bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Subdiaphragmatic Vagal Nerve Stimulation Using a Novel Waveform Decreases Body Weight, Food Consumption, Adiposity, and Activity in Obesity-Prone Rats
Authors: Leinen Monique , Grandy Elise F. , Gebel Lourdes M. Ubeira , Santana Tahimi Machin , Rodriguez Amanda L. , Singh Sundip K. , Fernandez Michael I. , Dalugdug Justin C. , Garcia-Colon Elaine M. , Lybeshari Kamela , Alexander Daniel R. , Maura Maria I. , Gonzalez Maria D. Cabrera , De Paula Cunha Almeida Caroline , Anyaso-Samuel Samuel , Datta Somnath , Schiefer Matthew A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Obesity affects millions of Americans. The vagal nerves convey the degree of stomach fullness to the brain via afferent visceral fibers. Studies have found that vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) promotes reduced food intake, causes weight loss, and reduces cravings and appetite.

Methods

Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a novel stimulus waveform applied bilaterally to the subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve stimulation (sVNS) for almost 13 weeks. A stimulating cuff electrode was implanted in obesity-prone Sprague Dawley rats maintained on a high-fat diet. Body weight, food consumption, and daily movement were tracked over time and compared against three control groups: sham rats on a high-fat diet that were implanted with non-operational cuffs, rats on a high-fat diet that were not implanted, and rats on a standard diet that were not implanted.

Results

Results showed that rats on a high-fat diet that received sVNS attained a similar weight to rats on a standard diet due primarily to a reduction in daily caloric intake. Rats on a high-fat diet that received sVNS had significantly less body fat than other high-fat controls. Rats receiving sVNS also began moving a similar amount to rats on the standard diet.

Conclusion

Results from this study suggest that bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve stimulation can alter the rate of growth of rats maintained on a high-fat diet through a reduction in daily caloric intake, returning their body weight to that which is similar to rats on a standard diet over approximately 13 weeks.

Graphical Abstract
A survey on federated learning: a perspective from multi-party computation
Authors: Liu Fengxia , Zheng Zhiming , Shi Yexuan , Tong Yongxin , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2023

Federated learning is a promising learning paradigm that allows collaborative training of models across multiple data owners without sharing their raw datasets. To enhance privacy in federated learning, multi-party computation can be leveraged for secure communication and computation during model training. This survey provides a comprehensive review on how to integrate mainstream multi-party computation techniques into diverse federated learning setups for guaranteed privacy, as well as the corresponding optimization techniques to improve model accuracy and training efficiency. We also pinpoint future directions to deploy federated learning to a wider range of applications.
Does mesocosm validation of environmental DNA methods translate to natural environment monitoring applications? A case study detecting a high-profile invader; the red eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, in Australia
Authors: Rojahn Jack , Trujillo-González Alejandro , Gleeson Dianne , Cutter Nathan , Furlan Elise M.
Published: December 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys have gained popularity as a highly sensitive detection tool that generally outperform traditional detection techniques. eDNA surveys can provide a cost-effective means to identify species’ distributions and recent incursions, informing the control or containment of invasive species. The red-eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, is one of the world’s most invasive species and is listed as a priority pest species for management in Australia. In this study, we validate two eDNA assays to detect this invasive turtle in Australia. We demonstrate high sensitivity in a laboratory setting and perfect detection rates in mesocosms for one of these eDNA assays but show that this does not translate to high detection rates in urban waterbodies at sites of known occupancy. In fact, our results suggest eDNA surveys provide sub-optimal performance compared to traditional detection methods for T.s. elegans. We suggest the capacity for eDNA surveys to provide a highly sensitive detection tool must be evaluated in natural environments on a species-by-species basis to understand any limitations and to avoid high error rates from eDNA surveys leading to wasted resources or inappropriate management decisions. For management of T.s. elegans in Australia, clearly defining the utility of certain eDNA based approaches to detect T.s. elegans and their incursions is vital for effective management of this pest species.
The ideological origins and aesthetic construction of yijing (artistic conception)
Authors: Hongmei Jing
Published: December 2023

The ideological origin of yijing (artistic conception), an important concept in China’s classical aesthetic category, has an inseparable relationship with the influence of traditional philosophies of Buddhism and Taoism. This kind of influence can be seen from both the creation of the concept of yijing (意境) and the artistic characteristics and aesthetic modes yijing reveals. However, from the perspective and achievements of the structural research, the structure of yijing containing aesthetic levels of wu (物), xiang (象), jing (境), guan (观) is similar to that in the artistic practice and aesthetic experience of other ethnics. It indicates that yijing can be considered as an aesthetic category with the universal commensuration of the ancient times, the modern era, Chinese and foreign cultures, to obtain modern transformation and integration that the general tool possesses.
Reinterpretation of the autonomy of art in the contemporary environment
Authors: Lei Zhiyun , Zhou Wen
Published: December 2023

This paper examines current status of art in society from the perspective of ‘Yin and Yang’ philosophy (Chinese Philosophy of Change) by using the notion of ‘the power of art’ as a critical lens to: (1) analyse the internal logic of the relationship between autonomy and heteronomy of art, (2) illuminate the superiority of artistic ideology, (3) clarify the transformative role of critique in contemporary art. And this article emphasise that art is not an accessory to authority, politics, technology or other, but—a memory system—the last defender of freedom. In other words, today, art need to be (or will be) once again liberating from the sin of fetishism (technology), as it was.
Postdigital Citizen Science: Mapping the Field
Authors: Jandrić Petar , Tolbert Sara , Hayes Sarah , Jopling Michael
Published: December 2023

This paper provides a brief overview of citizen science, attending to its tensions and possibilities. We acknowledge the creative potential of citizen science for expanding and diversifying public participation in knowledge production and dissemination, and we also draw attention to its contradictions. We point to emerging postdigital tensions as new technologies and vast public databases are increasingly becoming cornerstones of citizen science. We discuss how postdigital citizen science operates in the context of knowledge capitalism while aiming at its transformation and highlight three key challenges for postdigital citizen science: the challenge of technology, the challenge of political economy, and the challenge of participation. Different postdigital challenges cannot be separated from each other, so we call for a deep reimagination and reconfiguration of citizen science in and for the postdigital condition. We start this reimagination by asking three questions: What is postdigital citizen science? Who (or what!) is the postdigital citizen scientist? How to conduct postdigital citizen science?
Philosophical Uses of Categoricity Arguments
Authors: Maddy Penelope , Väänänen Jouko
Published: December 2023

This Element addresses the viability of categoricity arguments in philosophy by focusing with some care on the specific conclusions that a sampling of prominent figures have attempted to draw – the same theorem might successfully support one such conclusion while failing to support another. It begins with Dedekind, Zermelo, and Kreisel, casting doubt on received readings of the latter two and highlighting the success of all three in achieving what are argued to be their actual goals. These earlier uses of categoricity arguments are then compared and contrasted with more recent work of Parsons and the co-authors Button and Walsh. Highlighting the roles of first- and second-order theorems, of external and internal theorems, the Element concludes that categoricity arguments have been more effective in historical cases that reflect philosophically on internal mathematical matters than in recent questions of pre-theoretic metaphysics.
Origin of Late Cenozoic Basaltic Magmatism in Inner Mongolia, NE China: Constraints From Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Mo–He Isotopes
Authors: Lei Ming , Chen Jianlin , Zhang Maoliang
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a study of the late Cenozoic Chifeng basalts (CBs) of NE China, including their olivine He isotopic compositions, whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element contents, and whole‐rock Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Mo isotopic compositions, with the aim of constraining their mantle source. Results show that the basalts have high MgO, low CaO contents, and high FeOT/MnO values, which indicate that their mantle lithology was most likely pyroxenite. The CBs also exhibit ocean‐island‐basalt‐like trace‐element patterns (e.g., enrichment in light rare earth elements and high‐field‐strength elements) and have depleted Sr–Nd–Hf and relatively radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions, requiring both depleted and enriched components in their mantle. The low olivine He (3He/4He = 0.8–5.5 Ra) and whole‐rock Mo (δ98/95Mo = −0.71‰ to −0.18‰) isotopic values of the CBs, together with geophysical evidence, indicate that the rocks were derived from a depleted MORB mantle (DMM) enriched by recycled oceanic crust that was sourced from the mantle transition zone (MTZ). During the late Cenozoic, ascending wet mantle plumes triggered by dehydration of a stagnant Pacific oceanic slab are inferred to have transported preexisting recycled Pacific oceanic crust from the MTZ into the overlying asthenosphere mantle. The upwelling Pacific oceanic crust reacted with asthenospheric mantle peridotite (i.e., DMM) to produce mantle pyroxenite, whose partial melting at shallow depths generated the CBs. Considering the low δ98/95Mo values of both the CBs and coeval potassic basalts from NE China, we speculate that there may be a low δ98/95Mo reservoir in the MTZ beneath NE China.
Gravitational Constraints on the Earth's Inner Core Differential Rotation
Authors: Lecomte Hugo , Rosat Séverine , Mandea Mioara , Dumberry Mathieu
Published: December 2023

The differential axial rotation of the solid inner core (IC) is suggested by seismic observations and expected from core dynamics models. A rotation of the IC by an angle α takes its degree 2, order 2 topography (peak‐to‐peak amplitude δh) out of its gravitational alignment with the mantle. This creates a gravity variation of degree 2, order 2 proportional to δh and to α. Here, we use gravity observations from Satellite Laser Ranging, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow‐On to reconstruct the time‐variable S2,2 Stokes coefficient. We show that for δh = 90 m, S2,2 provides upper bounds on α of 0.09°, 0.3°, and 0.4° at periods of ∼4, ∼6, and ∼12 years, respectively. These are overestimates, as our reconstructed S2,2 signal likely remains polluted by hydrology, although viscous relaxation of the IC can permit larger amplitudes.
Foundations for Universal Non‐Gaussian Data Assimilation
Authors: Van Loon Senne , Fletcher Steven J.
Published: December 2023

In many applications of data assimilation, especially when the size of the problem is large, a substantial assumption is made: all variables are well‐described by Gaussian error statistics. This assumption has the advantage of making calculations considerably simpler, but it is often not valid, leading to biases in forecasts or, even worse, unphysical predictions. We propose a simple, but effective, way of replacing this assumption, by making use of transforming functions, while remaining consistent with Bayes' theorem. This method allows the errors to have any value of the skewness and kurtosis, and permits physical bounds for the variables. As such, the error distribution can conform better to the underlying statistics, reducing biases introduced by the Gaussian assumption. We apply this framework to a 3D variational data assimilation method, and find improved performance in a simple atmospheric toy model (Lorenz‐63), compared to an all‐Gaussian technique.
The Role of Wet Processes in Extratropical Thermal Stratification During the Glacial Period
Authors: Xie Zhiang , Dong Li , Liu Kaijun
Published: December 2023

In this study, we differentiate wet processes from dry processes in shaping the extratropical thermal stratification during the Last Glacial Maximum. Our findings indicate that even during the dry glacial period the influence of wet processes on thermal stratification cannot be overlooked. The applicability of dry and wet baroclinic adjustment theory strongly depends on the seasonality rather than the glaciation as the warm season is characterized by a weaker meridional temperature gradient and increased precipitation than the cold season. Despite that the baroclinic adjustment theory based on effective static stability can be proficiently applied to all seasons, the classical dry baroclinic adjustment theory may be better suited for use during relatively cold seasons. These findings have important implications for understanding processes governing the extratropical thermal stratification, particularly in the context of cold climate.
Generation of Artificial ULF/ELF Electromagnetic Emission in the Ionosphere by Horizontal Ground‐Based Current System
Authors: Fedorov E. N. , Mazur N. G. , Pilipenko V. A. , Vakhnina V. V.
Published: December 2023

The feasibility of the detection of electromagnetic response in the upper ionosphere to ground large‐scale ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) and extremely‐low‐frequency (ELF) transmitters by low‐Earth‐orbit (LEO) satellites is considered. As an example of such transmitters, we consider the ZEVS 82 Hz transmitter, FENICS installation driven by 0.5–150 Hz generator, and industrial 50 Hz unbalanced power transmission lines. We numerically model the ULF/ELF wave energy leakage into the upper ionosphere from an oscillating grounded linear power line of a finite length suspended above a ground with a finite resistivity. The numerical scheme is based on the theoretical formalism developed to describe the excitation of an electromagnetic field by a horizontal grounded dipole. A realistic altitudinal profile of the plasma parameters has been reconstructed with the use of the IRI ionospheric model. For the ZEVS transmitter powered by 200 A current the modeled amplitudes of electromagnetic response can reach in the upper nightside ionosphere up to 60 µV/m and 6 pT. The assumption of an infinite source scale overestimates the ionospheric response by a factor of ∼7 as compared with realistic scale 60 km of the ZEVS transmitter. Unbalanced 50 Hz current of 10 A in large‐scale (>100 km) power transmission lines can produce the electric response in the upper ionosphere that is sufficient to be detected by electric sensors at LEO satellite. The stimulation of artificial Pc1 pulsations (0.5 Hz) with amplitudes ∼1 pT and ∼10 µV/m by large‐scale (>100 km) power lines is possible with driving current >100 A. The use of decommissioned power lines can be a cheap and efficient tool to stimulate Pc1 pulsations in the ionosphere.
Fjords Are Potential Hotspots of Refractory Dissolved Organic Matter Production: Insights From 1 Year of Weekly Time‐Series Observations of Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter in the Bedford Basin, a Northwestern Atlantic Fjord
Authors: Xiao Xilin , Shi Qiang , Powers Leanne C. , Wallace Douglas W. R. , Gonsior Michael , Chen Xiao , Liu Jihua , Hu Chen , Lv Zongqing , Zhang Rui , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: December 2023

Fjords are representative marine ecosystems that play an important role in regulating coastal carbon cycling. As fingerprints of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) pool, fluorescent DOM (FDOM) is widely used to study the ocean carbon cycle. Here, we report on 1‐year of weekly observations of FDOM (from May 2018 to May 2019) in the Bedford Basin, a well‐studied northwestern Atlantic fjord. Results showed that differences in FDOM indices (biological index, fluorescence index, and humification indices) between the euphotic and aphotic layers changed during the investigation period, suggesting that classical definitions of these indices may not apply consistently. Spearman rank correlations showed that the surface FDOM was affected by physical and biological factors, while water mass renewal was the major control for the deeper layer. Humic‐like FDOM (FDOMH) changed following the Atlantic deep‐water intrusion, indicating that FDOMH may be used to trace water mass movements in this region. FDOMH shows a significantly positive linear correlation with apparent oxygen utilization (AOU). Their slopes were higher than those from the open ocean, suggesting that the Bedford Basin is a hotspot of RDOM production. Hence, we proposed a possible carbon sequestration mechanism that fjords play as “RDOM producing hot spots” and that the produced RDOM is then transported to the open ocean via water mass movement and finally stored in the ocean for extended periods of time. The proposed biogeochemical processes may also occur, more generally, in the global coastal ocean.
Work- and mental health-related events and body mass index trajectories during the Covid-19 lockdown. Evidence from the lifelines cohort study in the Netherlands
Authors: Mangot-Sala Lluís , Smidt Nynke , Liefbroer Aart C.
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to identify heterogeneity in trajectories of body mass index (BMI) during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether work- and mental health-related disruptive events experienced during the pandemic, such as job insecurity or depression, were associated with such BMI trajectories.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the Lifelines Covid Questionnaire was used (21 waves between April 2020 and July 2021; n = 64,630). Different trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory models. Multinomial regression models were fitted to analyse the main determinants of experiencing changes in BMI during the pandemic.

Results

Trajectories of increased BMI, and, to a lesser extent also trajectories of decreased BMI, were more common among those who experienced disruptive work-related events (e.g., being laid-off or having a temporary contract) and mental health-related events (e.g., anxiety or depression) during the pandemic. Those experiencing multiple events were particularly likely to show trajectories of increased or decreased BMI.

Conclusions

During the Covid-19 pandemic, strong heterogeneity was observed in BMI trajectories. This was partially related to work- and mental health-related events.
Antenatal jaundice instruction and acute bilirubin encephalopathy in Nigeria
Authors: Wennberg Richard P. , Imam Zainab O. , Shwe David D. , Hassan Laila , Farouk Zubaida L. , Turner Lindsey E. , Brearley Ann M. , Slusher Tina M. , Oguche Stephen
Published: December 2023

Background

Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy (ABE) is common in Nigeria. Parents’ inability to recognize jaundice and delays in seeking care are significant barriers to its prevention.

Methods

We compared associations of (1) interactive antenatal maternal jaundice instruction with postnatal reinforcement, (2) standard postnatal instruction, and (3) no maternal instruction with the incidence of ABE among 647 jaundice admissions stratified for risk factors identified in initial descriptive analysis.

Results

Eighty-three (83/647;12.8%) admissions developed ABE including eleven jaundice-related deaths. ABE was present at admission in 20/22 (90.9%) if mothers received no jaundice instruction and no antenatal care, 42/182 (23.1%) if received antenatal care but no instruction, 16/95 (16.8%) if received postnatal instruction only, and 4/337 (1.2%) if mothers received both antenatal and postnatal instruction (p < .001). ABE was highly associated with out-of-hospital delivery, number of antenatal clinic visits, and birth attendant, but these risks were mitigated by antenatal/postnatal instruction. Admission rates with bilirubin levels below treatment guidelines (12 mg/dL) were higher following instruction (30.7%) than with no instruction (14.4%). Limiting subjects to those meeting admission criteria increased ABE rates in all groups without altering conclusions.

Conclusion

Interactive antenatal instruction with postnatal reinforcement resulted in timely care seeking and a lower incidence of ABE.

Impact

Empowering mothers to participate in neonatal jaundice management is critical in low-income countries where jaundice monitoring and follow up are unreliable.

Instructing mothers about jaundice in antenatal clinics with postnatal reinforcement is more effective than standard postpartum instruction in facilitating jaundice detection, timely care seeking, and lowering the incidence of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE).

Antenatal training also mitigates risks for ABE associated with out-of-hospital deliveries, limited antenatal care, and unskilled birth attendants.

Impact: Adding structured jaundice instruction in antenatal clinics could greatly reduce bilirubin induced brain injury in countries where ABE is common.
Interleukin-9 production by type 2 innate lymphoid cells induces Paneth cell metaplasia and small intestinal remodeling
Authors: Yuan Chengyin , Rayasam Aditya , Moe Alison , Hayward Michael , Wells Clive , Szabo Aniko , Mackenzie Andrew , Salzman Nita , Drobyski William R.
Published: December 2023

Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) typically arises in pre-existing gastrointestinal (GI) diseases; however, the mechanistic pathway that induces metaplasia and whether PCM is initiated exclusively by disorders intrinsic to the GI tract is not well known. Here, we describe the development of PCM in a murine model of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) that is driven by an inducible bcr-abl oncogene. Mechanistically, CML induces a proinflammatory state within the GI tract that results in the production of epithelial-derived IL-33. The binding of IL-33 to the decoy receptor ST2 leads to IL-9 production by type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) which is directly responsible for the induction of PCM in the colon and tissue remodeling in the small intestines, characterized by goblet and tuft cell hyperplasia along with expansion of mucosal mast cells. Thus, we demonstrate that an extra-intestinal disease can trigger an ILC2/IL-9 immune circuit, which induces PCM and regulates epithelial cell fate decisions in the GI tract.
Energy transfer of imbalanced Alfvénic turbulence in the heliosphere
Authors: Yang Liping , He Jiansen , Verscharen Daniel , Li Hui , Bowen Trevor A. , Bale Stuart D. , Wu Honghong , Li Wenya , Wang Ying , Zhang Lei , Feng Xueshang , Wu Ziqi
Published: December 2023

Imbalanced Alfvénic turbulence is a universal process playing a crucial role in energy transfer in space,  astrophysical, and laboratory plasmas. A fundamental and long-lasting question about the imbalanced Alfvénic turbulence is how and through which mechanism the energy transfers between scales. Here, we show that the energy transfer of imbalanced Alfvénic turbulence is completed by coherent interactions between Alfvén waves and co-propagating anomalous fluctuations. These anomalous fluctuations are generated by nonlinear couplings instead of linear reflection. We also reveal that the energy transfer of the waves and the anomalous fluctuations is carried out mainly through local-scale and large-scale nonlinear interactions, respectively, responsible for their bifurcated power-law spectra. This work unveils the energy transfer physics of imbalanced Alfvénic turbulence, and advances the understanding of imbalanced Alfvénic turbulence observed by Parker Solar Probe in the inner heliosphere.
Continuous and efficient elastocaloric air cooling by coil-bending
Authors: Li Xueshi , Hua Peng , Sun Qingping
Published: December 2023

Elastocaloric cooling has emerged as an eco-friendly technology capable of eliminating greenhouse-gas refrigerants. However, its development is limited by the large driving force and low efficiency in uniaxial loading modes. Here, we present a low-force and energy-efficient elastocaloric air cooling approach based on coil-bending of NiTi ribbons/wires. Our air cooler achieves continuous cold outlet air with a temperature drop of 10.6 K and a specific cooling power of 2.5 W g−1 at a low specific driving force of 26 N g−1. Notably, the cooler shows a system coefficient of performance of 3.7 (ratio of cooling power to rotational mechanical power). These values are realized by the large specific heat transfer area (12.6 cm2 g−1) and the constant cold zone of NiTi wires. Our coil-bending system exhibits a competitive performance among caloric air coolers.
Cytosolic actin isoforms form networks with different rheological properties that indicate specific biological function
Authors: Nietmann Peter , Kaub Kevin , Suchenko Andrejus , Stenz Susanne , Warnecke Claas , Balasubramanian Mohan K. , Janshoff Andreas
Published: December 2023

The implications of the existence of different actins expressed in epithelial cells for network mechanics and dynamics is investigated by microrheology and confocal imaging. γ-actin predominately found in the apical cortex forms stiffer networks compared to β-actin, which is preferentially organized in stress fibers. We attribute this to selective interactions with Mg2+-ions interconnecting the filaments’ N-termini. Bundling propensity of the isoforms is different in the presence of Mg2+-ions, while crosslinkers such as α-actinin, fascin, and heavy meromyosin alter the mechanical response independent of the isoform. In the presence of myosin, β-actin networks show a large number of small contraction foci, while γ-actin displays larger but fewer foci indicative of a stronger interaction with myosin motors. We infer that subtle changes in the amino acid sequence of actin isoforms lead to alterations of the mechanical properties on the network level with potential implications for specific biological functions.
Estimating the potential impact and diagnostic requirements for SARS-CoV-2 test-and-treat programs
Authors: Han Alvin X. , Hannay Emma , Carmona Sergio , Rodriguez Bill , Nichols Brooke E. , Russell Colin A.
Published: December 2023

Oral antivirals have the potential to reduce the public health burden of COVID-19. However, now that we have exited the emergency-phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, declining SARS-CoV-2 clinical testing rates (average testing rates = $$\ll$$
≪
10 tests/100,000 people/day in low-and-middle income countries; <100 tests/100,000 people/day in high-income countries; September 2023) make the development of effective test-and-treat programs challenging. We used an agent-based model to investigate how testing rates and strategies affect the use and effectiveness of oral antiviral test-to-treat programs in four country archetypes of different income levels and demographies. We find that in the post-emergency-phase of the pandemic, in countries where low testing rates are driven by limited testing capacity, significant population-level impact of test-and-treat programs can only be achieved by both increasing testing rates and prioritizing individuals with greater risk of severe disease. However, for all countries, significant reductions in severe cases with antivirals are only possible if testing rates were substantially increased with high willingness of people to seek testing. Comparing the potential population-level reductions in severe disease outcomes of test-to-treat programs and vaccination shows that test-and-treat strategies are likely substantially more resource intensive requiring very high levels of testing (≫100 tests/100,000 people/day) and antiviral use suggesting that vaccination should be a higher priority.
Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates with features of both multidrug-resistance and hypervirulence have unexpectedly low virulence
Authors: Kochan Travis J. , Nozick Sophia H. , Valdes Aliki , Mitra Sumitra D. , Cheung Bettina H. , Lebrun-Corbin Marine , Medernach Rachel L. , Vessely Madeleine B. , Mills Jori O. , Axline Christopher M. R. , Nelson Julia A. , VanGosen Ethan M. , Ward Timothy J. , Ozer Egon A. , van Duin David , Chen Liang , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Long S. Wesley , Musser James M. , Bulman Zackery P. , Wunderink Richard G. , Hauser Alan R.
Published: December 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae has been classified into two types, classical K. pneumoniae (cKP) and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP). cKP isolates are highly diverse and important causes of nosocomial infections; they include globally disseminated antibiotic-resistant clones. hvKP isolates are sensitive to most antibiotics but are highly virulent, causing community-acquired infections in healthy individuals. The virulence phenotype of hvKP is associated with pathogenicity loci responsible for siderophore and hypermucoid capsule production. Recently, convergent strains of K. pneumoniae, which possess features of both cKP and hvKP, have emerged and are cause of much concern. Here, we screen the genomes of 2,608 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from the United States and identify 47 convergent isolates. We perform phenotypic and genomic characterization of 12 representative isolates. These 12 convergent isolates contain a variety of antimicrobial resistance plasmids and virulence plasmids. Most convergent isolates contain aerobactin biosynthesis genes and produce more siderophores than cKP isolates but not more capsule. Unexpectedly, only 1 of the 12 tested convergent isolates has a level of virulence consistent with hvKP isolates in a murine pneumonia model. These findings suggest that additional studies should be performed to clarify whether convergent strains are indeed more virulent than cKP in mouse and human infections.
Language models and protocol standardization guidelines for accelerating synthesis planning in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Suvarna Manu , Vaucher Alain Claude , Mitchell Sharon , Laino Teodoro , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: December 2023

Synthesis protocol exploration is paramount in catalyst discovery, yet keeping pace with rapid literature advances is increasingly time intensive. Automated synthesis protocol analysis is attractive for swiftly identifying opportunities and informing predictive models, however such applications in heterogeneous catalysis remain limited. In this proof-of-concept, we introduce a transformer model for this task, exemplified using single-atom heterogeneous catalysts (SACs), a rapidly expanding catalyst family. Our model adeptly converts SAC protocols into action sequences, and we use this output to facilitate statistical inference of their synthesis trends and applications, potentially expediting literature review and analysis. We demonstrate the model’s adaptability across distinct heterogeneous catalyst families, underscoring its versatility. Finally, our study highlights a critical issue: the lack of standardization in reporting protocols hampers machine-reading capabilities. Embracing digital advances in catalysis demands a shift in data reporting norms, and to this end, we offer guidelines for writing protocols, significantly improving machine-readability. We release our model as an open-source web application, inviting a fresh approach to accelerate heterogeneous catalysis synthesis planning.
Post-diagnosis weight trajectories and mortality among women with breast cancer
Authors: Puklin Leah S. , Li Fangyong , Cartmel Brenda , Zhao Julian , Sanft Tara , Lisevick Alexa , Winer Eric P. , Lustberg Maryam , Spiegelman Donna , Sharifi Mona , Irwin Melinda L. , Ferrucci Leah M.
Published: December 2023

Weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis is associated with adverse health outcomes. Yet, few studies have characterized post-diagnosis weight change in the modern treatment era or populations most at risk for weight changes. Among women diagnosed with stages I–III breast cancer in the Smilow Care Network (2013–2019; N = 5441), we abstracted demographic and clinical characteristics from electronic health records and survival data from tumor registries. We assessed if baseline characteristics modified weight trajectories with nonlinear multilevel mixed-effect models. We evaluated body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis and weight change 1-year post-diagnosis in relation to all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality with Cox proportional hazard models. Women had 34.4 ± 25.5 weight measurements over 3.2 ± 1.8 years of follow-up. Weight gain was associated with ER/PR−, HER2+ tumors, BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2, and age ≤ 45 years (+4.90 kg (standard error [SE] = 0.59), +3.24 kg (SE = 0.34), and +1.75 kg (SE = 0.10), respectively). Weight loss was associated with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 and age ≥ 70 years (−4.50 kg (SE = 0.08) and −4.34 kg (SE = 0.08), respectively). Large weight loss (≥10%), moderate weight loss (5–10%), and moderate weight gain (5–10%) 1-year after diagnosis were associated with higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.28–3.75, HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02–1.70 and HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04–1.85, respectively). BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 or BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2 at diagnosis were also associated with higher all-cause mortality. Weight change after a breast cancer diagnosis differed by demographic and clinical characteristics highlighting subgroups at-risk for weight change during a 5-year period post-diagnosis. Monitoring and interventions for weight management early in clinical care are important.
Effects of nursery production methods on fungal community diversity within soil and roots of Abies alba Mill.
Authors: Baranowska Marlena , Behnke-Borowczyk Jolanta , Barzdajn Władysław , Szmyt Janusz , Korzeniewicz Robert , Łukowski Adrian , Memišević-Hodžić Mirzeta , Kartawik Natalia , Kowalkowski Wojciech
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to elucidate how different nursery production methods influence the composition of and relationship between soil and root community levels of Abies alba. In the Międzylesie Forest District, we quantified the responses of samples of both community-level fine roots and surrounding soil to environmental changes evoked by various seedling production methods. Fungi levels were identified based on their ITS 1 region and 5.8 S rDNA component. Analysis was conducted using Illumina SBS technology, and the obtained sequences were compared with reference samples deposited in the UNITE. Chemical analysis of the soil was also performed. Different nursery production methods resulted in a strong decoupling in the responses of fungal community levels between soil and roots. Changes in growth conditions imposed by production methods were significant in determining species composition. We found differences in fungal communities among functional groups of samples. In the soil, the dominant species of mycorrhizal fungi were Tylospora asterophora, Amanita rubescens, and Russula ionochlora. Mycorrhizal fungi in roots included Tuber anniae, Thelephoraceae sp., and Acephala applanata. Specific soil substrate conditions significantly influenced fungal community composition, leading to an increase in abundance of mycorrhizal fungi, specifically T. anniae.
Pre-stroke physical activity is associated with post-stroke physical activity and sedentary behavior in the acute phase
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Kitamura Gakuto , Tamura Mayu , Nankaku Manabu , Taniguchi Masashi , Kikuchi Takayuki , Maki Takakuni , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Miyamoto Susumu , Takahashi Ryosuke , Matsuda Shuichi , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the link between pre-stroke and acute-stage physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior. Forty individuals with stroke (aged 73.6 ± 8.9 years) were enrolled. Post-stroke activity, including metabolic equivalents (METs), sedentary behavior, light PA, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), was measured using a tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) over 11 consecutive days starting from the 4th day post-stroke. Pre-stroke PA levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We measured skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and phase angle using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (Inbody S10) upon admission. Physical therapists assessed the Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) within 3 days post-stroke. Total daily activity averaged 1.05 ± 0.05 METs. Throughout the day, 91.2 ± 5.1, 7.6 ± 4.1, and 1.2 ± 1.3% was spent in sedentary behavior, light PA, and MVPA, respectively. Only pre-stroke PA was independently associated with METs (β = 0.66), sedentary behavior (β = −0.58), light PA (β = 0.50), and MVPA (β = 0.71) after adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, and activities of daily living. This suggests that pre-stroke PA might play a crucial role in reducing sedentary behavior and promoting PA during the acute phase.
Dephasingless laser wakefield acceleration in the bubble regime
Authors: Miller Kyle G. , Pierce Jacob R. , Ambat Manfred V. , Shaw Jessica L. , Weichman Kale , Mori Warren B. , Froula Dustin H. , Palastro John P.
Published: December 2023

Laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) have electric fields that are orders of magnitude larger than those of conventional accelerators, promising an attractive, small-scale alternative for next-generation light sources and lepton colliders. The maximum energy gain in a single-stage LWFA is limited by dephasing, which occurs when the trapped particles outrun the accelerating phase of the wakefield. Here, we demonstrate that a single space–time structured laser pulse can be used for ionization injection and electron acceleration over many dephasing lengths in the bubble regime. Simulations of a dephasingless laser wakefield accelerator driven by a 6.2-J laser pulse show 25 pC of injected charge accelerated over 20 dephasing lengths (1.3 cm) to a maximum energy of 2.1 GeV. The space–time structured laser pulse features an ultrashort, programmable-trajectory focus. Accelerating the focus, reducing the focused spot-size variation, and mitigating unwanted self-focusing stabilize the electron acceleration, which improves beam quality and leads to projected energy gains of 125 GeV in a single, sub-meter stage driven by a 500-J pulse.
Methane prediction equations including genera of rumen bacteria as predictor variables improve prediction accuracy
Authors: Zhang Boyang , Lin Shili , Moraes Luis , Firkins Jeffrey , Hristov Alexander N. , Kebreab Ermias , Janssen Peter H. , Bannink André , Bayat Alireza R. , Crompton Les A. , Dijkstra Jan , Eugène Maguy A. , Kreuzer Michael , McGee Mark , Reynolds Christopher K. , Schwarm Angela , Yáñez-Ruiz David R. , Yu Zhongtang
Published: December 2023

Methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants are of a significant environmental concern, necessitating accurate prediction for emission inventories. Existing models rely solely on dietary and host animal-related data, ignoring the predicting power of rumen microbiota, the source of CH4. To address this limitation, we developed novel CH4 prediction models incorporating rumen microbes as predictors, alongside animal- and feed-related predictors using four statistical/machine learning (ML) methods. These include random forest combined with boosting (RF-B), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), generalized linear mixed model with LASSO (glmmLasso), and smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) implemented on linear mixed models. With a sheep dataset (218 observations) of both animal data and rumen microbiota data (relative sequence abundance of 330 genera of rumen bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and fungi), we developed linear mixed models to predict CH4 production (g CH4/animal·d, ANIM-B models) and CH4 yield (g CH4/kg of dry matter intake, DMI-B models). We also developed models solely based on animal-related data. Prediction performance was evaluated 200 times with random data splits, while fitting performance was assessed without data splitting. The inclusion of microbial predictors improved the models, as indicated by decreased root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) and mean absolute error (MAE), and increased Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Both glmmLasso and SCAD reduced the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) for both the ANIM-B and the DMI-B models, while the other two ML methods had mixed outcomes. By balancing prediction performance and fitting performance, we obtained one ANIM-B model (containing 10 genera of bacteria and 3 animal data) fitted using glmmLasso and one DMI-B model (5 genera of bacteria and 1 animal datum) fitted using SCAD. This study highlights the importance of incorporating rumen microbiota data in CH4 prediction models to enhance accuracy and robustness. Additionally, ML methods facilitate the selection of microbial predictors from high-dimensional metataxonomic data of the rumen microbiota without overfitting. Moreover, the identified microbial predictors can serve as biomarkers of CH4 emissions from sheep, providing valuable insights for future research and mitigation strategies.
Dynamic analysis and optimal control of a stochastic investor sentiment contagion model considering sentiments isolation with random parametric perturbations
Authors: Kang Sida , Hou Xilin , Hu Yuhan , Liu Hongyu
Published: December 2023

Investor sentiment contagion has a profound influence on economic and social development. This paper explores the diverse influences of various investor sentiments in modern society on the economy and society. It also investigates the interference of various uncertain factors on investor sentiments in the modern economy and society. On this basis, the dual-system stochastic SPA2G2R model was constructed, incorporating positive and negative sentiments, as well as a supervision and isolation mechanism. The global existence of positive solutions was established, and sufficient conditions for the disappearance and steady distribution of investor sentiment were calculated. An optimal control strategy for the stochastic model was put forward, with numerical simulation supporting the theoretical analysis results. A comparison with parameter changes in the deterministic model was also conducted. The research reveals a competitive relationship between different investor sentiments. Enhancing societal guidance mechanisms promotes positive investor sentiment contagion. Timely control by the supervisory department effectively curbs the spread of investor sentiment. Additionally, white noise promotes investor sentiment contagion, suggesting effective regulation through control of noise intensity and disturbance parameters.
Processing of the same narrative stimuli elicits common functional connectivity dynamics between individuals
Authors: Türker Başak , Belloli Laouen , Owen Adrian M. , Naci Lorina , Sitt Jacobo D.
Published: December 2023

It has been suggested that conscious experience is linked to the richness of brain state repertories, which change in response to environmental and internal stimuli. High-level sensory stimulation has been shown to alter local brain activity and induce neural synchrony across participants. However, the dynamic interplay of cognitive processes underlying moment-to-moment information processing remains poorly understood. Using naturalistic movies as an ecological laboratory model of the real world, here we investigate how the processing of complex naturalistic stimuli alters the dynamics of brain network interactions and how these in turn support information processing. Participants underwent fMRI recordings during movie watching, scrambled movie watching, and resting. By measuring the phase-synchrony between different brain networks, we analyzed whole-brain connectivity patterns. Our finding revealed distinct connectivity patterns associated with each experimental condition. We found higher synchronization of brain patterns across participants during movie watching compared to rest and scrambled movie conditions. Furthermore, synchronization levels increased during the most engaging parts of the movie. The synchronization dynamics among participants were associated with suspense; scenes with higher levels of suspense induced greater synchronization. These results suggest that processing the same high-level information elicits common neural dynamics across individuals, and that whole-brain functional connectivity tracks variations in processed information and subjective experience.
A color extraction algorithm by segmentation
Authors: Wu QingE , Fang Zhenggaoyuan , Song Zhichao , Chen Hu , Lu Yingbo , Zhou Lintao , Qian Xiaoliang
Published: December 2023

The segmentation and extraction on color features can provide useful information for many different application domains. However, most of the existing image processing algorithms on feature extraction are gray image-based and consider only one-dimensional parameters. In order to carry out a fast and accurate color feature extraction, this paper proposes a color extraction algorithm by segmentation that is called a color extraction algorithm This algorithm is compared under different color distribution situations, and the extraction effect on color is also shown by the combination of the segmentation and feature extraction algorithms. Experimental results show that such segmentation algorithm has some advantages for color segmentation. In the fuzzy color image preprocessing, this paper gives the location method of region of interest. Moreover, compared with other existing extraction algorithms, the presented segmentation extraction algorithm in this paper not only has higher accuracy, shorter extraction time and stronger anti-interference ability, but also has better effect on more divergent color edge. Experimental evaluation of the proposed color extraction algorithm demonstrates dominance over existing algorithms for feature extraction. These researches in this paper provide a new way of thinking for color feature extraction by segmentation, which has an important theoretical references and practical significance.
Research on boundary optimization of adjacent mining areas in open pit coal mine based on calculation of sectional stripping ratio
Authors: Cao Bo , Wang Jian , Guo Xiaobing , Li Wenlu , Liu Guangwei
Published: December 2023

To address the problem of excessive local secondary stripping between adjacent mining areas in open pit mines caused by internal row raising, a multivariate function was fitted to the model of the main mining seam of Zhundong open pit coal mine in Xinjiang, and the different locations of the end gang of the second mining area were divided into multiple sections at certain step sizes and calculated by integration, resulting in stripping ratios for each section, which were fitted to a stripping ratio curve. The optimal location of the mining area boundary was found to be 55 m westward offset from the mining area boundary in the inner row of the raised section, and numerical simulations based on the strength reduction method were applied to analyse the slope stability of the end gang at this location. The results of the study show that the analysed slope meets the stability requirements and the optimised new boundary avoids the stripping of approximately 65,837,376 m3 of economically unreasonable section.