bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S100A11 activates the pentose phosphate pathway to induce malignant biological behaviour of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Xue , Guo Hong , Liu Zhuang , Qin Zilan , Cong Yuyang , Ren Naihan , Zhang Yuxiang , Zhang Na
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most refractory malignancies and has a poor prognosis. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that an imbalance of metabolism may contribute to unrestricted pancreatic tumour progression and that the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism. S100A11 has been shown to regulate multiple biological functions related to the progression and metastasis of various cancer types. However, the exact mechanisms and prognostic value of S100A11 in PDAC remain unclear. Here, we found that S100A11 expression was increased in PDAC and significantly associated with worse prognosis and disease progression. Mechanistically, S100A11 knockdown suppressed the PPP by impairing nascent mRNA synthesis of TKT (transketolase). The current study also demonstrated that H3K4me3 at the −268/+77 region of the TKT promoter was required for its transcriptional activation and S100A11 promoted H3K4me3 loading to the TKT promoter by interacting with SMYD3 protein. Taking these findings together, this study provided new insights into the potential value of S100A11 for treating pancreatic cancer, suggesting that it could be a therapeutic target for PDAC patients.
Environmental trade-offs of direct air capture technologies in climate change mitigation toward 2100
Authors: Qiu Yang , Lamers Patrick , Daioglou Vassilis , McQueen Noah , de Boer Harmen-Sytze , Harmsen Mathijs , Wilcox Jennifer , Bardow André , Suh Sangwon
Published: June 2022

Direct air capture (DAC) is critical for achieving stringent climate targets, yet the environmental implications of its large-scale deployment have not been evaluated in this context. Performing a prospective life cycle assessment for two promising technologies in a series of climate change mitigation scenarios, we find that electricity sector decarbonization and DAC technology improvements are both indispensable to avoid environmental problem-shifting. Decarbonizing the electricity sector improves the sequestration efficiency, but also increases the terrestrial ecotoxicity and metal depletion levels per tonne of CO2 sequestered via DAC. These increases can be reduced by improvements in DAC material and energy use efficiencies. DAC exhibits regional environmental impact variations, highlighting the importance of smart siting related to energy system planning and integration. DAC deployment aids the achievement of long-term climate targets, its environmental and climate performance however depend on sectoral mitigation actions, and thus should not suggest a relaxation of sectoral decarbonization targets.
The ω3 scaling of the vibrational density of states in quasi-2D nanoconfined solids
Authors: Yu Yuanxi , Yang Chenxing , Baggioli Matteo , Phillips Anthony E. , Zaccone Alessio , Zhang Lei , Kajimoto Ryoichi , Nakamura Mitsutaka , Yu Dehong , Hong Liang
Published: June 2022

The vibrational properties of crystalline bulk materials are well described by Debye theory, which successfully predicts the quadratic ω2 low-frequency scaling of the vibrational density of states. However, the analogous framework for nanoconfined materials with fewer degrees of freedom has been far less well explored. Using inelastic neutron scattering, we characterize the vibrational density of states of amorphous ice confined inside graphene oxide membranes and we observe a crossover from the Debye ω2 scaling to an anomalous ω3 behaviour upon reducing the confinement size L. Additionally, using molecular dynamics simulations, we confirm the experimental findings and prove that such a scaling appears in both crystalline and amorphous solids under slab-confinement. We theoretically demonstrate that this low-frequency ω3 law results from the geometric constraints on the momentum phase space induced by confinement along one spatial direction. Finally, we predict that the Debye scaling reappears at a characteristic frequency ω× = vL/2π, with v the speed of sound of the material, and we confirm this quantitative estimate with simulations.
Structural mechanism of protein recognition by the FW domain of autophagy receptor Nbr1
Authors: Zhang Jianxiu , Wang Ying-Ying , Pan Zhao-Qian , Li Yulu , Sui Jianhua , Du Li-Lin , Ye Keqiong
Published: June 2022

Neighbor of BRCA1 (Nbr1) is a conserved autophagy receptor that provides cargo selectivity to autophagy. The four-tryptophan (FW) domain is a signature domain of Nbr1, but its exact function remains unclear. Here, we show that Nbr1 from the filamentous fungus Chaetomium thermophilum uses its FW domain to bind the α-mannosidase Ams1, a cargo of selective autophagy in both budding yeast and fission yeast, and delivers Ams1 to the vacuole by conventional autophagy in heterologous fission yeast. The structure of the Ams1-FW complex was determined at 2.2 Å resolution by cryo-electron microscopy. The FW domain adopts an immunoglobulin-like β-sandwich structure and recognizes the quaternary structure of the Ams1 tetramer. Notably, the N-terminal di-glycine of Ams1 is specifically recognized by a conserved pocket of the FW domain. The FW domain becomes degenerated in fission yeast Nbr1, which binds Ams1 with a ZZ domain instead. Our findings illustrate the protein binding mode of the FW domain and reveal the versatility of Nbr1-mediated cargo recognition.
Sea ice surface temperatures from helicopter-borne thermal infrared imaging during the MOSAiC expedition
Authors: Thielke Linda , Huntemann Marcus , Hendricks Stefan , Jutila Arttu , Ricker Robert , Spreen Gunnar
Published: June 2022

The sea ice surface temperature is important to understand the Arctic winter heat budget. We conducted 35 helicopter flights with an infrared camera in winter 2019/2020 during the Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition. The flights were performed from a local, 5 to 10 km scale up to a regional, 20 to 40 km scale. The infrared camera recorded thermal infrared brightness temperatures, which we converted to surface temperatures. More than 150000 images from all flights can be investigated individually. As an advanced data product, we created surface temperature maps for every flight with a 1 m resolution. We corrected image gradients, applied an ice drift correction, georeferenced all pixels, and corrected the surface temperature by its natural temporal drift, which results in time-fixed surface temperature maps for a consistent analysis of one flight. The temporal and spatial variability of sea ice characteristics is an important contribution to an increased understanding of the Arctic heat budget and, in particular, for the validation of satellite products.
A human single-neuron dataset for face perception
Authors: Cao Runnan , Lin Chujun , Brandmeir Nicholas J. , Wang Shuo
Published: June 2022

The human amygdala and hippocampus have long been associated with face perception. Here, we present a dataset of single-neuron activity in the human amygdala and hippocampus during face perception. We recorded 2082 neurons from the human amygdala and hippocampus when neurosurgical patients with intractable epilepsy performed a one-back task using natural face stimuli, which mimics natural face perception. Specifically, our data include (1) single-neuron activity from the amygdala (996 neurons) and hippocampus (1086 neurons), (2) eye movements (gaze position and pupil), (3) psychological assessment of the patients, and (4) social trait judgment ratings from a subset of patients and a large sample of participants from the general population. Together, our comprehensive dataset with a large population of neurons can facilitate multifaceted investigation of face perception with the highest spatial and temporal resolution currently available in humans.
ORMEF: a Mediterranean database of exotic fish records
Authors: Azzurro Ernesto , Smeraldo Sonia , Minelli Annalisa , D’Amen Manuela
Published: June 2022

The Mediterranean Sea is recognized today as the World’s most invaded marine region, but observations of species occurrences remain scattered in the scientific literature and scarcely accessible. Here we introduce the ORMEF database: a first comprehensive and robust compilation of exotic fish observations recorded over more than a century in the Mediterranean. ORMEF consists today of 4015 geo-referenced occurrences from 20 Mediterranean Countries, extracted from 670 scientific published papers. We collated information on 188 fish taxa that are thus divided: 106 species entered through the Suez Canal; 25 species introduced by shipping, mariculture, aquarium release or by means of other human activities; 57 Atlantic species, whose arrival in the Mediterranean has been attributed to the unassisted immigration through the strait of Gibraltar. Each observation included in the ORMEF database was submitted to a severe quality control and checked for geographical and taxonomic biases. ORMEF is a new authoritative reference for Mediterranean bio-invasion research and a living archive to inform management strategies and policymakers in a period of rapid environmental transformation.
Multi-omics reveals mechanisms of resistance to potato root infection by Spongospora subterranea
Authors: Balotf Sadegh , Wilson Richard , Nichols David S. , Tegg Robert S. , Wilson Calum R.
Published: June 2022

The pathogen Spongospora subterranea infects potato roots and developing tubers resulting in tuber yield and quality losses. Currently, there are no fully effective treatments for disease control. Host resistance is an important tool in disease management and understanding the molecular mechanisms of defence responses in roots of potato plants is required for the breeding of novel resistant cultivars. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and proteomic datasets to uncover these mechanisms underlying S. subterranea resistance in potato roots. This multi-omics approach identified upregulation of glutathione metabolism at the levels of RNA and protein in the resistant cultivar but not in the susceptible cultivar. Upregulation of the lignin metabolic process, which is an important component of plant defence, was also specific to the resistant cultivar at the transcriptome level. In addition, the inositol phosphate pathway was upregulated in the susceptible cultivar but downregulated in the resistant cultivar in response to S. subterranea infection. We provide large-scale multi-omics data of Spongospora-potato interaction and suggest an important role of glutathione metabolism in disease resistance.
Association of statin treatment with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in end-stage kidney disease patients with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Kim Hyung Woo , Joo Young Su , Kang Shin Chan , Koh Hee Byung , Han Seung Hyeok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Park Jung Tak
Published: June 2022

Statin use in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are not encouraged due to low cardioprotective effects. Although the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a frequently occurring cancer in East Asia, is elevated in ESKD patients, the relationship between statins and HCC is not known despite its possible chemopreventive effect. The relationship between statin use and HCC development in ESKD patients with chronic hepatitis was evaluated. In total, 6165 dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis B or C were selected from a national health insurance database. Patients prescribed with ≥ 28 cumulative defined daily doses of statins during the first 3 months after dialysis commencement were defined as statin users, while those not prescribed with statins were considered as non-users. Primary outcome was the first diagnosis of HCC. Sub-distribution hazard model with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to estimate HCC risk considering death as competing risk. During a median follow-up of 2.8 years, HCC occurred in 114 (3.2%) statin non-users and 33 (1.2%) statin users. The HCC risk was 41% lower in statin users than in non-users (sub-distribution hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42–0.81). The weighted incidence rate of HCC was lower in statin users than in statin non-users (incidence rate difference, − 3.7; 95% CI − 5.7 to − 1.7; P < 0.001). Incidence rate ratio (IRR) was also consistent with other analyses (IRR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.78; P < 0.001). Statin use was associated with a lower risk of incident HCC in dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infection.
Variational quantum evolution equation solver
Authors: Leong Fong Yew , Ewe Wei-Bin , Koh Dax Enshan
Published: June 2022

Variational quantum algorithms offer a promising new paradigm for solving partial differential equations on near-term quantum computers. Here, we propose a variational quantum algorithm for solving a general evolution equation through implicit time-stepping of the Laplacian operator. The use of encoded source states informed by preceding solution vectors results in faster convergence compared to random re-initialization. Through statevector simulations of the heat equation, we demonstrate how the time complexity of our algorithm scales with the Ansatz volume for gradient estimation and how the time-to-solution scales with the diffusion parameter. Our proposed algorithm extends economically to higher-order time-stepping schemes, such as the Crank–Nicolson method. We present a semi-implicit scheme for solving systems of evolution equations with non-linear terms, such as the reaction–diffusion and the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, and demonstrate its validity by proof-of-concept results.
Treatment for clear cell carcinoma of the abdominal wall at a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Feng Zheng , Wen Hao , Ju Xingzhu , Bi Rui , Chen Xiaojun , Yang Wentao , Wu Xiaohua
Published: June 2022

Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the abdominal wall is a rare and agressive disease. We aim to elucidate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of this disease. Medical records of ten patients diagnosed with CCC of the abdominal wall at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were reviewed. We illustrate the clinical characteristics, treatment modality, and development of local recurrence or distant metastasis, as well as the survival outcome. The median (range) age of patients was 47 (39–61) years old. All patients had a history of cesarean section and abdominal wall endometriosis. All patients had primary surgery before referred to our center. Seven patients had only tumor resection, while two patients had lymph node metastasis at primary diagnosis. Four patients underwent supplementary surgery, and all postoperative pathology were negative. Genetic analyses had also been performed. The median (range) follow-up time was 20 (12–59) months. Local recurrence and lymph node metastasis were the most common recurrence types. The median (95% confidence interval) PFS was 11 (8.08–13.92) months. In summary, primary surgery should consider wide tumor resection and lymph node dissection. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be recommended for potential benefits. More cases are still needed to elucidate the clinical management of this disease.
Changes in the proportion of anemia among young women after the Great East Japan Earthquake: the Fukushima health management survey
Authors: Yamamoto Kana , Takita Morihito , Kami Masahiro , Takemoto Yoshinobu , Ohira Tetsuya , Maeda Masaharu , Yasumura Seiji , Sakai Akira , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Okazaki Kanako , Yabe Hirooki , Kitamura Toshio , Tsubokura Masaharu , Shimabukuro Michio , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the sequential changes in the proportion of anemia among young women over eight years after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 using a prospective study of the Fukushima Health Management Survey. This study focused on the women aged between 20 and 44 who lived in the evacuation area of the nuclear power plant accident. The yearly age-adjusted proportion of anemia was accessed with data between July 2011 and March 2019. A total of 9,198 women participated in the health checkup in 2011, albeit the participation was decreased to 1,241 in 2018. The age-adjusted proportion of anemia was 16.7% in 2012 and then declined after 2013 (p with Cochran-Armitage trend test = 0.03). The multivariate regression analysis identified < 23 kg/m2 of body mass index (BMI), no history of smoking, and no habitual alcohol use as independent baseline characteristics predictive of temporality anemic condition after the disaster (Adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval]; 1.98 [1.43–2.74], 1.85 [1.21–2.83], and 1.42 [1.07–1.90], respectively). Thus, women with low BMI and healthier habits might risk temporarily anemic status after the disaster. Our findings signal the importance of preventing anemia in young women after the disaster.
Titanium wear from magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) for the treatment of spinal deformities in children
Authors: Lüders K. A. , Braunschweig L. , Zioła-Frankowska A. , Stojek A. , Jakkielska D. , Wichmann A. , Dihazi G. H. , Streit F. , Güsewell S. E. , Trüe T. C. , Lüders S. , Schlie J. , Tsaknakis K. , Lorenz H. M. , Frankowski M. , Hell A. K.
Published: June 2022

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are an effective treatment method for early-onset scoliosis (EOS). In recent years, increasing titanium wear was observed in tissue adjacent to implants and in blood samples of these patients. This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between amount of metal loss and titanium levels in blood during MCGR treatment as well as influencing factors for metal wear. In total, 44 MCGRs (n = 23 patients) were retrieved after an average of 2.6 years of implantation and analyzed using a tactile measurement instrument and subsequent metal loss calculation. Titanium plasma levels (n = 23) were obtained using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The correlation of both parameters as well as influencing factors were analyzed. Titanium abrasion on MCGRs was observed in the majority of implants. There was no correlation of metal implant wear or titanium plasma values to the duration of MCGR implantation time, number of external lengthening procedures, patient’s ambulatory status, gender, weight or height. Material loss on the MCGRs showed a positive correlation to titanium blood plasma values. The present study is one of the first studies to analyze retrieved MCGRs using high-precision metrological techniques and compare these results with ICP-MS analyses determining blood titanium values.
Memory load differentially influences younger and older users’ learning curve of touchscreen gestures
Authors: Li Bingxin , Yang Tong , Liu Yanfang , Du Feng
Published: June 2022

In this study, we employed a recall test to investigate how memory load affects the learning curve of gesture-letter pairs for younger and older users. The gesture-letter pairs were carefully designed to mimic real-world gesture-function/command associations on a touchscreen mobile phone. Both younger and older user groups showed lower recall accuracy as the memory load of gesture-letter pairs increased, and recall performance improved with repeated memory training. More specifically, younger users improved rapidly over repeated memory sessions under all memory loads, whereas older users benefited much less from repeated memory sessions except the lowest memory load of 6 gesture-letter pairs. These results reveal that the memory load differentially modulated younger and older users’ learning curves of gesture-letter pairs. Thus, our work suggests an upper limit when adding new gesture-function associations on mobile phones and special attention should be devoted to old users.
Gut microbiota alternation under the intestinal epithelium-specific knockout of mouse Piga gene
Authors: Jangid Aditi , Fukuda Shinji , Seki Masahide , Suzuki Yutaka , Taylor Todd D. , Ohno Hiroshi , Prakash Tulika
Published: June 2022

Crosstalk between the gut microbiota and intestinal epithelium shapes the gut environment and profoundly influences the intestinal immune homeostasis. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored proteins (GPI – APs) contribute to a variety of gut-associated immune functions, including microbial surveillance and defense, and epithelial cell polarity. Properly polarised epithelial cells are essential for the establishment of the barrier function of gut epithelia. The Piga gene is one among seven genes that encode for an enzyme which is involved in the first step of GPI-anchor biosynthesis. This is the first study reporting a knockout of the intestinal epithelial cell-specific Piga gene (Piga-/-) and its association with the gut microbiota in mice using a whole metagenome shotgun-based sequencing approach. An overall reduced microbiota diversity has been observed in the Piga-/- group as compared to the control group (ANOVA p = 0.34). The taxonomic biomarkers, namely: Gammaproteobacteria (class), Enterobacterales (order), Enterobacteriaceae (family), Escherichia (genus), Proteus (genus) and Escherichia coli (species), increased more in the Piga-/- mice as compared to in the control group. Further, the pathogenic E. coli strains, namely E. coli O157:H7 str. EDL 933 (EHEC), E. coli CFT073 (UPEC) and E. coli 536 (UPEC), were found in the Piga-/- mice which also harbored virulence factor transporters. In addition, the taxa responsible for short chain fatty acid production were decreased in the Piga-/- group. The Piga-/- mice gut harbored an increased number of microbial functions responsible for the survival of pathogens in the inflamed gut environment. Our observations clearly indicate that the Piga-/- mice gut might have an overall enhancement in pathogenic behaviour and reduced capabilities beneficial to health.
Long-term hematopoietic stem cells as a parasite niche during treatment failure in visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Dirkx Laura , Hendrickx Sarah , Merlot Margot , Bulté Dimitri , Starick Marick , Elst Jessy , Bafica André , Ebo Didier G. , Maes Louis , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Caljon Guy
Published: June 2022

Given the discontinuation of various first-line drugs for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), large-scale in vivo drug screening, establishment of a relapse model in rodents, immunophenotyping, and transcriptomics were combined to study persistent infections and therapeutic failure. Double bioluminescent/fluorescentLeishmania infantumandL. donovanireporter lines enabled the identification of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSC) as a niche in the bone marrow with remarkably high parasite burdens, a feature confirmed for human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSPC). LT-HSC are more tolerant to antileishmanial drug action and serve as source of relapse. A unique transcriptional ’StemLeish’ signature in these cells was defined by upregulated TNF/NF-κB and RGS1/TGF-β/SMAD/SKIL signaling, and a downregulated oxidative burst. Cross-species analyses demonstrated significant overlap with human VL and HIV co-infected blood transcriptomes. In summary, the identification of LT-HSC as a drug- and oxidative stress-resistant niche, undergoing a conserved transcriptional reprogramming underlyingLeishmaniapersistence and treatment failure, may open therapeutic avenues for leishmaniasis.
A self-assembling peptidic platform to boost the cellular uptake and nuclear delivery of oligonucleotides
Authors: Tarvirdipour Shabnam , Skowicki Michal , Schoenenberger Cora-Ann , Kapinos Larisa E. , Lim Roderick Y. H. , Benenson Yaakov , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: June 2022

DNA-loaded peptidic platform entering the cell and delivering its payloads to the nucleus.
Deep eutectic solvents coupled with (NH4)3H6CoMo6O24trigger aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid
Authors: Sun Yanbin , Yang Kaixuan , Zhu Zhiguo , Su Ting , Ren Wanzhong , Lü Hongying
Published: June 2022

A method for selective aerobic oxidation of HMF to FFCA over an Anderson-type POM (NH4)3H6CoMo6O24catalyst in DESs was developed, which exhibited outstanding catalytic performance.
Collective dynamics of active circle-swimming Lennard–Jones particles
Authors: Hrishikesh Bhadra , Mani Ethayaraja
Published: June 2022

We report a numerical study on the collective dynamics of self-propelling and circle-swimming Lennard–Jones (LJ) particles in two dimensions using Brownian Dynamics simulations.
Excellent yield of a variety of silicon-boron radicals and their reactivity
Authors: Nazish Mohd , Ding Yi , Legendre Christina M. , Kumar Arun , Graw Nico , Schwederski Brigitte , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Parvathy Parameswaran , Parameswaran Pattiyil , Stalke Dietmar , Kaim Wolfgang , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: June 2022

Silicon-boron radicals have been synthesized in high excess yield through one-pot reduction using different halogen and organic substituents. Further Si–B radical undergoes oxidative addition of bromine and selenium leading to the formation of compounds 4 and 5.
Synthesis of atomic form nickel co-catalysts on TiO2for improved photocatalysisviathe RAFT technique
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wu Guohua , Zhang Baohua
Published: June 2022

The corresponding precursors were synthesizedviathe RAFT technique to achieve the atomic morphology distribution of Ni on TiO2to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency with low cost.
Accessing chiral 2,2-disubstituted morpholines via organocatalytic enantioselective chlorocycloetherification
Authors: Zhong Haijing , Ding Tengbo , Guo Qifeng , Tian Zeng , Yu Pei , Jiang Xiaojian
Published: June 2022

A catalytic asymmetric halocycloetherification process is developed to achieve enantioenriched quaternary 2,2-disubstituted morpholines using an organo-catalyst.
Difluoromethylation of heterocyclesviaa radical process
Authors: Shi Linlin , An Dongdong , Mei Guang-Jian
Published: June 2022

In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art advances in difluoromethylation of heterocyclesviaa radical process over the past few years (2018 to early 2022).
Graphene-encapsulated selenium@polyaniline nanowires with three-dimensional hierarchical architecture for high-capacity aluminum–selenium batteries
Authors: Lei Haiping , Tu Jiguo , Li Suqin , Huang Zheng , Luo Yiwa , Yu Zhijing , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: June 2022

The cycling performance of the Al/Se@PANI@G battery can be improved by the high electrical conductivity of graphene sheets and the unique PANI shell, together with the three-dimensional hierarchical architecture of Se@PANI@G.
Target localization and encirclement control for multi‐UAVs with limited information
Authors: Wang Weizhen , Chen Xin , Jia Jiangbo , Fu Zaifei
Published: June 2022

The problem of localization and encirclement control of a moving target by multi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is considered in this paper. The main objective is to guide the UAVs to form evenly spaced formations along the circumference, with the centre of the circumference tracking the movement of the target. Firstly, each UAV is assumed only to obtain the bearing angle information of the target, for which an estimator is developed to localize the target by bearing measurements. Thereafter, a distributed encirclement control algorithm based on cooperative moving path following (CMPF) is designed to drive the multi‐UAVs to circumnavigate around a moving target at a desired distance, thus developing to pursue cooperatively. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Shunt compensation for mitigation of harmonics, voltage sags, and flickers using new STATCOM control scheme
Authors: Qader Mohammed Redha
Published: June 2022

Voltage sags flickers, and harmonics are major problems associated with power quality and are of concern to power companies and consumers. Therefore, efforts to improve power quality have increased. This study explores the dynamic performance of a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), which is used to mitigate voltage sags, flickers, and harmonics using a novel control method. Further, the ability of the STATCOM system to alleviate issues related to power quality while, in addition, improving the transmission/distribution system performance concerning all disturbances and errors related to the system is validated. The methodology of this research adopts MATLAB/SIMULINK to perform the requested simulations, which were analysed accordingly. The results show an improvement in the system performance between 40% and 80%, demonstrating the ability of the newly designed controller for a STATCOM to alleviate voltage sags, flickers, and harmonics.
Weakly supervised building semantic segmentation via superpixel‐CRF with initial deep seeds guiding
Authors: Moghalles Khaled , Li Heng‐Chao , Al‐Huda Zaid , Raza Ali , Malik Asad
Published: June 2022

The segmentation of building from satellite and airborne images is necessary for high‐resolution buildings maps generation and it is still challenging. On annotated pixel‐level images, trained deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were used to improve segmentation of building. The cost of labelling training data is high, which reduces their usage. Human labelling efforts can be significantly reduced using weakly supervised segmentation techniques. Here, a novel weakly supervised framework is introduced for building semantic segmenting that relies on deep seeds to construct a superpixels‐CRF model over superpixels segmentation in order to generate high‐quality initial pixel‐level annotations, as the initialization step. Then, the segmentation network is trained using the initial pixel‐level annotations. Next, the CRF model is used to refine the segmentation masks, and the segmentation network is retrained to achieve accurate pixel‐level annotations while iteratively optimizing the segmentation. The experimental results on three public building datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly improved the quality of building semantic segmentation while remaining computationally efficient.
Stochastic scheduling of ground movement problem integrated with taxiway routing and gate/stand allocation
Authors: Yang Yuanchao , Gao Zichen
Published: June 2022

The authors propose a new scheduling model and solution method for Ground Movement Problem (GMP) which is designed to manage the movements of flights on the surface of airport air‐side in an effective manner. Since the arrival time for arrival flights and off‐block time for departure flights are usually uncertain parameters for GMP, the proposed scheduling model is stochastic and integrates the three‐dimensional (3‐D) taxiway routes’ assignment (with variable taxiing speed for flights) and the gates/stands allocation for the flights, with fully capturing multiple constraints related to taxiways, gates/stands and aircraft performance limits. The solution method also provides a stochastic quantification scheme concerning both uncertainties by the arrival time and off‐block time information. The schedule results can realize the immunity of the above time uncertainties within a tolerable risk probability. We finally provide numerical analysis to verify the stochastic scheduling model with mixed integer and linear programming (MILP) basics and illustrate the effectiveness of proposed solution method by a test case on Hangzhou international airport in China.
Sparse grid reconstructions for Particle-In-Cell methods
Authors: Deluzet Fabrice , Fubiani Gwenael , Garrigues Laurent , Guillet Clément , Narski Jacek
Published: June 2022

In this article, we propose and analyse Particle-In-Cell (PIC) methods embedding sparse grid reconstructions such as those introduced in Ricketson and Cerfon [Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 59 (2017) 024002] and Muralikrishnan et al. [J. Comput. Phys. X 11 (2021) 100094]. The sparse grid reconstructions offer a significant improvement on the statistical error of PIC schemes as well as a reduction in the complexity of the problem providing the electric field. Main results on the convergence of the electric field interpolant and conservation properties are provided in this paper. Besides, tailored sparse grid reconstructions, in the frame of the offset combination technique, are proposed to introduce PIC methods with improved efficiency. The methods are assessed numerically and compared to existing PIC schemes thanks to classical benchmarks with remarkable prospects for three dimensional computations.
Nurturing Future Leaders in Esthetics: Now Is the Time
Authors: Rao Parinitha , Mukherjee Mansi , Wang Keming , Yu Nanze , Garcia Patricia , Li Felix , Parikh Apul , Ioannidis Sotirios
Published: June 2022

There is a need for a specialist pathway or progression in esthetic medicine for esthetic physicians. A structured program for specialized training in nonsurgical facial esthetics to empower physicians is the need of the hour. The pharmaceutical companies currently provide training sessions, taking considerable initiatives to train esthetic professionals. “Leaders of the future” is a global thought leadership program by the Allergan Aesthetics. The program was designed to support and nurture the next generation of leaders by focusing on science and evidence. It aimed to help practitioners grow, evolve, learn, share, and connect with leading international experts. The sessions were focused on the importance of science and sensibility in esthetic medicine, as well as critical thinking and leadership skills. Mentorship is one of the most effective approaches for transforming the lives of young esthetic practitioners and, in turn, future patients. In addition, the importance of in-depth knowledge of injection anatomy for safe practice was emphasized. As esthetic surgeons and physicians, we must commit to incorporating evidence-based medicine into our life-long practice. “Leaders of the Future” program aims to build a solid foundation for esthetic surgeons and physicians to grow and evolve as thought leaders. The program would also aid in the pursuit of a best esthetic practice that incorporates professional identity formation, clinical competence, and evidence-based management in nonsurgical esthetics.
Machine Learning Models for Predicting Postoperative Outcomes following Skull Base Meningioma Surgery
Authors: Jimenez Adrian E. , Porras Jose L. , Azad Tej D. , Shah Pavan P. , Jackson Christopher M. , Gallia Gary , Bettegowda Chetan , Weingart Jon , Mukherjee Debraj
Published: June 2022

Objective While predictive analytic techniques have been used to analyze meningioma postoperative outcomes, to our knowledge, there have been no studies that have investigated the utility of machine learning (ML) models in prognosticating outcomes among skull base meningioma patients. The present study aimed to develop models for predicting postoperative outcomes among skull base meningioma patients, specifically prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS), nonroutine discharge disposition, and high hospital charges. We also validated the predictive performance of our models on out-of-sample testing data.

Methods Patients who underwent skull base meningioma surgery between 2016 and 2019 at an academic institution were included in our study. Prolonged hospital LOS and high hospital charges were defined as >4 days and >$47,887, respectively. Elastic net logistic regression algorithms were trained to predict postoperative outcomes using 70% of available data, and their predictive performance was evaluated on the remaining 30%.

Results A total of 265 patients were included in our final analysis. Our cohort was majority female (77.7%) and Caucasian (63.4%). Elastic net logistic regression algorithms predicting prolonged LOS, nonroutine discharge, and high hospital charges achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.798, 0.752, and 0.592, respectively. Further, all models were adequately calibrated as determined by the Spiegelhalter Z-test (p >0.05).

Conclusion Our study developed models predicting prolonged hospital LOS, nonroutine discharge disposition, and high hospital charges among skull base meningioma patients. Our models highlight the utility of ML as a tool to aid skull base surgeons in providing high-value health care and optimizing clinical workflows.
Flap to Mastectomy Mass: Are Higher Ratios Associated with Greater Breast Reconstruction Satisfaction?
Authors: Long Aaron S. , Ching Ann H. , Hauc Sacha C. , Mozaffari Mohammad Ali , Junn Adam H. , Rivera Jean Carlo , Almeida Mariana N. , Alper David P. , Allam Omar , Alperovich Michael
Published: June 2022

Background Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with superior patient-reported outcomes compared with prosthetic techniques, but little is known about the relationship between autologous flap mass and patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that a higher differential mass (ratio of flap mass to mastectomy mass) would be associated with greater satisfaction with reconstruction.

Methods In this retrospective study, patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2015 and 2020 with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap completed the BREAST-Q survey. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between differential mass and patient satisfaction. Models controlled for body mass index (BMI), age at surgery, reconstruction size preference, number of surgeries, previous surgery failure, whether the patient underwent radiation therapy, and whether reconstruction was unilateral or bilateral.

Results Overall, 45 patients (70 breasts) completed the BREAST-Q survey. Mean age at reconstruction was 52.2 years and mean time to survey completion following surgery was 21.1 months. Most patients (59.4%) desired a smaller breast after reconstruction. The mean differential mass was +26.3% (flap mass greater than mastectomy mass). Differential mass was positively associated with all satisfaction measures with results being significant for satisfaction with breasts scores (p=0.032).

Conclusion In this preliminary study, a higher ratio of autologous flap mass to mastectomy mass was associated with overall higher patient-reported satisfaction. A 1:1 flap to mastectomy mass ratio may not adequately reapproximate desired breast size or shape. Larger autologous flap mass may be favorable for long-term patient satisfaction, and future studies should investigate the relationship between differential mass and breast esthetics.
The Optimal Cesarean Skin Incision in Patients with Super Obesity
Authors: Seif Karl E. , Goetzinger Katherine R. , Turan Ozhan M.
Published: June 2022

Objective This study aimed to evaluate if supraumbilical midline vertical incision performed in patients with a hanging pannus (umbilicus at the level of the pubic bone) is a reasonable alternative to the Pfannenstiel in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m2 undergoing cesarean delivery.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 undergoing cesarean delivery at a single center from 2016 to 2020. Study groups were Pfannenstiel's versus supraumbilical vertical skin incision. If patients had a hanging pannus (umbilicus at the level of the pubic bone), vertical incisions were performed. Otherwise, Pfannenstiel's incision was performed. Decision for the incision was made prospectively. Primary outcome was a composite of need for blood transfusion, presence of immediate surgical complications, and presence of delayed surgical complications. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome, the median surgical blood loss, total operative time, time from skin incision to delivery of neonate, hysterotomy type, and neonatal outcomes. MedCalc 19.5.1 was used for analysis.

Results A total of 103 patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 were included. Of those, 68 (66%) had Pfannenstiel's and 35 (34%) had supraumbilical vertical incisions. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the primary outcome (12 vs. 11%, p = 0.96). There was neither significant difference in immediate or delayed postoperative complications nor in neonatal outcomes. However, patients in the vertical midline incision group were more likely to have a classical hysterotomy (52%) compared with the Pfannenstiel group (6%; p < 0.05), increased overall median surgical blood loss (1,000 vs. 835 mL, p < 0.05), and increased total surgical time by a median of 30 minutes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion In patients with super obesity and hanging pannus, performing a supraumbilical vertical midline incision offers a reasonable alternative to Pfannenstiel's incision, but patients should be counseled about the increased risk for classical hysterotomy and implications in future pregnancies.

Key Points
A Comprehensive Research Schema for the Characterization of Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Alslaim Hossam , Sanampudi Sreeja , Raissi Driss , Fu Weibo , Behr Amanda Y. , Issa Mohamed , Sheppard Mary B. , Weintraub Neal L. , Winkler Michael
Published: June 2022

A robust, accurate, and standardized approach to measurement of the aorta is critical to improve the predictive accuracy of these aortic measurements, and to investigate other aortic imaging biomarkers. Developing a comprehensive and generic schema for characterization of the aorta to enable investigators to standardize data that are collected across all aorta research. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify and assess schemata of aortic measurement and description. The schemata were reported and discussed to guide the synthesis of a comprehensive schema. We propose the International College of Angiology Aortic Research Schema as a comprehensive design that fills the gaps left behind by previously reported schemata. It is intended to be applicable for all clinically relevant purposes, including endograft development for aneurysm repair and for the accurate characterization of the aortic anatomy. This schema divides the aorta into 14 segments and 2 sections (thoracic and abdominal aortas). The segmentation proposed can be used in addition to specific measurements taken for any aneurysm including the neck, and maximal and minimal diameters of the aneurysm.
Midsectional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of the Sigmoid Notch of the Distal Radioulnar Joint
Authors: Mauler Flavien , Boudabbous Sana , Beaulieu Jean-Yves
Published: June 2022

Purpose This study describes the anatomy and analyzes the variations of the midsectional morphology of the sigmoid notch.

Methods The wrists of 50 patients with suspected scaphoid fracture were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sigmoid notch length, volar and dorsal rim heights, insertion length of the volar radioulnar ligament, and Tolat morphology classification were measured on T1-weighted axial plane MRI. Ulnar variance and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) inclination were assessed on anteroposterior radiographs.

Results The most common sigmoid notch shapes were types C (C-shaped, 60%) and B (ski-slope, 30%), followed by types D (S-shaped, 6%) and A (flat, 4%). Types A and B had a flat dorsal rim (mean 0.77 ± 1.09 mm, range 0.0–1.54 mm, and mean 0.22 ± 0.3 mm, range 0.0–0.76 mm, respectively). Types C and D had more prominent dorsal rims (means 1.47 ± 0.59 mm, range 0.66–2.57 mm, and mean 1.6 ± 0.97 mm, range 0.8–2.68 mm, respectively). The average volar lip length was 1.60 ± 1.11 mm (range, 0.0–4.10). The dorsovolar length of the radius was 18.4 ± 2.01 mm; the length of the sigmoid notch was 14.3 ± 1.73 mm. The type of sigmoid notch according to Tolat was significantly associated with volar lip length (p = 0.005). The type of sigmoid notch was not associated with ulnar variance or DRUJ inclination. The length of the sigmoid notch was significantly associated with the type of sigmoid notch (p = 0.005). The analysis demonstrated a negative association between the sigmoid notch length and the volar insertion of the radioulnar ligament (p = 0.019).

Conclusions The transversal morphology of the sigmoid notch was either flat with the least congruence (similar to type A of Tolat), with volar congruence only (similar to type B), or with volar and dorsal congruence (similar to types C and D). A shorter sigmoid notch may be compensated by a broader insertion of the volar radioulnar ligament.

Clinical Relevance The measurements and correlations demonstrated in this study can be a guide when considering reconstructive procedures or dealing with the instability of the DRUJ.
Precession resonance of Rossby wave triads and the generation of low-frequency atmospheric oscillations
Authors: Raphaldini B. , Peixoto P. S. , Teruya A. S. W. , Raupp C. F. M. , Bustamante M. D.
Published: June 2022

The dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere is characterized by a wide spectrum of oscillations, ranging from hourly to interdecadal and beyond. The low-frequency component of the atmospheric variability cannot be understood solely in terms of linear atmospheric waves that have shorter timescales. A newly proposed mechanism, the precession resonance mechanism, is a regime of highly efficient energy transfer in the spectral space in turbulent systems. Here, we investigate the role of the precession resonance, and the alignment of dynamical phases, in the generation of low-frequency oscillations and the redistribution of energy/enstrophy in the spectral space using the barotropic vorticity equation. First, the mechanism and its ability to generate low-frequency oscillations are demonstrated in low-order models consisting of four and five nonlinearly interacting Rossby–Haurwitz waves. The precession resonance onset is also investigated in the full barotropic vorticity equation, and the results are in agreement with the reduced models. Efficiency peaks in the energy/enstrophy transfer also correspond to regimes of strong excitation of low-frequency oscillations. The results suggest that the organization of the dynamical phases plays a key role in the redistribution of energy in the spectral space, as well as the generation of low frequencies in the barotropic vorticity equation.
On the role played by extensional viscosity in peristaltic transport of circular solid particles suspended in Oldroyd-B liquids
Authors: Pourjafar-Chelikdani M. , Taghilou B. , Khabazi N. P. , Mahdavi Nejad A. , Sadeghy K.
Published: June 2022

The efficiency of the peristalsis mechanism is numerically investigated for the transport of circular solid particles suspended in viscoelastic liquids obeying the Oldroyd-B model. Having modeled the solid particle as a viscoplastic droplet obeying the bi-viscous model, we have relied on the finite-element method for solving the equations of motion (at low Reynolds numbers) for the carrier liquid and the viscoplastic droplet. Viscoelasticity of the carrier liquid is predicted to impede the particle's peristaltic transport with its severity depending on the Deborah number, the size of the particle, and the wave parameters. The obtained numerical results suggest that, when suspended in viscoelastic liquids, smaller-sized particles are more suitable for peristaltic drive. It is also predicted that at a critical Deborah number around unity, particles that are too large might exhibit a sudden drop in their transport velocity. We have interpreted the hampering effect of elasticity in terms of the extensional viscosity and the strain-hardening behavior of the carrier liquid, which is shown to be controlled by the Deborah number, the size of the particle, and the wave parameters.