Journal Articles, BioMed Central and SpringerOpen

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Effects of dust controls on respirable coal mine dust composition and particle sizes: case studies on auxiliary scrubbers and canopy air curtain
Animah, Festus; Keles, Cigdem; Reed, W. R.; Sarver, Emily A. (2024-04-20)
Control of dust in underground coal mines is critical for mitigating both safety and health hazards. For decades, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has led research to evaluate the effectiveness of various dust control technologies in coal mines. Recent studies have included the evaluation of auxiliary scrubbers to reduce respirable dust downstream of active mining and the use of canopy air curtains (CACs) to reduce respirable dust in key operator positions. While detailed dust characterization was not a focus of such studies, this is a growing area of interest. Using preserved filter samples from three previous NIOSH studies, the current work aims to explore the effect of two different scrubbers (one wet and one dry) and a roof bolter CAC on respirable dust composition and particle size distribution. For this, the preserved filter samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis and/or scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray. Results indicate that dust composition was not appreciably affected by either scrubber or the CAC. However, the wet scrubber and CAC appeared to decrease the overall particle size distribution. Such an effect of the dry scrubber was not consistently observed, but this is probably related to the particular sampling location downstream of the scrubber which allowed for significant mixing of the scrubber exhaust and other return air. Aside from the insights gained with respect to the three specific dust control case studies revisited here, this work demonstrates the value of preserved dust samples for follow-up investigation more broadly.
Understanding poromechanical response of a biogenic coalbed methane reservoir
Pandey, Rohit; Harpalani, Satya (2024-04-17)
Biogenic coalbed methane (BCBM) reservoirs aim to produce methane from in situ coal deposits following microbial conversion of coal. Success of BCBM reservoirs requires economic methane production within an acceptable timeframe. The work reported here quantifies the findings of previously published qualitative work, where it was found that bioconversion induces strains in the pore, matrix and bulk scales. Using imaging and dynamic strain monitoring techniques, the bioconversion induced strain is quantified here. To understand the effect of these strains from a reservoir geomechanics perspective, a corresponding poromechanical model is developed. Furthermore, findings of imaging experiments are validated using core-flooding flow experiments. Finally, expected field-scale behavior of the permeability response of a BCBM operation is modeled and analyzed. The results of the study indicated that, for Illinois coals, bioconversion induced strains result in a decrease in fracture porosity, resulting in a detrimental permeability drop in excess of 60% during bioconversion, which festers itself exponentially throughout its producing life. Results indicate that reservoirs with high initial permeability that will support higher Darcian flowrates, would be better suited for coal bioconversion, thereby providing a site-selection criteria for BCBM operations.
Advancing respirable coal mine dust source apportionment: a preliminary laboratory exploration of optical microscopy as a novel monitoring tool
Santa, Nestor; Sarver, Emily A. (2024-04-16)
Exposure to respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) can cause chronic and debilitating lung diseases. Real-time monitoring capabilities are sought which can enable a better understanding of dust components and sources. In many underground mines, RCMD includes three primary components which can be loosely associated with three major dust sources: coal dust from the coal seam itself, silicates from the surrounding rock strata, and carbonates from the inert ‘rock dust’ products that are applied to mitigate explosion hazards. A monitor which can reliably partition RCMD between these three components could thus allow source apportionment. And tracking silicates, specifically, could be valuable since the most serious health risks are typically associated with this component-particularly if abundant in crystalline silica. Envisioning a monitoring concept based on field microscopy, and following up on prior research using polarized light, the aim of the current study was to build and test a model to classify respirable-sized particles as either coal, silicates, or carbonates. For model development, composite dust samples were generated in the laboratory by successively depositing dust from high-purity materials onto a sticky transparent substrate, and imaging after each deposition event such that the identity of each particle was known a priori. Model testing followed a similar approach, except that real geologic materials were used as the source for each dust component. Results showed that the model had an overall accuracy of 86.5%, indicating that a field-microscopy based monitor could support RCMD source apportionment and silicates tracking in some coal mines.
Ambiguous citizenship policies: Examining implementation gaps across levels of legislation in Jordan
Frost, Lillian (2024-04-10)
Despite the prevalence of ambiguous citizenship policies that say one thing in law and another in implementing regulations, few studies have focused on systematically studying this type of implementation gap, particularly in contexts beyond North America and Europe. This largely has remained the case despite research on discursive policy gaps, which occur between a policy’s stated objectives and its laws, efficacy gaps, which describe when a policy’s outcomes fail to meet its goals, and compliance gaps, which reflect disparities between a state’s commitments to international law and its corresponding domestic policies. How can we advance conceptualizations of law-regulation implementation gaps? This paper proposes one approach by focusing on the content of domestic laws, on the one hand, and the content of related implementing regulations, on the other. When law-regulation discrepancies occur, they illustrate the agency of senior officials in writing this intentional ambiguity into different levels of legislation, challenging assumptions about institutional weakness and lower-level bureaucratic discretion as chief drivers of implementation gaps. The paper illustrates this concept by analyzing discrepancies between Jordan’s nationality and passports laws and their related implementing regulations, particularly regarding Gaza refugees’ access to passports, investors’ access to nationality, and Palestinian-Jordanians’ subjection to nationality withdrawals. These diverse cases of intentional ambiguity demonstrate that such gaps can serve to partially exclude or include a group and can occur with noncitizen and citizen as well as more or less vulnerable groups.
NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
Aredah, Ahmed S.; Fadhloun, Karim; Rakha, Hesham A. (2024-04-09)
Although train modeling research is vast, most available simulation tools are confined to city- or trip-scale analysis, primarily offering micro-level simulations of network segments. This paper addresses this void by developing the NeTrainSim simulator for heavy long-haul freight trains on a network of multiple intersecting tracks. The main objective of this simulator is to enable a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption and the associated carbon footprint for the entire train system. Four case studies were conducted to demonstrate the simulator’s performance. The first case study validates the model by comparing NeTrainSim output to empirical trajectory data. The results demonstrate that the simulated trajectory is precise enough to estimate the train energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The second application demonstrates the train-following model considering six trains following each other. The results showcase the model ability to maintain safe-following distances between successive trains. The next study highlights the simulator’s ability to resolve train conflicts for different scenarios. Finally, the suitability of the NeTrainSim for modeling realistic railroad networks is verified through the modeling of the entire US network and comparing alternative powertrains on the fleet energy consumption.
Guest editorial: Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Computational Approaches for Tribology
Zhang, Zhinan; Pan, Shuaihang; Raeymaekers, Bart (2024-04-02)
Peptidoglycan in osteoarthritis synovial tissue is associated with joint inflammation
Holub, Meaghan N.; Wahhab, Amanda; Rouse, Joseph R.; Danner, Rebecca; Hackner, Lauren G.; Duris, Christine B.; McClune, Mecaila E.; Dressler, Jules M.; Strle, Klemen; Jutras, Brandon L.; Edelstein, Adam I.; Lochhead, Robert B. (2024-03-27)
Objectives: Peptidoglycan (PG) is an arthritogenic bacterial cell wall component whose role in human osteoarthritis is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if PG is present in synovial tissue of osteoarthritis patients at the time of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and if its presence is associated with inflammation and patient reported outcomes. Methods: Intraoperative synovial tissue and synovial fluid samples were obtained from 56 patients undergoing primary TKA, none of whom had history of infection. PG in synovial tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM). Synovial tissue inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by histopathology and synovial fluid cytokine quantification. Primary human fibroblasts isolated from arthritis synovial tissue were stimulated with PG to determine inflammatory cytokine response. Results: A total of 33/56 (59%) of primary TKA synovial tissue samples were positive for PG by IHC, and PG staining colocalized with markers of synovial macrophages and fibroblasts by IFM. Synovial tissue inflammation and elevated IL-6 in synovial fluid positively correlated with PG positivity. Primary human fibroblasts stimulated with PG secreted high levels of IL-6, consistent with ex vivo findings. Interestingly, we observed a significant inverse correlation between PG and age at time of TKA, indicating younger age at time of TKA was associated with higher PG levels. Conclusion: Peptidoglycan is commonly found in synovial tissue from patients undergoing TKA. Our data indicate that PG may play an important role in inflammatory synovitis, particularly in patients who undergo TKA at a relatively younger age.
Effect of organic biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under outdoor conditions
Da Cunha Leme Filho, Jose F.; Chim, Bee K.; Bermand, Cameron; Diatta, Andre A.; Thomason, Wade E. (2024-03-26)
In 2019 and 2020, we investigated the individual and combined effects of two biofertilizers (manure tea and bioinoculant) and one humic acid (HA) product on cannabis biochemical and physiological parameters and soil CO2 evolution under outdoor conditions. Our hypothesis was that HA would increase the microbial activity in the biofertilizers and synergy of both compounds would promote better plant performance and stimulate soil microbial activity. In 2020, the individual and combined application of biofertilizers and HA increased cannabis height, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, aboveground biomass, and bucked biomass by 105, 52, 43, 122, and 117%, respectively. Impacts were greater under suboptimal growing conditions caused by planting delay experienced in 2020. In 2019, planting date occurred in-between the most favorable period and chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were the only parameters influenced by the application of biostimulants. The discrepancies between the two growing seasons reinforce the evidence of other studies that biostimulants efficacy is maximized under stress conditions. This study could not conclusively confirm that the combined use of biofertilizer + HA is a superior practice since affected plant parameters did not differ from application of the compounds singly. Similarly, only one biofertilizer + HA treatment increased soil microbial activity. More research is needed to define optimum rates and combinations of biofertilizer and stimulants for cannabis.
Chromatin profiling reveals TFAP4 as a critical transcriptional regulator of bovine satellite cell differentiation
Lyu, Pengcheng; Jiang, Honglin (2024-03-12)
Background: Satellite cells are myogenic precursor cells in adult skeletal muscle and play a crucial role in skeletal muscle regeneration, maintenance, and growth. Like embryonic myoblasts, satellite cells have the ability to proliferate, differentiate, and fuse to form multinucleated myofibers. In this study, we aimed to identify additional transcription factors that control gene expression during bovine satellite cell proliferation and differentiation. Results: Using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing, we identified 56,973 and 54,470 genomic regions marked with both the histone modifications H3K4me1 and H3K27ac, which were considered active enhancers, and 50,956 and 59,174 genomic regions marked with H3K27me3, which were considered repressed enhancers, in proliferating and differentiating bovine satellite cells, respectively. In addition, we identified 1,216 and 1,171 super-enhancers in proliferating and differentiating bovine satellite cells, respectively. Analyzing these enhancers showed that in proliferating bovine satellite cells, active enhancers were associated with genes stimulating cell proliferation or inhibiting myoblast differentiation whereas repressed enhancers were associated with genes essential for myoblast differentiation, and that in differentiating satellite cells, active enhancers were associated with genes essential for myoblast differentiation or muscle contraction whereas repressed enhancers were associated with genes stimulating cell proliferation or inhibiting myoblast differentiation. Active enhancers in proliferating bovine satellite cells were enriched with binding sites for many transcription factors such as MYF5 and the AP-1 family transcription factors; active enhancers in differentiating bovine satellite cells were enriched with binding sites for many transcription factors such as MYOG and TFAP4; and repressed enhancers in both proliferating and differentiating bovine satellite cells were enriched with binding sites for NF-kB, ZEB-1, and several other transcription factors. The role of TFAP4 in satellite cell or myoblast differentiation was previously unknown, and through gene knockdown and overexpression, we experimentally validated a critical role for TFAP4 in the differentiation and fusion of bovine satellite cells into myofibers. Conclusions: Satellite cell proliferation and differentiation are controlled by many transcription factors such as AP-1, TFAP4, NF-kB, and ZEB-1 whose roles in these processes were previously unknown in addition to those transcription factors such as MYF5 and MYOG whose roles in these processes are widely known.
Improving the performance of cryogenic calorimeters with nonlinear multivariate noise cancellation algorithms
Vetter, K. J.; Beretta, M.; Capelli, C.; Corso, F. D.; Hansen, E. V.; Huang, R. G.; Kolomensky, Yu. G.; Marini, L.; Nutini, I.; Singh, V.; Torres, A.; Welliver, B.; Zimmermann, S.; Zucchelli, S. (2024-03-08)
State-of-the-art physics experiments require high-resolution, low-noise, and low-threshold detectors to achieve competitive scientific results. However, experimental environments invariably introduce sources of noise, such as electrical interference or microphonics. The sources of this environmental noise can often be monitored by adding specially designed “auxiliary devices” (e.g. microphones, accelerometers, seismometers, magnetometers, and antennae). A model can then be constructed to predict the detector noise based on the auxiliary device information, which can then be subtracted from the true detector signal. Here, we present a multivariate noise cancellation algorithm which can be used in a variety of settings to improve the performance of detectors using multiple auxiliary devices. To validate this approach, we apply it to simulated data to remove noise due to electromagnetic interference and microphonic vibrations. We then employ the algorithm to a cryogenic light detector in the laboratory and show an improvement in the detector performance. Finally, we motivate the use of nonlinear terms to better model vibrational contributions to the noise in thermal detectors. We show a further improvement in the performance of a particular channel of the CUORE detector when using the nonlinear algorithm in combination with optimal filtering techniques.
Enabling regulatory policy globally will promote realization of the potential of animal biotechnology
Hallerman, Eric M.; Bredlau, Justin; Camargo, Luiz S. A.; Dagli, Maria L. Z.; Karembu, Margaret; Kovich, Daniel; Muia, Anne N.; Murrone, Mariana L.; Rocha-Salavarrieta, Pedro J.; Romero-Aldemita, Rhodora; Tizard, Mark; Walton, Mark; Wray-Cahen, Diane (2024-03-06)
Animal biotechnologies have the potential to improve the sustainability and security of our global food systems. Government regulatory authorities are responsible for ensuring the safety of food their citizens consume, whether it is produced via conventional breeding methods or biotechnologies. While some countries have implemented animal biotechnology oversight policies, many countries have yet to develop theirs. Historically, regulatory approvals were required before products of biotechnology could enter the marketplace, and the high cost of the approval process limited the number and types of animal and plant products that sought approval. Only one biotech animal in the world that was developed for food production has reached the market under a GMO or rDNA approval process. The advent of genome editing techniques has revolutionized the scientific approach to introducing changes into DNA sequences and how biotechnology can be used to enhance agricultural breeding. Regulatory dialogs about biotechnology also have changed as a result of these new technologies. Regulatory agencies have begun to respond to these scientific advances, and a growing number of countries are looking to modernize regulatory approaches for these products, based on risk (or lack thereof) and similarity to organisms that could be produced via conventional breeding methods. Advances in animal biotechnology, especially genome editing, can accelerate the incorporation of valued phenotypes in animals, including enhanced yield, disease resistance, resilience to changing climate, and improved animal welfare, as well as food qualities valued by consumers. For animals with these biotechnology-introduced traits to enter agricultural production and reach consumers, clear risk-proportionate regulatory approaches must be in place, and to facilitate international trade of animal products, regulatory processes need to be aligned and compatible. Effective scientific public communication is crucial to build public trust in precision animal biotechnology and risk-proportionate regulatory approaches. An international workshop on regulatory approaches for animal biotechnology was convened in 2022 with 27 countries represented. We synthesize here technical progress, development of regulatory policy, and strategies for engagement with diverse publics on animal biotechnology reported in the workshop. Our goal is to encourage development and implementation of risk-proportionate regulatory approaches and policies in a global context.
Introduction of a formative assessment tool in a post-graduate training program in India: a mixed methods evaluation
Douglass, Katherine; Ahluwalia, Tania; McKiernan, Brianna; Patel, Heena; Powell, Natasha; Keller, Jacob; Toy, Serkan (2024-03-01)
Background: Our institution has longstanding post-graduate education and training partnership programs in Emergency Medicine (EM) across India. A programmatic challenge has been the integration and uptake of evidence-based medicine and lifelong learning concepts. Formative assessment (FA) is intended to enable learners to monitor learning, identify strengths and weaknesses, and target areas of growth. As part of a program improvement initiative, we introduced an online FA tool to existing summative assessments. This study investigates how the FA tool was used and perceived by trainees. Methods: 246 trainees across 19 sites were given access to the FA tool. Usage metrics were monitored over 12 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person with trainees using a purposive sampling methodology. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was used to determine themes. Interviews were coded independently by two blinded researchers using NVivo software. The study was deemed exempt by our institutional review board. Results: There was high variability in trainees’ utilization of the FA tool. Trainees who used the FA tool more performed better on summative exams (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed that trainees were motivated to learn for improved clinical knowledge and to be a good physician, not only passing exams. Benefits of the tool included the relationship to clinical practice and thorough explanation of answers, while disadvantages included topics unrelated to India. Conclusion: The integration of a FA tool has provided positive outcomes for trainees in EM education programs in India. Lessons learned may apply globally to other contexts and programs.
Notes on gauging noninvertible symmetries. Part I. Multiplicity-free cases
Perez-Lona, Alonso; Robbins, D.; Sharpe, E.; Vandermeulen, T.; Yu, X. (2024-02-21)
In this paper we discuss gauging noninvertible zero-form symmetries in two dimensions. We specialize to certain gaugeable cases, specifically, fusion categories of the form for a suitable Hopf algebra (which includes the special case Rep(G) for G a finite group). We also specialize to the case that the fusion category is multiplicity-free. We discuss how to construct a modular-invariant partition function from a choice of Frobenius algebra structure on . We discuss how ordinary G orbifolds for finite groups G are a special case of the construction, corresponding to the fusion category Vec(G) = Rep(ℂ[G]*). For the cases Rep(S3), Rep(D4), and Rep(Q8), we construct the crossing kernels for general intertwiner maps. We explicitly compute partition functions in the examples of Rep(S3), Rep(D4), Rep(Q8), and , and discuss applications in c = 1 CFTs. We also discuss decomposition in the special case that the entire noninvertible symmetry group acts trivially.
Characteristics of departments with high-use of active learning in introductory STEM courses: implications for departmental transformation
Lau, Alexandra C.; Henderson, Charles; Stains, Marilyne; Dancy, Melissa; Merino, Christian; Apkarian, Naneh; Raker, Jeffrey R.; Johnson, Estrella (2024-02-12)
Background: It is well established in the literature that active learning instruction in introductory STEM courses results in many desired student outcomes. Yet, regular use of high-quality active learning is not the norm in many STEM departments. Using results of a national survey, we identified 16 departments where multiple instructors reported using high levels of active learning in their introductory chemistry, mathematics, or physics courses. We conducted interviews with 27 instructors in these 16 departments to better understand the characteristics of such departments. Results: Using grounded theory methodology, we developed a model that highlights relevant characteristics of departments with high use of active learning instruction in their introductory courses. According to this model, there are four main, interconnected characteristics of such departments: motivated people, knowledge about active learning, opportunities, and cultures and structures that support active learning. These departments have one or more people who are motivated to promote the use of active learning. These motivated people have knowledge about active learning as well as access to opportunities to promote the use of active learning. Finally, these departments have cultures and structures that support the use of active learning. In these departments, there is a positive feedback loop that works iteratively over time, where motivated people shape cultures/structures and these cultures/structures in turn increase the number and level of commitment of the motivated people. A second positive feedback loop was found between the positive outcome of using active learning instruction and the strengthening of cultures/structures supportive of active learning. Conclusions: According to the model, there are two main take-away messages for those interested in promoting the use of active learning. The first is that all four components of the model are important. A weak or missing component may limit the desired outcome. The second is that desired outcomes are obtained and strengthened over time through two positive feedback loops. Thus, there is a temporal aspect to change. In all of the departments that were part of our study, the changes took at minimum several years to enact. While our model was developed using only high-use of active learning departments and future work is needed to develop the model into a full change theory, our results do suggest that change efforts may be made more effective by increasing the robustness of the four components and the connections between them.
Constraints on a generalization of geometric quantum mechanics from neutrino and B0- B 0 ¯ $$ \overline{B^0} $$ oscillations
Bhatta, Nabin; Minic, Djordje; Takeuchi, Tatsu (2024-02-05)
Abstract Nambu Quantum Mechanics, proposed in Phys. Lett. B536, 305 (2002), is a deformation of canonical Quantum Mechanics in which the manifold over which the “phase” of an energy eigenstate time evolves is modified. This generalization affects oscillation and interference phenomena through the introduction of two deformation parameters that quantify the extent of deviation from canonical Quantum Mechanics. In this paper, we constrain these parameters utilizing atmospheric neutrino oscillation data, and B0- B 0 ¯ $$ \overline{B^0} $$ oscillation data from Belle. Surprisingly, the bound from atmospheric neutrinos is stronger than the bound from Belle. Various features of Nambu Quantum Mechanics are also discussed.
Neutrino amplitude decomposition, S matrix rephasing invariance, and reparametrization symmetry
Minakata, Hisakazu (2024-02-07)
Abstract The S matrix rephasing invariance is one of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics that originates in its probabilistic interpretation. For a given S matrix which describes neutrino oscillation, one can define the two different rephased amplitudes S αβ Reph − 1 ≡ e i λ 1 / 2 E x S αβ $$ {S}_{\alpha \beta}^{\textrm{Reph}-1}\equiv {e}^{i\left({\lambda}_1/2E\right)x}{S}_{\alpha \beta} $$ and S αβ Reph − 2 ≡ e i λ 2 / 2 E x S αβ $$ {S}_{\alpha \beta}^{\textrm{Reph}-2}\equiv {e}^{i\left({\lambda}_2/2E\right)x}{S}_{\alpha \beta} $$ , which are physically equivalent to each other, where λk/2E denotes the energy eigenvalue of the k-th mass eigenstate. We point out that the transformation of the reparametrization (Rep) symmetry obtained with “Symmetry Finder” maps S αβ Reph − 1 $$ {S}_{\alpha \beta}^{\textrm{Reph}-1} $$ to S αβ Reph − 2 $$ {S}_{\alpha \beta}^{\textrm{Reph}-2} $$ , and vice versa, providing a local and manifest realization of the S matrix rephasing invariance by the Rep symmetry of the 1–2 state exchange type. It is strongly indicative of quantum mechanical nature of the Rep symmetry. The rephasing and Rep symmetry relation, though its all-order treatment remains incomplete, is shown to imply absence of the pure 1–3 exchange symmetry in Denton et al. perturbation theory. It then triggers a study of convergence of perturbation series.
Delayed presentation of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) to okra in a toddler
Hall, Hunter; Anvari, Sara; Schultz, Fallon; Ojuola, Olubukola; Rider, Nicholas L. (2024-02-03)
Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-immunoglobulin E (IgE) -mediated food allergy predominantly observed in infants and characterized by the delayed onset of vomiting following ingestion of a trigger food. An increase in research and clinical consideration of FPIES has led to the discovery of unique deviations from the standard FPIES triggers and presentations. Case presentation: A 34-month-old female patient with a history of consuming okra daily presented to medical attention after developing classic FPIES symptoms to okra beginning at 14-months of age. Conclusions: Recently, awareness about the varied nature of FPIES clinical presentation has come to light. This case is the first to describe FPIES to the fruit okra that developed over a 12-month time span after previously tolerating the food. This case serves to emphasize the importance of understanding the range of FPIES symptoms to improve recognition and expedite best practice recommendations.
Immunoregulatory and neutrophil-like monocyte subsets with distinct single-cell transcriptomic signatures emerge following brain injury
Gudenschwager Basso, Erwin K.; Ju, Jing; Soliman, Eman; de Jager, Caroline; Wei, Xiaoran; Pridham, Kevin J.; Olsen, Michelle L.; Theus, Michelle H. (2024-02-03)
Monocytes represent key cellular elements that contribute to the neurological sequela following brain injury. The current study reveals that trauma induces the augmented release of a transcriptionally distinct CD115+/Ly6Chi monocyte population into the circulation of mice pre-exposed to clodronate depletion conditions. This phenomenon correlates with tissue protection, blood–brain barrier stability, and cerebral blood flow improvement. Uniquely, this shifted the innate immune cell profile in the cortical milieu and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory Il6, IL1r1, MCP-1, Cxcl1, and Ccl3 cytokines. Monocytes that emerged under these conditions displayed a morphological and gene profile consistent with a subset commonly seen during emergency monopoiesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing delineated distinct clusters of monocytes and revealed a key transcriptional signature of Ly6Chi monocytes enriched for Apoe and chitinase-like protein 3 (Chil3/Ym1), commonly expressed in pro-resolving immunoregulatory monocytes, as well as granule genes Elane, Prtn3, MPO, and Ctsg unique to neutrophil-like monocytes. The predominate shift in cell clusters included subsets with low expression of transcription factors involved in monocyte conversion, Pou2f2, Na4a1, and a robust enrichment of genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway which favors an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Transfer of this monocyte assemblage into brain-injured recipient mice demonstrated their direct role in neuroprotection. These findings reveal a multifaceted innate immune response to brain injury and suggest targeting surrogate monocyte subsets may foster tissue protection in the brain.
Identifying sensors-based parameters associated with fall risk in community-dwelling older adults: an investigation and interpretation of discriminatory parameters
Wang, Xuan; Cao, Junjie; Zhao, Qizheng; Chen, Manting; Luo, Jiajia; Wang, Hailiang; Yu, Lisha; Tsui, Kwok-Leung; Zhao, Yang (2024-02-01)
Background: Falls pose a severe threat to the health of older adults worldwide. Determining gait and kinematic parameters that are related to an increased risk of falls is essential for developing effective intervention and fall prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the discriminatory parameter, which lay an important basis for developing effective clinical screening tools for identifying high-fall-risk older adults. Methods: Forty-one individuals aged 65 years and above living in the community participated in this study. The older adults were classified as high-fall-risk and low-fall-risk individuals based on their BBS scores. The participants wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU) while conducting the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Simultaneously, a depth camera acquired images of the participants’ movements during the experiment. After segmenting the data according to subtasks, 142 parameters were extracted from the sensor-based data. A t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was performed on the parameters for distinguishing older adults at high risk of falling. The logistic regression was used to further quantify the role of different parameters in identifying high-fall-risk individuals. Furthermore, we conducted an ablation experiment to explore the complementary information offered by the two sensors. Results: Fifteen participants were defined as high-fall-risk individuals, while twenty-six were defined as low-fall-risk individuals. 17 parameters were tested for significance with p-values less than 0.05. Some of these parameters, such as the usage of walking assistance, maximum angular velocity around the yaw axis during turn-to-sit, and step length, exhibit the greatest discriminatory abilities in identifying high-fall-risk individuals. Additionally, combining features from both devices for fall risk assessment resulted in a higher AUC of 0.882 compared to using each device separately. Conclusions: Utilizing different types of sensors can offer more comprehensive information. Interpreting parameters to physiology provides deeper insights into the identification of high-fall-risk individuals. High-fall-risk individuals typically exhibited a cautious gait, such as larger step width and shorter step length during walking. Besides, we identified some abnormal gait patterns of high-fall-risk individuals compared to low-fall-risk individuals, such as less knee flexion and a tendency to tilt the pelvis forward during turning.
Quantum cohomology from mixed Higgs-Coulomb phases
Gu, Wei; Melnikov, Ilarion V.; Sharpe, Eric (2024-02-01)
We generalize Coulomb-branch-based gauged linear sigma model (GLSM)–computations of quantum cohomology rings of Fano spaces. Typically such computations have focused on GLSMs without superpotential, for which the low energy limit of the GLSM is a pure Coulomb branch, and quantum cohomology is determined by the critical locus of a twisted one-loop effective superpotential. We extend these results to cases for which the low energy limit of the GLSM includes both Coulomb and Higgs branches, where the latter is a Landau-Ginzburg orbifold. We describe the state spaces and products of corresponding operators in detail, comparing a geometric phase description, where the operator product ring is quantum cohomology, to the description in terms of Coulomb and Higgs branch states. As a concrete test of our methods, we compare to existing mathematics results for quantum cohomology rings of hypersurfaces in projective spaces.

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