Small Segments Research Articles

First Report in China of Leaf Blight on Spatholobus suberectus Dunn Caused by Diaporthe tulliensis

Spatholobus suberectus Dunn is an important Chinese medicinal plant, which is the only officially recognized authentic source of the Chinese herbal medicine Spatholobi caulis in the China Pharmacopeia (Qin et al. 2024). In November 2023, a serious leaf disease was observed in the S. suberectus planting base in Nanning city (108.22E, 22.51N), Guangxi, China, with an incidence rate of 80%. Initially the symptoms appeared in the diseased leaves tips and was irregular in shape. The necrosis displayed discoloration of the gray color with a deep brown margin and this gradually expanded through into the lamina. To isolate the causal agent, 10 symptomatic leaves were collected and small segments (5×5 mm) of infected tissues were cut, and then they were surface sterilized (30s in 75% EtOH, 2 min in 2.5% NaOCl, and rinsed three times in sterilized distilled water), placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 28℃ for 5 days. The hyphal tips were transferred to PDA to obtain pure cultures. 36 isolates were obtained, 23 of them had similar morphology, which were isolated from all the symptomatic leaves and were considered pathogens, and named YY-3-S. After 7 d, the colonies were white, fluffy, with white aerial mycelium. Sporulation was induced using pine needle medium (Su et al. 2012). After 30 days, the globose pycnidia developed, which were superficial to semi-immersed on the pine needle medium, and they appeared to be orange to black in color, with pale yellow conidial droplets. The alpha conidia spores were 3.53 to 6.85×1.75 to 3.70 μm (n = 50). They were unicellular, hyaline, aseptate and ellipsoidal to fusiform. These morphological features were consistent with Diaporthe sp (Sun et al. 2021). For further molecular identification, isolate YY-3-S underwent sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) sections (Huang et al. 2021). Obtained sequences of ITS, TUB2 and TEF1 (Genebank accessions nos. PP838571, PP865050 and PP865051) displayed a 99% similarity to Diaporthe tulliensis (Genebank accessions nos. OP163562, KR936132, OR662168, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis was based on a combination of ITS, TUB2 and TEF1 sequence data using MEGA 11 software to construct a phylogenetic tree with Neighbor-Joining. In the phylogenetic tree, the combined sequences attributed YY-3-S to D. tulliensis. The pathogenicity test was conducted on 1-year-old S. suberectus seedlings. We sprayed the mixed suspension of spores and mycelia on the unwounded leaves, while control seedlings received sterile water. 3 leaves per plant and 5 plants per treatment were selected for assessment. All seedings were placed in pots in a moist chamber at 28°C and 90% humidity. After 5 d, browning was observed on all the inoculated leaves tips. 14 d after inoculation, necrotic lesions expanded outward and their symptoms like those in the field, while control plants remained healthy. D. tulliensis was reisolated from the inoculated leaves, fulfilling the Koch’s postulates. D. tulliensis has been reported to necrotic spots and leaf blight on Rambutan (Serrato-Diaz et al. 2023), leaf spot on bodhi tree (Li et al. 2022), stem canker on Jasmin (Hsu et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. tulliensis causing leaf blight on S. suberectus in China. It is important to ensure timely management of the newly emerging disease.

Metal Ion Sensing by Tetraloop-like RNA Fragment: Role of Compact Intermediates with Non-Native Metal Ion-RNA Inner-Shell Contacts.

Divalent metal ions influence the folding and function of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the cells. The mechanism of how RNA structural elements in riboswitches sense specific metal ions is unclear. RNA interacts with ions through two distinct binding modes: direct interaction between the ion and RNA (inner-shell (IS) coordination) and indirect interaction between the ion and RNA mediated through water molecules (outer-shell (OS) coordination). To understand how RNA senses metal ions such as Mg2+ and Ca2+, we studied the folding of a small RNA segment from the Mg2+ sensing M-Box riboswitch using computer simulations. This RNA segment has the characteristics of a GNRA tetraloop motif and interestingly requires the binding of a single Mg2+ ion. The folding free energy surface of this simple tetraloop system is multidimensional, with a population of multiple intermediates where the tetraloop and cation interact through IS and OS coordination. The partially folded compact tetraloop intermediates form multiple non-native IS contacts with the metal ion. Thermal fluctuations should break these strong non-native IS contacts so that the tetraloop can fold to the native state, resulting in higher folding free energy barriers. Ca2+ undergoes rapid OS to IS transitions and vice versa due to its lower charge density than Mg2+. However, the ability of Ca2+ to stabilize the native tetraloop state is weaker, as it could not hold the loop-closing nucleotides together due to its weaker interactions with the nucleotides. These insights are critical to understanding the specific ion sensing mechanisms in riboswitches, and the predictions are amenable for verification by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments.

Distribution and neurochemical characterisation of neurons containing neuregulin 1 in the enteric nervous system within the porcine small intestine

Abstract Introduction The enteric nervous system (ENS) in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract is complex and comprises many neurons, which are differentiated in terms of structure, function and neurochemistry. Neuregulin 1 (NRG 1) is one of the neuronal factors synthesised in the ENS about the distribution and functions of which relatively little is known. The present study is the first description of the distribution of NRG 1 in the ENS in various segments of the porcine small intestine. Material and Methods Fragments were excised from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of five euthanised Piétrain × Duroc sows, 18–20 kg in weight and eight weeks of age. Paraformaldehyde-fixed and dehydrated tissue was sectioned and double-labelling immunofluorescence was performed using Alexa Fluor-conjugated secondary antibodies to visualise neuregulin 1 and its colocalisation with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), galanin (GAL), and the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the myenteric and inner and outer submucosal plexuses, with PGP 9.5 serving as a pan-neuronal marker. Results Neuregulin 1 was observed in all enteric plexuses in each segment of the small intestine. The percentage of NRG 1-positive neurons ranged from 8.38 ± 0.55% of all neurons in the jejunal inner submucous plexus to 21.52 ± 0.98% in the duodenal myenteric plexus. Cells which were NRG 1-positive also contained VIP, GAL and nNOS in all segments of the small intestine to a degree which varied by small intestine segment and enteric plexus type. Conclusion The results indicate that NRG 1-positive neurons are present in the ENS of the porcine small intestine and differ significantly neurochemically, which may suggest a multifaceted role for NRG-1 in the controlling of the small intestine activity.

Quantum turbulence in superfluid helium: Decay and energy spectrum

The paper presents a comprehensive numerical study of the free decay of vortex tangle in superfluid helium. The initial vortex tangle represents one of the stationary configurations of loops in a counterflow with a laminar normal fluid component. The calculations are carried out in the framework of the vortex line method using the full Biot–Savart law over a wide range of temperatures. The aim of the study is to identify the role of various factors introduced into the numerical procedures (removal of small loops and segments during reconnections, the addition of and exclusion of vortex points on loops) and to determine the evolution of energy spectrum during the decay of quantum turbulence. A statistical approach is used to calculate the kinetic energy distribution on length scales. The calculations are carried out using periodic boundary conditions in a cube. The results show that, in agreement with the Feynman–Vinen theory, initially the rates of reduction in vortex line density at different temperatures are the same. However, when the vortex structure becomes rarefied, the influence of the mutual friction force becomes apparent, in agreement with Schwarz's theory. Statistical method for determining the energy spectrum is used. The Kolmogorov spectrum is not observed during decays at any temperature.

Development and Characterization of Two Wheat–Rye Introgression Lines with Resistance to Stripe Rust and Powdery Mildew

Rye (Secale cereale L.) genes, which contribute to the tertiary gene pool of wheat, include multiple disease resistance genes useful for the genetic improvement of wheat. Introgression lines are the most valuable materials for wheat breeding because of their small alien segments and limited or lack of linkage drag. In the present study, wheat–rye derivative lines SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 were produced via distant hybridization. A genomic in situ hybridization analysis revealed that SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 lack alien segments, while a multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis detected structural changes in both introgression lines. At the seedling and adult plant stages, SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 were highly resistant to stripe rust and powdery mildew. Primers for 86 PCR-based landmark unique gene markers and 345 rye-specific SLAF markers were used to amplify SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 genomic DNA. Eight markers specific to rye chromosome 2R were detected in both introgression lines, implying these lines carry chromosome 2R segments with genes conferring stripe rust and powdery mildew resistance. Therefore, SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 are resistant to more than one major wheat disease, making them promising bridging parents for breeding disease-resistant wheat lines.

Implementing dynamic atrioventricular delay optimization for cardiac resynchronization therapy: an economic analysis in the EU5 countries

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) poses an escalating public health challenge, contributing significantly to patient morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditures [1,2]. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established intervention that improves functional capacity and enhances quality of life while mitigating symptoms, hospitalizations, and mortality in HF patients [3]. Nevertheless, the reaction to CRT varies among individuals; some experience positive responses and others show resistance to the therapy, with unfavourable outcomes and increased healthcare costs [4]. The introduction of the dynamic atrioventricular (AV) optimization algorithm aims to enhance CRT response by enabling dynamic optimization of the AV delay [4]. Purpose Despite the strong clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of dynamic AV optimization algorithm, a comprehensive assessment of its economic implications is still lacking. This study aims to evaluate the economic impact of activating dynamic AV optimization algorithm in patients undergoing CRT treatment across the Big 5 European countries (EU5; France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK). Methods The study examines two scenarios over a 3-year timeframe: a) current scenario, where dynamic AV optimization algorithm activation is limited to a small segment of the population, and b) future scenario, where dynamic AV optimization algorithm activation is progressively expanded per year from 15% to 50%. Treatment efficacy data, measured in terms of HF hospitalization and mortality rates, were sourced from Varma et al. studies [1,4]. Hospitalization and mortality costs were extracted from national DRG tariffs and relevant literature [5–14]. It is important to note that there is no additional cost for algorithm activation if the device is already equipped with it. Results In this hypothetical analysis of 1,000 patients, around 30% undergo CRT implantation compatible with dynamic AV optimization algorithm activation. The treatment cost of patients with the algorithm ON is reduced by -15% compared to patients with the algorithm OFF, considering a weighted average across the EU5 countries (France: -11%, Germany: -16%, Italy: -14%, Spain -17%, UK: -16%), as shown in Table 1. The steady increase in algorithm activation led to an annual expenditure reduction equal to €21,109, calculated on the weighted average across the EU5 countries (France: €15,549, Germany: €33,753, Italy: €13,844, Spain: €20,385, UK: £13,423). When compared to the current scenario, the future scenario saved €36,468 on average across the EU5 countries. Further country-specific cost savings are shown in Table 2. Conclusion The conducted economic analysis gives confidence in dynamic AV optimization algorithm, positioning it as a valuable and economically sustainable asset for enhancing CRT treatment outcomes in patients with HF.

Novel Expression of Apical Bile Acid Transport (ASBT) More Proximally Than Distal Ileum Contributing to Enhanced Intestinal Bile Acid Absorption in Obesity

Dietary lipid absorption is facilitated by bile acids. In the Zucker rat (ZR) model of obesity, bile acid absorption, mediated by the apical sodium bile acid transporter (ASBT), was increased in villus cells from the distal ileum. However, whether ASBT may be de novo expressed more proximally in the small intestine during obesity to facilitate additional bile acid absorption is not known. For this, starting from the end of the ileum to the mid jejunum, caudal-orally, five intestinal segments of equal length (S1–S5) were separated from lean and obese ZRs (LZR and OZR). Intestinal mucosa obtained from these segments were used for total RNA extraction, RT-qPCR and 3H-TCA uptake. The results showed that bile acid absorption along with the mRNA expression of ASBT and FXR progressively decreased caudal-orally in both LZRs and OZRs but was significantly higher in all small intestinal segments in OZRs. The expression of GATA4 was absent in the distal ileum (S1) in both LZRs and OZRs, but steadily increased along the proximal length in both. However, this steady increase was significantly reduced in the comparative obese proximal intestinal segments S2, S3, S4 and S5. The expressions of bile acid-activated G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor TGR5 and S1PR2 were unaltered in segments S1–S4 but were significantly increased in OZR S5. The paradigm changing observation of this study is that ASBT is expressed more proximally in the small intestine in obesity. This likely increases overall bile acid absorption and thereby lipid absorption in the proximal small intestine in obesity.

Mitochondrial DNA Alterations in Glioblastoma and Current Therapeutic Targets.

Metabolic reprogramming within tumor cells involves a shift towards either glycolysis or mitochondrial respiration, depending on the stage of tumor progression. Consequently, irreversible dysfunction of the mitochondria is considered a crucial mechanism driving the progression mechanism. While numerous mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been identified across various tumor types, including glioblastoma, many studies have been limited in the scope, focusing on small segments of mtDNA or utilizing sequencing methods with restricted sensitivity. As a result, several potentially significant mtDNA mutations may have been underestimated, along with their heteroplasmic states, which play a crucial role in determining the phenotypic impact of mtDNA mutation. Although both somatic and germline mtDNA mutations have been observed in different tumor types, research on the mtDNA mutations linked to glioblastoma remains scarce. The mitochondrial genome encodes thirteen protein-coding genes that are essential for the proper functioning of respiratory complex chains. Alterations in mitochondrial function manifest at various levels, including structural and functional changes, impacting mitogenic, hemodynamic, bioenergetic, and apoptotic signaling pathways. These alterations often signify a reduced efficiency of the oxidative phosphorylation system and energy production in tumor cells. As the crucial role of mitochondrial dysfunction in glioma development grows, mitochondria have emerged as promising targets for therapy aimed at overcoming chemoresistance and eliminating cancer cells. This brief review outlines the association between mtDNA alteration and glioblastoma, as well as the current advancements in therapeutic strategies targeting mtDNA alterations.

The effects of early feeding with different pre-starter diets on growth performance, morphological development and microorganism content of the small intestine of broiler chicks

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding 2 different pre-starter diets to broiler chicks at 2 different times on growth performance, slaughtering parameters, morphological development of the small intestine segments and the microorganism content of the ileum of broilers. A total of 600 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 24 chicks each. The experimental treatments included: SD10: broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal-based starter diet for 0-10 days; 1PSD5: chicks were fed a first pre-starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 1PSD10: chicks were fed the first pre-starter diet for 0-10 days; 2PSD5: chicks were fed a second pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 2PSD10: chicks were fed the second pre-starter diet for 0-10 days. Broilers were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly increased final body weight (BW) and BW gain, decreased feed intake (FI) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 0 to 42 day compared to the SD10 treatment. The lowest FI and the best FCR of broilers during the period of 0 to 42 day were obtained by the 2PSD5 treatment. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly enhanced the hot- and cold-carcass yields and villus heights (VHs) and decreased crypt depths of small intestine segments of broilers on day 42. However, the experimental treatments did not significantly affect the the E.coli and Lactobacillus contents of ileum of broilers on day 42. In conclusion, feeding of chicks with the pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal supplemented with enzyme complex and synbiotic for 0-5 days was a more effective treatment in terms of performance especially FI and FCR, carcass yields and VHs of small intestine segments of broilers.

Digital dynamic modeling and topology optimized design of shell face mills

This paper presents digital modeling of shell face mills in milling cylinder heads. The cutter's structural dynamics and its mode shapes are predicted using a Finite Element system. The geometries of the cutter body and inserts are imported from their Computer Aided Design (CAD) models. The insert edge is discretized into small segments to model its varying normal rake and inclination angles, which affect the cutting mechanics. The cutter is dynamically assembled with the target machine tool spindle using the receptance coupling method. A general dynamic cutting force model, which considers the varying edge geometry and inserts’ run-outs, is developed and used to predict cutting forces and chatter stability diagrams. The proposed model is experimentally verified to demonstrate the feasibility of the systematic application of physics-based digital design and analysis of tools for the mass machining of specific parts. The cutter body shape is optimized to increase the stiffness of the bending mode shape that caused chatter via topology optimization, which led to five-fold increase in the absolute stable depth of cut.

Thirty Years of Research on Ecosystem Services: The Socio-Economic Role of Forest Visits and Foraging in Enhancing Human Well-Being

This paper examines the socio-economic significance of forest visits and the collection of forest berries and mushrooms (FBMs) in the Czech Republic, emphasising their role in enhancing human well-being and contributing to regional economies. Over a 30-year period, data were collected on the quantities and economic values of FBMs, alongside the intensity of forest visits by the Czech population. This study incorporates a detailed analysis of time series data on FBM collection, exploring trends and fluctuations in the harvested quantities and their economic value. A Lorenz curve analysis reveals significant disparities in the distribution of economic benefits, with a small segment of the population accounting for the majority of the FBM-derived value. Additionally, the research investigates the impact of forest visitation on well-being at the regional level, highlighting the relationship between forest access, visitation intensity, and public health benefits. This study also examines visitors’ expectations, motivations, and perceptions regarding an ideal forest for visitation, providing recommendations for effective marketing strategies. Furthermore, the study explores the contribution of FBMs to net income across different regions, demonstrating substantial regional variation in their economic importance. Notably, the analysis shows that the value of FBMs represents approximately 37% of the net income generated by traditional forestry activities, underscoring its significant economic potential. The findings emphasise the potential of territorial marketing strategies to enhance well-being, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions, and advocate for sustainable forest management practices to protect these valuable resources and ensure equitable access to the benefits provided by forest ecosystems.

Codepickle: Portable Python Grid Computing

We present Codepickle, a groundbreaking solution designed to overcome Python version constraints and enhance portability, especially within distributed Python grids and volunteer computing environments. Unlike existing serialization libraries such as Cloudpickle and Dill, which rely on Python bytecode and are prone to version conflicts, Codepickle offers a robust alternative. Our methodology includes innovative adjustments for function serialization and shared variable management. Experimental results reveal challenges like code sourcing and nonlocal variable handling. Performance benchmarks highlight Codepickle's significant advantages over Cloudpickle, including better portability and reduced message sizes. Notably, Codepickle achieves message sizes that are 84% of those produced by Cloudpickle especially for small code segments, with comparable execution performance. Proposed enhancements target critical issues such as lambda functions and cross-version compatibility. This comprehensive study not only demonstrates Codepickle's transformative potential but also underscores the ongoing quest for advanced serialization techniques in Python's distributed computing landscape.

Six-Membered Ring Directed Assembly of a Zirconium Zeolitic Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Separation of Hexane Isomers.

The synthesis of zirconium MOFs with zeolite net is quite challenging due to the high connectivity of Zr6 clusters, which is far from tetrahedral connection, a requisite for zeolite net. In this work, we demonstrate a six-membered ring (6MR) strategy through mimicking of mineral zeolites with mixed ditopic and tritopic carboxylate linkers. With this strategy, the ditopic linker cross-links Zr6 clusters to form 4-connected zeolite-like nets, while the tritopic one is used to direct the formation of 6MR and simultaneously consumes extra coordination sites on the cluster. The feasibility of this strategy is shown by one zeolitic metal-organic framework (NNM-5) and this strategy has also led to the synthesis of the other dia-type zirconium MOF (NNM-6). Interestingly, as the tritopic linker not only directs the formation of 6MR but also partitions 6MR into small segments, NNM-5 with SOD topology shows a structural feature of small aperture and big cage, which has led to efficient separation of hexane isomers. With both exceptionally high n-hexane uptake (65.9 cm3 g-1) and size-exclusion selectivity, an exceptional separation capability is verified by breakthrough experiments. Calculation results demonstrate that the large difference of diffusion energy barrier due to the small aperture accounts for the underlying separation mechanism.

Short-time adaptive compact kernel distribution for fault diagnosis under variable working condition bearing

Time-frequency distribution (TFD) methods are extensively employed in the diagnosis of bearings operating under variable working conditions. However, these methods often face high computational complexity, limited time-frequency resolution, and cross-terms. To address these issues, this paper presents a new approach called Short-Time Adaptive Compact Kernel Distribution (STACKD). Based on the characteristics of the vibration signals, we designed Chirp-modulated Gaussian Window and used them to segment the overall signal into small segments. Then, we used a two-step Bayesian optimization method to obtain adaptive compact kernel distributions (ACKD) for these small segments of the signal. Finally, we recombined the ACKD of these small segments into a global STACKD. Results from simulations and experiments demonstrate that STACKD offers improved robustness against interference signals, lower computational complexity, and higher time-frequency resolution without cross-term effects. This method is tailored for diagnosing rolling bearings under variable working conditions, providing enhanced visualization of diagnostic processes with superior time-frequency resolution.

Are synthesised indoor noise signals using the sound reduction index of the façade sufficient to predict the annoyance of outdoor noise?

Several studies have demonstrated the high level of annoyance caused by traffic noise to persons indoors. However, predicting how annoyed the resident are, is a quite complex and time-consuming task, especially if the scope includes the annoyance of different types of traffic noise through different facade elements. Ideally one would ask the residents within their homes how annoyed they are by the current traffic noise situation. But how do you ensure the residents are confronted with many different sources with different spectra. Common practice is to record the traffic noise indoors over a long period of time, cut the recordings into smaller segments, and play them back to the subject in a listening room or via headphones. This way the same signals can be presented to a larger set of subjects. These measurements would then need to be repeated at different locations. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate if indoor noise signals that are "filtered" using the sound reduction index of the façade give the same annoyance results as the actual recorded indoor noise signals. Thereby, making it only necessary to capture outdoor noise signals and simulating the transmission through a variety of different "artificial" facades.

Identification of a novel neutralization epitope in rhesus AAVs

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are popular gene therapy delivery vectors, but their application can be limited by anti-vector immunity. Both preexisting neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and post-administration NAbs can limit transgene expression and reduce the clinical utility of AAVs. The development of novel AAVs will advance our understanding of AAV immunity and may also have practical applications. In this study, we identified five novel AAV capsids from rhesus macaques. RhAAV4282 exhibited 91.4% capsid sequence similarity with AAV7 and showed similar tissue tropism with slightly diminished overall signal. Despite this sequence homology, RhAAV4282 and AAV7 showed limited cross-neutralization. We determined a cryo-EM structure of the RhAAV4282 capsid at 2.57Å resolution and identified a small segment within the hypervariable region IV, involving seven amino acids that formed a shortened external loop in RhAAV4282 compared with AAV7. We generated RhAAV4282 and AAV7 mutants that involved swaps of this region and showed that this region partially determined neutralization phenotype. We termed thisregion the hypervariable region IV neutralizing epitope (HRNE). Our data suggests that modification of the HRNE can lead to AAVs with altered neutralization profiles.

Integrated coastal vulnerability index for coastal flooding: A case study of the Croatian coast

The combination of accelerated urbanization and tourism-related activities, along with frequent coastal flooding, has generated pressure on the coastline of the Republic of Croatia (RH). In this paper, an integrated coastal vulnerability model (ICVI) for coastal flooding was developed. The ICVI was generated using a GIS multicriteria approach and derived from two sub-indices: the physical vulnerability index (CVIN) and the socio-economic vulnerability index (CVIS). In total, 30 criteria were used in the derivation of the ICVI, with twelve contributing to CVIS and eighteen to CVIN. The ICVI model is represented as a line divided into smaller segments, each segment indicating ICVI vulnerability levels ranging from 1 (very low) to 5 (very high). The accuracy of CVIN was evaluated using 159 geocoded coastal flood locations obtained from various websites and the official register of Hrvatske Vode flood events from 2008 to 2023. More than 80% of geocoded flood locations are situated in areas with very high (5) or high (4) CVIN. Furthermore, out of 32 settlements with officially registered flood events, 90.6% of them are located in areas with very high or high ICVI. Since all data used in the ICVI derivation were acquired from open-source databases and a user-friendly GIS-MCDA toolbox was utilized, this paper presents a cost-effective approach to modeling integrated coastal vulnerability. This model can guide decision-makers and provide them with new insights for implementing an effective integrated coastal zone management strategy.

Comparison of the On-disk Apparent Current Sheets with the Limb Ones

Based on observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), we investigate 30 apparent current sheets during 1999–2021, including 10 on-disk and 8 limb ones from the SDO, as well as 12 limb ones from the SOHO. Each on-disk current sheet is formed among an X-type configuration consisting of two sets of atmospheric structures, and each limb one is involved in a flare–coronal mass ejection event. During magnetic reconnection period, the on-disk apparent current sheet evolves from a bright point to an elongated line-like structure, and the structure becomes thin in the late stage of the reconnection. Subsequently, the plasma distribution within the current sheet manifests as a plasmoid chain. For the limb apparent current sheet, the length elongation is faster than that of the on-disk one, and the thinning process is also detected. Although the aspect ratios of the limb cases are comparable to the value for the occurrence of tearing mode instability from simulation research, no obvious plasmoid chain is detected within these limb current sheets, and the density distribution is locally uniform. We suggest that due to the rapid extension of limb cases, the tearing mode instability is very fast, resulting in the formation of tiny plasmoids that are smaller than the instrument resolution. Moreover, there is another possible scenario. The observed limb apparent current sheet is just a bright ray, and the actual current sheet is only a small segment of the ray.

Microhaplotypes: the QR-code for Plasmodium vivax infection dynamics

An array of microhaplotypes – small segments of ≤200 nucleotides with heterozygous multiple-SNP-exhibiting multiple allelic combinations – were identified in the Plasmodium vivax genome by Siegel et al. Interestingly, the microhaplotype has significant potential to distinguish relapse/reinfection and identify genetic relatedness across vivax-endemic areas. It is essential to validate the universal applicability of microhaplotypes.

Novel Intraprostatic MR-Guided Implantation of Multidrug-Eluting Microdevice for Testing of Systemic Therapy Agents In Situ: Proof of Concept in Intermediate-Risk and High-Risk Prostate Cancer.

The purpose of this study was to assess safety and feasibility of percutaneous MR-guided placement of an implantable microdevice (IMD) to evaluate in situ intratumor response to multiple pharmacologic agents in men with intermediate-risk and high-risk localized prostate cancer. Biocompatible IMDs measuring 750 µm in diameter and 5 mm in length were prepared with 20 reservoirs containing candidate drug and drug combinations including second-generation androgen inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, PD-1 inhibitors, and conventional chemotherapy. Men with intermediate-risk or high-risk localized prostate cancer and MRI-visible lesions were enrolled. Up to 4 IMDs were placed using a transperineal approach into MRI-visible tumors 2 days before planned radical prostatectomy. After radical prostatectomy, the IMDs and a small segment of surrounding tumor tissue were removed and sectioned, stained, and analyzed for tissue drug response by a variety of pharmacodynamic markers. Fourteen patients were enrolled: 7 (50%) with intermediate-risk and 7 (50%) with high-risk localized prostate cancer. A total of 53 IMDs were implanted (mean 3.8 per patient), and 49 IMDs (92%) were successfully retrieved. All men underwent uncomplicated robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection 2 days after IMD placement. There were no severe adverse events. Pathological examination of the tissues adjacent to the IMDs demonstrated differential drug response within patients and between patients. Limitations include small sample size. A multidrug IMD can be safely placed percutaneously into MRI-visible lesions before radical prostatectomy, enabling assessment of tumor-specific local response to multiple agents simultaneously within the tumor's normal stromal environment to guide targeted systemic therapy.