bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic therapy as a potential approach for preventing fungal spread associated with the use of endotracheal tubes
Authors: dos Santos Gabriel Grube , Zangirolami Amanda Cristina , Ferreira Vicente Maria Luiza , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Blanco Kate Cristina
Published: December 2024

Fungal infections related to biofilm formation on medical devices, such as endotracheal tubes (ETTs), pose significant health risks, especially during intubation procedures where fungi like Candida spp. can migrate into the lower respiratory tract. This study explores the use of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to prevent fungal cell migration from ETT surfaces to lungs, focusing on the role of curcumin as a photosensitizer. ETTs were coated with varying concentrations of curcumin, and biofilm formation was measured after applying PDT with a 50 J/cm2 irradiation dose. The study found that ETTs functionalized with a one‐third concentration of CUR reduced biofilm formation by 1.78 Log, significantly lowering microbial load and potentially decreasing hospital‐acquired infections. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed that PDT damaged the biofilm's extracellular matrix and caused detachment of dead fungal cells. Moreover, the fluorescence analysis reveals the photodegradation behavior of the photosensitizer within the tube, providing critical insights into its stability and durability, which are essential for evaluating the long‐term applicability of these tubes in clinical settings. These results suggest PDT as a promising strategy to reduce fungal infections in high‐risk patients, offering potential for future clinical application in preventing device‐associated infections.
Gender equality frames do not impact public support for economic relief policy in times of crisis: A survey experiment
Authors: Asticher Lisa , Sager Fritz
Published: December 2024

This article investigates the effect of gender equality frames on public support for economic relief policies in the context of the Covid‐19 pandemic and economic crisis. Data stem from a survey experiment conducted in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland during Summer 2021. In the survey, a representative sample of the population was asked to read descriptive texts randomly using gender equality or universal frames about two different economic relief policies, before rating the policies. Results show that gender equality frames do not have a significant effect on public support for the economic relief policies during the crisis. This paper solidifies previous findings regarding emergency settings and public policy support by showing that a crisis setting strongly increases public policy support.
The role of soil properties and temperature on soil organic carbon decomposition: Stronger influences than bacterial communities and pool‐specific responses to warming
Authors: Liu Chaoyang , Tian Haixia , Li Ni , Tao Kelin , Lu Guannan , Wang Ziquan , Ma Zejun , Megharaj Mallavarapu , He Wenxiang
Published: December 2024

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the largest carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems and is crucial for regulating climate change dynamics. Yet, the relationship between SOC's chemical structure and microbial community composition remains elusive, especially under varying temperature conditions. This study investigates soil samples from four distinct cropland sites. The samples were incubated at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40°C for 200 days. High‐throughput sequencing technology and solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy were employed in the analysis. Additionally, a data assimilation approach was applied to estimate parameters for three C pools (active, slow and passive) based on time‐series data. Results indicated that the Q10 values of the C pools increased with resistance to decomposition and decreased as incubation temperature rose. SOC cumulative decomposition was positively correlated with alkyl C/O‐alkyl C ratio (A/O_A), reflecting the degree of SOC degradation. The response of the C pool Q10, chemical structure and bacterial community composition to temperature was site‐specific. Firmicutes and proteobacteria showed negative correlations with carbohydrates and positive correlations with aromatic C–O. Interestingly, the interaction between C functional groups and the bacterial community only affects changes in soil C within the active pool. Moreover, soil properties (C/N ratio and clay content) and mean annual temperature (MAT) are the main factors regulating active, slow and passive C pools, respectively. This study demonstrates that in agricultural soils, clay content and carbon quality have a more significant impact on SOC decomposition under increasing temperatures than the bacterial community. Our study highlights the roles of soil properties in the carbon pools of agricultural ecosystems. Future research should explore how these factors govern SOC decomposition, which is crucial for developing effective management strategies to address climate change.
Anticoagulants for the Control of the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Authors: Ávila‐Vargas Laura , Soler‐Tovar Diego , Dong Quan , Escobar Luis E.
Published: December 2024

Background

In Latin America, there is a high incidence of vampire bat‐transmitted rabies in cattle causing increased mortality of livestock, which heavily impacts the agricultural sector. Anticoagulants‐based control methods for the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) have been employed continuously since the 1970s with various methods of application, presentations, doses and active ingredients. Studies from half a century ago still serve as a reference for the current use of anticoagulants for bat‐borne rabies control in Latin America. The objective of this study was to structurally and bibliometrically review literature on the use of anticoagulants for the control of D. rotundus as a means of rabies control.

Materials & Methods

Scientific literature on the use of anticoagulant products for D. rotundus control was obtained, reviewed and analysed. Articles were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Research articles from 1971 to 2021 in Spanish, English and Portuguese were included in the review. Results were visualised using RStudio, Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.

Results

The body of literature indicates effectiveness of up to 100% in the use of anticoagulants to induce bat mortality. The effectiveness of anticoagulants for rabies control, however, remains uncertain. No evidence was found to support or refute the use of anticoagulants for rabies control.

Discussion

Instead, literature suggests that disturbing bat colonies increases rabies prevalence. This finding suggests that anticoagulants may have the opposite intended effect on rabies control and highlights the importance of further research on the practical methods for bat‐borne rabies prevention.

Conclusion

Field experimental studies that include control groups over areas and periods that account for D. rotundus ecology are needed to determine the effectiveness of anticoagulants for rabies control in livestock. In conclusion, the use of anticoagulants for rabies control is questionable.
Effect of Blade Damage on Low Pressure Ratio Fan Windmill Aerodynamics
Authors: Medina Cassillas Sofía I. , Castillo Pardo Alejandro , Hall Cesare A. , Mohankumar Ben
Published: December 2024

Fan windmill occurs when power to a turbofan is cut during flight and the airflow through the engine causes the fan to freewheel, often following fan damage. The fan rotational speed and drag during windmill determine the loads transmitted to the airframe, and these depend on the fan damage sustained. Idealized patterns of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric damage have been studied using high-resolution measurements in a flow-field representative of a low pressure ratio fan in combination with steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations to understand the impact on the windmill flow field. Axisymmetric tip damage decreases the windmill rotational speed by 61% when 25% of the blade span is removed due to a shift in the zero-work radius. The reduced blade span creates an intense tip vortex and redistributes the flow, increasing the axial velocity above the damaged tip. For non-axisymmetric damage, there is still work output at the blade tip, such that removing 25% of half the blades with varying damage pitch to chord reduces the fan rotational speed by 9–13% compared to undamaged windmill. Phase-averaged hot-wire measurements show that this additional rotor work is due to radial flow redistribution combined with turning of the flow in the passages above the damaged blades.
A glimpse of matrix mechanics via the harmonic oscillator
Authors: Palmgren Elina , Karam Ricardo
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we provide a glimpse of the original formulation of quantum mechanics (a.k.a. matrix mechanics), as proposed by Heisenberg, Born, and Jordan in 1925, by showing how it solves the quantum harmonic oscillator. This presentation can shed light on the relationship between different formulations and give students a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics.
Simple portable quantum key distribution for science outreach
Authors: Neto Mendes Pedro , André Paulo , Zambrini Cruzeiro Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

Quantum key distribution (QKD) has become an essential technology in the realm of secure communication, with applications ranging from secure data transmission to quantum networks. This paper presents a simple, compact, and cost-effective setup for undergraduate tutorial demonstrations of QKD. It relies on using weak coherent pulses, which can be readily produced using an attenuated laser. The system employs the simplified three-state BB84 protocol in free space, with states encoded using linear polarization. Polarization encoding can be done passively or actively, depending on the budget available. Time multiplexing is implemented at the receiver to reduce the number of required detectors. Only two detectors are used to implement measurements on two bases, with a total of four outcomes. The result demonstrates the practicality of the system for free-space quantum communication, and its compact and portable nature makes it particularly suitable for pedagogical demonstrations. This work paves the way for engaging undergraduate students in the field of quantum communication through hands-on laboratory projects.
Alberta Futbol Club: Promising Talent and Unmet Expectations
Authors: Nye Carolyn , Gailor Heidi
Published: December 2024

Alberta Futbol Club’s general manger, Henry Thenard, and head coach, Luc Bolton, had a decision to make: keep or trade the recently acquired Loris Guerrero, a goal scorer who was seen as a rising young talent. His previous coaches had described him as immature, so Thenard and Bolton knew this player would require development. However, they were not prepared for a player who appeared apathetic, disregarded team rules, arrived late for team practices and meetings, and performed below his ability. Guerrero also failed to gel with teammates and created tension over team rules and norms. Thenard and Bolton wanted respect and results and were willing to work with Guerrero to get that. However, every attempt to connect with him or to hold him to account fell flat. Finally, when Guerrero failed, once again, to return on time from national team duty, without notifying the team, a decision needed to be made regarding his future at Alberta Futbol Club. Finding another forward as talented as him would be daunting, so letting him go could result in a gaping hole in the roster. However, his negative impact on team morale might be too great to continue fostering him.
In vitro
potentiation of tetracyclines in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by RW01, a new cyclic peptide
Authors: Roson-Calero Natalia , Gomis Font María A. , Ruiz-Soriano Albert , Just-Baringo Xavier , Pachón-Ibáñez María Eugenia , Salvador J. Pablo , Marco M. Pilar , Giralt Ernest , Oliver Antonio , Ballesté-Delpierre Clara , Vila Jordi
Published: December 2024

The pipeline for new drugs against multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
remains limited, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatments. New strategies, such as membrane-targeting molecules acting as adjuvants, aim to enhance antibiotic effectiveness and combat resistance. RW01, a cyclic peptide with low antimicrobial activity, was selected as an adjuvant to enhance drug efficacy through membrane permeabilization. RW01’s activity was evaluated via antimicrobial susceptibility testing in combination with existing antibiotics on 10
P. aeruginosa
strains and analog synthesis. Synergy was assessed using checkerboard assays, and one-step mutants were generated to identify altered pathways through whole-genome sequencing and variant analysis. Permeabilizing activity was studied using flow cytometry and real-time fluorescence measurement.
In vivo
toxicity was assessed in female C57BL/6J mice, and possible interaction with mouse serum was also evaluated. Susceptibility testing revealed specific synergy with tetracyclines, with up to a 16-fold reduction in minimum inhibitory concentrations. Sequencing revealed that resistance to the RW01-minocycline combination involved mutations in the
pmrB
gene, affecting outer membrane lipopolysaccharide composition. This was further confirmed by the identification of cross-resistance to colistin in these mutants. RW01 reduced the mutant prevention concentration of minocycline from 64 to 8 mg/L. RW01 was demonstrated to enhance membrane permeabilization and therefore minocycline uptake with statistical significance. Synthetic derivatives of RW01 showed a complete loss of activity, highlighting the importance of RW01’s D-proline(NH2) residue. No acute or cumulative
in vivo
toxicity was observed in mice. These findings suggest that RW01 could revitalize obsolete antimicrobials and potentially expand therapeutic options against multidrug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
.
About bacteriophage tail terminator and tail completion proteins: structure of the proximal extremity of siphophage T5 tail
Authors: Linares Romain , Breyton Cécile
Published: December 2024

Bacteriophages are viruses infecting bacteria. The vast majority of them bear a tail, allowing host recognition, cell wall perforation, and DNA injection into the host cytoplasm. Using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) and single particle analysis, we determined the organization of the tail proximal extremity of siphophage T5 that possesses a long flexible tail and solved the structure of its tail terminator protein p142 (TrP
142
). It allowed us to confirm the common evolutionary origin between T5 TrP
p142
and other known or putative TrPs from siphophages, myophages, and bacterial tail-like machines, despite very poor sequence conservation. By also determining the structure of the T5 tail proximal extremity after interaction with T5 bacterial receptor FhuA, we showed that no conformational changes occur in TrP
p142
and confirmed that the infection signal transduction is not carried by the tube itself. We also investigated the location of T5 Neck1 or tail completion protein p143 (TCP
p143
) and showed, thanks to a combination of cryo-EM and structure prediction using Alphafold2, that it is not located at the capsid-to-tail interface as suggested by its position in the genome, but instead, very unexpectedly, on the side of T5 tail tip, and that it appears to be monomeric. Based on structure comparison with other putative TCPs predicted structures, this feature could not be shared by other TCPs and questions the affiliation of p143 to this family of protein.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteriophages, viruses infecting bacteria, are the most abundant living entities on Earth. They are present in all ecosystems where bacteria develop and are instrumental in the regulation, diversity, evolution, and pathogeny of microbial populations. Moreover, with the increasing number of pathogenic strains resistant to antibiotics, virulent phages are considered a serious alternative or complement to classical treatments. 96% of all phages present a tail that allows host recognition and safe channeling of the DNA to the host cytoplasm. We present the atomic model of the proximal extremity of the siphophage T5 tail, confirming structural similarities with other phages. This structure, combined with results previously published and further explored, also allowed a review and a discussion on the role and localization of a mysterious tail protein, the tail completion protein, which is known to be present in the phage tails, but that was never identified in a phage structure.
The Mla pathway promotes
Vibrio cholerae
re-expansion from stationary phase
Authors: Leitner Deborah R. , Zingl Franz G. , Morano Alexander A. , Zhang Hailong , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: December 2024

Bacteria have evolved diverse strategies to ensure survival under nutrient-limited conditions, where rapid energy generation is not achievable. Here, we performed a transposon insertion site sequencing loss-of-function screen to identify
Vibrio cholerae
genes that promote pathogen fitness in stationary phase. We discovered that the
m
aintenance of
l
ipid
a
symmetry (Mla) pathway, which is crucial for transferring phospholipids from the outer to the inner membrane, is critical for stationary phase fitness. Competition experiments with barcoded and fluorophore labeled wild-type (WT) and
mlaE
mutant
V. cholerae
revealed that the Mla pathway promotes re-expansion from 48 h stationary phase cultures. The mutant defect in transitioning out of stationary phase into active growth (culturability) was also observed in monocultures at 48 h. However, by 96 h the culturability of the WT and mutant strains were equivalent. By monitoring the abundances of genomically barcoded libraries of WT and ∆
mlaE
strains, we observed that a few barcodes dominated the mutant culture at 96 h, suggesting that the similarity of the population sizes at this time was caused by expansion of a subpopulation containing a mutation that suppressed the defect of ∆
mlaE
. Whole genome sequencing revealed that
mlaE
suppressors inactivated flagellar biosynthesis. Additional mechanistic studies support the idea that the Mla pathway is critical for maintaining the culturability of
V. cholerae
because it promotes energy homeostasis, likely due to its role in regulating outer membrane vesicle shedding. Together our findings provide insights into the cellular processes that control re-expansion from stationary phase and demonstrate a previously undiscovered role for the Mla pathway.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria regularly encounter conditions with nutrient scarcity, where cell growth and division are minimal. Knowledge of the pathways that enable re-growth following nutrient restriction is limited. Here, using the cholera pathogen, we uncovered a role for the Mla pathway, a system that enables phospholipid re-cycling, in promoting
Vibrio cholerae
re-expansion from stationary phase cultures. Cells labeled with DNA barcodes or fluorophores were useful to demonstrate that though the abundances of wild-type and Mla mutant cells were similar in stationary phase cultures, they had marked differences in their capacities to regrow on plates. Of note, Mla mutant cells lose cell envelope components including high-energy phospholipids due to OMV shedding. Our findings suggest that the defects in cellular energy homeostasis that emerge in the absence of the Mla pathway underlie its importance in maintaining
V. cholerae
culturability.
Antimicrobial peptide LL37 is potent against non-growing
Escherichia coli
cells despite a slower action rate
Authors: Mohammadi Salimeh , Saucedo Derek , Taheri-Araghi Sattar
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have long been considered as potential agents against non-growing, dormant cells due to their membrane-targeted action, which is largely independent of the cell’s growth state. However, the relationship between the action of AMPs and the physiological state of their target cells has been unclear, with recent reports offering conflicting views on the efficacy of AMPs against bacteria in a stationary phase. In this study, we employ single-cell approaches combined with population-level experiments to examine the action of human LL37 peptides against
Escherichia coli
cells in different growth phases. Time-lapse, single-cell data from our experiments reveal that LL37 peptides act faster on large, dividing cells than on small, newborn cells. We extend this investigation to non-growing
E. coli
cells in a stationary phase, where we observe that the action of LL37 peptides is slower on non-growing cells compared to exponentially growing cells. This slower action rate is, however, not mirrored in the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) measurements. Notably, we find that the MBC for non-growing cells is lower than for exponentially growing cells, indicating that, given sufficient time, LL37 peptides exhibit strong potency against non-growing cells. We propose that the enhanced potency of LL37 peptides against non-growing cells, despite their slower action, can be attributed to continuous absorption of AMPs on the cell membrane over time.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic treatments can fail because of the regrowth of a bacterial subpopulation that resumes proliferation once the treatment ceases. This resurgence is primarily driven by non-growing, dormant bacterial cells that withstand the action of antibiotics without developing resistance. In this study, we explore the potency of the human antimicrobial peptide LL37 against non-growing
Escherichia coli
cells. Our findings reveal that despite a slower initial action, LL37 peptides, given sufficient time, demonstrate strong efficacy against non-growing cells. These insights suggest a potential role of antimicrobial peptides in combating persistent bacterial infections by targeting the non-growing cells.
SCovid v2.0: a comprehensive resource to decipher the molecular characteristics across tissues in COVID-19 and other human coronaviruses
Authors: Zhu Zijun , Chen Xinyu , He Guoyou , Yu Rui , Wang Chao , Qi Changlu , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2024

SCovid v2.0 (
http://bio-annotation.cn/scovid
or
http://bio-computing.hrbmu.edu.cn/scovid/
) is an updated database designed to assist researchers in uncovering the molecular characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across various tissues through transcriptome sequencing. Compared with its predecessor, SCovid v2.0 is enhanced with comprehensive data, practical functionalities, and a reconstructed pipeline. The current release includes (i) 3,544,360 cells from 45 single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data sets encompassing 789 samples from 15 tissues; (ii) the addition of 62 COVID-19 bulk RNA-seq data comprising 1,688 samples from 12 tissues; (iii) incorporation of seven bulk RNA-seq data sets related to other human coronaviruses, such as HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and MERS-CoV for a thorough comparative analysis of pan-coronavirus mechanisms in COVID-19; and (iv) systematic comparisons between the data sets conducted using standardized procedures. Furthermore, we have developed an advanced search engine and upgraded web interface to browse, search, visualize, and download detailed information. Overall, SCovid v2.0 is a valuable resource for exploring molecular characteristics of COVID-19 across different tissues.

IMPORTANCE

This manuscript provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular characteristics of COVID-19 through cross-tissue transcriptome analysis, contributing to the understanding of COVID-19 by clinicians and scientists. Considering the cyclical nature of coronavirus outbreaks, this updated database adds transcriptome data on other human coronaviruses, contributing to potential and existing mechanisms of other human coronaviruses.
Listeria monocytogenes
use multiple mechanisms to disseminate from the intestinal lamina propria to the mesenteric lymph nodes
Authors: Nowacki Joshua S. , Jones Grant S. , D'Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: December 2024

Listeria monocytogenes
are facultative intracellular bacterial pathogens that cause foodborne disease in humans. The bacteria can use the surface protein InlA to invade intestinal epithelial cells or transcytose across M cells in the gut, but it is not well understood how the bacteria traffic from the underlying lamina propria to the draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Previous studies indicated that
L. monocytogenes
associated with both monocytes and dendritic cells in the intestinal lamina propria. We show here that CCR2
−/−
mice had a significant reduction in Ly6C
hi
monocytes in the MLN but no change in bacterial burden following foodborne infection; thus, dissemination of
L. monocytogenes
associated with monocytes is not required for colonization of the MLN. To block CCR7-mediated trafficking of dendritic cells from the lamina propria, we treated mice with anti-VEGFR3 antibody (clone AFL4) prior to and during infection but did not see a change in dendritic numbers in the MLN as had been previously reported with other anti-VEGFR3-specific antibodies. However, increasing the number of circulating dendritic cells by treating mice with rFlt3L resulted in a significant increase in
L. monocytogenes
in the lymph nodes that drain the small intestine and the spleen. Whole-mount fluorescent microscopy of lymphatic vessels following ligated loop infection revealed both free-floating
L. monocytogenes
and cell-associated bacteria within lymphatic vessels. Together, these results suggest that
L. monocytogenes
can use multiple, redundant mechanisms to disseminate from the gut tissue to the MLN.

IMPORTANCE

Consumption of the foodborne bacterial pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
results in a wide spectrum of human disease from mild self-limiting gastroenteritis to life-threatening infections of the bloodstream, brain, and placenta. It is not well understood how the bacteria migrate from the intestines to the draining mesenteric lymph nodes, which are thought to serve as the last barrier to prevent systemic infections. Results presented here reveal multiple redundant mechanisms
L. monocytogenes
can use to disseminate from the ileum or colon to the mesenteric lymph nodes.
Erratum to: Probing Open Charm Hadron Production with the ALICE-3 Detector at the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Malaev M. V. , Riabov V. G.
Published: December 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062873824110078
Tri-vector deformations with external fluxes
Authors: Barakin Sergei , Gubarev Kirill , Musaev Edvard T.
Published: December 2024

We extend the formalism of tri-vector deformations to the full SL(5) exceptional field theory with no truncation assumed thus covering 11D backgrounds of any form. We derive explicit transformation rules for 11D supergravity component fields and prove that these generate solutions given the same algebraic conditions hold: generalized Yang–Baxter equation and the unimodularity condition.
Testing the molecular nature of the $$\Omega (2012)$$ with the $$\psi (3770) \rightarrow \bar{\Omega } \bar{K} \Xi $$ and $$\psi (3770) \rightarrow \bar{\Omega } \bar{K} \Xi ^*(1530) (\bar{\Omega } \bar{K} \pi \Xi )$$ reactions
Authors: Song Jing , Liang Wei-Hong , Xiao Chu-Wen , Dias Jorgivan Morais , Oset Eulogio
Published: December 2024

We report on the reactions

$$\psi (3770)\rightarrow \bar{\Omega }^+ \bar{K} \Xi $$

ψ

(
3770
)

→

Ω

¯

+

K

¯

Ξ

and

$$\psi (3770)\rightarrow \bar{\Omega }^+ \bar{K}\Xi ^*(1530) \;(\Xi ^*(1530)\rightarrow \pi \Xi $$

ψ

(
3770
)

→

Ω

¯

+

K

¯

Ξ
∗

(
1530
)

(

Ξ
∗

(
1530
)

→
π
Ξ

), and calculate the mass distributions

$$\frac{\textrm{d}\Gamma }{\textrm{d}M_\text {inv}(\bar{K}\Xi )}$$

d
Γ

d

M
inv

(

K

¯

Ξ
)

and

$$\frac{\textrm{d}\Gamma }{\textrm{d}M_\text {inv}(\bar{K}\Xi ^*)}$$

d
Γ

d

M
inv

(

K

¯

Ξ
∗

)

, respectively. We obtain clear peaks corresponding to the

$$\Omega (2012)$$

Ω
(
2012
)

. From the decay of

$$\psi (3770)\rightarrow \bar{\Omega }^+ \bar{K}\Xi ^*$$

ψ

(
3770
)

→

Ω

¯

+

K

¯

Ξ
∗

, we also get a second, broader, peak around

$$2035\,\mathrm MeV$$

2035

M
e
V

, which comes from the

$$\Omega (2012)$$

Ω
(
2012
)

decay to

$$\bar{K}\Xi ^*$$

K

¯

Ξ
∗

. This second peak is closely tied to the molecular picture of the

$$\Omega (2012)$$

Ω
(
2012
)

with the

$$\bar{K}\Xi ^*(1530)$$

K

¯

Ξ
∗

(
1530
)

and

$$\eta \Omega $$

η
Ω

components. Its observation would provide a boost to the molecular picture of the

$$\Omega (2012)$$

Ω
(
2012
)

.
Mechanisms of Inheritance of Chromatin States: From Yeast to Human
Authors: Madhani Hiten D.
Published: December 2024

In this article I review mechanisms that underpin epigenetic inheritance of CpG methylation and histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) in chromatin in fungi and mammals. CpG methylation can be faithfully inherited epigenetically at some sites for a lifetime in vertebrates and, remarkably, can be propagated for millions of years in some fungal lineages. Transmission of methylation patterns requires maintenance-type DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) that recognize hemimethylated CpG DNA produced by replication. DNMT1 is the maintenance enzyme in vertebrates; we recently identified DNMT5 as an ATP-dependent CpG maintenance enzyme found in fungi and protists. In vivo, CpG methylation is coupled to H3K9me. H3K9me is itself reestablished after replication via local histone H3-H4 tetramer recycling involving mobile and nonmobile chaperones, de novo nucleosome assembly, and read-write mechanisms that modify naive nucleosomes. Additional proteins recognize hemimethylated CpG or fully methylated CpG-containing motifs and enhance restoration of methylation by recruiting and/or activating the maintenance methylase.
Survey Experiments in Sociology
Authors: Schachter Ariela , Weisshaar Katherine
Published: December 2024

Survey experiments are an underutilized but powerful tool for sociologists interested in studying causal research questions. Survey experiments can yield insights into the breadth of causal relationships, by studying treatment effects in population samples or across subgroups, and can yield a deeper understanding of causal processes that are not readily observed with other social science methodologies. In this article, we begin by considering the conditions under which survey experiments are a uniquely useful method and highlight emblematic examples of recent sociological research. We then discuss some of the challenges and limitations of survey experiments as a research method before offering a brief practical guide to sociologists interested in conducting survey experiments. We conclude with reflections on the future of survey experimental research in sociology.
Identification of polycystin 2 missense mutants targeted for endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation
Authors: Guerriero Christopher J. , Carattino Marcelo D. , Sharp Katherine G. , Kantz Luke J. , Gresko Nikolay P. , Caplan Michael J. , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2024

This study indicates that select missense mutations in PC2, a protein that when mutated leads to ADPKD, result in protein misfolding and degradation via the ERAD pathway. Our work leveraged a new yeast model and an HEK293 cell model to discover the mechanism underlying PC2 instability and demonstrates the potential for pharmacological rescue. We also suggest that targeting the protein misfolding phenotype with chemical chaperones may offer new therapeutic strategies to manage ADPKD-related protein dysfunction.
United Boundary‐Domain Integro‐Differential and Integral Equations to the Mixed BVP for a Compressible Stokes System with Variable Viscosity
Authors: Hagos Goitom W. , Ayele Tsegaye G.
Published: December 2024

The mixed BVP for a compressible Stokes system of PDEs with variable viscosity is considered in a bounded domain of three dimensions. Based on a specially constructed parametrix (Levi function), the problem is reduced to the united boundary‐domain integro‐differential or integral equations (BDIDEs or BDIEs). The BDIDEs are to be supplemented by the original boundary conditions, thus constituting boundary‐domain integro‐differential problems (BDIDPs). The BDIDPs/BDIEs contain integral operators defined on the domain under consideration as well as potential‐type operators defined on open submanifolds of the boundary and acting on the trace and/or traction of the unknown solution or on an auxiliary function. Solvability, solution uniqueness, equivalence of the BDIDPs/BDIEs to the original BVP, and invertibility of the associated operators are investigated in appropriate Sobolev spaces.
The Efficacy and Tolerability of Prostaglandin Analogues in Treating Systemic Sclerosis‐Associated Raynaud Phenomenon: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Alahmari Hana , Jazayeri Hila , Johnson Sindhu R.
Published: December 2024

Background: Systemic sclerosis‐associated Raynaud phenomenon (SSc‐RP) confers poor outcomes, including ulceration, gangrene, autoamputation, and hand disability. Prostaglandin analogues (PG) are a group of prostacyclin‐derived drugs with properties that may address underlying complex mechanisms of SSc‐RP. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of PGs in SSc‐RP.

Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating PG use in SSc‐RP. The primary outcome was the severity of RP attacks. The secondary outcomes were the frequency and duration of RP attacks, healing of digital ulcers, development of new digital ulcers, change of capillary blood flow, patient health‐reported outcome measure (PROM‐VAS), and tolerability.

Results: Eleven RCTs were included, reporting a total of n = 1081 individuals with SSc. PG confers a beneficial effect on RP severity in the short‐term, weighted Mean difference (WMD) −0.63 (95% CI −0.99, −0.27, I2 0%), with no difference in tolerability compared to placebo OR 1.88 (95% CI 1.00, 3.55, I2 = 1%). PG has nonsignificant trends towards improvement in RP frequency WMD of −0.32 (95% CI −0.76, 0.13, I2 = 0%), RP duration WMD −4.78 (95% CI −14.69, 5.14, I2 = 1%), PROM‐VAS WMD −4.81 (95% CI −11.31, 1.69, I2 = 67%), and new or recurrent digital ulcers OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.48, 1.76, I2 = 34%).

Conclusion: PGs are beneficial in the short term to reduce the RP severity and are tolerable. Larger, adequately powered trials are needed for higher certainty evidence across SSc‐RP outcomes.
Mind to Music: An EEG Signal‐Driven Real‐Time Emotional Music Generation System
Authors: Ran Shuang , Zhong Wei , Ma Lin , Duan Danting , Ye Long , Zhang Qin
Published: December 2024

Music is an important way for emotion expression, and traditional manual composition requires a solid knowledge of music theory. It is needed to find a simple but accurate method to express personal emotions in music creation. In this paper, we propose and implement an EEG signal‐driven real‐time emotional music generation system for generating exclusive emotional music. To achieve real‐time emotion recognition, the proposed system can obtain the model suitable for a newcomer quickly through short‐time calibration. And then, both the recognized emotion state and music structure features are fed into the network as the conditional inputs to generate exclusive music which is consistent with the user’s real emotional expression. In the real‐time emotion recognition module, we propose an optimized style transfer mapping algorithm based on simplified parameter optimization and introduce the strategy of instance selection into the proposed method. The module can obtain and calibrate a suitable model for a new user in short‐time, which achieves the purpose of real‐time emotion recognition. The accuracies have been improved to 86.78% and 77.68%, and the computing time is just to 7 s and 10 s on the public SEED and self‐collected datasets, respectively. In the music generation module, we propose an emotional music generation network based on structure features and embed it into our system, which breaks the limitation of the existing systems by calling third‐party software and realizes the controllability of the consistency of generated music with the actual one in emotional expression. The experimental results show that the proposed system can generate fluent, complete, and exclusive music consistent with the user’s real‐time emotion recognition results.
Bifurcation and Global Stability of a SEIRS Model With a Modified Nonlinear Incidence Rate
Authors: Amin Shilan , Majeed Saiwan , Aziz Sozan , Mustafa Arkan
Published: December 2024

In this work, a SEIRS (susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered–susceptible) model with modified nonlinear incidence rate is considered. The incidence rate illustrates how the number of infected individuals initially increases at the onset of a disease, subsequently decreases due to the psychological effect, and ultimately reaches saturation due to the crowding effect. Firstly, we determine the existence criteria for the model equilibrium points, followed by the identification of the threshold quantity for disease survival; R0 determines whether the disease dies out or not. We analyze both the local and global stability of the associated equilibria. The dynamics of the model are complex due to its forward and backward bifurcations. Finally, we perform some numerical simulations to illustrate the impact of the analytical findings observed in the works.
Three Optimization Methods for Preprocessing Dam Safety Monitoring Data Using Machine Learning
Authors: Jiang Zihan , Gu Hao , Fang Yue , Shao Chenfei , Lu Xi , Cao Wenhan , Wang Jiayi , Wu Yan , Zhu Mingyuan
Published: December 2024

The sensor‐based dam health monitoring (DHM) systems of concrete‐faced rockfill dam (CFRD) are easily affected by environmental factors, which inevitably causes sensor fault, and the measured value of its effect quantities is nonlinear and unstable. The application of machine learning in the preprocessing of dam safety monitoring data is very extensive, mainly including two parts: gross error elimination and missing data completion. In this paper, support vector regression (SVR), a typical machine learning algorithm, is chosen to accomplish these two tasks, while suggesting possible optimizations in different situations of hydraulic monitoring, including optimization of parameters in SVR using the population algorithm sparrow search algorithm (SSA); optimization of the pattern of gross error discriminant using the minimum covariance determinant (MCD) algorithm; and the hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) algorithm to optimize the selection method of spatial measurement points when completing a segment of missing data. The results show that the optimized SVR method has greater accuracy in both gross error elimination and the completion of individual missing data or a segment of missing data for DHM systems, which is applicable to measured data of CFRD. These optimization methods can also be extended to other engineering applications.
Sex Differences in Participation and Performance Trends in Time‐Limited Ultramarathon Events
Authors: Thuany Mabliny , Gomes Thayse Natacha , Villiger Elias , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Scheer Volker , Weiss Katja , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: December 2024

Aim: We aimed to analyze sex differences in time‐limited ultramarathon participation, while also identifying trends in participation, age, and performance across different formats of events, from 1990 to 2020.

Method: This is an exploratory study, using data obtained from the official event web pages. We downloaded information regarding the year of the event, athletes’ year of birth, sex, race event, ranking, and mean running speed (km/h). The sex gap in participation was presented through equiplots. Regression models were fitted to analyze trends in participation, age, and performance, considering a 95% confidence interval.

Results: A similar pattern of increase in participation and age was shown for athletes of both sexes until 2019. The sex gap remained, displaying different patterns across race events. A general trend of slower mean running speeds was shown. The random‐effects analysis showed that sex and age played significant roles in the performance trajectory across the years, in each race event.

Conclusions: Apart from the 8‐day race among females, there was a decline in the performance across all race durations. Despite the trend of performance decline, future studies need to address the relevance of this decline in both theoretical and practical terms.
The Role of Working Animals and Their Welfare Issues in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Derbib Tarekegn , Daru Getasew , Kehali Senait , Alemu Sinkie
Published: December 2024

Working animals provide a critical socioeconomic role for many low‐income communities, especially in Ethiopia nearly all draft power for agriculture production is generated from working animals. However, the welfare status of working animals remains worst in the country. Hence, understanding the major welfare problems of working animals is the key to improve their welfare status and to maximize their economic contribution. This systematic literature review encompasses 28 studies published between 2010 and 2024 that address the role of working animals and the factors impinging on their welfare. In this review, PRISMA flow diagram was used for literature inclusion and exclusion. In this review, we provide the role of working animals on improving the livelihood of peoples. According to the review, working animals were used as a direct food source, served as draft power, as income source, and also used for other purposes. This review also indicates low treatment to disease and injury, poor access to feed and water, no freedom from beating and distress, low access to safe shelter, and no freedom to express normal behavior are the major welfare problems in Ethiopia. The review also finds the gaps in animal welfare measurement and data analysis method, which should be examined by future researchers.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer with Central Nervous System Metastasis
Authors: Yamane Hiroaki , Itagaki Tomoko , Kajitani Keiko
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS) is frequently observed in human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)-positive breast cancer, leading to reduced quality of life and poor prognosis. Brain metastases (BMs) are common, whereas spinal cord metastases are rare and no standardized treatment approach has been reported for their management. Herein, we report the outcomes of treatment with trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in a patient with BMs and intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) and another patient with BMs. Case Presentation: The first patient was a woman in her 30s. After the surgery for HER2-positive right breast cancer, T-DXd was used as fourth-line treatment for multiple BMs and ISCM. Both the BMs and ISCM reduced, and partial response was maintained for 12 months. Grade 1 fatigue was the only adverse event observed in this patient. The second patient was a woman in her 40 s with multiple BMs after primary treatment for HER2-positive right breast cancer, as well as multiple bone and lymphoid node metastases. T-DXd was administered as second-line treatment. The multiple BMs have now shrunk, and the primary tumor and bone/lymph node metastases have not shown significant changes; the patient has maintained partial response for 6 months. Conclusion: Metastasis to the CNS has a very poor prognosis and limited therapeutic response because it is difficult for drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier. However, T-DXd has yielded positive results for BMs in clinical trials. Additionally, a therapeutic effect of T-DXd on ISCM and BMs was observed in the reported cases.
Comprehensive Genetic Analysis Exploring Sedentary Lifestyle, Physical Activity, and Respiratory Diseases: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization with Over 500,000 Participants
Authors: Wan Wei , Tu Junhao , Huang Xinyi , Ren Yingxiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Huang Xinyu , Liu Mengyuan , Qiu Yi , Yang Chunping
Published: December 2024

Introduction:The associations between sedentary lifestyles, physical activity and the risk of respiratory diseases are crucial areas of medical and health research. Despite numerous studies, uncertainties and controversies regarding causal relationships persist. We utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, an advanced statistical tool, to further investigate causal links.
Methods: In this study, a bidirectional MR analysis was performed to determine the potential causal relationships between leisure screen time (LST), sedentary behavior at work (SBW), moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during leisure time (MVPA) and 10 common respiratory diseases.
Results: Aggregating outcomes from analytical assessments showed that LST was positively correlated with the risk of asthma (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.10-1.34, p = 9.36E-5), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.16-1.49, p = 2.45E-5), lung cancer (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05-1.32, p = 0.005), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04-1.22, p = 0.003). MVPA was correlated with a reduced risk of developing asthma (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53-0.88, p = 0.004) and COPD (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.47-0.83, p = 0.001). A genetic predisposition to SBW was associated with a decreased risk of nasal polyps (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.423-0.86, p = 0.005).
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate complex causal relationships between sedentary lifestyles, physical activity and various respiratory system diseases. These discoveries hold significant value in devising precision-oriented approaches for the prevention and treatment of respiratory system diseases.
The History and Development of Modern Pharmacognosy in Ukraine: The National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv
Authors:   The National University of Pharmacy, Kovalyova Alla , Ilina Tetiana ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Goryacha Olga ,   National University of Pharmacy, Grytsyk Andriy ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Raal Ain ,   University of Tartu, Oleh Koshovyi Oleh ,   The National University of Pharmacy
Published: December 2024

This historical essay presents an analysis of the origins and development of modern pharmacognosy in Ukraine and explores the founding and development of the Department of Pharmacognosy at the National University of Pharmacy (NUPh, Kharkiv), providing an overview of the department`s history, a framework of its educational and methodological processes, primary research directions, and its main achievements. The paper also includes biographical data and outlines the main scientific and pedagogical achievements of prominent individuals who made a significant contribution to the development and formation of pharmacognostic and pharmaceutical science and education in Ukraine. Over the years, the staff of the pharmacognosy department has authored and published 14 monographs, 8 standard training programs, 25 textbooks, practical guides, and training manuals, 47 lecture notes, and 103 educational and methodological developments. Furthermore, 16 doctoral and 77 candidate theses have been defended at the Department of Pharmacognosy. The staff has also secured 63 author’s certificates and 171 patents, and published about 1,050 articles, 1,060 abstracts, and 16 monographs. In addition, the department has developed numerous medicinal products and therapeutic as well as preventive items that have been introduced into medical practice. These achievements create a solid background for the department’s fruitful development and future success.