METHODS A field experiment was conducted by subjecting plants of Abutilon theophrasti to four periods of emergence in spring (ET1), late spring (ET2), summer (ET3) and late summer (ET4), and measuring a number of traits, to calculate and analyze the correlations of plasticity with canalization and integration in these traits at two growth stages. RESULTS Plants with delayed emergence had higher level of phenotypic integration, but only the plants emerged in late spring (ET2) had a case of negative correlation between integration and plasticity; decreased canalization had more positive correlations with plasticity in plants except for those emerged in summer (ET3). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the relationships of plasticity with integration and canalization in traits will more rely on induced plasticity in traits is active or not and its strength, rather than the nature of environments. Plants have the intelligence to regulate individual-level mechanisms such as phenotypic integration and its relationship with plasticity to deal with within-generation challenges, but regulate population-level mechanisms such as canalization combined with plasticity in face of future-generations challenges

This article presents an open-source network simulator and digital twin focused on Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). Our tool is capable of estimating average latency and delay percentiles between every pair of nodes with minimal computational effort, with the ultimate goal to see if the MAN is capable of supporting emerging services and applications that have strict latency requirements. We show that probability bounds like Vysochanskij–Petunin’s inequality can be used to quickly estimate latency bounds with minimal computational effort. Theoretical results are validated with extensive simulations leveraging the simmer package, an open-source Discrete Event Simulator (DES) written in R, along with igraph for visualization of networks and shortest path calculations. The code is publicly available as open-source, and published in Github for the research community to use and build upon.

Stroke is a serious acute cerebrovascular disease. Microglia-mediated inflammatory response plays an important role, but its mechanism is unclear. Neural stem cells have neuroprotective effects by releasing exosomes in paracrine mode. TAK-242 is a specific inhibitor of TLR4, which can inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-ĸB pathway. The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of Neural stem cell-derived exosomes (NSC-Exos) in promoting the repair of damaged rat nerve function and inhibiting inflammatory response. Right t-MCAO model was constructed by blocking the right middle cerebral artery one day after rat lateral ventricle was injected with TAK-242 inhibitor. Three days after the transplant, cognitive function was assessed using a neurological deficit score; The brain injury was assessed histopathologically; Immunohistochemistry and immuno-fluorescence histochemistry were used to detect microglia and inflammatory factors. RT-qPCR and Western blotting have been detected in molecules of TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The results showed that the neural function of t-MCAO model rats was impaired, the brain histopathological injury was aggravated, the microglia secreted pro-inflammatory factor and CD86+/Iba1+ positive cells increased, and the expression of TLR4/NF-κB related signaling molecules increased. After intervention of NSC-Exos, the brain histopathological injury was reduced, the number of CD206+/Iba1+positive cells and anti-inflammatory factor and was increased, and the expression of TLR4/NF-κB related molecules was decreased. More interestingly, inhibition of TAK-242 partially reversed these outcomes after NSC-Exos transplantation. These results suggest that NSC-Exos improves the microglia-mediated inflammatory response in rats with ischemic brain injury, which may be related to the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Title: A 64 -year-old male with diffuse renal large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma:A rare Case Report.Hasan Haydar a,+ ,Mouhammed Sleiaya, Hadi Alabdullaha , Rouba Al-alloush a, Nour Al_alloush a , Mohamad Yasin Lutfi b, Simon Youssefc, Suaad Hamshod.a Faculty of Medicine, Hama University, Hama, Syrian Arab Republic.b Hama National Hospital,Urology Department, Hama, Syrian Arab Republic.c Hama National Hospital,pathology Department, Hama, Syrian Arab Republic.d Rheumatology department Faculty of medicine, Damascus University, Damascus ,Syrian Arab Republic.*Corresponding author: Hasan Haydar, Faculty of Medicine, Hama University, Hama, Syrian Arab Republic. email: hasanhaydar458@gmail.com+ Hasan Haydar ,Mouhammed Sleiay, Rouba Al-alloush , Nour Al_alloush, Mohamad Yasin Lutfi , Simon Youssef , Suaad Hamsho are co-first authors. All contributed equally in this paper.Emails & ORCID:Hasan Haydar: hasanhaydar458@gmail.comMouhammed Sleiay:abdmouh1234mouhmouh@gmail.comORCID: 0009-0003-8887-0739Hadi Alabdullah :dr.alabdullah.md@gmail.comRouba Al-alloush : rouba2002alloush@gmail.comNour Al_alloush: nour2005alloush@gmail.comMohamad Yasin Lutfi: Doctor85yasen@gmail.comSimon Youssef:simon.youssef.1978@gmail.comSuaad Hamsho,soha.hamsho3@gmail.com

As an essential pathway for nature-based solutions, vegetation restoration can effectively absorb carbon sequestration and mitigate global warming. However, the excessive water consumption by vegetation expansion may create potential water conflicts between natural ecosystems and human systems, and even exacerbate local water shortages, especially in water-limited dryland regions. By evaluating water availability using multiple datasets, this study explored the vegetation restoration potential and the allowable vegetation conversion in China’s drylands under the constraint of water availability. We found that the additional water resources available for vegetation restoration in China’s drylands were 2.7 ± 11 mm (median ± SD) from 2003 to 2018 but it decreased over the period (-1.15 mm yr-1). 45.0% of the drylands area had water deficits, after considering existing vegetation and human water consumption. Under current water constraints, additional gross primary productivity (GPP) that could be restored ranged from 4% to 7% depending on vegetation types (7.1% for forests, 6.1% for grasslands, 4.3% for irrigated crops, and 5.6% for rain-fed crops). In water surplus areas, primarily in the south and east of China’s drylands, most vegetation conversions toward higher-water-consumption types were allowed to occur. In water deficit areas, the west of drylands, even converting all the existing vegetation to less water-intensive types would not compensate for the water deficit in most regions, suggesting local vegetation may have exceeded the water-carrying capacity. Our research highlights the importance of the potential water constraint of vegetation restoration in drylands and provides guidance for decision-making vegetation restoration while ensuring water sustainability.

Observations from space-borne spectrometers have been lately used to quantify shipping emissions of nitrogen oxides (ΝΟΧ). Here we present a method that enhances the shipping signal of NO2 TROPOspheric MOnitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) satellite sensor observations in order to assess the impact of the Red Sea ship attacks on NO2 levels in three important shipping routes along the Red Sea, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Gibraltar Strait. Major shipping carriers, sailing usually via the Red Sea, have responded to the attacks by transiting their fleet around the African continent. The shipping signal from TROPOMI declines by ~50% in the Red Sea and ~10% in the Gibraltar Strait while an increase of ~40% is found off the South African coast between January-March 2024 and the same period in 2023. These changes correlate well with vessel statistics, demonstrating the ability to track abrupt changes in NO2 shipping levels with satellite measurements.

In this paper, the output formation containment control problem for heterogenous singular multiagent systems is studied. The purpose of this control is to drive the output of leader agents reach an time-varying formation and take containment action for the follower agents. Firstly, two novel distributed adaptive protocols are designed, which rely on the relative outputs information of agents without measuring and transmitting the states of agents. Then, the formation containment control problem can be simplified into the admissible analysis of coupled nonlinear singular systems by constructing the model transformation. The output formation control conditions related on spectrum radius of weighted adjacency matrix are obtained based on the bounded real lemma and admissible analysis. In addition, the adaptive protocols based on the state of virtual leader are proposed, which can drive the agents achieve formation containment control more quickly when the state of virtual leader is known. Finally, the simulation results verify the feasibility of output formation containment control.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is characterized by its high transmissibility, which has caused a worldwide epidemiological event. Yet, it turns ominous once the disease progression degenerates into severe pneumonia and sepsis, presenting a horrendous lethality. To elucidate the alveolar immune or inflammatory landscapes of Omicron critical-ill patients, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the patients with critical pneumonia caused by Omicron infection, and analyzed the correlation between the clinical severity scores and different immune cell subpopulations. In the BALF of Omicron critical patients, the alveolar violent myeloid inflammatory environment was determined. ISG15 + neutrophils and CXCL10 + macrophages, both expressed the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), were negatively correlated with Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), while septic CST7 + neutrophils and inflammatory VCAN + macrophages were positively correlated with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). The percentages of ISG15 + neutrophils were associated with more protective alveolar epithelial cells, and may reshape CD4 + T cells to the exhaustive phenotype, thus preventing immune injuries. The CXCL10 + macrophages may promote plasmablast/plasma cell survival and activation as well as the production of specific antibodies. As compared to the previous BALF scRNA-seq data from SARS-CoV-2 wild-type/Alpha critical patients, the subsets of neutrophils and macrophages with pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory features presented obvious distinctions, suggesting an immune disparity in Omicron variants. Overall, this study provides a BALF single-cell atlas of Omicron critical patients, and suggests that alveolar interferon-responsive neutrophils and macrophages may extricate SARS-CoV-2 Omicron critical patients from the nasty fate of sepsis.

Application of perioperativetransesophageal echocardiography in resection ofpulmonary artery sarcoma: a case report

A document by Matteo Bellia. Click on the document to view its contents.

Computational modelling for microchannel reactor design was conducted in the attempt to fully understand autothermal reforming phenomena in a continuous flow reactor. The effects of pressure and flow rate on the efficiency and performance of the reactor were evaluated by performing computational fluid dynamics under different design conditions. The reactor efficiency and performance were assessed by means of the reactant conversion, product yield, reaction rate, hydrogen productivity, and output power. Recommendations for designing an autothermal reforming system were made and strategies for performing efficient operation were set forth. The results indicated that the pressure and flow rate set strict limits on operation, and there is a trade-off between high productivity and low conversion. The pressure and flow rate play competing roles in the reactor efficiency and performance. Lower pressures and flow rates can increase the conversion and yield, but higher pressures and flow rates can significantly improve the hydrogen productivity and output power, which is essential to the success of start-up and acceleration of the downstream equipment. There may exist an optimum pressure and flow rate in terms of both efficiency and performance. The calculated output power is of the order of thousands of kilowatts per cubic meter.Keywords: Chemical processes; Reactor design; Efficiency criteria; Performance criteria; Autothermal reforming; Transport phenomena

IntroductionSpontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma (SSEH) is a relatively rare and severe surgical emergency with an annual incidence rate of approximately 1/1000000 individuals. The disease is characterized by a sudden onset and rapid progression, often leading to acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Furthermore, if left untreated, the disease could lead to severe symptoms such as paralysis, with difficulties in achieving full recovery and a poor prognosis [1]. Therefore, making an early and accurate diagnosis and implementing effective treatment strategies for this condition is critical. However, due to its low incidence and sudden onset, as well as the lack of relevant systematic epidemiological research findings, most clinicians, especially young doctors, are unaware of this condition. This lack of awareness could result in a missed optimal treatment window and lifelong neurological dysfunction for patients [2]. A patient with atypical Spontaneous Cervical Epidural Hematoma (SCEH) was admitted to our hospital, and the case report is detailed in the subsequent sections.

Given the increase of political polarization in social networks, particularly during electoral campaigns, this study sought to determine the levels of affective polarization in political communication through the temporal perspective, delegitimizing beliefs, and intergroup emotions. Two studies were carried out: the first in the context of the elections in Andalusia (Spain) and the second during the Colombian presidential campaign. Both studies took the tweets of candidates and Twitter users who commented on them. From linguistic analysis, an index was developed to measure affective polarization in linguistic pieces, such as tweets. It was found that in contexts without political violence, it is common to implement communicative strategies with high indicators of ingroup bias, which implies a lower polarization, but increases with positive emotions and a focus on the future. Whereas, in contexts of political violence, the strategy focused on discrimination of the outgroup and its delegitimization, in which positive emotions decreased polarization, while the focus on the past increased it. It was concluded that affective polarization could be an indicator the disposition to reconciliation processes in contexts of violence, and a map of emotions associated with polarization is provided.

Menstrual products have historically been subject to an extra cost known as the “tampon tax,” which is still imposed in 21 US states, including Georgia and Mississippi, with a range of 4-7%. We aimed to explore the attitudes of people toward the tampon tax. We assessed these attitudes using a survey completed by 251 participants. The results revealed women were more familiar with the tampon tax as compared to men, but overall familiarity was low. Women were also more in favor of eliminating this tax and strongly believed that this tax affects gender equity relative to men. For both men and women, greater familiarity with this tax was associated with stronger beliefs that it negatively impacts gender equity and more support for its elimination. We also found a significant role of political orientation, where Democrats and Independents relative to Republicans were more in favor of eliminating this tax and believed more strongly that this tax impacts gender equity. This research suggests that support for the tampon tax is relatively low, it varies by gender and political orientation, and a general lack of familiarity with the tampon tax may contribute to why there has not been more advocacy for its removal.

Numerical methods and algorithms were used to solve and analyse problems that involve fluid flows in a millisecond autothermal reforming reactor. Computers were used to perform the calculations required to simulate the interaction of gasses with catalyst surfaces defined by boundary conditions. Computational modelling for the reactor design was performed to investigate the effects of various factors on the efficiency and performance of the system and clarify the relationship between heat, temperature, and energy. The yield and productivity from the chemical process were determined by performing computational fluid dynamics analysis. Additionally, the efficiency difference between feed compositions was determined by thermodynamic analysis. Strength and weakness were assessed under different reaction conditions. Design recommendations were provided and operation strategies were mapped out. The results indicated that the calculated output power of the system is of the order of thousands of kilowatts per cubic meter. Operation at millisecond contact times is feasible, but optimisation of reaction conditions is necessary to balance efficiency and performance. The conversion to hydrogen is influenced greatly by the feed composition, which must be controlled precisely within certain needed limits to maximize the yield and productivity from the chemical process while avoiding the problems of combustion or explosion. Keywords: Millisecond reactors; Thermodynamic analysis; Autothermal reforming; Output power; Reactant conversions; Reaction phenomena

Intro: To investigate if there is a relationship between the number of prenatal visits and the age at which hip dysplasia is diagnosed in infants. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review between January 2017 and December 2021, collecting the date of birth, the date of the diagnosis of hip dysplasia, and the number of prenatal visits attended by the mother. We applied a linear regression analysis to examine the relationship between the number of prenatal visits and the age of the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Results: Out of the 741 infants in the study, the mean age at diagnosis was 89.73 days, and the mean number of prenatal visits was 7.39. The simple linear regression analysis revealed no statistically significant correlation (r=0.04, p = 0.23). Conclusion: Our findings indicate no significant correlation between the rate of prenatal visits and the age of hip dysplasia diagnosis. This lack of association may be influenced by factors including healthy mothers attending fewer prenatal visits, the absence of maternal age, parity data. This emphasizes the importance of hip dysplasia education into prenatal visits to enhance health literacy.

IntroductionMethyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) (OMIM *300005) is located at Xq28 and is a multifunctional gene with ubiquitous expression. MeCP2 have many function include orchestrate chromatin compartmentalization and higher order genome architecture[1]. MeCP2 is necessary for normal neuronal function and overall health throughout the lifespan[1]. Mutations in MECP2 can generate a wide spectrum of clinical presentations that range from mild intellectual impairment to severe neonatal encephalopathy and premature death[2]. Female mice deficient became hypoactive and exhibited motor and breathing defects after 3 months of age[3]. MeCP2 is a DNA binding protein which involved in higher order chromatin organization, RNA splicing, mutations in Mecp2 affect virtually all organs and tissues[2]，also include metabolic anomalies, including reduced N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, glutamine plus glutamate[4], cholesterol metabolism[5], liver lipid metabolism[6], Tyrosine metabolism[7] ,Platelet activation and espiratory metabolism[8]. But the molecular functions of MeCP2 human remain unclear in human. In order to find more Molecular functions in human of MeCP2 variant，the serum proteome of MeCP2 p.Lys254* variant patient was analyzed by TMT-labeled quantitative proteomics. Interesting consistent with null mutation mice Platelet activation，Tyrosine metabolism, Fatty acid degradation and metabolism related proteins were changed significantly[7, 9]. Beside this we found carbon metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, glycolysis were changed significant. Our discovery of a new spontaneous MeCP2 nonsense mutation and enriches the knowledge of Rett syndrome and provides a reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of Rett syndrome

The integrated technology of interfacial solar steam generation and photo-Fenton oxidation has emerged as a promising way to simultaneously mitigate freshwater scarcity and degrade organic pollutants. However, fabricating low-cost, multi-functional evaporators with high water evaporation and catalytic ability still presents a significant challenge. Herein, we report the functional upcycling of waste polyimide into semiconducting Fe-BTEC and subsequently construct Fe-BTEC-based composite evaporators for simultaneous freshwater production and photo-Fenton degradation of pollutants. Firstly, through a two-step solvothermal-solution stirring method, Fe-BTEC nanoparticles ranging in size from 20 to 100 nm are massively produced from waste polyimide, with a band gap energy of 2.2 eV. The composite evaporator based on Fe-BTEC and graphene possesses wide solar-spectrum absorption capacity, high photothermal conversion capacity, rapid delivery of water, and low enthalpy of evaporation. Benefiting from the merits above, the composite evaporator achieves a high evaporation rate of 2.72 kg m-2 h-1 from tetracycline solution, as well as the photothermal conversion efficiency of 97% when exposed to irradiation of 1 Sun, superior to many evaporators. What’s more, the evaporator exhibits the tetracycline degradation rate of 99.6% with good recycling stability, ranking as one of most powerful heterogeneous Fenton catalysts. COMSOL Multiphysics and density functional theory calculation results prove the synergistic effect of concentrated heat produced by interfacial solar steam generation and catalytic active sites of Fe-BTEC on promoting H2O2 activation to form reactive oxidation radicals. This work not only provides a green strategy for upcycling waste polyimide, but also proposes a new approach to fabricate multi-functional evaporators.

Whole blood from squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) and other nonhuman primates (NHP) when tested using two different clones of mouse anti-human MHC II (HLADR) antibodies, reactivity is seen with CD3+ T lymphocytes, CD20+ B cells, and CD14+ monocytes. The reactivity demonstrated with T lymphocytes, showed with both clones is specific, not inhibited by purified CD16 antibody but is completely inhibited when pre-blocked with purified unconjugated antibody. Freshly prepared PBMC also showed reactivity with T lymphocytes without any stimulation. Interestingly peripheral blood from rhesus macaques and olive baboons (Old World Monkeys) showed no such T lymphocyte associated MHC II antibody reactivity, but blood samples from other New World monkey species owl monkey (OM) (Aotus nancymae) and common marmoset (Callithrix spp.) also showed MHC II expression on T lymphocytes. Our results from antibody (MHCII) reactivity clearly show potential existence of constitutively expressed (with no stimulation) MHC II molecules on T lymphocytes in New World monkeys. The descriptive flow cytometry results offer scope for further evaluation for functional and evolutionary significance for better understanding of MHC II expression on T lymphocytes in New World monkeys.

This study investigates the impact of wavy tubes and CaCl6H2O + Al2O3 nanoPCM on the thermal performance of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger during the charging process through numerical simulations. To validate the accuracy of the findings, the findings are compared with data from a previously published experimental study. The experimental setup involved circulating hot water at 65 °C through U-tube heat exchanger tubes, with a phase change material positioned between the tubes and the outer shell. Al2O3 was incorporated into the phase change material at concentrations of 1%, and 2%. Wavy tubes were employed exclusively for the nanoPCM with no additives. The results demonstrate that the utilization of wavy tubes, as opposed to straight tubes, resulted in a significant decrease in the time required for melting —specifically by 64%, 76%, and 80% for CaCl6H2O nanoPCM with 1% Al2O3 and 2% Al2O3, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of combining nanoPCM with wavy tubes to enhance thermal performance in comparison to conventional straight-tube heat exchangers, with the added benefit of potentially reducing pump-related costs.

There is growing interest in hydrogen for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries. However, determining which industries to target, the scale of the opportunity, and how to meet the hydrogen demand presents uncertainties. This article structures the work on these topics, focusing on U.S. industry through midcentury. The most significant decarbonization opportunity identified in the literature is in the refining and chemicals industries, where emissions-intensive grey hydrogen is already utilized. New opportunities arise in displacing carbon-based reductants (steelmaking) and/or using hydrogen for high-temperature heat in cement, aluminum, and glass manufacturing. Hydrogen technologies have high readiness levels and face modest technical barriers in burner and furnace design. The primary challenge lies in reducing the cost of clean hydrogen production and delivery to compete with natural gas, crucial for any hydrogen industry decarbonization strategy, and currently representing <1% of U.S. hydrogen production. The literature presents diverse U.S. industry clean hydrogen demand predictions (5-22 Mt/year by 2050) due to conflicting projections of industrial output, some incompatible with decarbonization goals; e.g., growth in gasoline production. After reconciling literature on hydrogen technology readiness, alternative decarbonization strategies, and U.S. climate targets, we estimate 2050 industrial clean hydrogen demand at 3.8-14.9 Mt/year, saving 28-133 MtCO2eq (1-7% of current U.S. industry emissions). Green hydrogen production will require up to 886 TWh of low-carbon electricity, equivalent to 90% of current renewable generation.

A document by Prof Roberto Grobman. Click on the document to view its contents.

A 56-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with three prior ablations targeting two different MMVTs presented with recurrent VT. Therefore, he underwent epicardial mapping with adjuvant CT imaging which demonstrated midmyocardial scar. Fractionated potentials noted during mapping in this region, and entrainment suggested inner loop. Interestingly, pacing showed two different QRS morphologies identical to his previously ablated VTs with a long stim-QRS at this region. Epicardial ablation carried on during the VT successfully terminated it, but the VT remained inducible and required endocardial ablation to make it noninducible. The patient has been VT-free for 12 months following this ablation off antiarrhythmic drugs.

Galliformes are one of the most rapidly declining groups of bird species in Europe. The black grouse belongs to species closely related to the types of habitats that are disappearing due to environmental changes caused by man, climate crisis, and an increase in the number of predator species. While the populations of this species in Northern and North-Eastern Europe are still relatively stable, in Central and Western Europe the black grouse is declining very quickly. For example, in Poland there has been an approximately 100-fold decrease in its population over the last 50 years. However, there is a difference between the rate of decline in black grouse numbers in Central European lowlands and mountain refuges - e.g. the Alps and the Carpathians. The European mountains, still offering habitats shaped by relatively severe climate, may soon be the only type of habitat for this species to survive in this part of the continent. Our study aimed to indicate the main environmental factors determining the occurrence of the species in a mountain refuge, on the southwestern border of this species' continuous range. Based on a comprehensive model containing data on land cover by vegetation, topography, and human disturbance, we assessed environmental factors that shape the probability of black grouse occurrence in one of its last refuges in Europe. Our results reveal a trend for black grouse to prefer habitats of an early succession stage, and those can only persist in specific climatic conditions, or thanks to active protection. Detailed knowledge of the habitat choice of an endangered species is valuable data necessary to avoid the fragmentation of remaining patches of its habitat, to assess the state of the environment in times of climate crisis, and to protect its features that ensure and increase the survival of vulnerable species, such as black grouse.