bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flower orientation and corolla length as reproductive barriers in the pollinator‐driven divergence of Erica shannonea and Erica ampullacea
Authors: McCarren S. , Johnson S. D. , Theron G. L. , Coetzee A. , Turner R. , Midgley J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A variety of reproductive barriers can enable reproductive isolation and stable coexistence of plant species. Differing floral traits might play an important role in reproductive isolation imposed by pollinators. Such shifts in pollinator use have been hypothesized to contribute to the radiation of Erica (Ericaceae) in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. The sister species Erica shannonea and Erica ampullacea co‐occur and overlap in flowering phenology. Both have unscented long‐tubed flowers consistent with adaptations for pollination by long‐proboscid flies (LPFs), but differences in flower orientation and corolla tube length are indicative of a shift in pollinator species.
We conducted controlled pollination experiments and pollinator observations to determine the breeding system and pollinators of the two species.
Both species are self‐incompatible and require pollinator visits for seed production, suggesting that pollinators could strongly influence flower evolution. The horizontally orientated flowers of E. shannonea were found to be pollinated by Philoliche rostrata (Tabanidae), which has a long, fixed forward‐pointing proboscis, while the vertically upright orientated flowers of E. ampullacea were found to be pollinated by Prosoeca westermanni (Nemestrinidae), which has a shorter proboscis that can swivel downwards.
The nemestrinid fly's proboscis is too short to access the nectar in the relative long‐tubed flowers of E. shannonea and the tabanid fly's proboscis cannot swivel down to access the upright flowers of E. ampullacea. Consequently, these traits are likely to act as reproductive barriers between the two Erica species and thereby might have contributed to speciation and enable stable coexistence.
Individual differences in seated resting heart rate are associated with multisensory perceptual function in older adults
Authors: O'Dowd Alan , Hirst Rebecca J. , Setti Annalisa , Kenny Rose Anne , Newell Fiona N. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere is evidence that cardiovascular function can influence sensory processing and cognition, which are known to change with age. However, whether the precision of unisensory and multisensory temporal perception is influenced by cardiovascular activity in older adults is uncertain. We examined whether seated resting heart rate (RHR) was associated with unimodal visual and auditory temporal discrimination as well as susceptibility to the audio‐visual Sound Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) in a large sample of older adults (N = 3232; mean age = 64.17 years, SD = 7.74, range = 50–93; 56% female) drawn from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Faster seated RHR was associated with better discretization of two flashes (but not two beeps) and increased SIFI susceptibility when the audio‐visual stimuli were presented close together in time but not at longer audio‐visual temporal offsets. Our findings suggest a significant relationship between cardiovascular activity and the precision of visual and audio‐visual temporal perception in older adults, thereby providing novel evidence for a link between cardiovascular function and perceptual function in aging.
Relevance of haemoglobin monitoring in apheresis plasma donors: A retrospective cohort study in Québec, Canada
Authors: Lewin Antoine , Germain Marc , Renaud Christian , Robitaille Nancy , Latour Catherine 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSystematically measuring pre‐donation haemoglobin (Hb) levels might be overly cautious for apheresis plasma donation, since plasmapheresis entails a small loss of red blood cells. We explored the association between the frequency of apheresis plasma donation and capillary blood Hb levels.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included donors who gave apheresis plasma at least twice between 24 October 2020 and 23 October 2022 in Québec, Canada. Results were stratified by sex and analysed with linear repeated‐measure mixed models with random intercepts.ResultsIn total, 9535 men (mean age = 46.7 years) and 9409 women (mean age = 41.1 years) made ≥2, but no more than 16 apheresis plasma donations. Over an average of 9.2 months of observation, men maintained Hb levels well above the Hb deferral threshold, and their Hb levels decreased by only 0.17 g/dL between the 1st and 15th donation return (p < 0.0001). Over an average of 9.0 months of observation, women also maintained adequate Hb levels, and their Hb levels decreased by 0.08 g/dL between the 1st and 15th donation return.ConclusionThe frequency of apheresis plasma donation was not associated with clinically meaningful changes in Hb levels, neither in men nor in women. This evidence questions the relevance of systematically monitoring Hb for apheresis plasma donation, at least for donation frequencies of ≤7–8 times per year. However, an adverse impact of plasmapheresis on Hb levels cannot be ruled out for individuals donating more frequently or for longer than ~9 months.
Exploring the potential harm of varied blood storage on patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Ning Shuoyan , Gupta Akash , Batarfi Khalid , Liu Yang , Lucier Kayla J. , Barty Rebecca , Heddle Nancy M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDebate exists surrounding the optimal duration of red blood cell (RBC) storage. A hypothesis emerging from previous research suggests that exposure to fresh blood may be harmful to patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study uses a large transfusion medicine database to explore the association between in‐hospital mortality and red cell storage duration.Materials and MethodsThis is an exploratory retrospective cohort study of all adult patients at Hamilton, Canada, over a 14‐year period that received at least one allogeneic red cell transfusion during their hospitalization for cardiac surgery requiring bypass. The primary outcome for the study was in‐hospital death. Analysis was performed using multivariate Cox regression modelling with time‐dependent and time‐independent covariates and stratification variables. Five models with varying definitions for short, intermediate and prolonged duration of RBC storage were tested.ResultsFrom March 2004 to December 2017, 11,205 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the regression analyses. No significant effect of short‐duration red storage on patient mortality was observed in all statistical models, with the red cells stored for the longest duration as the reference group. When patients who received exclusively fresh (hazard ratio [HR] 1.040, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.588–1.841, p‐value = 0.893) and older aged (HR 1.038, 95% CI 0.769–1.1.402, p‐value = 0.0801) RBCs were compared with those who received exclusively mid‐age red cells as the reference, statistical significance was similarly not reached.ConclusionRed cells stored for the shortest duration are not associated with increased risk of mortality among cardiac surgery patients.
Dual-Metric Neural Network With Attention Guidance for Surface Defect Few-Shot Detection in Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Gao Pengjie , Wang Junliang , Xia Min , Qin Zijin , Zhang Jie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
As an important application of human–robot collaboration, intelligent detection of surface defects is crucial for production quality control, which also helps in relieving the workload of technical staff in human-centric smart manufacturing. To accurately detect defects with limited samples in industrial practice, a dual-metric neural network with attention-guided is proposed. First, an attention-guided recognition network with channel attention and position attention module is designed to efficiently learn representative defect features with limited samples. Second, aiming to detect defects with confusing surface images, a dual-metric function is presented to learn the classification boundary by controlling the distance of samples in feature space from intraclass and interclass. The experiment results on the fabric defect dataset demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods in accuracy, recall, precision, F1-score, and few-shot accuracy. Further comparative experiments reveal that the dual-metric function is superior in improving the few-shot detection accuracy.
Modeling and Design of a Five Degrees-of-Freedom Delta-Like Robot for Fast Pick-and-Place Applications
Authors: Le Mesle Valentin , Bégoc Vincent , Briot Sébastien 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Delta-like architectures are widely used for fast pick-and-place applications. When rotational degrees-of-freedom are required to perform a task, one or more UPU kinematic chains are usually added to transmit the torques from motors located on the base to the platform, in order to actuate a wrist. Packaging applications usually require five degrees-of-freedom, and two UPU chains are then used to actuate two rotational degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) on the end-effector. However, the UPU chain induces significant limitations for industrial use: it significantly constrains the workspace along the vertical direction and implies a backlash in the universal joints degrading the accuracy of the robot. In this paper, we investigate an alternative to the UPU kinematic chain for designing delta-like robots with five DOFs. Indeed, the actuation of a two-DOFs wrist is performed through the use of a kinematic chain based on a succession of parallelograms associated with a delta-like leg. After a description of the kinematic models of the modified leg and an analysis of its singularities, a design optimization procedure is presented in order to define suitable geometric parameters for a given industrial application. Finally, a prototype is presented and its performances are evaluated.
What Sets Proficient and Expert Users Apart? Results of a Computer-Aided Design Experiment
Authors: Deng Yuanzhe , Chen James , Olechowski Alison 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs computer-aided design (CAD) tools have become an essential aspect of modern mechanical engineering design, the demand for CAD experts has increased significantly. The development from novice, to proficient, to expert user is of particular interest to the industrial and academic design communities. Yet little is known about the development of modeling choices, strategies, and patterns that characterize expert CAD skills; much of the past work that reports user action data is based on student or novice data. We compared the CAD modeling process across nine proficient and ten expert designers as they were tested to complete the same design task. Under identical conditions—the same time constraints in the same CAD platform and with the same task—the expert users were able to complete a larger proportion of the task with higher dimensional accuracy. While the experts were able to dissect and retrieve geometries from manufacturing drawings more efficiently than proficient users, they were also able to plan a modeling strategy that required less effort and revisions. With our experimental findings, we identify the demand for procedural knowledge-building for young engineers, with the ultimate goal of more effectively developing experts in engineering design with CAD.
Three-Dimensional Material Mask Overlay Topology Optimization Approach With Truncated Octahedron Elements
Authors: Singh Nikhil , Kumar Prabhat , Saxena Anupam 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a 3D material mask overlay topology optimization approach using truncated octahedron elements and spheroidal masks. Truncated octahedron elements provide face connectivity between two juxtaposed elements, thus eliminating singular solutions inherently. A novel meshing scheme with Tetra-Kai-Decaheral or TKD (generic case of truncated octahedron) elements is proposed. The scheme is extended to parameterized generic-shaped domains. Various benefits of implementing the elements are also highlighted, and the corresponding finite element is introduced. Spheroidal negative masks are employed to determine the material within the elements. Seven design variables define each mask. A material density formulation is proposed, and sensitivity analysis for gradient-based optimization is developed. fminconmatlab function is used for the optimization. The efficacy and success of the approach are demonstrated by solving structures and compliant mechanism design problems. Compliance is minimized for the former, whereas a multi-criteria arising due to flexibility and stiffness measures is extremized for optimizing the mechanisms. Convergence of the optimization is smooth. The volume constraint is satisfied and remains active at the end of the optimization.
The HPV8 E6 protein targets the Hippo and Wnt signaling pathways as part of its arsenal to restrain keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: Wu Sharon C. , Grace Miranda , Munger Karl 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Infections with β-genus human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause hyperplastic cutaneous lesions. In individuals with the rare hereditary skin disease, epidermodysplasia verruciformis, such lesions can progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs). β-HPV infections may also underlie cSCC development in chronically immunosuppressed individuals. Despite their prevalence and disease association, these viruses are not as well studied as the cancer-associated high-risk α-genus HPVs. HPV-associated lesions are characterized by a marked expansion of dividing, basal-like, poorly differentiated viral cells that contain viral genomes. This reflects the ability of HPVs to inhibit epithelial cell differentiation which is likely driven by the need to establish and maintain long-term viral infections in basal-like epithelial cells. Remarkably, the β-HPVs accomplish this by targeting different cellular effectors than the α-genus HPVs. It was previously reported that the HPV8 E6 protein restrains epithelial cell differentiation by inhibiting Notch and transforming growth factor β signaling. Here, we report that the HPV8 E6 protein can subvert Hippo signaling by activating Transcriptional Enhanced Associate Domain (TEAD) transcriptional programs that inhibit the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers. Moreover, we determined that HPV8 E6 can interfere with gene expression programs triggered by Wnt signaling by binding to the β-catenin-associated transcriptional co-activator B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9-like(BCL9L) and that this also serves to restrain the expression of epithelial differentiation markers. Hence, the HPV8 E6 protein has evolved a remarkably large array of mechanisms to subvert the differentiation program of the infected epithelial cells.

IMPORTANCE
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect basal epithelial cells and cause a dramatic expansion of basal-like, proliferative cells. This reflects the ability of papillomaviruses to delay keratinocyte differentiation, thereby maintaining aspects of the basal cell identity of persistently infected cells. This may enable papillomaviruses to establish and maintain long-term infections in squamous epithelial tissues. Previous work has revealed that the ability of β-HPV8 E6 protein to inhibit Notch and transforming growth factor β signaling importantly contributes to this activity. Here, we present evidence that HPV8 E6 also subverts Hippo and Wnt signaling and that these activities also aid in restraining keratinocyte differentiation.
mSphere of Influence: If virulence is energetically costly, how can it be maintained?
Authors: Davis Kimberly Michele 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Kimberly Davis works in the field of bacterial pathogenesis and studies heterogeneity in bacterial populations within host tissues. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the paper “Stabilization of cooperative virulence by the expression of an avirulent phenotype” by M. Diard et al. (M. Diard et al.,
Nature
494:353–6, 2013, DOI:
10.1038/nature11913
) impacted the way she thinks about bacterial population dynamics and the costs and benefits of producing virulence factors during infection.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 isolates, namely the Wuhan strain, Delta variant, and Omicron variant, identifies differential immune profiles
Authors: Shahbaz Shima , Bozorgmehr Najmeh , Lu Julia , Osman Mohammed , Sligl Wendy , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Elahi Shokrollah 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

There is an urgent need to better understand the impact of different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants on immune response and disease dynamics to facilitate better intervention strategies. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 variants differentially affect host immune responses. The magnitude and quantity of cytokines and chemokines were comparable in those infected with the Wuhan strain and the Delta variant. However, individuals infected with the Omicron variant had significantly lower levels of these mediators. We also found an elevation of plasma galectins (Gal-3, Gal-8, and Gal-9) in infected individuals, in particular, in those with the original strain. Soluble galectins exert a proinflammatory role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. This was illustrated by their correlation with the plasma levels of sCD14, sCD163, enhanced TNF-α/IL-6 secretion, and increased SARS-CoV-2 infectivity
in vitro
. Moreover, we observed enhanced CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell activation in Wuhan strain-infected individuals. Surprisingly, there was a more pronounced T cell activation in those infected with the Omicron in comparison to the Delta variant. In line with T cell activation status, we observed a more pronounced expansion of T cells expressing different co-inhibitory receptors in patients infected with the Wuhan strain, followed by the Omicron and Delta variants. Individuals infected with the Wuhan strain or the Omicron variant had a similar pattern of plasma soluble immune checkpoints. Our results imply that a milder innate immune response might be beneficial and protective in those infected with the Omicron variant. Our results provide a novel insight into the differential impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on host immunity.

IMPORTANCE
There is a need to better understand how different SARS-CoV-2 variants influence the immune system and disease dynamics to facilitate the development of better vaccines and therapies. We compared immune responses in 140 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with the Wuhan strain, the Delta variant, or the Omicron variant. All these patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and were SARS-CoV-2 vaccination naïve. We found that SARS-CoV-2 variants differentially affect the host immune response. This was done by measuring soluble biomarkers in their plasma and examining different immune cells. Overall, we found that the magnitude of cytokine storm in individuals infected with the Wuhan strain or the Delta variant was greater than in those infected with the Omicron variant. In light of enhanced cytokine release syndrome in individuals infected with the Wuhan strain or the Delta variant, we believe that a milder innate immune response might be beneficial and protective in those infected with the Omicron variant.
Dynamical modeling of proliferative-invasive plasticity and IFNγ signaling in melanoma reveals mechanisms of PD-L1 expression heterogeneity
Authors: Subhadarshini Seemadri , Sahoo Sarthak , Debnath Shibjyoti , Somarelli Jason A , Jolly Mohit Kumar 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundPhenotypic heterogeneity of melanoma cells contributes to drug tolerance, increased metastasis, and immune evasion in patients with progressive disease. Diverse mechanisms have been individually reported to shape extensive intra-tumor and inter-tumor phenotypic heterogeneity, such as IFNγ signaling and proliferative to invasive transition, but how their crosstalk impacts tumor progression remains largely elusive.MethodsHere, we integrate dynamical systems modeling with transcriptomic data analysis at bulk and single-cell levels to investigate underlying mechanisms behind phenotypic heterogeneity in melanoma and its impact on adaptation to targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We construct a minimal core regulatory network involving transcription factors implicated in this process and identify the multiple ‘attractors’ in the phenotypic landscape enabled by this network. Our model predictions about synergistic control of PD-L1 by IFNγ signaling and proliferative to invasive transition were validated experimentally in three melanoma cell lines—MALME3, SK-MEL-5 and A375.ResultsWe demonstrate that the emergent dynamics of our regulatory network comprising MITF, SOX10, SOX9, JUN and ZEB1 can recapitulate experimental observations about the co-existence of diverse phenotypes (proliferative, neural crest-like, invasive) and reversible cell-state transitions among them, including in response to targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These phenotypes have varied levels of PD-L1, driving heterogeneity in immunosuppression. This heterogeneity in PD-L1 can be aggravated by combinatorial dynamics of these regulators with IFNγ signaling. Our model predictions about changes in proliferative to invasive transition and PD-L1 levels as melanoma cells evade targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors were validated in multiple RNA-seq data sets from in vitro and in vivo experiments.ConclusionOur calibrated dynamical model offers a platform to test combinatorial therapies and provide rational avenues for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. This improved understanding of crosstalk among PD-L1 expression, proliferative to invasive transition and IFNγ signaling can be leveraged to improve the clinical management of therapy-resistant and metastatic melanoma.