Normal Axis Research Articles

Accuracy of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony indices for mechanical characteristics of left bundle branch block using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking.

More than 90% of patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction have LV dyssynchrony and a high probability of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). A subgroup of patients with non-specific intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) have a LBBB-like LV activation pattern when studied using invasive mapping and advanced echocardiographic techniques. These patients also frequently benefit from CRT but these patients have proven difficult to identify using ECG criteria. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging indices of dyssynchrony may identify patients with IVCD who may benefit from CRT but their relative accuracies for identification of LV dyssynchrony remains unknown. We compared the LV dyssynchrony classification accuracy of two commonly available CMR indices in a study population of patients with severely reduced LV ejection fraction and no scar, and either LBBB or normal conduction (normal QRS duration and axis, controls). In LBBB (n=44) and controls (n=36), using CMR feature-tracking circumferential strain, dyssynchrony was quantified as the circumferential uniformity ratio estimate (CURE) and the systolic stretch index (SSI). Deidentified CMR image-data were made publicly available. Both CURE and SSI quantified more severe dyssynchrony in LBBB compared to controls (p<0.001 for both). SSI more frequently discriminated LBBB and normal conduction LV activation patterns than CURE (area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve [95% confidence interval] 0.96 [0.92-1.00] for SSI vs 0.76 [0.65-0.86] for CURE, p<0.001). SSI is superior to CURE for discriminating synchronous and dyssynchronous LV activation and should be further studied in the setting of non-LBBB conduction abnormalities.

A high sensitivity, low cost and fully decoupled multi-axis capacitive tactile force sensor for robotic surgical systems.

This paper presents the design of a multi-axis capacitive tactile force sensor with a fully decoupled output response for input normal and shear forces. A patterned elastomer is used as a dielectric layer between capacitive electrodes of the sensor that allows to achieve relatively higher sensitivity. The sensor is fabricated utilizing a low-cost rapid prototyping technique and is characterized for normal and shear forces in the range of 0 ~ 10 N and 0 ~ 3.1 N respectively. The achieved force sensitivity for the normal axis is 2.03%/N and for shear axes is 1.67%/N. The difference between the estimated force from the sensor and actual force applied is negligible, which demonstrates the accuracy of the sensor. The reliability of the sensor is analysed by performing hysteresis and repeatability tests. The hysteresis error is found to be 4.94% and 4.69% for normal and shear forces respectively. The repeatability error of the sensor is less than 5%, which shows the stability of the sensor. The high sensitivity, linear output response, high force measurement range, reliability and low cost make the proposed tactile sensor suitable for the force feedback in the robotic surgical systems.

Determining normal and abnormal reference values for corrective osteotomy for congenital hand malformation: a study on the zone of provisional calcification and bone axis

PurposeThis study aims to establish reference values for the normal bone axis in children to assess the effectiveness of corrective osteotomy procedures and guide the treatment of congenital hand malformations and post-operative axis deviations.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out between January 1, 2022, and October 9, 2024. A total of 192 individuals were included. In both abnormal and normal individuals, we measured the angles within the zone of provisional calcification and the bone axis. The metacarpal, proximal, and distal phalanx of the thumb were measured in both males and females. We calculated the average and standard deviations for both groups. These normal reference values were then compared with the abnormal reference values of patients who had types II and IV polydactyly.ResultsOur work effectively established thorough reference values for the thumb's normal axis. Considering the success of corrective osteotomies in children with congenital deformities depends mostly on these values. In polydactyly type IV, we observed a change in the angle on the side with the axis deviation. Our results highlight the need for an exact preoperative design for thumb reconstruction. It also implies the possibility of choosing the side with little or no axis deviation during operation. This strategic selection can help prevent the need for additional osteotomies or subsequent surgeries.ConclusionEvaluating and preparing corrective osteotomy treatments benefits significantly from the reference values for the proper alignment of the thumb's bones. These results enable surgeons to predict the degree of corrective osteotomy needed, thereby improving postoperative surgical results and patient satisfaction.

Analysis of the mean electrical axis of the heart from standard electrographic leads in normal adult males

Background: Electrocardiogram has been widely applied as a diagnostic tool for cardiovascular disease. The concept of the cardiac vector is crucial for the clinical application in ECG interpretation. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 male subjects, aged 18-25 years, comprising students and staff of Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Center, Pokhara, Nepal, over the period from June to September 2023. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded using a standard ECG machine with conventional limb leads. The mean electrical axis of the heart for each individual was determined by plotting the net voltage of the QRS complex in Lead-I and Lead-III. The study aimed to analyze the correlation between the cardiac vector and physical measurements, such as height, weight, Body Surface Area (BSA), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The normal mean electrical axis of the healthy male subjects was observed as 57.88±24.55°. There was significant positive correlation of cardiac vector with height (p&lt; 0.05), whereas negative correlation was observed with weight and BMI (p&lt; 0.01). However, there was no significant correlation with BSA. In our study we observed the maximum left axis cardiac vector as -10° and right axis as 90° among 116 male subjects. Conclusion: We established a cardiac vector with values differing from those reported in other studies, using standard bipolar limb leads in normal, healthy male subjects. It is also examined that greater BMI has shifted the electrical activity of the ventricles to the left.

Comparison between smartphone 6-lead ECGs and 12-lead ECGs in athletes

Abstract Introduction Athletes occasionally experience transient arrythmias that are difficult to capture using traditional methods. Smartphone electrocardiogram (ECG) technology presents an innovative method of capturing transient arrythmias. A 6-lead (6L) smartphone device that measures leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF, has been shown to be accurate in some populations but has limited evidence in athletes. A previous pilot study comparing 6L with 12L readings in athletes showed good correlations. Purpose To assess the accuracy of the 6L device in athletes by comparing the 6L with a 12-lead (12L) ECG in a larger sample size under real-world conditions. Methods From 2020-2023, athletes (n=217, mean age 18.0±3.8 years, 40% female) had a resting supine 12L ECG as part of cardiac screening and a seated 30s 6L reading within 2 hours of the 12L. Manual measurements of RR, QT, PR intervals, and QRS duration in the 6L and 12L ECGs were completed by a cardiologist using EPS Digital Calipers in lead II. A subset (n=30) was measured by 4 expert cardiologists and the mean was taken. Each measurement was calculated as an average of at least 6 consecutive beats in the 6L and 12L. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the quantitative agreement between heart rate (HR), QTc interval (Bazett), PR interval and QRS duration in the 6L and 12L. ECGs were analysed for agreement of QRS axis (normal, left and right axis deviation defined by the International Criteria for Athlete ECG Interpretation[1]). Results The 6L readings for HR were 5.0±11.0bpm faster than the 12L; 6L readings for other measurements were shorter than the 12L. QTc had the largest difference, with the 6L on average 14.2±27.4ms shorter than the 12L reading. For QTc, 5.5% of readings were &amp;gt;60ms different, mostly due to baseline interference in the 6L traces. PR intervals were 13.9±16.3ms shorter in the 6L than the 12L. QRS duration measurements were similar, with 6L readings being 0.8±10.2ms shorter than the 12L reading. There was 96.8% agreement on QRS axis classification between 6L and 12L. Conclusion The 6L readings had fair agreement with the 12L ECG, although the standard deviations were higher than measured in the pilot study, suggesting less consistent accuracy of the 6L. Most 6L measures (excluding HR) were slightly shorter than the 12L, consistent with studies in other populations. QRS axis categories were very similar. Given the change from supine to seated, it is unsurprising that HR was higher in the 6L. Our previous work showed good correlation between 6L and 12L readings and excellent utility of the portable 6L device for detecting transient arrhythmias in athletes. This larger study confirms most of those findings but adds caution that baseline interference is not uncommon in real-world 6L readings, meaning that QTc may be difficult to accurately measure.

Relationship Between Electrical Parameters and Cardiac Synchrony in Patients Underwent Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing.

The study aims to assess cardiac synchrony under different left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and evaluate the relationship between different surface or intracardiac electrical parameters and mechanical synchrony. Eighty-two patients with successful LBBAP were recruited. The electrical synchrony, evaluated by paced QRS duration (pQRSD) and Stim-LVAT (stimulus to left ventricular activation time), and mechanical synchrony, evaluated by thestandard deviation of the time-to-peak contraction velocity in 12 left ventricular segments (Tsd-12-LV), were compared between groups in patients underwent LBBAP. To investigate the relationship between different electrical parameters with mechanical synchrony under LBBAP, patients were divided into subgroups according to left ventricular activation time (LVAT, < 60, 60-70, and > 70ms), presence of left bundle branch (LBB) potential (positive, negative), QRS axis (normal, left axis deviation [LAD]), and potential to ventricular interval (PVI, < 20 and > 20ms). Mechanical synchrony was compared among the subgroups respectively 3 days post LBBAP procedure. No statistically significant differences were documented in electrical synchrony, evaluated by pQRSD, and mechanical synchrony, evaluated by Tsd-12-LV among the subgroups divided by the stim-LVAT, LBB potential, PVI duration, or paced QRS axis in the LBBAP group. LBB potential, PVI, or normal paced QRS axis is not the prerequisite for successful LBBAP and optimal cardiac synchrony. Adopting a Stim-LVAT value of less than 75ms to attain ideal electrical and mechanical synchrony during theLBBAP procedure may be applicable. http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx. gov identifier: ChiCTR1800021104.

Hot deformation behavior and microstructural evolutions of a Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy prepared by hot extrusion

The hot deformation behavior of extruded Mg-9.5Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr alloy was studied through hot compression tests conducted at deformation temperatures of 350–500 °C and strain rates of 0.001–1 s−1. Under most deformation conditions, the flow stress first reached a maximum before decreasing to a stable value, demonstrating characteristics of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The constitutive equation of the alloy was established as ε.=1.03*1011sinh0.01287*σp2.422exp(−171150/RT) through calculations and derivation. The influences of the deformation temperature and strain rate on the microstructure and DRX of the alloy during the hot compression process were investigated using electron backscatter diffraction. It was found that at temperatures between 350 °C and 450 °C, the alloy texture exhibited multiple {0001} peak rings distributed around the normal axis of the compression direction. When the strain rate was 0.001 s−1, the average equivalent grain diameter significantly increased from 3.3 μm to 22.4 μm with the rise in deformation temperature, whereas when the deformation temperature was 450 °C, the volume fraction of DRX grains noticeably decreased from 87.6 % to 13.2 % with the increasing strain rate. Further research revealed that due to the restriction of strain rate on grain boundary migration, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization and continuous dynamic recrystallization were the predominant DRX mechanisms at low and high strain rates, respectively.

5074 Licorice Root Supplement As A Cause Of Hypokalemic Hypertension

Abstract Disclosure: G. Gill: None. S.M. Harman: None. L.A. Robles: None. A 67-year-old female Veteran presented to an emergency room with a one-day history of high blood pressure, chest tightness, and exertional dyspnea. Her blood pressure was 162/90 mm Hg, pulse regular at 71 BPM, and pain level 5/10. She had a history of hypertension, stable on hydrochlorothiazide alone, hyperlipidemia, anxiety, and depression. Physical exam was benign. EKG revealed normal sinus rhythm at 60 BPM, normal axis, a prolonged QT interval of 510 ms, and no ST changes. Lab evaluation showed a low potassium of 2.4 mEq/L, sodium 145 mEq/L. Other lab measurements (CBC, liver function tests and cardiac enzymes) were within laboratory reference ranges. Medications included topiramate for migraine and over-the-counter supplements for constipation, “thyroid health,” and a topical “testosterone booster” prescribed by a non-allopathic practitioner. Her hypokalemia was attributed to hydrochlorothiazide and topiramate and both were discontinued. She was started on nifedipine for blood pressure control and 40 mEq/day of potassium for hypokalemia. Within 2 weeks of discharge, she presented again with elevated blood pressure and a plasma potassium of 4.0 mMol/L. Further history revealed that her constipation supplement consisted of licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra) extract 900 mg per capsule, of which she took 3 to 4 capsules daily. The patient was advised to discontinue all supplements. Thyroid function tests were within normal limits. Due to a suspicion of hyperaldosteronism, the ED physician requested an abdominal CT scan which showed a 1 cm, -17.5 Hounsfield unit, right adrenal nodule. Also consistent with hyperaldosteronism, plasma renin activity (PRA) was suppressed at 0.07 ng/mL/hr. However, a serum aldosterone level was less than 1 ng/dL. Her 24-hour urinary metanephrines were normal and a 24-hour urine free cortisol was 31.6 mcg/dL. Morning plasma cortisol was 5.1 mcg/dL. A tentative diagnosis of licorice-induced hyperaldosteronism was made and the patient was treated with a taper of spironolactone. After discontinuing spironolactone, blood pressure was 116/70mmHg and serum potassium was 4.5 mMol/L with a PRA of 0.66 ng/mL/hr and serum aldosterone of &amp;lt;5.0 ng/dL. The syndrome of factitious hyperaldosteronism due to licorice consumption has been well described. The mechanism, inhibition of renal (type 2) 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by glycyrrhizic acid, allowing cortisol to exercise its considerable mineralocorticoid action, is well understood. Most prior reports have been in patients habitually consuming licorice candy, usually imported, since conventional licorice sold in the U.S. is artificially flavored. Our report illustrates the importance of obtaining a history of use of over-the-counter supplements and assessing their ingredients and the fact that presence of an adrenal nodule and a low PRA does not always indicate endogenous hyperaldosteronism. Presentation: 6/2/2024

5112 Late-Onset And Reversible Adrenal Insufficiency In Survivors Of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Results From A 24-Month Longitudinal Study

Abstract Disclosure: S.K. Sahoo: None. J.C. Menon: None. S.B. Yadav: None. Purpose We studied the temporal course of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysfunction in patients with corona-virus disease (COVID19). Methods Three-hundred and two patients (median age 54 years [interquartile range 42-64], 76% males, 97 with severe/critical illness) were recruited. HPA axis was evaluated by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-stimulation test (APST) at admission in 243, and 12-months after discharge in 90 patients. Those with adrenal insufficiency (AI) at 12-months were further assessed by APST 6-monthly for recovery of hypoadrenalism. Results The median 0-min cortisol, peak cortisol, and ACTH during COVID19 were 295 (IQR 136-461) nmol/L, 846 (719-1088) nmol/L, and 3.9 (0.8-6.9) pmol/L respectively. AI was present in 21 (8.6%) patients. Plasma ACTH was elevated in five patients with AI, while it was low or inappropriately-normal in rest. Additionally, CIRCI was present in 22% (19/87) patients who had severe illness. At 12-months, AI was seen in 13% (12/90) patients and was hypothalamic-pituitary in origin in all. Nine (75%) of these had late-onset AI, who had normal HPA axis during COVID19. AI diagnosed at admission persisted at 12-months in three patients and resolved in six; the remaining 12 patients were lost to follow-up. The presence of AI at 12-months was independent of severity, and steroid use during COVID19. All the patients showed recovery of HPA axis in ensuing 6-12 months. A lower morning cortisol during COVID19 predicted presence of AI at one year. Conclusion AI was common during acute COVID19 and at 12-months of follow-up. AI can be late-onset, developing after recovery from COVID19. The AI was predominantly hypothalamic-pituitary in origin and resolved in the ensuing 6-12 months. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Assessment of planar array accuracy for 3D sound source reconstruction with Bayesian Focusing

As planar microphone arrays were initially designed for bidimensional sound source localisation, their use for three-dimensional acoustic imaging consistently suffers from a poor resolution along the normal axis. Such a statement is already well documented for beamforming approaches and their declensions. Bearing this in mind, this paper delves into the possibilities offered by inverse methods and especially iterative Bayesian Focusing to tackle this issue and deliver accurate source positions in three dimensions based on planar array measurements only. To this end, an experimental set up is designed: omnidirectional sources are mounted in a wooden mock-up featuring faces at different distances from an 81 MEMs planar array. Based on this measurements, a benchmark study of sound source reconstruction on a 3D mesh of the mock-up is conducted and compared to classical 2D acoustic maps set at different depths. The latter process is declined for various source correlation values and at extended frequency ranges. By doing so, the current paper delivers an overview of the ability to discriminate acoustic sources along the normal axis of a planar array, on a simple and well controlled test case, with a view to provide guidelines for further applications of 3D acoustic imaging on complex geometries.

Effects of Parallax and Distortion in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Surgeons rely on intraoperative fluoroscopy to assist in placement of implant components during total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Parallax alters the direction of an object when viewed from two different points, resulting in image distortion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate parallax/distortion in intraoperative fluoroscopic images during TAA. A retrospective review of all TAAs performed by two surgeons (R.W.M. and B.S.) from August 2019 to April 2023 were reviewed. Intraoperative fluoroscopic anteroposterior (AP) ankle views were evaluated for any obvious parallax image distortion. Cases with obvious parallax distortion were included for angular evaluation of AP intraoperative fluoroscopic and first postoperative plain films. The tibia was marked at 2-centimeter intervals to create zones from the proximal stem of the implant. The anatomical axis of the tibia (AAT) was drawn at the mid-diaphysis. The anatomic lateral distal tibial angle (aLDTA) and anatomic axis deviation (AAD) were measured for each zone. A total of 22 TAAs were performed during the study period. Four cases were excluded due to inadequate imaging, leaving a total of 18 TAAs for review. We found 6 of 18 (33.3%) cases had obvious parallax distortion. We found the average aLDTA was 90.9° (84°-101°). At the most proximal tibial zone, the average aLDTA was 94° (91°-101°). We found the average AAD was 4.7 (0.5-17.2) mm. The AAD ranged from 0.5 to 17.2 mm lateral to 0.8 to 8.2 mm medial. Postoperative plain film radiographs displayed a normal aLDTA and an AAT centered within the ankle joint. Parallax can distort the appearance of the tibia on fluoroscopic images. Deviation from the normal aLDTA and anatomical axis should be anticipated. Surgeons should be aware of the potential impact of parallax and ways to mitigate these effects.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcome of Anatomical Locked Plates in the Management of Proximal Tibial Fractures (A Case Series Study)

Abstract Background Intra-articular proximal tibial fractures account approximately for 1 % of all fractures in the general population and about 8 % of fractures in the elderly. Extra-articular proximal tibial fractures are estimated to be 5-10 % of all tibial fractures. Several fracture classifications exist, and the most widely used is the Anatomical AO/OTA classification. The goal of treatment for intra-articular fractures is to restore joint mobility, joint stability, articular surface congruence, and axial alignment, and to avoid posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Objective To assess the Clinical and Radiographic Outcome of Anatomical Locked Plates in the Management of Proximal Tibial Fractures. Methods This case series study was done at Orthopedic Surgery department of Ain Shams University Hospital from January 2023 and ended in January 2024 on 20 Patients who are skeletally mature, aged 18 and above of either sex, suffering from closed proximal tibial fracture. Results The radiological and functional results are promising. The functional results were all good or excellent according to (KSS). The KSS ranges from 70 to100 the mean was 90.25 points. 90% of cases were excellent and 10% were good. The Total Flexion range was between 115 and 132 degrees. The Total Flexion range mean was 123.1 degrees. There was no significant loss of knee ROM at the last follow-up. Conclusion Anatomical reduction is the most important factor in fixation of proximal tibial fractures. Fixation using an Anatomical Locked plate for proximal tibial fractures without using bone graft or bone substitutes is a viable option, helps surgeons achieve and preserve the anatomic joint line and normal mechanical axis, with superior functional results in the short term.

EFFECT OF STRAIN PATH ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES IN COLD - ROLLED [FeNi]69Cr15Mn10Nb6 HIGH - ENTROPY ALLOY

[FeNi]69Cr15Mn10Nb6 high - entropy alloys (HEAs) were subjected to heavy cold-rolling process at ambient temperature through two distinct routes, namely unidirectional cold-rolling (UCR) and multistep cross cold-rolling (MSCCR) routes, to investigate the effect of the strain path on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys. In the MSCCR route, the specimen rotated 90° around the normal direction axis between each cycle. The as-homogenized specimen revealed a two-phase microstructure consisting of FeNiNb - rich dendrites distributed in a nearly homogenous face-centered cubic (FCC) HEA matrix. Here, FeNiNb - rich dendrites were elongated,broken down, and stretched along the rolling direction during both processing routes. In the MSCCR - processed specimen, the dendrites exhibited a smaller average size with a more uniform distribution compared to that of the UCR specimen, which could be mainly ascribed to the elongation mechanisms in the normal and transverse directions during the MSCCR route. These microstructural features, introduced through MSCCR, appeared to be most prone to shear band formation and grain refinement. The MSCCR - processed specimen shows a microhardness of 445 HV, a tensile strength of 1245 MPa, and a remarkable elongation of 16 % at ambient temperature, outperforming the UCR-processed specimen with a microhardness of 418 HV, a tensile strength of 1180 MPa, and an elongation of 14 %. The superior mechanical properties of the MSCCR - processed specimen are attributed to its refined microstructure,increased dislocation density, and uniform distribution of FeNiNb - rich dendrites within the microstructure.

Single-cell genomics details the maturation block in BCP-ALL and identifies therapeutic vulnerabilities in DUX4-r cases

AbstractB-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and is driven by multiple genetic alterations that cause maturation arrest and accumulation of abnormal progenitor B cells. Current treatment protocols with chemotherapy have led to favorable outcomes but are associated with significant toxicity and risk of side effects, highlighting the necessity for highly effective, less toxic, targeted drugs, even in subtypes with a favorable outcome. Here, we used multimodal single-cell sequencing to delineate the transcriptional, epigenetic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of 23 childhood BCP-ALLs belonging to the BCR::ABL1+, ETV6::RUNX1+, high hyperdiploid, and recently discovered DUX4-rearranged (DUX4-r) subtypes. Projection of the ALL cells along the normal hematopoietic differentiation axis revealed a diversity in the maturation pattern between the different BCP-ALL subtypes. Although the BCR::ABL1+, ETV6::RUNX1+, and high hyperdiploidy cells mainly showed similarities to normal pro-B cells, DUX4-r ALL cells also displayed transcriptional signatures resembling mature B cells. Focusing on the DUX4-r subtype, we found that the blast population displayed not only multilineage priming toward nonhematopoietic cells, myeloid, and T-cell lineages, but also an activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling that sensitized the cells to PI3K inhibition in vivo. Given the multilineage priming of DUX4-r blasts with aberrant expression of myeloid marker CD371 (CLL-1), we generated chimeric antigen receptor T cells, which effectively eliminated DUX4-r ALL cells in vivo. These results provide a detailed characterization of BCP-ALL at the single-cell level and reveal therapeutic vulnerabilities in the DUX4-r subtype, with implications for the understanding of ALL biology and new therapeutic strategies.

Genetic and epigenetic differentiation in response to genomic selection for avian lay date.

Anthropogenic climate change has led to globally increasing temperatures at an unprecedented pace and, to persist, wild species have to adapt to their changing world. We, however, often fail to derive reliable predictions of species' adaptive potential. Genomic selection represents a powerful tool to investigate the adaptive potential of a species, but constitutes a 'blind process' with regard to the underlying genomic architecture of the relevant phenotypes. Here, we used great tit (Parus major) females from a genomic selection experiment for avian lay date to zoom into this blind process. We aimed to identify the genetic variants that responded to genomic selection and epigenetic variants that accompanied this response and, this way, might reflect heritable genetic variation at the epigenetic level. We applied whole genome bisulfite sequencing to blood samples of individual great tit females from the third generation of bidirectional genomic selection lines for early and late lay date. Genomic selection resulted in differences at both the genetic and epigenetic level. Genetic variants that showed signatures of selection were located within genes mostly linked to brain development and functioning, including LOC107203824 (SOX3-like). SOX3 is a transcription factor that is required for normal hypothalamo-pituitary axis development and functioning, an essential part of the reproductive axis. As for epigenetic differentiation, the early selection line showed hypomethylation relative to the late selection line. Sites with differential DNA methylation were located in genes important for various biological processes, including gonadal functioning (e.g., MSTN and PIK3CB). Overall, genomic selection for avian lay date provided insights into where within the genome the heritable genetic variation for lay date, on which selection can operate, resides and indicates that some of this variation might be reflected by epigenetic variants.

Canonical and noncanonical roles of Hop1 are crucial for meiotic prophase in the fungus Sordaria macrospora.

We show here that in the fungus Sordaria macrospora, the meiosis-specific HORMA-domain protein Hop1 is not essential for the basic early events of chromosome axis development, recombination initiation, or recombination-mediated homolog coalignment/pairing. In striking contrast, Hop1 plays a critical role at the leptotene/zygotene transition which is defined by transition from pairing to synaptonemal complex (SC) formation. During this transition, Hop1 is required for maintenance of normal axis structure, formation of SC from telomere to telomere, and development of recombination foci. These hop1Δ mutant defects are DSB dependent and require Sme4/Zip1-mediated progression of the interhomolog interaction program, potentially via a pre-SC role. The same phenotype occurs not only in hop1Δ but also in absence of the cohesin Rec8 and in spo76-1, a non-null mutant of cohesin-associated Spo76/Pds5. Thus, Hop1 and cohesins collaborate at this crucial step of meiotic prophase. In addition, analysis of 4 non-null mutants that lack this transition defect reveals that Hop1 also plays important roles in modulation of axis length, homolog-axis juxtaposition, interlock resolution, and spreading of the crossover interference signal. Finally, unexpected variations in crossover density point to the existence of effects that both enhance and limit crossover formation. Links to previously described roles of the protein in other organisms are discussed.

Application of the drilling mechanical properties of rock to determine confining pressure in shallow geological formations

Confining pressure is an essential factor to consider in geological disasters in geothermal reservoirs and deep geological formations. Assessing the confining pressure holds practical importance, particularly in mitigating high-risk disasters associated with resource production. This study focuses on the development of a theoretical model for the mechanical properties of drilled rocks, specifically considering the impact of elevated confining pressure during the drilling process. Digital drilling experiments with different confining pressures are carried out to investigate the effect of confining pressure on the drilling mechanical properties of rock. A new method for identifying confining pressure and strength parameters using digital drilling is proposed. A comparison between the predicted confining pressure and the measured confining pressure is conducted to verify the accuracy of the model. The results show that the cutting force and the normal thrust at the cutting point increase with an increase in confining pressure. The drilling parameters (the bit rake angle a, the contact friction angle θ, the friction angle of rock φ, the cohesion of rock c, the effective stress generated by the drill torque St, the effective stress generated by the thrust along the normal axis Sn.) also increase gradually as confining pressure increases. Digital drilling technology offers shorter testing cycles and lower costs in comparison to traditional confining pressure testing techniques such as stress relief and hydraulic fracturing. The predicted confining pressure is consistent with the actual value. In summary, the method of determining confining pressure based on digital drilling has practical engineering significance.

Interrelationships among abnormal P-wave axis, metabolic syndrome and its components, and mortality in US adults

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality and is linked to abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. We aimed to explore the relationships and interactions among MetS and its components, abnormal P-wave axis (aPWA), and mortality rates. MethodsWe analyzed data from 7526 adult participants with sinus rhythm recruited from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. MetS was classified based on the NCEP ATP III-2005 definition. aPWA included all P-wave axis outside 0–75°. The National Death Index was utilized to identify survival status. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) categorized by aPWA, MetS, and their components were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models to investigate all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. ResultsWithin a median follow-up period of 20.76 years, 4686 deaths were recorded, of which 1414 were attributable to cardiovascular disease. Participants with both MetS and aPWA had higher all-cause (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.29–1.64, interaction P = 0.043) and cardiovascular (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.79, interaction P-value = 0.058) mortality rates than participants without MetS and with a normal P-wave axis. Participants with the greatest number of MetS components and aPWA had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13–2.55, P = 0.011). ConclusionsIndividuals with both aPWA and MetS have a higher risk of mortality, and those with a greater number of MetS components and aPWA have a higher risk of all-cause mortality. These findings highlight the significance of integrating ECG characteristics with metabolic health status in clinical assessment.

Discrete Wavelet Transformation based Multimodal Medical Image Fusion for Disease Identification

In medical science, image processing techniques play a significant function. Computational automation of the treatment is the most authentic and prominent method. The disease of the brain is identified using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Many more scan variations of MRI and PET have been executed for the medical diagnosis. The medical expert needs a solid strain of the computational scan and it’s related for diagnosis. The current era of computer research is turning towards clinical diagnosis and etiological analysis based on multimodal image processing. Based on individual medical modalities the accuracy of diseases diagnosis is decreases. Medical community requires a high accuracy in the disease’s identification based on multimodal scan image data. For the diagnosis and treatment of disorders requires precise information that is attained through various modalities of medical images such as Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In image processing the image fusion is the method of merging two images into a single picture. The obtained single fused image using various multi-modality medical images is enhanced anatomical, highly desirable spectral information compared to the raw single scanned image. This multi – modal fused image is useful for clinical diagnosis of medical experts. In this research work, the system is prepared for the preprocessing of the MRI and PET scan images. The pre-processing techniques enhance the quality of the input images which are degraded and non-readable. For the pre-processing approach we have applied the Gaussian filters of spatial filtering techniques. The enhanced images passed to the fusion of different region of brain images using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). The system achieved around 90- 95% more accurate outcomes by diluting the color change. The outcome fused image is achieved without losing the spectral and anatomical data. The experiment has been tested on Alzheimer’s, normal axis, and normal coronal brain disease images dataset. The quantitative and graphical analysis indicates that’s the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) significantly improves the quality of fused images.

2D electron gas formation on InAs wurtzite nanosheet surfaces

The two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) that forms on a semiconductor surface can be used to explore a variety of phenomena in quantum physics and plays an important role in nanoscale electronics, such as transistors. Controlling its formation is, thus, relevant. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and accumulating the signal over many nanocrystals, we find that on clean InAs nanosheets with non-polar surfaces and wurtzite (WZ) crystal structures, a 2DEG can be observed at the Γ-point. We suggest that the step morphology on the WZ InAs specimens facilitates the appearance of the electron gas, since previous studies on InAs nanowire surfaces with the same crystal facet and a similar defect density did not exhibit a 2DEG. Subsequently, bismuth deposition leads to the disappearance of the 2DEG as well as a shift of the valence band. This is in contrast to previous observations on InAs surfaces, in which metal deposition would lead to the formation of a 2DEG. The control of the 2DEG with the addition of Bi atoms is relevant for applications of InAs nanosheets in quantum technologies. This study also illustrates that ARPES accumulated over several 2D materials oriented randomly around their normal axis can provide valuable information on their band structure with a fast turnover and low irradiation.