bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High tribological performance of quenched–tempered 40Cr steel treated by plasma oxynitriding
Authors: Wang Ying , Yu Jianhao , Wang Yongxin , Di Chongqing , Lu Xiaojiang , Nishimura Kazuhito
Published: June 2024

Alloy steel 40Cr was treated by plasma oxynitriding after quenching and tempering. The microstructures, mechanical properties, and tribological performances of plasma oxidized–nitrided layer at tempering temperatures of 500, 520, and 540 °C were investigated. The typical tempered sorbite structure was present when the 40Cr alloy steel was treated by quenching at 900 °C and tempering. A special structure of mixed oxide–nitride layer along with the veinlike nitride phase was formed after plasma oxynitriding. The surface hardness of the quenched–tempered 40Cr alloy steel was significantly improved. The quenched 40Cr alloy steel tempered at 520 °C exhibited the highest hardness of approximately 973 HV0.2 and the lowest wear rate of about 1.72 × 10−14 m3 N−1 m−1 than the samples tempered at 500 and 540 °C. The oxide and nitride phases inside the plasma oxidized–nitrided layer played important roles in the improvement of the surface mechanical properties and the tribological performance of the quenched–tempered alloy steel.
Enhanced noise resilience in passive tone detection via broad-receptive field complex-valued convolutional neural networks
Authors: Liang Guolong , Chen Yu , Wang Jinjin , Li Ying , Qiu Longhao
Published: June 2024

Tone detection is crucial for passive sonar systems. Numerous algorithms have been developed for passive tone detection, but their effectiveness in detecting weak tones is still limited. To enhance noise resilience in passive tone detection, a broad-receptive field complex-valued structure named attention-driven complex-valued U-Net is proposed. Concretely, two attention mechanisms, namely, temporal attention and harmonic attention, are proposed to broaden the receptive field with high computational efficiency. Complex-valued operators are then introduced to mine both amplitude and phase information of tones. Additionally, a symmetric downsampling and upsampling strategy is proposed to improve the reconstruction accuracy of detailed time-frequency information. Overall, the proposed method demonstrates a strong robustness to noise and a strong ability to generalize. Experimental results on both simulated data and real-world data validate the superiority of the proposed attention-driven complex-valued U-Net against conventional U-shaped structures.
When performing actions with robots, attribution of intentionality affects the sense of joint agency
Authors: Navare Uma Prashant , Ciardo Francesca , Kompatsiari Kyveli , De Tommaso Davide , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2024

Sense of joint agency (SoJA) is the sense of control experienced by humans when acting with others to bring about changes in the shared environment. SoJA is proposed to arise from the sensorimotor predictive processes underlying action control and monitoring. Because SoJA is a ubiquitous phenomenon occurring when we perform actions with other humans, it is of great interest and importance to understand whether—and under what conditions—SoJA occurs in collaborative tasks with humanoid robots. In this study, using behavioral measures and neural responses measured by electroencephalography (EEG), we aimed to evaluate whether SoJA occurs in joint action with the humanoid robot iCub and whether its emergence is influenced by the perceived intentionality of the robot. Behavioral results show that participants experienced SoJA with the robot partner when it was presented as an intentional agent but not when it was presented as a mechanical artifact. EEG results show that the mechanism that influences the emergence of SoJA in the condition when the robot is presented as an intentional agent is the ability to form similarly accurate predictions about the sensory consequences of our own and others’ actions, leading to similar modulatory activity over sensory processing. Together, our results shed light on the joint sensorimotor processing mechanisms underlying the emergence of SoJA in human-robot interaction and underscore the importance of attribution of intentionality to the robot in human-robot collaboration.
Transcobalamin receptor antibodies in autoimmune vitamin B12 central deficiency
Authors: Pluvinage John V. , Ngo Thomas , Fouassier Camille , McDonagh Maura , Holmes Brandon B. , Bartley Christopher M. , Kondapavulur Sravani , Hurabielle Charlotte , Bodansky Aaron , Pai Vincent , Hinman Sam , Aslanpour Ava , Alvarenga Bonny D. , Zorn Kelsey C. , Zamecnik Colin , McCann Adrian , Asencor Andoni I. , Huynh Trung , Browne Weston , Tubati Asritha , Haney Michael S. , Douglas Vanja C. , Louine Martineau , Cree Bruce A.C. , Hauser Stephen L. , Seeley William , Baranzini Sergio E. , Wells James A. , Spudich Serena , Farhadian Shelli , Ramachandran Prashanth S. , Gillum Leslie , Hales Chadwick M. , Zikherman Julie , Anderson Mark S. , Yazdany Jinoos , Smith Bryan , Nath Avindra , Suh Gina , Flanagan Eoin P. , Green Ari J. , Green Ralph , Gelfand Jeffrey M. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Pleasure Samuel J. , Wilson Michael R.
Published: June 2024

Vitamin B12 is critical for hematopoiesis and myelination. Deficiency can cause neurologic deficits including loss of coordination and cognitive decline. However, diagnosis relies on measurement of vitamin B12 in the blood, which may not accurately reflect the concentration in the brain. Using programmable phage display, we identified an autoantibody targeting the transcobalamin receptor (CD320) in a patient with progressive tremor, ataxia, and scanning speech. Anti-CD320 impaired cellular uptake of cobalamin (B12) in vitro by depleting its target from the cell surface. Despite a normal serum concentration, B12 was nearly undetectable in her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immunosuppressive treatment and high-dose systemic B12 supplementation were associated with increased B12 in the CSF and clinical improvement. Optofluidic screening enabled isolation of a patient-derived monoclonal antibody that impaired B12 transport across an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Autoantibodies targeting the same epitope of CD320 were identified in seven other patients with neurologic deficits of unknown etiology, 6% of healthy controls, and 21.4% of a cohort of patients with neuropsychiatric lupus. In 132 paired serum and CSF samples, detection of anti-CD320 in the blood predicted B12 deficiency in the brain. However, these individuals did not display any hematologic signs of B12 deficiency despite systemic CD320 impairment. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we found that the low-density lipoprotein receptor serves as an alternative B12 uptake pathway in hematopoietic cells. These findings dissect the tissue specificity of B12 transport and elucidate an autoimmune neurologic condition that may be amenable to immunomodulatory treatment and nutritional supplementation.
Measurements of soil protist richness and community composition are influenced by primer pair, annealing temperature, and bioinformatics choices
Authors: Mau Rebecca L. , Hayer Michaela , Purcell Alicia M. , Geisen Stefan , Hungate Bruce A. , Schwartz Egbert
Published: June 2024

Protists are a diverse and understudied group of microbial eukaryotic organisms especially in terrestrial environments. Advances in molecular methods are increasing our understanding of the distribution and functions of these creatures; however, there is a vast array of choices researchers make including barcoding genes, primer pairs, PCR settings, and bioinformatic options that can impact the outcome of protist community surveys. Here, we tested four commonly used primer pairs targeting the V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene using different PCR annealing temperatures and processed the sequences with different bioinformatic parameters in 10 diverse soils to evaluate how primer pair, amplification parameters, and bioinformatic choices influence the composition and richness of protist and non-protist taxa using Illumina sequencing. Our results showed that annealing temperature influenced sequencing depth and protist taxon richness for most primer pairs, and that merging forward and reverse sequencing reads for the V4 primer pairs dramatically reduced the number of sequences and taxon richness of protists. The data sets of primers that targeted the same 18S rRNA gene region (e.g., V4 or V9) had similar protist community compositions; however, data sets from primers targeting the V4 18S rRNA gene region detected a greater number of protist taxa compared to those prepared with primers targeting the V9 18S rRNA region. There was limited overlap of protist taxa between data sets targeting the two different gene regions (80/549 taxa). Together, we show that laboratory and bioinformatic choices can substantially affect the results and conclusions about protist diversity and community composition using metabarcoding.

IMPORTANCE

Ecosystem functioning is driven by the activity and interactions of the microbial community, in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Protists are a group of highly diverse, mostly unicellular microbes whose identity and roles in terrestrial ecosystem ecology have been largely ignored until recently. This study highlights the importance of choices researchers make, such as primer pair, on the results and conclusions about protist diversity and community composition in soils. In order to better understand the roles protist taxa play in terrestrial ecosystems, biases in methodological and analytical choices should be understood and acknowledged.
Multi-COBRA hemagglutinin formulated with cGAMP microparticles elicits protective immune responses against influenza viruses
Authors: Zhang Xiaojian , Shi Hua , Hendy Dylan A. , Bachelder Eric M. , Ainslie Kristy M. , Ross Ted M.
Published: June 2024

In humans, seasonal influenza viruses cause epidemics. Avian influenza viruses are of particular concern because they can infect multiple species and lead to unpredictable and severe disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a universal influenza vaccine that provides protection against all influenza strains. The cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) is a promising adjuvant for subunit vaccines, which promotes type I interferons’ production through the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. The encapsulation of cGAMP in acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX) microparticles (MPs) enhances its intracellular delivery. In this study, the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology was used to generate H1, H3, and H5 vaccine candidates. Monovalent and multivalent COBRA HA vaccines formulated with cGAMP Ace-DEX MPs were evaluated in mice for protective antibody responses. cGAMP MPs adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines elicited robust antigen-specific antibodies following vaccination. Compared with COBRA HA vaccine groups with no adjuvant or blank MPs, the cGAMP MPs enhanced HAI activity elicited by COBRA HA vaccines. The HAI activity was not significantly different between cGAMP MPs adjuvanted monovalent or multivalent COBRA HA vaccines. The cGAMP MPs adjuvanted COBRA vaccine groups had higher antigen-specific IgG2a-binding titers than the COBRA vaccine groups with no adjuvant or blank MPs. The COBRA vaccines formulated with cGAMP MPs mitigated diseases caused by influenza viral challenge and decreased pulmonary viral titers in mice. Therefore, the formulation of COBRA vaccines plus cGAMP MPs is a promising universal influenza vaccine that elicits protective immune responses against human seasonal and pre-pandemic strains.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza viruses cause severe respiratory disease, particularly in the very young and the elderly. Next-generation influenza vaccines are needed to protect against new influenza variants. This report used a promising adjuvant, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), to enhance the elicited antibodies by an improved influenza hemagglutinin candidate and protect against influenza virus infection. Overall, adding adjuvants to influenza vaccines is an effective method to improve vaccines.
Phenotypic resistant single-cell characteristics under recurring ampicillin antibiotic exposure in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Kollerová Silvia , Jouvet Lionel , Smelková Julia , Zunk-Parras Sara , Rodríguez-Rojas Alexandro , Steiner Ulrich K.
Published: June 2024

Non-heritable, phenotypic drug resistance toward antibiotics challenges antibiotic therapies. Characteristics of such phenotypic resistance have implications for the evolution of heritable resistance. Diverse forms of phenotypic resistance have been described, but phenotypic resistance characteristics remain less explored than genetic resistance. Here, we add novel combinations of single-cell characteristics of phenotypic resistant
E. coli
cells and compare those to characteristics of susceptible cells of the parental population by exposure to different levels of recurrent ampicillin antibiotic. Contrasting expectations, we did not find commonly described characteristics of phenotypic resistant cells that arrest growth or near growth. We find that under ampicillin exposure, phenotypic resistant cells reduced their growth rate by about 50% compared to growth rates prior to antibiotic exposure. The growth reduction is a delayed alteration to antibiotic exposure, suggesting an induced response and not a stochastic switch or caused by a predetermined state as frequently described. Phenotypic resistant cells exhibiting constant slowed growth survived best under ampicillin exposure and, contrary to expectations, not only fast-growing cells suffered high mortality triggered by ampicillin but also growth-arrested cells. Our findings support diverse modes of phenotypic resistance, and we revealed resistant cell characteristics that have been associated with enhanced genetically fixed resistance evolution, which supports claims of an underappreciated role of phenotypic resistant cells toward genetic resistance evolution. A better understanding of phenotypic resistance will benefit combatting genetic resistance by developing and engulfing effective anti-phenotypic resistance strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge for modern medicine. Aside from genetic resistance to antibiotics, phenotypic resistance that is not heritable might play a crucial role for the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Using a highly controlled microfluidic system, we characterize single cells under recurrent exposure to antibiotics. Fluctuating antibiotic exposure is likely experienced under common antibiotic therapies. These phenotypic resistant cell characteristics differ from previously described phenotypic resistance, highlighting the diversity of modes of resistance. The phenotypic characteristics of resistant cells we identify also imply that such cells might provide a stepping stone toward genetic resistance, thereby causing treatment failure.
In vitro
evaluation of antifungal combinations against neurotropic dematiaceous fungi associated with primary cerebral phaeohyphomycosis
Authors: Samaddar Arghadip , Mendonsa Jenevi Margaret , Sudhaharan Sukanya , S Nagarathna , Kindo Anupma Jyoti , Shetty Anjali , Pamidimukkala Umabala
Published: June 2024

Primary cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a life-threatening disease caused by neurotropic dematiaceous fungi. At present, there are no consensus guidelines regarding optimal antifungal therapy in such cases. Generally, a combination of antifungal agents is recommended for treatment. However, the activities of antifungal combinations against these fungi have not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the
in vitro
activities of 13 double and five triple antifungal combinations against clinical isolates of
Cladophialophora bantiana
(
n
= 7),
Fonsecaea monophora
(
n
= 2), and
Cladosporium cladosporioides
(
n
= 1), using a simplified checkerboard procedure. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of nine antifungal drugs were determined by the broth microdilution method, and the interaction between antifungal agents in each combination was assessed by the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Excellent activity was observed for posaconazole and itraconazole. Flucytosine had potent activity against
C. bantiana
but was ineffective against
F. monophora
, and
C. cladosporioides
. The echinocandins demonstrated high MICs for all the isolates. Synergistic interactions were observed for all the double combinations, except when itraconazole was combined with either amphotericin B or flucytosine. The combination of amphotericin B with caspofungin showed synergistic interactions against 40% of the isolates. Antagonism was observed with isavuconazole-flucytosine combination against two
C. bantiana
isolates. The triple combinations of caspofungin and flucytosine with amphotericin B or posaconazole were synergistic against one isolate of
F. monophora
. For
C. cladosporioides
, synergy was observed for the triple combination of amphotericin B with caspofungin and flucytosine. Our results indicate that combination of caspofungin with amphotericin B or a triazole, with or without 5-flucytosine has great potential against neurotropic dematiaceous fungi.

IMPORTANCE

This research uses a modified version of the checkerboard assay to standardize the
in vitro
testing of double and triple combinations of antifungal agents against neurotropic dematiaceous fungi. Antifungal combination therapy is associated with improved outcomes in cerebral phaeohyphomycosis. In this study, we demonstrate that posaconazole is the single most active antifungal drug against this group of fungi. The double combination of amphotericin B with caspofungin or a trizole, and the triple combinations of caspofungin and flucytosine with amphotericin B or posaconazole might hold promise in the treatment of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis. Our findings will guide in developing optimal therapeutic strategies for these refractory infections.
Learning to TODDLE: inspiring the paediatricians of tomorrow
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Blackwood Clair-Soo , McQuaid Fiona , Joseph Sonia
Published: June 2024

With numbers of children and young people waiting for treatment rising to record-high levels in the UK, the need for paediatricians is emphasised. In order to accommodate these demands, it is essential that more medical students are encouraged to pursue paediatric careers. By providing vital career support to aspiring paediatricians at an undergraduate level, recruitment into paediatrics can be amplified. An important way in which medical students gain early exposure to paediatrics is through local paediatric organisations like university societies, who can nurture interest towards the specialty and provide links to exploring and building upon paediatric career development. By empowering student initiatives to create opportunities for students to pursue paediatrics, we can build and support the next generation of paediatricians from the ground up. This was demonstrated by the Edinburgh University Paediatrics Society’s free virtual career building series TODDLE: ‘The building blOcks to Developing your paeDiatric portfoLio and carEer’. Feedback from the TODDLE series evidently showed an appetite for paediatric career support at an undergraduate level internationally, with attendees commenting on the usefulness, novelty and accessibility of the series. TODDLE emphasised the importance of providing paediatric career advice to medical students and showed the feasibility and practicality of student-led initiatives in providing this support as well as other paediatric exposures. Through collaborative work and the sharing of resources, any organisation at a student level can offer opportunities for engagement in paediatrics on a national and international basis.
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma and lupus erythematosus profundus: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Lee Mun Leng , Lim Puo Nen , Colgan Jane , Goodlad John R
Published: June 2024

A white Caucasian woman in her 30s presented with an indurated lesion on her right upper arm. Panniculitis was clinically suspected. Antinuclear antibody testing was positive but incisional biopsy showed subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL), although with some unusual features more in keeping with lupus. Initial treatment was with oral prednisolone and radiotherapy but with only partial response. A second biopsy was taken from an area of presumed residual disease. This displayed histological features that were much more typical of lupus erythematosus profundus (LEP) but with tiny foci suggesting concomitant microscopic areas of SPTCL. Immunofluorescence for IgM was positive. This case highlights the rare occurrence of a patient with overlapping clinical and pathological features of SCPTL and LEP. It emphasises the need for close clinicopathological correlation in the workup of patients with suspected panniculitis and the importance of careful pathological examination for features of both diseases.
Bilateral myelomatous pleural effusions: an unusual presentation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Proskuriakova Ekaterina , Adams Megan , Reddy Vijay Ketan , Kassem Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Multiple myeloma is a rare haematological malignancy characterised by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells within the bone marrow. Typical manifestations include bone pain, fatigue and monoclonal protein elevation in serum and urine. Less than 1% of cases develop myelomatous pleural effusion, a severe complication indicative of advanced disease and a very poor prognosis.

Here, we present a case of a woman with a new diagnosis of multiple myeloma complicated by bilateral myelomatous pleural effusions as the initial presentation. This case underscores the diverse clinical spectrum of multiple myeloma, the significance of timely diagnosis and the threatening implications associated with myelomatous pleural effusions.
Case of isolated scleromalacia perforans with seropositivity for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hajizadeh Sama , O'Donnell Conor , Dore Adam
Published: June 2024

Scleromalacia perforans, or necrotising anterior scleritis, is a rare and severe form of eye disease that usually occurs in patients suffering from long-standing systemic inflammatory diseases, with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most common. Here, we report the case of a patient who presented with redness of the eye and discolouration of the sclera and was diagnosed with scleromalacia perforans without any further extraophthalmic systemic involvement. Serological workup revealed highly positive cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody (CCP-IgG/anticitrullinated protein antibodies) and positive rheumatoid factor, serologies commonly associated with RA. The patient’s symptoms responded very well to rituximab therapy.
Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy combined with brachytherapy for intermediate-risk cervical cancer
Authors: Agusti Nuria , Viveros-Carreño David , Melamed Alexander , Pareja Rene , Kanbergs Alexa , Wu Chi-Fang , Nitecki Roni , Colbert Lauren , Rauh-Hain Jose Alejandro
Published: June 2024

Objective

Patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer receive external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as adjuvant treatment. It is commonly administered with brachytherapy without proven benefits. Therefore, we evaluated the frequency of brachytherapy use, the doses for EBRT administered alone or with brachytherapy, and the overall survival impact of brachytherapy in patients with intermediate-risk, early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed using data collected from the National Cancer Database. Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer from 2004 to 2019 who underwent a radical hysterectomy and lymph node staging and had disease limited to the cervix but with tumors larger than 4 cm or ranging from 2 to 4 cm with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) were included. Patients with distant metastasis or parametrial involvement were excluded. Patients who underwent EBRT alone were compared with those who also received brachytherapy after 2:1 propensity score matching.

Results

In total, 1174 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 26.7% of them received brachytherapy. After 2:1 propensity score matching, we included 620 patients in the EBRT group and 312 in the combination treatment group. Patients who received brachytherapy had higher equivalent doses than those only receiving EBRT. Overall survival did not differ between the two groups (hazard ratio (HR) 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62 to 1.23]; p=0.45). After stratification according to tumor histology, LVSI, and surgical approach, brachytherapy was not associated with improved overall survival. However, in patients who did not receive concomitant chemotherapy, the overall survival rate for those receiving EBRT and brachytherapy was significantly higher than that for those receiving EBRT alone (HR, 0.48 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.86]; p=0.011).

Conclusion

About one-fourth of the study patients received brachytherapy and EBRT. The variability in the doses and radiotherapy techniques used highlights treatment heterogeneity. Overall survival did not differ for EBRT with and without brachytherapy. However, overall survival was longer for patients who received brachytherapy but did not receive concomitant chemotherapy.
Ethical issues in residency education related to the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative inquiry study
Authors: Kassam Aliya , Page Stacey , Lauzon Julie , Hay Rebecca , Coret Marian , Mitchell Ian
Published: June 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges to provide care and educate junior doctors (resident physicians). We sought to understand the positive and negative experiences of first-year resident physicians and describe potential ethical issues from their stories.

Method

We used narrative inquiry (NI) methodology and applied a semistructured interview guide with questions pertaining to ethical principles and both positive and negative aspects of the pandemic. Sampling was purposive. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Three members of the research team coded transcripts in duplicate to elicit themes. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion to attain consensus. A composite story with threads was constructed.

Results

11 residents participated across several programmes. Three main themes emerged from the participants’ stories: (1) complexities in navigating intersecting healthcare and medical education systems, (2) balancing public health and the public good versus the individual and (3) fair health systems planning/healthcare delivery. Within these themes, participants’ journeys through the first wave were elicited through the threads of (1) engage us, (2) because we see the need for the duty to treat and (3) we are all in this together.

Discussion

Cases of the ethical issues that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic may serve as a foundation on which ethics teaching and future pandemic planning can take place. Principles of clinical ethics and their limitations, when applied to public health issues, could help in contrasting clinical ethics with public health ethics.

Conclusion

Efforts to understand how resident physicians can navigate public health emergencies along with the ethical issues that arise could benefit both residency education and healthcare systems.
NF2-related schwannomatosis and other schwannomatosis: an updated genetic and epidemiological study
Authors: Forde Claire , Smith Miriam J , Burghel George J , Bowers Naomi , Roberts Nicola , Lavin Tim , Halliday Jane , King Andrew Thomas , Rutherford Scott , Pathmanaban Omar N , Lloyd Simon , Freeman Simon , Halliday Dorothy , Parry Allyson , Axon Patrick , Buttimore Juliette , Afridi Shazia , Obholzer Rupert , Laitt Roger , Thomas Owen , Stivaros Stavros Michael , Vassallo Grace , Evans D Gareth
Published: June 2024

Objectives

New diagnostic criteria for NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) were published in 2022. An updated UK prevalence was generated in accordance with these, with an emphasis on the rate of de novo NF2 (a 50% frequency is widely quoted in genetic counselling). The distribution of variant types among de novo and familial NF2 cases was also assessed.

Methods

The UK National NF2 database identifies patients meeting updated NF2 criteria from a highly ascertained population cared for by England’s specialised service. Diagnostic prevalence was assessed on 1 February 2023. Molecular analysis of blood and, where possible, tumour specimens forNF2, LZTR1andSMARCB1was performed.

Results

1084 living NF2 patients were identified on prevalence day (equivalent to 1 in 61 332). The proportion with NF2 inherited from an affected parent was only 23% in England. If people without a confirmed molecular diagnosis or bilateral vestibular schwannoma are excluded, the frequency of de novo NF2 remains high (72%). Of the identified de novo cases, almost half were mosaic. The most common variant type was nonsense variants, accounting for 173/697 (24.8%) of people with an established variant, but only 18/235 (7.7%) with an inheritedNF2pathogenic variant (p<0.0001). Missense variants had the highest proportion of familial association (56%). The prevalence ofLZTR1-related schwannomatosis andSMARCB1-related schwannomatosis was 1 in 527 000 and 1 in 1.1M, respectively, 8.4–18.4 times lower than NF2.

Conclusions

This work confirms a much higher rate of de novo NF2 than previously reported and highlights the benefits of maintaining patient databases for accurate counselling.
Molecular detection of ceftriaxone resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
clinical specimens: a tool for public health control
Authors: Day Michaela Joanne , Boampong Dolcibella , Pitt Rachel , Bari Aisha , Rebec Monica , Saunders John , Fifer Helen , Mbisa Jean Lutamyo , Cole Michelle Jayne
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to validate and implement a rapid screening assay for molecular detection of the
penA
-60 allele that is associated with ceftriaxone resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
for use on both isolate lysates and clinical specimen DNA extracts.

Methods

A
N. gonorrhoeae penA
real-time (RT)-PCR was adapted to include a species-specific
pap
confirmation target and a commercially available internal control to monitor for PCR inhibition.

The modified assay was validated using
N. gonorrhoeae
-positive (n=24) and
N. gonorrhoeae
-negative (n=42) clinical specimens and isolate lysates. The panel included seven samples with resistance conferred by
penA
alleles targeted by the assay and four samples with different
penA
alleles. The feasibility of using the
penA
RT-PCR for molecular surveillance was assessed using clinical specimens from 54 individuals attending a London sexual health clinic who also had a
N. gonorrhoeae
isolate included in the 2020 Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP).

Results

The assay correctly identified
N. gonorrhoeae
specimens (n=7) with
penA
-60/64 alleles targeted by the assay. No
penA
false negatives/positives were detected, giving the
penA
target of the assay a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values (PPV, NPV) of 100% (95% CIs; sensitivity; 56.1–100%, specificity; 93.6–100%, PPV; 56.1–100%, NPV; 93.6–100%).

No cross-reactivity with other
Neisseria
species or other urogenital pathogens was detected. The
N. gonorrhoeae
target (
pap
) was detected in 73 out of 78 of the
N. gonorrhoeae
-positive specimens, resulting in 92.6% sensitivity (95% CI 83.0% to 97.3%), 100% specificity (95% CI 75.9% to 100%) and PPV, and a NPV of 89.4% (95% CI 52.5% to 90.9%). No
penA
-59/60/64 alleles were detected within the clinical specimens from the GRASP 2020 feasibility molecular surveillance study (n=54 individuals).

Conclusion

The implementation of this PCR assay for patient management, public health and surveillance purposes enables the rapid detection of gonococcal ceftriaxone resistance conferred by the most widely circulating
penA
alleles.
Effects of silvicultural release on artificial oak regeneration in bottomland hardwood forests in northern Missouri
Authors: Hayford Isaac , Knapp Benjamin O. , Wood Jeffrey D. , Argerich Alba , Kabrick John M. , Elliott Grant P. , Olson Matthew G.
Published: June 2024

In bottomland forests, managing oak regeneration is challenging due to competition with other species. Low understory light levels in mature stands favor more shade-tolerant tree species, whereas harvest often results in release of fast-growing competitors. In the late 1990s, a study was initiated in northeastern Missouri to evaluate the effects of overstory harvests on stand development of bottomland forests, with particular interest in oak regeneration. Canopy removal resulted in rapid growth of undesired soft-mast species without increasing the abundance of oak reproduction. In 2017, bare-rooted pin oak ( Quercus palustris Muenchh.) and swamp white oak ( Quercus bicolor Willd.) seedlings were planted, to increase the oak component through enrichment planting in the stands that had previously been harvested and underplanting in the stands that had received no regeneration harvest. For all planted seedlings, three levels of midstory release treatments were applied after planting in 2017, including a control (no release), and light release, and a heavy release. This study tested the effects of the original overstory harvests and the subsequent midstory release on survival and development of planted oak advance reproduction over 5 years. Our results suggest that establishing oak advance reproduction prior to overstory harvest is more efficient than enrichment planting after overstory harvest. A prior midstory release is important to develop competitive oak advance reproduction before a later overstory harvest to ensure successful oak regeneration.
Numerical simulation and experimental study of aluminum heat exchanger based on Comsol Multiphysics
Authors: Liu Xinyan , Peng Wei , Jiang Yuanyuan , Miao Junjie , Deng Xiaolin , Huang Jiale
Published: June 2024

Controlling the temperature of the air flow during printing can greatly improve the data measurement of air flow and the printing effect of selective laser melting equipment. In this study, an aluminum-welded heat exchanger was designed and manufactured combined with an engineering application example. The thermal performances of heat exchanger were carried out by experiment and numerical simulation in Comsol Multiphysics. Results show that the model has high accuracy (the relative error is less than 12% in most cases and the absolute error is less than 16 Pa below the flow rate of 350 m3/h), and the overall pipeline resistance loss is small. The temperature difference between outlet and inlet is always lower than 6.5 °C during actual working conditions, which meets the requirements for use. The research can provide good theoretical guidance for the design and application of aluminum heat exchangers.
New properties of elastic pp and $$p\bar{p}$$ scattering at high energies
Authors: Selyugin O. V.
Published: June 2024

Data-driving determination of the new properties of elastic scattering at small angles on the basis on all existing experimental data for $$d\sigma /dt$$

d
σ
/
d
t

of pp and $$p\bar{p}$$

p

p

¯

at $$\sqrt{s} \ge 540$$

s

≥
540

GeV allows us to obtain the main characteristics of the nonstandard terms of the elastic scattering amplitude. The energy dependence of the oscillation term and the term with an extremely large slope is determined. It was shown that part of the oscillation term has a different sign for pp and $$p\bar{p}$$

p

p

¯

reactions; hence, it is part of the Odderon amplitude. The period of the oscillation term agrees with the scaling properties predicted by the Auberson–Kinoshita–Martin (AKM) theorem. The high quality quantitative description of all data at $$\sqrt{s} \ge 540$$

s

≥
540

GeV in the framework of the high energy general structure (HEGS) model supports such a phenomenon which can be connected with peripheral hadron interaction.
Bifurcation and Chaos in a Fractional-Order Cournot Duopoly Game Model on Scale-Free Networks
Authors: Gurcan Fuat , Kartal Neriman , Kartal Senol
Published: June 2024

In this study, a Cournot duopoly model describing Caputo fractional-order differential equations with piecewise constant arguments is discussed. We have obtained two-dimensional discrete dynamical system as a result of applying the discretization process to the model. By using the center manifold theory and the bifurcation theory, it is shown that the discrete dynamical system undergoes flip bifurcation about the Nash equilibrium point. Phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams, and Lyapunov exponents show the existence of many complex dynamical behaviors in the model such as the stable equilibrium point, period-2 orbit, period-4 orbit, period-8 orbit, period-16 orbit, and chaos according to changing the speed of the adjustment parameter [Formula: see text]. The discrete Cournot duopoly game model is also considered on two scale-free networks with different numbers of nodes. It is observed that the complex dynamical networks exhibit similar dynamical behaviors such as the stable equilibrium point, flip bifurcation, and chaos depending on changing the coupling strength parameter [Formula: see text]. Moreover, flip bifurcation and transition chaos take place earlier in more heterogeneous networks. Calculating the largest Lyapunov exponents guarantees the transition from nonchaotic to chaotic states in complex dynamical networks.
A Computer Vision Engineering Management System for Automated Defect Detection in Electronic Components Manufacturing
Authors: Wang Jianqi , Yan Jieni , Xu Yinzhe , Chen Jia
Published: June 2024

Traditional digital image processing techniques face problems such as complex feature extraction and weak robustness when dealing with surface defects of multiple categories of electronic components. Deep learning is widely used in industrial defect detection. However, the performance of electronic component defect detection at the pixel segmentation level needs to be improved. For pixel-level defect detection, this paper constructs a defect detection model (ECSDDNet) for electronic component surface defects in computer vision engineering management system. To improve the segmentation accuracy and detection effect, three stages of experiments are conducted to address mis-segmentation problems and the shortcomings of the Unet network structure. Firstly, a classification network that can perform weight transfer is used to replace the encoding structure in the Unet network. Secondly, a simplified version of the feature fusion is proposed and added to the skip connection of the Unet network. Finally, label smoothing is used to optimize the loss and improve the generalization of the network. After the optimization experiment, some noisy contours and small defect contours that are mis-segmented are removed. Experimental results show that ECSDDNet has good segmentation effects on electronic component surface defects and can meet the segmentation and detection needs of electronic component surface defects.
Automation and the Labour Market: A Systematic Literature Review Using Bibliometric Analysis of 20 Years (2002-2022)
Authors: Thi Hue Truong , Thu Hang Trinh Thi , Quynh Duong Bui Thi
Published: June 2024

This study uses bibliometric analysis to integrate, synthesise, and expand the knowledge regarding the relationship between automation and the labour market. In this paper, the authors examined the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database for articles published between 2002 and 2022. The co-citation, co-occurrence, and publication patterns were analysed using VOSviewer 1.6.19. The study comprised 287 papers, with the United States having the highest percentage of research publications, followed by Germany, China, and the United Kingdom. The institutional study shows that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, National Bureau of Economic Research, Harvard University, and the University of London are all leading institutions in this field of study and have more than 100 links. The co-occurrence of keywords revealed “automation”, “employment”, “growth”, and “jobs” as the most discussed terms. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in the literature and proposing possibilities for future studies.
FedGK: Communication-Efficient Federated Learning through Group-Guided Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Liu Xiaoli , Tarkoma Sasu
Published: June 2024

Federated learning (FL) empowers a cohort of participating devices to contribute collaboratively to a global neural network model, ensuring that their training data remains private and stored locally. Despite its advantages in computational efficiency and privacy preservation, FL grapples with the challenge of non-IID (not independent and identically distributed) data from diverse clients, leading to discrepancies between local and global models and potential performance degradation. In this article, we propose FedGK, an innovative communication-efficient Group-Guided FL framework designed for heterogeneous data distributions. FedGK employs a localized-guided framework that enables the client to effectively assimilate key knowledge from teachers and peers while minimizing extraneous peer information in FL scenarios. We conduct an in-depth analysis of the dynamic similarities among clients over successive communication rounds and develop a novel clustering approach that accurately groups clients with diverse heterogeneities. We implement FedGK on public datasets with an innovative data transformation pattern called “cluster-shift non-IID”, which mirrors the more prevalent data distributions in real-world settings and could be grouped into clusters with similar data distributions. Extensive experimental results on public datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach FedGK improves accuracy by up to 32.89% and saves up to 53.33% communication cost over state-of-the-art baselines.
Travel Agency Task Dialogue Corpus: A Multimodal Dataset with Age-Diverse Speakers
Authors: Inaba Michimasa , Chiba Yuya , Qi Zhiyang , Higashinaka Ryuichiro , Komatani Kazunori , Miyao Yusuke , Nagai Takayuki
Published: June 2024

When individuals communicate, they use different vocabularies, speaking speeds, facial expressions, and gestural languages, depending on those with whom they are speaking. This study focuses on the age of the speaker as a factor that affects the style of communication. We collected a multimodal dialogue corpus with various speaker ages. We used travel as the topic, as it interests people of all ages, and we set up a task based on a tourism consultation between an operator and a customer at a travel agency. This article presents the details of the dialogue task, collection procedures and annotations, and analysis of the characteristics of the dialogues and facial expressions, focusing on the age of the speakers. The results of the analysis suggest that the adult speakers have more independent opinions, the older speakers express their opinions more frequently than other age groups, and those in the operator role smile more frequently at minors.
Sensorimotor prediction is used to direct gaze toward task-relevant locations in a goal-directed throwing task
Authors: Brand Theresa K. , Schütz Alexander C. , Müller Hermann , Maurer Heiko , Hegele Mathias , Maurer Lisa K.
Published: June 2024

We elucidate the potential benefits of sensorimotor predictions, focusing on how the system actually uses this information to optimize feedback processing in goal-directed actions. Sensorimotor information is used to predict spatial parameters of movement outcomes, guiding predictive saccades toward future action effects. Saccade latencies and fixation durations are modulated by outcome quality, indicating that predictive valuation processes are considered and that the locations chosen are of high informational value for feedback processing.
First Outbreak of African Swine Fever in Sweden: Local Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Eradication Strategies
Authors: Chenais Erika , Ahlberg Viktor , Andersson Kristofer , Banihashem Fereshteh , Björk Lars , Cedersmyg Maria , Ernholm Linda , Frössling Jenny , Gustafsson Wiktor , Hellqvist Björnerot Lena , Hultén Cecilia , Kim Hyeyoung , Leijon Mikael , Lindström Anders , Liu Lihong , Nilsson Anders , Nöremark Maria , Olofsson Karin M. , Pettersson Emelie , Rosendal Thomas , Sjölund Marie , Thurfjell Henrik , Widgren Stefan , Wikström-Lassa Emil , Zohari Siamak , Ågren Erik , Ågren Estelle , Ståhl Karl
Published: June 2024

The first case of African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in Sweden in September 2023. This article describes the local epidemiology, including the spatiotemporal dynamics of the outbreak and some of the factors that may have contributed to its apparently successful eradication. Upon detection of the outbreak, strict control measures were put in place in a preliminarily defined infected zone. A carcass search, including geo‐localisation, removal, sampling, and destruction of found carcasses, was initiated and a preliminary core area was defined based on the results. Six months after confirmation of the first case, 93 wild boar carcasses had been found in the infected zone, of which 62 tested positive for ASF virus (ASFV). All ASFV‐positive carcasses were found inside the core area. Based on two taphonomy methods, it was assumed that the infection was introduced between early May and late June 2023. The data also indicated that the epidemic curve peaked between mid‐August and mid‐September, with the last death occurring in late September 2023. Based on the average estimated time of death, geo‐localisation of carcasses and two‐dimensional kernel density estimation, clustering in space and time was identified. An online questionnaire with questions about hunting and the wild boar population was sent to all leaders of hunting groups in the infected zone. The results showed that the wild boar population had increased in the last 10 years but with large variations and geographical heterogeneity in space use. Disease introduction through natural wild boar movements was excluded and it was assumed that the long‐distance translocation of the virus had occurred through human activities. A municipal waste collection centre without wild boar‐proof fencing is located close to the epicentre of the outbreak, attracting many wild boar and contributing to the spread of the virus once it had been introduced to the population.
Cardiac Myxoid Spindle Cell Tumor in a Neonate
Authors: Abbaszadeh Reza , Naderi Fatemeh , Jalali Amir Hossein , Toloueitabar Yaser
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Different subtypes of cardiac tumors containing spindle cells have been described as cardiac sarcoma. However, benign types have not been reported so far. We described a neonate with progressive respiratory distress who had a PDA and was finally diagnosed with a right atrial spindle cell tumor. Case Presentation: The patient was a neonate referred with respiratory distress and sepsis. The initial echocardiography demonstrated a small atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and a heterogeneous rounded right atrial mass lesion. Pathologic examination confirmed the right atrial myxoid spindle cell tumor without local invasion. Successful mass resection was performed, and follow‐up echocardiography revealed normal cardiac structure and function. Conclusion: In infants with manifestations of possible cardiac anomalies, it is necessary to consider other pathologies, such as neoplastic processes. Spindle cell detection in pathology is not ominous all the time, and there are benign subtypes with favorable outcomes after successful surgical resection.
Supplementary Figure 2 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Validation of bulk tumor expression deconvolution in ICB-treated cohorts.