bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dorothy Rudd Moore (1940–2022)
Authors: Wilson Miranda
Published: September 2024

The huge population size of the United States makes for a rich and diverse musical culture. Cello works by the American composers Dorothy Rudd Moore, Mark Summer, Adolphus Hailstork, and Reena Esmail display a multiplicity of styles and compositional voices in present-day America. A common theme among them is the idea of social change and music as a unifying force for good. Dirge and Deliverance, a protest work emblematic of Moore’s sympathy with the Civil Rights movement, uses musical form to depict spiritual liberation from imprisonment. Hailstork’s Theme and Variations is another kind of protest music, one that uses allusion and self-quotation to call for cross-cultural understanding. Albeit in a very different way, Esmail’s Varsha achieves the same goal by juxtaposing aspects of European-American and Indian classical musics. Another set of variations, Summer’s, introduces techniques and tone colors from uniquely American styles such as jazz and rock, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a present-day classical musician.
An Examination of Sleep as a Protective Factor for Depression and Anxiety in the Perinatal Period: Novel Causal Analyses in a Prospective Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Basu Archana , Sarvet Aaron , Chen Jarvis T , Denckla Christy , Zhu Yiwen , Koenen Karestan C
Published: September 2024

Sleep problems are common in the perinatal period. But the effects of sleep health on long-term postpartum depression and anxiety are underexamined. Using marginal structural models, we estimated the effect of sustained restful sleep quality, or adequate sleep quantity, or both, on clinically significant depression and anxiety at 23- and 32-weeks gestation, and 8-weeks, 8-, and 21-months postpartum. Women (n = 9,211) in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort reported on sleep quality (difficulty falling asleep, and early morning awakening), sleep quantity (< or > 5 hours and perceived sleep adequacy), depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and anxiety (Crown-Crisp Experiential Index). Analyses adjusted for fixed (maternal education, age, body mass index, parity, marital status, smoking) and time varying (alcohol use, psychosocial adversities, depression, anxiety or sleep problems at prior time periods) covariates. Descriptive analyses suggest that sleep alterations persist beyond the immediate postpartum period. Estimates of counterfactual prevalences of outcomes under restful sleep quality and adequate sleep suggest a reduction of the population burden of clinically significant depression between 2.4% - 5.9%, and anxiety by 3.4% - 8.0% for the time points assessed. Interventions for perinatal sleep problems may reduce clinically significant depression and anxiety.
The abuse of aged parents in the ancient Roman world
Authors: Parkin Tim
Published: September 2024

This article focuses on the limited evidence that exists for domestic abuse and violence against older individuals in the Roman world, in particular directed against parents by their offspring. Literary and legal testimony is considered, along with some discussion of skeletal evidence, and particular instances from Roman Egypt are also presented. The article considers questions of gender in this context, and also discusses the way that the evidence typically presents only one side of the picture, a side that may be distorted intentionally or mistakenly by the alleged victim.
Bitchy ladies: domestic violence against ornatrices in Latin poetry—protest femininity, toxic femininity?
Authors: Johnson Marguerite
Published: September 2024

In a revisionist historical environment in which scholars are increasingly invited to reconsider readings of classical texts from a philological perspective, or from an approach that privileges strict historicity, numerous interpretative possibilities present themselves. Working within such an environment, this study aims to delve into several literary expressions of domestic violence meted out to female slaves—explicitly, ornatrices—by female mistresses—particularly, elegiac dominae and satirical matronae—by combining the traditional methodologies of classical studies with theories of both protest femininity and toxic femininity. In so doing, it considers words and their meanings—notably the language of legalese as well as violence—and gender theories of the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century—to read domestic violence among women as a cultural dynamic underpinned by patriarchal institutions that not only institutionalize the abuse of slaves but both initiate and permit it at the hands of disempowered females.
Causal relationship between primary headache mediated by circulating cytokines and cerebral cortex structure: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zeng Na , Li Guanglu , Lin Shicheng , Yu Binyang , Yuan Jian , Duan Shaojie , Wang Gesheng , Liu Zunjing
Published: September 2024

Inflammation may be related to structural changes in the cerebral cortex. We aimed to explore whether cytokines mediate the link between these changes and primary headache. The summary statistics of genome-wide association study (GWAS) related to migraine and its subtypes, cluster headache were derived from the FinnGen Release 10 database, and tension-type headache data was from the GWAS Catalog. Ninety-one cytokines were obtained from genome-wide pQTL mapping data. GWAS data on cortical surface area (SA) and thickness (TH) came from the ENIGMA Consortium. The methods of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis included the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median. Migraine reduces the SA of paracentral[β = −1.3645, OR = 0.2555, 95%CI (0.0660, 0.9898)] by fibroblast growth factor-23(FGF-23), with an intermediate ratio (IR) of 38.13%. Migraine may reduce the TH of superior parietal[β = −0.0029, OR = 0.9971, 95%CI (0.9943, 0.9999)] by interleukin (IL)-15RA, with an absolute IR of 11.11%. Migraine without aura may reduce the TH of rostral anterior cingulate[β = −0.0005, OR = 0.9995, 95%CI (0.9991, 0.9999)] by IL-18R1, with an IR of 11.63%. FGF23 and IL-15RA are associated with reduced SA or TH in migraine, while IL-18R1 is associated with increased TH in migraine without aura.
Theoretical model for the elastic properties of cracked fluid-saturated rocks considering the crack connectivity
Authors: Wang Pu , Cui Yi-an , Li Jingye , Liu Jianxin
Published: September 2024

Cracks are a common rock microstructure and have a large effect on elastic properties during wave propagation. The fluid flow between a crack and its adjacent pore space can cause wave attenuation and dispersion. In this work, we introduce a crack connectivity parameter which is meant to improve the expression of local flow by weighting the contributions of fully connected and isolated cracks. We then update the analytical expression for frequency-dependent moduli by modifying the boundary conditions of the linearized Navier–Stokes equation and mass conservation equation. The proposed model contains the effect of cracks and stiff pores, in which the attenuation and dispersion are determined by squirt-flow and stiff-pore relaxations. The resulting model shows the squirt-flow relaxation frequency depends on not only the crack aspect ratio but also the crack connectivity. However, their contributions are different. The crack connectivity has little effect on the attenuation amplitude of shear modulus, but affects the attenuation amplitude of bulk modulus when multiple sets of cracks exist in the rock. The attenuation frequency band is also affected by the crack connectivity. As the crack connectivity deteriorates, the attenuation peak moves to low frequencies. In addition, by comparing the crack connectivity with the fluid viscosity coefficient, it is observed that the crack connectivity only affects the attenuation frequency band of cracks, whereas the fluid viscosity coefficient affects the attenuation frequency bands of cracks and stiff pores simultaneously. Thus, the introduction of crack connectivity is a supplement to the theoretical model of cracked fluid-saturated rocks. It helps understand the local fluid flow induced by seismic waves and provides a reasonable variation analysis of moduli and attenuation, especially for tight reservoirs.
Variational prior replacement in Bayesian inference and inversion
Authors: Zhao Xuebin , Curtis Andrew
Published: September 2024

Many scientific investigations require that the values of a set of model parameters are estimated using recorded data. In Bayesian inference, information from both observed data and prior knowledge is combined to update model parameters probabilistically by calculating the posterior probability distribution function. Prior information is often described by a prior probability distribution. Situations arise in which we wish to change prior information during the course of a scientific project. However, estimating the solution to any single Bayesian inference problem is often computationally costly, as it typically requires many model samples to be drawn, and the data set that would have been recorded if each sample was true must be simulated. Recalculating the Bayesian inference solution every time prior information changes can therefore be extremely expensive. We develop a mathematical formulation that allows the prior information that is embedded within a solution, to be changed using variational methods, without recalculating the original Bayesian inference. In this method, existing prior information is removed from a previously obtained posterior distribution and is replaced by new prior information. We therefore call the methodology variational prior replacement (VPR). We demonstrate VPR using a 2-D seismic full waveform inversion example, in which VPR provides similar posterior solutions to those obtained by solving independent inference problems using different prior distributions. The former can be completed within minutes on a laptop computer, whereas the latter requires days of computations using high-performance computing resources. We demonstrate the value of the method by comparing the posterior solutions obtained using three different types of prior information: uniform, smoothing and geological prior distributions.
Efficacy and safety of co-trimoxazole in device-related bone and joint infections: a CRIOGO multicentre case–control study
Authors: Lecomte Raphaël , Deschanvres Colin , Le Bourgeois Amandine , Bart Géraldine , Mahieu Rafaël , Le Moal Gwénaël , Ansart Séverine , Asseray Nathalie , Ruffier d’Epenoux Louise , Corvec Stéphane , Boutoille David ,   CRIOGO network, Abgueguen Pierre , Caubrière Marin , Lemarie Carole , Chenouard Rachel , Pailhories Hélène , Vildy Amandine , Ansart Séverine , Quaesaet Luc , Stindel Eric , Tandé Didier , Lamoureux Claudie , Greves Anaïs , Boutoille David , Lecomte Raphaël , Deschanvres Colin , Asquier-Khati Antoine , Chauveau Marie , Gaborit Benjamin , Nich Christophe , Crenn Vincent , Bémer Pascale , Corvec Stéphane , d’Epenoux Louise Ruffier , Paquin Axelle , Grégoire Matthieu , Bourigault Céline , Plantard Barbara , Cazenave-Roblot France , Moal Gwenaël Le , Pries Pierre , Plouzeau-Jayle Chloé , Thomas Céline , Arvieux Cédric , Baldeyrou Marion , Common Harold , Cattoir Vincent , Reissier Sophie , Méheut Anne , Bernard Louis , Lemaignen Adrien , Lacasse Marion , Rosset Philippe , Nail Louis-Romée Le , Lartigue Marie-Frédérique , Laplaige Isabelle , Chaufour Laura
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Co-trimoxazole could be an alternative antibiotic to treat device-related bone and joint infection (BJI) but there are few published data about its efficacy and safety in this complex scenario to treat infection. The objective was to compare the outcome of patients with device-related BJI treated with an antibiotic regimen including co-trimoxazole versus a regimen without co-trimoxazole.

Methods

This multicentre case–control study included consecutive adult patients diagnosed with device-related BJI. Each patient receiving co-trimoxazole was included in the co-trimoxazole group and was matched with two control patients, with stratification on microbial aetiology and age. The primary outcome was composite and defined by death or treatment failure during the follow-up.

Results

In this study, 150 patients were included, 50 in the co-trimoxazole group and 100 in the control group. The rate of reaching the primary endpoint was 18% in the co-trimoxazole group (9/50 cases) versus 21% in the control group (21/100) (P = 0.66). Co-trimoxazole use was not associated with an unfavourable outcome in the multivariate analysis (adjusted OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.31–2.06, P = 0.64). Although no significant difference was observed in premature discontinuation of treatment due to an adverse event between both groups (14 versus 12%, P = 0.73), treatment-related adverse events were significantly more frequently reported in patients of the co-trimoxazole group than the control group [34% (17/50) versus 18% (18/100), P = 0.03].

Conclusions

Co-trimoxazole appears to be an effective alternative for the treatment of BJI, even when it occurs on a device, but the safety profile requires close monitoring of adverse effects.
Heterologous expression of sulfur: quinone oxidoreductase (Sqr) to improve Thioalkalivibrio versutus D301 desulfurization performance
Authors: Tian Zhuang , Yu Chenxi , Li He , Song Bin , Lv Jianwei , Liu Chuang , Sun Wanting , Hu Xiao , Xiong Yixi , Liu Jinlong , Cheng Xiyu , Yang Maohua , Xing Jianmin
Published: September 2024

Aims

Heterologous expression of sulfur: quinone oxidoreductase (Sqr) from Halomonas mongoliensis JS01, which is responsible for oxidizing sulfide to elemental sulfur, in Thioalkalivibrio versutus (T. versutus) D301 improves desulfurization.

Methods and results

We expressed sqr in T. versutus D301 by conjugative transfer and then assayed its desulfurization capacity in an airlift reactor and analyzed its transcriptome at −380 mV ORP. Our findings demonstrate that the D301-sqr+ strain, utilizing sodium sulfide as a sulfur source under optimal ORP conditions (−380 mV), achieved an elemental sulfur yield of 95%. This represents an 8% increase over the T. versutus D301. Moreover, the sodium sulfide utilization rate for D301-sqr+ showed a marked improvement [0.741 vs. 0.651 mmol∙(l·h)−1], with a concurrent increase in the rate of elemental sulfur production when compared to the T. versutus D301 (0.716 vs. 0.518 mmol ∙(l·h)−1). Transcriptome analysis revealed that the flavocytochrome c (fcc) and the sox system were differentially transcriptionally down-regulated in D301-sqr+ compared with the T. versutus D301.

Conclusions

Heterologous expression of the gene sqr altered the transcription of related genes in T. versutus D301 sulfur oxidation pathway, increasing the yield of elemental sulfur and the rate of sulfur oxidation, and making D301-sqr+ more potential for industrial applications.
Elucidating the bacterial inactivation mechanism by argon cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet through spectroscopic and imaging techniques
Authors: Das Sarthak , Mohapatra Sarita , Kar Satyananda
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aims to assess the potential bacterial inactivation pathway triggered by argon (Ar) cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPJ) discharge using spectroscopic and imaging techniques.

Methods and results

Electrical and reactive species of the Ar CAPJ discharge was characterized. The chemical composition and morphology of bacteria pre- and post-CAPJ exposure were assessed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman micro-spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A greater than 6 log reduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was achieved within 60 and 120 s of CAPJ exposure, respectively. Extremely low D-values (<20 s) were recorded for both the isolates. The alterations in the FTIR spectra and Raman micro-spectra signals of post-CAPJ exposed bacteria revealed the degree of destruction at the molecular level, such as lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, bond breakages, etc. Further, TEM images of exposed bacteria indicated the incurred damages on cell morphology by CAPJ reactive species. Also, the inactivation process varied for both isolates, as evidenced by the correlation between the inactivation curve and FTIR spectra. It was observed that the identified gas-phase reactive species, such as Ar I, O I, OH•, NO+, OH+, NO2−, NO3−, etc. played a significant role in bacterial inactivation.

Conclusions

This study clearly demonstrated the effect of CAPJ exposure on bacterial cell morphology and molecular composition, illuminating potential bacterial inactivation mechanisms.
Features and prognostic significance of soluble TIM-3 and its ligands Gal-9 and CEACAM1 levels in the diagnostic bone marrow of adult acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Shi Zong-Yan , Sun Kai , Xie Dai-Hong , Wang Ya-Zhe , Jiang Hao , Jiang Qian , Huang Xiao-Jun , Qin Ya-Zhen
Published: September 2024

The prognostic significance of soluble immune checkpoint molecule TIM-3 and its ligands in the plasma has been illustrated in various solid tumors, but such study in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains absent. Soluble TIM-3, Gal-9, and CEACAM1 levels in bone marrow plasma samples collected from 90 adult AML patients at diagnosis and 12 healthy donors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and 16 AML patients were simultaneously tested cell membrane TIM-3 expression by multicolor flow cytometry. AML patients had significantly elevated soluble TIM-3 levels and similar soluble Gal-9 and CEACAM1 levels compared with healthy donors (P = 0.0003, 0.26, and 0.96, respectively). In the whole cohort, a high soluble TIM-3 level was the sole independent adverse prognostic factor for relapse-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.0060), and together with adverse European LeukemiaNet genetic risk they were independent poor prognostic factors for event-free survival (P = 0.0030 and 0.0040, respectively). A high soluble CEACAM1 level was significantly related to lower RFS (P = 0.028). In addition, a high soluble Gal-9 level had a significant association with lower RFS in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the first complete remission (P = 0.037). Furthermore, soluble TIM-3 level tended to have positive correlation with the percentage of nonblast myeloid TIM-3+ cells in nucleated cells in AML (r = 0.48, P = 0.073). Therefore, the high soluble TIM-3 level in the diagnostic BM plasma predicted poor outcome in adult AML patients, and a high sGal-9 level was associated with relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
When Polanyi Met Competition Policy: Market Fundamentalism, Crisis, and Reform in The 21ST Century
Authors: Sadami Arthur , dos Santos Mateus Bernardes
Published: September 2024

Karl Polanyi and his analytical framework in economic sociology remain overlooked by competition policy scholarship. Notably, the concept of “embeddedness”, central to Polanyi’s contribution, offers a valuable perspective to trace the development of this regulatory mechanism over time. The social and political concerns of an emerging industrial society marked the birth of competition policy as a device for embedding the early 20th-century market economy. However, in the following decades, new market fundamentalist narratives disembedded markets, with competition policy contributing to this process by deviating from its non-market origins. Today, this governance tool faces the challenges of 21st-century civilization, with the celebrated consensus on its principles long lost. New social and political concerns arising from market power demand the re-embedment of markets through competition. This article explores this Polanyian dynamic of embeddedness-disembeddedness-re-embeddedness by reframing the history of competition policy in different institutional realities—the United States, the EU, and Brazil. It also discusses how diverse institutional conditions shaped alternative responses towards market fundamentalism throughout the past century. The revival of Polanyi’s ideas not only helps us understand how we arrived here but also provides important insights into the inevitable role that “non-market” dimensions play in the reform agenda currently surrounding competition policy.
Gastrointestinal bleeding caused by splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in chronic pancreatitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Chenyao , Zhu Qingliang , Zhang Hailong , Wang Zhongqiong
Published: September 2024

Pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery is a rare vascular complication of chronic pancreatitis, with a high mortality rate. Haemorrhage and abdominal pain are the most common manifestations, and so far there are no literature reviews on the rare complication of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm due to chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, we describe a male patient with worsening haemochezia and upper abdominal pain, who had been hospitalized repeatedly for ‘pancreatitis’ 1 year ago, and relevant investigations confirmed a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery, which was successfully treated by transarterial embolization, and a literature review is also presented.
A rare case of superior mesenteric venous and portal vein thrombosis in complicated appendicitis
Authors: Bustamante John Paul , Caplan Claire , Sajdlowska Joanna , Hooda Zamaan , Warta Melissa
Published: September 2024

Superior mesenteric venous (SMV) thrombosis is a rare complication of severe appendicitis. Early recognition is due to improved imaging modalities, which ultimately lead to more prompt intervention. Despite being an uncommon phenomenon, SMV thrombosis can have complications stemming from venous hypertension, such as gastric and esophageal varices, bowel ischemia, sepsis, and death. As this is a rare phenomenon, specific treatment guidelines and algorithms are lacking in the current literature. This case report describes a 23-year-old male patient whose recovery from a laparoscopic appendectomy was complicated with both an SMV and portal vein thrombosis.
Does the response of Rubisco and photosynthesis to elevated [CO2] change with unfavourable environmental conditions?
Authors: Ancín María , Gámez Angie L , Jauregui Ivan , Galmes Jeroni , Sharwood Robert E , Erice Gorka , Ainsworth Elizabeth A , Tissue David T , Sanz-Sáez Alvaro , Aranjuelo Iker
Published: September 2024

Climate change due to anthropogenic CO2 emissions affects plant performance globally. To improve crop resilience, we need to understand the effects of elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) on CO2 assimilation and Rubisco biochemistry. However, the interactive effects of e[CO2] and abiotic stress are especially unclear. This study examined the CO2 effect on photosynthetic capacity under different water availability and temperature conditions in 42 different crop species, varying in functional group, photosynthetic pathway, and phenological stage. We analysed close to 3000 data points extracted from 120 published papers. For C3 species, e[CO2] increased net photosynthesis and intercellular [CO2], while reducing stomatal conductance and transpiration. Maximum carboxylation rate and Rubisco in vitro extractable maximal activity and content also decreased with e[CO2] in C3 species, while C4 crops are less responsive to e[CO2]. The interaction with drought and/or heat stress did not significantly alter these photosynthetic responses, indicating that the photosynthetic capacity of stressed plants responded to e[CO2]. Moreover, e[CO2] had a strong effect on the photosynthetic capacity of grasses mainly in the final stages of development. This study provides insight into the intricate interactions within the plant photosynthetic apparatus under the influence of climate change, enhancing the understanding of mechanisms governing plant responses to environmental parameters.
Towards a universal analytical model for Population III star formation: interplay between feedback and fragmentation
Authors: Liu Boyuan , Gurian James , Inayoshi Kohei , Hirano Shingo , Hosokawa Takashi , Bromm Volker , Yoshida Naoki
Published: September 2024

JWST has brought us new insights into Cosmic Dawn with tentative detection of the unique signatures of metal-free Population III (Pop III) stars, such as strong He II emission, extremely blue ultraviolet spectrum, and enhanced nitrogen abundance. Self-consistent theoretical predictions of the formation rates, sites, and masses of Pop III stars are crucial for interpreting the observations, but are challenging due to complex physical processes operating over the large range of length-scales involved. One solution is to combine analytical models for the small-scale star formation process with cosmological simulations that capture the large-scale physics such as structure formation, radiation backgrounds, and baryon-dark matter streaming motion that regulate the conditions of Pop III star formation. We build an analytical model to predict the final masses of Pop III stars/clusters from the properties of star-forming clouds, based on the key results of small-scale star formation simulations and stellar evolution models. Our model for the first time considers the interplay between feedback and fragmentation and covers different modes of Pop III star formation ranging from ordinary small ($\sim\!{10{-}2000}\ \rm M_\odot$) clusters in molecular-cooling clouds to massive ($\gtrsim\!{10^{4}}\ \rm M_\odot$) clusters containing supermassive ($\sim\!{10^{4}{-}3}\times 10^{5}\ \rm M_\odot$) stars under violent collapse of atomic-cooling clouds with large gas accretion rates of $\gtrsim\!{0.1}\ \rm M_\odot \ yr^{-1}$. As an example, the model is applied to the Pop III star-forming clouds in the progenitors of typical haloes hosting high-z luminous quasars ($M_{\rm h}\sim 10^{12}\ \rm M_\odot$ at $z\sim 6$), which shows that formation of Pop III massive clusters is common ($\sim\!{20{-}70}{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) in such biased ($\sim\!{4}\sigma$) regions, and the resulting heavy black hole seeds from supermassive stars can account for a significant fraction of observed luminous ($\gtrsim\!{10^{46}}\ \rm erg\ s^{-1}$) quasars at $z\sim 6$.
Multimessenger signatures of delayed choked jets in tidal disruption events
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Mainak , Bhattacharya Mukul , Murase Kohta
Published: September 2024

Recent radio observations and coincident neutrino detections suggest that some tidal disruption events (TDEs) exhibit late-time activities, relative to the optical emission peak, and these may be due to delayed outflows launched from the central supermassive black hole. We investigate the possibility that jets launched with a time delay of days to months, interact with a debris that may expand outwards. We discuss the effects of the time delay and expansion velocity on the outcomes of jet breakout and collimation. We find that a jet with an isotropic-equivalent luminosity of $\lesssim 5 \times 10^{45}\, {\rm erg\, s}^{-1}$ is likely to be choked for a delay time of $\sim 3$ months. We also study the observational signatures of such delayed choked jets. The jet–debris interaction preceding the breakout would lead to particle acceleration and the resulting synchrotron emission can be detected by current and near-future radio, optical and X-ray telescopes, and the expanding jet-driven debris could explain late-time radio emission. We discuss high-energy neutrino production in delayed choked jets, and the time delay can significantly alleviate the difficulty of the hidden jet scenario in explaining neutrino coincidences.
Selection functions of strong lens finding neural networks
Authors: Herle A , O’Riordan C M , Vegetti S
Published: September 2024

We show that convolution neural networks (CNNs) trained to find strong gravitational lens systems are biased towards systems with larger Einstein radii and large concentrated sources. This selection function is key to fully realizing the potential of the large samples of strong gravitational lens systems that will be found in upcoming wide-field surveys. In this paper, we use a CNN and three training data sets to quantify the network selection function and its implication for the many scientific applications of strong gravitational lensing. We use CNNs with similar architecture as is commonly found in the literature. The networks preferentially select systems with larger Einstein radii and larger sources with more concentrated source-light distributions. Increasing the detection significance threshold to 12$\sigma$ from 8$\sigma$ results in 50 per cent of the selected strong lens systems having Einstein radii $\theta _\mathrm{E}$$\ge$ 1.04 arcsec from $\theta _\mathrm{E}$$\ge$ 0.879 arcsec, source radii $R_S$$\ge$ 0.194 arcsec from $R_S$$\ge$ 0.178 arcsec, and source Sérsic indices $n_{\mathrm{Sc}}^{\mathrm{S}}$$\ge$ 2.62 from $n_{\mathrm{Sc}}^{\mathrm{S}}$$\ge$ 2.55. The model trained to find lensed quasars shows a stronger preference for higher lens ellipticities than those trained to find lensed galaxies. The selection function is independent of the slope of the power law of the mass profiles, hence measurements of this quantity will be unaffected. The lens finder selection function reinforces that of the lensing cross-section, and thus we expect our findings to be a general result for all galaxy–galaxy and galaxy–quasar lens finding neural networks.
CO spectra of the ISM in the Host Galaxies of the most luminous WISE-selected AGNs
Authors: Martin Lee R , Blain Andrew W , Díaz-Santos Tanio , Assef Roberto J , Tsai Chao-Wei , Jun Hyunsung D , Eisenhardt Peter R M , Wu Jingwen , Vayner Andrey , Aranda Román Fernández
Published: September 2024

We present observations of mid-J (J = 4–3 or J = 5–4) carbon monoxide (CO) emission lines and continuum emission from a sample of ten of the most luminous (Lbol$\ge$ 10$^{14}$ L$\rm \odot$) Hot Dust-Obscured Galaxies (Hot DOGs) discovered by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) with redshifts up to 4.6. We uncover broad spectral lines (FWHM $\ge$ 400 km s$^{-1}$) in these objects, suggesting a turbulent molecular interstellar medium (ISM) may be ubiquitous in Hot DOGs. A halo of molecular gas, extending out to a radius of 5 kpc is observed in W2305–0039, likely supplied by 940 km s$^{-1}$ molecular outflows. W0831+0140 is plausibly the host of a merger between at least two galaxies, consistent with observations made using ionized gas. These CO(4–3) observations contrast with previous CO(1–0) studies of the same sources: the CO(4–3) to CO(1–0) luminosity ratios exceed 300 in each source, suggesting that the lowest excited states of CO are underluminous. These findings show that the molecular gas in Hot DOGs is consistently turbulent, plausibly a consequence of AGN feedback, triggered by galactic mergers.
Metabolic modeling reveals distinct roles of sugars and carboxylic acids in stomatal opening as well as unexpected carbon fluxes
Authors: Sprent Noah , Cheung C Y Maurice , Shameer Sanu , Ratcliffe R George , Sweetlove Lee J , Töpfer Nadine
Published: September 2024

Guard cell metabolism is crucial for stomatal dynamics, but a full understanding of its role is hampered by experimental limitations and the flexible nature of the metabolic network. To tackle this challenge, we constructed a time-resolved stoichiometric model of guard cell metabolism that accounts for energy and osmolyte requirements and which is integrated with the mesophyll. The model resolved distinct roles for starch, sugars, and malate in guard cell metabolism and revealed several unexpected flux patterns in central metabolism. During blue light-mediated stomatal opening, starch breakdown was the most efficient way to generate osmolytes with downregulation of glycolysis allowing starch-derived glucose to accumulate as a cytosolic osmolyte. Maltose could also accumulate as a cytosolic osmoticum, although this made the metabolic system marginally less efficient. The metabolic energy for stomatal opening was predicted to be derived independently of starch, using nocturnally accumulated citrate which was metabolized in the tricarboxylic acid cycle to malate to provide mitochondrial reducing power for ATP synthesis. In white light-mediated stomatal opening, malate transferred reducing equivalents from guard cell photosynthesis to mitochondria for ATP production. Depending on the capacity for guard cell photosynthesis, glycolysis showed little flux during the day but was crucial for energy metabolism at night. In summary, our analyses have corroborated recent findings in Arabidopsis guard cell research, resolved conflicting observations by highlighting the flexibility of guard cell metabolism, and proposed new metabolic flux modes for further experimental testing.
Efficient gene editing of a model fern species through gametophyte-based transformation
Authors: Jiang Wei , Deng Fenglin , Babla Mohammad , Chen Chen , Yang Dongmei , Tong Tao , Qin Yuan , Chen Guang , Marchant Blaine , Soltis Pamela , Soltis Douglas Edward , Zeng Fanrong , Chen Zhong-Hua
Published: September 2024

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease (Cas) system allows precise and easy editing of genes in many plant species. However, this system has not yet been applied to any fern species through gametophytes due to the complex characteristics of fern genomes, genetics, and physiology. Here, we established a protocol for gametophyte-based screening of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) with high efficiency for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout in a model fern species, Ceratopteris richardii. We utilized the C. richardii ACTIN promoter to drive sgRNA expression and the enhanced CaMV 35S promoter to drive the expression of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 in this CRISPR-mediated editing system, which was employed to successfully edit a few genes, such as Nucleotidase/phosphatase 1 (CrSAL1) and Phytoene Desaturase (CrPDS), which resulted in an albino phenotype in C. richardii. Knockout of CrSAL1 resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) reduced stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration rate (E), guard cell length, and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in guard cells. Moreover, CrSAL1 overexpressing plants showed significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (A), gs, and E as well as most of the stomatal traits and ABA-induced ROS production in guard cells compared to the wild-type (WT) plants. Taken together, our optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system provides a useful tool for functional genomics in a model fern species, allowing the exploration of fern gene functions for evolutionary biology, herbal medicine discovery, and agricultural applications.
The transcription factors GmVOZ1A and GmWRI1a synergistically regulate oil biosynthesis in soybean
Authors: Yang Mingming , Du Changhuan , Li Meng , Wang Yuanzhuo , Bao Gege , Huang Jinxiu , Zhang Qingyan , Zhang Shuzhen , Xu Pengfei , Teng Weili , Li Qingqing , Liu Shanshan , Song Bo , Yang Qiang , Wang Zhikun
Published: September 2024

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is a major oil-producing crop worldwide. Although several related proteins regulating soybean oil accumulation have been reported, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we characterized vascular plant one-zinc-finger 1A (GmVOZ1A) that interacts with WRINKLED 1a (GmWRI1a) using yeast 2-hybrid library screening. The GmVOZ1A–GmWRI1a interaction was further verified by protein–protein interaction assays in vivo and in vitro. GmVOZ1A enhanced the seed fatty acid and oil contents by regulating genes involved in lipid biosynthesis. Conversely, a loss-of-function mutation in GmVOZ1A resulted in a reduction in triacylglycerol (TAG) content in soybean. Protein–DNA interaction assays revealed that GmVOZ1A and GmWRI1a cooperate to upregulate the expression level of acyl-coenzyme A-binding protein 6a (GmACBP6a) and promote the accumulation of TAG. In addition, GmACBP6a overexpression promoted seed fatty acid and oil contents, as well as increased seed size and 100-seed weight. Taken together, these findings indicate that the transcription factor GmVOZ1A regulates soybean oil synthesis and cooperates with GmWRI1a to upregulate GmACBP6a expression and oil biosynthesis in soybean. The results lay a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying soybean oil biosynthesis and will contribute to improving soybean oil production through molecular breeding approaches.
Zinc finger protein LjRSDL regulates arbuscule degeneration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Xu Yunjian , Liu Fang , Wu Fulang , Zou Ruifan , Zhao Manli , Wu Jianping , Cheng Beijiu , Li Xiaoyu
Published: September 2024

In arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, appropriate regulation of the formation, maintenance, and degeneration of the arbuscule is essential for plants and fungi. In this study, we identified a Cysteine-2/Histidine-2 zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP)–encoding gene in Lotus japonicus named Regulator of Symbiosome Differentiation-Like (LjRSDL) that is required for arbuscule degeneration. Evolutionary analysis showed that homologs of LjRSDL exist in mycorrhizal flowering plants. We obtained ProLjRSDL::GUS transgenic hairy roots and showed that LjRSDL was strongly upregulated upon AM colonization, particularly at 18 days post-AM fungi inoculation and specifically expressed in arbuscule-containing cells. The mycorrhization rate increased in the ljrsdl mutant but decreased in LjRSDL-overexpressed L. japonicus. Interestingly, we observed higher proportions of large arbuscule in the ljrsdl mutant but lower proportions of larger arbuscule in LjRSDL-overexpressing plants. Transcriptome analyses indicated that genes involved in arbuscule degeneration were significantly changed upon the dysregulation of LjRSDL and that LjRSDL-dependent regulation in AM symbiosis is mainly via the hormone signal transduction pathway. LjRSDL, therefore, represents a C2H2-ZFP that negatively regulates AM symbiosis. Our study provides insight into understanding plant–AM fungal communication and AM symbiosis development.
Parental Perspectives From the Survey of Sleep Quality in the PICU Validation Study on Environmental Factors Causing Sleep Disruption in Critically Ill Children*
Authors: Hassinger Amanda B. , Mody Kalgi , Li Simon , Flagg Lauren K. , Faustino E. Vincent S. , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Breuer Ryan K.
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Sleep promotion bundles being tested in PICUs use elements adapted from adult bundles. As children may react differently than adults in ICU environments, this study investigated what parents report disrupted the sleep of their child in a PICU.

DESIGN:

Secondary analysis of a multicenter validation study of the Survey of Sleep quality in the PICU.

SETTING:

Four Northeastern U.S. PICUs, one hospital-based pediatric sleep laboratory.

PATIENTS:

Parents sleeping at the bedside of a child in the PICU or hospital-based sleep laboratory.

INTERVENTIONS:

Anonymous one-time survey eliciting parts of hospital or ICU environments that have been described as disruptive to sleep in validated adult ICU and pediatric inpatient questionnaires.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Level of sleep disruption was scored by Likert scale, with higher scores indicating more disruption. Age, demographics, baseline sleep, and PICU exposures were used to describe causes of sleep disruption in a PICU. Of 152 PICU parents, 71% of their children’s sleep was disrupted significantly by at least one aspect of being in the PICU. The most prevalent were “being in pain or uncomfortable because they are sick” (38%), “not sleeping at home” (30%), “alarms on machines” (28%), and “not sleeping on their home schedule” (26%). Only 5% were disrupted by excessive nocturnal light exposure. Overall sleep disruption was not different across four PICUs or in those receiving sedation. The validation study control group, healthy children undergoing polysomnography, had less sleep disruption than those in a PICU despite sleeping in a hospital-based sleep laboratory.

CONCLUSIONS:

There are multiple aspects of critical care environments that affect the sleep of children, which are different from that of adults, such as disruption to home schedules. Future interventional sleep promotion bundles should include sedated children and could be applicable in multicenter settings.
Atrial hiPSC-CM as a Pharmacologic Model to Evaluate Anti-AF Drugs: Some Lessons From IKur
Authors: Schulz Carl , Eschenhagen Thomas , Christ Torsten
Published: September 2024

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and atrial hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) have entered the arena of preclinical atrial fibrillation research. A central question is whether they reproduce the physiologic contribution of atrial selective potassium currents (such as the ultrarapid potassium current, IKur) to repolarization. Of note, 2 studies in single atrial hiPSC-CM reported prolongation of action potential duration by IKur block indicating that IKur might in fact represent a valuable target for the treatment of human atrial fibrillation. However, the results and interpretation are at odds with the literature on IKur block in human atria and the results of clinical studies. We believe that the discrepancies indicate that experiments in single atrial CM (both adult atrial CM and atrial hiPSC-CM) might be misleading. Under particular experimental conditions, atrial hiPSC-CMs may not closely resemble the electrophysiology of the human atrium. Therefore, we recapitulate here methodological issues evaluating potential value of the IKur as an antiarrhythmic target when investigated in animal models, in human atrial tissues, and finally in atrial hiPSC-CM.
The Use of Hard Palate Mucosal Graft Combined with Lateral Canthus Suspension for Ocular Prosthesis Stability
Authors: Scalise Alessandro , Pirro Ortensia , Vico Sara , Consorti Giuseppe , Di Benedetto Giovanni Maria
Published: September 2024

Different surgical approaches exist for lower eyelid reconstruction. The hard palate mucosa graft stands out due to its abundance, accessibility, good tolerance, and ability to yield long-term stable results in eyelid elevation. This case report details the successful full-thickness reconstruction of the lower eyelid in an anophthalmic patient using a palatal mucosal graft, complemented by orbicularis muscle suspension. The patient presented with severe lower eyelid retraction state and instability of the ocular prosthesis. After a thorough assessment, the decision was made to address the mucosal defect using a split-thickness palatal mucosal graft, supplemented by lateral canthus suspension. Postoperatively, there were no complications, and the cosmetic result was excellent. With our method, we were able to obtain a functional and cosmetically good result of lower eyelid reconstruction in an anophthalmic socket.
Pediatric onset myasthenia gravis with thymoma
Authors: Al Mohtasib Mohammad E. , Abu Asbeh Yousef , Abu Ihlayel Tuqa , Hafiz Shayma , Abu Alrub Yasmin , Shammas Isam , Bannoura Sami , Abugharbieh Yazan
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The unusual combination of pediatric-onset myasthenia gravis (MG) with thymoma is exceedingly rare, with only around 11 reported cases from 1985 to 2020.

Case Presentation:

The authors present the case of a 6-year-old male patient diagnosed with MG and thymoma (histopathology: WHO type B2) who underwent complete surgical resection.

Conclusion:

Given its rarity and potential complications, it is essential to report this case to enhance the evidence base for pediatric MG patients. Imaging should be considered to rule out thymoma in such cases, and awareness of this uncommon condition should be raised among pediatricians, clinicians, and surgeons.
Ultrasound-guided mini-percutaneous nephrolithotipsy performed on patients placed in lateral position: a prospective study
Authors: Do Truong Thanh , Do Ngoc Son , Nguyen Huy Hoang , Le Hoc Dang , Nguyen Dao Uyen , Nguyen Van Linh
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Minimal invasive intervention is preferred to open surgery in the treatment of kidney stone. Our goal is to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in lateral position for patients with renal stone disease.

Methods:

Prospective study on patients who underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in our department of Viet Duc hospital from 01/2021 to 12/2022. Spinal anesthesia was applied, patients were placed in the lateral position, using guidance of ultrasound, uretero-nephroscope, and nephrolithotripsy. The main outcomes were the rate of stone clearance and intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Results:

One thousand four hundred sixty-five patients, 1056 males (72.08%), mean age of 45.13±24.31 year-old. Pelvic stones accounted for 11.87%, lower caliceal stones 9.76%, and staghorn stones 19.41%. The stones occurred mostly in the left kidney (61.22%). Preoperative hydronephrosis cases detected by multi-slice computer tomography showed 24.09% at level 2 and 11.74% at level 3. Renal stone size: mean length: 3.1±0.76 cm, width: 1.82±0.56 cm. Mean operative time was 67.23±27.18 min (35–120 min). Intraoperative complications included 35 cases (2.38%) of hemorrhage not requiring blood transfusion. Postoperative complications rate was 2.66%. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.57±2.64 (2–8) days. Nephrostomy tube was removed after 2.87±1.43 days. Early stone-free rate was 82.98%. At 1-month follow-up, JJ stent removal was performed, and the stone-free rate achieved 96.87%.

Conclusion:

This method showed some benefits compared to traditional nephrolithotripsy. It is a useful, safe method and therefore highly recommended in the treatment of kidney stones.
Clinical profile of cytology confirmed chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a cohort study
Authors: Rajendra Sittampalam , Nalini Rajendra , Theepan Jathavani M. M. , Shangarie Ratnajothy , Renushanth Tharmarasa , Shathana Paramanathan
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is one of the thyroid diseases commonly encountered in surgical practice. The incidence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is reported as 6.51 and 6.6% in Sri Lanka and worldwide, respectively. Depending on the disease presentation, investigation findings and extent of gland involvement, treatment options range from medical therapy alone to surgical resection of the gland.

Methods:

This descriptive study was carried out in patients in surgical clinic of a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka over the span from 2009 to 2022. The objective of this study was to analyze the socio-demographical and clinic-pathological factors in the study group.

Results:

A total of 93 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 39.63±13.63 years (13–69 years). Majority of them were female (92.5%). Painless neck lump was the commonest presentation (87.1%) while 9.6% of patients presented with painful neck lump. Few of them presented with neck lump associated with voice changes (1.1%) and neck lump associated with musculoskeletal pain (2.2%). Thyroid morphology and thyroid functional status of these patients at initial presentation varied widely. This study revealed that 54.8% had diffuse goiter and 83.87% had hypothyroidism. Of the 22 patients (23.6%) managed with thyroidectomy, 3 of them (3.2%) had thyroid malignancy.

Conclusion:

Understanding the disparate clinic-pathological presentation of patients with this disease entity is important for diagnosis and management. Clinical and ultrasound scan evaluation and surgical management of suspicious goiters can avoid missing an associated thyroid malignancy.