bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PVP: Personalized Video Prior for Editable Dynamic Portraits using StyleGAN
Authors: Lin K.‐E. , Trevithick A. , Cheng K. , Sarkis M. , Ghafoorian M. , Bi N. , Reitmayr G. , Ramamoorthi R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPortrait synthesis creates realistic digital avatars which enable users to interact with others in a compelling way. Recent advances in StyleGAN and its extensions have shown promising results in synthesizing photorealistic and accurate reconstruction of human faces. However, previous methods often focus on frontal face synthesis and most methods are not able to handle large head rotations due to the training data distribution of StyleGAN. In this work, our goal is to take as input a monocular video of a face, and create an editable dynamic portrait able to handle extreme head poses. The user can create novel viewpoints, edit the appearance, and animate the face. Our method utilizes pivotal tuning inversion (PTI) to learn a personalized video prior from a monocular video sequence. Then we can input pose and expression coefficients to MLPs and manipulate the latent vectors to synthesize different viewpoints and expressions of the subject. We also propose novel loss functions to further disentangle pose and expression in the latent space. Our algorithm shows much better performance over previous approaches on monocular video datasets, and it is also capable of running in real‐time at 54 FPS on an RTX 3080.
Colonization and coexistence of non‐native ants on a model Atlantic island
Authors: Sharp Adam , Tawatao Noel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimsColonization by non‐native ants represents one of the gravest potential threats to island ecosystems. It is necessary to identify general mechanisms by which non‐native species are able to colonize and persist in order to inform future prevention and management. We studied a model‐island assemblage of 17 non‐native ant species with aim of identifying the spatial source of introductions and assessing how such a diversity of species are able to coexist.LocationData were collected on Ascension Island: an ideal study system for its intermediate area, compact shape, spatial heterogeneity, lack of native ant species, and availability of non‐native ant records dating back to the 1800s.MethodsWe collected over 47,000 individual ants from 73 sites using a range of baited traps and survey techniques. We combined this novel data with past occurrence records in order to determine whether human settlements have historically been the source of ant introductions and to quantify the mean rate at which species have dispersed across the island. Analysis of standardized field data revealed the extent to which ants were partitioning ecological niche space via (1) habitat separation, (2) fine‐scale resource partitioning and (3) climatic heterogeneity.ResultsAnts were radiating at a linear rate of approximately 0.5 km2 per year from human settlements on this island, with the most widespread species having been introduced earliest. After accounting for incomplete colonization, we found no evidence to suggest habitat separation between species. Instead, we found significant niche separation through resource partitioning and weather‐dependent activity patterns.Main ConclusionsOur results indicate that non‐native ants can coexist in very close proximity and are therefore capable of existing at great diversity on even small islands. It is inevitable that ant colonization will continue without increased biosecurity measures, habitat restoration around settlements and conservation of native species populations.
Pharmacological activation of insulin‐degrading enzyme improves insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Sanz‐González Alba , Cózar‐Castellano Irene , Broca Christophe , Sabatier Julia , Acosta Gerardo A. , Royo Miriam , Hernándo‐Muñoz Carla , Torroba Tomás , Perdomo Germán , Merino Beatriz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the use of synthetic preimplantation factor (sPIF) as a potential therapeutic tool for improving glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the setting of diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe used a preclinical murine model of type 2 diabetes (T2D) induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding for 12 weeks. Saline or sPIF (1 mg/kg/day) was administered to mice by subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini‐pumps for 25 days. Glucose tolerance, circulating insulin and C‐peptide levels, and GSIS were assessed. In addition, β‐cells (Min‐6) were used to test the effects of sPIF on GSIS and insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) activity in vitro. The effect of sPIF on GSIS was also tested in human islets.ResultsGSIS was enhanced 2‐fold by sPIF in human islets ex vivo. Furthermore, continuous administration of sPIF to HFD mice increased circulating levels of insulin and improved glucose tolerance, independently of hepatic insulin clearance. Of note, islets isolated from mice treated with sPIF exhibited restored β‐cell function. Finally, genetic (shRNA‐IDE) or pharmacological (6bK) inactivation of IDE in Min‐6 abolished sPIF‐mediated effects on GSIS, showing that both the protein and its protease activity are required for its action.ConclusionsWe conclude that sPIF is a promising secretagogue for the treatment of T2D.
The landscapes of lives II: How social actors navigate dynamic action landscapes
Authors: Worthman Carol M. , Cummings Constance , Lende Daniel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOur previous companion article situated practices in a socio‐ecological framework to propose action landscapes as person‐specific fields of possible practices that are place‐ and time‐contingent. Here we expand this approach to social actors as they navigate complex, fluid social worlds to pursue meaningful lives. Embodiment, social homeostasis, and social interactions shape actors’ abilities to enact specific practices and meet adversity. The expectable range of daily demands and affordances delineates the bounds of individual social homeostasis, whence social actors evaluate experience and draw motivation for behavior in the action landscape. The dynamic interface between actor‐specific factors and cultural forces configures individual possibilities for action vis‐à‐vis their social homeostatic range. We use this model to track interactions of culture and social actor that generate diverse lives and differential well‐being or resilience and apply it to two examples, revealing factors and dynamics overlooked in current research.
Machine learning‐based classification of multiple heart disorders from PCG signals
Authors: Talal Muhammad , Aziz Sumair , Khan Muhammad Umar , Ghadi Yazeed , Naqvi Syed Zohaib Hassan , Faraz Muhammad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTimely and accurate detection and diagnosis of heart disorders is a significant problem in the medical community since the mortality rate is increasing. Pulsing of cardiac structures and blood turbulence creates heart sounds recorded and detected through Phonococardiogram (PCG). As a non‐invasive technique, PCG signals have a strong ability to be used for designing automatic classification of possible heart disorders. This paper presents an expert system design for the detection and classification of PCG signals for five classes, namely, healthy, aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and mitral valve prolapse. In this work, a single‐channel PCG signal is first decomposed using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) into different modes known as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Manual signal analysis is applied to identify the relevant IMFs to construct a preprocessed signal. We proposed an automated energy‐based signal reconstruction through IMFs. The proposed algorithms automatically identify the relevant IMFs and added them together to form a preprocessed signal. After preprocessing, the first nine features of Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) were computed and passed to several classification methods such as Fine Tree, Quadratic Discriminant, Kernel Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Fine K‐Nearest Neighbours (Fine‐KNN), Ensemble Bagged Trees and Neural Network. The best performance of 99.3% accuracy was obtained via Fine‐KNN using 10‐fold cross‐validation. The proposed method was evaluated on a publicly available dataset of heart sounds. The proposed method demonstrated improved performance as compared to the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Parents' coping behaviors and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Koepp Andrew E. , Barton Jennifer M. , Berendzen Hannah M. , Rough Haley E. , Gershoff Elizabeth T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo understand how parents of young children coped with stress during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.BackgroundFamilies with young children faced substantial stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Yet, relatively few studies have examined parents' mental health during the pandemic and the behaviors parents have used to cope with their stress.MethodThe current study surveyed 199 parents (76% women, Mage = 33 years) of children aged 2 to 4 years from across the United States between September and December 2020 about their COVID‐related stress and coping behaviors since stay‐at‐home orders began in March 2020.ResultsThe coping behavior that parents most commonly endorsed was spending time with their children, a strategy that frequently made parents feel better. Successful coping (engaging in behaviors that made parents feel better) was positively associated with better mental health, regardless of parents' COVID‐related stress. Distraction and unsuccessful coping were not significantly associated with parents' mental health as a main effect. However, parents who engaged in more unsuccessful coping under conditions of high COVID‐related stress reported greater symptoms of anxiety and depression.ConclusionAlthough the COVID‐19 pandemic presented novel stressors for parents, it also presented new opportunities to spend time with family, which may have helped parents cope with the stress of the pandemic.ImplicationsYoung children may be considered an asset in the family system that prompts parents to engage in activities that make them feel better.
Antioxidant activities, structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of different millets (foxtail and proso)
Authors: Chang Lei , Liu Yangjin , Niu Ruimiao , Yang Qinghua , Liang Jibao , Li Rui , Zhang Rui , Yang Pu , Du Shuang‐kui 
Published: July 2023

SummaryIn this study, the antioxidant activities, structure, physicochemical properties and digestibility of different foxtail and proso millets were investigated. Dark‐coloured millets had lower lightness (L*) and higher total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activities than light‐coloured millets. The polygonal and spherical starch granules of millet were wrapped and attached by proteins, lipids, etc. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of millet flours exhibited A‐type, with crystallinity of 34.64%–40.98% for foxtail millets and 31.72%–40.16% for proso millets. Compared with waxy millets, non‐waxy millets were more resistant to swelling, gelatinisation and digestion, but showed a higher rate of retrogradation. Millet varieties with higher amylose content or higher TPC and TFC showed lower digestibility. These results will help to reveal the differences among millets with different types, varieties, colours and amylose content and provide theoretical guidance for their development and application.
Toward the clinical development of synthetic immunity to cancer
Authors: Garcia Julie M. , Burnett Cassandra E. , Roybal Kole T. 
Published: July 2023

SummarySynthetic biology (synbio) tools, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), have been designed to target, activate, and improve immune cell responses to tumors. These therapies have demonstrated an ability to cure patients with blood cancers. However, there are significant challenges to designing, testing, and efficiently translating these complex cell therapies for patients who do not respond or have immune refractory solid tumors. The rapid progress of synbio tools for cell therapy, particularly for cancer immunotherapy, is encouraging but our development process should be tailored to increase translational success. Particularly, next‐generation cell therapies should be rooted in basic immunology, tested in more predictive preclinical models, engineered for potency with the right balance of safety, educated by clinical findings, and multi‐faceted to combat a range of suppressive mechanisms. Here, we lay out five principles for engineering future cell therapies to increase the probability of clinical impact, and in the context of these principles, we provide an overview of the current state of synbio cell therapy design for cancer. Although these principles are anchored in engineering immune cells for cancer therapy, we posit that they can help guide translational synbio research for broad impact in other disease indications with high unmet need.
Impact of obesity on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Patient characteristics, procedural complications, outcomes, and quality of life
Authors: Tabaja Chadi , Younis Arwa , Santageli Pasquale , Farwati Medhat , Braghieri Lorenzo , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Saliba Walid I. , Madden Ruth , Bouscher Patricia , Kanj Mohamed , Callahan Thomas D. , Martin David , Bhargava Mandeep , Chung Mina , Baranowski Bryan , Nakhla Shady , Sroubek Jakub , Lee Justin , Taigen Tyler , Wazni Oussama M. , Hussein Ayman A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionObesity is a well‐known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to evaluate the effect of baseline obesity on procedural complications, AF recurrence, and symptoms following catheter ablation (CA).MethodsAll consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation (2013–2021) at our center were enrolled in a prospective registry. The study included all consecutive patients with available data on body mass index (BMI). Primary endpoint was AF recurrence based on electrocardiographic documentation. Patients were categorized into five groups according to their baseline BMI. Patients survey at baseline and at follow‐up were used to calculate AF symptom severity score (AFSS) as well as AF burden (mean of AF duration score and AF frequency score; scale 0: no AF to 10: continuous and 9 frequencies/durations in between). Patients were scheduled for follow‐up visits with 12‐lead electrocardiogram at 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, and every 6 months thereafter.ResultsA total of 5841 patients were included (17% normal weight, 34% overweight, 27% Class I, 13% Class II, and 9% Class III obesity). Major procedural complications were low (1.5%) among all BMI subgroups. At 3 years AF recurrence was the highest in Class III obesity patients (48%) followed by Class II (43%), whereas Class I, normal, and overweight had similar results with lower recurrence (35%). In multivariable analyses, Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40) was independently associated with increased risk for AF recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.30; confidence interval, 1.06–1.60; p = .01), whereas other groups had similar risk in comparison to normal weight. Baseline AFSS was lowest in normal weight, and highest in Obesity‐III, median (interquartile range) 10 (5–16) versus 15 (10–21). In all groups, CA resulted in a significant improvement in their AFSS with a similar magnitude among the groups. At follow‐up, AF burden was minimal and did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionAF ablation is safe with a low complication rate across all BMI groups. Morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40) was significantly associated with reduced AF ablation success. However, ablation resulted in improvement in QoL including reduction of the AFSS, and AF burden regardless of BMI.
“Function follows form”: Role of cardiac magnetic resonance for ventricular arrhythmia risk stratification in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Magnocavallo Michele , Vetta Giampaolo , Polselli Marco , Cauti Filippo Maria , Parlavecchio Antonio , Caminiti Rodolfo , Crea Pasquale , Pannone Luigi , Sorgente Antonio , Chimenti Cristina , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , Rossi Pietro , Natale Andrea , de Asmundis Carlo , Bianchi Stefano , Della Rocca Domenico G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionCardiac involvement is common and may become clinically relevant in approximately 5%–10% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis. Although reduced left ventricular ejection fraction is a recognized predictor of mortality, recent studies have suggested an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and evidence of late gadolinium enhancement‐cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE‐CMR), irrespective of the underlying left ventricular systolic function. We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the correlation between VAs/SCD and presence of LGE‐CMR in CS patients.MethodsWe systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases up to January 2, 2023, for studies enrolling patients with suspected or confirmed CS undergoing LGE‐CMR. Clinical outcomes of interest included clinically relevant VAs, defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, SCD, or aborted SCD during follow‐up. The effect size was estimated using a random‐effect model as risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 14 studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the final analysis. Among 1273 patients, LGE was detected in 465 (36.5%; Group LGE+). Males accounted for 45.2% (95% CI: 40.5%–55.7%) of the total population and the average age was 56.8 (95% CI: 52.7%–60.9) years. A total of 104 (22.3%) of 465 LGE+ patients experienced a clinically relevant VA, compared to 6 (0.7%) of 808 LGE‐ ones. LGE+ was associated with a ninefold increased risk in life‐threatening VAs (22.3% vs. 0.7%; RR = 9.52; 95% CI [5.18–17.49]; p < .0001) compared to patients without LGE (heterogeneity I2 = 0%).ConclusionIn our meta‐analysis, LGE+ in patients with CS was associated with a ninefold increased risk in life‐threatening VAs compared to patients without LGE.
Hyaluronan hydrates and compartmentalises the CNS/PNS extracellular matrix and provides niche environments conducive to the optimisation of neuronal activity
Authors: Melrose James 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe central nervous system/peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) extracellular matrix is a dynamic and highly interactive space‐filling, cell‐supportive, matrix‐stabilising, hydrating entity that creates and maintains tissue compartments to facilitate regional ionic micro‐environments and micro‐gradients that promote optimal neural cellular activity. The CNS/PNS does not contain large supportive collagenous and elastic fibrillar networks but is dominated by a high glycosaminoglycan content, predominantly hyaluronan (HA) and collagen is restricted to the brain microvasculature, blood–brain barrier, neuromuscular junction and meninges dura, arachnoid and pia mater. Chondroitin sulphate‐rich proteoglycans (lecticans) interactive with HA have stabilising roles in perineuronal nets and contribute to neural plasticity, memory and cognitive processes. Hyaluronan also interacts with sialoproteoglycan associated with cones and rods (SPACRCAN) to stabilise the interphotoreceptor matrix and has protective properties that ensure photoreceptor viability and function is maintained. HA also regulates myelination/re‐myelination in neural networks. HA fragmentation has been observed in white matter injury, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. HA fragments (2 × 105 Da) regulate oligodendrocyte precursor cell maturation, myelination/remyelination, and interact with TLR4 to initiate signalling cascades that mediate myelin basic protein transcription. HA and its fragments have regulatory roles over myelination which ensure high axonal neurotransduction rates are maintained in neural networks. Glioma is a particularly invasive brain tumour with extremely high mortality rates. HA, CD44 and RHAMM (receptor for HA‐mediated motility) HA receptors are highly expressed in this tumour. Conventional anti‐glioma drug treatments have been largely ineffective and surgical removal is normally not an option. CD44 and RHAMM glioma HA receptors can potentially be used to target gliomas with PEP‐1, a cell‐penetrating HA‐binding peptide. PEP‐1 can be conjugated to a therapeutic drug; such drug conjugates have successfully treated dense non‐operative tumours in other tissues, therefore similar applications warrant exploration as potential anti‐glioma treatments.image
Short‐term brain atrophy evolution after initiation of immunotherapy in a real‐world multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Nold Ann‐Kathrin , Wittayer Matthias , Weber Claudia E. , Platten Michael , Gass Achim , Eisele Philipp 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeIn multiple sclerosis (MS), brain atrophy measurements have emerged as an important biomarker reflecting neurodegeneration and disability progression. However, due to several potential confounders, investigation of brain atrophy in clinical routine and even in controlled clinical studies can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the short‐term dynamics of brain atrophy development after initiation of disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) in a “real‐world setting.”MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included MS patients starting DMT (natalizumab, fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, or interferon‐ß1a) or without DMT, availability of a baseline MRI, and two annual follow‐up scans on the same MRI system. Two‐timepoint percentage brain volume changes (PBVCs) were calculated.ResultsFifty‐five MS patients (12 patients starting DMT with natalizumab, 7 fingolimod, 14 dimethyl fumarate, 11 interferon‐ß1a, and 11 patients without DMT) were included. We found the highest PBVCs in the first 12 months after initiation of natalizumab treatment. Furthermore, the PBVCs in our study were very much comparable to the results observed by other groups, as well as for fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, and interferon‐ß1a.ConclusionWe found PBVCs that are comparable to the results of previous studies, suggesting that brain atrophy, assessed on 3D MRI data sets acquired on the same 3T MRI, provides a robust MS biomarker.
Feasibility of the McIntyre audit tool for haemodialysis nurses
Authors: McIntyre David , McGuire Amanda , Bonner Ann 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundNurse‐sensitive indicators (NSI) assess the quality of nursing care provided to patients. These indicators assess the structures (supportive measures), processes (nursing actions) and outcomes of care. The McIntyre Audit Tool (MAT) was developed to measure haemodialysis NSIs.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and utility of the MAT in measuring haemodialysis NSIs in clinical practice.DesignMultisite nonrandomized feasibility study.ParticipantsA convenience sample of nurses (n = 30) were recruited from two haemodialysis units in Australia.MeasurementsParticipants completed the MAT once daily for 1 week, to measure the extent the clinical indicators were being met. Feasibility data including utility and acceptability of the tool was collected once from each participant. Data were analysed descriptively.ResultsParticipants completed a total of 97 audits. Results revealed the majority of structural (75%) and process indicators (73%) were being achieved although some variation between sites was observed. Results for the outcome indicators showed more variation (5.9%–94.1). Feasibility results found most nurses (79%) took <5 min to complete the MAT and found the tool easy to use (91.7%). Most participants (83.3%) reported audits could be completed during a shift and auditing was easily implemented (79.2%).ConclusionUse of the MAT in clinical practice is a feasible and acceptable way of auditing the quality of haemodialysis nursing practice. The tool could be used to establish minimum standards and improve the quality of nursing care in haemodialysis units, also enabling benchmarking between services.