bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DLR–KMS correspondence on lattice spin systems
Authors: Drago N. , van de Ven C. J. F.
Published: July 2023

The Dobrushin–Lanford–Ruelle condition (Dobrushin in Theory Prob Appl 17:582–600, 1970. https://doi.org/10.1137/1115049; Lanford and Ruelle in Commun Math Phys 13:194–215, 1969. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01645487) and the classical Kubo–Martin–Schwinger (KMS) condition (Gallavotti and Verboven in Nuov Cim B 28:274–286, 1975. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02722820) are considered in the context of classical lattice systems. In particular, we prove that these conditions are equivalent for the case of a lattice spin system with values in a compact symplectic manifold by showing that infinite-volume Gibbs states are in bijection with KMS states.
Promoting intrapreneurial behavior in banking: the role of high-performance work systems, knowledge management processes, and supervisor support
Authors: Revuelto-Taboada Lorenzo , Portalanza-Chavarría Alexandra , Cedeño-Alejandro Fernando
Published: July 2023

Intrapreneurship is one of the keys to survival and competitiveness for service companies in knowledge-intensive sectors such as banking. This paper analyzes the role of high-performance work systems, knowledge management processes, and supervisor support in promoting intrapreneurial behavior. The results indicate that the relationship of high-performance work systems and intrapreneurial behavior is positive and significant. However, this relationship is mediated by knowledge management processes. Supervisor support moderates the relationships between high-performance work systems and intrapreneurial behavior and between high-performance work systems and knowledge management processes. However, this moderating effect is contrary to the expected effect for the second of these relationships. These findings offer guidance for practitioners to promote intrapreneurship in service sectors, where human-related service innovations, which are central to intrapreneurship, strongly affect customer satisfaction.
The Impact of Amine-Functionalised Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Menaquinone-7 Isomer Profile and Production of the Bioactive Isomer
Authors: Lal Neha , Seifan Mostafa , Ebrahiminezhad Alireza , Berenjian Aydin
Published: July 2023

The K family of vitamins includes a collection of molecules with different pharmacokinetic characteristics. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has the finest properties and is the most therapeutically beneficial due to its long plasma half-life and outstanding extrahepatic bioavailability. MK-7 exhibits cis–trans isomerism, and merely the all-trans form is biologically efficacious. Therefore, the remedial value of MK-7 end products is exclusively governed by the quantity of all-trans MK-7. Consumers favour fermentation for the production of MK-7; however, it involves several challenges. The low MK-7 yield and extensive downstream processing requirements increase production costs, resulting in an expensive final product that is not universally available. Bacterial cell immobilisation with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) can potentially address the limitations of MK-7 fermentation. Uncoated IONs tend to have low stability and can adversely affect cell viability; thus, amine-functionalised IONs, owing to their increased physicochemical stability and biocompatibility, are a favourable alternative. Nonetheless, employing biocompatible IONs for this purpose is only advantageous if the bioactive MK-7 isomer is obtained in the most significant fraction, exploring which formed the aim of this investigation. Two amine-functionalised IONs, namely 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-coated IONs (IONs@APTES) and L-Lysine (L-Lys)-coated IONs (L-Lys@IONs), were synthesised and characterised, and their impact on various parameters was evaluated. IONs@APTES were superior, and the optimal concentration (300 $$\upmu$$
μ
g/mL) increased all-trans MK-7 production and improved its yield relative to the untreated cells by 2.3- and 3.1-fold, respectively. The outcomes of this study present an opportunity to develop an innovative and effective fermentation method that enhances the production of bioactive MK-7.
Bucking the Trend: South African Jewry and Their Turn Toward Religion
Authors: Beider Nadia , Fachler David
Published: July 2023

Across the Jewish world religious polarization is gaining momentum. At the secular end of the spectrum people are switching away from religion while at the religious pole fertility levels are high. This trend is evident among South African Jewry; data from the 2019 Jewish Community Survey of South Africa (N = 4193) show that the community is becoming polarized, and the traditional center ground is collapsing. However, unlike many other Jewish communities today, switching toward more religious subgroups than the one in which one was raised is more common in South Africa than switching away from them. This tendency is most pronounced among people born in the 1960s and 1970s. A similar trend characterizes South African non-Jews. We argue that coming of age in a period of profound political and social instability explains the increased likelihood of switching toward religion. The effect is more marked among Jews due to distinct communal characteristics and history that provided the optimal conditions for switching towards a more religious lifestyle. This paper highlights the necessity of examining internal processes that are unique to the Jewish community alongside broader developments to improve our understanding of religious polarization among Jews.
Choice of desired family size among young women in Zambia: what matters?
Authors: Phiri Million , Shasha Liness , Musonda Emmanuel , Muhanga Mikidadi , Lemba Musonda
Published: July 2023

In many developing countries, population expansion and high fertility rates have been of concern to individuals, society, and governments. Zambia is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which has been experiencing high fertility for more than four decades since it attained independence. Understanding of factors associated with desired family size, especially amongst young women, is important because their future reproductive behaviour has the potential to influence the country’s course of fertility. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the determinants of family size choice among young women in Zambia. The study analysed data extracted from repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2007, 2013 and 2018. The analysis was done on a pooled weighted sample of 15,528 young women aged 15–24 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with the desired family size of young women. All analyses were conducted using Stata software version 17 and considered complex survey design. The prevalence of young women who had the desire of at least 4 children has been considerably high in Zambia, at 63.2%. Young women in the age group 20–24 were found to have higher odds (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.66) of desiring at least 4 children compared to those aged 15–19. Women living in the rural areas were (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.79) more likely to desire at least 4 children compared to their counterparts living in urban areas. Age of a young woman, place of residence, level of education, household wealth status, number of living children, and exposure to mass-media family planning messages were significantly associated with desire of at least 4 children. The desire for a large family size remains a social concern for reducing fertility in Zambia. This is because the proportion of young women who desire a large family size has been consistently high. Increasing access to education and sexual reproductive health information to young women especially to those in rural areas is key to changing their reproductive behaviour.
Focused ultrasound heating in brain tissue/skull phantoms with 1 MHz single-element transducer
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Evripidou Nikolas , Damianou Christakis
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study aims to provide insights on the practicality of using single-element transducers for transcranial Focused Ultrasound (tFUS) thermal applications.

Methods

FUS sonications were performed through skull phantoms embedding agar-based tissue mimicking gels using a 1 MHz single-element spherically focused transducer. The skull phantoms were 3D printed with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Resin thermoplastics having the exact skull bone geometry of a healthy volunteer. The temperature field distribution during and after heating was monitored in a 3 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner using MR thermometry. The effect of the skull’s thickness on intracranial heating was investigated.

Results

A single FUS sonication at focal acoustic intensities close to 1580 W/cm2 for 60 s in free field heated up the agar phantom to ablative temperatures reaching about 90 °C (baseline of 37 °C). The ABS skull strongly blocked the ultrasonic waves, resulting in zero temperature increase within the phantom. Considerable heating was achieved through the Resin skull, but it remained at hyperthermia levels. Conversely, tFUS through a 1 mm Resin skull showed enhanced ultrasonic penetration and heating, with the focal temperature reaching 70 °C.

Conclusions

The ABS skull demonstrated poorer performance in terms of tFUS compared to the Resin skull owing to its higher ultrasonic attenuation and porosity. The thin Resin phantom of 1 mm thickness provided an efficient acoustic window for delivering tFUS and heating up deep phantom areas. The results of such studies could be particularly useful for accelerating the establishment of a wider range of tFUS applications.
Meaning and Structure of Mathematical Connections in the Classroom
Authors: de Gamboa Genaro , Badillo Edelmira , Font Vicenç
Published: July 2023

The making of mathematical connections in the classroom plays a dual role. While many studies highlight the importance of connections for the learning of mathematics, others inform of students’ difficulties associated with the making of connections. This study aims to characterise the mathematical connections that arise in habitual classroom practice, using an inductive approach, in the context of introducing integers with pupils aged 12–13. Results show that connections emerge as networks of links resulting from interactions between the teacher and the students. We present a definition of connection, a detailed characterisation of their internal structure as networks of links and a global characterisation which takes into account the role of the connection in the context in which it takes place. The complementarity of the two characterizations allows us to coordinate, from a classroom perspective, existing specific classification proposals for connections with a broader notion of connection used by relevant curricular guidelines. Factors that may determine the complexity of connections and may be related with students’ difficulties when dealing with connections in the classroom are also discussed.
Chronic exposure to warm temperature causes low sperm abundance and quality in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gandara Ana Caroline P. , Drummond-Barbosa Daniela
Published: July 2023

Temperature influences male fertility across organisms; however, how suboptimal temperatures affect adult spermatogenesis remains understudied. In a recent study onDrosophila melanogasteroogenesis, we observed a drastic reduction in the fertility of adult males exposed to warm temperature (29 °C). Here, we show that males become infertile at 29 °C because of low sperm abundance and quality. The low sperm abundance at 29 °C does not stem from reduced germline stem cell or spermatid numbers, as those numbers remain comparable between 29 °C and control 25 °C. Notably, males at cold 18 °C and 29 °C had similarly increased frequencies of spermatid elongation and individualization defects which, considering the high sperm abundance and male fertility measured at 18 °C, indicate that spermatogenesis has a high tolerance for elongation and individualization defects. Interestingly, the abundance of sperm at 29 °C decreases abruptly and with no evidence of apoptosis as they transition into the seminal vesicle near the end of spermatogenesis, pointing to sperm elimination through an unknown mechanism. Finally, sperm from males at 29 °C fertilize eggs less efficiently and do not support embryos past the first stage of embryogenesis, indicating that poor sperm quality is an additional cause of male infertility at 29 °C.
Study of the reverse transition in pipe flow
Authors: Yokoo Hikaru , Yamamoto Mizuki , Matsumoto Takumi , Yamada Takahiro , Kanda Takeshi
Published: July 2023

In the reverse transition in pipe flow, turbulent flow changes to less disturbed laminar flow. The entropy of the flow appears to decrease. This study examined the reverse transition experimentally and theoretically using entropy change and momentum balance models, not in terms of disturbance in the flow. The reverse transition was accomplished by decreasing the Reynolds number. The transitions approximately correlated with local Reynolds numbers. The initial Reynolds number of the transition became larger, and the pressure at low Reynolds numbers was greater than in ordinary pipe flow. These behaviours were caused by turbulent flow in the pipe undergoing a reverse transition. We showed that the entropy did not decrease in the reverse transition by including the entropy due to friction in the development region.
Centralized monitoring of a cost efficient PLC‐SCADA based islanded microgrid considering dispatch techniques
Authors: Melo Jeimmy Johana Romero , Ishraque Md. Fatin , Shafiullah G. M. , Shezan Sk. A.
Published: July 2023

Currently, the generation of energy relies primarily on the usage of harmful fossil fuels all over the world. New technologies, on the other hand, have enabled renewable energy resources to have a reduced environmental effect, greater long‐term sustainability, and, in some cases, to be cheaper than fossil fuels. Microgrids that use renewable resources can deliver low‐cost clean electricity while also improving local resiliency. They do, however, have certain issues in terms of regulating internal frequency and voltage within a microgrid, which is hampered by the intermittent nature of renewable sources. An islanded Microgrid for San Andres, Colombia has been designed for 24.57 kW peak load composed of a PV‐wind‐storage system by considering dispatch strategy based control in Homer Pro and assessed utilizing Simulink/MATLAB. Lastly, a PLC‐SCADA system along a HMI (Human‐Machine Interface) in C# was created to monitor the Microgrid in real‐time and produce an alarm as the microgrid elements are not operating within their ideal range of operational. The data from HMI is automatically uploaded to a cloud database. This work incorporates the dispatch control based techno‐economic design, assessment and a complete supervisory control strategy for an optimum microgrid.
Nonparametric analysis of the Hubble diagram with neural networks
Authors: Giambagli Lorenzo , Fanelli Duccio , Risaliti Guido , Signorini Matilde
Published: July 2023

The recent extension of the Hubble diagram of supernovae and quasars to redshifts much higher than 1 prompted a revived interest in nonparametric approaches to test cosmological models and to measure the expansion rate of the Universe. In particular, it is of great interest to infer model-independent constraints on the possible evolution of the dark energy component. Here we present a new method, based on neural network regression, to analyze the Hubble diagram in a completely nonparametric, model-independent fashion. We first validated the method through simulated samples with the same redshift distribution as the real ones, and we discuss the limitations related to the “inversion problem” for the distance-redshift relation. We then applied this new technique to the analysis of the Hubble diagram of supernovae and quasars. We confirm that the data up to z ∼ 1 − 1.5 are in agreement with a flat Λ cold dark matter model with ΩM ∼ 0.3, while ∼5-sigma deviations emerge at higher redshifts. A flat Λ cold dark matter model would still be compatible with the data with ΩM > 0.4. Allowing for a generic evolution of the dark energy component, we find solutions that suggest an increasing value of ΩM with redshift, as predicted by interacting dark sector models.
A phenotype-structured model for the tumour-immune response
Authors: Kaid Zineb , Pouchol Camille , Clairambault Jean
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a mathematical model for tumour-immune response interactions in the perspective of immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The model is of the nonlocal integro-differential Lotka-Volterra type, in which heterogeneity of the cell populations is taken into account by structuring variables that are continuous internal traits (akaphenotypes) present in each individual cell. These represent a lumped “aggressiveness”,i.e., for tumour cells, malignancy understood as the ability to thrive in a viable state under attack by immune cells or drugs – which we propose to identify as a potential of de-differentiation–, and for immune cells, ability to kill tumour cells, in other words anti-tumour efficacy. We analyse the asymptotic behaviour of the model in the absence of treatment. By means of two theorems, we characterise the limits of the integro-differential system under ana prioriconvergence hypothesis. We illustrate our results with a few numerical simulations, which show that our model reproduces the three Es of immunoediting: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. Finally, we exemplify the possible impact ofICIs on these threeEs.
Aspirin 15cH has Different Effects on Morphology and Function of Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged RAW 264.7 Macrophages In Vitro Compared to a Pharmacological Dose of Aspirin
Authors: von Ancken Adalberto C. , de Medeiros Nathalia Salles S. , Perdomo Sandra Kalil , Cruz Mario Costa , Alvares-Saraiva Anuska M. , Perez Elizabeth C. , Silva Rodrigo Augusto da , Eizayaga Francisco Xavier , Bonamin Leoni Villano
Published: July 2023

Introduction Aspirin is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide. It is known to present antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic actions, making it extremely useful in a wide range of clinical contexts. Interestingly, homeopathically prepared Aspirin 15cH has been found to have a pro-thrombotic effect in rats, raising the hypothesis that Aspirin 15cH could also modulate the activity of inflammatory cells in different pathological processes.

Objective Our objective was to assess what effect Aspirin 15cH has on RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro.

Methods The effects of Aspirin 15cH on biochemical and morphological activities of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were evaluated. These effects were compared with unchallenged macrophages (negative control), untreated LPS-stimulated macrophages, macrophages treated with succussed water (vehicle control), or aspirin 200 µg/mL (pharmacological inhibitor of LPS activity). Cell morphology (adhered cell area and cytoskeleton arrangements), cell viability, toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) expression, and the production of nitric oxide, cytokines and intracellular reactive oxygen species were assessed.

Results Aspirin 15cH reduced the number of cells expressing TLR-4 on the surface (p = 0.03) and induced a “columnar” morphology of macrophage pseudopods, indicating changes in cytoskeleton arrangement. When cells were treated with both Aspirin 15cH and LPS, cell morphology became heterogeneous, suggesting that sub-populations of cells had differing sensitivities to LPS or Aspirin 15cH. Exposure of the cells to LPS alone, succussed water or aspirin 200 µg/mL produced effects consistent with the literature.

Conclusion Aspirin 15cH, aspirin 200 µg/mL, LPS and succussed water appear to act as independent stimuli able to induce different patterns of macrophage response. Aspirin 15cH induced changes suggestive of M2 polarization of the macrophages (i.e., toward a wound healing or tissue repair, rather than inflammatory, phenotype). These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in further specific studies.
Platelet Function Decreases with Increasing Severity of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension—A Prospective Study
Authors: Brusilovskaya Ksenia , Hofer Benedikt Silvester , Simbrunner Benedikt , Eichelberger Beate , Lee Silvia , Bauer David J. M. , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwabl Philipp , Panzer Simon , Reiberger Thomas , Gremmel Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background Cirrhotic patients display an increased risk for both bleeding and thrombosis. We investigated platelet activation across Child–Pugh stages (CPSs) and portal hypertension (PH) severity.

Material and Methods A total of 110 cirrhotic patients were prospectively included. CPS and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were determined. Platelet surface expression of P-selectin and activated glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa were measured by flow cytometry before/after stimulation with protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 (thrombin receptor activating peptide, TRAP) and PAR-4 (AYPGKF) agonists, epinephrine, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results Platelet count was similar across CPS but lower with increasing PH severity. Expression of P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa in response to TRAP and AYPGKF was significantly reduced in platelets of CPS-B/C versus CPS-A patients (all p < 0.05). Platelet P-selectin expression upon epinephrine and LPS stimulation was reduced in CPS-C patients, while activated GPIIb/IIIa in response to these agonists was lower in CPS-B/C (all p < 0.05). Regarding PH severity, P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa in response to AYPGKF were lower in HVPG ≥20 mmHg patients (both p < 0.001 vs. HVPG < 10 mmHg). Similarly, activated GPIIb/IIIa was lower in HVPG ≥20 mmHg patients after TRAP stimulation (p < 0.01 vs. HVPG < 10 mmHg). The lower platelet surface expression of P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa upon stimulation of thrombin receptors (PAR-1/PAR-4) in CPS-B/C and HVPG ≥20 mmHg patients was paralleled by reduced antithrombin-III levels in those patients (all p < 0.05). Overall, PAR-1- and PAR-4-mediated platelet activation correlated with antithrombin-III levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Platelet responsiveness decreases with increasing severity of liver cirrhosis and PH but is potentially counterbalanced by lower antithrombin-III levels.
Endovascular and Medical Management of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Reddy Aravind , Masoud Hesham E.
Published: July 2023

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms are often discovered incidentally on noninvasive imaging. As use of noninvasive imaging has increased, our understanding of the presumed prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in adults has increased. Incidentally found aneurysms are often asymptomatic; however, they can rarely rupture and cause life-threatening illness. Elective treatment of intracranial aneurysms carries risks which need to be considered along with patient-specific factors (e.g., anatomy, medical comorbidities, personal preferences). In this article, we review the natural history, risk factors for cerebral aneurysm formation and rupture, evidence for medical management, and the safety profile and efficacy of available endovascular treatment options.
Remote Robotic Surgery and Virtual Education Platforms: How Advanced Surgical Technologies Can Increase Access to Surgical Care in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Sherif Youmna A. , Adam Mohammed A. , Imana Aimee , Erdene Sarnai , Davis Rachel W.
Published: July 2023

Advanced surgical technologies consist of remote and virtual platforms that facilitate surgical care and education. It also includes the infrastructure necessary to utilize these platforms (e.g., internet access, robotic systems, and simulators). Given that 5 billion people lack access to safe and timely surgical care, the appeal of these technologies to the field of global surgery lies primarily in its ability to eliminate geographical barriers and address surgeon shortages. This article discusses the use of virtual and remote technologies in resource-limited settings, the potential applications of these technologies, the possible barriers to their integration, and the impact these technologies may have on access to surgical care and education. Specifically, it will explore how robotic surgery, telesurgery, virtual education platforms, and simulations have the potential to be instrumental in enhancing worldwide access to safe surgical care.
A Giant Coronary Aneurysm in a Suspected Kawasaki Disease Causing Asymptomatic Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Walse Rohit , Pant Bhagwati Prasad , Abhilash Sreevilasam P. , Sasidharan Bijulal
Published: July 2023

Coronary involvement in Kawasaki disease is not uncommon; however, giant coronary aneurysm exceeding 50 mm is extremely rare. In this article, we presented a case of giant coronary aneurysm involving right coronary artery with associated asymptomatic myocardial ischemia as evident by multimodality imaging.
Establishment of the first Australian public and health-professional palliative care advice service: exploring caller needs and gaps in care
Authors: Marco David J. T. , McMillan-Drendel Esther , Philip Jennifer A. M. , Williamson Theresa , Le Brian
Published: July 2023

This study explores and describes the state-wide needs of the first 1000 calls to the newly established Victorian Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS). A retrospective analysis investigated calls from the Victorian general public (n = 618 calls) and healthcare professionals (n = 382 calls) to PCAS between 26 May 2020 and 24 October 2022. Caller demographics, disease type, reason for call, and perceived utility of service were described. Most calls were from members of the public (62%) and related to malignant conditions (41%). Regional/rural clients comprised 45% of all calls to the service, of which half (50%) were health professionals seeking advice on symptom management and medication. One-third (29.3%) of all calls from health professionals were escalated to a palliative care medical consultant. PCAS prevented calls to emergency services in 10% of cases, and 82% of callers reported their issue was ‘very much’ or ‘completely’ addressed by PCAS. PCAS was shown to be frequently used by the public and healthcare professionals supporting patients with advanced, life-limiting illnesses. The service provided a solution without requiring complex technology, delivering a rapid connection for consumers with specialist palliative care expertise that might otherwise be unavailable, particularly in regional areas.
Energy intake and nutritional balance of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in special Bavarian landscapes in southern Germany
Authors: König Andreas , Dahl Sarah-Alica , Windisch Wilhelm
Published: July 2023

Context Irrespective of the fact that the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) occurs from the Mediterranean to north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the most abundant and widespread species, roe deer are fed in winter in Germany and Austria. Hunters justify the supplementary feeding with the argument that roe deer do not find sufficient high-quality food in our landscape and they would have to starve in winter. Aims Our aim was to measure the quality and energy content of the browsed roe deer diet (in terms of metabolisable energy, ME) and the daily energy intake by roe deer. Methodology Between 2017 and 2019, rumenreticula of 629 roe deer were collected from five extreme habitats in Bavaria. Samples were examined by standard methods of dietary analysis, such as in vitro ruminal fermentation, crude nutrient analysis and the analysis of neutral/acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin. In addition, data on body condition and age were collected for each roe deer. Key results The diet consumed by roe deer has an energy density between 5.1 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) and 6.1 MJ/kg DM on average. Crude fibre contents in the diet varied between 20% and 38% DM. Roe deer compensate for lower energy densities in vegetation by consuming more diet. Across all habitats, adult consumed an annual mean of between 10.6 and 12.9 MJ ME/day. Conclusions Roe deer find sufficient high-energy food in all landscape types. They consume and can utilise raw fibre to the same extent as do red deer or mouflon. Differences in energy density among habitats result from carbohydrate content and are compensated for by more food intake. Energy deficits in roe deer could not be detected in any habitat at any time. Implications Roe deer do not need supplementary feeding in any habitat. Supplementary feeding leads to browsing damage because of the lack of raw fibre in the feed.
Diet and impacts of non-native fallow deer (Dama dama) on pastoral properties during severe drought
Authors: Davis Naomi E. , Forsyth David M. , Bengsen Andrew J.
Published: July 2023

Context There is concern about potential competition between non-native fallow deer (Dama dama) and livestock for food, particularly during times of low rainfall when pasture is scarce. Aims We aimed to estimate the extent to which a high-density fallow deer population (~37 deer per km2) competed with livestock for food during a severe drought on pastoral properties on the Liverpool Plains, New South Wales, Australia. Methods We collected rumen contents from 125 fallow deer shot from helicopters during control operations in June and August 2018, and used microhistology to quantify their diets. We then used the diet data to adjust published estimates of stock unit equivalence from farmed fallow deer. Fallow deer sex and age class abundances and stock unit equivalences were multiplied to estimate the grazing pressure of the fallow deer population pre- and post-control relative to recommended sheep and cattle stocking rates. Finally, we estimated density–impact relationships for fallow deer. Key results Fallow deer diet was dominated by monocots (primarily grasses), but some individuals consumed large amounts of dicots (commonly Eucalyptus). Fallow deer were grazers to intermediate mixed feeders. Fallow deer dry-sheep equivalents (DSEs, based on a 50-kg merino wether) varied from 1.01 (juveniles) to 1.85 (adult females and adult males). Assuming complete diet overlap, the pre-control fallow deer population was equivalent to approximately 60.3 DSEs per km2 and reduced the potential stocking rate of domestic livestock by 50.2%. Discounting the fallow deer DSEs by the amount of browse in the diet resulted in a pre-control population of 45.7 DSEs per km2. The helicopter-based shooting reduced the fallow deer population by 26%, increasing the stocking rate in natural pasture by 22.0% (complete overlap) or 13.8% (discounting for browse). Conclusions When food is limiting, fallow deer at high density can exert strong competitive pressure on livestock, reducing carrying capacity. Browsing, including on Eucalyptus, likely helped fallow deer to persist at high densities during the severe drought of 2018, when properties had destocked. Implications Helicopter-based shooting reduced the competitive effects of fallow deer on livestock in our study area to only a small extent, but more intensive shooting would have led to a greater reduction. The helicopter-based shooting of deer was received positively by landholders at a time of severe stress, suggesting that deer control in agricultural areas can have other important benefits.
Twelve weeks of concurrent resistance and interval training improves military occupational task performance in men and women
Authors: Sterczala Adam J. , Krajewski Kellen T. , Peterson Patrick A. , Sekel Nicole M. , Lovalekar Mita , Wardle Sophie L. , O’Leary Thomas J. , Greeves Julie P. , Flanagan Shawn D. , Connaboy Christopher , Nindl Bradley C.
Published: July 2023

In the British Army, ground close combat roles have opened to women, however, they must pass the newly developed, gender‐neutral Role Fitness Tests for Soldiers (RFT(S)). Due to physiological differences between sexes, training that optimally prepares both sexes for military occupational demands and the RFT(S) is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 12‐week periodized strength and power programme with concurrent interval training on RFT(S) performance and determine if performance adaptations differed between sexes. 39 recruit‐aged (18–35 yrs) participants, including 21 men (29 ± 1 yrs) and 18 women (27 ± 1 yrs), completed the study. Participants performed 3 training sessions per week that included strength and power resistance training followed by interval training. Pre‐ to post‐training, improvements were observed for seated medicine ball throw (4.5%, p < 0.001), casualty drag (29.8%, p < 0.001), single lift (8.9%, p < 0.001), water can carry (13.8%, p = 0.012), repeated lift and carry (6.5%, p < 0.001), 2‐km load carriage (7.2%, p < 0.001) and 2‐km run (3.2%, p = 0.021). Pre‐ to post‐training improvements were also observed for maximal squat (27.0%, p < 0.001), bench press (8.9%, p < 0.001) and deadlift (24.6%, p < 0.001) maximal strength, but not upper body power or aerobic capacity. No differences in RFT(S) improvements were observed between sexes, however men performed better than women in all RFT(S) and physical performance measures. Concurrent resistance and interval training improves military occupational performance in men and women; however, women may need more training than men to pass the gender‐neutral RFT(S).
Automatic detection of spatio-temporal signaling patterns in cell collectives
Authors: Gagliardi Paolo Armando , Grädel Benjamin , Jacques Marc-Antoine , Hinderling Lucien , Ender Pascal , Cohen Andrew R. , Kastberger Gerald , Pertz Olivier , Dobrzyński Maciej
Published: July 2023

Increasing experimental evidence points to the physiological importance of space–time correlations in signaling of cell collectives. From wound healing to epithelial homeostasis to morphogenesis, coordinated activation of biomolecules between cells allows the collectives to perform more complex tasks and to better tackle environmental challenges. To capture this information exchange and to advance new theories of emergent phenomena, we created ARCOS, a computational method to detect and quantify collective signaling. We demonstrate ARCOS on cell and organism collectives with space–time correlations on different scales in 2D and 3D. We made a new observation that oncogenic mutations in the MAPK/ERK and PIK3CA/Akt pathways of MCF10A epithelial cells hyperstimulate intercellular ERK activity waves that are largely dependent on matrix metalloproteinase intercellular signaling. ARCOS is open-source and available as R and Python packages. It also includes a plugin for the napari image viewer to interactively quantify collective phenomena without prior programming experience.
Pre-T cell receptor localization and trafficking are independent of its signaling
Authors: Smid Andrei I. , Garforth Sam J. , Obaid Maryam S. , Bollons Hannah R. , James John R.
Published: July 2023

Expression of the pre-T cell receptor (preTCR) is an important checkpoint during the development of T cells, an essential cell type of our adaptive immune system. The preTCR complex is only transiently expressed and rapidly internalized in developing T cells and is thought to signal in a ligand-independent manner. However, identifying a mechanistic basis for these unique features of the preTCR compared with the final TCR complex has been confounded by the concomitant signaling that is normally present. Thus, we have reconstituted preTCR expression in non-immune cells to uncouple receptor trafficking dynamics from its associated signaling. We find that all the defining features of the preTCR are intrinsic properties of the receptor itself, driven by exposure of an extracellular hydrophobic region, and are not the consequence of receptor activation. Finally, we show that transitory preTCR cell surface expression can sustain tonic signaling in the absence of ligand binding, suggesting how the preTCR can nonetheless drive αβTCR lineage commitment.
The nanoscale organization of reticulon 4 shapes local endoplasmic reticulum structure in situ
Authors: Fuentes Lukas A. , Marin Zach , Tyson Jonathan , Baddeley David , Bewersdorf Joerg
Published: July 2023

The endoplasmic reticulum’s (ER’s) structure is directly linked to the many functions of the ER, but its formation is not fully understood. We investigate how the ER–membrane curving protein reticulon 4 (Rtn4) localizes to and organizes in the membrane and how that affects the local ER structure. We show a strong correlation between the local Rtn4 density and the local ER membrane curvature. Our data further reveal that the typical ER tubule possesses an elliptical cross-section with Rtn4 enriched at either end of the major axis. Rtn4 oligomers are linear shaped, contain about five copies of the protein, and preferentially orient parallel to the tubule axis. Our observations support a mechanism in which oligomerization leads to an increase of the local Rtn4 concentration with each molecule, increasing membrane curvature through a hairpin wedging mechanism. This quantitative analysis of Rtn4 and its effects on the ER membrane result in a new model of tubule shape as it relates to Rtn4.
Type I interferons drive MAIT cell functions against bacterial pneumonia
Authors: López-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Hancock Steven J. , Li Kelin , Crotta Stefania , Barrington Christopher , Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro , Priestnall Simon L. , Aubé Jeffrey , Wack Andreas , Klenerman Paul , Bengoechea Jose A. , Barral Patricia
Published: July 2023

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are abundant in the lung and contribute to host defense against infections. During bacterial infections, MAIT cell activation has been proposed to require T cell receptor (TCR)–mediated recognition of antigens derived from the riboflavin synthesis pathway presented by the antigen-presenting molecule MR1. MAIT cells can also be activated by cytokines in an MR1-independent manner, yet the contribution of MR1-dependent vs. -independent signals to MAIT cell functions in vivo remains unclear. Here, we use Klebsiella pneumoniae as a model of bacterial pneumonia and demonstrate that MAIT cell activation is independent of MR1 and primarily driven by type I interferons (IFNs). During Klebsiella infection, type I IFNs stimulate activation of murine and human MAIT cells, induce a Th1/cytotoxic transcriptional program, and modulate MAIT cell location within the lungs. Consequently, adoptive transfer or boosting of pulmonary MAIT cells protect mice from Klebsiella infection, with protection being dependent on direct type I IFN signaling on MAIT cells. These findings reveal type I IFNs as new molecular targets to manipulate MAIT cell functions during bacterial infections.
miR-15/16 clusters restrict effector Treg cell differentiation and function
Authors: Dong Jiayi , Huth William J. , Marcel Nimi , Zhang Ziyue , Lin Ling-Li , Lu Li-Fan
Published: July 2023

Effector regulatory T cells (eTregs) exhibit distinct homeostatic properties and superior suppressor capacities pivotal for controlling immune responses mediated by their conventional T cell counterpart. While the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in Tregs has been well-established, how miRNAs regulate eTregs remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that miR-15/16 clusters act as key regulators in limiting eTreg responses. Loss of miR-15/16 clusters leads to increased eTreg frequencies with enhanced suppressor function. Consequently, mice with Treg-specific ablation of miR-15/16 clusters display attenuated immune responses during neuroinflammation and upon both infectious and non-infectious challenges. Mechanistically, miR-15/16 clusters exert their regulatory effect in part through repressing IRF4, a transcription factor essential for eTreg differentiation and function. Moreover, miR-15/16 clusters also directly target neuritin, an IRF4-dependent molecule, known for its role in Treg-mediated regulation of plasma cell responses. Together, we identify an miRNA family that controls an important Treg subset and further demonstrate that eTreg responses are tightly regulated at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.
Thymic mimicry: The art of imitation
Authors: Cabric Vanja , Brown Chrysothemis C.
Published: July 2023

Display of tissue self-antigens within the thymus is critical for the regulation of self-reactive T cells. In this issue of JEM, Michelson et al. (2023. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20230461) continue to advance our understanding of self-antigen representation by medullary thymic epithelial cells, identifying a new role for Hnf4γ in the regulation of thymic mimetic cells as well as their peripheral counterparts.
Determinants of iFGF13-mediated regulation of myocardial voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels in mouse
Authors: Lesage Adrien , Lorenzini Maxime , Burel Sophie , Sarlandie Marine , Bibault Floriane , Lindskog Cecilia , Maloney Daniel , Silva Jonathan R. , Townsend R. Reid , Nerbonne Jeanne M. , Marionneau Céline
Published: July 2023

Posttranslational regulation of cardiac NaV1.5 channels is critical in modulating channel expression and function, yet their regulation by phosphorylation of accessory proteins has gone largely unexplored. Using phosphoproteomic analysis of NaV channel complexes from adult mouse left ventricles, we identified nine phosphorylation sites on intracellular fibroblast growth factor 13 (iFGF13). To explore the potential roles of these phosphosites in regulating cardiac NaV currents, we abolished expression of iFGF13 in neonatal and adult mouse ventricular myocytes and rescued it with wild-type (WT), phosphosilent, or phosphomimetic iFGF13-VY. While the increased rate of closed-state inactivation of NaV channels induced by Fgf13 knockout in adult cardiomyocytes was completely restored by adenoviral-mediated expression of WT iFGF13-VY, only partial rescue was observed in neonatal cardiomyocytes after knockdown. The knockdown of iFGF13 in neonatal ventricular myocytes also shifted the voltage dependence of channel activation toward hyperpolarized potentials, a shift that was not reversed by WT iFGF13-VY expression. Additionally, we found that iFGF13-VY is the predominant isoform in adult ventricular myocytes, whereas both iFGF13-VY and iFGF13-S are expressed comparably in neonatal ventricular myocytes. Similar to WT iFGF13-VY, each of the iFGF13-VY phosphomutants studied restored NaV channel inactivation properties in both models. Lastly, Fgf13 knockout also increased the late Na+ current in adult cardiomyocytes, and this effect was restored with expression of WT and phosphosilent iFGF13-VY. Together, our results demonstrate that iFGF13 is highly phosphorylated and displays differential isoform expression in neonatal and adult ventricular myocytes. While we found no roles for iFGF13 phosphorylation, our results demonstrate differential effects of iFGF13 on neonatal and adult mouse ventricular NaV channels.
Exploring the natural history of intrinsic capacity impairments: longitudinal patterns in the 10/66 study
Authors: Gonzalez-Bautista Emmanuel , Llibre-Guerra Jorge Jesus , Sosa Ana L , Acosta Isaac , Andrieu Sandrine , Acosta Daisy , Llibre-Rodríguez Juan de Jesús , Prina Matthew
Published: July 2023

Background

intrinsic capacity (IC) is a construct encompassing people’s physical and mental abilities. There is an implicit link amongst IC domains: cognition, locomotion, nutrition, sensory and psychological. However, little is known about the integration of the domains.

Objectives

to investigate patterns in the presentation and evolution of IC domain impairments in low-and-middle-income countries and if such patterns were associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods

secondary analyses of the first two waves of the 10/66 study (population-based surveys conducted in eight urban and four rural catchment areas in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico and China). We applied latent transition analysis on IC to find latent statuses (latent clusters) of IC domain impairments. We evaluated the longitudinal association of the latent statuses with the risk of frailty, disability and mortality, and tested concurrent and predictive validity.

Results

amongst 14,923 participants included, the four latent statuses were: high IC (43%), low deterioration with impaired locomotion (17%), high deterioration without cognitive impairment (22%), and high deterioration with cognitive impairment (18%). A total of 61% of the participants worsened over time, 35% were stable, and 3% improved to a healthier status.

Participants with deteriorated IC had a significantly higher risk of frailty, disability and dementia than people with high IC. There was strong concurrent and predictive validity. (Mortality Hazard Ratio = 4.60, 95%CI 4.16; 5.09; Harrel’s C = 0.73 (95%CI 0.72;0.74)).

Conclusions

half of the study population had high IC at baseline, and most participants followed a worsening trend. Four qualitatively different IC statuses or statuses were characterised by low and high levels of deterioration associated with their risk of disability and frailty. Locomotion and cognition impairments showed other trends than psychological and nutrition domains across the latent statuses.
FGCNSurv: dually fused graph convolutional network for multi-omics survival prediction
Authors: Wen Gang , Li Limin
Published: July 2023

Motivation

Survival analysis is an important tool for modeling time-to-event data, e.g. to predict the survival time of patient after a cancer diagnosis or a certain treatment. While deep neural networks work well in standard prediction tasks, it is still unclear how to best utilize these deep models in survival analysis due to the difficulty of modeling right censored data, especially for multi-omics data. Although existing methods have shown the advantage of multi-omics integration in survival prediction, it remains challenging to extract complementary information from different omics and improve the prediction accuracy.

Results

In this work, we propose a novel multi-omics deep survival prediction approach by dually fused graph convolutional network (GCN) named FGCNSurv. Our FGCNSurv is a complete generative model from multi-omics data to survival outcome of patients, including feature fusion by a factorized bilinear model, graph fusion of multiple graphs, higher-level feature extraction by GCN and survival prediction by a Cox proportional hazard model. The factorized bilinear model enables to capture cross-omics features and quantify complex relations from multi-omics data. By fusing single-omics features and the cross-omics features, and simultaneously fusing multiple graphs from different omics, GCN with the generated dually fused graph could capture higher-level features for computing the survival loss in the Cox-PH model. Comprehensive experimental results on real-world datasets with gene expression and microRNA expression data show that the proposed FGCNSurv method outperforms existing survival prediction methods, and imply its ability to extract complementary information for survival prediction from multi-omics data.

Availability and implementation

The codes are freely available at https://github.com/LiminLi-xjtu/FGCNSurv.