bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural encoding with unsupervised spiking convolutional neural network
Authors: Wang Chong , Yan Hongmei , Huang Wei , Sheng Wei , Wang Yuting , Fan Yun-Shuang , Liu Tao , Zou Ting , Li Rong , Chen Huafu
Published: August 2023

Accurately predicting the brain responses to various stimuli poses a significant challenge in neuroscience. Despite recent breakthroughs in neural encoding using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in fMRI studies, there remain critical gaps between the computational rules of traditional artificial neurons and real biological neurons. To address this issue, a spiking CNN (SCNN)-based framework is presented in this study to achieve neural encoding in a more biologically plausible manner. The framework utilizes unsupervised SCNN to extract visual features of image stimuli and employs a receptive field-based regression algorithm to predict fMRI responses from the SCNN features. Experimental results on handwritten characters, handwritten digits and natural images demonstrate that the proposed approach can achieve remarkably good encoding performance and can be utilized for “brain reading” tasks such as image reconstruction and identification. This work suggests that SNN can serve as a promising tool for neural encoding.
Anthropogenic acidification of surface waters drives decreased biogenic calcification in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pallacks Sven , Ziveri Patrizia , Schiebel Ralf , Vonhof Hubert , Rae James W. B. , Littley Eloise , Garcia-Orellana Jordi , Langer Gerald , Grelaud Michael , Martrat Belen
Published: August 2023

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions directly or indirectly drive ocean acidification, warming and enhanced stratification. The combined effects of these processes on marine planktic calcifiers at decadal to centennial timescales are poorly understood. Here, we analyze size normalized planktic foraminiferal shell weight, shell geochemistry, and supporting proxies from 3 sediment cores in the Mediterranean Sea spanning several centuries. Our results allow us to investigate the response of surface-dwelling planktic foraminifera to increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. We find that increased anthropogenic carbon dioxide levels led to basin wide reductions in size normalized weights by modulating foraminiferal calcification. Carbon (δ13C) and boron (δ11B) isotopic compositions also indicate the increasing influence of fossil fuel derived carbon dioxide and decreasing pH, respectively. Alkenone concentrations and test accumulation rates indicate that warming and changes in biological productivity are insufficient to offset acidification effects. We suggest that further increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide will drive ongoing reductions in marine biogenic calcification in the Mediterranean Sea.
Identifying and tracking mobile elements in evolving compost communities yields insights into the nanobiome
Authors: van Dijk Bram , Buffard Pauline , Farr Andrew D , Giersdorf Franz , Meijer Jeroen , Dutilh Bas E , Rainey Paul B
Published: August 2023

Microbial evolution is driven by rapid changes in gene content mediated by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). While mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are important drivers of gene flux, the nanobiome—the zoo of Darwinian replicators that depend on microbial hosts—remains poorly characterised. New approaches are necessary to increase our understanding beyond MGEs shaping individual populations, towards their impacts on complex microbial communities. A bioinformatic pipeline (xenoseq) was developed to cross-compare metagenomic samples from microbial consortia evolving in parallel, aimed at identifying MGE dissemination, which was applied to compost communities which underwent periodic mixing of MGEs. We show that xenoseq can distinguish movement of MGEs from demographic changes in community composition that otherwise confounds identification, and furthermore demonstrate the discovery of various unexpected entities. Of particular interest was a nanobacterium of the candidate phylum radiation (CPR) which is closely related to a species identified in groundwater ecosystems (Candidatus Saccharibacterium), and appears to have a parasitic lifestyle. We also highlight another prolific mobile element, a 313 kb plasmid hosted by a Cellvibrio lineage. The host was predicted to be capable of nitrogen fixation, and acquisition of the plasmid coincides with increased ammonia production. Taken together, our data show that new experimental strategies combined with bioinformatic analyses of metagenomic data stand to provide insight into the nanobiome as a driver of microbial community evolution.
Nodulation number tempers the relative importance of stochastic processes in the assembly of soybean root-associated communities
Authors: Wang Lei , Jiao Yan , Bi Yingdong , Hu Yanli , Jiang Yan , Wang Shaodong , Wang Sui
Published: August 2023

Identifying the ecological forces that structure root-associated microbial communities is an essential step toward more sustainable agriculture. Legumes are widely utilized as model plants to study selective forces and their functioning in plant-microbial interactions owing to their ability to establish mutualism with rhizobia. Root nodules act as symbiotic organs to optimize the cost-benefit balance in this mutualistic relationship by modulating the number of nodules. However, it is not known whether the number of nodules is related to the structure of root-associated bacterial communities. Here, the root-associated bacterial communities of soybean grown in native soil by means of soybean cultivars with super- or normal nodulation were investigated across four developmental stages. We compared ecological processes between communities and found decreased relative importance of neutral processes for super-nodulating soybean, although the overall structures resembled those of normal-nodulating soybean. We identified the generalist core bacterial populations in each root-associated compartment, that are shared across root-associated niches, and persist through developmental stages. Within core bacterial species, the relative abundances of bacterial species in the rhizosphere microbiome were linked to host-plant functional traits and can be used to predict these traits from microbes using machine learning algorithms. These findings broaden the comprehensive understanding of the ecological forces and associations of microbiotas in various root-associated compartments and provide novel insights to integrate beneficial plant microbiomes into agricultural production to enhance plant performance.
A rapid synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for the extraction of performance enhancing drugs (PIEDs)
Authors: Sullivan Mark V. , Fletcher Connor , Armitage Rachel , Blackburn Chester , Turner Nicholas W.
Published: August 2023

It is becoming increasingly more significant to detect and separate hormones from water sources, with the development of synthetic recognition materials becoming an emerging field.
Piezo-/photo catalysis of the PZT/Ag2O heterostructure for dye decomposition under visible light and ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Yang Cuina , Zou Haifan , Zhao Lei , Shi Jicun , Wang Wenbo
Published: August 2023

Piezo-/photocatalysis combining piezoelectric effect and photocatalysis based on a PZT/Ag2O heterojunction was used for degrade dyes.
Inhibition of hen egg white lysozyme fibrillation by a self-assembled nanostructured lysozyme and graphene oxide conjugate
Authors: Mondal Uma Sankar , Paul Subhankar
Published: August 2023

Self-assembled nanostructured lysozyme and graphene oxide conjugate (GO-snLYZ) shows efficient inhibitory effects towards fibrillation of HEWL.
The heat-promoted metal–support interaction of a PtCu/SiO2 carbon-free catalyst for the methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Zhao Quanqing , Zhi Han , Yang Liu , Xu Feng
Published: August 2023

Pt shows excellent catalytic activity towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but suffers from deactivation due to the weak interaction with the carbon support and the oxidation of carbon.
Pulsatile Flow During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Is it Beneficial?
Authors: Casper Martin
Published: August 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 20[1]: p. 24–29, 60 references, Spring 1988) Pulsatile perfusion has been a topic of great controversy for many years. This paper reviews historical aspects of pulsatile perfusion, as well as current and conceptual aspects of pulsatile perfusion. The positive and negative points of pulsatile perfusion are discussed so the reader may draw conclusions in an informed way. Although organ preservation and metabolic functions point towards pulsatile perfusion positively, the current knowledge demonstrates that further research would be beneficial and also notes that pulsatile perfusion is beneficial in select cases.
A Negative Pressure Alarm for Use in Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Snyder Edward J. , Weckerly Sean , Gross Larry , Velez Melvin , Tackel Ira S.
Published: August 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 20(2):63–66) The following is a design for a simple, inexpensive negative pressure alarm, with specific applications in neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

In a typical roller pump driven ECMO system, if the pump flow rate exceeds the heart’s venous return, or if for any reason there is insufficient blood flow into the tubing system, the negative pressure alarm disables the pump and activates alarms.

The unavailability of such a modular device, through commercial manufacturers, has facilitated the need for ECMO centers to fabricate their own alarm systems.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass During Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Sutton Robin G. , Dearing James P.
Published: August 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol 20(2):67-71, 39 references) Reported cases of the pregnant patient during cardiopulmonary bypass are rare but not unique. This case report of the pregnant patient during cardiopulmonary bypass is unique for two reasons. First, the patient was also a Jehovah’s Witness and refused blood products. Secondly, this case report provides a literature review and specific cardiopulmonary bypass considerations pertinent to the perfusionist.

Recent literature reports that heart surgery is relatively safe during pregnancy. It is important to monitor fetal heart rate during the procedure not only to determine fetal distress but also to further knowledge in the area by documenting effects. The perfusion circuit must be prepared for the increased blood volume of the patient and still maintain minimal priming volumes.

Uterine blood flow is not autoregulated so it is important to maintain adequate cardiac output or blood flow and perfusion pressure during the operation. A cardiac index of 3 liters per minute per meter squared and mean blood pressure of 60 mmHg during our case gave us no signs of fetal distress. The pregnant patient should be maintained at normothermia and bypass times should be kept to a minimum.
Comparison of Venous Oxygen Partial Pressure (PvO2) and Oxygen Saturation (SvO2) in Hypothermic Blood Flow Control
Authors: Sutton Robin G. , Salisbury Meders M. , Barrett Richard K. , Dillon Virginia W. , Spinale Francis G. , Dearing James P.
Published: August 2023

Mixed venous oxygen content is commonly used to determine the adequacy of oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Due to the shift in the oxyhemoglobin disassociation curve during hypothermia, it is unknown whether PvO2 or SvO2 is the best indicator of adequate perfusion. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences in blood flow, calculated base deficit, total fluids, hematocrit and oxygen consumption for dogs in the following two groups: PvO2 between 35–45mmHg and SvO2 between 65–75%. Blood flow was managed in fourteen animals randomly assigned to the PvO2 and SvO2 group during hypothermic CPB. PvO2 management required significantly higher blood flows and total fluids (p<0.05). Hematocrit was significantly higher in the SvO2 group (p<0.05). No differences were detected between the two techniques in base deficit or oxygen consumption (p>0.4). These results suggest that in the canine model SvO2 monitoring during hypothermic CBP is a better indicator of tissue perfusion because of lower blood flows, fluid requirement, and higher hematocrits.
An Inexpensive Real-Time Computer System For Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jerabek Charles F. , Walton Howard G. , Sugden Ernest H.
Published: August 2023

We have developed an inexpensive mobile computer system for the operating room. This system utilizes an IBM AT computer, 1200 baud modem, wide carriage dot matrix printer, serial interface card and Adalab-PC data acquisition hardware for continuous patient monitoring and data storage. The computer currently interfaces with the main monitor, blood gas machine, heart-lung machine and five Yellow Springs 400 series temperature probes. Flexibility has been built into the software to allow for the use of in line blood gas monitors, centrifugal pumps and up to sixteen continuously recorded parameters. Case data is stored under the patient's hospital number in ASCII disk files and can be transferred to the hospital mainframe computer for detailed statistical analysis.

Patient data is displayed on a color monitor during the case and is automatically printed as a permanent record when the patient leaves the surgery suite. Detailed information, calculated values, pressure trend graphs, temperature trend graphs and event timers are available through simple keystroke commands which change the screen on display.

The software is written by a perfusionist in the easily understood and modified Basic programming language. Under experimental conditions, this program has been used to control the heart-lung machine through the use of established algorithms.
Assessment of Depth of Anesthesia During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Silvay George , Nussbaum Jack , Kuni Daniel R. , King Philip , Ostapkovich Noeleen , Kaplan Joel A.
Published: August 2023

Despite recent advances in the anesthetic management of patients undergoing open heart surgery (OHS), little is known concerning depth of anesthesia in the presence of variable surgical stimuli. The present study was designed to evaluate anesthetic depth during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) utilizing continuous monitoring of lower esophageal contractility (LEC). Tertiary esophageal contractions are stress related, and their presence during cardiopulmonary bypass may indicate inadequate depth of anesthesia. The responses to inappropriate depth of anesthesia may correlate with increased postoperative morbidity or awareness. The present study was designed to evaluate the depth of anesthesia during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and compare lower esophageal contractility (LEC) with other parameters available to assess depth of anesthesia: mean arterial pressure/perfusion flow/temperature and electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) measurements.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Pump Interface Module (PIM) Safety Device
Authors: Tornabene Susan P. , Iatridis Angelo , Wesbrook David , Dyga Robert , Miller Mark
Published: August 2023

The Pump Interface Module (PIM) is a new safety device intended to be used in conjunction with a Cobe Air Emboli Protection System (AEPS) and a roller or centrifugal pump. The PIM is a relay device that upon receiving an alarm signal from the AEPS, interrupts line voltage, thus stopping the arterial pump. The purpose of this clinical trial was to verify the utility and user advantages of the PIM when employed with a variety of pumps. The study first involved ex vivo tests using the bovine model. These tests looked at different AEPS positioning, different blood flows, and simulation of a variety of clinical conditions. The clinical study evaluated the PIM using five different types of pumps during 160 open heart procedures. The pumps used were a Cinco (n = 28), Sarns 5000 (n = 47), Sarns 7000 (n = 33), Biomedicus 520 (n = 27), and Biomedicus 540 (n = 25). In all instances the PIM immediately stopped the arterial pump when an alarm signal was received from the AEPS system. The PIM is an effective and practical safety device for use with the tested pumps.
Extended Extracorporeal Support Utilizing Minimal Heparin and Iloprost (ZK36374)
Authors: Pelley William B. , Taylor Donald D. , Butler Charles F.
Published: August 2023

Iloprost (ZK36374), a prostacyclin analogue, has been shown to preserve platelet ultrastructure and reactivity. In an effort to reduce adverse platelet alterations, iloprost was utilized in three patients undergoing extended extra-corporeal support (EECS).

EECS times ranged from 21 to 46 hours. One patient was able to be weaned from EECS. iloprost allowed EECS in one patient who was heparin sensitive. All three patients demonstrated no platelet aggregation when challenged by ADP during iloprost infusion. Platelet reactivity returned to normal in the patient who was successfully weaned from EECS after iloprost was discontinued. Iloprost allowed EECS to be performed with minimal heparinization.

We conclude that minimal heparinization and iloprost may be a valuable addition for those patients requiring extended extra-corporeal support.
Long-Term Clinical Use of the Novacor Left Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Transplantation
Authors: Ramsey James , Frist William H. , Hammon John W. , Merrill Walter H. , Stewart James R. , Bender Harvey W.
Published: August 2023

The Novacor left ventricular assist device (NLVAD) is an implantable, electrically powered, pulsatile circulatory assist device undergoing clinical investigation. This report reviews the 33-day bridge-to-transplant course of a patient presenting in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass following emergency coronary artery revascularization.

Cardiac output was satisfactory during the entire 33-day period: 4.2 ± 0.8 1/min (± SD) during the first week and 6.3 ± 0.9 thereafter. Haptoglobin remained low (30 ± 4 mg%), suggesting mild hemolysis, but plasma hemoglobin remained normal throughout and the patient required only 600 ml of blood after the first two postoperative days. Renal impairment (peak creatinine = 2.9 mg/dl on day three) was attributed to preoperative hypotension and resolved by day seven. The clinical course included pneumonia and hypoxic encephalopathy, both of which resolved. There were no thromboembolic complications or device-related infections. The patient underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation on day 33.

This case demonstrates the long term clinical efficacy and safety of the NLVAD in the setting of cardiogenic shock after massive myocardial infarction as a bridge-to-transplant support system.
Retrospektive Versorgungsstudie von d-uo zur Therapie des mCRPC mit Radium-223-dichlorid
Authors: Jores Charlotte , König Frank , Hellmis Eva , Grund Christina , Klier Jörg , Zillmann Roger , Eichenauer Rolf , Schönfelder Robert , Johannsen Manfred , Schröder Jörg , Hempel Elke , Doehn Christian
Published: August 2023

Im Rahmen der Phase III-Studie ERA-223 wurde bei Patienten mit einem metastasierten
kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinoms (mCRPC) unter einer Kombinationstherapie mit
Radium-223 und Abirateron ein erhöhtes Fraktur- und möglicherweise auch ein erhöhtes
Sterberisiko festgestellt. Dies hat im Jahr 2018 zu einer Änderung des Zulassungstextes
geführt. Radium-223 darf in Deutschland erst in der 3. Therapielinie als Monotherapie neben
der Androgendeprivations-Therapie (ADT) beim mCRPC mit symptomatischen Knochenmetastasen ohne
bekannte viszerale Metastasen oder bei Patienten mit mCRPC, für die keine andere verfügbare
systemische Therapie geeignet ist, eingesetzt werden. Da zur Versorgungrealität in Deutschland
kaum Daten existieren, wurden in der vorliegenden Studie die Mitglieder von d-uo (Deutsche Uro-Onkologen) bezüglich ihres Therapieverhaltens befragt. Es konnten Daten von 123
Patienten analysiert werden, welche zwischen 2014 und 2019 eine Behandlung mit Radium-223
erhielten. Es zeigte sich, dass knapp 50% der mCRPC-Patienten bereits vor der Label-Änderung
Radium-223 erst nach 2 Vortherapien erhalten haben. Etwa die Hälfte der Patienten erhielt
parallel eine der neuen Androgenrezeptor- gerichteten Therapien (Androgen Receptor Targeting
Agents, ARTA). Das führte jedoch im Gegensatz zur ERA-223 nicht zu einer erhöhten Frakturrate.
Allerdings erhielten ein Großteil der Patienten zeitgleich eine Osteoprotektion. Trotz des
späten Einsatzes von Radium-223 zeigten noch knapp die Hälfte der Patienten ein Ansprechen auf
die Therapie.
Zystische Halsläsionen im Schnittbild
Authors: Vogl Thomas J. , Helal Rania
Published: August 2023

Zystische Läsionen sind in der Halsbildgebung relativ häufig. Es kommen verschiedene angeborene oder erworbene Veränderungen als Ursache infrage, die primär mit Ultraschall, aber auch mit CT und MRT und ggf. auch bioptisch analysiert werden sollten, um die adäquate Therapie einleiten zu können. In diesem Beitrag werden die bildgebenden Kriterien dieser zystischen Läsionen dargestellt.
Schilddrüse und Schwangerschaft
Authors: Koehler Viktoria Florentine , Auernhammer Christoph , Spitzweg Christine
Published: August 2023

Physiologische Anpassungen der Schilddrüsenfunktion in der Schwangerschaft Die Schwangerschaft hat umfangreiche physiologische Auswirkungen auf die Schilddrüse und den Schilddrüsenhormonstoffwechsel. Dies muss bei der Beurteilung der Schilddrüsenlaborparameter unter Beachtung trimenonspezifischer Referenzbereiche sowie bei der Indikationsstellung für den Beginn einer Therapie berücksichtigt werden.

Schilddrüsen-Autoantikörper-positive euthyreote Schwangere Die Auswirkungen subklinischer Schilddrüsenfunktionsstörungen und/oder positiver Schilddrüsen-Autoantikörper auf die werdende Mutter sowie den Embryo/Feten werden weiterhin kontrovers diskutiert. Bei euthyreoten Schwangeren mit positiven Schilddrüsen-Autoantikörpern kann eine Levothyroxin (LT4)-Substitution, insbesondere bei Abortrezidiven, diskutiert werden.

Subklinische Hypothyreose Die Kombination aus erhöhten Thyreoperoxidase-Antikörpern (TPO-AK) und einer subklinischen Hypothyreose scheint das Risiko für schwangerschaftsassoziierte Komplikationen zu erhöhen, weshalb bei subklinischer Hypothyreose auch unter Berücksichtigung des TPO-AK-Status individuell, jedoch insgesamt großzügig, die Indikation zur LT4-Substitution gestellt wird. Bei einer Substitutionstherapie sollte aber nach der Schwangerschaft die Situation neu evaluiert werden, da viele Mütter keine dauerhafte Schilddrüsenhormongabe benötigen.

Manifeste Hypothyreose Die manifeste Hypothyreose ist immer eine klare Indikation für eine rasche LT4-Gabe mit dem Ziel, möglichst zügig eine Euthyreose zu erreichen.

Hyperthyreose Die häufig im 1. Trimenon auftretende – physiologische, durch humanes Choriongonadotropin (hCG) vermittelte – passagere Verminderung bis hin zur Suppression des Thyreoidea-stimulierenden Hormons (TSH) stellt keine Indikation für Thyreostatika dar. Bei anderen Formen der manifesten Hyperthyreose muss die Indikation für eine thyreostatische Medikation (Propylthiouracil oder Thionamide) in der Schwangerschaft aufgrund von möglichen teratogenen Effekten sowie der Gefahr der Induktion einer hypothyreoten Stoffwechsellage beim Feten sehr streng sowie trimenonspezifisch gestellt werden und erfordert ein interdisziplinäres Management.
Medulläres Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Kroiß Matthias , Köhler Viktoria Florentine , Spitzweg Christine
Published: August 2023

Diagnose und Prognose Calcitonin ist ein sensitiver und spezifischer Tumormarker zur Früherkennung und Verlaufskontrolle des MTC. Daneben kommt dem Ultraschall der Schilddrüse eine entscheidende Rolle zu.

Rolle des RET-Proto-Onkogens Das medulläre Schilddrüsenkarzinom (MTC) nimmt seinen Ursprung aus den parafollikulären calcitoninproduzierenden C-Zellen. Es macht nur ca. 3–8% aller Schilddrüsenkarzinome aus. Aktivierende Mutationen im RET (rearranged during transfection)-Gen liegen bei etwa 25% der Patienten in der Keimbahn vor, werden aber auch beim sporadischen MTC als somatische Mutationen in ca. 60% der Fälle beobachtet. Bei metastasierter Erkrankung findet sich in 90% eine RET-Mutation. RET-Mutationen gelten als Treibermutationen und schließen weitere Treibermutationen weitestgehend aus. Seltener sind somatische Mutationen der RAS-Gene.

Chirurgische Therapie Die chirurgische Resektion ist bis heute der einzige kurative Therapieansatz. Entscheidend für eine frühzeitige Diagnosestellung ist die Bestimmung des Serum-Calcitonins bei Nachweis von Schilddrüsenknoten. Die chirurgische Therapie steht auch bei der Behandlung lokoregionärer Rezidive oder lokal angehbarer Metastasen im Zentrum.

Systemtherapie Bei irresektabel fortgeschrittener und
progredienter Erkrankung mit signifikanter Tumorlast kann eine systemische Therapie
erforderlich werden. Neuerdings ist die Kenntnis einer RET-Mutation im Tumorgewebe
therapeutisch relevant, da mit dem selektiven RET-Inhibitor Selpercatinib eine neue, effektive
und gut verträgliche Systemtherapien zur Verfügung steht. Dieser ist inzwischen wie bisher nur
die Multityrosinkinaseinhibitoren Cabozantinib und Vandetanib als Erstlinientherapie des
fortgeschrittenen MTC zugelassen. Vandetanib darf ebenfalls nur noch bei Patienten mit
RET-Mutation angewendet werden.
Development of a hybrid hydrogel for submucosal injection in endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neoplasm: From laboratory to clinical trial
Authors: Kang Jui-Wen , Chen Po-Jun , Chen Chiung-Yu , Riley Guillermo , Wang Yao-Sheng , Kuo Hsin-Yu , Chuang Chiao-Hsiung
Published: August 2023

Background and study aims Submucosal injection solution is essential for successful endoscopic resection of the early gastrointestinal tumor. We evaluated a new endoscopic hydrogel for submucosal injection and its clinical feasibility.

Patients and methods A hydrogel (AceGel) containing 0.4% sodium alginate and 2% calcium lactate was developed for ex vivo and animal studies. Subsequently, a prospective, single-arm study was conducted to assess its feasibility and safety in humans. Patients with gastrointestinal neoplasms undergoing endoscopic resection were enrolled. All patients underwent endoscopic surveillance after 4 weeks and outpatient follow-up at week 6. Afterward, they received endoscopic follow-up according to the medical routine.

Results In the ex vivo experiments, the submucosal elevation height of AceGel was equivalent to sodium hyaluronate and superior to saline or glycerol. Animal studies showed that the excised wounds healed well without surrounding tissue damage. Twelve patients participated in the clinical trial, including three, two, and seven patients with esophageal, gastric, and colonic lesions, respectively. The mean neoplasm size and submucosal injection volumes were 24.0±8.6 mm and 22.8±19.9 mL, respectively. All patients had adequate wound healing on 4-week surveillance endoscopy, and none had serious adverse events during 6-week follow-up. Moreover, endoscopic follow-up showed complete wound healing after 6 to 46 months without local mucosal inflammation in all patients.

Conclusions AceGel is good for endoscopic submucosal injection and demonstrated its usefulness in durable mucosal elevation for endoscopic therapy in preclinical tests. This clinical trial shows its safety and feasibility in all participating patients.
Efficacy and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial duodenal epithelial neoplasia ≤ 10 mm
Authors: Kimoto Yoshiaki , Sawada Rikimaru , Banjoya Susumu , Iida Toshifumi , Kimura Tomoya , Furuta Koichi , Nagae Shinya , Ito Yohei , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Takeuchi Nao , Takayanagi Shunya , Kano Yuki , Sakuno Takashi , Ono Kohei , Negishi Ryoju , Ohno Akiko , Sakai Eiji , Minato Yohei , Chiba Hideyuki , Ohata Ken
Published: August 2023

Background and study aims Endoscopic treatment strategies for small superficial duodenal epithelial neoplasia (SDET) have not been established, and the R0 resection rates of all previously reported endoscopic techniques are somewhat low. Furthermore, no reports of cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMRC), which is reportedly associated with a relatively high R0 resection rate, have been evaluated in sufficient numbers of patients. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy and safety of EMRC for SDETs ≤ 10 mm in a retrospective cohort study.

Patients and methods We examined a prospectively maintained database and identified 248 consecutive patients (248 lesions) who had undergone endoscopic resection for SDETs ≤ 10 mm between January 2017 and June 2022. Our treatment strategy was consistent, with EMRC indicated for all SDETs ≤ 10 mm without non-lifting signs. The primary endpoint was the R0 resection rate.

Results Overall, 20 lesions had non-lifting signs and were selected for endoscopic submucosal dissection, while the remaining 228 lesions were treated with EMRC. As a result of EMRC, the median tumor size was 5 mm, and the mean procedure time was 5 minutes. Most of the lesions (89.2%) were located in the descending part. The R0 resection rate was 97.4% (222/228 cases), and the en bloc resection rate was 99.6%. Only seven patients(3.1%) experienced adverse events (6 patients, delayed bleeding; 1 patient, acute pancreatitis), which were successfully managed without surgical intervention. Furthermore, no recurrences were observed.

Conclusions We have demonstrated that EMRC is an effective and safe treatment for SDETs ≤ 10 mm that do not have non-lifting signs.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Deniz Melis , Şenol Hande , Erat Tugba , Arı Hatice Feray , Altug Ümit , Kıral Eylem , Parlak Kerim , Özçınar Hadice
Published: August 2023

We aimed to analyze risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR), pan-drug-resistant (PDR), and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This retrospective study evaluated pediatric patients diagnosed with VAP at a tertiary referral hospital. Of the 46 children in the present study, 40 (86.9%) had VAP caused by MDR-, XDR-, and PDR-GNB. Most patients (60.9%) had spent >28 days in the PICU at the time of diagnosis. Respiratory failure necessitating PICU admission was associated with XDR infection-induced VAP (p = 0.034). High rates of prior broad-spectrum antibiotic use were observed in patients with XDR GNB-induced VAP. VAP induced by MDR-, XDR-, and PDR-GNB occurred more frequently than that caused by drug-susceptible GNB in PICU patients. Long stays for more than 28 days in the PICU and past use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to the development of XDR-GNB-induced VAP. The high antibiotic resistance rates detected in our study highlight the importance of strict infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs in PICUs.
Dispersive readout of a silicon quantum device using an atomic force microscope-based rf gate sensor
Authors: Denisov Artem O. , Fuchs Gordian , Oh Seong W. , Petta Jason R.
Published: August 2023

We demonstrate dispersive charge sensing of Si/SiGe single and double quantum dots by coupling sub-micron floating gates to a radio frequency reflectometry (rf-reflectometry) circuit using the tip of an atomic force microscope. Charge stability diagrams are obtained in the phase response of the reflected rf signal. We demonstrate single-electron dot-to-lead and dot-to-dot charge transitions with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 2 and integration time of τ=2.7 ms and τ=6.4 ms, respectively. The charge sensing SNR compares favorably with results obtained on conventional devices. Moreover, the small size of the floating gates largely eliminates the coupling to parasitic charge traps that can complicate the interpretation of the dispersive charge sensing data.
Bifurcation and chaos detection of a fractional Duffing–van der Pol oscillator with two periodic excitations and distributed time delay
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Li Jing , Zhu Shaotao , Zhao Hongzhen
Published: August 2023

This paper analytically and numerically investigates the dynamical characteristics of a fractional Duffing–van der Pol oscillator with two periodic excitations and the distributed time delay. First, we consider the pitchfork bifurcation of the system driven by both a high-frequency parametric excitation and a low-frequency external excitation. Utilizing the method of direct partition of motion, the original system is transformed into an effective integer-order slow system, and the supercritical and subcritical pitchfork bifurcations are observed in this case. Then, we study the chaotic behavior of the system when the two excitation frequencies are equal. The necessary condition for the existence of the horseshoe chaos from the homoclinic bifurcation is obtained based on the Melnikov method. Besides, the parameters effects on the routes to chaos of the system are detected by bifurcation diagrams, largest Lyapunov exponents, phase portraits, and Poincaré maps. It has been confirmed that the theoretical predictions achieve a high coincidence with the numerical results. The techniques in this paper can be applied to explore the underlying bifurcation and chaotic dynamics of fractional-order models.
Mid-infrared Kerr index evaluation via cross-phase modulation with a near-infrared probe beam
Authors: Lorenc D. , Alpichshev Z.
Published: August 2023

We propose a simple method to measure nonlinear Kerr refractive index in mid-infrared frequency range that avoids using sophisticated infrared detectors. Our approach is based on using a near-infrared probe beam which interacts with a mid-IR beam via wavelength-non-degenerate cross-phase modulation (XPM). By carefully measuring XPM-induced spectral modifications in the probe beam and comparing the experimental data with simulation results, we extract the value for the non-degenerate Kerr index. Finally, in order to obtain the value of degenerate mid-IR Kerr index, we use the well-established two-band formalism of Sheik-Bahae et al., which is shown to become particularly simple in the limit of low frequencies. The proposed technique is complementary to the conventional techniques, such as z-scan, and has the advantage of not requiring any mid-infrared detectors.
Construction of high-entropy oxy/hydroxides with dense nanosheet array structures on FeCoNiCrMo electrode for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Peishu , Jiang Zhenyu , Shi Yongzhi , Zhang Wenjie , Ren Xinyu , Liang Lisha , Wang Meiqi , Zhu Kaigui
Published: August 2023

The high-entropy alloy (HEA) films prepared by magnetron sputtering on 3D substrates have excellent ability to release bubbles, good electrical conductivity, and abundant active sites, which lead to excellent performance in oxygen evolution reaction. HEA films with various elements were prepared on different substrates. In general, oxygen evolution reaction abilities of HEA film electrodes are related to morphologies of catalyst and types of active sites. Notably, nanostructures with regular array could help to increase the surface area of electrocatalysts and expose active sites. Also, chloride salt solution of transition metals can promote the formation of high-entropy oxy/hydroxides due to oxygen absorption oxidation reaction and displacement reaction on the surface of HEA film electrodes. And electrochemical oxidation at suitable high potential can also produce high-entropy oxy/hydroxides. In this work, dense nanosheet array structures of high-entropy oxy/hydroxides were constructed on the surface of FeCoNiCrMo HEA film electrodes preprocessed in NiCl2 solution and reconstructed by electrochemical oxidation in KOH solution further. The FeCoNiCrMo HEA film electrode with dense nanosheet array structures has excellent OER performance with the overpotential of 250 mV, Tafel slope of 41.5 mV dec−1, and electric double layer capacitance of 4.3 mF cm−2.
On-chip all-electrical determination of the magnetoelastic coupling constant of magnetic heterostructures
Authors: Kawada Takuya , Yasuda Isamu , Kawaguchi Masashi , Hayashi Masamitsu
Published: August 2023

We have developed an approach to determine the magnetoelastic coupling constant of magnetic layers in thin film heterostructures. The film is formed on a piezoelectric substrate between two interdigital transducers (IDTs), a platform often used to construct a surface acoustic wave device. With the substrate piezoelectricity, strain is induced into the film by applying a dc voltage to the IDTs. The strain causes changes in the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer, which is probed by measuring changes, if any, in the transverse resistance of the heterostructure. We find that the extracted magnetoelastic coupling constant of the magnetic layer (CoFeB) depends on the film stacking. Such change can be accounted for provided that the elastic properties of the layers that constitute the heterostructures are taken into account. The on-chip all-electrical approach described here provides a versatile means to quantitatively assess the magnetoelastic coupling constant of thin film heterostructures.
A tri-channel liquid crystal device for single-pixel-imaging encryption
Authors: Wang Guang-Yao , Huang Chun-Yu , Cao Han , Xu Chun-Ting , Hu Wei
Published: August 2023

Photon plays a dominant role as the information carrier in telecom, thanks to the merits of large bandwidth and low energy consumption. Optical encryption has kept attracting intensive attention in the era of frequent information exchange. Multidegrees of light facilitate enhancing the security of data transmission. Here, following the Malus law and the phase encoding rule of the geometric phase, dual-channel intensities and a far-field hologram of the transmitted light are separately programmed. Different quick response codes that link to plaintexts are recorded into two intensity channels. They are further transformed according to the predetermined rule as revealed by the hologram to form the key. The key converts the protected information in a single-pixel imaging process, and generated ciphertexts are inserted into the plaintexts to perform the encryption. The tri-channel liquid crystal device enables simultaneous encryption in two separate routes and significantly improves information security. The design supplies a universal key for data encryption.
Tet2 deletion in CD4+ T cells disrupts Th1 lineage commitment in memory cells and enhances T follicular helper cell recall responses to viral rechallenge
Authors: Baessler Andrew , Fuchs Bryce , Perkins Bryant , Richens Andrew W. , Novis Camille L. , Harrison-Chau Malia , Sircy Linda M. , Thiede Kendall A. , Hale J. Scott
Published: August 2023

Following viral clearance, antigen-specific CD4+ T cells contract and form a pool of distinct Th1 and Tfh memory cells that possess unique epigenetic programs, allowing them to rapidly recall their specific effector functions upon rechallenge. DNA methylation programing mediated by the methylcytosine dioxygenase Tet2 contributes to balancing Th1 and Tfh cell differentiation during acute viral infection; however, the role of Tet2 in CD4+ T cell memory formation and recall is unclear. Using adoptive transfer models of antigen-specific wild type and
Tet2
knockout CD4+ T cells, we find that Tet2 is required for full commitment of CD4+ T cells to the Th1 lineage and that in the absence of Tet2, memory cells preferentially recall a Tfh like phenotype with enhanced expansion upon secondary challenge. These findings demonstrate an important role for Tet2 in enforcing lineage commitment and programing proliferation potential, and highlight the potential of targeting epigenetic programing to enhance adaptive immune responses.
Cell type–specific attenuation of brassinosteroid signaling precedes stomatal asymmetric cell division
Authors: Kim Eun-Ji , Zhang Cheng , Guo Boyu , Eekhout Thomas , Houbaert Anaxi , Wendrich Jos R. , Vandamme Niels , Tiwari Manish , Simon--Vezo Claire , Vanhoutte Isabelle , Saeys Yvan , Wang Kun , Zhu Yuxian , De Rybel Bert , Russinova Eugenia
Published: August 2023

In
Arabidopsis thaliana,
brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and stomatal development are connected through the SHAGGY/GSK3-like kinase BR INSENSITIVE2 (BIN2). BIN2 is a key negative regulator of BR signaling but it plays a dual role in stomatal development. BIN2 promotes or restricts stomatal asymmetric cell division (ACD) depending on its subcellular localization, which is regulated by the stomatal lineage-specific scaffold protein POLAR. BRs inactivate BIN2, but how they govern stomatal development remains unclear. Mapping the single-cell transcriptome of stomatal lineages after triggering BR signaling with either exogenous BRs or the specific BIN2 inhibitor, bikinin, revealed that the two modes of BR signaling activation generate spatiotemporally distinct transcriptional responses. We established that BIN2 is always sensitive to the inhibitor but, when in a complex with POLAR and its closest homolog POLAR-LIKE1, it becomes protected from BR-mediated inactivation. Subsequently, BR signaling in ACD precursors is attenuated, while it remains active in epidermal cells devoid of scaffolds and undergoing differentiation. Our study demonstrates how scaffold proteins contribute to cellular signal specificity of hormonal responses in plants.
Glycoproteome remodeling and organelle-specific
N
-glycosylation accompany neutrophil granulopoiesis
Authors: Kawahara Rebeca , Ugonotti Julian , Chatterjee Sayantani , Tjondro Harry C. , Loke Ian , Parker Benjamin L. , Venkatakrishnan Vignesh , Dieckmann Regis , Sumer-Bayraktar Zeynep , Karlsson-Bengtsson Anna , Bylund Johan , Thaysen-Andersen Morten
Published: August 2023

Neutrophils store microbicidal glycoproteins in cytosolic granules to fight intruding pathogens, but their granule distribution and formation mechanism(s) during granulopoiesis remain unmapped. Herein, we comprehensively profile the neutrophil
N
-glycoproteome with spatiotemporal resolution by analyzing four key types of intracellular organelles isolated from blood-derived neutrophils and during their maturation from bone marrow–derived progenitors using a glycomics-guided glycoproteomics approach. Interestingly, the organelles of resting neutrophils exhibited distinctive glycophenotypes including, most strikingly, highly truncated
N
-glycans low in α2,6-sialylation and Lewis fucosylation decorating a diverse set of microbicidal proteins (e.g., myeloperoxidase, azurocidin, neutrophil elastase) in the azurophilic granules. Excitingly, proteomics and transcriptomics data from discrete myeloid progenitor stages revealed that profound glycoproteome remodeling underpins the promyelocytic-to-metamyelocyte transition and that the glycophenotypic differences are driven primarily by dynamic changes in protein expression and less by changes within the glycosylation machinery. Notable exceptions were the oligosaccharyltransferase subunits responsible for initiation of
N
-glycoprotein biosynthesis that were strongly expressed in early myeloid progenitors correlating with relatively high levels of glycosylation of the microbicidal proteins in the azurophilic granules. Our study provides spatiotemporal insights into the complex neutrophil
N
-glycoproteome featuring intriguing organelle-specific
N
-glycosylation patterns formed by dynamic glycoproteome remodeling during the early maturation stages of the myeloid progenitors.
Dinoflagellate vertical migration fuels an intense red tide
Authors: Zheng Bofu , Lucas Andrew J. , Franks Peter J. S. , Schlosser Tamara L. , Anderson Clarissa R. , Send Uwe , Davis Kristen , Barton Andrew D. , Sosik Heidi M.
Published: August 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing globally, causing economic, human health, and ecosystem harm. In spite of the frequent occurrence of HABs, the mechanisms responsible for their exceptionally high biomass remain imperfectly understood. A 50-y-old hypothesis posits that some dense blooms derive from dinoflagellate motility: organisms swim upward during the day to photosynthesize and downward at night to access deep nutrients. This allows dinoflagellates to outgrow their nonmotile competitors. We tested this hypothesis with in situ data from an autonomous, ocean-wave-powered vertical profiling system. We showed that the dinoflagellate
Lingulodinium polyedra
’s vertical migration led to depletion of deep nitrate during a 2020 red tide HAB event. Downward migration began at dusk, with the maximum migration depth determined by local nitrate concentrations. Losses of nitrate at depth were balanced by proportional increases in phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations and suspended particle load, conclusively linking vertical migration to the access and assimilation of deep nitrate in the ocean environment. Vertical migration during the red tide created anomalous biogeochemical conditions compared to 70 y of climatological data, demonstrating the capacity of these events to temporarily reshape the coastal ocean’s ecosystem and biogeochemistry. Advances in the understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and metabolic dynamics of HAB-forming organisms from cutting-edge observational techniques will improve our ability to forecast HABs and mitigate their consequences in the future.
T-linear resistivity from magneto-elastic scattering: Application to PdCrO
2
Authors: Mendez-Valderrama J. F. , Tulipman Evyatar , Zhakina Elina , Mackenzie Andrew P. , Berg Erez , Chowdhury Debanjan
Published: August 2023

An electronic solid with itinerant carriers and localized magnetic moments represents a paradigmatic strongly correlated system. The electrical transport properties associated with the itinerant carriers, as they scatter off these local moments, have been scrutinized across a number of materials. Here, we analyze the transport characteristics associated with ultraclean PdCrO

2

—a quasi-two-dimensional material consisting of alternating layers of itinerant Pd-electrons and Mott-insulating CrO

2

layers—which shows a pronounced regime of
T
-linear resistivity over a wide range of intermediate temperatures. By contrasting these observations to the transport properties in a closely related material PdCoO

2

, where the CoO

2

layers are band-insulators, we can rule out the traditional electron–phonon interactions as being responsible for this interesting regime. We propose a previously ignored electron-magneto-elastic interaction between the Pd-electrons, the Cr local moments and an out-of-plane phonon as the main scattering mechanism that leads to the significant enhancement of resistivity and a
T
-linear regime in PdCrO

2

at temperatures far in excess of the magnetic ordering temperature. We suggest a number of future experiments to confirm this picture in PdCrO

2

as well as other layered metallic/Mott-insulating materials.