bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage activation syndrome in juvenile dermatomyositis: a case report and a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Chang Yong , Shan Xueyan , Ge Yongpeng
Published: September 2023

Background

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe and life-threatening syndrome associated with autoimmune diseases. The coexistence of MAS and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is not well reported. This report describes a case of JDM with MAS and summarizes the clinical characteristics and prognosis of MAS in patients with JDM.

Case presentation

The patient was a 15-year-old female with JDM, presenting with heliotrope rash, muscle weakness, increased muscle enzyme, anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) antibody, and muscle biopsy consistent with JDM. The patient developed fever, cytopenia, and hyperferritinemia three months after the first manifestations. Hemophagocytosis was found in the bone marrow. The final diagnosis was JDM combined with MAS. Despite intensive treatment, the patient died of MAS. By reviewing the literature, we found 17 similar cases. Together with the present case, 18 patients were identified, the median age of disease onset was 13.5 years, and male to female ratio was 1.25: 1. Nine out of 16 (56.3%) patients were complicated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The median time interval between JDM onset and MAS diagnosis was 9 weeks. At the onset of MAS, all (100%) patients had elevated levels of ferritin and serum liver enzymes. Among 18 patients, 14 (77.8%) had fever, 14/17 (82.4%) had cytopenia, 11/11 (100%) had hepatosplenomegaly, and 13/14 (92.9%) had hemophagocytosis. Five (27.8%) patients showed central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The mortality of MAS rate of in patients with JDM was 16.7%, despite various treatment methods.

Conclusion

. The coexistence of JDM and MAS is underestimated with increased mortality. Hepatosplenomegaly and increased serum levels of ferritin in patients with JDM should raise clinical suspicion for MAS.
The BE-UJI hand function activity set: a reduced set of activities for the evaluation of the healthy and pathological hand
Authors: Jarque-Bou Néstor J. , Gracia-Ibáñez Verónica , Vergara Margarita , Sancho-Bru Joaquín L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Hand kinematics during hand function tests based on the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) can provide objective data to determine patients’ functional loss. However, they are rarely used during clinical assessments because of their long duration. Starting with the 20 Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHFT) tasks, we propose identifying a reduced set of ADLs that provides similar kinematic information to the original full set in terms of synergies, ranges of motion and velocities.

Methods

We followed an iterative method with the kinematics of 16 hand joints while performing the 20 ADLs of the SHFT. For each subject, ADLs were ordered according to their influence on the synergies obtained by means of a principal component analysis, the minimum number of ADLs that represented the original kinematic synergies (maximum angle of 30° between synergies), and the maintained ranges of joint movements (85% of the original ones) were selected for each subject. The set of the most frequently selected ADLs was verified to be representative of the SHFT ADLs in terms of motion strategies, ranges of motion and joint velocities when considering healthy subjects and Hand Osteoarthritis patients.

Results

A set of 10 tasks, the BE-UJI activity set, was identified by ensuring a certain (minimum) similarity in synergy (maximum mean angle between synergies of 25.5°), functional joint ranges (maximum differences of 10°) and joint velocities (maximum differences of 15°/s). The obtained tasks were: pick up coins from purses, lift wooden cubes, pick up nuts and turn them, write with a pen, cut with a knife, lift a telephone, unscrew jar lids and pour water from a cup, a jar and a Pure-Pak. These activities guarantee using the seven commonest handgrips in ADLs.

Conclusion

The BE-UJI activity set for the hand function assessment can be used to obtain quantitative data in clinics as an alternative to the SHFT. It reduces the test time and allows clinicians to obtain objective kinematic data of the motor strategies, ranges of motion and joint velocities used by patients.
A bidirectional fabric-based soft robotic glove for hand function assistance in patients with chronic stroke
Authors: Lim Daniel Yuan-Lee , Lai Hwa-Sen , Yeow Raye Chen-Hua
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic stroke patients usually experience reduced hand functions, impeding their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. Additionally, improvements in hand functions by physical therapy beyond six months after the initial onset of stroke are much slower than in the earlier months. As such, chronic stroke patients could benefit from an assistive device to enhance their hand functions, allowing them to perform ADLs independently daily. In recent years, soft robotics has provided a novel approach to assistive devices for motor impaired individuals, offering more compliant and lightweight alternatives to traditional robotic devices. The scope of this study is to demonstrate the viability of a fabric-based soft robotic (SR) glove with bidirectional actuators in assisting chronic stroke study participants with hand impairments in performing ADLs.

Methods

Force and torque measurement tests were conducted to characterize the SR Glove, and hand functional tasks were given to eight chronic stroke patients to assess the efficacy of the SR Glove as an assistive device. The tasks involved object manipulation tasks that simulate ADLs, and the series of tasks was done by the participants once without assistance for baseline data, and once while using the SR Glove. A usability questionnaire was also given to each participant after the tasks were done to gain insight into how the SR Glove impacts their confidence and reliance on support while performing ADLs.

Results

The SR Glove improved the participants’ manipulation of objects in ADL tasks. The difference in mean scores between the unassisted and assisted conditions was significant across all participants. Additionally, the usability questionnaire showed the participants felt more confident and less reliant on support while using the SR Glove to perform ADLs than without the SR Glove.

Conclusions

The results from this study demonstrated that the SR Glove is a viable option to assist hand function in chronic stroke patients who suffer from hand motor impairments.
A novel TPD52L2-ROS1 gene fusion expanding the molecular alterations in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Xuguang , Duan Yaqi , Wang Guoping , Zhu Pengcheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a distinctive tumor composed of spindle cells accompanied by mixed inflammatory cells, and immunohistochemical positivity for ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein) can be detected in half of IMTs. The diagnosis of ALK-negative IMT could be a challenge. Recently, the fusions of some kinase genes, such as RET, NTRK1, ROS1, etc., are revealed in ALK-negative IMT.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old woman presented with swelling of the left upper arm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a tumor in the left postbrachium extended to the left axillary, serratus anterior muscle, and latissimus dorsi muscle. Histopathologically, the irregular-circumscribed tumor was composed of dense spindle-shaped cells with eosinophilic abundant cytoplasm and hyalinized mesenchyme in an inflammatory background. Immunohistochemically (IHC), tumor cells were positive for SMA, MDM2, and p16; the cells were negative for desmin, MyoD1, Myogenin, pan-cytokeratin, S100, SOX10, HMB45, Malen-A, CD34, CD31, CD99, and ALK. By RNA-based NGS, a novel fusion between TPD52L2 3’ end of exon 1–4 and ROS1 5’ end of exon 36–43 was revealed. ROS1 IHC staining was negative. The final diagnosis of IMT with TPD52L2-ROS1 fusion was made. Subsequently, the patient experienced a good clinical response to Crizotinib, and clinical follow-up showed stable disease after 9 months.

Conclusion

This report expands the spectrum of ROS1 gene rearrangements in the IMT and highlights the importance of molecular analysis of IMT for getting a diagnostic clue and determining potential therapeutic strategies.
Implementation of coordinated spontaneous awakening and breathing trials using telehealth-enabled, real-time audit and feedback for clinician adherence (TEACH): a type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Grissom Colin K. , Holubkov Richard , Carpenter Lori , Hanna Bridgett , Jacobs Jason R. , Jones Christopher , Knighton Andrew J. , Leither Lindsay , Lisonbee Dee , Peltan Ithan D. , Winberg Carrie , Wolfe Doug , Srivastava Rajendu
Published: September 2023

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients on mechanical ventilation often require sedation and analgesia to improve comfort and decrease pain. Prolonged sedation and analgesia, however, may increase time on mechanical ventilation, risk for ventilator associated pneumonia, and delirium. Coordinated interruptions in sedation [spontaneous awakening trials (SATs)] and spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) increase ventilator-free days and improve mortality. Coordination of SATs and SBTs is difficult with substantial implementation barriers due to difficult-to-execute sequencing between nurses and respiratory therapists. Telehealth-enabled remote care has the potential to overcome these barriers and improve coordinated SAT and SBT adherence by enabling proactive high-risk patient monitoring, surveillance, and real-time assistance to frontline ICU teams.

Methods

The telehealth-enabled, real-time audit and feedback for clinician adherence (TEACH) study will determine whether adding a telehealth augmented real-time audit and feedback to a usual supervisor-led audit and feedback intervention will yield higher coordinated SAT and SBT adherence and more ventilator-free days in mechanically ventilated patients than a usual supervisor-led audit and feedback intervention alone in a type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized clinical trial in 12 Intermountain Health hospitals with 15 ICUs. In the active comparator control group (six hospitals), the only intervention is the usual supervisor-led audit and feedback implementation. The telehealth-enabled support (TEACH) intervention in six hospitals adds real-time identification of patients eligible for a coordinated SAT and SBT and consultative input from telehealth respiratory therapists, nurses, and physicians to the bedside clinicians to promote adherence including real-time assistance with execution. All intubated and mechanically ventilated patients ≥ 16 years of age are eligible for enrollment except for patients who die on the day of intubation or have preexisting brain death. Based on preliminary power analyses, we plan a 36-month intervention period that includes a 90-day run-in period. Estimated enrollment in the final analysis is up to 9900 mechanically ventilated patients over 33 months.

Discussion

The TEACH study will enhance implementation science by providing insight into how a telehealth intervention augmenting a usual audit and feedback implementation may improve adherence to coordinated SAT and SBT and increase ventilator-free days.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05141396, registered 12/02/2021.
Impact of multimodal analgesia on postoperative anxiety and depression following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zheng Changjian , Hou Zijun , Wang Tingting , Yi Lingmei , Chen Yongquan
Published: September 2023

Background

Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, which can severely affect a patient’s long-term quality of life.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the impact of multimodal analgesia (MMA) on postoperative anxiety and depression following total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

This study included 161 patients who underwent TKA from October 2020 to October 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, including 79 cases in the control group and 82 cases in the multimodal analgesia group (MMA). The MMA group were administered acetaminophen 0.5 g/d orally 3 days before the surgery, and an ultrasound-guided fascia iliac compartment block (FICB) with 0.25% ropivacaine 30 ml in the inguinal region ipsilateral to the surgery was performed 1 h before surgery. After the surgery, 100 ml solution includes 100 mg ropivacaine, 2.5 mg morphine, and 0.25 mg epinephrine for intra-articular and periarticular injection. Postoperative conventional intravenous analgesia was used in the control group, including 100 mg ropivacaine, 2.5 mg morphine, and 0.25 mg epinephrine for intra-articular and periarticular injection. Patients were scored for pain, anxiety, and depression in the ward at 3 and 7 days postoperatively, and postoperative patients were scored using telephone callbacks at 3 months postoperatively.

Results

It was found that the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain at rest at 3 days, 7 days, and 3 months postoperatively were significantly lower in the MMA group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The scores for pain with movement were significantly lower in the MMA group than in the control group at 3 days and 7 days postoperatively (P < 0.01), but they were similar at 3 months postoperatively. Compared to the control group, the MMA group had significantly higher American Knee Society scores (AKS) at 3 days, 7 days, and 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the MMA group had significantly higher Lower Extremity Functional Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores (HADS) (P < 0.05) at 3 days and 7 days postoperatively; compared to the control group, the MMA group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Multimodal analgesia can alleviate postoperative anxiety and depression in the short term, reduce perioperative pain, improve postoperative recovery, and shorten the length of hospital stay.
Pulmonary and clinical outcomes of patients with severe rigid scoliosis and type I respiratory failure treated with halo-pelvic distraction
Authors: Zhao Deng , Wang Fei , Hu Zhengjun , Zhong Rui , Liang Yijian
Published: September 2023

Background

The severe rigid scoliosis patients with type I respiratory failure could not tolerate complicated corrective surgery. Preoperative halo-pelvic distraction (HPD) is used to reduce the curve magnitude and improve the pulmonary function before surgery. The present study aimed to retrospectively analyze the pulmonary and clinical outcomes of preoperative HPD in severe rigid spinal deformity with type I respiratory failure.

Methods

Eighteen cases of severe rigid scoliosis and type I respiratory failure treated with preoperative HPD and corrective surgery for spinal deformity between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, major coronal curve and kyphosis, correction rates, heights, pulmonary function, distraction time, and postoperative neurological complications were recorded for all cases.

Results

The averaged duration of distraction was 9.1 ± 2.3 months. The coronal curve was corrected from 168° ± 14° to 58° ± 11° at the end of HPD. The kyphosis curve reduced from 151° ± 29° to 65° ± 10°. Meanwhile, the mean stand body height increased by 23.9 ± 5.3 cm. Significantly increased mean FVC (1.52 ± 0.43 L vs. 0.95 ± 0.44 L) and improved percent-predicted values for FVC (37 ± 10% vs. 23 ± 9%) were observed after HPD. The pressure of oxygen (PaO2) increased from 54.5 ± 2.0 to 84.8 ± 4.7 mmHg. Scoliosis and kyphosis curve, respectively, averaged 48 ± 8°and 30 ± 14° after final fusion and instrumentation, with a mean correction of 71% and 80%, respectively. No severe complication occurred during the distraction.

Conclusions

HPD may be useful for severe rigid scoliosis patients with type I respiratory failure. Pulmonary functions in patients with severe rigid scoliosis can be significantly improved by HPD. They are then better able to tolerate complicated corrective surgery.
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in severe acute pancreatitis complicated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Feng , Fan Dingrong , Feng Yan , Zhou Cuijuan , Chen Xiaodong , Ran Xiaoyun , Tan Botao
Published: September 2023

Background

Severe acute pancreatitis complicated by acute respiratory distress is a common cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. These patients are at risk of a decline in physical activity due to bed rest. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been recommended for ICU patients to strengthen muscles, but its effects on muscle atrophy, respiratory function, multiple organ dysfunction, and functional status of these patients remain to be proven.

Methods

Patients (n = 80) will be prospectively randomized into an NMES group and a control group. The NMES group will receive NMES for 1 h per day for 7 days, and both the control and NMES groups will receive usual care. The efficacy will be assessed by an experienced physiotherapist and sonographer who will be blinded to the patient’s group assignment. Muscle power assessment (MRC scale), lower extremity circumference, grip strength, activities of daily living (Barthel index), and Marshall scores will be measured at baseline and posttreatment. The functions of the diaphragm assessments will be measured daily. Barthel index measurements will be followed up in the 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month after discharge.

Discussion

The trial will explore the effectiveness of NMES in functional status and diaphragm function in patients with SAP complicated with ARDS. The results of this trial will provide strong evidence of the efficacy of NMES in treating SAP patients with ARDS.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and the registry name is “Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in severe acute pancreatitis complicated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial,” URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn, numbered ChiCTR2300068995. Date of Registration: 2023-03-03.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification identifies nematode Leidynema in the hindgut of non-pest cockroach
Authors: Schnell Laura J , Khan Faraz , Hart Mel , Davis Maria C
Published: September 2023

Cockroach microbiome studies generally focus on pest cockroach species belonging to the Blattidae and Ectobiidae families. There are no reports characterizing the gut microbiome of non-pest cockroach species Blaberus discoidalis (family Blaberidae), which is commonly used as a food source for insectivorous animals. We discovered the parasitic nematode Leidynema appendiculata in the B. discoidalis hindgut during initial work characterizing the gut microbiome of this organism. To determine the proportion of the B. discoidalis colony that was colonized by L. appendiculata, 28 S rDNA was amplified using two Methods: endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). B. discoidalis colonies were raised on three diet types (control, high fibre, and high fat and salt) for 21 days before dissection. Each individual was sexed during dissection to identify potential sex-based effects of colonization. Data collected were analysed to determine if diet and sex impacted parasite colonization patterns. LAMP detected a higher proportion of parasite positive samples when compared to endpoint PCR. No sex- or diet-based differences in L. appendiculata colonization were found. This study adds to the limited existing knowledge of the B. discoidalis gut microbiome.
A polo ball in the right atrium, importance of echocardiographic characteristics of intracardiac myxomas: a case report
Authors: Hamdan Mira , Alam Boutros , Kossaify Antoine
Published: September 2023

Background

Myxomas are the most prevalent type of heart tumors, mainly occurring in the left atrium, with approximately 20% of cases found in the right atrium. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management of myxomas are crucial for favorable outcomes and to minimize complications.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old Asian male with no significant medical history presented with intermittent trepopnea and palpitations. Physical examination revealed regular heart sounds and no other relevant findings. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large, round-shaped, smooth-edged mass with diameter of 86 mm, occupying most of the right atrium. Mild tricuspid flow obstruction and mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction were also observed. Cardiac tomography confirmed the size, smooth edges, and showed microcalcifications of the mass, with no invasion of surrounding tissues. Surgical intervention successfully removed the spheroid mass, leading to the alleviation of symptoms. Histopathology confirmed the myxoma nature of the mass. A comprehensive discussion based on relevant medical literature is provided, with emphasis on echocardiographic characteristics of the mass with relation to potential embolic disease.

Conclusion

This case shows an atypical presentation of an exceptionally large myxoma in the right atrium, resembling the size of a polo ball, in a patient presenting with supraventricular arrhythmia and trepopnea. Early diagnosis and appropriate management played a vital role in achieving a successful outcome for the patient.
Imaging of fibrogenesis in the liver by [18F]TZ-Z09591, an Affibody molecule targeting platelet derived growth factor receptor β
Authors: Wegrzyniak Olivia , Zhang Bo , Rokka Johanna , Rosestedt Maria , Mitran Bogdan , Cheung Pierre , Puuvuori Emmi , Ingvast Sofie , Persson Jonas , Nordström Helena , Löfblom John , Pontén Fredrik , Frejd Fredrik Y. , Korsgren Olle , Eriksson Jonas , Eriksson Olof
Published: September 2023

Background

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) is a receptor overexpressed on activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PDGFRβ could potentially allow the quantification of fibrogenesis in fibrotic livers. This study aims to evaluate a fluorine-18 radiolabeled Affibody molecule ([18F]TZ-Z09591) as a PET tracer for imaging liver fibrogenesis.

Results

In vitro specificity studies demonstrated that the trans-Cyclooctenes (TCO) conjugated Z09591 Affibody molecule had a picomolar affinity for human PDGFRβ. Biodistribution performed on healthy rats showed rapid clearance of [18F]TZ-Z09591 through the kidneys and low liver background uptake. Autoradiography (ARG) studies on fibrotic livers from mice or humans correlated with histopathology results. Ex vivo biodistribution and ARG revealed that [18F]TZ-Z09591 binding in the liver was increased in fibrotic livers (p = 0.02) and corresponded to binding in fibrotic scars.

Conclusions

Our study highlights [18F]TZ-Z09591 as a specific tracer for fibrogenic cells in the fibrotic liver, thus offering the potential to assess fibrogenesis clearly.

Graphical abstract
A fault segment location method for distribution networks based on spiking neural P systems and Bayesian estimation
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Tao , Liu Liyuan
Published: September 2023

With the increasing scale of distribution networks and the mass access of distributed generation, traditional centralized fault location methods can no longer meet the performance requirements of speed and high accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a fault segment location method based on spiking neural P systems and Bayesian estimation for distribution networks with distributed generation. First, the distribution network system topology is decoupled into single-branch networks. A spiking neural P system with excitatory and inhibitory synapses is then proposed to model the suspected faulty segment, and its matrix reasoning algorithm is executed to obtain a preliminary set of location results. Finally, the Bayesian estimation and contradiction principle are applied to verify and correct the initial results to obtain the final location results. Simulation results based on the IEEE 33-node system validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Pre-emptive ultrasound-guided superior hypogastric plexus block in pelvic cancer surgeries: a randomized double-blinded study
Authors: Mahran Essam , Wadod Mohamed A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Superior hypogastric plexus is a retroperitoneal plexus that receives visceral sensation from pelvic viscera. Superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) was used for chronic pelvic pain and recently studied for postoperative pain. We examined the safety and efficacy of preemptive anterior US-guided SHPB to reduce postoperative morphine consumption. Thirty-six patients undergoing pelvic cancer surgery were randomly divided into two equal groups; group S in which patients received anterior US-guided SHPB immediately after induction of general anesthesia and before skin incision using 20 ml bubivacaine 0.5%, group C control group in which 20 ml normal saline was given by the same technique. Patients of both groups received morphine via PCA postoperative and followed for 24 h. In both groups, we measured the total morphine consumption, VAS, vital signs, and side effects.

Results

Demographic data, duration, and type of surgery were comparable in both groups. Total 24 h morphine consumption in mg was significantly lower in group S (43.8 ± 2) than in group C (54.83 ± 2) with P value < 0.001. VAS was significantly lower in group S in all time intervals from 2 till 24 h postoperative. Side effects were minimal with no significant difference between both groups.

Conclusion

Preemptive US-guided SHPB is a relatively safe and effective method to reduce postoperative opioid demands after pelvic cancer surgeries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04732234 in 1–2-2021.
Assessing genetic variation in Gossypium barbadense L. germplasm based on fibre characters
Authors: Alagarsamy Manivannan
Published: September 2023

Background

Gossypium barbadense L. has specific fibre in terms of its length, strength, and fineness, and known as extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, Sea–Island cotton, or Egyptian cotton. Narrow genetic base with less genetic variability is observed in G. barbadense germplasm. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the genetic variability present in 108 germplasm accessions of G. barbadense and to identify the superior genotypes based on the fibre traits.

Results

We evaluated 108 accessions for five fibre quality traits along with three checks in augmented block design. All fibre traits showed significant differences among genotypes, indicating that there is genetic potential for improvement. Fibre strength and micronaire (MIC) showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. High heritability combined with high genetic advance as percentage of mean (GAM) was recorded for fibre length, strength, and micronaire. Fibre strength and fibre length were significantly correlated with each other, while both showed negative correlation with micronaire. Principal component analysis and Biplot analysis showed that uniformity index discriminated all the genotypes in higher level, while fibre length and strength were medium in discrimination power. Biplot revealed genotypes DB 16, EC959191, GSB 39, ARBB 20, 5746U, EA 203, and EA 201 were genetically diverse. Hierarchal cluster analysis based on unweighted paired group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) grouped the genotypes into four clusters, with each cluster consisting of 4, 18, 48, and 38 genotypes, respectively.

Conclusion

Among the genotypes, 34 for fibre length (> 35 mm), 18 for fibre strength (> 40.4 g·tex−1) and 66 for micronaire (3.7-4.2, A grade) were identified as potential accessions based on their superiority. The superior fibre genotypes identified in this study are potential lines for the ELS cotton breeding program.
Nature can cool cities, but proceed with caution
Authors: Mabon Leslie , Connor Ben , Moncaster Alice , Pearce Catherine , Pratt Eleanor , Shih Wan-Yu , Tsai Meng-Chin , Vseteckova Jitka , Waights Verina , Wolstenholme Ruth
Published: September 2023

Increased extreme heat events draw attention to the potential of urban nature as a heat adaptation strategy for cities. This is reflected in multiple scientific perspective pieces, policy documents and science media publications advocating for urban greening as a cooling approach. Although attention to the dangers of heat and the benefits of urban nature is welcomed, it is vital that nature-based approaches to cooling are underpinned by diverse knowledge and a sound understanding of what nature in cities can and cannot do. We explain why an evidence-driven and cautious approach to heat adaptation through urban greening is so important, and propose three actions that urban actors can take towards effective and equitable long-term cooling through urban nature: enabling dialogue between different sectors with multiple remits; including diverse knowledge systems in planning and governance processes; and investing in long-term stewardship for the climatological and societal conditions of the coming decades.

Policy and practice recommendation

• Create fora for dialogue between governments, residents, civil society and developers from planning stage for green cooling;

• Cooling through nature must be driven by expertise spanning diverse knowledge systems, combined with local knowledge and community needs;

• Consider future climates and stewardship when planning urban cooling via nature.

Science highlights

• Understanding link between urban thermal environment and nature is an inter- and transdisciplinary task;

• Critical need for evidence of how greening reduces heat impacts across different social and cultural contexts;

• Evidence of how species perform under future climates required for stewardship of urban nature.
Integrated heterodyne laser Doppler vibrometer based on stress-optic frequency shift in silicon nitride
Authors: Raptakis Adam , Gounaridis Lefteris , Epping Jörn P. , Tran Thi Lan Anh , Aukes Thomas , Kleinert Moritz , Weigel Madeleine , Wolfer Marco , Draebenstedt Alexander , Tsokos Christos , Groumas Panos , Andrianopoulos Efstathios , Lyras Nikos , Nikolaidis Dimitrios , Mylonas Elias , Baxevanakis Nikolaos , Pessina Roberto , Schreuder Erik , Dekkers Matthijn , Seyfried Volker , Keil Norbert , Heideman René G. , Avramopoulos Hercules , Kouloumentas Christos
Published: September 2023

We demonstrate a compact heterodyne Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) based on the realization of optical frequency shift in the silicon nitride photonic integration platform (TriPleX). We theoretically study, and experimentally evaluate two different photonic integrated optical frequency shifters (OFSs), utilizing serrodyne and single-sideband (SSB) modulation. Both OFSs employ stress-optic modulators (SOMs) based on the non-resonant piezoelectrical actuation of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin-films, deposited on top of the silicon nitride waveguides with a wafer-scale process. To improve the modulation bandwidth of the SOMs we investigate a novel configuration of the electrodes used for the actuation, where both electrodes are placed on top of the PZT layer. Using this top-top electrode configuration we report frequency shift of 100 kHz and 2.5 MHz, and suppression ratio of the unwanted sidebands of 22.1 dB and 39 dB, using the serrodyne and the SSB OFS, respectively. The best performing SOM structure induces 0.25π peak-to-peak sinusoidal phase-shift with 156 mW power dissipation at 2.5 MHz. We use the SSB-OFS in our compact LDV system to demonstrate vibration measurements in the kHz regime. The system comprises a dual-polarization coherent detector built in the PolyBoard platform, utilizing hybrid integration of InP photodiodes (PDs). High quality LDV performance with measurement of vibration frequencies up to several hundreds of kHz and displacement resolution of 10 pm are supported with our system.
Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm and its potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Mohamed Eman Abdelbaset , Raafat Marwa M. , Samir Mohamed Reham , Ali Amal Emad Eldin
Published: September 2023

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic pathogen that poses dangerous health threat. It is a main cause of biofilm-associated infections that are mostly resistant to antibiotic therapy. Because of its capacity to form biofilm on biotic and abiotic surfaces, it has been linked to most nosocomial infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bacteremia, meningitis, wound infections, soft tissue infections, and peritonitis.

Main body of the abstract

The biofilm refers to an organized group of microbial cells that are embedded in an exopolymeric substance made of protein, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharide. Bacterial cells in biofilms are resistant to chemicals, phagocytosis, and other elements of the body’s innate and acquired immune systems posing treatment challenges. Biofilm formation in A. baumannii is a complicated process that is influenced by a variety of factors such as outer membrane protein A, poly-β-(1,6)-N acetyl glucosamine (PAGE), biofilm-associated protein, two-component system (Bfm/S BfmR), chaperone–usher (Csu) pilus assembly system of pili, BlaPER-1 belonging to β-lactamase family, extracellular polymeric substance, and the quorum sensing system. Several biofilm-associated genes influence antimicrobial susceptibility, implying a link between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance.

Short conclusion

This review describes the complex biofilm system of A. baumannii, which gives it a survival advantage and increases its colonization ability. Also, it demonstrates various extrinsic and intrinsic factors that function and regulate the biofilm machinery of A. baumannii. Furthermore, this study considers prospective ways for preventing biofilm development on relevant medical equipment, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for eradicating mature biofilms, which can aid in the treatment of biofilm-associated A. baumannii infection.
Q-compensated wavefield depth extrapolation-based migration using a viscoacoustic wave equation
Authors: You Jiachun , Liu Wei , Huang Xingguo , Xue Yajuan , Cao Junxing
Published: September 2023

In a viscoacoustic medium, intrinsic attenuation causes seismic wavefields to attenuate in amplitude and become dispersed in phase, leading to distorted structural imaging and inaccurate migrated amplitudes. To address this problem, viscoacoustic reverse time migration corrects for dispersion and amplitude attenuation effects in wavefield propagation in forward and backward directions. To provide a parallel alternative approach, the time fractional derivative viscoacoustic wave equation in the depth domain is solved and a Q-compensated wavefield depth extrapolation scheme is established to compensate for viscoacoustic effects during recursive wavefield depth extrapolation. This approach decouples the amplitude attenuation and phase dispersion effects from the viscoacoustic vertical wavenumber. To suppress high wavenumber components and address the problem of exponential amplitude growth during wavefield depth extrapolation, we limit the imaginary part of the vertical wavenumber in the frequency wavenumber domain and use an adaptive stabilization solution. Numerical experiments of impulse responses in a viscoacoustic isotropic medium demonstrate that our proposed scheme can observe calculated wavefields exhibiting amplitude attenuation and phase dispersion effects in comparison to wavefields of the acoustic medium, indicating good agreement with theoretical expectations. We also demonstrate the capability of our proposed scheme to recover imaging amplitudes through a variety of numerical experiments, such as imaging of three-layer, Marmousi, and BP gas reservoir models. The results indicate that our proposed scheme can recover amplitude attenuation and phase dispersion effects more accurately than acoustic migration. We also use marine seismic data featuring natural gas hydrates to indicate that our proposed Q-compensated scheme can generate an enhanced imaging result, especially for the bottom simulating reflectors, compared with the conventional imaging algorithm without Q-compensation.
‘Phototaxis’ in the absence of light? Locomotory patterns in unionid mussels
Authors: Zapitis Charitos , Ramsey Andrew , Huck Maren , Landler Lukas , Burian Alfred
Published: September 2023

Locomotion in benthic invertebrates can strongly affect habitat selection and ecosystem nutrient cycling. In the case of freshwater mussels, the drivers of locomotion are largely unresolved. Our aim was to assess the influence of light presence and intensity on the locomotory behaviour of freshwater mussels in controlled laboratory experiments. The species investigated in our study were Anodonta anatina and Unio pictorum, two widely distributed mussels in European lentic and lotic inland waters. At low algal concentrations, known to be associated with more frequent locomotory activities, we found that both species moved primarily in the absence of light (72.7% of all movements across experiments). However, the movements of both species were directed towards the light source, resembling a net-positive ‘phototactic’ response but in the absence of light. The distance to the light source, which was negatively correlated to light intensity, had a positive effect on the distance covered in locomotory activities by A. anatina but not by U. pictorum. Intraspecific variation in shell size had no impact on movement distance, indicating that the energetic costs of movement were not a limiting factor. We suggest that the observed movement towards brighter locations helps to enhance food quantity and quality, whilst movement in darkness mitigates predation risks.
Higher-order dialectic variation and syntactic convergence in the complex warble song of budgerigars
Authors: Madabhushi Abhinava Jagan , Wewhare Nakul , Binwal Priya , Agarwal Vaishnavi , Krishnan Anand
Published: September 2023

Dialectic signatures in animal acoustic signals are key in the identification of and association with group members. Complex vocal sequences may also convey information about behavioral state, and may thus vary according to social environment. Some bird species, such as psittaciforms, learn and modify their complex acoustic signals throughout their lives. However, the structure and function of vocal sequences in open-ended vocal learners remains understudied. Here, we examined vocal sequence variation in the warble song of budgerigars, and how these change upon contact between social groups. Budgerigars are open-ended vocal learners which exhibit fission–fusion flock dynamics in the wild. We found that two captive colonies of budgerigars exhibited colony-specific differences in the syntactic structure of their vocal sequences. Individuals from the two colonies differed in the propensity to repeat certain note types, forming repetitive motifs which served as higher-order signatures of colony identity. When the two groups were brought into contact, their vocal sequences converged, and these colony-specific repetitive patterns disappeared, with males from both erstwhile colonies now producing similar sequences with similar syntactic structure. We present data suggesting that the higher-order temporal arrangement of notes/vocal units is modified throughout life by social learning as groups of birds continually associate and dissociate. Our study sheds light on the importance of examining signal structure at multiple levels of organization, and the potential for psittaciform birds as model systems to examine the influence of learning and social environment on acoustic signals.
Contrast sensitivity, visual acuity and the effect of behavioural state on optokinetic gain in fiddler crabs
Authors: Perez Monika , Bagheri Zahra M. , Brown Courtney , Ogawa Yuri , Partridge Julian C. , Hemmi Jan M.
Published: September 2023

Most animals rely on visual information for a variety of everyday tasks. The information available to a visual system depends in part on its spatial resolving power and contrast sensitivity. Because of their competing demands for physical space within an eye, these traits cannot simultaneously be improved without increasing overall eye size. The contrast sensitivity function is an integrated measure of visual performance that measures both resolution and contrast sensitivity. Its measurement helps us identify how different species have made a trade-off between contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution. It further allows us to identify the evolutionary drivers of sensory processing and visually mediated behaviour. Here, we measured the contrast sensitivity function of the fiddler crab Gelasimus dampieri using its optokinetic responses to wide-field moving sinusoidal intensity gratings of different orientations, spatial frequencies, contrasts and speeds. We further tested whether the behavioural state of the crabs (i.e. whether crabs are actively walking or not) affects their optokinetic gain and contrast sensitivity. Our results from a group of five crabs suggest a minimum perceived contrast of 6% and a horizontal and vertical visual acuity of 0.4 cyc deg−1 and 0.28 cyc deg−1, respectively, in the crabs' region of maximum optomotor sensitivity. Optokinetic gain increased in moving crabs compared with restrained crabs, adding another example of the importance of naturalistic approaches when studying the performance of animals.
Μεθοδολογίες υπολογιστικού σχεδιασμού προϊόντων με βάση οπτικά στοιχεία εμπορικών ταυτοτήτων
Authors: Μανάβης Αθανάσιος
Published: September 2023

Μια από τις βασικότερες σχεδιαστικές στρατηγικές που προτείνεται στα πλαίσια της τέταρτης βιομηχανικής επανάστασης (Industry 4.0) είναι ο μαζικός σχεδιασμός προσαρμοσμένων προϊόντων με τη χρήση υπολογιστικών εργαλείων σχεδιασμού. Η τάση αυτή υπογραμμίζεται ακόμη περισσότερο μέσα στο πολυσύνθετο και εξελιγμένο εμπορικό περιβάλλον που διανύομε τα τελευταία χρόνια. Ο ανταγωνισμός μεταξύ των επώνυμων εμπορικών προϊόντων ολοένα και αυξάνει με αποτέλεσμα το καταναλωτικό κοινό να ψάχνει νέες, μοναδικές και καινοτόμες σχεδιαστικές λύσεις, που να ταιριάζουν απόλυτα στις ανάγκες του. Αρχικά, η συγκεκριμένη διατριβή παρουσιάζει μια εις-βάθος έρευνα που καταγράφει έννοιες και πρακτικές από σύγχρονες διαδικασίες σχεδιασμού προϊόντων, που κάνουν χρήση εξελιγμένων ψηφιακών εργαλείων. Το υπόβαθρο της έρευνας περιλαμβάνει ορισμούς και διατυπώσεις από τους τέσσερεις βασικούς πυλώνες της διατριβής που είναι, ο σχεδιασμός προϊόντων, ο ψηφιακός σχεδιασμός, η εμπορική επωνυμία και τέλος, η οπτική αναπαράσταση. Έπειτα, μέσω της διατριβής προτείνεται ένα μεθοδολογικό πλαίσιο, που εστιάζει στην ανάπτυξη νέων επώνυμων προϊόντων με τη χρήση υπολογιστικών εργαλείων και αναπτύσσεται με βάση συγκεκριμένων εφαρμογών μαζικής προσαρμογής από τους τελικούς χρήστες. Οι προτεινόμενες εφαρμογές αναπτύσσονται με τη χρήση γλωσσών προγραμματισμού που αναφέρονται είτε με λεκτικά στοιχεία, είτε με οπτικά σύμβολα. Τελικά, η εν λόγω διατριβή παρουσιάζει τρεις μελέτες περίπτωσης για επώνυμα προϊόντα κάνοντας χρήση του προτεινόμενου μεθοδολογικού πλαισίου. Η επίδραση του συγκεκριμένου ερευνητικού έργου είναι η ενοποίηση των τριών κατευθύνσεων του σύγχρονου σχεδιασμού (υπολογιστικός σχεδιασμός, σχεδιασμός προϊόντων και επωνυμία προϊόντων) με σκοπό να εμπνεύσει νέες και καινοτόμες ιδέες σε μηχανικούς, σχεδιαστές προϊόντων, αρχιτέκτονες και υπευθύνους του μάρκετινγκ.
Optimisation of pipes with constant diameter using the heuristic optimality criterion
Authors: Blacher David , Harasek Michael
Published: September 2023

Background: Minimising internal pressure drop in pipes is crucial for energy efficiency of fluid flow applications. Numerous computational optimisation tools that are capable of modifying flow geometries to reduce the pressure drop have been developed. Among these is a comparably simple heuristic optimisation algorithm which mimics erosion and sedimentation processes based on the shear stress in the vicinity of the domain boundaries. Although this method succeeds in modifying flow geometries for reduced pressure drop, it allows the fluid domain to widen during the reshaping process. Therefore, a reported reduction of pressure drop is not only caused by an improvement of the flow path, but also by an increase in the domain width. However, pipes with a constant circular diameter are favoured in many applications because they can be easily manufactured.

Methods: Here we combine the heuristic optimisation approach with a new geometrical constraint that kept the average diameter constant. This way, a reduction of pressure drop caused solely by the modification of the flow path can be assessed. We determined the applicability of the modified algorithm for 2D channel and 3D pipe geometries, conducting numerical simulations using the Lattice Boltzmann method with Reynolds numbers ranging from 40 to 500.

Results: For all investigated cases, potentially optimal shapes could be derived at all tested Reynolds numbers. However, the shape originally derived at a simulated flow with Re = 40 yielded a smaller pressure drop even for flows at Re ≥ 100 than shapes derived specifically at these higher Reynolds numbers.

Conclusions: This observed trend should be kept in mind when employing this approach as a simple way to improve channel and pipe layouts.
Position and Differentiation of Firms in Technology Space
Authors: Arts Sam , Cassiman Bruno , Hou Jianan
Published: September 2023

Although the rate of invention by firms and the effect on firm performance have been central themes in economics and strategy, the position and differentiation of invention by firms have received less attention. We develop a method to characterize a firm’s technology portfolio based on the semantic content of patents that allows us to map a firm’s unique spatial position relative to every other firm in technology space and to measure the overall differentiation of a firm’s technology portfolio. Using a large panel of U.S. public firms from 1980 to 2015, we illustrate that technology differentiation has a strong positive correlation with firm performance, particularly in research and development-intensive industries and industries with strong product market rivalry. We also show that technology differentiation is associated with subsequent differentiation from competitors in the product market and a reduction in outgoing technology spillovers to other firms. We provide open access to code and data to characterize the technology portfolio of firms and to measure the technological position and differentiation of U.S. public firms.

This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy.

Funding: S. Arts acknowledges support from KU Leuven [Grant 3H200208] and National Bank Belgium [Grant 3H160338]. B. Cassiman acknowledges support from Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen [Grant G071417N].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00282 .