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Multiple timescale dynamics of network adaptation with constraints
No full textAdaptive network dynamical systems describe the co-evolution of dynamical quantities on the nodes and the dynamics of the network connections themselves. For dense networks of many nodes, the resulting dynamics are typically high-dimensional. Here, we consider adaptive dynamical systems subject to constraints on network adaptation: Asymptotically, the adaptive dynamics of network connections evolves on a low-dimensional subset of possible connectivity. Such dimension reduction may be intrinsic to the adaptation rule or arise from an additional dynamical mechanism acting on a timescale distinct from that of network adaptation. We illustrate how network adaptation with various constraints influences the dynamics of Kuramoto oscillator networks and elucidates the role of multiple timescales in shaping the dynamics. Our results shed light on why one may expect effective low-dimensional adaptation dynamics in generally high-dimensional adaptive network dynamical systems
All-gluon amplitudes with off-shell recursion in multiplet bases
No full textThe efficient computation of color-summed QCD amplitudes at high parton multiplicities remains a central challenge for precision collider predictions. Existing approaches using trace, color-flow, or adjoint bases suffer from non-orthogonality, which complicates the color algebra and scales poorly with multiplicity. In this work, we present an off-shell recursive framework for computing all-gluon tree-level amplitudes directly in orthogonal multiplet bases. Utilizing Wigner 6j coefficients, we construct an algorithm that builds multiplet-projected off-shell currents from lower-point currents. By optimizing the recursion through partial summation and caching, we find that the computational complexity of calculating n-gluon color-summed squared amplitudes scales as O17n. This demonstrates the potential competitiveness of multiplet bases for high-multiplicity processes
The impact of changing forest composition in Europe - longest carbon turnover time in unmanaged and broadleaved deciduous forests
No full textForests play a crucial role in Europe’s strategy for achieving carbon neutrality. Carbon turnover time - the time that carbon spends in the ecosystem - is a fundamental component in determining forest potential to mitigate climate change. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding how current and future forest management practices will affect carbon turnover time. This study aims to compare the effects of various forest management strategies on carbon turnover time in European forests. To achieve this, we used the dynamic global vegetation model LPJ-GUESS to simulate carbon pools and fluxes under stylised forest management scenarios mainly based on changing species composition. We calculated carbon turnover times under two conditions: first, with constant climate and CO2 concentration to assess the isolated impact of forest management; second, under a climate change scenario (SSP3-RCP7.0) to evaluate the combined effects of forest management and climate change. Our results indicate that unmanaged forests and the transition to broadleaved deciduous forests have a similar ecosystem carbon turnover time, which is the longest among all the management options across all the European climatic zones. Climate change decreases ecosystem carbon turnover time in any forest management, in a similar way, especially in cold climates. This study is the first step to include forest management when modelling carbon turnover time and indicates how the shift towards broadleaved forests, which is seen as an important climate-change adaptation strategy in many European regions, can also provide co-benefits for climate-change mitigation
Bromelain : Targeting dental biofilm through dual approach of protein interaction and in vitro validation
No full textBromelain, a proteolytic enzyme isolated from pineapple, is renowned for its therapeutic applications. The present work was designed to investigate the anti-microbial potential of bromelain against dental plaque-causing microbes via in silico and in vitro studies. Firstly, in silico study was conducted where docking between bromelain and eight microbial growthpromoting proteins: Third fibronectin F1 module, Antigen I/II, SarA, Fibrinogen binding protein, Fibronectin binding protein B, Fibronectin binding protein A, AgrA, and SasG, was performed. This was followed by an in vitro study to validate the antimicrobial potential of bromelain against dental plaque-forming microbes, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus velezensis. It was observed that bromelain had the strongest binding affinities with Antigen I/II (-643.133 kcal/mol) and Fibronectin binding protein B (-612.445 kcal/mol). The in vitro results showed that this enzyme had an inhibitory effect against test microorganisms, with maximum inhibition zone of 30.33 ± 0.29 and 41.90 ± 0.004 mm² at 300 and 400 µg/mL against B. velezensis. The test results were comparable to streptomycin (control) in several cases. Both in silico and in vitro results are in close agreement, indicating antimicrobial properties and the mode of action of bromelain against targeted pathogens revealing its proteolytic activity that helps in dental plaque destruction by degrading the biofilm. Its plant origin also enhances its suitability in oral care
Operando APXPS for direct probing of Li ion battery LCO electrode/electrolyte interface chemistry during lithiation/delithiation
No full textThe real-time interface chemistry between the lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) working electrode and the LiClO4/propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte is investigated during lithiation/delithiation using dip-and-pull ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS). The APXPS results appear to exhibit the seldom discussed Co2+ state in the LCO structure, where the operando measurements indicate electron transfer among Co2+, Co3+, and Co4+ states. Specifically, the lithiation of LCO reduces the Co4+ state to both Co3+ and Co2+ states, where, as a function of voltage, reduction to the Co2+ state is initially more pronounced followed by Co3+ formation. In addition, a delay in surface delithiation is observed during the reverse potential steps. This is discussed in terms of overpotential at the interface measurement position as a consequence of the dip-and-pull setup for this experiment. Finally, the shifts in the apparent binding energies of the spectral features corresponding to the electrolyte and LCO at their interface show that the electrochemical potentials at delithiation voltage steps are different from the lithiation steps at the same applied voltages. This further explains the non-responsive delithiation. The BE shift observed from the LCO surface is argued to be dominantly due to the semi-conductive nature of the sample. Overall, this article shows the importance of operando APXPS for probing non-equilibrium states in battery electrodes for understanding electron transfer in the reactions
Exploring blended learning : benefits and challenges of integrating face-to-face and online teaching
No full textThis paper explores the integration of face-to- face and online teaching modalities to develop blended learning within higher education at Lund University.By examining the advantages and challenges of both approaches through a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with experienced educators, we aim to identify strategies that maximize student engagement and learning outcomes.Our findings highlight the need for cohesive course structures, flexible learning opportunities, and continuous feedback mechanisms. The results emphasize how combining the social and interactive benefits of face-to-face teaching with the flexibility of online learning can create a more effective and engaging blended learning experience for students and teachers alike
Human bone marrow organoids : emerging progress but persisting challenges
No full textOrganoid systems hold promise as miniaturized in vitro platforms that model developmental and pathological processes. However, the engineering of human bone marrow organoids (BMOs) has been a long-standing challenge. Recently, the field has witnessed the emergence of BMO-like systems, a potential paradigm shift for the study of human hematopoiesis and associated niche elements. Published protocols rely on the mesodermal induction of iPSCs, establishing mesenchymal–vascular–hematopoietic tissues exhibiting fetal compositional and functional features. However, concerns on their reliability to model adult bone marrow processes exist. Given the blood ontogeny complexity, leveraging developmentally inspired programs presents a significant challenge in establishing relevant BMO systems. While the importance of developing human BMO persists, the engineering modalities to achieve it remain cryptic
Proteins associated with preserved ratio impaired spirometry
No full textBackground Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a spirometry pattern of interest regarding incident airflow obstruction and higher mortality risk. We applied a proteomic approach to gain more insight into the biological mechanisms associated with PRISm. Methods From the population-based Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS), participants in the Main (n=4835) and Pilot (n=1054) studies, were included as discovery and replication cohorts. The lower limit of normal (LLN) of post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC was defined as the fifth percentile in healthy, never-smoking SCAPIS participants. Participants were subdivided into five groups: reference: FEV1/FVC⩾LLN and FEV1⩾LLN and FVC⩾LLN (n=4084)); mild chronic airflow limitation (CAL): FEV1/FVC<LLN and FEV1⩾LLN (n=278); moderate–severe CAL: FEV1/FVC<LLN and FEV1<LLN (n=170); restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP): FEV1/FVC ⩾LLN and FVC<LLN (n=238); and PRISm: FEV1/FVC⩾LLN and FEV1<LLN (n=238). Proximity extension assays were used to measure 168 proteins. The associations of each standardised protein were assessed with each study group by multiple linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity and study centres, and corrected for multiple testing to control for a false discovery rate of 5%. Results Eight proteins were associated with PRISm and replicated: tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 10A, interleukin-6, paraoxonase 3 (negative association), renin, urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (U-PAR), E-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 and chitinase-3-like protein 1. Interleukin-6 and U-PAR were also associated with moderate–severe CAL and E-selectin with RSP. In addition, five other proteins were associated with moderate–severe CAL and three with RSP. Conclusion Protein profile in PRISm differs from other spirometric patterns suggesting specific disease mechanisms
A starch- and sucrose-reduced diet leads to a more favorable nutrient profile than low FODMAP in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. A randomized clinical trial
No full textA diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) and a starch- and sucrose-reduced diet (SSRD) both alleviate symptoms in IBS. Our hypothesis was that restrictive diets may preserve good nutritional supply. The aims of the study were to compare nutritional intake between SSRD and low FODMAP, and correlations between changes in nutrient intake, weight, and symptoms. This open, non-inferiority trial included patients with IBS according to Rome IV for a 4-week dietary intervention. Patients completed a 3-day food diary, study questionnaire, Rome IV questionnaire, IBS-severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), and visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS) at baseline, after 4 weeks of either SSRD or low FODMAP, and at a 6-month follow-up. Daily intake of nutrients was calculated. In total, 155 patients (84 % women), 42 (32–55) years, weight 69.2 (63.0–82.9) kg, were included; 77 randomized to SSRD and 78 to low FODMAP diet. After 4 weeks, both SSRD and low FODMAP reduced symptoms, weight, and intake of calories, carbohydrates, sucrose, and monosaccharides, while vitamin D and B12 intake were increased. SSRD uniquely reduced added sugar, disaccharides, starch, and sodium chloride intake, while increasing protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. In contrast, low FODMAP reduced intakes in fiber and several vitamins and minerals after 4 weeks and follow-up. The reductions of galacto-oligosaccharides and fructan were most pronounced in SSRD (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the SSRD's potential for broader health benefits and a more nutritionally balanced approach with higher nutrient density compared to the low FODMAP diet
Haemophilia B : an illustrative review of current challenges and opportunities
No full textBackground: Hemophilia B is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX, which presents unique challenges in clinical management. Advances in therapeutic strategies for hemophilia B have significantly improved patient outcomes but have also necessitated ongoing education for healthcare professionals. This illustrated review provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities in hemophilia B care, including best practice management, emerging therapies, and remaining research needs. Objectives: To provide a comprehensive visual summary of contemporary perspectives on hemophilia B pathophysiology and management through an illustrated review. Methods: The authors, leveraging their clinical experience and expertise in hemophilia B management, conducted a review of relevant articles in PubMed (Supplementary Methods). Results: The review is divided into illustrated sections that provide an overview of hemophilia B, detailing its clinical manifestations, hemostatic agents, and treatment challenges. It also examines the pharmacokinetic properties of hemophilia B and the importance of individualized treatment approaches. Conclusion: This illustrated review educates healthcare professionals on hemophilia B management in the current treatment landscape, empowering them to further disseminate knowledge to both their colleagues and patients