bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing reservoir computer hyperparameter dependence by external timescale tailoring
Authors: Jaurigue Lina , Lüdge Kathy
Published: January 2024

Task specific hyperparameter tuning in reservoir computing is an open issue, and is of particular relevance for hardware implemented reservoirs. We investigate the influence of directly including externally controllable task specific timescales on the performance and hyperparameter sensitivity of reservoir computing approaches. We show that the need for hyperparameter optimisation can be reduced if timescales of the reservoir are tailored to the specific task. Our results are mainly relevant for temporal tasks requiring memory of past inputs, for example chaotic timeseries prediction. We consider various methods of including task specific timescales in the reservoir computing approach and demonstrate the universality of our message by looking at both time-multiplexed and spatially-multiplexed reservoir computing.
Guiding discovery of protein sequence-structure-function modeling
Authors: Hussain Azam , Brooks III Charles L
Published: January 2024

Motivation

Protein engineering techniques are key in designing novel catalysts for a wide range of reactions. Although approaches vary in their exploration of the sequence-structure-function paradigm, they are often hampered by the labor-intensive steps of protein expression and screening. In this work, we describe the development and testing of a high-throughput in silico sequence-structure-function pipeline using AlphaFold2 and fast Fourier transform docking that is benchmarked with enantioselectivity and reactivity predictions for an ancestral sequence library of fungal flavin-dependent monooxygenases.

Results

The predicted enantioselectivities and reactivities correlate well with previously described screens of an experimentally available subset of these proteins and capture known changes in enantioselectivity across the phylogenetic tree representing ancestorial proteins from this family. With this pipeline established as our functional screen, we apply ensemble decision tree models and explainable AI techniques to build sequence-function models and extract critical residues within the binding site and the second-sphere residues around this site. We demonstrate that the top-identified key residues in the control of enantioselectivity and reactivity correspond to experimentally verified residues. The in silico sequence-to-function pipeline serves as an accelerated framework to inform protein engineering efforts from vast informative sequence landscapes contained in protein families, ancestral resurrects, and directed evolution campaigns.

Availability

Jupyter notebooks detailing the sequence-structure-function pipeline are available at https://github.com/BrooksResearchGroup-UM/seq_struct_func
FLAMS: Find Lysine Acylations and other Modification Sites
Authors: Longin Hannelore , Broeckaert Nand , Langen Maarten , Hari Roshan , Kramarska Anna , Oikarinen Kasper , Hendrix Hanne , Lavigne Rob , van Noort Vera
Published: January 2024

Today, hundreds of post-translational modification (PTM) sites are routinely identified at once, but the comparison of new experimental datasets to already existing ones is hampered by the current inability to search most PTM databases at the protein residue level. We present FLAMS (Find Lysine Acylations and other Modification Sites), a Python3-based command line and web-tool that enables researchers to compare their PTM sites to the contents of the CPLM, the largest dedicated protein lysine modification database, and dbPTM, the most comprehensive general PTM database, at the residue level. FLAMS can be integrated into PTM analysis pipelines, allowing researchers to quickly assess the novelty and conservation of PTM sites across species in newly generated datasets, aiding in the functional assessment of sites and the prioritization of sites for further experimental characterization.

Availability and implementation

FLAMS is implemented in Python3, and freely available under an MIT license. It can be found as a command line tool at https://github.com/hannelorelongin/FLAMS, pip and conda; and as a web service at https://www.biw.kuleuven.be/m2s/cmpg/research/CSB/tools/flams/.
ReMASTER: improved phylodynamic simulation for BEAST 2.7
Authors: Vaughan Timothy G
Published: January 2024

Phylodynamic models link phylogenetic trees to biologically-relevant parameters such as speciation and extinction rates (macroevolution), effective population sizes and migration rates (ecology and phylogeography), and transmission and removal/recovery rates (epidemiology) to name a few. Being able to simulate phylogenetic trees and population dynamics under these models is the basis for (i) developing and testing of phylodynamic inference algorithms, (ii) performing simulation studies which quantify the biases stemming from model-misspecification, and (iii) performing so-called model adequacy assessments by simulating samples from the posterior predictive distribution. Here I introduce ReMASTER, a package for the phylogenetic inference platform BEAST 2 that provides a simple and efficient approach to specifying and simulating the phylogenetic trees and population dynamics arising from phylodynamic models. Being a component of BEAST 2 allows ReMASTER to also form the basis of joint simulation and inference analyses. ReMASTER is a complete rewrite of an earlier package, MASTER, and boasts improved efficiency, ease of use, flexibility of model specification, and deeper integration with BEAST 2.

Availability and Implementation

ReMASTER can be installed directly from the BEAST 2 package manager, and its documentation is available online at https://tgvaughan.github.io/remaster. ReMASTER is free software, and is distributed under version 3 of the GNU General Public License. The Java source code for ReMASTER is available from https://github.com/tgvaughan/remaster.
Phylogeography of a commercially important reef fish, Lutjanus ehrenbergii, from the coastal waters of the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Griffiths Marylka H , Wade Christopher M , D’Agostino Daniele , Berumen Michael L , Burt John A , DiBattista Joseph D , Feary David A
Published: January 2024

The coastal waters of the Arabian Peninsula include a heterogeneous marine region comprising the Persian/Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman at its northeastern boundary and the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea at its southern and western boundary. The environment within this region shifts from highly variable coral cover and extreme temperatures within the Persian/Arabian Gulf to sparse coral cover, lower summer temperatures, and nutrient-rich upwelling within the Sea of Oman. Within the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea there is high coral cover and warm, stable conditions. We tested for barriers to pelagic dispersal across this peninsula for the commercially important blackspot snapper Lutjanus ehrenbergii using mitochondrial DNA sequences. We found scant evidence for population genetic differences when comparing within northern and southern sections, but instead found strong evidence of genetic differentiation between northern and southern sections, with the Persian/Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman populations being highly differentiated from the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea populations. Low levels of haplotype sharing between the Persian/Arabian Gulf – Sea of Oman and the Gulf of Aden – Red Sea probably reflect scenarios of historical colonization into these peripheral bodies of water, or the presence of a contemporary ecological barrier preventing further genetic exchange.
Gamma delta lymphoma: a pictorial review of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT findings and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Rayamajhi Sampanna J , Ponisio Maria R , Mehta-Shah Neha
Published: January 2024

Gamma Delta (γδ) T-cell lymphomas are uncommon and aggressive neoplasms originating from the γδ receptor-bearing lymphocytes. The most frequent entities include primary hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphomas, primary cutaneous γδ lymphoma, and monomorphic epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT is an important modality in the staging of Hodgkin’s and various non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, literature is scare on imaging findings of γδ lymphoma on F-18 FDG PET/CT. In this review, we discuss briefly the clinical and biological features and present the spectrum of F-18 FDG PET/CT findings of γδ lymphoma.
Novel implementation of cardiac magnetic resonance first-pass perfusion imaging for semi-quantitatively evaluating microvascular dysfunction in paediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Xie Linjun , Cai Xiaotang , Guo Yingkun , Yu Li , Li Xuesheng , Fu Chuan , Xu Ke , Song Yu , Xu Rong , Liu Hanmin , Xu Huayan
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The current study aimed to assess myocardial microcirculation dysfunction via cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first-pass perfusion imaging in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

In total, 67 children with DMD and 15 controls who underwent contrast-enhanced CMR first-pass perfusion imaging were enrolled in this study. CMR first-pass perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences were acquired. Further, the global, regional, and coronary artery distribution area perfusion indexes (PI), upslope (%BL), maximum signal intensity (MaxSI), time to maximum signal intensity (TTM), and baseline SI were analysed. The perfusion parameters of the LGE positive (+), LGE negative (−), and control groups were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the association between myocardial microcirculation and conventional cardiac function and LGE parameters.

Results

The LGE+ group had a significantly lower global and apical-ventricular MaxSI than the control group (all P < .05). The left anterior descending arterial (LAD), left circumflex coronary arterial (LCX), and right coronary arterial (RCA) segments of the LGE+ group had a lower upslope and MaxSI than those of the control group (all P < .05). The LAD segments of the LGE− group had a lower MaxSI than those of the control group (41.10 ± 11.08 vs 46.36 ± 13.04; P < .001). The LCX segments of the LGE− group had a lower PI and upslope than those of the control group (11.05 ± 2.84 vs 12.46 ± 2.82; P = .001; 59.31 ± 26.76 vs 68.57 ± 29.99; P = .002). Based on the correlation analysis, the upslope, MaxSI, and TTM were correlated with conventional cardiac function and LGE extent.

Conclusions

Paediatric patients with DMD may present with microvascular dysfunction. This condition may appear before LGE and may be correlated with coronary artery blood supply and LGE extent.

Advances in knowledge

First-pass perfusion parameters may reveal the status of myocardial microcirculation and reflect the degree of myocardial injury at an earlier time in DMD patients. Perfusion parameters should be analysed not only via global or base, middle, and apical segments but also according to coronary artery distribution area, which may detect myocardial microvascular dysfunction at an earlier stage, in DMD patients with LGE−.
Lesion-specific pericoronary adipose tissue CT attenuation improves risk prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease
Authors: Chen Meng , Hao Guangyu , Hu Su , Chen Can , Tao Qing , Xu Jialiang , Geng Yayuan , Wang Ximing , Hu Chunhong
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To determine whether lesion-specific pericoronary adipose tissue CT attenuation (PCATa) is superior to PCATa around the proximal right coronary artery (PCATa-RCA) and left anterior descending artery (PCATa-LAD) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prediction in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Six hundred and eight CAD patients who underwent coronary CTA from January 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively included, with clinical risk factors, plaque features, lesion-specific PCATa, PCATa-RCA, and PCATa-LAD collected. MACE was defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina. Four models were established, encapsulating traditional factors (Model A), traditional factors and PCATa-RCA (Model B), traditional factors and PCATa-LAD (Model C), and traditional factors and lesion-specific PCATa (Model D). Prognostic performance was evaluated with C-statistic, area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), and net reclassification index (NRI).

Results

Lesion-specific PCATa was an independent predictor for MACE (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.108, P < .001). The C-statistic increased from 0.750 for model A to 0.762 for model B (P = .078), 0.773 for model C (P = .046), and 0.791 for model D (P = .005). The AUC increased from 0.770 for model A to 0.793 for model B (P = .027), 0.793 for model C (P = .387), and 0.820 for model D (P = .019). Compared with model A, the NRIs for models B, C, and D were 0.243 (−0.323 to 0.792, P = .392), 0.428 (−0.012 to 0.835, P = .048), and 0.708 (0.152-1.016, P = .001), respectively.

Conclusions

Lesion-specific PCATa improves risk prediction of MACE in CAD, which is better than PCATa-RCA and PCATa-LAD.

Advances in knowledge

Lesion-specific PCATa was superior to PCATa-RCA and PCATa-LAD for MACE prediction.
Differentiation of bone metastases from benign red marrow depositions: utilizing qualitative and quantitative analysis of conventional T1-weighted imaging and fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging
Authors: Park Sekyoung , Huh Jin Do
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To distinguish bone metastases (BMs) from benign red marrow depositions (BRMs) by qualitative and quantitative analyses of T1-weighted imaging and fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (T2 FS).

Methods

For 75 lesions including 38 BMs and 37 BRMs, two radiologists independently evaluated magnetic resonance images by qualitative (signal intensity [SI] of lesions compared to that of normal muscle [NM] or normal bone marrow [NBM]) and quantitative (parameters of the region of interests in the lesions, including T1 ratio [T1 SI ratio of lesion and NM], T2FMu ratio [T2 FS SI ratio of lesion and NM], and T2FMa ratio [T2 FS SI ratio of lesion and NBM]) analyses.

Results

Hyperintensity relative to NM or NBM on T2 FS was more frequent in BMs than in BRMs (100% vs 59.5%-78.4%, respectively; P ≤ 0.001) but also was present in more than half of BRMs. All quantitative parameters showed a significant difference between BMs and BRMs (T1 ratio, 1.075 vs 1.227 [P = 0.002]; T2FMu ratio, 2.094 vs 1.282 [P < 0.001]; T2FMa ratio, 3.232 vs 1.810 [P < 0.001]). The receiver operating characteristics areas under the curves of T2FMu and T2FMa ratios were clinically useful (0.781 and 0.841, respectively) and did not demonstrate statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

The quantitative analysis of T2 FS facilitates distinguishing between BMs and BRMs, regardless of whether the reference was NM or NBM.

Advances in knowledge

Quantitative parameters derived from T2 FS facilitate differentiation of BMs BRMs without additional scans. The role of NBM as an internal standard for T2 FS to differentiate between BMs and BRMs is similar to that of NM.
Diagnostic value of PET imaging in clinically unresponsive patients
Authors: Farg Hashim , Elnakib Ahmed , Gebreil Ahmad , Alksas Ahmed , van Bogaert Eric , Mahmoud Ali , Khalil Ashraf , Ghazal Mohammed , Abou El-Ghar Mohamed , El-Baz Ayman , Contractor Sohail
Published: January 2024

Rapid advancements in the critical care management of acute brain injuries have facilitated the survival of numerous patients who may have otherwise succumbed to their injuries. The probability of conscious recovery hinges on the extent of structural brain damage and the level of metabolic and functional cerebral impairment, which remain challenging to assess via laboratory, clinical, or functional tests. Current research settings and guidelines highlight the potential value of fluorodeoxyglucose-PET (FDG-PET) for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, emphasizing its capacity to consistently illustrate a metabolic reduction in cerebral glucose uptake across various disorders of consciousness. Crucially, FDG-PET might be a pivotal tool for differentiating between patients in the minimally conscious state and those in the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, a persistent clinical challenge. In patients with disorders of consciousness, PET offers utility in evaluating the degree and spread of functional disruption, as well as identifying irreversible neural damage. Further, studies that capture responses to external stimuli can shed light on residual or revived brain functioning. Nevertheless, the validity of these findings in predicting clinical outcomes calls for additional long-term studies with larger patient cohorts suffering from consciousness impairment. Misdiagnosis of conscious illnesses during bedside clinical assessments remains a significant concern. Based on the clinical research settings, current clinical guidelines recommend PET for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes. This review article discusses the clinical categories of conscious disorders and the diagnostic and prognostic value of PET imaging in clinically unresponsive patients, considering the known limitations of PET imaging in such contexts.
Acellular dermal matrix imaging features in breast reconstructive surgery: a pictorial review
Authors: Durando Manuela , Ferrando Pietro Maria , Dianzani Chiara , Galioto Francesca , Mariscotti Giovanna , Regini Elisa , Bartoli Germana , Malan Fabrizio , Bogetti Paolo , Fonio Paolo
Published: January 2024

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are biological engineered tissues, which may provide an immunologically inert scaffold in breast reconstruction. Since the literature on imaging features of ADMs is limited, radiologists must be aware of the common imaging appearances of ADM, to differentiate normal conformation from residual or recurrent disease. Our purpose is to review the current role of ADMs in implant-based breast reconstruction, describing the normal imaging findings at ultrasound, mammography, and MRI also considering the possible changes over time. In this pictorial essay, we reviewed imaging features of ADMs described in the literature and we reported our experience in patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with human or animal ADM for newly diagnosed breast cancer.
Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst mimicking an adrenal cyst: case report
Authors: Idrees Hajra , Zarrar Raza , Taslicay Ceylan A , Elsayes Khaled M
Published: January 2024

Bronchogenic cysts are rare lesions that form during early embryogenesis and are commonly located in the mediastinum. Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts (RBs) are exceptionally rare, with only a handful of cases reported in the modern literature. Here, we report an RB found incidentally on imaging in a patient with suspected nephrolithiasis. We also review the unique imaging and histopathological findings of this entity and discuss why prophylactic surgery is considered the treatment of choice.
Vertebral anomalies and VACTERL association in pontine tegmental cap dysplasia: a paediatric case report
Authors: Klapper Rachel Jane , Strobel Joshua , Hebert Chance , Venkataraj Maamannan , Xu Tailong , Arevalo Espejo Octavio
Published: January 2024

This case report highlights vertebral segmental anomalies and the fact that the child presented has a rare neurologic condition called pontine tegmental cap dysplasia. Additionally, this case aims to educate learners in developing a differential diagnosis for vertebral and cardiac anomalies such as VACTERL syndromes and common syndromes associated with butterfly vertebrae in children and adolescents.
Two cases of parathyroid carcinoma associated with multiple brown tumours
Authors: Sakai Akihiro , Inagi Toshihide , Iijima Hiroaki , Ebisumoto Koji , Okami Kenji
Published: January 2024

We present two rare cases of parathyroid carcinomas associated with multiple brown tumours. Plain radiographs, computed tomography, and neck ultrasonography revealed the presence of bone and parathyroid tumours. Despite the use of 99m Tc-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) or 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET)/CT, it was difficult to differentiate bone metastases from brown tumours. Parathyroid carcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination following parathyroidectomy, resulting in spontaneous bone lesion improvement. In patients with parathyroid carcinoma presenting with bone lesions suggestive of metastasis, understanding the potential for brown tumour accumulation through 99mTc-MIBI or 18F-FDG PET/CT is pivotal. With this understanding, it is possible to diagnose brown tumours with parathyroidectomy and follow up for improvement of bone lesion and avoid invasive biopsy or surgery.
Radiological findings and endovascular management of internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in the setting of mucormycosis and COVID-19
Authors: Seshadri Harini , Saraf Rashmi , Barchha Satyam
Published: January 2024

The coronavirus pandemic is now a public health emergency and has spread to nearly 206 countries across the globe. This novel disease has shaken the psycho-social, economic, and medical infrastructure of India. This has become even more challenging, considering the country’s huge population. With the increase in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID) cases, our country has seen an unforeseen, unprecedented rise in a potential life and organ-threatening disease—mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a deadly, extremely morbid, possibly life-threatening, and most feared complication of the coronavirus, caused by environmental molds belonging to the order Mucorales. Here, we report 2 cases of massive epistaxis due to internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm secondary to mucormycosis, post-COVID-19 pneumonia, which was managed by the endovascular route. To the best of our knowledge, there is very sparse literature available describing endovascular treatment of intracranial ICA pseudoaneurysm in a patient with COVID-induced mucormycosis.
Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins: radiological evaluation using CT angiography
Authors: Morimura Fumio , Edo Hiromi , Niwa Takafumi , Sugiura Hiroaki , Suyama Yohsuke , Okazaki Soya , Narimatsu Kazuyuki , Ohno Hiroki , Okamoto Koichi , Ueno Hideki , Yoshimatsu Shinya , Miyai Kosuke , Hamamoto Kohei , Shinmoto Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

A 44-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of constipation. Initial contrast-enhanced CT showed extensive bowel wall thickening, mainly in the left colon, with a thin cord-like inferior mesenteric vein (IMV), in contrast to ectatic mesenteric venous branches, suggesting bowel ischaemia owing to venous stasis. One month later, at the time of symptom exacerbation, CT angiography showed a cord-like IMV and ectatic mesenteric venous branches with early enhancement, suggesting the presence of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Owing to the progression of bowel ischaemia and necrosis with peritonitis, emergency surgery was performed. Surgical specimens showed focal myointimal hyperplasia of the proximal mesenteric veins in both ischaemic and non-ischaemic lesions of the resected colon, thus leading to the diagnosis of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins (IMHMV) when combined with the clinical and imaging findings. IMHMV is a bowel ischaemic disease caused by non-thrombotic venous obstruction that requires bowel resection and has been suggested to be associated with AVF. Cord-like IMV and AVF in the mesentery are important CT findings that characterize IMHMV. CT angiography is useful in diagnosing IMHMV.
Outcomes after distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: international multicentre cohort study
Authors: Gorris Myrte , van Bodegraven Eduard A , Abu Hilal Mohammad , Bolm Louisa , Busch Olivier R , del Chiaro Marco , Habib Joseph , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , He Jin , van Hooft Jeanin E , Jang Jin-Young , Javed Ammar A , Kazami Yusuke , Kwon Wooil , Lee Mirang , Liu Rong , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Perri Giampaolo , Saiura Akio , Salvia Roberto , Sasanuma Hideki , Takeda Yoshinori , Wolfgang Christopher , Zelga Piotr , Castillo Carlos Fernandez - del , Marchegiani Giovanni , Besselink Marc G
Published: January 2024

Background

International guidelines on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) recommend a formal oncological resection including splenectomy when distal pancreatectomy is indicated. This study aimed to compare oncological and surgical outcomes after distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy in patients with presumed IPMN.

Methods

An international, retrospective cohort study was undertaken in 14 high-volume centres from 7 countries including consecutive patients after distal pancreatectomy for IPMN (2005–2019). Patients were divided into spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS). The primary outcome was lymph node metastasis (LNM). Secondary outcomes were overall survival, duration of operation, blood loss, and secondary splenectomy.

Results

Overall, 700 patients were included after distal pancreatectomy for IPMN; 123 underwent SPDP (17.6%) and 577 DPS (82.4%). The rate of malignancy was 29.6% (137 patients) and the overall rate of LNM 6.7% (47 patients). Patients with preoperative suspicion of malignancy had a LNM rate of 17.2% (23 of 134) versus 4.3% (23 of 539) among patients without suspected malignancy (P < 0.001). Overall, SPDP was associated with a shorter operating time (median 180 versus 226 min; P = 0.001), less blood loss (100 versus 336 ml; P = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (5 versus 8 days; P < 0.001). No significant difference in overall survival was observed between SPDP and DPS for IPMN after correction for prognostic factors (HR 0.50, 95% c.i. 0.22 to 1.18; P = 0.504).

Conclusion

This international cohort study found LNM in 6.7% of patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy for IPMN. In patients without preoperative suspicion of malignancy, SPDP seemed oncologically safe and was associated with improved short-term outcomes compared with DPS.
Motor network gamma oscillations in chronic home recordings predict dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Olaru Maria , Cernera Stephanie , Hahn Amelia , Wozny Thomas A , Anso Juan , de Hemptinne Coralie , Little Simon , Neumann Wolf-Julian , Abbasi-Asl Reza , Starr Philip A
Published: January 2024

In Parkinson’s disease, imbalances between ‘antikinetic’ and ‘prokinetic’ patterns of neuronal oscillatory activity are related to motor dysfunction. Invasive brain recordings from the motor network have suggested that medical or surgical therapy can promote a prokinetic state by inducing narrowband gamma rhythms (65–90 Hz). Excessive narrowband gamma in the motor cortex promotes dyskinesia in rodent models, but the relationship between narrowband gamma and dyskinesia in humans has not been well established.

To assess this relationship, we used a sensing-enabled deep brain stimulator system, attached to both motor cortex and basal ganglia (subthalamic or pallidal) leads, paired with wearable devices that continuously tracked motor signs in the contralateral upper limbs. We recorded 984 h of multisite field potentials in 30 hemispheres of 16 subjects with Parkinson’s disease (2/16 female, mean age 57 ± 12 years) while at home on usual antiparkinsonian medications. Recordings were done 2–4 weeks after implantation, prior to starting therapeutic stimulation.

Narrowband gamma was detected in the precentral gyrus, subthalamic nucleus or both structures on at least one side of 92% of subjects with a clinical history of dyskinesia. Narrowband gamma was not detected in the globus pallidus. Narrowband gamma spectral power in both structures co-fluctuated similarly with contralateral wearable dyskinesia scores (mean correlation coefficient of ρ = 0.48 with a range of 0.12–0.82 for cortex, ρ = 0.53 with a range of 0.5–0.77 for subthalamic nucleus). Stratification analysis showed the correlations were not driven by outlier values, and narrowband gamma could distinguish ‘on’ periods with dyskinesia from ‘on’ periods without dyskinesia. Time lag comparisons confirmed that gamma oscillations herald dyskinesia onset without a time lag in either structure when using 2-min epochs. A linear model incorporating the three oscillatory bands (beta, theta/alpha and narrowband gamma) increased the predictive power of dyskinesia for several subject hemispheres. We further identified spectrally distinct oscillations in the low gamma range (40–60 Hz) in three subjects, but the relationship of low gamma oscillations to dyskinesia was variable.

Our findings support the hypothesis that excessive oscillatory activity at 65–90 Hz in the motor network tracks with dyskinesia similarly across both structures, without a detectable time lag. This rhythm may serve as a promising control signal for closed-loop deep brain stimulation using either cortical or subthalamic detection.
A hybrid machine-learning model for solar irradiance forecasting
Authors: Almarzooqi Ameera M , Maalouf Maher , El-Fouly Tarek H M , Katzourakis Vasileios E , El Moursi Mohamed S , Chrysikopoulos Constantinos V
Published: January 2024

Nowcasting and forecasting solar irradiance are vital for the optimal prediction of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. These plants face operational challenges and scheduling dispatch difficulties due to the fluctuating nature of their power output. As the generation capacity within the electric grid increases, accurately predicting this output becomes increasingly essential, especially given the random and non-linear characteristics of solar irradiance under variable weather conditions. This study presents a novel prediction method for solar irradiance, which is directly in correlation with PV power output, targeting both short-term and medium-term forecast horizons. Our proposed hybrid framework employs a fast trainable statistical learning technique based on the truncated-regularized kernel ridge regression model. The proposed method excels in forecasting solar irradiance, especially during highly intermittent weather periods. A key strength of our model is the incorporation of multiple historical weather parameters as inputs to generate accurate predictions of future solar irradiance values in its scalable framework. We evaluated the performance of our model using data sets from both cloudy and sunny days in Seattle and Medford, USA and compared it against three forecasting models: persistence, modified 24-hour persistence and least squares. Based on three widely accepted statistical performance metrics (root mean squared error, mean absolute error and coefficient of determination), our hybrid model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy in varying weather conditions and forecast horizons.
An application of a genetic algorithm in co-optimization of geological CO2 storage based on artificial neural networks
Authors: Vaziri Pouya , Sedaee Behnam
Published: January 2024

Global warming, driven by human-induced disruptions to the natural carbon dioxide (CO2) cycle, is a pressing concern. To mitigate this, carbon capture and storage has emerged as a key strategy that enables the continued use of fossil fuels while transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Deep saline aquifers are of particular interest due to their substantial CO2 storage potential, often located near fossil fuel reservoirs. In this study, a deep saline aquifer model with a saline water production well was constructed to develop the optimization workflow. Due to the time-consuming nature of each realization of the numerical simulation, we introduce a surrogate aquifer model derived from extracted data. The novelty of our work lies in the pioneering of simultaneous optimization using machine learning within an integrated framework. Unlike previous studies, which typically focused on single-parameter optimization, our research addresses this gap by performing multi-objective optimization for CO2 storage and breakthrough time in deep saline aquifers using a data-driven model. Our methodology encompasses preprocessing and feature selection, identifying eight pivotal parameters. Evaluation metrics include root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and R2. In predicting CO2 storage values, RMSE, MAPE and R2 in test data were 2.07%, 1.52% and 0.99, respectively, while in blind data, they were 2.5%, 2.05% and 0.99. For the CO2 breakthrough time, RMSE, MAPE and R2 in the test data were 2.1%, 1.77% and 0.93, while in the blind data they were 2.8%, 2.23% and 0.92, respectively. In addressing the substantial computational demands and time-consuming nature of coupling a numerical simulator with an optimization algorithm, we have adopted a strategy in which the trained artificial neural network is seamlessly integrated with a multi-objective genetic algorithm. Within this framework, we conducted 5000 comprehensive experiments to rigorously validate the development of the Pareto front, highlighting the depth of our computational approach. The findings of the study promise insights into the interplay between CO2 breakthrough time and storage in aquifer-based carbon capture and storage processes within an integrated framework based on data-driven coupled multi-objective optimization.
Photoluminescence/optical-absorption modulation of layered lanthanide molybdates for chemical sensing of reductive materials
Authors: Hasegawa Takuya , Kanaoka Yuzuki , Noda Suzuka , Okawa Ayahisa , Yin Shu
Published: January 2024

This work has found K1−δHδEu(MoO4)2 as a novel material for detecting reducing agents. The red emission from Eu3+ was notably diminished in the presence of the reducing agent, followed by its restoration in the presence of the oxidizing agent, demonstrating a significant luminescence modulation. This effect is believed to be induced by polaron absorption between Mo5+ and Mo6+, deactivating the red luminescence of Eu3+. Notably, the facile proton deinsertion stemming from the layered structure contributed to its exceptional restoration capability.
Synthesis and property of silver nanoparticles with verbascoside
Authors: Luhata Lokadi Pierre , Iizuka Yoshiko , Eda Ryotaro , Uchida Hiroshi , Chick Christian Nanga , Kubo Makoto , Usuki Toyonobu
Published: January 2024

Verbascoside (VB), a phenylpropanoid glycoside found in many medicinal plants, is attracting the attention of researchers due to its significant clinical value. This study, for the first time, attempted the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using VB as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized VB–AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible, dynamic light-scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. The cytotoxic potency against LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells was also investigated.
Ribonucleotides differentially modulate oral glutamate detection thresholds
Authors: Amado Nicholas J , Hanselman Emily C , Harmon Caroline P , Deng Daiyong , Alarcon Suzanne M , Sharples Ashley A , Breslin Paul A S
Published: January 2024

The savory or umami taste of the amino acid glutamate is synergistically enhanced by the addition of the purines inosine 5ʹ-monophosphate (IMP) and guanosine 5ʹ-monophosphate (GMP) disodium salt. We hypothesized that the addition of purinergic ribonucleotides, along with the pyrimidine ribonucleotides, would decrease the absolute detection threshold of (increase sensitivity to) l-glutamic acid potassium salt (MPG). To test this, we measured both the absolute detection threshold of MPG alone and with a background level (3 mM) of 5 different 5ʹ-ribonucleotides. The addition of the 3 purines IMP, GMP, and adenosine 5ʹ-monophosphate (AMP) lowered the MPG threshold in all participants (P < 0.001), indicating they are positive modulators or enhancers of glutamate taste. The average detection threshold of MPG was 2.08 mM, and with the addition of IMP, the threshold was decreased by approximately 1.5 orders of magnitude to 0.046 mM. In contrast to the purines, the pyrimidines uridine 5ʹ-monophosphate (UMP) and cytidine 5ʹ-monophosphate (CMP) yielded different results. CMP reliably raised glutamate thresholds in 10 of 17 subjects, suggesting it is a negative modulator or diminisher of glutamate taste for them. The rank order of effects on increasing sensitivity to glutamate was IMP > GMP> AMP >> UMP// CMP. These data confirm that ribonucleotides are modulators of glutamate taste, with purines enhancing sensitivity and pyrimidines displaying variable and even negative modulatory effects. Our ability to detect the co-occurrence of glutamate and purines is meaningful as both are relatively high in evolutionarily important sources of nutrition, such as insects and fermented foods.
Virological Failure After Switch to Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Injectable Therapy: An In-depth Analysis
Authors: van Welzen Berend J , Van Lelyveld Steven F L , Ter Beest Gerjanne , Gisolf Jet H , Geerlings Suzanne E , Prins Jan M , Van Twillert Gitte , Van Nieuwkoop Cees , Van der Valk Marc , Burger David , Wensing Annemarie M J
Published: January 2024

Background

Long-acting (LA) injectable therapy with cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) is currently used as maintenance treatment for human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and has a low risk for virological failure (VF). Although the risk is low, the circumstances and impact of VF in the real-world setting merit further evaluation.

Methods

We performed an in-depth clinical, virological, and pharmacokinetic analysis on the reasons behind and the impact of VF during LA CAB/RPV therapy in 5 cases from the Netherlands. Genotypic resistance testing was performed after the occurrence of VF, and drug plasma (trough) concentrations were measured after VF was established and on any other samples to assess on-treatment drug levels. CAB and RPV drug levels that were below the first quartile of the population cutoff (≤Q1) were considered to be low.

Results

Five cases who were eligible for LA CAB/RPV experienced VF despite a low predicted risk at baseline. Genotypic resistance testing revealed extensive selection of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor–associated mutations in all cases, and integrase strand transfer inhibitor mutations in 4 cases. All cases displayed low drug levels of either CAB, RPV, or both during the treatment course, likely contributing to the occurrence of VF. In 3 cases, we were able to identify the potential mechanisms behind these low drug levels.

Conclusions

This is the first in-depth multiple case analysis of VF on LA CAB/RPV therapy in a real-world setting. Our observations stress the need to be aware for (evolving) risk factors and the yield of a comprehensive clinical, virological, and pharmacokinetic approach in case of failure.
Ettore Romagnoli,rievocatoreof ancient Greek drama
Authors: Troiani Sara
Published: January 2024

The Italian classicist Ettore Romagnoli (1871–938) is mostly remembered as a popularizer of ancient drama through his work as a translator for and artistic director of classical performances at the Greek theatre of Syracuse (1914–27). His theatrical productions were inspired by a programmatic aesthetic approach to the study of classical culture called ‘artistic Hellenism’, which aimed at making the Graeco-Roman classics accessible to a broader audience, as well as renewing Italian prose theatre by referring to the example of the ancient chorodidaskalos. This article aims to describe Romagnoli’s attempt to promote his aesthetics in the staging of Greek drama within the cultural framework of Fascism. Even after his dismissal from the artistic direction of the National Institute of Ancient Drama, which he helped to establish in 1925, Romagnoli strove to find the financial support for his project of a ‘Fascist Institute of Classical Drama’. This Institute never became a reality and was probably intended to compete with the classical productions staged at Syracuse, which in the thirties were undergoing a shift in terms of aesthetics and production management according to the new Fascist politics about theatre matters.
Morphological variation of gubernacular tracts for permanent mandibular canines in eruption: a three-dimensional analysis
Authors: Liu Pei , Li Renpeng , Cheng Yong , Li Bo , Wei Lili , Li Wei , Guo Xiaolong , Li Hang , Wang Fang
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the morphological features of gubernacular tract (GT) for erupting permanent mandibular canines at different ages from 5 to 9 years old with a three-dimensional (3D) measurement method.

Methods

The cone-beam CT images of 50 patients were divided into five age groups. The 3D models of the GT for mandibular canines were reconstructed and analysed. The characteristics of the GT, including length, diameter, ellipticity, tortuosity, superficial area, volume, and the angle between the canine and GT, were evaluated using a centreline fitting algorithm.

Results

Among the 100 GTs that were examined, the length of the GT for mandibular canines decreased between the ages of 5 and 9 years, while the diameter increased until the age of 7 years. Additionally, the ellipticity and tortuosity of the GT decreased as age advanced. The superficial area and volume exhibited a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. The morphological variations of the GT displayed heterogeneous changes during different periods.

Conclusions

The 3D measurement method effectively portrayed the morphological attributes of the GT for mandibular canines. The morphological characteristics of the GT during the eruption process exhibited significant variations. The variations in morphological changes may indicate different stages of mandibular canine eruption.
Ultra-low-dose photon-counting CT of paranasal sinus: an in vivo comparison of radiation dose and image quality to cone-beam CT
Authors: Kaatsch Hanns Leonhard , Fulisch Florian , Dillinger Daniel , Kubitscheck Laura , Becker Benjamin V , Piechotka Joel , Brockmann Marc A , Froelich Matthias F , Schoenberg Stefan O , Overhoff Daniel , Waldeck Stephan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the differences in subjective and objective image parameters as well as dose exposure of photon-counting CT (PCCT) compared to cone-beam CT (CBCT) in paranasal sinus imaging for the assessment of rhinosinusitis and sinonasal anatomy.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study included 100 patients, who underwent either clinically indicated PCCT or CBCT of the paranasal sinus. Two blinded experienced ENT radiologists graded image quality and delineation of specific anatomical structures on a 5-point Likert scale. In addition, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and applied radiation doses were compared among both techniques.

Results

Image quality and delineation of bone structures in paranasal sinus PCCT was subjectively rated superior by both readers compared to CBCT (P < .001). CNR was significantly higher for photon-counting CT (P < .001). Mean effective dose for PCCT examinations was significantly lower than for CBCT (0.038 mSv ± 0.009 vs. 0.14 mSv ± 0.011; P < .001).

Conclusion

In a performance comparison of PCCT and a modern CBCT scanner in paranasal sinus imaging, we demonstrated that first-use PCCT in clinical routine provides higher subjective image quality accompanied by higher CNR at close to a quarter of the dose exposure compared to CBCT.
Interpolated junctional extrasystoles mimicking complex polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias in a healthy young athlete: a case report
Authors: Martini Nicolò , Martini Bortolo , Corrado Domenico , Zorzi Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Background

In young competitive athletes, ventricular arrhythmias could be a reason for concern as they may represent the sign of a serious underlying cardiac condition. On the other hand, atrial or conduction system premature beats are usually benign. However, when the properties of the His-Purkinje system lead to conduction aberrancies, there is a risk of misinterpreting benign arrhythmias as potentially at risk ventricular ectopic beats.

Case summary

We described the case of a healthy young athlete with asymptomatic interpolated junctional ectopic beats interpreted as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia during pre-participation screening.

Discussion

Strange and rare electrocardiogram pictures may be observed during sport pre-participation screening. The small atrioventricular (AV) junction is made up of many specialized fibres with different conduction properties. Junctional arrhythmias can have a normal anterograde conduction or can be conducted with aberrancy. Rarely, they can be interpolated and cause PR prolongation or bundle branch block by increasing the refractory period of the AV node and/or the conduction system. When aberrancy occurs, they can be mistaken for ‘atypical’ ventricular arrhythmias. Prognosis of these events remains uncertain.
Validation of a novel direct method to determine reduced adherence to atorvastatin therapy
Authors: Pivoriunas Jonas , Vethe Nils Tore , Husebye Einar , Fagerland Morten W , Bergan Stein , Kristiansen Oscar , Munkhaugen John , Sverre Elise
Published: January 2024

Aims

Objective methods to determine statin adherence are requested to improve lipid management. We have recently established a method to detect reduced adherence to atorvastatin therapy with cut-off values based on the sum of atorvastatin and its major metabolites in the blood. We aimed to validate this method in patients with and without cardiovascular disease, and optimize previous cut-off values.

Methods and results

The pharmacokinetic study included 60 participants treated with atorvastatin 20 mg (N = 20), 40 mg (N = 20), and 80 mg (N = 20). Atorvastatin was then stopped and blood samples collected from day zero to day four. Quantification of the parent drug and its metabolites in blood plasma was performed with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. The cut-off values for reduced adherence were validated and optimized by calculating diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Our candidate cut-off value of dose-normalized six-component sum of atorvastatin plus metabolites <0.10 nM/mg provided a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 93% for detecting ≥2 omitted doses. An optimized cut-off <0.062 nM/mg provided a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100%. An alternative simplified two-component metabolite sum with a cut-off value <0.05 nM/mg provided a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 76%. An optimized cut-off <0.02 nM/mg provided a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 98%.

Conclusion

This validation study confirms that our direct method discriminates reduced adherence from adherence to atorvastatin therapy with high diagnostic accuracy. The method may improve lipid management in clinical practice and serve as a useful tool in future studies.