bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trait matching in a multi‐species geographic mosaic of leafflower plants, brood pollinators, and cheaters
Authors: Hao Kai , Liu Ting‐Ting , Hembry David H. , Luo Shi‐Xiao
Published: July 2023

Trait matching between mutualistic species is usually expected to maintain mutualism, but empirical studies of trait complementarity and coadaptation in multi‐species assemblages—which represent the reality of most interactions in nature—are few. Here, we studied trait matching between the leafflower shrub Kirganelia microcarpa and three associated seed‐predatory leafflower moths (Epicephala spp.) across 16 populations. Behavioral and morphological observations suggested that two moths (E. microcarpa and E. tertiaria) acted as pollinators while a third (E. laeviclada) acted as a cheater. These species differed in ovipositor morphology but showed trait complementarity between ovipositor length and floral traits at both species level and population level, presumably as adaptations to divergent oviposition behaviors. However, this trait matching varied among populations. Comparisons of ovipositor length and floral traits among populations with different moth assemblages suggested an increase of ovary wall thickness where the locular‐ovipositing pollinator E. microcarpa and cheater E. laeviclada were present, while stylar pit depth was less in populations with the stylar pit‐ovipositing pollinator E. tertiaria. Our study indicates that trait matching between interacting partners occurs even in extremely specialized multi‐species mutualisms, and that although these responses vary, sometimes non‐intuitively, in response to different partner species. It seems that the moths can track changes in host plant tissue depth for oviposition.
Oviposition behavior is not affected by ultraviolet light in a butterfly with sexually‐dimorphic expression of a UV‐sensitive opsin
Authors: Borrero Jose , Wright Daniel Shane , Bacquet Caroline Nicole , Merrill Richard M.
Published: July 2023

Animal vision is important for mediating multiple complex behaviors. In Heliconius butterflies, vision guides fundamental behaviors such as oviposition, foraging, and mate choice. Color vision in Heliconius involves ultraviolet (UV), blue and long‐wavelength‐sensitive photoreceptors (opsins). Additionally, Heliconius possess a duplicated UV opsin, and its expression varies widely within the genus. In Heliconius erato, opsin expression is sexually dimorphic; only females express both UV‐sensitive opsins, enabling UV wavelength discrimination. However, the selective pressures responsible for sex‐specific differences in opsin expression and visual perception remain unresolved. Female Heliconius invest heavily in finding suitable hostplants for oviposition, a behavior heavily dependent on visual cues. Here, we tested the hypothesis that UV vision is important for oviposition in H. erato and Heliconius himera females by manipulating the availability of UV in behavioral experiments under natural conditions. Our results indicate that UV does not influence the number of oviposition attempts or eggs laid, and the hostplant, Passiflora punctata, does not reflect UV wavelengths. Models of H. erato female vision suggest only minimal stimulation of the UV opsins. Overall, these findings suggest that UV wavelengths do not directly affect the ability of Heliconius females to find suitable oviposition sites. Alternatively, UV discrimination could be used in the context of foraging or mate choice, but this remains to be tested.
Large‐scale sampling of beetle communities in Laos shows that conversion of natural forests into plantations leads to a decline in family richness and abundance
Authors: Chouangthavy Bounsanong , Fourcade Yoan
Published: July 2023

Rapid economic development can pose a threat to the biodiversity of tropical countries. In Laos, this is manifested by the conversion of natural forests into plantations, even though this area is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Southeast Asia. Beetle communities can be good indicators of the impact of anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed for the first time a large‐scale inventory of Coleoptera to assess the ecological and anthropogenic drivers of beetle communities in Laos. We examined beetle communities (described at the family level) across the country, located in distinct habitat types, in order to understand the impact of the conversion of natural forest into plantations. We found that beetle abundance had declined in plantations compared to natural forests. At the same time, we observed fewer beetle families in plantations overall, but at the scale of sampling sites there was no difference in local richness compared to natural forests, suggesting a homogenization of beetle communities in anthropogenic habitats. Although results are certainly sensitive to our coarse classification of beetle specimens into families, the negative impact of the conversion of natural tropical forests into agriculture area can still be clearly demonstrated. Our findings highlight that it is possible to make use of unstructured large‐scale inventories to explore how beetle communities responds to landscape changes induced by human activities. We suggest that sampling beetle communities can be used as an ecological indicator to monitor anthropogenic impacts on tropical ecosystems.
Improved Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Tile‐Nanostructure for Wireless Human Health Monitor
Authors: Chen Huamin , Guo Shujun , Zhang Shaochun , Xiao Yu , Yang Wei , Sun Zhaoyang , Cai Xu , Fang Run , Wang Huining , Xu Yun , Wang Jun , Li Zhou
Published: July 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as promising candidates for integrating with flexible electronics as self‐powered systems owing to their intrinsic flexibility, biocompatibility, and miniaturization. In this study, an improved flexible TENG with a tile‐nanostructured MXene/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite electrode (MP‐TENG) is proposed for use in wireless human health monitor. The multifunctional tile‐nanostructured MXene/PMMA film, which is self‐assembled through vacuum filtration, exhibits good conductivity, excellent charge capacity, and high flexibility. Thus, the MXene/PMMA composite electrode can simultaneously function as a charge‐generating, charge‐trapping, and charge‐collecting layer. Furthermore, the charge‐trapping capacity of a tile nanostructure can be optimized on the basis of the PMMA concentration. At a mass fraction of 4% PMMA, the MP‐TENG achieves the optimal output performance, with an output voltage of 37.8 V, an output current of 1.8 μA, and transferred charge of 14.1 nC. The output power is enhanced over twofold compared with the pure MXene‐based TENG. Moreover, the MP‐TENG has sufficient power capacity and durability to power small electronic devices. Finally, a wireless human motion monitor based on the MP‐TENG is utilized to detect physiological signals in various kinematic motions. Consequently, the proposed performance‐enhanced MP‐TENG proves a considerable potential for use in health monitoring, telemedicine, and self‐powered systems.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy diagnosed by vasodilator myocardial contrast echocardiography perfusion imaging
Authors: Prasad Pooja , Nagappan Raj , Davidson Brian P. , Wei Kevin , Hodovan James , Lindner Jonathan R. , Steiner Johannes
Published: July 2023

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains a common long‐term complication of cardiac transplantation. While invasive coronary angiography is considered the gold standard, it is also invasive and lacks sensitivity to detect early, distal CAV. Although vasodilator stress myocardial contrast echocardiography perfusion imaging (MCE) is used in the detection of microvascular disease in non‐transplant patients, there is little data guiding its use in transplant recipients. Herein is a case series of four heart transplant recipients that had vasodilator stress MCE performed in addition to invasive coronary angiography for CAV surveillance. MCE at rest and after regadenason was performed using a continuous infusion of lipid‐shelled microbubbles. We describe a case of normal microvascular function, diffuse microvascular dysfunction, patchy sub‐endocardial perfusion defects and a focal sub‐endocardial perfusion defect. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy can be heralded by several different perfusion patterns on MCE in patients after orthotopic heart transplant. The varying prognoses and potential interventions for these different patterns require further investigation.
Purification of a recombinant oncolytic virus from clarified cell culture media by anion exchange monolith chromatography
Authors: Rogerson Troy , Xi Guoling , Ampey Amanda , Borman Jon , Jaroudi Sally , Pappas Dan , Linke Thomas
Published: July 2023

The use of viral vectors for vaccine, gene therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy applications has received increased attention in recent years. Large‐scale purification of viral vector‐based biotherapeutics still presents a significant technical challenge. Chromatography is the primary tool for the purification of biomolecules in the biotechnology industry; however, the majority of chromatography resins currently available have been designed for the purification of proteins. In contrast, convective interaction media monoliths are chromatographic supports that have been designed and successfully utilized for the purification of large biomolecules, including viruses, viruslike particles, and plasmids. We present a case study on the development of a purification method for recombinant Newcastle disease virus directly from clarified cell culture media using strong anion exchange monolith technology (CIMmultus QA, BIA Separations). Resin screening studies showed at least 10 times higher dynamic binding capacity of CIMmultus QA compared to traditional anion exchange chromatography resins. Design of experiments was used to demonstrate a robust operating window for the purification of recombinant virus directly from clarified cell culture without any further pH or conductivity adjustment of the load material. The capture step was successfully scaled up from 1 mL CIMmultus QA columns to the 8 L column scale and achieved a greater than 30‐fold reduction in process volume. Compared to the load material, total host cell proteins were reduced by more than 76%, and residual host cell DNA by more than 57% in the elution pool, respectively. Direct loading of clarified cell culture onto a high‐capacity monolith stationary phase makes convective flow chromatography an attractive alternative to centrifugation or TFF‐based virus purification procedures.
Design of a packed bed chemical looping (unmixed) combustion reactor for the application of heating liquid: A theoretical study
Authors: Faizal Amina , Deshpande Amol
Published: July 2023

A packed bed reactor (PBR)‐based chemical looping combustion (CLC), also referred to as unmixed combustion (UMC), was reported as an alternative to fire in the literature. In this process, the oxygen carriers undergo oxidation and reduction reactions in alternate cycles using air and fuel as the reactive gases, respectively. The energy generated in these reactions can radially be transferred for applications like heating air which was successfully demonstrated. The results showed that 85–95% of the generated energy can radially be transferred while maintaining sustained combustion in the bed (at temperatures between 723 and 1173 K). While extending its application for heating liquids like water, it was found in the modeling and simulation study that the existing design resulted in quenching of the bed below 773 K in the oxidation cycle and achieving sustained combustion was not possible for all practical ranges of operating parameters. Hence it was decided to modify the existing system by increasing the volume ratio of the annular bed to the liquid section. Theoretical estimations revealed that increasing this ratio by four times or higher can result in maintaining sustained combustion conditions in the bed while having continuous radial heat transfer to the water flowing in the laminar range. The general guidelines for designing a UMC‐based liquid heating system were then prepared and used to propose a new design for water heating. The modeling and simulation studies for this proposed design also indicated that it is a feasible design. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microglial Nogo delays recovery following traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Glotfelty Elliot J. , Hsueh Shih‐Chang , Claybourne Quia , Bedolla Alicia , Kopp Katherine O. , Wallace Tonya , Zheng Binhai , Luo Yu , Karlsson Tobias E. , McDevitt Ross A. , Olson Lars , Greig Nigel H.
Published: July 2023

Nogo‐A, B, and C are well described members of the reticulon family of proteins, most well known for their negative regulatory effects on central nervous system (CNS) neurite outgrowth and repair following injury. Recent research indicates a relationship between Nogo‐proteins and inflammation. Microglia, the brain's immune cells and inflammation‐competent compartment, express Nogo protein, although specific roles of the Nogo in these cells is understudied. To examine inflammation‐related effects of Nogo, we generated a microglial‐specific inducible Nogo KO (MinoKO) mouse and challenged the mouse with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) traumatic brain injury (TBI). Histological analysis shows no difference in brain lesion sizes between MinoKO‐CCI and Control‐CCI mice, although MinoKO‐CCI mice do not exhibit the levels of ipsilateral lateral ventricle enlargement as injury matched controls. Microglial Nogo‐KO results in decreased lateral ventricle enlargement, microglial and astrocyte immunoreactivity, and increased microglial morphological complexity compared to injury matched controls, suggesting decreased tissue inflammation. Behaviorally, healthy MinoKO mice do not differ from control mice, but automated tracking of movement around the home cage and stereotypic behavior, such as grooming and eating (termed cage “activation”), following CCI is significantly elevated. Asymmetrical motor function, a deficit typical of unilaterally brain lesioned rodents, was not detected in CCI injured MinoKO mice, while the phenomenon was present in CCI injured controls 1‐week post‐injury. Overall, our studies show microglial Nogo as a negative regulator of recovery following brain injury. To date, this is the first evaluation of the roles microglial specific Nogo in a rodent injury model.
Association of time‐restricted feeding, arterial age, and arterial stiffness in adults with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Alinezhad‐Namaghi Maryam , Eslami Saeid , Nematy Mohsen , Rezvani Reza , Khoshnasab Adeleh , Bonakdaran Shokoofeh , Philippou Elena , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: July 2023

Background

Time‐restricted feeding (TRF) is a kind of intermittent fasting defined as eating and drinking only during a certain number of hours in a day. It has been suggested that intermittent fasting may improve cardiovascular risk factors. This study evaluated the association of TRF and arterial stiffness, using pulse wave velocity (PWV), pulse wave analysis, and arterial age in metabolic syndrome participants.

Methods

A cohort study was carried out among metabolic syndrome adults who were followed over the Ramadan fasting period (used as a model of TRF since food was only allowed for about 8 h/day). The subjects were divided into Ramadan fasting and Ramadan nonfasting groups. The aortic PWV and central aortic pressure waveform were measured. Central systolic pressure, central pulse pressure, and indices of arterial compliance, such as augmentation pressure and augmentation index (AIx), were determined from waveform analysis.

Results

Ninety‐five adults (31.57% female, age: 45.46 ± 9.10 years) with metabolic syndrome (based on the International Diabetes Federation definition) participated in this study. Ramadan fasting and Ramadan nonfasting groups were including 80 and 15 individuals respectively. A significant reduction was seen in PWV (0.29 m/s), central systolic pressure (4.03 mmHg), central pulse pressure (2.43 mmHg), central augmentation pressure (1.88 mmHg), and central AIx (2.47) in the Ramadan fasting group (p = 0.014, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.036 respectively). There were no significant changes in these indices among the Ramadan nonfasting group.

Conclusions

This study suggested that TRF reduces arterial age and improves arterial stiffness among people with metabolic syndrome. This might be considered a beneficial nutrition strategy for extending healthspan (and perhaps longevity).
Ethical concerns surrounding sex prediction using noninvasive prenatal screening from pediatric endocrinologists' perspective
Authors: Kamoun Camilia , Rossi Wilma , Kilberg Marissa J.
Published: July 2023

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) with predicted fetal sex chromosomes included in the results has become increasingly available for pregnant individuals. Predicted fetal sex chromosome results from NIPS are interpreted so as to equate sex chromosomes with sex and gender. As pediatric endocrinologists, we worry about how this use of NIPS harmfully reinforces sex and gender binaries and sets potentially inaccurate assumptions about what the identified chromosomes mean. We use a hypothetical case based on our clinical experience in which the NIPS report of fetal sex does not conform to expectations at birth to highlight ethical concerns surrounding this practice. The use of NIPS for fetal sex chromosome prediction has the potential to perpetuate stigma and bring psychological harm to parents and their future children, particularly those who are intersex, transgender, and gender diverse. The medical community should adopt an approach to the use of NIPS for fetal sex chromosome prediction that recognizes the spectrums of sex and gender to avoid reproducing stigma towards sex‐ and gender‐diverse individuals and associated harms.
State‐of‐the‐art 2023 on gene therapy for phenylketonuria
Authors: Martinez Michael , Harding Cary O. , Schwank Gerald , Thöny Beat
Published: July 2023

Phenylketonuria (PKU) or hyperphenylalaninemia is considered a paradigm for an inherited (metabolic) liver defect and is, based on murine models that replicate all human pathology, an exemplar model for experimental studies on liver gene therapy. Variants in the PAH gene that lead to hyperphenylalaninemia are never fatal (although devastating if untreated), newborn screening has been available for two generations, and dietary treatment has been considered for a long time as therapeutic and satisfactory. However, significant shortcomings of contemporary dietary treatment of PKU remain. A long list of various gene therapeutic experimental approaches using the classical model for human PKU, the homozygous enu2/2 mouse, witnesses the value of this model to develop treatment for a genetic liver defect. The list of experiments for proof of principle includes recombinant viral (AdV, AAV, and LV) and non‐viral (naked DNA or LNP‐mRNA) vector delivery methods, combined with gene addition, genome, gene or base editing, and gene insertion or replacement. In addition, a list of current and planned clinical trials for PKU gene therapy is included. This review summarizes, compares, and evaluates the various approaches for the sake of scientific understanding and efficacy testing that may eventually pave the way for safe and efficient human application.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Spectral Registration Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ma David J. , Yang Yanting , Harguindeguy Natalia , Tian Ye , Small Scott A. , Liu Feng , Rothman Douglas L. , Guo Jia
Published: July 2023

Background

Deep learning‐based methods have been successfully applied to MRI image registration. However, there is a lack of deep learning‐based registration methods for magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) spectral registration (SR).

Purpose

To investigate a convolutional neural network‐based SR (CNN‐SR) approach for simultaneous frequency‐and‐phase correction (FPC) of single‐voxel Meshcher–Garwood point‐resolved spectroscopy (MEGA‐PRESS) MRS data.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Forty thousand simulated MEGA‐PRESS datasets generated from FID Appliance (FID‐A) were used and split into the following: 32,000/4000/4000 for training/validation/testing. A 101 MEGA‐PRESS medial parietal lobe data retrieved from the Big GABA were used as the in vivo datasets.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, MEGA‐PRESS.

Assessment

Evaluation of frequency and phase offsets mean absolute errors were performed for the simulation dataset. Evaluation of the choline interval variance was performed for the in vivo dataset. The magnitudes of the offsets introduced were −20 to 20 Hz and −90° to 90° and were uniformly distributed for the simulation dataset at different signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) levels. For the in vivo dataset, different additional magnitudes of offsets were introduced: small offsets (0–5 Hz; 0–20°), medium offsets (5–10 Hz; 20–45°), and large offsets (10–20 Hz; 45–90°).

Statistical Tests

Two‐tailed paired t‐tests for model performances in the simulation and in vivo datasets were used and a P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

CNN‐SR model was capable of correcting frequency offsets (0.014 ± 0.010 Hz at SNR 20 and 0.058 ± 0.050 Hz at SNR 2.5 with line broadening) and phase offsets (0.104 ± 0.076° at SNR 20 and 0.416 ± 0.317° at SNR 2.5 with line broadening). Using in vivo datasets, CNN‐SR achieved the best performance without (0.000055 ± 0.000054) and with different magnitudes of additional frequency and phase offsets (i.e., 0.000062 ± 0.000068 at small, −0.000033 ± 0.000023 at medium, 0.000067 ± 0.000102 at large) applied.

Data Conclusion

The proposed CNN‐SR method is an efficient and accurate approach for simultaneous FPC of single‐voxel MEGA‐PRESS MRS data.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A validated LC–MS/MS method for quantitative determination of L‐dopa in Fagioli di Sarconi beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Tesoro Carmen , Lelario Filomena , Ciriello Rosanna , Bianco Giuliana , Acquavia Maria Assunta , Montoro Paola , Crescenzi Maria Assunta , Gregori Emanuela , Dell'Agli Mario , Piazza Stefano , Guerrieri Antonio , Di Capua Angela
Published: July 2023

An analytical method based on ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI/MS/MS) was validated and applied for determining L‐dopa in four ecotypes of Fagioli di Sarconi beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), marked with the European label PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). The selectivity of the proposed method was ensured by the specific fragmentation of the analyte. Simple isocratic chromatographic conditions and mass spectrometric detection in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition mode were used for sensitive quantification. The LC–ESI/MS/MS method was validated within a linear range of 0.001–5.000 μg/mL. Values of 0.4 and 1.1 ng/mL were obtained for the limits of detection and quantification, respectively. The repeatability, inter‐day precision, and recovery values ranges were 0.6%–4.5%, 5.4%–9.9%, and 83%–93%, respectively. Fresh and dried beans, as well as pods, cultivated exclusively with organic methods avoiding any synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were analyzed showing an L‐dopa content ranging from 0.020 ± 0.005 to 2.34 ± 0.05 μg/g dry weight.
How nano‐iron chelate and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mitigate water stress in Lallemantia species: A growth and physio‐biochemical properties
Authors: Paravar Arezoo , Maleki Farahani Saeideh , Rezazadeh Alireza , Keshavarz Afshar Reza
Published: July 2023

Background

Water deficit can seriously affect the growth, yield, and biochemical properties of plants; however, the application of nano‐iron chelate and arbuscular mycorrhizal fertilizers in water deficit has been considered one of the most promising methods to improve plant growth and enhance drought tolerance.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nano‐iron chelated (nFe) fertilizer and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) on the growth, yield, root colonization, mycorrhizal dependency, water use efficiency (WUE), physio‐biochemical properties, and seed biochemical properties of Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana species under drought stress.

Methods

A split‐factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot consisted of three drought stress levels (according to the depletion of soil available water) of 30% (I1; without stress), 60% (I2; mild stress), and 90% (I3; severe stress). The subplots were the factorial combination of fertilizers (F) (without fertilizer, nano‐iron chelate [nFe], and AMFs) and plant species (S) of Lallemantia (L. iberica and L. royleana).

Results

A decrease in the irrigation regime caused a reduction in growth, seed yield, WUE, chlorophyll content, nutrient uptake, seed oil, and mucilage content, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide. Compared with nFe, AMF significantly increased root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in both species across irrigation regimes. Furthermore, AMF inoculation enhanced nutrient uptake, mucilage, oil, and fatty acids by increasing the WUE. Higher mycorrhizal dependency in inoculated plants played an important role in increasing proline and antioxidant activities in the leaves of the host plant. The water stress and fertilization treatments resulted in the highest root colonization, mycorrhizal dependency, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities in L. royleana, as well as the highest WUE, accumulation of fatty acids, and nutrient uptake was observed in L. iberica. Interestingly, the mycorrhization potential of Lallemantia sp. is clearly defined.

Conclusions

The results highlighted that AMFs can promote Lallemantia to increase seed mucilage and oil under water stress. Overall, we found that both Lallemantia species responded well to AMF inoculation under water deficit conditions, where nFe was found to be less effective.
Effects of aroma–taste interaction on the sensory attributes of rebaudiosides in soymilk and milk
Authors: Kim Yeo‐Hong , Hong Jae‐Hee
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Rebaudioside A (Reb‐A) and rebaudioside M (Reb‐M) are intense natural sweeteners but can also elicit bitterness and a bitter aftertaste. In this study, the effect of vanilla and chocolate flavorings on the sensory attributes of Reb‐A and Reb‐M applied to soymilk and milk was investigated to identify whether the addition of flavoring could enhance the sweetness via aroma–taste interactions.

RESULTS

Nine samples each of soymilk and milk were formulated by adding sucrose, Reb‐A and Reb‐M in three flavor conditions (no flavoring, vanilla, and chocolate). Descriptive analyses were conducted using nine panelists for the soymilk and eight panelists for the milk. Another descriptive analysis was conducted using the same samples with olfactory occlusion via the wearing of a nose clip to check whether the sweetness enhancement was due to olfactory input. The chocolate flavoring significantly enhanced the sweetness of Reb‐A and Reb‐M and reduced the bitterness, bitter aftertaste and astringency in both soymilk and milk. The vanilla flavoring was not as effective as the chocolate flavoring in enhancing sweetness. When the olfactory passage was closed with a nose clip, the sweetness enhancement and bitterness suppression were not detected in the samples.

CONCLUSION

The addition of chocolate flavoring could successfully improve the sensory profile of soymilk sweetened with Reb‐A through aroma–taste interactions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Complementation‐reinforced network for integrated reconstruction and segmentation of pulmonary gas MRI with high acceleration
Authors: Li Zimeng , Xiao Sa , Wang Cheng , Li Haidong , Zhao Xiuchao , Zhou Qian , Rao Qiuchen , Fang Yuan , Xie Junshuai , Shi Lei , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin
Published: July 2023

Background

Hyperpolarized (HP) gas MRI enables the clear visualization of lung structure and function. Clinically relevant biomarkers, such as ventilated defect percentage (VDP) derived from this modality can quantify lung ventilation function. However, long imaging time leads to image quality degradation and causes discomfort to the patients. Although accelerating MRI by undersampling k‐space data is available, accurate reconstruction and segmentation of lung images are quite challenging at high acceleration factors.

Purpose

To simultaneously improve the performance of reconstruction and segmentation of pulmonary gas MRI at high acceleration factors by effectively utilizing the complementary information in different tasks.

Methods

A complementation‐reinforced network is proposed, which takes the undersampled images as input and outputs both the reconstructed images and the segmentation results of lung ventilation defects. The proposed network comprises a reconstruction branch and a segmentation branch. To effectively exploit the complementary information, several strategies are designed in the proposed network. Firstly, both branches adopt the encoder‐decoder architecture, and their encoders are designed to share convolutional weights for facilitating knowledge transfer. Secondly, a designed feature‐selecting block discriminately feeds shared features into decoders of both branches, which can adaptively pick suitable features for each task. Thirdly, the segmentation branch incorporates the lung mask obtained from the reconstructed images to enhance the accuracy of the segmentation results. Lastly, the proposed network is optimized by a tailored loss function that efficiently combines and balances these two tasks, in order to achieve mutual benefits.

Results

Experimental results on the pulmonary HP 129Xe MRI dataset (including 43 healthy subjects and 42 patients) show that the proposed network outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods at high acceleration factors (4, 5, and 6). The peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), and Dice score of the proposed network are enhanced to 30.89, 0.875, and 0.892, respectively. Additionally, the VDP obtained from the proposed network has good correlations with that obtained from fully sampled images (r = 0.984). At the highest acceleration factor of 6, the proposed network promotes PSNR, SSIM, and Dice score by 7.79%, 5.39%, and 9.52%, respectively, in comparison to the single‐task models.

Conclusion

The proposed method effectively enhances the reconstruction and segmentation performance at high acceleration factors up to 6. It facilitates fast and high‐quality lung imaging and segmentation, and provides valuable support in the clinical diagnosis of lung diseases.
A review of machine learning applications for the proton MR spectroscopy workflow
Authors: van de Sande Dennis M. J. , Merkofer Julian P. , Amirrajab Sina , Veta Mitko , van Sloun Ruud J. G. , Versluis Maarten J. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van den Brink Johan S. , Breeuwer Marcel
Published: July 2023

This literature review presents a comprehensive overview of machine learning (ML) applications in proton MR spectroscopy (MRS). As the use of ML techniques in MRS continues to grow, this review aims to provide the MRS community with a structured overview of the state‐of‐the‐art methods. Specifically, we examine and summarize studies published between 2017 and 2023 from major journals in the MR field. We categorize these studies based on a typical MRS workflow, including data acquisition, processing, analysis, and artificial data generation. Our review reveals that ML in MRS is still in its early stages, with a primary focus on processing and analysis techniques, and less attention given to data acquisition. We also found that many studies use similar model architectures, with little comparison to alternative architectures. Additionally, the generation of artificial data is a crucial topic, with no consistent method for its generation. Furthermore, many studies demonstrate that artificial data suffers from generalization issues when tested on in vivo data. We also conclude that risks related to ML models should be addressed, particularly for clinical applications. Therefore, output uncertainty measures and model biases are critical to investigate. Nonetheless, the rapid development of ML in MRS and the promising results from the reviewed studies justify further research in this field.
The Value of Nonprofit PR vs. For‐Profit for Organizations
Authors: Mustac Thomas
Published: July 2023

Purpose or profit—that is the key difference between nonprofit and for‐profit public relations. In today's dynamic and socially conscious landscape, the role of PR in organizations has become increasingly vital.
Efficient presolving methods for the influence maximization problem
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Jie , Chen Wei‐Kun , Dai Yu‐Hong , Yuan Jian‐Hua , Zhang Hou‐Shan
Published: July 2023

We consider the influence maximization problem (IMP) which asks for identifying a limited number of key individuals to spread influence in a network such that the expected number of influenced individuals is maximized. The stochastic maximal covering location problem (SMCLP) formulation is a mixed integer programming formulation that effectively approximates the IMP by the Monte‐Carlo sampling. For IMPs with a large‐scale network or a large number of samplings, however, the SMCLP formulation cannot be efficiently solved by existing exact algorithms due to its large problem size. In this paper, we attempt to develop presolving methods to reduce the problem size and hence enhance the capability of employing exact algorithms in solving large‐scale IMPs. In particular, we propose two effective presolving methods, called strongly connected nodes aggregation (SCNA) and isomorphic nodes aggregation (INA), respectively. The SCNA enables to build a new SMCLP formulation that is potentially much more compact than the existing one, and the INA further eliminates variables and constraints in the SMCLP formulation. A theoretical analysis on two special cases of the IMP is provided to demonstrate the strength of the SCNA and INA in reducing the problem size of the SMCLP formulation. We integrate the proposed presolving methods, SCNA and INA, into the Benders decomposition algorithm, which is recognized as one of the state‐of‐the‐art exact algorithms for solving the IMP. We show that the proposed SCNA and INA provide the possibility to develop a much faster separation algorithm for the Benders cuts. Numerical results demonstrate that with the SCNA and INA, the Benders decomposition algorithm is much more effective in solving the IMP in terms of solution time.
Data‐driven linear complexity low‐rank approximation of general kernel matrices: A geometric approach
Authors: Cai Difeng , Chow Edmond , Xi Yuanzhe
Published: July 2023

A general, rectangular kernel matrix may be defined as where is a kernel function and where and are two sets of points. In this paper, we seek a low‐rank approximation to a kernel matrix where the sets of points and are large and are arbitrarily distributed, such as away from each other, “intermingled”, identical, and so forth. Such rectangular kernel matrices may arise, for example, in Gaussian process regression where corresponds to the training data and corresponds to the test data. In this case, the points are often high‐dimensional. Since the point sets are large, we must exploit the fact that the matrix arises from a kernel function, and avoid forming the matrix, and thus ruling out most algebraic techniques. In particular, we seek methods that can scale linearly or nearly linearly with respect to the size of data for a fixed approximation rank. The main idea in this paper is to geometrically select appropriate subsets of points to construct a low rank approximation. An analysis in this paper guides how this selection should be performed.
Depression mediates the relationship between social capital and health‐related quality of life among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ping , Liu Xiao‐Li , Zhang Rong‐Mei , Xia Ning
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore the association between social capital and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine whether depression mediates the association among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional research design.

Methods

The Geriatric Depression Scale‐15, Social Capital Questionnaire and 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey were used to investigate 1201 older adults selected from Jinan, Shandong Province, China, using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method.

Results

Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between social capital and HRQoL (r = 0.269, p < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that social capital was significantly negatively associated with depression (β = −0.072, p < 0.001) and that depression was associated with HRQoL (β = −1.031, p < 0.001). The mediation analyses showed that depression mediated the association between social capital and HRQoL, and the indirect effect size was 0.073 (95% confidence interval: 0.050, 0.100).
A comparative study on sPEEK‐based composite membranes with various inorganic fillers using different preparation routes for DMFCs
Authors: Dönmez Göknur , Gülcan Mert , Deligöz Hüseyin
Published: July 2023

In this study, proton‐conducting sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) membranes including tungstic acid, organically modified montmorillonite, and silicon dioxide were prepared using solution casting method for direct methanol fuel cells. All obtained composite membranes had adequate thermal stability for fuel cells, and their surfaces became more hydrophilic due to the incorporation of additives. The ion exchange capacities of the composite membranes were found to be very close to the sPEEK membrane. While the proton conductivity of the sPEEK membrane was 8.6 mS cm−1, the addition of additives led to an enhancement in the proton conductivity values. Among the prepared composite membranes, sPEEK‐H2WO4‐5 had the highest proton conductivity (36.5 mS cm−1) which was comparable to Nafion117 in water at room temperature. On the other hand, the methanol permeabilities of the composite membranes were in the same order compared to sPEEK but showed minor changes depending on the added materials and their compositions. Among the membranes obtained by solution casting, sPEEK‐H2WO4‐5 was found to be the best composite membrane due to its high proton conductivity and acceptable methanol permeability. Layer‐by‐layer modified sPEEK membranes were also obtained in the study for comparison and it was found that sPEEK‐PAH/H2WO4‐2 displayed the best selectivity value.
Hypercalcemia in metastatic parathyroid carcinoma followed by hypocalcemia after resection: A case report
Authors: Ohashi Takuya , Kawago Mitsumasa , Hirai Yoshimitsu , Yata Yumi , Fusamoto Aya , Iguchi Hideto , Nakaya Takahito , Kiyoi Megumi , Miyasaka Miwako , Kawaji Mari , Furuta Yuki , Nishimura Yoshiharu
Published: July 2023

A 72‐year‐old man was diagnosed with hypercalcaemia 13 years ago. He was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism associated with a parathyroid tumour and surgery was performed. Postoperatively, his serum calcium levels, which had once normalized, rose again. Medical treatment for hypercalcaemia failed to control the condition. A chest computed tomography showed multiple pulmonary nodules which were diagnosed as pulmonary metastases of parathyroid carcinoma. The tumour was considered to be the cause of the hypercalcaemia and volume reduction surgery was performed. Immediately after surgery, the patient presented with hypocalcaemia and required calcium correction with Calcium Gluconate Hydrate. Since then, the serum calcium level has stabilized and the patient has progressed without medical treatment. Parathyroid carcinoma is rare. This is a valuable case in which the serum calcium level was controlled by surgery. The patient also developed post‐operative hypocalcaemia, which should be reported.
A‐site coordinating cation engineering in zero‐dimensional antimony halide perovskites for strong self‐trapped exciton emission
Authors: Liu Xingyi , Gao Xiaowen , Xiong Lin , Li Shuoxue , Zhang Yu , Li Qi , Jiang Hong , Xu Dongsheng
Published: July 2023

Low‐dimensional hybrid halide perovskites represent a promising class of materials in optoelectronic applications because of strong broad self‐trapped exciton (STE) emissions. However, there exists a limitation in designing the ideal A‐site cation that makes the material satisfy the structure tolerance and exhibit STE emission raised by the appropriate electron–phonon coupling effect. To overcome this dilemma, we developed an inorganic metal‐organic dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) coordinating strategy to synthesize a series of zero‐dimensional (0D) Sb‐based halide perovskites including Na3SbBr6·DMSO6 (1), AlSbBr6·DMSO6 (2), AlSbCl6·DMSO6 (3), GaSbCl6·DMSO6 (4), Mn2Sb2Br10·DMSO13 (5) and MgSbBr5·DMSO7 (6), in which the distinctive coordinating A‐site cation [Am‐DMSO6]n+ efficiently separate the [SbXz] polyhedrons. Advantageously, these materials all exhibit broadband‐emissions with full widths at half maxima (FWHM) of 95–184 nm, and the highest photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 3 reaches 92%. Notably, compounds 2–4 are able to remain stable after storage of more than 120 d. First‐principles calculations indicate that the origin of the efficient STE emission can be attributed to the localized distortion in [SbXz] polyhedron upon optical excitation. Experimental and calculational results demonstrate that the proposed coordinating strategy provides a way to efficiently expand the variety of novel high‐performance STE emitters and continuously regulate their emission behaviors.
Thermo‐responsive fluorine‐free foam stabilized by PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymer (EO)100(PO)65(EO)100 for pool fire suppression
Authors: Qiu Ke , Yu Xiaoyang , Li Qian , Li Huan , Kang Ning , Lu Shouxiang
Published: July 2023

Research and development of novel fluorine‐free materials to replace fluorinated aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF) are crucial for improving pool fire suppression performance and protecting the environment. In this study, we report the thermo‐responsive fluorine‐free foam stabilized by triblock PEO–PPO–PEO copolymers (EO)100(PO)65(EO)100 for pool fire suppression. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and reflected light interferometric techniques are conducted to study the molecular self‐assembly in bulk and film thinning behavior, and the foaming kinetics of copolymer solution and thermophysical properties of the liquid foam are studied by dynamic surface tension and oscillatory rheology analysis. At room temperature, the amphipathic structure of PEO–PPO–PEO makes it possible to absorb at the air–liquid interface forming large‐scale liquid foams containing the mobile films with a detergent state. Upon heating to the surface cooling temperature of burning oil, the mobile films can be actively switched into mechanically strong films with rigid surfaces. The in situ switching of the two interfacial states leads to the significant enhancement of the foam stability, especially under the dual defoaming effects of heat and oil. What's more, it is observed that the confinement of organized copolymer micelles in the Plateau borders and micellar self‐layering in film confinement induce drainage delay of foam and film's stepwise thinning phenomenon, further increasing film thickness and enhancing the thermal stability of the foam. In standard fire‐fighting tests, it is proved that the burnback performance exhibited by thermo‐responsive copolymer foams is three times better than that for classical fluorine‐free foams and almost 1.5 times higher than that for commercial AFFF.
AflatoxinB1 (AFB1) and its toxic effect on the broilers intestine: A review
Authors: Sarker Md Touhiduzzaman , Wan Xiao Li , Yang Hai Ming , Wang Zhi Yue
Published: July 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the predominant mycotoxin that originated toxicity in broilers through oxidative damage, intestinal barrier dysfunction, reduced immune system and dysfunction of microorganisms and enzymes in target organs. The intestine is the first AFB1 target organ destroyed after the bird's body is induced. This review summarises the current knowledge of the negative results of AFB1‐induced intestinal damage on broiler production. It was conducted in accordance with the relevant studies in the cited literatures being retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. First, AFB1 can change the intestinal barrier function by destroying the intestinal architecture, tissue and cell integrity of the gut epithelium. Second, AFB1 can damage the immune barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Third, the microbiota of birds interacts closely with the ingested aflatoxin. Finally, because broilers are tremendously sensitive to AFB1 contamination, the poisonous and noxious effects of this mycotoxin in the broiler industry cause millions of dollars in losses every year. This review briefly discussed that the AFB1, which affects the intestines of broiler chickens, was reduced the immune apparatus, antioxidant protection system, gastric system, and broiler production status and its impact on human health. Therefore, this review will improve our perception of the important intestine in a bird's health and the adverse effect of AFB1.
Anatomical variation of the posterior septal artery leads to refractory epistaxis
Authors: An Dong‐Jiao , Li Zu‐Fei , Zhao Xiao‐Chang , Liu Jin‐Feng
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To report a rare variant of the posterior septal artery (PSA), which supplies blood to the posterior mucosa of the contralateral nasal septum.

Case report

A 31‐year‐old female patient underwent suture removal 14 days after septoplasty and developed left‐sided epistaxis 6 h after suture removal. To safely and effectively relieve the patient from epistaxis, the cauterization of the left PSA was performed under general anesthesia. However, 24 h after the first surgical hemostasis, the patient experienced epistaxis again in the right nasal cavity. We have reviewed the patient's sinus computed tomography again and found a rare variant of PSA, which is the right‐sided PSA passing through a bony canal in the left‐sided nasal septum.

Discussion

The variant of PSA well explained the failure of the first hemostatic surgery. Therefore, we again performed a cauterization of the right‐sided PSA, after which the patient recovered and no further epistaxis occurred.

Conclusion

When cauterization of PSA is used to manage posterior epistaxis, it is necessary to pay attention to the possible variation in PSA.
Gutes Leben im hohen Alter: Fazit und Implikationen
Authors: Kaspar Roman , Simonson Julia , Tesch-Römer Clemens , Wagner Michael , Zank Susanne
Published: July 2023

Mit der Studie D80+ „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ werden erstmals für den gesamtdeutschen Raum repräsentative Aussagen zur Lebenssituation der sehr alten und ältesten Menschen möglich. Die Datenbasis ist vor dem Hintergrund eines umfassenden Verständnisses von Lebensqualität thematisch breitgefächert sowie inhaltlich und methodisch anschlussfähig an die laufende Altersberichterstattung des Bundes und der Länder (z. B. NRW) aus etablierten Altersstudien wie dem Deutschen Alterssurvey (DEAS). Das Studienprotokoll für diese einzigartige Studie wurde seit Mitte 2015 am Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (ceres) im interdisziplinären Team aus Vertreter:innen der Gerontologie, Soziologie, Psychologie, Ethik sowie Medizin entwickelt. Es wurde gemeinsam sowohl mit älteren Menschen als auch führenden sozialwissenschaftlichen Umfrageinstituten validiert. Der Erhebungs- und Auswertungsplan für eine deutschlandweite Hochaltrigenstudie wurde seit Anfang 2019 zwischen ceres und dem Deutschen Zentrum für Altersfragen (DZA) abgestimmt.