bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bivariate reliability analysis for floating wind turbines
Authors: Gaidai Oleg , Yakimov Vladimir , Wang Fang , Sun Jiayao , Wang Kelin
Published: February 2024

Wind turbines are designed to withstand extreme wind- and wave-induced loads, hence a reliability study is vital. This study presents a bivariate reliability approach, suitable for accurate assessment of critical forces and moments, occurring within the wind turbine’s critical mechanical parts, such as the drivetrain. A ecently developed bivariate modified Weibull method has been utilized in this study. Multivariate statistical analysis is more appropriate than a univariate one, as it accounts for cross-correlations between different system components. This study employed a bivariate modified Weibull method to estimate extreme operational loads acting on a 10-mega watt (MW) semi-submersible type floating wind turbine (FWT). Longitudinal, bending, twisting, and cyclic loads being among typical load types that FWTs and associated parts are susceptible to. Furthermore, environmental loads acting on an operating FWT being impacted by incoming wind’s stochastic behavior in terms of wind speed, direction, shear, vorticity, necessitates accurate nonlinear extreme load analysis for FWT critical parts such as the drivetrain. Appropriate numerical methods were used in this study to model dynamic, structural, aerodynamic, and control aspects of the FWT system. Bending moments acting on the FWT drivetrain have been obtained from SIMPACK (Multibody Simulation Method), given realistic in-situ environmental conditions. For a 5-year return period of interest, a bivariate modified Weibull method offered robust assessment of FWT’s coupled drivetrain’s bending moments.
Big data analysis and evaluation for vitality factors of public space of regenerated industrial heritage in Luoyang
Authors: Ye Ping , Kweon Jihoon , He Jie
Published: February 2024

The regeneration of idle industrial heritage buildings needs to take into account many factors such as history, science, art, and social aspects. Current research on industrial heritage regeneration

has not developed quantitative research in each factor of assessment, and cannot provide clear guidance and program reference for industrial building regeneration weighting ratios. In this study, we put forward a spatial vitality factor range prediction method based on big data analysis for the regeneration of an industrial heritage public space in Luoyang, aiming to establish a model for the regeneration of industrial heritage abandoned industrial buildings and to provide implementation and regeneration planning. The specific evaluation process and regeneration evaluation design scheme based on Luoyang’s industrial heritage were restored. The weights and percentages of the key domain indicators and branch indicators of the idle industrial building regeneration model were predicted, which provided clear guidance and reference for the planning of regeneration of public spaces of industrial heritage. The prediction accuracy of each key assessment factor was maintained above 90%, and the sequential ranking result of the assessment factors was given. The spatial regeneration prediction scheme provided an effective guide and indicator reference for the case design, highlighting the effectiveness of our approach.
Moving towards One Health surveillance of antibiotic resistance in France: a semi-quantitative evaluation of the level of collaboration within the national surveillance system
Authors: Collineau Lucie , Rousset Léo , Colomb-Cotinat Mélanie , Bordier Marion , Bourely Clémence
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Collaboration between surveillance programmes is the keystone of One Health surveillance and international organizations call for integrated surveillance systems to manage antibiotic resistance (ABR). In France, the ABR surveillance system covers human, animal, food and the environment sectors, but appears to be fragmented, questioning its level of integration. This study aimed to evaluate collaboration within this system and to formulate recommendations towards more integration.

Methods

ECoSur, a semi-quantitative tool, was used to evaluate collaboration between surveillance programmes. A total of 31 attributes were evaluated using information from the literature and 52 interviews with surveillance actors from all four sectors. Evaluation results were visualized via three output figures displaying aspects related to governance and functionality of collaboration. Results were validated by an expert committee.

Results

Overall, the French collaborative strategy for ABR surveillance was well formalized and relevant to its objectives. However, a cross-sectoral coordination body was lacking to help with its practical implementation. The environmental sector was largely uncovered, but its integration appeared necessary to meet the strategy objectives. Data sharing and joint data analyses between programmes were insufficient, mainly due to limited resources and data interoperability issues. Collaboration was operational for internal and external communication of the results. Twelve recommendations were suggested to decision makers to foster collaboration within the French surveillance system and feed future strategies against ABR.

Conclusions

This first evaluation of collaboration within the French ABR surveillance system produced concrete recommendations to move towards One Health integrated surveillance. Both the approach and the findings could be of interest to other countries.
The Acute Effect of Chamomile Intake on Blood Coagulation Tests in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Kimura Reona , Schwartz Jonathon A , Romeiser Jamie L , Senzel Lisa , Galanakis Dennis , Halper Darcy , Bennett-Guerrero Elliott
Published: February 2024

Background

Chamomile administration may have desirable effects in the perioperative setting. Current practice, however, discourages perioperative chamomile use due to a theoretical increase in bleeding. Therefore, we evaluated if chamomile acutely (within 4 h of ingestion) prolongs coagulation assays.

Methods

Eight healthy volunteers were randomized to receive 2 interventions in a crossover design: (a) single dose of chamomile extract capsule (500 mg) and (b) single dose of chamomile tea (3 g in 150 mL water). Interventions were separated at least 3 days apart from each other. Blood was sampled pre-ingestion, 2 h post-ingestion, and 4 h post-ingestion for each intervention. The primary outcome was the maximal change in prothrombin time (PT) before vs after each intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, reptilase time, and fibrinogen levels.

Results

All 8 subjects completed the study. The average pre-ingestion PT values for tea and capsules were 11.9 (1.1) s and 12.0 (0.9) s, respectively. Tea significantly increased the average maximum PT by 0.7 (0.2) s (P = 0.0078). Extract capsules increased the maximum PT by 0.3 (0.2) s (P = 0.06). Neither PT prolongation met the predefined 10% threshold for clinical significance. No significant changes in secondary outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

Chamomile tea ingestion prolongs PT. However, the clinical significance of this is unclear at this time and warrants further investigation.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT05272475.
Are active and passive social media use related to mental health, wellbeing, and social support outcomes? A meta-analysis of 141 studies
Authors: Godard Rebecca , Holtzman Susan
Published: February 2024

The relationships between active (e.g., creating content) and passive (e.g., scrolling) social media (SM) use (SMU) and mental health, wellbeing, and social support outcomes have received significant attention, yet findings have been mixed. We conducted a meta-analysis of 141 studies (N ≈ 145,000) containing 897 effect sizes (ESs) between active and passive SMU and 13 outcomes. Most ESs were negligible (|r| < .10), with the exception of between-person associations for active SMU and greater online support (r = .34), wellbeing (r = .15), positive affect (r = .11), and symptoms of anxiety (r = .12), and passive SMU and greater online support (r = .15). Moderator analyses revealed that passive use was associated with worse emotional outcomes in general SM contexts, but not in the context of SM groups. User age also emerged as an important contextual factor. Implications for future research, theory development, and healthy SMU are discussed.
Parasite evolution of host manipulation strategies with fluctuating ecological dynamics
Authors: Oliver Megan Grace , Best Alex
Published: February 2024

Trophically transmitted parasites often infect an intermediate prey host and manipulate their behaviour to make predation more likely, thus facilitating parasite transmission to the definitive host. However, it is unclear when such a manipulation strategy should be expected to evolve. We develop the first evolutionary invasion model to explore the evolution of manipulation strategies that are in a trade-off with parasite production of free-living spores. We find that the size of the susceptible prey population together with the threat of predation drives manipulation evolution. We find that it is only when the susceptible prey population is large and the threat of predation is relatively small that selection favours manipulation strategies over spore production. We also confirm that the system exhibits cyclic population dynamics, and this can influence the qualitative direction of selection.
Inexact augmented Lagrangian method-based full-waveform inversion with randomized singular value decomposition
Authors: Li Jiahang , Mikada Hitoshi , Takekawa Junichi
Published: February 2024

The main advantage of full-waveform inversion (FWI) is the ability to obtain useful subsurface structure information, such as velocity and density, from complex seismic data. We have developed a novel inversion algorithm to improve the capability of FWI to achieve high-resolution imaging, even under complex conditions caused by random noise contamination, initial model dependence, or the selection of parameters to be estimated. Our algorithm considers an effective image processing and dimension reduction tool, randomized singular value decomposition-weighted truncated nuclear norm regularization, for embedding FWI to achieve high-resolution imaging results. This algorithm obtains a truncated matrix approximating the original matrix by reducing the rank of the velocity increment matrix, thus achieving the truncation of noisy data, with the truncation range controlled by weighted truncated nuclear norm regularization. Subsequently, we employ an inexact augmented Lagrangian method algorithm in the optimization to compress the solution space range, thus relaxing the dependence of FWI and randomized singular value decomposition-weighted truncated nuclear norm regularization on the initial model and accelerating the convergence rate of the objective function. We tested on one set of synthetic data, and the results show that, compared with traditional FWI, our method can more effectively suppress the impact of random noise, thus obtaining higher resolution and more accurate subsurface model information. This work indicates that the combination of randomized singular value decomposition-weighted truncated nuclear norm regularization and FWI is an effective imaging strategy that can help to solve the challenges faced by traditional FWI.
Unfair competition in the Arab world: a remedy completing IP limits?
Authors: El Khoury Pierre
Published: February 2024

Some Arab countries incorporate unfair competition clauses within their IP laws, while others address these issues through separate legal frameworks, adding complexity to the legal landscape. The crucial distinction between clauses filling gaps in IP laws and the broader concept of unfair competition is vital for establishing a clear and comprehensive legal environment conducive to sustained innovation and equitable business practices. Fortifying IP protection and safeguards against unfair competition in the Arab region can unlock the full potential of its innovation narrative. This approach fosters an environment where creativity thrives, securely anchored in legal principles. Viewing unfair competition rules not as replacements but as complementary measures enhances overall protection. By aligning these rules with the ongoing wave of innovation, the Arab world can establish a framework that not only attracts talents but also ensures a harmonious balance between fostering creativity and safeguarding IP rights. This presents a promising avenue for the collective pursuit of progress and prosperity in the region.
Seven-year prospective study on yearly incidence of Orbivirus infection of captive white-tailed deer and potential Culicoides vectors
Authors: Becker Michael , Gentry Glen , Husseneder Claudia , Foil Lane
Published: February 2024

Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) are arthropod-borne viruses that are transmitted by biting midges in the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and can cause hemorrhagic disease in certain ruminants. The objectives of this study were to measure the incidence of BTV and EHDV infections in captive white-tailed deer herd as well as tissues and corresponding presence of Culicoides midges at a location near Clinton, LA. During a 7-yr study with yearly outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease in the deer herd, 15 species of Culicoides were captured using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) black light traps. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen for BTV and EHDV in pools of midges and tissues of deer. From 2012 to 2018, 1,711 pools of midges representing 24,859 specimens were tested, and specimens from 5 of the 15 collected species (Culicoides debilipalpis, Culicoides stellifer, Culicoides venustus, Culicoides haematopotus, and Culicoides crepuscularis) were found to be PCR positive for BTV and EHDV. Most of the BTV-positive pools of biting midges were from specimens of C. debilipalpis and C. stellifer, and most of the EHDV-positive pools were from specimens of C. venustus and C. stellifer. During the 7-yr period, 112 white-tailed deer that died at the study location were PCR positive for BTV or EHDV: detected BTV serotypes were 10 and 12 and EHDV serotypes were 1, 2, and 6. There was a significant increase in BTV/EHDV antibody prevalence in white-tailed deer during the study; antibody-positive rates increased from 15% to 78% in the deer herd of approximately 100 animals.
Something is off-base with this title: P esteems, statical significance and more slapdash stats
Authors: Barnett Adrian , White Nicole
Published: February 2024

Shoddy research, lack of checks and a “publish or perish” culture are damaging science – and nightmarish statistical blunders are part of the problem, as Adrian Barnett and Nicole White explain
Can statisticians help promote health equity?
Authors: Sunil Rao J
Published: February 2024

J. Sunil Rao looks at why statisticians and data scientists around the world should play in health disparity researchers’ backyard – respectfully and collaboratively
Will Bazball finally knock its critics for six?
Authors: Newans Tim , Drovandi Christopher
Published: February 2024

“Bazball” describes an aggressive, high-risk, high-reward style of cricket. But is it even a tangible phenomenon? And is it likely to improve the England men's team's chances on their Test tour of India in February 2024? Tim Newans and Christopher Drovandi offer some statistical speculation
Examining the Intersection of Strategic Thinking and Continuous Process Improvement Through the Lens of Military Medical Education to Build a Novel Model
Authors: Lazarus Melanie M , Bush Ruth L , McNeil Sara
Published: February 2024

In 2020, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine hired its first civilian dean since its founding in 1918, tasked with building the school’s first strategic plan to modernize and improve the institution. Using a combination of military continuous process improvement and academic strategic thinking, the dean produced a highly successful strategic plan. However, its resource-heavy and time-consuming methodology made it difficult to replicate. This study aimed to create a novel and streamlined strategic planning model that combined best practices from continuous process improvement and strategic thinking without redundancy. A qualitative descriptive case study was used to analyze the detailed efforts through content analysis of 150 pages of documentation. A hybrid approach to coding uncovered 44 deductive codes and 5 inductive codes from 10 strategic tools. Results indicated a converging relationship between all strategic processes tested—strategic planning, strategic thinking, and continuous process improvement and their associated tools. A five-step model called the Triple “O” OODA Loop was created, combining best practice tools from strategic planning (purpose trident and SWOT analysis or strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), strategic thinking (Hot Spots scale and GOST framework or goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics) and continuous process improvement (phases 6–8).
Validating the sub-burst slope law: a comprehensive multisource spectro-temporal analysis of repeating fast radio bursts
Authors: Brown Katie , Chamma Mohammed A , Rajabi Fereshteh , Kumar Aishwarya , Rajabi Hosein , Houde Martin
Published: February 2024

We conduct a comprehensive spectro-temporal analysis of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) utilizing nine distinct sources, the largest sample to date. Our data set includes 175 sub-bursts and 31 multicomponent bursts from 11 data sets, with centre frequencies ranging from 149 to 7144  MHz and durations spanning from 73 µs to 13 ms. Our findings are consistent with the predictions of the triggered relativistic dynamical model (TRDM) of FRB emission. We affirm the predicted quadratic relationship between sub-burst slope and central frequency, as well as a linear dependence of the sub-burst bandwidth on central frequency that is consistent with mildly relativistic Doppler broadening of narrow-band emission. Most importantly, we confirm the sub-burst slope law, a predicted inverse relationship between sub-burst slope and duration, to hold consistently across different sources. Remarkably, we also discover that the drift rates of multicomponent bursts follow the same law as the sub-burst slopes, an unexplained result that warrants further investigation. These findings not only support the TRDM as a viable framework for explaining several aspects of FRB emission, but also provide new insights into the complex spectro-temporal properties of FRBs.
Optimization of FFPE preparation and identification of gene attributes associated with RNA degradation
Authors: Lin Yu , Dong Zhou-Huan , Ye Ting-Yue , Yang Jing-Min , Xie Mei , Luo Jian-Cheng , Gao Jie , Guo An-Yuan
Published: February 2024

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are widely available specimens for clinical studies. However, RNA degradation in FFPE tissues often restricts their utility. In this study, we determined optimal FFPE preparation conditions, including tissue ischemia at 4°C (<48 h) or 25°C for a short time (0.5 h), 48-h fixation at 25°C and sampling from FFPE scrolls instead of sections. Notably, we observed an increase in intronic reads and a significant change in gene rank based on expression level in the FFPE as opposed to fresh-frozen (FF) samples. Additionally, we found that more reads were mapped to genes associated with chemical stimulus in FFPE samples. Furthermore, we demonstrated that more degraded genes in FFPE samples were enriched in genes with short transcripts and high free energy. Besides, we found 40 housekeeping genes exhibited stable expression in FF and FFPE samples across various tissues. Moreover, our study showed that FFPE samples yielded comparable results to FF samples in dimensionality reduction and pathway analyses between case and control samples. Our study established the optimal conditions for FFPE preparation and identified gene attributes associated with degradation, which would provide useful clues for the utility of FFPE tissues in clinical practice and research.
NovelEGFRmutations in diffuse midline gliomas using cost-effective strategies: A report of 2 cases
Authors: Dandapath Iman , Sahu Saumya , Bhardwaj Supriya , Mohan Trishala , Chakraborty Rituparna , Singh Jyotsna , Singh Swati , Garg Ajay , Gupta Deepak , Sharma Mehar C , Suri Vaishali
Published: February 2024

Background

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are malignant tumors predominantly affecting children, often leading to poor outcomes. The 2021 World Health Organization classification identifies 3 subtypes of DMGs, all characterized by the loss of H3K27 trimethylation. Here, we report 2 cases of DMG with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations within exon 20, contributing to the understanding of the molecular complexity of these pediatric brain tumors.

Methods

An economical immunohistochemical panel was designed to aid in the diagnosis of most DMGs in resource-constrained regions. Sanger sequencing was employed to identify rare EGFR mutations in exon 20 of 2 cases.

Results

Molecular analyses of 2 cases of DMG revealed novel EGFR mutations within exon 20. These mutations were identified using cost-effective diagnostic approaches. The presence of EGFR mutations expands the molecular landscape of DMGs and highlights the genetic heterogeneity within this tumor entity.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the molecular heterogeneity of DMGs and the significance of identifying novel mutations, such as EGFR mutations in exon 20. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying DMGs is warranted to advance therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for pediatric patients.
An Emergent Change in Epidemiologic and Microbiological Characteristics of Bloodstream Infections in Adults With Febrile Neutropenia Resulting From Chemotherapy for Acute Leukemia and Lymphoma at Reference Centers in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Authors: Rabagliati Ricardo , Salazar Grace , Pérez-Lazo Giancarlo , Iturrieta Maria Paz , Portillo Diana , Soria-Segarra Carmen , Ojeda María José , Flores Jimena , Galarza Margarita , Sandoval-Ahumada Roxana , Cartes Aguilera Pablo , Dimitrakis Lady , Avelga Reinoso Fabiola , Garcia Patricia
Published: February 2024

Background

Febrile neutropenia is a life-threatening condition commonly observed in patients with hematologic malignancies. The aim of this article is to provide updated knowledge about bloodstream infections in febrile neutropenia episodes within the Andean region of Latin America.

Method

This retrospective study was based in 6 hospitals in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru and included adult patients with acute leukemia or lymphoma and febrile neutropenia between January 2019 and December 2020.

Results

Of the 416 febrile neutropenia episodes, 38.7% had a bloodstream infection, 86% of which were caused by gram-negative rods, with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most frequently identified bacteria. K pneumoniae isolates were more frequently resistant than E coli to cefotaxime (65% vs 39.6%), piperacillin-tazobactam (56.7% vs 27.1%), and imipenem (35% vs 2.1%) and were more frequently multidrug resistant (61.7% vs 12.5%). Among P aeruginosa, 26.7% were resistant to ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and imipenem, and 23.3% were multidrug resistant. Overall 30-day mortality was 19.8%, being higher with vs without a bloodstream infection (26.7% vs 15.3%, P = .005). Fever duration was also significantly longer, as well as periods of neutropenia and length of hospital stay for patients with bloodstream infection. Additionally, the 30-day mortality rate was higher for episodes with inappropriate vs appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (41.2% vs 26.6%, P = .139).

Conclusions

Considering the high rates of bacteria-resistant infection and 30-day mortality, it is imperative to establish strategies that reduce the frequency of bloodstream infections, increasing early identification of patients at higher risks of multidrug bacteria resistance, and updating existing empirical antibiotic recommendations.
Rice false smut virulence protein subverts host chitin perception and signaling at lemma and palea for floral infection
Authors: Li Guo-Bang , Liu Jie , He Jia-Xue , Li Gao-Meng , Zhao Ya-Dan , Liu Xiao-Ling , Hu Xiao-Hong , Zhang Xin , Wu Jin-Long , Shen Shuai , Liu Xin-Xian , Zhu Yong , He Feng , Gao Han , Wang He , Zhao Jing-Hao , Li Yan , Huang Fu , Huang Yan-Yan , Zhao Zhi-Xue , Zhang Ji-Wei , Zhou Shi-Xin , Ji Yun-Peng , Pu Mei , He Min , Chen Xuewei , Wang Jing , Li Weitao , Wu Xian-Jun , Ning Yuese , Sun Wenxian , Xu Zheng-Jun , Wang Wen-Ming , Fan Jing
Published: February 2024

The flower-infecting fungus Ustilaginoidea virens causes rice false smut, which is a severe emerging disease threatening rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. False smut not only reduces yield, but more importantly produces toxins on grains, posing a great threat to food safety. U. virens invades spikelets via the gap between the 2 bracts (lemma and palea) enclosing the floret and specifically infects the stamen and pistil. Molecular mechanisms for the U. virens–rice interaction are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that rice flowers predominantly employ chitin-triggered immunity against U. virens in the lemma and palea, rather than in the stamen and pistil. We identify a crucial U. virens virulence factor, named UvGH18.1, which carries glycoside hydrolase activity. Mechanistically, UvGH18.1 functions by binding to and hydrolyzing immune elicitor chitin and interacting with the chitin receptor CHITIN ELICITOR BINDING PROTEIN (OsCEBiP) and co-receptor CHITIN ELICITOR RECEPTOR KINASE1 (OsCERK1) to impair their chitin-induced dimerization, suppressing host immunity exerted at the lemma and palea for gaining access to the stamen and pistil. Conversely, pretreatment on spikelets with chitin induces a defense response in the lemma and palea, promoting resistance against U. virens. Collectively, our data uncover a mechanism for a U. virens virulence factor and the critical location of the host–pathogen interaction in flowers and provide a potential strategy to control rice false smut disease.
Nudix hydrolase 23 post-translationally regulates carotenoid biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Rao Sombir , Cao Hongbo , O’Hanna Franz Joseph , Zhou Xuesong , Lui Andy , Wrightstone Emalee , Fish Tara , Yang Yong , Thannhauser Theodore , Cheng Lailiang , Dudareva Natalia , Li Li
Published: February 2024

Carotenoids are essential for photosynthesis and photoprotection. Plants must evolve multifaceted regulatory mechanisms to control carotenoid biosynthesis. However, the regulatory mechanisms and the regulators conserved among plant species remain elusive. Phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyzes the highly regulated step of carotenogenesis and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) acts as a hub to interact with GGPP-utilizing enzymes for the synthesis of specific downstream isoprenoids. Here, we report a function of Nudix hydrolase 23 (NUDX23), a Nudix domain-containing protein, in post-translational regulation of PSY and GGPPS for carotenoid biosynthesis. NUDX23 expresses highly in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. Overexpression of NUDX23 significantly increases PSY and GGPPS protein levels and carotenoid production, whereas knockout of NUDX23 dramatically reduces their abundances and carotenoid accumulation in Arabidopsis. NUDX23 regulates carotenoid biosynthesis via direct interactions with PSY and GGPPS in chloroplasts, which enhances PSY and GGPPS protein stability in a large PSY–GGPPS enzyme complex. NUDX23 was found to co-migrate with PSY and GGPPS proteins and to be required for the enzyme complex assembly. Our findings uncover a regulatory mechanism underlying carotenoid biosynthesis in plants and offer promising genetic tools for developing carotenoid-enriched food crops.
Molecular basis and evolutionary drivers of endosperm-based hybridization barriers
Authors: Bente Heinrich , Köhler Claudia
Published: February 2024

The endosperm, a transient seed tissue, plays a pivotal role in supporting embryo growth and germination. This unique feature sets flowering plants apart from gymnosperms, marking an evolutionary innovation in the world of seed-bearing plants. Nevertheless, the importance of the endosperm extends beyond its role in providing nutrients to the developing embryo by acting as a versatile protector, preventing hybridization events between distinct species and between individuals with different ploidy. This phenomenon centers on growth and differentiation of the endosperm and the speed at which both processes unfold. Emerging studies underscore the important role played by type I MADS-box transcription factors, including the paternally expressed gene PHERES1. These factors, along with downstream signaling pathways involving auxin and abscisic acid, are instrumental in regulating endosperm development and, consequently, the establishment of hybridization barriers. Moreover, mutations in various epigenetic regulators mitigate these barriers, unveiling a complex interplay of pathways involved in their formation. In this review, we discuss the molecular underpinnings of endosperm-based hybridization barriers and their evolutionary drivers.
Remnant cholesterol traits and risk of stroke: A multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Jiang Yue , Guo Zheng , Li Pingan , Zheng Yulu , Wang Yutao , Zhang Haiping , Balmer Lois , Li Xingang , Tao Lixin , Zhang Qi , Gao Bo , Guo Xiuhua
Published: February 2024

Observational epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between remnant cholesterol and stroke. However, the results are inconclusive, and causality remains unclear due to confounding or reverse causality. Our objective in this study was to investigate the causal relevance of remnant cholesterol and the risk of stroke and its subtypes using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) including 115,082 European individuals (UK Biobank) were used to identify instruments for remnant cholesterol, including intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Summary-level data for total stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke (IS), and IS subtypes were obtained from GWAS meta-analyses conducted by the MEGASTROKE consortium. Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were performed. The GWAS identified multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms after clumping for remnant cholesterol (n = 52), IDL cholesterol (n = 62), and VLDL cholesterol (n = 67). Assessed individually using MR, remnant cholesterol (weighted median: odds ratio [OR] 1.32 per 1-SD higher trait; 95% CI: 1.04–1.67; P = 0.024) had effect estimates consistent with a higher risk of LAS-IS, driven by IDL cholesterol (OR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04–1.68; P = 0.022). In multivariable MR, IDL cholesterol (OR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10–1.93; P = 0.009) retained a robust effect on LAS-IS after controlling for VLDL cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The MR analysis did not indicate causal associations between remnant cholesterol and other stroke subtypes. This study suggests that remnant cholesterol is causally associated with the risk of LAS-IS driven by IDL cholesterol.
Predicting capillary vessel network hemodynamics in silico by machine learning
Authors: Ebrahimi Saman , Bagchi Prosenjit
Published: February 2024

Blood velocity and red blood cell (RBC) distribution profiles in a capillary vessel cross-section in the microcirculation are generally complex and do not follow Poiseuille’s parabolic or uniform pattern. Existing imaging techniques used to map large microvascular networks in vivo do not allow a direct measurement of full 3D velocity and RBC concentration profiles, although such information is needed for accurate evaluation of the physiological variables, such as the wall shear stress (WSS) and near-wall cell-free layer (CFL), that play critical roles in blood flow regulation, disease progression, angiogenesis, and hemostasis. Theoretical network flow models, often used for hemodynamic predictions in experimentally acquired images of the microvascular network, cannot provide the full 3D profiles either. In contrast, such information can be readily obtained from high-fidelity computational models that treat blood as a suspension of deformable RBCs. These models, however, are computationally expensive and not feasible for extension to the microvascular network at large spatial scales up to an organ level. To overcome such limitations, here we present machine learning (ML) models that bypass such expensive computations but provide highly accurate and full 3D profiles of the blood velocity, RBC concentration, WSS, and CFL in every vessel in the microvascular network. The ML models, which are based on artificial neural network and convolution-based U-net models, predict hemodynamic quantities that compare very well against the true data but reduce the prediction time by several orders. This study therefore paves the way for ML to make detailed and accurate hemodynamic predictions in spatially large microvascular networks at an organ-scale.
A cell-wall-modifying gene-dependent CLE26 peptide signaling confers drought resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Endo Satoshi , Fukuda Hiroo
Published: February 2024

Plants respond to various environmental stimuli in sophisticated ways. Takahashi et al. (2018) revealed that CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REIGON-related 25 (CLE25) peptide is produced in roots under drought stress and transported to shoots, where it induces abscisic acid biosynthesis, resulting in drought resistance in Arabidopsis. However, the drought-related function of the CLE26 peptide, which has the same amino acid sequence as CLE25 (except for one amino acid substitution), is still unknown. In this study, a phenotypic analysis of Arabidopsis plants under repetitive drought stress treatment indicates that CLE26 is associated with drought stress memory and promotes survival rate at the second dehydration event. Additionally, we find that a loss-of-function mutant of a cell-wall-modifying gene, XYLANASE1 (XYN1), exhibits improved resistance to drought, which is suppressed by the mutation of CLE26. XYN1 is down-regulated in response to drought in wild-type plants. A further analysis shows that the synthetic CLE26 peptide is well transported in both xyn1 and drought-pretreated wild-type plants but not in untreated wild-type plants. These results suggest a novel cell wall function in drought stress memory; short-term dehydration down-regulates XYN1 in xylem cells, leading to probable cell wall modification, which alters CLE26 peptide transport, resulting in drought resistance under subsequent long-term dehydration.
Perspectives on advancing innovation and human flourishing through a network of AI institutes
Authors: Makridis Christos A , Borkowski Andrew A , Alterovitz Gil
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential to launch a network of AI institutes within federal agencies for innovation and risk management. After providing background about changes in US economic activity and recent AI policy, we study the barriers to science and technology policy and focus on the challenge of coordination in an increasingly complex and interdependent world and how better coordination is required to manage against AI risks. We introduce the concept of a networked approach to intra-agency AI collaboration, drawing on our experience in the National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Using the NAII as a case-study, we outline a decentralized approach that allows each agency to contribute and coordinate at a local level and in the areas of greatest strength offer substantial opportunity for driving innovation.
Three Alternaria Species, Including a New Species, Causing Leaf Spot Disease of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) in China
Authors: Yan Shuang , Yu Peng , Liang Guolu , Zhang Danhua , Timko Michael P. , Guo Qigao , Wu Di
Published: February 2024

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is an economically important subtropical fruit crop in China. Field surveys conducted in different loquat orchards located in Chongqing, Sichuan, and Fujian provinces between 2017 and 2020 resulted in a collection of 56 Alternaria-like isolates from trees exhibiting symptoms of loquat leaf spot. Multigene phylogenetic analyses using seven gene regions, namely, ITS, gapdh, RPB2, tef1, Alt a 1, endoPG, and OPA10-2, showed that all the isolates belonged to the genus Alternaria, and supporting morphological analysis identified them as members of species A. alternata, A. gaisen, and A. chongqingensis sp. nov. In vitro and in vivo pathogenicity tests showed all the identified species to be pathogenic and able to cause leaf spot disease on loquat. Moreover, comprehensive phylogenetic analyses employing all combinations of the above seven gene sequences revealed the capability of Alt a 1–tef1–endoPG to provide a well-resolved gene tree for Alternaria spp. at the species level. This study adds to the current knowledge on an unknown species (A. chongqingensis sp. nov.) and is the first report of A. gaisen in loquat worldwide.
Anxiety Predicts Worse Cardiorespiratory Fitness Outcomes in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Lower Socioeconomic Status Patients
Authors: Middleton William A. , Savage Patrick D. , Khadanga Sherrie , Rengo Jason L. , Ades Philip A. , Gaalema Diann E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to show that patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have worse clinical profiles and higher rates of psychiatric difficulties and they have lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) improvements from CR than their counterparts with higher SES. Improvement in CRF during CR predicts better long-term health outcomes. Research suggests that higher anxiety impairs CRF in structured exercise regimes and is overrepresented among patients with lower SES. However, no study has determined whether this relationship holds true in CR.

Methods:

This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial to improve CR attendance among patients with lower SES. Anxiety (ASEBA ASR; Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment, Adult Self Report) and CRF measures (metabolic equivalent tasks [METspeak]) were collected prior to CR enrollment and 4 mo later. Regression was used to examine the association of anxiety with CRF at 4 mo while controlling for other demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Eight-eight participants were included in the analyses, 31% of whom had clinically significant levels of anxiety (T≥ 63). Higher anxiety significantly predicted lower exit CRF when controlling for baseline CRF, age, sex, qualifying diagnosis, and number of CR sessions attended (β=−.05, P= .04). Patients with clinically significant levels of anxiety could be expected to lose >0.65 METspeak in improvement.

Conclusions:

The results from this study suggest that anxiety, which is overrepresented in populations with lower SES, is associated with less CRF improvement across the duration of CR. The effect size was clinically meaningful and calls for future research on addressing psychological factor in CR.
Radiation Exposure Characteristics among Healthcare Workers: Before and After Japan's Ordinance Revision
Authors: Imakhanova Aiganym , Matsuda Naoki , Takamura Noboru , Oriuchi Noboru , Ito Hiroshi , Awai Kazuo , Kudo Takashi
Published: February 2024

Radioactive materials and ionizing radiation have both medical value and disease risks, necessitating radiation dose measurement and risk reduction strategies. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) lowered the lens of the eye exposure limit, leading to Japan's revised “Ionizing Radiation Ordinance.” However, the effects on radiation exposure in medical settings and compliance feasibility remain unclear. To examine the impact of the revision to the “Ionizing Radiation Ordinance” and use it for measures to reduce exposure to radiation, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on data collected from Nagasaki University Hospital, Hiroshima University Hospital, and Fukushima Medical University Hospital in 2018, 2020, and April to September 2021. This included information on age, sex, occupation, department, and monthly radiation doses of workers, aiming to assess the impact of the revision to the “Ionizing Radiation Ordinance” on radiation exposure before and after its enforcement. Out of 9,076 cases studied, 7,963 (87.7%) had radiation doses below the measurable limit throughout the year. Only 292 cases (3.2%) exceeded 1 mSv y−1, with 9 doctors and 2 radiological technologists surpassing 5 mSv y−1. Radiological technologists showed significantly higher doses compared to doctors, dentists, and nurses (p < 0.01), while male subjects had significantly higher exposure doses than females (p < 0.01). No significant changes in radiation exposure were observed before and after the revision of the Ionizing Radiation Ordinance; however, variations in radiation exposure control were noted, particularly among nurses and radiological technologists, suggesting the impact of the revision and the need for tailored countermeasures to reduce radiation dose in each group.
Comparison of Scheimpflug and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Parameters for Japanese Patients With Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy With and Without TCF4 Repeat Expansions
Authors: Maeno Sayo , Oie Yoshinori , Koto Ryota , Nishida Nozomi , Yamashita Arisa , Yoshioka Michika , Kai Chifune , Soma Takeshi , Koh Shizuka , Yoshihara Masahito , Kawasaki Ryo , Jhanji Vishal , Nakamori Masayuki , Tsujikawa Motokazu , Nishida Kohji
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cytosine–thymine–guanine trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion in TCF4 and the clinical phenotypes of corneal densitometry or anterior segment morphology in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 150 eyes from 75 Japanese consecutive patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Cytosine–thymine–guanine repeat expansion of leukocyte-derived genomic DNA was analyzed through fragment analysis using polymerase chain reaction and triplet repeat primed polymerase chain reaction. Scheimpflug-based densitometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were applied. Corneal densitometry, and corneal and anterior segment morphology parameters were compared between patients with and without TNR expansion of 50 or more (expansion and nonexpansion groups, respectively) using a mixed model.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 66.8 ± 13.0 years, and the modified Krachmer grading scale was 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 for 7, 32, 28, 51, 6, and 18 eyes, respectively. Sixteen patients (21%) exhibited ≥50 TNR expansion. No significant differences in sex, age, history of keratoplasty, modified Krachmer grade, and corneal densitometry in either diameter or depth were observed between the 2 groups. No significant differences in anterior segment morphology, including the anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle width parameters, were observed using a univariate mixed model, except for central corneal thickness (P = 0.047). However, according to the multivariate mixed model, repeat expansion was not significantly associated with central corneal thickness (P = 0.27).

Conclusions:

No significant differences in clinical phenotypes were found between Japanese patients having Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy with and without TNR expansion.
Unilateral Granular Type 2 Corneal Dystrophy With Exacerbation After LASIK
Authors: Bostan Cristina , Randleman J. Bradley
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report a case of unilateral granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) with exacerbation after bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods:

Clinical evaluation, Scheimpflug imaging, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), cytology, and genetic testing were used to confirm the diagnosis of unilateral GCD2 with exacerbation after bilateral LASIK. Detailed literature review for possible unilateral GCD2 presentations was performed.

Results:

A 54-year-old White woman presented with blurred vision in her left eye and a history of bilateral LASIK performed 8 years before. Examination revealed dense opacities in the left cornea only, which were confirmed to be confined to the LASIK interface and adjacent corneal stromal tissue, as determined by AS-OCT. The patient underwent flap lift, interface debris removal, and stromal bed phototherapeutic keratectomy. Cytological analysis showed eosinophilic corneal stromal deposits that stained with trichrome stain and were congophilic on Congo red stain. Genetic testing was positive for heterozygous GCD2 transforming growth factor β–induced gene (TGFBI), c.371G>A, p.R124H mutation. There were no opacities identifiable in the right eye on serial slit-lamp examination, Scheimpflug imaging, or OCT imaging at 4 or 8 years after bilateral LASIK. Literature review failed to identify any previous reports of unilateral GCD2.

Conclusions:

This is the first known reported case of unilateral granular corneal dystrophy type 2. LASIK is contraindicated in eyes with corneal stromal dystrophies related to mutations in TGFBI as both flap creation and laser ablation can exacerbate visually significant opacity formation. Scheimpflug and AS-OCT imaging are useful to identify opacities in GCD2.
Research progress in intratumoral heterogeneity and clinical significance of ovarian cancer
Authors: Pu Tengda , Zhang Chengyuan , Su Bingfeng , Li Li , Fu Jingjing
Published: February 2024

Intratumoral heterogeneity has been a hot topic of cancer research in recent years, which has become a part of resolving cancer metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance. Intratumoral heterogeneity shows that cells undergo different division and proliferation during the process of tumor development, and their genomic cells exist in the process of tumor development. Protein and epigenetic changes can lead to differences in proliferation, migration and invasion, sensitivity and pharmacological prognosis of tumor cells, promote sustainable development and development of cancer cells, produce greater adaptability, and lead to metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance of malignant tumors. In recent years, the molecular mechanism and clinical application of intratumoral heterogeneity have captivated widespread attention from researchers. In the era of precision medicine, oncologists attempt to improve the clinical efficacy of targeted tumor therapy via intratumoral heterogeneity. In this article, recent advances in the study of intratumoral heterogeneity, molecular mechanism of intratumoral heterogeneity, systematic evolution and quantification and clinical significance of tumor heterogeneity were reviewed.