bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method for designing tunable bandpass filters
Authors: Liang Beiyuan , Chen Yanqing , Huang Feng , Ye Han , Ju Xuewei , Chen Ying , Wang Xiangfeng
Published: November 2024

In this work, a tunable microwave bandpass filter is designed based on a Fabry-Pérot interference (FPI) cavity, which consists of two nonequivalent FSSs. The upper and lower FSS layers are composed of periodic cross-type units of different sizes, thus having two different central frequencies. The transmission peak of the double-layer structure lies in between these two frequencies, having a narrow bandwidth (FWHM∼ 0.2 GHz) and is tunable by changing the cavity length. The two FSS layers were fabricated by laser machining on metal sheets. Single FSS layers and the double-layer structure were tested using a vector network analyzer in a microwave anechoic chamber, and their characteristics are consistent with CST simulation results and FPI theoretical calculations. Our method can be utilized to design tunable bandpass filters operating in other bands. These filters may be used for 5G and 6G communication systems.
3D thermoshrink micropillar array metasurface biochemical sensor at the terahertz frequency
Authors: Zhang Junhao , Bian Xiaomeng , Xing Wenqiang , Bi Hao , Liang Misheng , You Rui
Published: November 2024

This study presents what we believe to be a novel method using a laser-induced heat-shrinkable polymer to leverage the rapid processing capabilities of femtosecond-laser-prepared microstructures and accelerate the fabrication of three-dimensional optical metasurface biochemical sensors. Arrays of micropillar unit structures, each 220 µm in height, were successfully fabricated by modulating laser-induced contraction. These arrays exhibited exceptional performance in fingerprint spectral coupling and biochemical sensing, achieving detection limits of 6 nM for lactose and 8 pg/mL for the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. The metasurface sensors demonstrated high sensitivities and low detection limits, while the simplified manufacturing process further enhanced device performance, highlighting the method’s potential for advanced biochemical sensing applications.
Baseline-free retrieval algorithm for broadband absorption spectra of H2O at high temperatures and pressures
Authors: Huang Tianxu , Wang Ruifeng , Wang Guishi , Mei Jiaoxu , Gao Xiaoming , Liu Kun
Published: November 2024

Absorption spectroscopy is a widely used non-contact combustion diagnostic technique. H2O is frequently used as the target molecule for combustion temperature measurement. However, correcting the baseline in broadened absorption spectroscopy under high pressure remains challenging. In this Letter, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, processing algorithm, the Interpolated Envelope Correction Method (IECM), for baseline-free correction in broadband absorption spectra, enabling simultaneous retrieving of pressure, temperature, and H2O concentration in high-temperature and high-pressure scenarios. The IECM first calculates the lower envelope from the measured spectrum and subtracts it from the spectrum and then processes least-squares fit based on the theory of absorption spectroscopy, to retrieve measured pressure, temperature, and concentration. Experimental results indicate that the IECM outperforms the background polynomial method at temperatures below 1273 K and pressures below 70 bar. An RMSE (root mean squared error) of 1.49 bar and 17 K was achieved using the IECM to retrieve pressure and temperature, which are smaller than other commonly used methods. The proposed IECM avoids the problem of the baseline, making it more convenient in the application of high-pressure combustion diagnostics.
Skin effect enhancement through symmetry breaking in reciprocal photonic crystals
Authors: Xu Jinhong , Hao Ran
Published: November 2024

Enhancing the skin effect in non-Hermitian photonic crystals has traditionally required alternating materials with different gain and loss characteristics inside the basic unit, which not only increases fabrication complexity but also faces limitations due to different material compatibility and material integrations. In this paper, a novel method is proposed that requires only one material but enables significant enhancement of the skin effect intensity by introducing spatial rotational symmetry breaking in two-dimensional reciprocal photonic crystals. Our result has shown a 306.09% improvement in skin effect intensity with just one material, if compared to previous designs. Our finding not only may broaden the theoretical framework of non-Hermitian optics but also demonstrates significant potential for practical applications in photonic integration, optical sensing, and laser design, thus opening up new possibilities for future photonic device innovations.
Efficient generation of multi-order Raman radiation in aqueous solutions derived from –CH2 and –NH2 vibrations via cascaded four-wave mixing and Stokes processes
Authors: Dou Zhenguo , Wang Jiaqiang , Liu Huiqiang , Wei Gongxiang , Zhao Yue , Xiu Junshan , Xiao Feiyuan , Men Zhiwei
Published: November 2024

Multiple coherent radiations are achieved in a water-3-aminopropanol (3AP) mixed solution through cascaded four-wave mixing (C-FWM) and cascaded Stokes (C-Stokes) processes, both driven by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in this work. The O–H vibration peak from water is replaced by the emergence of the –NH2 symmetric stretching Raman peaks from 3AP, with intensity approaching that of the –CH2 symmetric stretching peak. The dual-wavelength SRS signals for the –NH2 and –CH2 stretching vibrations have a relatively small frequency interval of about 400 cm−1 (16 nm). By varying the 3AP concentration and pump energy, these two peaks from 3AP act as new pump sources, enabling the successful generation of up to 16th-order Stokes and 5th-order anti-Stokes radiation through C-FWM and C-Stokes processes. The resulting spectrum spans a broad wavenumber range from −3318 to 6629 cm−1 (452 to 822 nm), offering a new approach for broadband coherent light sources and multi-order Raman spectra in liquid media.
Video-rate voxel scanning LiDAR
Authors: Garikapati Malvika , Ramanathan Jeevanandha , Sua Yong Meng , Huang Yuping
Published: November 2024

We demonstrate an upconversion imaging technique that transduces near-infrared signals to visible photon counting with low loss and high efficiency. By using far-detuned, 10-ns pump pulses for upconversion, fast voxel scanning is achieved with sub-centimeter ranging resolution over a designated spatial interval of 1.5 meters that is defined and fast-shifted by an electronic delay line. Aided by superior noise suppression, 50×50×1000 voxels can be measured at a remarkable speed of 10 frames per second, making it suitable for fast LiDAR applications in high noise and photon-starved environments, including those for autonomous navigation and aerospace missions.
Humans and great apes visually track event roles in similar ways
Authors: Wilson Vanessa A. D. , Sauppe Sebastian , Brocard Sarah , Ringen Erik , Daum Moritz M. , Wermelinger Stephanie , Gu Nianlong , Andrews Caroline , Isasi-Isasmendi Arrate , Bickel Balthasar , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: November 2024

Human language relies on a rich cognitive machinery, partially shared with other animals. One key mechanism, however, decomposing events into causally linked agent–patient roles, has remained elusive with no known animal equivalent. In humans, agent–patient relations in event cognition drive how languages are processed neurally and expressions structured syntactically. We compared visual event tracking between humans and great apes, using stimuli that would elicit causal processing in humans. After accounting for attention to background information, we found similar gaze patterns to agent–patient relations in all species, mostly alternating attention to agents and patients, presumably in order to learn the nature of the event, and occasionally privileging agents under specific conditions. Six-month-old infants, in contrast, did not follow agent–patient relations and attended mostly to background information. These findings raise the possibility that event role tracking, a cognitive foundation of syntax, has evolved long before language but requires time and experience to become ontogenetically available.
A strategy to design protein-based antagonists against type I cytokine receptors
Authors: Ullrich Timo , Klimenkova Olga , Pollmann Christoph , Lasram Asma , Hatskovska Valeriia , Maksymenko Kateryna , Milijaš-Jotić Matej , Schenk Lukas , Lengerke Claudia , Hartmann Marcus D. , Piehler Jacob , Skokowa Julia , ElGamacy Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Excessive cytokine signaling resulting from dysregulation of a cytokine or its receptor can be a main driver of cancer, autoimmune, or hematopoietic disorders. Here, we leverage protein design to create tailored cytokine receptor blockers with idealized properties. Specifically, we aimed to tackle the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR), a mediator of different types of leukemia and autoinflammatory diseases. By modifying designed G-CSFR binders, we engineered hyper-stable proteins that function as nanomolar signaling antagonists. X-ray crystallography showed atomic-level agreement with the experimental structure of an exemplary design. Furthermore, the most potent design blocks G-CSFR in acute myeloid leukemia cells and primary human hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, the resulting designs can be used for inhibiting or homing to G-CSFR-expressing cells. Our results also demonstrate that similarly designed cytokine mimics can be used to derive antagonists to tackle other type I cytokine receptors.
Cilia structure and intraflagellar transport differentially regulate sensory response dynamics within and between C. elegans chemosensory neurons
Authors: Philbrook Alison , O’Donnell Michael P. , Grunenkovaite Laura , Sengupta Piali
Published: November 2024

Sensory neurons contain morphologically diverse primary cilia that are built by intraflagellar transport (IFT) and house sensory signaling molecules. Since both ciliary structural and signaling proteins are trafficked via IFT, it has been challenging to decouple the contributions of IFT and cilia structure to neuronal responses. By acutely inhibiting IFT without altering cilia structure and vice versa, here we describe the differential roles of ciliary trafficking and sensory ending morphology in shaping chemosensory responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that a minimum cilium length but not continuous IFT is necessary for a subset of responses in the ASH nociceptive neurons. In contrast, neither cilia nor continuous IFT are necessary for odorant responses in the AWA olfactory neurons. Instead, continuous IFT differentially modulates response dynamics in AWA. Upon acute inhibition of IFT, cilia-destined odorant receptors are shunted to ectopic branches emanating from the AWA cilia base. Spatial segregation of receptors in these branches from a cilia-restricted regulatory kinase results in odorant desensitization defects, highlighting the importance of precise organization of signaling molecules at sensory endings in regulating response dynamics. We also find that adaptation of AWA responses upon repeated exposure to an odorant is mediated by IFT-driven removal of its cognate receptor, whereas adaptation to a second odorant is regulated via IFT-independent mechanisms. Our results reveal unexpected complexity in the contribution of IFT and cilia organization to the regulation of responses even within a single chemosensory neuron type and establish a critical role for these processes in the precise modulation of olfactory behaviors.
Systematic characterization of plant-associated bacteria that can degrade indole-3-acetic acid
Authors: Wang Lanxiang , Liu Yue , Ni Haoran , Zuo Wenlong , Shi Haimei , Liao Weixin , Liu Hongbin , Chen Jiajia , Bai Yang , Yue Hong , Huang Ancheng , Friedman Jonathan , Si Tong , Liu Yinggao , Chen Moxian , Dai Lei
Published: November 2024

Plant-associated microbiota affect pant growth and development by regulating plant hormones homeostasis. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a well-known plant hormone, can be produced by various plant-associated bacteria. However, the prevalence of bacteria with the capacity to degrade IAA in the rhizosphere has not been systematically studied. In this study, we analyzed the IAA degradation capabilities of bacterial isolates from the roots of Arabidopsis and rice. Using genomics analysis and in vitro assays, we found that 21 out of 183 taxonomically diverse bacterial isolates possess the ability to degrade IAA. Through comparative genomics and transcriptomic assays, we identified iac-like or iad-like operon in the genomes of these IAA degraders. Additionally, the putative regulator of the operon was found to be highly conserved among these strains through protein structure similarity analysis. Some of the IAA degraders could utilize IAA as their carbon and energy source. In planta, most of the IAA degrading strains mitigated Arabidopsis and rice seedling root growth inhibition (RGI) triggered by exogenous IAA. Moreover, RGI caused by complex synthetic bacterial community can be alleviated by introducing IAA degraders. Importantly, we observed increased colonization preference of IAA degraders from soil to root according to the frequency of the biomarker genes in metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) collected from different habitats, suggesting that there is a close association between IAA degraders and IAA producers. In summary, our findings further the understanding of the functional diversity and potential biological roles of plant-associated bacteria in host plant root morphogenesis.
Climate actions on the neighbourhood level—Individual, collective, cultural, and socio-structural factors
Authors: Klöckner Christian A. , Brenner-Fliesser Michael , Carrus Giuseppe , De Gregorio Eugenio , Erica Löfström , Luketina Ruzica , Niemi Anni , Pihkola Hanna , Schwarzinger Stephan , Similä Lassi , Sokka Laura
Published: November 2024

This paper takes a multi-perspective approach to understand drivers and barriers of climate action on the neighbourhood level. We start with the assumption that climate actions on the level of citizens are most motivating and promising, when conducted jointly within established social systems like neighbourhoods. A survey implemented in neighbourhoods (3 in Austria, 2 in Norway, 2 in Italy, 2 in Finland). The neighbourhoods were partly in rural communities (4) and partly in urban or semi-urban areas (5). In total, 1.084 answers were retained between summer 2022 and summer 2023. The impact of factors from the different perspectives on the self-reported number of implemented climate actions were tested in a stepwise structural-equation-modelling-approach. The analyses show that intentions to act both on the individual and collective level impact climate actions as represented by behaviour in four domains (travel, diet, protest, and general climate action) implemented by citizens in the neighbourhoods, but individual intentions are more important. In addition, local cultural aspects have an impact on climate action, as indicated by the two extremely rural Finnish neighbourhoods being different on many variables. On the socio-structural level, males and households with younger children report less climate action, whereas larger households in general and people with university degree report more. Intentions to act individually are mostly determined by perceived individual efficacy and attitudes, but also selected cultural and socio-structural factors. Collective intentions to act depend on the social capital in the neighbourhood, collective efficacy, and social norms, as well as selected socio-structural and cultural factors. Concluding, this paper emphasises that in order to understand and stimulate climate-related action of citizens, the individual, collective, cultural and socio-structural factors must be taken into account and that the level of neighbourhoods, where everyday action takes place, is a relevant unit of analysis to do so.
Quantitative modelling for dengue and Aedes mosquitoes in Africa: A systematic review of current approaches and future directions for Early Warning System development
Authors: Njotto Lembris Laanyuni , Senyoni Wilfred , Cronie Ottmar , Alifrangis Michael , Stensgaard Anna-Sofie
Published: November 2024

The rapid spread and growing number of dengue cases worldwide, alongside the absence of comprehensive vaccines and medications, highlights the critical need for robust tools to monitor, prevent, and control the disease. This review aims to provide an updated overview of important covariates and quantitative modelling techniques used to predict or forecast dengue and/or its vector Aedes mosquitoes in Africa. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, and Scopus, restricted to studies conducted in Africa and published in English. Data management and extraction process followed the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ (PRISMA) framework. The review identified 30 studies, with the majority (two-thirds) focused on models for predicting Aedes mosquito populations dynamics as a proxy for dengue risk. The remainder of the studies utilized human dengue cases, incidence or prevalence data as an outcome. Input data for mosquito and dengue risk models were mainly obtained from entomological studies and cross-sectional surveys, respectively. More than half of the studies (56.7%) incorporated climatic factors, such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature, alongside environmental, demographic, socio-economic, and larval/pupal abundance factors as covariates in their models. Regarding quantitative modelling techniques, traditional statistical regression methods like logistic and linear regression were preferred (60.0%), followed by machine learning models (16.7%) and mixed effects models (13.3%). Notably, only 36.7% of the models disclosed variable selection techniques, and a mere 20.0% conducted model validation, highlighting a significant gap in reporting methodology and assessing model performance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of potential covariates and methodological approaches currently applied in the African context for modelling dengue and/or its vector, Aedes mosquito. It also underscores the gaps and challenges posed by limited surveillance data availability, which hinder the development of predictive models to be used as early warning systems in Africa.
Efficacy and safety of albendazole alone versus albendazole in combination with ivermectin for the treatment of Trichuris trichiura infections: An open-label, randomized controlled superiority trial in south-western Uganda
Authors: Palmeirim Marta Sólveig , Hürlimann Eveline , Beinamaryo Prudence , Kyarisiima Hilda , Nabatte Betty , Hattendorf Jan , Steinmann Peter , Keiser Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Trichuris trichiura, a soil-transmitted helminth (STH), often persists after a single dose of anthelminthic treatment. To overcome limited efficacy against T. trichiura of benzimidazoles (albendazole or mebendazole), the primary drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, the World Health Organization endorses the use of a combination of ivermectin and albendazole as a more effective treatment to be used for preventive chemotherapy. Given observed considerable differences in efficacy of the combination therapy over albendazole monotherapy between different settings, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of the combination before introducing it on a larger scale. This open-label, randomized controlled superiority trial in two Ugandan primary schools enrolled eligible 6- to 12-year-olds positive for T. trichiura. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either a single dose of albendazole alone or co-administered albendazole and ivermectin. Adverse events were monitored at three and 24h post-treatment. Follow-up samples were collected 14 to 21 days post-treatment for efficacy assessment. The combination of albendazole with ivermectin showed superior efficacy against T. trichiura compared to albendazole alone, both in terms of cure rates (31.3% versus 12.3%, difference 18.9%-points, 95% CI 6.2–31.2, p < 0.004) and in terms of egg reduction rates (ERRs; 91.4% versus 52.7%). A higher cure rate against co-infecting Ascaris lumbricoides was observed in the combination compared to the albendazole monotherapy arm (100% versus 83.9%). Both therapies showed an excellent safety profile with few and only mild and transient treatment emergent adverse events observed in the albendazole monotherapy and albendazole plus ivermectin arm (total of 22 and 19 events, respectively). In conclusion, the efficacy of the combination therapy against T. trichiura in Uganda is superior to that of albendazole alone. Given the high ERRs observed, albendazole-ivermectin might aid in eliminating morbidity, an important target of STH control programs.

Trial registration (clinicaltrials.gov): NCT06037876.
Influence of angiotensin II type 1 receptors and angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D gene polymorphisms on the progression of Chagas’ heart disease in a Brazilian cohort: Impact of therapy on clinical outcomes
Authors: Protásio da Silva Thayse do Espírito Santo , Alvarado-Arnez Lucia Elena , Batista Angelica Martins , Alves Silvia Marinho Martins , Melo Gloria , Carrazzone Cristina Veloso , Moraes Isabelle de Oliveira , Pacheco Antonio G. , Sarteschi Camila , Moraes Milton Ozório , Oliveira Jr Wilson , Lannes-Vieira Joseli
Published: November 2024

Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease, is caused by infection by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. One-third of CD patients develop cardiac disease (CARD), an inflammatory and fibrotic process that may progress to heart failure associated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The determinants of CD progression are still uncertain. In non-infectious conditions, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) functional insertion (I)/deletion (D) and type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) +1166A>C gene polymorphisms have been linked to clinical outcomes. In a Brazilian cohort of 402 patients with positive serology for CD, in a case-control study we used PCR for genotyping the ACE rs4646994 I/D and AGTR1 rs5182C>T, rs275653 -119C>T, rs2131127A>G and rs5186 +1166A>C polymorphisms to evaluate association with CARD and progression to heart failure. Patients were classified as non-CARD (stage A; 109), and mild (stage B1; 161) or severe (stage C; 132) CARD. The groups were compared using unconditional logistic regression analysis and adjusted for non-genetic covariates (age, gender, and trypanocidal treatment). ACE II genotype appeared less frequent in C patients (15% in C vs 20% in B1 and 27% in A). After covariate adjustments, the ACE D allele showed a borderline association with susceptibility to severe CARD (C vs A: OR = 1.9; P = 0.08). AGTR1 +1166AC genotype showed a borderline association with protection against the progression and severity of CARD (C vs A: OR = 0.6; P = 0.09; C vs B1: OR = 0.6; P = 0.07; C vs A + B1: OR = 0.6; P = 0.05). However, adjustments for multiple comparisons showed no association of ACE I/D and AGTR1 polymorphisms with susceptibility and severity of CARD. The rs275653/rs2131127/rs5186/rs5182 T/A/C/T haplotype was protective against progression to the severe form of CARD (C vs B1: OR = 0.3; P = 0.03). Moreover, patients with ACE II and AGTR1 rs5186 +1166AC genotypes presented higher LVEF%. In C patients, TNF serum levels were higher in ACE D carriers than in II genotype. Although limited in number, a cross-sectional observation suggests that C-stage patients treated with benznidazole years prior to administration of ACE inhibitors/AT1R antagonists show reduced TNF serum levels and improved LVEF%. Therefore, variants of ACE and AGTR1 genes may influence the outcome of Chagas’ heart disease and should be explored in precision medicine. Further, pharmacotherapies may improve immunological abnormality and clinical outcome in CD patients. Altogether, these data support prospective studies of this cohort and replication in other cohorts.
Robust and memory-less median estimation for real-time spike detection
Authors: Burman Ariel , Solé-Casals Jordi , Lew Sergio E.
Published: November 2024

We propose a novel 1-D median estimator specifically designed for the online detection of threshold-crossing signals, such as spikes in extracellular neural recordings. Compared to state-of-the-art algorithms, our method reduces estimator variance by up to eight times for a given buffer length. Likewise, for a given estimator variance, it requires a buffer length that is up to eight times smaller. This results in three significant advantages: the footprint area decreases by more than eight times, leading to reduced power consumption and a faster response to non-stationary signals.
Gender diverse people’s psychological wellbeing and identity in the context of gender affirming speech pathology practice: A qualitative study protocol
Authors: Tanase Julia , Quinn Sterling , Corsten Sabine , Hansen Hilke , Oates Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Background

Gender diverse people may experience discomfort with the sound of their voice. Additionally, their psychological wellbeing, closely connected to a person’s identity, or perspective of themselves, is often reduced. A primary goal of gender affirming healthcare is to support clients’ psychological wellbeing. Speech pathology practices assist clients to alter their voice to develop authentic self-presentation. These practices have been shown to have positive outcomes related to clients’ voices but have not yet been shown to improve overall client psychological wellbeing. Assisting gender diverse people to transform a negative identity perspective into a positive one could have a beneficial impact on their psychological wellbeing. Therefore, to support clients’ psychological wellbeing, gender affirming speech pathology care could benefit from focusing on gender diverse clients’ identity more broadly, i.e., beyond gender. For this type of care, speech pathologists would need to see themselves as responsible for supporting client psychological wellbeing and identity. However, some clinicians may be hesitant to incorporate more holistic approaches to provide such care. This study aims to explore gender diverse speech pathology clients’ views on psychological wellbeing and identity and speech pathologists’ perspectives and actions in supporting clients in that regard.

Methods

This qualitative study approaches the research topic through insights from gender diverse people’s and speech pathologists’ subjective perspectives and experiences on psychological wellbeing and identity. Gender diverse people will participate in one-on-one episodic interviews, whereas speech pathologists providing gender affirming care will participate in focus group discussions. Data will be analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. The study is supported by collaborators from the gender diverse community. Study findings will be disseminated in an accessible manner to healthcare professionals providing gender affirming care, mainly speech pathologists, and to the gender diverse community.

Implications

Study findings are anticipated to contribute to further understanding gender diverse people’s psychological wellbeing and identity in a gender affirming speech pathology context to tailor practices to the unique needs of gender diverse clients.
White LED intensities during co-cultivation affect the Agrobacterium-mediated soybean (Glycine max) transformation using mature half seeds as explants
Authors: Shi Xiaonan , Li Baochun , Rojas-Pierce Marcela , Hernández Ricardo
Published: November 2024

The transition of light fixture from fluorescent light to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in growth chambers prompts a reevaluation of current practices in plant biotechnology. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is crucial for genetic engineering and genome editing in soybean (Glycine max). The critical co-cultivation step of soybean transformation occurs under light condition. Current protocols for co-cultivation in soybean transformation lack a standard for light intensity. In the present study, the objective is to investigate the effect of light intensity during co-cultivation on soybean transformation efficiency. Five light intensities were implemented during five days of co-cultivation: 50, 100, 150, 190 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 of white LEDs in addition to 100 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 of fluorescent light. After co-cultivation, all the explants underwent shoot induction and elongation with selection pressure, rooting and acclimation under uniform condition. The experiment was conducted with two selectable markers, hppdPf-4Pa and bar, separately, investigating whether the potential light effects vary due to the marker-associated pathways. The positive PCR analysis of rooted in vitro plants suggested successful transformation events achieved under both selectable markers across all light treatments ranging from 2.4% to 6.9%. Increasing LED light intensity during co-cultivation resulted in different transformation efficiencies between the two selectable markers. Results indicated that increasing the light intensity during co-cultivation led to a linear increase in transformation efficiency when shoot regeneration was under 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor selection. No difference in transformation efficiency was detected among the treatments under glufosinate selection. Furthermore, when selection occurred with HPPD inhibitor, variation of transformation efficiency was also observed between fluorescent light and white LED at 100 μmol∙m−2∙s−1. The results highlight the significance and potential applications of investigating the impact of light on transformation efficiency.
The impact of culturally-informed messages to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption: An experiment among Black women in the United States
Authors: Vereen Rhyan N. , Hall Marissa G. , Dillman Carpentier Francesca , Goode Rachel W. , Noar Seth M. , Lazard Allison J.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Sugar-sweetened beverage (i.e., sugary drink) consumption is associated with chronic health issues that disproportionately affect Black women. Culturally-informed (CI) health campaigns may be more effective among Black women than campaigns designed for general audiences. This study assesses the effects of a CI campaign on consumption intentions, comparing these effects to general audience and control campaigns.

Methods

We conducted an online between-persons randomized experiment with a national convenience sample of 502 Black women in February 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to view a CI, general audience, or control campaign. Outcomes were intentions to decrease sugary drink consumption (primary outcome; range 1–7), knowledge of (range 0–4) and perceived susceptibility to health harms (range 1–5) and sharing intentions (range 0–3).

Results

The CI campaign had significantly higher perceived cultural relevance (M = 4.61) than the general audience (M = 3.64) or control (M = 3.66; p’s<0.05) campaigns. Consumption intentions did not differ by campaign condition (F = 0.03, p>0.05). There was no main effect of campaign condition on knowledge or perceived susceptibility (p’s>0.05), though findings were moderated by body size. Based on body size, women reported less perceived susceptibility or knowledge when exposed to the CI campaign, compared to either the control or general audience campaign. Sharing intentions did not differ by campaign condition.

Conclusions

Future research should continue to examine the role of refining message content over a longer duration to understand whether the anticipated impact of CI messages can be achieved in the context of sugary drink consumption among Black women.
Systematic analysis of the relationship between fold-dependent flexibility and artificial intelligence protein structure prediction
Authors: Haque Neshatul , Wagenknecht Jessica B. , Ratnasinghe Brian D. , Zimmermann Michael T.
Published: November 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based deep learning methods for predicting protein structures are reshaping knowledge development and scientific discovery. Recent large-scale application of AI models for protein structure prediction has changed perceptions about complicated biological problems and empowered a new generation of structure-based hypothesis testing. It is well-recognized that proteins have a modular organization according to archetypal folds. However, it is yet to be determined if predicted structures are tuned to one conformation of flexible proteins or if they represent average conformations. Further, whether or not the answer is protein fold-dependent. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed 2878 proteins with at least ten distinct experimental structures available, from which we can estimate protein topological rigidity verses heterogeneity from experimental measurements. We found that AlphaFold v2 (AF2) predictions consistently return one specific form to high accuracy, with 99.68% of distinct folds (n = 623 out of 628) having an experimental structure within 2.5Å RMSD from a predicted structure. Yet, 27.70% and 10.82% of folds (174 and 68 out of 628 folds) have at least one experimental structure over 2.5Å and 5Å RMSD, respectively, from their AI-predicted structure. This information is important for how researchers apply and interpret the output of AF2 and similar tools. Additionally, it enabled us to score fold types according to how homogeneous versus heterogeneous their conformations are. Importantly, folds with high heterogeneity are enriched among proteins which regulate vital biological processes including immune cell differentiation, immune activation, and metabolism. This result demonstrates that a large amount of protein fold flexibility has already been experimentally measured, is vital for critical cellular processes, and is currently unaccounted for in structure prediction databases. Therefore, the structure-prediction revolution begets the protein dynamics revolution!
Exploring strategies for management of in-hospital stroke in Sweden: A qualitative study
Authors: Ben-Shabat Ilan , Lindvall Kristina , Salzer Jonatan
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients with in-hospital stroke (IHS) are discovered and treated with delays compared to community-onset stroke. This qualitative study explores current routines and clinical practices for IHS in Sweden, aiming to uncover factors influencing management and propose areas for future research and development.

Methods

Six physicians in charge of stroke alerts at Swedish hospitals were individually interviewed in video calls. Informants were selected from The Swedish Stroke Register, based on the hospital-specific median processing time for delivering thrombolysis or thrombectomy to IHS patients, stratified by hospital size. Transcribed interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes were developed. The first emphasized the crucial step of discovering IHS and outlined possible workflow pathways, including defining the “key player” with stroke expertise and mandate to proceed with the stroke alert to immediate radiology. Subsequent themes addressed obstacles to optimal practice and suggested clear guidelines for contacting the "key player” to reduce delays, as well as offering IHS education to hospital staff.

Conclusions

This study identified differences in workflows for IHS management across the six included sites. A "key player" emerged as a common denominator, who was called as the initiation of the stroke alert and had mandate to proceed with the alert to immediate radiology. Clear guidelines for contacting the “key player” and increased education about IHS were suggested as possible ways to mitigate delays to activate the stroke alert.
Dynamic changes of lung sRAGE in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by cigarette smoke exposure
Authors: He Yue , Liang Hongyu , Yang Xiaohui , Hao Fengyun , Huang Kai , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2024

Objective

To study the changes of lung function, pathophysiology, inflammatory cytokines and related inflammatory responses in COPD mouse model, and to analyze the role of sRAGE in the pathogenesis of COPD induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure in mice.

Methods

24 healthy male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into Smoke-Exposed (SE) group and Control group. The mice in SE group were exposed to 7 time points at 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, while mice in control group were exposed to fresh room air, with 3 mice in each group. Lung function of mice was detected at different exposure time points, and the lung tissue sections were stained with HE to observe the lung histopathological changes of mice in each group, and the lung tissue morphological quantitative analysis was performed to evaluate the degree of emphysema. The content of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant of BALF was detected by ELISA to evaluate the pulmonary inflammation of mice. The expression of sRAGE in BALF supernatant was detected by ELISA. BALF cell precipitates were classified and counted under light microscope.

Results

After 90 days of exposure to cigarette smoke, the lung function of mice was significantly reduced, emphysema appeared significantly, and the expression of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines in BALF was significantly increased (all P<0.05). sRAGE increased significantly in the early stage of CS exposure (7–15 days) compared with the control group, and the number of macrophages and levels of inflammatory cytokines in BALF also increased temporarily (P<0.05). With the gradual exposure of CS, sRAGE expression gradually decreased, and was significantly reduced after COPD formation compared with the control group.

Conclusion

In the process of the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by cigarette smoke exposure, the level of sRAGE in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed a dynamic change of first increase and then decrease. The expression of sRAGE increased in the early stage of smoke exposure and played a transient pro-inflammatory role. With long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, the inflammatory response is gradually aggravated in lung, and the expression of sRAGE is significantly decreased, and its reduction degree is closely related to the degree of reduced lung function and inflammation.
Deciphering individual triticale grain weight patterns: A gaussian mixture model approach
Authors: Kim Bo Hwan , Kwon Hyeok , Kim Wook
Published: November 2024

Grain weight is one of the key phenotypic traits in crops, closely related to yield. However, the actual structure of grain weight distribution is often overlooked. In this paper, to analyze the characteristics of grain weight, we interpret the weight distribution and structure of individual grains of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) from the perspective of a sum of normal distributions, rather than a single normal distribution, using the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). We analyzed the individual grain weight distribution of three triticale cultivars (Gwangyoung, Minpung, Saeyoung) bred in Republic of Korea, cultivated under three different seeding rates (150 kg grains per ha, 225 kg grains per ha, and 300 kg grains per ha), over time from 2 to 5 weeks post-heading. Each distribution was fitted using a GMM and evaluated using the Corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). It suggests that the distribution of the grain weight is not a single normal distribution, but rather more closely to the distribution composed of two normal distributions. This is hypothesized to be due to the physiological characteristics of the spikelet of Poaceae, including triticale, wheat, rye, and oats. Through these results, we recognize the importance of understanding the distribution structure of data and their physiological traits, which is often overlooked in measuring the characteristics of crops.
Study protocol: The effect of a Medication Coordinator on the quality of patients’ medication treatment (MEDCOOR)—Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schlünsen Maja , Graabæk Trine , Pedersen Andreas Kristian , Kampmann Jan Dominik , Kjeldsen Lene Juel
Published: November 2024

Patients’ safety can be compromised in the transition of care between healthcare sectors. Optimal information flow across healthcare sectors and individualized medication treatment tailored to each patient is vital to prevent adverse events like drug-related problems. When medication changes are made during hospitalization, it is essential to ensure that the relevant general practitioner (GP) is included in the communication chain. This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of a Medication Coordinator who facilitates medication reviews in close collaboration with patients using My Medication Plan. Patients in the intervention group receive the medication review in combination with including suggested medication amendments documented in their electronic discharge letter send, which is sent to their GP. The patients randomized to the control group receive standard care by the ward staff. Seventy patients from the Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit at the Hospital Sønderjylland will be included in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The primary outcome is the proportion of potentially inappropriate medications. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported outcomes, i.e., quality of life and medication burden. Additional outcomes include the patient’s medication risk score, whether the patient is readmitted, and whether the patient has contacted the staff at the hospital unit after the hospital discharge. The framework for complex intervention is applied, because it allows flexibility and adaption in meeting patients’ needs by implementing tailored, possibly complex interventions in different healthcare settings. This project will examine a particular piece in the puzzle of the complexity of conducting a medication review and communication of suggested medication amendments to the patients, healthcare at the hospital, and the GP. Hopefully, this can contribute to a reduction in the risk of potentially inappropriate post-hospital medication usage.

Trial registration: The study has been registered at ClinicalTrial.gov with the registration number: NCT06383364. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06383364.
Plasma metabolic profile reveals signatures of maternal health during gestational hypertension and preeclampsia without and with severe features
Authors: Kaihara Julyane N. S. , de Moraes Fabio Rogerio , Nunes Priscila Rezeck , Alves Marco G. , Cavalli Ricardo C. , Tasic Ljubica , Sandrim Valeria Cristina
Published: November 2024

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific syndrome, poses substantial risks to maternal and neonatal health, particularly in cases with severe features. Our study focuses on evaluating the impact of low molecular weight metabolites on the intricate mechanisms and pathways involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia when severe features are present. We aim to pinpoint the distinct metabolomic profile in maternal plasma during pregnancies affected by hypertensive disorders and to correlate the metabolite levels with the clinical characteristics of the study cohort. A total of 173 plasma samples were collected, comprising 36 healthy pregnant women (HP), 52 patients with gestational hypertension (GH), 43 with preeclampsia without (PE–), and 42 with severe features (PE+). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and metabolite identification were conducted to establish the metabolomic profiles. Univariate and chemometric analyses were conducted using MetaboAnalyst, and correlations were performed using GraphPad Prism. Our study unveils distinct metabolomic profiles differentiating HP women, patients featuring GH, and patients with PE–and PE+. Our analysis highlights an increase in acetate, N,N-dimethylglycine, glutamine, alanine, valine, and creatine levels in the PE+ group compared to the HP and GH groups. The PE+ group exhibited higher concentrations of N,N-dimethylglycine, glutamine, alanine, and valine compared to the PE–group. Moreover, elevated levels of specific metabolites, including N,N-dimethylglycine, alanine, and valine, were associated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function, particularly renal and hepatic damage. Metabolomic analysis of PE+ individuals indicates heightened disturbances in nitrogen metabolism, methionine, and urea cycles. Additionally, the exacerbated metabolic disturbance may have disclosed renal impairment and hepatic dysfunction, evidenced by elevated levels of creatine and alanine. These findings not only contribute novel insights but also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms at play in cases of PE+.
A multi-year analysis of acoustic occurrence and habitat use of blue and fin whales in eastern and central Fram Strait
Authors: Meister Marlene , Schall Elena , Dziak Robert , Spiesecke Stefanie , Thomisch Karolin
Published: November 2024

Climate change-induced habitat alterations in the Arctic Ocean are expected to affect spatial and temporal occurrence patterns of seasonally migrating baleen whale species, leading to poleward range shifts and prolonged stays in Arctic waters. The aim of this study was to investigate occurrence patterns of blue (Balaenoptera musculus musculus) and fin (B. physalus) whales in Fram Strait, a summering habitat and historic whaling ground for both species. Passive acoustic monitoring data were collected between 2012 and 2021 at eight different mooring positions in eastern and central Fram Strait. These data were initially analyzed for the acoustic presence of blue and fin whales. Afterwards, the environmental impact on acoustic occurrences and the potential temporal expansion of acoustic presence periods were investigated. Blue whale acoustic presence showed a clear seasonality, with most calls being detected from July to October. Additionally, sporadic blue whale calls were detected in winter in three years on one or a few consecutive days. Fin whale acoustic presence varied between years, with peak presence from mid-summer through autumn, moderate presence in winter, and sporadic presence in spring. Random forest models suggested that zooplankton mass content, sea surface temperature and day of the year influenced blue whale acoustic presence, while fin whale acoustic presence was impacted by day of the year. For both species, no temporal trend in the onset and offset of acoustic presence periods was found. Our findings highlight eastern Fram Strait as key marine mammal habitat, probably serving as a feeding ground. Occasional (blue whales) and regular (fin whales) acoustic presence during the winter months further supports the hypothesis of complex migration behaviors in both species.