bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A labeled data set of underwater images of fish and crab species from five mesohabitats in Puget Sound WA USA
Authors: Farrell Dara M. , Ferriss Bridget , Sanderson Beth , Veggerby Karl , Robinson Lauren , Trivedi Anusua , Pathak Shreyaan , Muppalla Sreya , Wang Jane , Morris Dan , Dodhia Rahul
Published: November 2023

The sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture requires an understanding of how these activities interact with natural fish populations. GoPro cameras were used to collect an underwater video data set on and around shellfish aquaculture farms in an estuary in the NE Pacific from June to August 2017 and June to August 2018 to better understand habitat use by the local fish and crab communities. Images extracted from these videos were labeled to produce a data set that is suitable for use in training computer vision models. The labeled data set contains 77,739 images sampled from the collected video; 67,990 objects (fishes and crustaceans) have been annotated in 30,384 images (the remainder have been annotated as “empty”). The metadata of the data set also indicates whether a physical magenta filter was used during video collection to counteract reduced visibility. These data have the potential to help researchers address system-level and in-depth regional shellfish aquaculture questions related to ecosystem services and shellfish aquaculture interactions.
Counting manatee aggregations using deep neural networks and Anisotropic Gaussian Kernel
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Pang Yiran , Ulus Cihan , Zhu Xingquan
Published: November 2023

Manatees are aquatic mammals with voracious appetites. They rely on sea grass as the main food source, and often spend up to eight hours a day grazing. They move slow and frequently stay in groups (i.e. aggregations) in shallow water to search for food, making them vulnerable to environment change and other risks. Accurate counting manatee aggregations within a region is not only biologically meaningful in observing their habit, but also crucial for designing safety rules for boaters, divers, etc., as well as scheduling nursing, intervention, and other plans. In this paper, we propose a deep learning based crowd counting approach to automatically count number of manatees within a region, by using low quality images as input. Because manatees have unique shape and they often stay in shallow water in groups, water surface reflection, occlusion, camouflage etc. making it difficult to accurately count manatee numbers. To address the challenges, we propose to use Anisotropic Gaussian Kernel (AGK), with tunable rotation and variances, to ensure that density functions can maximally capture shapes of individual manatees in different aggregations. After that, we apply AGK kernel to different types of deep neural networks primarily designed for crowd counting, including VGG, SANet, Congested Scene Recognition network (CSRNet), MARUNet etc. to learn manatee densities and calculate number of manatees in the scene. By using generic low quality images extracted from surveillance videos, our experiment results and comparison show that AGK kernel based manatee counting achieves minimum Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The proposed method works particularly well for counting manatee aggregations in environments with complex background.
Nitrogen isotopic composition as a gauge of tumor cell anabolism-to-catabolism ratio
Authors: Straub Marietta , Auderset Alexandra , de Leval Laurence , Piazzon Nathalie , Maison Damien , Vozenin Marie-Catherine , Ollivier Jonathan , Petit Benoît , Sigman Daniel M. , Martínez-García Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Studies have suggested that cancerous tissue has a lower 15N/14N ratio than benign tissue. However, human data have been inconclusive, possibly due to constraints on experimental design. Here, we used high-sensitivity nitrogen isotope methods to assess the 15N/14N ratio of human breast, lung, and kidney cancer tissue at unprecedented spatial resolution. In lung, breast, and urothelial carcinoma, 15N/14N was negatively correlated with tumor cell density. The magnitude of 15N depletion for a given tumor cell density was consistent across different types of lung cancer, ductal in situ and invasive breast carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma, suggesting similar elevations in the anabolism-to-catabolism ratio. However, tumor 15N depletion was higher in a more aggressive metaplastic breast carcinoma. These findings may indicate the ability of certain cancers to more effectively channel N towards growth. Our results support 15N/14N analysis as a potential tool for screening biopsies and assessing N metabolism in tumor cells.
Effect of statin use on head and neck cancer prognosis in a multicenter study using a Common Data Model
Authors: Seol Soobeen , Choi Jung Ran , Choi Byungjin , Kim Sungryeal , Jeon Ja Young , Park Ki Nam , Park Jae Hong , Park Min Woo , Eun Young-Gyu , Park Jung Je , Lee Byung-Joo , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Chul-Ho , Park Rae Woong , Jang Jeon Yeob
Published: November 2023

Few studies have found an association between statin use and head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes. We examined the effect of statin use on HNC recurrence using the converted Observational Medical Outcome Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) in seven hospitals between 1986 and 2022. Among the 9,473,551 eligible patients, we identified 4669 patients with HNC, of whom 398 were included in the target cohort, and 4271 were included in the control cohort after propensity score matching. A Cox proportional regression model was used. Of the 4669 patients included, 398 (8.52%) previously received statin prescriptions. Statin use was associated with a reduced rate of 3- and 5-year HNC recurrence compared to propensity score-matched controls (risk ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–1.03; and RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.70–1.12, respectively). Nevertheless, the association between statin use and HNC recurrence was not statistically significant. A meta-analysis of recurrence based on subgroups, including age subgroups, showed similar trends. The results of this propensity-matched cohort study may not provide a statistically significant association between statin use and a lower risk of HNC recurrence. Further retrospective studies using nationwide claims data and prospective studies are warranted.
Proteomic discovery of prognostic protein biomarkers for persisting problems after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lee Min-Yong , Son Minsoo , Lee Hyun Haeng , Kang Min-Gu , Yun Seo Jung , Seo Han Gil , Kim Youngsoo , Oh Byung-Mo
Published: November 2023

Some individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as concussion, have neuropsychiatric and physical problems that last longer than a few months. Symptoms following mTBI are not only impacted by the kind and severity of the injury but also by the post-injury experience and the individual's responses to it, making the persistence of mTBI particularly difficult to predict. We aimed to identify prognostic blood-based protein biomarkers predicting 6-month outcomes, in light of the clinical course after the injury, in a longitudinal mTBI cohort (N = 42). Among 420 target proteins quantified by multiple-reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry assays of blood samples, 31, 43, and 15 proteins were significantly associated with the poor recovery of neuropsychological symptoms at < 72 h, 1 week, and 1 month after the injury, respectively. Sequential associations among clinical assessments (depressive symptoms and cognitive function) affecting the 6-month outcomes were evaluated. Then, candidate biomarker proteins indirectly affecting the outcome via neuropsychological symptoms were identified. Using the identified proteins, prognostic models that can predict the 6-month outcome of mTBI were developed. These protein biomarkers established in the context of the clinical course of mTBI may have potential for clinical application.
Inhibition of insulin-regulated aminopeptidase confers neuroprotection in a conscious model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Telianidis Jonathon , Hunter Andrew , Widdop Robert , Kemp-Harper Barbara , Pham Vi , McCarthy Claudia , Chai Siew Yeen
Published: November 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity with a paucity of effective pharmacological treatments. We have previously identified insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) as a potential target for the development of a new class of drugs for the treatment of stroke, as global deletion of this gene in mice significantly protected against ischemic damage. In the current study, we demonstrate that small molecular weight IRAP inhibitors reduce infarct volume and improve neurological outcome in a hypertensive animal model of ischemic stroke. The effects of two structurally distinct IRAP inhibitors (HFI419 or SJM164) were investigated in a model of stroke where the middle cerebral artery was transiently occluded with endothelin-1 in the conscious spontaneously hypertensive rat. IRAP inhibitor was administered into the lateral ventricle at 2 or 6 h after stroke, with subsequent doses delivered at 24, 48 and 70 h post-stroke. Functional outcomes were assessed prior to drug treatment, and on day 1 and 3 post-stroke. Histological analyses and neuroinflammatory cytokine profiling were conducted at 72 and 24 h post-stroke respectively. IRAP inhibitor treatment following stroke significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological and motor deficits. These protective effects were maintained even when the therapeutic window was extended to 6 h. Examination of the cellular architecture at 72 h post-stroke demonstrated that IRAP expression was upregulated in CD11b positive cells and activated astrocytes. Furthermore, IRAP inhibitor treatment significantly increased gene expression for interleukin 6 and C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 in the ischemic core. This study provides proof-of-principle that selective inhibition of IRAP activity with two structurally distinct IRAP inhibitors reduces infarct volume and improves functional outcome even when the first dose is administered 6 h post-stroke. This is the first direct evidence that IRAP inhibitors are a class of drug with potential use in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
A sensitive method to determine 210Po and 210Pb in environmental samples by alpha spectrometry using CuS micro-precipitation
Authors: Walsh Stephanie , Bond Matthew J. , Guérin Nicolas , Blais Jules M. , Rowan David J.
Published: November 2023

A new sensitive method to determine polonium-210 (210Po) and lead-210 (210Pb) in a diversity of environmental samples was developed. For fresh and marine waters, Po was pre-concentrated using a titanium (III) hydroxide (Ti(OH)3) co-precipitation. Solid environmental samples were digested with nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The alpha thin layer source was prepared using CuS micro-precipitation and 210Po was measured by alpha spectrometry. Lead-210 was left to decay for up to a year and indirectly measured via its progeny, 210Po. The chemical recoveries for 210Po and 210Pb were high, 90% and 97%, respectively, for a large variety of samples and a very low minimum detectable activity (MDA) was obtained. The method was validated using standardized solutions and certified reference materials.
Study on optimization of layout parameters of high-level boreholes in Pingdingshan coal mine
Authors: Wang Yapeng , Zhang Yongli
Published: November 2023

To reduce the gas disaster of high gas coal seam and improve the efficiency of gas extraction by high drilling, the layout parameters of drilling holes in Pingdingshan coal mine are optimized. Based on the analysis and calculation of the "three zones" of the movement towards the overly strata of No.10 coal in Pingdingshan coal mine, the height of caving zone and fissure zone in 24,130 working face are 10.06–14.46 m and 38.75–49.95 m respectively. The elevation angle, azimuth angle and the length of high-level boreholes are studied and analyzed by COMSOL numerical simulation software. The simulation results show that the optimum layout parameters of high-level boreholes are as follows: The elevation angle of borehole should be controlled at 9°–12°, the azimuth angle should be 30°–45°, and the length of borehole should be 150 m. Then the optimum layout parameters of high-level boreholes are determined for engineering application of 24,130 working face. Borehole data onto actual mine show that the optimum layout parameters of high-level boreholes were elevation angle between 8°and 11°, azimuth angle between 30° and 42°, and length of boreholes between 145 and 155 m. The simulation results are basically consistent with the measured data. The maximum gas concentration in working face, upper corner and return air roadway is stably controlled below 1%. The safe mining of 24,130 working face is ensured, which provided a certain reference value of gas control in the goaf of Pingdingshan mine and adjacent mines.
Multifocal optical projection microscopy enables label-free 3D measurement of cardiomyocyte cluster contractility
Authors: Belay Birhanu , Figueiras Edite , Hyttinen Jari , Ahola Antti
Published: November 2023

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte (CM) models have become an attractive tool for in vitro cardiac disease modeling and drug studies. These models are moving towards more complex three-dimensional microphysiological organ-on-chip systems. Label-free imaging-based techniques capable of quantifying contractility in 3D are needed, as traditional two-dimensional methods are ill-suited for 3D applications. Here, we developed multifocal (MF) optical projection microscopy (OPM) by integrating an electrically tunable lens to our in-house built optical projection tomography setup for extended depth of field brightfield imaging in CM clusters. We quantified cluster biomechanics by implementing our previously developed optical flow-based CM video analysis for MF-OPM. To demonstrate, we acquired and analyzed multiangle and multifocal projection videos of beating hiPSC-CM clusters in 3D hydrogel. We further quantified cluster contractility response to temperature and adrenaline and observed changes to beating rate and relaxation. Challenges emerge from light penetration and overlaying textures in larger clusters. However, our findings indicate that MF-OPM is suitable for contractility studies of 3D clusters. Thus, for the first time, MF-OPM is used in CM studies and hiPSC-CM 3D cluster contraction is quantified in multiple orientations and imaging planes.
Combustion of raw Camelina sativa oil in CI engine equipped with common rail system
Authors: Pawlak Grzegorz , Skrzek Tomasz
Published: November 2023

During the world energy transformation, using some vegetable oils as fuel enables the production of clean and inexpensive energy with the application of the well-known technology of the CI engine. The common rail (CR) fuel system gives many opportunities related to creating an air–fuel mixture and its efficient combustion. Can the system dedicated to diesel oil be used to inject vegetable oil and control its combustion effectively? This paper presents some results of the application of the injection strategy for raw Camelina sativa (CS) oil fueling. The test was conducted on the AVL single-cylinder CI engine equipped with a CR system for engine speed n = 1500 rpm and different excess air coefficients (1.1 < λ < 2.1). The engine parameters and performance obtained for raw CS oil were compared with the results obtained for diesel oil fueling for the same and slightly modified injection strategy. The experiment demonstrated how much the combustion process and its effects differ for these two fuels. In addition, several aspects related to the cultivation and use of Camelina sativa oil as a renewable energy source are presented.
Integration of high-resolution imaging through scattering medium into a disposable micro-endoscope via projection of 2D spots-array
Authors: Elkabetz Shimon , Herman Oran , Meiri Amihai , Shahmoon Asaf , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research includes integration of high-resolution imaging through scattering medium, such as blood, into a disposable micro-endoscope. A fiber laser integrated into the micro-endoscope as part of its illumination channel, allows to project a tunable array of spots of light onto an object, that is located behind the scattering medium. We have a laser fiber as part of the illumination channel of a disposable micro-endoscope. By using proper optics, we convert the temporal modulation of the laser into spatial distribution. Thus, the result is generation of spatial spots when using a pulsed laser. The detection channel is a holographic recording of the collected back scattered light, that allows extraction of the electrical field. By time integrating the field we obtain the realization of the spatial array of illumination spots formed on top of the inspected object and behind the scattering medium. By changing the temporal modulation of the illumination laser (changing its temporal photonic signals), we can tune the positions of the spots in the illumination array. If the distance between the projected spots is larger than the imaging resolution, then by applying localization microscopy algorithms together with scanning of the position of the spots in the array, will yield a high-resolution reconstruction of the inspected object. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the discussed operation principle and show the potential of the proposed concept as a modality in medical endoscopic procedures.
Morphological description of the glochidia of Buldowskia suifunica (Bivalvia: Unionidae)
Authors: Sayenko Elena M. , Nikischenko Viktoria E. , Dyachuk Vyacheclav A.
Published: November 2023

Freshwater mussels of the genus Buldowskia (Bivalvia, Unionidae) are distributed from the Amur River basin in Russia and China southward to the Korean Peninsula and some Japanese islands. This work is an integrative morphological study of Buldowskia suifunica glochidia from locations in the Primorsky Territory, the Russian Far East. Glochidia of B. suifunica, taken from the same gill have asynchronous development. The external and internal morphology of its shell has been characterized. The morphology of its sensory system, within three stages of larval development (immature, intermediate and mature glochidia), consists of hair cells as well as nonhair cells. Their muscle system is composed of massive adductor and minor muscle bundles. The FMRFamid-ergic nervous system turned out to be a complex system includes basal cells (neurons), their neurites and anterior neurons. FMRFamide and tubulin was found in all neurons. Glochidia of B. suifunica have only four 5-HT-lir neurons. We concluded that B. suifunica glochidial nervous system differs from those of the larval systems of planktotrophic marine mollusks.
Constrained DFT-based magnetic machine-learning potentials for magnetic alloys: a case study of Fe–Al
Authors: Kotykhov Alexey S. , Gubaev Konstantin , Hodapp Max , Tantardini Christian , Shapeev Alexander V. , Novikov Ivan S.
Published: November 2023

We propose a machine-learning interatomic potential for multi-component magnetic materials. In this potential we consider magnetic moments as degrees of freedom (features) along with atomic positions, atomic types, and lattice vectors. We create a training set with constrained DFT (cDFT) that allows us to calculate energies of configurations with non-equilibrium (excited) magnetic moments and, thus, it is possible to construct the training set in a wide configuration space with great variety of non-equilibrium atomic positions, magnetic moments, and lattice vectors. Such a training set makes possible to fit reliable potentials that will allow us to predict properties of configurations in the excited states (including the ones with non-equilibrium magnetic moments). We verify the trained potentials on the system of bcc Fe–Al with different concentrations of Al and Fe and different ways Al and Fe atoms occupy the supercell sites. Here, we show that the formation energies, the equilibrium lattice parameters, and the total magnetic moments of the unit cell for different Fe–Al structures calculated with machine-learning potentials are in good correspondence with the ones obtained with DFT. We also demonstrate that the theoretical calculations conducted in this study qualitatively reproduce the experimentally-observed anomalous volume-composition dependence in the Fe–Al system.
The potential immunomodulatory role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of asthma: an in vitro study
Authors: Kleniewska Paulina , Kopa-Stojak Paulina Natalia , Hoffmann Arkadiusz , Pawliczak Rafał
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Bacteroides vulgatus (BV), Clostridium perfringens (CP), Parabacteroides distasonis (PD) and Ruminococcus albus (RA) lysates on secretion of selected cytokines by PBMC, MDM and HT-29 cells, as well as to determine the potential mechanisms of their action in the development of asthma. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to analyze the effect of BV, CP, PD and RA lysates on the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α by human PBMC, MDM and HT-29 cells. BV and CP lysates significantly lowered IL-1β secretion by MDM vs. control (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively) but only at a dose of 400 µg lysate. The secretions of IL-6 by PBMC and MDM were elevated significantly above control values (p < 0.05) after administration of CP and PD lysates. BV, CP and PD lysates (100 µg) significantly increased IL-10 secretion by PBMC vs. control (p < 0.05). CP, PD and RA lysates (400 µg) significantly increased IL-10 secretion by MDM vs. control (p < 0.001). BV lysate (400 µg) also significantly increased IL-10 secretion by MDM as compared to control (p < 0.05). In PBMC and MDM, the production levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine were increased by all the bacterial lysates used in a dose-dependent manner.
A big data association rule mining based approach for energy building behaviour analysis in an IoT environment
Authors: Dolores M. , Fernandez-Basso Carlos , Gómez-Romero Juan , Martin-Bautista Maria J.
Published: November 2023

The enormous amount of data generated by sensors and other data sources in modern grid management systems requires new infrastructures, such as IoT (Internet of Things) and Big Data architectures. This, in combination with Data Mining techniques, allows the management and processing of all these heterogeneous massive data in order to discover new insights that can help to reduce the energy consumption of the building. In this paper, we describe a developed methodology for an Internet of Things (IoT) system based on a robust big data architecture. This innovative approach, combined with the power of Spark algorithms, has been proven to uncover rules representing hidden connections and patterns in the data extracted from a building in Bucharest. These uncovered patterns were essential for improving the building’s energy efficiency.
Flexible and sewable electrode based on Ni-Co@PANI-salphen composite-coated on textiles for wearable supercapacitor
Authors: Adriyani Touba Rezaee , Ensafi Ali A. , Rezaei B.
Published: November 2023

Flexible electrodes with high deformability and energy density are critical for electronic textiles. The key factor for achieving high-performance supercapacitors with superior power and energy density is the evaluation of materials that exhibit exceptional capacitive performance. Herein, we have prepared Ni-Co nanoparticles at the surface of polyaniline-salphen (Ni-Co@PS). Then, followed by casting Ni-Co@PS on a conductive carbon cloth (CC) as a substrate through a facile in-situ polymerization strategy. The morphologies of Ni-Co@PS composite were characterized by different methods such as FE-SEM, XPS, XRD, BET, and electrochemical methods. This nanocomposite showed high tolerability and a large surface area with excellent behavior as a new nanomaterial for supercapacitor application. Thus, the optimum composite designed with a metal ratio (nickel–cobalt 3:1 w/w) satisfactorily possesses a specific capacitance of up to 549.994 C g−1 (1447.2 F g−1) under 0.5 A g−1 and long-term cyclic stability featuring capacity retention of 95.9% after 5000 cycles at a current density of 9.0 A g−1. The Ni-Co@PS-CC, is a material with great potential as an electrode in asymmetric wearable supercapacitor (AWSC) apparatus, demonstrating a remarkable specific capacity of 70.01, and accompanied by an energy density of 23.46 Wh k g−1 at a power density of 800 W k g−1.
PPP1R12A is a recycling endosomal phosphatase that facilitates YAP activation
Authors: Inoue Chiaki , Mukai Kojiro , Matsudaira Tatsuyuki , Nakayama Jun , Kono Nozomu , Aoki Junken , Arai Hiroyuki , Uchida Yasunori , Taguchi Tomohiko
Published: November 2023

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional coactivator that is essential for the malignancy of various cancers. We have previously shown that YAP activity is positively regulated by phosphatidylserine (PS) in recycling endosomes (REs). However, the mechanism by which YAP is activated by PS in REs remains unknown. In the present study, we examined a group of protein phosphatases (11 phosphatases) that we had identified previously as PS-proximity protein candidates. Knockdown experiments of these phosphatases suggested that PPP1R12A, a regulatory subunit of the myosin phosphatase complex, was essential for YAP-dependent proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Knockdown of PPP1R12A increased the level of phosphorylated YAP, reduced that of YAP in the nucleus, and suppressed the transcription of CTGF (a YAP-regulated gene), reinforcing the role of PPP1R12A in YAP activation. ATP8A1 is a PS-flippase that concentrates PS in the cytosolic leaflet of the RE membrane and positively regulates YAP signalling. In subcellular fractionation experiments using cell lysates, PPP1R12A in control cells was recovered exclusively in the microsomal fraction. In contrast, a fraction of PPP1R12A in ATP8A1-depleted cells was recovered in the cytosolic fraction. Cohort data available from the Cancer Genome Atlas showed that high expression of PPP1R12A, PP1B encoding the catalytic subunit of the myosin phosphatase complex, or ATP8A1 correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. These results suggest that the “ATP8A1-PS-YAP phosphatase” axis in REs facilitates YAP activation and thus cell proliferation.
Comprehensive anatomical study of meningeal arteries in dromedaries
Authors: Al Aiyan Ahmad , Balan Rinsha
Published: November 2023

This study provides a detailed, in-depth analysis of the anatomy, topography, and branching patterns of the meningeal arteries in dromedary camels, a subject that has not previously been thoroughly studied in animals, providing insight into the intricate biological adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh environments. By precisely examining 20 heads obtained from freshly slaughtered dromedaries, we revealed the origins and topologies of the rostral, middle, and caudal meningeal arteries using advanced casting techniques for precise rendering. Our findings indicate that the rostral meningeal artery derives from the external ethmoidal artery and primarily supplies the rostrodorsal region of the frontal lobe. The middle meningeal artery provides blood to approximately two-thirds of the brain meninges. The caudal meningeal artery is derived from the occipital artery and supplies the meninges covering the cerebellum, caudal part of the falx cerebri, and tentorium cerebelli. Significantly, our study revealed the presence of accessory branches originating from the rostral epidural rete mirabile, a finding not previously described in the existing literature. These branches supply the meninges of the frontal and lateral regions of the frontal lobes. This novel study advances our understanding of the meningeal arteries in dromedaries and has significant implications for advancements in veterinary neuroscience.
Effect of multimodal diagnostic approach using deep learning-based automated detection algorithm for active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Choi So Yeon , Choi Arom , Baek Song-Ee , Ahn Jin Young , Roh Yun Ho , Kim Ji Hoon
Published: November 2023

In this study, we developed a model to predict culture test results for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with a customized multimodal approach and evaluated its performance in different clinical settings. Moreover, we investigated potential performance improvements by combining this approach with deep learning-based automated detection algorithms (DLADs). This retrospective observational study enrolled patients over 18 years of age who consecutively visited the level 1 emergency department and underwent chest radiograph and sputum testing. The primary endpoint was positive sputum culture for PTB. We compared the performance of the diagnostic models by replacing radiologists’ interpretations of chest radiographs with screening scores calculated through DLAD. The optimal diagnostic model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.924 (95% CI 0.871–0.976) and an area under precision recall curve of 0.403 (95% CI 0.195–0.580) while maintaining a specificity of 81.4% when sensitivity was fixed at 90%. Multicomponent models showed improved performance for detecting PTB when chest radiography interpretation was replaced by DLAD. Multicomponent diagnostic models with DLAD customized for different clinical settings are more practical than traditional methods for detecting patients with PTB. This novel diagnostic approach may help prevent the spread of PTB and optimize healthcare resource utilization in resource-limited clinical settings.
Impact of the severe familial hypercholesterolemia status on atherosclerotic risks
Authors: Tada Hayato , Nohara Atsushi , Usui Soichiro , Sakata Kenji , Kawashiri Masa-aki , Takamura Masayuki
Published: November 2023

Risks of atherosclerotic events substantially vary even among patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with extremely high risk based on life-long exposure to high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This study aimed to examine the impact of the severe FH status defined by the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS). Data of patients with FH (N = 1050, male = 490) who were admitted to Kanazawa University Hospital between 2000 and 2020 and who were followed up were retrospectively reviewed. The number of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including mortality associated with cardiovascular disease, acute coronary syndrome, and ischemic heart disease requiring coronary revascularization per 1000 person-years, was calculated. Hazard ratio was also calculated using Cox proportional model. Overall, 545 (51.9%) patients had severe FH. The median follow-up duration was 12.6 years. In total, 171 MACEs were recorded during the follow-up period. Severe FH was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio = 6.48, 95% confidence interval = 2.56–10.40, P = 1.2 × 10−5). The event rates per 1000 person-years in the primary prevention group of non-severe FH and severe FH, were 0.0 and 15.6, respectively. The event rates per 1000 person-years in the secondary prevention group of non-severe FH and severe FH, were 2.0 and 32.3, respectively. Patients with severe FH exhibited significantly higher risks in primary and secondary prevention settings. This simple criterion provides useful information for identifying patients with even higher risk who may need further management.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) and energy assessment of the production and use of windows in residential buildings
Authors: Kowalczyk Zbigniew , Twardowski Sebastian , Malinowski Mateusz , Kuboń Maciej
Published: November 2023

There is an observable scarcity of comprehensive research results comparing the environmental damage associated with both the production of windows and their subsequent operation. The environmental impact of the operation of windows depends on their thermal insulation parameters, and thus the amount of heat that must be generated to heat the building. The type of heating system and, above all, the type of fuel used to generate heat are also not without significance. Unfortunately, in Poland, a significant proportion of single-family houses operate on the fossil fuel heating system, including on coal and fuel oil. It is therefore important to present an environmental balance sheet of both the production and operation of windows for different variants of building heating. The purpose of the study was to determine: to what extent the manufacturing of windows of different construction and different insulation parameters affects the environment, to what extent does the negative environmental impact of the process of manufacturing with greater insulation compensate by the lower environmental impact related to savings on fuel (gas, coal, fuel oil) used to generate heat during the operation of windows. Three types of windows were selected for a detailed analysis: a triple-glazed aluminum construction, a double-glazed PVC construction and a triple-glazed PVC. The research results show that in the case of all impact categories, the greater environmental losses related to the improvement of the thermal insulation parameters of the windows at the production stage are fully compensated at the stage of their useful life, regardless of the type of fuel used to heat the buildings. Double-glazed PVC windows should be phased out of production due to significant environmental footprint associated with their operation.
Development of antibacterial neural stimulation electrodes via hierarchical surface restructuring and atomic layer deposition
Authors: Khosla Henna , Seche Wesley , Ammerman Daniel , Elyahoodayan Sahar , Caputo Gregory A. , Hettinger Jeffrey , Amini Shahram , Feng Gang
Published: November 2023

Miniaturization and electrochemical performance enhancement of electrodes and microelectrode arrays in emerging long-term implantable neural stimulation devices improves specificity, functionality, and performance of these devices. However, surgical site and post-implantation infections are amongst the most devastating complications after surgical procedures and implantations. Additionally, with the increased use of antibiotics, the threat of antibiotic resistance is significant and is increasingly being recognized as a global problem. Therefore, the need for alternative strategies to eliminate post-implantation infections and reduce antibiotic use has led to the development of medical devices with antibacterial properties. In this work, we report on the development of electrochemically active antibacterial platinum-iridium electrodes targeted for use in neural stimulation and sensing applications. A two-step development process was used. Electrodes were first restructured using femtosecond laser hierarchical surface restructuring. In the second step of the process, atomic layer deposition was utilized to deposit conformal antibacterial copper oxide thin films on the hierarchical surface structure of the electrodes to impart antibacterial properties to the electrodes with minimal impact on electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Morphological, compositional, and structural properties of the electrodes were studied using multiple modalities of microscopy and spectroscopy. Antibacterial properties of the electrodes were also studied, particularly, the killing effect of the hierarchically restructured antibacterial electrodes on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus—two common types of bacteria responsible for implant infections.
Associated factors of diabetic retinopathy by artificial intelligence evaluation of fundus images in Japan
Authors: Komatsu Koji , Sano Kei , Fukai Kota , Nakagawa Ryo , Nakagawa Takashi , Tatemichi Masayuki , Nakano Tadashi
Published: November 2023

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the promoting and inhibitory factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) according to diabetes mellitus (DM) stage using standardized evaluation of fundus images by artificial intelligence (AI). A total of 30,167 participants underwent blood and fundus examinations at a health screening facility in Japan (2015–2016). Fundus photographs were screened by the AI software, RetCAD and DR scores (DRSs) were quantified. The presence of DR was determined by setting two cut-off values prioritizing sensitivity or specificity. DM was defined as four stages (no DM: DM0; advanced DM: DM3) based on treatment history and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Associated factors of DR were identified using logistic regression analysis. For cutoff values, multivariate analysis revealed age, sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), smoking, urinary protein, and HbA1c level as positively associated with the risk of DR among all DM stages. In addition to glycemic control, SBP and Fibrosis-4 index might act as promoting factors for DR at all or an earlier DM stage. T-Bil, cholinesterase, and T-cho level might be protective factors at an advanced DM stage.
Flexible control of vocal timing in Carollia perspicillata bats enables escape from acoustic interference
Authors: Kiai Ava , Clemens Jan , Kössl Manfred , Poeppel David , Hechavarría Julio
Published: November 2023

In natural environments, background noise can degrade the integrity of acoustic signals, posing a problem for animals that rely on their vocalizations for communication and navigation. A simple behavioral strategy to combat acoustic interference would be to restrict call emissions to periods of low-amplitude or no noise. Using audio playback and computational tools for the automated detection of over 2.5 million vocalizations from groups of freely vocalizing bats, we show that bats (Carollia perspicillata) can dynamically adapt the timing of their calls to avoid acoustic jamming in both predictably and unpredictably patterned noise. This study demonstrates that bats spontaneously seek out temporal windows of opportunity for vocalizing in acoustically crowded environments, providing a mechanism for efficient echolocation and communication in cluttered acoustic landscapes.
Degeneracy in the neurological model of auditory speech repetition
Authors: Sajid Noor , Gajardo-Vidal Andrea , Ekert Justyna O. , Lorca-Puls Diego L. , Hope Thomas M. H. , Green David W. , Friston Karl J. , Price Cathy J.
Published: November 2023

Both classic and contemporary models of auditory word repetition involve at least four left hemisphere regions: primary auditory cortex for processing sounds; pSTS (within Wernicke’s area) for processing auditory images of speech; pOp (within Broca’s area) for processing motor images of speech; and primary motor cortex for overt speech articulation. Previous functional-MRI (fMRI) studies confirm that auditory repetition activates these regions, in addition to many others. Crucially, however, contemporary models do not specify how regions interact and drive each other during auditory repetition. Here, we used dynamic causal modelling, to test the functional interplay among the four core brain regions during single auditory word and pseudoword repetition. Our analysis is grounded in the principle of degeneracy—i.e., many-to-one structure-function relationships—where multiple neural pathways can execute the same function. Contrary to expectation, we found that, for both word and pseudoword repetition, (i) the effective connectivity between pSTS and pOp was predominantly bidirectional and inhibitory; (ii) activity in the motor cortex could be driven by either pSTS or pOp; and (iii) the latter varied both within and between individuals. These results suggest that different neural pathways can support auditory speech repetition. This degeneracy may explain resilience to functional loss after brain damage.
Correlations in sleeping patterns and circadian preference between spouses
Authors: Richmond Rebecca C. , Howe Laurence J. , Heilbron Karl , Jones Samuel , Liu Junxi ,   23andMe Research Team, Aslibekyan Stella , Auton Adam , Babalola Elizabeth , Bell Robert K. , Bielenberg Jessica , Bryc Katarzyna , Bullis Emily , Coker Daniella , Partida Gabriel Cuellar , Dhamija Devika , Das Sayantan , Elson Sarah L. , Filshtein Teresa , Fletez-Brant Kipper , Fontanillas Pierre , Freyman Will , Gandhi Pooja M. , Heilbron Karl , Hicks Barry , Hinds David A. , Jewett Ethan M. , Jiang Yunxuan , Kukar Katelyn , Lin Keng-Han , Lowe Maya , McCreight Jey C. , McIntyre Matthew H. , Micheletti Steven J. , Moreno Meghan E. , Mountain Joanna L. , Nandakumar Priyanka , Noblin Elizabeth S. , O’Connell Jared , Petrakovitz Aaron A. , Poznik G. David , Schumacher Morgan , Shastri Anjali J. , Shelton Janie F. , Shi Jingchunzi , Shringarpure Suyash , Tran Vinh , Tung Joyce Y. , Wang Xin , Wan Wei , Weldon Catherine H. , Wilton Peter , Hernandez Alejandro , Wong Corinna , Tchakouté Christophe Toukam , Wang Xin , Weedon Michael N. , Rutter Martin K. , Lawlor Deborah A. , Davey Smith George , Vetter Céline
Published: November 2023

Spouses may affect each other’s sleeping behaviour. In 47,420 spouse-pairs from the UK Biobank, we found a weak positive phenotypic correlation between spouses for self-reported sleep duration (r = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.12) and a weak inverse correlation for chronotype (diurnal preference) (r = −0.11; −0.12, −0.10), which replicated in up to 127,035 23andMe spouse-pairs. Using accelerometer data on 3454 UK Biobank spouse-pairs, the correlation for derived sleep duration was similar to self-report (r = 0.12; 0.09, 0.15). Timing of diurnal activity was positively correlated (r = 0.24; 0.21, 0.27) in contrast to the inverse correlation for chronotype. In Mendelian randomization analysis, positive effects of sleep duration (mean difference=0.13; 0.04, 0.23 SD per SD) and diurnal activity (0.49; 0.03, 0.94) were observed, as were inverse effects of chronotype (−0.15; −0.26, −0.04) and snoring (−0.15; −0.27, −0.04). Findings support the notion that an individual’s sleep may impact that of their partner, promoting opportunities for sleep interventions at the family-level.
Comparative analysis of syngeneic mouse models of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Cook David P. , Galpin Kristianne J. C. , Rodriguez Galaxia M. , Shakfa Noor , Wilson-Sanchez Juliette , Echaibi Maryam , Pereira Madison , Matuszewska Kathy , Haagsma Jacob , Murshed Humaira , Cudmore Alison O. , MacDonald Elizabeth , Tone Alicia , Shepherd Trevor G. , Petrik James J. , Koti Madhuri , Vanderhyden Barbara C.
Published: November 2023

Ovarian cancers exhibit high rates of recurrence and poor treatment response. Preclinical models that recapitulate human disease are critical to develop new therapeutic approaches. Syngeneic mouse models allow for the generation of tumours comprising the full repertoire of non-malignant cell types but have expanded in number, varying in the cell type of origin, method for transformation, and ultimately, the properties of the tumours they produce. Here we have performed a comparative analysis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer models based on transcriptomic profiling of 22 cell line models, and intrabursal and intraperitoneal tumours from 12. Among cell lines, we identify distinct signalling activity, such as elevated inflammatory signalling in STOSE and OVE16 models, and MAPK/ERK signalling in ID8 and OVE4 models; metabolic differences, such as reduced glycolysis-associated expression in several engineered ID8 subclones; and relevant functional properties, including differences in EMT activation, PD-L1 and MHC class I expression, and predicted chemosensitivity. Among tumour samples, we observe increased variability and stromal content among intrabursal tumours. Finally, we predict differences in the microenvironment of ID8 models engineered with clinically relevant mutations. We anticipate that this work will serve as a valuable resource, providing new insight to help select models for specific experimental objectives.
Applying Bayesian inference and deterministic anisotropy to retrieve the molecular structure ∣Ψ(R)∣2 distribution from gas-phase diffraction experiments
Authors: Hegazy Kareem , Makhija Varun , Bucksbaum Phil , Corbett Jeff , Cryan James , Hartmann Nick , Ilchen Markus , Jobe Keith , Li Renkai , Makasyuk Igor , Shen Xiaozhe , Wang Xijie , Weathersby Stephen , Yang Jie , Coffee Ryan
Published: November 2023

Currently, our general approach to retrieving molecular structures from ultrafast gas-phase diffraction heavily relies on complex ab initio electronic or vibrational excited state simulations to make conclusive interpretations. Without such simulations, inverting this measurement for the structural probability distribution is typically intractable. This creates a so-called inverse problem. Here we address this inverse problem by developing a broadly applicable method that approximates the molecular frame structure ∣Ψ(R, t)∣2 distribution independent of these complex simulations. We retrieve the vibronic ground state ∣Ψ(R)∣2 for both simulated stretched NO2 and measured N2O. From measured N2O, we observe 40 mÅ coordinate-space resolution from 3.75 Å−1 reciprocal space range and poor signal-to-noise, a 50X improvement over traditional Fourier transform methods. In simulated NO2 diffraction experiments, typical to high signal-to-noise levels predict 100–1000X resolution improvements, down to 0.1 mÅ. By directly measuring the width of ∣Ψ(R)∣2, we open ultrafast gas-phase diffraction capabilities to measurements beyond current analysis approaches. This method has the potential to effectively turn gas-phase ultrafast diffraction into a discovery-oriented technique to probe systems that are prohibitively difficult to simulate.
Senolytic therapy alleviates physiological human brain aging and COVID-19 neuropathology
Authors: Aguado Julio , Amarilla Alberto A. , Taherian Fard Atefeh , Albornoz Eduardo A. , Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Schwabenland Marius , Chaggar Harman K. , Modhiran Naphak , Gómez-Inclán Cecilia , Javed Ibrahim , Baradar Alireza A. , Liang Benjamin , Peng Lianli , Dharmaratne Malindrie , Pietrogrande Giovanni , Padmanabhan Pranesh , Freney Morgan E. , Parry Rhys , Sng Julian D. J. , Isaacs Ariel , Khromykh Alexander A. , Valenzuela Nieto Guillermo , Rojas-Fernandez Alejandro , Davis Thomas P. , Prinz Marco , Bengsch Bertram , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Woodruff Trent M. , Mar Jessica C. , Watterson Daniel , Wolvetang Ernst J.
Published: November 2023

Aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to severe neurological manifestations. Senescent cells contribute to brain aging, but the impact of virus-induced senescence on neuropathologies is unknown. Here we show that senescent cells accumulate in aged human brain organoids and that senolytics reduce age-related inflammation and rejuvenate transcriptomic aging clocks. In postmortem brains of patients with severe COVID-19 we observed increased senescent cell accumulation compared with age-matched controls. Exposure of human brain organoids to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) induced cellular senescence, and transcriptomic analysis revealed a unique SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory signature. Senolytic treatment of infected brain organoids blocked viral replication and prevented senescence in distinct neuronal populations. In human-ACE2-overexpressing mice, senolytics improved COVID-19 clinical outcomes, promoted dopaminergic neuron survival and alleviated viral and proinflammatory gene expression. Collectively our results demonstrate an important role for cellular senescence in driving brain aging and SARS-CoV-2-induced neuropathology, and a therapeutic benefit of senolytic treatments.