bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus johnsonii
is a dominant
Lactobacillus
in the murine oral mucosa and has chitinase activity that compromises fungal cell wall integrity
Authors: Vazquez-Munoz Roberto , Thompson Angela , Sobue Takanori , Dongari-Bagtzoglou Anna
Published: September 2024

The oral microbiome is a critical determinant of health and disease, as interactions between oral microorganisms can influence their physiology and the development or severity of oral infections. Lactobacilli have a widely recognized antagonistic relationship with
Candida albicans
and may exhibit probiotic properties that limit oral fungal infection. We previously reported that
Lactobacillus johnsonii
strain MT4, an oral strain isolated from C57BL/6 mice, can induce global changes in the murine oral microbiome and has anti-
Candida
activity
in vitro
. To build on this information, we analyzed its abundance on the mouse oral mucosa, tested its impact on the severity and progression of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in a mouse model, and further explored the mechanism of antifungal activity
in vitro
. Our findings reveal that
L. johnsonii
MT4 is a dominant cultivable
Lactobacillus
in the oral mucosa of C57BL/6 mice. Strain MT4 has chitinase activity against
C. albicans
, which damages the cell wall and compromises fungal metabolic activity. Oral inoculation with strain MT4 causes a reduction in the
Candida
-induced rise in the abundance of oral enterococci and oral mucosal damage. This research underscores the potential of
L. johnsonii
strain MT4 as a novel probiotic agent in the prevention or management of OPC, and it contributes to a better understanding of the role of oral bacterial microbiota role in the pathogenesis of fungal infections.

IMPORTANCE

The interactions between the opportunistic pathogen
Candida albicans
and resident oral bacteria are particularly crucial in maintaining oral health. Emerging antifungal drug-resistant strains, slow-paced drug discovery, and the risk of side effects can compromise the effectiveness of current treatments available for oropharyngeal candidiasis. This study advances the search for alternative microbiome-targeted therapies in oral fungal infections. We report that
Lactobacillus johnsonii
strain MT4 prevents the
Candida
-induced bloom of dysbiotic oral enterococci and reduces oral mucosal lesions in an oropharyngeal candidiasis murine model. We also show that this strain directly compromises the cell wall and reduces fungal metabolic activity, partly due to its chitinase activity.
Draft genome sequence of
Bacillus cereus
sequence type 2255 isolated from powdered infant formula
Authors: Patil Sonali , Wong Catherine W.Y. , Zhang Richard , Zhang Annika , Zhou Xinyi , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2024

The draft genome sequence of a
Bacillus cereus
strain, DFPST-SP1, isolated from powdered infant formula in the United States is reported. The 5,216,828-bp draft genome comprises 46 contigs with 66.4× coverage and 36% GC content and was typed as sequence type 2255.
The developing pig respiratory microbiome harbors strains antagonistic to common respiratory pathogens
Authors: Vlasblom Abel A. , Duim Birgitta , Patel Shriram , Luiken Roosmarijn E. C. , Crespo-Piazuelo Daniel , Eckenberger Julia , Huseyin Chloe E. , Lawlor Peadar G. , Elend Christian , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Claesson Marcus J. , Zomer Aldert L.
Published: September 2024

In the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and reduce antimicrobial use in pig production, there is a continuous search for methods to prevent and/or treat infections. Within this scope, we explored the relationship between the developing piglet nasal microbiome and (zoonotic) bacterial pathogens from birth until 10 weeks of life. The nasal microbiome of 54 pigs was longitudinally studied over 16 timepoints on 9 farms in 3 European countries (Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands) using amplicon sequencing targeting the V3-V4 16S rRNA region as well as the
tuf
gene for its staphylococcal discrimination power. The piglets’ age, the farm, and the litter affected the nasal microbiome, with piglets’ age explaining 19% of the variation in microbial composition between samples. Stabilization of the microbiome occurred around 2 weeks post-weaning. Notably, while opportunistic pathogens were ubiquitously present, they did not cause disease. The piglet nasal microbiome often carried species associated with gut, skin, or vagina, which suggests that contact with the vaginal and fecal microbiomes shapes the piglet nasal microbiome. We identified bacterial co-abundance groups of species that were present in the nasal microbiomes in all three countries over time. Anti-correlation between these species and known bacterial pathogens identified species that might be exploited for pathogen reduction. Further experimental evidence is required to confirm these findings. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the piglet nasal microbiome, the factors influencing it, and its longitudinal development, providing insights into its role in health and disease.

IMPORTANCE

Our study on the nasal microbiota development in piglets across farms in three European countries found that the microbiomes developed similarly in all locations. Additionally, we observed that the colonization of porcine pathogens was either positively or negatively associated with the presence of other bacterial species. These findings enhance our knowledge of co-colonizing species in the nasal cavity and the identified microbial interactions that can be explored for the development of interventions to control pathogens in porcine husbandry.
Heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses after the nationwide Omicron wave in China
Authors: Wu Jing , Jiang Mingzheng , Li Jiwei , Hu Xiaoyi , Long Qiuyue , Song Shixu , Ye Hongli , He Yukun , Ma Xinqian , Yu Wenyi , Chen Xi , Zhao Lili , Wu Fangfang , Chen Xiaoyong , Zheng Jianshi , Wang Minghui , Zheng Binghan , Yang Shuoqi , Bu Liang , Chen Qin , Li Ke , Zheng Yali , Gao Zhancheng
Published: September 2024

It remains unclear how previous infections and vaccinations influenced and shaped heterogeneous immune responses against Omicron and its variants in diverse populations in China. After the national wave of Omicron in early 2023, we evaluated serum levels of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against Omicron (B.1.1.529) and its variants (BA.5, BF.7, and CH1.1) in 33 COVID-19 convalescents and 40 uninfected vaccinees, using vesicular stomatitis virus-based pseudovirus neutralizing assay. In addition, we followed 34 Delta convalescent patients to compare their immune responses against Omicron before (late 2021) and after the Omicron wave (early 2023). NAbs at the acute phase of the disease were investigated in 50 Omicron inpatients, including 24 vaccinated and 26 unvaccinated patients. Among them, nasal mucosal IgA levels were measured in 42 subjects. Compared to vaccination, breakthrough infections significantly increased the breadth and magnitude of serum nAbs and mucosal IgA levels against Omicron variants. Exposure to Omicron but not Delta elicited stronger pan-Omicron responses. In Omicron inpatients, nAbs continued to rise as vaccination doses increased. However, in both vaccinees and convalescents, a fourth dose vaccination did not elicit higher nAbs against Omicron. Furthermore, nAbs against Omicron variants lasted longer than nAbs against WT SARS-CoV-2. Breakthrough infections of Omicron variants elicited specific immune responses against Omicron compared to vaccination and Delta infection. Although repeated vaccination revealed limited impacts on serum nAbs, populations at high risk of hospitalization may still benefit from continued vaccination.

IMPORTANCE

The study described the specific humoral immunity against Omicron and its variants (BA.5, BF.7, and CH1.1) in diverse populations, including Delta-positive convalescent patients, Omicron-infected patients with a previous or current confirmed Delta infection, Omicron-positive patients, and healthy controls. In addition, we followed Delta convalescents for 1 year to evaluate the effect of a booster vaccine, breakthrough infection, and reinfection. Nasal mucosal IgA levels against SARS-CoV-2 were also examined. The findings of this study demonstrated the varied responses of individuals in different states following the outbreak of Omicron, highlighting the potential advantages of ongoing immunization for groups that are more vulnerable and have a greater likelihood of being hospitalized.
Use of commercial or indigenous yeast impacts the
S. cerevisiae
transcriptome during wine fermentation
Authors: Whiteley Lauren E. , Rieckh Georg , Diggle Frances L. , Alaga Zach M. , Nachbaur Elizabeth H. , Nachbaur William T. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: September 2024

Grapes have been cultivated for wine production for millennia. Wine production involves a complex biochemical process where sugars in grape must are converted into alcohol and other compounds by microbial fermentation, primarily by the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Commercially available
S. cerevisiae
strains are often used in winemaking, but indigenous (native) strains are gaining attention for their potential to contribute unique flavors. Recent advancements in high-throughput DNA sequencing have revolutionized our understanding of microbial communities during wine fermentation. Indeed, transcriptomic analysis of
S. cerevisiae
during wine fermentation has revealed a core gene expression program and provided insights into how this yeast adapts to fermentation conditions. Here, we assessed how the age of vines impacts the grape fungal microbiome and used transcriptomics to characterize microbial functions in grape must fermented with commercial and native
S. cerevisiae
. We discovered that ~130-year-old Zinfandel vines harbor higher fungal loads on their grapes compared to 20-year-old Zinfandel vines, but fungal diversity is similar. Additionally, a comparison of inoculated and uninoculated fermentations showed distinct fungal dynamics, with uninoculated fermentations harboring the yeasts
Metschnikowia
and
Pichia
. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression between fermentations inoculated and not inoculated with a commercial
S. cerevisiae
strain. Genes related to metabolism, stress response, and cell adhesion were differentially expressed, indicating varied functionality of
S. cerevisiae
in these fermentations. These findings provide insights into
S. cerevisiae
function during fermentation and highlight the potential for indigenous yeast to contribute to wine diversity.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding microbial functions during wine fermentation, particularly the role of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, is crucial for enhancing wine quality. While commercially available
S. cerevisiae
strains are commonly used, indigenous strains can offer unique flavors, potentially reflecting vineyard terroir. By leveraging high-throughput DNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis, we explored the impact of vine age on the grape mycobiome and characterized microbial functions during grape fermentation. Our findings revealed that older vines harbor higher fungal loads, but fungal diversity remains similar across vine ages. Additionally, uninoculated fermentations exhibited diverse fungal dynamics, including the beneficial wine yeasts Metschnikowia and Pichia. Transcriptomic analysis uncovered significant differences in
S. cerevisiae
gene expression between inoculated and uninoculated fermentations, highlighting the potential of indigenous yeast to enhance wine diversity and inform winemaking practices.
A drug repurposing screen identifies decitabine as an HSV-1 antiviral
Authors: Bautista Laura , Sirimanotham Cody , Espinoza Jason , Cheng Dillon , Tay Savaş , Drayman Nir
Published: September 2024

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a highly prevalent human pathogen that causes a range of clinical manifestations, including oral and genital herpes, keratitis, encephalitis, and disseminated neonatal disease. Despite its significant health and economic burden, there is currently only a handful of approved antiviral drugs to treat HSV-1 infection. Acyclovir and its analogs are the first-line treatment, but resistance often arises during prolonged treatment periods, such as in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify novel antiviral agents against HSV-1. Here, we performed a drug repurposing screen, testing the ability of 1,900 safe-in-human drugs to inhibit HSV-1 infection
in vitro
. The screen identified decitabine, a cytidine analog that is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, as a potent anti-HSV-1 agent. We show that decitabine is effective in inhibiting HSV-1 infection in multiple cell types, including human keratinocytes, that it synergizes with acyclovir, and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 is still sensitive to decitabine. We further show that decitabine causes G > C and C > G transversions across the viral genome, suggesting it exerts its antiviral activity by lethal mutagenesis, although a role for decitabine’s known targets, DNA methyl-transferases, has not been ruled out.

IMPORTANCE

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a prevalent human pathogen with a limited arsenal of antiviral agents, resistance to which can often develop during prolonged treatment, such as in the case of immunocompromised individuals. Development of novel antiviral agents is a costly and prolonged process, making new antivirals few and far between. Here, we employed an approach called drug repurposing to investigate the potential anti-HSV-1 activity of drugs that are known to be safe in humans, shortening the process of drug development considerably. We identified a nucleoside analog named decitabine as a potent anti-HSV-1 agent in cell culture and investigated its mechanism of action. Decitabine synergizes with the current anti herpetic acyclovir and increases the rate of mutations in the viral genome. Thus, decitabine is an attractive candidate for future studies in animal models to inform its possible application as a novel HSV-1 therapy.
Were Late Jurassic climatic fluctuations responses to Pangea breakup? Evidence from isotopic analyses of belemnite rostra from the eastern Tethyan Ocean
Authors: Wang Tianyang , He Songlin , Chen Yichao , Aitchison Jonathan C. , Zhang Qinghai , Li Guobiao , Xi Dangpeng , Wu Chen , Wang Licheng , Xie Jing , Ding Lin
Published: September 2024

Late Jurassic paleogeographic patterns were influenced by the growth of the Pacific plate and the breakup of Pangea, impacting the global paleoclimate during this warm and equable greenhouse period. However, the use of different proxies may introduce bias in seawater temperature reconstructions. In this study, we reconstructed midlatitude Tethyan seawater paleotemperatures in the Northern Hemisphere using carbonate clumped isotopes (Δ47) in well-preserved parts of belemnite rostra from the Upper Jurassic Hongqilafu Formation in the Taxkorgan Basin, southwest Xinjiang, China. Throughout the entire studied section, an increase in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio was observed. Comparison of this ratio with the published global seawater 87Sr/86Sr curve suggests a good correlation with the biostratigraphic and U-Pb age assignments of the Oxfordian–Tithonian interval. The Δ47-derived paleotemperature estimates indicate a long-term, relatively stable, and warm seawater temperature of ~27 °C within the epipelagic zone of the eastern Tethyan Ocean during the Late Jurassic. Cooler seawater temperatures were recorded at the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian boundary and in the late Tithonian, likely reflecting changes in paleogeography and paleoceanography resulting from the breakup of Pangea and/or variations in belemnite habitat depth. When compared with global seawater temperature data from different proxies, the results suggest that elevated atmospheric pCO2 levels during the Late Jurassic may have caused warmer conditions in midlatitude and polar regions. The reconstructed δ18Osea values exhibit a remarkably modern midlatitude seawater character and are more positive than values traditionally assumed for the Jurassic ice-free world. Given that the Taxkorgan Basin was located in a semi-enclosed basin and was dominated by evaporation in the Late Jurassic, the reconstructed δ18Osea values may represent regional seawater signals. Consequently, they cannot be used to support the existence of ice sheets in both polar regions. Our results suggest that climatic changes in the Jurassic greenhouse world may have been overprinted by local factors, potentially masking broader climatic trends.
Ab initio investigation of the structural, mechanical, electronic, thermodynamic, and optical properties of V2FeNiGe2 and Hf2FeNiSb2 double half-Heusler compounds
Authors: Diaf Mohamed , Righi Haroun , Beddiaf Raouf , Djaballah Yassine , Rached Habib
Published: September 2024

In the present work, using ab initio density-functional theory methods based on the Quantum ESPRESSO package, we have investigated the structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of 18-electron V2FeNiGe2 and Hf2FeNiSb2 double half-Heusler alloys. The calculated elastic properties suggest a ductile behavior with metallic bonding for V2FeNiGe2 and a brittle behavior with covalent bonding for Hf2FeNiSb2. The thermodynamic properties (Debye temperature, melting temperature) are also predicted and discussed for the studied alloys. The alloys are found to be semiconducting with indirect band gaps of 0.53 eV for V2FeNiGe2 and 0.47 eV for Hf2FeNiSb2. We also computed and analyzed their optical properties (dielectric function, optical conductivity, refractive index, absorption index, and reflectance) and our calculations suggest that both materials have high absorption coefficient and optical conductivity in the UV as well as visible region. The results make them potential candidates for the manufacture of opto-electronic devices.
Creation of a system taxonomy for advanced air mobility operations
Authors: Lange Ryan A. , Rice Stephen , Wallace Ryan J. , Winter Scott R. , Vasquez Mattie N. , Woods Stephen
Published: September 2024

Advanced air mobility (AAM) is an emerging field that envisions highly automated, high-tempo, passenger-carrying aircraft operating in urban environments. Numerous stakeholders have emerged in this space, each proposing unique concepts of operation (CONOPS). While this technology will enable a revolutionary leap in modern transportation, many challenges remain unaddressed. Discrepancies exist between envisioned AAM operations, current technology, and outdated federal regulations. This has led to an unclear vision within the industry of the current maturity level of technology and the path of development needed to achieve proposed CONOPS. We seek to fill this gap by integrating multiple proposed conceptual systems into a single, unified path forward for the field. The literature on AAM covers a diverse array of interconnected themes, each containing a multitude of considerations that require extensive exploration and understanding. In the present work, a literature integration was conducted to collate the numerous proposed concepts and envisioned works that exist within the AAM literature. With this information, a comprehensive AAM taxonomy was created to represent this integration of concepts and rectify the inconsistencies within industry CONOPS. This taxonomy will assist future stakeholders in navigating this intricate field while contributing to the safe and efficient development and deployment of AAM.
Inflationary model in Brans–Dicke theory
Authors: Pinki  , Kumar Pankaj , Beesham Aroonkumar
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present a model of inflation in the original form of Brans–Dicke (BD) theory without any modification and without adding any dark energy candidate. We consider a log function of the scale factor in the BD scalar field to discuss the inflationary era of the universe. We obtain the expressions for the deceleration parameter and the equation of state parameter, and plot their graphs against the cosmic scale factor. We observe that the universe starts with decelerated expansion and experiences an early time phase transition from a decelerated phase to an accelerated phase. After a very short period, the accelerated expansion ends in a decelerated expansion, showing the inflationary era of the cosmic evolution. To analyze the model on thermodynamic ground, we consider generalized second law of thermodynamics and observe that the law is satisfied within the model. Further, we study the stability of the model using the squared sound speed method. We plot the squared sound speed against cosmic time t and discuss the effects of the parameters on the stability of the model. We observe that for suitable values of the model parameters our model is stable.
Incorporating the cosmological constant in a modified uncertainty principle
Authors: Ahmadi S. , Yusofi E. , Ramzanpour M. A.
Published: September 2024

This study explores the cosmological constant problem and modified uncertainty principle within a unified framework inspired by a void-dominated scenario for cosmology. In a recent paper [E. Yusofi, M. Khanpour, B. Khanpour, M. A. Ramzanpour and M. Mohsenzadeh, Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 511, L82 (2022)], voids were modeled as spherical bubbles of similar average sizes, and the surface energy on the voids’ borders was calculated across various scales in a heuristic manner. We show that these result in a significant discrepancy of approximately [Formula: see text] between the cosmological constant values from the minimum to the maximum radii of bubbles. Furthermore, when considering the generalized form of the uncertainty principle with both minimum and maximum lengths, i.e. [Formula: see text], a similar order of discrepancy is observed between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], indicating that [Formula: see text]. As a primary outcome of this finding, we offer a novel uncertainty principle that incorporates a nonzero cosmological constant.
Topological photon, spin, and Euclidean group E(2)
Authors: Tiwari S. C.
Published: September 2024

The proposition that photon is a topological object [S. C. Tiwari, J. Math. Phys. 49, 032303 (2008)] is given rigorous foundation based on pure vector field theory independent of the electromagnetic fields. Holomorphy of 4-dimensional spacetime and the nature of topological obstructions are investigated to articulate singular vortex model for photon. The utility of the Euclidean symmetry group is discussed in detail for the proposed photon model.
Application of Slip Interface Conditions in the Elastic Parabolic Equation
Authors: Collins Michael D.
Published: September 2024

The parabolic equation method is the most effective approach for solving wave propagation problems in environments with strong vertical variations and gradual horizontal variations. This approach efficiently provides accurate solutions for problems involving sloping fluid-fluid interfaces, sloping solid-solid interfaces, and sloping solid boundaries. There remains a need for improvement for the case of sloping fluid-solid interfaces. The most promising approach to date is the combination of a single-scattering approximation and the treatment of part of the fluid layer as a solid layer with low shear speed. This is a singular perturbation, which results in rapid oscillations near the interface between the low-speed layer and the true solid layer. It is demonstrated here that the rapid oscillations may be eliminated by using slip conditions at the interface between the low-speed layer and the true solid layer. Stability problems were encountered when attempting to directly implement the slip conditions, but this problem was resolved by using an equivalent condition involving the normal derivative of the tangential displacement. This progress does not fully resolve the case of the sloping fluid-solid interface. There remains a need to find a vertical interface condition that is compatible with the slip conditions and that provides accurate results for problems involving sloping fluid-solid interfaces.
Questioning the Criteria for Evaluating Non-cryptographic Hash Functions
Authors: Hayes Catherine , Malone David
Published: September 2024

Although cryptographic and non-cryptographic hash functions are everywhere, there seems to be a gap in how they are designed. Lots of criteria exist for cryptographic hashes motivated by various security requirements, but on the non-cryptographic side there is a certain amount of folklore that, despite the long history of hash functions, has not been fully explored. While targeting a uniform distribution makes a lot of sense for real-world datasets, it can be a challenge when confronted by a dataset with particular patterns.
Data Quality Based Intelligent Instrument Selection with Security Integration
Authors: Chuprov Sergei , Zatsarenko Raman , Reznik Leon , Khokhlov Igor
Published: September 2024

We propose a novel Data Quality with Security (DQS) integrated instrumentation selection approach that facilitates aggregation of multi-modal data from heterogeneous sources. As our major contribution, we develop a framework that incorporates multiple levels of integration in finding the best DQS-based instrument selection: data fusion from multi-modal sensors embedded into heterogeneous platforms, using multiple quality and security metrics and knowledge integration. Our design addresses the security aspect in the instrumentation design, which is commonly overlooked in real applications, by aggregating it with other metrics into an integral DQS calculus. We develop DQS calculus that formalizes the problem of finding the optimal DQS value. We then propose a Genetic Algorithm–based solution to find an optimal set of sensors in terms of the DQS they provide, while maintaining the level of platform security desirable by the user. We show that our proposed algorithm demonstrates optimal real-time performance in multi-platform instrument selection. To facilitate the framework application by the instrumentation designers and users, we develop and make available multiple Android applications.
Advanced Persistent Threat Attack Detection Systems: A Review of Approaches, Challenges, and Trends
Authors: Buchta Robin , Gkoktsis George , Heine Felix , Kleiner Carsten
Published: September 2024

Advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks present a significant challenge for any organization, as they are difficult to detect due to their elusive nature and characteristics. In this article, we conduct a comprehensive literature review to investigate the various APT attack detection systems and approaches and classify them based on their threat model and detection method. Our findings reveal common obstacles in APT attack detection, such as correctly attributing anomalous behavior to APT attack activities, limited availability of public datasets and inadequate evaluation methods, challenges with detection procedures, and misinterpretation of requirements. Based on our findings, we propose a reference architecture to enhance the comparability of existing systems and provide a framework for classifying detection systems. In addition, we look in detail at the problems encountered in current evaluations and other scientific gaps, such as a neglected consideration of integrating the systems into existing security architectures and their adaptability and durability. While no one-size-fits-all solution exists for APT attack detection, this review shows that graph-based approaches hold promising potential. However, further research is required for real-world usability, considering the systems’ adaptability and explainability.
HindiSumm: A Hindi Abstractive Summarization Benchmark Dataset
Authors: Singh Geetanjali , Mittal Namita , Chouhan Satyendra Singh
Published: September 2024

Abstractive Text Summarization (ATS) is a task to create a novel summary by generating fresh sentences incorporating new words or rephrasing the article. It is a complex task as the model needs to understand the semantic similarity between the sentences of the text. To fulfill this, there is a need for a large annotated benchmark dataset, which is available for resource-rich languages such as English and non-indic languages. In contrast, for the less-resourced languages, such as Indic languages, the available datasets are limited and involve very short summary sentences. Hence, a language-specific abstractive summarization dataset called HindiSumm was introduced for Hindi, consisting of 570,000 text-summary pairs from Navbharat Times across 21 domains. The HindiSumm dataset’s efficiency is evaluated extrinsically and intrinsically by using various metrics. Furthermore, two recent multilingual-cased pre-trained models are fine-tuned on the HindiSumm dataset individually. In addition, an ensembled approach using weighted averaging is also incorporated to check the efficacy of the proposed dataset. The model is tested with the in-house created dataset, and results are evaluated on ROUGE scores and show significant improvements of around 13.2% for the proposed HindiSumm compared with other benchmark datasets. In the future, the HindiSumm dataset will promote the progress of ATS for the Indian language.
Quantum Liquids: Emergent Higher-Rank Gauge Theory and Fractons
Authors: You Yizhi
Published: September 2024

Fractons emerge from many-body systems, featuring subdimensional particles with restricted mobility. These particles have attracted interest for their roles across disciplines, including topological quantum codes, quantum field theory, emergent gravity, and quantum information. They display unique nonequilibrium behaviors such as nonergodicity and glassy dynamics. This review offers a structured overview of fracton phenomena, especially those of gapless fracton liquids, which enable collective modes similar to gauge fluctuations in Maxwell's electromagnetic framework, yet their phenomena are distinguished by a unique conservation law that restricts the mobility of individual charges and monopoles. We delve into the theoretical basis of three-dimensional (3D) fracton liquids, exploring emergent symmetric tensor gauge theories and their properties. We also discuss the material realization of fracton liquids in Yb-based pyrochlore lattices and other synthetic quantum matter platforms.
State of the World's Rivers
Authors: Islam Sheikh Tawhidul , Rahman Syed Hafizur , Matin Mir A. , Dey Aniruddha , Talukder Byomkesh , Sanyal Nandini , Asadujjaman Md. , Akand Kamruzzaman
Published: September 2024

In this review, we thoroughly analyze the state of global rivers, focusing on their physical and ecological characteristics as well as management strategies. The review results have helped us generate four recommendations. Firstly, rivers should be managed under a legally binding global accord at the basin level. Secondly, challenges related to river pollution and inappropriate project implementation can be mitigated by adopting newly defined strategic environmental assessments and the United Nations System of Environmental Economic Accounting. Thirdly, we need data from the latest scientific sources, such as geospatial sources, to better understand rivers at different scales as composite systems. The last recommendation calls for taking into account climate change concerns in river management approaches. We also outline a proposition for developing a river monitoring and assessment program in order to perform comprehensive and planet-wide river assessment. The article elaborates on the strategies for achieving these recommendations.
Insights Gained from Including People in Our Models of Nature and Modes of Science
Authors: Salomon Anne K. , McKechnie Iain
Published: September 2024

Across the natural sciences, humans are typically conceptualized as external disruptors of nature rather than adaptable components of it. Historical evidence, however, challenges this dominant schema. Here, we describe the broad repertoire of ecological functions performed by people in place-based societies across the Pacific Ocean over millennia, illustrating their roles as ecosystem engineers, dispersers, bioturbators, nutrient cyclers, predators, and herbivores. By considering the reciprocal relationships between people and the ecosystems within which they are embedded, evidence of humanity's ability to experiment, learn, adapt, innovate, and sustain diverse and resilient social–ecological relationships emerges. Therefore, recognizing people as inseparable components of marine ecosystems and their millennia of engagement with coastal ocean spaces is critical to both understanding marine ecosystems and devising resilient and equitable ocean policies.
The Lateral Corticospinal Tract Sign: An MRI Marker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Wendebourg Maria Janina , Kesenheimer Eva , Sander Laura , Weigel Matthias , Weidensteiner Claudia , Haas Tanja , Madoerin Philipp , Diebold Martin , Deigendesch Nikolaus , Neuhaus Dominique , Naumann Nicole , Neuwirth Christoph , Braun Nathalie , Weber Markus , Granziera Cristina , Scheurer Eva , Lenz Claudia , Schweikert Kathi , Sinnreich Michael , Lieb Johanna , Bieri Oliver , Schlaeger Regina
Published: September 2024

The radially sampled averaged magnetization inversion-recovery acquisition MRI method enabled in vivo visualization of upper motor neuron axonal degeneration in the spinal cord in participants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AI for Multistructure Incidental Findings and Mortality Prediction at Chest CT in Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Anna M. , Buchwald Mikolaj , Shanbhag Aakash , Bednarski Bryan P. , Killekar Aditya , Miller Robert J.H. , Builoff Valerie , Lemley Mark , Berman Daniel S. , Dey Damini , Slomka Piotr J.
Published: September 2024

A fully automated artificial intelligence model integrated multistructure segmentation, feature extraction, and quantification methods from chest CT scans to identify high-risk extrapulmonary features and predict mortality.
Platinum and CeO2−x Occlusion Electrodeposition at Unsupported Vulcan XC-72R for Methanol and Ethanol Oxidation Reactions in Alkaline Media
Authors: Suleiman Mahmoud Amal , Menéndez Mora Cristian L. , Roque-Malherbe Rolando , García Martínez Javier , Cabrera Carlos R.
Published: September 2024

Platinum was electrodeposited in a slurry solution of CeO2 and Vulcan XC-72R to produce Pt/CeO2−x/Vulcan XC-72R catalysts by using the Rotating Disk Slurry Electrodeposition (RoDSE) Technique. The activity of the catalysts was measured towards methanol and ethanol oxidation reactions in alkaline conditions by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The electrochemical results were compared to those obtained on commercial catalysts. Pt/CeO2−x/Vulcan XC-72R (with ∼ 26 wt% Pt) catalyst was the most active for both alcohol oxidation reactions when compared to commercial 40 wt.% and 20% /Vulcan XC-72R (ETEK) catalysts. The mass activity increases 2.0x and 2.4x for methanol and ethanol oxidation reactions when compare with 40 and 20 Pt wt. % commercial catalysts, respectively. The Pt/CeO2−x/Vulcan XC-72R catalysts contained Pt nanoparticles growth within the cerium oxide through an occlusion electrodeposition method. These effects were systematically investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Identifying Who Benefits the Most from a Community Health Worker‐Led Multicomponent Intervention for Hypertension
Authors: Pan Meng , Beratarrechea Andrea , Poggio Rosana , He Hua , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Chen Jing , Irazola Vilma , Rubinstein Adolfo , He Jiang , Mills Katherine T.
Published: September 2024

Background. Uncontrolled hypertension is a major public health challenge in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The Hypertension Control Program in Argentina (HCPIA) showed that a community health worker‐led multicomponent intervention was effective for blood pressure (BP) reduction in resource‐limited settings, but whether the intervention was equally effective across participant subgroups is unknown. Objective. To identify participants who benefit the most from the HCPIA BP control intervention. Methods. This secondary analysis used data from HCPIA, a successful 18‐month cluster‐randomized trial in 18 health centers with 1,432 low‐income hypertensive patients in Argentina. Fifteen baseline characteristics were used to define subgroups. The proportion of controlled BP (<140/90 mmHg) was estimated using generalized linear mixed models with arm‐by‐subgroup interaction terms. The distribution of trial BP response among intervention patient subgroups was assessed. Results. Participants were 53.0% female, a mean age of 56 years, and 17.4% controlled BP at baseline. After the intervention, 72.9% of intervention and 52.2% of control participants had controlled BP. The intervention was more effective in physically inactive patients (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.82 and 4.21; p for interaction = 0.04), moderately active patients (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.90 and 4.99; p for interaction = 0.03), and those with uncontrolled BP at baseline (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.15 and 3.57; p for interaction = 0.05). Among intervention participants, 20.2% had no BP response (BP change < −4 mmHg), 41.3% had a moderate BP response (BP change: −4 mmHg to −24 mmHg), and 38.5% had a high BP response (BP change > −24 mmHg). Women (p = 0.01), those who were physically inactive (p = 0.03), and those not taking antihypertensive medications at baseline (p = 0.001) had the greatest BP response. Conclusion. The effect of the intervention was consistent across many subgroups with some key groups showing a particularly strong intervention effect. These findings could be useful for planning future hypertension control programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
New Nanostructure NiO–GeSe Core–Shell/MAPbBr3 Solar Cell in Solar Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Superior Efficiency Enhancement
Authors: Shahrostami Maryam , Eskandari Mehdi , Fathi Davood
Published: September 2024

Solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting cells coupled with a photovoltaic (PV) cell as a photoanode have become an intriguing topic in solar energy conversion. In this study, for the purpose of developing a system with high efficiency, several photoanode materials were investigated to adjust the oxygen evolution reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) energy bands. Among all, MAPbBr3 with a wide bandgap (2.3 eV) was selected. However, the power conversion efficiency of the PV cell was not desirable due to the low light absorption. Therefore, the NiO–GeSe core–shell was placed inside the perovskite layer to enhance light absorption and carrier generation. In order to achieve a cell with the maximum performance, the core–shell height, and the shell radius were optimized, where the optimum structure was recognized with a core–shell height of 300 nm and a radius of 25–60 nm. The system’s total efficiency, which is represented by the solar to hydrogen efficiency, was then increased from 5.49% to 19.74% for the planar and nanostructure photoanode, respectively. The proposed PEC cell with the optimized photoanode is considered as the most efficient half‐tandem and perovskite‐based reported coupled system, operating without the need for an external voltage. In this study, three optical, electrical, and electrochemical models were solved using the finite element method to analyze the coupled system.
mLumiOpto Is a Mitochondrial-Targeted Gene Therapy for Treating Cancer
Authors: Chen Kai , Ernst Patrick , Sarkar Anusua , Kim Seulhee , Si Yingnan , Varadkar Tanvi , Ringel Matthew D. , Liu Xiaoguang “Margaret” , Zhou Lufang
Published: September 2024

Mitochondria are important in various aspects of cancer development and progression. Targeting mitochondria in cancer cells holds great therapeutic promise, yet current strategies to specifically and effectively destroy cancer mitochondria in vivo are limited. Here, we developed mitochondrial luminoptogenetics (mLumiOpto), an innovative mitochondrial-targeted luminoptogenetics gene therapy designed to directly disrupt the inner mitochondrial membrane potential and induce cancer cell death. The therapeutic approach included synthesis of a blue light–gated cationic channelrhodopsin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and coexpression of a blue bioluminescence-emitting nanoluciferase in the cytosol of the same cells. The mLumiOpto genes were selectively delivered to cancer cells in vivo by an adeno-associated virus carrying a cancer-specific promoter or cancer-targeted mAB-tagged exosome-associated adeno-associated virus. Induction with nanoluciferase luciferin elicited robust endogenous bioluminescence, which activated cationic channelrhodopsin, triggering cancer cell mitochondrial depolarization and subsequent cell death. Importantly, mLumiOpto demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing tumor burden and killing tumor cells in glioblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, the approach induced an antitumor immune response, increasing infiltration of dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. These findings establish mLumiOpto as a promising therapeutic strategy by targeting cancer cell mitochondria in vivo.

Significance: mLumiOpto is a next generation optogenetic approach that employs selective delivery of genes to cancer cells to trigger mitochondrial depolarization, effectively inducing cell death and reducing tumor burden.
Clonal Hematopoiesis and Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Given Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors (Alliance A031201)
Authors: Jensen Jeffrey L. , Bobek Olivia , Chan Irenaeus C. C. , Miller Brian C. , Hillman David W. , Heller Glenn , Druley Todd , Armstrong Andrew J. , Morris Michael J. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Beltran Himisha , Bolton Kelly L. , Coombs Catherine C.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Mutations in hematopoietic progenitor cells accumulate with age leading to clonal expansion, termed clonal hematopoiesis (CH). CH in the general population is associated with hematopoietic neoplasms and reduced overall survival (OS), predominantly through cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE). Because androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI) used in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are also associated with CVAEs and because CH negatively impacted survival in an advanced solid tumor cohort, we hypothesized that CH in mCRPC may be associated with increased CVAEs and inferior survival.

Experimental Design:

A targeted DNA sequencing panel captured common CH mutations in pretreatment blood samples from 957 patients enrolled in Alliance A031201: a randomized trial of enzalutamide ± abiraterone/prednisone in the first-line mCRPC setting. The primary outcome was the impact of CH on OS; the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and CVAEs.

Results:

Baseline comorbidities were similar by CH status. No differences in OS/progression-free survival were detected regardless of treatment arm or the variant allele frequency threshold used to define CH [primary: 2% (normal-CH, N-CH); exploratory: 0.5% (low-CH) and 10% (high-CH, H-CH)]. Patients with H-CH (7.2%) and TET2-mutated N-CH (6.0%) had greater odds of any CVAE (14.5% vs. 4.0%; P = 0.0004 and 12.3% vs. 4.2%; P = 0.010, respectively). More major CVAEs were observed in patients with H-CH (5.8% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.042) and N-CH (3.4% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.147).

Conclusions:

CH did not affect survival in patients with mCRPC treated with ARPIs in A031201. H-CH and TET2-mutated CH were associated with more CVAEs. These findings inform the risk/benefit discussion about ARPIs in mCRPC.
Multiomics Profiling Distinguishes Sebaceous Carcinoma from Benign Sebaceous Neoplasms and Provides Insight into the Genetic Evolution of Sebaceous Carcinogenesis
Authors: Starrett Gabriel J. , Baikie Brittany C. , Stoff Benjamin K. , Grossniklaus Hans E. , Van Buren Inga , Berry Elizabeth G. , Novoa Roberto A. , Rieger Kerri E. , Sarin Kavita Y. , Lynch Charles F. , Royer Michael C. , Piaskowski Mary L. , Brownell Isaac , Chu Emily Y. , Godse Rama , Chen Suephy C. , Yu Kelly J. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Engels Eric A. , Sargen Michael R.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Sebaceous carcinoma is the third most common nonkeratinocyte skin cancer in the United States with 1,000 cases per year. The clinicopathologic features of sebaceous carcinoma and benign sebaceous neoplasms (adenomas, sebaceomas) can overlap, highlighting the need for molecular biomarkers to improve classification. This study describes the genomic and transcriptomic landscape of sebaceous neoplasms in order to understand tumor etiology and biomarkers relevant for diagnosis and treatment.

Experimental Design:

We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) of sebaceous neoplasms from six academic and two federal healthcare facilities in the United States diagnosed between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2021.

Results:

We evaluated 98 sebaceous neoplasms: 64 tumors (32 adenomas, 2 sebaceomas, 5 atypical sebaceous neoplasms, 25 carcinomas) had sufficient material for WGS, 96 tumors (42 adenomas, 11 sebaceomas, 8 atypical sebaceous neoplasms, 35 carcinomas) had sufficient material for WTS, and 62 tumors (31 adenomas, 2 sebaceomas, 5 atypical sebaceous neoplasms, 24 carcinomas) had sufficient material for combined WGS and WTS. Overall, we found decreased cholesterol biosynthesis and increased TP53 mutations, copy number gains (chromosome 6, 8q, and/or 18), and tumor mutation burden-high (>10 mutations/MB) in carcinomas compared to adenomas. Although diminished compared to adenomas, most carcinomas still had higher cholesterol biosynthesis than nonmalignant skin. Multiomics profiling also supported a precancerous model of tumor evolution with sebaceomas and atypical sebaceous neoplasms being likely intermediate lesions.

Conclusions:

The study findings highlight key diagnostic biomarkers for sebaceous carcinoma and suggest that immunotherapy and modulation of cholesterol biosynthesis could be effective treatment strategies.