bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Human-AI Integrated Rating System for Improving Second Language Writing:The Case of Japanese Learners of English for General Academic Purposes
Authors: Spring Ryan
Published: September 2023

A new English as a foreign language curriculum was introduced at a Japanese university and the teaching of both paragraph and summary writing was mandated. However, many teachers did not evaluate students’ writing citing the number of students and lack of time and they were hesitant to use AI raters as they did not trust or understand the AI’s rating criteria. Therefore, an integrated human-AI rating model was proposed in which AI would rate students’ language use based on understandable criteria and humans would quickly check the AI responses while rating content and structure. A few teachers tried the system and improvements were made based on new data and newly available research. An online practice tool was also created for students so that they could understand how the AI would rate their language use and practice accordingly. The online practice tool and AI rating model was improved over the course of three semesters based on student data and the ratings of external professional raters. As a result, the fairness of writing-rating seemed to improve, an increasing number of teachers used the rating system, and the number of students that practiced writing and were evaluated increased drastically university-wide, which corresponds with adherence to the curriculum and, presumably, to enhanced learning of writing.
Solar Photovoltaic Fed Three-Phase Multifunctional Converter Operation Using a Nonlinear Control Strategy
Authors: Majji Ravi Kumar , Mishra Jyoti Prakash
Published: September 2023

A nonlinear control strategy for a solar photovoltaic (SPV) integrated three-phase multifunctional converter (3PMFC) is proposed in this study. The proposed control strategy encapsulates the Lyapunov function controller (LFC) for the voltage control loop and a model predictive controller (MPC) for the current tracking control loop. The SPV source is integrated into the 3PMFC’s dc-link via a dc-dc boost converter. Aside from injecting active power generated by the SPV into the utility system at the unity power factor, the control algorithm of a 3PMFC includes multifunctional features such as current harmonic compensation, reac-tive power support, and source current balance. The dc-dc boost converter and 3PMFC reference currents are calculated using an incremental conductance-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm and a variable conductance factor (VCF) technique, respectively. Furthermore, the MPC algorithm is used to design the current tracking controllers for the dc-dc boost converter and 3PMFC. The effectiveness of the proposed control technique was evaluated using different solar irradiation, dc-loads, and ac-loads (linear balanced, linear unbalanced , and nonlinear loads). Finally, under a dynamic operation scenario, the performance of the proposed control technique is assessed and validated using MATLAB/Simulink and real-time simulator (OPAL-RT OP4510) results.
Risk allocation of old community renewal PPP project in China--An improved TOPSIS approach
Authors: Huo Xiaosen , Xue Hao , Hao Tong , Jiao Liudan
Published: September 2023

To ensure the successful implementation of old community renewal PPP project in China, it is essential to allocate the project risks among the participants appropriately. Therefore, this study aims to determine the optimal risk allocation scheme between the government and the private sector in old community renewal projects. An improved TOPSIS based risk allocation model is introduced to improve the decision-making efficiency in risk allocation, and a case study is carried out in Chongqing to allocate the risk factors in the project. The research findings provide references for allocating risks between the government and the social capital in PPP projects.
Bioactivity Properties of Hydroxyalpatite/clay Nanocomposites
Authors: ANDREW OFUDJE EDWIN , Akande James , Sodiya Ezekiel , AJAYI Gabriel , ADEMOYEGUN Adeniyi
Published: September 2023

The need for bioactive and non-toxic biomaterials is on a high demand in tissue engineering applications nowadays. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the chief constituent of teeth and bones in mammas. In this study, HAp and HAp/clay nanocomposites were developed via wet chemical process to mimic natural HAp and to equally confer special properties such as mechanical properties, high surface area, crystallinity, high porosity, and biocompatibility on the biomaterial. The properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites analyzed by FT-IR showed functional groups of HAp and clay such as Al–Al–OH, Si–Si–OH, Si–O, PO43-, -OH, and Si–O–Al. The XRD results confirmed the formation of HAp/clay nanocomposite. SEM and TEM images showed the morphologies of the prepared nanocomposites to be round shape particles. Besides, EDX result revealed the Ca/P ratio of HAp and HAp-C to be lower than that of stoichiometric ratio (1.67) which implies the presence of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Si and Al in the HAp/clay nanocomposite. The mechanical properties of the apatite were greatly enhanced by the addition of clay. Furthermore, proliferation of apatites particles onto the surface of the nanocomposites was observed after treatment with simulated body fluids (SBF) media for seven days. Thus, HAp/clay nanocomposites can be useful biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.
Cell therapy could benefit from BCG: how anti-tumour BCG-primed NK cells selectively proliferate over other lymphocytes and efficiently kill cancer cells
Authors: Vales-Gomez Mar , Felgueres María-José , García-Jiménez Álvaro , Esteso Gloria , Dopazo Ana , Reyburn Hugh , Martínez-Piñeiro Luis , Aguiló Nacho
Published: September 2023

Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are safe, promising treatments for patients with cancer. Nevertheless, the short-lived nature of NK cells, the heterogeneity of NK populations and the need to infuse large number of cells for efficient tumour elimination represent important challenges for the development of NK cell-based therapies. Therefore, improved approaches to produce high numbers of long-lived, cytotoxic NK cells are essential for clinical applications. We have previously identified anti-tumour NK cells (CD56highCD16+NKG2A+) generated upon exposure to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), an early immunotherapy that has been used for decades to treat bladder cancer. Here, we describe that BCG-primed NK cells (B-pNK) kill a broad range of solid tumours and specifically proliferate, without the need of cell sorting, by weekly stimulations with low doses of cytokines, while BCG and other peripheral blood mononuclear cells decrease in the culture. In depth scRNA-seq analysis showed that B-pNK upregulated IL12, IL15 or IL21 signalling pathways, but not IL18, according to the Reactome database. Consequently, B-pNK cells potently proliferated and enriched over other lymphocytes, after weekly stimulations with this cytokine combination, used in low concentration to avoid overstimulation. Despite NKG2A expression, B-pNK mediated potent anti-tumour activity as demonstrated in functional assays, including degranulation, specific cytotoxicity and intracellular-cytokine release, being NKG2D the main activating receptor involved in tumour recognition and elimination. We propose that a strategy based on BCG-priming of NK cells provides a scalable and economical approach for the development of safe and universal cellular immunotherapies against solid tumours.
Spatio-temporal Characterization of Drought Variability in Data-Scarce Regions Using Global Precipitation Data: A Case Study in Cauto River Basin, Cuba
Authors: Tran Anh Phuong , Tran Bao Chung , Campbell Siliennis Blanco , Nguyen Nam Anh , Tran Dieu Hang , Nguyen Thanh Thuy , Nguyen Anh Duc , Son Duong Hong
Published: September 2023

Drought is considered as the most severe water-related disaster in the Cauto river basin, which is the longest river and the main agricultural producer in Cuba. Better understanding on drought characteristics is crucial to implementing drought management plans. Given the sparsity of ground-based precipitation observations in the Cauto, this study aims at using gridded global precipitation to analyze the spatio-temporal variation of drought in this river basin. Firstly, the monthly Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) in the 1981–2023 period was calibrated with the gauged precipitation using the Thiessen polygon-based method and linear least squares regression equations. Then, the gridded standardized precipitation index (SPI) with time scales of 3, 6, 9 months and drought characteristics, namely, drought frequency, duration and intensity were calculated from the calibrated CHIRPS precipitation. Finally, the spatio-temporal analysis was performed to investigate the trends and variation of drought in the Cauto river basin in time and space. The obtained results shows that the calibrated CHIRPS precipitation is highly consistent with the gauged observations and is capable to determine the magnitude, time and spatial extend of drought events in the Cauto river basin. The trend analysis by the Mann-Kendall test reveals that although the trend is not statistically significant, the SPI tends to decrease with time in the dry season, which indicates the more severe drought. The spatial analysis indicates that the lower region of the Cauto river basin is suffered from longer drought duration and higher drought intensity than the upper one. This study expresses the importance of open global precipitation data sources in monitoring and quantifying drought characteristics in data-scarce regions.
An ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants used by the Tibetan in the Rongjia river valley, Tibet, China
Authors: Wang Jin , Ding Xiaoyong , Guo Chang-An , Zhang Xiong , Feng Haowen , Yang Huizhao , Wang Yuhua
Published: September 2023

Background
Wild edible plants (It is abbreviated as WEPs below) play a crucial role in communities with limited communication with the outside world, where unstable factors like poor food supply and insufficient access to timely nutritional supplementation are common, such as the Himalaya region. To document the traditional WEPs knowledge and explore the significance of WEPs for communities with minimal global economic exchange, an ethnobotanical study was conducted in Rongjia Town which lies in a narrow valley near Mount Everest, Tibet, China.
Methods
This ethnobotanical study was conducted in three villages in Rongjia river valley between August 2021 to June 2023. Semi-structured interviews and participatory observations were used to collect the WEPs and related knowledge. The field works were performed with the assistance of local guides. We collected voucher specimens for each documented plant species for taxonomic identification. In this study, we use relative frequency of citation (RFC) to evaluate the comprehensive utilization value of WEPs.
Results
We interviewed 161 informants who provided us with 2499 use reports. In total, we collected 50 WEPs belonging to 28 families and 42 genera used by Tibetan people in Rongjia river valley. The WEPs are used as vegetable, fruit, seasoning, healthcare food, substitute grain and beverage. Among them, wild vegetable is the most commonly used categories, followed by wild fruit. And leaf is the most commonly consumed parts. The top three important WEPs are Rosa sericea f. glandulosa, Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Urtica hyperborea. Other than that, we also documented the current use situation of WEPs. The results shows that while some plants that were once important substitute grains are no longer used, these plants remain vivid in the memories of older people.
Conclusions
WEPs provided wild vegetable, fruit, seasoning, healthcare food, and ubstitute grain for Tibetan people in Rongjia river valley. And some WEPs become a important cultural carrier of older people, which can help to understand the relation of plant and local people in the past. In addition, WEPs can still increase resilience for local people lived in remote area when they face sudden destabilizing events in the future. Therefore, we suggest that future studies should focus more on WEPs in communities with limited communication with the world in order to improve their resilience.
Metabolomics reveals the importance of metabolites in Mussaenda pubescens for antioxidant properties and quality traits
Authors: Zhou Caibi , Li Ping , Fu Shanshan , You Yan , Guo Sijian , Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun , Mei Xin , Zhou Xiaolu , Girdthai Teerayoot
Published: September 2023

Background
Mussaenda pubescens is an important source of medicinal plant that has been used as medicine or dried instead of tea. However, there are few studies on the thorough and dynamic assessment of metabolites presented in Mussaenda pubescens.
Methods In this study, UHPLC-MS/MS approach and biochemical analysis were used to investigate the substance changes of leaves at different developmental stages.
Result A total of 957 metabolites were identified, among which 202, 54 and 254 metabolites showed differential accumulation in three comparisons. The up-regulated metabolites were the major factors driving the function and quality of Mussaenda pubescens. The main pathways involved “Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis”, “Phenylalanine metabolism”, “ABC transporters”, “Folate biosynthesis”, and “Fructose and mannose metabolism”. Phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids and anthocyanin were the primary contributors to differential antioxidant activities of bud, tender, and mature leaves.
Conclusions These results provide a novel insight into formation mechanism of metabolites and the development of Mussaenda pubescenstea.
The association of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index with macrosomia: a birth cohort study from China
Authors: Yan Mingxin , Zhang Yunbo , Zhao Doudou , Zhao Yan , Liu Danmeng , Shan Li , Mi Yang , Pei Leilei , Qu Pengfei
Published: September 2023

To investigate the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the risk of macrosomia through a preconception-early pregnancy-birth cohort in China. From July 2018 to December 2021, we recruited a total of 12,254 women of childbearing age from the Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital of China. We collected basic demographic characteristics and lifestyle behavior information of the subjects through questionnaires and practical measurements, and conducted further follow-up for pregnancy outcomes. The study assessed the association of pre-pregnancy BMI with macrosomia using logistic regression models, and performed a linear trend test. Moreover, we utilized restricted cubic splines and polynomial regression to investigate the non-linear relationship of pre-pregnancy BMI with macrosomia. A total of 11438 subjects were included in this study and the prevalence of macrosomia among all infants was 5.64 per cent. The results indicated that, when compared to the normal weight group, the risk of macrosomia was higher in the overweight and obesity groups (overweight: (OR=1.66 (1.35-2.01)); obesity: (OR=1.66 (1.13-2.45))), and the risk of macrosomia was lower in the underweight group (OR=0.55 (0.41-0.73)). Additionally, similar findings were observed concerning the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and grade 1 macrosomia. The use of restricted cubic splines revealed that the prevalence of macrosomia/grade 1 macrosomia increased with rising pre-pregnancy BMI. Furthermore, when we stratified the data by covariates, the nonlinear relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and macrosomia/grade 1 macrosomia persisted. The results of the polynomial regression showed a gradual increase in fetal birth weight with increasing pre-pregnancy BMI levels. Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with higher risks of macrosomia. Therefore, it indicates that it may be possible to decrease the risk of macrosomia through preconception weight regulation.
Analyzing Tattoo Pigments in a Laboratory Setting: Application of UV-Vis and FTIR Spectroscopy Methods supported with Chemometric Modelling
Authors: Singh Ajay Vikram , Bansod Girija , Schumann Angelina , Bierkandt Frank S. , Laux Peter , Nakhale Sweta Vijay , Shelar Amruta , Patil Rajendra , Luch Andreas
Published: September 2023

Physicochemical characterization of tattoo inks has a major impact on their safe usage in tattoo art. Analytical measurements of pigments used in tattoo inks is a real challenge when monitoring their quality. UV-Vis (ultraviolet visible) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with chemometrics could be used to predict pigment contents in tattoo inks. This study sought to determine the pigments red (PR) 170/254 and pigment blue (PB) 15:3 content, purchased from different suppliers, to examine the different chemical structures and existing impurities of the samples. In this study, UV-Vis and FTIR spectra were collected, and regression models were used to analyze the data. There were significant correlations across both spectrum areas, with coefficients of determination for cross validation greater than 0.7 for most parameters. The two spectroscopic methods come to almost identical results with regard to pigment identity. UV-Vis spectroscopy was found to be suitable method for analyzing changes in pigment concentration and structural evolution. Chemometric modeling showed improved predictions of FTIR parameters, especially in the functional group and fingerprint region of the spectra. The results highlight the significance of utilizing UV-Vis/IR wavelengths to determine pigment structures in samples from various suppliers.
Neutrophilic activity biomarkers (plasma neutrophil extracellular traps and calprotectin) in established rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving biological or JAK inhibitors: a clinical and ultrasonographic study
Authors: Frade-Sosa Beatriz , Ponce Andrés , Ruiz-Ortiz Estíbaliz , de-Moner Noemí , Gómara María J. , Azuaga Ana Belén , Sarmiento-Monroy Juan C , Morlà Rosa , Ruiz-Esq Virginia , Macías Laura , Sapena Nuria , Tobalina Lola , Ramirez Julio , Cañete Juan D , Yague Jordi , Auge Josep M , Gómez-Puerta Jose A , Viñas Odette , Haro Isabel , Sanmartí Raimon
Published: September 2023

Background: Research into blood biomarkers of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has grown significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that neutrophils play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of RA. This study assesses the accuracy of neutrophil activation markers, including neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and calprotectin, as biomarkers of disease activity in patients with established RA. We also analyse the relationship between NETs and various types of therapies as well as their association with autoimmunity.
Methods: We performed an observational cross-sectional study of RA patients receiving treatment with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or JAK inhibitors for at least 3 months. Plasma calprotectin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. NETs were assessed by measuring their remnants in plasma, including neutrophil elastase–DNA (NE-DNA) and histone–DNA (H3-DNA) complexes. We also assessed clinical disease activity, joint ultrasound (US) findings and autoantibody status (rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies (ACPAs) and anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies). Associations between neutrophilic biomarkers and clinical or US scores were sought using correlation analysis. The discriminatory capacity of both neutrophilic biomarkers to detect US synovitis was analysed through ROC curves.
Results: Plasma NET levels did not correlate with clinical disease status, regardless of the clinic index analysed or the specific biological therapy administered. Moreover, no significant correlation was observed between NET remnants and US-detected synovitis. Additionally, there was no correlation between plasma NET levels and autoantibodies (RF, ACPAs, anti-CarP). In contrast, plasma calprotectin positively correlated with clinical parameters (SJC rho=0.49, CDAI rho=0.30; p<0.001) and US parameters (rho>0.50; p<0.001). Notably, this correlation was stronger than that observed with acute phase reactants (high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)).
Conclusion: While NETs formation induced by neutrophils may play a role in RA pathogenesis, our study raises questions about the utility of NET remnants in peripheral circulation as a biomarker for inflammatory activity. In contrast, this study strongly supports the usefulness of blood calprotectin as a biomarker of inflammatory activity and local synovitis in patients with RA, consistent with previous findings.
Soil contamination around porphyry copper mines; an example from a semi-arid climate
Authors: Alizadeh Arezu , Ghorbani Jamshid , Motamedi Javad , Vahabzadeh Ghorban , Ent Antony , Edraki Mansour
Published: September 2023

Extraction and processing of metalliferous ores can cause severe disturbances and contamination in natural ecosystems but little known about such effects for copper mines in semi-arid areas of southwest Asia. This study was conducted on seven sites around Sungun Copper Mine area, northwest Iran. Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, organic matter, soil texture along with 16 metal and metalloids concentrations were measured in 94 soil samples. Results showed that sites were distributed along a gradient of contamination from low contamination in natural hillsides to high contamination in Waste Rock Dump, Oxide Dump, alongside Pakhir and Sungun Rivers. Nutrient (N, K, Ca, Mg) deficiency occurred in disturbed sites. The main contaminant sources were Waste Rock Dump, mine pit drainage, and Oxide Dump. The results of Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination showed elevated Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu, Pb, As, Mo, Mn, Co, S concentrations, high EC, and higher sand percentage in the sites affected by mine waste and acid mine drainage. Geo-Accumulation and Potential Ecological Risk Indices indicate that Pakhir riverside, Sungun riverside and Oxide Dump have severe to moderate levels of environmental risks. Positive correlations between some metal elements imply their common sources and similar reaction pathways could also be a reason for their similar geochemical behaviour in transport and deposition and their interdependence. Overall, the deficiency of organic matter nutrients along with the soil sandy texture in contaminated sites of Sungun Copper Mine are the main limiting factors in managing metal mobility and soil remediation.
Cleft lip and palate severity and COVID-19 related risk factors in five Arab Countries
Authors: Sabbagh Heba Jafar , Zeinalddin Mohammad , Al-Batayneh Ola B. , Bulushi Taimoor Al , AboulHassan Mamdouh A. , Koraitim Mohamed , Alkharafi Lateefa , Almuqbali Buthaina , Alghamdi Sultan Musaad , Bahdila Dania , Refahee Shaimaa Mohsen , Quritum Maryam , Taqi Fatemah Fahad , Albassam Bader , Ayed Mariam , Embaireeg Alia , Alnahdi Raqiya , AlSharif Mona Talal , Aljohar Aziza Johar , Abdulhameed Fatma Dawood , Alrejaye Najla Sulaiman , Viswapurna P S , Halasa Tamara Al , Tantawi Maha El , Basri Osama Adel , Alamoudi Rana A.
Published: September 2023

Background: Little is known about factors associated with the severity of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) especially during COVID-19 pandemic with its dramatic changes.
Objectives: The aim of this multi-national study is to measure the association between CL/P severity, COVID-19 infection, and fear of COVID-19 in Five-Arab countries.
Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in major governmental hospitals in Five-Arab countries from November-2020 to April-2023. Participants were infants born with CL/P and their mothers who were in their 1sttrimester during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical examination was carried out and CL/P cases were grouped according to phenotype (cleft lip and palate (CLP) versus cleft lip (CL)), cleft extension (incomplete versus complete) and site (unilateral versus bilateral) to assess severity. Information on maternal COVID-19 infection and fear of COVID-19 were gathered.
Results: The study recruited 274 CL/P infants. Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregestation and 1st trimester was significantly associated with higher odds of CL/P severity (AOR=2.707; P=0.002) than mothers without COVID-19 infection. Using supplements during pregnancy showed protective effect (AOR=0.573; P=0.065).
Conclusion: Mothers infected with COVID-19 before and during pregnancy had more than two folds’ higher odds of having infant with a more severe CL/P phenotype.
The Relationship between Safety Climate and Job Satisfaction Among Employees in a Tire Manufacturing Company
Authors: Vosoughi Shahram , Shekaftik Soqrat Omari , Arbousara Fatemeh Shabani , Noushabadi Zhaleh Sedghi
Published: September 2023

This research aimed to investigate the influence of safety climate on job satisfaction and determine the relative importance of these variables among employees employed in a tire manufacturing organization. A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving 280 individuals working in a tire manufacturing company. The data collection process involved the utilization of Dante's job satisfaction questionnaire and the NOSACQ Nordic Safety climate questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the software SPSS version 29.0 and R programming language version 4.2.2. The findings revealed that individuals who had not experienced workplace accidents exhibited significantly higher levels of job satisfaction compared to those who had encountered such incidents. Moreover, the results of multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between job satisfaction and factors including overall safety climate score, history of workplace accidents, and educational status. These findings undeniably underscore the crucial role of safety climate in influencing employees' job satisfaction levels within the tire manufacturing industry.
Hyperglycemia with hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency in a 17-year-old male with H Syndrome: The first case report from Syria
Authors: Hamsho Suaad , Alaswad Mohammed , Sleiay Mouhammed , ALHUSSEINI AYHAM
Published: September 2023

Background: The nucleoside transport capabilities of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-3 (hENT3) are disrupted by mutations in SLC29A3 (10q22.2), which are genes for the nucleoside transporter and are the cause of the unusual autosomal recessive disease known as H syndrome. As a result, histiocytic cells invade a number of organs.
Case presentation: A 17-year-old Syrian male was admitted to the internal medicine department with a one-month history of polyuria, polydipsia, general weakness, and pallor. He had a history of progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and failure to gain weight for three years. Physical examination revealed various abnormalities, including scrotal mass, small penis and testicles, absence of pubic and axillary hair, joint abnormalities, short stature, hallux valgus, fibrous protrusion near the navel, and hyperpigmented non-itchy painful skin plaques. Clinical signs along with laboratory test results confirmed type 1 diabetes mellitus, primary hypogonadism, osteopenia, and growth hormone deficiency. After a review of the relevant medical literature, this patient’s presentation of hyperglycemia with hypogonadism, hyperpigmentation, hallux valgus, hearing loss, hematological abnormalities, and low height suggested the diagnosis of H syndrome. The patient received treatment with insulin and testosterone, leading to a significant improvement in his presenting symptoms.
Conclusions: H syndrome is a very rare illness, and the fact that the first case has only recently been reported in Syria only serves to emphasize how rare it is. H Syndrome should be suspected if a person has short stature and signs of hyperglycemia. We are reporting this instance to increase public knowledge of this exceedingly rare and unique syndrome.
Tracking Multiple Episodes of Carlin-Type Gold Mineralization Using Zircon Fission-Track Thermochronology
Authors: Shan Jiangtao , Pi Qiaohui , Luo Xianrong , Li Wei , Pailong Luo
Published: September 2023

The mineralization ages of Carlin-type gold deposits in the Golden Triangle area of Southwest (SW) China have not been adequately defined. We applied zircon fission-track (ZFT) analysis to determine the mineralization ages. The age groups were divided into three periods by ZFT dating and a decomposition method: 230–200, 180–150, and 130 Ma, corresponding to the three magmatic–mineralization episodes in SW China. ZFT analysis was employed to effectively track the multiepisode mineralization history of the Carlin-type gold deposits. Based on the results from this study and existing studies, the Carlin-type gold deposits were probably formed predominantly during 230–200 Ma and were overprintedby the Yanshanian mineralization episodes.
Harnessing Striga-Tolerant Varieties and Enhanced Crop Nutrition: Synergistic Strategies for Managing Striga hermonthica in Maize.
Authors: AMENYOGBE MAWULI KORSI , Alhassan Abdul Mugis
Published: September 2023

Background and aims
In Ghana, maize production is currently faced with low yields due to the infestation of Striga hermonthica. As a result, this study was conducted to examine the combined effect of Striga-tolerant maize varieties and integrated nutrient management (INM) on Striga control and host performance.
Methods
The experiment was a factorial design laid out in a Randomized Complete Block in triplicate. In a Striga-infested field, the maize varieties (Wang-dataa and Omankwa) were evaluated under three levels of poultry manure (0, 5, and 10 t ha− 1) and four levels of ammonium sulfate (0, 30, 60, and 120 kg ha− 1).
Results
The ANOVA revealed that the interaction effect between the soil amendments and maize varieties significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the emergence of Striga plants and the productivity of the maize varieties. The Wang-dataa variety exhibited higher tolerance than the Omankwa variety under 10 t ha− 1 PM + 120 kg ha− 1 AS. Across the range of PM and AS applications, the highest growth and yield outputs were obtained by Wang-dataa with the application of 10 t ha− 1 PM + 120 kg ha− 1 AS. The percentage increase in grain yield for Wang-dataa and Omankwa varieties was 82 and 35%, respectively, over the control. Grain yield was positively correlated with plant height (r = 0.61*), leaf area index (0.53*), and cob weight (0.90***).
Conclusion
This study has established that a higher tolerance and productivity of Wang-dataa over the Omankwa variety were achieved with the highest combination rate of PM and AS under S. hermonthica infestation.
Identification of core genes and pathways in vacuum sealing drainage for the treatment of diabetic ulcers via bioinformatics and histological
Authors: Lu Yongpan , Cao Guoqi , Zhao Dejie , Yin Siyuan , Liu Chunyan , Song Ru , Ma Jiaxu , Sun Rui , Wu Zhenjie , Liu Jian , Wu Peng , Wang Yibing
Published: September 2023

Diabetic ulcers are one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus and the foot is the main site of diabetic ulcers, which involves small and medium-sized arteries, peripheral nerves, microcirculation, etc., with a high rate of disability and high treatment costs. Multidisciplinary treatments spanning medicine and material science have been applied for diabetic foot, but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. Bioinformatics was used to evaluate the differentially expressed genes when the vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) technique was used for the treatment of diabetic foot, and histological studies were performed on tissues from six clinical diabetic foot patients before and after treatment with VSD. Interleukin-6 (IL6) and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) were decreased and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) was increased in patients with diabetic ulcers after VSD treatment. Notably, PTGS2 likely facilitates the healing of diabetic foot ulcers by controlling ferroptosis and may be both a significant prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target.
Acute thyroid hormone exposure in children: A national retrospective study using health data routinely collected by the French Poison Control Centers
Authors: PARADIS Camille , COURTOIS Arnaud , VAUCEL Jules-Antoine , BLANC-BRISSET Ingrid , RECORD Cécile , GRENET Guillaume , GOMES Elisabete , NARDON Audrey , LABADIE Magali
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Thyroid hormones are involved in many metabolic and physiological processes, including basal metabolism, thermoregulation, and heart rate. However, there is little information on acute exposure in children, with only a few cases reports or small cases series being available. Our study was undertaken to provide more information about the epidemiological and clinical course of l-thyroxine poisoning in a large pediatric population.
Study design: This multicenter historical cohort study was conducted using data from the French Poison Control Centers on the acute ingestion of thyroid hormone in children (0–12 years of age) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020.
Results: Of the 2,321 files analyzed, 1,248 cases were included. Preschool children aged 2–5 years old accounted for 79.4% of the cases. Oral ingestion was unintentional in 98% of the cases. The medicine was from a relative in 97.5% of cases. Only 10 (0.8%) children were symptomatic. No symptoms were reported below a dose of 6.6 µg/kg and some patients remained asymptomatic up to an assumed dose of 500 µg/kg. The symptoms reported were minor, transitory, and limited to tremor, agitation, diarrhea, vomiting, and tachycardia. Comparing the assumed intake doses between unintentional and intentional exposure, and between asymptomatic and symptomatic cases, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Acute l-thyroxine poisoning in children was mainly accidental (unintentional) and has only a few benign symptoms. The clinical outcome is good even if the assumed ingested dose is massive (up to 500 µg/kg).
A universal perovskite/C60 interface modification via atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide for perovskite solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandems
Authors: Wolff Christian , Artuk Kerem , Turkay Deniz , Mensi Mounir , Steele Julian , Jacobs Daniel , Othman Mostafa , Chin Xin Yu , Moon Soo-Jin , Tiwari Ayodhya , Hessler-Wyser Aïcha , Jeangoros Quentin , Ballif Christophe
Published: September 2023

The primary performance limitation in inverted perovskite-based solar cells is the interface between the fullerene-based electron transport layers and the perovskite. We developed atomic layer deposited thin AlOX interlayers that reduce nonradiative recombination at the perovskite/C60 interface, resulting in > 60 millivolts improvement in open-circuit voltage and 1% absolute improvement in power conversion efficiency. Surface-sensitive characterizations indicate the presence of a thin, conformally deposited AlOx layer, functioning as a passivating contact. These interlayers work universally using different lead-halide-based absorbers with different compositions where the 1.55 electron volts bandgap single junction devices reach >23% power conversion efficiency. We find a reduction of metallic Pb0 and the compact layer prevents in- & egress of volatile species, synergistically improving the stability. AlOX-modified wide-bandgap perovskite absorbers as a top cell in a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem enable a certified power conversion efficiency of 29.9% and open-circuit voltages above 1.92 volts for 1.17 square centimeters device area.
Urbanization will drive changes in the African food system and biodiversity through dietary shifts rather than through urban expansion
Authors: De Vos Koen , Janssens Charlotte , Jacobs Liesbet , Campforts Benjamin , Boere Esther , Kozicka Marta , Leclère David , Havlík Petr , Hemerijckx Lisa-Marie , Rompaey Anton Van , Maertens Miet , Govers Gerard
Published: September 2023

The rapid urbanization in Africa profoundly affects local food and ecological systems. According to earlier research, urbanization may cause food production and biodiversity losses as agricultural or natural lands are absorbed by expanding cities. Although land use displacement effects may potentially buffer agricultural production losses or lead to additional biodiversity losses, they are often overlooked. Moreover, effects of urbanization-induced dietary changes are rarely considered. To address this, we combined spatially-explicit projections of African urban expansion and observed urbanization-induced rice consumption shifts in a partial equilibrium model (GLOBIOM). We highlight the importance of displacement effects to identify potential food production or biodiversity issues accurately and argue for their integration in land-use planning and policymaking across spatial scales. We also show that accounting for urbanization-induced dietary shifts for rice increases estimated values in rice production, trade, and agricultural methane emissions and thereby underscore the need for granularity in future food demand predictions.
MYL2 is a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and immune biomarker for HNSC
Authors: Duan Tingting , Hong Qichao , Ding Shun , Xu Zhengyang , Zhang Qimeng , Yan Jingren , Xing Chengliang
Published: September 2023

Purpose
MYL2, a potential biomarker, is aberrantly expressed in a variety of tumor tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the exact involvement of MYL2 in HNSC.
Methods
Massive bioinformatics analysiswere used to assess MYL2 mRNA and protein expression levels and its functional role in HNSC. Next, the prognostic effect of MYL2 on HNSC was analyzed using TCGA and GEPIA. Afterwards, the effect of MYL2 on the immune microenvironment was examined by immune infiltration and monomolecular analysis. Finally, immunohistochemistry, western blot, RT-PCR, Plasmid transfection, Cell Migration and apoptosis assay were used to further confirm.
Results
MYL2 expression was considerably decreased in in HNSC tissues compared to normal tissues, according to TIMER and TGCA database analysis. Meanwhile, low MYL2 mRNA expression was associated with a greater clinical stage. In addition, this result was verified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell and tissue experiments. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that low MYL2 expression was associated with better overall survival (OS). The results analyzed by ssGSEA with Spearman showed that MYL2 was positively correlated with most types of immune cells. Finally, MYL2 can inhibit the proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, as well as promote apoptosis, according to the results of Plasmid transfection, Cell Migration and apoptosis assay.
Conclusion
The findings show that MYL2 influences the development of HNSC through the regulation of multiple immune cells. Therefore, MYL2 plays a crucial role in HNSC development and that it might be a potential independent prognostic biomarker and therapy target for HNSC.
An evolutionary case for plant rarity
Authors: Nytko Alivia , Senior John , Wooliver Rachel , O'Reilly-Wapstra Julianne , Schweitzer Jennifer , Bailey Joseph
Published: September 2023

Species rarity is a common phenomenon across global ecosystems that is becoming increasingly more common under climate change. Although species rarity is often considered to be a consequence of environmental or ecological constraints, we examined the hypothesis that plant rarity is a consequence of natural selection acting on performance traits that affect a species range size, habitat specificity, and population aggregation; three primary descriptors of rarity. Using a common garden of 25 species of Tasmanian Eucalyptus, we find that the rarest species have 53% lower biomass than common species. There is also a negative phylogenetic autocorrelation underlying the biomass of rare and common species, indicating that traits associated with rarity have diverged within clades as a result of environmental factors to reach different associated optima. In support of our hypothesis, we found significant positive relationships between species biomass, range size and habitat specificity, but not population aggregation. These results demonstrate repeated convergent evolution of the determinants of rarity across the phylogeny in the Tasmanian eucalypts. These results also suggest that if rarity can evolve and can potentially be related to plant traits such as biomass, rather than a random outcome of environmental constraints, we may need to revise conservation efforts in these and other rare species to reconsider the distributions of rare plant species and their ecosystem impacts.
An RNA foundation model enables discovery of disease mechanisms and candidate therapeutics
Authors: Frey Brendan , Celaj Albi , Gao Alice , Lau Tammy , Holgersen Erle , Lo Alston , Lodaya Varun , Cole Christopher , Denroche Robert , Spickett Carl , Wagih Omar , Pinheiro Pedro , Vora Parth , Mohammadi-Shemirani Pedrum , Chan Steve , Nussbaum Zach , Zhang Xi , Zhu Helen , Ramamurthy Easwaran , Kanuparthi Bhargav , Iacocca Michael , Ly Diane , Kron Ken , Verby Marta , Cheung-Ong Kahlin , Shalev Zvi , Vaz Brandon , Bhargava Sakshi , Yusuf Farhan , Samuel Sharon , Alibai Sabriyeh , Baghestani Zahra , He Xinwen , Krastel Kirsten , Oladapo Oladipo , Mohan Amrudha , Shanavas Arathi , Bugno Magdalena , Bogojeski Jovanka , Schmitges Frank , Kim Carolyn , Grant Solomon , Jayaraman Rachana , Masud Tehmina , Deshwar Amit , Gandhi Shreshth
Published: September 2023

Accurately modeling and predicting RNA biology has been a long-standing challenge, bearing significant clinical ramifications for variant interpretation and the formulation of tailored therapeutics. We describe a foundation model for RNA biology, “BigRNA”, which was trained on thousands of genome-matched datasets to predict tissue-specific RNA expression, splicing, microRNA sites, and RNA binding protein specificity from DNA sequence. Unlike approaches that are restricted to missense variants, BigRNA can identify pathogenic non-coding variant effects across diverse mechanisms, including polyadenylation, exon skipping and intron retention. BigRNA accurately predicted the effects of steric blocking oligonucleotides (SBOs) on increasing the expression of 4 out of 4 genes, and on splicing for 18 out of 18 exons across 14 genes, including those involved in Wilson disease and spinal muscular atrophy. We anticipate that BigRNA and foundation models like it will have widespread applications in the field of personalized RNA therapeutics.
Online Abuse of Politicians: Experimental Evidence on Politicians' own Perceptions
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus T. , Petersen Niels Bjørn Grund , Thau Mads
Published: September 2023

Criticism from dissatisfied citizens is an inevitable part of being an elected politician in a democracy. However, when negative feedback from citizens turns into outright abuse, this can have pernicious personal and democratic consequences. In this study, we therefore investigate how politicians perceive criticisms, insults, threats, and sexist remarks in social media comments. Based on a survey experiment with more than 700 politicians from the local, regional, and national levels, we show that politicians’ assessment of the abusiveness of negative messages are not only affected by the content of the messages but also by political ideology and gender. Left-leaning politicians find negative social media comments to be more abusive than right-leaning politicians do. In addition, politicians are more averse to negative comments targeting women than negative comments targeting men, and male politicians are generally less averse to negative comments than female politicians are. Somewhat surprisingly, politicians are generally not affected by in-party biases, as they exhibit similar levels of aversion towards negative messages directed at co-partisans and out-partisans. While previous research has focused on the extent to which politicians receive online abuse, few studies have examined how politicians perceive potentially abusive messages, and our study thus provides novel insights into what exactly politicians consider to be abusive behavior on social media.
Changes in central retinal and choroidal OCT/OCTA parameters following intravitreal bevacizumab injection in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Firouzabadi Mohammad Sadegh Dehghani , Farashah Shima Alsadat Dehghanpour , Manaviat Reza , Nouri Hosein , Abtahi Seyed-Hossein , Forouhari Ali
Published: September 2023

Background
To evaluate changes in central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and foveal vessel density (VD) in deep and superficial capillary plexuses (DCP and SCP) 30 days after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME).
Methods
A prospective observational study on 25 eyes of 25 patients who were candidates of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection for the treatment of DME was conducted. After conducting a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and enhanced depth imaging OCT, we measured CMT, SFCT, and foveal VD in DCP and SCP. In addition, a blood sample was drawn from every patient to determine baseline hemoglobin A1c levels. One month after a single IVB injection, all the parameters were reassessed.
Results
Mean age of the included patients was 59.56 ± 9.74 years. One month following bevacizumab injection, mean CMT, SFCT, VD in superficial capillary plexus, and VD in deep capillary plexus layer significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by 10.03% ± 5.53%, 8.18% ± 3.39%, 3.06% ± 6.98%, 3.65% ± 6.41%, respectively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; LogMAR) was also improved significantly. Patients with HbA1c level ≤ 7 at baseline showed a larger decrease in CMT (P = 0.02) with no significant difference in other parameters. The decrease in LogMAR BCVA after treatment showed a negative correlation with pre-treatment SFCT and a positive correlation with the decrease in foveal VD in SCP (rho = -0.42, P = 0.04, and rho = 0.44, P = 0.03, respectively). Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant association between the changes in CMT, SFCT, and VD in superficial or deep capillary plexuses. Patients with better anatomical response to the treatment (CMT reduction ≥ 10%) had significantly lower SFCT and higher CMT values at baseline.
Conclusions
Significant functional and anatomical improvements were evident one month after IVB injection in patients with DME. Better glycemic control could result in a significantly larger reduction in the CMT of eyes with DME. Anatomical improvements were not correlated with changes in other assessed variables. Thinner SFCT at baseline could be attributed to better functional and anatomical response in these patients.