bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No-go theorems for hairy black holes in scalar- or vector-tensor-Gauss–Bonnet theory
Authors: Matsumoto Satoshi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we show a no-go theorem for static spherically symmetric black holes with vector hair in Einstein-Λ-Vector-Tensor-Gauss–Bonnet theory where a complex vector field non-minimally couples with Gauss–Bonnet invariant. For this purpose, we expand metric functions and radial functions of a vector field around the event horizon, and substitute the expansions into equations of motion. Demanding that the equations of motion are satisfied in each order, we show that the complex vector field vanishes on the event horizon. Moreover, when the event horizon is degenerated, it is also implied that the complex vector field vanishes on and outside the horizon. In addition, we study the case in which the vector field non-minimally couples extra, and examine the no-hair theorem with different coupling functions.
Voice coil motor-driven multi-DOF compliant parallel micropositioning stage based on a large range beam-based spherical hinge and fully symmetrical layout
Authors: Chen Yunzhuang , Lai Leijie , Fang Yu , Zhu Limin
Published: July 2023

With the recent rapid developments in the field of precision engineering, demand for the large range multi-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) micropositioning stage has increased significantly. In this paper, to solve the problems of small motion range, local stress concentration, and low motion accuracy caused by the parasitic motion of the traditional flexure hinge in the multi-DOF micropositioning stage, we first propose a type of large-range beam-based flexure spherical hinge (BFSH). Subsequently, based on the proposed BFSH, a large range 3-DOF θxθyz spatial micropositioning stage driven by the voice coil motor is designed employing parallel branch chains and a fully symmetrical layout. This arrangement realizes theoretical motion decoupling in structural design. Furthermore, we use the geometric method to derive kinematic equations of the moving platform, which are used as the decoupling matrix of the control loop. Based on the compliance matrix method and Lagrange’s method, the compliance matrix model of the BFSH, the 3-DOF micropositioning stage, and the stage dynamic model are determined respectively. Additionally, finite element analysis and experimental tests are conducted to verify the accuracy of the analytical model and assess the static and dynamic performance of the designed 3-DOF stage. Moreover, a fractional order phase advanced proportional integral controller is designed for closed-loop control to track the sinusoidal trajectory and spherical trajectory. The results reveal that the stage can achieve the desired large workspace of ± 21.5 mrad × ± 20.3 mrad × ± 3.23 mm, as well as excellent decoupling and trajectory tracking performance.
Improvement of VMD for anomalous collision disturbance based on nonlinear l
1/2 norm
Authors: Han Baokun , Yao Shunxiang , Zhang Zongzhen , Wang Jinrui , Yang Zujie , Ma Hao , Xing Shuo , Wei Yongchang
Published: July 2023

Variational mode decomposition (VMD) is widely used in the fault diagnosis of rotating equipment. The kurtosis index is typically utilized as the objective function to determine the optimal decomposition mode in conventional VMD. However, kurtosis is easily interfered with by abnormal impact signals, seriously affecting the accuracy of VMD in the fault extraction process. Therefore, the instability of the kurtosis index for anomalous disturbances should be addressed. In addition, the number of modal decompositions

K

and the penalty factor

α

are not wisely selected, exerting a significant influence on the decomposition effect of VMD. In this study, we propose an enhanced method for fault diagnosis of rotating machineries under abnormal impact interference, namely the improved nonlinear VMD method based on the l
1/2 norm (INVL). Initially, we employ the whale optimization algorithm to optimize the combination of parameters [

K
,
α

] with the aim of achieving the most favorable decomposition outcomes. Subsequently, the decomposed modes undergo preprocessing using the nonlinear tanh function to mitigate the impact of amplitude shocks. Furthermore, we utilize the sparse l
1/2 norm to select fault feature components, thereby evaluating the sparse distribution of modes. The modes exhibiting the lowest l
1/2-norm values are chosen for information reconstruction and envelope analysis. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, we conduct simulations and experimental verifications. The results demonstrate that the INVL method effectively suppresses abnormal shocks and successfully extracts bearing fault features in the presence of anomalous collision disturbances.
Recent research trends in textile-based temperature sensors: a mini review
Authors: Ha Heebo , Suryaprabha Thirumalaisamy , Choi Chunghyeon , Chandio Zubair Ahmed , Kim Byungjin , Lim Sooman , Cheong Jun Young , Hwang Byungil
Published: July 2023

In this review, the current state of research on textile-based temperature sensors is explored by focusing on their potential use in various applications. The textile-based sensors show various advantages including flexibility, conformability and seamlessness for the wearer. Integration of the textile-based sensors into clothes or fabric-based products enables continuous and sensitive monitoring of change in temperature, which can be used for various medical and fitness applications. However, there are lacks of comprehensive review on the textile-based temperature sensors. This review introduces various types of textile-based temperature sensors, including resistive, thermoelectric and fibre-optical sensors. In addition, the challenges that need to be addressed to fully realise their potential, which include improving sensitivity and accuracy, integrating wireless communication capabilities, and developing low-cost fabrication techniques. The technological advances in textile-based temperature sensors to overcome the limitations will revolutionize wearable devices requiring function of temperature monitoring.
Engineering buffer layers to improve temperature resilience of magnetic tunnel junction sensors
Authors: Araujo P D R , Macedo R , Paz E , Cardoso S , Leitao D C , Freitas P P
Published: July 2023

Improving the thermal resilience of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) broadens their applicability as sensing devices and is necessary to ensure their operation under harsh environments. In this work, we are address the impact of temperature on the degradation of the magnetic reference in field sensor stacks based on MgO-MTJs. Our study starts by simple MnIr/CoFe bilayers to gather enough insights into the role of critical morphological and magnetic parameters and their impact in the temperature dependent behavior. The exchange bias coupling field (H
ex), coercive field (H
c), and blocking temperature (T
b) distribution are tuned, combining tailored growth conditions of the antiferromagnet and different buffer layer materials and stackings. This is achieved by a unique combination of ion beam deposition and magnetron sputtering, without vaccum break. Then, the work then extends beyond bilayers into more complex state-of-the-art MgO MTJ stacks as those employed in commercial sensing applications. We systematically address their characteristic fields, such as the width of the antiferromagnetic coupling plateau ΔH, and study their dependence on temperature. Although, [Ta/CuN] buffers showed higher key performance indications (e.g. H
ex) at room temperature in both bilayers and MTJs, [Ta/Ru] buffers showed an overall wider ΔH up to 200 °C, more suitable to push high temperature operations. This result highlights the importance of properly design a suitable buffer layer system and addressing the complete MTJ behavior as function of temperature, to deliver the best stacking design with highest resilience to high temperature environments.
Equal parallel and cone-beam projections: a curious property of D-symmetric object functions
Authors: Clackdoyle Rolf , Rit Simon
Published: July 2023

In tomographic image reconstruction, the object density function is the unknown quantity whose projections are measured by the scanner. In the three-dimensional case, we define the D-reflection of such a density function as the object obtained by a particular weighted reflection about the plane z = D, and a D-symmetric function as one whose D-reflection is equal to itself. D-symmetric object functions have the curious property that their parallel projection onto the detector plane z = D is equal to their cone-beam projection onto the same detector with x-ray source location at the origin. Much more remarkable is the additional fact that for any fixed D-symmetric object, every oblique parallel projection onto this same detector plane equals the cone-beam projection for a corresponding source location. The mathematical proof is straight forward but not particularly enlightening, and we also provide here an alternative physical demonstration that explains the various weighting terms in the context of classical tomosynthesis. Furthermore, we clarify the distinction between the new formulation presented here, and the original formulation of Edholm and co-workers who obtained similar properties but for a pair of objects whose divergent and parallel projections matched, but with no D-symmetry. We do not claim any immediate imaging application or useful physics from these notions, but we briefly comment on consequences for methods that apply data consistency conditions in image reconstruction.
Impact of toroidal rotation on the resistive ballooning modes in ASDEX Upgrade tokamak
Authors: Vanovac B , Puchmayr J , Bielajew R , Willensdorfer M , Wolfrum E , Cavedon M , Strumberger E , Dunne M G , Suttrop W
Published: July 2023

In this work, we investigate the behavior of instabilities appearing between type-I edge localized modes (ELMs), with increasing neutral beam injection (NBI) power concomitant increase in toroidal rotation, and compare it to the modeling result of the linear magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) code CASTOR3D. An injection of one NBI beam, increasing toroidal rotation, results in the mode slowing down from 12 kHz to 7 kHz, and its associated radial displacement decreases from 5 mm to 3.5 mm. In addition, modes shift radially outwards towards higher q, decreasing their poloidal mode numbers. The mode velocity is measured to be close to the E × B velocity with significant uncertainties. Through a set of CASTOR3D simulations with varying profiles, resistivity has been identified as the primary contributor to the growth rates. Only a small stabilizing effect due to toroidal rotation has been observed. While experimental results show a decrease of mode frequency with rotation, the opposite trend is observed in modeling. Reasons for discrepancies between modeling and experiment are discussed. Nevertheless, a main contributor to the mode frequency has been identified to be rotation velocity. CASTOR3D classifies modes as resistive ballooning modes as they do not appear unstable in ideal MHD.
Linear stability of elastic 2-line solitons for the KP-II equation
Authors: Mizumachi Tetsu
Published: July 2023

The KP-II equation was derived by Kadomtsev and Petviashvili to explain stability of line solitary waves of shallow water. Using the Darboux transformations, we study linear stability of

2
2

-line solitons whose line solitons interact elastically each other. Time evolution of resonant continuous eigenfunctions is described by a damped wave equation in the transverse variable which is supposed to be a linear approximation of the local phase shifts of modulating line solitons.
GradPose: a very fast and memory-efficient gradient descent-based tool for superimposing millions of protein structures from computational simulations
Authors: Rademaker Daniel T , van Geemen Kevin J , Xue Li C
Published: July 2023

Computational simulations like molecular dynamics and docking are providing crucial insights into the dynamics and interaction conformations of proteins, complementing experimental methods for determining protein structures. These methods often generate millions of protein conformations, necessitating highly efficient structure comparison and clustering methods to analyze the results. In this article, we introduce GradPose, a fast and memory-efficient structural superimposition tool for models generated by these large-scale simulations. GradPose uses gradient descent to optimally superimpose structures by optimizing rotation quaternions and can handle insertions and deletions compared to the reference structure. It is capable of superimposing thousands to millions of protein structures on standard hardware and utilizes multiple CPU cores and, if available, CUDA acceleration to further decrease superimposition time. Our results indicate that GradPose generally outperforms traditional methods, with a speed improvement of 2–65 times and memory requirement reduction of 1.7–48 times, with larger protein structures benefiting the most. We observed that traditional methods outperformed GradPose only with very small proteins consisting of ∼20 residues. The prerequisite of GradPose is that residue–residue correspondence is predetermined. With GradPose, we aim to provide a computationally efficient solution to the challenge of efficiently handling the demand for structural alignment in the computational simulation field.

Availability and implementation

Source code is freely available at https://github.com/X-lab-3D/GradPose; doi:10.5281/zenodo.7671922.
Enhancing reward learning in the absence of an effect on reward
Authors: Browning Michael
Published: July 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Impulse control disorder in Parkinson’s disease is associated with abnormal frontal value signalling’ by Tichelaar et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad162).
A survey of Irish dermatologists’ awareness of the environmental impact of sunscreen
Authors: Hegazy Sherok , Byrne Berbie , Murphy Annette
Published: July 2023

The application of sunscreen is a key pillar of photoprotection; however, there is a growing concern regarding the impact on the environment of ultraviolet filters in sunscreen products. With growing interest in environmental issues, it is important that we are able to discuss these topics with our patients. An online survey was distributed to all members of the Irish Association of Dermatologists regarding knowledge of the impact of sunscreen on the environment. We conclude that although Irish dermatologists routinely recommend the use of sunscreens to patients there is a lack of knowledge regarding the environmental impact of sunscreens.
5-Year haemodynamic performance of three aortic bioprostheses. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Montero Cruces Lourdes , Carnero Alcázar Manuel , Pérez Camargo Daniel , Cobiella Carnicer Javier , Campelos Fernández Paula , Reguillo Lacruz Fernando José , Maroto Castellanos Luis Carlos
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

The Carpentier Perimount (CP) Magna Ease, the Crown Phospholipid Reduction Treatment (PRT) and the Trifecta bovine pericardial valves have been widely used worldwide. The primary end point of this study was to compare the haemodynamic performance quantified by in vivo echocardiograms of these 3 aortic prostheses.

METHODS

The “BEST-VALVE” (comparison of 3 contemporary cardiac bioprostheses: mid-term valve haemodynamic performance) was a single-centre randomized clinical trial to compare the haemodynamic and clinical outcomes of the aforementioned bioprostheses. The 5-year results are assessed in this manuscript.

RESULTS

A total of 154 patients were included. The CP Magna Ease (n = 48, 31.2%), Crown PRT (n = 51, 32.1%) and Trifecta (n = 55, 35.7%) valves were compared. Significant differences were observed among the 3 bioprostheses 5 years after the procedure. The following haemodynamic differences were found between the CP Magna Ease and the Crown PRT bioprostheses [mean aortic gradient: 12.3 mmHg (interquartile range {IQR} 7.8–17.5) for the CP Magna Ease vs 15 mmHg (IQR 10.8–31.9) for the Crown PRT, P < 0.001] and between the CP Magna Ease and the Trifecta prostheses [mean aortic gradient: 12.3 mmHg (IQR 7.8–17.5) for the CP Magna Ease vs 14.7 mmHg (IQR 8.2–55) for the Trifecta, P < 0.001], with a better haemodynamic performance of the CP Magna Ease. The cumulative incidence of severe structural valve degeneration was 9.5% in the Trifecta group at 6 years of follow-up. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival from all-cause mortality was 91.5%, 83.5% and 74.8%, respectively (log rank P = 0.440). Survival from the composite event at the 1-, 3- and 5-year follow-up was 92.8%, 74.6% and 59%, respectively (log rank P = 0.299).

CONCLUSIONS

We detected significant differences between the 3 bioprostheses; the CP Magna Ease had the best haemodynamic performance at the 5-year follow-up.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a clinical consensus statement of the ESC working group on pulmonary circulation and right ventricular function
Authors: Lang Irene M , Andreassen Arne K , Andersen Asger , Bouvaist Helene , Coghlan Gerry , Escribano-Subias Pilar , Jansa Pavel , Kopec Grzegorz , Kurzyna Marcin , Matsubara Hiromi , Meyer Bernhard Christian , Palazzini Massimiliano , Post Marco C , Pruszczyk Piotr , Räber Lorenz , Roik Marek , Rosenkranz Stephan , Wiedenroth Christoph B , Redlin-Werle Carlo , Brenot Philippe
Published: July 2023

The current treatment algorithm for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as depicted in the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) includes a multimodal approach of combinations of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and medical therapies to target major vessel pulmonary vascular lesions, and microvasculopathy. Today, BPA of >1700 patients has been reported in the literature from centers in Asia, the US, and also Europe; many more patients have been treated outside literature reports. As BPA becomes part of routine care of patients with CTEPH, benchmarks for safe and effective care delivery become increasingly important. In light of this development, the ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricular Function has decided to publish a document that helps standardize BPA to meet the need of uniformity in patient selection, procedural planning, technical approach, materials and devices, treatment goals, complications including their management, and patient follow-up, thus complementing the guidelines. Delphi methodology was utilized for statements that were not evidence based. First, an anatomical nomenclature and a description of vascular lesions are provided. Second, treatment goals and definitions of complete BPA are outlined. Third, definitions of complications are presented which may be the basis for a standardized reporting in studies involving BPA. The document is intended to serve as a companion to the official ESC/ERS guidelines.
Deep sedation protocol during atrial fibrillation ablation using a novel variable-loop biphasic pulsed field ablation catheter
Authors: Grimaldi Massimo , Quadrini Federico , Caporusso Nicola , Troisi Federica , Vitulano Nicola , Delmonte Vito , Di Monaco Antonio
Published: July 2023

Background

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, largely nonthermal ablative modality that, by virtue of its putative preferential action on myocardial tissue through the process of irreversible electroporation (IRE), may replace conventional thermal ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The recent inspIRE study confirmed safety and effectiveness of a fully integrated biphasic PFA system with a variable loop circular catheter for the treatment of paroxysmal AF. The majority of PFA procedures were performed using general anesthesia. However, due to the risks of general anesthesia we report the data regarding our sedation protocol used during inspIRE study.

Methods

A total of 29 patients (mean age 55±9 years; 72% male) were enrolled as part of this analysis within the inspIRE trial. The sedation protocol is reported in the manuscript. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Patient State Index were collected during sedation. Each patient was monitored using the Masimo Sedline. At the end of ablation, the Likert Scale Questionnaire (LSQ) was used to assess the patients' satisfaction with intraoperative analgesia-sedation.

Results

No procedural complications were documented. Sufficient oxygen saturation was maintained in all patients during procedure. Non-invasive ventilation or tracheal intubation were not required for any patient. The RAAS score between -1 to -5 was obtained in 27 patients (93%) while the value 0 was obtained in 2 patients (7%). The VAS score between 0 to 2 was obtained in 24 patients (83%); the VAS score 3 in 3 patients (10%) and the VAS score 4 in 2 patients (7%). The PSI score <50 was achieved in 16 patients (55%) while the PSI between 50 and 70 was achieved in 9 patients (31%). Positive answers to LSQ were obtained in most patients.

Conclusion

During PFA ablation procedures with the variable-loop circular catheter and its accompanying biphasic pulse, our deep sedation protocol is a valid alternative to general anesthesia.
Contemporary human H3N2 influenza A viruses require a low threshold of suitable glycan receptors for efficient infection
Authors: Spruit Cindy M , Sweet Igor R , Maliepaard Joshua C L , Bestebroer Theo , Lexmond Pascal , Qiu Boning , Damen Mirjam J A , Fouchier Ron A M , Reiding Karli R , Snijder Joost , Herfst Sander , Boons Geert-Jan , de Vries Robert P
Published: July 2023

Recent human H3N2 influenza A viruses have evolved to employ elongated glycans terminating in α2,6-linked sialic acid as their receptors. These glycans are displayed in low abundancies by (humanized) Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells, which are commonly employed to propagate influenza A virus, resulting in low or no viral propagation. Here, we examined whether the overexpression of the glycosyltransferases β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1, which are responsible for the elongation of poly-N-acetyllactosamines (LacNAcs), would result in improved A/H3N2 propagation. Stable overexpression of β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney and “humanized” Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells was achieved by lentiviral integration and subsequent antibiotic selection and confirmed by qPCR and protein mass spectrometry experiments. Flow cytometry and glycan mass spectrometry experiments using the β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and/or β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 knock-in cells demonstrated increased binding of viral hemagglutinins and the presence of a larger number of LacNAc repeating units, especially on “humanized” Madin-Darby Canine Kidney–β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase cells. An increase in the number of glycan receptors did, however, not result in a greater infection efficiency of recent human H3N2 viruses. Based on these results, we propose that H3N2 influenza A viruses require a low number of suitable glycan receptors to infect cells and that an increase in the glycan receptor display above this threshold does not result in improved infection efficiency.
Mapping microRNA expression quantitative trait loci in the prenatal human brain implicates miR-1908-5p expression in bipolar disorder and other brain-related traits
Authors: Toste Carolina C , O’Donovan Michael C , Bray Nicholas J
Published: July 2023

MicroRNA (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Given their known involvement in early neurodevelopment processes, we here sought to identify common genetic variants associated with altered miRNA expression in the prenatal human brain. We performed small RNA sequencing on brain tissue from 112 genome-wide genotyped fetuses from the second trimester of gestation, identifying high-confidence (false discovery rate < 0.05) expression quantitative trait loci for 30 mature miRNA. Integrating our findings with genome-wide association study data for brain-related disorders, we implicate increased prenatal expression of miR-1908-5p as a risk mechanism for bipolar disorder and find that predicted mRNA targets of miR-1908-5p that are expressed in the fetal brain are enriched for common variant genetic association with the condition. Extending these analyses to other brain-related traits, we find that common genetic variation associated with increased miR-1908-5p expression in fetal brain is additionally associated with depressive symptoms, irritability, increased right cerebellum exterior volume and increased sleep duration in the general population. Our findings provide support to the view that altered miRNA expression can influence susceptibility to neuropsychiatric illness and suggest an early neurodevelopmental risk mechanism for bipolar disorder.
Learning Chinese Calligraphy in VR With Sponge-Enabled Haptic Feedback
Authors: Luo Guoliang , Lu Tingsong , Xia Haibin , Hu Shicong , Guo Shihui
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, virtual reality (VR) is becoming an important technique for various educational subjects. However, Chinese calligraphy, as a unique artistic form, remains under-explored in terms of learning in a VR configuration. This deficiency is largely due to the challenge to render delicate haptic feedback of pen and brush during the process of writing. To achieve the purpose of haptic rendering, existing works mostly use the professional device (e.g. Phantom), which is expensive and not accessible to common users. Our work presents a novel yet simple approach to render haptic feedback for Chinese calligraphy in VR by using soft and deformable sponge as the medium between the handheld controller and writing surface. We compared three different feedback configurations using on-device vibration and sponge-enabled haptic feedback against the baseline configuration with no force feedback. Based on both the qualitative and quantitative results from user studies, we found that sponge-based haptic feedback not only provided a comfort experience of interactive virtual writing but also accelerated the learning performance of novices. Our approach is low cost, scalable and produces realistic user experience, which offers an alternative solution for future development of training systems for virtual Chinese calligraphy.
CHROMAgar™ LIN-R as an efficient screening tool to assess the prevalence of linezolid-resistant enterococci in German hospital patients—a multicentre study approach, 2021–2022
Authors: Bender Jennifer K , Baufeld Elsa , Becker Karsten , Claus Heike , Dudakova Anna , Dörre Achim , Fila Nikoletta , Fleige Carola , Hamprecht Axel , Hoffmann Armin , Hogardt Michael , Kaasch Achim J , Kola Axel , Kriebel Nancy , Layer-Nicolaou Franziska , Marschal Matthias , Molitor Ernst , Mutters Nico T , Liese Jan , Nelkenbrecher Claudia , Neumann Bernd , Rohde Holger , Steinmann Jörg , Sörensen Michael , Thelen Philipp , Weig Michael , Zautner Andreas E , Werner Guido
Published: July 2023

Background

In recent years, an increasing number of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) was recognized at the German National Reference Centre (NRC) for Enterococci. National guidelines on infection prevention recommend screening for LRE in epidemiologically linked hospital settings without referring to a reliable and rapid diagnostic method. Since 2020, CHROMAgar™ provide a chromogenic linezolid screening agar, LIN-R, suitable to simultaneously screen for linezolid-resistant staphylococci and enterococci.

Objectives

To assess the applicability of CHROMAgar™ LIN-R in clinical settings for detecting LRE directly from patient material and to infer prevalence rates of LRE amongst German hospital patients.

Methods

During the 3-month trial period, clinical samples were plated on CHROMAgar™ LIN-R. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using VITEK2 or disc diffusion. At the NRC, linezolid resistance was determined by broth microdilution, multiplex-PCR for cfr/optrA/poxtA and by a restriction-based assay for 23S rDNA mutations.

Results

The 12 participating study sites used 13 963 CHROMAgar™ LIN-R plates during the study period. Of 442 presumptive LRE, 192 were confirmed by phenotypic methods. Of these, 161 were received by the NRC and 121 (75%) were verified as LRE. Most of LR-E. faecium 53/81 (65%) exhibited a 23S rRNA gene mutation as the sole resistance-mediating mechanism, whereas optrA constituted the dominant resistance trait in LR-E. faecalis [39/40 (98%)]. Prevalence of LRE across sites was estimated as 1% (ranging 0.18%–3.7% between sites).

Conclusions

CHROMAgar™ LIN-R represents a simple and efficient LRE screening tool in hospital settings. A high proportion of false-positive results demands validation of linezolid resistance by a reference method.
An artesunate pharmacometric model to explain therapeutic responses in falciparum malaria
Authors: Saralamba Sompob , Simpson Julie A , Choosri Noppon , White Lisa , Pan-Ngum Wirichada , Dondorp Arjen M , White Nicholas J
Published: July 2023

Background

The artemisinins are potent and widely used antimalarial drugs that are eliminated rapidly. A simple concentration–effect pharmacometric model does not explain why dosing more frequently than once daily fails to augment parasite clearance and improve therapeutic responses in vivo. Artemisinins can induce a temporary non-replicative or ‘dormant’ drug refractory state in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites which may explain recrudescences observed in clinical trials despite full drug susceptibility, but whether it explains the dosing–response relationship is uncertain.

Objectives

To propose a revised model of antimalarial pharmacodynamics that incorporates reversible asexual parasite injury and temporary drug refractoriness in order to explain the failure of frequent dosing to augment therapeutic efficacy in falciparum malaria.

Methods

The model was fitted using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach with the parasite clearance data from 39 patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria treated with artesunate from western Cambodia and 40 patients from northwestern Thailand reported previously.

Results

The revised model captured the dynamics of parasite clearance data. Its predictions are consistent with observed therapeutic responses.

Conclusions

A within-host pharmacometric model is proposed in which it is hypothesized that some malaria parasites enter a temporary drug refractory state after exposure to artemisinin antimalarials, which is followed by delayed parasite death or reactivation. The model fitted the observed sequential parasite density data from patients with acute P. falciparum malaria, and it supported reduced ring stage activity in artemisinin-resistant infections.
Sponge-derived fatty acids inhibit biofilm formation of MRSA and MSSA by down-regulating biofilm-related genes specific to each pathogen
Authors: Khan Neyaz A , Barthes Nicolas , McCormack Grace , O'Gara James P , Thomas Olivier P , Boyd Aoife
Published: July 2023

Aim

A promising approach for the development of next-generation antimicrobials is to shift their target from causing bacterial death to inhibiting virulence. Marine sponges are an excellent potential source of bioactive anti-virulence molecules (AVM). We screened fractions prepared from 26 samples of Irish coastal sponges for anti-biofilm activity against clinically relevant pathogens.

Methods and results

Fifteen fractions from eight sponge species inhibited biofilm of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and/or Listeria monocytogenes without causing growth inhibition. Gas chromatograph/mass spectroscopy analyses of Mycale contarenii fractions revealed the presence of myristic acid and oleic acid. These fatty acids repressed transcription of the fibronectin-binding protein fnbA and fnbB genes and the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin icaADBC operon, which are required for MRSA and MSSA biofilm formation, respectively.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the potential of AVM from Irish coastal sponges to specifically target bacterial virulence phenotypes, in this case, repression of biofilm formation via decreased transcription of biofilm-associated genes in MSSA and MRSA.
Streptomycesbiostimulants: an effective sustainable approach to reduce inorganic N input and maintain high yield of wheat crop in different soil types
Authors: Youseif Sameh H , El-Megeed Fayrouz H Abd , Salous Mousa S , Mohamed Akram H
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic plant growth-promoting (PGP) actinomycetes from the wild medicinal plant Zygophyllum album.

Methods and results

Eight actinomycetes were isolated, identified, and screened for their PGP activities to improve the growth and production of wheat plants under low N-inputs. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, the isolated actinobacteria showed high diversity and had multiple in vitro PGP attributes. In pot experiments, Streptomyces sp. NGB-Act4 and NGB-Act6 demonstrated the highest significant PGP activities to enhance the growth of wheat plants under reduced N-inputs. Under various field conditions (high-fertility clay soils and low-fertility sandy soils), in combination with 50% N-dose, the two streptomycetes showed significant increases in grain N% and grain yield of the wheat crop compared with the 50% N-fertilized treatment. Irrespective of soil type, wheat plants inoculated with strain NGB-Act4 produced grain yield and grain N% significantly greater than or comparable to the full N-dose treatment.

Conclusions

This is the first field report on the successful use of endophytic streptomycetes as an effective strategy to improve wheat yield and reduce the use of synthetic N fertilizers.
Satisfaction With Participation in the First STEPS Behavioral Intervention: Experiences of Parents of Young Children With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Baudino Marissa N , Inverso Hailey , Wang Christine , Tully Carrie , Levy Wendy , Clary Lauren , Gallagher Katherine A , Monaghan Maureen , Streisand Randi , Hilliard Marisa E
Published: July 2023

Objective

Parents of young children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) often experience significant distress and struggle with T1D management during a challenging developmental stage. The First STEPS (Study of Type 1 in Early childhood and Parenting Support) trial evaluated a stepped-care behavioral intervention comprising increasingly intensive intervention steps (peer parent coach, cognitive-behavioral counseling, consultations with diabetes educator and psychologist) based on need. The intervention improved parental depressive symptoms compared to usual care. Subsequently, we examined parent satisfaction with the intervention to guide potential implementation and refinement for future trials.

Methods

Participants were 157 parents of young children newly diagnosed with T1D. At 9 months post randomization, n = 153 completed satisfaction questionnaires and n = 17 completed qualitative interviews. Satisfaction ratings about trial procedures and each intervention step were summarized. We used thematic analysis with the interview transcripts to generate themes related to participants’ experiences in the trial overall and intervention specifically. We explored differences in themes between participants who did versus did not respond to the intervention and among those who experienced different intervention steps.

Results

Most participants in both arms rated study participation and methods positively (>95%), and those completing interviews described high satisfaction with study procedures overall, retention incentives, and contact with study staff. Intervention participants’ satisfaction ratings were high across steps. Two qualitative themes reflected satisfaction with the intervention enhancing self-efficacy and social support.

Conclusions

High satisfaction suggests implementing a stepped-care behavioral intervention as part of routine clinical care following T1D diagnosis would be well received.
The MillenniumTNG Project: inferring cosmology from galaxy clustering with accelerated N-body scaling and subhalo abundance matching
Authors: Contreras Sergio , Angulo Raul E , Springel Volker , White Simon D M , Hadzhiyska Boryana , Hernquist Lars , Pakmor Rüdiger , Kannan Rahul , Hernández-Aguayo César , Barrera Monica , Ferlito Fulvio , Delgado Ana Maria , Bose Sownak , Frenk Carlos
Published: July 2023

We introduce a novel technique for constraining cosmological parameters and galaxy assembly bias using non-linear redshift-space clustering of galaxies. We scale cosmological N-body simulations and insert galaxies with the SubHalo Abundance Matching extended (SHAMe) empirical model to generate over 175 000 clustering measurements spanning all relevant cosmological and SHAMe parameter values. We then build an emulator capable of reproducing the projected galaxy correlation function at the monopole, quadrupole, and hexadecapole level for separations between $0.1\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$ and $25\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$. We test this approach by using the emulator and Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) inference to jointly estimate cosmology and assembly bias parameters both for the MTNG740 hydrodynamic simulation and for a semi-analytical model (SAM) galaxy formation built on the MTNG740-DM dark matter-only simulation, obtaining unbiased results for all cosmological parameters. For instance, for MTNG740 and a galaxy number density of $n\sim 0.01 h^{3}\, {\rm Mpc}^{-3}$, we obtain $\sigma _{8}=0.799^{+0.039}_{-0.044}$ and $\Omega _\mathrm{M}h^2= 0.138^{+ 0.025}_{- 0.018}$ (which are within 0.4 and 0.2σ of the MTNG cosmology). For fixed Hubble parameter (h), the constraint becomes $\Omega _\mathrm{M}h^2= 0.137^{+ 0.011}_{- 0.012}$. Our method performs similarly well for the SAM and for other tested sample densities. We almost always recover the true amount of galaxy assembly bias within 1σ. The best constraints are obtained when scales smaller than $2\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$ are included, as well as when at least the projected correlation function and the monopole are incorporated. These methods offer a powerful way to constrain cosmological parameters using galaxy surveys.
Star formation and molecular gas properties of post-starburst galaxies
Authors: Baron Dalya , Netzer Hagai , French K Decker , Lutz Dieter , Davies Richard I , Prochaska J Xavier
Published: July 2023

Post-starburst galaxies are believed to be in a rapid transition between major merger starbursts and quiescent ellipticals. Their optical spectrum is dominated by A-type stars, suggesting a starburst that was quenched recently. While optical observations suggest little ongoing star formation, some have been shown to host significant molecular gas reservoirs. This led to the suggestion that gas depletion is not required to end the starburst, and that star formation is suppressed by other processes. We present NOEMA CO(1−0) observations of 15 post-starburst galaxies with emission lines consistent with active galactic nucleus (AGN) photoionization. We collect post-starburst candidates with molecular gas measurements from the literature, with some classified as classical E + A, while others with line ratios consistent with AGN and/or shock ionization. Using far-infrared observations, we show that systems that were reported to host exceptionally large molecular gas reservoirs host in fact obscured star formation, with some systems showing star formation rates comparable to ULIRGs. Among E + A galaxies with molecular gas measurements, 7 out of 26 (26 per cent) host obscured starbursts. Using far-infrared observations, post-starburst candidates show similar SFR–$M_{\mathrm{H_2}}$ and Kennicutt–Schmidt relations to those observed in star-forming and starburst galaxies. In particular, there is no need to hypothesize star formation quenching by processes other than the consumption of molecular gas by star formation. The combination of optical, far-infrared, and CO observations indicates that some regions within these galaxies have been recently quenched, while others are still forming stars in highly obscured regions. All this calls into question the traditional interpretation of such galaxies.
Planetary nebulae and supernova remnants in NGC 4214 from the SIGNALS survey
Authors: Vicens-Mouret Sébastien , Drissen Laurent , Robert Carmelle , Rousseau-Nepton Laurie , Martin René Pierre , Amram Philippe
Published: July 2023

Using datacubes from the imaging Fourier transform spectrometer SITELLE at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope as part of the star formation, ionized gas, and nebular abundances legacy survey, we identify 15 new planetary nebulae (PNe) as well as five new supernova remnants (SNRs) in the outer parts of the nearby dwarf starburst galaxy NGC 4214. These data also allow us to study the morphology and kinematics of all 18 known SNRs in this galaxy. We highlight the use of a $\xi = \sigma \frac{\rm {[S{\small \,II}]}}{\rm {H\alpha }}$ diagnostic diagram (σ being the velocity dispersion) to separate SNRs from H ii regions and its advantage compared to classical BPT or Sabbadin diagrams. We provide the emission-line flux ([O iii] λ5007, H α, and H β) and radial velocities of all new PNe candidates, as well as those of 12 of the 17 PNe previously discovered in the central part of the galaxy with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data. Finally, we use the [O iii] emission-line luminosity function of the PNe sample to establish a new velocity-independent distance for NGC 4214: $D = 3.23^{+0.18}_{-0.25}$ Mpc.
Discovery of a magnetar candidate X-ray pulsar in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Imbrogno M , Israel G L , Rodríguez Castillo G A , Buckley D A H , Coti Zelati F , Rea N , Monageng I M , Casella P , Stella L , Haberl F , Esposito P , Tombesi F , De Luca A , Tiengo A
Published: July 2023

During a systematic search for new X-ray pulsators in the XMM–Newton archive, we discovered a high amplitude ($PF\simeq 86~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) periodic ($P\simeq 7.25\, \mathrm{s}$) modulation in the X-ray flux of 4XMM J045626.3–694723 (J0456 hereafter), a previously unclassified source in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The period of the modulation is strongly suggestive of a spinning neutron star (NS). The source was detected only during one out of six observations in 2018–2022. Based on an absorbed power-law spectral model with photon slope of Γ ≃ 1.9, we derive a 0.3–10 keV luminosity of $L_\mathrm{X}\simeq 2.7\times 10^{34}\, \mathrm{erg}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}$ for a distance of 50 kpc. The X-ray properties of J0456 are at variance with those of variable LMC X-ray pulsars hosted in high-mass X-ray binary systems with a Be-star companion. Based on Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) spectroscopic observations of the only optical object that matches the X-ray uncertainty region, we cannot completely rule out that J0456 is an NS accreting from a late-type (G8-K3) star, an as-yet-unobserved binary evolutionary outcome in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs). We show that the source properties are in better agreement with those of magnetars. J0456 may thus be the second known magnetar in the LMC after SGR 0526–66.
The MillenniumTNG Project: refining the one-halo model of red and blue galaxies at different redshifts
Authors: Hadzhiyska Boryana , Hernquist Lars , Eisenstein Daniel , Delgado Ana Maria , Bose Sownak , Kannan Rahul , Pakmor Rüdiger , Springel Volker , Contreras Sergio , Barrera Monica , Ferlito Fulvio , Hernández-Aguayo César , White Simon D M , Frenk Carlos
Published: July 2023

Luminous red galaxies (LRGs) and blue star-forming emission-line galaxies (ELGs) are key tracers of large-scale structure used by cosmological surveys. Theoretical predictions for such data are often done via simplistic models for the galaxy–halo connection. In this work, we use the large, high-fidelity hydrodynamical simulation of the MillenniumTNG project (MTNG) to inform a new phenomenological approach for obtaining an accurate and flexible galaxy-halo model on small scales. Our aim is to study LRGs and ELGs at two distinct epochs, z = 1 and z = 0, and recover their clustering down to very small scales, $r \sim 0.1 \ h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$, i.e. the one-halo regime, while a companion paper extends this to a two-halo model for larger distances. The occupation statistics of ELGs in MTNG inform us that (1) the satellite occupations exhibit a slightly super-Poisson distribution, contrary to commonly made assumptions, and (2) that haloes containing at least one ELG satellite are twice as likely to host a central ELG. We propose simple recipes for modelling these effects, each of which calls for the addition of a single free parameter to simpler halo occupation models. To construct a reliable satellite population model, we explore the LRG and ELG satellite radial and velocity distributions and compare them with those of subhaloes and particles in the simulation. We find that ELGs are anisotropically distributed within haloes, which together with our occupation results provides strong evidence for cooperative galaxy formation (manifesting itself as one-halo galaxy conformity); i.e. galaxies with similar properties form in close proximity to each other. Our refined galaxy-halo model represents a useful improvement of commonly used analysis tools and thus can be of help to increase the constraining power of large-scale structure surveys.
CircKDM5B sponges miR-128 to regulate porcine blastocyst development by modulating trophectoderm barrier function
Authors: Gao Di , Wang Xin , Yan Ye-Lian , Li Chao , Tan Yong-Peng , Liu Qiu-Chen , Zhang Meng-Ya , Zhang Jian V , Sun Qing-Yuan , Cao Zu-Bing , Zhang Yun-Hai
Published: July 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which exert critical functions in the regulation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression, are found in mammalian cells but their functions in mammalian preimplantation embryo development remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that circKDM5B mediated miRNA-128 (miR-128) to regulate porcine early embryo development. We screened circRNAs potentially expressed in porcine embryos through an integrated analysis of sequencing data from mouse and human embryos, as well as porcine oocytes. An authentic circRNA originating from histone demethylase KDM5B (referred to as circKDM5B) was abundantly expressed in porcine embryos. Functional studies revealed that circKDM5B knockdown not only significantly reduced blastocyst formation but also decreased the number of total cells and trophectoderm (TE) cells. Moreover, the knockdown of circKDM5B resulted in the disturbance of tight junction assembly and impaired paracellular sealing within the TE epithelium. Mechanistically, miR-128 inhibitor injection could rescue the early development of circKDM5B knockdown embryos. Taken together, the findings revealed that circKDM5B functions as a miR-128 sponge, thereby facilitating early embryonic development in pigs through the modulation of gene expression linked to tight junction assembly.
Action-at-a-distance mutations induced by 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine are dependent on APOBEC3
Authors: Fukushima Ruriko , Suzuki Tetsuya , Kobayakawa Akari , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

DNA oxidation is a serious threat to genome integrity and is involved in mutations and cancer initiation. The G base is most frequently damaged, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (GO, 8-hydroxyguanine) is one of the predominant damaged bases. In human cells, GO causes a G:C→T:A transversion mutation at the modified site, and also induces untargeted substitution mutations at the G bases of 5ʹ-GpA-3ʹ dinucleotides (action-at-a-distance mutations). The 5ʹ-GpA-3ʹ sequences are complementary to the 5ʹ-TpC-3ʹ sequences, the preferred substrates for apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) cytosine deaminases, and thus their contribution to mutagenesis has been considered. In this study, APOBEC3B, the most abundant APOBEC3 protein in human U2OS cells, was knocked down in human U2OS cells, and a GO-shuttle plasmid was then transfected into the cells. The action-at-a-distance mutations were reduced to ~25% by the knockdown, indicating that GO-induced action-at-a-distance mutations are highly dependent on APOBEC3B in this cell line.