bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering Pattern-Transformable Soft Granular Crystals Induced by Microscopic Instability
Authors: Jain Nidhish , Shim Jongmin
Published: July 2024

Upon compression, some soft granular crystals undergo pattern transformation. Recent studies have unveiled that the underlying mechanism of this transformation is closely tied to microscopic instability, resulting in symmetry breaking. This intriguing phenomenon gives rise to unconventional mechanical properties in the granular crystals, paving the way for potential metamaterial application. However, no consistent approach has been reported for studying other unexplored transformable granular crystals. In this study, we present a systematic approach to identify a new set of pattern-transformable diatomic granular crystals induced by microscopic instability. After identifying the kinematic constraints for diatomic soft granular crystals, we have generated a list of feasible particle arrangements for instability-induced pattern transformation under compression. Instead of computationally intensive finite element models (FEMs) with continuum elements, we adopt a simplified mass-spring model derived from granular contact networks to efficiently evaluate these feasible particle arrangements for pattern transformation. Our numerical analysis encompasses quasi-static analysis and microscopic/macroscopic instability analyses within the framework of linear perturbation. Subsequently, the pattern transformation of the identified particle arrangements is confirmed through quasi-static analyses employing detailed finite element (FE) simulations with continuum elements. Additional numerical simulations with continuum elements reveal that the pattern transformations of particle arrangements are significantly influenced by the initial void volume and some transformed granular crystals may exhibit strong low-frequency directional phononic band-gaps, which were not observed in the initial granular crystals.
Frictional Slippage of Annular Elastomeric Disks Compressed Between Rigid Platens
Authors: Plaut Raymond H.
Published: July 2024

Compression of compressible, linearly elastic, annular disks by flat rigid platens is analyzed. Coulomb (Amonton) friction is assumed to act at the interfaces between the disk and the platens. Slip may occur in an outer annular region while the inner annular (bonded, stick) region of the disk does not slip. The critical radius (slip boundary) is of major interest. The governing equilibrium equations in terms of the deflections are satisfied exactly. Approximations are made in some of the boundary conditions and the transition (matching) conditions at the critical radius. Numerical results are presented for nearly incompressible disks. The effects of the radius ratio, aspect ratio, and Poisson's ratio of the disk, and of the coefficient of friction at the platens, on the critical radius, effective compression modulus, stresses, and radial deflection are investigated. Applications include structural (especially bridge) bearings, seismic-isolation devices, mounting blocks and bushings, gaskets, and sealing components.
Infrared radiation absorption in a wide wavelength range of 3–14 μm mainly based on spatial magnetic plasmon excitation and accumulation in an arrayed nanocavity-shaped metasurface
Authors: Gao Zecheng , Ji Wuyang , Liu Taige , Zhang Xinyu
Published: July 2024

A type of nanocavity-shaped metasurface for intensively absorbing infrared (IR) radiation in a wide wavelength range of 3–14 μm, which is mainly based on spatial magnetic plasmon excitation and accumulation according to an arrayed nanocavity, is proposed. The basic architecture of the metasurfaces is a layered metal-insulator-metal construction through linear arranging of titanium microribbons and also forming an arrayed titanium microcap on the top of a SiO2 layer preshaped over a thin copper film grown on an n-type silicon wafer, respectively. The measurements present that an average IR absorbing efficiency of more than ∼80% can be easily realized by the metasurfaces constructed. The microribbon-based metasurface exhibits polarization sensitivity under x-polarized incidence. A polarization-independent IR absorption can be conducted through the microcap-based metasurface developed continuously. It should be noted that the proposed nanocavity-shaped metasurfaces can, thus, be featured by an intensive IR absorption essentially attributed to the spatial magnetic plasmon excitation and accumulation or a spatial magnetic field resonant superposition and temporary storage in the multiple nanocavities of the metasurfaces designed.
Sculpting conducting nanopore size and shape through de novo protein design
Authors: Berhanu Samuel , Majumder Sagardip , Müntener Thomas , Whitehouse James , Berner Carolin , Bera Asim K. , Kang Alex , Liang Binyong , Khan Nasir , Sankaran Banumathi , Tamm Lukas K. , Brockwell David J. , Hiller Sebastian , Radford Sheena E. , Baker David , Vorobieva Anastassia A.
Published: July 2024

Transmembrane β-barrels have considerable potential for a broad range of sensing applications. Current engineering approaches for nanopore sensors are limited to naturally occurring channels, which provide suboptimal starting points. By contrast, de novo protein design can in principle create an unlimited number of new nanopores with any desired properties. Here we describe a general approach to designing transmembrane β-barrel pores with different diameters and pore geometries. Nuclear magnetic resonance and crystallographic characterization show that the designs are stably folded with structures resembling those of the design models. The designs have distinct conductances that correlate with their pore diameter, ranging from 110 picosiemens (~0.5 nanometer pore diameter) to 430 picosiemens (~1.1 nanometer pore diameter). Our approach opens the door to the custom design of transmembrane nanopores for sensing and sequencing applications.
The benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond obesity
Authors: Drucker Daniel J.
Published: July 2024

Glucagon-like peptide–1–based medicines have weight loss–independent actions
Structure-guided discovery of ancestral CRISPR-Cas13 ribonucleases
Authors: Yoon Peter H. , Zhang Zeyuan , Loi Kenneth J. , Adler Benjamin A. , Lahiri Arushi , Vohra Kamakshi , Shi Honglue , Rabelo Daniel Bellieny , Trinidad Marena , Boger Ron S. , Al-Shimary Muntathar J. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: July 2024

The RNA-guided ribonuclease CRISPR-Cas13 enables adaptive immunity in bacteria and programmable RNA manipulation in heterologous systems. Cas13s share limited sequence similarity, hindering discovery of related or ancestral systems. To address this, we developed an automated structural-search pipeline to identify an ancestral clade of Cas13 (Cas13an) and further trace Cas13 origins to defense-associated ribonucleases. Despite being one-third the size of other Cas13s, Cas13an mediates robust programmable RNA depletion and defense against diverse bacteriophages. However, unlike its larger counterparts, Cas13an uses a single active site for both CRISPR RNA processing and RNA-guided cleavage, revealing that the ancestral nuclease domain has two modes of activity. Discovery of Cas13an deepens our understanding of CRISPR-Cas evolution and expands opportunities for precision RNA editing, showcasing the promise of structure-guided genome mining.
Go/no-go for a Mars samples return
Authors: Southwood David
Published: July 2024

Last month’s return to Earth of China’s lunar lander Chang’e-6 with samples from the far side of the Moon is a reminder that there are “firsts” in robotic space exploration still to be achieved. Unfortunately, this year has seen a major setback for the prospects of an even more extensive plan to collect samples from Mars. In April, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) made clear that the ballooning cost for the US Mars Sample Return mission to around $11 billion was too much and the 2040 return date was too distant. NASA has been told to look for ideas to lower costs and shorten the timeline. Shock and anger are palpable in the astronomy community.
Incidence of drug-resistant pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia at a safety net hospital
Authors: Ding Helen , Mang Norman S. , Loomis Jordan , Ortwine Jessica K. , Wei Wenjing , O’Connell Ellen J. , Shah Nainesh J. , Prokesch Bonnie C.
Published: July 2024

The 2019 Infectious Diseases Society of America guideline for the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) emphasizes the need for clinician to understand local epidemiological data to guide selection of appropriate treatment. Currently, the local distribution of causative pathogens and their associated resistance patterns in CAP is unknown. A retrospective observational study was performed of patients admitted to an 870-bed safety net hospital between March 2016 and March 2021 who received a diagnosis of CAP or healthcare-associated pneumonia within the first 48 hours of admission. The primary outcome was the incidence of CAP caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(PsA) as determined by comparing the number of satisfactory sputum cultures or blood cultures with these drug-resistant organisms to the total number of reviewed patients. Secondary outcomes studied included risk factors associated with CAP caused by drug-resistant organisms, utilization of broad-spectrum antibiotics, appropriate antibiotic de-escalation within 72 hours, and treatment duration. In this 220-patient cohort, MRSA or PsA was isolated from three sputum cultures and no blood cultures. The local incidence of drug-resistant pathogens among the analyzed sample of CAP patients was 1.4% (
n
= 3/220). The overall incidence of CAP caused by MRSA or PsA among admitted patients is low at our safety-net county hospital. Future research is needed to identify local risk factors associated with the development of CAP caused by drug-resistant pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

This study investigates the incidence of drug-resistant pathogens including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
among community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients at a safety net hospital. Understanding local bacteria resistance patterns when treating CAP is essential and supported by evidence-based guidelines. Our findings empower other clinicians to investigate resistance patterns at their own institutions and identify methods to improve antibiotic use. This has the potential to reduce the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotic agents and combat the development of antibiotic resistance.
Pangenome evaluation of gene essentiality in
Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Jespersen Magnus G. , Hayes Andrew J. , Tong Steven Y. C. , Davies Mark R.
Published: July 2024

Bacterial species often consist of strains with variable gene content, collectively referred to as the pangenome. Variations in the genetic makeup of strains can alter bacterial physiology and fitness. To define biologically relevant genes of a genome, genome-wide transposon mutant libraries have been used to identify genes essential for survival or virulence in a given strain. Such phenotypic studies have been conducted in four different genotypes of the human pathogen
Streptococcus pyogenes
, yet challenges exist in comparing results across studies conducted in different genetic backgrounds and conditions. To advance genotype to phenotype inferences across different
S. pyogenes
strains, we built a pangenome database of 249
S
.
pyogenes
reference genomes. We systematically re-analyzed publicly available transposon sequencing datasets from
S. pyogenes
using a transposon sequencing-specific analysis pipeline, Transit. Across four genetic backgrounds and nine phenotypic conditions, 355 genes were essential for survival, corresponding to ~24% of the core genome. Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) categories related to coenzyme and lipid transport and growth functions were overrepresented as essential. Finally, essential operons across
S. pyogenes
genotypes were defined, with an increased number of essential operons detected under
in vivo
conditions. This study provides an extendible database to which new studies can be added, and a searchable html-based resource to direct future investigations into
S. pyogenes
biology.

IMPORTANCE

Streptococcus pyogenes
is a human-adapted pathogen occupying restricted ecological niches. Understanding the essentiality of genes across different strains and experimental conditions is important to direct research questions and efforts to prevent the large burden of disease caused by
S. pyogenes
. To this end we systematically reanalyzed transposon sequencing studies in
S. pyogenes
using transposon sequencing-specific methods, integrating them into an extendible meta-analysis framework. This provides a repository of gene essentiality in
S. pyogenes
which was used to highlight specific genes of interest and for the community to guide future phenotypic studies.
3-D model reveals thermal decomposition as a potential driver of seismicity in the Apennines, Italy
Authors: Gunatilake Thanushika , Miller Stephen A.
Published: July 2024

Earthquakes in the Central Apennines of Italy generate extensive aftershock sequences, with high-pressure CO2 often implicated as an important contributor to seismogenesis. Fluid pressure diffusion (through porous media) of mantle-derived high-pressure CO2 trapped in reservoirs is assumed to drive these sequences, yet seismic evidence of diffusion fronts remains elusive. We show here that co-seismic thermal decomposition also imposes numerous additional and isolated high fluid pressure sources that diffuse to drive the aftershock sequences. Numerical simulations mimic the generation of thermally decomposed fluids and reproduce the 2009 L’Aquila Mw 6.3 and the 2016 Amatrice-Visso-Norcia Mw 6.5 earthquake sequences. We identify hydraulic barriers and a minimum magnitude (Mw > 4) for thermal decomposition, which generate significant aftershock sequences in carbonates. The implications of thermal decomposition in seismogenesis are far-reaching and can be applied to any system, such as within subduction zones.
Supplemental Material: Tectonostratigraphic evolution of a marginal basin during the transition from arc collision to subduction: The case of the northern Pacific forearc of Colombia
Authors: León Santiago , et al.
Published: July 2024

Sample information and results of the biostratigraphic, petrographic, geochronological, isotopic, and geochemical analyses.
Erratum to: Conditions of Recrystallization of Ores of the Ozernoe Polymetallic Deposit (Western Transbaikalia, Russia)
Authors: Damdinova L. B. , Damdinov B. B. , Vikentyev I. V. , Reutsky V. N.
Published: July 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1075701524030012
Rosai-Dorfman Disease of pancreas: rare aetiology mimicking malignancy
Authors: Qama Eros , Rodriguez Carlos Castrodad , Sekhri Radhika , Lu Chuanyong , McAuliffe John , Bhalla Amarpreet
Published: July 2024

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis which usually presents as painless lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement is known to occur in various organs, and less than ten cases with primary pancreatic involvement have been reported previously. This case report details the clinical course of an elderly female, presenting with upper abdominal discomfort and imaging suggestive of malignancy. Multiple non-diagnostic fine-needle aspirations were followed by surgical intervention. Histopathological evaluation revealed a pancreatic mass with characteristic features of RDD. The large hallmark RDD histiocytes showed pale, watery-clear cytoplasm, central round nucleus, and prominent nucleolus, with and without lymphocyte emperipolesis. The RDD histiocytes showed positive immunostaining for CD68, CD163, S100 (nuclear and cytoplasmic), OCT-2, Cyclin D1 and are negative for CD1a, Factor XIIIa, fascin and langerin. This case underscores the importance of considering RDD in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses alongwith comprehensive evaluation, multidisciplinary approach and pancreatic core needle biopsy evaluation.
Accounting for time-varying exposures and covariates in the relationship between obesity and diabetes: analysis using parametric g-formula
Authors: Park Boyoung , Yoon Junghyun , Tran Thi Xuan Mai
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous studies investigating the association between obesity and diabetes often did not consider the role of time-varying covariates affected by previous obesity status. This study quantified the association between obesity and diabetes using parametric g-formula.

Methods

We included 8924 participants without diabetes from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study—Ansan and Ansung study(2001–2002)—with up to the seventh biennial follow-up data from 2015 to 2016. Obesity status was categorised as normal (body mass index (BMI) <23.5 kg/m
2
), overweight (23.5–24.9 kg/m
2
), obese 1 (25.0–27.4 kg/m
2
) and obese 2 (≥27.5 kg/m
2
). Hazard ratios (HRs) comparing baseline or time-varying obesity status were estimated using Cox models, whereas risk ratio (RR) was estimated using g-formula.

Results

The Cox model for baseline obesity status demonstrated an increased risk of diabetes in overweight (HR 1.85; 95% CI=1.48–2.31), obese 1 (2.40; 1.97–2.93) and obese 2 (3.65; 2.98–4.47) statuses than that in normal weight status. Obesity as a time-varying exposure with time-varying covariates had HRs of 1.31 (1.07–1.60), 1.55 (1.29–1.86) and 2.58 (2.14–3.12) for overweight, obese 1 and obese 2 statuses. Parametric g-formula comparing if everyone had been in each obesity category versus normal over 15 years showed increased associations of RRs of 1.37 (1.34–1.40), 1.78 (1.76–1.80) and 2.42 (2.34–2.50).

Conclusions

Higher BMI classification category was associated with increased risk of diabetes after accounting for time-varying covariates using g-formula. The results from g-formula were smaller than when considering baseline obesity status only but comparable with the results from time-varying Cox model.
Research on Load Decomposition and Optimization of Intelligent Elderly Care Service Based on Heuristic and Event Detection Algorithm
Authors: Miao Lin , ZhiWei Liao
Published: July 2024

Against the backdrop of the digital age, the openness, equality and interaction of the Internet economy have injected new vitality into China’s traditional industries. The application of big data technology, especially in information integration and analysis, has become a key force in promoting the sustainable and healthy development of the national economy. This study focuses on the “Internet +” environment, discusses the impact of the aging problem of community workers on home care services, and proposes an optimization scheme based on a heuristic algorithm. The heuristic algorithm, inspired by the foraging behavior of ants in nature, optimizes the route selection problem by simulating an ant colony to choose the path with a high concentration of pheromones and shows outstanding application potential in the field of home care. The accuracy of the event detection algorithm is directly related to the performance of the load decomposition algorithm, and the change point detection algorithm can effectively identify the change point of the probability distribution in the time series data, which provides important input data for unsupervised clustering. Advanced computer theory, including the Hidden Markov model (HMM) and swarm intelligence optimization algorithm, is used in this research. By comparing different swarm intelligence algorithms, we find that the standard Gray Wolf optimization (SGWO) model is better than the basic Gray Wolf optimization (BGWO) algorithm and the improved Gray Wolf optimization (DGWO) algorithm in terms of stability and output results. The SGWO model significantly improves the efficiency of the load decomposition algorithm, which has been verified in the application of the smart elderly care service platform. The platform not only supports the operation of related technologies and information products but also realizes the seamless integration of information among various subjects of elderly care services. In addition, the factor hidden in the Markov model that can be selectively activated effectively monitors equipment status in the Internet of Things environment, provides real-time monitoring of user consumption behavior and fault information and further enhances the quality and efficiency of smart elderly care services.
A NOMOGRAM FOR PREDICTING THE RISK OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY FOR PATIENTS WITH SEVERE COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA
Authors: CHEN CAIMEI , CHEN HANZHI , QI ZHEN , ZHANG ZHIJIAN , CAO CHANGCHUN
Published: July 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics that increase the likelihood of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) and to create a predictive nomogram for AKI. Methods: This study comprised individuals who received a diagnosis of SCAP over the period from January 01, 2019, to December 31, 2023. The patients were categorized into two groups: AKI and non-AKI. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were extracted from their medical records. An analysis was conducted to compare the rates of survival at 30 and 90 days among various groups. A multivariate analysis was performed to discover the autonomous risk factors linked to SCAP. The nomogram was built based on these parameters. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve study was performed to assess the predictive accuracy of the nomogram, namely by measuring the area under the curve (AUC). Results: Initial screening was conducted on a total of 1218 patients. After excluding 744 individuals who did not meet the exclusion criteria, a total of 474 patients, with an average age of [Formula: see text] years and a female representation of 33.3%, were selected for inclusion in this study. The prevalence of AKI in the subjects with SCAP was 47.7%. Out of these instances, 39.8% were categorized as AKI stage 1, 31.0% as AKI stage 2, and 29.2% as AKI stage 3. Those diagnosed with AKI exhibited a significantly higher mortality rate at both the 30-day and 90-day marks in comparison to those who did not have AKI. The independent risk factors for AKI were determined to include age, male gender, chronic renal disease, diabetes, and the utilization of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). In addition, higher levels of baseline serum creatinine and uric acid were identified as risk factors for AKI. The final predictive nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.811, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.773 to 0.849. Conclusion: Our nomogram can serve as a valuable tool for evaluating the progression of AKI in patients with SCAP.
ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION OF HUMAN DYNAMICS IN FIGURE SKATING SPORTS
Authors: LI HAN , CAO LIANZHONG
Published: July 2024

Based on the theory of multi-rigid body systems, a dynamic analysis model is established for human bones. For each joint in the human skeletal model, corresponding to the rotation joint, universal joint, and ball joint in the rigid body system, they are characterized to have single, double, and three degrees of freedom, respectively. Furthermore, the rotational changes between each joint are represented by the directional cosine matrix. The relationship is given between displacement and the bone center of mass. During the experiment, figure skaters were selected as the test subjects and waltz jumps were used as the test movements. Based on the human skeletal dynamics model, the angle change curves of the left hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint were obtained, and a comparison with the standard action was formed. The conclusion shows that the proposed human body dynamics analysis method can assist in the scientific training of figure skating.
GAIT PATTERN INVESTIGATIONS OF BIONIC PIEZOELECTRIC ROBOT
Authors: LIN YU-CHIH , LIN XIU-XIAN
Published: July 2024

The development of micro-robots based on bionic motion has garnered increasing attention with the advancement of bionic technology. These micro-robots can be employed in various tasks, such as military applications, disaster search and rescue, in vivo drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, and tumor treatment. Robot joint motion is commonly achieved through actuators, which encompass motor, hydraulic, or pneumatic components that often carry excessive weight. To achieve the goal of miniaturizing robotic mechanisms, innovative actuators need to be developed. This study focuses on designing a four-limbed micro-robot that utilizes piezoelectric actuators. Automatic Dynamic Analysis of the Mechanical System is employed to investigate the kinematic aspects of the micro-robot’s motion, and finite element analysis is also used to obtain the resonant characteristics of the limbs actuated by piezoelectric bimorphs. The results indicate that the gait pattern of a piezoelectric robot changes according to the walking strategy and the robot dimension. The forward travel speed varies depending on the gait pattern, and adjustments in gait design can reduce the up/down oscillation and right/left offset. The robot’s travel speed increases with both trunk and limb length, although longer thigh and leg lengths might lead to greater offset and vertical oscillation. The resonant frequency and mode shapes change with the limb structure and affect the limb motion style. By adjusting the driving frequency of the bimorph actuators, the gait pattern can be manipulated. The information presented in this study contributes to a deeper understanding of micro-robot design.
THE INFLUENCE OF CEO’S DIGITAL LITERACY ON THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF SMEs IN INDONESIA
Authors: DESTRIAN OPE
Published: July 2024

The significance of digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in the time of disruption, is frequently demonstrated by research. Nevertheless, not much consideration is placed on how digital transformation is experienced by SMEs. This study examines how SME digital transformation will be affected by CEOs’ digital literacy from a micro-foundation viewpoint. Utilizing survey data from 292 SMEs located in Indonesia, we evaluate a moderated mediation model. According to our research, CEOs’ digital literacy affects digital transformation through digital technology utilization. Additionally, CEOs’ gender further influence the association between CEOs’ digital literacy and digital technology utilization. Our work is among initial endeavors to assess the digital transformation among SMEs in an emerging nation such as Indonesia. Despite the urgent need for SMEs to digitally transform and the importance of CEOs’ digital capabilities in accelerating this process, none of the identified existing studies examines SME digital transformation from a micro-foundation perspective, specifically on the link between CEOs’ digital literacy and digital transformation and how digital technology utilization mediates this link, which makes this study unique.
CHALLENGES AND COPING MECHANISMS OF SUBSISTENCE MUSLIM FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN DELHI’S SLUMS: AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION
Authors: KHAN SAMEEN , TOMAR SARIKA
Published: July 2024

Subsistence entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in India by providing livelihood opportunities to a significant portion of the population. The present study delves into the distinct challenges encountered by Muslim female entrepreneurs in the slums of New Delhi. Employing a narrative inquiry methodology that provides a platform for these women to share their stories, it offers an in-depth exploration of their entrepreneurial experiences. Through interviews and storytelling, participants articulate their challenges, experiences and coping strategies, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their entrepreneurial journeys. Thematic analysis of the collected narratives reveals recurring patterns, barriers and adaptive measures employed by the participants. The findings highlight challenges rooted in socio-cultural dynamics, political challenges and economic constraints. The study also sheds light on coping strategies, reflecting creativity and innovation. This research contributes to an enhanced understanding of the multifaceted constraints confronting Muslim female entrepreneurs in marginalized communities, providing insights to inform policies and interventions aimed at promoting their empowerment and socio-economic progress.
Biomechanics of human locomotion in the wind
Authors: Mesquita Raphael M. , Willems Patrick A. , Catavitello Giovanna , Gibertini Giuseppe , Natalucci Valentina , Luciano Francesco , Minetti Alberto Enrico , Pavei Gaspare , Dewolf Arthur H.
Published: July 2024

This is the first study to assess the biomechanical adaptations to a wide range of wind speeds inside a wind tunnel. Humans increase their mechanical work and alter their drag area ( Cd A) by adapting their posture when walking and running against increasing head and tailwinds. The observed drag force applied to the subject is different between walking and running at similar headwind speeds.
Identification of Hub Genes for Psoriasis and Cancer by Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Yu Yao , Ma Shaoze , Zhou Jinzhe
Published: July 2024

Psoriasis increases the risk of developing various cancers, including colon cancer. The pathogenesis of the co‐occurrence of psoriasis and cancer is not yet clear. This study is aimed at analyzing the pathogenesis of psoriasis combined with cancer by bioinformatic analysis. Skin tissue data from psoriasis (GSE117239) and intestinal tissue data from colon cancer (GSE44076) were downloaded from the GEO database. One thousand two hundred ninety‐six common differentially expressed genes and 688 common shared genes for psoriasis and colon cancer were determined, respectively, using the limma R package and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) methods. The results of the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were mainly related to the biological processes of the cell cycle. Thirteen hub genes were selected, including AURKA, DLGAP5, NCAPG, CCNB1, NDC80, BUB1B, TTK, CCNB2, AURKB, TOP2A, ASPM, BUB1, and KIF20A. These hub genes have high diagnostic value, and most of them are positively correlated with activated CD4 T cells. Three hub transcription factors (TFs) were also predicted: E2F1, E2F3, and BRCA1. These hub genes and hub TFs are highly expressed in various cancers. Furthermore, 251 drugs were predicted, and some of them overlap with existing therapeutic drugs for psoriasis or colon cancer. This study revealed some genetic mechanisms of psoriasis and cancer by bioinformatic analysis. These hub genes, hub TFs, and predicted drugs may provide new perspectives for further research on the mechanism and treatment.
Evaluation of Kynu, Defb2, Camp, and Penk Expression Levels as Psoriasis Marker in the Imiquimod‐Induced Psoriasis Model
Authors: Emami Zahra , Shobeiri Saeideh Sadat , Khorrami Razia , Haghnavaz Navideh , Rezaee Mohammad Ali , Moghadam Malihe , Pordel Safoora , Sankian Mojtaba
Published: July 2024

Background. Psoriasis is a noncontagious auto‐inflammatory chronic skin disease. So far, some of the inflammatory genes were upregulated in mouse model of psoriasis. This study examined changes in skin mRNA expression of L‐kynureninase (Kynu), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (Camp), beta‐defensin 2 (Defb2), and proenkephalin (Penk) in a mouse model of imiquimod‐induced psoriasis. Materials and Methods. Tree groups of C57BL/6 female mice were allocated. The imiquimod (IMQ) cream was administered to the mice dorsal skin of the two groups to induce psoriatic inflammation. In the treatment group, IMQ was administered 10 min after hydrogel‐containing M7 anti‐IL‐17A aptamer treatment. Vaseline (Vas) was administered to the negative control group. The psoriatic skin lesions were evaluated based on the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score, histopathology, and mRNA expression levels of Kynu, Camp, Defb2, and Penk using real‐time PCR. In order to assess the systemic response, the spleen and lymph node indexes were also evaluated. Results. The PASI and epidermal thickness scores were 6.01 and 1.96, respectively, in the IMQ group, and they significantly decreased after aptamer administration to 1.15 and 0.90, respectively (P < 0.05). Spleen and lymph node indexes showed an increase in the IMQ group, followed by a slight decrease after aptamer treatment (P > 0.05). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of Kynu, Defb2, Camp, and Penk genes in the IMQ‐treated region showed a significant 2.70, 4.56, 3.29, and 2.61‐fold increase relative to the Vas mice, respectively (P < 0.05). The aptamer‐treated region exhibited a significant decrease in these gene expression levels (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between Kynu, Penk, and Camp expression levels and erythema, as well as Camp expression with PASI, scaling, and thickness (P < 0.05). Conclusion. According to our results, it seems that Kynu, Camp, and Penk can be considered appropriate markers for the evaluation of psoriasis in IMQ‐induced psoriasis. Also, the anti‐IL‐17 aptamer downregulated these important genes in this mouse model.
Clinical‐Microbiological Study of Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infections from Karnataka, India
Authors: Dhanashree Biranthabail , Shenoy Shalini
Published: July 2024

Background. Nontyphoidal salmonella (NTS) are responsible for food‐borne gastroenteritis and bacteremia, in immunosuppressed individuals. Antibiotic resistance in NTS is on the rise. This study reports the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of nontyphoidal salmonella in clinical samples. Study Design. This is a hospital record‐based cross‐sectional, retrospective study. Methods. In our study, inpatient samples such as blood (n = 13546), urine (n = 11,333), pus (n = 1,010), and stool (n = 926) samples were cultured to isolate etiological agents in the microbiology department from January 2017 to June 2019. Relevant details such as duration of fever, platelet count, hemoglobin, WBC count, immune status, and mode of treatment were noted from the medical records. Data were analyzed, and continuous variables were expressed as mean and categorical variables as percentages. Results. A total of 24 NTS serovars were isolated, which included ten isolates from blood, five each from urine and pus, and four from stool samples. Of the NTS, five were Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, three were S.enterica serovar Typhimurium, one was S.enterica subsp. diarizonae, and 15 S.enterica serovars could not be serologically differentiated. All were susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and cefuroxime. However, 16.6% of NTS was resistant to ceftriaxone, 4% to cotrimoxazole, 58% to ciprofloxacin, and 75% to nalidixic acid. Conclusions. A low prevalence of NTS responsible for invasive infections is seen in this part of the country. Few isolates were resistant to more than one antibiotic. A higher rate of resistance to ceftriaxone is the cause of concern. Awareness of the distribution of NTS serogroups is of epidemiological and public health significance.
Division and Effect Evaluation of Fracking Outburst Elimination Zones in Surface Extraction Wells of Coalbed Methane
Authors: Liu Jianbao , Song Zhimin , Li Bing , Ren Jiangang , Zhang Hongyan , Cheng Nuo
Published: July 2024

Surface hydraulic fracturing is an important measure for increasing reservoir permeability, which has advantages such as engineering safety and a large impact range and can be implemented ahead of the mine’s underground engineering. However, its underground outburst reduction range and effect are rarely reported, and there is a lack of connection with underground fracturing wells. Taking coalbed methane wells in the Lu’an Mining Area as an example, underground observation, microseismic monitoring, and numerical simulation methods were used to study the fracturing range and outburst control effect of surface wells. The fracturing zone of coalbed methane wells is approximately elliptical in shape, with the main fractures extending along the direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress. It can be divided into five zones: sand laying zone (radius of 140~150 m), fracture propagation zone (radius of about 180 m), fracturing fluid permeability zone (width of about 1 m), gas surge zone (width of 2~3 m), and final desorption zone (width of about 2 m). The stress around the fracturing zone increases along the direction of maximum and minimum principal stresses, while the stress value within the zone decreases, with a range of approximately 5~20% of the original geostress. The outburst reduction index Δh2 in the fracturing zone significantly decreased after fracturing. The percent of Δh2 (< 150 Pa) increased from 38.3% to 100% after fracturing. A model for evaluating the effectiveness of surface fracturing and outburst prevention was proposed, and the model was used in Tunliu Mine. The results showed that the standard‐reaching rate of extraction was high, and the danger of outburst could be completely eliminated. The research results can provide a reference for the arrangement of the coalbed methane wells and can also provide effective guidance for outburst prevention and control work during mining and excavation on a more macro scale. It provides a new idea and method for making up for the shortcomings such as the small impact range and safety hazards of underground fracturing.
Supplementary Video 2 from A Galaxy Implementation of Next-Generation Clustered Heatmaps for Interactive Exploration of Molecular Profiling Data
Authors: Broom Bradley M. , Ryan Michael C. , Brown Robert E. , Ikeda Futa , Stucky Mark , Kane David W. , Melott James , Wakefield Chris , Casasent Tod D. , Akbani Rehan , Weinstein John N.
Published: July 2024

NG-CHMs within Galaxy
Supplementary Video 1 from A Galaxy Implementation of Next-Generation Clustered Heatmaps for Interactive Exploration of Molecular Profiling Data
Authors: Broom Bradley M. , Ryan Michael C. , Brown Robert E. , Ikeda Futa , Stucky Mark , Kane David W. , Melott James , Wakefield Chris , Casasent Tod D. , Akbani Rehan , Weinstein John N.
Published: July 2024

Key interactive capabilities of NG-CHMs
Supplementary Figure S1 from A Galaxy Implementation of Next-Generation Clustered Heatmaps for Interactive Exploration of Molecular Profiling Data
Authors: Broom Bradley M. , Ryan Michael C. , Brown Robert E. , Ikeda Futa , Stucky Mark , Kane David W. , Melott James , Wakefield Chris , Casasent Tod D. , Akbani Rehan , Weinstein John N.
Published: July 2024

Figure showing the NG-CHM Generator in the Galaxy bioinformatics platform.
Targeting the Sodium–Potassium Pump as a Therapeutic Strategy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Schneider Constanze , Spaink Hermes , Alexe Gabriela , Dharia Neekesh V. , Meyer Ashleigh , Merickel Lucy A. , Khalid Delan , Scheich Sebastian , Häupl Björn , Staudt Louis M. , Oellerich Thomas , Stegmaier Kimberly
Published: July 2024

Tissue-specific differences in the expression of paralog genes, which are not essential in most cell types due to the buffering effect of the partner pair, can make for highly selective gene dependencies. To identify selective paralogous targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we integrated the Cancer Dependency Map with numerous datasets characterizing protein–protein interactions, paralog relationships, and gene expression in cancer models. In this study, we identified ATP1B3 as a context-specific, paralog-related dependency in AML. ATP1B3, the β-subunit of the sodium–potassium pump (Na/K-ATP pump), interacts with the α-subunit ATP1A1 to form an essential complex for maintaining cellular homeostasis and membrane potential in all eukaryotic cells. When ATP1B3’s paralog ATP1B1 is poorly expressed, elimination of ATP1B3 leads to the destabilization of the Na/K-ATP pump. ATP1B1 expression is regulated through epigenetic silencing in hematopoietic lineage cells through histone and DNA methylation in the promoter region. Loss of ATP1B3 in AML cells induced cell death in vitro and reduced leukemia burden in vivo, which could be rescued by stabilizing ATP1A1 through overexpression of ATP1B1. Thus, ATP1B3 is a potential therapeutic target for AML and other hematologic malignancies with low expression of ATP1B1.

Significance: ATP1B3 is a lethal selective paralog dependency in acute myeloid leukemia that can be eliminated to destabilize the sodium–potassium pump, inducing cell death.
Reconstitution of the Multiple Myeloma Microenvironment Following Lymphodepletion with BCMA CAR-T Therapy
Authors: Yang Yazi , Qin Sen , Yang Mengyu , Wang Ting , Feng Ru , Zhang Chunli , Zheng Enrun , Li Qinghua , Xiang Pengyu , Ning Shangyong , Xu Xiaodong , Zuo Xin , Zhang Shuai , Yun Xiaoya , Zhou Xuehong , Wang Yue , He Lin , Shang Yongfeng , Sun Luyang , Liu Hui
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the remodeling of the multiple myeloma microenvironment after B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)–targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy.

Experimental Design:

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on paired bone marrow specimens (n = 14) from seven patients with multiple myeloma before (i.e., baseline, “day −4”) and after (i.e., “day 28”) lymphodepleted BCMA CAR-T cell therapy.

Results:

Our analysis revealed heterogeneity in gene expression profiles among multiple myeloma cells, even those harboring the same cytogenetic abnormalities. The best overall responses of patients over the 15-month follow-up are positively correlated with the abundance and targeted cytotoxic activity of CD8+ effector CAR-T cells on day 28 after CAR-T cell infusion. Additionally, favorable responses are associated with attenuated immunosuppression mediated by regulatory T cells, enhanced CD8+ effector T-cell cytotoxic activity, and elevated type 1 conventional dendritic cell (DC) antigen presentation ability. DC re-clustering inferred intramedullary-originated type 3 conventional DCs with extramedullary migration. Cell–cell communication network analysis indicated that BCMA CAR-T therapy mitigates BAFF/GALECTIN/MK pathway–mediated immunosuppression and activates MIF pathway–mediated anti–multiple myeloma immunity.

Conclusions:

Our study sheds light on multiple myeloma microenvironment dynamics after BCMA CAR-T therapy, offering clues for predicting treatment responsivity.
Supplementary Figure 3 from Noninvasive Lung Cancer Subtype Classification Using Tumor-Derived Signatures and cfDNA Methylome
Authors: Li Shuo , Li Wenyuan , Liu Bin , Krysan Kostyantyn , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: July 2024

Tumor copy number variations identified from 27 cfDNA samples for independent validation
Supplementary Figure 1 from Noninvasive Lung Cancer Subtype Classification Using Tumor-Derived Signatures and cfDNA Methylome
Authors: Li Shuo , Li Wenyuan , Liu Bin , Krysan Kostyantyn , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: July 2024

Fragment-based marker discovery between LUAD and LUSC
Heart Failure Events After Long-term Continuous Screening for Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the Randomized LOOP Study
Authors: Xing Lucas Yixi , Højberg Søren , Kriegerg Derk W. , Graff Claus , Olesen Morten S. , Healey Jeff S. , McIntyre William F. , Brandes Axel , Køber Lars , Haugan Ketil Jørgen , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Diederichsen Søren Zöga
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Mounting evidence indicates that even device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher risk of heart failure (HF). However, the potential impact of atrial fibrillation screening on HF remains unknown.

METHODS:

The LOOP Study (Atrial Fibrillation detected by Continuous ECG Monitoring using Implantable Loop Recorder to prevent Stroke in High-risk Individuals) evaluated the effects of atrial fibrillation screening on stroke prevention using an implantable loop recorder (ILR) versus usual care in older individuals with additional stroke risk factors. In this secondary analysis, we explored the following HF end points: (1) HF event or cardiovascular death; (2) HF event; (3) event with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); and (4) HFrEF event or cardiovascular death. Outcomes were assessed in a Cox model both as time-to-first events and as total (first and recurrent) events analyzed using the Andersen-and-Gill method.

RESULTS:

Of 6004 participants (mean age 74.7 and 52.7% men), 1501 were randomized to ILR screening and 4503 to the control group. In total, 77 (5.1%) in the ILR group versus 295 (6.6%) in the control group experienced the primary outcome of an HF event or cardiovascular death. Compared with usual care, ILR screening was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the primary outcome for the time-to-first event analysis (hazard ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61–1.01]) and the total event analysis (hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.59–1.01]). Similar results were obtained for the HF event. A significant risk reduction in total events was observed in the ILR group for the composite of HFrEF event or cardiovascular death and for HFrEF event (hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.56–0.98] and 0.65 [95% CI, 0.44–0.97], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

In an older population with additional stroke risk factors, ILR screening for atrial fibrillation tended to be associated with a lower rate of total HF events and cardiovascular death, particularly those related to HFrEF. These findings should be considered hypothesis-generating and warrant further investigation.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02036450.
Speaker Demographics Modulate Listeners' Neural Correlates of Spoken Word Processing
Authors: Wu Hanlin , Duan Xufeng , Cai Zhenguang G.
Published: July 2024

In language comprehension, listeners expect a speaker to be consistent in their word choice for labeling the same object. For instance, if a speaker previously refers to a piece of furniture as a “couch,” in subsequent references, listeners would expect the speaker to repeat this label instead of switching to an alternative label such as “sofa.” Moreover, it has been found that speakers' demographic backgrounds, often inferred from their voice, influence how listeners process their language. The question in focus, therefore, is whether speaker demographics influence how listeners expect the speaker to repeat or switch labels. In this study, we used ERPs to investigate whether listeners expect a child speaker to be less likely to switch labels compared to an adult speaker, given the common belief that children are less flexible in language use. In the experiment, we used 80 pictures with alternative labels in Mandarin Chinese (e.g., yi1sheng1 vs. dai4fu, “doctor”). Each picture was presented twice over two experimental phases: In the establishment phase, participants listened to an adult or a child naming a picture with one of the labels and decided whether the label matched the picture they saw; in the test phase, participants listened to the same speaker naming the same picture by either repeating the original label or switching to an alternative label and, again, decided whether the label matched the picture they saw. ERP results in the test phase revealed that, compared to repeated labels, switched labels elicited an N400 effect (300–600 msec after label onset) and a P600 effect (600–1000 msec after label onset). Critically, the N400 effect was larger when listeners were exposed to the child speaker than to the adult speaker, suggesting that listeners found a switched label harder to comprehend when it was produced by a child speaker than an adult speaker. Our study shows that the perceived speaker demographic backgrounds influence listeners' neural responses to spoken words, particularly in relation to their expectations regarding the speaker's label switching behavior. This finding contributes to a broader understanding of the relationship between social cognition and language processing.
A new species of Leptomastax Pirazzoli in Israel (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: July 2024

Leptomastax Pirazzoli includes 25 species mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region. Leptomastax minutissima sp. n. is described, based on a male collected in northern Israel. This is the smallest member of this genus known so far, with the body length merely 1.13 mm, and it belongs in a group of eyeless species with a strongly reduced pattern of macrosetae. Identification key to Leptomastax of Israel is given.