bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aeration promotes Proteobacteria over Firmicutes in macerated food waste, resulting in superior anaerobic digestion efficiency
Authors: Tang Linjie , Manefield Mike
Published: January 2025

Aeration is a common pretreatment method to enhance biogas production via anaerobic digestion of waste organic feedstocks such as unused food. While impacts on downstream anaerobic digestion have been intensively investigated, the consequence of aeration on the microbial community in food waste has not been characterized. Food waste has a low pH resulting from the dominance of lactic acid bacteria within the Firmicutes phylum. This excludes other phylotypes with a higher potential to hydrolyse complex biopolymers in food waste. In this study, we reveal that aeration of macerated food waste results in a dramatic shift away from Firmicutes towards dominance of Proteobacteria that are better known for extracellular enzyme production. Given that hydrolysis is the rate limiting step in anaerobic digestion, this explains why aeration improves the efficiency of biogas production from food waste. The discovery that Proteobacteria dominate microbial communities in aerated food waste opens up opportunities to manipulate extracellular enzyme production through gene expression mechanisms common among Proteobacteria such as quorum sensing.
Typing of feces-derived Candida albicans strains using a novel seven-locus microsatellite panel reveals associations with yeast phenotype in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: van Thiel Isabelle A M , Kreulen Irini A M , Bénard Mèlanie V , de Goffau Marcus C , Theelen Bart , Heinsbroek Sigrid E M , Zylka Patrycja K , Ponsioen Cyriel Y , Boekhout Teun , de Jonge Wouter J , Rosendahl Søren , van den Wijngaard René M , Hagen Ferry
Published: January 2025

Inflammatory diseases of the human gastrointestinal tract are affected by the microbes that reside in the mucosal surfaces. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have altered bacterial and fungal intestinal compositions, including higher levels of fecal Candida yeasts. Ongoing research indicates that genetic and phenotypic diversity of Candida albicans may be linked with disease severity. Here, we set out to investigate feces-derived C. albicans strains from individuals with IBD and healthy volunteers through microsatellite-based genotyping and phenotypic assays. A seven-locus microsatellite panel was applied, of which six loci were newly developed. It appears that there is no specific lineage of C. albicans that is associated with IBD, but rather that the three study populations (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, healthy volunteers) do have distinguishable distributions of genotypes. In addition, phenotypic characterization by means of enzyme release assays revealed trends between genotypes, virulence-related enzyme activity, and clinical biomarkers. We thus show that microsatellite typing can describe genetic diversity of feces-derived C. albicans strains, and that phenotypic diversity of these strains may indeed correlate with fungal genotype or disease. This study opens further possibilities to investigate fecal fungi in relation to severity of inflammation in IBD or in other (intestinal) diseases.
Thinking Illness in Eighteenth-Century Germany: Scholarly Melancholy and Social Critique
Authors: Schreiber Ingrid
Published: January 2025

In the early modern period, melancholy was a condition frequently diagnosed in students and scholars. This article suggests two ways to conceptualize scholarly melancholy in the context of German-speaking Europe in the late eighteenth century: as a lamentable physiopathology afflicting individual scholars and as a moralistic critique of societal idleness, pedantry and luxury. It reconstructs a discourse concerning the inferiority of scholarly health which was taking place among physicians clustered in Hanover, Saxony and Prussia, in conversation with the wider European community. Particular attention is given to Johann Christian Gottlieb Ackermann’s Über die Krankheiten der Gelehrten und die leichteste und sicherste Art sie abzuhalten und zu heilen (1777). These so-called occupational pathologists regarded scholarly melancholy as a holistic imbalance of the cognition–digestion nexus induced largely by mental overexertion and sedentary lifestyle. Against a backdrop of concern about the social utility of scholarship, the melancholic diagnosis was weaponized to communicate disapproval of societal vice and excess.
Fine-tuning blood culture practices: implementing diagnostic stewardship in cardiothoracic surgery patients
Authors: Seidelman Jessica , Pena Heather , Zwischenberger Brittany A
Published: January 2025

Overusing blood cultures (BCxs) can lead to false positives, unnecessary antibiotics and increased healthcare costs. Despite studies on inpatient BCx algorithms, none have focused on cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) patients, with complex postoperative care and invasive devices. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a BCx algorithm on BCx event (BCE) rates in CTS step-down units. The study was conducted in three CTS step-down units at Duke University Hospital. The BCx algorithm, based on Seidelman et al. (2023), was implemented in June 2023. BCE rates, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and adverse outcome IRRs were compared between pre- and post-intervention periods using ITS and χ2 tests. We analysed 4978 BCE during the study period: 3439 (893 patients) pre-intervention and 1539 (452 patients) post-intervention. BCE rates decreased [IRR = 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74, 0.83, P-value< 0.01)] without significant differences in adverse outcomes such as central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates (IRR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.17, 2.30), readmission rates (IRR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.88, 1.12) or in-hospital mortality (IRR = 3.53, 95% CI 0.32, 38.90). Our study supports the beneficial effects of a BCx algorithm, which reduces unnecessary BCxs in CTS patients without compromising patient safety.
Valorisation of Refosco grape pomace: exploring its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiadhesive properties
Authors: Kranjc Katja , Čondić Mia , Kovač Boris
Published: January 2025

Agricultural by-products, including winery waste, represent both an environmental challenge and a valuable source of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the antioxidative, antimicrobial, and antiadhesive properties of grape seed and peel extracts derived from the red wine variety Refosco. Water and methanol extracts were prepared from dried, ground seeds and peels, both before and after supercritical extraction (SFE). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of water- and lipid-soluble compounds was measured. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and antiadhesion effects of water extracts were then determined for Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial effects were further evaluated in pasta dough as a model food matrix. Our results showed that some methanol extracts exhibited significantly higher TAC values compared to water extracts. However, the TAC of water-soluble compounds was significantly higher than that of lipid-soluble compounds, regardless of the solvent used. Although the TAC of dried seed and peel samples (SDRY; PDRY) was higher than that of SFE residues, the difference was not statistically significant. The most potent antimicrobial effect was observed for SDRY extracts, with MICs as low as 0.625 mg/mL. Additionally, both SDRY and PDRY water extracts, at 1/8 of the MIC, exhibited antiadhesion activity. In conclusion, red grape pomace from the Refosco variety proves to be a cost-effective source of valuable water-soluble compounds with antioxidative, antimicrobial, and antiadhesive properties. Importantly, results showed that the SFE residue retained some bioactive properties, further highlighting the potential of this by-product.
Evaluation of the potential of phage phSE-5 to fight Salmonella Typhimurium in milk, liquid whole egg, and eggshell
Authors: Braz Márcia , Pereira Carla , Freire Carmen S R , Almeida Adelaide
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of phage phSE-5 to inactivate Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in milk (at 4, 10, and 25°C), liquid whole egg, and eggshell (at 25°C for both matrices).

Methods and results

Since the success of phage treatment in food depends on maintaining phage viability towards different food conditions, firstly the stability of phage phSE-5 at different temperatures and pHs was assessed. The effect of phage phSE-5 against S. Typhimurium was then assessed in vitro (liquid culture medium—TSB) and finally in the selected food matrices. Phage phSE-5 was stable for long storage periods (56 days) at pH 7–8 and 4–25°C. At 25°C, the efficacy of phage phSE-5 was matrix-dependent with differences in the sample, relatively to the bacterial control, of 2.7, 4.6, 1.8, and 1.3 log colony-forming units (CFU) ml-1 in TSB, milk, liquid whole egg, and eggshell, respectively. Also, phage phSE-5 led to reductions relatively to the initial bacterial concentration only in TSB and milk with 1.9 and 2.1 log CFU ml-1 reduction, respectively. Additionally, this phage was more efficient at 25°C in the tested matrices than at 10°C (no reduction and 1.7 log CFU ml-1 reduction in TSB and milk, respectively; maximum difference of 1.7 and 3.3 log CFU ml-1 in TSB and milk, respectively) and 4°C (no bacterial reduction/difference was observed in both TSB and milk). However, the decrease in temperature from 25 to 10°C slowed down bacterial regrowth after phage treatment.

Conclusions

Our results show that phages are promising and environmentally friendly candidates for use as biocontrol agents against S. Typhimurium in milk, liquid whole egg, and eggshell, allowing a reduction in energy costs if carried out at 10°C.
RAMIE: retrieval-augmented multi-task information extraction with large language models on dietary supplements
Authors: Zhan Zaifu , Zhou Shuang , Li Mingchen , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2025

Objective

To develop an advanced multi-task large language model (LLM) framework for extracting diverse types of information about dietary supplements (DSs) from clinical records.

Methods

We focused on 4 core DS information extraction tasks: named entity recognition (2 949 clinical sentences), relation extraction (4 892 sentences), triple extraction (2 949 sentences), and usage classification (2 460 sentences). To address these tasks, we introduced the retrieval-augmented multi-task information extraction (RAMIE) framework, which incorporates: (1) instruction fine-tuning with task-specific prompts; (2) multi-task training of LLMs to enhance storage efficiency and reduce training costs; and (3) retrieval-augmented generation, which retrieves similar examples from the training set to improve task performance. We compared the performance of RAMIE to LLMs with instruction fine-tuning alone and conducted an ablation study to evaluate the individual contributions of multi-task learning and retrieval-augmented generation to overall performance improvements.

Results

Using the RAMIE framework, Llama2-13B achieved an F1 score of 87.39 on the named entity recognition task, reflecting a 3.51% improvement. It also excelled in the relation extraction task with an F1 score of 93.74, a 1.15% improvement. For the triple extraction task, Llama2-7B achieved an F1 score of 79.45, representing a significant 14.26% improvement. MedAlpaca-7B delivered the highest F1 score of 93.45 on the usage classification task, with a 0.94% improvement. The ablation study highlighted that while multi-task learning improved efficiency with a minor trade-off in performance, the inclusion of retrieval-augmented generation significantly enhanced overall accuracy across tasks.

Conclusion

The RAMIE framework demonstrates substantial improvements in multi-task information extraction for DS-related data from clinical records.
The microRNA-455 null mouse shows dysregulated bone turnover
Authors: Niu Lingzi , Swingler Tracey E , Suelzu Caterina , Ersek Adel , Orriss Isabel R , Barter Matthew J , Hayman Dan J , Young David A , Horwood Nicole , Clark Ian M
Published: January 2025

A wide range of specific microRNAs have been shown to have either positive or negative effects on osteoblast differentiation and function, with consequent changes in postnatal bone mass. A number of specific targets have been identified. We previously used CrispR-Cas9 to make a miR-455 null mouse, characterizing a behavioral phenotype with age. The current study identifies a bone phenotype, starting in younger animals. At 3 weeks of age, the miR-455 null mice (both male and female) display increased length of both long bones and vertebrae and, while this difference diminishes across 1 year, it remains significant. Increased bone formation in vivo is mirrored by an increase in osteogenesis from bone marrow–derived stem cells in vitro. This is accompanied by a decrease in osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function. MicroCT analyses show increased trabecular bone and less porosity/decreased separation in the miR-455 null mouse, suggesting a more dense and stronger bone at 3 weeks of age; these differences normalize by 1 year. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function datasets show that FGF18 expression is regulated by miR-455 and FGF18 was validated as a direct target of miR-455. The regulation of FGF18 by miR-455 is a likely mediator of its effect on bone.
Impact of considering bone remodelling in risk assessment of mandibular implant-supported bridges
Authors: Kang Inyeong , Yoon Youngjae , Park Soyeon , Kwon Yong-Dae , Noh Gunwoo
Published: January 2025

Efforts have been made to improve the prediction of implant treatment outcomes through biomechanical analyses using finite-element (FE) analysis. Particularly, a bone remodelling numerical model has been recently applied to forecast long-term stability. However, there is a scarcity of research on the long-term biomechanical stability of implant-supported bridges. This study investigates the impact of integrating a bone remodelling numerical model into FE analysis to evaluate the biomechanical stability of mandibular implant-supported bridges. To evaluate the impact of integrated bone remodelling, FE analyses were performed with and without a bone remodelling model. The bone remodelling model was implemented in Abaqus as a user subroutine, UMAT, used to define a mechanical behaviour of material. Cases were compared based on the number of fixtures used in the implant-supported bridges and the initial bone quality to assess risks in different treatment scenarios. The peri-implant bone density distribution ultimately showed higher values than the initial value after bone remodelling. The study analysed differences in microstrain proportions within the peri-implant bone, with and without bone remodelling, following simulated masticatory activity. Absence of bone remodelling consideration results in elevated microstrain, especially among elderly patients with fewer implants and in the second molar position. This omission leads to an overestimation of differences in high microstrain proportion based on implant position (senior, Group 1: 18.91%p) and number of implants (senior, second molar: 13.8%p). Initial bone quality has a significant influence on bone remodelling. The absence of long-term analysis exaggerates the risks for all considered cases. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating bone remodelling considerations into the stability analysis of implant-supported bridges, particularly when they are used with fewer implants and for elderly patients.
The life history and mosquito consumption dynamics of Notonecta indica (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) in eastern Jamaica
Authors: Campbell Gavin R , Hall Tannice , Hyslop Eric J
Published: January 2025

Certain mosquito species pose a significant threat to human health, causing thousands of deaths annually via diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, and chikungunya. A variety of insects, including dragonflies and backswimmers, prey on mosquito larvae, providing natural population suppression, but knowledge of the life history and quantification of the mosquito suppression dynamics of these insects remain limited in the Caribbean. In the present study, we documented aspects of the life history of the backswimmer Notonecta indica L. in Jamaica and quantified its consumption of Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae throughout development and at different mosquito densities. The egg and fifth nymphal stages had the longest mean development times while the third nymphal stage had the shortest. Development was noted to be shorter in N. indica when compared to other backswimmer species from different climates, likely due to higher temperatures and greater food availability in the present study. Daily mosquito consumption increased exponentially throughout nymphal development. Individual adults displayed significant variation in daily mosquito consumption, and consumption was found to be directly proportional to mosquito density. Backswimmers may contribute to mosquito suppression and the reduction of mosquito-borne diseases, but their contribution is likely limited by the spatial and temporal differences between backswimmers and mosquitoes, namely, in habitat preferences, dispersal patterns, and development times.
Inside the digital state: frontline work in the context of digital layering
Authors: Møller Anne Mette
Published: January 2025

Following decades of incremental digital development, public agencies today are permeated by a plethora of digital systems and tools. Transcending the dominant focus on individual technologies in the extant literature, this study introduces the concept of “digital layering” to capture the characteristics of this setting and develop a unique contextualized understanding of frontline work in the digital age. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in The Danish Agricultural Agency and the Danish Tax Agency, the study shows that digital layering creates a context for frontline work characterized by the experience of complexity, fragmentation, and instability or fragility of digital technologies, which deeply affects both backstage tasks and public encounters. In response, frontline workers employ a range of compensatory practices in the organizational backstage, including workarounds, temporal flexibility, and collaborative IT support, and take on new organizational roles as “digital janitors” and “digital liaisons” to fix errors and raise awareness of the consequences of higher-level decision-making on the ground. During public encounters, they avoid or take precautionary measures when using digital tools and engage in digital detective work on behalf of citizens. Conceptualized as “digital repair work,” these compensatory practices and roles are aimed at protecting professional and bureaucratic values such as efficiency, transparency, responsiveness, and trustworthiness. The study results in a novel theoretical framework to guide future inquiry into digital layering and its implications for (frontline) work and organizations, including employee well-being, the continued enactment of professional and bureaucratic values, and citizens’ trust in government.
A case report and literature review of De Garengeot hernia
Authors: Salawu Ahmed , Sarsam Maan , Butcher Katrina
Published: January 2025

The presence of an appendix in the femoral hernia, known as De Garengeot hernia, was first described by a French surgeon named Rene Jacques Croissant de Garengeot in 1731. It is a rare surgical entity occurring in only 0.5–5% of all femoral hernias. It presents typically as an irreducible lump in the groin which may be difficult to differentiate from incarcerated inguinal hernia. The risk of incarceration is high due to the narrow femoral defect which can result in extraluminal compression of the appendix causing acute appendicitis. We have presented a 71-year-old woman with a 24 hour history of incarcerated De Garengeot hernia who underwent successful open femoral hernia repair with laparoscopic appendicectomy. While open femoral hernia repair with open appendicectomy is regarded as the commonly used surgical approach, we have highlighted the importance of pre-operative and intra-operative findings in predicting definitive surgical management.
Toxic travels: the rising threat of methanol poisoning in international travellers
Authors: Jaita Sawettachai , Flaherty Gerard
Published: January 2025

Methanol poisoning remains an overlooked yet critical travel-related health issue. The lack of reliable data, poor traveller awareness and diagnostic challenges continue to place travellers at risk. This article explores current challenges and offers actionable strategies for travel health practitioners to address this preventable hazard.
Searching for nitroxyl modulators in Arabidopsis thaliana: a new paradigm of redox signaling in plants
Authors: Suarez Sebastian , Floryszak-Wieczorek Jolanta , Sobieszczuk-Nowicka Ewa , Doctorovich Fabio , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena
Published: January 2025

Through extensive research, nitroxyl (HNO) has emerged as a newly recognized redox signal in plant developmental and stress responses. The interplay between nitric oxide (●NO) and HNO entails a complex network of signaling molecules and regulatory elements sensitive to the environment-specific redox conditions. However, functional implications for HNO in cell signaling require more detailed studies, starting with identifying HNO-level switches. To obtain insight into possible physiologically relevant HNO modulators, we used real-time detection to examine HNO/●NO production triggered by selected plant-related compounds (PRCs), including non-protein amino acids, antioxidants, and phytohormones, both in vitro and in vivo in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Hydrogen sulfide, ascorbic acid, and salicylic acid were identified as superior PRCs in driving HNO/●NO interconversion in the cellular medium, so that these PRCs could provide ubiquitous bioavailability of HNO in plants. Meanwhile, resistance-inducing compounds tended to down-regulate HNO in Arabidopsis leaves. The present study indicates that non-enzymatic HNO/●NO interconversion mediated by functionally important PRCs constitutes a significant route for controlling endogenous HNO concentrations, providing ubiquitous HNO bioavailability in plant cells. Moreover, concurrent HNO/●NO monitoring shows that the redox signals are highly integrated and create a redox code that can be translated into a specific cellular response.
Protein phosphatase 2A B’α and B’β promote pollen wall construction partially through BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1-activated cysteine protease gene CEP1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gao Ying-Jie , Zhang Yu-Lan , Wang Wen-Hui , Latif Ammara , Wang Yue-Tian , Tang Wen-Qiang , Pu Cui-Xia , Sun Ying
Published: January 2025

A well-constructed pollen wall is essential for pollen fertility, which relies on the contribution of the tapetum. Our results demonstrated an essential role of the tapetum-expressed protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) B’α and B’β in pollen wall formation. The b’aβ double mutant pollen grain harboured sticky remnants and tectum breakages, resulting in failed release. B’α and B’β functioned partially through dephosphorylating and activating BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1 (BZR1). The bzr1 bes1 double and higher-order mutants of this BZR1/BES1 family displayed similar defects in the pollen wall, while bzr1-1D, having an active form of the BRZ1 protein, exhibited fertile pollen grains in a B’α and B’β dependent manner. Correspondingly, the level of phospho-BZR1 was increased and dephospho-BZR1 was decreased in b’aβ and bzr1-1D/b’aβ at anther stages 8–9 as compared with Col-0 and bzr1-1D, respectively. A cysteine protease gene CEP1 was identified as a BZR1 target, whose transcriptional activation necessitates brassinosteroid (BR)-responsive elements in the promoter region and the BZR1 DNA binding domain. The mRNA level of CEP1 at stages 8–9 was extremely low in bzr1 and bzr1 bes1, but higher in Col-0 and bzr1-1D depending on B’α and B’β. Furthermore, cep1 mutants displayed similar defects in the pollen wall. In brief, this study uncovered a PP2A–BZR1–CEP1 regulatory module, providing a new insight into pollen maturation mechanisms.
Real-time human–computer interface based on eye gaze estimation from low-quality webcam images: integration of convolutional neural networks, calibration, and transfer learning
Authors: Chhimpa Govind R , Kumar Ajay , Garhwal Sunita , Kumar Dhiraj
Published: January 2025

Eye gaze estimation represents a well-established research domain within computer vision. It has a wide range of practical applications in numerous fields, including human–computer interaction (HCI) for cursor control, health care, and virtual reality, enhancing its suitability for adoption throughout the scientific community. Different methods have been used for eye gaze estimation, such as model based, feature based, and appearance based. The appearance-based method is mainly used because it directly estimates an individual’s gaze direction from images/videos rather than depending on specific features or geometric models. This article developed an appearance-based, real-time generic eye gaze system for HCI to control the cursor through the eye using the convolutional neural network (CNN), calibration, and transfer learning. The study employed low-quality eye images captured from a conventional desktop webcam, enabling the proposed methodology to be implemented on any computer system equipped with a similar web camera without the need for supplementary hardware. Initially, the labeled dataset of both eyes is collected using the webcam. Then, a CNN model is trained by inputting left and right eye images to predict the gaze coordinate as output. We applied the calibration and transfer learning approach to the trained models to make a generic model for new users. In real-time use, the first step is calibration, where the user’s eye images are captured for various screen coordinates, and transfer learning is employed to fine-tune the pre-trained model according to the user’s eyes. Then, the fine-tuned model is used for eye gaze prediction to control the cursor. The system’s performance is evaluated using a test group of multiple users, and it demonstrated an average visual angle accuracy of 2.08 degrees before calibration, which notably improved to 1.81 degrees after the calibration process.
Recent Orthopedic Trauma Volume in the United States Military Health System
Authors: Panarello Nicholas M , McCarthy Conor F , Harrington Colin J , Stinner Daniel J , Renninger Christopher H
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As illustrated by the “Walker Dip,” there is growing concern regarding the lack of combat casualty care during peacetime. Surgical volume and case complexity are paramount for training and skill sustainment. We sought to quantify the recent orthopedic trauma surgical case load of all military orthopedic surgeons across the Military Health System (MHS).

Materials and Methods

We queried the United States MHS Data Repository for orthopedic trauma-related Current Procedural Terminology codes for which the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires graduating residents to perform a minimum case volume: hip fracture, femur/tibia shaft fracture, pilon fracture, and ankle fracture. The search yielded all corresponding procedures performed between January 2017 and December 2023 within the MHS.

Results

There were 15,873 total ACGME-minimum orthopedic trauma procedures performed across the MHS during the study period (2,268 cases per year) for the fixation of 3,283 hip fractures, 805 femoral shaft fractures, 1,455 tibial shaft fractures, and 10,330 ankle or pilon fractures. The sole level I trauma center in the MHS, which accepts civilian trauma, performed 21% of all cases. Civilian trauma made up 70% of this military treatment facility’s volume. For another military treatment facility that began accepting civilian trauma in the middle of the study period, the volume increased from 49 to 123 cases per year.

Conclusion

Across the MHS, there was a low volume of ACGME-minimum orthopedic trauma procedures performed. These data help to frame the current orthopedic trauma surgical volume in the United States MHS in support of efforts to maximize military surgeon training and readiness, ultimately in preparation for future conflicts.
Anomalous thermal relaxation in warm ion plasmas
Authors: Barba-González D , Albertus C , Pérez-García M A
Published: January 2025

We perform microscopic simulations of the thermal relaxation of warm neutral plasmas of astrophysical importance. Using molecular dynamics we study the thermal relaxation of a hot neutral fluid of finite-size neutron-rich ions kept in a fixed-wall cool box. We show how the interplay among particle size, Yukawa interaction range, and density are key to understand the features of the time-dependent thermal relaxation curve $T(t)$. We show that, under certain conditions, these systems exhibit faster cooling from increasingly larger initial temperature values. They also display non-Newtonian thermal behaviour, including oscillations, that can be effectively interpreted as the consequence of the existence of a non-trivial system memory function. Finally, we consider the impact of multicomponent admixtures in the simulated system. We discuss these results and their possible extensions to astrophysical scenarios, where screened plasmas with Yukawa-like electrostatic potentials are usually involved.
A detailed spectral study of intermittent-accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar Aql X-1 during pulse-on and pulse-off stages
Authors: Kocabıyık Tuğçe , Güngör Can , Sağlam M Turan , Güver Tolga , Bostancı Z Funda
Published: January 2025

We present a detailed spectral study of an intermittent-AMXP Aql X-1 during the pulse-on and pulse-off stages by using the archival Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data. We first perform temporal analysis by using Z$_n^2$ technique in three different energy bands, 3.0–13.0, 13.0–23.0, and 23.0–33.0 keV, for the last 128 s time segment of the RXTE data including pulse-on region. We show that the pulse is the most significant in the softest band. We, then, show that the spectrum is represented the best via combination of absorbed blackbody, disc blackbody, and a Gaussian line. We modelled the last four segments of the data 30188-03-05-00 to better compare pulse-on and pulse-off stages. We found a vague residual in the spectral fit of the pulse-on segment between $\sim$3.0 and 13.0 keV, which agrees with the result of temporal analysis. We show that the residual may be represented with an extra blackbody component with the temperature of 1.75 keV and the radius of 0.75 $\pm$ 0.49 km. For deeper analysis, we performed phase-resolved spectroscopy to the last 128 s, pulse-on, segment. We obtain two separate spectra for the spin phase ranges of 0.75–0.25 (pulse-high) and 0.25–0.75 (pulse-low), and followed the same procedure. We display that the residual becomes more clear for pulse-high compared to the pulse-low. We report that the additional blackbody component, which models the residual, indicates a hotspot from the surface of the neutron star with the radius of 1.65 $\pm$ 0.74 km whose temperature is 1.65 keV.
Observational study of the atmospheric gravity waves in the lower solar atmosphere
Authors: Chaurasiya Ravi , Bayanna Ankala Raja
Published: January 2025

The solar chromosphere exhibits a variety of waves originating from the photosphere and deeper layers, causing oscillations at different heights with distinct frequencies. This study identifies and analyse atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) and acoustic waves at various height pairs within the solar atmosphere utilizing H$\alpha$, Ca ii IR, and Fe i 6173 Å imaging spectroscopic observations from Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope. We study and compare oscillations by analysing power maps generated using velocities obtained from the filtergram difference and bisector methods. Our analysis shows a consistent increase in power with height in the solar chromosphere for both methods. In addition to this, our results show that AGWs are detected within or near-magnetic flux concentration regions, where spicules are also predominant, exhibiting significant power in the chromosphere. These regions also feature inclined magnetic fields, which might be contributing to the propagation of these low-frequency AGWs in the chromosphere. Examining average power maps at spicule locations reveals significant power at AGWs frequency across different chromospheric heights. We speculate that these AGWs propagate upward along spicular structures and were not previously detected in the studies employing space–time map due to their limited lifetime. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of solar chromospheric waves influenced by magnetic field, contributing to our understanding of AGWs and acoustic waves propagation across different layers of the solar atmosphere.
Impact of photoevaporative winds in chemical models of externally irradiated protoplanetary discs
Authors: Keyte Luke , Haworth Thomas J
Published: January 2025

Most stars form in dense clusters within high-mass star-forming regions, where protoplanetary discs may be exposed to intense UV radiation from nearby massive stars. While previous studies have typically focussed on isolated sources in low-mass regions, recent observational campaigns have started to probe the chemistry of irradiated discs in unprecedented detail. Interpreting this data requires complex chemical models, yet few studies have examined these discs’ chemistry, and none have incorporated the photoevaporative wind launched by external UV fields into their physical structure. In this study, we post-process radiation hydrodynamics simulations of externally irradiated protoplanetary discs using the thermochemical code dali, comparing models with and without the wind to assess its impact on disc chemistry. Results show that UV radiation is rapidly attenuated by the disc in both cases. However, thermal re-emission from the wind at longer wavelengths enhances disc heating, increasing the gas-phase abundances of some key volatiles. Synthetic line fluxes vary by orders of magnitude between wind and windless models, primarily due to emission from the wind itself rather than abundance variations within the disc. Our findings demonstrate that the photoevaporative wind significantly influences the physical and chemical structure, and observational characteristics, of externally irradiated discs. We conclude that incorporating the wind into chemical models is essential for accurately predicting chemical abundances, interpreting observations, and ultimately understanding planet formation in these common yet complex environments.
What is the nature of GW230529? An exploration of the gravitational lensing hypothesis
Authors: Janquart Justin , Keitel David , Lo Rico K L , Chan Juno C L , Ezquiaga Jose María , Hannuksela Otto A , Li Alvin K Y , More Anupreeta , Phurailatpam Hemantakumar , Singh Neha , Uronen Laura E , Wright Mick , Adhikari Naresh , Biscoveanu Sylvia , Bulik Tomasz , Farah Amanda M , Heffernan Anna , Joshi Prathamesh , Juste Vincent , Kedia Atul , Nichols Shania A , Pratten Geraint , Rawcliffe C , Roy Soumen , Sänger Elise M , Tong Hui , Trevor M , Vujeva Luka , Zevin Michael
Published: January 2025

On the 29th of May 2023, the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA Collaboration observed a compact binary coalescence event consistent with a neutron star – black hole merger, though the heavier object of mass 2.5 − 4.5 M⊙ would fall into the purported lower mass gap. An alternative explanation for apparent observations of events in this mass range has been suggested as strongly gravitationally lensed binary neutron stars. In this scenario, magnification would lead to the source appearing closer and heavier than it really is. Here, we investigate the chances and possible consequences for the GW230529 event to be gravitationally lensed. We find this would require high magnifications and we obtain low rates for observing such an event, with a relative fraction of lensed versus unlensed observed events of 2 × 10−3 at most. When comparing the lensed and unlensed hypotheses accounting for the latest rates and population model, we find a 1/58 chance of lensing, disfavoring this option. Moreover, when the magnification is assumed to be strong enough to bring the mass of the heavier binary component below the standard upper limits on neutron star masses, we find high probability for the lighter object to have a sub-solar mass, making the binary even more exotic than a mass-gap neutron star–black hole system. Even when the secondary is not sub-solar, its tidal deformability would likely be measurable, which is not the case for GW230529. Finally, we do not find evidence for extra lensing signatures such as the arrival of additional lensed images, type-II image dephasing, or microlensing. Therefore, we conclude it is unlikely for GW230529 to be a strongly gravitationally lensed binary neutron star signal.
Variation of the low-mass end of the stellar initial mass function with redshift and metallicity
Authors: Bate Matthew R
Published: January 2025

We report the stellar mass functions obtained from 20 radiation hydrodynamical simulations of star cluster formation in 500 M$_\odot$ molecular clouds with metallicities of 3, 1, 1/10, and 1/100 of the solar value, with the clouds subjected to levels of the cosmic microwave background radiation that are appropriate for star formation at redshifts $z=0, 3, 5, 7,$ and 10. The calculations include a thermochemical model of the diffuse interstellar medium and treat dust and gas temperatures separately. We find that the stellar mass distributions obtained become increasingly bottom light as the redshift and/or metallicity are increased. Mass functions that are similar to a typical Galactic initial mass function are obtained for present-day star formation ($z=0$) independent of metallicity, and also for the lowest-metallicity (1/100 solar) at all redshifts up to $z=10$, but for higher metallicities, there is a larger deficit of brown dwarfs and low-mass stars as the metallicity and redshift are increased. These effects are a result of metal-rich gas being unable to cool to as lower temperatures at higher redshift due to the warmer cosmic microwave background radiation. Based on the numerical results, we provide a parametrization that may be used to vary the stellar initial mass function with redshift and metallicity; this could be used in simulations of galaxy formation. For example, a bottom-light mass function reduces the mass-to-light ratio compared to a typical Galactic stellar initial mass function, which may reduce the estimated masses of high-redshift galaxies.
inDrops-2: a flexible, versatile and cost-efficient droplet microfluidic approach for high-throughput scRNA-seq of fresh and preserved clinical samples
Authors: Juzenas Simonas , Goda Karolis , Kiseliovas Vaidotas , Zvirblyte Justina , Quintinal-Villalonga Alvaro , Siurkus Juozas , Nainys Juozas , Mazutis Linas
Published: January 2025

The expansion of single-cell analytical techniques has empowered the exploration of diverse biological questions at the individual cells. Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) methods have been particularly widely used due to their high-throughput capabilities and small reaction volumes. While commercial systems have contributed to the widespread adoption of droplet-based scRNA-seq, their relatively high cost limits the ability to profile large numbers of cells and samples. Moreover, as the scale of single-cell sequencing continues to expand, accommodating diverse workflows and cost-effective multi-biospecimen profiling becomes more critical. Herein, we present inDrops-2, an open-source scRNA-seq technology designed to profile live or preserved cells with a sensitivity matching that of state-of-the-art commercial systems but at a 6-fold lower cost. We demonstrate the flexibility of inDrops-2, by implementing two prominent scRNA-seq protocols, based on exponential and linear amplification of barcoded-complementary DNA, and provide useful insights into the advantages and disadvantages inherent to each approach. We applied inDrops-2 to simultaneously profile multiple human lung carcinoma samples that had been subjected to cell preservation, long-term storage and multiplexing to obtain a multiregional cellular profile of the tumor microenvironment. The scalability, sensitivity and cost efficiency make inDrops-2 stand out among other droplet-based scRNA-seq methods, ideal for large-scale studies on rare cell molecular signatures.
Novel archaeal ribosome dimerization factor facilitating unique 30S–30S dimerization
Authors: Hassan Ahmed H , Pinkas Matyas , Yaeshima Chiaki , Ishino Sonoko , Uchiumi Toshio , Ito Kosuke , Demo Gabriel
Published: January 2025

Protein synthesis (translation) consumes a substantial proportion of cellular resources, prompting specialized mechanisms to reduce translation under adverse conditions. Ribosome inactivation often involves ribosome-interacting proteins. In both bacteria and eukaryotes, various ribosome-interacting proteins facilitate ribosome dimerization or hibernation, and/or prevent ribosomal subunits from associating, enabling the organisms to adapt to stress. Despite extensive studies on bacteria and eukaryotes, understanding factor-mediated ribosome dimerization or anti-association in archaea remains elusive. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of an archaeal 30S dimer complexed with an archaeal ribosome dimerization factor (designated aRDF), from Pyrococcus furiosus, resolved at a resolution of 3.2 Å. The complex features two 30S subunits stabilized by aRDF homodimers in a unique head-to-body architecture, which differs from the disome architecture observed during hibernation in bacteria and eukaryotes. aRDF interacts directly with eS32 ribosomal protein, which is essential for subunit association. The binding mode of aRDF elucidates its anti-association properties, which prevent the assembly of archaeal 70S ribosomes.
Realization of a cold atom gyroscope in space
Authors: Li Jinting , Chen Xi , Zhang Danfang , Wang Wenzhang , Zhou Yang , He Meng , Fang Jie , Zhou Lin , He Chuan , Jiang Junjie , Sun Huanyao , Chen Qunfeng , Qin Lei , Li Xiao , Wang Yibo , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhong Jiaqi , Li Runbing , An Meizhen , Zhang Long , Wang Shuquan , Li Zongfeng , Wang Jin , Zhan Mingsheng
Published: January 2025

High-precision gyroscopes in space are essential for fundamental physics research and navigation. Due to its potential high precision, the cold atom gyroscope is expected to be the next generation of gyroscopes in space. Here, we report the first realization of a cold atom gyroscope, which was demonstrated by the atom interferometer installed in the China Space Station (CSS) as a payload. By compensating for CSS's high dynamic rotation rate using a built-in piezoelectric mirror, spatial interference fringes in the interferometer are successfully obtained. Then, the optimized ratio of the Raman laser's angles is derived, the coefficients of the piezoelectric mirror are self-calibrated in orbit, and various systemic effects are corrected. We achieve a rotation measurement resolution of 50 μrad/s for a single shot and 17 μrad/s for an average number of 32. The measured rotation is -1142±29 μrad/s and is compatible with that recorded by the classical gyroscope of the CSS. This study paves the way for developing high-precision cold atom gyroscopes in space.
Meta-Analysis of Palmitoylethanolamide in Pain Management: Addressing Literature Gaps and Enhancing Understanding
Authors: Viña Isabel , López-Moreno Miguel
Published: January 2025

Context

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects a significant proportion of the population. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring fatty acid amide derived from omega-7 fatty acids, has emerged as a safe and effective alternative for pain management and exerts its effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, modulating inflammation, and regulating immune responses.

Objective

A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PEA in alleviating pain across various pathologies, considering the nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic nature of pain.

Data Sources

A systematic search was conducted of 4 databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library.

Data Extraction

Randomized clinical trials were selected for analysis. This meta-analysis included 18 studies involving 1196 patients.

Data Analysis

Continuous variables were assessed using a standard mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the χ2 test and I2 statistics. Pain was significantly reduced in the PEA group at 6 weeks (SMD, –0.9; 95% CI, –1.60 to –0.31), 8 weeks (SMD, –0.98; 95% CI, –1.61 to –0.36), and 24-26 weeks (SMD, –1.16; 95% CI, –2.15 to –0.17). Quality of life, including pain-related items, was significantly higher in the PEA group (SMD, –0.61; 95% CI, –0.93 to –0.30). Significant differences in favor of PEA were observed at 4 (SMD, –0.36; 95% CI, –0.65 to –0.07) and 8 weeks (SMD, –0.66; 95% CI, –1.15 to –0.17). Palmitoylethanolamide was effective for all pain types: nociceptive (SMD, –0.74; 95% CI, –1.42 to –0.06), neuropathic (SMD, –0.97; 95% CI, –1.54 to –0.39), and nociplastic (SMD, –0.59; 95% CI, –1.15 to –0.03).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis confirmed that PEA effectively reduces pain and enhances quality of life, with significant benefits observed within 4-6 weeks of treatment. Palmitoylethanolamide is a promising alternative to chronic opioid analgesics, potentially reducing the risk of opioid abuse and dependency.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024550546.
The MADS-RIPENING INHIBITOR–DIVARICATA1 module regulates carotenoid biosynthesis in nonclimacteric Capsicum fruits
Authors: Wang Yinggang , Li Xinhui , Qiu Huixia , Chen Ruting , Xiong Aisheng , Xu Zhisheng , Miao Wu , Chen Rugang , Wang Peizhi , Hou Xilin , Yu Huiyang , Yang Bozhi , Yang Sha , Suo Huan , Zou Xuexiao , Liu Zhoubin , Ou Lijun
Published: January 2025

Carotenoids play indispensable roles in the ripening process of fleshy fruits. Capsanthin is a widely distributed and utilized natural red carotenoid. However, the regulatory genes involved in capsanthin biosynthesis remain insufficient. Here, we identified the MADS-box transcription factor RIPENING INHIBITOR (MADS-RIN) in pepper (Capsicum annuum), which regulates ripening in climacteric tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits, using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. We found MADS-RIN can directly bind to the promoters of carotenoid biosynthetic genes phytoene synthase 1 (PSY1) and capsanthin/capsorubin synthase (CCS) and the promoter of DIVARICATA1 to activate their expression, thereby regulating carotenoid biosynthesis directly or indirectly. The physical interaction between MADS-RIN and DIVARICATA1 enhances the transactivation effect on PSY1 and CCS. The self-transactivation of MADS-RIN demonstrates its capability to expedite the above process under specific conditions. Interestingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing assays revealed consistency and divergence of potential targets of MADS-RIN in climacteric tomato and nonclimacteric pepper fruits, suggesting potential conservation and variation of MADS-RIN in regulating ripening and carotenoid metabolism. The present study illustrates the regulatory mechanism of the MADS-RIN–DIVARICATA1 module in capsanthin biosynthesis in pepper, providing targets for breeding high-quality peppers. These findings enrich our understanding of the regulatory network of carotenoid biosynthesis and offer insights into the complex mechanisms of MADS-RIN in climacteric/nonclimacteric fruit ripening and carotenoid biosynthesis.