. Treatment with mechanical ventilation and early administration of exogeneous surfactant improve outcomes. RDS severity impacts ventilation duration and surfactant dosing, increasing the risk of associated side effects. Better markers are required to predict disease course and determine which neonates could benefit from early, aggressive treatment. In our study we have shown how T cell marker T cell Receptor Excision Circles (TREC), quantified shortly after birth, can predict RDS severity in preterm and very low birth weight infants. TREC copy numbers are significantly lower in neonates who go on to develop severe RDS when compared to those who will suffer from no or mild RDS. This trend persists when accounting for confounders such as gestational age and birth weight. Our findings suggest that TREC could potentially serve as a reliable biomarker for assessing RDS disease severity, thus dictating the timely and appropriate management of Neonatal RDS.

Objectives: To evaluate disparities in 1-year mortality in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by maternal race/ethnicity in a US population-based dataset, and to quantify mediation effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal and neonatal medical factors. Study design: We identified infants with CDH from the US Natality Database (2014-2019) that links birth and death certificates to 1-year of age. Primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Primary predictor was maternal race/ethnicity. Candidate mediators [SES (defined by maternal education level and public insurance status) and neonatal and maternal factors] were assessed using structural equation modeling. Results: Among 2,589 infants with CDH, 1-year mortality was 28.4% (n=734). Infant mortality differed by maternal race/ethnicity: Non-Hispanic White 25.5%, Black 39.1%, Hispanic 31.2%. Mortality differences persisted in multivariate analysis. Mediation analyses showed that SES accounted for 54.1% (20.4–68.6%) of the disparity between infants of Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic mothers. In contrast, SES accounted for only 17.1% (3.6–37.4%) of the disparity between infants of Non-Hispanic White and Black mothers, while the unmeasured remaining effect of race/ethnicity contributed 75.9% (49.5–91.1%). Conclusions: In CDH, SES accounts for a large proportion of the mortality disparity for infants of Hispanic mothers while the remaining effect of race, aside from SES and neonatal factors, accounts for a large proportion of the mortality disparity for infants of Black mothers. The remaining effect of maternal race may be due to unmeasured aspects of SES, such as social determinants of health, and structural and systemic racism and bias.

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), powdered by advanced technologies such as solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), is a promising method to convert CO2 into valuable carbon-based products using renewable electricity. The high chemical stability of CO2 requires catalysts to exhibit both high activity and stable electrocatalytic performance. However, catalysts that deliver high performance in CO2RR are rare and still require further improvement. Here, we report a strategy that can efficiently enhance catalyst activity through Zn doping, which introduces active frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) to improve the catalyst’s ability to activate small molecules. A high current density of -1.85 A cm-2 at 800 °C under a bias voltage of 1.5 V was achieved using the Sr2Fe0.8Zn0.2MoO6-δ (SFZn0.2M) cathode with pure CO2 feeding gas, surpassing previously reported results for perovskite oxide cathodes. This SOEC device also demonstrates excellent stability, with negligible degradation over tests lasting up to 110 hours.

Current research on cladding and in-core materials for the supercritical water reactor (SCWR) concept is focused on highly alloyed austenitic Fe-Cr-Ni alloys. Standard measurements of the general corrosion rate by exposure testing in autoclaves provide uncertain reproducibility, especially when comparing results from different experimental facilities. Using in-situ electrochemical methods to measure the corrosion rate may be less affected by typical issues, such as exfoliation or deposition, although differences between facilities may still be expected. The use of electrochemical methods is, however, more challenging due to complicated instrumentation as well as due to the high operating conditions. This work is focused on in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of corrosion rate of Alloy 800H at 25 MPa, and temperatures of 380 and 500 °C in deoxygenated and mildly oxygenated (150 µg∙kg-1 of dissolved oxygen) demineralized water. The kinetic curves are presented, and the obtained integral corrosion rates are listed. Significant differences were observed in the concentration profiles of alloying elements between the oxide layers formed at 380 and 500 °C.

A document by Bruno Wayne Salter. Click on the document to view its contents.

A document by Jiajia Chen. Click on the document to view its contents.

Article category: case report

Article type: CommentaryTitle : Fusion imaging and 3D printing tools to improve mitral valve interventionsAuthors: Rafael Vidal-Perez, Alberto Bouzas-Mosquera, Jose Manuel Vazquez-Rodriguez

La descarga que resucita cuando nada más funciona A las ocho de la mañana, en un hospital público, una mujer de 47 años recibe anestesia general. En minutos estará dormida. Los médicos colocan electrodos en su cabeza. Una breve descarga eléctrica induce una convulsión controlada. Todo dura menos de un minuto. No sentirá dolor ni recordará el procedimiento. Pero esa descarga podría salvarla. No es una escena de 1965. Ocurre hoy. El problema no es la técnica, sino la palabra. "Electroshock" evoca tortura: gritos, camisas de fuerza y psiquiátricos siniestros. Esa imagen no viene de la medicina, sino del

This paper introduces the design of high-gain bandwidth high-SNR low-power low-voltage fourth-order single-bit continuous-time delta-sigma modulator (CTDSM) aimed at use in high-performance sensors, medical equipment, and audio/video recorder applications. Two of the most crucial parameters of these applications are bandwidth and power consumption. In order to improve them, some main techniques are implemented in this design: body-driven amplifiers are used to provide low-voltage operation and minimize total power consumption; chopped negative-R technique is useful for increasing the modulator’s bandwidth; and passive integrators are inserted to further reduce power consumption. The proposed modulator without using these techniques (chopped negative-R and passive integrators) has lower bandwidth and higher power consumption. The designed CTDSM implemented using 180 nm CMOS technology results in a 141.7 dB SNR within a 2.5 MHz bandwidth, dissipates only 94.49 µW with a supply voltage of 0.6 V, and shows a figure of merit of 0.0019 fJ/conversion.

The alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) in the swordtail fish Xiphophorus multilineatus are dimorphic for the traits body size, body depth, sword length, and mating behaviors. Males from the “sneaker” ART are under selection to have shorter swords, but they also exhibit behavioral plasticity in use of mating behaviors, using both courtship and sneak-chase. In contrast, males from the “courter” ART are under selection to be larger, with longer swords and are fixed for courtship. We examined tactical dimorphism in dorsal fin size, as well as how sneaker males adjust mating behavior (propensity to sneak-chase) based on dorsal fin size and sword length. Comparing lab-reared inexperienced males to wild counterparts, we find that lab-reared males show associations between morphology (sword length and dorsal fin size) and sneak-chase tendencies, while wild males did not, suggesting learning from prior mating interactions. The responses of inexperienced males varied: those with larger dorsal fins had a lower propensity to use sneak-chase, while males with longer swords had a higher propensity to use sneak-chase. Based on previous measures of male mating success, we hypothesize that intralocus tactical conflict may hinder optimal trait expression based on morphology in the sneaker ART, while learning by interacting with females may adjust for suboptimal morphology and/or behaviors.