bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the different components of nonphotochemical quenching using a novel analytical pipeline
Authors: Ramakers Lennart A. I. , Harbinson Jeremy , Wientjes Emilie , van Amerongen Herbert
Published: November 2024

Photoprotection in plants includes processes collectively known as nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), which quench excess excitation‐energy in photosystem II. NPQ is triggered by acidification of the thylakoid lumen, which leads to PsbS‐protein protonation and violaxanthin de‐epoxidase activation, resulting in zeaxanthin accumulation. Despite extensive study, questions persist about the mechanisms of NPQ.

We have set up a novel analytical pipeline to disentangle NPQ induction curves measured at many light intensities into a limited number of different kinetic components. To validate the method, we applied it to Chl‐fluorescence measurements, which utilised the saturating‐pulse methodology, on wild‐type (wt) and zeaxanthin‐lacking (npq1) Arabidopsis thaliana plants. NPQ induction curves in wt and npq1 can be explained by four components (, , and ).

The fastest two ( and ) correlate with pH difference formed across the thylakoid membrane in wt and npq1. In wt, the slower component () appears to be due to the formation of zeaxanthin‐related quenching whilst for npq1, this component is ‘replaced’ by a slower component (), which reflects a photoinhibition‐like process that appears in the absence of zeaxanthin‐induced quenching.

Expanding this approach will allow the effects of mutations and other abiotic‐stress factors to be directly probed by changes in these underlying components.
Treating metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis: The fat‐trimming FGF21 approach
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Rao Zhiheng , Hu Wenhao , Lu Weiqin , Luo Yongde
Published: November 2024

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a condition characterized by hepatosteatosis, inflammation, and tissue damage, with steatosis as the initial stage, which involves chronic, excess deposition of lipids in hepatic lipid droplets. Despite the growing prevalence and serious risks it poses, including liver decompensation, the need for transplantation, and increased patient mortality, MASH currently faces no approved pharmacotherapy. Several promising treatment candidates have emerged from recent clinical trials, including analogs of FGF21 and agonists of the associated FGFR1‐KLB complex. These agents were well‐tolerated in trials and have demonstrated significant improvements in both histological and biochemical markers of liver fat content, inflammation, injury, and fibrosis in patients with MASH. Endocrine FGF21 plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis of lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. It achieves this through pathways that target lipids or lipid droplets in adipocytes and hepatocytes. Mechanistically, pharmacological FGF21 acts as a potent catabolic factor to promote lipid or lipid droplet lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial catabolic flux, and heat‐dissipating energy expenditure, leading to effective clearance of hepatic and systemic gluco‐lipotoxicity and inflammatory stress, thereby preventing obesity, diabetes, and MASH pathologies. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the outcomes of clinical trials for several FGF21 mimetics. We compare these outcomes with preclinical studies and offer a lipid‐centric perspective on the mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of these agents for MASH.
Genetic improvement of eating and cooking quality of rice cultivars in southern China
Authors: Cai Yue , Chen Zichun , Liu Jianju , Yu Ling , Wang Zhiping , Zhu Shuhao , Shi Wei , Pan Cunhong , Wu Yunyu , Li Yuhong , Ji Hongjuan , Huang Niansheng , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Gao Peng , Xiao Ning , Zuo Shimin , Li Aihong
Published: November 2024

The genetic improvement of rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ) is an important goal in rice breeding. It is important to understand the genetic regulation of ECQ at the genomic level for effective breeding to improve ECQ. However, the mechanisms underlying the improvement of ECQ of indica and japonica cultivars in southern China remain unclear. In this study, 290 rice cultivars (155 indica and 135 japonica cultivars) bred in southern China in the past 30 years were collected. Physicochemical indicators, namely, apparent amylose content (AAC), protein content (PC), lipid content and taste value, were measured and correlation analysis was performed. A decrease in AAC and PC was a crucial factor for the ECQ improvement of the rice cultivars in southern China. Genome‐wide association analysis and selective domestication analysis preliminarily clarified that the comprehensive utilization of major and minor genes was an important genetic basis for improvement of ECQ. An elite allele, RAmy1AA, with potential application in breeding to improve starch viscosity characteristics and ECQ, was mined. The Wxb/OsmtSSB1LT/OsDML4G/RPBFT/Du3T and Wxb/OsEro1T/Glup3G/OsNAC25G/OsBEIIbC/RAmy1AA/FLO12A gene modules, neither of which have been widely used, are proposed as the optimal allele combinations for ECQ improvement of indica and japonica cultivars in southern China. The results clarify the genetic regulation of rice ECQ improvement in southern China and provide novel genetic resources and breeding strategies for ECQ improvement in rice.
Linear Psoriasis in a Pediatric Patient Successfully Treated With Ixekizumab
Authors: Walterscheid Brooke , Martinez Nandi , Tarbox Michelle
Published: November 2024

Linear psoriasis is a rare clinical presentation of psoriasis characterized by erythematous scaly plaques distributed along Blaschko's lines. We describe an 8‐year‐old male with a linear Blaschkoid plaque in which biopsy findings and clinical history were consistent with linear psoriasis. The lesion showed only mild improvement with topical steroid therapy but exhibited significant clearance with the biologic agent ixekizumab, an IL‐17A inhibitor. With limited supporting literature regarding management, this case report illustrates the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and an effective management strategy for linear psoriasis in a pediatric patient.
Four Diaporthe species associated with grapevine nursery plants and commercial vineyards in Uruguay
Authors: Carbone María Julia , Reyna Rossana , Moreira Victoria , González‐Barrios Pablo , Mondino Pedro , Alaniz Sandra
Published: November 2024

Diaporthe species cause Diaporthe dieback (DD) in many grape‐growing countries causing general vine decline, shoot dieback and dead spurs, with perennial cankers and internal trunk necrosis. These pathogens are also the causal agents of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot, a common foliar disease affecting grapevine around the world. In this study, we specifically investigated DD affecting nursery vines and commercial vineyards in Uruguay. A collection of 59 Diaporthe isolates obtained from symptomatic and asymptomatic wood samples of commercial grapevines (nine cultivars) and nursery vines (including cuttings of four scion cultivars and two rootstocks, and six scion–rootstock combinations of grafted plants), was characterized based on DNA phylogenetic analysis, phenotypical characteristics and pathogenicity tests. Diaporthe ampelina was the most frequent species (86%), followed by D. foeniculina (9%), D. eres (3%) and D. terebinthifolii (2%). All species were isolated from nursery material, but D. ampelina was the only one found in field vines. The pathogenicity of all species was confirmed, with D. ampelina being the most virulent, causing the longest necrotic lesions on both green shoots and lignified canes. Further studies are needed to comprehend the epidemiology of DD and to better understand its relationship with Phomopsis cane and leaf spot in order to design a management programme to prevent the disease development.
Cost‐efficiency and effectiveness of coral restoration pathways
Authors: Schmidt‐Roach Sebastian , Knorr Travis , Roch Cassandra , Klaus Rebecca , Klepac Courtney , Klein Shannon G. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: November 2024

Coral reefs play a crucial role in supporting over half a billion human livelihoods through their contributions to fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. In light of substantial global declines in coral cover and the deterioration of reef habitats due to climate change and other human‐driven influences, the urgency of coral reef restoration has escalated to help preserve their vital ecosystem services. Comprehending the economic costs associated with existing and potential future coral restoration approaches has become time‐sensitive. The median cost of coral reef restoration is estimated to be 400,000 USD/ha (at base year 2010). This estimate comes with limitations due to its reliance on reported project costs associated with various techniques. Here we look to standardize expenses through uniform costing of reported efforts based on the time invested to estimate specific per‐unit costs for restoration methods. We complement literature‐extracted values with independent estimates based on real‐world operations. Using this approach, we decipher comparative costs of different nursery and outplanting approaches and identify incorporated dependencies. To gain insights into the impact of labor costs on global coral reef restoration expenditures, we examine variations in the costs of labor in two coral reef regions. Overall, our data‐based approach identifies limitations within the most commonly practiced restoration pathways, opportunities to reduce operational costs, and points toward priorities for future research and development.
Weakly Compressible Approximation of the Taylor–Green Vortex Solution
Authors: Antuono Matteo , Marrone Salvatore
Published: November 2024

The Taylor–Green vortex represents an exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations in . In this work, an approximation of this solution in two spatial dimensions is proposed for weakly compressible flows. These flows are characterized by small compressibility (or, equivalently, by a small Mach number) and are often employed in computational fluid dynamics to approximate the behaviour of incompressible Newtonian fluids. In this framework, the proposed solution is expected to be a useful benchmark for numerical solvers that implement the weakly compressibility approximation. To this end, some numerical examples are reported in the final section of this work.
INFLUENCE OF ALTERNARIA SPP. FUNGI METABOLITES ON DEVELOPMENT OF WHEAT SPROUTS
Authors: Rukavitsina I.V. , Nelis O.V. , Bulgakova I.N.
Published: November 2024

The study purpose was in vitro investigation of phytotoxic activity of culture broth filtrates (CBFs) of five Alternaria Spp. fungi isolates on development of wheat sprouts. Fungi isolates were received from wheat seeds cultivated under conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. According to the study findings, culture filtrates of all the isolates studied varied with regard to their influence on wheat sprout development. Stimulant effects on seed germinating power were revealed with 14- and 21-day CBFs of A. infectoria (7/4), 14-day CBF of A. brassicae (7/2) and 21-day CBF of A. porri (8/1). It was found that long-term cultivation of fungi on a culture medium contributed to media pH modification towards alkalization due to production of metabolites of various chemical nature, including toxins, which could trigger growth inhibition of radicles and sprouts. However, the CBFs were predominantly low-toxic or non-toxic. Under effect of the 14-day CBF, significant positive correlation was identified between pH values and sprout lengths (0,86±0,25), while negative correlation was found between pH values and germinating power (-0,75±0,33). Change of pH value on the 21st day significantly affected radicle length (-0,92±0,20). Based on the findings it can be concluded that the 14-day CBF of all the Alternaria fungi isolates studied was most toxic for wheat sprouts.
Effect of Collagen Fiber Tortuosity Distribution on the Mechanical Response of Arterial Tissues
Authors: Agrawal Yamnesh , Fortunato Ronald N. , Asadbeygi Alireza , Hill Michael R. , Robertson Anne M. , Maiti Spandan
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the effect of collagen fiber tortuosity distribution on the biomechanical failure and prefailure properties of arterial wall tissue. An in-silico model of the arterial wall was developed using data obtained from combined multiphoton microscopy imaging and uni-axial tensile testing. Layer-dependent properties were prescribed for collagen, elastin, and ground substance. Collagen fibers were modeled as discrete anisotropic elements, while elastin and ground substance were modeled as homogeneous isotropic components. Our parametric analysis, using a finite element approach, revealed that different parameters of collagen fibers tortuosity distribution significantly influence both prefailure and failure biomechanical properties. Increased fiber tortuosity improved the tissue strength whereas the dispersion in the tortuosity distribution reduced it. This study provides novel insights into the structural-mechanical interdependencies in arterial walls, offering potential targets for clinical assessments and therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating rupture risks.
The Effect of Cognitive and Motor Dual Tasks on the Synergy of Lower Limb Muscles During Walking
Authors: Sadeghi Sara , Hajilou Behrouz , Rohbanfard Hassan
Published: November 2024

Objective: Walking is one of the most complex human movements that can be affected by various sources of attention. Dual tasks reduce attention, increase information processing, and may alter control mechanisms such as synergy. However, the effect of dual tasks on muscle synergy remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive and motor dual tasks on the synergy of lower limb muscles during walking. Methods: Twenty-four participants were selected voluntarily. The activity of the eight lower limb muscles was recorded under three different conditions: normal walking without a dual task, walking with a cognitive dual task, and walking with a motor dual task. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm and the variance accounted for were used to extract muscle synergy. The repeated-measures analysis of variance test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were performed to analyze the data. Results: In this study, five muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography data using the variance accounted for method under three different conditions. The pattern of muscle synergies showed moderate to strong correlations. Peaks of synergies changed, and a time shift in synergy peaks during walking was observed. However, the number of extracted synergies did not change. Conclusion: The number of recruited muscle synergies remained consistent across different conditions. Dual tasks affect the higher levels of the motor control system, causing interference in information processing that leads to a shift in the tendency of synergy and weight coefficients of the muscles, ultimately resulting in a change in walking mechanics.
Mechanotransduction governs CD40 function and underlies X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome
Authors: Choi Hyun-Kyu , Travaglino Stefano , Münchhalfen Matthias , Görg Richard , Zhong Zhe , Lyu Jintian , Reyes-Aguilar David M. , Wienands Jürgen , Singh Ankur , Zhu Cheng
Published: November 2024

B cell maturation depends on cognate interactions between the T and B cells. Upon interaction with CD40 ligand (CD40L) on T cells, CD40 delivers costimulatory signals alongside B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling to regulate affinity maturation and antibody class switch. Mutations affecting CD40-CD40L interactions cause abnormal antibody responses in immunodeficiencies known as X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (X-HIgM). Here, we study the CD40-mediated mechanotransduction in B cells, which likely occurs during their physical contacts with T cells. We found that CD40 forms catch bond with CD40L that lasts longer at larger forces, both B and T cells exert tension on CD40-CD40L bonds, and force enhances CD40 signaling and antibody class switch. X-HIgM CD40L mutations impair catch bond formation, suppress endogenous tension, and reduce force-enhanced CD40 signaling, leading to deficiencies in antibody class switch. Our findings highlight the role of mechanotransduction in CD40 function and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying X-HIgM syndrome.
Physiological cost of antibiotic resistance: Insights from a ribosome variant in bacteria
Authors: Moon Eun Chae , Modi Tushar , Lee Dong-yeon D. , Yangaliev Danis , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi , Ozkan S. Banu , Süel Gürol M.
Published: November 2024

Antibiotic-resistant ribosome variants arise spontaneously in bacterial populations; however, their impact on the overall bacterial physiology remains unclear. We studied the naturally arising antibiotic-resistant L22* ribosome variant of
Bacillus subtilis
and identified a Mg
2+
-dependent physiological cost. Coculture competition experiments show that Mg
2+
limitation hinders the growth of the L22* variant more than the wild type (WT), even under antibiotic pressure. This growth disadvantage of L22* cells is not due to lower ribosome abundance but rather due to reduced intracellular Mg
2+
levels. Coarse-grained elastic-network modeling of ribosome conformational dynamics suggests that L22* ribosomes associate more tightly with Mg
2+
when compared to WT. We combined the structural modeling and experimental measurements in a steady-state model to predict cellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) levels, which also depend on Mg
2+
. Experiments confirmed a predicted ATP drop in L22* cells under Mg
2+
limitation, while WT cells were less affected. Intracellular competition for a finite Mg
2+
pool can thus suppress the establishment of an antibiotic-resistant ribosome variant.
Gibbs states and Brownian models for coexisting haze and cloud droplets
Authors: Gutiérrez Manuel Santos , Chekroun Mickaël David , Koren Ilan
Published: November 2024

Cloud microphysics studies include how tiny cloud droplets grow and become rain. This is crucial for understanding cloud properties like size, life span, and impact on climate through radiative effects. Small weak-updraft clouds near the haze-to-cloud transition are especially difficult to measure and understand. They are abundant but hard to capture by satellites. Köhler’s theory explains initial droplet growth but struggles with large particle groups. Here, we present a stochastic, analytical framework building on Köhler’s theory to account for (monodisperse) aerosols and cloud droplet interaction through competitive growth in a limited water vapor field. These interactions are modeled by sink terms, while fluctuations in supersaturation affecting droplet growth are modeled by nonlinear white noise terms. Our results identify hysteresis mechanisms in the droplet activation and deactivation processes. Our approach allows for multimodal cloud’s droplet size distributions supported by laboratory experiments, offering a different perspective on haze-to-cloud transition and small cloud formation.
A tetraspecific engager armed with a non-alpha IL-2 variant harnesses natural killer cells against B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Demaria Olivier , Habif Guillaume , Vetizou Marie , Gauthier Laurent , Remark Romain , Chiossone Laura , Vagne Constance , Rebuffet Lucas , Courtois Rachel , Denis Caroline , Le Floch François , Muller Marianna , Girard-Madoux Mathilde , Augier Séverine , Lopez Julie , Carrette Barbara , Maguer Aurélie , Vallier Jean-Baptiste , Grondin Gwendoline , Baron William , Galluso Justine , Yessaad Nadia , Giordano Marilyn , Simon Léa , Chanuc Fabien , Alvarez Audrey Blanchard , Perrot Ivan , Bonnafous Cécile , Represa Agnès , Rossi Benjamin , Morel Ariane , Morel Yannis , Paturel Carine , Vivier Eric
Published: November 2024

NK cells offer a promising alternative to T cell therapies in cancer. We evaluated IPH6501, a clinical-stage, tetraspecific NK cell engager (NKCE) armed with a non-alpha IL-2 variant (IL-2v), which targets CD20 and was developed for treating B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). CD20-NKCE-IL2v boosts NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity, showing activity against a range of B-NHL cell lines, including those with low CD20 density. Whereas it presented reduced toxicities compared with those commonly associated with T cell therapies, CD20-NKCE-IL2v showed greater killing efficacy over a T cell engager targeting CD20 in in vitro preclinical models. CD20-NKCE-IL2v also increased the cell surface expression of NK cell–activating receptors, leading to activity against CD20-negative tumor cells. In vivo studies in nonhuman primates and tumor mouse models further validated its efficacy and revealed that CD20-NKCE-IL2v induces peripheral NK cell homing at the tumor site. CD20-NKCE-IL2v emerges as a potential alternative in the treatment landscape of B-NHL.
ChIP-seq and structural analyses delineating the regulatory mechanism of master regulator EsrB in
Edwardsiella piscicida
Authors: Zhang Boya , Zhang Yi , Liu Jingjing , Reverter David , Wang Qiyao , Choi Sang Ho , Liu Bing , Shao Shuai
Published: November 2024

As a response regulator of the EsrA-EsrB two-component system, EsrB is conserved in
Hafniaceae
and plays a crucial role in virulence and pathogenicity. EsrB possesses DNA binding abilities, enabling it to regulate the transcription of virulence genes to confront different stresses and achieve systematic infections. Here, ChIP-seq analysis of EsrB in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) (mimicking
in vivo
environments) revealed that EsrB preferred to bind to virulence-associated promoters with a distinct 7'-4-7'' pseudopalindromic DNA motif and interact with metabolic-related promoters with a high AT DNA motif. The crystal structure of the C-terminal of EsrB (EsrB
C
) was solved at 2.20-Å resolution. Specifically, Lys
181
enabled the DNA-binding affinity of EsrB and promoted the
in vitro
and
in vivo
pathogenicity of
Edwardsiella piscicida
. Moreover, EsrB directly regulated the expression of genes associated with basal metabolism, including iron and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles. Furthermore, EsrB enhanced iron transport capability and the enzyme activity of succinate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase in DMEM. Collectively, our structural and ChIP-seq analysis provides valuable insights into the DNA binding mechanism of EsrB which will facilitate our understanding of EsrB coordinating virulence and basal metabolism gene expression.

IMPORTANCE

As a crucial virulence regulator, EsrB possesses a LuxR-like superfamily domain at the C-terminal, which is conserved within the canonical NarL family regulators. Due to its critically important role in virulence and pathogenicity in fish hosts, the DNA binding ability has been believed to allow EsrB to regulate genes associated with the invasion process of host cells and basal metabolism in response to environmental stimuli. The lack of EsrB’s crystal structure has been a major obstacle in understanding the molecular mechanisms of EsrB-DNA interaction which choreographs EsrB-mediated pathogenic behavior. Here, we conducted ChIP-seq and solved the crystal structure of the C-terminal of EsrB (EsrBC) at 2.20-Å resolution, which revealed that EsrB preferred to bind to virulence-associated promoters with a distinct 7'-4-7' pseudopalindromic DNA motif and interacted with metabolic-related promoters with a high AT DNA motif in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) (mimicking
in vivo
environments). Our results facilitate a detailed understanding of EsrB’s regulatory role in
Edwardsiella piscicida
pathogenesis and expand our knowledge of virulence regulators in the family
Hafniaceae
.
Putative evolution of
Myxococcus fulvus
124B02 plasmid pMF1 from a chromosomal segment in another
Myxococcus
species
Authors: Jain Shruti , Sharma Gaurav
Published: November 2024

Myxobacteria or order Myxococcales (old nomenclature) or phylum Myxococcota (new terminology) are fascinating organisms well known for their diverse peculiar physiological, taxonomic, and genomic properties. Researchers have long sought to identify plasmids within these organisms, yet thus far, only two organisms from different families have been found to harbor a plasmid. This study delves into the putative evolution of one of these plasmids, i.e., pMF1 present in
Myxococcus fulvus
124B02 in the suborder Cystobacterineae and family Myxococcaceae. Here, we first reannotated the pMF1 plasmid genome sequence and identified two additional open reading frames or putative genes which were not annotated until now. We further reported that all pMF1 plasmid genes depict homology with
Myxococcus stipitatus
CYD1 draft genome (contig 28) and a chromosomal segment of
M. stipitatus
DSM14675 in a syntenic manner, implying the presence of plasmid-like structure in
M. stipitatus
CYD1, integrated into its chromosome. To comprehend the relationship among these three species, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using 16S and concatenated housekeeping genes and genome-to-genome distance calculator (GGDC) analysis, which confirmed that
M. stipitatus
CYD1 is a distinct and novel species within the genus
Myxococcus
. Overall, this comparative genomic study sheds light on the putative emergence of the pMF1 plasmid from a common ancestor of closely related yet distinct species,
M. stipitatus
CYD1, possibly through the partition from its chromosome as a segment.

IMPORTANCE

Myxobacteria are not well known to have plasmids. Until now, only two organisms have been shown to have plasmids, raising a pertinent question about how these plasmids evolved randomly within the phylum Myxococcota. The study presented in this manuscript delves into the emergence of the pMF1 plasmid found in
Myxococcus fulvus
124B02, a member of the suborder Cystobacterineae and family Myxococcaceae. Our research addresses this intriguing topic of plasmid identification and evolution within myxobacteria, which are a group of fascinating organisms that have garnered significant interest due to their diverse physiological, taxonomic, and genomic properties.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of
Dermabacter hominis
Authors: Kintzinger Tim , Knaack Dennis , Schubert Sören , Groß Uwe , Köck Robin , Schaumburg Frieder
Published: November 2024

Dermabacter hominis,
a short gram-positive rod, is a part of the human skin flora, but can also cause infections (e.g., skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, abscesses, peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, and bacteremia). Only limited data are available for antimicrobial resistance rates. Although CLSI does include coryneform genera in
Corynebacterium
spp. clinical breakpoints, they point out that only limited data are available on resistance rates. The aim of this study was to assess the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clinical isolates of
D. hominis
and to deduce breakpoints for disk diffusion.
D. hominis
(n = 30) from five laboratories in Germany were tested by broth microdilution and disk diffusion method. MICs were interpreted according to current clinical breakpoints for
Corynebacterium
spp. or pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic breakpoints (EUCAST). To deduce breakpoints for disk diffusion, MICs were correlated with inhibition zone diameters. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, rifampicin, and linezolid (100%,
n
= 30/30). Lower susceptibility rates were found for ampicillin (83%,
n
= 25/30) followed by ceftriaxone (37%,
n
= 11/30) and clindamycin (27%,
n
= 8/30). All isolates were resistant to benzylpenicillin and daptomycin. Good correlations between disk diffusion and MIC (suggested breakpoints for susceptibility in brackets) were found for ampicillin (S ≥ 10 mm), ceftriaxone (S ≥ 24 mm), clindamycin (S ≥ 19 mm), levofloxacin (I ≥ 24 mm), linezolid (S ≥ 29 mm), rifampicin (S ≥ 38 mm), and vancomycin (S ≥ 21 mm). Due to limited variances in both MIC values and inhibition zone diameters, no disk diffusion breakpoint could be deduced for gentamicin and benzylpenicillin in our dataset.
D. hominis
has favorable susceptibility rates for vancomycin, rifampicin, and linezolid and shows correlations between MIC and disk diffusion diameter for selected antimicrobial agents. Thus, the development of clinical breakpoints for disk diffusion appears feasible.

IMPORTANCE

Dermabacter hominis
can cause infections in humans (e.g., skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, abscesses, peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, and bacteremia). Currently, only limited data are available regarding the resistance rates of this specific pathogen. Data for the easy accessible disk diffusion method are missing. We were able to provide additional data on resistance rates of clinical
D. hominis
isolates to common antimicrobial agents and correlate these with disk diffusion diameters to derive breakpoints to further improve the antimicrobial susceptibility testing for this specific pathogen. In addition to that, we created a current overview of resistance rates from the existing literature. Our data provide deeper insight into resistance rates and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of this specific pathogen.
Physical activity and life expectancy: a life-table analysis
Authors: Veerman Lennert , Tarp Jakob , Wijaya Ruth , Wanjau Mary Njeri , Möller Holger , Haigh Fiona , Lucas Peta , Milat Andrew
Published: November 2024

Objective

Low physical activity (PA) levels are associated with increased mortality. Improved measurement has resulted in stronger proven associations between PA and mortality, but this has not yet translated to improved estimates of the disease burden attributable to low PA. This study estimated how much low PA reduces life expectancy, and how much life expectancy could be improved by increasing PA levels for both populations and individuals.

Methods

We applied a predictive model based on device-measured PA risk estimates and a life-table model analysis, using a life-table of the 2019 US population based on 2017 mortality data from the National Centre for Health Statistics. The participants included were 40+ years with PA levels based on data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The main outcome was life expectancy based on PA levels.

Results

If all individuals were as active as the top 25% of the population, Americans over the age of 40 could live an extra 5.3 years (95% uncertainty interval 3.7 to 6.8 years) on average. The greatest gain in lifetime per hour of walking was seen for individuals in the lowest activity quartile where an additional hour’s walk could add 376.3 min (~6.3 hours) of life expectancy (95% uncertainty interval 321.5 to 428.5 min).

Conclusion

Higher PA levels provide a substantial increase in population life expectancy. Increased investment in PA promotion and creating PA promoting living environments can promote healthy longevity.
Treatment of intracranial hypertension secondary to superior sagittal sinus stenosis from invasive meningioma
Authors: Baker Amanda , Vaishnav Dhrumil , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Khatri Deepak , Altschul David J
Published: November 2024

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without a clear cause, often linked to cerebral venous sinus constriction from embryological or acquired factors. Although less common, brain tumors like parasagittal meningiomas can compress the superior sagittal sinus, leading to IIH. Venous stenting has become a minimally invasive and effective intervention for managing IIH caused by superior sagittal sinus stenosis, particularly when residual meningiomas continue to exert pressure on the sinus.1–6

Video 1 presents a step-by-step technique for deploying dual Onyx cardiac stents to treat stenosis in the superior sagittal sinus, which is complemented by middle meningeal artery embolization. This helps to reduce the vascular supply to the remaining meningioma tissue. This combined approach not only provides immediate relief from IIH symptoms but also minimizes surgical risks, such as venous infarction and excessive blood loss. It serves as a valuable adjunct in cases where complete surgical tumor removal is challenging.

Video 1

- Techinical video of a case of superior sagittal sinus stenosis from an invasive meningioma causing intracranial hypertension successfully treated with a coronary balloon mounted stent.­
Changes in the prognosis of CADASIL over time: a 23-year study in 555 individuals
Authors: Sukhonpanich Nontapat , Koohi Fatemeh , Jolly Amy A , Markus Hugh S
Published: November 2024

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common monogenic form of stroke and is associated with early-onset stroke and dementia. Whether its clinical phenotype is becoming milder with better risk factor treatments and other care improvements is unknown. In a large longitudinal CADASIL cohort, we determined whether the prognosis has changed over 23 years.

Methods

Patients were identified from the Cambridge CADASIL register and the UK Familial stroke study. Change in age at stroke over the time of recruitment was determined using linear mixed-effects model, and the impact of genetic and vascular risk factors on stroke and dementia risk was further evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

A total of 555 patients with CADASIL were recruited between 2001 and 2023. The age of stroke onset significantly increased over time (p<0.001), with the mean age of stroke onset for patients recruited before 2016 (n=265) at 46.7±9.2 years and 51.6±9.5 years for those recruited since 2016 (n=290). Patients recruited since 2016 had lower risks of both stroke (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.50, p<0.001) and dementia (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.99, p=0.046) after adjusting for sex, hypertension history, smoking status, epidermal growth factor-like repeat position and calendar effect.

Conclusions

The clinical phenotype of CADASIL is improving. While this may be partly explained by reduced vascular risk factors such as smoking and the identification of milder cases, differences persisted after controlling for risk factors and mutation sites. These updated risk estimates should be used when counselling patients with CADASIL on prognosis.
The Atlantic First Nations Water Authority: an Indigenous water utility guided by Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing
Authors: Fuller Megan , Snache Methilda Knockwood , Tupper Gail , Francis Ken , Perley David , Doucette Charles , Young Tuma , Paul Tiannie , MacKinnon James , Gagnon Graham
Published: November 2024

The Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) is the first Indigenous-owned and operated water and wastewater utility in Canada, providing service to 12 First Nations (at the time of this publication), with a Board of Directors composed of Chiefs and technical and legal experts guided by an Elders Advisory Lodge. The AFNWA is forging a path of self-determination in water service provision through honouring First Nations knowledge and culture and implementing leading-edge western engineering practices through Two-Eyed Seeing. The story of the formation and development of the AFNWA offers examples and experiences that may be useful for engineering and industry specialists working to build relationships and offer services to First Nations and First Nations organizations. Through this article, Elders, AFNWA staff, and engineers and researchers from the Centre for Water Resources studies share their narratives of how Two-Eyed Seeing has manifested in the formation of the first Indigenous water utility in Canada.
Optical performance enhancement of solar flux distribution uniformity of solar parabolic dish cavity system
Authors: Khan Shehzaib Yousuf , Uzair Muhammad
Published: November 2024

The design of the cavity receiver plays a crucial role in the conversion from solar to thermal energy that is absorbed in the cavity receiver to the heat transfer fluid. Nonuniform heat flux at the surface of cavities generates structural failure due to thermal unbalance. This research focuses on the optimization of cavity design based on position, aperture diameter, and eccentricities of elliptical-shaped cavity to enhance the uniformity of solar flux distribution on the cavity walls. The optical analysis is performed using Monte Carlo ray tracing using COMSOL Multiphysics on conical, cylindrical, rectangular, spherical, and elliptical shapes to determine the solar heat flux distribution. The validation of the computational model is performed through published experimental and analytical data. The flux distribution is more dispersed in spherical and elliptical-shaped cavities when positioned above the focal plane. The flux distribution uniformity increases when the cavities are positioned at a higher distance from the focal plane whereas the larger aperture opening eases the absorption of radiation flux on the surface. Partial obstruction of incoming rays starts to occur when positioning the cavity at a higher distance as well as in smaller aperture openings. The optimum configuration of the elliptical cavity is with 30% eccentricity, 100 mm above the focal plane, and 250 mm opening, providing a solar flux distribution uniformity factor of 0.585.
Precise 113Cd $$\beta $$ decay spectral shape measurement and interpretation in terms of possible $$g_A$$ quenching
Authors: Bandac I. , Bergé L. , Calvo-Mozota J. M. , Carniti P. , Chapellier M. , Danevich F. A. , Dixon T. , Dumoulin L. , Ferri F. , Giuliani A. , Gotti C. , Gras Ph. , Helis D. L. , Imbert L. , Khalife H. , Kobychev V. V. , Kostensalo J. , Loaiza P. , de Marcillac P. , Marnieros S. , Marrache-Kikuchi C. A. , Martinez M. , Nones C. , Olivieri E. , de Solórzano A. Ortiz , Pessina G. , Poda D. V. , Scarpaci J. A. , Suhonen J. , Tretyak V. I. , Zarytskyy M. , Zolotarova A.
Published: November 2024

Highly forbidden $$\beta $$
β
decays provide a sensitive test to nuclear models in a regime in which the decay goes through high spin-multipole states, similar to the neutrinoless double-$$\beta $$
β
decay process. There are only 3 nuclei (50V, 113Cd, 115In) which undergo a $$4^\textrm{th}$$

4
th

forbidden non-unique $$\beta $$
β
decay. In this work, we compare the experimental 113Cd spectrum to theoretical spectral shapes in the framework of the spectrum-shape method. We measured with high precision, with the lowest energy threshold and the best energy resolution ever, the $$\beta $$
β
spectrum of 113Cd embedded in a 0.43 kg $$\hbox {CdWO}_4$$

CdWO
4

crystal, operated over 26 days as a bolometer at low temperature in the Canfranc underground laboratory (Spain). We performed a Bayesian fit of the experimental data to three nuclear models (IBFM-2, MQPM and NSM) allowing the reconstruction of the spectral shape as well as the half-life. The fit has two free parameters, one of which is the effective weak axial-vector coupling constant, $$g_A^{\text {eff}}$$

g
A
eff

, which resulted in $$g_A^{\text {eff}}$$

g
A
eff

between 1.0 and 1.2, compatible with a possible quenching. Based on the fit, we measured the half-life of the 113Cd $$\beta $$
β
decay including systematic uncertainties as $$7.73^{+0.60}_{-0.57} \times 10^{15}$$

7
.

73

-
0.57

+
0.60

×

10
15

yr, in agreement with the previous experiments. These results represent a significant step towards a better understanding of low-energy nuclear processes.
Electron-mirror duality and thermality
Authors: Ievlev Evgenii , Good Michael R. R. , Davies Paul C. W.
Published: November 2024

Classical electromagnetic radiation from moving point charges is foundational, but the thermal dynamics responsible for classical acceleration temperature are poorly understood. We investigate the thermal properties of classical electromagnetic radiation in the context of the correspondence between accelerated electrons and moving mirrors, focusing on three trajectories with asymptotically infinite (Davies–Fulling), asymptotically zero (Walker–Davies), and eternally uniform acceleration. The latter two are argued not to be thermal, while the former is found to emit thermal photons with a temperature that depends on the electron’s speed. Thermal radiation occurs in the absence of jerk.
Study of wormhole stability in the framework of black hole surrounded by the pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo
Authors: Javed Faisal , Waseem Arfa , Fatima Ghulam , Almutairi Bander
Published: November 2024

This work is devoted to exploring the formation and stability of thin-shell wormholes developed through the two similar copies of black holes bounded by the pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo. It is found that the horizon radius of a black hole decreases in the appearance of a pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo. The primary goal of the work is to investigate the stable composition of such wormholes using the analysis of linearized radial perturbation. It is worth mentioning that the existence of a pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo reduces the violation of energy bounds for the developed thin-shell wormholes. We investigate the impact of variable equations of state, such as barotropic, variable Chaplygin, and phantom-like equations of state, on the stability of the wormholes. The inquiry highlights that the appearance of a pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo portrays remarkable importance in preserving the stable compositions of thin-shell wormholes. The wormholes show maximal stable conduct for the selection of pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo as compared to already published research charged as well as regular thin-shell wormholes. The results reveal light on the interplay between wormholes and pseudo-isothermal dark matter halo, which increases our understanding of both conjectures and their potential implications for further space travel.
Identification of cavitation regimes using SVM: A combined numerical, experimental and machine learning approach
Authors: Kamali HosseinAli , Passandidehfard Mahmoud
Published: November 2024

The phenomenon of artificial cavitation is a significant and practical aspect of reducing drag forces on devices interacting with water. Among various regimes, the supercavity regime, where the entire body or a substantial portion of it is enveloped by a cavity, plays a crucial role. This study investigates the cavitation phenomenon using a combination of numerical experimental methods and machine learning techniques. Specifically, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification model is employed to identify the type of artificial cavitation regime and to determine the occurrence of the supercavity regime based on input variables. The findings indicate that the Radial Basis Function (RBF) model outperforms other machine learning models in accurately detecting the cavity regime type, achieving an accuracy of over 95% in identifying the supercavity regime. Additionally, results from the RBF model demonstrate that the supercavity regime is observed at low cavitation numbers, exhibiting the longest cavity length.
Embedding warm natural inflation in f(ϕ)T gravity
Authors: Yeasmin Sabina , Deshamukhya Atri
Published: November 2024

We study warm inflation in the framework of [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the inflaton and T is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. The inflaton field is assumed to roll on the natural inflaton potential and the result is analyzed in light of Planck 2018 and BICEP/Keck 2021 data. We start by obtaining the field equations under slow-roll approximations. The scalar and tensor power spectra and their corresponding spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio with a temperature-dependent form of the dissipation coefficient during the inflationary era are then evaluated. It is found that the warm inflation model in [Formula: see text] gravity is compatible with observational bands.
Holographic entanglement negativity for disjoint subsystems in conformal field theories with a conserved charge
Authors: Afrasiar Mir , Basak Jaydeep Kumar , Raj Vinayak , Sengupta Gautam
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we extend a holographic construction for the entanglement negativity of two disjoint subsystems in the literature to [Formula: see text]s with a conserved charge dual to bulk [Formula: see text] geometries. This involves an algebraic sum of the areas of bulk RT surfaces for certain appropriate combinations of subsystems. In this context, we compute the holographic entanglement negativity for two disjoint subsystems with long rectangular strip geometries in [Formula: see text]s dual to bulk RN-[Formula: see text] black holes in a perturbative framework. Our results at the leading order reproduce significant features observed earlier in the literature and conform to quantum information theory, which constitute strong substantiation of our construction.
A three-parameter model for dark matter halos based on general relativity and quantum field theory
Authors: deLyra Jorge L.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present a three-parameter model for the distributions of “dark matter” around local spherically symmetric and static distributions of normal matter, usually referred to as “dark matter halos”. The model is based on the assumption that the spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanism involving the Higgs field in the standard model of elementary particle physics leads to the existence of a constant distribution of vacuum energy throughout space–time. This is to be interpreted as a constant distribution of proper energy, as measured by local observers in their proper reference frames. Due to the presence of this universal distribution of vacuum energy, the model requires the introduction of the cosmological term in the Einstein field equations, in order to regulate the behavior of the resulting geometry at cosmologically large distances. By implementing the model on galactic scales, we are able to establish the gravitational consequences of such a homogeneous distribution of proper energy density at these scales. This results in equivalent halo masses and orbital velocity curves that, at least qualitatively, match the observations for galactic “dark matter” halos. Although the detailed realization of the model presented and calculated here cannot be construed as a precise representation of galactic structure, given that most of the actual structure of the galaxy, such as the galactic disk itself, is ignored, and replaced by a single spherically symmetric bulge, in this paper we do introduce the conceptual framework that may be used to construct a more complete galactic model in the future.
A Newly Adopted YOLOv9 Model for Detecting Mould Regions Inside of Buildings
Authors: Mansouri Taha , Mashuk Md. Shadab , Palaiahnakote Shivakumara , Chacko Aaron , Sykes Lawrence , Alameer Ali
Published: November 2024

Molds on wall and ceiling surfaces in damp indoor environments especially in houses with poor insulation and ventilation are common in the UK. Since it releases toxic chemicals as it grows, it is a serious health hazard for occupants who live in such houses. For example, eye irritation, sneezing, nose bleeds, respiratory infections, and skin irritations. Furthermore, there are chances of developing serious medical conditions like lung infections and respiratory diseases which may even lead to death. The main challenge here is that due to their irregular patterns, camouflaged with the background, it is not so easy to detect with our naked eyes in the early stage and often confused as stains. Therefore, inspired by the accomplishments of the Yolo architecture for object detection, the Yolov9 model is explored for mold detection by considering mold region as an object in this work. The overall result shows a promising 76% average classification rate. Since the mold does not have a shape, specific pattern, or color, adapting the Yolov9 for accurate mold detection is challenging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first of its kind compared to existing methods. Since it is the first work, we constructed a dataset to perform experiments and evaluate the proposed method. To demonstrate the proposed method’s effectiveness, the results were also compared with the results of the Yolov8 and Yolov10 models.