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BN-SNN: Spiking neural networks with bistable neurons for object detection
Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are emerging as a promising evolution in neural network paradigms, offering an alternative to conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs). One of the most effective methods for SNN development is the CNN-to-SNN conversion process. However, existing conversion techniques are hindered by long temporal durations or inference latencies, which negatively impact the accuracy of the converted networks. Additionally, the application of SNNs in object detection tasks remains largely under-explored. In this study, we propose a novel approach utilizing a bistable integrate-and-fire (BIF) neuron model integrated with a single-shot multibox detector (SSD) as the detection head. Leveraging the proposed BIF neuron framework, we convert the widely used ResNet architecture into an SNN. We validate the effectiveness of our approach through object detection tasks on the MS-COCO and Automotive GEN1 datasets. Experimental results show that our conversion technique facilitates object detection with reduced temporal steps and significant enhancements in mean average precision (mAP), achieving mAP@0.5 scores of 0.476 and 0.591 for the MS-COCO and Automotive GEN1 datasets, respectively. This research marks the first application of BIF neurons to object detection, presenting a novel advancement in the field.
Real-time monitoring and optimization methods for user-side energy management based on edge computing
Daily briefing: Research sleuthing is being ‘twisted’ to cast doubt on science
Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of Tröger’s bases
Exploration of effective pharmacological inhibitors for NS5 protein through computational approach: A strategy to combat the neglected Kyasanur forest disease virus
Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV) poses a significant public health threat due to the limited efficacy of existing vaccines, necessitating the development of effective antiviral therapeutics. The nonstructural protein 5 (NS5), essential for viral RNA synthesis and methylation, serves as a promising drug target. This study employs computational approaches to identify and evaluate potential NS5 inhibitors that may contribute to the development of antiviral compounds against KFDV. The 3D structure of NS5 was predicted using Robetta, SwissModel, and I-TASSER, with the Robetta model (ERRAT score: 96.40) selected for energy minimization. The globally minimized structure, obtained at 49.58 ns, had a potential energy of −416966.82 kcal/mol and was used for further studies. Active site residues were identified using template-based and structure-based methods (COACH-D, CASTp, PrankWeb) and were located within polymerase motif (A-G) of NS5 protein (residues 273−903 aa), which are essential for polymerase function, RNA synthesis, and viral replication. A total of 1523 compounds were identified using de novo, template-based design, pharmacophore modeling, and ligand screening. Virtual screening with PyRx 0.8 yielded 34 promising compounds, of which 11 were selected based on molecular docking (AutoDock 4.0) with binding energies of −8.86 kcal/mol (FDA-approved dasabuvir -L1), −8.28 kcal/mol (CNPO331352.1-L2), −7.94 kcal/mol (ZINC00103114410- L3), and −7.61 kcal/mol (CNPO202263.1-L4). MD simulations in triplicates under physiological conditions confirmed stability. with MM-GBSA binding free energy values of −52.28 ± 2.91 kcal/mol (NS5-Dasabuvur L1complex), −46.82 ± 4.31 kcal/mol (NS5-L2 complex), −50.72 ± 6.36 kcal/mol (NS5-L3 complex), and −57.03 ± 4.31 kcal/mol (NS5-L4 complex). The computational analysis suggests that compounds L2 and L4 have strong binding affinities comparable to dasabuvir (L1), indicating their potential as inhibitors of the KFDV NS5 protein. Further validation through in vitro assays would complement these in silico findings. These results provide a foundation for future drug development against KFDV, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of antiviral therapeutics.
Impact of different treatment methods and timings on soil microbial communities with transgenic maize straw return
Muscle AMP deaminase activity was lower in Neandertals than in modern humans
Abstract The enzyme AMPD1 is expressed in skeletal muscle and is involved in ATP production. All available Neandertal genomes carry a lysine-to-isoleucine substitution at position 287 in AMPD1. This variant, which occurs at an allele frequency of 0–8% outside Africa, was introduced to modern humans by gene flow from Neandertals. Here, we show that the catalytic activity of the purified Neandertal AMPD1 is ~25% lower than the ancestral enzyme, and when introduced in mice, it reduces AMPD activity in muscle extracts by ~80%. Among present-day Europeans, another AMPD1 variant encoding a stop codon occurs at an allele frequency of 9–14%. Individuals heterozygous for this variant are less likely to be top-performing athletes in various sports, but otherwise reduced AMPD1 activity is well tolerated in present-day humans. While being conserved among vertebrates, AMPD1 seems to have become less functionally important among Neandertals and modern humans.
Impacts of RCEP’s trade barrier reductions on China’s agricultural trade: A GTAP simulation
Against the backdrop of a complex and volatile global trade environment, the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has brought new opportunities for regional economic development. From a China-centric perspective, this paper constructs a two-dimensional analytical framework of tariff reduction and non-tariff barriers (NTB) reduction based on theories of regional economic integration and general equilibrium, and uses the GTAP-Dyn model to systematically examine the impact mechanisms and policy effects of RCEP implementation on agricultural trade among member states. The study finds: ①Ten years after RCEP’s implementation, it significantly promotes economic growth in all countries. Taking China as an example, NTB reduction contributes 68.4% to this growth, revealing the dominant role of non-tariff barriers (institutional coordination) in deep regional integration. ②The agricultural sector exhibits a “dual differentiation” feature: sensitive sectors face adjustment pressures (dairy output −21.55%) while domestic substitution effects emerge (aquatic product imports −88.09%). ③Policy effects show national heterogeneity: ASEAN countries experience low growth but high gains (GDP + 0.75%, terms of trade +8.88%), reflecting a complex game landscape. ④The interaction between tariff and non-tariff measures is asymmetric, with long-term dividends relying more on institutional openness. Based on these findings, China should build a composite open system, implement differentiated agricultural policies, and deepen cooperation pathways.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology and molecular features of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections
Exclusion of Elective Care from Hospital Financial Assistance Policies — Arresting a Troubling Development
Centuries-old DNA reveals origins of Greenland’s unique dogs
18F-Fluorodeoxysorbitol PET for noninvasive detection of invasive mold infections: preclinical and first-in-human studies
Qualitative process evaluation of a new short-hospital-stay model with a general medicine focus in Germany (STATAMED): Study protocol
Background The increasing number of elderly and multimorbid patients in need of care, coupled with a shortage of skilled health care professionals, poses significant challenges, especially in structurally underserved regions. STATAMED (funded by the G-BA Innovation Fund, 01NVF22103) represents a novel cross-sector care model emphasising short hospital stays with a general medicine focus for patients with (sub-)acute treatment needs. The intervention provides targeted, short-term inpatient care within STATAMED units, followed by rapid discharge and subsequent follow-up care in familiar environments. Key objectives include reduced emergency department visits, hospital stays and re-admissions, as well as the provision of needs-oriented health care. The broader evaluation comprises multiple quantitative and qualitative sub-studies. The present sub-study involves a qualitative process evaluation investigating the factors influencing acceptance, the degree of implementation and the impact on daily workflows and care structures at STATAMED sites. Methods The sub-study will employ a combination of qualitative health services research methods (i.e., focus group discussions, individual interviews, participatory observations, discussion and information forums) to capture the perspectives and experiences of three main stakeholder groups: (1) patients and their relatives, (2) health care providers and (3) the general population. Data collected through protocols and transcripts will undergo qualitative content analysis to identify recurring themes and insights. Discussion This sub-study seeks to elucidate the expectations, attitudes and needs of stakeholders, while assessing overall acceptance of the STATAMED model. Additionally, it aims to identify both facilitators and barriers to implementation, as well as the implications for work processes, collaboration and communication within daily care. The findings will inform strategies to optimise implementation, ensuring a successful transition to routine care. Given the political and public sensitivity surrounding health care system redesigns, particularly in rural areas, diverse stakeholder perspectives are incorporated. Trial registration The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; DRKS00033801; date of registration: 22 March 2024).
Autoimmune gastritis detection from preprocessed endoscopy images using deep transfer learning and moth flame optimization
Libraries Burned, a Life Lived
Magma flow localisation during dyke propagation produces complex magma transport pathways
Abstract Basaltic fissure eruptions, the most common type of eruption on Earth, are fed by dykes, which are magma-filled cracks that propagate through the crust. It is well-established that dykes have a segmented structure, but the impact of this structural complexity on the development of magma flow pathways and on the behaviour of any subsequent eruptions remains largely unexplored. Here, we present field evidence from a solidified dyke in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) that is exceptionally well-exposed, displaying segmentation structures that reveal complex, three-dimensional magma transport pathways. The dyke consists of plate-like lobes, and its layered internal textures record flow localisation, analogous to lava tube development in pahoehoe flow fields. We propose that flow localisation mediates magma supply to the leading edge of the propagating dyke, creating a convoluted plumbing system that likely influences eruption behaviour, and which should be accounted for in models of magma transport.
Work ability during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in a low-income urban setting in Brazil
Work ability is a subjective concept that reflects the balance between an individual’s perception of the physical, mental, and social demands of work and their competence and resources to meet those demands. The COVID-19 crisis significantly impacted health, work, and socioeconomic conditions worldwide. However, few studies have examined work ability in disadvantaged urban communities during this period. To analyze factors associated with work ability within the context of social vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a low-income neighborhood in Salvador, Brazil, between February and June 2022. Sociodemographic, health, and labor data were collected, and work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a widely used tool for evaluating work ability. Multivariable analyses based on a hierarchical model were run to investigate factors associated with low WAI scores. The study included 292 workers aged ≥16 years (59.6% women; median age 41 years). Most workers (84.6%) were classified as having adequate work ability based on their WAI scores. Multivariable analyses found that inadequate work ability was more frequent among women (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-3.48), individuals who self-rated their health as moderate/good (PR: 5.91; 95% CI: 1.45-24.05) or poor/very poor (PR: 21.62; 95% CI: 5.14-90.91) compared to those with excellent/very good health, and those reporting diabetes (PR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.13-3.9). Working >40 hours per week (PR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28-0.96) was negatively associated with inadequate work ability, suggesting that individuals with adequate work ability may be selected for longer working hours. A history of COVID-19 was not associated with inadequate work ability. These findings suggest that targeted interventions to improve work ability in low-income communities should prioritize women and workers with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes.