bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental fatigue causes significant activation of the prefrontal cortex: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of fNIRS studies
Authors: Yan Yunyun , Guo Yi , Zhou Dan
Published: December 2024

Mental fatigue, a psychobiological prevalent and underestimated condition, is defined by increased lethargy and impaired concentration. This condition is not restricted by age and is exacerbated by various predisposing factors. Prolonged mental fatigue in occupational environments raises the probability of accidents or fatalities. Its fundamental mechanism is largely obscure and inherently subjective, thus there is no universally accepted parameter for its detection. Recently, there has been an increase in research that focuses on the use of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to observe changes in brain hemoglobin during mental fatigue. Thus, this study assessed the reliability of oxygenhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin as fatigue biomarkers and conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies which used fNIRS to monitor mental fatigue. The findings revealed significant activation of the prefrontal lobe under mental fatigue, and its activation level is intricately associated with the monitoring of diverse states during mental fatigue. Importantly, the type of induced mental fatigue and whether pre‐trial training was provided to subjects were independent of the prefrontal lobe activation level. Overall, fNIRS proves to be an effective tool in tracking brain activity during mental fatigue, with a highly active prefrontal cortex acting as a dependable indicator for early identification of mental fatigue.
Two‐Dimensional Fractional Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations: Dispersion Relations, Rogue Waves, Fundamental, and Vortex Solitons
Authors: Zhong Ming , Malomed Boris A. , Song Jin , Yan Zhenya
Published: December 2024

We introduce physically relevant new models of two‐dimensional (2D) fractional lattice media accounting for the interplay of fractional intersite coupling and onsite self‐focusing. Our approach features novel discrete fractional operators based on an appropriately modified definition of the continuous Riesz fractional derivative. The model of the 2D isotropic lattice employs the discrete fractional Laplacian, whereas the 2D anisotropic system incorporates discrete fractional derivatives acting independently along orthogonal directions with different Lévy indices (LIs). We derive exact linear dispersion relations (DRs), and identify spectral bands that permit linear modes to exist, finding them to be similar to their continuous counterparts, apart from differences in the wavenumber range. Additionally, the modulational instability in the discrete models is studied in detail, and, akin to the linear DRs, it is found to align with the situation in continuous models. This consistency highlights the nature of our newly defined discrete fractional derivatives. Furthermore, using Gaussian inputs, we produce a variety of rogue‐wave structures. By means of numerical methods, we systematically construct families of 2D fundamental and vortex solitons, and examine their stability. Fundamental solitons maintain the stability due to the discrete nature of the interactions, preventing the onset of the critical and supercritical collapse. On the other hand, vortex solitons are unstable in the isotropic lattice model. However, the anisotropic one—in particular, its symmetric version with equal LIs acting in both directions—maintains stable vortex solitons with winding numbers and . The detailed results stress the robustness of the newly defined discrete fractional Laplacian in supporting well‐defined soliton modes in the 2D lattice media.
Comparison of end‐to‐side versus side‐to‐side jejunocecostomy in horses
Authors: Moyer Elizabeth K. , Bauck Anje G. , Denagamage Thomas , Freeman David E.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To compare end‐to‐side (ES) and side‐to‐side (SS) jejunocecostomy (JC) in healthy horses.

Study design

Experimental study in vivo.

Animals

A total of 14 healthy adult horses underwent ventral midline celiotomy, a resection, and either an ES (n = 7) or stapled SS (n = 7) JC.

Methods

Surgical times and the external lengths of completed anastomoses were measured. Physical examinations and pain scoring were performed every 6 h for 5 days, then once daily until euthanasia and necropsy 28 days postoperatively.

Results

The anastomosis was completed more rapidly (p < .002) with the SS JC (mean 44.21 ± 4.91 min) than the ES JC (mean 54.24 ± 4.59 min). One horse in the ES group developed colic from an ischemic anastomosis and was euthanized. Three horses (1 ES JC and 2 SS JC) exhibited mild colic postoperatively, and the remaining horses had no complications. Postoperative heart rates and pain scores were similar between groups (p < .16 and p < .67, respectively). The internal length of the anastomosis was significantly larger (p < .001) in the SS JC (mean 9.27 ± 1.05 cm) than the ES JC (mean 6.31 ± 1.4 cm) at necropsy.

Conclusion

Both methods for JC were well tolerated and functional in both groups using the selected protocols for anesthesia, surgery and aftercare.

Clinical significance

This study provides evidence that both stapled SS JC and handsewn ES JC are acceptable for use in clinical cases, although additional procedures are required to maximize lumen size with the ES JC.
Effect of vermicompost, intercropping, and seedbed types on Striga hermonthica infestation and sorghum production in East Hararghe, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebbisa Addisu F. , Dechassa Nigussie , Bekeko Zelalem , Liben Feyera
Published: December 2024

Striga hermonthica is the most devastating parasitic weed affecting the productivity of cereal crops in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The key challenge for controlling this weed is identifying the optimal management strategies that simultaneously reduce Striga infection while boosting crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of intercropping, vermicompost, and seedbed types on the level of S. hermonthica infestation and sorghum productivity in 2021 and 2022 years. The treatments consisted of three factors: (i) three sowing methods (sole‐cropped sorghum (SS), intercropped sorghum with Babile‐1 (SB1), and Babile‐2 (SB2) groundnut varieties); (ii) four levels of vermicompost (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 t/ha); and (iii) two seedbed types (open‐furrow and tied‐ridge). The results indicated that pure‐stand sorghum in open‐furrow planting without fertilizer had the tallest height (60 cm), the heaviest dry weight (39 g) as well as the highest Area under Striga Number Progress Curve (ASNPC) (>1200) in the first year with substantial reduction in successive year. The combination of 4.5 t/ha vermicompost, tied‐ridge, and groundnut intercropping gave the maximum sorghum panicle weight (151 g/plant), stover yield (14.21 t/ha), and grain yield (6.01 t/ha) in the year 2022. The greatest grain yield observed at 4.5 t/ha vermicompost under tied‐ridge with SB2 was nearly three times higher than the plot without vermicompost application. This treatment combination significantly suppresses S. hermonthica infestation while improving sorghum yield attributes. Thus, it could reduce food insecurity in the lowlands of Ethiopia via improving sorghum productivity, resources use efficiency, and soil health.
Exposure to West Nile Virus in Wild Lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean Ecosystems
Authors: Castro‐Scholten Sabrina , Caballero‐Gómez Javier , Bravo‐Barriga Daniel , Llorente Francisco , Cano‐Terriza David , Jiménez‐Clavero Miguel Ángel , Jiménez‐Martín Débora , Camacho‐Sillero Leonor , García‐Bocanegra Ignacio
Published: December 2024

Background

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely distributed mosquito‐borne flavivirus. Over the past decade, its spread across Europe has raised significant concerns for both public and animal health. Although WNV exposure has been evidenced in various wild mammal species in Spain, no seroepidemiological studies have been conducted on this flavivirus in wild lagomorphs so far.

Aim

This study aimed to assess WNV exposure in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations inhabiting Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.

Methods

Sera from 540 wild lagomorphs (399 European wild rabbit and 141 Iberian hares), from 106 hunting grounds distributed throughout Andalusia (southern Spain), were collected between the 2018/2019 and 2022/2023 hunting seasons.

Results

Antibodies against flavivirus were detected by blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) in 5.0% (27/540; 95% CI: 3.2–6.8) of the wild lagomorphs. Exposure to WNV was confirmed in 4.8% (19/394; 95% CI: 2.7–6.9) of wild rabbits and 0.7% (1/141; 95% CI: 0.0–2.1) of Iberian hares by virus microneutralisation test. Anti‐WNV antibodies were found in wild lagomorphs sampled from three (2.8%) hunting grounds located in western Andalusia during the seasons 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Remarkably, this spatiotemporal distribution overlaps with the largest outbreak of WNV in Spain. Antibodies against Usutu virus and Bagaza virus were not detected in the wild lagomorph populations analysed.

Conclusions

This study constitutes the first report of WNV exposure in wild rabbit in Spain and in Iberian hare worldwide. While these species seem not play a primary role in the epidemiology of the virus, they could serve as sentinel for monitoring WNV in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems.
Transformer-Based Offline Printing Strategy Design for Large Format Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Xie Haoyang , Hoskins Dylan , Rowe Kyle , Ju Feng
Published: December 2024

In the realm of large format additive manufacturing (LFAM), determining an effective printing strategy before actual printing involves predicting temperature behaviors and controlling layer time, which has consistently been challenging. Currently, temperature prediction for controlling layer time in LFAM is primarily conducted through offline simulations or online monitoring. However, these approaches are typically tailored to specific cases and lack generalizability. Consequently, there exists a significant gap in the development of a universal model that can leverage historical data to predict temperature across various new geometries and positions. In this article, a novel approach to optimize printing strategies for LFAM is proposed through the development and application of a transformer-based model focused on the dynamic prediction and management of temperature profiles across the print surface. Subsequently, the authors input the predicted temperature into an optimization model to determine the optimal layer time. A series of experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Using historical temperature data collected from the real printing processes, the model demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting temperature profiles for new design, enabling the optimization of layer time settings far beyond the capabilities of traditional fixed-time methods. This process significantly enhances the printing strategy, thereby increasing both the efficiency of the printing process and the quality of the printed objects.
A Method for Synthesizing Ontology-Based Textual Design Datasets: Evaluating the Potential of Large Language Model in Domain-Specific Dataset Generation
Authors: Qiu Yunjian , Jin Yan
Published: December 2024

In engineering disciplines, leveraging generative language models requires using specialized datasets for training or fine-tuning the preexisting models. Compiling these domain-specific datasets is a complex endeavor, demanding significant human effort and resources. To address the problem of domain-specific dataset scarcity, this study investigates the potential of generative large language models (LLMs) in creating synthetic domain-specific textual datasets for engineering design domains. By harnessing the advanced capabilities of LLMs, such as GPT-4, a systematic methodology was developed to create high-fidelity datasets using designed prompts, evaluated against a manually labeled benchmark dataset through various computational measurements without human intervention. Findings suggest that well-designed prompts can significantly enhance the quality of domain-specific synthetic datasets with reduced manual effort. The research highlights the importance of prompt design in eliciting precise, domain-relevant information and discusses the balance between dataset robustness and richness. It is demonstrated that a language model trained on synthetic datasets can achieve a level of performance comparable to that of human-labeled, domain-specific datasets in terms of quality, offering a strategic solution to the limitations imposed by dataset shortages in engineering domains. The implications for design thinking processes are particularly noteworthy, with the potential to assist designers through GPT-4's structured reasoning capabilities. This work presents a complete guide for domain-specific dataset generation, automated evaluation metrics, and insights into the interplay between data robustness and comprehensiveness.
Design and Analysis of a Mobile Robot With Transformable Wheel-Legged Mechanism
Authors: Li Haibo , Xie Zijian , Cao Yu , Zhang Rong , Qin Jianjun
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a mobile robot with transformable wheel-legged mechanism is proposed to effectively cope with unstructured terrain in the work environment, especially steps. By using the combination of ratchet-crank-pilot bar mechanism and elastic element, the reliability of the deformation process of the robot wheel is ensured, the number of actuators required is reduced, and the efficiency of the drive system is improved. The kinematic analysis of deformation mechanism of the robot is carried out, and the mechanical study of its deformation process is carried out. Based on the kinematic model of the robot, the important factors affecting the robot's success in climbing over the step are analyzed, and a method is proposed to evaluate the step-climbing performance of the robot's transformable wheel-legged mechanism. The structural dimensions of the transformable wheel-legged mechanism were optimized by using the multi-objective artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (MOAHA) to provide a better step-climbing performance. In addition, the key factors affecting the robot's step climbing performance were verified by a virtual prototype, and a physical prototype was also designed and tested in real environments, and the results verified the good performance of this robot in terms of terrain adaptability.
Perceptually enhanced spectral distance metric for head-related transfer function quality prediction
Authors: Yao Dingding , Zhao Jiale , Liang Yunpeng , Wang Yunan , Gu Jianjun , Jia Maoshen , Lee Hyunkook , Li Junfeng
Published: December 2024

Given the substantial time and complexity involved in the perceptual evaluation of head-related transfer function (HRTF) processing, there is considerable value in adopting numerical assessment. Although many numerical methods have been introduced in recent years, monaural spectral distance metrics such as log-spectral distortion (LSD) remain widely used despite their significant limitations. In this study, listening tests were conducted to investigate the correlation between LSD and the auditory perception of HRTFs. By distorting the magnitude spectra of HRTFs across 32 spatial directions at six levels of LSD, the perceived spatial and timbral attributes of these distorted HRTFs were measured. The results revealed the limitations of LSD in adequately assessing HRTFs' perception performance. Based on the experimental results, a perceptually enhanced spectral distance metric for predicting HRTF quality has been developed, which processes HRTF data through spectral analysis, threshold discrimination, feature combination, binaural weighting, and perceptual outcome estimation. Compared to the currently available methods for assessing spectral differences of HRTFs, the proposed method exhibited superior performance in prediction error and correlation with actual perceptual results. The method holds potential for assessing the effectiveness of HRTF-related research, such as modeling and individualization.
A general analogy mass-spring system analytical model for sound reduction of side-branch resonators
Authors: Li Jiaming , Huang Bowen , Gea Hae Chang
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a general analytical model designed to predict the sound reduction frequency of side-branch resonators, regardless of their geometric shapes. Grounded in a continuous analogy mass-spring system, we conceptualize the air within the branch cavity of the resonator as a series of infinitesimal continuous air layers. Each air layer is represented as a mass-spring unit, influenced by the pressure distribution inside the branch cavity. These mass-spring units, following mass conservation principles, are systematically transformed into planar configurations and stacked in a singular direction. These stacked mass-spring units are then converted into an effective one-dimensional mass-spring. Standing wave and the conservation of energy are employed to determine the natural frequency of the effective one-dimensional mass-spring, which corresponds to the sound reduction frequency of the side-branch resonator. This analytical model offers precise predictions for the sound reduction frequencies of side-branch resonators, regardless of their geometric variations. The analytical model can help designers design side-branch resonators in various shapes that accurately target specific sound reduction frequencies in real-world applications. Our analytical model's predictions for sound reduction frequencies were benchmarked against simulations from COMSOL 5.4. The comparative analysis demonstrates the adaptability of the proposed analogy mass-spring system model to side-branch resonators of varied geometric designs. Furthermore, the model exhibits both high predictive accuracy and robustness. Further details and examples will be elaborated upon subsequently.
Ethical Club Climate and Coaching Style: Unveiling Their Role in Coach-Perpetrated Psychological Abuse of Gymnasts
Authors: Schyvinck Cleo , Laureys Felien , Lefever Elisa , Constandt Bram , Vertommen Tine , Haerens Leen , Willem Annick
Published: December 2024

Athlete well-being and safety is of central importance to the field of sport management. Despite the growing attention of researchers, policy makers, and practitioners on interpersonal violence in sport, the issue remains prevalent. The most occurring form of interpersonal violence—coach-perpetrated psychological abuse of athletes—remains understudied. This gap was addressed in this study by exploring the dynamic interplay between individual coaching behaviors and organizational club characteristics in subelite-level gymnastics in Flanders (Belgium). The findings indicate a relationship between coaching style, club climate, and psychological abuse perpetrated by coaches. Gymnasts that perceived their coaches as more controlling, and/or the club climate as unethical also experienced more psychological abuse by their coaches. Furthermore, the club climate was found to moderate the relation between controlling coaching and psychological abuse, indicating the importance of taking an organizational and management lens to the issue of interpersonal violence in sport.
Rational design and characterization of enhanced alcohol-inducible synthetic promoters in
Pichia pastoris
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Yun-hao , Tao Liu-fei , Yang Jia-yi , Zhang Yi-lun , Cai Meng-hao
Published: December 2024

The C1 and C2 alcohols hold great promise as substrates for biomanufacturing due to their low cost and rich resources.
Pichia pastoris
is considered a preferred host for methanol and ethanol bioconversion due to its natural utilization of methanol and ethanol. However, the scarcity of strong and tightly regulated alcohol-inducible promoters limits its extended use. This study aimed to develop enhanced methanol- and ethanol-inducible promoters capable of improving gene expression in
P. pastoris
. Rational design strategies were employed to rewire the upstream regulatory sequence of the methanol-inducible P

AOX1

, generating several high-strength methanol-inducible promoters with a stringent regulatory pattern. Eleven strong promoters were identified from 36 endogenous ethanol-inducible candidates recognized from transcriptome analysis. Core promoter regions, the crucial element influencing transcriptional strength, were also characterized. Five high-activity core promoters were then combined with four upstream regulatory sequences of high-strength promoters, resulting in four groups of synthetic promoters. Ultimately, the highly active methanol-inducible P

A13

and ethanol-inducible P

0688

and P

synIV-5

were selected for the expression of an α-amylase and yielded enzyme activity 1.6, 2.6, and 4.5 times higher as compared to that of P

AOX1

. This work expands the genetic toolkit available for
P. pastoris
, providing more precise and efficient options for regulating gene expression. It benefits the use of
P. pastoris
as an efficient platform for the C1 and C2 alcohol-based biotransformation in industrial biotechnology.

IMPORTANCE

P. pastoris
represents a preferred microbial host for the bio-utilization of C1 and C2 alcohols that are regarded as renewable carbon sources based on clean energy. However, lack of efficient and regulated expression tools highly limits the C1 and C2 alcohols based bioproduction. By exploring high-strength and strictly regulated alcohol-inducible promoters, this study expands the expression toolkit for
P. pastoris
on C1 and C2 alcohols. The newly developed methanol-inducible P

A13

and ethanol-inducible P

synIV-5

demonstrate significantly higher expression levels than the commercial P

AOX1

system. The endogenous and synthetic promoter series established in this study provides new construction references and alternative tools for expression control in
P. pastoris
for C1 and C2 alcohols based biomanufacturing.
A relay race of ESCRT-III paralogs drives cell division in a hyperthermophilic archaeon
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Lelek Mickaël , Yang Yunfeng , Salles Audrey , Zimmer Christophe , Shen Yulong , Krupovic Mart
Published: December 2024

Cell division is a fundamental process ensuring the perpetuation of all cellular life forms. Archaea of the order Sulfolobales divide using a simpler version of the eukaryotic endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery, composed of three ESCRT-III homologs (ESCRT-III, -III-1, and -III-2), AAA+ ATPase Vps4 and an archaea-specific component CdvA. Here, we clarify how these components act sequentially to drive the division of the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Saccharolobus islandicus
. Our data suggest that ESCRT-III plays an active role during the early stage of membrane constriction during cytokinesis, whereas ESCRT-III-1 and ESCRT-III-2 are indispensable for the “pre-late” and “late” stages of cytokinesis, respectively. In the
escrt-III-1
deletion strain, the division is blocked when the mid-cell constriction reaches ~30% of the initial cell diameter (“pre-late” stage), yielding “chain-like” cellular aggregates. Depletion of ESCRT-III-2 leads to the accumulation of cells connected through narrow membrane bridges (“late” stage), consistent with the key role of this protein in the final membrane abscission. We used 3D-single molecule localization microscopy to image ESCRT-III rings of different diameters and show that the decrease in the ESCRT-III ring diameter and membrane constriction are inconsistent with a mechanism exclusively based on spiraling of the ESCRT-III filaments. By contrast, the cone-shaped assemblies of ESCRT-III-1 and ESCRT-III-2 are consistent with spiral formation, highlighting the distinct roles of the three ESCRT-III proteins during the cytokinesis. We propose the “relay race” model, whereby the cytokinesis is achieved through a sequential and concerted action of different ESCRT machinery components.

IMPORTANCE

Two major cytokinesis mechanisms, rooted in contractile FtsZ and endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) rings, respectively, have emerged in the course of evolution. Whereas bacteria rely on the FtsZ-based mechanism, different lineages of archaea use either of the two systems, and eukaryotes have inherited the ESCRT-based cell division machinery from their archaeal ancestors. The mechanism of ESCRT-based cell division in archaea remains poorly understood and mechanistic studies on different archaeal model systems are essential to unravel the natural history of the ESCRT machinery. Here we investigate the interplay between three major ESCRT-III homologs during the division of a hyperthermophilic archaeon
Saccharolobus islandicus
and propose the “relay race” model of cytokinesis.
The alphavirus determinants of intercellular long extension formation
Authors: Martin Caroline K. , Wan Judy J. , Yin Peiqi , Morrison Thomas E. , Messer William B. , Rivera-Amill Vanessa , Lai Jonathan R. , Grau Nina , Rey Félix A. , Couderc Thérèse , Lecuit Marc , Kielian Margaret
Published: December 2024

The alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a serious human pathogen that can cause large-scale epidemics characterized by fever and joint pain and often resulting in chronic arthritis. Infection by alphaviruses including CHIKV and the closely related Semliki Forest virus (SFV) can induce the formation of filopodia-like intercellular long extensions (ILEs). ILEs emanate from an infected cell, stably attach to a neighboring cell, and mediate cell-to-cell viral transmission that is resistant to neutralizing antibodies. However, our mechanistic understanding of ILE formation is limited, and the potential contribution of ILEs to CHIKV virulence or human CHIKV infection is unknown. Here, we used well-characterized virus mutants and monoclonal antibodies with known epitopes to dissect the virus requirements for ILE formation. Our results showed that both the viral E2 and E1 envelope proteins were required for ILE formation, while viral proteins 6K and transframe, and cytoplasmic nucleocapsid formation were dispensable. A subset of CHIKV monoclonal antibodies reduced ILE formation by masking specific regions particularly on the E2 A domain. Studies of the viral proteins from different CHIKV strains showed that ILE formation is conserved across the four major CHIKV lineages. Sera from convalescent human CHIKV patients inhibited ILE formation in cell culture, providing the first evidence for ILE inhibitory antibody production during human CHIKV infections.

IMPORTANCE

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections can cause severe fever and long-lasting joint pain in humans. CHIKV is disseminated by mosquitoes and is now found world-wide, including in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. In cultured cells, CHIKV can induce the formation of long intercellular extensions that can transmit virus to another cell. However, our understanding of the formation of extensions and their importance in human CHIKV infection is limited. We here identified viral protein requirements for extension formation. We demonstrated that specific monoclonal antibodies against the virus envelope proteins or sera from human CHIKV patients can inhibit extension formation. Our data highlight the importance of evaluation of extension formation in the context of human CHIKV infection.
African swine fever virus biotype identification tool
Authors: Dinhobl Mark , Spinard Edward , Birtlery Hillary , Tesler Nicolas , Masembe Charles , Ribeca Paolo , Borca Manuel V. , Gladue Douglas P.
Published: December 2024

African swine fever virus biotyping is a recently described classification technique that is based on an isolate’s encoded proteome. In short, proteomes are compared and grouped based on unsupervised machine learning. This tool analyzes African swine fever virus (ASFV) genomes and will report their closest matches along with their ASFV biotypes. Here, we describe a standalone implementation that can be freely downloaded and used.
Draft genome sequence of
Levilactobacillus brevis
CHEE98
Authors: Kim Ryeong-Hui , Lee DoKyung , Jung Da-Ryung , Sliti Amani , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: December 2024

The draft genome sequence of
Levilactobacillus brevis
CHEE98, isolated from cheese, is presented here. The whole-genome assembly is 2.7 Mbp in size, with a GC content of 45.67%, and includes 2,731 predicted protein-coding genes.
Discovery of reproductive tissue-associated bacteria and the modes of microbiota acquisition in male honey bees (drones)
Authors: Burks Alexis , Gallagher Patrick , Raymann Kasie
Published: December 2024

Honey bees are the third most economically important agricultural animal in the world due to their role as pollinators. Honey bee pollination services and all hive duties are performed by female workers, while the male drones have one job to mate and share their genetics with a virgin queen from another colony. Thus, drone fitness is directly tied to queen success and colony survival, yet they have been severely understudied compared to their female counterparts. In other insects, microbes discovered in the gut and reproductive organs have been shown to be important for reproductive success and/or overall host health. To our knowledge, the existence of microbes in drone reproductive tissues has never been investigated. Moreover, our understanding of the gut microbiota of drones is severely limited, especially when compared to honey bee workers. Here, we sampled conventional drones from healthy colonies and used 16S amplicon sequencing to identify and characterize bacteria in the reproductive organs of immature and mature drones. After identifying bacteria in drone reproductive tissues, we performed a controlled experiment in which newly emerged drones were exposed to different rearing conditions in order to determine when and how they acquire their reproductive and gut microbiota. Overall, we discovered a set of core bacteria in the reproductive and gut tissues of conventionally reared drones and revealed that social interactions are important for the proper development of the drone microbiota. Determining if these bacteria play a role in drone fecundity and health should be a goal of future research efforts.

IMPORTANCE

Over the last decade, annual honey bee colony loss has increased, resulting in a critical need to determine what factors contribute to honey bee and colony health. Gut microbes have been shown to play important roles in the health of the nonreproductive female honey bee workers, which make up 90% or more of a honey bee colony. However, we currently know very little about the impact of microbes on the health of male honey bees (drones), who only make up a small portion of the colony population but play a very key role in the success of future colonies by mating with virgin queens. Here, we discovered microbes within the reproductive organs of drones and illustrated that social interactions with worker bees are necessary for the proper development of the gut and reproductive tissue microbial communities in drones. Further studies are needed to determine if microbes play an important role in honey bee reproductive health and fitness.
Extracellular electron transfer genes expressed by candidate flocking bacteria in cable bacteria sediment
Authors: Lustermans Jamie J. M. , Sereika Mantas , Burdorf Laurine D. W. , Albertsen Mads , Schramm Andreas , Marshall Ian P. G.
Published: December 2024

Cable bacteria, filamentous sulfide oxidizers that live in sulfidic sediments, are at times associated with large flocks of swimming bacteria. It has been proposed that these flocks of bacteria transport electrons extracellularly to cable bacteria via an electron shuttle intermediate, but the identity and activity of these bacteria in freshwater sediment remain mostly uninvestigated. Here, we elucidate the electron exchange capabilities of the bacterial community by coupling metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to 16S rRNA amplicon-based correlations with cable bacteria over 155 days. We identified candidate flocking bacteria as bacteria containing genes for motility and extracellular electron transfer including synthesis genes for potential extracellular electron shuttles: phenazines and flavins. Based on these criteria, 22 MAGs were from candidate flockers, which constituted 21.4% of all 103 MAGs. Of the candidate flocking bacteria, 42.1% expressed extracellular electron transfer genes. The proposed flockers belonged to a large variety of metabolically versatile taxonomic groups: 18 genera spread across nine phyla. Our data suggest that cable bacteria in freshwater sediments engage in electric relationships with diverse exoelectrogenic microbes. This community, found in deeper anoxic sediment layers, is involved in sulfur, carbon, and metal (in particular Fe) cycling and indirectly utilizes oxygen here by extracellularly transferring electrons to cable bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Cable bacteria are ubiquitous, filamentous bacteria that couple sulfide oxidation to the reduction of oxygen at up to centimeter distances in sediment. Cable bacterial impact extends beyond sulfide oxidation via interactions with other bacteria that flock around cable bacteria and use them as electron acceptor “shortcut” to oxygen. The exact nature of this interspecies electric interaction remained unknown. With metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, we determined what extracellular electron transport processes co-occur with cable bacteria, demonstrating the identity and metabolic capabilities of these potential flockers. In sediments, microbial activities are sharply divided into anaerobic and aerobic processes, with oxygen reaching only millimeters deep. Cable bacteria extend the influence of oxygen to several centimeters, revealing a new class of anaerobic microbial metabolism with cable bacteria as electron acceptors. This fundamentally changes our understanding of sediment microbial ecology with wide-reaching consequences for sulfur, metal (in particular Fe), and carbon cycling in freshwater and marine sediments.
Detection of CRISPR‒Cas and type I R–M systems in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
of human and animal origins and their relationship to antibiotic resistance and virulence
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Ling , Lin Jinghuan , Gu Yingjuan , Liu Zhihua , Hu Jing
Published: December 2024

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‒CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) and restriction‒modiﬁcation (R–M) systems are important immune systems in bacteria. Information about the distributions of these two systems in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
from different hosts and their mutual effect on antibiotic resistance and virulence is still limited. In this study, the whole genomes of 520 strains of
K. pneumoniae
from GenBank, including 325 from humans and 195 from animals, were collected for CRISPR‒Cas systems and type I R-M systems, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and multilocus sequence typing detection. The results showed that host origin had no obvious influence on the distributions of the two systems (CRISPR‒Cas systems in 29.8% and 24.1%, type I R-M systems in 9.8% and 11.8% of human-origin and animal-origin strains, respectively) in
K. pneumoniae
. Identical spacer sequences from different hosts demonstrated there was a risk of human–animal transmission. All virulence genes (yersiniabactin, colibactin, aerobactin, salmochelin,
rmpADC
, and
rmpA2
) detection rates were higher when only the CRISPR‒Cas systems were present but were all reduced when coexisting with type I R-M systems. However, a lower prevalence of most antibiotic-resistance genes was found when the CRISPR‒Cas systems were alone, and when type I R-M systems were coexisting, some of the antibiotic resistance gene incidence rates were even lower (quinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines and carbapenems), and some of them were higher instead (aminoglycosides, clindamycins, rifampicin-associated, sulfonamides, methotrexates, beta-lactamases and ultrabroad-spectrum beta-lactamases). The synergistic and opposed effects of the two systems on virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes need further study.

IMPORTANCE

K. pneumoniae
is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for both human and animal infections, and the emergence of hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant
K. pneumoniae
has made it difficult to control this pathogen worldwide. Here, we find that CRISPR‒Cas and restriction–modification systems, which function as adaptive and innate immune systems in bacteria, have synergistic and opposed effects on virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in
K. pneumoniae
. Moreover, this study provides insights into the distributions of the two systems in
K. pneumoniae
from different hosts, and there is no significant difference in the prevalence of the two systems among
K. pneumoniae
spp. In addition, this study also characterizes the CRISPR arrays of
K. pneumoniae
from different hosts, suggesting that the strains sharing the same spacer sequences have the potential to spread between humans and animals.
Diagnosing gastrointestinal infections based on cycle threshold cut-offs of PCR
Authors: Karam Rania , Kechker Peter , Ken-Dror Shifra , Peretz Avi , Azrad Maya
Published: December 2024

This study compared the performance of molecular vs stool culture assays for gastrointestinal infection (GII) detection, with focus on defining cycle threshold (Ct) cut-off values for positive culture results. A total of 6,000 records of patients with suspected GII between October 2022 and February 2023 and registered at Clalit HealthCare Services in Haifa, Israel, were reviewed. Stool samples were collected from all patients with suspected GII. PCR was performed with the Seegene Allplex GI-Bacteria (I) assay kit. PCR-positive samples were cultured on bacteria-specific agar media. Out of 356 PCR-positive samples, 196 (55.1%) were culture-positive. Significant differences were noted between the mean Ct of culture-positive vs culture-negative samples for
Shigella
spp. (
P
< 0.0001),
E. coli
O157 (
P
= 0.0001), and
Campylobacter
spp. (
P
= 0.004).
Shigella
had the lowest Ct cutoff (27.14). Negative culture results for PCR-positive samples may result from low bacterial load. At the same time, false-positive PCR results may exist. Thus, PCR result should be considered along with clinical presentation and with Ct value consideration.

IMPORTANCE

GII diagnostic procedures have shifted from traditional- to molecular-based assays, which may increase missdiagnosis due to the high PCR sensitivity and false positives. This study suggests to consider a Ct threshold for each pathogen in order to reduce inaccurate diagnosis. Alternatively, culture should be performed for PCR-positive samples.
Emergence and clonal dissemination of KPC-2- and NDM-1-coharboring
Citrobacter freundii
in China with an IncR plasmid
Authors: Zhou Juanjuan , Zhen Minghui , Gao Kaijie , Xu Lu , Zhang Dongyu , Yang Junmei
Published: December 2024

The rise of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
coharboring KPC-2 and NDM-1 poses a significant public health threat. KPC-2-NDM-1-
Citrobacter freundii
is rarely reported in clinical settings. In this study, we report the largest cohort of eight KPC-2-NDM-1-
C. freundii
isolated from children with urinary tract infections. Comprehensive characterization, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, plasmid conjugation, whole-genome sequencing, and comparative genomics, was conducted for these clinical strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that all strains were resistant to meropenem [minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs) ≥ 8 µg/mL] and imipenem (MICs > 8 µg/mL). Genotyping and comparative genomics analyses identified the eight KPC-2-NDM-1-
C. freundii
belonging to ST523, exhibiting a close relationship characterized by 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Whole-genome sequencing and plasmid analysis confirmed the presence of
bla
KPC-2
and
bla
NDM-1
on an IncR plasmid named pC275-2 with 46,050 bp. The
bla
NDM-1
was integrated within the
bla
NDM-1
related region, which includes ΔIS
Aba125
,
bla
NDM-1
,
ble-MBL
,
trpF
,
dsbD
, and IS
CR1
, while the
bla
KPC-2
gene was located on a novel non-Tn
4401
genetic element. The
bla
KPC-2
genetic architectures containing
bla
KPC-2
differed from classical structures, underscoring the ongoing evolution of these genetic elements.

IMPORTANCE

Our study described the largest cohort to date of eight ST523 KPC-2-NDM-1-
C. freundii
isolated from children with urinary tract infections. The cooccurrence of KPC-2, a serine
β
-lactamases, and NDM-1, a metallo-β-lactamase on an IncR plasmid pC275-2 from a clinical carbapenem-resistant
C
.
freundii
. The conserved insertion structure mediated the
bla
NDM-1
, and the propagation of
bla
KPC-2
gene with a new genetic background using IncR plasmid in clinical settings promotes the emergence of superbugs necessitating vigilant monitoring. Our research detected that ST523 KPC-2- NDM-1-
C. freundii
were disseminated in a children’s hospital. The potential spread of an IncR plasmid within the hospital raises concerns about the pandemic potential of this clone that produces two carbapenemases: KPC-2 and NDM-1. Further investigations will be necessary to control and prevent the spread of KPC-2-NDM-1-
C. freundii
s.
Supplemental Material: A novel data-knowledge dual-driven model coupling artificial intelligence with a mineral systems approach for mineral prospectivity mapping
Authors: Zuo Renguang , al. et
Published: December 2024

Details on geological background, data and methods, and comparative experiments. 
Supplemental Material: A probabilistic model for coseismic vertical displacement hazard in coastal settings
Authors: Delano Jaime , al. et
Published: December 2024

The supplementary files include Figures S1–S7 and Table S1 that provide additional modeling data and results.
Tabata training in perspective
Authors: Tabata Izumi
Published: December 2024

Originally developed as a specific form of exhaustive intermittent training involving 6–8 × 20 s of supramaximal-intensity cycling exercises with 10 s of recovery for athletes, Tabata training has become universally recognized around the world. The purpose of this review article is to provide a perspective on Tabata training and discuss how this popular style of intermittent training has evolved and been applied over the last ∼30 years. The article will review the original motivation behind Tabata training with relevance to concepts such as maximal accumulated oxygen deficit and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and discuss how Tabata training has been adapted to involve sport-specific training and cross training. Studies of Tabata training on physiological responses and adaptations in muscle, blood vessels, bone, and brain across different populations will be reviewed. Finally, research on how Tabata-style training was applied to counteract inactivity during the COVID19 pandemic will be discussed. Evolving from the study of athletes, Tabata training represents an example of how high-intensity intermittent/interval training can be adapted and applied in various settings to enhance performance and health.
Noninvasive archaeological site characterization: case studies from Fort Ellice 1 and 2, Canada
Authors: Hamilton Scott , Kuncewicz Nick
Published: December 2024

With the growing availability of remotely sensed aerial data, noninvasive archaeological prospection and characterization have become increasingly viable. While such approaches are comparatively well-developed at sites with prominent remnant structures, their utility is less clear when surface and subsurface features are only subtly indicated. This case study addresses the utility of aerial remote sensing using two western Canadian fur trade posts with only modest surface evidence. We consider public domain imagery at diverse resolutions and compare it with output from unmanned aerial vehicles, and also the integration of such data with archival imagery to aid in interpretation of archaeological features.
Random files for fission fragment evaporation in TALYS: a total Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Karlsson P. , Al-Adili A. , Göök A. , Gao Z. , Pomp S. , Sjöstrand H. , Solders A. , Koning A.
Published: December 2024

In this study, we have applied the Total Monte Carlo (TMC) methodology in the simulation of the de-excitation process of primary fission fragments (FF) within the TALYS code. Our objective was to develop a method for assessing fission model deficiencies and parameter sensitivities. The input fission fragment data used by TALYS were systematically varied. This was done using the GEF code to generate 10,000 random files by randomizing the 94 model parameters of GEF that influence both fission yields and their energy distributions. The GEF parameters were varied randomly within 3% of the default value, assuming a normal probability distribution. As a result of this parameter variation, significant changes could be identified for several observables, including the multiplicities of

$$\gamma $$

γ

rays and prompt neutrons, as well as their spectra. Additionally, we investigate the impact of angular momentum distribution on the de-excitation data of both GEF and TALYS. Finally, we present an attempt to construct a best parameter file benchmarked against evaluated nuclear data files.
Thermalization and non-monotonic entanglement growth in an exactly solvable model
Authors: Paranjape Shruti , Sorokhaibam Nilakash
Published: December 2024

We study quantum quenches and subsequent non-equilibrium dynamics of free Dirac fermions in 1 + 1 spacetime dimensions using time dependent mass. The final state is a normalized boundary state which is called generalized Calabrese-Cardy (gCC) state and the system thermalizes to a generalized Gibb’s Ensemble(GGE). We can also tune the initial states so that the final states are exact Calabrese-Cardy (CC) state and special gCC states. The system in the CC state thermalizes to a Gibb’s ensemble. We derive closed-form analytic expressions for the growth of entanglement entropy of subsystems consisting of arbitrary number of disjoint intervals in CC state. We show that the entanglement entropy of a single interval grows monotonically before saturation. In case of certain gCC states, for particular charges, the entanglement entropy of a single interval grows non-monotonically when the effective chemical potential is increased beyond a critical value. We argue that the non-monotonic growth of entanglement entropy is a boundary effect which arises due to increase in long range correlation and decrease in short range correlation at early times.