bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of CgeA as a glycoprotein that anchors polysaccharides to the spore surface in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Nakaya Yusei , Uchiike Miu , Hattori Mayuko , Moriyama Momoka , Abe Kimihiro , Kim Ella , Eichenberger Patrick , Imamura Daisuke , Sato Tsutomu
Published: July 2023

The Bacillus subtilis spore is composed of a core, containing chromosomal DNA, surrounded by a cortex layer made of peptidoglycan, and a coat composed of concentric proteinaceous layers. A polysaccharide layer is added to the spore surface, and likely anchored to the crust, the coat outermost layer. However, the identity of the coat protein(s) to which the spore polysaccharides (SPS) are attached is uncertain. First, we showed that the crust proteins CotVWXYZ and CgeA were all contained in the peeled SPS layer obtained from a strain missing CotE, the outer coat morphogenetic protein, suggesting that the SPS is indeed bound to at least one of the spore surface proteins. Second, CgeA is known to be located at the most downstream position in the crust assembly pathway. An analysis of truncated variants of CgeA suggested that its N‐terminal half is required for localization to the spore surface, while its C‐terminal half is necessary for SPS addition. Third, an amino acid substitution strategy revealed that SPS was anchored at threonine 112 (T112), which constitutes a probable O‐glycosylation site on CgeA. Our results indicated that CgeA is a glycoprotein required to initiate SPS assembly and serves as an anchor protein linking the crust and SPS layers.
A chitin deacetylase PsCDA2 from Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici confers disease pathogenicity by suppressing chitin‐triggered immunity in wheat
Authors: Xiao Muye , Chen Dezhi , Liu Saifei , Chen Anle , Fang Anfei , Tian Binnian , Yu Yang , Bi Chaowei , Kang Zhensheng , Yang Yuheng
Published: July 2023

Plants have the ability to recognize the essential chitin molecule present in the fungal cell wall, which stimulates the immune response. Phytopathogenic fungi have developed various strategies to inhibit the chitin‐triggered immune response. Here, we identified a chitin deacetylase of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), known as PsCDA2, that was induced during the initial invasion of wheat and acted as an inhibitor of plant cell death. Knockdown of PsCDA2 in wheat enhanced its resistance against Pst, highlighting the significance of PsCDA2 in the host–pathogen interaction. Moreover, PsCDA2 can protect Pst urediniospores from being damaged by host chitinase in vitro. PsCDA2 also suppressed the basal chitin‐induced plant immune response, including the accumulation of callose and the expression of defence genes. Overall, our results demonstrate that Pst secretes PsCDA2 as a chitin deacetylase involved in establishing infection and modifying the acetyl group to prevent the breakdown of chitin in the cell wall by host endogenous chitinases. Our research unveils a mechanism by which the fungus suppresses plant immunity, further contributing to the understanding of wheat stripe rust control. This information could have significant implications for the development of suitable strategies for protecting crops against the devastating effects of this disease.
The Effect of Immigration on Occupational Injuries: Evidence from Administrative Data*
Authors: Alacevich Caterina , Nicodemo Catia
Published: July 2023

The task specialization literature suggests that migrant workers concentrate on physically intensive occupations, pushing natives towards less‐risky jobs. What is the effect of immigration on the severity of work‐related injuries? By matching administrative data on work‐related injuries and residence registries in Italy, this paper shows that migrant inflows lead to a reduction of physical impairment and injury‐related paid sick leave for native workers, independently from occupation and sector transitions. The effect is largest in manufacturing and construction and among the eldest employees. The analysis exploits spatial and temporal variation in foreign‐born residents' province shares and an instrumental variable strategy based on historical co‐national local settlements. To rationalize the underlying mechanism, we show that migrant workers sort into risky occupations and we study workforce composition effects. We rule out that the effect is due to higher unemployment among natives with lower education, more exposed to injury risks, or to native workers' local migration. Longitudinal worker‐level data from the Labor Force Survey show that native workers' transitions between sectors and occupations in response to immigration are not significant. Hence, our results suggest that the reduction in injury severity may result from a reallocation of riskier tasks from native workers, especially of older ages, to migrant workers, even when occupational transitions do not occur.
Real‐life data on the workload of cardiac implantable electronic device remote monitoring in a large tertiary center
Authors: Sane Markus , Annukka Marjamaa , Toni Jäntti , Elina Pennanen , Charlotte Aura , Eeva Torvinen , Leena Karjalainen , Pekka Raatikainen , Jarkko Karvonen
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and implantable loop recorders (ILR) are increasingly monitored by systems allowing remote transmission of data from the patient to the hospital. Remote monitoring (RM) has been shown to increase patient satisfaction and safety. However, real‐life data on the number and causes of the RM transmissions, and actions initiated by them are scarce.

Methods

A total of 3446 patients with CIED and 92 patients with ILR were included in the study. Data on the number of alerts, scheduled and patient‐initiated transmissions as well as the causes and actions initiated by the transmissions were systematically collected from March 1 to December 30, 2022. The data was subdivided by the device type.

Results

During the study period 7087 remote CIED and 1212 ILR transmissions were generated, (0.2 and 1.3 per patient per month), respectively. Of these transmissions 49% (4084) were automatic alerts, and 29% (2434) and 22% (1781) were scheduled and patient initiated, respectively. Most of the CIED alerts (73%) and the scheduled transmissions (90%) were nonactionable, and only 7% and 5% led to in‐office follow‐up, respectively. Off all ILR alerts (1011) PM implantation was scheduled to 11 patients.

Conclusions

RM transmissions were common, but most of them were nonactionable. These real‐life findings indicate that detailed analysis of the causes of the RM transmissions is important for optimization of the remote follow‐up workload.
Prenatal ultrasound use and risk of autism spectrum disorder: Findings from the case‐control Study to Explore Early Development
Authors: Christensen Deborah , Pazol Karen , Overwyk Katherine J. , England Lucinda J. , Alexander Aimee A. , Croen Lisa A. , Dowling Nicole F. , Schieve Laura A. , Tian Lin H. , Tinker Sarah C. , Windham Gayle C. , Callaghan William M. , Shapira Stuart K.
Published: July 2023

Background

Studies evaluating the association between prenatal ultrasounds and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have largely produced negative results. Concern remains due to the rising identification of children with ASD and ultrasound use.

Objective

To evaluate the association between prenatal ultrasound use and ASD.

Methods

We used data from the Study to Explore Early Development, a multisite case‐control study of preschool‐aged children with ASD implemented during 2007–2012. We recruited cases from children receiving developmental disability services and randomly selected population controls from birth records. ASD case status was based on in‐person standardised assessments. We stratified analyses by pre‐existing maternal medical conditions and pregnancy complications associated with increased ultrasound use (ultrasound indications) and used logistic regression to model case status by increasing ultrasound counts. For pregnancies with medical record data on ultrasound timing, we conducted supplementary tests to model associations by trimester of exposure.

Results

Among 1524 singleton pregnancies, ultrasound indications were more common for ASD cases than controls; respectively, for each group, no indications were reported for 45.1% and 54.2% of pregnancies, while ≥2 indications were reported for 26.1% and 18.4% of pregnancies. The percentage of pregnancies with multiple ultrasounds varied by case status and the presence of ultrasound indications. However, stratified regression models showed no association between increasing ultrasound counts and case status, either for pregnancies without (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92, 1.11) or with ultrasound indications (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95, 1.08). Trimester‐specific analyses using medical record data showed no association in any individual trimester.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that prenatal ultrasound use increases ASD risk. Study strengths included gold‐standard assessments for ASD case classification, comparison of cases with controls, and a stratified sample to account for conditions associated both with increased prenatal ultrasound use and ASD.
Divergent reactions to COVID‐19 exhibited in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism
Authors: Ozkum S. Burak , Lannin Daniel G. , Wu Shengtian
Published: July 2023

Grandiosity and vulnerability are distinct dimensions of narcissism that may exhibit differences regarding compliance with COVID‐19 regulations and policies. Although both dimensions reflect entitlement and self‐importance, motivational tendencies diverge. Narcissistic grandiosity reflects bold expressions consistent with approach motivation, whereas vulnerable narcissism reflects reactive expressions consistent with avoidance motivation. Therefore, the present cross‐sectional investigation explored these relations between November 2020 and April 2021. Undergraduates (N = 487, Mage = 19.79, 87.1% women) completed online surveys that assessed grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, perceived severity of and susceptibility to COVID, attitudes and reactions toward COVID policies, as well as self‐reported behavioral data including number of daily hours out in public, indoor bar/restaurant attendance, and whether they had ever received a positive COVID diagnosis. Consistent with theoretical distinctions between the two narcissistic dimensions, grandiosity generally predicted reduced behavioral compliance and extraverted tendencies that put them at risk for COVID exposure; however, both grandiosity and vulnerability predicted worse reactions and attitudes toward COVID‐19 policies.
Analysis of Roll Decay for Surface-Ship Model Experiments With Uncertainty Estimates
Authors: Park Joel T.
Published: July 2023

Roll decay of David Taylor model basin (DTMB) Model 5720, a 23rd-scale free-running model of the research vessel (R/V) Melville, is evaluated with uncertainty estimates. Experimental roll-decay time series was accurately modeled as an exponentially decaying cosine function, which is the solution of a second-order ordinary differential equation for damping coefficient of less than one (N < 1). The curve-fit provides damping coefficient (N), period (T), and offset. Roll period in calm water was dependent on Froude number (Fr) and initial roll angle (a). Roll decay data are from 76 runs for three nominal Froude numbers, Fr = 0, 0.15, and 0.22. The initial roll angle variation was 3 deg–25 deg. The natural roll period was 2.139 ± 0.041 s (±1.9%). The decay coefficient data were approximated by a plane in three dimensions with Fr and initial roll amplitudes (a) as the independent variables. Curve-fit results are compared to decay coefficient by log decrement and period from time between zero crossings. Examples demonstrate average values for a single roll decay event from log decrement are the same as values by the curve-fitting method within uncertainty estimates. The uncertainty estimate for the decay coefficient is significantly less by curve-fit method in comparison to log-decrement method. By log decrement, the relative uncertainty increases with decreasing roll amplitude peak; consequently, focus should be on the damping coefficient at the largest peaks, where the uncertainty is the smallest.
Effects of gases on the field emission performance of silicon gated field emitter array
Authors: Bhattacharya Ranajoy , Cannon Mason , Rughoobur Girish , Karaulac Nedeljko , Chern Winston , Farsad Asadi Reza , Tao Zheng , Gnade Bruce E. , Akinwande Akintunde Ibitayo , Browning Jim
Published: July 2023

Effects of gases on field emission performance were measured using silicon-gated field emitter arrays. Gas was injected into a vacuum chamber with a 1000 × 1000 tip array, which was driven by a DC gate and collector voltages. The collector voltage was fixed at 200 V while the gate voltage was swept to 40 V. For the gas exposure study, N2, He, and Ar were used. The sets of partial pressures, 5 × 10−6, 5 × 10−5, and 5 × 10−4 Torr, were used for the experiment. It was observed that N2 had the least effect and Ar had the worst effect on emission current performance. The degradation of collector current at 5 × 10−4 Torr pressure for Ar was ≈65% where for the N2, at the same level of pressure, the degradation was ≈41%. However, further experiments with high purity Ar gas showed that it was the water vapor present in the gas itself that was the primary cause of reduction in emission current and not the gas itself. The results expressed in reduction in emission current versus Langmuir exposure versus the current clearly showed the effect of water vapor. After the vacuum was recovered, the work function again restored partially to its original value. After ultraviolet light cleaning, the emission current was restored completely to the original state.
Team Behavior and Performance: An Exploration in the Context of Professional Rugby Union
Authors: Serpell Benjamin G. , Colomer Carmen M. , Pickering Mark R. , Cook Christian J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To explore complex system behavior and subsequent team performance in professional rugby union. Methods: Here, we present 2 studies. In the first, we used global positioning system technology to measure player clustering during stoppages in play in nearly 100 games of professional rugby union to explore team (complex system) behavior and performance. In the second, we measured stress hormones (cortisol and testosterone) prior to team meetings and analyzed these relative to amount of time and the frequency with which players looked at peer presenters, as well as subsequent training performance, to explain how stress may lead to behaviors observed in the first study and subsequent match performance. Results: No link between player clustering during stoppages of play and performance was observed. When players (complex system agents) demonstrated greater levels of stress (as indicated by greater cortisol-awakening response and a greater decline in testosterone-to-cortisol ratio across the morning), they tended to look at peer presenters more; however, training quality declined (P = .02). Correlational analysis also showed that training quality was related to testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (P = .04). Conclusions: Team behavior is complex and can be unpredictable. It is possible that under stress, complex system agents (ie, rugby union players) look at (and cluster toward) their teammates more; however, meaningful interaction may not necessarily occur. Furthermore, while complex system (team) analysis may be valuable strategically in rugby union in the context of describing behavior, without understanding “how” or “why” intrateam/interagent behaviors emerge it may have little meaning.
Influence of Surface Geometry on Palm and Fist Contact Pressure Distribution During Strikes With the Hand in Automotive Assembly
Authors: Hausmanninger Lukas , Komnik Igor , Fleiter Mario , Potthast Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

The increase in repetitive strain injuries to the hand underscores the need for assessing and preventing musculoskeletal overuse associated with hand-intensive tasks. This study investigates the risk of overload injuries in soft tissue structures of the hand by analyzing the pressure distribution and location of peak pressure in the hand during snap-fit connection assembly in the automotive industry. The influence of the surface geometry of automotive trim components the pressure distribution and force imparted during strikes with the palm and the fist are investigated in a cohort of 30 subjects with extensive experience installing trim parts with snap-fit connections. Using the palm or fist (ulnar hand side) of the dominant hand, the subjects struck a simulation device with a flat, rounded, or edged surface geometry. The average peak force applied was 600 N (±122 N), nearly 3 times the force required to overcome the technical resistance of the snap-fit connector (220 N). Fist strikes exerted a 40% higher mean peak pressure and 18% higher mean pressure than did palm strikes. The pressure distribution in the region of the thenar eminence and soft tissue of the ulnar side of the hand did not differ between fist strikes on flat and edged surfaces. Considering the delicate anatomy of the hand, especially the hypothenar muscles on the ulnar side, assembling connection claps using the fist instead of the palm may prevent repetitive blunt trauma to the sensitive blood vessels and nerves in the palm.
Bacterial secretion systems contribute to rapid tissue decay in button mushroom soft rot disease
Authors: Wein Philipp , Dornblut Katharina , Herkersdorf Sebastian , Krüger Thomas , Molloy Evelyn M. , Brakhage Axel A. , Hoffmeister Dirk , Hertweck Christian
Published: July 2023

The soft rot pathogen
Janthinobacterium agaricidamnosum
causes devastating damage to button mushrooms (
Agaricus bisporus
), one of the most cultivated and commercially relevant mushrooms. We previously discovered that this pathogen releases the membrane-disrupting lipopeptide jagaricin. This bacterial toxin, however, could not solely explain the rapid decay of mushroom fruiting bodies, indicating that
J. agaricidamnosum
implements a more sophisticated infection strategy. In this study, we show that secretion systems play a crucial role in soft rot disease. By mining the genome of
J. agaricidamnosum
, we identified gene clusters encoding a type I (T1SS), a type II (T2SS), a type III (T3SS), and two type VI secretion systems (T6SSs). We targeted the T2SS and T3SS for gene inactivation studies, and subsequent bioassays implicated both in soft rot disease. Furthermore, through a combination of comparative secretome analysis and activity-guided fractionation, we identified a number of secreted lytic enzymes responsible for mushroom damage. Our findings regarding the contribution of secretion systems to the disease process expand the current knowledge of bacterial soft rot pathogens and represent a significant stride toward identifying targets for their disarmament with secretion system inhibitors.

IMPORTANCE

The button mushroom (
Agaricus bisporus
) is the most popular edible mushroom in the Western world. However, mushroom crops can fall victim to serious bacterial diseases that are a major threat to the mushroom industry, among them being soft rot disease caused by
Janthinobacterium agaricidamnosum
. Here, we show that the rapid dissolution of mushroom fruiting bodies after bacterial invasion is due to degradative enzymes and putative effector proteins secreted via the type II secretion system (T2SS) and the type III secretion system (T3SS), respectively. The ability to degrade mushroom tissue is significantly attenuated in secretion-deficient mutants, which establishes that secretion systems are key factors in mushroom soft rot disease. This insight is of both ecological and agricultural relevance by shedding light on the disease processes behind a pathogenic bacterial-fungal interaction which, in turn, serves as a starting point for the development of secretion system inhibitors to control disease progression.
A combined microscopy and single-cell sequencing approach reveals the ecology, morphology, and phylogeny of uncultured lineages of zoosporic fungi
Authors: Seto Kensuke , Simmons D. Rabern , Quandt C. Alisha , Frenken Thijs , Dirks Alden C. , Clemons Rebecca A. , McKindles Katelyn M. , McKay R. Michael L. , James Timothy Y.
Published: July 2023

Environmental DNA analyses of fungal communities typically reveal a much larger diversity than can be ascribed to known species. Much of this hidden diversity lies within undescribed fungal lineages, especially the early diverging fungi (EDF). Although these EDF often represent new lineages even at the phylum level, they have never been cultured, making their morphology and ecology uncertain. One of the methods to characterize these uncultured fungi is a single-cell DNA sequencing approach. In this study, we established a large data set of single-cell sequences of EDF by manually isolating and photographing parasitic fungi on various hosts such as algae, protists, and micro-invertebrates, combined with subsequent long-read sequencing of the ribosomal DNA locus (rDNA). We successfully obtained rDNA sequences of 127 parasitic fungal cells, which clustered into 71 phylogenetic lineages belonging to seven phylum-level clades of EDF: Blastocladiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Aphelidiomycota, Rozellomycota, and three unknown phylum-level clades. Most of our single cells yielded novel sequences distinguished from both described taxa and existing metabarcoding data, indicating an expansive and hidden diversity of parasitic taxa of EDF. We also revealed an unexpected diversity of endobiotic
Olpidium
-like chytrids and hyper-parasitic lineages. Overall, by combining photographs of parasitic fungi with phylogenetic analyses, we were able to better understand the ecological function and morphology of many of the branches on the fungal tree of life known only from DNA sequences.

IMPORTANCE

Much of the diversity of microbes from natural habitats, such as soil and freshwater, comprise species and lineages that have never been isolated into pure culture. In part, this stems from a bias of culturing in favor of saprotrophic microbes over the myriad symbiotic ones that include parasitic and mutualistic relationships with other taxa. In the present study, we aimed to shed light on the ecological function and morphology of the many undescribed lineages of aquatic fungi by individually isolating and sequencing molecular barcodes from 127 cells of host-associated fungi using single-cell sequencing. By adding these sequences and their photographs into the fungal tree, we were able to understand the morphology of reproductive and vegetative structures of these novel fungi and to provide a hypothesized ecological function for them. These individual host-fungal cells revealed themselves to be complex environments despite their small size; numerous samples were hyper-parasitized with other zoosporic fungal lineages such as Rozellomycota.
Whole-genome sequencing and annotation of selected
Enterobacteriaceae
derived from commercial cucumber fermentation
Authors: Page Clinton A. , Sattar Arwa A. , Pérez-Díaz Ilenys M.
Published: July 2023

We report five whole-genome sequences, along with annotations, representing
Enterobacteriaceae
from the genera
Enterobacter
(
n
= 1),
Pantoea
(
n
= 1), and
Leclercia
(
n
= 3) isolated from commercial cucumber fermentations performed in North Carolina and Minnesota, USA.
Kinematics and geochronology of the Lancang metamorphic complex: Implications for the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys region
Authors: Cui Ya , Wang Yang , Zhou Renjie , Rimando Jeremy , Qian Xin , Zhang Yipeng , Wang Yuejun
Published: July 2023

The Lancang metamorphic complex is a key component of the Three River Tethys Orogen in the SE Tibetan Plateau, with typical rock assemblages and deformation fabrics recording the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent continental collision. In this study, we present new petrographic and structural observations, together with zircon U-Pb and mica 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data, to reveal the deformation and kinematics of the Lancang metamorphic complex, thus providing insights into the Permian−Triassic evolution of the eastern Paleo-Tethys domain. The subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent collision resulted in a range of structural features, including penetrative regional foliations, thrusts, asymmetric folds at various scales, and ductile deformation fabrics such as asymmetric boudins and porphyroclasts. Zircon U-Pb dating of foliated gabbro and 40Ar/39Ar dating of mica schist and mylonite, which preserve shortening fabrics, suggest that the Paleo-Tethys Ocean was subducted during the Late Carboniferous to Permian−Early Triassic, and the collision of the Baoshan and Simao blocks mainly occurred during ca. 237−230 Ma in the SE Tibetan Plateau. Regional deformation likely shifted from shortening to extension ca. 230 Ma, as reflected by post-collision high-K calc-alkaline magmatism. Our results document regional structural patterns and place timing constraints on the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.
Taking science to cholera in Bangladesh: the personal odyssey of Dr William B Greenough III and his colleagues
Authors: Greenough William B , Shababi Niloufar , Nourmohammadi Abadchi Sanaz
Published: July 2023

Cholera is one of the most rapidly fatal infectious diseases known. Historically, two major problems have been faced by those who care for patients with cholera: first, how to treat individual patients to prevent rapid death, and second, how to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease in the immediate community and beyond. In this review, we will discuss how clinical scientists have approached these two issues with some personal experiences that Dr William B Greenough III encountered when he was addressing these problems and treating cholera victims at the Pakistan SEATO Cholera Research Laboratory in the early 1960s in Dhaka, East Pakistan.
Caring for the carers: an evaluation of the recovery, readjustment and reintegration programme (R3P)
Authors: Simms Amos , Leightley D , Lamb D
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The challenges faced by healthcare workers, not least during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been extensively studied, and concerns continue to be highlighted in relation to their long-term mental health. Identifying the need to support their personnel, a leader-led structured programme of reflection: the recovery, readjustment and reintegration programme (R3P) was designed by the UK Defence Medical Services to mitigate the potential stressors associated with this outbreak and enhance the resilience of the workforce.

Methods

128 military personnel completed an evaluation of R3P. A survey included measures of anxiety before and after the intervention, perceptions of the discussion themes and whether these brought a sense of closure to areas of distress, and attitudes to help-seeking.

Results

Most respondents (86%�92%) rated the five discussion themes either �helpful� or �very helpful�, 51% of respondents reported a sense of closure about an issue that had been causing distress and 72% of respondents felt better able to seek help should it be necessary. Evaluating the effect R3P had on anxiety, a Wilcoxon signed rank test elicited a statistically significant difference in anxiety pre-R3P and post-R3P; Z=-3.54, p<0.001. The median anxiety rating was 3.5 (IQR 4.75, 95% CI 1.25 to 6.00) before undertaking R3P, which decreased to 3 (IQR 4.75, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.75) after undertaking R3P. 39.1% of participants reported decreased anxiety, 18.8% reported increased anxiety and 42.2% reported no change.

Conclusion

This evaluation has identified several positive aspects to R3P with many personnel reporting a reduction in anxiety, a sense of closure and increased likelihood of help-seeking. Several participants did report an increase in anxiety and the long-term impact of R3P on mental health and well-being is unclear. Further mixed-methods evaluation incorporating a longer follow-up is required.
Amplitude damping error on QKD: Effect and a probable bypass
Authors: Aziz Munsi Afif , Gond Bishwajit Prasad , Nandi Srijita , Ray Soujanya , Bhoumik Debasmita , Majumdar Ritajit
Published: July 2023

Quantum cryptography was proposed as a counter to the capacity of quantum computers to break classical cryptosystems. A broad subclass of quantum cryptography, called quantum key distribution (QKD), relies on quantum mechanical process for secure distribution of the keys. Quantum channels are inherently noisy, and therefore these protocols will be susceptible to noise as well. In this paper, we study the performance of two QKD protocols — BB84 and E91 under amplitude damping error. We show that while E91 protocol loses its security immediately due to loss of entanglement, the performance of BB84 protocol reduces to random guessing with increasing time. Next, we consider the action of an Eve on the BB84 protocol under amplitude damping noise, who is restricted to guessing the outcome of the protocol only. Under this restriction, we show that Eve can still do better than random guessing when equipped with the characteristics of the noisy channel. Finally, we propose a modification of the BB84 protocol which retains the security of the original protocol, but ensures that Eve cannot get any advantage in guessing the outcome, even with complete channel information.
Quantum capacitance of quasi-2D-crystals
Authors: Lukiyanets Bohdan A. , Matulka Dariia V.
Published: July 2023

Results of research in the quantum capacitance [Formula: see text] of quasi-2D-crystals are presented. The detected extraordinary behavior of [Formula: see text] manifests itself in the existence of such energy ranges in which it is practically equal to zero. The causes for the existence of such ranges are: (a) dimensional quantization as a result of the nanoscale of the van der Waals gap, (b) a certain value of the width of the allowed zone in the plane of the layers, which is determined by the value of the effective mass. Intercalation and external electric field are effective factors capable of changing the position of ranges. Thus, in a system connected in a series of electrostatic and quantum capacitances, the resulting capacitance will significantly depend on the [Formula: see text] behavior. Comparative analyses of structures, chemical bonds, majority of coinciding characteristics of physical quantities in graphite, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), and layered crystals A3B6 allow us to assert that the obtained qualitative conclusions can be applied for each of them. Calculations of density of states (DOS) of quasi-2D crystals performed by authors within the framework of the improved Kohn–Sham density functional theory (DFT), namely the DFT taking into account the van der Waals forces in it, show a step-like form of DOS qualitatively similar to ours.
Ground state degeneration of frustrated antiferromagnetic Ising wheels
Authors: Florek Wojciech , Jaworski Jerzy
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a finite spin system corresponding to magnetic molecules with the wheel geometry is discussed in the Ising-like limit of the Heisenberg Hamiltonian. We put stress on the ground state degeneration, which is determined with the use of some discrete mathematics methods, especially investigating some integer sequences, including the famous Fibonacci one.
Automatic Breast Mass Lesion Detection in Mammogram Image
Authors: Bania Rubul Kumar , Halder Anindya
Published: July 2023

Mammography imaging is one of the most successful techniques for breast cancer screening and detecting breast lesions. Detection of the Region of Interest (ROI) (where the possible abnormalities could be present) is the backbone for the success of any Computer-Aided Detection or Diagnosis (CADx) system. In this paper, to assist the CADx system, one computational model is proposed to detect breast mass lesions from mammogram images. At the beginning of the process, pectoral muscles from the mammograms are removed as a pre-processing step. Then by applying an automatic thresholding scheme with the required image processing techniques, different regions of breast tissues are ranked to detect the possible suspected region to refine the further segmentation task. One seeded region growing approach is proposed with an automatic seed selection criterion to detect the suspected region to segment the ROI. The proposed model has very less user intervention as maximum of the parameters are computed automatically. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, it is compared with four different methods with six different evaluation metrics viz., Jaccard & Dice co-efficient, relative error, segmentation accuracy, error and Fowlkes–Mallows index (FMI). On the proposed model, 57 mammogram images are tested, consisting of four different cases that are collected from the publicly available benchmark database. The qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed to evaluate the proposed model. The best dice co-efficient, Jaccard co-efficient, accuracy, error and FMI values observed are 0.9506, 0.9471, 95.62%, 4.38% and 0.932, respectively. The superiority of the model over six state-of-the-art compared methods is well evident from the experimental results.
Graph antimagic labeling: A survey
Authors: Jin Jingxiang , Tu Zhuojie
Published: July 2023

An antimagic labeling of a simple graph [Formula: see text] is a bijection [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for any two vertices [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. We survey the results about antimagic labelings and other labelings motivated by antimagic labelings of graphs, and present some conjectures and open questions.
Integrity-based Explanations for Fostering Appropriate Trust in AI Agents
Authors: Mehrotra Siddharth , Jorge Carolina Centeio , Jonker Catholijn M. , Tielman Myrthe L.
Published: July 2023

Appropriate trust is an important component of the interaction between people and AI systems, in that “inappropriate” trust can cause disuse, misuse, or abuse of AI. To foster appropriate trust in AI, we need to understand how AI systems can elicit appropriate levels of trust from their users. Out of the aspects that influence trust, this article focuses on the effect of showing integrity. In particular, this article presents a study of how different integrity-based explanations made by an AI agent affect the appropriateness of trust of a human in that agent. To explore this, (1) we provide a formal definition to measure appropriate trust, (2) present a between-subject user study with 160 participants who collaborated with an AI agent in such a task. In the study, the AI agent assisted its human partner in estimating calories on a food plate by expressing its integrity through explanations focusing on either honesty, transparency, or fairness. Our results show that (a) an agent who displays its integrity by being explicit about potential biases in data or algorithms achieved appropriate trust more often compared to being honest about capability or transparent about the decision-making process, and (b) subjective trust builds up and recovers better with honesty-like integrity explanations. Our results contribute to the design of agent-based AI systems that guide humans to appropriately trust them, a formal method to measure appropriate trust, and how to support humans in calibrating their trust in AI.
SIGCSE Technical Symposium 2024: Call for Submissions
Authors: Battestilli Lina , Rebelski Samuel , Shoop Libby
Published: July 2023

The SIGCSE TS is a forum for educators and researchers to share new results and insights around developing, implementing, or evaluating computing programs, pedagogy, curricula, and courses. The conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, from March 20 to 23, 2024 mostly in-person with a few limited online participation opportunities available to accommodate a broader range of attendees. Details will be available at the conference website: https://sigcse2024.org.
Miniaturized Chip Integrated Ecological Sensor for the Quantitation of Milnacipran Hydrochloride in the Presence of Its Impurities in Dosage Form and Human Plasma
Authors: Mostafa Aziza E. , Elsonbaty Ahmed , Attala Khaled , Abdelshakour Mohamed A. , Abdel Salam Randa A. , Hadad Ghada M. , Eissa Maya S.
Published: July 2023

The sensitivity and selectivity of potentiometric sensors towards their targets in various matrices have been challenging for analysts since their development. Modifications of the sensor composition provide the sensitivity and selectivity of potentiometric sensors towards their targets in various matrices have been challenging for analysts since their development. Modifications of the sensor composition provide a way to achieve the utmost sensitivity and selectivity. Molecular imprinting, together with conducting polymers and graphite derivatives, represents a robust composite that attains better sensor performance. Besides, the miniaturization of potentiometric sensors is advantageous to the sensitivity and greenness of the developed sensors due to their smaller portable size, lower sample volume, and lower waste. These advantages provide these sensors with a fast track toward developing wearable versions of ion-selective sensors, which are valuable in point-of-care services in different clinical settings. Here, we report on the first recyclable on-chip miniaturized potentiometric sensors integrated by a printed Ag/AgCl quasi-reference electrode for the quantitation of milnacipran hydrochloride (MLN) in its dosage form and human plasma in the presence of its impurities. The sensing module of the sensor is modified by a molecularly imprinted conducting polymer (polyaniline), which is computationally optimized to achieve maximum selectivity towards MLN in the presence of its impurities. Moreover, the designated sensor composition is optimized by a self-validated ensemble modeling experimental design seeking the composition leading to optimal sensor performance. The proposed on-chip sensor successfully achieved a LOD value of (7.94 × 10−7 M) and a linear range of (1 × 10−6 − 1 × 10−2 M) with a green analytical profile as redeemed from the Agree assessment score.
Element Distribution in Porous Ga Oxide Obtained by Anodizing Ga in Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Kondo Toshiaki , Matsuya Hisato , Habazaki Hiroki
Published: July 2023

A STEM/EDS study of a porous Ga oxide film formed by an anodization process was conducted in this study to examine the crystalline structure of the film and the elemental distribution in the oxide film before and after heat treatment. The as-formed anodic film with a morphology resembling the well-known porous anodic Al oxide film was amorphous, crystallizing after heat treatment at 600 °C without changing the morphology and elemental distribution. The EDS elemental maps disclosed the duplex nature of the pore wall oxide; the phosphate anion was contaminated in the outer oxide layer next to the pores, and the inner layer consisted of relatively pure Ga oxide, practically free from phosphate. The similarity of morphology and elemental distributions between the porous anodic Al and Ga oxides suggests that the growth of both anodic oxide films proceeds under the same mechanism. In addition, crystallized porous Ga oxides are expected to be applied to fabricate various functional devices requiring geometrically controlled semiconductor nanohole arrays, such as devices for hydrogen formation.
The aged extracellular matrix and the profibrotic role of senescence-associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Mebratu Yohannes A. , Soni Sourabh , Rosas Lorena , Rojas Mauricio , Horowitz Jeffrey C. , Nho Richard
Published: July 2023

Aging is the most prominent nonmodifiable risk factor for various human diseases including Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Aging progressively alters extracellular matrix components and is associated with the accumulation of senescent cells that promote age-related tissue dysfunction. In this review, we will discuss the pathological impact of aging and senescence on lung fibrosis via senescence-associated secretary phenotype factors and potential therapeutic approaches to limit the progression of lung fibrosis.
A single-cell CRISPRi platform for characterizing candidate genes relevant to metabolic disorders in human adipocytes
Authors: Bielczyk-Maczynska Ewa , Sharma Disha , Blencowe Montgomery , Saliba Gustafsson Peter , Gloudemans Michael J. , Yang Xia , Carcamo-Orive Ivan , Wabitsch Martin , Svensson Katrin J. , Park Chong Y. , Quertermous Thomas , Knowles Joshua W. , Li Jiehan
Published: July 2023

Genomics efforts led to the identification of many genomic loci that are associated with metabolic traits, many of which are tied to adipose tissue function. However, determination of the causal genes, and their mechanism of action in metabolism, is a time-consuming process. Here, we use an approach to determine the transcriptional outcome of candidate gene knockdown for multiple genes at the same time in a human cell model of adipogenesis.
Senescence-associated alterations in the extracellular matrix: deciphering their role in the regulation of cellular function
Authors: Mavrogonatou Eleni , Papadopoulou Adamantia , Pratsinis Harris , Kletsas Dimitris
Published: July 2023

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic structural network that provides a physical scaffolding, as well as biochemical factors that maintain normal tissue homeostasis and thus its disruption is implicated in many pathological conditions. On the other hand, senescent cells express a particular secretory phenotype, affecting the composition and organization of the surrounding ECM and modulating their microenvironment. As accumulation of senescent cells may be linked to the manifestation of several age-related conditions, senescence-associated ECM alterations may serve as targets for novel anti-aging treatment modalities. Here, we will review characteristic changes in the ECM elicited by cellular senescence and we will discuss the complex interplay between ECM and senescent cells, in relation to normal aging and selected age-associated pathologies.
Management of Mixed Warm/Cold Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature
Authors: Smith Elliot C. , Kahwash Nabeel , Piran Siavash
Published: July 2023

Background. Mixed warm/cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare diagnostic entity with limited therapeutic options. Previous literature has described the diagnostic difficulty in this pathology and the limited response rates to corticosteroids. Furthermore, there is limited evidence regarding the use of rituximab in this condition. Methods. Alongside our case report, we conducted a scoping review of case reports/case series describing mixed AIHA, their treatment, and clinical outcomes since 2000. Inclusion criteria included a confirmed diagnosis of mixed AIHA (confirmed warm antibodies and cold agglutinins based on DAT). Case Summary/Results. We present a case of mixed AIHA in an 83-year-old female presenting with extensive, bilateral pulmonary embolisms and left renal vein thrombosis. The patient underwent extensive workup with no identifiable provoking etiology. Initial treatment involved prednisone therapy was transitioned to rituximab upon diagnosis of mixed AIHA. The patient demonstrated a mixed response with stable hemoglobin and transfusion independence; however, with persistently elevated hemolytic indices following completion of rituximab treatment. Our literature review identified 16 articles; two were excluded for unavailable clinical details. The most commonly associated conditions included autoimmune conditions (n = 5, 26%) and lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 3, 12%). The most common treatment involved corticosteroids; seven studies involved the use of rituximab. Conclusion. Mixed AIHA represents a complex diagnosis and optimal management is not well established. Consistent with our case, recent literature suggests a promising response to rituximab and a limited response to steroid treatment. Given the limited literature, additional studies are required to elucidate optimal management of this unique pathology.
Preparation and Characterization of Patuletin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles with Improved Selectivity and Safety Profiles for Anticancer Applications
Authors: Metwaly Ahmed M. , Abdel-Raoof Ahmed M. , Alattar Abdulaziz M. , El-Zomrawy Adham A. , Ashmawy Ashraf M. , Metwally Metwally G. , Abu-Saied Mohamed A. , Lotfy Asmaa M. , Alsfouk Bshra A. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Eissa Ibrahim H.
Published: July 2023

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the preparation of patuletin-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (PT-CS-NPs) using the ionic gelation method, evaluate their potential as anticancer agents, and invent a new method of differential pulse voltammetric analysis for patuletin (PT). Methods. Computational studies were conducted to assess the affinity of PT for chitosan, confirming a promising interaction. PT-CS-NPs were synthesized based on the computational outputs, resulting in nanoparticles with an angular structure and an average size of 6.168 nm. The cytotoxicity of PT and PT-CS-NP was evaluated in breast and colon cancer cell lines, and selectivity indices were calculated to assess safety profiles. The electrochemical behavior of PT was also investigated using the Britton–Robinson buffer. Results. PT-CS-NP exhibited both potent cytotoxicity and a favorable safety profile, showing the most active and safest pattern of cytotoxicity among the tested compounds. The electrochemical oxidation of PT was observed at 0.531 V vs. Ag/AgCl at pH 4.0.0. The concentration of PT showed a linear relationship with the corresponding peak current over the range of

10.0
 
x
 
10

−
9

:

10.0
 
x
 
10

−
5

M

M, with a minimum limit of detection of 3.4 × 10(−9)M. The proposed method successfully measured PT, with a relative standard deviation below 2%. Conclusion. The preparation of PT-CS-NP via the ionic gelation method resulted in angular nanoparticles with a promising anticancer activity and safety profiles. The electrochemical behavior of PT was characterized, and a reliable method for PT quantification was established.
Time-Dependent Prognostic Value of Serological and Measurable Residual Disease Assessments after Idecabtagene Vicleucel
Authors: Paiva Bruno , Manrique Irene , Rytlewski Julie , Campbell Timothy , Kazanecki Christian C. , Martin Nathan , Anderson Larry D. , Berdeja Jesús G. , Lonial Sagar , Raje Noopur S. , Lin Yi , Moreau Philippe , San-Miguel Jesús F. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Kaiser Shari M.
Published: July 2023

The role of measurable residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is uncertain. We analyzed MRD kinetics during the first year after idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) infusion in 125 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients enrolled in KarMMa. At month 1 after ide-cel, there were no differences in progression-free survival (PFS) between patients in less than complete response (CR) versus those in CR; only MRD status was predictive of significantly different PFS at this landmark. In patients with undetectable MRD at 3 months and beyond, PFS was longer in those achieving CR versus <CR. Persistent MRD in the 10−6 logarithmic range and reappearance of normal plasma cells in MRD-negative patients were associated with inferior PFS. This study unveils different prognostic implications of serological and MRD response dynamics after ide-cel and suggests the potential value of studying the reappearance of normal plasma cells as a surrogate of loss of CAR T-cell functionality.

Significance:

This is one of the first studies evaluating the impact of CR and MRD dynamics after CAR T therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. These data help interpret the prognostic significance of serological and MRD responses at early and late time points after CAR T-cell infusion.

See related commentary by Landgren and Kazandjian, p. 346 .

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 337