bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplitudes and renormalization group techniques: A case study
Authors: Buccio Diego , Donoghue John F. , Percacci Roberto
Published: February 2024

We explore the properties of a simple renormalizable shift-symmetric model with a higher-derivative kinetic energy and quartic-derivative coupling that can serve as a toy model for higher-derivative theories of gravity. The scattering amplitude behaves as in a normal effective field theory below the threshold for the production of ghosts, but has an unexpectedly soft behavior above the threshold. The physical running of the parameters is extracted from the two-point and four-point amplitudes. The results are compared to those obtained by other methods and are found to agree only in limiting cases. We draw several lessons that may also apply to gravity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Superconformal interacting particles
Authors: Casalbuoni Roberto , Dominici Daniele , Gomis Joaquim
Published: February 2024

The free massless superparticle is reanalyzed, in particular by performing the Gupta-Bleuler quantization, using the first- and second-class constraints of the model, and obtaining as a result, the Weyl equation for the spinorial component of the chiral superfield. Then we construct a superconformal model of two interacting massless superparticles from the free case by the introduction of an invariant interaction. The interaction introduces an effective mass for each particle by modifying the structure of fermionic constraints, all becoming second class. The quantization of the model produces a bilocal chiral superfield. We also generalize the model by considering a system of superconformal interacting particles and its continuum limit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
B→Kνν¯
, MiniBooNE and muon
g−2
anomalies from a dark sector
Authors: Datta Alakabha , Marfatia Danny , Mukherjee Lopamudra
Published: February 2024

Belle II has reported the first evidence for B+→K+νν¯ with a branching ratio 2.7σ higher than the standard model expectation. We explain this and the MiniBooNE and muon anomalous magnetic moment anomalies in a model with a dark scalar that couples to a slightly heavier sterile Dirac neutrino and that communicates with the visible sector via a Higgs portal. We make predictions for rare kaon and other B meson decays.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Community recommendations on cryoEM data archiving and validation
Authors: Kleywegt Gerard J. , Adams Paul D. , Butcher Sarah J. , Lawson Catherine L. , Rohou Alexis , Rosenthal Peter B. , Subramaniam Sriram , Topf Maya , Abbott Sanja , Baldwin Philip R. , Berrisford John M. , Bricogne Gérard , Choudhary Preeti , Croll Tristan I. , Danev Radostin , Ganesan Sai J. , Grant Timothy , Gutmanas Aleksandras , Henderson Richard , Heymann J. Bernard , Huiskonen Juha T. , Istrate Andrei , Kato Takayuki , Lander Gabriel C. , Lok Shee-Mei , Ludtke Steven J. , Murshudov Garib N. , Pye Ryan , Pintilie Grigore D. , Richardson Jane S. , Sachse Carsten , Salih Osman , Scheres Sjors H. W. , Schroeder Gunnar F. , Sorzano Carlos Oscar S. , Stagg Scott M. , Wang Zhe , Warshamanage Rangana , Westbrook John D. , Winn Martyn D. , Young Jasmine Y. , Burley Stephen K. , Hoch Jeffrey C. , Kurisu Genji , Morris Kyle , Patwardhan Ardan , Velankar Sameer
Published: February 2024

In January 2020, a workshop was held at EMBL-EBI (Hinxton, UK) to discuss data requirements for the deposition and validation of cryoEM structures, with a focus on single-particle analysis. The meeting was attended by 47 experts in data processing, model building and refinement, validation, and archiving of such structures. This report describes the workshop's motivation and history, the topics discussed, and the resulting consensus recommendations. Some challenges for future methods-development efforts in this area are also highlighted, as is the implementation to date of some of the recommendations.
Supplier selection for carbon emission reduction collaboration in green supply chain using an improved multi-criteria decision-making method
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhang Xiaoli , Su Jiafu , Zhang Na
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Platform-based enterprises, as micro-entities in the platform economy, have the potential to effectively promote the low-carbon development of both supply and demand sides in the supply chain. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a multi-criteria decision-making method in a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy environment to assist platform-type companies in selecting cooperative suppliers for carbon reduction in green supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines the advantages of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFS) to address uncertainty issues and proposes an improved multi-criteria decision-making method called PHFS-DNMEREC-MABAC for aiding platform-based enterprises in selecting carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers in green supply chains. Within this decision-making method, we enhance the standardization process of both the DNMEREC and MABAC methods by directly standardizing probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements. Additionally, a probability splitting algorithm is introduced to handle probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements of varying lengths, mitigating information bias that traditional approaches tend to introduce when adding values based on risk preferences.

Findings

In this paper, we apply the proposed method to a case study involving the selection of carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers for Tmall Mart and compare it with the latest existing decision-making methods. The results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method and the effectiveness of the introduced probability splitting algorithm in avoiding information bias.

Originality/value

Firstly, this paper proposes a new multi-criteria decision making method for aiding platform-based enterprises in selecting carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers in green supply chains. Secondly, in this method, we provided a new standard method to process probability hesitant fuzzy decision making information. Finally, the probability splitting algorithm was introduced to avoid information bias in the process of dealing with inconsistent lengths of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements.
On‐site rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in dairy products using smartphone‐integrated device‐assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensors
Authors: Li Hui , Ren Yuwei , Jiao Rui , Zhang Xiyan , Zhao Wenhua , Chen Hanfang , Zhang Danfeng , Shen Yizhong , Zhu Changqing , Ye Yingwang
Published: February 2024

The contamination of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in dairy products poses a significant risk to human health. It is urgent to develop on‐site rapid strategy to reduce associated threats. We employed carbon dots (CDs) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) as energy donors and acceptors respectively. The CDs and SiNPs were functionalised with vancomycin and aptamers correspondingly, leading to the establishment of ratiometric fluorescent sensor. With a portable smartphone‐integrated device, the ratios of blue/green values from the colour images depended on L. monocytogenes concentrations for quantification. The sensors were demonstrated for monitoring L. monocytogenes in dairy products within 30 min.
Homocysteine potentiates amyloid β‐induced death receptor 4‐ and 5‐mediated cerebral endothelial cell apoptosis, blood brain barrier dysfunction and angiogenic impairment
Authors: Carey Ashley , Parodi‐Rullan Rebecca , Vazquez‐Torres Rafael , Canepa Elisa , Fossati Silvia
Published: February 2024

Cerebrovascular dysfunction has been implicated as a major contributor to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology, with cerebral endothelial cell (cEC) stress promoting ischemia, cerebral‐blood flow impairments and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular (CV)/cerebrovascular risk factors, including hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy), exacerbate AD pathology and risk. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms for this interaction remain unclear. Our lab has demonstrated that amyloid beta 40 (Aβ40) species, and particularly Aβ40‐E22Q (AβQ22; vasculotropic Dutch mutant), promote death receptor 4 and 5 (DR4/DR5)‐mediated apoptosis in human cECs, barrier permeability, and angiogenic impairment. Previous studies show that Hhcy also induces EC dysfunction, but it remains unknown whether Aβ and homocysteine function through common molecular mechanisms. We tested the hypotheses that Hhcy exacerbates Aβ‐induced cEC DR4/5‐mediated apoptosis, barrier dysfunction, and angiogenesis defects. This study was the first to demonstrate that Hhcy specifically potentiates AβQ22‐mediated activation of the DR4/5‐mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway in cECs, including DR4/5 expression, caspase 8/9/3 activation, cytochrome‐c release and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, we revealed that Hhcy intensifies the deregulation of the same cEC junction proteins mediated by Aβ, precipitating BBB permeability. Furthermore, Hhcy and AβQ22, impairing VEGF‐A/VEGFR2 signaling and VEGFR2 endosomal trafficking, additively decrease cEC angiogenic capabilities. Overall, these results show that the presence of the CV risk factor Hhcy exacerbates Aβ‐induced cEC apoptosis, barrier dysfunction, and angiogenic impairment. This study reveals specific mechanisms through which amyloidosis and Hhcy jointly operate to produce brain EC dysfunction and death, highlighting new potential molecular targets against vascular pathology in comorbid AD/CAA and Hhcy conditions.
Effects of temperature on the survival of spotted lanternfly active life stages when held without food
Authors: Keena Melody A.
Published: February 2024

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula White (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is an invasive Southeast Asian planthopper that was recently introduced into the eastern United States and spreads along human transportation corridors by ‘hitch‐hiking’ on vehicles and cargo.

To better understand the risk of establishment when mobile life stages are moved, it is critical to know how long spotted lanternfly mobile life stages will survive without food and water under different temperatures.

This work reports on spotted lanternfly first, second, and third instar nymphal and adult survival without food over the 10–30°C temperature range. Survival time without food declined exponentially as temperature increased for all life stages of spotted lanternfly that were evaluated.

At temperatures <30°C, first instar nymphs survived longer than second or third instar individuals. Female adults survived about 1 day longer than male adults at all but 10 and 25°C.

Without food, 99% of all adults of both sexes are predicted to be dead in less than a week over the temperature range evaluated. First instars, which were the smallest, survived the longest and their survival exponentially decreased as temperature increased.

This suggests that more attention to first instar movement may be warranted. The data presented here will provide a basis for assessing the risk of survival of transported spotted lanternfly active life stages along various pathways.
Not all faultlines are created equal: The heterogeneous impact of TMT faultlines on a firm's ESG disclosure
Authors: Pan Chao , Su Xin , Zhong Xi
Published: February 2024

Driven by the theory of sustainable development, Chinese firms have gradually realized the importance of ESG disclosure. Executives play a core role in ESG decision‐making, but whether and how top management team (TMT) faultlines affect ESG disclosure has yet to be systematically discussed. Based on the attention‐based view and faultline theory, we select 6456 observations of 910 Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2012 to 2021 as the research object to empirically test the above critical practical issues that have not been fully answered. We find that TMT information‐based faultlines improve firms' ESG disclosure, but TMT social category faultlines reduce firms' ESG disclosure. In addition, the internal mechanism test showed that the TMT's future‐oriented attention plays a mediating role in the above relationship. Finally, we also find that institutional shareholding enhances the positive impact of the TMT's future‐oriented attention on ESG disclosure. This study enriches the literature on TMT faultlines and ESG disclosure, demonstrating that the composition of the TMT and its attention allocation are important factors for promoting firms' ESG disclosure. The conclusions of this study can help firms strengthen their ESG disclosure by building efficient TMTs and provide important implications for firms to better fulfill their ESG responsibilities.
No‐reflow after stroke reperfusion therapy: An emerging phenomenon to be explored
Authors: Jia Milan , Jin Feiyang , Li Sijie , Ren Changhong , Ruchi Mangal , Ding Yuchuan , Zhao Wenbo , Ji Xunming
Published: February 2024

In the field of stroke thrombectomy, ineffective clinical and angiographic reperfusion after successful recanalization has drawn attention. Partial or complete microcirculatory reperfusion failure after the achievement of full patency of a former obstructed large vessel, known as the “no‐reflow phenomenon” or “microvascular obstruction,” was first reported in the 1960s and was later detected in both experimental models and patients with stroke. The no‐reflow phenomenon (NRP) was reported to result from intraluminal occlusions formed by blood components and extraluminal constriction exerted by the surrounding structures of the vessel wall. More recently, an emerging number of clinical studies have estimated the prevalence of the NRP in stroke patients following reperfusion therapy, ranging from 3.3% to 63% depending on its evaluation methods or study population. Studies also demonstrated its detrimental effects on infarction progress and neurological outcomes. In this review, we discuss the research advances, underlying pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques, and management approaches concerning the no‐reflow phenomenon in the stroke population to provide a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon and offer references for future investigations.
Ostomy continence devices: a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dourado Justin , Garoufalia Zoe , Emile Sameh Hany , Wignakumar Anjelli , Aeschbacher Pauline , Rogers Peter , Delgado Zachary , Greer Matthew , Wexner Steven D.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Colostomy complication rates range widely from 10% to 70%. The psychological burden on patients, leading to lifestyle changes and decreased quality of life (QoL), is one of the largest factors. The aim of this work was to assess the history and efficacy of ostomy continence devices in improving continence and QoL.

Method

In this PRISMA‐compliant systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov for studies on continence devices for all ostomies up to April 2023. Primary outcomes were continence and improvement in QoL. Secondary outcomes were leakage, patient's device preference and complications. Risk of Bias 2 and the revised tool to assess risk of bias in non‐randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS‐1) were used to assess risk of bias. Certainty of evidence was graded using GRADE.

Results

Twenty‐two studies assessed devices from 1978 to 2022. The two main types identified were ball‐valve devices and plug systems. Conseal and Vitala were the two main devices with significant evidence allowing for pooled analyses. Conseal, the only currently marketed device, had a pooled rate of continence of 67.4%, QoL improvement was 74.9%, patient preference over a traditional appliance was 69.1%, leakage was 10.1% and complications was 13.7%. Since 2011, five studies have investigated experimental devices on both human and animal models.

Conclusion

Ostomy continence has been a long‐standing goal without a consistently reliable solution. We propose that selective and short‐term usage of continence devices may lead to improved continence and QoL in ostomy patients. Further research is needed to develop a reliable daily device for ostomy continence. Future investigation should include the needs of ileostomates.
Immediate and long‐term management practices of acute symptomatic seizures and epileptiform abnormalities: A cross‐sectional international survey
Authors: Punia Vineet , Daruvala Sanaya , Dhakar Monica B. , Zafar Sahar F. , Rubinos Clio , Ayub Neishay , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Sivaraju Adithya ,   for Post‐Acute Symptomatic Seizure Investigation and Outcomes Network (PASSION) investigators
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Acute symptomatic seizures (ASyS) and epileptiform abnormalities (EAs) on electroencephalography (EEG) are commonly encountered following acute brain injury. Their immediate and long‐term management remains poorly investigated. We conducted an international survey to understand their current management.

Methods

The cross‐sectional web‐based survey of 21 fixed‐response questions was based on a common clinical encounter: convulsive or suspected ASyS following an acute brain injury. Respondents selected the option that best matched their real‐world practice. Respondents completing the survey were compared with those who accessed but did not complete it.

Results

A total of 783 individuals (44 countries) accessed the survey; 502 completed it. Almost everyone used anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) for secondary prophylaxis after convulsive or electrographic ASyS (95.4% and 97.2%, respectively). ASM dose escalation after convulsive ASyS depends on continuous EEG (cEEG) findings: most often increased after electrographic seizures (78% of respondents), followed by lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs; 41%) and sporadic epileptiform discharges (sEDs; 17.5%). If cEEG is unrevealing, one in five respondents discontinue ASMs after a week. In the absence of convulsive and electrographic ASyS, a large proportion of respondents start ASMs due to LPD (66.7%) and sED (44%) on cEEG. At hospital discharge, most respondents (85%) continue ASM without dose change. The recommended duration of outpatient ASM use is as follows: 1–3 months (36%), 3–6 months (30%), 6–12 months (13%), >12 months (11%). Nearly one‐third of respondents utilized ancillary testing before outpatient ASM taper, most commonly (79%) a <2 h EEG. Approximately half of respondents had driving restrictions recommended for 6 months after discharge.

Significance

ASM use for secondary prophylaxis after convulsive and electrographic ASyS is a universal practice and is continued upon discharge. Outpatient care, particularly the ASM duration, varies significantly. Wide practice heterogeneity in managing acute EAs reflects uncertainty about their significance and management. These results highlight the need for a structured outpatient follow‐up and optimized care pathway for patients with ASyS.
Herbage accumulation, nutritive value, and fatty acid profile of bermudagrass cultivars grown in different latitudes
Authors: Bretas Igor L. , Naumann Harley D. , Dubeux Jose C. B. , Vendramini Joao M. B. , Silva Hiran M. S. , Rios Esteban , Queiroz Luana M. D. , Mawhinney Thomas P.
Published: February 2024

The geographical distribution of bermudagrass cultivars is limited by freezing events (<0°C), commonly associated with higher latitudes in the northern hemisphere. The lipid composition in the plant cell membranes is critical to promote persistence under freezing conditions. This study evaluated herbage accumulation (HA), nutritive value, and lipid biosynthesis of different bermudagrass cultivars in Ona, FL (27°26' N 82°55' W) and Marianna, FL (30o52' N 85o11' W), in 2 years. Treatments were five bermudagrass cultivars (Coastal, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, Jiggs, and Mislevy) distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. HA was greater in Marianna than in Ona for all cultivars (p < 0.05). Mislevy and Jiggs had greater HA in Marianna than the others (p < 0.05), while all cultivars were similar in Ona (p > 0.05). There was no difference between locations or among the cultivars for crude protein and neutral detergent fibre, but bermudagrass cultivars had greater in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) in Marianna than in Ona (p < 0.05). The concentration of unsaturated fatty acids increased in the northern latitude (Marianna; p < 0.05). Coastal had greater unsaturated fatty acid concentration than other cultivars (p < 0.05). Geographical location affects HA, IVDOM, and unsaturated fatty acid concentration of bermudagrass cultivars. The unsaturated fatty acid concentration plays a key role in acclimating bermudagrass to different thermal environments. Coastal showed great potential to tolerate chilling stress in Florida. Further studies may be developed to identify promising molecular markers for cold tolerance in bermudagrass.
Bark‐beetle disturbance severity only moderately alters forest affinity of arthropod communities
Authors: Kortmann Mareike , Buse Jörn , Hilszczański Jacek , Jaworski Tomasz , Müller Jörg , Thorn Simon , Roth Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Forest ecosystems are facing increasing challenges like natural disturbances. Despite positive disturbance impacts on the diversity of several taxonomic groups, there are still concerns, whether the drastic canopy opening can lead to a turnover from forest to open habitat species.

We sampled arthropods along a disturbance gradient in Norway spruce (Picea abies)‐dominated protected areas across Central Europe using Malaise traps and metabarcoding.

To analyse changes in arthropod communities in terms of forest affinities along the disturbance gradient, we explored the potential of a list of forest affinities (LFA) that provides information about species affinities from closed forest to open habitats.

Our results show that the mean forest affinity decreased with increasing disturbance severity. This trend was accompanied by a decrease in forest‐associated species as well as community shifts for open and mixed habitat species. Responses varied between taxa and were most apparent in Coleoptera.

Overall, the changes did not come with a complete replacement of forest specialists by species with higher affinities for mixed and open landscapes nor a drastic loss of forest species. Furthermore, we observed severely disturbed plots with a high mean forest affinity and vice versa, which calls for further studies using these kinds of species classifications.

The LFA can provide additional information how species associated with forests habitats can react to environmental changes beyond increasing amounts of deadwood resources. Using additional trapping methods and determination techniques might increase the explanatory power of such analyses along ecological gradients.
What can we learn about skin of color in dermatopathology?
Authors: Wondimu Bitania , Sokumbi Olayemi
Published: February 2024

As the US population becomes increasingly diverse, more patients of color seek dermatologic care and often have concerns that are unique to their skin color. Therefore, it is critically important that the knowledge gap in skin of color dermatology be urgently addressed. In addition to addressing the clinical gap in recognizing dermatologic disease in patients of color, the role of dermatopathology in bridging this gap remains unaddressed. Given the impact that skin color can have on the presentation and subsequent management of dermatologic diseases, understanding the current knowledge of the unique structural and histologic characteristics in skin of color may help give us insight on the role skin color should play in histopathologic diagnosis. In this paper, we bring insights into the role dermatopathology plays in addressing our knowledge of cutaneous disease in patients with skin of color. After we highlight issues to consider, we can begin to identify gaps in knowledge that still exist within dermatopathology that need to be addressed to ensure patients of all backgrounds receive equitable dermatologic care.
Unravelling molecular dynamics in living cells: Fluorescent protein biosensors for cell biology
Authors: Sanchez Colline , Ramirez Andrea , Hodgson Louis
Published: February 2024

Genetically encoded, fluorescent protein (FP)‐based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors are microscopy imaging tools tailored for the precise monitoring and detection of molecular dynamics within subcellular microenvironments. They are characterised by their ability to provide an outstanding combination of spatial and temporal resolutions in live‐cell microscopy. In this review, we begin by tracing back on the historical development of genetically encoded FP labelling for detection in live cells, which lead us to the development of early biosensors and finally to the engineering of single‐chain FRET‐based biosensors that have become the state‐of‐the‐art today. Ultimately, this review delves into the fundamental principles of FRET and the design strategies underpinning FRET‐based biosensors, discusses their diverse applications and addresses the distinct challenges associated with their implementation. We place particular emphasis on single‐chain FRET biosensors for the Rho family of guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases), pointing to their historical role in driving our understanding of the molecular dynamics of this important class of signalling proteins and revealing the intricate relationships and regulatory mechanisms that comprise Rho GTPase biology in living cells.
Differences in prevalence of self‐reported oral hypofunction between older adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the general older population: A cross‐sectional study using propensity score matching
Authors: Kudo Yoko , Takeuchi Kenji , Kusama Taro , Kojima Toshihisa , Waguri‐Nagaya Yuko , Nagayoshi Mako , Kondo Katsunori , Mizuta Kentaro , Osaka Ken , Kojima Masayo
Published: February 2024

Objective

To examine the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and oral hypofunction (OHF) using propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust for differences between older adults with RA and the general older adult population.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among 189 older adults with RA in 2019 (mean age, 71.9 ± 3.6) and 47 178 independent older adult residents in 2016 (mean age, 71.6 ± 4.0), respectively. The questionnaire covered information on socio‐demographic characteristics and OHF for both groups. Age, sex, educational level and smoking history were used to determine PSM. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of self‐reported OHF (fewer remaining teeth, decreased masticatory function, deterioration of swallowing function and oral dryness) were estimated using Poisson regressions.

Result

OHF was observed in 44.4% of patients with RA and 27.5% of residents. Before PSM, the prevalence of OHF among patients with RA was higher than that of residents (PR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.50–2.05). After PSM, there were 189 patients with RA and residents, and the prevalence of OHF among patients with RA was still higher (PR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.22–2.13). Poisson regression showed that the prevalence of 19 or fewer teeth (PR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.82–1.36), difficulties eating tough foods (PR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90–1.55), difficulties swallowing tea or soup (PR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.19–2.63), and dry mouth (PR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.90–4.07) was higher among patients with RA than residents.

Conclusion

Compared with the general older adult population, patients with RA have a higher prevalence of self‐reported OHF.
Performance Analysis of a Gripper for Microsatellite Berthing
Authors: Titov Alexander , Russo Matteo , Ceccarelli Marco
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the grasping operation of CubeSat microsatellites is analyzed with a topological study of grasping strategies as functions of CubeSat geometry. Grasping conditions and limitations are introduced for the square-profiled bodies of CubeSats of 1U and 12U sizes. A topology search defines fingertip forms and configurations to fulfill requirements, and operational limitations are presented in terms of geometry and dynamic parameters. The grasping performance is then analyzed in the side grasp and corner grasp cases and validated with a numerical case study.
X-ray survey bolsters theory of universe’s expansion
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2024

eROSITA telescope shows galaxies’ “clumpiness” matches predicted effect of dark energy, dark matter
Genome streamlining to improve performance of a fast-growing cyanobacterium
Synechococcus elongatus
UTEX 2973
Authors: Sengupta Annesha , Bandyopadhyay Anindita , Sarkar Debolina , Hendry John I. , Schubert Max G. , Liu Deng , Church George M. , Maranas Costas D. , Pakrasi Himadri B.
Published: February 2024

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms that have garnered significant recognition as potential hosts for sustainable bioproduction. However, their complex regulatory networks pose significant challenges to major metabolic engineering efforts, thereby limiting their feasibility as production hosts. Genome streamlining has been demonstrated to be a successful approach for improving productivity and fitness in heterotrophs but is yet to be explored to its full potential in phototrophs. Here, we present the systematic reduction of the genome of the cyanobacterium exhibiting the fastest exponential growth,
Synechococcus elongatus
UTEX 2973. This work, the first of its kind in a photoautotroph, involved an iterative process using state-of-the-art genome-editing technology guided by experimental analysis and computational tools. CRISPR-Cas3 enabled large, progressive deletions of predicted dispensable regions and aided in the identification of essential genes. The large deletions were combined to obtain a strain with 55-kb genome reduction. The strains with streamlined genome showed improvement in growth (up to 23%) and productivity (by 22.7%) as compared to the wild type (WT). This streamlining strategy not only has the potential to develop cyanobacterial strains with improved growth and productivity traits but can also facilitate a better understanding of their genome-to-phenome relationships.

IMPORTANCE

Genome streamlining is an evolutionary strategy used by natural living systems to dispense unnecessary genes from their genome as a mechanism to adapt and evolve. While this strategy has been successfully borrowed to develop synthetic heterotrophic microbial systems with desired phenotype, it has not been extensively explored in photoautotrophs. Genome streamlining strategy incorporates both computational predictions to identify the dispensable regions and experimental validation using genome-editing tool, and in this study, we have employed a modified strategy with the goal to minimize the genome size to an extent that allows optimal cellular fitness under specified conditions. Our strategy has explored a novel genome-editing tool in photoautotrophs, which, unlike other existing tools, enables large, spontaneous optimal deletions from the genome. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this modified strategy in obtaining strains with streamlined genome, exhibiting improved fitness and productivity.
Long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab in patients with monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: results from the interim analysis of the RELIANCE registry
Authors: Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmin B , Kallinich Tilmann , Henes Joerg , Kortus-Götze Birgit , Oommen Prasad T , Rech Juergen , Krickau Tobias , Weller-Heinemann Frank , Horneff Gerd , Janda Aleš , Foeldvari Ivan , Schuetz Catharina , Dressler Frank , Borte Michael , Hufnagel Markus , Meier Florian , Fiene Michael , Andreica Ioana , Weber-Arden Julia , Blank Norbert
Published: February 2024

Objective

Interim analysis of the RELIANCE registry, an on-going, non-interventional, open-label, multicentre, prospective study evaluating the long-term safety, dosing regimens and effectiveness of canakinumab in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), tumour-necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) or mevalonate-kinase deficiency (MKD)/hyperimmunoglobulin-D syndrome (HIDS).

Methods

From September 2017 for patients with CAPS, and June 2018 for patients with FMF, TRAPS or MKD/HIDS, the registry enrolled paediatric (aged ≥2 years) and adult patients (aged ≥18 years) receiving canakinumab as part of their routine medical care. Safety, canakinumab dose, disease activity and quality of life outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and every 6 months until end of study visit.

Results

At the analysis cut-off date (December 2020), 168 patients (91 CAPS, 54 FMF, 16 TRAPS and 7 MKD/HIDS) were enrolled. 85 (50.9%) patients were female and 72 (43.1%) were children (<18 years). The median patient age was 20.0 years (range 2.0–79.0 years). In the CAPS cohort, serious infections and serious adverse drug-reactions were more common in patients receiving higher than the recommended starting dose (SD) of canakinumab. A trend to receive >SD of canakinumab was observed in the pooled population. The majority of patients were reported as having either absent or mild/moderate disease activity (physician’s global assessment) from baseline to Month 30, with a stable proportion of patients (~70%) in remission under canakinumab treatment. Patient-reported disease activity (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Autoinflammatory Disease Activity Index), fatigue (VAS); markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) remained well-controlled throughout.

Conclusion

Data from this analysis confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab for the treatment of CAPS, FMF, TRAPS and MKD/HIDS.
A review of adult salmon maximum swim performance
Authors: Kraskura Krista , Patterson David A. , Eliason Erika J.
Published: February 2024

Salmonids undertake long and strenuous migrations that require aerobic endurance and anaerobic burst swimming. Anthropogenic activity and natural disasters can make already challenging migrations even more difficult. This reinvigorates a central question: what is the maximum swimming capacity of adult salmon species across environmental conditions? We synthesized literature on adult salmon swim performance ( Oncorhynchus spp. and Salmo salar) to unfold what is known about how biological (sex and body size) and physical (temperature) factors affect swimming in adult salmon. Maximum anaerobic swimming—bursting, jumping, and leaping—are among the least studied swim performances in adult salmonids. Commonly, swim performance has been measured using swim flumes, but evidently adult salmon can swim faster in the wild than this set-up can capture. We show that larger fish can outswim smaller ones, and that thermal sensitivity of swimming differs inter-and -intra-specifically. Unresolved are how anaerobic swimming differs across temperatures, between males and females and across maturity states. This information can be used to inform exercise physiology research and future management and mitigation actions necessary to conserve these iconic, economically valuable species.
Evaluating the design of the first marine protected area network in Pacific Canada under a changing climate
Authors: Rubidge Emily M. , Robb Carrie K. , Thompson Patrick L. , McDougall Chris , Bodtker Karin M. , Gale Katie S.P. , Ban Stephen , Tayler Brown Kil Hltaanuwaay , Sahanatien Vicki , Ouchi Sachiko , Friesen Sarah K. , Ban Natalie C. , Hunter Karen L. , Pena Angelica , Holdsworth Amber , Martone Rebecca
Published: February 2024

Marine protected area (MPAs) networks can buffer marine ecosystems from the impacts of climate change by allowing species to redistribute as conditions change and by reducing other stressors. There are, however, few examples where climate change has been considered in MPA network design. In this paper, we assess how climate change considerations were integrated into the design of a newly released MPA network in the Northern Shelf Bioregion in British Columbia, Canada, and then evaluate the resulting network against projected physical and biogeochemical changes and biological responses. We found that representation, replication, and size and spacing recommendations integrated into the design phase were met in most cases. Furthermore, despite varying degrees of projected changes in temperature, dissolved oxygen, and aragonite saturation across the MPA network, suitable habitat for demersal fish species is projected to remain in the network despite some redistribution among sites. We also found that mid-depth MPAs are particularly important for persistence, as fish are projected to move deeper to avoid warming in shallower areas. Our results highlight that a representative MPA network with adequate replication, that incorporates areas of varying climate change trajectory, should buffer against the impacts of climate change.
Detection of Adversarial Facial Accessory Presentation Attacks Using Local Face Differential
Authors: Peng Fei , Qin Le , Long Min , Li Jin
Published: February 2024

To counter adversarial facial accessory presentation attacks (PAs), a detection method based on local face differential is proposed in this article. It extracts the local face differential features from a suspected face image and a reference face image, and then adaptively fuses the differential features of different local face regions to detect adversarial facial accessory PAs. Meanwhile, the principle of the proposed method is explained by theoretically investigating the local facial differences between a bona fide presentation and an adversarial facial accessory PA when they are compared with a reference face image. To evaluate the proposed method, this article builds a database with different adversarial examples (AEs), presentation attack instruments (PAIs), illumination conditions, and cameras. The experimental results show that it can effectively distinguish between adversarial facial accessory PAs and
bona fide
presentations, and it has good generalization ability to unseen AEs, PAIs, illumination conditions, and cameras. Moreover, it outperforms the existing AE detection and presentation attack detection methods in detecting adversarial facial accessory PAs.
Sentiment Analysis Method of Epidemic-related Microblog Based on Hesitation Theory
Authors: Yu Yang , Qiu Dong , Wan Huanyu
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought an unprecedented global crisis. After two years of control efforts, life gradually returned to the pre-pandemic state, but localized outbreaks continued to occur. Toward the end of 2022, COVID-19 resurged in China, leading to another disruption of people’s lives and work. Many pieces of information on social media reflected people’s views and emotions toward the second outbreak, which showed distinct differences compared to the first outbreak in 2020. To explore people’s emotional attitudes toward the pandemic at different stages and the underlying reasons, this study collected microblog data from November 2022 to January 2023 and from January to June 2020, encompassing Chinese reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on hesitancy and the Fuzzy Intuition theory, we proposed a hypothesis: hesitancy can be integrated into machine learning models to select suitable corpora for training, which not only improves accuracy but also enhances model efficiency. Based on this hypothesis, we designed a hesitancy-integrated model. The experimental results demonstrated the model’s positive performance on a self-constructed database. By applying this model to analyze people’s attitudes toward the pandemic, we obtained their sentiments in different months. We found that the most negative emotions appeared at the beginning of the pandemic, followed by emotional fluctuations influenced by social events, ultimately showing an overall positive trend. Combining word cloud techniques and the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model effectively helped explore the reasons behind the changes in pandemic attitude.
Decomposition-based Synthesis for Applying Divide-and-Conquer-like Algorithmic Paradigms
Authors: Ji Ruyi , Zhao Yuwei , Xiong Yingfei , Wang Di , Zhang Lu , Hu Zhenjiang
Published: February 2024

Algorithmic paradigms such as divide-and-conquer (D&C) are proposed to guide developers in designing efficient algorithms, but it can still be difficult to apply algorithmic paradigms to practical tasks. To ease the usage of paradigms, many research efforts have been devoted to the automatic application of algorithmic paradigms. However, most existing approaches to this problem rely on syntax-based program transformations and thus put significant restrictions on the original program.

In this article, we study the automatic application of D&C and several similar paradigms, denoted as D&C-like algorithmic paradigms, and aim to remove the restrictions from syntax-based transformations. To achieve this goal, we propose an efficient synthesizer, named
AutoLifter
, which does not depend on syntax-based transformations. Specifically, the main challenge of applying algorithmic paradigms is from the large scale of the synthesized programs, and
AutoLifter
addresses this challenge by applying two novel decomposition methods that do not depend on the syntax of the input program,
component elimination
and
variable elimination
, to soundly divide the whole problem into simpler subtasks, each synthesizing a sub-program of the final program and being tractable with existing synthesizers.

We evaluate
AutoLifter
on 96 programming tasks related to six different algorithmic paradigms.
AutoLifter
solves 82/96 tasks with an average time cost of 20.17 s, significantly outperforming existing approaches.
Utilizing BERT for Information Retrieval: Survey, Applications, Resources, and Challenges
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Huang Jimmy Xiangji , Tu Xinhui , Wang Junmei , Huang Angela Jennifer , Laskar Md Tahmid Rahman , Bhuiyan Amran
Published: February 2024

Recent years have witnessed a substantial increase in the use of deep learning to solve various natural language processing (NLP) problems. Early deep learning models were constrained by their sequential or unidirectional nature, such that they struggled to capture the contextual relationships across text inputs. The introduction of bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) leads to a robust encoder for the transformer model that can understand the broader context and deliver state-of-the-art performance across various NLP tasks. This has inspired researchers and practitioners to apply BERT to practical problems, such as information retrieval (IR). A survey that focuses on a comprehensive analysis of prevalent approaches that apply pretrained transformer encoders like BERT to IR can thus be useful for academia and the industry. In light of this, we revisit a variety of BERT-based methods in this survey, cover a wide range of techniques of IR, and group them into six high-level categories: (i) handling long documents, (ii) integrating semantic information, (iii) balancing effectiveness and efficiency, (iv) predicting the weights of terms, (v) query expansion, and (vi) document expansion. We also provide links to resources, including datasets and toolkits, for BERT-based IR systems. Additionally, we highlight the advantages of employing encoder-based BERT models in contrast to recent large language models like ChatGPT, which are decoder-based and demand extensive computational resources. Finally, we summarize the comprehensive outcomes of the survey and suggest directions for future research in the area.
Striking a (vocal) chord: musical instruments as mnemonic devices when teaching the functional anatomy of the larynx
Authors: Ruth Aidan A.
Published: February 2024

Musical instruments and toys can be used as mnemonic devices to help students recall and understand the functional anatomy of voice production. The mnemonics can be implemented in a variety of classrooms and are flexible and engaging.
Writing effective letters of recommendation in physiology
Authors: Seals Douglas R.
Published: February 2024

This Perspective provides essential background, a step-by-step guide, and key insider tips for writing an effective letter of recommendation aimed at helping early career physiologists with this important professional task.
Development of a Digital Twin Framework for a PV System to Resolve Partial Shading
Authors: Karunanidhi Bavithra , Ramasamy Latha , Alexander Stonier Albert , Sathiasamuel Charles Raja
Published: February 2024

Digital twin (DT) is a prolific buzzword in this era, where digitization plays a significant role. The perception of solar energy harvesting has been gaining popularity with the advent of solar panels. Solar asset maintenance is a need of the hour for investors because of the smart city scheme and green building certificate evaluation for all industries, educational institutions, etc. Among the list of factors that reduce PV system efficiency, the issue of partial shading is a vital distress that must be resolved. This paper focuses on the development of a digital twin framework that is proactively driven by shading patterns and a proposed optimization-based reconfiguration embedded controller that electronically relocates the panel in the physical world. The real-time system has been created for a three-by-three series parallel panel arrangement. The proposed switching matrix controller achieves the maximum power, i.e., 40% of increased power output, row current difference is made almost zero from 3 to 4 A, and fill factor increases by 20% by reconfiguring the solar array. It is done based on a decision taken by a nature-inspired (equal irradiation distribution algorithm) or puzzle-based (skyscraper) optimization algorithm. Switching matrix controllers overcome the disadvantages of physical relocation. The users can query the digital twin build to know the historical performance and current operating conditions of the system. It can trigger alarms as early warnings and make predictions about possible system anomalies, if and when they occur using a digital twin.
Building Nursing Students’ Confidence through the Integration of Night-Shift Clinical
Authors: Pawloski Katie , Moore Wendy
Published: February 2024

Background. With a shortage of clinical placements, nursing faculty, and a growing nursing shortage, alternate clinical placements and experiences must be explored. Traditionally, students have been placed on day shifts, leading to competitive and saturated units with limited ability to participate in care and translate the knowledge they have acquired in the clinical setting. This study examined the satisfaction and confidence of students on both day- and night-shift clinical placements. Methods. A comparative quasiexperimental study was conducted using a modified version of the National League of Nursing’s Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning tool to compare students’ satisfaction and confidence in 40 students who participated in day- and night-shift medical-surgical clinical rotations. This was examined using statistics for each of the survey’s 12 questions. Results. One of the questions related to overall confidence with the clinical experience had higher means in the night-shift clinical group than the day-shift clinical group but was not statistically significant. The remainder of the questions related to confidence with the clinical demonstrated no statistical difference between the groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups for any questions related to satisfaction. Conclusion. Nursing programs should consider supplementing night-shift clinical as an alternative to day-shift clinical.
A New Method for Estimating General Coefficients to Classes of Bi-univalent Functions
Authors: Al-Refai Oqlah , Amourah Ala , Al-Hawary Tariq , Frasin Basem Aref
Published: February 2024

This study establishes a new method to investigate bounds of ak; k≥n, for certain general classes of bi-univalent functions. The results include a number of improvements and generalizations for well-known estimations. We also discuss bounds of nan2−a2n−1 and consider several corollaries, remarks, and consequences of the results presented in this paper.