bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tightly coupled GNSS RTK/IMU integration with GA-BP neural network for challenging urban navigation
Authors: Rui Sun , Xiaotong Shang , Qi Cheng , Lei Jiang , Qi Sheng
Published: May 2024

Intelligent transportation system is increasing the importance of real-time acquisition of positioning, navigation, and timing information from high-accuracy global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) based on carrier phase observations. The complexity of urban environments, however, means that GNSS signals are prone to reflection, diffraction and blockage by tall buildings, causing a degraded positioning accuracy. To address this issue, we have proposed a tightly coupled single-frequency multi-system single-epoch real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS/inertial measurement unit (IMU) integration algorithm with the assistance of genetic algorithm back propagation based on low-cost IMU equipment for challenging urban navigation. Unlike the existing methods, which only use IMU corrections predicted by machine learning as a direct replacement of filtering corrections during GNSS outages, this algorithm introduces a more accurate and efficient IMU corrections prediction model, and it is underpinned by a dual-check GNSS assessment where the weights of GNSS measurements and neural network predictions are adaptively adjusted based on duration of the integrated system GNSS failure, assisting RTK/IMU integration in GNSS outages or malfunction conditions. Field tests demonstrate that the proposed prediction model results in a 68.69% and 69.03% improvement in the root mean square error in the 2D and 3D component when the training and testing data are collected under 150 s GNSS signal-blocked conditions. This corresponds to 52.43% and 51.27% for GNSS signals discontinuously blocked with 500 s.
Inquiry-based astronomy in West Java secondary schools
Authors: Sarah Lia Laela , Aria Utama Judhistira , Suhandi Andi , Rustaman Nuryani , Kadarohman Asep
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the presence and utilisation of inquiry-based activities in astronomy education within secondary science and physics classrooms. Employing document analysis, surveys, classroom observations, and interviews, the study comprehensively assesses the nature of inquiry activities, teachers’ experiences, integration of astronomy into curriculum, resources availability and science teachers’ perceived proficiency in astronomical observation skills. Findings from 50 secondary science and senior high physics teachers reveal coverage of the Solar System and Earth–Moon–Sun motion in secondary science, and integration of astronomy concepts like universal gravitation and Kepler’s laws into physics classrooms. However, inquiry-based astronomy teaching is limited, with only 10% of educators feeling proficient in telescope use and low adoption of virtual laboratories and simulations. The study underscores the necessity for adaptive inquiry-based activities in astronomy education to enhance science and physics classrooms, proposing direct and indirect celestial object observation, virtual inquiries, and hands-on simulations to bridge skill gaps and resource utilisation shortcomings, thus enriching astronomy education at the secondary level.
Interdisciplinary approaches between physics and art using the example of optical experiments and artistic light installations
Authors: Wolke Nathalie , Laumann Daniel , Webersen Yvonne
Published: May 2024

The disciplines of physics and art are often seen as antithetical in social and educational contexts. However, in recent years, STEAM education has promoted the collaboration of art and STEM. Linking the subjects together offers a wide range of learning opportunities. For example, the design of (video) light installations can develop both artistic and physical skills. Such a teaching approach allows to address different types of interests within the same lesson. In this article, two basic ways of meaningfully combining artistic and physical topics are presented: ‘STEAM design’ and ‘STEAM explanation’. The approaches are described using the example of teaching optics at secondary school level, but in principle they can be applied to other grade levels or physical subjects.
Study of drain-induced channel effects in vertical GaN junction field-effect transistors
Authors: Chen Zengfa , Yue Wen , Zhu Renqiang , Wang Min , Zhu Xi , Lin Jinpei , Huang Shuangwu , Liu Xinke
Published: May 2024

A normally-off vertical gallium nitride (GaN) junction field-effect transistor (JFET) is demonstrated in this work. The device shows an on/off current ratio of 3.6 × 1010, a threshold voltage (V
TH) of 1.64 V, and a specific on-resistance (R
ON,SP) of 1.87 mΩ·cm2. Drain-induced channel effects were proposed to explain the change in the gate current at different drain voltages. Drain current decline in the output characteristics and the reverse turn-on between drain and source can be explained by effects. A technological computer-aided design was used to simulate the change of the depletion region and confirm the explanation. Detailed analyses of the channel effects provide a reference for the design of novel structures. The characteristics at different temperatures demonstrated the stability of threshold voltage and specific on-resistance, thus indicating the great potential of applications in switching power circuits of vertical GaN JFETs.
Artificial intelligence warm-start approach: optimizing the generalization capability of QAOA in complex energy landscapes
Authors: Zhao Runsheng , Cheng Tao , Wang Rui , Fan Xingkui , Ma Hongyang
Published: May 2024

To address the issue of the quantum approximate optimization algorithm frequently encountering local minima and the cost of parameter optimization within complex non-convex optimization energy landscapes, we consider a warm-start method. This approach leverages the characteristics of transition states in the enhanced optimizer, specifically descending along unique negative curvature directions, to find smaller local minima. Our research results indicate that with the assistance of an enhanced pre-training structure of the AlphaZero AI model, the initialization generalization ability of the new optimizer is significantly enhanced across various test sets. We train on 2-SAT training sets with clause densities between α ≈ 2.6 and α ≈ 2.89, and transfer to more complex test sets. Additionally, the average residual energy density in transfer learning consistently remains below 0.01, even achieving a high transfer success probability of 98% in hard instances with α ≈ 3.7. The search efficiency, pre-trained by ensemble learning, was significantly enhanced, while only requiring simple interpolation of a few transition points to transfer on the global optimal solutions at higher sample clause densities.
Ion temperature gradient mode modulational stability analysis with cairn’s distribution
Authors: Khan Aziz , Ullah Zakir , BiBi Hifsa , Nawaz Sawera , Shahid Ansa , Ali Moniba
Published: May 2024

In this manuscript, we have studied electron-ion plasma with inhomogeneity in equilibrium number density and temperature. Ions are the dynamic species, and lighter particles in plasma obey the cairn’s distribution. We introduce Brajinskii’s equation for dynamic species and get the linear dispersion relation and the nonlinear Schrodinger equation by the reduction perturbation method. From the linear dispersion relation, we found the mode frequency and phase velocity, while from the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, we obtained the stability and instability of the ion temperature gradient mode modulation. Findings show that phase velocity is dependent on the superthermality coefficient and other plasma parameters like ion temperature, ion density, and mode parameter η

i
. Further, the modulational stability and instability of the mode vary with the superthermality coefficient and other plasma parameters, especially the η

i
. We can apply these observations equally to the laboratory as well as to the space plasma.
Deuterium retention in co-deposition with lithium in Magnum-PSI: experimental analysis and comparison with SOLPS-ITER
Authors: Morbey M. , Gonzalez J. , Arnoldbik W.M. , Tyburska-Pueschel B. , Morgan T.W.
Published: May 2024

The vapor-box, a liquid metal design for the divertor, utilizes lithium recirculation through evaporation and condensation. Safety concerns arise from Li-D/T formation and co-deposition on vapor-box walls and the first wall, affecting tritium retention. Additively manufactured tungsten capillary porous structure (CPS) samples with Li were exposed to high heat flux D plasmas in the linear plasma device Magnum-PSI, to study D retention in Li–D co-deposition dependence on substrate temperature (200 

∘

C–428 

∘

C) and distance from the plasma beam center (25–85 mm). The D:Li ratio was determined via in-situ ion beam diagnostics with simultaneously analyzed Nuclear Reaction Analysis and Elastic Backscattering Spectroscopy spectra to maximize the precision. Experimental results approach close to the theoretical maximum at 40:60 D:Li ratio and deposited film thickness ranging from 0.02 to 3.2 µm. Witness plate temperatures above 400 

∘

C yielded Li films under 150 nm in thickness with lower D:Li ratios (5:95 D:Li ratio). At this temperature LiD decomposition pressure is comparable with vessel pressure during plasma. SOLPS-ITER simulations narrowed CPS surface temperature to 650 

∘

C–700 

∘

C, indicating Li+ plasma dominance near the target surface. Redeposition ratio of lithium on the CPS surface was determined to be around 80

%

, matching quartz crystal microbalance results. However, SOLPS-ITER simulations lacked accuracy in recreating observed Li and D deposition layers on WPs, improvements are needed to model plasmas with significant Li quantities. Extension of SOLPS-ITER simulations to include LiD molecules and enhance heat flux accuracy is crucial for better alignment with experimental data.
All-PM Yb-doped mode-locked fiber laser with high single pulse energy and high repetition frequency
Authors: Fu Chaohui , Song Yuanqi , Tao Jianing , Zhang Pu , Qi Mei , Chen Haowei , Bai Jintao
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate an all-polarization-maintaining (PM) ytterbium (Yb)-doped fiber laser with a figure-of-9 structure to generate mode-locked pulses with high single pulse energy and high repetition frequency. By exploiting the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror, a stably self-started mode-locking is achieved with a spectrum bandwidth of 13 nm and a pulse duration of 4.53 ps. The fundamental frequency is 97.966 MHz at the maximum output power of 143 mW in single pulse mode-locked operation, corresponding to the single pulse energy is 1.46 nJ. The output pulses maintain both high repetition frequency and high single-pulse energy. This laser oscillator can be an ideal seed source for applications such as high-energy amplifiers.
Enhancing the quality factor of aerosol jet printed RF spiral inductors through gold electroplating
Authors: Mosa Md Abu , Kang Huijune , Jo Jeong Yeop , Bang Jinho , Ahn Dal , Jang Youna , Kwon Kye-Si
Published: May 2024

Aerosol jet printing (AJP) outperforms inkjet printing by significantly reducing printed line width, effectively addressing issues such as bulging and surface irregularities. This technology allows for line widths as narrow as 10–100 μm with high aspect ratios, making it well-suited for radio frequency (RF) applications. Consequently, AJP emerges as a valuable tool for direct printing in RF applications. Among conductive inks, silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP) ink is preferred for its straightforward direct printing process and lower sintering temperature requirements. However, the conductivity of printed Ag NP traces falls markedly below that of bulk silver due to significant porosity, limiting its use in RF applications where a high-quality factor is essential. The quality factor of an inductor, indicative of its efficiency in energy storage and release, inversely correlates with its resistance. Our research combines AJP with selective electroplating to reduce the resistance of printed traces, thereby enhancing the inductor’s quality factor for RF applications. We fabricated spiral inductors on alumina substrates using silver NP ink and subsequently applied selective gold electroplating to these traces. This approach led to a significant increase in the inductors’ quality factor, improving it by a factor of 3–5 in the RF frequency range of 100–700 MHz.
Management of eutrophication using combined the ‘flock & sink’ mitigation technique and submerged plants restoration: a mesocosm study
Authors: Liu Yutian , Liu Jinfu , Chen Yuwei , Dai Taotao , Li Wei , Xu Jinying , Zhang Xiaoliang , Tang Linsen , Zheng Fangwen , Zhong Jiayou
Published: May 2024

Currently, the issue of eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms persists in water bodies worldwide, prompting the exploration of various treatment methods. This study conducted a comparative analysis of eutrophic water bodies using ferric chloride-modified zeolite (FMZ) and calcium hydroxide-modified zeolite (CMZ) combined with Elodea nuttallii (E. nuttallii) for removal and purification effects. The results revealed that the addition of E. nuttallii had a sustained inhibitory effect on phosphorus release, maintaining stability with lower Turbidity(Tur) and stabilized pH within the range of 8.5–9. FMZ demonstrated rapid reduction in dissolved phosphorus concentration, achieving a removal rate of 96% within 3 days. The combined plant group of CMZ and FMZ exhibited synergistic effects with E. nuttallii, achieving an impressive total phosphorus (TP) removal rate of 80.13% and a total nitrogen (TN) removal rate of 48.77%. Additionally, chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration decreased from 100.74 ± 24.72 μg l−1 to 49.96 ± 2.08 μg l−1. The phytoplankton community composition indicated that diatoms thrived in low temperatures and high NH4 conditions. Under the same low Total Nitrogen to Total Phosphorus (TN:TP) ratio, high TP concentrations were associated with cyanobacteria dominance, while green algae dominated in other scenarios. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the potential efficacy of CMZ and FMZ combined with E. nuttallii in addressing eutrophic water bodies and mitigating cyanobacterial blooms.
Instant green synthesis: obtaining stable nanoparticles and understanding the extract's behavior in the particle formation mechanism
Authors: Franco Nicolas S , Boscardin Patrícia M D , Terhaag Marcela M , Sakai Otávio A , Oliveira Giselle G do C de
Published: May 2024

Numerous plant extracts are abundant in biomolecules that can be employed in the biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles owing to their potent reducing capabilities. The mechanism by which biomolecules act as reducers and expedite the reduction of silver ions remains poorly understood. This study presents an instantaneous and environmentally friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using varying concentrations of commercially available green tea and concentrations of a dextrose-reducing solution. The AgNPs formed instantaneously, likely due to the competitive reaction between the polyphenols present in green tea and the dextrose. The best AgNPs produced using a diluted green tea solution at a concentration of 0.05 g of tea/ml and 100 μl of dextrose solution exhibited high stability over a period of 90 days, as confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The results of antioxidant properties from diluited tea showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 0.013 ± (0.1) μmol Trolox Equivalent Anyioxidant Capacity (TEAC) TEAC/g, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) 10.3 ± (0.1) μmol TEAC/g and Total Polyphenol Content (TPC) 0.12 ± (.001) μgGAE(Galic Acid Equivalent)/g). The resulting nanoparticles are extremely small, measuring approximately 30 to 50 nm in size, and exhibit a spherical morphology as evidenced by SEM imaging. The plasmon bandwidth is better in more diluted tea and higher proportions of dextrose added than the others condition of synthesis. Probably, the results of 2nd extraction of green tea diluted can be evidence that phenolic compounds, mainly, caffeine and gallic acid, are contributing to forming and stabilizing the silver nanoparticles. This fundamental knowledge showed the method employed is ecologically sound and adheres to green principles.
UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as an adsorbent in dispersive solid phase extraction of metformin in surface water and wastewater
Authors: Sekopelo Abigail Goitumetswe , Munonde Tshimangadzo Saddam , Nqombolo Azile , Mpupa Anele , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: May 2024

Metformin, an anti-hypoglycemic medication, has been used for decades due to its efficiency and is the most consumed pharmaceutical drug worldwide. Consequently, monitoring its concentration in environmental water is important due to its suspected effect on human health and aquatic life. This study reported the extraction, preconcentration, separation and determination of metformin (MET) in waters. Dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) using UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as a sorbent was used to extract and preconcentrate MET. The high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) achieved the separation and quantification of MET in the samples. Experiemental design was used to optimise influential variables in the extraction and preconcentration of MET. The linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for MET were 0.5–100 μg L−1 (R2 = 0.9987), 0.16 μg L−1 and 0.53 μg L−1, respectively. The intraday (n = 10 same-day replicates) and interday (n = 5 consecutive days) precisions reported as relative standard deviations (RSD %) were less than 5%. The accuracy of the method expressed as percentage recovery (%R) ranged from 84 to 112%. The method was applied to extract and preconcentrate MET in wastewater and river water samples. The MET was detected in greater concentrations in wastewater than in river water samples. The validation based on specificity, trueness, linearity, precision, and application to the analysis of MET in real samples showed that the combination of dSPE and HPLC-DAD methods is applicable for MET monitoring in surface water and wastewater. Furthermore, the dSPE/HPLC-DAD method was rapid, simple and suitable for estimating the concentrations of MET in South African surface water and wastewater for the first time. Lastly, the environmental risk caused by the occurrence of MET in surface water was investigated in terms of hazard quotient (HQ). The HQ values were less than unity, suggesting a low possibility risk for the aquatic organisms.
Hardware software co-design for leveraging STDP in a memristive neuroprocessor
Authors: Chakraborty Nishith N , Ameli Shelah O , Das Hritom , Schuman Catherine D , Rose Garrett S
Published: May 2024

In neuromorphic computing, different learning mechanisms are being widely adopted to improve the performance of a specific application. Among these techniques, spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) stands out as one of the most favored. STDP is simply managed by the temporal information of an event, which is biologically inspired. However, most of the prior works on STDP are focused on circuit implementation or software simulation for performance evaluation. Previous works also lack a comparative analysis of the performances of different STDP implementations. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of STDP, centering on the performance across various applications such as classification (static and temporal datasets), control, and reservoir computing. Different applications necessitate distinct STDP configurations to achieve optimal performance with the neuroprocessor. Additionally, this work introduces an application-specific integrated circuit design of STDP circuitry. The design is based on current-controlled memristive synapse principles and utilizes 65 nm CMOS technology from IBM. The detailed presentation includes circuitry specifics, layout, and performance parameters such as energy consumption and design area.
Transcendental splitting fields of division algebras
Authors: Krashen Daniel , Lieblich Max
Published: May 2024

We examine when division algebras can share common splitting fields of certain types. In particular, we show that one can find fields for which one has infinitely many Brauer classes of the same index and period at least 3, all nonisomorphic and having the same set of finite splitting fields as well as the same splitting fields of transcendence degree

1
1

and genus at most

1
1

. On the other hand, we show that when one fixes any division algebra over a field, then any division algebras sharing the same splitting fields of transcendence degree at most 3 must generate the same cyclic subgroup of the Brauer group. In particular, there are only a finite number of such division algebras. We also show that a similar finiteness statement holds for splitting fields of transcendence degree at most

2
2

.
Introduction to mean dimension
Authors: Tsukamoto Masaki
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this survey is to explain basic ideas of mean dimension theory. Mean dimension represents a number of parameters per unit time for describing a dynamical system. It was introduced by Gromov in 1999. His motivation is to propose a new approach to geometric analysis over noncompact manifolds. Rather independently of this original motivation, Lindenstrauss and Weiss found applications of mean dimension to classical problems in topological dynamics.

In this survey we start from the viewpoint of Lindenstrauss–Weiss and first review the applications to topological dynamics. Next we explain the relation to geometric analysis, in particular holomorphic curve theory.

Mean dimension is connected to rate distortion theory, which is a branch of information theory studying the trade-off between distortion and compression rate in lossy data compression. In the last three sections we review a variational principle between mean dimension and rate distortion function and then discuss its possible application to holomorphic curve theory.
Theorizing Social Kinds
Authors: Stowers Stanley
Published: May 2024

Two approaches to natural kinds and social kinds have been particularly successful and complementary, the epistemic and the constitutive or ontological. The first forms a key aspect of scientific and social scientific research methods and allows for projection and prediction. The second illuminates the building blocks, relations, and internal processes that allow social kinds to have relative stability and to reproduce themselves. The second has also found success in normative projects of ethics and social critique. Religion in this light appears to be a social kind like economic recession and racism, which do not have to be recognized by a population in order to exist.
Thinking the Ontology of Religion
Authors: Stowers Stanley
Published: May 2024

Possibilities for making our social theory and theory of religion richer and more adequate have emerged from the new social ontology in philosophy that goes back to the revival of metaphysics in the 1960s and 1970s. The recent work of John Searle and especially Brian Epstein have demonstrated this potential. The chapter explains this social ontology and in the second half applies its notions of grounding to the four social subkinds of religion. The results suggest the mindboggling possibilities for social analysis and make some key points about religion. The second section discusses how each of the four subtypes is grounded, that is, are determined and what they depend on.
Unveiling aging dynamics in the hematopoietic system insights from single-cell technologies
Authors: Jin Xinrong , Zhang Ruohan , Fu Yunqi , Zhu Qiunan , Hong Liquan , Wu Aiwei , Wang Hu
Published: May 2024

As the demographic structure shifts towards an aging society, strategies aimed at slowing down or reversing the aging process become increasingly essential. Aging is a major predisposing factor for many chronic diseases in humans. The hematopoietic system, comprising blood cells and their associated bone marrow microenvironment, intricately participates in hematopoiesis, coagulation, immune regulation and other physiological phenomena. The aging process triggers various alterations within the hematopoietic system, serving as a spectrum of risk factors for hematopoietic disorders, including clonal hematopoiesis, immune senescence, myeloproliferative neoplasms and leukemia. The emerging single-cell technologies provide novel insights into age-related changes in the hematopoietic system. In this review, we summarize recent studies dissecting hematopoietic system aging using single-cell technologies. We discuss cellular changes occurring during aging in the hematopoietic system at the levels of the genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics and spatial multi-omics. Finally, we contemplate the future prospects of single-cell technologies, emphasizing the impact they may bring to the field of hematopoietic system aging research.
metaGWASmanager: a toolbox for an automated workflow from phenotypes to meta-analysis in GWAS consortia
Authors: Rodriguez-Hernandez Zulema , Gorski Mathias , Tellez-Plaza Maria , Schlosser Pascal , Wuttke Matthias
Published: May 2024

This article introduces the metaGWASmanager, which streamlines genome-wide association studies within large-scale meta-analysis consortia. It is a toolbox for both the central consortium analysis group and participating studies to generate homogeneous phenotypes, minimize unwanted variability from inconsistent methodologies, ensure high-quality association results, and implement time-efficient quality control workflows. The toolbox features a plug-in-based approach for customization of association testing.

Results

The metaGWASmanager toolbox has been successfully deployed in both the CKDGen and MetalGWAS Initiative consortia across hundreds of participating studies, demonstrating its effectiveness in GWAS analysis optimization by automating routine tasks and ensuring the value and reliability of association results, thus, ultimately promoting scientific discovery. We provide a simulated data set with examples for script customization so that readers can reproduce the pipeline at their convenience.

Availability and implementation

GitHub: https://github.com/genepi-freiburg/metaGWASmanager
CT-based radiomics model using stability selection for predicting the World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Haijie , Yin Fu , Chen Menglin , Qi Anqi , Yang Liyang , Wen Ge
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a model to predict World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) low-grade or high-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) using 3D multiphase enhanced CT radiomics features (RFs).

Methods

CT data of 138 low-grade and 60 high-grade ccRCC cases were included. RFs were extracted from four CT phases: non-contrast phase (NCP), corticomedullary phase, nephrographic phase, and excretory phase (EP). Models were developed using various combinations of RFs and subjected to cross-validation.

Results

There were 107 RFs extracted from each phase of the CT images. The NCP-EP model had the best overall predictive value (AUC = 0.78), but did not significantly differ from that of the NCP model (AUC = 0.76). By considering the predictive ability of the model, the level of radiation exposure, and model simplicity, the overall best model was the Conventional image and clinical features (CICFs)-NCP model (AUC = 0.77; sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.69, positive predictive value 0.85, negative predictive value 0.54, accuracy 0.73). The second-best model was the NCP model (AUC = 0.76).

Conclusions

Combining clinical features with unenhanced CT images of the kidneys seems to be optimal for prediction of WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC. This noninvasive method may assist in guiding more accurate treatment decisions for ccRCC.

Advances in knowledge

This study innovatively employed stability selection for RFs, enhancing model reliability. The CICFs-NCP model's simplicity and efficacy mark a significant advancement, offering a practical tool for clinical decision-making in ccRCC management.
Dorsal root ganglion magnetic resonance imaging biomarker correlations with pain in Fabry disease
Authors: Schindehütte Magnus , Weiner Simon , Klug Katharina , Hölzli Lea , Nauroth-Kreß Christopher , Hessenauer Florian , Kampf Thomas , Homola György A , Nordbeck Peter , Wanner Christoph , Sommer Claudia , Üçeyler Nurcan , Pham Mirko
Published: May 2024

Fabry disease is a rare monogenetic, X-linked lysosomal storage disorder with neuropathic pain as one characteristic symptom. Impairment of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A leads to an accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in the dorsal root ganglia. Here, we investigate novel dorsal root ganglia MR imaging biomarkers and their association with Fabry genotype and pain phenotype. In this prospective study, 89 Fabry patients were examined using a standardized 3 T MRI protocol of the dorsal root ganglia. Fabry pain was assessed through a validated Fabry pain questionnaire. The genotype was determined by diagnostic sequencing of the alpha-galactosidase A gene. MR imaging end-points were dorsal root ganglia volume by voxel-wise morphometric analysis and dorsal root ganglia T2 signal. Reference groups included 55 healthy subjects and Fabry patients of different genotype categories without Fabry pain. In patients with Fabry pain, T2 signal of the dorsal root ganglia was increased by +39.2% compared to healthy controls (P = 0.001) and by +29.4% compared to painless Fabry disease (P = 0.017). This effect was pronounced in hemizygous males (+40.7% compared to healthy; P = 0.008 and +29.1% compared to painless; P = 0.032) and was consistently observed across the genotype spectrum of nonsense (+38.1% compared to healthy, P < 0.001) and missense mutations (+39.2% compared to healthy; P = 0.009). T2 signal of dorsal root ganglia and globotriaosylsphingosine levels were the only independent predictors of Fabry pain (P = 0.047; P = 0.002). Volume of dorsal root ganglia was enlarged by +46.0% in Fabry males in the nonsense compared to missense genotype category (P = 0.005) and by +34.5% compared to healthy controls (P = 0.034). In painful Fabry disease, MRI T2 signal of dorsal root ganglia is increased across different genotypes. Dorsal root ganglion MRI T2 signal as a novel in vivo imaging biomarker may help to better understand whether Fabry pain is modulated or even caused by dorsal root ganglion pathology.
Glucosylceramides impact cellulose deposition and cellulose synthase complex motility in Arabidopsis
Authors: Villalobos Jose A , Cahoon Rebecca E , Cahoon Edgar B , Wallace Ian S
Published: May 2024

Cellulose is an abundant component of plant cell wall matrices, and this para-crystalline polysaccharide is synthesized at the plasma membrane by motile Cellulose Synthase Complexes (CSCs). However, the factors that control CSC activity and motility are not fully resolved. In a targeted chemical screen, we identified the alkylated nojirimycin analog N-Dodecyl Deoxynojirimycin (ND-DNJ) as a small molecule that severely impacts Arabidopsis seedling growth. Previous work suggests that ND-DNJ-related compounds inhibit the biosynthesis of glucosylceramides (GlcCers), a class of glycosphingolipid associated with plant membranes. Our work uncovered major changes in the sphingolipidome of plants treated with ND-DNJ, including reductions in GlcCer abundance and altered acyl chain length distributions. Crystalline cellulose content was also reduced in ND-DNJ-treated plants as well as plants treated with the known GlcCer biosynthesis inhibitor N-[2-hydroxy-1-(4-morpholinylmethyl)-2-phenyl ethyl]-decanamide (PDMP) or plants containing a genetic disruption in GLUCOSYLCERAMIDE SYNTHASE (GCS), the enzyme responsible for sphingolipid glucosylation that results in GlcCer synthesis. Live-cell imaging revealed that CSC speed distributions were reduced upon treatment with ND-DNJ or PDMP, further suggesting an important relationship between glycosylated sphingolipid composition and CSC motility across the plasma membrane. These results indicate that multiple interventions compromising GlcCer biosynthesis disrupt cellulose deposition and CSC motility, suggesting that GlcCers regulate cellulose biosynthesis in plants.
Pairing metagenomics and metaproteomics to characterize ecological niches and metabolic essentiality of gut microbiomes
Authors: Wang Tong , Li Leyuan , Figeys Daniel , Liu Yang-Yu
Published: May 2024

The genome of a microorganism encodes its potential functions that can be implemented through expressed proteins. It remains elusive how a protein’s selective expression depends on its metabolic essentiality to microbial growth or its ability to claim resources as ecological niches. To reveal a protein’s metabolic or ecological role, we developed a computational pipeline, which pairs metagenomics and metaproteomics data to quantify each protein’s gene-level and protein-level functional redundancy simultaneously. We first illustrated the idea behind the pipeline using simulated data of a consumer-resource model. We then validated it using real data from human and mouse gut microbiome samples. In particular, we analyzed ABC-type transporters and ribosomal proteins, confirming that the metabolic and ecological roles predicted by our pipeline agree well with prior knowledge. Finally, we performed in vitro cultures of a human gut microbiome sample and investigated how oversupplying various sugars involved in ecological niches influences the community structure and protein abundance. The presented results demonstrate the performance of our pipeline in identifying proteins’ metabolic and ecological roles, as well as its potential to help us design nutrient interventions to modulate the human microbiome.
Phylogenomic analysis expands the known repertoire of single-stranded DNA viruses in benthic zones of the South Indian Ocean
Authors: Bezuidt Oliver K I , Makhalanyane Thulani P
Published: May 2024

Single-stranded (ss) DNA viruses are ubiquitous and constitute some of the most diverse entities on Earth. Most studies have focused on ssDNA viruses from terrestrial environments resulting in a significant deficit in benthic ecosystems including aphotic zones of the South Indian Ocean (SIO). Here, we assess the diversity and phylogeny of ssDNA in deep waters of the SIO using a combination of established viral taxonomy tools and a Hidden Markov Model based approach. Replication initiator protein-associated (Rep) phylogenetic reconstruction and sequence similarity networks were used to show that the SIO hosts divergent and as yet unknown circular Rep-encoding ssDNA viruses. Several sequences appear to represent entirely novel families, expanding the repertoire of known ssDNA viruses. Results suggest that a small proportion of these viruses may be circular genetic elements, which may strongly influence the diversity of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes in the SIO. Taken together, our data show that the SIO harbours a diverse assortment of previously unknown ssDNA viruses. Due to their potential to infect a variety of hosts, these viruses may be crucial for marine nutrient recycling through their influence of the biological carbon pump.
Antibiotic dose and nutrient availability differentially drive the evolution of antibiotic resistance and persistence
Authors: Windels Etthel M , Cool Lloyd , Persy Eline , Swinnen Janne , Matthay Paul , Van den Bergh Bram , Wenseleers Tom , Michiels Jan
Published: May 2024

Effective treatment of bacterial infections proves increasingly challenging due to the emergence of bacterial variants that endure antibiotic exposure. Antibiotic resistance and persistence have been identified as two major bacterial survival mechanisms, and several studies have shown a rapid and strong selection of resistance or persistence mutants under repeated drug treatment. Yet, little is known about the impact of the environmental conditions on resistance and persistence evolution and the potential interplay between both phenotypes. Based on the distinct growth and survival characteristics of resistance and persistence mutants, we hypothesized that the antibiotic dose and availability of nutrients during treatment might play a key role in the evolutionary adaptation to antibiotic stress. To test this hypothesis, we combined high-throughput experimental evolution with a mathematical model of bacterial evolution under intermittent antibiotic exposure. We show that high nutrient levels during antibiotic treatment promote selection of high-level resistance, but that resistance mainly emerges independently of persistence when the antibiotic concentration is sufficiently low. At higher doses, resistance evolution is facilitated by the preceding or concurrent selection of persistence mutants, which ensures survival of populations in harsh conditions. Collectively, our experimental data and mathematical model elucidate the evolutionary routes toward increased bacterial survival under different antibiotic treatment schedules, which is key to designing effective antibiotic therapies.
Expanding active living after cancer to underserved cancer survivors and their caregivers
Authors: Mama Scherezade K , Mitchell Stacy J , Tracy Patricia V , Pena Luz Y , Moreno Carolina D , Valdes Adriana , Liao Yue , Lee Che Young , Alexander Ashley , Raber Margaret R , McNeill Lorna H , Basen-Engquist Karen
Published: May 2024

Background

Physical activity improves physical and psychological health in cancer survivors. This study evaluated Active Living After Cancer (ALAC), a community-based program to improve physical activity, physical function, and quality of life (QOL) in minority and medically underserved cancer survivors and their caregivers.

Methods

Participants completed 12 weekly ALAC sessions and assessments of physical activity, physical functioning, and QOL at baseline and follow-up (week 12). Paired samples t tests were used to assess changes in outcomes over time.

Results

A total of 540 cancer survivors (mean age = 61.1 [SD = 11.3] years) and 87 caregivers (mean age = 62.3 [SD = 13.1] years) were enrolled. Most were women (91.4%), Hispanic (61.1%) or non-Hispanic Black (19.3%), and medically underserved (86.4%). The percent of cancer survivors meeting physical activity recommendations increased from 28.9% to 60.2% (d = 0.75), and the number of sit-to-stand repetitions in a 30-second period increased from 12.3 to 14.3 (d = 0.39) from 0-12 weeks. Cancer survivors reported statistically significant improvements in physical (t score Δ = 1.7, d = 0.06) and mental (t score Δ = 2.3, d = 0.31) health–related QOL. Caregivers also improved their physical activity, physical function, and QOL, and there were no statistically significant differences between breast and other cancer survivors and between cancer survivors and caregivers.

Conclusions

The ALAC program demonstrated increased physical activity, physical function, and QOL in medically underserved cancer survivors and their caregivers. Furthermore, ALAC was successfully implemented by community partners and serves as a good model for reaching medically underserved cancer survivors and improving survivorship. Additional efforts are warranted to further extend reach, improve cancer survivorship, and reduce cancer health disparities among underserved cancer survivors.
Exotic plant species with longer seed bank longevity and lower seed dry mass are more likely to be invasive in China
Authors: Pan Yueyan , Xie Lumeng , Shang Ruiyan , Engel Bernard A , Chen Jingqiu , Zhou Shijun , Li Yi , Zhang Mingxiang , Zhang Zhenming , Liu Jiakai
Published: May 2024

Globalization of social and economic activities has led to the large-scale redistribution of plant species. It is still unclear how the traits aid the successful invasion of alien species. Here, we downloaded global plant trait data from the TRY-Plant Trait Database and classified alien species in China into four groups: high, medium, need attention and harmless according to their distribution and degree of harm to local plant communities based on existed studies. The relationship between plant functional traits and invasion level was clarified, and we established a prediction model based on plant functional traits and taxonomy. The results showed that species with smaller seeds, smaller individuals, lower special leaf area and longer seed bank longevity (SL) are more likely to be an invasive species after introduction to foreign ecosystems. In summary, exotic species with longer SL and lower seed dry mass are more likely to be invasive in China. We also trained two predictive models to check if we can predict a species’ invasion. Combining the two models together, statistically, we could predict if a species is invasive from its traits and taxonomy with a 91.84% accuracy. This model could help local governments, managers and stakeholders to evaluate shall we introduce some plant species in China.
Unusual acute right abdominal pain. Distal ileum mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in adult, a rare case and literature review
Authors: Ahmed Muhsin Mohammed , Shareef Farman Uthman , Abdul Aziz Jeza Muhamad , Mohammed San Khasraw , Karim Hawnaz Atta , Maulud Mihraban Abdulrahman , Fareeq Daro Hadi , Aziz Dlivan Fattah , Rashid Muhammad Jabar
Published: May 2024

Lymphangiomas in the peritoneal cavity are rare in adults, with most cases occurring in children. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who was admitted with severe lower abdominal pain. The diagnostic assessment revealed a multiloculated cystic structure in the mesentery of the distal ileum, suggesting a lymphangioma. The patient underwent laparotomy and resection, with successful removal of the mass. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangioma, a rare benign vascular neoplasm of the small bowel. Postoperatively, the patient experienced resolution of postoperative ileus and mild back and abdominal pain, with no complaints during follow-up. Awareness of this uncommon condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Surgical resection, supported by radiological and histopathological investigations, is the primary treatment modality for symptomatic lymphangioma. Regular follow-up with imaging may be necessary to monitor recurrence.
Seegene Anyplex II assays detect HPV consistently using DNA extracts from different extraction methods
Authors: Balgovind Prisha , Murray Gerald , Machalek Dorothy A , Garland Suzanne M , Azzato Francesco , Hinaut Jee A , Danielewski Jennifer , Molano Monica , Haqshenas Gholamreza
Published: May 2024

The efficiency of PCR-based diagnostic assays can be impacted by the quality of DNA template, and anal samples can be particularly problematic due to the presence of faecal contaminants. Here, we compared the Quick-DNA Viral Kit (Zymo, Zymo Research, CA) and MagNA Pure 96 DNA and Viral NA Small Volume Kit (MP96, Roche) for use of the Seegene Anyplex II HPV28 assay (Anyplex28, Seegene) with anal samples. A total of 94 anal samples extracted using the MP96 and Zymo kits were tested via the Anyplex28, which detects high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV, Panel A) and low-risk (LR-HPV, Panel B) HPV types. Testing the HR-HPV types (Panel A), 86 (91.5%) MP96 and 84 (89.4%) Zymo samples were deemed assessable. Overall agreement between the two methods was 87/94 (92.6%, 95% CI: 85.3–97.0) with the Kappa value of 0.678 (0.5–0.9). Of the 87 assessable samples, 50 (57.5%) were concordant, 34 (39.1%) partially concordant, and 10 (11.5%)discordant. In conclusion, the Anyplex28 produces comparable HPV genotyping results when using DNA extracts from either of these two methods.
Albuminuria predicts kidney events in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Faucon Anne-Laure , Lundberg Sigrid , Lando Stefania , Wijkström Julia , Segelmark Mårten , Evans Marie , Carrero Juan-Jesús
Published: May 2024

Background and hypothesis

KDIGO recommends proteinuria <1 g/d as a treatment target in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) because of high risk of progression to kidney failure. However, long-term kidney outcomes in patients with low-grade proteinuria remain insufficiently studied.

Methods

We enrolled patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN from the Swedish Renal Registry and analyzed associations between urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR, in categories <0.3, 0.3–0.5, 0.5–1.0, 1.0–1.5, 1.5–2.0, and ≥2.0 g/g) and the occurrence of major adverse kidney events [MAKE, a composite of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and >30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)]. We also explored the risk of kidney events associated with change in uACR within a year.

Results

We included 1269 IgAN patients (74% men, median 53 years, mean eGFR 33 ml/min/1.73 m², median uACR 0.7 g/g). Over a median follow-up of 5.5 [2.8; 9.2] years, 667 MAKE and 517 KRT events occurred, and 528 patients experienced >30% eGFR decline. Compared with uACR < 0.3 g/g, any higher uACR category was strongly and incrementally associated with the risk of MAKE [adjusted hazard ratios (HR) ranging from 1.56 (95%CI 1.14–2.14) if uACR 0.3–0.5 g/g to 4.53 (3.36–6.11) if uACR ≥ 2.0 g/g], KRT (HR ranging from 1.39 to 4.65), and eGFR decline >30% (HR ranging from 1.76 to 3.47). In 785 patients who had repeated uACR measurements within a year, and compared with stable uACR, the risk of kidney events was lower if uACR decreased by 2-fold (HR ranging from 0.47 to 0.49), and higher if uACR increased by 2-fold (HR from 1.18 to 2.56), irrespective of baseline uACR.

Conclusions

There is substantial risk of adverse kidney outcomes among patients with IgAN and uACR between 0.3 and 1.0 g/g, a population currently considered at low risk of CKD progression. Reduction in uACR is associated with better kidney outcomes, irrespective of baseline uACR.
Shoulder terminal sensory articular nerve radiofrequency ablation for nonsurgical refractory shoulder pain due to rotator cuff pathology and osteoarthritis: a technical note
Authors: Burnham Taylor R , Miller Scott , Cooper Amanda N , Conger Aaron , Nagpal Ameet S , Eckmann Max , McCormick Zachary L
Published: May 2024

Background

Given the high prevalence of chronic shoulder pain and encouraging early results of terminal sensory articular branch radiofrequency ablation to treat shoulder pain, research is warranted to refine the procedural technique on the basis of updated neuroanatomic knowledge with the goal of further improving patient outcomes.

Objective

We describe an updated radiofrequency ablation protocol that accounts for varied locations of the terminal sensory articular branches of the suprascapular, axillary, subscapular, and lateral pectoral nerves within individual patients.

Design

Technical note.

Methods

Cadaveric studies delineating the sensory innervation of the shoulder joint were reviewed, and a more comprehensive radiofrequency ablation protocol is proposed relative to historical descriptions.

Conclusions

The proposed radiofrequency ablation protocol, which is based on neuroanatomic dissections of the shoulder joint, will provide a safe means of more complete sensory denervation and potentially improve clinical outcomes compared with historical descriptions, the efficacy of the new protocol must be confirmed in prospective studies.