bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf relative uptake of carbonyl sulfide to CO2 seen through the lens of stomatal conductance–photosynthesis coupling
Authors: Sun Wu , Berry Joseph A. , Yakir Dan , Seibt Ulli
Published: April 2022

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) has emerged as a multi‐scale tracer for terrestrial photosynthesis. To infer ecosystem‐scale photosynthesis from COS fluxes often requires knowledge of leaf relative uptake (LRU), the concentration‐normalized ratio between leaf COS uptake and photosynthesis. However, current mechanistic understanding of LRU variability remains inadequate for deriving robust COS‐based estimates of photosynthesis.

We derive a set of closed‐form equations to describe LRU responses to light, humidity and CO2 based on the Ball–Berry stomatal conductance model and the biochemical model of photosynthesis. This framework reproduces observed LRU responses: decreasing LRU with increasing light or decreasing humidity; it also predicts that LRU increases with ambient CO2.

By fitting the LRU equations to flux measurements on a C3 reed (Typha latifolia), we obtain physiological parameters that control LRU variability, including an estimate of the Ball–Berry slope of 7.1 without using transpiration measurements. Sensitivity tests reveal that LRU is more sensitive to photosynthetic capacity than to the Ball–Berry slope, indicating stomatal response to photosynthesis.

This study presents a simple framework for interpreting observed LRU variability and upscaling LRU. The stoma‐regulated LRU response to CO2 suggests that COS may offer a unique window into long‐term stomatal acclimation to elevated CO2.
A novel smartphone‐based intervention targeting sleep difficulties in individuals experiencing psychosis: A feasibility and acceptability evaluation
Authors: Taylor Kathryn M. , Bradley Jonathan , Cella Matteo
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective psychological intervention for sleep difficulties and has been used successfully in individuals with psychosis. However, access is restricted due to lack of resources and staff training. Delivering CBT for sleep problems using smartphone technology may facilitate wider access. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and potential usefulness of a guided, smartphone‐based CBT intervention targeting sleep disturbance for individuals with psychosis.

Design

Participants with psychosis spectrum diagnoses were recruited to a single‐arm, uncontrolled study and engaged with the seven‐module programme via smartphone app for six weeks with therapist support.

Method

Feasibility was assessed by rates of referral, recruitment and completion. Acceptability was assessed by app usage, a satisfaction questionnaire and qualitative analysis of participants’ semi‐structured interview. Pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment of sleep, psychotic experiences, mood, well‐being and functioning was conducted. Mean change confidence intervals were calculated and reported as an indication of usefulness.

Results

Fourteen individuals consented to participation, and eleven completed the post‐intervention assessment. On average, each participant engaged with 5.6 of 7 available modules. Qualitative feedback indicated the intervention was considered helpful and would be recommended to others. Suggested improvements to app design were provided by participants. Potential treatment benefits were observed for sleep difficulties, and all outcomes considered, except frequency of hallucinatory experiences.

Conclusions

It is feasible and acceptable to deliver therapist‐guided CBT for sleep problems by smartphone app for individuals with psychosis. This method provides a low‐intensity, accessible intervention, which could be offered more routinely. Further research to determine treatment efficacy is warranted.
JULGI‐mediated increment in phloem transport capacity relates to fruit yield in tomato
Authors: Nam Hoyoung , Gupta Aarti , Nam Heejae , Lee Seungchul , Cho Hyun Seob , Park Chanyoung , Park Soyoung , Park Soon Ju , Hwang Ildoo
Published: April 2022

The continuous growth of the global population and the increase in the amount of arid land has severely constrained agricultural crop production. To solve this problem, many researchers have attempted to increase productivity through the efficient distribution of energy; however, the direct relationship between the plant vasculature, specifically phloem development, and crop yield is not well established. Here, we demonstrate that an optimum increase in phloem‐transportation capacity by reducing SIJUL expression leads to improved sink strength in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). SIJUL, a negative regulator of phloem development, suppresses the translation of a positive regulator of phloem development, SlSMXL5. The suppression of SlJUL increases the number of phloem cells and sucrose transport, but only an optimal reduction of SlJUL function greatly enhances sink strength in tomato, improving fruit setting, and yield contents by 37% and 60%, respectively. We show that the increment in phloem cell number confers spare transport capacity. Our results suggest that the control of phloem‐transport capacity within the threshold could enhance the commitment of photosynthates to instigate yield improvement.
Understanding Chinese nationalism: Does location matter?
Authors: Harmel Robert , Shen Chen , Yeh Yao‐Yuan
Published: April 2022

Objective

The purpose of this research is to explore whether the location of a citizen's residence is an important source of explanation for nationalistic attitudes in China.

Methods

Using data from a nationwide representative survey of Chinese adults and a multidimensional approach to nationalism, analyses include bivariate correlation and multiple regression.

Results

Significant support is found for 12 of 16 hypotheses linking “location variables” to specific types of nationalistic attitudes, even when modeling with a substantial set of controls. The hypothesis‐supporting evidence touches on three of the four dimensions of nationalism covered here.

Conclusion

In regard to the development of nationalistic attitudes in China, location matters.
A lineage‐specific arginine in POS1 is required for fruit size control in Physaleae (Solanaceae) via gene co‐option
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Xueyang , Li Qiaoru , Xu Nan , He Chaoying
Published: April 2022

Solanaceae have important economic value mainly due to their edible fruits. Physalis organ size 1/cytokinin response factor 3 (POS1/CRF3), a unique gene in Solanaceae, is involved in fruit size variation in Physalis but not in Solanum. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we found that POS1/CRF3 was likely created via the fusion of CRF7 and CRF8 duplicates. Multiple genetic manipulations revealed that only POS1 and Capsicum POS1 (CaPOS1) functioned in fruit size control via the positive regulation of cell expansion. Comparative studies in a phylogenetic framework showed the directional enhancement of POS1‐like expression in the flowers and fruits of Physaleae and the specific gain of certain interacting proteins associated with cell expansion by POS1 and CaPOS1. A lineage‐specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) caused the 68th amino acid histidine in the POS1 orthologs of non‐Physaleae (Nicotiana and Solanum) to change to arginine in Physaleae (Physalis and Capsicum). Substituting the arginine in Physaleae POS1‐like by histidine completely abolished their function in the fruits and the protein–protein interaction (PPI) with calreticulin‐3. Transcriptomic comparison revealed the potential downstream pathways of POS1, including the brassinosteroid biosynthesis pathway. However, POS1‐like may have functioned ancestrally in abiotic stress within Solanaceae. Our work demonstrated that heterometric expression and a SNP caused a single amino acid change to establish new PPIs, which contributed to the co‐option of POS1 in multiple regulatory pathways to regulate cell expansion and thus fruit size in Physaleae. These results provide new insights into fruit morphological evolution and fruit yield control.
Sex differences in the sympathetic neurocirculatory responses to chemoreflex activation
Authors: Sayegh Ana Luiza C. , Fan Jui‐Lin , Vianna Lauro C. , Dawes Mathew , Paton Julian F. R. , Fisher James P.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are sex differences in the cardiorespiratory and sympathetic neurocirculatory responses to central, peripheral, and combined central and peripheral chemoreflex activation. Ten women (29 ± 6 years, 22.8 ± 2.4 kg/m2: mean ± SD) and 10 men (30 ± 7 years, 24.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2) undertook randomized 5 min breathing trials of: room air (eucapnia), isocapnic hypoxia (10% oxygen (O2); peripheral chemoreflex activation), hypercapnic hyperoxia (7% carbon dioxide (CO2), 50% O2; central chemoreflex activation) and hypercapnic hypoxia (7% CO2, 10% O2; central and peripheral chemoreflex activation). Control trials of isocapnic hyperoxia (peripheral chemoreflex inhibition) and hypocapnic hyperoxia (central and peripheral chemoreflex inhibition) were also included. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography), mean arterial pressure (MAP; finger photoplethysmography) and minute ventilation (E; pneumotachometer) were measured. Total MSNA (P = 1.000 and P = 0.616), MAP (P = 0.265) and E (P = 0.587 and P = 0.472) were not different in men and women during eucapnia and during isocapnic hypoxia. Women exhibited attenuated increases in E during hypercapnic hyperoxia (27.3 ± 6.3 vs. 39.5 ± 7.5 l/min, P < 0.0001) and hypercapnic hypoxia (40.9 ± 9.1 vs. 53.8 ± 13.3 l/min, P < 0.0001) compared with men. However, total MSNA responses were augmented in women (hypercapnic hyperoxia 378 ± 215 vs. 258 ± 107%, P = 0.017; hypercapnic hypoxia 607 ± 290 vs. 362 ± 268%, P < 0.0001). No sex differences in total MSNA, MAP or E were observed during isocapnic hyperoxia and hypocapnic hyperoxia. Our results indicate that young women have augmented sympathetic responses to central chemoreflex activation, which explains the augmented MSNA response to combined central and peripheral chemoreflex activation.

Key points

Sex differences in the control of breathing have been well studied, but whether there are differences in the sympathetic neurocirculatory responses to chemoreflex activation between healthy women and men is incompletely understood.

We observed that, compared with young men, young women displayed augmented increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity during both hypercapnic hyperoxia (central chemoreflex activation) and hypercapnic hypoxia (central and peripheral chemoreflex activation) but had attenuated increases in minute ventilation.

In contrast, no sex differences were found in either muscle sympathetic nerve activity or minute ventilation responses to isocapnic hypoxia (peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation).

Young women have blunted ventilator, but augmented sympathetic responses, to central (hypercapnic hyperoxia) and combined central and peripheral chemoreflex activation (hypercapnic hypoxia), compared with young men. The possible causative association between the reduced ventilation and heightened sympathetic responses in young women awaits validation.
Eye Protection for Mitigating Soccer-Related Ocular Injuries: A Finite Element Approach
Authors: Shokrollahi Yasin , Dong Pengfei , Lam Matthew , Suh Donny W. , Gu Linxia
Published: April 2022

In this work, eye protection for mitigating the soccer ball ocular injuries were delineated with computational models. The retinal injuries and the risk of globe rupture were evaluated in terms of the stress in the posterior retinal layer and the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement at the center of the vitreous. The mechanism of the eye protection with goggles was quantified in terms of impact indentation and velocity caused at the contact location in the eyeball. Results have shown that both polycarbonate and acrylic goggles can significantly reduce the stress in the retina and IOP at the center of the vitreous by more than 50%. The polycarbonate (PC) goggles remained intact and bounced backward during impact, leading to smaller impact indentation and velocity in the contact region in the eyeball, compared to the fractured acrylic goggles. These findings may be due to the larger fracture toughness modulus of PC compared to acrylic, indicating that the fracture toughness modulus could be an important parameter for the material selection in protection design. The soccer ball-goggles interaction indicate that the local deformation of soccer ball, i.e., backward bending, plays an important role in the eye protection. These mechanistic understandings could serve as a guidance for the eye protection design.
In Vitro Biomechanics of the Cervical Spine: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ansaripour Hossein , Ferguson Stephen J. , Flohr Markus
Published: April 2022

In vitro testing has been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biomechanics of the cervical spine. This has allowed a characterization of the stability of the spine as influenced by the intrinsic properties of its tissue constituents and the severity of degeneration or injury. This also enables the preclinical estimation of spinal implant functionality and the success of operative procedures. The purpose of this review paper was to compile methodologies and results from various studies addressing spinal kinematics in pre- and postoperative conditions so that they could be compared. The reviewed literature was evaluated to provide suggestions for a better approach for future studies, to reduce the uncertainties and facilitate comparisons among various results. The overview is presented in a way to inform various disciplines, such as experimental testing, design development, and clinical treatment. The biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine, mainly the segmental range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), and facet joint load (FJL), have been assessed by testing functional spinal units (FSUs). The relative effects of pathologies including disc degeneration, muscle dysfunction, and ligamentous transection have been studied by imposing on the specimen complex load scenarios imitating physiological conditions. The biomechanical response is strongly influenced by specimen type, test condition, and the different types of implants utilized in the different experimental groups.
Review of major technologies improving surface performances of Ti alloys for implant biomaterials
Authors: Liang S. X. , Liu K. Y. , Yin L. X. , Huang G. W. , Shi Y. D. , Zheng L. Y. , Xing Z. G.
Published: April 2022

Ti alloys have many excellent properties, including low elastic modulus, desired corrosion resistance, nontoxicity, and biocompatibility. Hence, they promise to be major hard-tissue implant biomaterials (HTIBs). However, some properties, like surface hardness, wearability, and cellular activity, need to be enhanced. Moreover, their corrosion resistance in simulated body fluids and biocompatibility also need to be investigated systematically before practical applications. As HTIBs, the primary properties in clinical applications are wearability, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Surface modification is a commonly used effective way to improve the above-mentioned disadvantages. This work is a brief review of the main surface modification technologies of Ti alloys for HTIBs (hereafter referred to as Ti alloys). The main surface modification technologies of Ti alloys are divided into four types, namely, physical technologies, chemical technologies, electrochemical technologies, and surface plastic deformation technologies. The principle and applications of these four types of surface modification technologies on Ti alloys are introduced one by one. Finally, the future directions for the surface modification of Ti alloys are proposed.
Maximum entropy inference of seabed properties using waveguide invariant features from surface ships
Authors: Knobles D. P. , Neilsen T. B. , Wilson P. S. , Hodgkiss W. S. , Bonnel J. , Lin Y. T.
Published: April 2022

Acoustic data were recorded on two vertical line arrays (VLAs) deployed in the New England Mud Patch during the Seabed Characterization Experiment 2017 in about 75 m of water. The sound recorded during the passage of merchant ships permits identification of singular points for the waveguide invariant β for mode pairs (1,n):β1,n,for n=2,3,4,5, in the 15–80 Hz band. Using prior geophysical information and an acoustic data sample from the merchant ship KALAMATA, a geoacoustic model M of the seabed was developed. Then, using data samples from other merchant ships, a feature-ensemble maximum entropy method is employed to infer the statistical properties of geoacoustic parameter values for the sound speeds in a surface mud layer and a deep sand layer. Technical challenges include a sparsity of observed singular points, the unique identification of mode pairs for an observed singular point, and the deviation of the waveguide from horizontal stratification. A geoacoustic model M is developed that reproduced the observed β≈−1 for f < 20 Hz and mode cutoff features at about 15 Hz. The statistical low-frequency inference of the singular point structure from multiple ships provides evidence of an angle of intromission at the water sediment interface with an average sound speed ratio of about 0.986 and an average sound speed for the deeper sand layer of about 1775 m/s.
Current Attitudes and Beliefs in Interdisciplinary Return to Play Management for Pediatric Concussion: A Survey
Authors: Tiwari Devashish , Kosienski Erica , Kumar Chandra , Schechter Rachel , Sheridan Caitlin , Winshman Lynette
Published: April 2022

Context: The pediatric population is more susceptible to sustaining concussion and experiencing more severe and prolonged symptoms as compared with adults. Current evidence indicates conflicting beliefs within the interdisciplinary team in terms of best practices for managing pediatric concussion. Objectives: (1) To describe current practices on interdisciplinary coordination among physical therapists (PTs) and athletic trainers (ATs) during management and return to play (RTP) of children and adolescents with concussion and (2) to describe their confidence in implementing RTP protocols, their comprehension of concussion legislation, and scope of practice of their profession regarding returning pediatric athletes to sport postconcussion. Design and Methods: A 34-item anonymous survey containing questions regarding demographics, confidence with concussion management, knowledge of sports-related concussion state legislation, beliefs of interdisciplinary concussion management team, and referral/communication patterns was electronically distributed through alumni networks. Participants: 141 respondents (80 ATs and 61 PTs). Results: Only 12.5% of ATs believed that PTs had any role in the initial concussion management, whereas 65% of PTs regarded the role of ATs in initial management as important. In terms of legislation, 44% of PTs and 12.5% of ATs were unsure of state laws pertaining to concussion management or health care professions responsible for RTP. There was consensus among PTs and ATs (61%) in the lack of interdisciplinary coordination of care and lack of awareness among physician groups regarding RTP protocols. Within their respective disciplines, a greater proportion of PTs (63%) agreed that the process of care lacked standardization as compared with ATs (21%). Conclusion: Lack of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration during management of pediatric concussion may cause premature RTP that may lead to catastrophic effects on the developing pediatric brain. Barriers regarding education, time management, knowledge of state laws, and understanding other professions’ scope of practice need to be further addressed to ensure safe RTP.
Stepwise-edited, human melanoma models reveal mutations’ effect on tumor and microenvironment
Authors: Hodis Eran , Triglia Elena Torlai , Kwon John Y. H. , Biancalani Tommaso , Zakka Labib R. , Parkar Saurabh , Hütter Jan-Christian , Buffoni Lorenzo , Delorey Toni M. , Phillips Devan , Dionne Danielle , Nguyen Lan T. , Schapiro Denis , Maliga Zoltan , Jacobson Connor A. , Hendel Ayal , Rozenblatt-Rosen Orit , Mihm Martin C. , Garraway Levi A. , Regev Aviv
Published: April 2022

Establishing causal relationships between genetic alterations of human cancers and specific phenotypes of malignancy remains a challenge. We sequentially introduced mutations into healthy human melanocytes in up to five genes spanning six commonly disrupted melanoma pathways, forming nine genetically distinct cellular models of melanoma. We connected mutant melanocyte genotypes to malignant cell expression programs in vitro and in vivo, replicative immortality, malignancy, rapid tumor growth, pigmentation, metastasis, and histopathology. Mutations in malignant cells also affected tumor microenvironment composition and cell states. Our melanoma models shared genotype-associated expression programs with patient melanomas, and a deep learning model showed that these models partially recapitulated genotype-associated histopathological features as well. Thus, a progressive series of genome-edited human cancer models can causally connect genotypes carrying multiple mutations to phenotype.
A global system for the next generation of vaccines
Authors: Arinaminpathy Nimalan , Saad-Roy Chadi M. , Yang Qiqi , Ahmad Isa , Yadav Prashant , Grenfell Bryan
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has shown that hurdles can be overcome
Accelerating reaction generality and mechanistic insight through additive mapping
Authors: Prieto Kullmer Cesar N. , Kautzky Jacob A. , Krska Shane W. , Nowak Timothy , Dreher Spencer D. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: April 2022

Reaction generality is crucial in determining the overall impact and usefulness of synthetic methods. Typical generalization protocols require a priori mechanistic understanding and suffer when applied to complex, less understood systems. We developed an additive mapping approach that rapidly expands the utility of synthetic methods while generating concurrent mechanistic insight. Validation of this approach on the metallaphotoredox decarboxylative arylation resulted in the discovery of a phthalimide ligand additive that overcomes many lingering limitations of this reaction and has important mechanistic implications for nickel-catalyzed cross-couplings.
Posttranslational modification of microtubules by the MATCAP detyrosinase
Authors: Landskron Lisa , Bak Jitske , Adamopoulos Athanassios , Kaplani Konstantina , Moraiti Maria , van den Hengel Lisa G. , Song Ji-Ying , Bleijerveld Onno B. , Nieuwenhuis Joppe , Heidebrecht Tatjana , Henneman Linda , Moutin Marie-Jo , Barisic Marin , Taraviras Stavros , Perrakis Anastassis , Brummelkamp Thijn R.
Published: April 2022

The detyrosination-tyrosination cycle involves the removal and religation of the C-terminal tyrosine of α-tubulin and is implicated in cognitive, cardiac, and mitotic defects. The vasohibin–small vasohibin-binding protein (SVBP) complex underlies much, but not all, detyrosination. We used haploid genetic screens to identify an unannotated protein, microtubule associated tyrosine carboxypeptidase (MATCAP), as a remaining detyrosinating enzyme. X-ray crystallography and cryo–electron microscopy structures established MATCAP’s cleaving mechanism, substrate specificity, and microtubule recognition. Paradoxically, whereas abrogation of tyrosine religation is lethal in mice, codeletion of MATCAP and SVBP is not. Although viable, defective detyrosination caused microcephaly, associated with proliferative defects during neurogenesis, and abnormal behavior. Thus, MATCAP is a missing component of the detyrosination-tyrosination cycle, revealing the importance of this modification in brain formation.
Rethinking the “Western” revolution in science
Horizons: The Global Origins of Modern Science
James Poskett
Mariner Books, 2022. 464 pp.
Authors: Cañizares-Esguerra Jorge
Published: April 2022

A historian sees global cultural and geopolitical roots in Europe’s scientific breakthroughs
India’s speedy vaccine approvals come under fire
Authors: Pulla Priyanka
Published: April 2022

Critics say regulatory agency lacks key capabilities and independence
Genomic Island-Mediated Horizontal Transfer of the Erythromycin Resistance Gene
erm
(X) among Bifidobacteria
Authors: Li Baiyuan , Chen Dan , Lin Fan , Wu Chuanyu , Cao Linyan , Chen Huahai , Hu Yunfei , Yin Yeshi
Published: April 2022

Bifidobacteria are a very important group of gut microbiota, and the presence of these bacteria has many beneficial effects for the host. Thus, bifidobacteria have attracted growing interest owing to their potential probiotic properties.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methanofollis formosanus DSM 15483
T
, Isolated from an Aquaculture Fish Pond
Authors: Chen Sheng-Chung , Wu Chih-Hung , You Yi-Ting , Wu Sue-Yao , Liao Ching-Hua , Wang Xiang , Li Hongduo , Guo Yun , You Jinhui , Qiu Wanling
Published: April 2022

The hydrogenotrophic strain
Methanofollis formosanus
DSM 15483
T
(= ML15
T
 = OCM 798
T
) was isolated from an aquaculture fish pond near Wang-gong, Taiwan. The genome of strain DSM 15483
T
was selected for sequencing in order to provide further information about the species delineation and its unique habitat.
Immunogenicity assessment of bispecific antibody-based immunotherapy in oncology
Authors: Zhou Yanchen , Penny Hweixian L , Kroenke Mark A , Bautista Bianca , Hainline Kelly , Chea Lynette S , Parnes Jane , Mytych Daniel T
Published: April 2022

With increasing numbers of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and multispecific products entering the clinic, recent data highlight immunogenicity as an emerging challenge in the development of such novel biologics. This review focuses on the immunogenicity risk assessment (IgRA) of BsAb-based immunotherapies for cancer, highlighting several risk factors that need to be considered. These include the novel scaffolds consisting of bioengineered sequences, the potentially synergistic immunomodulating mechanisms of action (MOAs) from different domains of the BsAb, as well as several other product-related and patient-related factors. In addition, the clinical relevance of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) against selected BsAbs developed as anticancer agents is reviewed and the advances in our knowledge of tools and strategies for immunogenicity prediction, monitoring, and mitigation are discussed. It is critical to implement a drug-specific IgRA during the early development stage to guide ADA monitoring and risk management strategies. This IgRA may include a combination of several assessment tools to identify drug-specific risks as well as a proactive risk mitigation approach for candidate or format selection during the preclinical stage. The IgRA is an on-going process throughout clinical development. IgRA during the clinical stage may bridge the gap between preclinical immunogenicity prediction and clinical immunogenicity, and retrospectively guide optimization efforts for next-generation BsAbs. This iterative process throughout development may improve the reliability of the IgRA and enable the implementation of effective risk mitigation strategies, laying the foundation for improved clinical success.
Automated detection of arterial landmarks and vascular occlusions in patients with acute stroke receiving digital subtraction angiography using deep learning
Authors: Khankari Jui , Yu Yannan , Ouyang Jiahong , Hussein Ramy , Do Huy M , Heit Jeremy J , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: April 2022

Background

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold-standard method of assessing arterial blood flow and blockages prior to endovascular thrombectomy.

Objective

To detect anatomical features and arterial occlusions with DSA using artificial intelligence techniques.

Methods

We included 82 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent DSA imaging and whose carotid terminus was visible in at least one run. Two neurointerventionalists labeled the carotid location (when visible) and vascular occlusions on 382 total individual DSA runs. For detecting the carotid terminus, positive and negative image patches (either containing or not containing the internal carotid artery terminus) were extracted in a 1:1 ratio. Two convolutional neural network architectures (ResNet-50 pretrained on ImageNet and ResNet-50 trained from scratch) were evaluated. Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic and pixel distance from the ground truth were calculated. The same training and analysis methods were used for detecting arterial occlusions.

Results

The ResNet-50 trained from scratch most accurately detected the carotid terminus (AUC 0.998 (95% CI 0.997 to 0.999), p<0.00001) and arterial occlusions (AUC 0.973 (95% CI 0.971 to 0.975), p<0.0001). Average pixel distances from ground truth for carotid terminus and occlusion localization were 63±45 and 98±84, corresponding to approximately 1.26±0.90 cm and 1.96±1.68 cm for a standard angiographic field-of-view.

Conclusion

These results may serve as an unbiased standard for clinical stroke trials, as optimal standardization would be useful for core laboratories in endovascular thrombectomy studies, and also expedite decision-making during DSA-based procedures.
An in vitro model for Extracellular DNA Traps (ETs)-rich Human Thrombus Analogs
Authors: Liu Yang , Dai Daying , Abbasi Mehdi , Mereuta Oana Madalina , Gamb Scott I , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: April 2022

Background

Extracellular DNA traps (ETs) have important implications in both thrombosis and thrombolysis. Thus, developing benchtop thrombus analogs that recapitulate clinical ETs is potentially of great value for preclinical development and testing of thrombolytic agents and thrombectomy devices. In this study, we aimed to develop ETs-rich thrombus analogs for preclinical testing.

Methods

Red blood cell (RBC)-rich, fibrin-rich, and platelet-rich thrombus analogs were created using human whole blood, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma obtained from the blood bank following institutional approval. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (9.9×106 cells/mL) isolated from human whole blood and lipopolysaccharide (1 µg/mL) were added to induce ETs. Histochemical, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to identify thrombus components and ETs. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructure of the thrombus analogs. The thrombus compositions, morphologic features of ETs and citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) expression were compared with those of thrombi retrieved from patients by thrombectomy.

Results

ETs-rich thrombus analogs were more compacted th-an the ETs-poor thrombus analogs. ETs were identified in both ETs-rich thrombus analogs and patient thrombi showing morphologic features including nuclear lobulation, nuclear swelling, diffused chromatin within cytoplasm, DNA/chromatin extending intracellularly and extracellularly, and extracellular chromatin patches and bundles. In the ETs-poor thrombus analogs, ETs were not observed and H3Cit expression was absent to minimal. The compositions and H3Cit expression in the ETs-rich thrombus analogs fell in the range of patient thrombi.

Conclusions

ETs-rich thrombus analogs can be consistently created in vitro and may benefit the preclinical development and testing of new thrombolytic agents and thrombectomy devices.
Placental mesenchymal stem cells boost M2 alveolar over M1 bone marrow macrophages via IL-1β inKlebsiella-mediated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wang Li-Tzu , Yen B Linju , Wang Hsiu-Huan , Chao Ying-Yin , Lee Wei , Huang Li-Yueh , Chiu Sheng-Kang , Siu L. Kristopher , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Yen Men-Luh
Published: April 2022

Rationale

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lethal complication of severe bacterial pneumonia due to the inability to dampen overexuberant immune responses without compromising pathogen clearance. Both of these processes involve tissue-resident and bone marrow (BM)–recruited macrophage (MΦ) populations which can be polarised to have divergent functions. Surprisingly, despite the known immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), simultaneous interactions with tissue-resident and recruited BMMΦ populations are largely unexplored.

Objectives

We assessed the therapeutic use of human placental MSCs (PMSCs) in severe bacterial pneumonia with elucidation of the roles of resident alveolar MΦs (AMΦs) and BMMΦs.

Methods

We developed a lethal, murine pneumonia model using intratracheal infection of a clinically relevantKlebsiella pneumoniae(KP) strain with subsequent intravenous human PMSC treatment. Pulmonary AMΦ and recruited BMMΦ analyses, histological evaluation, bacterial clearance and mice survival were assessed. To elucidate the role of resident AMΦs in improving outcome, we performed AMΦ depletion in the KP-pneumonia model with intratracheal clodronate pretreatment.

Measurements and main results

Human PMSC treatment decreased tissue injury and improved survival of severe KP-pneumonia mice by decreasing the presence and function of recruited M1 BMMΦ while preserving M2 AMΦs and enhancing their antibacterial functions. Interestingly, PMSC therapy failed to rescue AMΦ-depleted mice with KP pneumonia, and PMSC-secreted IL-1β was identified as critical in increasing AMΦ antibacterial activities to significantly improve pathogen clearance—especially bacteraemia—and survival.

Conclusions

Human PMSC treatment preferentially rescued resident M2 AMΦs over recruited M1 BMMΦs with overall M2 polarisation to improve KP-related ARDS survival.
Impact of time-to-treatment on survival for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients in the Netherlands: a nationwide observational cohort study
Authors: Klarenbeek Sosse E , Aarts Mieke J , van den Heuvel Michel M , Prokop Mathias , Tummers Marcia , Schuurbiers Olga C J
Published: April 2022

Background

The assumption that more rapid treatment improves survival of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not yet been proven. We studied the relation between time-to-treatment and survival in advanced stage NSCLC patients in a large multicentric nationwide retrospective cohort. Additionally, we identified factors associated with delay.

Method

We selected 10 306 patients, diagnosed and treated between 2014 and 2019 for clinical stage III and IV NSCLC, from the Netherlands Cancer Registry that includes nationwide data from 109 Dutch hospitals. Associations between survival and time-to-treatment were tested with Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Time-to-treatment was adjusted for multiple covariates including diagnostic procedures and type of therapy. Factors associated with delay were identified by multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Risk of death significantly decreased with longer time-to-treatment for stage III patients receiving only radiotherapy (adjusted HR, aHR >21 days: 0.59 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.73)) or any type of systemic therapy (aHR >49 days: 0.72 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.91)) and stage IV patients receiving chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy (aHR >21 days: 0.81 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.88)). No significant association was found for stage III patients treated with chemoradiotherapy and stage IV patients treated with targeted therapy. More complex diagnostic procedures often delay treatment.

Conclusion

Although in general it is important to start treatment as early as possible, our study finds no evidence that a more rapid start of treatment improves outcomes in advanced stage NSCLC patients. The benefit of urgent treatment is probably confounded by unmeasured patient and tumour characteristics and, clinical urgency dictating timelines of treatment. Time-to-treatment and its impact should be continuously evaluated as therapeutic strategies continue to evolve and improve.
Derivation and validation of a simple multidimensional index incorporating exercise capacity parameters for survival prediction in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Chandel Abhimanyu , Pastre Jean , Valery Solène , King Christopher S , Nathan Steven D
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The gender-age-physiology (GAP) index is an easy-to-use baseline mortality prediction model in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The GAP index does not incorporate exercise capacity parameters such as 6 min walk distance (6MWD) or exertional hypoxia. We evaluated if the addition of 6MWD and exertional hypoxia to the GAP index improves survival prediction in IPF.

Methods

Patients with IPF were identified at a tertiary care referral centre. Discrimination and calibration of the original GAP index were assessed. The cohort was then randomly divided into a derivation and validation set and performance of the GAP index with the addition of 6MWD and exertional hypoxia was evaluated. A final model was selected based on improvement in discrimination. Application of this model was then evaluated in a geographically distinct external cohort.

Results

There were 562 patients with IPF identified in the internal cohort. Discrimination of the original GAP index was measured by a C-statistic of 0.676 (95% CI 0.635 to 0.717) and overestimated observed risk. 6MWD and exertional hypoxia were strongly predictive of mortality. The addition of these variables to the GAP index significantly improved model discrimination. A revised index incorporating exercise capacity parameters was constructed and performed well in the internal validation set (C-statistic: 0.752; 95% CI 0.701 to 0.802, difference in C-statistic compared with the refit GAP index: 0.050; 95% CI 0.004 to 0.097) and external validation set (N=108 (C-statistic: 0.780; 95% CI 0.682 to 0.877)).

Conclusion

A simple point-based baseline-risk prediction model incorporating exercise capacity predictors into the original GAP index may improve prognostication in patients with IPF.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and expiratory airflow at 8 years in children born extremely preterm in the post-surfactant era
Authors: Doyle Lex William , Ranganathan Sarath , Cheong Jeanie
Published: April 2022

Background

It is unclear if bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is independently associated with reduced expiratory airflow at school age.

Objective

To determine the independent associations of moderate–severe BPD, mild BPD, gestational age and birth weight z-score with expiratory airflow in children born extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks’ gestation).

Methods

All EP survivors born in Victoria, Australia, in three eras (1991–1992, n=225; 1997, n=151; and 2005, n=170) were recruited at birth and 418/546 (77%) had valid spirometry data at 8 years. BPD was classified as moderate–severe (oxygen requirement at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age), or mild (oxygen >28 days but not at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age). Expiratory airflow variables, including the forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1), were measured and values converted to z-scores.

Results

Compared with no BPD (n=94), moderate–severe BPD (n=193) was associated with a substantial reduction in expiratory airflow (eg, zFEV1mean difference −0.69, 95% CI −0.97 to –0.41; p<0.001), but mild BPD (n=131) was not (zFEV1mean difference 0.01, 95% CI −0.28 to 0.31; p=0.93). On multivariable analysis, moderate–severe BPD remained strongly associated with reduced airflow (zFEV1mean difference −0.63, 95% CI −0.92 to –0.33; p<0.001), but mild BPD (zFEV1mean difference 0.04, 95% CI −0.26 to 0.34; p=0.27), gestational age (zFEV10.06 mean increase per week, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.17; p=0.29) and birth weight z-score (zFEV10.07 mean increase per SD, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.20; p=0.28) were not.

Conclusions

In children born EP, moderate–severe BPD, but not mild BPD was independently associated with reduced expiratory airflow at 8 years.
Composite nature of $$Z_b$$ states from data analysis
Authors: Zhang Lu , Kang Xian-Wei , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: April 2022

We use a near-threshold parameterization with explicit inclusion of the Castillejo–Dalitz–Dyson poles, which is more general than the effective range expansion, to study the bottomonium-like states $$Z_b(10610)$$

Z
b

(
10610
)

and $$Z_b(10650)$$

Z
b

(
10650
)

. In terms of the partial-wave amplitude, we fit the event number distribution of $$B^{(*)}{\bar{B}}^*$$

B

(

∗
)

B

¯

∗

system to the experimental data for these resonances from Belle Collaboration. The data could be described very well in our method, which supports the molecular interpretation. Then the relevant physical quantities are obtained, including the $$B^{(*)}\bar{B}^*$$

B

(

∗
)

B

¯

∗

scattering length (a), effective range (r), and residue squared ($$\gamma _s^2$$

γ
s
2

) of the pole in the complex plane. In particular, we find the compositeness can range from about 0.4 up to 1 for the $$B{\bar{B}}^*$$

B

B

¯

∗

($$B^*{\bar{B}}^*$$

B
∗

B

¯

∗

) component in the resonance $$Z_b(10610)$$

Z
b

(
10610
)

($$Z_b(10650)$$

Z
b

(
10650
)

).
Facial Affect Recognition in Immersive Virtual Reality: Where is the Participant Looking?
Authors: Vicente-Querol Miguel A. , Fernández-Caballero Antonio , Molina José P. , González-Gualda Luz M. , Fernández-Sotos Patricia , García Arturo S.
Published: April 2022

The recognition of facial expression of emotions in others is essential in daily social interactions. The different areas of the face play different roles in decoding each emotion. To find out which ones are more important, the traditional approach has been to use eye-tracking devices with static pictures to capture which parts of the face people are looking at when decoding emotions. However, the ecological validity of this approach is limited because, unlike in real life, there is no movement in the face that can be used to identify the emotion. The use of virtual reality technology opens the door to new experiences in which the users perceive that they are in front of dynamic virtual humans. Therefore, our main aim is to investigate whether the user’s immersion in a virtual environment influences the way dynamic virtual faces are visually scanned when decoding emotions. An experiment involving 74 healthy participants was carried out. The results obtained are consistent with previous works. Having confirmed the correct functioning of our solution, it is our intention to study whether emotion recognition deficits in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders are related to the way they visually scan faces.
A planar algebraic description of conditional expectations
Authors: Giorgetti Luca
Published: April 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a unital inclusion of arbitrary von Neumann algebras. We give a 2-[Formula: see text]-categorical/planar algebraic description of normal faithful conditional expectations [Formula: see text] with finite index and their duals [Formula: see text] by means of the solutions of the conjugate equations for the inclusion morphism [Formula: see text] and its conjugate morphism [Formula: see text]. In particular, the theory of index for conditional expectations admits a 2-[Formula: see text]-categorical formulation in full generality. Moreover, we show that a pair [Formula: see text] as above can be described by a Q-system, and vice versa. These results are due to Longo in the subfactor/simple tensor unit case [R. Longo, Index of subfactors and statistics of quantum fields. II. Correspondences, braid group statistics and Jones polynomial, Comm. Math. Phys. 130(1990) 285–309; A duality for Hopf algebras and for subfactors. I, Comm. Math. Phys. 159 (1994) 133–150].
Asymptotic traveling wave solutions to anisotropic higher-order traffic flow models with viscosities
Authors: Meng Yi-Cheng , Lin Zhi-Yang , Li Xiao-Yang , Qiao Dian-Liang , Guo Ming-Min , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2022

The boundary layer correction method is applied to study asymptotic traveling wave solutions to anisotropic higher-order traffic flow model with viscous coefficient, which clearly indicates that the truncation error between the original and approximate equations is an equivalent infinitesimal of the coefficient. Therefore, the solution is exact in the case when the coefficient vanishes, which corresponds to a certain nonviscous model following the standard hyperbolic and viscous conservation laws. Numerical simulation is implemented to reproduce a typical traveling wave or wide moving jam consisting of a transitional layer (the downstream front) and a shock (the upstream front) profiles, of which the parameters converge not only for refined meshes but for refined viscous coefficient as well. These are highly in agreement with the analytical results.
Self-organized criticality of long-range interactions Olami–Feder–Christensen with relaxation model
Authors: Zhang Gui-Qing , Yu Zi , Liu Tian-Yuan , Jiao Yong-Fang , Li Lin-Na
Published: April 2022

Through the study of the real seismic behavior, we find that large mainshocks are often followed by aftershocks. Mainshocks occur instantaneously, while aftershocks feature relatively slow relaxation. Based on the Olami–Feder–Christensen with relaxation (OFCR) model, the long-range interactions and new energy distribution rule are added into our model. At the same time, we find that the statistical distributions of seismic magnitude, and time intervals of mainshock and aftershock conform to the power law behaviors. By comparing the curves of aftershock and mainshock behaviors, we find that they have similar distribution characteristics, which indicates that the study of aftershock behavior is of practical significance for the study of large earthquakes. Meanwhile long-range interactions OFCR model can provide a good supplement for the large earthquake data.
A Bicriterion Approach to Due Date Assignment Scheduling in Single-Machine with Position-Dependent Weights
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Geng Xin-Na , Wang Jiayin , Liu Tao
Published: April 2022

We study single-machine bicriteria scheduling problems with position-dependent weights. Due date costs and penalty costs can affect the decision-maker’s profit. Therefore, how to optimize the benefits and balance of these costs for decision-makers is the focus of this research. This paper discusses three models: weighted-sum scheduling problem, constrained scheduling problem, Pareto scheduling problem. It analyzes the properties of bicriteria schedule, determines the optimal due dates (usually referred to as different due dates: DIF), and gives the corresponding polynomial solvable algorithms.
Electromagnetic Dalitz decays of D(s)∗ mesons
Authors: Tan Yinghua , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2022

Rare electromagnetic (EM) decays of charmed mesons are useful laboratories to explore the structure of hadronic states and the interactions between photons and charmed mesons, to test the chiral perturbation theory in flavor sector and to search for new physics including dark photons. In this paper, we calculate the relative branching ratios of EM Dalitz decays [Formula: see text] to their corresponding radiative decays [Formula: see text] with transition form factor in vector-meson dominance model, where [Formula: see text] represents [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The corresponding dileptonic invariant mass spectra and the leptonic angular distributions are also presented.
The AdS𝜃2/CFT1 correspondence and noncommutative geometry I: A QM/NCG correspondence
Authors: Ydri Badis
Published: April 2022

A consistent QM/NCG duality is put forward as a model for the [Formula: see text] correspondence. This is a duality/correspondence between (1) the dAFF conformal quantum mechanics (QM) on the boundary (which is only “quasi-conformal” in the sense that there is neither an [Formula: see text]-invariant vacuum state nor there are strictly speaking primary operators), and between (2) the noncommutative geometry of [Formula: see text] in the bulk (which is only “quasi-AdS” in the sense of being only asymptotically [Formula: see text]). The Laplacian operators on noncommutative [Formula: see text] and commutative [Formula: see text] have the same spectrum and thus their correlators are conjectured to be identical. These bulk correlation functions are found to be correctly reproduced by appropriately defined boundary quantum observables in the dAFF quantum mechanics. Moreover, these quasi-primary operators on the boundary form a subalgebra of the operator algebra of noncommutative [Formula: see text].