bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outer membrane protein assembly mediated by BAM-SurA complexes
Authors: Fenn Katherine L. , Horne Jim E. , Crossley Joel A. , Böhringer Nils , Horne Romany J. , Schäberle Till F. , Calabrese Antonio N. , Radford Sheena E. , Ranson Neil A.
Published: September 2024

The outer membrane is a formidable barrier that protects Gram-negative bacteria against environmental threats. Its integrity requires the correct folding and insertion of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) by the membrane-embedded β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM). Unfolded OMPs are delivered to BAM by the periplasmic chaperone SurA, but how SurA and BAM work together to ensure successful OMP delivery and folding remains unclear. Here, guided by AlphaFold2 models, we use disulphide bond engineering in an attempt to trap SurA in the act of OMP delivery to BAM, and solve cryoEM structures of a series of complexes. The results suggest that SurA binds BAM at its soluble POTRA-1 domain, which may trigger conformational changes in both BAM and SurA that enable transfer of the unfolded OMP to the BAM lateral gate for insertion into the outer membrane. Mutations that disrupt the interaction between BAM and SurA result in outer membrane assembly defects, supporting the key role of SurA in outer membrane biogenesis.
A tunable transition metal dichalcogenide entangled photon-pair source
Authors: Weissflog Maximilian A. , Fedotova Anna , Tang Yilin , Santos Elkin A. , Laudert Benjamin , Shinde Saniya , Abtahi Fatemeh , Afsharnia Mina , Pérez Pérez Inmaculada , Ritter Sebastian , Qin Hao , Janousek Jiri , Shradha Sai , Staude Isabelle , Saravi Sina , Pertsch Thomas , Setzpfandt Frank , Lu Yuerui , Eilenberger Falk
Published: September 2024

Entangled photon-pair sources are at the core of quantum applications like quantum key distribution, sensing, and imaging. Operation in space-limited and adverse environments such as in satellite-based and mobile communication requires robust entanglement sources with minimal size and weight requirements. Here, we meet this challenge by realizing a cubic micrometer scale entangled photon-pair source in a 3R-stacked transition metal dichalcogenide crystal. Its crystal symmetry enables the generation of polarization-entangled Bell states without additional components and provides tunability by simple control of the pump polarization. Remarkably, generation rate and state tuning are decoupled, leading to equal generation efficiency and no loss of entanglement. Combining transition metal dichalcogenides with monolithic cavities and integrated photonic circuitry or using quasi-phasematching opens the gate towards ultrasmall and scalable quantum devices.
Small signal analysis for the characterization of organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Kim Youngseok , Kimpel Joost , Giovannitti Alexander , Müller Christian
Published: September 2024

A method for the characterization of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) based on small signal analysis is presented that allows to determine the electronic mobility as a function of continuous gate potential using a standard two-channel AC potentiostat. Vector analysis in the frequency domain allows to exclude parasitic components in both ionic and electronic conduction regardless of film thickness, thus resulting in a standard deviation as low as 4%. Besides the electronic mobility, small signal analysis of OECTs also provides information about a wide range of other parameters including the conductance, transconductance, conductivity and volumetric capacitance through a single measurement. General applicability of small signal analysis is demonstrated by characterizing devices based on n-type, p-type, and ambipolar materials operating in accumulation or depletion modes. Accurate benchmarking of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors through small signal analysis can be anticipated to guide both materials development and the design of bioelectronic devices.
Suppression of ferroptosis by vitamin A or radical-trapping antioxidants is essential for neuronal development
Authors: Tschuck Juliane , Padmanabhan Nair Vidya , Galhoz Ana , Zaratiegui Carole , Tai Hin-Man , Ciceri Gabriele , Rothenaigner Ina , Tchieu Jason , Stockwell Brent R. , Studer Lorenz , Cabianca Daphne S. , Menden Michael P. , Vincendeau Michelle , Hadian Kamyar
Published: September 2024

The development of functional neurons is a complex orchestration of multiple signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. Because the balance of antioxidants is important for neuronal survival and development, we hypothesized that ferroptosis must be suppressed to gain neurons. We find that removal of antioxidants diminishes neuronal development and laminar organization of cortical organoids, which is fully restored when ferroptosis is inhibited by ferrostatin-1 or when neuronal differentiation occurs in the presence of vitamin A. Furthermore, iron-overload-induced developmental growth defects in C. elegans are ameliorated by vitamin E and A. We determine that all-trans retinoic acid activates the Retinoic Acid Receptor, which orchestrates the expression of anti-ferroptotic genes. In contrast, retinal and retinol show radical-trapping antioxidant activity. Together, our study reveals an unexpected function of vitamin A in coordinating the expression of essential cellular gatekeepers of ferroptosis, and demonstrates that suppression of ferroptosis by radical-trapping antioxidants or by vitamin A is required to obtain mature neurons and proper laminar organization in cortical organoids.
Nucleocapsids of the Rift Valley fever virus ambisense S segment contain an exposed RNA element in the center that overlaps with the intergenic region
Authors: Shalamova Lyudmila , Barth Patrick , Pickin Matthew J. , Kouti Kiriaki , Ott Benjamin , Humpert Katharina , Janssen Stefan , Lorenzo Gema , Brun Alejandro , Goesmann Alexander , Hain Torsten , Hartmann Roland K. , Rossbach Oliver , Weber Friedemann
Published: September 2024

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen. Its RNA genome consists of two negative-sense segments (L and M) with one gene each, and one ambisense segment (S) with two opposing genes separated by the noncoding “intergenic region” (IGR). These vRNAs and the complementary cRNAs are encapsidated by nucleoprotein (N). Using iCLIP2 (individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation) to map all N-vRNA and N-cRNA interactions, we detect N coverage along the L and M segments. However, the S segment vRNA and cRNA each contain approximately 100 non-encapsidated nucleotides stretching from the IGR into the 5’-adjacent reading frame. These exposed regions are RNase-sensitive and predicted to form stem-loop structures with the mRNA transcription termination motif positioned near the top. Moreover, optimal S segment transcription and replication requires the entire exposed region rather than only the IGR. Thus, the RVFV S segment contains a central, non-encapsidated RNA region with a functional role.
Investigating Task Persistence in Preschool Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Formanek Madison , Spaulding Tammie J.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

The present study was designed to investigate persistence in preschool children with developmental language disorder (DLD) compared to similar-age peers with typical language (TL) on tasks designed to be moderately challenging, yet equivalent in difficulty for both groups.

Method:

Sixteen preschool-age children with DLD were matched to 16 children with TL based on chronological age, biological sex, and maternal education. The children completed two play-based tasks that were designed to elicit some success but impossible to complete. Task persistence was measured by the total time spent attempting to complete each unachievable task.

Results:

Despite equivalent task difficulty for both groups, the children with DLD exhibited less persistence than the TL group. This reduced persistence behavior on the part of the DLD group was a generalized and not a task-specific response.

Conclusions:

Despite experiencing the same degree of success on moderately challenging play-based tasks, the children in the DLD group exhibited reduced task persistence relative to the TL group. Potential implications for reduced persistence for children with DLD are discussed.
Grete Hermann’s ethical philosophy of physics
Authors: Reichenberger Andrea
Published: September 2024

The case of a pioneering woman physicist and philosopher illustrates that we must look beyond hagiography to gain an accurate picture of the history of quantum physics.
Solving quantum chemistry problems on quantum computers
Authors: Liegener Klaus , Morsch Oliver , Pupillo Guido
Published: September 2024

One of the earliest applications that the new era of computing may be used for is the simulation of the quantum effects that drive chemical reactions.
A titanium:sapphire laser on a chip
Authors: Sieben Jennifer
Published: September 2024

The miniaturized laser has a lowered output power suited for many applications without sacrificing stability and tunability.
Q&A: Rebecca Smethurst, black hole researcher and YouTube star
Authors: Means Hannah H.
Published: September 2024

Dr. Becky aims to shrink the gender imbalance in the viewership of her astronomy videos.
Floral biology, pollinators and breeding system of Passiflora chrysophylla (Passifloraceae), a South American passion vine
Authors: Amela García María T.
Published: September 2024

Context Knowledge of the reproductive biology of plants is fundamental for conservation, especially of the ones with a limited distribution. Aims The sexual reproduction of the small-ranged Passiflora chrysophylla Chod. was studied. Methods Controlled pollinations were performed to assess the breeding system, whereas floral traits and visitors (identity, frequency, activity on the flowers, dimensions and pollen load) were analysed to assess the pollination mechanism. Key results Self-compatibility was partial. Anthesis was matinal. The odour emitted by the corona was sweet, whereas the odour emitted by the persistent sepals and bracts was similar to that of the leaves. Contrasting concentric circular reward guides were present in the visible and UV spectra. Nectar concentration was high, the volume increased throughout anthesis and, if removed, nectar was replenished only once during the flower lifespan. Style movements towards the anthers determined male and hermaphroditic phases in most of the flowers; in a few flowers (smaller, scented and nectarless), styles remained apart from the anthers, thus constituting a functionally andromonecious and deceptive automimicry system. The bees Ptiloglossa sp., Thygater analis and Xylocopa augusti acted as pollinators, whereas ants, butterflies and beetles were nectar or pollen thieves and florivores. Conclusions P. chrysophylla is melittophilous and pollinators increase reproductive success. Implications Pollination biology of P. chrysophylla, reported for the first time, would contribute to conservation management of this species with restricted distribution.
Investigating the combined effects of β-sitosterol and biochar on nutritional value and drought tolerance in Phaseolus vulgaris under drought stress
Authors: Fakhr Marwa A. , Abu-Elsaoud Abdelghafar M. , Alharbi Khadiga , Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Soliman Mona H.
Published: September 2024

Climate change-induced drought stress decreases crop productivity, but the application of β-sitosterol (BS) and biochar (BC) boosts crop growth and yield. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of the alone and combined application of BS and BC on the growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris under drought stress. The synergistic application of BS and BC increased plant height (46.9 cm), shoot dry weight (6.9 g/pot), and root dry weight (2.5 g/pot) of P. vulgaris plants under drought stress. The trend of applied treatments for photosynthetic rate remained as BC (15%) < BS (28%) < BC + BS (32%), compared to drought-stressed control. Similarly, the trend of applied treatments for water use efficiency was BS < BC < BC + BS, compared to drought stress control. The levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide were reduced by the combined application of BS and BC under drought stress, measuring at 22.8 and 66.4 μmol/g fresh weight, respectively. The combined use of BS and BC significantly alleviated drought stress more than when applied individually. Thus, employing BS and BC together as key agents in drought-stressed common bean plants could promote resilience, fostering growth amid ongoing climate change.
Glycoside hydrolases reveals their differential role in response to drought and salt stress in potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Aiana   , Chauhan Hanny , Singh Kashmir
Published: September 2024

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are important in metabolic processes involving diverse carbohydrate-based substances found inside plant tissues. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are rich in starchy carbohydrates, suggesting the role of GHs in their metabolic pathways. In this study, we examine the GH superfamily in potato where 366 potential GHs were identified using a similarity search method. Genes were subjected to further characterisation to gain insights into their structural composition, functional properties and distribution patterns across tissue types. Several in silico methodologies were also employed to investigate the physicochemical features, conserved motifs, chromosomal mapping, duplication events, syntenic links with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), subcellular localisations, secondary structures and phylogenetic relationships. Cis-elements in StGHs revealed that the promoters of StGHs contain cis-elements that are responsive to phytohormones that are involved in plant growth and development, and are associated with stress responses. RNA-seq data identified significant changes in expression levels of GH16, GH17, GH18, GH19 and GH28 members under stress conditions. Expression patterns of several GHs were confirmed using real time quantitative PCR in response to stress. StGH16.24 expression increased after 3 days of drought stress, whereas StGH16.30 continuously increased under salt stress. Potential interactions between potato miRNAs and StGH revealed 393 and 627 interactions under drought and salt stress, respectively. Our findings offer insights into specific functions of GHs in diverse developmental stages and stress-related challenges in potato and other plants.
Changes in the fish assemblages along the Busselton Jetty, and a comparison with natural habitats
Authors: Scanlon Madeleine S. , Harvey Euan S. , Parker Jack R. C. , Mullins Isabella M. , Teede Sophie A. , Saunders Benjamin J.
Published: September 2024

Context In Western Australia, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is a popular tourism, fishing and diving destination renowned for its unique marine communities. Aims This research describes and quantifies the fish assemblages (mean number of individuals, species diversity and biomass) at the Busselton Jetty, and makes comparisons with natural habitats in Geographe Bay. Methods Diver-operated stereo-video systems filmed 25-m transects along the length of the jetty, and a remotely operated vehicle stereo-video filmed 25-m transects in nearby reef, seagrass and sand habitats. Fish at all habitats were counted, identified and measured. Results Fish assemblages at the defined inshore, mid-shore and offshore zones of the jetty differed significantly, whereas the number of fish, species diversity and biomass increased with distance from shore. There was no measurable effect of protection within the small sanctuary zone at the end of the jetty. Fish assemblages at the jetty differed from those in all three natural habitats, and the number of fish, species diversity and biomass were highest at the natural reef, followed by the jetty, the seagrass and the sand habitats. Conclusions The Busselton Jetty supports a distinctive fish assemblage, high species diversity and a variety of benthic communities. Changes in the fish assemblages were attributed to differences in habitat type, complexity, depth and distance from shore. Implications The ecological and social benefits of future man-made marine structures can be optimised by incorporating design features that promote habitat diversity and complexity.
High-performance GaSb planar PN junction detector
Authors: Cui Yuanzhi , Hao Hongyue , Zhang Shihao , Wang Shuo , Zhang Jing , Shan Yifan , Xie Ruoyu , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Chuang , Liu Mengchen , Jiang Dongwei , Xu Yingqiang , Wang Guowei , Wu Donghai , Niu Zhichuan , Cao Derang
Published: September 2024

This paper examines GaSb short-wavelength infrared detectors employing planar PN junctions. The fabrication was based on the Zn diffusion process and the diffusion temperature was optimized. Characterization revealed a 50% cut-off wavelength of 1.73 μm, a maximum detectivity of 8.73 × 1010 cm·Hz1/2/W, and a minimum dark current density of 1.02 × 10−5 A/cm2. Additionally, a maximum quantum efficiency of 60.3% was achieved. Subsequent optimization of fabrication enabled the realization of a 320 × 256 focal plane array that exhibited satisfactory imaging results. Remarkably, the GaSb planar detectors demonstrated potential in low-cost short wavelength infrared imaging, without requiring material epitaxy or deposition.
Analysis of mixed electroosmotic and shear-driven flow in a microchannel under external magnetic field and Hall effect
Authors: Sourav Smruti , Banerjee Debanjan , Pati Sukumar , Biswas Pankaj
Published: September 2024

The present study investigates the flow characteristics for a combined electroosmotic and shear-driven flow of a Newtonian fluid under the influence of a magnetic field applied normally to the direction of the applied electric field with Hall current effect. The upper wall moves in the direction of the flow, whereas, the lower wall moves either in the opposite direction or the same direction of the flow. Mathematical expressions have been obtained in dimensionless form for the electrical potential distribution of the electrical double layer (EDL) and the velocity distribution after analytically solving the Poisson-Boltzmann and momentum equations. The flow velocity shows a non-monotonic trend with a maximum value towards the upper wall. The decrementing effect of the EDL thickness on the flow velocity becomes prominent towards the upper wall. Similarly, the decrementing effect of the Hartmann number on the flow velocity and the incrementing effect of the Hall parameter on the flow velocity becomes reasonable towards the centerline. In fact, the influence of all the parameters on the flow velocity becomes noticeable when the walls of the microchannel move in the similar direction.
Experimental analysis of Solid particle erosion on SS 410 stainless steel
Authors: Kumar Mukund , Kumar Satish
Published: September 2024

In the present investigation, the erosion wear of SS 410 stainless steel grade was evaluated under impact angles (300 - 900) and impact velocities (60-100 m/s) of erodent using a air jet erosion tester. Fly ash with particle sizes ranging from 75-100 microns was used as the erodent. Mass loss of each sample was measured to provide a reliable estimation of how much material was lost under the conditions. The highest erosion value occurs at 300 impact angle and 100 m/s impact velocity for SS 410. The characterization of the eroded samples was carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of surface morphology. Pits, craters, and plastic deformation mechanisms were predominant at high impact angles (90°) compared to micro-cutting, ploughing, and lips at low impact angles (30°).
Parameters optimization investigation on Non-Centrifugal Cane Sugar (NCCS) unit for jaggery processing
Authors: Abdul Razack Mohammad , Prasad VVS , Vadapalli Srinivas , Nagaraju Dora
Published: September 2024

The experimental investigation has been conducted on a non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCCS) unit using an annular cooking bowl (ACB), a heat recovery unit, and food-graded heat transfer fluid (FHTF). The heat recovery unit makes up a spiral fin tube heat exchanger in a crossflow direction. The experiments involved varying the hot air inlet temperature from 450°C, 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C with a constant FHTF mass flow rate of 20 lpm. During experiments, the temperatures of sugar cane juice, the inner bowl surface at various locations, and the HTF outlet with time are measured. Results show that the inner bowl surface temperature of 118°C with Total Soluble Solvents (TSS) of 85°Brix value was achieved in 7680 s when the hot air inlet supply was 600°C, a minimum value compared to other cases. An orthogonal array of Taguchi, the signal-to-noise ratio, analysis of variance, and regression analysis have been employed to find the optimal parameter values and the effect of parameters on the duration of boiling time. More assertive response prediction and a good fit of the model with the experimental data are indicated by the boiling time duration’s coefficient of determination (R2), which is 97.57% using Analysis of variance method. According to Taguchi’s study, the optimum parameter values are 600°C, 20 lpm for the hot air inlet, and the FHTF mass flow rate, in that order. ANOVA and regression testing were also performed to determine which inflow parameter was the most important among the parameters employed.
Characterising the transdisciplinary challenge in the development of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods – what do emerging innovations tell us?
Authors: Cheng C , Ekambaram A
Published: September 2024

Accelerating decarbonization in the built environment is imperative for a sustainable future. Innovative building concepts on a neighbourhood scale present promising potential to revolutionise how buildings can be designed, built and operated in different climate zones that can bring about a significant decarbonization in the built environment. However, this potential can only be unleashed if a broad range of knowledge and understandings – both technical and non-technical – can be skilfully combined. Yet, such projects are often confronted with a transdisciplinary challenge that is inevitable and inherent. This paper characterises the transdisciplinary challenge in the development of four proofs-of-concept of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPENs) in four European countries. It adopts the qualitative research method capturing emerging innovations as practices to position the empirical lens close to what actors do to address the transdisciplinary challenge. The contribution of this paper is to better understand the transdisciplinary challenge that can slow down the uptake of the SPEN concept in the built environment. The paper ends with some suggestions for overcoming the transdisciplinary challenge in the development of neighbourhood scale building projects to unlock its positive effects.
Rethinking Safety Indicators in the Norwegian Construction Industry
Authors: Pilskog Orvik Casper , Albrechtsen Eirik , Angvik Markus , Sæther Mareno , Holen Siri
Published: September 2024

The construction industry is known for being accident-prone, and it experiences a high number of occupational hazards and workplace incidents. This sector is characterized by fragmentation and temporariness, with high technical and organizational complexity which impacts the safety. A measure of safety often relates to this reactive nature of historical events such as accidents and incidents. Despite widespread recognition of their limitations, the Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) and Lost-Time Injury Rate (LTIR) remain the predominant (lagging) safety indicators in the Norwegian construction industry. However, criticisms regarding their statistical insensitivity, neglect of severity, and vulnerability to manipulation persist. This paper explores the paradox of these lagging indicators’ popularity, examining their role and the industry’s reliance on them in light of known deficiencies and criticism. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen key actors from clients and contractors of varying degrees in size, both private and public, to gain insights into the context and the current use of these lagging indicators. The results show that the stakeholders have collectively expressed their desire to move towards including a more proactive set of safety indicators. Learning from incidents and near misses and fostering organizational learning through enhanced communication are seen as relevant for more proactive safety measurement. Additionally, to meet the challenges in the context of increasing societal challenges, complexity, and uncertainty it is important to understand performance levels better. However, the research also emphasizes the retained relevance of incident measures, suggesting a nuanced balance between proactive and reactive indicators for overall safety performance measurements. The study highlights the need for the construction industry to move beyond traditional safety measures and embrace a performance-driven approach under complex conditions.
Prediction of project activity delays caused by variation orders: a machine-learning approach
Authors: Muntasir Nishat Mirza , Magnussen Neraas Sander , Marsov Andrei , Olsson Nils O.E.
Published: September 2024

Project activity delays caused by variation orders (VOs) can compromise the achievement of timely project completion. Previous research on machine learning (ML) applications for delay predictions has mainly been concerned with delays on a whole project level, whereas predictions of delays in individual project activities have received less attention. This study is a pilot study to investigate how data from large project databases can be used for an ML analysis. The application is aimed at providing early warnings of delays related to VOs in construction projects. The study was performed following typical ML model development steps including data collection, data preprocessing, model training, and testing. A compound dataset was retrieved from project-planning software utilised in a large project. Four pilot tree-based ML models, namely, Decision Tree, Random Forest, AdaBoost, and Gradient Boosting, were trained and tested on a pre-processed dataset comprising 11194 activities. The overall best-performing model was Random Forest with 92.7% and 91.8% recall on DELAYED START and DELAYED FINISH, respectively. By emphasizing that project participants’ competency and personal accountability might influence the timely implementation of scope adjustments, these findings advance the field of project management research. An approach like the use of tree-based ML algorithms is applicable for analyses of individual activities in other construction projects. Considering the capability of ML algorithms to capture complex interconnections in raw data extracted from project-planning software, further development of such ML models will enable the establishment of an AI-based Early Warning System (EWS) that can flag potential delays caused by VO requests.
Closing the gap between good intentions and realized potential of end-user involvement
Authors: Åsgård Tina , Jørgensen Lene , Breistrand Bringsvor Heidi
Published: September 2024

Hospital building projects are highly complex and involve many different stakeholders. The physical lay-out of a hospital will affect the ability of healthcare personnel to perform their work and have consequences for patient safety, hence the involvement of end-users is crucial for project success. The inclusion and translation of perspectives and needs of end-users require a well-organized project planning process, with end-user involvement at every stage. However, earlier studies on end-user involvement are primarily based on the perspectives of designers, architects, contractors, facility and/or hospital management. This paper explores end-user involvement in a hospital building process from the end-user perspective in order to identify what barriers end-users face and concrete measures to overcome them. Data stems from interviews with 37 end-users of a hospital building project in Norway. The findings indicate that clarifying the role and level of end-user involvement, introducing a more agile and less fragmented project development strategy, interdisciplinary team building, and facilitation of input and feedback into project groups, are areas that can improve the value added by end-user involvement.
Research on blind reversible database watermarking algorithm based on dual embedding strategy
Authors: Qi Wenfa , Li Cheng , Han Xinhui
Published: September 2024

Massive databases encounter security such as data theft, illegal copying, and copyright infringement during creating, transmitting, and sharing of big data. The reversible data watermarking technology can effectively solve these problems, which can extract the watermark information accurately and recover the original carrier data without any distortion. However, most existing methods extract watermark information non-blindly and cannot effectively achieve a balance between watermark embedding capacity and data distortion. This paper proposes a blind reversible database watermarking method based on dual embedding, which combines histogram shifting and distortion-free watermarking methods to achieve an adaptive selection of histogram bins, blind extraction of watermark information, and carrier data recovery. The proposed method preprocesses the database tuples by scrambling them and constructs a prediction error histogram using first-layer tuples in square prediction within each group. The watermark information is embedded through adaptive selection and expansion of histogram bins, while the distortion-free watermarking method is used in another layer to assist in the recovery of original carrier data. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve an embedding capacity of more than three times the capacity of existing methods. It can also achieve blind watermark extraction and outperform some other state-of-the-art methods.
Sex-specific prediction of cardiogenic shock after acute coronary syndromes: the SEX-SHOCK score
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zeller Marianne , Auffret Vincent , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Räber Lorenz , Roffi Marco , Templin Christian , Muller Olivier , Liberale Luca , Ministrini Stefano , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Stellos Konstantinos , Camici Giovanni G , Montecucco Fabrizio , Rickli Hans , Maza Maud , Radovanovic Dragana , Cottin Yves , Chague Frédéric , Niederseer David , Lüscher Thomas F , Kraler Simon
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains the primary cause of in-hospital death after acute coronary syndromes (ACS), with its plateauing mortality rates approaching 50%. To test novel interventions, personalized risk prediction is essential. The ORBI (Observatoire Régional Breton sur l’Infarctus) score represents the first-of-its-kind risk score to predict in-hospital CS in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, its sex-specific performance remains unknown, and refined risk prediction strategies are warranted.

Methods

This multinational study included a total of 53 537 ACS patients without CS on admission undergoing PCI. Following sex-specific evaluation of ORBI, regression and machine-learning models were used for variable selection and risk prediction. By combining best-performing models with highest-ranked predictors, SEX-SHOCK was developed, and internally and externally validated.

Results

The ORBI score showed lower discriminative performance for the prediction of CS in females than males in Swiss (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [95% confidence interval]: 0.78 [0.76–0.81] vs. 0.81 [0.79–0.83]; P =.048) and French ACS patients (0.77 [0.74–0.81] vs. 0.84 [0.81–0.86]; P = .002). The newly developed SEX-SHOCK score, now incorporating ST-segment elevation, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and left ventricular ejection fraction, outperformed ORBI in both sexes (females: 0.81 [0.78–0.83]; males: 0.83 [0.82–0.85]; P < .001), which prevailed following internal and external validation in RICO (females: 0.82 [0.79–0.85]; males: 0.88 [0.86–0.89]; P < .001) and SPUM-ACS (females: 0.83 [0.77–0.90], P = .004; males: 0.83 [0.80–0.87], P = .001).

Conclusions

The ORBI score showed modest sex-specific performance. The novel SEX-SHOCK score provides superior performance in females and males across the entire spectrum of ACS, thus providing a basis for future interventional trials and contemporary ACS management.
Deep extragalactic H i survey of the COSMOS field with FAST
Authors: Pan Hengxing , Jarvis Matt J , Zhu Ming , Ma Yin-Zhe , Santos Mario G , Ponomareva Anastasia A , Heywood Ian , Jing Yingjie , Xu Chen , Liu Ziming , Chandola Yogesh , Jing Yipeng
Published: September 2024

We present a deep H i survey at L band conducted with the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) over the COSMOS field. This survey is strategically designed to overlap with the MIGHTEE COSMOS field, aiming to combine the sensitivity of the FAST and high-resolution of the MeerKAT. We observed the field with FAST for approximately 11 hours covering ${\sim} 2$ square degrees, and reduced the raw data to H i spectral cubes over the frequency range 1310–1420 MHz. The FAST-H i data reach a median 3$\sigma$ column density of $N_{\rm {H\,{{\small I}}}} \sim 2\times 10^{17}$ cm$^{-2}$ over a ${\sim} 5\, {\rm km}\, {\rm s}^{-1}$ channel width, allowing for studies of the distribution of H i gas in various environments, such as in galaxies, the Circum-Galactic Medium (CGM) and Intergalactic Medium (IGM). We visually searched the spectral cubes for H i sources, and found a total of 80 H i detections, of which 56 have been cross-matched with the MIGHTEE-H i catalogue. With the cross-matched sources, we compare their H i masses and find that the total H i mass fraction in the IGM and CGM surrounding the galaxy pairs is statistically higher than the H i fraction surrounding the isolated galaxies by a difference of ${\sim} 13\pm 4$ per cent, indicating that the CGM and IGM associated with interacting systems are richer in neutral hydrogen compared to those around isolated galaxies in the local Universe. We also describe several FAST-MeerKAT synergy projects, highlighting the full potential of exploiting both single-dish and interferometric observations to study the distribution and evolution of the diffuse H i gas.
Establishment of a 241Am gamma calibration field based on international standards and its conversion coefficients
Authors: Tsuji Tomoya , Yoshitomi Hiroshi , Kowatari Munehiko , Tanimura Yoshihiko
Published: September 2024

A 241Am gamma (γ)-ray calibration field that meets the requirements for a γ-ray reference field as specified in the ISO 4037 standard series was established in the Facility of Radiation Standards of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. The reference air kerma rates were measured using a reference ionization chamber calibrated by the N-80 quality X-ray calibration field of the national metrology standard in Japan and with a correction to account for differences in photon energy due to the calibration field. Conversion coefficients for the 241Am γ-ray calibration field, including those not listed in the ISO 4037 standard series, were calculated based on the measured γ-ray fluence rate spectra.
Altered brain activity associated with premature ejaculation improved by electroacupuncture in rats
Authors: Wu Ning , Chen Jian-huai , Wang Tong , Yang Bai-bing , Xing Si-yan , Gao Song-zhan , Ni Da-wei , Du Guang-jun , Song Tao , Han You-feng , Sun Guo-hai , Gao Qing-qiang , Xu Chun-lu , Dai Yu-tian
Published: September 2024

Background

Premature ejaculation (PE) is linked with abnormal brain activity that is modifiable by electroacupuncture (EA).

Aim

In this study we aimed to explore the central pathological mechanism underlying EA in treating PE.

Methods

Six-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into a PE group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 8) according to ejaculatory frequency during copulatory behavior. All rats underwent EA at the Zusanli acupoint (ST-36) for 4 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging data were collected before and after EA.

Outcomes

The behavioral parameters, plasma norepinephrine levels, fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were evaluated.

Results

The PE group ejaculated more times with shorter latency compared with controls. After EA, the ejaculation frequency of the PE group decreased, and the ejaculation latency period increased, with no changes observed in the control group. Norepinephrine levels were higher in the PE group than in the controls and were positively correlated with ejaculation frequency and negatively correlated with ejaculation latency. The PE group showed lower fALFF in the right striatum and higher ReHo in the brainstem compared with controls. After EA, controls showed decreased fALFF in the right striatum, left olfactory bulb, and dorsal fornix and increased ReHo in the right interpeduncular nucleus, as well as decreased ReHo in the left striatum, prelimbic system, right basal forebrain region, septal region, and olfactory bulb, while the model group exhibited increased fALFF in the right hypothalamic region, decreased fALFF in the left globus pallidum and right basal forebrain region and increased ReHo in the right interpeduncular nucleus, as well as decreased ReHo in the left striatum, olfactory bulb, basal forebrain region, dentate gyrus, right dysgranular insular cortex, and striatum. Compared with the controls after EA, the model group showed increased ReHo of the right hypothalamic region and decreased ReHo of the right dysgranular insular cortex.

Clinical Implications

These findings might enhance the understanding of PE and contribute to new, targeted therapies for PE.

Strengths and Limitations

The therapeutic effects might be achieved by EA inhibiting the activity in brain regions involved in ejaculatory behavior. However, the curative effect of acupuncture might be underestimated due to some curative effects of sham acupuncture used in the control group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ejaculatory frequency of rats may be reduced and ejaculation latency could be extended by EA at ST-36, which might be achieved by the effects of this treatment on brain activity.
The neuronal biomarker NSE correlates with the volume of lung contusion in polytraumatized patients
Authors: Rix Anna Carola , Störmann Philipp , Vollrath Jan Tilmann , Hörauf Jason-Alexander , Eichler Kathrin , Marzi Ingo , Schindler Cora Rebecca
Published: September 2024

Background

Severe injuries caused by accidents, like traumatic brain injury (TBI) or thoracic trauma (TT) continue to be the leading cause of death in younger people with relevant socio-economic impact. Fast and targeted diagnostics is essential for further therapy decisions and prognosis. The following study investigates NSE as a potential biomarker for lung injury after blunt TT.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a level-1 trauma center from 2014 to 2020. Serum levels of Neuron-specific Enolase (NSE) and Interleukins (IL-6, IL-10) in injured patients (n = 41) with isolated TT (AISthorax ≥ 3) compared to isolated TBI (AIShead ≥ 3) were assessed from day 0 to 5 after trauma. The extend of lung injury was quantified by Hounsfield scale in CT scans.

Results

30 patients with TT (ISSmed = 20, age 50y ± 17, 83,3% male) and 11 patients with TBI (ISSmed = 25, age 54y ± 17,27,3% male) were included. After TT, NSE concentration increased initially after trauma with a peak value on the day of admission (8.51 ± 3.68 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (4.51 ± 1.504 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Isolated thoracic trauma and TBI lead to equally strong NSE release ad the day of admission. There is a significant linear relationship (r = 0.636, p = 0.035) between serum NSE levels and severity of pulmonary contusion at the time of admission and after 24 hours.

Conclusion

A significant NSE release after isolated thoracic trauma peaks on the day of admission. The extent of lung contusion volume (defined as alveolar parenchymal density) correlates with NSE serum concentration. Thus, NSE has predictive value for the extent of pulmonary contusion. However, according to these data, NSE seems to have no diagnostic value as a TBI biomarker in concomitant TT.
Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Critical Role of Macrophage Epsin in Regulating Origin of Foam Cell in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Arulsamy Kulandaisamy , Cui Kui , Gao Xinlei , Voronova Anna , Chen Kaifu , Chen Hong
Published: September 2024

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat and lipid molecules, leading to the formation of foam cells and plaques in arterial walls. Dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), fibroblast, endothelial cells, and macrophages is often associated with this pathology. We found that epsins accelerate atherosclerosis progression in individuals on a Western diet (WD). Using ApoE-deficient (ApoE-/-) and macrophage-specific epsin deletion in ApoE-/-backgrounds (LysM-DKO/ApoE-/-) mice fed a WD for 16 weeks, we observed significantly reduced foam cell formation in LysM-DKO/ApoE-/-mice compared to ApoE-/-mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified 20 major cell types, including seven VSMC and five macrophage subtypes. Among the VSMC subtypes, modulating VSMC1 was involved in inflammation and migration, while modulating VSMC2 was associated with VSMC phenotype switching. In atherosclerotic mice, populations of modulating VSMC1, VSMC2, foamy-Trem2, and inflammatory macrophages increased, but significantly decreased in epsin-deficient mice. Modulating VSMC2 transition into macrophages occurred with a probability of 0.57 in ApoE-/-mice, compared to 0.01 in LysM-DKO/ApoE-/-mice. Epsin deletion also reversed endothelial dysfunction and downregulated cholesterol and glucose-mediated signals, as well as inflammatory ligands Il1b and C1qa. Our findings suggest that epsin deletion reduces foam cell formation and rewires VSMC and endothelial functions, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.
Target Identification Under High Levels of Amplitude, Size, Orientation and Background Uncertainty
Authors: Oluk Can , Geisler Wilson S.
Published: September 2024

Many natural tasks require the visual system to classify image patches accurately into target categories, including the category of no target. Natural target categories often involve high levels of within-category variability (uncertainty), making it challenging to uncover the underlying computational mechanisms. Here, we describe these tasks as identification from a set of exhaustive, mutually exclusive target categories, each partitioned into mutually exclusive subcategories. We derive the optimal decision rule and present a computational method to simulate performance for moderately large and complex tasks. We focus on the detection of an additive wavelet target in white noise with five dimensions of stimulus uncertainty: target amplitude, orientation, scale, background contrast, and spatial pattern. We compare the performance of the ideal observer with various heuristic observers. We find that a properly normalized heuristic MAX observer (SNN-MAX) approximates optimal performance. We also find that a convolutional neural network trained on this task approaches but does not reach optimal performance, even with extensive training.

We measured human performance on a task with three of these dimensions of uncertainty (orientation, scale, and background pattern). Results show that the pattern of hits and correct rejections for the ideal and SNN-MAX observers (but not a simple MAX observer) aligns with the data. Additionally, we measured performance under low uncertainty (without scale and orientation uncertainty) and found that the effect of uncertainty on the performance is smaller than any of the models predicted. This smaller-than-expected effect can largely be explained by including biologically plausible levels of intrinsic position uncertainty.

Precis

We describe target identification tasks in terms of mutually exclusive categories and subcategories and derive the optimal decision rule. Simulations of ideal and heuristic observers were compared to human data under high and low levels of extrinsic uncertainty.
Engineering asymmetric nanoscale lipid vesicles for drug delivery
Authors: Yang Chenjing , Menge Julian , Zhvania Nene , Chen Dong , Weitz David A. , Jahnke Kevin
Published: September 2024

The delivery of therapeutics to cells enables both the treatment and the prevention of diseases. To protect therapeutics from degradation and enable cell-specific targeting, they are often encapsulated into drug delivery vehicles such as lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors or lipid vesicles. These delivery vehicles have been extremely successful in delivering small molecules, nucleic acids or proteins. However, there is no universal drug delivery vehicle that can deliver therapeutics irrespective of the choice of cargo. Here, we present a method to engineer lipid vesicles with asymmetric leaflets and show that they can deliver mRNA and proteins to cells. We also find that the leaflet asymmetry can increase the lipid vesicle uptake by cells. When we load asymmetric vesicles with mRNA, we observe a 5-fold increase in the transfection efficiency indicative of an improved uptake and release by asymmetric vesicles. Moreover, our findings extend beyond mRNA cargos by showcasing the effectiveness of asymmetric vesicles in delivering a wide range of proteins to cells, including the promising CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Our method and findings expand the parameter space for engineering drug delivery vehicles and demonstrate the pivotal role of leaflet asymmetry in determining the performance of drug delivery vehicles. Consequently, our work leads to many applications, including the formation of more efficient universal drug carriers and the delivery of gene-editing proteins to cells.
Structural mechanism of FusB-mediated rescue from fusidic acid inhibition of protein synthesis
Authors: González-López Adrián , Ge Xueliang , Larsson Daniel S.D. , Sanyal Suparna , Selmer Maria
Published: September 2024

Antibiotic resistance protein FusB rescues protein synthesis from inhibition by fusidic acid (FA), which locks elongation factor G (EF-G) to the ribosome after GTP hydrolysis. Here, we present time-resolved single-particle cryo-EM structures explaining the mechanism of FusB-mediated rescue. FusB binds to the FA-trapped EF-G on the ribosome, causing large-scale conformational changes of EF-G that break ribosome interactions. This leads to dissociation of EF-G from the ribosome, followed by FA release. We also observe two independent binding sites of FusB on the classical-state ribosome, overlapping with the binding site of EF-G to each of the ribosomal subunits, yet not inhibiting tRNA delivery. Our results reveal an intricate resistance mechanism involving specific interactions of FusB with both EF-G and the ribosome, and a non-canonical release pathway of EF-G.
Dissecting reversible and irreversible single cell state transitions from gene regulatory networks
Authors: Ramirez Daniel A. , Lu Mingyang
Published: September 2024

Understanding cell state transitions and their governing regulatory mechanisms remains one of the fundamental questions in biology. We develop a computational method, state transition inference using cross-cell correlations (STICCC), for predicting reversible and irreversible cell state transitions at single-cell resolution by using gene expression data and a set of gene regulatory interactions. The method is inspired by the fact that the gene expression time delays between regulators and targets can be exploited to infer past and future gene expression states. From applications to both simulated and experimental single-cell gene expression data, we show that STICCC-inferred vector fields capture basins of attraction and irreversible fluxes. By connecting regulatory information with systems’ dynamical behaviors, STICCC reveals how network interactions influence reversible and irreversible state transitions. Compared to existing methods that infer pseudotime and RNA velocity, STICCC provides complementary insights into the gene regulation of cell state transitions.