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Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
Correlates of HIV-1 control after combination immunotherapy
Abstract The identification of therapeutic strategies to induce sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free control of HIV infection is a major priority 1 . Combination immunotherapy including HIV vaccination, immune stimulation, latency reversal and passive transfer of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) has shown promise in non-human primate models 2–6 , but few studies have translated such approaches into people. Here we performed a single-arm, proof-of-concept study in ten people living with HIV on ART, combining the following three approaches: (1) therapeutic vaccination with an HIV Gag conserved element-targeted DNA + IL-12 prime/modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) boost regimen followed by (2) administration of two bNAbs (10-1074, VRC07-523LS) and a toll-like receptor 9 agonist (lefitolimod) during ART suppression, followed by (3) repeat bNAb administration at the time of ART interruption (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04357821 ). Seven out of the ten participants exhibited post-intervention control after pausing ART, independent of residual bNAb plasma levels. Robust expansion of activated CD8 + T cells early in response to rebounding virus correlated with a lower median viral load after peak viraemia off ART. These data suggest that combination immunotherapy approaches might prove effective in inducing sustained control of HIV by slowing rebound and improving CD8 + T cell responses, and that these approaches should continue to be optimized.
Traceable stiffness calibration of colloidal AFM probes for biomechanical measurements
Abstract The accurate calibration of bending stiffness of colloidal atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes is essential for reliable nanomechanical measurements, especially when large micro-spheres are used in biological applications. This study investigates the influence of frictional contact between an AFM spherical tip and the load button on stiffness measurements obtained via bending tests and proposes a new analytical model to account for this effect. Finite element simulations of frictional sliding contact between colloidal spheres and load button were conducted to validate the proposed model. A proof-of-principle experimental setup was developed to traceably acquire force-deflection curves of several typical colloidal AFM probes, and results showed good agreement (within 1.5 % deviation) with a validated stiffness calibration system. Experimental data for large-sphere colloidal probes confirmed the presence of a transition phase in the unloading curve due to frictional contact and demonstrated that accurate stiffness results can be obtained when friction is properly considered. Additionally, friction coefficients for four tip-surface material combinations were experimentally determined, providing broadly relevant data that can be effectively applied in AFM nanomechanics, especially in investigations of tip-sample interactions.
Quasi-random square gabor spiral zone plates for high-order diffraction suppression and multi-functional optical vortex generation
Due to carrying the orbital angular momentum, Optical vortices generated by spiral zone plates, have become an important tool for studying physics and detecting matter. However, spiral zone plates, limited by its inherent structure, struggle to integrate multiple functionalities including efficient high-order diffraction suppression, flexible generation of complex vortices, and compatibility with standard planar fabrication processes into a single element to meet current composite demands. By converting the three-dimensional structure of a Gabor spiral zone plates into a two-dimensional structure, we propose a single-focus spiral zone plates with an approximately sinusoidal transmittance, termed the quasi-random square Gabor spiral zone plates (QSGSZPs). Both theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the QSGSZPs not only effectively achieve single-order diffraction but also enable the generation of complex vortex structures, including flower-shaped optical vortex lattices and vortex twins, through topological charge modulation. The focusing properties of the QSGSZPs with different parameters were also investigated, and its potential applications in edge-enhanced imaging and optical communications were demonstrated. This element with its unique properties is expected to find widespread applications in a variety of fields.
What a $1-billion pledge means for CERN’s ambitious supercollider plans
Antibodies and T cells join forces for sustained HIV remission
Directing coral larval settlement in coral aquaculture for reef restoration
Abstract Optimising coral early life stages, particularly larval settlement, remains a challenge for coral aquaculture. Settlement typically relies on biologically conditioned substrates, such as crustose coralline algae (CCA) or microbial films, which are difficult to scale for mass-production. To overcome this bottleneck, we evaluated chemical and physical alternatives that enable spatial control of directing larval settlement. Larval responses from 14 coral species were tested against known and potential chemical inducers, including neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Next, we investigated the efficacy of a set of known chemical inducers and microtopography to direct larval settlement. The neuropeptide Hym-248 was the most effective, inducing settlement in seven acroporid species. Embedding soluble inducers (CCA extract and Hym-248) in agar hydrogels within ceramic cubes successfully induced and directed settlement of Acropora kenti . Similarly, CCA-conditioned ceramic protrusions, with and without microtopographic pores, achieved > 99% settlement on or adjacent to protrusions. These findings demonstrate that immobilised chemical cues can precisely localise larval settlement on unconditioned substrates and that conditioning only small, discrete 3-D printed features is as effective as conditioning entire tiles. This approach substantially reduces aquarium space and resource requirements, offering a scalable, cost-effective pathway to enhance the efficiency of sexually propagated coral aquaculture in reef restoration.
A fast reliability assessment method using optimal basis for integrated community energy systems
Integrated Community Energy Systems (ICES) aim to optimize energy efficiency through the integration of diverse energy resources, encompassing electricity, heating systems, and natural gas. However, the rapid integration of renewable energy sources and the rising energy demands pose significant challenges in evaluating the reliability of ICES. This difficulty arises from the need to evaluate numerous system states to determine the minimal load curtailment. To address this issue, we propose a method based on optimal bases to enhance computational efficiency in the reliability assessments of ICES. The optimal load curtailment model is developed to facilitate system state evaluation, accounting for variations in load levels and renewable generation. Subsequently, the optimal basis is employed to accelerate this evaluation process. By matching most system states with their corresponding optimal basis based on the optimality criterion, efficient computation of optimal load curtailment is achieved through matrix multiplications, eliminating the need for time-consuming optimization algorithms. The efficacy of the optimal basis-based method is validated through comprehensive case studies.
What your breath says about the bacteria in your gut
Explainable machine learning with bayesian hyper-optimization for predicting cognitive impairment from longitudinal nursing home data
The relationship of adverse childhood experiences of pregnant women with healthy lifestyle behaviours and birth attitudes: A cross-sectional study
Introduction This study was conducted to determine the relationship between negative childhood experiences of pregnant women and health-promoting lifestyle behaviours and childbirth attitudes. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted with 468 pregnant women between March 2023 and January 2024. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form, an adverse childhood experiences questionnaire (ACEQ), a health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-II), and a childbirth attitude questionnaire (CAQ). The study reporting followed the STROBE checklist. Results Participants’ mean scores were as follows: ACEQ 1.10 ± 1.84, CAQ 39.91 ± 12.18, and HPLP-II 138.64 ± 23.71. Linear regression analysis showed that HPLP-II scores were significantly lower in non-employed women ( β = −0.194; 95% CI: −14.06, −5.44; p = 0.000) and smokers ( β = −0.104; 95% CI: −12.05, −1.05; p = 0.020). Lower income perception was significantly associated with decreased HPLP-II scores ( β = −0.170; 95% CI: −11.34 to −3.48; p = 0.000). Additionally, higher ACEQ scores were also significantly related to lower HPLP-II scores (β = −0.092; 95% CI: −2.29 to −0.06; p = 0.037). Regarding CAQ, scores were significantly higher among participants with lower income perception ( β = −0.200; 95% CI: −6.35, −2.59; p = 0.000), those who consumed alcohol during pregnancy ( β = −0.322; 95% CI: −16.36, −9.70; p = 0.000), and those with higher ACEQ scores ( β = 0.158; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.58; p = 0.000). Discussion Pregnant women’s negative childhood experiences affect both birth anxiety and health-promoting lifestyle behaviours.
Preheating colistimethate sodium enhances its efficacy against multi/extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in preservation fluid
Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and preliminary safety of preheated colistimethate sodium (CMS) in reducing the load of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR) Gram-negative bacilli in preservation fluid (PF) under simulated static cold storage (SCS) conditions in vitro. CMS was preheated at 37–60 °C for 5 ~ 30 min. The antibacterial effects of preheated CMS were evaluated against five MDR/XDR strains: carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), Escherichia coli (CREC), Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Bacterial counts were assessed after 3 h of SCS, and the average inhibition rate (AIR) was calculated. The safety experiment was performed to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of preheated CMS under hypothermic condition. Preheating CMS at 60 °C for 15 ~ 30 min significantly reduced bacterial loads of CRPA, CRKP, CREC, and CRAB, with average inhibition rates (AIR) up to 100%, 96.91%, 98.36%, and 85.06%, respectively. At 37 °C, extended heating (30 min) was required for partial efficacy against CRKP and CRAB, while CREC remained largely unaffected. MRSA showed no susceptibility to preheated CMS. Preheated CMS did not cause significant morphological alterations or reduction in HK-2 cell viability within 3 ~ 6 h of SCS. Thermal pretreatment of CMS at 60 °C represents a novel, practical, and safe strategy for PF decontamination, providing rapid bactericidal activity against frequently encountered MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacilli during the SCS process.
Impact of COVID-19 on New – onset Type 1 diabetes mellitus: A six-year retrospective review from two Paediatric clinics, Kampala, Uganda
Background Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, yet data from low-income countries remains scarce. Recent reports suggest a rising global incidence of new-onset T1DM, projected to double by 2045. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have further influenced T1DM onset and severity at presentation, with several studies reporting increased incidence and higher rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus onset. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for children aged 6 months to 19 years diagnosed with new-onset T1DM between March 2017 and February 2023 at Mulago and Nsambya hospital’s paediatric diabetes clinics. Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared between the pre-COVID- 19 (March 2017–February 2020) and COVID-19 (March 2020–February 2023) periods using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Trends in new onset type 1 diabetes were analyzed using interrupted time series with 12 six-month intervals. STATA 17.0 was used for the analysis. Results A total of 245 children were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 10.9 years (SD ± 4.5), with 56% being female. More cases were diagnosed during the COVID-19 period (60.4%, n = 148) compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (39.6%, n = 97), representing a 52% increase, although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.1997). Overall, 66% (n = 162) presented with DKA at diagnosis, with similar proportions in both periods (pre-COVID: 61%, COVID-19: 69%). Conclusion There was a rising trend in T1DM among Ugandan children at Mulago and Nsambya pediatric diabetic clinics, from 2.7 new cases/month during pre-COVID to 4.1/month during the pandemic.
Four genetically distinct types of rabies virus exist in Vietnam, including the SEA1 and SEA3 subclades within the Asian clade
Retraction: Unpacking the optimistic mindset of business students towards entrepreneurship
The enhanced EME-YOLOv11 for real-time polarizer defect detection
A comparative analysis of video vision transformers on word-level sign language datasets
Sign Language Recognition (SLR) involves the automatic identification and classification of sign gestures from images or video, converting them into text or speech to improve accessibility for the hard-of-hearing community. In Bangladesh, Bangla Sign Language (BdSL) serves as the primary mode of communication for many individuals with hearing loss. This study fine-tunes state-of-the-art video transformer architectures VideoMAE, ViViT, and TimeSformer on BdSLW60, a small-scale BdSL dataset with 60 frequent signs. We standardized the videos to 30 FPS, resulting in 9,307 user trial clips. To evaluate scalability and robustness, the models were also fine-tuned on BdSLW401, a large-scale dataset with 401 sign classes. Additionally, we benchmark performance against public datasets, including LSA64 and WLASL. Data augmentation techniques such as random cropping, horizontal flipping, and short-side scaling were applied to improve model robustness. To ensure balanced evaluation across folds during model selection, we employed 10-fold stratified cross-validation on the training set of the BdSLW60 dataset, while signer-independent evaluation was carried out using held-out test data from unseen users U4 and U8. Results show that video transformer models significantly outperform traditional machine learning and deep learning approaches. Performance is influenced by factors such as dataset size, signer appearance, frame distribution, frame rate, and model architecture. Among the models, the VideoMAE variant (MCG-NJU/videomae-base-finetuned-kinetics) achieved the highest accuracies 96.9% on the frame rate corrected BdSLW60 dataset and 81.04% on the front-facing signs of BdSLW401 demonstrating strong potential for scalable and accurate BdSL recognition.
An upper-limb teleoperation exoskeleton with stepless arm-length parameterization and adaptive force-triggered impedance blending
Evaluation of morphological variations of mandibular bone in adult bruxers using CBCT: A cross-sectional study
This cross-sectional study aimed to establish whether a difference exists between the mandibular bone density and the mandibular angle values of adult bruxer and non-bruxer patients, based on a CBCT analysis. CBCT scans of bruxer and non-bruxer patients were analysed with two software packages, 3D Slicer® and Romexis®. Bone density in the alveolar bone below and immediately adjacent to the apices of teeth 31, 33, 34, 41, 43, 44, and the mesial apices of teeth 36 and 46, was recorded in Hounsfield units with 3D Slicer®. The mandibular angle between the corpus and ramus tangent lines was measured using Romexis® software. 113 CBCT scans were included in the study of alveolar bone density, of which 78 were used to study mandibular angle values. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted between the density values of the two groups, with higher values in bruxers than in non-bruxers. Mandibular angle values were significantly lower in bruxers (p < 0.05). This cross-sectional study based on CBCT imaging showed certain morphological differences between the mandibles of bruxers and those of non-bruxers. Further studies are needed to supplement this preliminary research, in particular prospective studies.