Recovery Point Research Articles

A Two-State-Based Hybrid Model for Degradation and Capacity Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries with Capacity Recovery

The accurate prediction of Li-ion battery capacity is important because it ensures mission and personnel safety during operations. However, the phenomenon of capacity recovery (CR) may impede the progress of improving battery capacity prediction performance. Therefore, in this study, we focus on the phenomenon of capacity recovery during battery degradation and propose a hybrid lithium-ion battery capacity prediction framework based on two states. First, to improve the density of capacity-related information, the simultaneous Markov blanket discovery algorithm (STMB) is used to screen the causal features of capacity from the initial feature set. Then, the life-long cycle sequence of batteries is partitioned into global degradation regions and recovery regions, as part of the proposed prediction framework. The prediction branch for the global degradation region is implemented through a long short-term memory network (LSTM) and the other prediction branch for the recovery region is implemented through Gaussian process regression (GPR). A support vector machine (SVM) model is applied to identify recovery points to switch the branch of the prediction framework. The prediction results are integrated to obtain the final prediction results. Experimental studies based on NASA’s lithium battery aging data highlight the trustworthy capacity prediction ability of the proposed method considering the capacity recovery phenomenon. In contrast to the comparative methods, the mean absolute error and the root mean square error are reduced by up to 0.0013 Ah and 0.0043 Ah, which confirms the validity of the proposed method.

Fermentation quality and nutritional value of marandu grass silage with dehydrated banana peel

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation profile and nutritional value of Marandu grass silage (Urochloa brizantha (Hoschst.Ex. A. Rich) R. D. Webster cv. Marandu Syn. Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich) Stapf cv. Marandu} with different levels of inclusion of dehydrated banana peel. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with marandu grass with five levels of dehydrated banana peel (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of natural matter) with eight replicates. The data collected were submitted to analysis of variance and, when the "F" test was significant, the inclusion levels of the pre-dried banana peel were analyzed utilizing orthogonal polynomials and linear and quadratic regression models. The mean values of N-NH3 were adjusted to the linear regression model (p < 0.01), while the pH values had the lowest value of 4.3 with the inclusion of 15% of banana peel. The mean values of the gas loss (PG, P = 0.01) and the dry matter recovery (RMS; P = 0.01) were adjusted to the quadratic regression model, with a minimum point of 16.15% for losses and 21% as the maximum point for dry matter recovery. The rate of degradation potential degradability of the dry matter (SD; P = 0.74) did not vary with the inclusion of the banana peel. The potential degradability standardized at 2, 5 and 8% was adjusted to the regressive linear regression model (p < 0.01), and for each percentage point of inclusion of the banana peel, there was a reduction of 0.23, 0.14 and 0.10%, respectively. The inclusion of 10 to 20% dehydrated banana peel in the marandu grass silage improves the fermentation profile and the nutritional value of the silage

Binocular vision measurements with a new online digital platform: comparison with conventional clinical measures

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance New digital systems are being developed for evaluating different aspects of the visual function, such as binocularity, and it is important to know their real performance in clinical practice in order to use them appropriately. Background The aim was to compare binocular vision measures obtained with an online digital platform with conventional measures using prisms and printed tests. Methods Prospective study enrolling 49 healthy patients (mean age: 35.5 ± 13.6 years). A complete visual examination was performed including measurement of near phoria (cover test), negative fusional vergence (NFV) and positive fusional vergence (PFV) ranges (prism bar), and stereopsis (24 patients Randot Stereo Test and 25 patients TNO Random Dot Test 19th edition). These same parameters were also measured with the Bynocs system (Kanohi Eye Pvt Ltd). Bland – Altman plots were used to analyse the agreement between methods. Results Digital measurement of near phoria was significantly lower than that obtained with the cover test, with a median difference (MD) of 4.71 (−0.07–20.07) prism dioptres (pd) (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between Bynocs and prism bar methods in NFV break (MD 2.00, range −21–26 pd, p = 0.584) and recovery points (MD 0.00, range −16–24 pd, p = .571). Near PFV were significantly lower with Bynocs (break: MD −9.00, range −38–12 pd; recovery: MD −14.00, range −43–20 pd; p < 0.001). Bynocs stereoacuity threshold was significantly lower than that obtained with TNO (p = 0.004), but significantly higher compared to Randot (p < 0.001). Large and clinically relevant confidence intervals for the comparison between digital and conventional measures were detected in Passing-Bablok analysis. Conclusions Digital measures of near phoria, NFV, PFV, and stereopsis with the Bynocs platform cannot be used interchangeably with conventional measures. The normal ranges of normality for this new tool are defined.

Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin combined with iron sucrose on postoperative hemoglobin in patients undergoing artificial joint replacement

With the aging of the population, an increasing number of elderly patients are opting for artificial joint replacement, leading to the exploration of various rapid rehabilitation programs in the perioperative period. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combining recombinant human erythropoietin and iron sucrose in altering the range and trend of postoperative hemoglobin in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Specifically, we will examine whether this combination can effectively alter the rise and fall of postoperative haemoglobin, identify the inflection point of haemoglobin change or recovery after arthroplasty, and assess the effect of treatment on serum iron in postoperative blood. We conducted a retrospective study of 138 patients who underwent unilateral total joint arthroplasty by the same surgeon in the same hospital before July 2022. The results of this study may provide valuable insights for the development of effective rehabilitation programs for patients undergoing arthroplasty.

12 Measuring effort on a continuum provides improved insight into concussion baseline cognitive assessments

Objective:Baseline assessment of cognitive performance is common practice under many concussion management protocols and is required for collegiate athletes by the NCAA. The purpose of baseline cognitive assessment is to understand an athlete’s individual uninjured cognitive performance, as opposed to using population normative data. This baseline can then serve as a reference point for recovery after concussion and can inform return-to-play decisions. However, multiple factors, including lack of effort, can contribute to misrepresentation of baseline results which raises concern for reliability during return-to-play decision-making. Measuring effort across a continuum, rather than as a dichotomous variable (good versus poor effort) may provide informative insight related to cognitive performance at baseline.Participants and Methods:Collegiate athletes (n = 231) completed the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) as part of their baseline pre-participation concussion evaluation. ImPACT creates composite scores of Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visual-Motor Speed, and Reaction Time. Baseline self-reported symptoms and total hours of sleep the night prior to testing are also collected through ImPACT. ImPACT has one embedded indicator within the program to assess effort, and research has identified an additional three embedded indicators. Athletes were also administered one stand-alone performance validity test, either the Medical Symptom Validity Test (n = 130) or the Rey Dot Counting Test (n = 101), to independently measure effort. Effort was estimated across a continuum (zero, one, two, or three or more failed effort indicators) with both stand-alone and embedded effort indicators. We evaluated the relationship between effort, symptoms, self-reported sleep, Reaction Time composite score and Visual-Motor Speed composite score using a linear regression model.Results:We found that 121 athletes passed all effort indicators, while 39 athletes failed only one effort indicator, 40 athletes failed two effort indicators, and 31 athletes failed three or four (three+) effort indicators. Self-reported symptoms and total hours of sleep were not related to effort, but Reaction Time and VisualMotor Speed composites were. Specifically, performance on the Visual-Motor Speed composite was significantly worse for athletes who failed two or three+ effort indicators compared to athletes who did not fail any, and performance on the Reaction Time composite was significantly worse only for athletes who failed three+ effort indicators. Additionally, athletes who failed one or more effort indicators and reported less sleep performed worse on both the Visual-Motor Speed and Reaction Time composites, compared to those who reported less sleep and did not fail any effort indicators.Conclusions:Athletes who failed one effort indicator did not perform significantly worse on Reaction Time and Visual-Motor Speed composites compared to those who passed all effort indicators. However, 31% of athletes failed two or more effort indicators and these athletes performed worse on cognitive tests, likely due to factors impacting their ability to put forth good effort. These results suggest that effort is more complex than a previously used dichotomous variable and highlights the importance of using several indicators of effort throughout baseline assessments. In addition, the importance of sleep should be emphasized during baseline assessments, especially when effort is questionable.

Brachial plexus block using only 1% lidocaine to reduce pain during the endovascular treatment of dysfunctional arteriovenous access.

Interventional endovascular treatments of dysfunctional arteriovenous (AV) access for hemodialysis can cause pain and discomfort to the patients. Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB) is an alternative regional anesthesia method, but conventional BPB using ropivacaine or bupivacaine may cause long-lasting motor power loss, significantly reducing patient satisfaction. This study aimed to introduce BPB using only 1% lidocaine, which induces sensory loss while minimizing motor block, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This retrospective study was conducted on 277 consecutive patients with dysfunctional AV access requiring percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Of these, 174 patients underwent the BPB procedure using 1% lidocaine. Time data were recorded, and the motor strength grade (MRC scale, grade 0-5) was evaluated. Numeric rating pain score (NRPS, grade 0-10) was asked during every PTA, and overall NRPS and satisfaction scores (scale 1-3) were asked after the procedure was completed. Of the 174 patients who received BPB, the success rate was 100%, and there were no significant complications related to BPB. The MRC scale measured at the time when the complete sensory loss was achieved was 1.99 ± 0.63, and that at the point of sensory recovery when the block effect expired was 3.93 ± 0.62, indicating a good grade of motor strength. The average NRPS during PTA in the BPB group was significantly lower than that of the control group without BPB (1.04 ± 2.04vs 6.30 ± 2.71, p < 0.001). The overall satisfaction score was significantly higher in the BPB group than in the control group (2.79 ± 0.50vs 2.00 ± 0.81, p < 0.001). BPB using only 1% lidocaine can induce a sensory block while minimizing the effect on motor function. It can be applied safely in an outpatient clinic setting with relatively higher satisfaction.

Tailoring CaCO3 microstructure to improve trace phosphate removal from water

The phosphorus raw material is in crisis, and the demand for P-fertilizer production is increasing, therefore different sources are sought. The trace concentration of phosphorus in treated domestic wastewater is a potential point of recovery as an alternative source of phosphate solids. In this study, we synthesized CaCO3 with a specific microstructure with an enhanced kinetics for the removal of trace concentrations of phosphate from a model solution. The crystalline morphology of the materials was tailored by the addition of organic additives into the CaCO3 precipitation solution. We synthesized CaCO3 by mixing Na2CO3 and CaCl2 water solutions and different concentrations of citrate (from 3 to 152 mM, equal to 1.2, 11.3 and 50.6 % citrate/Ca2+) as morphology modifiers. Samples were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and nitrogen physisorption. The crystalline structure of all materials corresponds to calcite crystals; however three main properties: the crystalline habit, crystallite size, and surface area, change in function of the citrate concentration used in the synthesis. Particularly, CaCO3 synthesized in a 50 % citrate/Ca2+ (sample C3) consists of agglomerates of porous peanut-shaped calcite crystals, with a crystallite size of 28 nm, and a surface area of 29.8 m2/g. Selected samples were tested for the removal of phosphate from water in batch and column experiments. In batch experiments, sample C3 was able to reduce 80 % of the phosphate within minutes from a solution with an initial concentration of 2.4 mg P/L, using a CaCO3 dose of 1.3 g/L. Sample C3 was tested for the removal of phosphate in a fluidized bed column system. The spent material showed calcium phosphate precipitates as verified by XRD characterization, revealing a surface precipitation removal mechanism.

The Effect of Illumination on Positive Fusional Vergence.

Positive fusional vergence (PFV) is vital in maintaining fusion in critical and continuous near tasks such as reading or performing digital screen tasks. This study investigated how PFV changed under various lighting conditions. This cross-sectional study recruited 34 participants aged between 21 and 25 years, with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 0.0 logMAR and insignificant refractive error. Three different illuminations-low illumination (50 lux), medium lighting (100 lux), and high illumination (150 lux)-were used to examine the ocular parameters PFV (blur, break, and recovery points), contrast sensitivity and pupil diameter. Pupil diameter changed significantly in different room illuminations (p = 0.00). There was no significant difference in contrast sensitivity across the three levels of room illumination (p = 0.368). Mean PFV (SD) (blur) was 14.5 (2.5) in 50 lux, 10.2 (2.2) in 100 lux, and 8.2 (2.1) in 150 lux. Under 50, 100 and 150 lux, respectively, the mean PFV (SD) (break) values were 16.7 (2.4), 13.4 (1.8), and 10.8 (2.2), and the mean PFV (SD) (recovery) values were 13.3 (2.1), 10.7 (2.1), and 7.5 (2.7). With increased illumination levels, PFV blur, break, and recovery values were significantly lower (p < 0.001). PFV values were significantly higher in lower illumination. Clinicians should be aware that room illumination affected the PFV values measured.

Do Silicon and Salicylic Acid Attenuate Water Deficit Damage in Talisia esculenta Radlk Seedlings?

Water deficit is one of the factors that most influence plant growth and yield. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of silicon and salicylic acid application and water deficit on the growth and photosynthetic and osmoregulatory metabolism of Talisia esculenta Radlk. seedlings and their recovery potential after the resumption of irrigation. Six treatments were performed: irrigation, irrigation suspension, irrigation suspension + silicon at 0.5 g L-1, irrigation suspension + silicon at 1.0 g L-1, irrigation suspension + salicylic acid at 50 mg L-1, and irrigation suspension + salicylic acid at 100 mg L-1. The evaluations were carried out at the beginning of the experiment, at 10 and 15 days after irrigation suspension, when the seedlings showed a photosynthetic rate close to zero, and at recovery. The plants were subjected to water restriction for up to 15 days, then re-irrigated until the recovery point, which was monitored based on the photosynthetic rate. Silicon application attenuated the harmful effects of water deficit on gas exchange and initial fluorescence, promoted proline accumulation in the leaf and root, and provided higher seedling quality. Salicylic acid application contributed to the maintenance of the relative water content of leaves during the water deficit period. Silicon and salicylic acid applications can attenuate the harmful effects of water stress, with silicon being the most effective agent in maintaining its growth and metabolism.

Development of Cross-Border E-commerce between China and Russia as part of the Belt and Road Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper researches the opportunities and challenges of cross-border e-commerce development between Russia and China under the One Belt One Road initiative. Using SWOT analysis and official data, introduce the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities as well as threats of cross-border e-commerce development between Russia and China. The conclusion is that the current e-commerce market in China and Russia has great potential and has become a new growth point for foreign trade promotion and economic recovery, and its development has the strengths of political support and complementary product trade structures in both countries. In addition, the Belt and Road Initiative promotes the development of logistics infrastructure, an the rapid development of Internet technology and online trade provides opportunities for the development of e-commerce in China and Russia. However, in the current complex international situation, the development of cross-border e-commerce in both countries faces threats and challenges, such as the slow global economic recovery after the epidemic and the sanctions imposed on the Russian economy by Europe and the US. There are also its own weaknesses: imperfect cross-border payment and credit systems, limited trade models on the platform, and untimely logistics and delivery. Therefore, optimization and improvement of platforms, cross-border payments and cross-border logistics are needed. This study will contribute to enterprises exploring new paths for their own development, and optimizing the foreign trade structure of China and Russia as well as economic recovery.

Embedding the A-EQUIP model of restorative supervision in a critical care unit by professional nurse advocates.

The professional nurse advocate (PNA) programme was launched in March 2021, which was towards the end of the third wave of COVID-19 and the start of a critical point of recovery. COVID-19 placed exceptional challenges and pressure on healthcare staff, with many experiencing feelings of stress and burnout. The role of the PNA emerged as a response to the impact this had upon the nursing workforce. PNAs are trained to facilitate restorative clinical supervision and to advocate education for quality improvement, resulting in improvements to patient care and staff wellbeing. The programme started with 400 critical care nurses; since then it has been rolled out to all specialties, with the aim to have 5000 PNAs integrated into the national workforce by April 2022. Criteria for the level 7 PNA training programme requires a registered nurse to be working in a patient-facing role, at band 5 or above, hold a level 6 qualification and have approval from their line manager. The training programme is typically 10 to 12 days in length over a 12-week period. This article explores the implementation of the PNA role in a critical care unit.

Changes in synaptic inputs to dI3 INs and MNs after complete transection in adult mice.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that disrupts the communication between the brain and the spinal cord. Several studies have sought to determine how to revive dormant spinal circuits caudal to the lesion to restore movements in paralyzed patients. So far, recovery levels in human patients have been modest at best. In contrast, animal models of SCI exhibit more recovery of lost function. Previous work from our lab has identified dI3 interneurons as a spinal neuron population central to the recovery of locomotor function in spinalized mice. We seek to determine the changes in the circuitry of dI3 interneurons and motoneurons following SCI in adult mice. After a complete transection of the spinal cord at T9-T11 level in transgenic Isl1:YFP mice and subsequent treadmill training at various time points of recovery following surgery, we examined changes in three key circuits involving dI3 interneurons and motoneurons: (1) Sensory inputs from proprioceptive and cutaneous afferents, (2) Presynaptic inhibition of sensory inputs, and (3) Central excitatory glutamatergic synapses from spinal neurons onto dI3 INs and motoneurons. Furthermore, we examined the possible role of treadmill training on changes in synaptic connectivity to dI3 interneurons and motoneurons. Our data suggests that VGLUT1+ inputs to dI3 interneurons decrease transiently or only at later stages after injury, whereas levels of VGLUT1+ remain the same for motoneurons after injury. Levels of VGLUT2+ inputs to dI3 INs and MNs may show transient increases but fall below levels seen in sham-operated mice after a period of time. Levels of presynaptic inhibition to VGLUT1+ inputs to dI3 INs and MNs can rise shortly after SCI, but those increases do not persist. However, levels of presynaptic inhibition to VGLUT1+ inputs never fell below levels observed in sham-operated mice. For some synaptic inputs studied, levels were higher in spinal cord-injured animals that received treadmill training, but these increases were observed only at some time points. These results suggest remodeling of spinal circuits involving spinal interneurons that have previously been implicated in the recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury in mice.

Digitally Assisted Peer Recovery Coach to Facilitate Linkage to Outpatient Treatment Following Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment: Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), associated with significant morbidity and mortality, continues to be a major public health problem. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the impact of AUD, with a 25% increase in alcohol-related mortality from 2019 to 2020. Thus, innovative treatments for AUD are urgently needed. While inpatient alcohol withdrawal management (detoxification) is often an entry point for recovery, most do not successfully link to ongoing treatment. Transitions between inpatient and outpatient treatment pose many challenges to successful treatment continuation. Peer recovery coaches-individuals with the lived experience of recovery who obtain training to be coaches-are increasingly used to assist individuals with AUD and may provide a degree of continuity during this transition. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using an existing care coordination app (Lifeguard) to assist peer recovery coaches in supporting patients after discharge and facilitating linkage to care. This study was conducted on an American Society of Addiction Medicine-Level IV inpatient withdrawal management unit within an academic medical center in Boston, MA. After providing informed consent, participants were contacted by the coach through the app, and after discharge, received daily prompts to complete a modified version of the brief addiction monitor (BAM). The BAM inquired about alcohol use, risky, and protective factors. The coach sent daily motivational texts and appointment reminders and checked in if BAM responses were concerning. Postdischarge follow-up continued for 30 days. The following feasibility outcomes were evaluated: (1) proportion of participants engaging with the coach before discharge, (2) proportion of participants and the number of days engaging with the coach after discharge, (3) proportion of participants and the number of days responding to BAM prompts, and (4) proportion of participants successfully linking with addiction treatment by 30-day follow-up. All 10 participants were men, averaged 50.5 years old, and were mostly White (n=6), non-Hispanic (n=9), and single (n=8). Overall, 8 participants successfully engaged with the coach prior to discharge. Following discharge, 6 participants continued to engage with the coach, doing so on an average of 5.3 days (SD 7.3, range 0-20 days); 5 participants responded to the BAM prompts during the follow-up, doing so on an average of 4.6 days (SD 6.9, range 0-21 days). Half (n=5) successfully linked with ongoing addiction treatment during the follow-up. The participants who engaged with the coach post discharge, compared to those who did not, were significantly more likely to link with treatment (83% vs 0%, χ2=6.67, P=.01). The results demonstrated that a digitally assisted peer recovery coach may be feasible in facilitating linkage to care following discharge from inpatient withdrawal management treatment. Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential role for peer recovery coaches in improving postdischarge outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05393544; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05393544.

Identification and optimization of ecological security pattern in arid inland basin based on ordered weighted average and ant colony algorithm: A case study of Shule River basin, NW China

Optimization of ecological security patterns (ESP) is an important way to implement land space restoration and maintain regional sustainable development. How to comprehensively identify regional ESP while maintaining the balanced development of each ecosystem service is the key issue in the identification and construction of ESP at present. Using data on land use, meteorology, vegetation biomass and socio-economic statistics, the quality of six typical ecosystem services in the Shule River basin (SRB) in 2010 and 2020 were calculated for food supply, water conservation, carbon fixation and oxygen release, habitat quality, soil conservation and culture and leisure. The ordered weighted averaging (OWA) model was introduced to identify the priority conservation areas of ecosystem services as ecological source, and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model was used to extract ecological corridors and ecological nodes. Based on the ant colony algorithm model to identify the optimal paths of corridors in the study area, identify the spatial scope of ecological corridors, potential corridors and key recovery points, and construct the optimization model of basin ESP. The results show that the spatial and temporal differences of ecosystem services in the SRB is significant, showing the characteristics of overall dispersion and small regional concentration. 76 ecological source patches with a total area of 2.29 × 104 km2; 54 ecological corridors with a total length of 3161.87 km; and 36 ecological nodes in the study area were identified. Overall, the basin ESP shows that the network is complete but there is still room for optimization, and local problems are prominent. The total area of key ecological corridors extracted is 4.21 × 104 km2, and there are 4 key recovery points. Finally, the optimization model of the ESP of the SRB of “two corridors, two belts, and three areas” was determined.

Post-spastic flow recovery time to document vasospasm induced ischemia during acetylcholine provocation testing

BackgroundIntracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) provocation is an established method for diagnosing epicardial and microvascular vasospasm in contemporary clinical practice. We hypothesize that ACh-induced vasospasm is followed by post-spastic reactive hyperemia (PSRH), which is measured as an increased flow-recovery time. ObjectivesTo assess flow-recovery time, indicative of ischemia, among the diagnostic endotypes that follow ACh provocation testing. MethodsPatients with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography who underwent ACh provocation testing were included in this analysis. Doppler flow was continuously measured during the procedure and used to determine the flow-recovery time, which was calculated as time between cessation of ACh infusion and the point of flow recovery. ResultsConventional provocation testing according to the COVADIS criteria diagnosed vasospasm in 63%(77/123), an equivocal result in 22%(27/123) and a negative result in 15%(19/123) of patients. In reaction to the highest-dose of ACh, flow-recovery time was significantly extended and similar in the epicardial, microvascular and equivocal test results compared to the negative result (all p < 0.001) indicative of PSRH. ConclusionFlow-recovery time in patients with an equivocal result is similar to patients with vasospasm, which indicates the occurrence of myocardial ischemia and therefore, these patients may benefit from medical treatment.

HERMES: A Data and Specimens Transporter from the Stratosphere to the Ground—The First Experimental Flight

Large stratospheric balloons are the easiest access to near space. Large long duration balloons (LDBs) can float in the stratosphere for weeks collecting measurements (e.g., astrophysical or geophysical data) or samples (e.g., contaminants, volcanic ash, micrometeorites). The recovery of data media and samples is a common problem in this type of experiment because direct radio communication becomes useless when the balloon crosses the horizon, and satellite links are too slow and expensive. For this reason, physical recovery of the payload is mandatory to obtain experimental results, which is a difficult task, especially in polar regions. The goal of HERMES (HEmera Returning MESsenger) is to allow researchers to obtain experimental data prior to payload recovery. HERMES is a system equipped with an autonomous glider capable of physically transporting data and samples from the stratosphere to a recovery point on the ground. The glider is installed on the balloon payload via a remotely controlled release system and is connected to the main computer to store a copy of the scientific data and to receive the geographic coordinates of the recovery point. This allows scientists to obtain experimental results before recovering the payload. The article describes HERMES and the first experimental flight of the entire system, which was conducted at Esrange Space Center (Kiruna, Sweden) in July 2022.

Feasibility of measuring fusional vergence amplitudes objectively.

Two tests to measure fusional vergence amplitudes objectively were developed and validated against the two conventional clinical tests. Forty-nine adults participated in the study. Participants' negative (BI, base in) and positive (BO, base out) fusional vergence amplitudes at near were measured objectively in an haploscopic set-up by recording eye movements with an EyeLink 1000 Plus (SR Research). Stimulus disparity changed in steps or smoothly mimicking a prim bar and a Risley prism, respectively. Break and recovery points were determined offline using a custom Matlab algorithm for the analysis of eye movements. Fusional vergence amplitudes were also measured with two clinical tests using a Risley prism and a prism bar. A better agreement between tests was found for the measurement of BI than for BO fusional vergence amplitudes. The means ± SD of the differences between the BI break and recovery points measured with the two objective tests were -1.74 ± 3.35 PD and -1.97 ± 2.60 PD, respectively, which were comparable to those obtained for the subjective tests. For the BO break and recovery points, although the means of the differences between the two objective tests were small, high variability between subjects was found (0.31 ± 6.44 PD and -2.84 ± 7.01 PD, respectively). This study showed the feasibility to measure fusional vergence amplitudes objectively and overcome limitations of the conventional subjective tests. However, these tests cannot be used interchangeably due to their poor agreement.

Bioaffinity Recovery of Linear CRGDS Peptides Grafted to Zwitterionic PAMAM Nanocarriers

Functional oligopeptides derived from natural proteins are often used as targeting groups or therapeutic drugs but always suffer from a dramatic bioaffinity decrease due to the loss of conformational restriction in proteins, which increases their entropy state. It is worth noting that the linear Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (CRGDS) oligopeptide can spontaneously restore its natural conformation by anchoring one terminus and forming hydrogen bonds on another terminus, on protein-like zwitterionic fifth-generation polyamide-amine (G5 PAMAM) nanocarriers, thus exhibiting high bioaffinity. However, the different physicochemical properties of nanocarriers have an impact on the bioaffinity recovery of linear CRGDS. In this work, it is found that the bioaffinity decreases with the reduction of generation of PAMAM and zwitterionic G3 PAMAM is a turning point for bioaffinity recovery via a series of in vitro experiments. This indicates that the spontaneous restoration of the native conformation of the RGD segment requires proper surface group density and structural rigidity of the zwitterionic nanocarrier for reducing the entropic energy of CRGDS peptides before binding. This approach paves a way for functional reproduction of protein molecules using low-cost synthetic polymers for extensive biomedical applications.

Paleoproteomic evidence reveals dairying supported prehistoric occupation of the highland Tibetan Plateau.

The extreme environments of the Tibetan Plateau offer considerable challenges to human survival, demanding novel adaptations. While the role of biological and agricultural adaptations in enabling early human colonization of the plateau has been widely discussed, the contribution of pastoralism is less well understood, especially the dairy pastoralism that has historically been central to Tibetan diets. Here, we analyze ancient proteins from the dental calculus (n=40) of all human individuals with sufficient calculus preservation from the interior plateau. Our paleoproteomic results demonstrate that dairy pastoralism began on the highland plateau by ~3500 years ago. Patterns of milk protein recovery point to the importance of dairy for individuals who lived in agriculturally poor regions above 3700 m above sea level. Our study suggests that dairy was a critical cultural adaptation that supported expansion of early pastoralists into the region's vast, non-arable highlands, opening the Tibetan Plateau up to widespread, permanent human occupation.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP-2/BMP-7) Heterodimer and BMPR1A, BMPR2 Polymorphism in Simple Fractures among Sudanese Patients

Background: bone morphogenetic proteins are responsible for activating mesenchymal stem cells into osteocytes. This effect is signaled by serine-threonine kinase receptors called bone morphogenetic protein receptors. BMPR1A and BMPR2 polymorphisms were not reported to be associated with bone healing process. The objective of this study was to investigate BMP-2/-7 heterodimer and BMPR1A/ BMPR2 polymorphism with fracture healing progress.&#x0D; Subjects and Methods: This is a case-control study conducted in selected hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan. Blood samples were taken from patients and healthy controls. Followed by clinical examination until the point of functional recovery. Quantitative ELISA and protein-pull down assay were done to BMP-2 and BMP-7. Genomic DNA extraction and PCR/RFP and sequencing were done to BMPR1A and BMPR2 target sequences.&#x0D; Results: Matched case and control groups in age and gender. Functional outcome regained after 4.1 months ± 2.6. BMP2/7 complex levels were 288.75pg/ml ± 266.8 and 532.23 pg/ml ±582.5 in case and control, respectively (p= 0.021). BMPR2 exhibited single nucleotide polymorphism among all participants; while there was 25% and 22% had variant [A] BMPR1A, 75% and 78% [T] variant BMPR1A in case and control, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Significant change in plasma BMP-2/-7 heterodimer concentration was observed after trauma but no significant correlation between BMPR1A and BMPR2 polymorphism with fracture healing.