Research addressing changes in affective valence during exercise is often difficult to interpret because such changes are typically expressed on arbitrary metrics, such as the widely used Feeling Scale (FS). To determine which changes in FS ratings are perceptible and meaningful and to provide empirically grounded smallest effect sizes of interest (SESOIs), we estimated the minimal perceived change (MPC) and minimal important change (MIC) using global ratings of change (GRoCs) as anchors. Data were collected from 225 participants (Mage = 25.16 ± 8.49, 45% female) who completed two successive cycling sessions at moderate (64-76% HRmax) and light (57-63% HRmax) intensities. The reduction in intensity was designed to elicit more positive affective responses, consistent with dual-mode theory. FS ratings were obtained repeatedly during each session, and perceived changes were assessed retrospectively using GRoC items. Depending on the estimation method, MPC values ranged from 0.26 to 0.77 FS units and MIC values from 0.37 to 0.93 FS units. Given the skewed distribution of GRoC responses, we recommend using the more liberal estimates derived from the mean-change method: 0.77 FS units [95% CI: 0.58, 0.96] for the MPC and 0.93 FS units [95% CI: 0.71, 1.15] for the MIC. These values provide pragmatic SESOIs that can inform a-priori power analyses, support the interpretation of null effects, and allow previously published intervention results to be re-evaluated with respect to their practical relevance. Further research is necessary to validate these estimates, increase their precision, and examine their context dependance.
With improving survival, periviable neonates (≤25 weeks' gestation) represent a dynamic, but under-studied population in neonatal care, with persistently high cardiopulmonary and vascular vulnerability. Immature cardiovascular structure and function as a consequence of immature myocardial architecture, altered calcium handling, relative adrenal insufficiency, and persistent fetal shunts contribute to complex and dynamic cardiovascular physiology in this population. This may be present clinically in the form of hypotension and low end-organ perfusion. Traditional paradigms of blood pressure-based definitions of hypotension are poorly validated in this population and do not accurately reflect systemic blood flow or end-organ perfusion. Emerging evidence supports a phenotype-based multi-parametric approach to cardiovascular assessment, to distinguish ongoing physiological changes such as ductal physiology, pulmonary hypertension, low systemic vascular resistance and primary myocardial dysfunction phenotypes. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, including lack of normative hemodynamic values, and limited evidence guiding pharmacologic therapies. This narrative review focuses on the cardiovascular challenges in the management of periviable neonates as they transition to extrauterine life, delineating cardiac phenotypes, describing modalities of cardiovascular assessment and identifying existing knowledge gaps. We propose a physiology-based approach to cardiovascular management strategies based on existing, albeit limited, evidence. IMPACT: Periviable neonates present unique hemodynamic challenges due to structural and functional cardiovascular system immaturity, which can be categorized into different hemodynamic phenotypes dictated by baseline cardiac function, lung compliance and directionality of intracardiac shunts, especially the patent ductus arteriosus. In the absence of established normative reference values for common modalities of cardiac assessment, optimal care should consist of early identification of cardiac phenotypes, continuous surveillance, physiology-based management strategies, and frequent reassessment to guide individualized treatment.
The reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) angle quantifies inclination of the inferior glenoid and, thus the correction required during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. There are no data on the effect of two-dimensional (2D) radiographic projection on the RSA angle or on the relationships between 2D true anterior-posterior (AP) views and their three-dimensional (3D) counterparts. Digitally reconstructed radiographs of the 2D true AP view of N = 68 scapulae, a subset in controlled ante-/retroversion and extension/flexion views, and their corresponding 3D anatomic models were analyzed. The RSA angle was measured on true AP images with the glenoid in profile at the intersection of lines defined by the supraspinatus fossa and inferior glenoid rim. On altered viewing perspectives, the glenoid face was visible, and thus the anterior and posterior rims. Since it was often unclear which was anterior and posterior, for consistency the RSA angle was measured at the most medial and lateral rims, and glenoid midpoint to determine the influence of measurement location. The 3D RSA angle was measured on 3D models using semi-automated techniques. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of viewing perspective and measurement location on the RSA angle and to compare 2D true AP to 3D measures. The 2D RSA angle was 18.1 ± 7.1° (range: 1.1° to 35.3°), while the 3D RSA angle was 10.1 ± 7.3° (-8.1° to 25.7°) (P < .001). Ante-/retroversion views had large effects on the RSA angle. The lateral rim was the most susceptible to error (up to 25.8 ± 6.6°) and the glenoid midpoint was least susceptible (less than 5.6 ± 6.5°). Extension/flexion was also influential, but the magnitudes were generally much less than ante/retroversion. Trends due to viewing perspective differed between the medial rim, lateral rim, and glenoid midpoint. The glenoid midpoint maintained the flattest distribution with the smallest errors across the views. Inter- and intra-rater reliability in measuring RSA angles was good to excellent (≥ 0.754). The 2D RSA angle experiences viewing perspective errors when not measured on a true AP radiograph. The glenoid midpoint provided the most consistent and smallest maximum error, with good to excellent reliability. The 3D underestimated the 2D RSA angle on true AP images by an average of -8.0°, with similar variability. When using 2D imaging, a true AP image is desirable; otherwise, use the glenoid midpoint to minimize viewing perspective errors. Comparisons between radiographic measures and 3D preoperative planning should consider the bias between the two techniques, and 3D measures should be evaluated for their measurement techniques within the respective preoperative planning softwares to ensure consistency and reliability among manufacturers. Basic Science Study; Cadaveric Study.
Covalent functionalization offers a versatile platform to engineer carbon nanotube properties for optoelectronics applications. We demonstrate by atomistic quantum dynamics simulation that covalent functionalization can renormalize the CNT band gap, split the degenerate CNT band edge states, and strongly influence charge carrier separation and recombination dynamics. Open-ring CNT functionalization (O-CNT) largely retains the π-conjugation, whereas closed-ring functionalization (C-CNT) perturbs the electronic structure due to sp3 hybridization at the functionalized site. The energy gaps for the charge separation and recombination in the hybrid of O-CNT with the tetra-cyano-anthra-quinodimethane (TCAQ) molecule are comparable to those in the corresponding noncovalent van-der-Waals hybrid (V-CNT@TCAQ). In contrast, localized band edge states appear in C-CNT@TCAQ, renormalizing the energy gaps. Generally, the covalent functionalization accelerates charge separation relative to the V-CNT system, with C-CNT@TCAQ showing the most efficient separation due to the smallest energy offset. C-CNT@TCAQ also exhibits the most advantageous, slowest charge recombination, due to enhanced charge localization and reduced electron-hole overlap, resulting in the smallest nonadiabatic coupling and the shortest coherence time. Both charge separation, occurring within picoseconds, and recombination, taking nanoseconds, become more favorable, when the functionalization creates a stronger perturbation to the CNT. The reported theoretical investigation reveals how rapid charge separation and slow recombination can be achieved through covalent functionalization of CNTs, providing key guidelines for design of modern and efficient optoelectronic and solar energy materials.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on cancer services globally. There is a crucial need to understand how the incidence and stage of major cancer types were affected internationally. We aimed to assess these metrics in seven countries within the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. This population-based study used data on 2·6 million patients diagnosed with primary cancers of the colon, rectum, lung, prostate, female breast, ovary, and melanoma of the skin, between Jan 1, 2015, and Dec 31, 2020. Data were collected from cancer registries in 18 jurisdictions from seven countries participating in the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership; Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. The main outcomes of monthly cases and age-standardised incidence rates by site during the pandemic (April 1 to Dec 31, 2020) were compared with predictions for the same year based on pre-pandemic trends (Jan 1, 2015, to Dec 31, 2019). Between April 1, and Dec 31, 2020, 55 713 (16%) of 347 666 expected cases were predicted to be missing, with the largest deficits seen for prostate cancer (24%), female breast cancer (18%), and melanoma (18%), and the smallest deficits seen for ovarian (4%) and lung cancer (8%). The largest difference between observed and predicted incidence rates for prostate cancer was seen in the UK (164·9 per 100 000 person-years predicted vs 101·4 per 100 000 person-years observed) and the smallest difference seen in Norway (164·1 vs 168·4). Reductions in incidence were greatest from April 1, to July 31, versus from Aug 1, to Dec 31, in 2020. The percentage deficits between observed and predicted cases were 54% (UK) and 36% (Ireland) for prostate cancer, 40% (UK) and 34% (Ireland) for breast cancer, and 40% (UK) and 35% (Canada) for melanoma. The pandemic's greatest impact was during the first few months of societal lockdowns in 2020 when barriers in access to health care were greatest. Further research is needed to understand whether patients with a missed diagnosis were diagnosed at a later date and if they presented at a later stage. Canadian Partnership Against Cancer; Cancer Council Victoria; Cancer Institute New South Wales; Cancer Research UK; Danish Cancer Society; National Cancer Registry Ireland; The Higher Education Authority North South Research Programme, Health Data Research UK; Te Aho o Te Kahu, Cancer Control Agency New Zealand; New Zealand Cancer Society; National Health Service England; Norwegian Cancer Society; Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry; The Scottish Government; Western Australia Department of Health; and Wales Cancer Network.
Sedentary ageing is linked to low cardiorespiratory fitness and the development of a small, stiff heart - risk factors for heart failure. Endurance exercise training reverses the effects of sedentary ageing on the heart when started in middle age; however, blunted training responses of females have been reported. Differences in baseline cardiac size or exercise-induced cardiac remodelling may underly sex differences in trainability. Therefore, we investigated whether sex and left ventricular end-diastolic volume indexed to body surface area (LV EDVi) influence the cardiovascular response to endurance training. Twenty-eight sedentary adults [15 females; age: 54 ± 5 years, peak oxygen uptake ( V ̇ O 2 ${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_2}}}$ ): 28.8 ± 4.8 mL min-1 kg-1) completed 2 years of training, with cardiorespiratory fitness and LV EDVi assessed following 10 months of progressive training and an additional 14 months of maintenance training. The increase in peak V ̇ O 2 ${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_2}}}$ (sex × time: P < 0.001) of females after 2 years (∆ = 0.27 ± 0.14 L min-1) was ∼50% of the increase of males (∆ = 0.53 ± 0.20 L min-1), resulting from smaller increases in peak cardiac output (sex × time: P = 0.005) and stroke volume (sex × time: P = 0.013). However, LV EDVi at rest, an index of exercise-induced cardiac remodelling, increased during the progressive training phase (main effect: P < 0.001) independent of sex (sex × time: P = 0.888) despite females having smaller EDVi throughout the study (main effect: P = 0.004). Males (r = -0.650, P = 0.016) and females (r = -0.776, P < 0.001) with the smallest initial resting LV EDVi experienced the greatest increase in EDVi with training. Overall, structured endurance exercise training in middle-aged females resulted in blunted increases in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to males despite both sexes experiencing similar degrees of cardiac remodeling. KEY POINTS: Endurance exercise training reverses the effects of sedentary ageing on the cardiovascular system if started in middle age, but the response to training could be modified by sex and baseline cardiac size and function We observed blunted increases in cardiorespiratory fitness of middle-aged females compared to males with 2 years of endurance training, which were attributable to attenuated increases in peak stroke volume and cardiac output in females Both males and females experienced similar degrees of exercise-induced cardiac remodelling, with people with the smallest hearts experiencing the greatest increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index for each sex Our data demonstrate that the improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness with endurance exercise training is influenced by sex, but that the degree of cardiac remodelling with training in previously sedentary adults is not different between sexes, nor impaired by having a smaller pre-training left ventricular end-diastolic volume.
This study explores the fault-tolerant metric dimension (FTMD) of the para-line network, which is derived from the n-sunlet network, a significant category of networks created by subdividing and transforming cycle-based networks to simulate greater structural complexity. FTMD ensures robust vertex identification even when some nodes fail, a characteristic essential for fault-resilient systems like communication and sensor networks. By rigorously analyzing the structural attributes of these para-line networks, we demonstrate that the FTMD consistently behaves in a specific manner: it is equal to 3 when [Formula: see text] or 6, and 4 otherwise. Our approach includes constructive distance-vector analysis and combinatorial proofs to ensure the smallest possible size of the fault-tolerant resolving set (FTRS). These findings contribute both theoretically and practically, offering new perspectives on the development of resilient network topologies for practical applications such as IoT infrastructure, smart cities, and fault-tolerant distributed systems.
The BMI-for-age z score (BAZ) is widely used to assess adiposity in children; however, whether standardized BMI consistently reflects body fatness across the BMI spectrum remains uncertain. In this prospective school-based cohort study in Chiayi, Taiwan (October 2014-May 2025), we enrolled 3,293 primary school children aged 6-12 years with up to 12 repeated body composition measurements per participant (17,339 total observations) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). BAZ was strongly correlated with BIA-derived percent body fat (PBF) at baseline (Pearson r = 0.895; P < 0.001). However, discrepancy magnitude differed significantly across BMI categories (Kruskal-Wallis P < 0.001), with the smallest discrepancy in normal-weight children and greater discrepancies at both extremes. Longitudinal mixed-effects models showed that age (β = 0.367% points per year; 95%CI, 0.325-0.409; P < 0.001) and female sex (β = 2.608% points; 95%CI, 2.364-2.852; P < 0.001) were independently associated with higher PBF after adjustment for BAZ (β = 6.058; 95%CI, 5.994-6.122; P < 0.001), based on the primary model with random intercepts and random slope for age. These findings indicate that BAZ captures population-level adiposity variation, but its agreement with individual body fatness varies across the BMI spectrum.
Climate change may expand dengue transmission in space and season across Central America. In Costa Rica, complex topography and very small districts mean coarse global climate models can miss local conditions that drive outbreaks, creating a need for district-level, high-resolution climate-dengue assessments. This study aims to: (1) model the climate-dengue relationship at the district level using high-resolution data; (2) identify the best climate predictors for dengue incidence; and (3) provide mid-century (2035-2065) dengue cases projections under a pessimistic scenario (SSP5-8.5) with seasonal windows actionable by region. Precipitation and temperature indices derived from the Climate Hazards group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPs) and Climate Hazards Center Infrared Temperature with Stations (CHIRTs) were related to dengue diagnoses from Costa Rica's public health centers using a linear model. An objective algorithm selected parsimonious climate-dengue predictors, with cross-validation to prevent overfitting. The resulting quasi-optimal models combined with downscaled projections from an ensemble of eight General Circulation Models (GCMs) to estimate future dengue incidence changes at the district level, Costa Rica's smallest administrative division. Temperature and precipitation data are significantly related to dengue counts. Temperature dominates most district models during the dry season (December to June), while precipitation dominates during the rainy season (July-October). Mid-century projections indicate increases of up to 42 additional cases in some districts compared to the historical baseline, with the location of the most pronounced changes varying by month. The projected dengue increases presented here are driven solely by climate change under the most pessimistic greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration scenario, and thus represent a potential upper bound on future risk. These findings offer actionable guidance on where and when dengue incidence may rise, and should inform adaptive health policies aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change in high-risk areas.
To classify and evaluate patient-defined hand-arm treatment goals in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing upper extremity surgery. Patient-defined hand-arm treatment goals were collected from young people with CP and upper extremity spasticity using a semi-structured Canadian Occupational Performance Measure interview. Goals were classified within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY). Inter-rater agreement of the classification was assessed. Frequencies of goals were analyzed, with subgroup analyses across Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels. Twenty-one participants (62% male; mean age 16.3 years, SD 3.9) reported 107 goals. All but two goals were classified within the Activities and Participation domain with perfect inter-rater agreement (100%). Inter-rater agreement for ICF-CY third- and fourth-level categories was 79.9%. The most frequent categories were grasping (20.5%) and manipulating (11.0%). Patients with MACS-levels IV-V mainly reported goals related to self-care and pain. Patients with MACS-levels I-III focused on bimanual activities. Patient-defined hand-arm treatment goals were successfully classified to the Activities and Participation domain, with variation across manual ability levels. Classification into ICF-CY third- and fourth-level categories is anticipated to enhance the development of individualized treatment plans. Upper extremity spasticity in children with cerebral palsy impact everyday manual tasks and activities.The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is a useful interview tool for letting children and parents define and prioritize their treatment outcome wishes.Classification of patient-defined hand-arm treatment goals using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) has a good inter-rater agreement.Classification of patient-defined hand-arm treatment goals to the smallest ICF-CY level 3 and 4 might be helpful for guiding personalized (surgical) treatment decisions.
Crocodylus niloticus and Crocodylus siamensis are high-value aquaculture species. C. niloticus is large-bodied but less abundant, while C. siamensis grows fast but is small-sized. Their hybrids combine parental advantages, yet relevant research is scarce. This study compared the histological and transcriptomic characteristics of the caudal muscle across the three taxa. HE staining indicated that C. niloticus had significantly larger myofiber diameters (p < 0.05); C. siamensis had the smallest, and the myofiber density of hybrids was much closer to that of C. siamensis. Masson's trichrome staining indicated that C. niloticus had the thickest collagen fibers (p < 0.05), C. siamensis the thinnest, and hybrids exhibited highly similar histological traits to C. siamensis. C. niloticus had higher LDH and SDH activities in caudal muscles, whereas the hybrid crocodile indicated the highest CK activity. Transcriptomic analysis identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched in growth, muscle metabolism, and energy allocation pathways via GO/KEGG annotations. PPI analysis screened 24 hub genes related to energy metabolism. This study systematically reveals caudal muscle differences, providing insights into growth-related molecular mechanisms and theoretical support for crocodile artificial breeding.
Starch materials can act as gelators to produce semi-solid oleogels, yet the effects of their morphological and thermal properties on the rheological properties of the oleogels remain poorly understood. In this study, native starches (potato, maize, rice) and self-assembled maize starch (sMS) exhibited average diameters of 1.5-50.0 μm. The PS showed largest size (50.0 μm) while it had a smallest surface fractal dimension (Ds = 2.0). The peak gelatinization temperature (TP) of native starches varied from 65.0 to 71.1 °C and the TP of sMS reached 109.2 °C. By modulating the water saturation level (S value), the oleogels were fabricated through the homogenization of starch-oil-water ternary systems. A decrease of starch size favored the formation of capillary bridges and thereby enhanced the strength of the oleogels. The increment of S value enhanced the gel strength of the oleogels in the pendular regime, whereas the further increase of S tended to lower the gel strength in the compact capillary aggregation regime. The yield stress of the oleogels is proportional to the reciprocal radius of starch materials in the pendular regime, and the yield stress is more sensitive to the starch materials' size rather than the surface regularity. The thermal treatment at 85 °C caused the partial gelatinization of native starches that resulted in the breakages of capillary bridges. The thermal treatment had negligible effects on the strength of the sMS-based oleogels because of a high thermostability (onset gelatinization temperature > 85 °C) of the sMS.
Participation is a key rehabilitation outcome. However, there is limited evidence on the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that assess participation in rehabilitation settings. Therefore, this study evaluated the test-retest reliability and responsiveness of two widely used PROMs: the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation - Participation (USER-P) Restriction subscale and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities 4-item short form (PROMIS-APS-SF) in inpatient and outpatient settings. In this multicentre prospective cohort study, inpatients and outpatients completed PROMs at the start of rehabilitation (T0), after six months (T1), and two weeks thereafter (T2). Test-retest reliability (T1-T2) was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman plots, and the smallest detectable change (SDC). Responsiveness (T0-T1) was examined using effect sizes, area under the curve (AUC), and the minimal important change (MIC) based on the Global Rating of Change scale. A total of 553 patients completed PROMs at T0-T1, of whom 168 also completed them at T2. Scores on both PROMs demonstrated sufficient test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.70) across both rehabilitation settings. Moderate to large effect sizes were found, except for the PROMIS-APS-SF scores in inpatients, which showed a small effect size. The USER-P Restriction scores achieved sufficient AUC values for inpatients (0.71) and outpatients (0.72). At group level, MIC values exceeded the SDC for both PROMs, but only few did at individual level. Scores on both PROMs appeared appropriate for evaluating participation outcomes at group level within rehabilitation settings, with the USER-P Restriction scores showing better responsiveness among inpatients. However, the use of these scores for evaluating individual participation goals seems limited. Participation is often an important goal in rehabilitation for patients, but there is limited evidence how well different patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) capture changes in participation during inpatient and outpatient treatment. This study used two commonly participation PROMs in rehabilitation: the USER-P Restriction subscale and the PROMIS-APS short form. Researchers examined whether the PROMs were consistent in stable participants (test-retest reliability), and whether they could detect meaningful changes in participation over time (responsiveness). In rehabilitation patients, scores on both PROMs showed sufficient reliability and adequate responsiveness across inpatient and outpatient settings. Changes in USER-P Restriction scores were larger among inpatients, likely reflecting changes in activity-based participation, while changes in PROMIS-APS-SF scores were lower, possibly capturing changes in broader social participation. At group level, meaningful change could be reliably detected, but at individual level, measurement error was too high to reliably detect these changes in individual patients. Overall, these findings suggest that both PROMs are suitable for evaluating participation outcomes in rehabilitation settings on group level and that the choice of PROM should match the specific aspect of participation that needs to be measured and evaluated.
Infant mortality has recently increased in France, especially in deprived areas. Congenital anomalies (CA) are a major cause of infant mortality and could contribute to these trends. This study aimed to investigate socio-spatial inequalities in infant mortality associated with CA. It also examined socio-spatial differences in antenatal detection. We included all live births ≥ 22 weeks with CA from the Paris Registry of CA (remaPAR). Births are linked to infant deaths < 1 year using vital statistics records. A case-population design was applied to assess the association between an area-based deprivation score, assigned at the smallest census tract level (IRIS) of the mother's place of residence, and risks of infant death and live birth with CA. In the absence of data on births at the IRIS level, we used an aggregated population comparison group of children < 2 years old in 2019-2022 census data. We computed unadjusted odds ratios (OR) by comparing the distribution of the area-based score in quartiles in the case and census comparison populations. We also compared antenatal detection of CA by deprivation quartile. The study included 2539 live births, resulting in 81 infant deaths. The proportions of infant deaths with CA were 39.5% and 16.0% in the most and least deprived quartiles, respectively, yielding an OR of 2.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28, 4.63). For live births with CA, these percentages were 29.7% and 22.0% with an OR of 1.34 (95% CI 1.20, 1.49). No variation across quartiles was observed in antenatal detection of CA, with a detection rate of 56.0% for live births and 85.2% for infant deaths. First-trimester ultrasound use was high (90.5%) but was lower in the most compared to the least deprived quartile (87.8% and 93.9%, respectively); however, second-trimester ultrasound use was similar across quartiles. Area-based deprivation was associated with higher risks of infant mortality and live birth with CA, but not antenatal detection of CA. These results raise questions about differences in CA aetiology and decision-making about termination of pregnancy after CA detection.
Amylose is a promising carrier for bioactive compounds, offering potential for controlled release of α-linolenic acid (ALA). This study investigated the effect of complexation temperature on the helical structure and properties of amylose-ALA complexes. Amylose, obtained by debranching waxy maize starch, was complexed with ALA at 30-90 °C. The solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that complexes prepared at 30 °C contained a higher proportion of single helical structures compared with those formed at elevated temperatures. These complexes also exhibited the highest complexation efficiency (>56%), smallest particle size (0.57 μm), greatest dispersion stability, and highest melting temperature (83.1 °C). Molecular dynamics simulations showed that higher complexation temperatures preferentially strengthened amylose-amylose interactions over amylose-ALA interactions, shifting the balance of competitive interactions and reducing complexation efficiency. These results demonstrate that complexation temperature governs structural organization and inclusion behavior through changes in intermolecular interactions.
Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) formed by carbonate weathering in karst water has a significant fertilization effect on aquatic photosynthetic organisms (mainly phytoplankton), which can promote the fixation of inorganic carbon through the biological carbon pump (BCP) and increase carbon sinks. However, the source-sink attributes and their driving mechanisms in karst lakes and reservoirs under different temporal scales and disturbance events remain unclear. Taking Tianchi Lake in Huaying Mountain, Sichuan Province as the study area, we combined high-frequency online monitoring, the Bookkeeping model and the generalized linear mixed model to investigate the dynamics and driving mechanisms of net ecosystem productivity (NEP, net carbon sink) under the DIC fertilization effect at multiple scales (annual, seasonal, diurnal, and rainfall events). The results showed that the annual NEP of Tianchi Lake was 9.15 g C·m-2·a-1 during the monitoring period, with significant seasonal variations. The net carbon sink in summer was 53.86 g C·m-2, which could offset the total carbon emissions in spring, autumn, and winter (NEP was -6.74, -36.95 and -4.02 g C·m-2, respectively). On the diurnal scale, there was a pattern of "carbon fixation during daytime and carbon emission during nighttime", with the largest amplitude in summer (64.06 g C·m-2) and the smallest in winter (2.30 g C·m-2). Rainfall events drove NEP to form a three-stage pulse response of "inhibition-rebound-decay", with the increases of NEP after heavy rainstorm (10.41 g C·m-2·d-1) being 9.7 times that of moderate rain event (1.07 g C·m-2·d-1). On the annual scale, solar radiation dominated the changes in carbon sink/source. On the seasonal scale, carbon limitation in summer was dominated by the coupling effect of "high pH and low CO2 partial pressure", with a contribution rate of more than 80%; other seasons were affected by solar radiation and temperature factors. On the diurnal scale, the periodic rhythm of solar radiation was the core driver. Rainfall events alleviated carbon limitation through exogenous DIC input and pH decrease, thus driving the dynamic changes of NEP. 岩溶水体中碳酸盐岩风化形成的溶解无机碳(DIC)对水生光合生物(主要是浮游植物)具有显著的“施肥效应”,能促进水生光合生物通过生物碳泵(BCP)固定无机碳,增加碳汇。然而,岩溶湖库水体不同时间尺度和干扰事件下的源汇属性及其驱动机制仍不明确。本研究以四川华蓥山天池湖为研究区,结合高频在线监测、Bookkeeping模型与广义线性混合模型,探讨DIC施肥效应下净生态系统生产力(NEP,净碳汇量)在全年、季节、昼夜及降雨事件多尺度下的动态变化与驱动机制。结果表明:监测期间天池湖全年NEP为9.15 g C·m-2·a-1,且具有明显季节性差异。夏季净碳汇量为53.86 g C·m-2,能够抵消春、秋、冬季的碳排放总量(NEP分别为-6.74、-36.95和-4.02 g C·m-2)。昼夜尺度上,华蓥山天池湖呈现“昼固碳-夜排碳”模式,且夏季振幅最大(64.06 g C·m-2)、冬季振幅最小(2.30 g C·m-2)。降雨事件驱动NEP形成“抑制-反弹-衰减” 3阶段脉冲响应,大暴雨后NEP增幅(10.41 g C·m-2·d-1)为中雨事件(1.07 g C·m-2·d-1)的9.7倍。全年尺度上,太阳辐射主导碳汇/源变化;季节尺度上夏季的碳限制由“高pH、低二氧化碳分压”耦合作用主导,贡献率超过80%,其他季节则受太阳辐射和温度因素影响;在昼夜尺度,太阳辐射的周期性节律是驱动其变化的核心因子;降雨事件则通过外源DIC输入与pH下降缓解碳限制,驱动NEP动态变化。.
[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), combined with compartmental modeling, is a powerful non-invasive imaging method for assessing cellular metabolism. However, classical two- and three-tissue compartment models assume homogeneous [18F]FDG distribution within the tissue, which needs justification, and the definition and interpretation of rate constants across these models is not always consistent. To address these issues, we develop a finite difference solver to simulate [18F]FDG transport and metabolism within a 1 mm3tissue volume, representing the smallest volume resolvable by PET. Our simulations reveal sub-millimeter heterogeneity in [18F]FDG distribution and show that the measured PET signal is dependent not only on cellular metabolic activity but also on interstitial [18F]FDG diffusivity, vascular permeability, and vascular architecture. We further demonstrate that our finite-difference simulation reduces to a three-tissue compartment model when interstitial [18F]FDG concentration is homogeneous. Furthermore, this simplified model itself reduces to the two-tissue compartment model when vascular permeability is sufficiently high. This work quantitatively links vascular permeability, vascular architecture, cellular uptake kinetics, [18F]FDG diffusivity, and acquisition time. It also unifies the two- and three-tissue compartment models and identifies their applicable regimes. These findings deepen our understanding of [18F]FDG transport kinetics and enhance the interpretability of dynamic [18F]FDG-PET imaging.
Geometric morphometrics based on two-dimensional landmarks is a powerful tool for distinguishing morphologically similar or cryptic taxa, an important asset in the fight against medically and veterinary important arthropods. While it is commonly assumed that increasing the number of landmarks should improve discriminatory power by capturing more shape information, our findings challenge this assumption. In terms of shape discrimination (thus excluding size variation), we demonstrate that small subsets of landmarks can equal or even outperform full sets of landmarks. Fifteen examples of comparisons between closely related species were considered. These examples are drawn from published data covering six insect families: Culicidae, Glossinidae, Muscidae, Psychodidae, Reduviidae and Tabanidae. To assess the relevance of smaller subsets of landmarks, we compared the accuracy scores of unsupervised classification using full sets of landmarks (10-22 points) with those obtained using smaller subsets. To eliminate the potential influence of chance on reclassification scores, we validated our results by accounting for correct reclassifications due to chance alone. The strategy for selecting relevant landmark subsets employed two different approaches. The first relied on each landmark's contribution to the total distance between shapes, thus establishing a hierarchy among them. The second, more comprehensive approach compared the reclassification scores of large random samples of landmarks, from the smallest subsets (3 landmarks) to the full set. From a public health perspective, the value of our approach lies in simplifying the tasks required for entomological surveillance: it could accelerate morphometric identification for large surveillance datasets, improve standardization among users, and reduce noise introduced by problematic landmarks. These gains are particularly relevant for distinguishing medically important but morphologically similar taxa, or when molecular tools are unavailable or too resource-intensive. The statistical procedures have been integrated into the XYOM online software, providing accessible tools for efficient landmark selection and improved morphometric analysis.
Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) is a powerful method that enables the observation of nanomaterials while preserving the specimen in a vitrified state, and minimizing damage caused by the electron-beam irradiation. Although cryo-TEM has been widely applied to aqueous specimens, its application to organic solvent systems remains limited. Because the physicochemical properties of organic solvents differ markedly from those of water, efficient vitrification methods have not yet been well established to date. More critically, organic solvents are highly susceptible to electron-beam irradiation. In this study, we selected methanol-the smallest polar alcohol molecule -and optimized the vitrification protocol for the observation of samples containing organic solvents. This resulted in a reproducible blotting method for forming thin solvent films, along with suitable freezing conditions for producing amorphous methanol. We further aimed to expand the application of cryo-TEM to materials in organic solvent systems by performing cryogenic electron energy-loss spectroscopy (cryo-EELS) elemental mapping. The technique, recently developed by our group for frozen aqueous solutions, enabled the detection of elemental signals even from frozen methanol and provided insights into their spatial distributions. Furthermore, silicon signals from mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) dispersed in methanol were clearly observed. These results demonstrate that both solvent components and nanomaterials can be visualized and analyzed within frozen organic solvents, thereby expanding the potential of cryo-TEM for advanced materials research involving organic solvent systems.
The placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) is fundamental to achieving reliable observability in electric power networks, especially when measurements are subject to hardware failures or communication outages. Motivated by the need to understand how robustness behaves under different network representations, this paper studies the k-fault tolerant power domination number [Formula: see text] under the line graph transformation L(G). In this paper, we establish a correspondence between power domination in a graph and the induced monitoring process in its line graph, thereby linking vertex-based and edge-based perspectives on network observability. Within this dual framework, we prove the Fault-Tolerance Amplification Theorem, which states that if [Formula: see text] is a k-fault tolerant power dominating set of G, then the induced set in L(G) is Q-fault tolerant, where [Formula: see text]and [Formula: see text] are the [Formula: see text] smallest degrees among the vertices of [Formula: see text]. And Q attains its upper bound when [Formula: see text] is an independent k-fault tolerant power dominating set of G. These results provide a topology-aware framework for resilient PMU placement, clarifying when degree-based fault-tolerance amplification is valid and highlighting structural conditions under which additional care is required. We have validated our results with IEEE bus systems.