bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphisms in body proportions of Masai giraffes and the evolution of the giraffe’s neck
Authors: Cavener Douglas R. , Bond Monica L. , Wu-Cavener Lan , Lohay George G. , Cavener Mia W. , Hou Xiaoyi , Pearce David L. , Lee Derek E.
Published: June 2024

Giraffes exhibit a large sexual dimorphism in body size. Whether sexual dimorphisms also exist in body proportions of the axial and appendicular skeleton has been debated, particularly regarding the giraffe’s iconic long neck. We examined the anatomical proportions of the neck, forelegs, hindlegs, and body trunk of the Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi) in captive and wild populations. We found that female Masai giraffes have proportionally longer necks relative to their forelegs than males in contradiction to the original necks-for-sex hypothesis that proposed that the evolution of the giraffe’s long neck was driven by male-male competition. However, male neck width and apparent mass are proportionally larger than females’, supporting a modification of the necks-for-sex hypothesis. Moreover, male foreleg length is proportionally longer whereas female trunk length is proportionally longer. These sexual dimorphisms were found in both captive and wild Masai giraffes. We speculate that the initial evolution of the giraffe’s long neck and legs was driven by interspecific competition and the maternal nutritional demands of gestation and lactation through natural selection to gain a competitive advantage in browsing, and then later the neck mass was further increased as a consequence of male-male competition and sexual selection. Differences in the proportions of major body components define sex phenotypes, but several giraffes display opposite-sex phenotypes with a significantly higher level of discordancy seen in captive males. We speculate that body proportion sexual dimorphisms are maintained in the wild by natural and/or sexual selection, but in captivity selection is relaxed resulting in a higher occurrence of discordances in sexual phenotypes.
Fabric4show: real-time vision system for fabric defect detection and post-processing
Authors: Lin Huaizhou , Cai Dan , Xu Zengmin , Wu Jinsong , Sun Lixian , Jia Haibin
Published: June 2024

The exploration of computer vision applications for fabric defect detection has immense potential value. However, current relevant research in this area has primarily focused on detection models that aim for high detection accuracy and algorithmic efficiency, while neglecting the practical industrial production requirements. Therefore, we propose a fabric defect detection and post-processing system that integrates an optimized region with convolutional neural network (CNN) features (i.e., Faster R-CNN) for defect detection, defect localization and detection model evaluation. In addition, the proposed intelligent system incorporates novel approaches, such as a rearranged fabric dataset, anomaly detection, recommended clipping region division, and a replenishment device. This study illustrates an example of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automated technology in fabric manufacturing. The accuracy and detection speed of different detection models under identical hardware conditions are evaluated and compared with related work. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves comparable performance to other models, while significantly reducing computational resource requirements. The potential efficiency of using two-stage networks on hardware systems for fabric defect detection tasks is highlighted, which is likely to have relevant implications for the textile industry.
Simulation of particle-laden flows and erosion in an axial fan stage considering the relative position of the blades
Authors: Ghenaiet A.
Published: June 2024

Axial fans are vital accessories in aircraft ventilation systems, but, they may experience erosion from particulate flows, causing a decline in effectiveness over time. This study investigated the trajectories of two types of sand particles and erosion in an axial fan stage, considering the relative position of the blades facing the inlet guide vanes.

The movement of particles was simulated using an in-house code that implements a Lagrangian approach along with a stochastic particle-eddy interaction model. The flow field was solved separately and the flow data was transferred to the particle trajectory code. The finite element method allowed for the tracking of particles through the computational cells and accurate determination of their impact positions. A semi-empirical erosion correlation was used to evaluate the local erosion rates, mass removal, and geometry deterioration.

As a result, the rotor exhibits a high frequency of impacts and significant erosion on the leading edge of the blade, extending to the upper corner of the pressure side and blade tip, as well as the front of the suction side. In the inlet guide vane, the erosion is spread out along the entire pressure side but at lower erosion rates compared to the rotor blade. The erosion patterns obtained at different pitch-wise positions were cumulated to get better representation of erosion patterns. After being exposed to MIL-E5007E sand (0–1000
$\unicode{x03BC}$
m) at the highest concentration for 10 hours, the blade experienced a reduction of a 0.29% in mass, a 0.45% decrease in tip chord, and a 0.23% increase in tip clearance. On the other hand, AC-coarse sand (0–200 μm) resulted in a 0.23% decrease in blade mass, a 0.4% reduction in tip chord, and a 0.16% increase in tip clearance.

The data that is available can be used to monitor the lifespan of axial fans of similar design and select appropriate coatings to protect against erosion.
Adultery Law and State Power in Early Empires: China and Rome Compared
Authors: Li Yunxin
Published: June 2024

As ancient China and Rome transformed into empires, both states showed an increasing interest in regulating family ethics and individuals’ sexuality. Using excavated documents and transmitted texts, this article compares legal statutes and practices against illicit consensual sex in early imperial China (221 BCE–220 CE) with those in the Roman empire. On the one hand, both legal systems aimed at consolidating social hierarchies based on gender, status, and generation. On the other, the Roman and Chinese statutes had different emphases due to their respective political, social, and cultural contexts, and the actual penalties for adultery and incest differed significantly from those prescribed in the statutes. In both empires, control over individuals’ sexuality facilitated state power’s penetration into the family during empire-building, giving rise to laws in areas that had been largely left to customs and individual will.
Two-interface and thin-filament approximation in Hele-Shaw channel flow
Authors: Dallaston Michael C. , Jackson Michael J.W. , Morrow Liam C. , McCue Scott W.
Published: June 2024

When a viscous fluid partially fills a Hele-Shaw channel, and is pushed by a pressure difference, the fluid interface is unstable due to the Saffman–Taylor instability. We consider the evolution of a fluid region of finite extent, bounded between two interfaces, in the limit that the interfaces are close, that is, when the fluid region is a thin liquid filament separating two gases of different pressure. In this limit, we derive a second-order ‘thin-filament’ model that describes the normal velocity of the filament centreline, and evolution of the filament thickness, as functions of the thickness, centreline curvature and their derivatives. We show that the second-order terms in this model, that include the effect of transverse flow along the filament, are necessary to regularise the instability. Numerical simulation of the thin-filament model is shown to be in accordance with level-set computations of the complete two-interface model. Solutions ultimately evolve to form a bubble of rapidly increasing radius and decreasing thickness.
CHARACTERISTIC POLYNOMIALS OF THE MATRICES WITH -ENTRY
Authors: WANG HAN , SUN ZHI-WEI
Published: June 2024

We determine the characteristic polynomials of the matrices

$[q^{\,j-k}+t]_{1\le \,j,k\le n}$

and

$[q^{\,j+k}+t]_{1\le \,j,k\le n}$

for any complex number

$q\not =0,1$

. As an application, for complex numbers

$a,b,c$

with

$b\not =0$

and

$a^2\not =4b$

, and the sequence

$(w_m)_{m\in \mathbb Z}$

with

$w_{m+1}=aw_m-bw_{m-1}$

for all

$m\in \mathbb Z$

, we determine the exact value of

$\det [w_{\,j-k}+c\delta _{jk}]_{1\le \,j,k\le n}$

.
NOTES ON FERMAT-TYPE DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: LAINE ILPO , LATREUCH ZINELAABIDINE
Published: June 2024

We consider the existence problem of meromorphic solutions of the Fermat-type difference equation

$$ \begin{align*} f(z)^p+f(z+c)^q=h(z), \end{align*} $$

where

$p,q$

are positive integers, and h has few zeros and poles in the sense that

$N(r,h) + N(r,1/h) = S(r,h)$

. As a particular case, we consider

$h=e^g$

, where g is an entire function. Additionally, we briefly discuss the case where h is small with respect to f in the standard sense

$T(r,h)=S(r,f)$

.
How to Get Away with Treachery, or: Actor-Centered Perspectives on Entangled Conflicts and their Urban Protagonists in the Austrian Duchy, 1462/63
Authors: Krammer Herbert
Published: June 2024

This article examines the involvement and interactions of Vienna's urban elites in the conflict of the early 1460s that marked the climax of the power struggle between the Habsburg brothers Emperor Frederick III and Duke Albert VI over rule in the Duchy of Austria. Vienna's role is addressed in two aspects: first, as a central stage for the conflict, and second, as an active participant as a political community that became increasingly integrated into the broader political networks of the duchy during the fifteenth century. Following an actor-centered approach and based on prosopographical groundwork, the study focuses on the actions of individual protagonists and various factions within Vienna's political elites. During the violent events, the urban representatives did not form a cohesive entity but interacted and allied in changing constellations with leading noble, courtly, and clerical actors in the duchy. Factors and conditions contributing to the formation of diverse interest groups among urban actors are closely examined, aiming to give a deeper insight into the dynamics and patterns of the entangled conflict.
‘Lab Rats for Science’: Uranium Mining, Expellees, Public Health, and Narratives of Radiation Danger in Cold War West Germany, 1955–1968
Authors: Murdock Caitlin E.
Published: June 2024

In 1955–6, three thousand German-speaking men were ‘repatriated’ from Czechoslovak forced labour camps, where they mined uranium, to West Germany, where they demanded benefits for health damage from radiation exposure. These men connected their group's experiences to the fears and developments of early Cold War West Germany, personifying the health risks of the Atomic Age and citizens’ demands that their states offer protection from such risks. These men contributed to public awareness of radiation health risk and to ambivalence about safe ‘peaceful nuclear technology’ in the late 1950s and 1960s, earlier than is usually assumed. They further inspired concrete policy changes, especially in occupational health protection, illustrating that post-war responses to nuclear technology emerged from the intersection of longer historical experience, specialised local knowledge and grassroots activism, as well as from post-war scientific and political developments. It further shows long-lasting expellee influence in unexpected areas of West German policy.
Arrival of the Devis’ Spirit
Authors: Nayyar Rajat
Published: June 2024

Aaji, an aging, lower-caste storyteller, singer, spirit medium, and rice farmer from a village in northern India, uses her distinctive voice and vocal traditions to engage with the spirit of the seven Devis (goddesses). The careful cultivation of human, more-than-human, and ethnographic relationships over time reveals what multimodal anthropology might entail when collaborating with more-than-human spirits.
Environmental Horror and White Extinction
Authors: Wakefield Nik
Published: June 2024

A literalist ecological approach to performance studies rematerializes theatre beyond a racist anthropocentricity of metaphorical representation and proposes a path to intersectional environmental justice. Escaped Alone (2016) by Caryl Churchill presents a horrifically accurate report of ecological harm. The Evening (2016) by Richard Maxwell and the New York City Players imagines an extinction of whiteness. Both productions propose new understandings of ecology through reconfiguring the theatrical conditions of representation.
Theatre as Refuge
Authors: Goodling Emily
Published: June 2024

Sich waffnend gegen eine See von Plagen (To Take Arms against a Sea of Troubles, 2022) premiered at Germany’s Schaubühne theatre seven months after the start of the war of aggression in Ukraine. The piece comments on the broader significance of the war within Europe, while also zooming in on the protective potentialities of theatre itself, as institution and praxis.
‘Knees being set on fire’: a qualitative study exploring the impact of intrusive mental imagery on chronic pain patients
Authors: De Nicola Rita , Blackwell Simon E. , Hirata Edward , Daniels Jo
Published: June 2024

Chronic pain is common and debilitating, and recommended treatments are only moderately effective for pain relief. Focus has shifted to refining targets for change within psychological therapy to improve pain management. Evidence has shown the role of intrusive images in many psychological disorders. However, only a few studies have advanced our knowledge of the presence and impact of mental imagery in chronic pain. This exploratory study aimed to increase our understanding of how people with chronic pain perceive intrusive visual images to influence their daily life. The study employed a qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews to explore the content, emotional valence, cognitive and behavioural impact of pain-related visual images of ten participants with self-reported diagnosis of chronic pain. Data analysis was conducted by performing an inductive thematic analysis. Three key themes were identified: (1) ‘I start to create images in my head’: pain-related mental images, which revolves around descriptions of participants’ most significant visual image; (2) metaphors for pain, related to the imagery as a means to conceptualise and give meaning to the pain; and (3) “With the pain comes the image”: a companion to pain, which focuses on the role of intrusive images in the experience of pain. Results show that pain-related mental imagery appeared to be an intrusive, uncontrollable, and vivid cognitive accompaniment for many pain sufferers. The findings suggest that mental images may serve as an additional target in cognitive behavioural therapy to enhance individuals’ cognitive, behavioural and emotional change.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand the role of mental imagery in the daily life of individuals with chronic pain.

(2)

To examine the impact of intrusive images on the emotions, cognitions, and behaviours of people with chronic pain.

(3)

To consider clinical implications for CBT interventions targeting pain-related mental images to manage chronic pain.
Apolipoprotein O modulates cholesterol metabolism via NRF2/CYB5R3 independent of LDL receptor
Authors: Chen Jin , Hu Jiarui , Guo Xin , Yang Yang , Qin Donglu , Tang Xiaoyu , Huang Zhijie , Wang Fengjiao , Hu Die , Peng Daoquan , Yu Bilian
Published: June 2024

Apolipoprotein O (APOO) plays a critical intracellular role in regulating lipid metabolism. Here, we investigated the roles of APOO in metabolism and atherogenesis in mice. Hepatic APOO expression was increased in response to hyperlipidemia but was inhibited after simvastatin treatment. Using a novel APOO global knockout (Apoo−/−) model, it was found that APOO depletion aggravated diet-induced obesity and elevated plasma cholesterol levels. Upon crossing with low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) knockout hyperlipidemic mouse models, Apoo−/−Apoe−/− and Apoo−/−Ldlr−/− mice exhibited elevated plasma cholesterol levels, with more severe atherosclerotic lesions than littermate controls. This indicated the effects of APOO on cholesterol metabolism independent of LDLR and APOE. Moreover, APOO deficiency reduced cholesterol excretion through bile and feces while decreasing phospholipid unsaturation by inhibiting NRF2 and CYB5R3. Restoration of CYB5R3 expression in vivo by adeno-associated virus (AAV) injection reversed the reduced degree of phospholipid unsaturation while decreasing blood cholesterol levels. This represents the first in vivo experimental validation of the role of APOO in plasma cholesterol metabolism independent of LDLR and elucidates a previously unrecognized cholesterol metabolism pathway involving NRF2/CYB5R3. APOO may be a metabolic regulator of total-body cholesterol homeostasis and a target for atherosclerosis management.
Earthquake energy dissipation in a fracture mechanics framework
Authors: Kammer David S. , McLaskey Gregory C. , Abercrombie Rachel E. , Ampuero Jean-Paul , Cattania Camilla , Cocco Massimo , Dal Zilio Luca , Dresen Georg , Gabriel Alice-Agnes , Ke Chun-Yu , Marone Chris , Selvadurai Paul Antony , Tinti Elisa
Published: June 2024

Earthquakes are rupture-like processes that propagate along tectonic faults and cause seismic waves. The propagation speed and final area of the rupture, which determine an earthquake’s potential impact, are directly related to the nature and quantity of the energy dissipation involved in the rupture process. Here, we present the challenges associated with defining and measuring the energy dissipation in laboratory and natural earthquakes across many scales. We discuss the importance and implications of distinguishing between energy dissipation that occurs close to and far behind the rupture tip, and we identify open scientific questions related to a consistent modeling framework for earthquake physics that extends beyond classical Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics.
PPIA dictates NRF2 stability to promote lung cancer progression
Authors: Lu Weiqiang , Cui Jiayan , Wang Wanyan , Hu Qian , Xue Yun , Liu Xi , Gong Ting , Lu Yiping , Ma Hui , Yang Xinyu , Feng Bo , Wang Qi , Zhang Naixia , Xu Yechun , Liu Mingyao , Nussinov Ruth , Cheng Feixiong , Ji Hongbin , Huang Jin
Published: June 2024

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) hyperactivation has been established as an oncogenic driver in a variety of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, despite massive efforts, no specific therapy is currently available to target NRF2 hyperactivation. Here, we identify peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) is required for NRF2 protein stability. Ablation of PPIA promotes NRF2 protein degradation and blocks NRF2-driven growth in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, PPIA physically binds to NRF2 and blocks the access of ubiquitin/Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) to NRF2, thus preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Our X-ray co-crystal structure reveals that PPIA directly interacts with a NRF2 interdomain linker via a trans-proline 174-harboring hydrophobic sequence. We further demonstrate that an FDA-approved drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), impairs the interaction of NRF2 with PPIA, inducing NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation. Interestingly, CsA interrupts glutamine metabolism mediated by the NRF2/KLF5/SLC1A5 pathway, consequently suppressing the growth of NRF2-hyperactivated NSCLC cells. CsA and a glutaminase inhibitor combination therapy significantly retard tumor progression in NSCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models with NRF2 hyperactivation. Our study demonstrates that targeting NRF2 protein stability is an actionable therapeutic approach to treat NRF2-hyperactivated NSCLC.
Generation of nanobodies from transgenic ‘LamaMice’ lacking an endogenous immunoglobulin repertoire
Authors: Eden Thomas , Schaffrath Alessa Z. , Wesolowski Janusz , Stähler Tobias , Tode Natalie , Richter Nathalie , Schäfer Waldemar , Hambach Julia , Hermans-Borgmeyer Irm , Woens Jannis , Le Gall Camille M. , Wendler Sabrina , Linke-Winnebeck Christian , Stobbe Martina , Budnicki Iwona , Wanney Amelie , Heitz Yannic , Schimmelpfennig Lena , Schweitzer Laura , Zimmer Dennis , Stahl Erik , Seyfried Fabienne , Gebhardt Anna J. , Dieckow Lynn , Riecken Kristoffer , Fehse Boris , Bannas Peter , Magnus Tim , Verdoes Martijn , Figdor Carl G. , Hartlepp Klaus F. , Schleer Hubertus , Füner Jonas , Tomas Nicola M. , Haag Friedrich , Rissiek Björn , Mann Anna M. , Menzel Stephan , Koch-Nolte Friedrich
Published: June 2024

Due to their exceptional solubility and stability, nanobodies have emerged as powerful building blocks for research tools and therapeutics. However, their generation in llamas is cumbersome and costly. Here, by inserting an engineered llama immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus into IgH-deficient mice, we generate a transgenic mouse line, which we refer to as ‘LamaMouse’. We demonstrate that LamaMice solely express llama IgH molecules without association to Igκ or λ light chains. Immunization of LamaMice with AAV8, the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, IgE, IgG2c, and CLEC9A enabled us to readily select respective target-specific nanobodies using classical hybridoma and phage display technologies, single B cell screening, and direct cloning of the nanobody-repertoire into a mammalian expression vector. Our work shows that the LamaMouse represents a flexible and broadly applicable platform for a facilitated selection of target-specific nanobodies.
Multi-objective Bayesian active learning for MeV-ultrafast electron diffraction
Authors: Ji Fuhao , Edelen Auralee , Roussel Ryan , Shen Xiaozhe , Miskovich Sara , Weathersby Stephen , Luo Duan , Mo Mianzhen , Kramer Patrick , Mayes Christopher , Othman Mohamed A. K. , Nanni Emilio , Wang Xijie , Reid Alexander , Minitti Michael , England Robert Joel
Published: June 2024

Ultrafast electron diffraction using MeV energy beams(MeV-UED) has enabled unprecedented scientific opportunities in the study of ultrafast structural dynamics in a variety of gas, liquid and solid state systems. Broad scientific applications usually pose different requirements for electron probe properties. Due to the complex, nonlinear and correlated nature of accelerator systems, electron beam property optimization is a time-taking process and often relies on extensive hand-tuning by experienced human operators. Algorithm based efficient online tuning strategies are highly desired. Here, we demonstrate multi-objective Bayesian active learning for speeding up online beam tuning at the SLAC MeV-UED facility. The multi-objective Bayesian optimization algorithm was used for efficiently searching the parameter space and mapping out the Pareto Fronts which give the trade-offs between key beam properties. Such scheme enables an unprecedented overview of the global behavior of the experimental system and takes a significantly smaller number of measurements compared with traditional methods such as a grid scan. This methodology can be applied in other experimental scenarios that require simultaneously optimizing multiple objectives by explorations in high dimensional, nonlinear and correlated systems.
Anti-PD-1 cis-delivery of low-affinity IL-12 activates intratumoral CD8+T cells for systemic antitumor responses
Authors: Zou Zhuangzhi , Shen Jiao , Xue Diyuan , Li Hongjia , Xu Longxin , Cao Weian , Wang Wenyan , Fu Yang-Xin , Peng Hua
Published: June 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies function by alleviating immunosuppression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) but are often insufficient to fully reactivate these dysfunctional TILs. Although interleukin 12 (IL-12) has been used in combination with ICB to improve efficacy, this remains limited by severe toxicity associated with systemic administration of this cytokine. Here, we engineer a fusion protein composed of an anti-PD-1 antibody and a mouse low-affinity IL-12 mutant-2 (αPD1-mIL12mut2). Systemic administration of αPD1-mIL12mut2 displays robust antitumor activities with undetectable toxicity. Mechanistically, αPD1-mIL12mut2 preferentially activates tumor-infiltrating PD-1+CD8+T cells via high-affinity αPD-1 mediated cis-binding of low-affinity IL-12. Additionally, αPD1-mIL12mut2 treatment exerts an abscopal effect to suppress distal tumors, as well as metastasis. Collectively, αPD1-mIL12mut2 treatment induces robust systemic antitumor responses with reduced side effects.
Doping-control of excitons and magnetism in few-layer CrSBr
Authors: Tabataba-Vakili Farsane , Nguyen Huy P. G. , Rupp Anna , Mosina Kseniia , Papavasileiou Anastasios , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Maletinsky Patrick , Glazov Mikhail M. , Sofer Zdenek , Baimuratov Anvar S. , Högele Alexander
Published: June 2024

Magnetism in two-dimensional materials reveals phenomena distinct from bulk magnetic crystals, with sensitivity to charge doping and electric fields in monolayer and bilayer van der Waals magnet CrI3. Within the class of layered magnets, semiconducting CrSBr stands out by featuring stability under ambient conditions, correlating excitons with magnetic order and thus providing strong magnon-exciton coupling, and exhibiting peculiar magneto-optics of exciton-polaritons. Here, we demonstrate that both exciton and magnetic transitions in bilayer and trilayer CrSBr are sensitive to voltage-controlled field-effect charging, exhibiting bound exciton-charge complexes and doping-induced metamagnetic transitions. Moreover, we demonstrate how these unique properties enable optical probes of local magnetic order, visualizing magnetic domains of competing phases across metamagnetic transitions induced by magnetic field or electrostatic doping. Our work identifies few-layer CrSBr as a rich platform for exploring collaborative effects of charge, optical excitations, and magnetism.
Molecular ferroelectric with low-magnetic-field magnetoelectricity at room temperature
Authors: Hu Zhao-Bo , Yang Xinyu , Zhang Jinlei , Gui Ling-Ao , Zhang Yi-Fan , Liu Xiao-Dong , Zhou Zi-Han , Jiang Yucheng , Zhang Yi , Dong Shuai , Song You
Published: June 2024

Magnetoelectric materials, which encompass coupled magnetic and electric polarizabilities within a single phase, hold great promises for magnetic controlled electronic components or electric-field controlled spintronics. However, the realization of ideal magnetoelectric materials remains tough due to the inborn competion between ferroelectricity and magnetism in both levels of symmetry and electronic structure. Herein, we introduce a methodology for constructing single phase paramagnetic ferroelectric molecule [TMCM][FeCl4], which shows low-magnetic-field magnetoelectricity at room temperature. By applying a low magnetic field (≤1 kOe), the halogen Cl‧‧‧Cl distance and the volume of [FeCl4]− anions could be manipulated. This structural change causes a characteristic magnetostriction hysteresis, resulting in a substantial deformation of ~10−4 along the a-axis under an in-plane magnetic field of 2 kOe. The magnetostrictive effect is further qualitatively simulated by density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, this mechanical deformation significantly dampens the ferroelectric polarization by directly influencing the overall dipole configuration. As a result, it induces a remarkable α31 component (~89 mV Oe−1 cm−1) of the magnetoelectric tensor. And the magnetoelectric coupling, characterized by the change of polarization, reaches ~12% under 40 kOe magnetic field. Our results exemplify a design methodology that enables the creation of room-temperature magnetoelectrics by leveraging the potent effects of magnetostriction.
Lipid unsaturation promotes BAX and BAK pore activity during apoptosis
Authors: Dadsena Shashank , Cuevas Arenas Rodrigo , Vieira Gonçalo , Brodesser Susanne , Melo Manuel N. , García-Sáez Ana J.
Published: June 2024

BAX and BAK are proapoptotic members of the BCL2 family that directly mediate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilition (MOMP), a central step in apoptosis execution. However, the molecular architecture of the mitochondrial apoptotic pore remains a key open question and especially little is known about the contribution of lipids to MOMP. By performing a comparative lipidomics analysis of the proximal membrane environment of BAK isolated in lipid nanodiscs, we find a significant enrichment of unsaturated species nearby BAK and BAX in apoptotic conditions. We then demonstrate that unsaturated lipids promote BAX pore activity in model membranes, isolated mitochondria and cellular systems, which is further supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Accordingly, the fatty acid desaturase FADS2 not only enhances apoptosis sensitivity, but also the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway downstream mtDNA release. The correlation of FADS2 levels with the sensitization to apoptosis of different lung and kidney cancer cell lines by co-treatment with unsaturated fatty acids supports the relevance of our findings. Altogether, our work provides an insight on how local lipid environment affects BAX and BAK function during apoptosis.
β-lactamase expression induces collateral sensitivity in Escherichia coli
Authors: Herencias Cristina , Álvaro-Llorente Laura , Ramiro-Martínez Paula , Fernández-Calvet Ariadna , Muñoz-Cazalla Ada , DelaFuente Javier , Graf Fabrice E. , Jaraba-Soto Laura , Castillo-Polo Juan Antonio , Cantón Rafael , San Millán Álvaro , Rodríguez-Beltrán Jerónimo
Published: June 2024

Major antibiotic groups are losing effectiveness due to the uncontrollable spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Among these, β-lactam resistance genes –encoding β-lactamases– stand as the most common resistance mechanism in Enterobacterales due to their frequent association with mobile genetic elements. In this context, novel approaches that counter mobile AMR are urgently needed. Collateral sensitivity (CS) occurs when the acquisition of resistance to one antibiotic increases susceptibility to another antibiotic and can be exploited to eliminate AMR selectively. However, most CS networks described so far emerge as a consequence of chromosomal mutations and cannot be leveraged to tackle mobile AMR. Here, we dissect the CS response elicited by the acquisition of a prevalent antibiotic resistance plasmid to reveal that the expression of the β-lactamase gene blaOXA-48 induces CS to colistin and azithromycin. We next show that other clinically relevant mobile β-lactamases produce similar CS responses in multiple, phylogenetically unrelated E. coli strains. Finally, by combining experiments with surveillance data comprising thousands of antibiotic susceptibility tests, we show that β-lactamase-induced CS is pervasive within Enterobacterales. These results highlight that the physiological side-effects of β-lactamases can be leveraged therapeutically, paving the way for the rational design of specific therapies to block mobile AMR or at least counteract their effects.
A biodegradable and flexible neural interface for transdermal optoelectronic modulation and regeneration of peripheral nerves
Authors: Sun Pengcheng , Li Chaochao , Yang Can , Sun Mengchun , Hou Hanqing , Guan Yanjun , Chen Jinger , Liu Shangbin , Chen Kuntao , Ma Yuan , Huang Yunxiang , Li Xiangling , Wang Huachun , Wang Liu , Chen Shengfeng , Cheng Haofeng , Xiong Wei , Sheng Xing , Zhang Milin , Peng Jiang , Wang Shirong , Wang Yu , Yin Lan
Published: June 2024

Optoelectronic neural interfaces can leverage the photovoltaic effect to convert light into electrical current, inducing charge redistribution and enabling nerve stimulation. This method offers a non-genetic and remote approach for neuromodulation. Developing biodegradable and efficient optoelectronic neural interfaces is important for achieving transdermal stimulation while minimizing infection risks associated with device retrieval, thereby maximizing therapeutic outcomes. We propose a biodegradable, flexible, and miniaturized silicon-based neural interface capable of transdermal optoelectronic stimulation for neural modulation and nerve regeneration. Enhancing the device interface with thin-film molybdenum significantly improves the efficacy of neural stimulation. Our study demonstrates successful activation of the sciatic nerve in rodents and the facial nerve in rabbits. Moreover, transdermal optoelectronic stimulation accelerates the functional recovery of injured facial nerves.
Self-protecting CoFeAl-layered double hydroxides enable stable and efficient brine oxidation at 2 A cm−2
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Jiage , Li Tianshui , Li Shihang , Ding Boyu , Guo Xinlong , Cao Aiqing , Sha Qihao , Zhou Daojin , Kuang Yun , Sun Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

Low-energy consumption seawater electrolysis at high current density is an effective way for hydrogen production, however the continuous feeding of seawater may result in the accumulation of Cl−, leading to severe anode poisoning and corrosion, thereby compromising the activity and stability. Herein, CoFeAl layered double hydroxide anodes with excellent oxygen evolution reaction activity are synthesized and delivered stable catalytic performance for 350 hours at 2 A cm−2 in the presence of 6-fold concentrated seawater. Comprehensive analysis reveals that the Al3+ ions in electrode are etched off by OH− during oxygen evolution reaction process, resulting in M3+ vacancies that boost oxygen evolution reaction activity. Additionally, the self-originated Al(OH)n− is found to adsorb on the anode surface to improve stability. An electrode assembly based on a micropore membrane and CoFeAl layered double hydroxide electrodes operates continuously for 500 hours at 1 A cm−2, demonstrating their feasibility in brine electrolysis.
A computational fluid dynamics study to assess the impact of coughing on cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in Chiari type 1 malformation
Authors: Vandenbulcke Sarah , Condron Paul , Safaei Soroush , Holdsworth Samantha , Degroote Joris , Segers Patrick
Published: June 2024

Chiari type 1 malformation is a neurological disorder characterized by an obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation between the brain (intracranial) and spinal cord (spinal) compartments. Actions such as coughing might evoke spinal cord complications in patients with Chiari type 1 malformation, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. More insight into the impact of the obstruction on local and overall CSF dynamics can help reveal these mechanisms. Therefore, our previously developed computational fluid dynamics framework was used to establish a subject-specific model of the intracranial and upper spinal CSF space of a healthy control. In this model, we emulated a single cough and introduced porous zones to model a posterior (OBS-1), mild (OBS-2), and severe posterior-anterior (OBS-3) obstruction. OBS-1 and OBS-2 induced minor changes to the overall CSF pressures, while OBS-3 caused significantly larger changes with a decoupling between the intracranial and spinal compartment. Coughing led to a peak in overall CSF pressure. During this peak, pressure differences between the lateral ventricles and the spinal compartment were locally amplified for all degrees of obstruction. These results emphasize the effects of coughing and indicate that severe levels of obstruction lead to distinct changes in intracranial pressure.
Biomass-derived carbon dots as fluorescent quantum probes to visualize and modulate inflammation
Authors: Kumar Mahima , Chinnathambi Shanmugavel , Bakhori Noremylia , Abu Norhidayah , Etezadi Fatemeh , Thangavel Vaijayanthi , Packwood Daniel , Sivaniah Easan , Pandian Ganesh N.
Published: June 2024

Quantum dots, which won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, have recently gained significant attention in precision medicine due to their unique properties, such as size-tunable emission, high photostability, efficient light absorption, and vibrant luminescence. Consequently, there is a growing demand to identify new types of quantum dots from various sources and explore their potential applications as stimuli-responsive biosensors, biomolecular imaging probes, and targeted drug delivery agents. Biomass-waste-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an attractive alternative to conventional QDs, which often require expensive and toxic precursors, as they offer several merits in eco-friendly synthesis, preparation from renewable sources, and cost-effective production. In this study, we evaluated three CQDs derived from biomass waste for their potential application as non-toxic bioimaging agents in various cell lines, including human dermal fibroblasts, HeLa, cardiomyocytes, induced pluripotent stem cells, and an in-vivo medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) model. Confocal microscopic studies revealed that CQDs could assist in visualizing inflammatory processes in the cells, as they were taken up more by cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-α than untreated cells. In addition, our quantitative real-time PCR gene expression analysis has revealed that citric acid-based CQDs can potentially reduce inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6. Our studies suggest that CQDs have potential as theragnostic agents, which can simultaneously identify and modulate inflammatory markers and may lead to targeted therapy for immune system-associated diseases.
Optimization of PID control parameters for marine dual-fuel engine using improved particle swarm algorithm
Authors: Hu Zhuo , Guo Weihao , Zhou Kege , Wang Lei , Wang Fu , Yuan Jinliang
Published: June 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the optimization of PID control parameters for marine dual-fuel engines using an improved particle swarm algorithm. Through the development of a Matlab/Simulink simulation model, the thermodynamic behavior of the engine and the functionality of its control system are analyzed. The PID control parameters for air–fuel ratio control and mode switching control systems are fine-tuned utilizing the improved particle swarm algorithm (PSO). Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed improved PID-PSO approach outperforms traditional PID and traditional PSO-PID control methods in terms of reduced overshoot, minimized steady-state error, faster response times, and improved stability across various operating conditions and response modes. In comparison to traditional PID and PSO-PID controllers, the improved PSO-PID controller reduces the response time by 0.47 s and 0.21 s, the maximum overshoot by 98.43% and 96.05%, and decreases the absolute errors by 87.42% and 90.55%, respectively, in air–fuel ratio control using the step response method. The study's findings offer valuable insights into enhancing the performance and efficiency of marine dual-fuel engines through advanced control strategies.
Clinical outcomes and predictive factors of stent grafts treatment for symptomatic central venous obstruction in end stage kidney disease patients with arteriovenous access
Authors: Liu Yamin , Wang Yufei , Wang Xinfang , Zhang Beihao , Lu Xiaoqing , Liang Xianhui , Wang Pei
Published: June 2024

To assess the efficacy of stent grafts (SGs) in managing central venous obstruction disease (CVOD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous (AV) access, and to identify predictive factors influencing the SG treatment outcomes. HD subjects with CVOD who underwent SGs placement at our center between August 2018 and June 2022 were enrolled. Survival curve analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test was performed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was employed to identify predictive factors associated with outcomes. A total of 59 SG implantation procedures for CVOD were analyzed, comprising 30 cases of stenosis and 29 cases of occlusion. The access circuit primary patency (ACPP) at 6, 12, and 24 months post-SG placement were 80.9%, 53.8%, and 31.4%, respectively, while, the target lesion primary patency (TLPP) were 91.3%, 67.6%, and 44.5%, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed higher TLPP in the stenosis group compared to the occlusion group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.165). The TLPP was significantly improved by SG placement in those who had antecedent balloon dilations (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression identified target lesion length ≥ 30 mm and procedure defects as independent predictors of lower TLPP after SG treatment for CVOD in HD patients. SG placement demonstrates safety and efficacy in managing CVOD among HD patients, leading to improved TLPP of endovascular therapy (EVT) for CVOD. Notably, long target lesions (≥ 30 mm) and procedure defects emerged as predictive factors influencing TLPP.
An interactive atlas of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic biomarkers promotes the potential of proteins to predict complex diseases
Authors: Smelik Martin , Zhao Yelin , Li Xinxiu , Loscalzo Joseph , Sysoev Oleg , Mahmud Firoj , Mansour Aly Dina , Benson Mikael
Published: June 2024

Multiomics analyses have identified multiple potential biomarkers of the incidence and prevalence of complex diseases. However, it is not known which type of biomarker is optimal for clinical purposes. Here, we make a systematic comparison of 90 million genetic variants, 1453 proteins, and 325 metabolites from 500,000 individuals with complex diseases from the UK Biobank. A machine learning pipeline consisting of data cleaning, data imputation, feature selection, and model training using cross-validation and comparison of the results on holdout test sets showed that proteins were most predictive, followed by metabolites, and genetic variants. Only five proteins per disease resulted in median (min–max) areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for incidence of 0.79 (0.65–0.86) and 0.84 (0.70–0.91) for prevalence. In summary, our work suggests the potential of predicting complex diseases based on a limited number of proteins. We provide an interactive atlas (macd.shinyapps.io/ShinyApp/) to find genomic, proteomic, or metabolomic biomarkers for different complex diseases.
Strength of selection in lung tumors correlates with clinical features better than tumor mutation burden
Authors: Gorlov Ivan P. , Gorlova Olga Y. , Tsavachidis Spyridon , Amos Christopher I.
Published: June 2024

Single nucleotide substitutions are the most common type of somatic mutations in cancer genome. The goal of this study was to use publicly available somatic mutation data to quantify negative and positive selection in individual lung tumors and test how strength of directional and absolute selection is associated with clinical features. The analysis found a significant variation in strength of selection (both negative and positive) among tumors, with median selection tending to be negative even though tumors with strong positive selection also exist. Strength of selection estimated as the density of missense mutations relative to the density of silent mutations showed only a weak correlation with tumor mutation burden. In the “all histology together” analysis we found that absolute strength of selection was strongly correlated with all clinically relevant features analyzed. In histology-stratified analysis selection was strongest in small cell lung cancer. Selection in adenocarcinoma was somewhat higher compared to squamous cell carcinoma. The study suggests that somatic mutation- based quantifying of directional and absolute selection in individual tumors can be a useful biomarker of tumor aggressiveness.
Depression recognition using voice-based pre-training model
Authors: Huang Xiangsheng , Wang Fang , Gao Yuan , Liao Yilong , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Li , Xu Zhenrong
Published: June 2024

The early screening of depression is highly beneficial for patients to obtain better diagnosis and treatment. While the effectiveness of utilizing voice data for depression detection has been demonstrated, the issue of insufficient dataset size remains unresolved. Therefore, we propose an artificial intelligence method to effectively identify depression. The wav2vec 2.0 voice-based pre-training model was used as a feature extractor to automatically extract high-quality voice features from raw audio. Additionally, a small fine-tuning network was used as a classification model to output depression classification results. Subsequently, the proposed model was fine-tuned on the DAIC-WOZ dataset and achieved excellent classification results. Notably, the model demonstrated outstanding performance in binary classification, attaining an accuracy of 0.9649 and an RMSE of 0.1875 on the test set. Similarly, impressive results were obtained in multi-classification, with an accuracy of 0.9481 and an RMSE of 0.3810. The wav2vec 2.0 model was first used for depression recognition and showed strong generalization ability. The method is simple, practical, and applicable, which can assist doctors in the early screening of depression.
The UF-5000 Atyp.C parameter is an independent risk factor for bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Tong , Zhu Jianhong , Li Zhaoxing , Zhao Ya , Li Yan , Li Jing , He Qian , Geng Yan , Lu Wei , Zhang Lei , Li Zhenzhen
Published: June 2024

Bladder carcinoma (BC) accounts for > 90% of all urothelial cancers. Pathological diagnosis through cytoscopic biopsy is the gold standard, whereas non-invasive diagnostic tools remain lacking. The “Atyp.C” parameter of the Sysmex UF-5000 urine particle analyzer represents the ratio of nucleus to cytoplasm and can be employed to detect urinary atypical cells. The present study examined the association between urinary Atyp.C values and BC risk. This two-center, retrospective case–control study identified clinical primary or newly recurrent BC (study period, 2022–2023; n = 473) cases together with controls with urinary tract infection randomly matched by age and sex (1:1). Urinary sediment differences were compared using non-parametric tests. The correlations between urinary Atyp.C levels and BC grade or infiltration were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation. The BC risk factor odds ratio of Atyp.C was calculated using conditional logistic regression, and potential confounder effects were adjusted using stepwise logistic regression (LR). Primary risk factors were identified by stratified analysis according to pathological histological diagnosis. The mean value of urinary Atyp.C in BC cases (1.30 ± 3.12) was 8.7 times higher than that in the controls (0.15 ± 0.68; P < 0.001). Urinary Atyp.C values were positively correlated with BC pathological grade and invasion (r = 0.360, P < 0.001; r = 0.367, P < 0.001). Urinary Atyp.C was an independent risk factor for BC and closely related with BC pathological grade and invasion. Elevated urinary Atyp.C values was an independent risk factor for BC. Our findings support the use of Atyp.C as a marker that will potentially aid in the early diagnosis and long-term surveillance of new and recurrent BC cases.
Structural optimization and flow field analysis of turbomolecular pump based on a new performance prediction algorithm
Authors: Sun Kun , Deng Haishun , Wang Cheng , Zhang Shiwei
Published: June 2024

In the present study, a new turbomolecular pump (TMP) performance prediction algorithm is proposed according to the variable surface combined blade row (VSCBR) geometric model. The simulation calculation program is designed to perform structural optimization and flow field analysis. Research on the pumping performance of the traditional straight blade row (TSBR) indicates that when the blade velocity ratio is greater than 1, the increase in the pumping speed and compression ratio of the TMP gradually tends to stabilize. Response surface methodology is used to optimize the structural parameters of the first four stages of the combined blade row. The optimized VSCBR increases the pumping speed by 18.2% compared to that of the TSBR. The flow field analysis based on the optimized VSCBR shows that gas molecules reaching the rear blades are likely to approach the outlet, and the proportion of gas molecules in this region exceeds 50%. Therefore, the blades we designed should be conducive to additional gas molecules reaching the outlet.