bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Smith–Purcell Process as a Source of THz Radiation
Authors: Doucas George
Published: January 2025

The chapter deals with the potential use of Smith–Purcell (SP) radiation as a tuneable source in the THz part of the spectrum. An SP-based source is assessed in terms of tuneability, power, and coverage of this band. As far as tuneability is concerned, it is shown that wavelength selection can be achieved easily, either by changing the energy of the beam or by changing the observation angle. It is also shown that just two gratings, with suitable periodicities, are sufficient to cover the whole of this wavelength band. The expected output power from such a source is compared to that from a synchrotron radiation source and is shown to be at least as good, in that part of the spectrum. Finally, there is a brief discussion of the possibilities offered by opting for higher-order emission.
Visual feature processing in a large stroke cohort: evidence against modular organization
Authors: Lugtmeijer Selma , Sobolewska Aleksandra M , de Haan Edward H F , Scholte H Steven
Published: January 2025

Mid-level visual processing represents a crucial stage between basic sensory input and higher-level object recognition. The conventional model posits that fundamental visual qualities, such as colour and motion, are processed in specialized, retinotopic brain regions (e.g. V4 for colour, MT/V5 for motion). Using atlas-based lesion–symptom mapping and disconnectome maps in a cohort of 307 ischaemic stroke patients, we examined the neuroanatomical correlates underlying the processing of eight mid-level visual qualities.

Contrary to the predictions of the standard model, our results did not reveal consistent relationships between processing impairments and damage to traditionally associated brain regions. Although we validated our methodology by confirming the established relationship between visual field defects and damage to primary visual areas (V1, V2 and V3), we found no reliable evidence linking processing deficits to specific regions in the posterior brain.

These findings challenge the traditional modular view of visual processing and suggest that mid-level visual processing might be more distributed across neural networks than previously thought. This supports alternative models where visual maps represent constellations of co-occurring information rather than specific qualities.
Different factors underlie mild and severe forms of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ottesen Eric W , Singh Ravindra N
Published: January 2025

This scientific commentary refers to ‘The systemic complexity of a monogenic disease: the molecular network of spinal muscular atrophy’ by Tapken et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae272).
Reproductive endocrinology of endangered black-footed ferrets: implications for conservation breeding
Authors: Arguelles Daphne A , Edwards Phoebe D , Beyersbergen Ayesha , Holmes Melissa M , Mastromonaco Gabriela F
Published: January 2025

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is an endangered North American mustelid. This species is bred in managed care with the goal of reestablishing wild populations. However, individual ferrets in the conservation breeding programme have variable reproductive success. We monitored faecal steroid hormone metabolite profiles of 22 black-footed ferrets across two breeding seasons to examine whether endocrine factors were associated with successful reproduction. Among successfully whelping females, faecal progesterone metabolite concentrations were higher (P = 0.04) and faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentrations were marginally higher (P = 0.07) in the late luteal phase compared to females who did not whelp (likely pseudopregnant). Effect sizes suggested that, in successfully whelping females, faecal oestradiol metabolite levels were higher in the follicular phase and FCM levels lower in the early luteal phase, but with high variation and lack of statistical significance. We speculate that this variation may be because male causes of reproductive failure account for some of these cases of pseudopregnancy. Among males, individuals that failed to successfully copulate had lower faecal testosterone metabolite concentrations than successful sires (P = 0.01). However, males who copulated but failed to sire a litter did not differ from successful sires in testosterone metabolite concentrations. Comparisons of sperm morphology between successful and unsuccessful sires were statistically underpowered, hence poor sperm quality could not be ruled out as a possible cause of these post-copulatory reproductive failures. Our data suggest that individuals who fail to reproduce in managed care are not experiencing chronic stress, based on FCM levels, although changes in females during the early luteal phase warrant further investigation. While male post-copulatory reproductive failure was not associated with deficiencies in sex hormone production, males that fail to copulate could potentially be targeted for testosterone supplementation.
Electrocardiogram-based machine learning for risk stratification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Bouzid Zeineb , Sejdic Ervin , Martin-Gill Christian , Faramand Ziad , Frisch Stephanie , Alrawashdeh Mohammad , Helman Stephanie , Gokhale Tanmay A , Riek Nathan T , Kraevsky-Phillips Karina , Gregg Richard E , Sereika Susan M , Clermont Gilles , Akcakaya Murat , Zègre-Hemsey Jessica K , Saba Samir , Callaway Clifton W , Al-Zaiti Salah S
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

The importance of risk stratification in patients with chest pain extends beyond diagnosis and immediate treatment. This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of electrocardiogram feature-based machine learning models to risk-stratify all-cause mortality in those with chest pain.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive, non-traumatic patients with chest pain. All-cause death was ascertained from multiple sources, including the CDC National Death Index registry. Six machine learning models were trained for survival analysis using 73 morphological electrocardiogram features (80% training with 10-fold cross-validation and 20% testing), followed by a variational Bayesian Gaussian mixture model to define distinct risk groups. The resulting classification performance was compared against the HEART score.

Results

The derivation cohort included 4015 patients (age 59 ± 16 years, 47% women). The mortality rate was 20.3% after a median follow-up period of 3.05 years (interquartile range 1.75–5.32). Extra Survival Trees outperformed other forecasting models, and the derived risk groups successfully classified patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups (log-rank test statistic = 121.14, P < .001). This model outperformed the HEART score, reducing the rate of missed events by >90% with a negative predictive value and sensitivity of 93.4% and 85.9%, compared to 89.0% and 75.0%, respectively. In an independent external testing cohort (N = 3095, age 59 ± 15 years, 44% women, 30-day mortality 3.5%), patients in the moderate [odds ratio 3.62 (1.35–9.74)] and high [odds ratio 6.12 (2.38–15.75)] risk groups had significantly higher odds of mortality compared to those in the low-risk group.

Conclusions

The externally validated machine learning-based model, exclusively utilizing features from the 12-lead electrocardiogram, outperformed the HEART score in stratifying the mortality risk of patients with acute chest pain. This may have the potential to impact the precision of care delivery and the allocation of resources to those at highest risk of adverse events.
Heart failure risk stratification using artificial intelligence applied to electrocardiogram images: a multinational study
Authors: Dhingra Lovedeep S , Aminorroaya Arya , Sangha Veer , Pedroso Aline F , Asselbergs Folkert W , Brant Luisa C C , Barreto Sandhi M , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz P , Krumholz Harlan M , Oikonomou Evangelos K , Khera Rohan
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Current heart failure (HF) risk stratification strategies require comprehensive clinical evaluation. In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) applied to electrocardiogram (ECG) images was examined as a strategy to predict HF risk.

Methods

Across multinational cohorts in the Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), UK Biobank (UKB), and Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), individuals without baseline HF were followed for the first HF hospitalization. An AI-ECG model that defines cross-sectional left ventricular systolic dysfunction from 12-lead ECG images was used, and its association with incident HF was evaluated. Discrimination was assessed using Harrell’s C-statistic. Pooled cohort equations to prevent HF (PCP-HF) were used as a comparator.

Results

Among 231 285 YNHHS patients, 4472 had primary HF hospitalizations over 4.5 years (inter-quartile range 2.5–6.6). In UKB and ELSA-Brasil, among 42 141 and 13 454 people, 46 and 31 developed HF over 3.1 (2.1–4.5) and 4.2 (3.7–4.5) years. A positive AI-ECG screen portended a 4- to 24-fold higher risk of new-onset HF [age-, sex-adjusted hazard ratio: YNHHS, 3.88 (95% confidence interval 3.63–4.14); UKB, 12.85 (6.87–24.02); ELSA-Brasil, 23.50 (11.09–49.81)]. The association was consistent after accounting for comorbidities and the competing risk of death. Higher probabilities were associated with progressively higher HF risk. Model discrimination was 0.718 in YNHHS, 0.769 in UKB, and 0.810 in ELSA-Brasil. In YNHHS and ELSA-Brasil, incorporating AI-ECG with PCP-HF yielded a significant improvement in discrimination over PCP-HF alone.

Conclusions

An AI model applied to a single ECG image defined the risk of future HF, representing a digital biomarker for stratifying HF risk.
Epidemiological pattern of dengue fever in Afghanistan in the period 2021–22
Authors: Tahoun Mohamed M , Mashal Mohammad O , Laiq Abdul Rahman , Amiri Abdul Wahid , Elnossery Sherein T A , Salem Marwa Rashad , Hegazy Nelly S , Eldeeb Sherif E , Alizai Fazal Elahi , Misbah Ehsanullah , Tanoli Jamshed A , Abouzeid Alaa H
Published: January 2025

Dengue fever is considered as an emerging disease in Afghanistan. Since the first outbreak was reported in 2019, other outbreaks have been reported in the following years. The current study aims to describe the epidemiological features and clinical manifestations of suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever detected by the National Disease Surveillance and Response (NDSR) Department of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) during 2021 and 2022 to prevent further spread and minimize its impact on the country’s health system and on the limited number of health workers. Through a retrospective analysis of historical data related to suspected dengue fever cases in Afghanistan detected by the National Disease Surveillance and Response Department during 2021 and 2022, several variables were identified, including demographic characteristics, clinical features, clinical management, the outcome of infection, laboratory data, and epidemiological factors. All statistical analyses were developed using Microsoft 365 (Excel). The mean age of the 1977 reported suspected dengue fever cases was 30.4 ± 14.9 years, with males 70.7%. The epidemic curve showed a steep rise in cases in 2022, starting from week 39, with a peak reached in week 45, which was higher than that observed in 2021. The majority of cases (97.9%) were reported from Nangarhar Province, east of the country. Regarding symptoms, fever, headache, and muscle pain were expressed in nearly all cases. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was positive in 379 cases out of 497 cases (76.3%). For the management of cases, 97.6% received antipyretics. Less than 5% of cases were admitted to health care units, with death reported in only two cases (case fatality rate of 0.1%). The number of suspected cases of dengue fever reported in Afghanistan was increasing. The trends for 2021 and 2022 followed almost the same pattern, with a higher peak in 2022. Understanding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dengue fever cases is fundamental for preparedness for upcoming seasons.
Bartonellosis in World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tahmasebi Ashtiani Zahra , Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Ahmadinezhad Mozhgan , Mostafavi Ehsan , Esmaeili Saber
Published: January 2025

Bartonella is a vector-borne zoonotic pathogen, which could also be transmitted directly and cause a variety of clinical illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella in countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMR) region. We searched using the keywords Bartonella and the name of each country in the WHO-EMR in databases such as PubMed, ISI (Web of Science), Scopus, and Google Scholar, with a publication date range of 1990–2022 and limited to English articles. We evaluated the quality of the studies using the STROBE 6-item checklist and used the random effects model to integrate the findings of the included studies. A total of 45 papers out of 240 were included in the analysis. The results showed the prevalence of Bartonella infection among endocarditis patients was 3.8% (95% CI: 0.2–7.4) and the seroprevalence of Bartonella among other people was 27.5% (95% CI: 13.5–41.5). The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp. among animals, as determined by molecular, serological, and culture methods, was 11.9% (95% CI: 5.7–18.2), 38.9% (95% CI: 27.5–50.2), and 1.7% (95% CI: 0.5–2.9), respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in ectoparasites was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.5–5.2), with fleas (6.2%) showing a higher prevalence compared to lice (4.9%) and ticks (1.0%). The detection of Bartonella in all animal and ectoparasites species and human populations in the WHO-EMR with prevalence ranging from 0.3% to 23% is concerning, emphasizes the importance of conducting more comprehensive studies to gain a deeper understanding of the spread of Bartonella in these areas.
An epidemiological risk assessment of imported malaria cases and potential local transmission in Qatar
Authors: Bansal Devendra , Assaad Nada , Mohamed Hend Omar , Shanmugakonar Muralitharan , Pacate Dorothy , Mohamed Khider , Balakrishnan Perumal , Ramiscal Redentor Cuizon , Ganesan Nandakumar , Al-Shamali Maha Hammam M A , Sultan Ali A , Munir Waqar , Abukhattab Mohammed , Schaffner Francis , Al-Maslamani Muna A , Eid Al-Romaihi Hamad , Al-Thani Mohammed , Al Khayat Fatima , Farag Elmoubashar Abd
Published: January 2025

Preventing local transmission of malaria from imported cases is crucial for achieving and maintaining malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and assess the distribution of malaria vectors in Qatar. Data from January 2016 to December 2022 on imported malaria, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics, travel-related information, and diagnostic results, were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. Field surveys conducted in 2021–22 collected mosquitoes using various traps across Qatar. The collected samples underwent morphological and molecular characterization at Qatar University. A total of 2693 cases were reported, with a mean incidence of 13.5/100 000 population, decreasing from 18.8/100 000 in 2016 to 5.5/100 000 in 2020. Most cases were Plasmodium vivax (57.4%) followed by P. falciparum (40.4%). The median age was 32.9 ± 12.5 years, primarily males (86.7%), expatriates (99.6%) and notified during the hot months (July to September). Cases were mainly imported from the Eastern Mediterranean Region followed by the African and South-East Asia Region with no deaths and indigenous cases. Anopheles stephensi was identified as a widely distributed species, but none carried the Plasmodium pathogen. Despite no reports of local transmission, the presence of An. stephensi and favourable environmental conditions pose a risk in Qatar. Strengthening surveillance for imported malaria and reviewing epidemic protocols are necessary. Conventional field studies are imperative to address knowledge gaps in Anopheles mosquito ecology and biting habits in Qatar, accurately assessing the risk of local malaria transmission to support Qatar’s malaria-free status.
Digest: Evolution of dragline silk in araneids show super tensile performance in web-building and non-web-building spiders
Authors: Chakraborty Snata
Published: January 2025

Wolff (2024) takes a comparative phylogenetic approach to study the evolution of dragline silk in 164 species of spiders, including both araneid and non-araneid species. Many structural and mechanical properties of dragline silk showed no correlations; however, both tensile strength and toughness correlated with birefringence—an indicator for the directional ordering of protein materials in the silk fibre. These properties do not seem to differ between web-building and non-web-building spiders; many spider families were found to include species that produce super-performing silk as well as species that produce weak-performing silk.
Investigation of the mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor–endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in mood disorders
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Wollenhaupt-Aguiar Bianca , Wang Yifan , Abu-Hijleh Fahed , Rigg Nicolette , de Azevedo Cardoso Taiane , Ahmed Imran , Gopalakrishnan Ridhi , Jansen Karen , de Mattos Souza Luciano Dias , Azevedo da Silva Ricardo , Mondin Thaise Campos , Kapczinski Flavio , Moreira Fernanda Pedrotti , Lofts Andrew , Gwynne William D , Hoare Todd , Mishra Ram , Frey Benicio N
Published: January 2025

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) has been associated with impaired cellular resilience. Recent studies have shown abnormalities in the unfolded protein response (UPR) in BD. The UPR is the cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), a trophic factor, decreases ER stress by modulating the UPR. The objective of this study is to investigate the MANF-ER stress pathway in BD and major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

MANF protein concentration and MANF and GRP78 gene expression were assessed in peripheral blood from individuals with BD, MDD, and HC (protein: 40 BD, 55 MDD, 55 HC; gene expression: 52 BD, 61 MDD, 69 HC). MANF protein and gene expression along with GRP78 gene expression were also analyzed in postmortem brain tissue (20 BD, 20 MDD, 19 HC). MANF protein was quantified using an ELISA assay while quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for MANF and GRP78 gene expression.

Results

Peripheral MANF protein levels were reduced in individuals with BD in a depressive state compared to controls (P = .031) and euthymic BD participants (P = .013). No significant differences in MANF or GRP78 gene expression were observed in BD irrespective of mood state, or MDD compared to HC (all P > .05). No differences were observed regarding MANF/GRP78 protein or gene expression levels in postmortem tissue (P > .05).

Conclusions

Individuals with BD who were in an acute depressive phase were found to have reduced peripheral MANF levels potentially signifying abnormal UPR and supporting the notion that BD is associated with increased ER stress.
Stability of stationary states for mean field models with multichromatic interaction potentials
Authors: Bertoli Benedetta , Goddard Benjamin D , Pavliotis Grigorios A
Published: January 2025

We consider weakly interacting diffusions on the torus, for multichromatic interaction potentials. We consider interaction potentials that are not $H$-stable, leading to phase transitions in the mean field limit. We show that the mean field dynamics can exhibit multipeak stationary states, where the number of peaks is related to the number of nonzero Fourier modes of the interaction. We also consider the effect of a confining potential on the structure of nonuniform steady states. We approach the problem by means of analysis, perturbation theory and numerical simulations for the interacting particle systems and the PDEs.
Pharmacodynamics of NOSO-502 studied in vitro and in vivo: determination of the dominant pharmacodynamic index driver
Authors: van den Berg Sanne , Attwood Marie G L , Griffin Pippa , Sassen Sebastiaan D T , Muller Anouk E , Raaphorst Merel N , Gualtieri Maxime , Racine Emilie , Das Shampa , Noel Alan R , Meletiadis Joseph , MacGowan Alasdair P
Published: January 2025

Background

NOSO-5O2 is the first clinical candidate of a new antimicrobial class—the odilorhabdins. The pharmacodynamics of NOSO-502 were studied in vitro and in vivo to establish the pharmacodynamic index (PDI) driver.

Methods

A dilutional pharmacokinetic system was used for in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments were conducted in the neutropenic murine thigh infection model. Three Escherichia coli and two Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were used. NOSO-502 pharmacokinetics (PK) in mice were described in a population PK model. Dose fractionation and escalation exposures were performed and bacteriostatic and 1 log10 and 2 log10 kill effects were determined using an Emax model. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to estimate the variance that might be due to regression with various PDIs (fAUC/MIC, fCmax/MIC, %fT>MIC and fAUC/MIC per length of dosing interval fAUC/MIC·1/tau).

Results

Exposure fractionation in both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that 6-hourly dosing resulted in a greater reduction in K. pneumoniae bacterial burden compared with either 12- or 24-hourly dosing. Similar observations were made with three E. coli strains in vitro and a single strain of E. coli in vivo. For K. pneumoniae, R2 for fAUC/MIC·1/tau was 0.8376 in vitro and 0.6001 in vivo, which was greater than R2 with other PDIs. Analysis of pooled in vitro data from three strains of E. coli produced an R2 of 0.7073 for fAUC/MIC and 0.6100 for fAUC/MIC·1/tau.

Conclusions

NOSO-502 exhibits both dose- and time-dependent in vitro and in vivo activity against both E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
Determination of Positivity Cutoff for an Automated Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific Immunoglobulin-G Assay in a National Reference Laboratory
Authors: Lozier Bucky , Martins Thomas , Slev Patricia , Saadalla Abdulrahman
Published: January 2025

Background

Detection of serum-specific immunoglobulin G (sIgG) to Aspergillus fumigatus traditionally relied on precipitin assays, which lack standardization and have poor analytical sensitivity. Automated quantitative immunoassays are now more widely used alternatives. A challenge, however, is determining reference interval (RI) cutoffs indicative of disease presence.

Methods

Sera from 152 local healthy donors were tested for Aspergillus fumigatus sIgG using the ImmunoCAP assay to calculate a nonparametric RI cutoff. Results from 178 patient samples cotested by the precipitin and ImmunoCAP assays were analyzed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to determine an optimal sIgG concentration for precipitin positivity. Clinical information available for 46 patients tested by the ImmunoCAP assay was also used to estimate an optimal sIgG cutoff for pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosis.

Results

Specific-IgG concentration at 81.5 mcg/mL corresponded to the 97.5th percentile of tested healthy donors. The ROC-driven optimal IgG cutoff for precipitin positivity was at 40.4 mcg/mL with 67.8% sensitivity [95% confidence interval (CI): 54.4% to 79.4%%] and 72.3% specificity (95% CI: 63.3% to 80.1%). Using clinical diagnoses, an IgG concentration at 64.7 mcg/mL had optimal sensitivity (77.8%; 95% CI: 61.9% to 88.3%) and specificity (66.7%, 95% CI 39.1% to 86.2%) for pulmonary aspergillosis.

Conclusions

Our healthy donor-driven RI cutoff was higher than estimated optimal sIgG values based on precipitin positivity and disease presence. As fungal sIgG levels can be impacted by local environmental exposures, and given the limited size of our clinical dataset, adopting an assay cutoff based on precipitin results (40.4 mcg/mL) can be more objective.
Development of alginate hydrogel baits for the management of longlegged ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Lee Ching-Chen , Lu Ming-Yi , Chen Joanne Tzu-Chia , Tay Jia-Wei , Yang Chin-Cheng Scotty , Lin Chung-Chi
Published: January 2025

The longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes, is a globally destructive invasive species owning to its devastating impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the regions where it has been introduced. In Taiwan, invasion of A. gracilipes has been associated with the declining of land crab populations in several hotspots. While liquid baiting program has been implemented in those areas, the operation is costly and labor-intensive since it typically requires the use and maintenance of bait stations. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the potential and effectiveness of hydrogel baits laced with borax as an alternative tool to control A. gracilipes. Laboratory studies demonstrated that hydrogel baits containing 3% borax achieved higher A. gracilipes mortality than those containing 2% and 1% borax. Specifically, hydrogel baits containing 3% borax resulted in >90% worker mortality within 21 d post-treatment (LT50 = 5.1 d), along with significant reduction in brood weight (>90%) and substantial queen death (>80% of colony fragments). Furthermore, field experiment indicated that A. gracilipes workers preferentially retrieved small-size hydrogel beads (3.1 mm OD; proportion removed = 1.00 ± 0.00) compared to the larger ones (6.2 mm OD; proportion removed = 0.03 ± 0.03), which will facilitate efficient transfer of toxicant within the colony and may minimize nontarget impact. In conclusion, alginate hydrogel baits with 3% borax appear to be a promising tool against A. gracilipes, although their field efficacy against large supercolonial populations remains to be investigated.
Nondestructive detection and rapid segmentation of the development process of Sitophilus zeamais in single wheat kernels based on CT and MV-UNet
Authors: Gao Ju , Zhou Ying , Hui Yanbo , Zhang Yongzhen , Wang Qiao , Liu Juanjuan , Wang Xiaoliang , Wang Hongxiao , Ding Hao , Ding Haiyang
Published: January 2025

Wheat is prone to insect infestations during harvesting, transportation, and storage, leading to heat, mold, and deterioration. Timely pest detection is vital for effective prevention and improved storage quality. Traditional methods, such as manual identification and biological information detection, have limitations, including low efficiency, grain damage, and difficulty in identifying pest larvae. This study proposed a method for detecting Sitophilus zeamais (S. zeamais) in the interior of wheat based on computed tomography technology and the Multi-feature and Vision Transformer U-Net model. The U-Net was enhanced with the Multi-Feature Extraction block and the Residual Vision Transformer block. After 200 training iterations, the model achieved a mean Intersection over Union of 94.4%. To use image processing technology to segment S. zeamais, create 3D models, and extract features such as volume, surface area, and length. S. zeamais develops through stages: egg, early larva, late larva, pupal, and adult. From epidermal erosion into the endosperm, it transitions from a round egg stage to a columnar shape and then develops various organs. The volume of the S. zeamais increases from 0.008 to 0.018 mm³ during the egg stage to 0.89 to 1.16 mm³ in the adult stage, and its length grows from 0.176 to 0.284 mm during the egg stage to 2.416 to 2.865 mm in the adult stage. This method offers accurate, rapid extraction and visualization of S. zeamais developmental information, supporting early-stage variation analysis and enhancing wheat quality and pest control.
Famished for Freedom: Pellagra and Medical Clemency at the Mississippi State Penitentiary
Authors: Landress Dana
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a case study of one medical experiment conducted in 1915 by the United States Public Health Service in collaboration with the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The experiment was non-therapeutic and its objective was to induce pellagra (a vitamin deficiency disease) in twelve healthy White male prisoners to confirm its etiology. Extant archival records produced by the convict participants, state politicians, and health researchers underscore that the men selected for the pellagra experiment were unique among incarcerated people in Mississippi at the time: they were White, wealthy, and politically well-connected. This paper contends that the convict participants leveraged a wide range of social and political connections to secure their participation in the pellagra experiment as an expeditious pathway to pre-arranged executive pardon, a phenomenon that I term medical clemency. By situating the 1915 pellagra prison experiment amid the broader landscape of incarceration, public health research, and systems of political patronage in Mississippi, this paper highlights the ways in which penal systems are embedded in broader social and political contexts. Not only did the experiment exacerbate pre-existing social inequalities behind bars, it also had lasting consequences for those involved in prison medical research – namely, the power to determine which kinds of convicts could ultimately re-enter the social order.
Efficient data sampling scheme to reduce acquisition time in statistical ALCHEMI
Authors: Ishizuka Akimitsu , Ohtsuka Masahiro , Muto Shunsuke
Published: January 2025

The distribution of dopants in host crystals significantly influences the chemical and electronic properties of materials. Therefore, determining this distribution is crucial for optimizing material performance. The previously developed statistical ALCHEMI (St-ALCHEMI), an extension of the atom-location by channeling-enhanced microanalysis (ALCHEMI) technique, utilizes variations in electron channeling based on the beam direction relative to the crystal orientation. It statistically analyzes spectra collected across multiple beam directions. However, the total experimental time can be extensive, particularly for low dopant concentrations, where typical experiments can span several hours. In this study, we propose a scheme based on efficient sampling point selection that reduces the experimental time required while maintaining accuracy. Guidelines for selecting beam directions were derived from theoretical and experimental analyses of data redundancy. The strategies include choosing directions that exhibit greater variances in the host ionization channeling patterns and lower correlation coefficients between them. Additionally, an edge detection scheme using the dual tree complex wavelet transform, applied to electron channeling patterns, is proposed to significantly reduce measurement time. Our findings suggest that effective sampling can reduce experimental duration by at least two orders of magnitude without compromising accuracy. Implementing the proposed guidelines shortens total measurement times, minimizes electron irradiation damage and improves S/N ratio through extended data acquisition per tilt.
Nonlinear response of soil organic carbon sequestration to deadwood decomposition in a subtropical–temperate ecotonal forest
Authors: Hu Mengjun , Wang Jiali , Zhou Zhenxing , Zhang Min , Xu Xinchuang , Wang Lingxuan , Zhong Mingxing , Chen Jixun , Liu Xuehao , Fu Shenglei
Published: January 2025

The decomposition of deadwood is a crucial process for the accumulation and sequestration of soil organic carbon (SOC) in forest ecosystems. Yet, the response of SOC to various classes of deadwood decay and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the dynamics of SOC, soil properties, extracellular enzyme activities, and phospholipid fatty acid biomarkers across five decay classes (defined from 1 to 5) of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) downed deadwood in a subtropical-temperate ecotone forest in Central China. Results showed a nonlinear response pattern of SOC along the deadwood decomposition gradient, with the maximum value at the decay class 4. Soil available nitrogen content, bacterial biomass, fungal biomass, the ratio of fungal to bacterial biomass, cellulase, and ligninase all increased, whereas soil pH decreased along with the intensification of deadwood decay. Increases in SOC content were associated with a direct positive effect of bacteria, and direct and indirect positive effects of fungi via cellulase, but ligninase showed no significant relationship with SOC content. These findings suggest that cellulose and microbial biomass determine soil C formation and sequestration during deadwood decomposition. This study highlights the importance of the nonlinear response of SOC to deadwood decay intensification, thus helping to predict future C–climate feedbacks.
The influence of pectins and cellulose in the mechanical and adhesive properties of seed mucilage
Authors: Gorges Helen , Serbe Elena , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav N
Published: January 2025

Several plant seeds release a mucilaginous envelope through hydration, rich in pectins and stabilized by cellulose fibers. This mucilage aids in seed protection, development, and adhesion for dispersal. This study aimed to separate the effects of pectins and cellulose fibers by using pectinase to remove mucilage pectins, leaving cellulose arrays, and performing wet and dry pull-off force measurements on seeds of three plant species: Salvia hispanica (Chia), Collomia grandiflora (Collomia) and Linum usitatissimum (Flax). We used light and scanning electron microscopy to confirm partial pectin removal and intact cellulose fibers. Pull-off force measurements revealed similar wet adhesive properties and E-moduli in S. hispanica and C. grandiflora seeds before and after pectin removal. L. usitatissimum seeds, lacking cellulose fibers, exhibited significantly lower wet and dry adhesion forces post-pectin removal. Desiccation dynamics showed shorter desiccation times after pectin removal in all three species. Results indicated that adhesion forces in seed mucilage with cellulose fibers did not change significantly after pectin removal, suggesting that cellulose fibers contribute to the adhesive properties of seed mucilage, while pectins might not play an exclusive role in adhering to surfaces.
Direct Evidence of Anomalous Peierls Transition-Induced Charge Density Wave Order at Room Temperature in Metallic NaRu2O4
Authors: Scheid Anna , Isha  , Yogi Arvind Kumar , Isobe Masahiko , Bußmann Birgit , Heil Tobias , van Aken Peter A
Published: January 2025

In the field of quantum materials, understanding anomalous behavior under charge degrees of freedom through bond formation is of fundamental importance, with two key concepts: Dimerization and charge order at different cation sites. The coexistence of both dimerization and charge ordering is unusually found in NaRu2O4, even in its metallic state at room temperature. Our work unveils the origin of the interplay of these effects within metallic single-crystalline NaRu2O4. Employing advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, we probe the lattice order of NaRu2O4 as a function of temperature and provide direct microscopic evidence of a Peierls-type transition. This transition is accompanied by a pronounced dimerization of the ruthenium chains, resulting in a distinctive twofold superstructure along the b axis below the critical transition temperature of ∼535 K, coinciding with a charge order. In situ heating experiments confirm the reversibility of this first-order phase transition, and periodic lattice displacement maps depict atomic-scale displacements linked to dimerization.
TIPPo: A User-Friendly Tool for De Novo Assembly of Organellar Genomes with High-Fidelity Data
Authors: Xian Wenfei , Bezrukov Ilja , Bao Zhigui , Vorbrugg Sebastian , Gautam Anupam , Weigel Detlef
Published: January 2025

Plant cells have two major organelles with their own genomes: chloroplasts and mitochondria. While chloroplast genomes tend to be structurally conserved, the mitochondrial genomes of plants, which are much larger than those of animals, are characterized by complex structural variation. We introduce TIPPo, a user-friendly, reference-free assembly tool that uses PacBio high-fidelity long-read data and that does not rely on genomes from related species or nuclear genome information for the assembly of organellar genomes. TIPPo employs a deep learning model for initial read classification and leverages k-mer counting for further refinement, significantly reducing the impact of nuclear insertions of organellar DNA on the assembly process. We used TIPPo to completely assemble a set of 54 complete chloroplast genomes. No other tool was able to completely assemble this set. TIPPo is comparable with PMAT in assembling mitochondrial genomes from most species but does achieve even higher completeness for several species. We also used the assembled organelle genomes to identify instances of nuclear plastid DNA (NUPTs) and nuclear mitochondrial DNA (NUMTs) insertions. The cumulative length of NUPTs/NUMTs positively correlates with the size of the nuclear genome, suggesting that insertions occur stochastically. NUPTs/NUMTs show predominantly C:G to T:A changes, with the mutated cytosines typically found in CG and CHG contexts, suggesting that degradation of NUPT and NUMT sequences is driven by the known elevated mutation rate of methylated cytosines. Small interfering RNA loci are enriched in NUPTs and NUMTs, consistent with the RdDM pathway mediating DNA methylation in these sequences.
Occupational exposure and sarcoidosis: a case-control study in three countries
Authors: Vinnikov D , Strizhakov L , Rybina T , Babanov S , Brovko M , Sholomova V , Lebedeva M , Mukatova I , Lavrenteva N , Manavitskaya N , Hinko I , Мakhnach S , Rybina A , Vasileuski S , Savich L
Published: January 2025

Background

Preceding studies of environmental and occupational risk factors of sarcoidosis yielded inconsistent findings.

Aims

We aimed to ascertain the occupational risk factors for sarcoidosis in a case-control study.

Methods

A total of 237 sarcoidosis patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis were matched with 474 controls for sex and age (median 49, interquartile range 37; 60 years) recruited from the university hospitals and outpatient centres in Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Ever and cumulative (considering years and hours per week) exposure to 24 occupational factors were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

In the overall sample of 711 subjects, 50% were females and any occupational exposure was more prevalent in cases compared to controls (60% versus 40%, P < 0.001). Current daily smoking as opposed to ex-smoking was associated with the lower risk of the outcome. Adjusted for smoking, age, sex and a few other exposures, ever-exposure to hay in agriculture (odds ratio (OR) 3.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26; 10.50)), engine exhausts (OR 2.94 (95% CI 1.14; 7.54)) and printing equipment (OR 1.66 (95% 1.03; 2.68)) was associated with sarcoidosis. The effect was also positive for cumulative exposure to hay in agriculture (OR 2.02 (95% CI 1.00; 4.07)), stone dust (OR 1.07 (95% CI 1.01; 1.14)) and engine exhausts (OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.03; 1.38)) and was stronger in never-smokers and subjects 40 years and older.

Conclusions

Widespread occupational exposures may increase the risk of sarcoidosis, but further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay of environmental and occupational factors in the epidemiology of sarcoidosis.
Chromatin landscape alteration uncovers multiple transcriptional circuits during memory CD8+ T cell differentiation
Authors: Liu Qiao , Dong Wei , Liu Rong , Xu Luming , Ran Ling , Xie Ziying , Lei Shun , Su Xingxing , Yue Zhengliang , Xiong Dan , Wang Lisha , Wen Shuqiong , Zhang Yan , Hu Jianjun , Qin Chenxi , Chen Yongchang , Zhu Bo , Chen Xiangyu , Wu Xia , Xu Lifan , Huang Qizhao , Cao Yingjiao , Ye Lilin , Tang Zhonghui
Published: January 2025

Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
Elite embeddedness: the rise of financiers on university boards as parallel social organizations
Authors: Eaton Charlie , Gibadullina Albina
Published: January 2025

We develop a theory of elite embeddedness in which social organizations parallel to the economy can provide advantages via private information and reciprocity from other elites. The growing representation of private equity and hedge fund managers on university boards of trustees is analyzed to show how this increasingly wealthy sub-group of financiers gained elite social ties despite the decline of bank-based interlocks between corporate boards. We find evidence that financiers secured trustee positions both because of their high rates of elite degree holding and their attraction to trustee appointments at the most selective schools. We also find that private equity firms attained higher investment returns when their general partners held more trustee positions. The results suggest that benefits accrue to elite intermediaries from social closure in parallel social organizations such as universities.
Sensitivity of driving simulation to sleep deprivation: effect of task duration
Authors: Meyer Morgane , Lejeune Laure , Giot Claire , Hay Marion , Bessot Nicolas
Published: January 2025

Study Objectives

The Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) is widely recognized as the gold standard for measuring vigilance, providing a rapid and objective measure of this state. While driving simulations are also used, they typically require longer administration times. This study examines the sensitivity of driving simulation variables to sleep deprivation throughout the task. The aim is to determine the shorter duration at which performance declines can be observed. A secondary goal is to compare driving simulation and PVT variables’ sensitivity in detecting sleep deprivation.

Methods

Forty-three participants (22 males; aged 46.7 ± 17.8 years) completed a 90-minute driving simulation and a 10-minute PVT under two conditions (normal sleep and partial sleep deprivation of 3.5 hours). Signed-rank Wilcoxon tests and effect sizes were computed for variables from both tasks. Effect sizes were calculated for each 10-minute interval to assess sensitivity over time.

Results

All the variables showed sensitivity to sleep deprivation. The largest effect sizes were observed in the driving simulation and specifically for the standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) (r = 0.73) and the standard deviation of steering wheel movement (r = 0.73). A large effect size for the SDLP (r = 0.71) was observed after only 20 minutes of driving. For the 10-minute PVT, the highest effect size was observed for the number of lapses (r = 0.52).

Conclusion

Driving-related variables are highly sensitive to sleep deprivation while providing continuous performance measurements. The SDLP is a particularly sensitive variable even with a reduced driving time of 20 minutes, suggesting that driving simulation tasks can be effectively shortened to 20 minutes.
Investigating outcomes of female genital schistosomiasis in communities in Ogun State, Nigeria: a pilot cross-sectional study
Authors: Gyang Vincent P , Abdulssalam Hameedat O , Ahmed Aminat O , Tokun Oluwatomilola V , Ejike Timothy N , Jonathan Joseph , Bayegun Adedotun A , Adubi Taiwo O , Patrobas Maryam N , Ajayi Jacob B , Akinwale Pheabian O
Published: January 2025

Background

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is still a relatively new area of study in Nigeria, although the knowledge has improved since the Female Genital Schistosomiasis Society of Nigeria was launched in 2022, but gaps exist in evaluating the consequences of this disease. This pilot study investigated outcomes of FGS in two communities in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods

Women <65 y of age from two communities in Ogun State were investigated. Of 126 women screened by urine microscopy, only 47 participants further consented for colposcopy to investigate FGS, guided by the World Health Organization FGS pocket atlas. Samples from the cervix and vagina were also subjected to a Pap test. Questionnaires were also used.

Results

Among the 47 participants, 23.4% had egg-patent urogenital schistosomiasis, with younger women being significantly more infected (p<0.05): age group 16–25 y (30.8%) and 26–35 y (35.7%). Investigation by colposcopy showed that 18 (38.3%) women had signs that could be considered as FGS, including grainy sandy patches (12.8%), yellow sandy patches (38.3%), abnormal blood vessels (17%) and rubbery papules (4.3%). Pap smear results showed cervical atypia in all samples, with two having Schistosoma ova.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study reaffirm the reason why more attention to FGS from the Federal Ministry of Health is required, and we strongly recommend the need for more studies with larger sample sizes to gather more information.
Multi-local analysis confirms identity of lethal bronzing phytoplasma for the first time in declining wild date palms (Phoenix sylvestris) from Georgia, U.S.A.
Authors: Bahder Brian , Bloch Melody , Lane Jeremy , Helmick Ericka , Jimenez Madrid Alejandra Maria
Published: January 2025

Lethal bronzing disease is a fatal phytoplasma infection of over 20 different palm species. It was introduced to Florida around 2006 and has since spread throughout the entire state where it has caused millions of dollars in economic to nurseries and landscape companies. While spread within nurseries and urban landscapes in Florida is driven primarily by transmission via the vector, Haplaxius crudus, long distance dispersal is commonly driven by movement of infected plant material. In this study, evidence is provided of the first detection of this phytoplasma in Phoenix sylvestris in Georgia, representing a new state record that is due directly to the movement of plants from Florida. Sequence data for the 16S rRNA, secA and groEL genes confirms the identity of the phytoplasma in declining palms from Georgia. This report highlights the continued need for monitoring and testing for lethal bronzing in Florida and regions where palms can grow and are commonly planted.