bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning based correction of low performing pixel in computed tomography
Authors: Patil Bhushan D , Singhal Vanika , Agrawal Utkarsh , Langoju Rajesh , Hsieh Jiang , Lakshminarasimhan Shobana , Das Bipul
Published: August 2022

Low Performing Pixel (LPP)/bad pixel in CT detectors cause ring and streaks artifacts, structured non-uniformities and deterioration of the image quality. These artifacts make the image unusable for diagnostic purposes. A missing/defective detector pixel translates to a channel missing across all views in sinogram domain and its effect gets spill over entire image in reconstruction domain as artifacts. Most of the existing ring and streak removal algorithms perform correction only in the reconstructed image domain. In this work, we propose a supervised deep learning algorithm that operates in sinogram domain to remove distortions cause by the LPP. This method leverages CT scan geometry, including conjugate ray information to learn the interpolation in sinogram domain. While the experiments are designed to cover the entire detector space, we emphasize on LPPs near detector iso-center as these have most adverse impact on image quality specially if the LPPs fall on the high frequency region (bone-tissue interface). We demonstrated efficacy of the proposed method using data acquired on GE RevACT multi-slice CT system with flat-panel detector. Experimental results on head scans show significant reduction in ring artifacts regardless of LPP location in the detector geometry. We have simulated isolated LPPs accounting for 5% and 10% of total channels. Detailed statistical analysis illustrates approximately 5dB improvement in SNR in both sinogram and reconstruction domain as compared to classical bicubic and Lagrange interpolation methods. Also, with reduction in ring and streak artifacts, the perceptual image quality is improved across all the test images.
Differentiable quantum architecture search
Authors: Zhang Shi-Xin , Hsieh Chang-Yu , Zhang Shengyu , Yao Hong
Published: August 2022

Quantum architecture search (QAS) is the process of automating architecture engineering of quantum circuits. It has been desired to construct a powerful and general QAS platform which can significantly accelerate current efforts to identify quantum advantages of error-prone and depth-limited quantum circuits in the NISQ era. Hereby, we propose a general framework of differentiable quantum architecture search (DQAS), which enables automated designs of quantum circuits in an end-to-end differentiable fashion. We present several examples of circuit design problems to demonstrate the power of DQAS. For instance, unitary operations are decomposed into quantum gates, noisy circuits are re-designed to improve accuracy, and circuit layouts for quantum approximation optimization algorithm are automatically discovered and upgraded for combinatorial optimization problems. These results not only manifest the vast potential of DQAS being an essential tool for the NISQ application developments, but also present an interesting research topic from the theoretical perspective as it draws inspirations from the newly emerging interdisciplinary paradigms of differentiable programming, probabilistic programming, and quantum programming.
Comparison of SVR models for predicting the compaction properties of lateritic soils as novel hybrid methods
Authors: Zhu Pengyu , Zhu Ye , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2022

Soil compaction and related parameters play a pivotal role in the material selection process for earth constructions. Because of time limitations and attention to completion resources, the need to develop models for predicting compaction properties is felt more than ever (i.e., maximum dry unit weight (

γ

dmax

) and optimum moisture content (

ω

opt

)) using easily measured index properties. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of conventional SVR, ensembled (additive regression (AD-SVR)), and hybrid SVR (imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA-SVR)) models for predicting the maximum dry unit weight (

γ

dmax

) and optimum water content (

ω

opt

) related to proctor compaction test of lateritic soils, where the used dataset was collected from published literature from specific sites. Results depict that all developed models have acceptable efficiency in predicting the

γ

dmax

with

R

2

larger than 0.844 and 0.719, and the

ω

opt

with

R

2

larger than 0.732 and 0.714 for the training and testing data, respectively, representing the acceptable correlation between observed and predicted values. The results of all SVR models were better than the literature, in which the hybrid ICA-SVR model outperformed other models by considering performance criteria. Overall, the hybrid ICA-SVR algorithm could get the most suitable results than others for estimating both

γ

dmax

and

ω

opt

.

The ICA-SVR model outperforms other approaches and demonstrates the optimization algorithm’s capacity throughout the optimization process.
Condition monitoring of train wheels using a cost-effective smart rail pad
Authors: van Schalkwyk Marco Heinrich , Gräbe Petrus Johannes
Published: August 2022

This present paper focuses on the condition monitoring of train wheels utilizing an 3D printed rail pad that is embedded with widely available accelerometers and a strain gauge. This smart rail pad was used on a heavy haul railway line to monitor train wheels by identifying any wheel defects and measuring the respective wheel loads. A series of laboratory material tests were conducted on various 3D printing materials to identify the most suitable material for the smart rail pad. Dynamic and static loading tests were carried out to determine whether the 3D printed rail pads could withstand the typical forces exerted by a passing train. Field tests were done to determine the performance of the smart rail pads in operational conditions. Results indicated that the smart rail pads were able to identify 60% of the wheel flats and were able to measure the wheel loads with an average percent error of 6% by comparing it to the control measurements. In summary, the smart rail pads presented a good correlation between the measured wheel loads and the true values, while the identification of wheel flats was influenced by the low sampling rate of the system.
Heteroclinic units acting as pacemakers: entrained dynamics for cognitive processes
Authors: Thakur Bhumika , Meyer-Ortmanns Hildegard
Published: August 2022

Heteroclinic dynamics is a suitable framework for describing transient and reproducible dynamics such as cognitive processes in the brain. We demonstrate how heteroclinic units can act as pacemakers to entrain larger sets of units from a resting state to hierarchical heteroclinic motion that is able to describe fast oscillations modulated by slow oscillations. Such features are observed in brain dynamics. The entrainment range depends on the type of coupling, the spatial location of the pacemaker and the individual bifurcation parameters of the pacemaker and the driven units. Noise as well as a small back-coupling to the pacemaker facilitate synchronization. Units can be synchronously entrained to different temporal patterns encoding transiently excited neural populations, depending on the selected path in the heteroclinic network. Via entrainment, these temporal patterns, locally generated by the pacemakers, can be communicated to the resting units in target waves over a spatial grid. For getting entrained there is no need of fine-tuning the parameters of the resting units. Thus, entrainment provides one way of processing information over the grid, when information is encoded in the generated spatiotemporal patterns.
Preschool Executive Control, Temperament, and Adolescent Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Kidwell Katherine M , James Tiffany D , Brock Rebecca L , Lazarus Yaroch Amy , Hill Jennie L , Mize Nelson Jennifer , Alex Mason W , Andrews Espy Kimberly , Nelson Timothy D
Published: August 2022

Background

Child temperament styles characterized by increased emotionality or pleasure seeking may increase risk for less healthful eating patterns, while strong executive control (EC) may be protective. The interaction of these characteristics with longitudinal outcomes has not yet been examined.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the association of preschool temperament and EC, as well as their interaction with adolescent eating.

Methods

Preschoolers (N = 313) were recruited into a longitudinal study, with behavioral measurement of EC at age 5.25 years, temperament assessed multiple times across preschool, and eating outcomes assessed in adolescence (mean age = 15.34 years).

Results

Separate latent moderated structural equation models demonstrated that weaker EC was associated with eating less healthful foods, including high sugar foods, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and convenience foods (p < .05). In the moderation models, negative affectivity temperament was correlated with eating less healthful foods, high sugar foods, and SSBs (p < .05). Children lower in surgency/extraversion temperament were more likely to drink SSBs. There was an interaction between temperament and EC, such that children high in negative affectivity with weaker EC were particularly more likely to consume less healthful foods, high sugar foods, and SSBs (p < .05). There was no interaction of surgency with EC and food consumption.

Conclusions

Child characteristics measured early in development were associated with later adolescent eating behaviors. Adequate EC could be necessary to counteract the drive toward eating associated with temperaments high in negative affectivity.
Age and ageing cardiovascular collection: blood pressure, coronary heart disease and heart failure
Authors: Masoli Jane A H , Mensah Ekow , Rajkumar Chakravarthi
Published: August 2022

As people age they are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Understanding cardiovascular ageing is essential to preserving healthy ageing and preventing serious health outcomes. This collection of papers published in Age and Ageing since 2011 cover key themes in cardiovascular ageing, with a separate collection on stroke and atrial fibrillation planned.

Treating high blood pressure remains important as people age and reduces strokes and heart attacks. That said, a more personalised approach to blood pressure may be even more important as people age to lower blood pressure to tight targets where appropriate but avoid overtreatment in vulnerable groups. As people age, more people experience blood pressure drops on standing (orthostatic hypotension), particularly as they become frail. This can predispose them to falls. The papers in this collection provide an insight into blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension. They highlight areas for further research to understand blood pressure changes and management in the ageing population.

Inpatient clinical care of older people with heart attacks differs from younger people in UK national audit data. People aged over 80 had improved outcomes in survival after heart attack over time, but had lower rates of specialist input from cardiology compared with younger people. This may partly reflect different clinical presentations, with heart attacks occurring in the context of other health conditions, frailty and multimorbidity. The care and outcomes of acute and chronic cardiovascular disease are impacted by the frailty and health status of an individual at baseline.

The research included in this collection reinforces the wide variations in the ageing population and the necessity to focus on the individual needs and priorities, and provide a person-centred multidisciplinary approach to care.
Abnormal CD13/HLA-DR Expression Pattern on Myeloblasts Predicts Development of Myeloid Neoplasia in Patients With Clonal Cytopenia of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Jevremovic Dragan , Nanaa Ahmad , Geyer Susan M , Timm Michael , Azouz Haya , Hengel Cynthia , Reberg Alexander , He Rong , Viswanatha David , Salama Mohamad E , Shi Min , Olteanu Horatiu , Horna Pedro , Otteson Gregory , Greipp Patricia T , Xie Zhuoer , Alkhateeb Hassan B , Hogan William , Litzow Mark , Patnaik Mrinal M , Shah Mithun , Al-Kali Aref , Nguyen Phuong L
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Patients with clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) are at increased risk of developing myeloid neoplasia (MN). We evaluated whether a simple flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCIP) assay could differentiate the risk of development of MN in patients with CCUS.

Methods

Bone marrow aspirates were assessed by FCIP panel in a cohort of 80 patients identified as having CCUS based on next-generation sequencing or cytogenetics from March 2015 to May 2020, with available samples. Flow cytometric assay included CD13/HLA-DR expression pattern on CD34-positive myeloblasts; CD13/CD16 pattern on maturing granulocytic precursors; and aberrant expression of CD2, CD7, or CD56 on CD34-positive myeloblasts. Relevant demographic, comorbidity, and clinical and laboratory data, including the type and extent of genetic abnormalities, were extracted from the electronic health record.

Results

In total, 17 (21%) patients with CCUS developed MN over the follow-up period (median survival follow-up, 28 months [95% confidence interval, 19-31]). Flow cytometry immunophenotyping abnormalities, including the aberrant pattern of CD13/HLA-DR expression, as detected at the time of the diagnosis of CCUS, were significantly associated with risk of developing MN (hazard ratio, 2.97; P = .006). Additional FCIP parameters associated with the development of MN included abnormal expression of CD7 on myeloblasts and the presence vs absence of any FCIP abnormality.

Conclusions

A simple FCIP approach that includes assessment of CD13/HLA-DR pattern on CD34-positive myeloblasts can be useful in identifying patients with CCUS at higher risk of developing MN.
How and What are Indians Drinking? Findings from the National Family Health Survey
Authors: Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Singh Prashant Kumar , Sarkar Siddharth , Chattopadhyay Ankita , Singh Shalini
Published: August 2022

Aims

To assess recent changes in the extent and pattern of alcohol use in India using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data.

Methods

We used unit-level data from both rounds of NFHS. The pattern of alcohol use was categorized as: ‘almost every day’, ‘almost once a week’ and ‘less than once a week’. The information was segregated for the urban and rural settings. Information was also available on the type of alcoholic beverage used by the respondents. The z test for differences in proportions was carried out for the study variables.

Results

Findings suggest a 22.37 and 39.02% reduction in the proportion of men and women who reported alcohol use, respectively. The proportion of men reporting ‘almost every day’ and ‘about once a week’ consumption of alcohol increased by 24.19 and 7.14%, respectively.

Conclusions

With the caveats of expected limitations of surveys, the findings suggest an overall decrease in alcohol use in India, though the proportion of men with more frequent alcohol has increased. There is a need to strengthen the investment in the initiatives targeted at the harms due to alcohol use.
Female fruit flies copy the acceptance, but not the rejection, of a mate
Authors: Nöbel Sabine , Monier Magdalena , Fargeot Laura , Lespagnol Guillaume , Danchin Etienne , Isabel Guillaume
Published: August 2022

Acceptance and avoidance can be socially transmitted, especially in the case of mate choice. When a Drosophila melanogaster female observes a conspecific female (called demonstrator female) choosing to mate with one of two males, the former female (called observer female) can memorize and copy the latter female’s choice. Traditionally in mate-copying experiments, demonstrations provide two types of information to observer females, namely, the acceptance (positive) of one male and the rejection of the other male (negative). To disentangle the respective roles of positive and negative information in Drosophila mate copying, we performed experiments in which demonstrations provided only one type of information at a time. We found that positive information alone is sufficient to trigger mate copying. Observer females preferred males of phenotype A after watching a female mating with a male of phenotype A in the absence of any other male. Contrastingly, negative information alone (provided by a demonstrator female actively rejecting a male of phenotype B) did not affect future observer females’ mate choice. These results suggest that the informative part of demonstrations in Drosophila mate-copying experiments lies mainly, if not exclusively, in the positive information provided by the copulation with a given male. We discuss the reasons for such a result and suggest that Drosophila females learn to prefer the successful males, implying that the underlying learning mechanisms may be shared with those of appetitive memory in non-social associative learning.
Readmissions, Postdischarge Mortality, and Sustained Recovery Among Patients Admitted to Hospital With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Moestrup Kasper S , Reekie Joanne , Zucco Adrian G , Jensen Tomas Ø , Jensen Jens-Ulrik S , Wiese Lothar , Ostrowski Sisse R , Niemann Carsten U , MacPherson Cameron , Lundgren Jens , Helleberg Marie
Published: August 2022

Background

Many interventional in-patient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) trials assess primary outcomes through day 28 post-randomization. Since a proportion of patients experience protracted disease or relapse, such follow-up period may not fully capture the course of the disease, even when randomization occurs a few days after hospitalization.

Methods

Among adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in eastern Denmark from 18 March 2020–12 January 2021 we assessed all-cause mortality, recovery, and sustained recovery 90 days after admission, and readmission and all-cause mortality 90 days after discharge. Recovery was defined as hospital discharge and sustained recovery as recovery and alive without readmissions for 14 consecutive days.

Results

Among 3386 patients included in the study, 2796 (82.6%) reached recovery and 2600 (77.0%) achieved sustained recovery. Of those discharged from hospital, 556 (19.9%) were readmitted and 289 (10.3%) died. Overall, the median time to recovery was 6 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 3–10), and 19 days (IQR: 11–33) among patients in intensive care in the first 2 days of admission.

Conclusions

Postdischarge readmission and mortality rates were substantial. Therefore, sustained recovery should be favored to recovery outcomes in clinical COVID-19 trials. A 28-day follow-up period may be too short for the critically ill.
Key questions in marine mammal bioenergetics
Authors: McHuron Elizabeth A , Adamczak Stephanie , Arnould John P Y , Ashe Erin , Booth Cormac , Bowen W Don , Christiansen Fredrik , Chudzinska Magda , Costa Daniel P , Fahlman Andreas , Farmer Nicholas A , Fortune Sarah M E , Gallagher Cara A , Keen Kelly A , Madsen Peter T , McMahon Clive R , Nabe-Nielsen Jacob , Noren Dawn P , Noren Shawn R , Pirotta Enrico , Rosen David A S , Speakman Cassie N , Villegas-Amtmann Stella , Williams Rob
Published: August 2022

Bioenergetic approaches are increasingly used to understand how marine mammal populations could be affected by a changing and disturbed aquatic environment. There remain considerable gaps in our knowledge of marine mammal bioenergetics, which hinder the application of bioenergetic studies to inform policy decisions. We conducted a priority-setting exercise to identify high-priority unanswered questions in marine mammal bioenergetics, with an emphasis on questions relevant to conservation and management. Electronic communication and a virtual workshop were used to solicit and collate potential research questions from the marine mammal bioenergetic community. From a final list of 39 questions, 11 were identified as ‘key’ questions because they received votes from at least 50% of survey participants. Key questions included those related to energy intake (prey landscapes, exposure to human activities) and expenditure (field metabolic rate, exposure to human activities, lactation, time-activity budgets), energy allocation priorities, metrics of body condition and relationships with survival and reproductive success and extrapolation of data from one species to another. Existing tools to address key questions include labelled water, animal-borne sensors, mark-resight data from long-term research programs, environmental DNA and unmanned vehicles. Further validation of existing approaches and development of new methodologies are needed to comprehensively address some key questions, particularly for cetaceans. The identification of these key questions can provide a guiding framework to set research priorities, which ultimately may yield more accurate information to inform policies and better conserve marine mammal populations.
Paternal Occupation and Delirium Risk in Older Adults: A Potential Marker of Early-Life Exposures
Authors: Shiff Haley M , Arias Franchesca , Dufour Alyssa B , Carr Deborah , Chen Fan , Gou Yun , Jones Richard , Schmitt Eva , Travison Thomas G , Kunicki Zachary J , Okereke Olivia I , Inouye Sharon K
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

Delirium is a common disorder among older adults following hospitalization or major surgery. Whereas many studies examine the risk of proximate exposures and comorbidities, little is known about pathways linking childhood exposures to later-life delirium. In this study, we explored the association between paternal occupation and delirium risk.

Research Design and Methods

A prospective observational cohort study of 528 older adults undergoing elective surgery at two academic medical centers. Paternal occupation group (white collar vs. blue collar) served as our independent variable. Delirium incidence was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) supplemented by medical chart review. Delirium severity was measured using the peak CAM-Severity score (CAM-S Peak), the highest value of CAM-S observed throughout the hospital stay.

Results

Blue-collar paternal occupation was significantly associated with a higher rate of incident delirium (91/234, 39%) compared with white-collar paternal occupation (84/294, 29%), adjusted odds ratio OR (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 1.6 (1.1, 2.3). All analyses were adjusted for participant age, race, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Blue-collar paternal occupation was also associated with greater delirium severity, with a mean score (SD) of 4.4 (3.3), compared with white-collar paternal occupation with a mean score (SD) of 3.5 (2.8). Among participants reporting blue-collar paternal occupation, we observed an adjusted mean difference of 0.86 (95% CI = 0.4, 1.4) additional severity units.

Discussion and Implications

Blue-collar paternal occupation is associated with greater delirium incidence and severity, after adjustment for covariates. These findings support the application of a life-course framework to evaluate the risk of later-life delirium and delirium severity. Our results also demonstrate the importance of considering childhood exposures, which may be consequential even decades later.
Computationally efficient sparse clustering
Authors: Löffler Matthias , Wein Alexander S , Bandeira Afonso S
Published: August 2022

We study statistical and computational limits of clustering when the means of the centres are sparse and their dimension is possibly much larger than the sample size. Our theoretical analysis focuses on the model $X_i=z_i \theta +\varepsilon _{i}, \ z_i \in \{-1,1\}, \ \varepsilon _i \thicksim \mathcal{N}(0, I)$, which has two clusters with centres $\theta $ and $-\theta $. We provide a finite sample analysis of a new sparse clustering algorithm based on sparse Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and show that it achieves the minimax optimal misclustering rate in the regime $\|\theta \| \rightarrow \infty $.

Our results require the sparsity to grow slower than the square root of the sample size. Using a recent framework for computational lower bounds—the low-degree likelihood ratio—we give evidence that this condition is necessary for any polynomial-time clustering algorithm to succeed below the Baik-Ben Arous-Péché (BBP) threshold. This complements the existing evidence based on reductions and statistical query lower bounds. Compared with these existing results, we cover a wider set of parameter regimes and give a more precise understanding of the runtime required and the misclustering error achievable. Our results imply that a large class of tests based on low-degree polynomials fail to solve even the weak testing task.
Schwannoma-like thoracic glomangioma: case report
Authors: Çetin Eyüp , Sariçiçek Ümmügülsüm
Published: August 2022

In this study, we present an extremely rare case of thoracic spinal glomangioma located at the thoracic T7–8 level in the foraminal region, mimicking a schwannoma tumor, in a 65-year-old female patient who was admitted to our clinic with a 6-month history of back pain and weakness in legs.
Using named entity recognition and network analysis to distinguish personal networks from the social milieu in nineteenth-century Ottoman–Iraqi personal diaries
Authors: Fields Sam , Cole Camille Lyans , Oei Catherine , Chen Annie T
Published: August 2022

The diaries of Joseph Mathia Svoboda capture over 40 years of trade on the Tigris, describing his daily life and regular journeys as a steamboat purser during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, specifically between the cities of Basra and Baghdad. They offer a unique perspective on daily life, community structure, and social relations. However, with over 600 pages of transcribed material and many more diaries still in the process of being transcribed, it is difficult to track patterns and changes in Joseph Svoboda’s social relationships and daily life by way of reading and inference alone. This article employs natural language processing (NLP) and network analysis to facilitate study of Svoboda’s social interactions, as well as his observations of his broader social milieu. Inspection of the networks and accompanying visualizations showed that Svoboda’s close interactions were primarily with kin, but his position as a steamship purser gave him a unique vantage point to encounter a wide range of persons of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, decomposing networks by time illustrated how significant life events facilitated change in social interactions.
A major galaxy cluster merger caught by eROSITA: weak lensing mass distribution and kinematic description
Authors: Monteiro-Oliveira Rogério
Published: August 2022

We present the weak lensing mass distribution of a triple merging cluster candidate at zphoto ∼ 0.36 belonging to a supercluster recently discovered during the eROSITA Performance Verification phase. Our analysis solved a previous tension in the merger classification by confirming that the cluster pair eFEDS J093513.3+004746 and eFEDS J093510.7+004910 is undergoing a major merger with a mass ratio $1.7_{-0.7}^{+0.5}$. According to our two-body kinematic description, the encounter happened $0.58_{-0.20}^{+0.15}$ Gyr ago, in a scenario that supports the observed radio relic position at the cluster outskirts. However, the same analysis showed that the companion cluster, eFEDS J093501.1+005418, is not gravitationally bound to the interacting system and therefore it is not part of the supercluster. We also checked the impact of adopting a scaling relation to determine the halo concentration c200. At the observed merger stage, where the clusters have travelled ∼55 per cent of the path to reach the apoapsis, the choice of c200 (whether from a scaling relation or a free parameter in the mass model) does not change significantly either the cluster masses or the kinematic description.
Recent advances in solid-state NMR of zeolite catalysts
Authors: Wang Weiyu , Xu Jun , Deng Feng
Published: August 2022

Zeolites are important inorganic crystalline microporous materials with a broad range of applications in the areas of catalysis, ion exchange, and adsorption/separations. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has proven to be a powerful tool in the study of zeolites and relevant catalytic reactions because of its advantage in providing atomic-level insights into molecular structure and dynamic behavior. In this review, we provide a brief discussion on the recent progress in exploring framework structures, catalytically active sites and intermolecular interactions in zeolites and metal-containing ones by using various solid-state NMR methods. Advances in the mechanistic understanding of zeolite-catalysed reactions including methanol and ethanol conversions are presented as selected examples. Finally, we discuss the prospect of the solid-state NMR technique for its application in zeolites.
Green Leaf Volatiles—The Forefront of Plant Responses Against Biotic Attack
Authors: Matsui Kenji , Engelberth Jurgen
Published: August 2022

Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are six-carbon volatile oxylipins ubiquitous in vascular plants. GLVs are produced from acyl groups in the biological membranes via oxygenation by a pathway-specific lipoxygenase (LOX) and a subsequent cleavage reaction by hydroperoxide lyase. Because of the universal distribution and ability to form GLVs, they have been anticipated to play a common role in vascular plants. While resting levels in intact plant tissues are low, GLVs are immediately synthesized de novo in response to stresses, such as insect herbivory, that disrupt the cell structure. This rapid GLV burst is one of the fastest responses of plants to cell-damaging stresses; therefore, GLVs are the first plant-derived compounds encountered by organisms that interact with plants irrespective of whether the interaction is competitive or friendly. GLVs should therefore be considered important mediators between plants and organisms that interact with them. GLVs can have direct effects by deterring herbivores and pathogens as well as indirect effects by attracting predators of herbivores, while other plants can recruit them to prepare their defenses in a process called priming. While the beneficial effects provided to plants by GLVs are often less dramatic and even complementary, the buildup of these tiny effects due to the multiple functions of GLVs can amass to levels that become substantially beneficial to plants. This review summarizes the current understanding of the spatiotemporal resolution of GLV biosynthesis and GLV functions and outlines how GLVs support the basic health of plants.
Correction of large jawbone defect in the mouse using immature osteoblast–like cells and a 3D polylactic acid scaffold
Authors: Suzuki Shigeto , Venkataiah Venkata Suresh , Yahata Yoshio , Kitagawa Akira , Inagaki Masahiko , Njuguna Mary M , Nozawa Risako , Kakiuchi Yusuke , Nakano Masato , Handa Keisuke , Yamada Masahiro , Egusa Hiroshi , Saito Masahiro
Published: August 2022

Bone tissue engineering has been developed using a combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and calcium phosphate–based scaffolds. However, these complexes cannot regenerate large jawbone defects. To overcome this limitation of MSCs and ceramic scaffolds, a novel bone regeneration technology must be developed using cells possessing high bone forming ability and a scaffold that provides space for vertical bone augmentation. To approach this problem in our study, we developed alveolar bone–derived immature osteoblast–like cells (HAOBs), which have the bone regenerative capacity to correct a large bone defect when used as a grafting material in combination with polylactic acid fibers that organize the 3D structure and increase the strength of the scaffold material (3DPL). HAOB-3DPL constructs could not regenerate bone via xenogeneic transplantation in a micromini pig alveolar bone defect model. However, the autogenic transplantation of mouse calvaria–derived immature osteoblast–like cells (MCOBs) isolated using the identical protocol for HAOBs and mixed with 3DPL scaffolds successfully regenerated the bone in a large jawbone defect mouse model, compared to the 3DPL scaffold alone. Nanoindentation analysis indicated that the regenerated bone had a similar micromechanical strength to native bone. In addition, this MCOB-3DPL regenerated bone possesses osseointegration ability wherein a direct structural connection is established with the titanium implant surface. Hence, a complex formed between a 3DPL scaffold and immature osteoblast–like cells such as MCOBs represents a novel bone tissue engineering approach that enables the formation of vertical bone with the micromechanical properties required to treat large bone defects.
A highly conserved gene locus in endofungal bacteria codes for the biosynthesis of symbiosis-specific cyclopeptides
Authors: Niehs Sarah P , Scherlach Kirstin , Dose Benjamin , Uzum Zerrin , Stinear Timothy P , Pidot Sacha J , Hertweck Christian
Published: August 2022

The tight association of the pathogenic fungus Rhizopus microsporus and its toxin-producing, bacterial endosymbionts (Mycetohabitans spp.) is distributed worldwide and has significance for agriculture, food production, and human health. Intriguingly, the endofungal bacteria are essential for the propagation of the fungal host. Yet, little is known about chemical mediators fostering the symbiosis, and universal metabolites that support the mutualistic relationship have remained elusive. Here, we describe the discovery of a complex of specialized metabolites produced by endofungal bacteria under symbiotic conditions. Through full genome sequencing and comparative genomics of eight endofungal symbiont strains from geographically distant regions, we discovered a conserved gene locus (hab) for a nonribosomal peptide synthetase as a unifying trait. Bioinformatics analyses, targeted gene deletions, and chemical profiling uncovered unprecedented depsipeptides (habitasporins) whose structures were fully elucidated. Computational network analysis and labeling experiments granted insight into the biosynthesis of their nonproteinogenic building blocks (pipecolic acid and β-phenylalanine). Deletion of the hab gene locus was shown to impair the ability of the bacteria to enter their fungal host. Our study unveils a common principle of the endosymbiotic lifestyle of Mycetohabitans species and expands the repertoire of characterized chemical mediators of a globally occurring mutualistic association.
Leaf water potential-dependent leaflet closure contributes to legume leaves cool down and drought avoidance under diurnal drought stress
Authors: Feng Xiangyan , Zhong Lingfei , Tian Quanyan , Zhao Wenzhi
Published: August 2022

Efficient thermoregulation under diurnal drought stress protects leaves from photosystem damage and water supply–demand imbalance, yet the cool effect and drought avoidance by leaflet closure have not been well understood. We investigated the cool effect and the drought avoidance of leaflet closure in legume species that survived in the semi-arid region facing seasonal and diurnal drought stress. The results showed that leaflet closure effectively cooled down legume leaves through a reduction of projected leaflet area and the cosine of the angle of incidence (cos i). The leaflet closure was strongly dependent on leaf water potential (Ψleaf). In addition, by characterizing the sequence of key leaf drought response traits, we found leaflet closure occurred after stomatal closure and reduced transpiration rate but before hydraulic failure and turgor loss point (Ψtlp). The meta-analysis also showed that the leaflet closure and cos i decreased after the stomatal conductance declined but before midday. These results imply that Ψleaf-dependent leaflet closure as an alternative to transpiration for leaflet cooling down and as a protective drought avoidance strategy assisting sessile legume plants survival under drought stress.
Breastfeeding Social Support Among African American Women in the United States
Authors: Gyamfi Adwoa , Spatz Diane L. , Jefferson Urmeka T. , Lucas Ruth , O'Neill Barbara , Henderson Wendy A.
Published: August 2022

Background:

In the United States, there are racial disparities in 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. Only, 25.8% of American infants were breastfed for the first 180 days of life, with African American infants least (19.8%) exclusively breastfed in 2018.

Purpose:

The meta-ethnography explored the breastfeeding support for African American women in the United States.

Data Sources:

The online databases of American Psychological Association, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and Scopus were searched with key words, and the search was not limited by the year of publication.

Study Selection:

The inclusion criteria for the study selection entailed all qualitative studies conducted on breastfeeding support among self-identified African American women in the United States, written in English language, peer reviewed, or dissertation. The initial search produced 905 articles of which 8 met the eligibility criteria.

Data Extraction:

Data extraction and analysis were guided by Noblit and Hare's (1988) meta-ethnography approach. The analysis process was completed by a team of researchers, inclusive of breastfeeding experts.

Results:

Five overarching themes emerged including trustworthy information; early postpartum support by key influencers; maternal culture; tangible resources, and Black mothers' empowerment.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Social support is a major determinant for the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among African American women in the United States. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the social support of breastfeeding among African American women in the United States.
Towards a molecular profile of antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission
Authors: Adams Philipp , Berkhout Ben , Pasternak Alexander O.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

To summarize the current status and highlight recent findings on predictive biomarkers for posttreatment HIV control (PTC) and virological remission. While historically, many studies focused on virological markers, there is an increasing tendency to enter immune and metabolic factors into the equation.

Recent findings

On the virological side, several groups reported that cell-associated HIV RNA could predict time to viral rebound. Recent data hints at the possible importance of the genic location and chromatin context of the integrated provirus, although these factors still need to be assessed in relation to PTC and virological remission. Evidence from immunological studies highlighted innate and humoral immunity as important factors for prolonged HIV remission. Interestingly, novel metabolic markers have emerged, which offer additional angles to our understanding of latency and viral rebound.

Facilitating PTC and virological remission remain top priorities for the HIV cure research. We advocate for clear and precise definitions for both phenomena in order to avoid misconceptions and to strengthen the conclusions that can be drawn. As no one-size-fits-all marker has emerged yet, more biomarkers are on the horizon, and viral rebound is a complex and heterogeneous process, it is likely that a combination of various biomarkers in cohesion will be necessary for a more accurate prediction of antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission.
Effective innate immune response in natural HIV-1 controllers. Can mimicking lead to novel preventive and cure strategies against HIV-1?
Authors: Calvet-Mirabent Marta , Martín-Gayo Enrique
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

HIV-1 controller individuals represents a model that can be useful for the development of novel vaccines and therapies. Initial studies pointed to the involvement of improved adaptive immunity, however, new emerging evidence suggests the contribution of innate cells to effective antiviral responses in spontaneous controllers. Therefore, understanding the alterations on innate cell subsets might be crucial to develop new effective therapeutic strategies.

Recent findings

Among different innate immune cells, dendritic cell (DC) and natural killer (NK) cell are essential for effective antiviral responses. DC from controllers display improved innate detection of HIV-1 transcripts, higher induction of interferons, higher antigen presenting capacities and increased metabolism and higher capacities to induce polyfunctional CD8+ T-cell responses. Such properties have been mimicked by Toll-like receptor ligands and applied to DC-based immunotherapies in humans and in animal models. NK cells from controllers display higher expression of activating receptors promoting increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and natural cytotoxicity activities. Neutralizing antibodies in combination with interleukin-15 superagonist or interferon-α can increase ADCC and cytotoxicity in NK cells from HIV-1 progressors.

Mimicking DC and NK cell innate profiles in controllers has become a promising strategy to step forward a novel efficient immunotherapy against the HIV-1 infection.
Update on balloon pulmonary angioplasty for treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Lang Irene M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

To provide an update on balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a pulmonary vascular disease that is characterized by fibro-thrombotic material mechanically obliterating major pulmonary arteries, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), progressive pulmonary hypertension (PH) combined with a microscopic pulmonary vasculopathy [1▪▪], right ventricular (RV) failure [2] and premature death.

Recent findings

Data from a most recent CTEPH European registry (2015 and 2016) suggest significantly improved survival [3▪] of CTEPH patients compared with survival in the eighties [4], or with data from 2007 and 2009 [5]. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is still the gold-standard therapy for CTEPH [6,7]. However, only around two thirds of all CTEPH patients are amenable to surgery [3▪,5]. Patients not suitable for PEA and treated conservatively have a poor prognosis [8]. BPA may have a role for this particular group of patients. [9–11]. Currently, BPA programs are available in many countries, with excellent results at expert centers [12–15,16▪,17,18▪▪]. Based on recent data, BPA seems to have a greater impact on symptomatic and hemodynamic improvement than medical therapy with riociguat alone [15].

The evidence favoring BPA is growing, but there is still a lack of published controlled trials. In addition, treatment concepts including indication, technical performance, use of PH-targeted medication, and the concept of follow-up vary between centers. In addition, there is a significant learning curve impacting outcomes [13]. The data from the International BPA registry will provide answers for some of the open questions.
Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung With a Mural Nodule-like Lesion
Authors: Higashiyama Masahiro , Kobayashi Yoshihisa , Kashima Jumpei , Muraoka Yuji , Watanabe Hirokazu , Kusumoto Masahiko , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: August 2022

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) of the lung shares some clinicopathological features with mucinous carcinoma of other organs, such as the ovary. Sarcoma-like lesions, called mural nodules, have been reported in the cystic walls of ovarian mucinous tumors. In this study, we analyzed 213 surgically resected cases of IMA of the lung to determine whether similar mural nodule–like lesions were present. We considered abrupt discrete lesions composed of dedifferentiated tumor cells as mural nodule–like lesions. Of 213 IMAs, we identified 11 tumors with mural nodule–like lesions that were histologically categorized into three subtypes similar to those in the ovary. The sarcomatoid and anaplastic carcinoma–like nodules were composed of spindle cell proliferations and polygonal undifferentiated carcinoma, respectively. Sarcoma-like lesions mimicked sarcomatoid nodules, but the spindle cell proliferations were considered a fibroblastic reaction to the scattered, isolated clusters of tumor cells. Molecular analysis of the components of differentiated IMAs and mural nodule–like lesions revealed a clonal relationship, suggesting a spectrum of tumors with different histology. Clinicopathologically, an older age, the male sex, and smokers were significantly associated with IMAs with mural nodule–like lesions. Notably, patient outcomes were unaffected by the presence or absence of these lesions. Our findings demonstrated that IMA of the lung rarely develops mural nodule–like lesions (11 of 213, 5%). Despite a histological impression of clinical aggressiveness, there was no clear trend in patient outcomes, suggesting that pathologists should avoid overstating this mural nodule–like lesion.
SPECT/CT Reverse Lymphatic Mapping for Groin Vascularized Lymph Node Transplant Planning
Authors: Broyles Justin M. , Smith Jeffrey M. , Wong Franklin C , Hanasono Matthew M , Chang Edward I , Kappadath S Cheenu , Schaverien Mark V
Published: August 2022

Background:

Superficial inguinal (groin) vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT) is the most common option for the treatment of lymphedema, particularly in combination with free abdominal flap breast reconstruction. This study examines the utility of single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy for lower extremity reverse lymphatic mapping (RLM) in presurgical planning for groin VLNT and appraises the physiological lymphatic drainage to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

Methods:

All patients that that underwent bilateral lower extremity SPECT/CT-RLM over a five-year period were included. Retrospective case note analysis was performed to collect demographic, surgical, and outcomes data.

Results:

The study included 84 patients; 56 of these subsequently underwent groin VLNT (58 flaps) of which 54 were combined with free abdominal flaps for breast reconstruction (55 flaps). Using SPECT/CT-RLM investigation of 168 inguinal regions, drainage to at least one superficial inguinal region was visualized in 38.1% of patients; in 13.1% drainage was visualized to both superficial inguinal regions. Using this information for presurgical planning, groin VLN flap harvest was performed from the contralateral side in 57/58 cases (98.3%) using intraoperative gamma probe guidance, and no patient developed donor lower extremity lymphedema during follow-up [mean 34.5 (±15.4) months].

Conclusions:

In this study the use of presurgical SPECT/CT-RLM together with limited flap dissection and intraoperative gamma probe guidance resulted in no clinical cases of iatrogenic donor lower extremity lymphedema. The high incidence of drainage from the lower extremity to the superficial inguinal region mandates the use of RLM when performing groin VLNT.
Impact of Technology on Conjoined Twin Separation – Are we Further Ahead?
Authors: Shafarenko Mark S. , Clarke Howard M. , Zuker Ronald M.
Published: August 2022

The success of conjoined twin separation has increased since the 1950s, notwithstanding the numerous technical and physiological challenges encountered in such procedures. Together with improvements in our understanding of conjoined twin physiology and the accumulation of surgical expertise, technological advances have largely paralleled the improvement in outcomes. In particular, advances in imaging modalities, adjuncts to abdominal wall closure such as mesh and tissue expansion, and three-dimensional modelling have been instrumental to advancing care for these patients. Taken together, these domains have allowed multidisciplinary teams to better delineate conjoined anatomy, facilitated improved surgical planning and decision-making, and have assisted in overcoming the frequent challenges associated with soft tissue closure. This review delineates the improvements in these modalities and their relationship to increasingly successful conjoined twin separation in recent years.