bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapted Swin Transformer-based real-time plasma shape detection and control in HL-3
Authors: Dong Qianyun , Chen Zhengwei , Li Rongpeng , Yang Zongyu , Gao Feng , Chen Yihang , Xia Fan , Zhong Wulyu , Zhao Zhifeng
Published: December 2024

In the field of magnetic confinement plasma control, the accurate feedback of plasma position and shape primarily relies on calculations derived from magnetic measurements through equilibrium reconstruction or matrix mapping method. However, under harsh conditions like high-energy neutron radiation and elevated temperatures, the installation of magnetic probes within the device becomes challenging. Relying solely on external magnetic probes can compromise the precision of EFIT in determining the plasma shape. To tackle this issue, we introduce a real-time, non-magnetic measurement method on the HL-3 tokamak, which diagnoses the plasma position and shape via imaging. Particularly, we put forward an adapted Swin Transformer model, the Poolformer Swin Transformer (PST), to accurately and fastly interpret the plasma shape from the Charge-Coupled Device Camera images. By adopting multi-task learning and knowledge distillation techniques, the model is capable of robustly detecting six shape parameters under visual interference conditions such as bright light from the divertor and gas injection, thereby avoiding cumbersome manual labeling. Specifically, the well-trained PST model capably infers R and Z within the mean average error below 1.1 cm and 1.8 cm, respectively, while requiring less than 2 ms for end-to-end feedback, an 80% improvement over the smallest Swin Transformer model, laying the foundation for real-time control. Finally, we deploy the PST model in the Plasma Control System using TensorRT, and achieve 500 ms stable PID feedback control based on the PST-computed horizontal displacement information. In conclusion, this research opens up new avenues for the practical application of image-computing plasma shape diagnostic methods in the realm of real-time feedback control.
Towards nonlinear model predictive control of flexible structures using Gaussian Processes
Authors: AlQahtani Nasser A. , Rogers Timothy J. , Sims Neil D.
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there is a growing interest of using and implementing data driven control in structural dynamics. This study considers applying Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) to flexible structures by utilising recent developments in models which have been learnt from example data, i.e. machine learning approaches. The Gaussian process (GP) is a Bayesian machine learning algorithm identified for use as a black-box model in NMPC; it provides both the prediction of the system output and the associated confidence. In a control context, a GP can be utilised as a discrepancy model for linear or nonlinear flexible dynamic structures within MPC or even as the nonlinear model of the system itself. The Nonlinear Output Error model (GP-NOE) is a popular GP structure for dynamic systems that is utilised in predictive control strategies and requires predictions to be propagated to the control horizon. This novel framework is evaluated on a cantilever beam with light damping, and the results demonstrate robust control performance in both tracking and regulator tasks. The positive results inspire additional investigation into the proposed technique, particularly in the setting of a fully nonlinear system with unknown dynamics, such as an actuator within the flexible structure.
Analysis of RF terminator to the Butler Matrix performance at 28 GHz
Authors: Jizat Noorlindawaty Md , Afiqah Ayuni , Zainuddin Norsiha , Abdullah Norazah , Yamada Yoshihide
Published: December 2024

In the wireless network systems, where signal integrity is essential, Radio Frequency (RF) terminators act as an important element, assuring no disruption of communication, preventing reflection, and maximizing performance. In the industry and academia, most RF terminators use 50 Ω or 75 Ω impedance matching to prevent signal loss and to complete the signal flows in the RF circuit. When RF energy enters a port without terminator, the unused signal will reflect into the network and causing problems to the RF devices. Another issue that could arise from an unterminated port is the possibility of external interfering signals from a nearby devices with an undesirable RF signal will disrupting the real-time measurement. Beamforming system is one of the elements that is essential in the wireless network especially for millimeter wave application. However, when the frequency is higher, the losses will be the main challenges. The losses are contributed from the internal and external signals. The internal signal loss can be improved with the stringent requirement in the design. However, the external signal is inevitable, thus RF terminator is needed at the unused port. In this study, the Butler Matrix elements using terminator to the unused port and without the terminator is analyzed. According to the simulation, the structure with the terminator produces a more stable and uniform performances in terms of the S-Parameter and the output phase, while the maximum signal is observed to the output port in the power flow analysis. The results can serve as the basis for the future research in the other RF devices used for wireless communication.
Assessment of water quality in the Poso Watershed based on the pollution index and carlson trophic status index
Authors: Sulawesty F , Triyanto  , Haryani G S , Samir O , Hidayat  , Wibowo H , Lukman  , Ali F , Setiawan F A , Riyanto M , Dwinovantyo A , Triwisesa E , Nafisyah E
Published: December 2024

Poso watershed was located in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Lake Poso is included in the national priority lakes because it is a habitat for eel fish with high economic value, so its sustainability needs to be maintained. Changes in the environment in the water catchment area will affect the condition of the waters, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the waters in the Poso watershed, as an eel migration area. The purpose of this study was to assess the water quality status of the Poso watershed using the Pollution Index and Carlson Trophic Status Index methods. The research was conducted in the Poso Watershed in June 2021 and January 2022. Pollution Index values in rivers in the Poso watershed range from 0.61 to 2.69 (good to slightly polluted), while Carlson Trophic Status Index values range from 14.37 to 33.00 (oligotrophic). The results of this research show that the water quality conditions in the Poso watershed are still good to support the life of the biota in it, such as eels, but water area conservation is needed to maintain its habitat.
Pollutant transport model and the carrying capacity of the Asahan River, North Sumatra
Authors: Riyadi A , Syaefudin  , Garno Y S , Prayogo T , Hidayat N , Kusumastuti E , Rosadi AHY , Tresnadi H , Zaidan M , Widodo L , Mujianto
Published: December 2024

The only estuary of Lake Toba is the Asahan River, which extends for a distance of 147 kilometers. The river has a depth ranging from 1.6 to 7.2 meters. Current conditions indicate a decrease in discharge and an increase in pollutants. Monthly discharge data for 9 years is the result of measurements from Perum Jasa Tirta I in 2009 - 2018 and measurements in 2022 show a minimum discharge of 62 m3 / second. The amount of discharge fluctuation is very Asahan depending on the season and the use of water by hydropower managed by PT INALUM. This study will look at the pattern of pollutant transport in the Asahan River originating from the Miils Outfall of PT Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk with a maximum discharge of 0.425 m3/sec and coordinate position 522680.79/272684.34. The model employed is DHI Mike 21 Flow FM, which was operational for a period of one year, during which time it was subjected to a series of alterations in discharge. Model input parameters are TSS, BOD and COD. Furthermore, these parameters are employed in order to ascertain the Asahan River’s carrying capacity. The water quality hue for BOD, COD, and TSS in the Asahan River was 0.4 mg/L, 1.6 mg/L, and 5 mg/L, respectively. In contrast, the BOD, COD, and TSS in the outlet mills were 14.8 mg/L, 155 mg/L, and 35.3 mg/L, respectively (PT Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk, July 2022). The model results show that the maximum concentration of BOD at the mill outfall is 0.84 mg/L with a Zone of Initial of Dillution (ZID) of 0.683841 Ha, the maximum concentration of COD at the mill outfall is 6.23 mg/L with a ZID of 4.195784 Ha and TSS at the mill outfall is 4 mg/L with a ZID of 0.220491 Ha. which occurred in May, November and December. In accordance with the quality rules for river water and similar bodies of water set forth in Appendix VI of Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021, the concentration of BOD, COD, and TSS discharged into the Asahan River through the mill outfall does not exceed the Class 1 quality standard of 2 mg/L. The Maximum Pollutant Load Allocation for the 3 parameters TSS, BOD and COD (kg/day) are 268,286; 16,097 and 134,143 respectively, while the Actual Pollutant Load for the 3 parameters are (kg/day) 16,097; 2,146; and 8,585. The Asahan River has a carrying capacity of 252,189, 13,950, and 125,557 kg/day for total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) parameters, respectively. The Asahan River continues to demonstrate excellent capacity and carrying capacity.
Wavelength-selective nonvolatile optical switch based on periodic Ge2Sb2Se4Te1-assisted racetrack micro-ring
Authors: Chen Xuanyi , Miao Yinping , Zhang Yangyuan , Bai Yangbo , Yao Jianquan
Published: December 2024

Integrated silicon photonics based on phase-change materials have the advantages of energy efficiency, ultra-compactness, and nonvolatility, with a promising prospect in reconfigurable photonic systems. A wavelength-selective 1 × 2 nonvolatile optical switch based on a periodic Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST)-assisted racetrack silicon micro-ring is proposed, where the GSST is embedded in the micro-ring as a one-dimensional photonic crystal. The switch state changes from ‘OFF’ to ‘ON’ by changing the GSST state from amorphous to crystal. The results show that the extinction ratio of the device is 27.99 dB and 19.57 dB at the drop and through ports, respectively. The insertion loss is as low as 1.21 dB at the through port in the crystal state and 0.61 dB at the drop port in the amorphous state. The proposed on-chip optical switch significantly enhances device integration, offers a potential path toward the development of nonvolatile Si-GSST hybrid optical switches, and is crucial to realizing reconfigurable photonic systems. Furthermore, the resonant wavelength of the switch changes very little, by only 0.66 nm between the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ states, which is suitable for multichannel wavelength-division-multiplexing systems.
Intraoperative Predictors of Salvage in Infected Breast Implants: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ash Makenna , Brown Owen , Wang Jennifer , Jean-Baptiste Omar , Cheng Angela , Carlson Grant , Losken Albert , Thompson Peter
Published: December 2024

Background

Infectious complications associated with implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) can be devastating and may lead to reconstructive failure. Although there are known demographic risk factors for reconstructive failure, few studies have identified intraoperative findings that predict failure after attempted salvage.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify intraoperative findings in infected breasts that might be predictive of implant failure.

Methods

In total, 837 patients undergoing IBBR between January 2017 and July 2023 were included. Intraoperative records of patients who developed a major infection were reviewed. Reconstructive salvage denoted any intervention not resulting in explantation. Failure denoted explantation.

Results

Of 837 patients, 8% developed a major infection (n = 71). Within this group, 8% had successful treatment with intravenous antibiotics alone, 38% were salvaged after operative intervention, 28.2% failed without salvage attempt, and 25.4% underwent salvage attempt but ultimately failed. Overall, the rate of reconstructive failure was 53.5% and the rate of implant salvage was 46.5%. A total of 51% of patients returning to operating room were found to have unincorporated acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Seventy-eight percent of patients undergoing intervention had a positive culture, most commonly methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas or Proteus. Unincorporated ADM was significantly associated with reconstructive failure (odds ratio 5.4, P = .003). Serratia infection, hematoma, and gram-negative infection were associated with implant failure, but these findings did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

Presence of unincorporated ADM was associated with eventual implant failure. Surgeons should be aware that this finding may portend poor outcomes for patients. These results may be helpful to intraoperative decision-making.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Celebrating a golden age
Authors: Watson Fred
Published: December 2024

On its 50th anniversary, we revisit the Anglo-Australian Telescope
Prokaryotic ATP-binding cassette type F proteins in overcoming ribosomal stalling: mechanisms, evolution, and perspective for applications in bio-manufacturing
Authors: Takada Hiraku , Sugimoto Ryota , Oshima Taku
Published: December 2024

ATP-binding cassette type F (ABCF) proteins are key components of prokaryotic translation systems, resolving ribosomal stalling. These adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) contain 2 ATPase domains and an interdomain linker, the length and composition of which are key determinants of their function. Antibiotic resistance ABCF proteins counteract ribosome-targeting antibiotics by binding to the E site of the 70S ribosome, promoting drug dissociation. In contrast, housekeeping ABCF proteins, such as YfmR and YkpA in Bacillus subtilis, resolve intrinsic translation challenges without conferring antibiotic resistance. YfmR addresses stalling at proline-rich motifs, while YkpA resolves stalling caused by charged motifs. This review draws on the work of Chadani, Boël, Fega, and our own studies to compare the structural and functional diversity of ABCF proteins across bacterial species. It highlights the key roles of antibiotic resistance/P site tRNA interaction motif domains in defining their specific functions and explores future research directions to further our understanding of ABCF proteins in translation control.
CPARI: a novel approach combining cell partitioning with absolute and relative imputation to address dropout in single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yin , Liu Xinyuan , Feng Xi
Published: December 2024

A key challenge in analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data is the large number of false zeros, known as “dropout zeros”, which are caused by technical limitations such as shallow sequencing depth or inefficient mRNA capture. To address this challenge, we propose a novel imputation model called CPARI, which combines cell partitioning with our designed absolute and relative imputation methods. Initially, CPARI employs a new approach to select highly variable genes and constructs an average consensus matrix using C-mean fuzzy clustering-based blockchain technology to obtain results at different resolutions. Hierarchical clustering is then applied to further refine these blocks, resulting in well-defined cellular partitions. Subsequently, CPARI identifies dropout events and determines the imputation positions of these identified zeros. An autoencoder is trained within each cellular block to learn gene features and reconstruct data. Our uniquely defined absolute imputation technique is first applied to the identified positions, followed by our relative imputation technique to address remaining dropout zeros, ensuring that both global consistency and local variation are maintained. Through comprehensive analyses conducted on simulated and real scRNA-seq datasets, including quantitative assessment, differential expression analysis, cell clustering, cell trajectory inference, robustness evaluation, and large-scale data imputation, CPARI demonstrates superior performance compared to 12 other art-of-state imputation models. Additionally, ablation experiments further confirm the significance and necessity of both the cell partitioning and relative imputation components of CPARI. Notably, CPARI as a new denoising approach could distinguish between real biological zeros and dropout zeros and minimize false positives, and maximize the accuracy of imputation.
Distinct transcriptional changes distinguish efficient and poor remyelination in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chen J Q Alida , McNamara Niamh B , Engelenburg Hendrik J , Jongejan Aldo , Wever Dennis D , Hopman Kaya , van Rixel Esmée , Nijhuis Paul J H , de Winter Fred , Moerland Perry D , Smolders Joost , Verhaagen Joost , Hamann Jörg , Huitinga Inge
Published: December 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly heterogeneous disease with varying remyelination potential across individuals and between lesions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the potential to remyelinate remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to take advantage of the intrinsic heterogeneity in remyelinating capacity between MS donors and lesions to uncover known and novel pro-remyelinating molecules for MS therapies.

To elucidate distinct molecular signatures underlying the potential to remyelinate, we stratified MS donors from the Netherlands Brain Bank cohort (n=239) based on proportions of remyelinated lesions (RLs) into efficiently remyelinating donors (ERDs; n=21) and poorly remyelinating donors (PRDs; n=19). We performed bulk RNA sequencing of RLs, active lesions with ramified and amoeboid microglia/macrophage morphology (ALs non-foamy), active lesions with foamy microglia/macrophage morphology (ALs foamy), and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) from ERDs and PRDs.

We found that ALs non-foamy were positively correlated with remyelination, whereas ALs foamy were not, indicating a role for microglia/macrophage state in influencing remyelination potential. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify key pathways and molecules implicated in the remyelination process. We found distinct differences between the donors with differing remyelination potential in comparable MS lesion types. RLs and ALs non-foamy of ERDs versus PRDs showed upregulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathway, while in ALs foamy of PRDs, inflammation and damage-associated pathways (i.e. MTORC1 signaling, TNF signaling and oxidative phosphorylation) were upregulated compared to ALs foamy of ERDs, suggesting that these latter pathways may counteract remyelination. We found genes significantly upregulated in RLs and/or ALs non-foamy of ERDs that have previously been associated with remyelination, including CXCL12, EGF, HGF, IGF2, IL10, PDGFB, PPARG, and TREM2, illustrating the strength of our donor and lesion stratification. TGFB1, TGFB2, EGF, and IGF1 were determined as key upstream regulators of genes upregulated in RLs and ALs non-foamy of ERDs. We further identified potential novel pro-remyelinating molecules, such as BTC, GDF10, GDF15, CCN1, CCN4, FGF5, FGF10, and INHBB.

Our study identified both known and novel genes associated with efficient remyelination that may facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies to promote tissue repair and clinical recovery in MS.
Predicting incident dementia in community-dwelling older adults using primary and secondary care data from electronic health records
Authors: Georgiev Konstantin , Wang Yiqing , Conkie Andrew , Sinclair Annie , Christodoulou Vyron , Seyedzadeh Saleh , Price Malcolm , Wales Ann , Mills Nicholas L , Shenkin Susan D , McPeake Joanne , Fleuriot Jacques D , Anand Atul
Published: December 2024

Predicting risk of future dementia is essential for primary prevention strategies, particularly in the era of novel immunotherapies. However, few studies have developed population-level prediction models using existing routine healthcare data. In this longitudinal retrospective cohort study, we predicted incident dementia using primary and secondary care health records at 5, 10 and 13 years in 144 113 Scottish older adults who were dementia-free prior to 1st April 2009. Gradient-boosting (XGBoost) prediction models were trained on two feature subsets: data-driven (using all 171 extracted variables) and clinically supervised (22 curated variables). We used a random-stratified internal validation set to rank top predictors in each model, assessing performance stratified by age and socioeconomic deprivation. Predictions were stratified into 10 equally sized risk deciles and ranked by response rate. Over 13 years of follow-up, 11 143 (8%) patients developed dementia. The data-driven models achieved marginally better precision-recall area-under-the-curve scores of 0.18, 0.26 and 0.30 compared to clinically supervised models with scores of 0.17, 0.27 and 0.29 for incident dementia at 5, 10 and 13 years, respectively. The clinically supervised model achieved comparable specificity 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–0.88] and sensitivity (0.55, 95% CI 0.53–0.57) to the data-driven model for prediction at 13 years. The most important model features were age, deprivation and frailty, measured by a modified electronic frailty index excluding known cognitive deficits. Model precision was consistent across socioeconomic deprivation quintiles but lower in younger-onset (<70 years) dementia cases. At 13 years, dementia was diagnosed in 32% of the population classified as highest risk with 40% of individuals in this group below the age of 80. Personalized estimates of future dementia risk from routinely collected healthcare data could influence risk factor modification and help to target brain imaging and novel immunotherapies in selected individuals with pre-symptomatic disease.
Neural encoding of semantic structures during sentence production
Authors: Giglio Laura , Hagoort Peter , Ostarek Markus
Published: December 2024

The neural representations for compositional processing have so far been mostly studied during sentence comprehension. In an fMRI study of sentence production, we investigated the brain representations for compositional processing during speaking. We used a rapid serial visual presentation sentence recall paradigm to elicit sentence production from the conceptual memory of an event. With voxel-wise encoding models, we probed the specificity of the compositional structure built during the production of each sentence, comparing an unstructured model of word meaning without relational information with a model that encodes abstract thematic relations and a model encoding event-specific relational structure. Whole-brain analyses revealed that sentence meaning at different levels of specificity was encoded in a large left frontal-parietal-temporal network. A comparison with semantic structures composed during the comprehension of the same sentences showed similarly distributed brain activity patterns. An ROI analysis over left fronto-temporal language parcels showed that event-specific relational structure above word-specific information was encoded in the left inferior frontal gyrus. Overall, we found evidence for the encoding of sentence meaning during sentence production in a distributed brain network and for the encoding of event-specific semantic structures in the left inferior frontal gyrus.
Dissociating goal from outcome during action observation
Authors: Liu Shuchen , Wurm Moritz F , Caramazza Alfonso
Published: December 2024

Understanding the goal of an observed action requires computing representations that are invariant to specific instantiations of the action. For example, we can accurately infer the goal of an action even when the agent’s desired outcome is not achieved. Observing actions consistently recruits a set of frontoparietal and posterior temporal regions, often labeled the “action observation network.” While progress has been made in charting which regions of the action observation network are involved in understanding goals of observed actions, it is not clear where goals are represented independently of outcomes. We used functional magnetic resonance-based multivariate pattern analysis to identify such regions. Human participants (20 females, 12 males) watched videos of successful and failed attempts of actions with different goals involving two different object types. We found that the bilateral anterior inferior parietal lobe and the right ventral premotor cortex distinguished between object-specific action goals regardless of outcomes. The left anterior inferior parietal lobe encodes action goals regardless of both outcomes and object types. Our results provide insights into the neural basis of representing action goals and the different roles of frontoparietal and posterior temporal regions in action understanding.
The relationship between brain structure and function during novel grammar learning across development
Authors: Koning Merel E E , Wyman Nina K , Menks Willeke M , Ekerdt Clara , Fernández Guillén , Kidd Evan , Lemhöfer Kristin , McQueen James M , Janzen Gabriele
Published: December 2024

In this study, we explored the relationship between developmental differences in gray matter structure and grammar learning ability in 159 Dutch-speaking individuals (8 to 25 yr). The data were collected as part of a recent large-scale functional MRI study (Menks WM, Ekerdt C, Lemhöfer K, Kidd E, Fernández G, McQueen JM, Janzen G. Developmental changes in brain activation during novel grammar learning in 8–25-year-olds. Dev Cogn Neurosci. 2024;66:101347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101347) in which participants implicitly learned Icelandic morphosyntactic rules and performed a grammaticality judgment task in the scanner. Behaviorally, Menks et al. (2024) showed that grammaticality judgment task performance increased steadily from 8 to 15.4 yr, after which age had no further effect. We show in the current study that this age-related grammaticality judgment task performance was negatively related to cortical gray matter volume and cortical thickness in many clusters throughout the brain. Hippocampal volume was positively related to age-related grammaticality judgment task performance and L2 (English) vocabulary knowledge. Furthermore, we found that grammaticality judgment task performance, L2 grammar proficiency, and L2 vocabulary knowledge were positively related to gray matter maturation within parietal regions, overlapping with the functional MRI clusters that were reported previously in Menks et al. (2024) and which showed increased brain activation in relation to grammar learning. We propose that this overlap in functional and structural results indicates that brain maturation in parietal regions plays an important role in second language learning.
Non-traditional risk factors for atrial fibrillation: epidemiology, mechanisms, and strategies
Authors: Lu Yingli , Sun Ying , Cai Lingli , Yu Bowei , Wang Yuying , Tan Xiao , Wan Heng , Xu Dachun , Zhang Junfeng , Qi Lu , Sanders Prashanthan , Wang Ningjian
Published: December 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become the pre-dominant arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is intricately linked to the deleterious impact of cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing the pivotal imperative for early detection and mitigation strategies targeting these factors for the prevention of primary AF. While traditional risk factors are well recognized, an increasing number of novel risk factors have been identified in recent decades. This review explores the emerging non-traditional risk factors for the primary prevention of AF, including unhealthy lifestyle factors in current society (sleep, night shift work, and diet), biomarkers (gut microbiota, hyperuricaemia, and homocysteine), adverse conditions or diseases (depression, epilepsy, clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, infections, and asthma), and environmental factors (acoustic pollution and other environmental factors). Unlike traditional risk factors, individuals have limited control over many of these non-traditional risk factors, posing challenges to conventional prevention strategies. The purpose of this review is to outline the current evidence on the associations of non-traditional risk factors with new-onset AF and the potential mechanisms related to these risk factors. Furthermore, this review aims to explore potential interventions targeting these risk factors at both the individual and societal levels to mitigate the growing burden of AF, suggesting guideline updates for primary AF prevention.
Factors influencing forearm swelling after transradial artery intervention and establishment of a predictive model: a prospective study
Authors: Duan Juntao , Zhang Sai , Liu Congying , Tong Sumei
Published: December 2024

Aims

Forearm swelling is a common complication following transradial artery interventions. Identifying the factors that influence this swelling and developing predictive models for it are crucial yet underexplored issues. This study was performed to investigate the risk factors for forearm swelling after transradial artery puncture and construct a predictive model.

Methods and results

In total, 209 inpatients who underwent coronary angiography and/or interventional therapy at a tertiary hospital in Beijing between June and November 2023 were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who developed forearm swelling after puncture (swelling group) and those who did not (non-swelling group). The groups were compared, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for forearm swelling. The predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the area under the curve. Among the 209 patients [132 (63.2%) men, 77 (36.8%) women], 27 developed forearm swelling. Independent predictors of swelling were the operation time, radial artery access, irregular tourniquet compression, number of tourniquet compressions, inappropriate wrist movement, and timing of the first tourniquet deflation. The predictive model achieved an area under the curve of 0.971 (95% confidence interval, 0.949–0.992).

Conclusion

This single-centre diagnostic study demonstrated that the predictive model has excellent accuracy. Its application could help prevent unnecessary forearm swelling following radial artery interventions.
A genome-scale metabolic reconstruction provides insight into the metabolism of the thermophilic bacterium Rhodothermus marinus
Authors: Kristjansdottir Thordis , Hreggvidsson Gudmundur O , Gudmundsdottir Elisabet Eik , Bjornsdottir Snaedis H , Fridjonsson Olafur H , Stefansson Sigmar Karl , Nordberg Karlsson Eva , Vanhalst Justine , Reynisson Birkir , Gudmundsson Steinn
Published: December 2024

The thermophilic bacterium Rhodothermus marinus has mainly been studied for its thermostable enzymes. More recently, the potential of using the species as a cell factory and in biorefinery platforms has been explored, due to the elevated growth temperature, native production of compounds such as carotenoids and exopolysaccharides, the ability to grow on a wide range of carbon sources including polysaccharides, and available genetic tools. A comprehensive understanding of the metabolism of cell factories is important. Here, we report a genome-scale metabolic model of R. marinus DSM 4252T. Moreover, the genome of the genetically amenable R. marinus ISCaR-493 was sequenced and the analysis of the core genome indicated that the model could be used for both strains. Bioreactor growth data were obtained, used for constraining the model and the predicted and experimental growth rates were compared. The model correctly predicted the growth rates of both strains. During the reconstruction process, different aspects of the R. marinus metabolism were reviewed and subsequently, both cell densities and carotenoid production were investigated for strain ISCaR-493 under different growth conditions. Additionally, the dxs gene, which was not found in the R. marinus genomes, from Thermus thermophilus was cloned on a shuttle vector into strain ISCaR-493 resulting in a higher yield of carotenoids.
Optimal experimental design for full waveform inversion using a wavenumber sampling criterion—Part 2: 3-D extension and practical application
Authors: Abdellaziz Amine , Brossier Romain , Métivier Ludovic , Oudet Édouard
Published: December 2024

In a companion paper, we have proposed an optimal experimental design (OED) strategy for seismic imaging. Using the theory of diffraction tomography, for a specified target, given an acquisition geometry and a prior information on the subsurface velocity, we characterize the wavenumber space of the image that would result at the image point from such an acquisition. Our strategy relies on optimizing the sources and receivers positions so as to guarantee a regular sampling of the wavenumber space within the pre-computed envelope. The regularity of a given sampling is assessed through the use of Voronoi tessellations, associated with the wavenumber points cloud. Computing a centroidal Voronoi tessellation, which can be formulated as an optimization problem, guarantees a regular tessellation, which in turns provides a regularly spaced wavenumber points cloud. We have introduced this method in a 2-D context, in relatively simple settings. In this second paper, we present the extension of this method to a more realistic framework and investigate its application to synthetic case studies. This extension consists in considering now a fully 3-D geometry, as well as specific deployment constraints with polygonal shaped deployment zones and non-accessible (exclusion) zones for the sources and receivers. Such type of constraints are commonly met in survey design and it is important to be able to take them into account in an OED algorithm. We investigate on simple velocity models the feasibility and limitations of our method for target-oriented seismic imaging using full waveform inversion.
Pentoxifylline adjunct to risperidone for negative symptoms of stable schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Shamabadi Ahmad , Rafiei-Tabatabaei Elham-Sadat , Kazemzadeh Kimia , Farahmand Kimia , Fallahpour Bita , Khodaei Ardakani Mohammad-Reza , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: December 2024

Background

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia represent an unmet therapeutic need for many patients in whom pentoxifylline may be effective in terms of its dopaminergic, anti-inflammatory, and cerebral blood flow–increasing properties. This study aimed to evaluate pentoxifylline as a therapeutic agent for improving negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Methods

Chronic schizophrenia outpatients experiencing significant negative symptoms were randomly allocated to receive pentoxifylline 400 mg or matched placebo every 12 hours for 8 weeks. All patients were clinically stable as they had received risperidone for at least 2 months, which was continued. The participants were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale, and side effect checklist.

Results

The patients’ baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. There was a significant time–treatment interaction effect on PANSS negative subscale scores (ηP2=0.075), with the pentoxifylline group showing significantly greater reductions until weeks 4 (Cohen d = 0.512) and 8 (Cohen d = 0.622). Also, this group showed a significantly better response by week 8. Other PANSS scores, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale scores, and side effect frequencies were comparable between the groups. Pentoxifylline showed a nonsignificant higher remission of 37.1% compared with 14.7% in the placebo group.

Conclusions

Pentoxifylline was safely and tolerably beneficial for the primary negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia.
Disrupting heroin-associated memory reconsolidation through actin polymerization inhibition in the nucleus accumbens core
Authors: Zhao Haiting , Li Haoyu , Meng Li , Du Peng , Mo Xin , Gong Mengqi , Chen Jiaxin , Liao Yiwei
Published: December 2024

Background

Understanding drug addiction as a disorder of maladaptive learning, where drug-associated or environmental cues trigger drug cravings and seeking, is crucial for developing effective treatments. Actin polymerization, a biochemical process, plays a crucial role in drug-related memory formation, particularly evident in conditioned place preference paradigms involving drugs like morphine and methamphetamine. However, the role of actin polymerization in the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memories remains understudied.

Methods

This study employed a rodent model of self-administered heroin to investigate the involvement of actin polymerization in the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memories. Rats underwent ten days of intravenous heroin self-administration paired with conditioned cues. Subsequently, a 10-day extinction phase aimed to reduce heroin-seeking behaviors. Following this, rats participated in a 15-minute retrieval trial with or without cues. Immediately post-retrieval, rats received bilateral injections of the actin polymerization inhibitor Latrunculin A (Lat A) into the nucleus accumbens core (NACc), a critical brain region for memory reconsolidation.

Results

Immediate administration of Lat A into the NACc post-retrieval significantly reduced cue-induced and heroin-primed reinstatement of heroin-seeking behavior for at least 28 days. However, administering Lat A 6-hour post-retrieval or without a retrieval trial, as well as administering Jasplakionlide prior to memory reactivation did not affect heroin-seeking behaviors.

Conclusions

Inhibiting actin polymerization during the reconsolidation window disrupts heroin-associated memory reconsolidation, leading to decreased heroin-seeking behavior and prevention of relapse. These effects are contingent upon the presence of a retrieval trial and exhibit temporal specificity, shedding light on addiction mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
Vector-Induced Humoral Responses After rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP Immunization Identify Vaccinated Individuals and Correlate With Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Antibodies
Authors: Chandrasekaran Prabha , Berry Irina Maljkovic , Callier Viviane , Anthony Scott M , Hensley Krystle , Kuhn Jens H , Shaw-Saliba Kathryn , Kennedy Stephen B , Kieh Mark , Browne Sarah M , Crozier Ian , Davey Richard T , Lane H Clifford , Hensley Lisa E , Follmann Dean A
Published: December 2024

Background

While vaccine antigen-induced antibodies are often used as proxies for vaccine efficacy, immune responses to vaccine vectors are less well-defined. We describe the kinetics of immunoglobulin (IgG) responses against the vector (vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus [VSIV]) nucleoprotein (N) and the inserted antigen (Ebola virus [EBOV]) glycoprotein (GP1,2) components of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine and evaluate their use as biomarkers to confirm self-reported vaccination status.

Methods

We selected 212 participants randomized to rVSV-ZEBOV (n = 107) or placebo (n = 105). Levels of IgG antibodies to EBOV GP1,2 or VSIV N were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a newly developed single-molecule array (Simoa) immunoassay, respectively.

Results

Anti-EBOV GP1,2 and anti-VSIV N IgG were first detected 10-14 days postvaccination, further increased at 28 days, and remained stable through 360 days. Antibody titers were significantly correlated (P < 0.001) at 28 days (r = 0.47), 180 days (r = 0.45), and 360 days (r = 0.59). At 28 days, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) discriminated vaccinated from unvaccinated patients with high accuracy (AUC = 0.965 for anti-VSIV N IgG; AUC = 0.945 for anti-EBOV GP1,2 IgG [P < 0.001]).

Conclusions

We report a reliable assay to measure vector-induced humoral responses after rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination and demonstrate the assay's utility to confirm vaccination status.
Influences of fluctuating nutrient loadings on nitrate-reducing microorganisms in rivers
Authors: Li Shengjie , Zhao Rui , Wang Shuo , Yang Yiwen , Diao Muhe , Ji Guodong
Published: December 2024

Rivers serve important functions for human society and are significantly impacted by anthropogenic nutrient inputs (e.g. organic and sulfur compounds). Reduced organic and sulfur compounds influence the nitrogen cycle as they are electron donors of microbial nitrate reduction. Water pollution caused by individual nutrients and the mechanisms have been studied, but how the variation in multiple nutrient loadings influences nitrate-reducing microorganisms is less understood. Two sets of microcosms were established and exposed to nitrate, along with either acetate or thiosulfate, at different times. Nutrient concentrations responded to the loading pollutant. The nutrient loading order was more important in shaping microbial community structure and microbial interactions through the exchange of growth-required substances. This indicated that upstream or historical nutrient inflows impacted current nitrate reduction by changing the seeding microbial community, highlighting the importance of river connectivity. Based on metatranscriptome analysis, although the order and type of nutrient loadings were equally important in regulating global transcriptomes, transcripts of enzymes for key metabolisms (nitrate reduction, sulfur oxidation, etc.) more actively responded to the nutrient type. The regulation of a small set of genes was sufficient to make the transition, while most transcripts were not degraded and regenerated. These insights are important for understanding the varying pollution status of rivers and for developing effective solutions, such as remediation.
Human enteroviruses and the long road to acute flacid paralysis eradication
Authors: Bosch Albert , Carcereny Albert , García-Pedemonte David , Fuentes Cristina , Costafreda Maria I , Pintó Rosa M , Guix Susana
Published: December 2024

Enteroviruses (EVs) are a highly diverse group of viruses multiplying primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and/or the upper respiratory tract, initially distributed in two separate genera: Enterovirus and Rhinovirus, respectively. According to the similarities in genome organization and particle structure, rhinovirus species were later reclassified as also belonging to genus Enterovirus. Human EV infections are usually asymptomatic or causing mild clinical manifestations. Nevertheless, some EV infections may derive in severe neural complications, including acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) such as poliomyelitis, whose etiological agent is poliovirus, a member of the Enterovirus C species. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and particularly the oral attenuated polio vaccine (OPV) have contributed to the virtual eradication of the disease. However, sustained global circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2), originated from the genetic instability of OPV strain 2 and intertypic recombination between Sabin OPV strains and members of the Enterovirus C species, still causes outbreaks of AFP worldwide. In addition, humanitarian crises, in particular armed conflicts, hamper polio vaccination campaigns and facilitate the occurrence of cases. Additionally, besides poliovirus, other EV may also cause AFP, among them EV A71 or EV D68, and it is highly advisable to implement wastewater surveillance to elucidate the occurrence of not only polioviruses, but also of other EV susceptible to derive in serious neural complications, since the screening of viral RNA in cerebrospinal fluid samples in patients suffering from AFP is not a reliable diagnostic tool.
Effect of multispecies fungal extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and the rumen microbiome composition of beef cattle fed forage-based diets
Authors: Pittaluga Alejandro M , Miccoli Florencia E , Guerrero Leandro D , Relling Alejandro E
Published: December 2024

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a multispecies fungal extract (MFE) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fermentation characteristics, and rumen microbiome composition of beef cattle fed forage-based diets. For experiment 1, ruminally cannulated Angus × SimAngus cows (n = 4; body weight [BW] = 569 ± 21 kg) were used in a randomized crossover design with two 21-d study periods and a 23-d washout period to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of an MFE on in situ digestion, ruminal fermentation, and the composition of the rumen microbiome. Treatments consisted of a forage-based diet with or without the inclusion of a MFE. Rumen samples were collected on days 5, 10, and 20. Experiment 2 evaluated different inclusion rates of the MFE in a randomized complete block design using Angus × SimAngus-crossbred steers (n = 80; BW = 370 ± 44 kg). Steers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of four treatments (2 pens/treatment): diet with no MFE, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.08% of the MFE (dry matter [DM] basis). Steers were fed a forage-based diet for 122 d. Subsets of 10 steers/treatment were randomly selected for the determination of ATTD on d 20, 40, and 60. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. In exp 1, adding the MFE to the diet tended to increase the ruminal disappearance rate of the DM on day 10 (P = 0.06). No interactions or treatment effects were observed for the short-chain fatty acid profile of the rumen fluid (P ≥ 0.13). Metagenomic analysis of the rumen microbiome showed an MFE × d interaction for the Fibrobacter genus (P = 0.01), which on day 20 was less abundant in the rumen of cows fed the MFE. In exp 2, steers supplemented with 0.04% of MFE had a lower average daily gain and were lighter at the end of the experiment (cubic, P ≤ 0.04) compared to steers supplemented with 0.02% MFE. Steers fed the diet with 0.02% of MFE had the greatest gain-to-feed ratio among the MFE-supplemented groups (cubic, P < 0.01). Dietary inclusion of the MFE increased neutral detergent fiber digestibility (linear, P = 0.05). Steers supplemented with 0.04% of MFE had the greatest acid detergent fiber digestibility among treatments (quadratic, P = 0.03). Collectively, results showed that ruminal disappearance rate and digestibility of forage-based diets increased due to MFE supplementation, but did not translate into growth performance improvements or beneficially alter rumen fermentation.
Forensic genetics in the shadows
Authors: Brown Teneille , Duensing Sarah , Wong Bob
Published: December 2024

This article examines the controversial practice of law enforcement agencies searching genetic samples obtained in health care settings, without a warrant or consent. While police have previously used public genealogy databases for this purpose, our article describes how they are now secretly accessing genetic information from newborn screening programs and medical tests. This raises ethical and legal concerns, blurring the line between health care and law enforcement. This, in turn, may discourage people from seeking important medical care due to distrust in the police and privacy concerns. To explore public attitudes on this issue, the authors conducted a study examining how lay people view the forensic use of clinical genetic data for different types of crimes. Our findings suggest that people take a utilitarian perspective, where they are more likely to support warrantless searches for serious and ongoing crimes but more likely to oppose these searches for more minor offenses like theft. However, regardless of public support, the little-known practice undermines trust in health care institutions and violates patient privacy. We recommend three legal reforms to restrict law enforcement access to clinical and public health genetic databases and to require explicit consent to forensic uses.