bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Sueña ChatGPT-4 con tweets ofensivos? Una aproximación a las contribuciones potenciales de los modelos generativos en la detección de discurso ilícitos
Authors: Santisteban Galarza Mario , C. Aguerri Jesús
Published: November 2023

Los últimos avances en inteligencia artificial generativa parecen permitir dotar a los modelos de inteligencia artificial de capacidades tan relevantes para el ámbito jurídico como la de argumentar sus propias decisiones. Este estudio se aproxima a las capacidades del modelo ChatGPT-4 en el contexto de la detección de discursos de odio según su conceptualización en el artículo 510.1. a) del Código Penal español. Para ello, se compararán los razonamientos y las decisiones de ChatGPT-4 a partir de relatos de hechos probados con las decisiones de los órganos que juzgaron los respectivos casos, estudiando los límites y el potencial de estos sistemas en el ámbito jurídico.
Una aproximación a ChatGPT como herramienta jurídica: sesgos, capacidades y utilidades futuras
Authors: Navarro-Dolmestch Roberto , Fuentes-Loureiro María-Ángeles
Published: November 2023

Este artículo es una primera aproximación a la capacidad que podría tener ChatGPT para desempeñarse como una herramienta directamente utilizable en el trabajo jurídico de abogados y jueces. Para ello, intentamos determinar si ese chat conversacional muestra patrones de razonamiento en la resolución de situaciones conflictivas por me-dio de la aplicación de un test. Este consistió en caracterizar los elementos con los que la aplicación construyó sus respuestas frente a nueve problemas que le presentamos. Ese análisis nos permitió determinar que ChatGPT muestra un patrón de uso preferen-te de argumentos de tipo utilitarista, por encima de los de naturaleza deóntica. Asimismo, el análisis nos permitió determinar una escasa utilización por ChatGPT de argumentos jurídicos propiamente dichos. Ambos elementos (su orientación utilitarista y la ausencia de elementos jurídicos) nos permitieron concluir que ChatGPT está lejos aún de ser una herramienta directamente utilizable en el ejercicio de la abogacía y en el foro; sin embargo, por la forma en la que construyó los argumentos que produjo, cree-mos que la aplicación muestra un evidente potencial para ser usado en funciones de sistematización del ordenamiento jurídico.
Study of Fatigue Damage Detection by Current Information of Measurement System
Authors:   , Nagaraj Pavithra
Published: November 2023

In the Thesis, using the experiment and computer modelling, the degradation of built-in piezoelectric transducers (PZT) in SHM and their impact on the performance of the structural monitoring system was studied. Comparison of the characteristics of the PZT in two functionally different states of the monitored object is used as a general basic principle for detecting design defects, which makes it possible to reduce the impact of degradation on the accuracy of the assessment of the state of the structure.
Topological phase in one-dimensional momentum space lattice of ultracold atoms without chiral symmetry
Authors: Zeng Chao , Mao Yi-Yi , Wu Ji-Zhou , Yuan Tao , Dai Han-Ning , Chen Yu-Ao ,   Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China,   Shanghai Research Center for Quantum Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics,University of Science and Technology of China, Shanghai 201315, China,   Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230088, China,   Department of Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
Published: November 2023

Symmetry plays a crucial role in understanding topological phases in materials. In one-dimensional systems, such as the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, chiral symmetry is thought to ensure the quantization of the Zak phase and the nontrivial topological phase. However, our work demonstrates that the one-dimensional lattice system with broken chiral symmetry can still possess quantized Zak phase and nontrivial topological phase. Specifically, we use a Bose-Einstein condensate of 87Rb atoms in a momentum space lattice of ultracold atoms to effectively simulate a one-dimensional Zigzag model of 26 sites, which intrinsically breaks the chiral symmetry by additional next-nearest-neighbor coupling. To ensure the existence of the nontrivial topological phase, where the Zak phase can be measured from the time-averaged displacement during the system’s evolution, we need to preserve the inversion symmetry by modulating laser power so that all next-nearest-neighbor coupling strengths are equal. Furthermore, by changing the ratio of nearest-neighbor coupling strengths, we observe a topological phase transition from a nontrivial topological phase to a trivial topological phase at the point where the ratio equals 1. Our work demonstrates that the ultracold atom system provides a controllable platform for studying the symmetrical phase and topological phase, with the potential to explore nonlinear topological phenomena by increasing the interactions among atoms. In addition, our system can be used to investigate other interesting topological phenomena with more complex models, such as critical phenomena at the phase transitions and flat band structures in the extended SSH model with long-range coupling. By controlling the coupling strengths, we can also explore the influence of different symmetries on the topological properties of extended SSH models in the future. Moreover, our platform makes it possible to studythe models with more energy bands, such as the Aharonov-Bohm caging model with a three-level structure, which shows peculiar flat-band properties. This work provides opportunities for various studies in the fields of symmetry, topology, and the interaction of controllable quantum systems.
Neuroimaging and behavioral evidence that violent video games exert no negative effect on human empathy for pain and emotional reactivity to violence
Authors: Lengersdorff Lukas Leopold , Wagner Isabella C , Mittmann Gloria , Sastre-Yagüe David , Lüttig Andre , Olsson Andreas , Petrovic Pedrag , Lamm Claus
Published: November 2023

Influential accounts claim that violent video games (VVGs) decrease players’ emotional empathy by desensitizing them to both virtual and real-life violence. However, scientific evidence for this claim is inconclusive and controversially debated. To assess the causal effect of VVGs on the behavioral and neural correlates of empathy and emotional reactivity to violence, we conducted a prospective experimental study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We recruited 89 male participants without prior VVG experience. Over the course of two weeks, participants played either a highly violent video game or a non-violent version of the same game. Before and after this period, participants completed an fMRI experiment with paradigms measuring their empathy for pain and emotional reactivity to violent images. Applying a Bayesian analysis approach throughout enabled us to find substantial evidence for the absence of an effect of VVGs on the behavioral and neural correlates of empathy. Moreover, participants in the VVG group were not desensitized to images of real-world violence. These results imply that short and controlled exposure to VVGs does not numb empathy nor the responses to real-world violence. We discuss the implications of our findings regarding the potential and limitations of experimental research on the causal effects of VVGs. While VVGs might not have a discernible effect on the investigated subpopulation within our carefully controlled experimental setting, our results cannot preclude that effects could be found in settings with higher ecological validity, in vulnerable subpopulations, or after more extensive VVG play.
Judging the difficulty of perceptual decisions
Authors: Löffler Anne , Zylberberg Ariel , Shadlen Michael N , Wolpert Daniel M
Published: November 2023

Deciding how difficult it is going to be to perform a task allows us to choose between tasks, allocate appropriate resources, and predict future performance. To be useful for planning, difficulty judgments should not require completion of the task. Here, we examine the processes underlying difficulty judgments in a perceptual decision-making task. Participants viewed two patches of dynamic random dots, which were colored blue or yellow stochastically on each appearance. Stimulus coherence (the probability, pblue, of a dot being blue) varied across trials and patches thus establishing difficulty, |pblue −0.5|. Participants were asked to indicate for which patch it would be easier to decide the dominant color. Accuracy in difficulty decisions improved with the difference in the stimulus difficulties, whereas the reaction times were not determined solely by this quantity. For example, when the patches shared the same difficulty, reaction times were shorter for easier stimuli. A comparison of several models of difficulty judgment suggested that participants compare the absolute accumulated evidence from each stimulus and terminate their decision when they differed by a set amount. The model predicts that when the dominant color of each stimulus is known, reaction times should depend only on the difference in difficulty, which we confirm empirically. We also show that this model is preferred to one that compares the confidence one would have in making each decision. The results extend evidence accumulation models, used to explain choice, reaction time, and confidence to prospective judgments of difficulty.
Postsynaptic mitochondria are positioned to support functional diversity of dendritic spines
Authors: Thomas Connon I. , Ryan Melissa A. , Kamasawa Naomi , Scholl Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Postsynaptic mitochondria are critical to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of synaptic inputs. However, their relationship to synaptic structure and functional activity is unknown. We examined a correlative dataset from ferret visual cortex with
in vivo
two-photon calcium imaging of dendritic spines during visual stimulation and electron microscopy (EM) reconstructions of spine ultrastructure, investigating mitochondrial abundance near functionally- and structurally-characterized spines. Surprisingly, we found no correlation to structural measures of synaptic strength. Instead, we found that mitochondria are positioned near spines with orientation preferences that are dissimilar to the somatic preference. Additionally, we found that mitochondria are positioned near groups of spines with heterogeneous orientation preferences. For a subset of spines with mitochondrion in the head or neck, synapses were larger and exhibited greater selectivity to visual stimuli than those without a mitochondrion. Our data suggest mitochondria are not necessarily positioned to support the energy needs of strong spines, but rather support the structurally and functionally diverse inputs innervating the basal dendrites of cortical neurons.
Disseminating cells in human oral tumours possess an EMT cancer stem cell marker profile that is predictive of metastasis in image-based machine learning
Authors: Youssef Gehad , Gammon Luke , Ambler Leah , Lunetto Sophia , Scemama Alice , Cottom Hannah , Piper Kim , Mackenzie Ian C , Philpott Michael P , Biddle Adrian
Published: November 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to drive metastatic dissemination in experimental cancer models. However, tumour cells undergoing EMT have not been observed disseminating into the tissue surrounding human tumour specimens, leaving the relevance to human cancer uncertain. We have previously identified both EpCAM and CD24 as CSC markers that, alongside the mesenchymal marker Vimentin, identify EMT CSCs in human oral cancer cell lines. This afforded the opportunity to investigate whether the combination of these three markers can identify disseminating EMT CSCs in actual human tumours. Examining disseminating tumour cells in over 12,000 imaging fields from 74 human oral tumours, we see a significant enrichment of EpCAM, CD24 and Vimentin co-stained cells disseminating beyond the tumour body in metastatic specimens. Through training an artificial neural network, these predict metastasis with high accuracy (cross-validated accuracy of 87–89%). In this study, we have observed single disseminating EMT CSCs in human oral cancer specimens, and these are highly predictive of metastatic disease.
Genome-wide analysis of sugar transporter genes in maize (Zea mays L.): identification, characterization and their expression profiles during kernel development
Authors: Sun Nan , Liu Yanfeng , Xu Tao , Zhou Xiaoyan , Xu Heyang , Zhang Hongxia , Zhan Renhui , Wang Limin
Published: November 2023

Sugar transporters (STs) play a crucial role in the development of maize kernels. However, very limited information about STs in maize is known. In this study, sixty-eight ZmST genes were identified from the maize genome and classified into eight major groups based on phylogenetic relationship. Gene structure analysis revealed that members within the same group shared similar exon numbers. Synteny analysis indicated that ZmSTs underwent 15 segmental duplication events under purifying selection. Three-dimensional structure of ZmSTs demonstrated the formation of a compact helix bundle composed of 8–13 trans-membrane domains. Various development-related cis-acting elements, enriched in promoter regions, were correlated with the transcriptional response of ZmSTs during kernel development. Transcriptional expression profiles exhibited expression diversity of various ZmST genes in roots, stems, leaves, tassels, cobs, embryos, endosperms and seeds tissues. During kernel development, the expression of 24 ZmST genes was significantly upregulated in the early stage of grain filling. This upregulation coincided with the sharply increased grain-filling rate observed in the early stage. Overall, our findings shed light on the characteristics of ZmST genes in maize and provide a foundation for further functional studies.
Assessing the link between hygienic material use during menstruation and self-reported reproductive tract infections among women in India: a propensity score matching approach
Authors: Chakrabarty Mahashweta , Singh Aditya
Published: November 2023

Background

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) present a substantial health concern for women, especially in developing nations such as India, where inadequate access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities frequently results in suboptimal menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), exacerbating the risk of RTIs. In this study, we analysed the self-reported prevalence of RTIs among young women in India and evaluated the impact of hygienic menstrual material usage on these RTIs.

Methods

The study used information on 27,983 women aged 15–24 years, from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-21). The prevalence of RTIs was calculated for all the states and UTs of India, and propensity score matching (PSM) technique was used to evaluate the impact of hygienic material use on RTIs among women in India.

Results

Every four out of 100 women reported RTIs in India in 2019–21. Notably, RTI prevalence displayed substantial state-level disparities. West Bengal exhibited the highest RTI prevalence at 9.3%, followed by Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, all surpassing 6%. In contrast, the lowest RTI rates were recorded in Puducherry at 0.9%, succeeded by Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, all registering rates below 2%. The PSM analysis revealed that women who utilized hygienic materials during menstruation exhibited a reduced prevalence of RTIs (referred to as the “treated group” with an Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) of 0.0315) compared to those who did not utilize such materials (referred to as the “control group” with an ATT of 0.0416).

Conclusions

The study underscores the critical significance of using hygienic materials during menstruation as a preventive measure against RTIs among women in India. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions focused at promoting hygienic menstrual materials to reduce the prevalence of RTIs among women in India.
The load capacity of maxillary central incisor with simulated flared root canal restored with different fiber-reinforced composite post and cementation protocols
Authors: Beh Yew Hin , Halim Mohamad Syahrizal , Ariffin Zaihan
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the load capacity of maxillary central incisors with simulated flared root canal restored with different fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post cemented with either self-adhesive or self-etch resin cement and its mode of fracture.

Methods

Sixty-five extracted maxillary incisors were decoronated, its canal was artificially flared and randomly categorized into group tFRC (tapered FRC post) (n = 22), mFRC (multi-FRC post) (n = 21), and DIS-FRC (direct individually shaped-FRC (DIS-FRC) post) (n = 22), which were further subdivided based on cementation resin. The posts were cemented and a standardized resin core was constructed. After thermocycling, the samples were loaded statically and the maximum load was recorded.

Results

The load capacity of the maxillary central incisor was influenced by the different FRC post system and not the resin cement (p = 0.289), and no significant interaction was found between them. Group mFRC (522.9N) yielded a significantly higher load capacity compared to DIS-FRC (421.1N). Overall, a 55% favorable fracture pattern was observed, and this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of the study, it can be concluded that prefabricated FRC posts outperform DIS-FRC posts in terms of the load capacity of a maxillary central incisor with a simulated flared root canal. The cementation methods whether a self-adhesive or self-etch resin cement, was not demonstrated to influence the load capacity of a maxillary central incisor with a flared root canal. There were no significant differences between the favorable and non-favorable fracture when FRC post systems were used to restored a maxillary central incisor with a flared root canal.
Lo justo como don en la filosofía española del siglo XXI. Hacia una ética del don en clave personalista, hermenéutica y existencial
Authors: Madrid Ramírez Raúl
Published: November 2023

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Synthesis and degradation of indole-3-acetic acid by Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN
Authors:   , Donoso Luna Raúl Andrés
Published: November 2023

Se ha descrito que las rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento de plantas (PGPR) usan múltiples mecanismos para producir su efecto benéfico sobre las plantas, tal como la síntesis de la fitohormona auxina ácido indol-3-acético (IAA). Se han propuesto varias vías de biosíntesis del IAA en bacterias, con triptófano como su principal precursor. Por otro lado, se han reportado bacterias capaces de utilizar IAA como única fuente de carbono y energía, asociando esta habilidad con los genes iac, aunque la función y regulación de estos genes es escasamente comprendida. Además, es sabido que las plantas usan múltiples mecanismos para alcanzar la homeostasis de auxinas, incluyendo su biosíntesis y catabolismo. En este contexto, se ha propuesto que las bacterias que poseen simultáneamente genes relacionados a síntesis y degradación de IAA podrían controlar las asociaciones planta-bacteria.Este sería el caso de la β-proteobacteria Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN, capaz de establecer interacciones benéficas con plantas, debido a que posee habilidades de biosíntesis y degradación de IAA. Se determinó que la cepa PsJN produciría IAA mediante al menos tres vías funcionales diferentes de biosíntesis dependientes de triptófano. Además, se observó que la cepa PsJN usa IAA como única fuente de carbono y energía empleando los genes iac para este propósito, y se propusieron los pasos en que cada gen estaría involucrado en la degradación de IAA. Asimismo, se reportó que iacA, iacF e iacG presentan redundancia funcional y revelamos algunas pistas sobre la regulación de los genes iac. Adicionalmente, se determinó que la degradación de IAA juega un papel en la promoción de crecimiento de plantas. Por otra parte, se observó que la degradación de IAA a través de los genes iac fue reprimida por la presencia de triptófano, pero, sorprendentemente, cuando el metabolismo de triptófano está activado el IAA es degradado a través de una vía independiente de los genes iac. En conclusión, estos resultados sugieren que existe una compleja regulación en el metabolismo de IAA en B. phytofirmans PsJN.
La función de calcio en la vía de señalización mediada por nitrato en raíces de Arabidopsis thaliana /
Authors:   , Riveras Hernández Eleodoro Javier
Published: November 2023

Entender como las plantas censan y responden a cambios en la disponibilidad de nitrógeno (N) es el primer paso para desarrollar estrategias para aplicaciones biotecnológicas tales como mejorar la eficiencia del uso del nitrógeno. Sin embargo, los componentes involucrados en las vías de señalización de N son pobremente conocidos. Calcio es un segundo mensajero en vías de transducción de señales en plantas pero su rol en la respuesta a nitrato no ha sido evaluado. Usando una planta reportera que expresa la proteína Aequorina, hemos observado que tratamientos con nitrato incrementan la concentración de calcio citoplasmático ([Ca2+]cyt). Encontramos que nitrato también induce un aumento en los niveles de inositol trifosfato (IP3). El incremento en los niveles de IP3 y [Ca2+]cyt en respuesta a nitrato fue bloqueado por U73122, un inhibidor de la actividad de la fosfolipasa C (PLC), pero no por el análogo no funcional U73343. Además, el incremento en los niveles de IP3 y [Ca2+]cyt en respuesta a nitrato fue inhibido en la mutante del receptor de nitrato NRT1.1/AtNPF6.3. La expresión de genes de respuesta nitrato fue severamente afectada por pre-tratamientos con bloqueadores de canales de calcio e inhibidores de la PLC. Estos resultados indican que el calcio actúa como un segundo mensajero en la vía de señalización de nitrato de Arabidopsis thaliana. Nuestros resultados sugieren un modelo en el que NRT1.1/AtNPF6.3 y la actividad de la PLC median el incremento de calcio en respuesta a nitrato, el cual a su vez produce el cambio en la expresión de genes de respuesta a nitrato.
Espacios formativos : cine y teatro en los extramuros institucionales (Chile, época 70, 80 y 90)
Authors:   , Pastén López Ignacio
Published: November 2023

La tesis espacios formativos: cine y teatro en los extramuros institucionales (Chile, época 70, 80 y 90) establece como punto de partida la idea que entre los años 70 y 90 en Chile los talleres de cine fueron un espacio de reunión y formación para las prácticas teatrales que se encontraron al margen de las instituciones del arte.
Narrative identities of young chileans. Mainstream convergences and deviant struggles
Authors:   , Padilla Lobos Diego Héctor
Published: November 2023

El propósito de este estudio es revelar puntos de vista convencionales en los relatos de adultos jóvenes varones que han cometido delitos contra la propiedad, comparándolos a su vez con la mirada de individuos socialmente valorados, en otras palabras, una comparación de personas “máximamente diferentes”. En consecuencia, se recopilaron dos conjuntos de relatos a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas, representando tanto trayectorias desviadas (12 participantes, edad promedio: 23 años) como convencionales (6 participantes, edad promedio: 23 años). El análisis por su parte, se centró en las diferencias y similitudes entre y dentro de los grupos con el objetivo de obtener narrativas relacionadas con experiencias cotidianas y puntos de vista culturalmente cargados, examinando especialmente los valores críticos “neoliberales” y las experiencias relacionadas con el individualismo. Los resultados muestran múltiples puntos de convergencia.
Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Krait Bites in the Emergency Department: A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Jha Saurabh , Singh Rajiv Ratan , Tripathi Shiv Shanker , Tripathi Sachin Kumar , Yadav Pradeep Kumar
Published: November 2023

Envenomation from snakebites continues to be a severe public health issue in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The complex range of envenomation symptoms necessitates ongoing innovative approaches for the effective treatment of snakebite victims, especially those resulting from krait species. The present case series provides a comprehensive clinical assessment of krait bite patients ( three male patients) in the Emergency Department (ED), emphasising the distinct clinical implications, cutting-edge perspectives, and critical requirements for reporting such occurrences. To identify both shared traits and unique attributes among the cases, authors analysed clinical records, laboratory data, treatment methods, and outcomes. Within the case series, three patients exhibited diverse envenomation symptoms. Notably, discrepancies were observed in the timing and severity of conventional neurotoxic indicators. Additionally, some individuals showed unusual coagulopathic symptoms, which posed challenges in diagnosis and treatment decisions. It is noteworthy that one patient demonstrated resistance to traditional antivenom therapy, raising the possibility of the need for individualised treatment plans. The wide range of clinical manifestations emphasises the importance of individualised care strategies and thorough surveillance. By illustrating the diverse clinical course of krait envenomation and the challenges it presents to healthcare professionals, present case series contributes to the current body of knowledge. The need for reporting and further research is particularly urgent, given the emergence of antivenom resistance. Reporting such occurrences becomes crucial in establishing global treatment recommendations and enhancing scientific understanding in the field as snakebite management tactics continue to evolve.
Correlation between Myosteatosis and Liver Fibrosis among Patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ankala Samhita , Narayan Varun , George Sojan , Kattakkayam Tony Joseph , Ambooken Robert P
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the major leading causes of liver diseases, comprising a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to cirrhosis. In the era of preventive medicine, it is of utmost importance to recognise the subset of NAFLD patients at high risk of progressing to liver cirrhosis. A newly emerging concept of myosteatosis is now suspected to be an early manifestation of NAFLD disease progression. Aim: To find the correlation between myosteatosis and liver fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Department of Gastroenterology at Amala Institute of Medical Sciences in Thrissur, Kerala, India, from January 2021 to June 2022. A total of 57 subjects with Magnetic Resonance Imaging-proven (MRI) NAFLD were included in the study. Body weight and height were measured. Liver fat and myosteatosis were measured using the MRI-derived Proton Density Fat Fraction (PDFF) method {Iterative Decomposition of Water and Fat with Echo (IDEAL-IQ sequence)}. Liver fibrosis was assessed using 2D shear wave elastography. The proportion of myosteatosis and liver fibrosis among NAFLD patients was estimated. Partial correlation, controlling for gender, was evaluated using partial Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients. An Reciever Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess muscle fat fraction in predicting liver fibrosis outcome among patients. Results: Out of the 57 subjects studied, 17 were females and 40 were males. The median Interquartile Range (IQR) age of the subjects was 43.0 (16.5). The median MRI hepatic fat fraction was 10.8. The median muscle PDFF in males was 8.4, and in females, it was 16.9. The median H-PDFF was 18.8. Myosteatosis correlated positively with liver fibrosis (r=0.558; p<0.001). It also negatively correlated with hepatic steatosis (r=-0.321; p=0.02). A statistically significant correlation was not found between liver fat and liver fibrosis. An ROC curve was plotted to predict the liver fibrosis outcome by muscle fat fraction {Area Under Curve (AUC: 0.605; p-value: 0.204)}, which showed a sensitivity of 0.615 and a specificity of 0.389 at a cutoff score of 10.43. Conclusion: Myosteatosis positively correlated with liver fibrosis and negatively with liver steatosis.
Enhancing Crop Protection and Yield through Precision Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kebe Alhaji Alusine , Hameed Shumaila , Farooq Muhammad Sohail , Sufyan Abu , Malook Muhammad Babar , Awais Sayed , Riaz Muhammad , Waseem Muhammad , Amjad Usman , Abbas Nasir
Published: November 2023

The increasing global population has intensified the necessity for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. One promising avenue for meeting this demand is the synergy between Precision Agriculture (PA) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This review paper aims to scrutinize the multifaceted relationship between PA and IPM in augmenting crop protection and yield. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, the study elucidates how cutting-edge technologies in PA, such as drone imaging and soil sensor networks, can be harmoniously integrated with IPM strategies. These encompass biological, chemical, and cultural tactics to manage pest populations and mitigate damage, thereby fostering an environment conducive to optimal crop growth. The review identifies that the confluence of PA and IPM not only enhances the efficiency of resource use but also mitigates the environmental footprint of agricultural activities. Moreover, we delve into case studies that demonstrate significant yield improvements and cost reductions, underscoring the economic viability of integrating PA and IPM. The findings highlight the transformative potential of marrying these two domains, suggesting that such integration could be a cornerstone in the future of sustainable agriculture. The paper concludes by outlining research gaps and proposing avenues for future studies, emphasizing the need for multi-disciplinary approaches to fully unlock the potential of this integration.
Implications of Various Establishment Methods and Nutrient Management Practices on the Growth and Yield of Rice in the North Western Himalayan Region
Authors: Dwivedi M. C. , Puniya R. , Kaur Sarabdeep , Kumar Rakesh , Jamwal Shubham , Bansal Kanik Kumar
Published: November 2023

Aim: For more than half of the world's population, rice is the primary staple food. The traditional method of producing rice uses a lot of water, requires a lot of labor, and is bad for the health of the soil and the environment. Additionally, an unbalanced nutrient supply causes plants to grow and develop slowly, the soil to deteriorate, and the environment to suffer. To know the effect of rice establishment and nutrient management on rice a field study was conducted at SKUAST-Jammu.
Methodology: In a split plot design with three replications, the field experiment was carried out with the rice variety Pusa-1121 using 3 establishment methods (system of rice intensification, conventional, and mechanical) and 6 nutrient management practices (100% RDF inorganic, 75% RDF inorganic, 125% RDF inorganic, 50% inorganic + 50% organic, 75% inorganic + 25% organic, and 100% organic manures with FYM).
Results: Among the nutrient management, 125% RDF gives the highest yield and B:C ratio of the rice crop during both years, according to the results. The highest yield was found in SRI crop establishment method, which also has the highest B:C ratio among all crop establishment methods.
Conclusion: In terms of productivity, soil studies and profitability, the es­tablishment of rice by the system of rice intensification (SRI) technique in combination with 125% RDF inorganic approach was found to be superior to the other treatments.
Comparative Kinetic Study of the Adsorption Capacity of Walnut Shell and Its Biochar for Chromium Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Momina  , Afzal Rimsha , Noor Ayesha , Shahzadi Iram , Shireen Sana , Aleem Rafia , Khan Mehboob
Published: November 2023

Chromium is a toxic heavy metal that can pollute water from industrial and agricultural activities. Adsorption is a promising method for removing chromium from wastewater, and walnut shell is a sustainable and abundant biomass that can be used to produce biochar for adsorption. This study compares the effectiveness of walnut shell and walnut shell biochar for chromium removal from wastewater using adsorption. The effects of various parameters on chromium adsorption, such as pH, biochar dosage, and contact time, are investigated. The results show that both walnut shell and walnut shell biochar are effective adsorbents for chromium removal. However, walnut shell biochar exhibits a higher adsorption capacity and faster adsorption kinetics than walnut shell. The findings of this study suggest that walnut shell biochar is a promising adsorbent for chromium removal from wastewater. It is a sustainable and low-cost material that can be used to develop effective and efficient wastewater treatment systems. The kinetics of Cr adsorption will examine using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and adsorption isotherms. The results demonstrated that the adsorption of Cr onto WS and BC followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting chemisorption as the rate-limiting step.
Platinum drugs upregulate CXCR4 and PD‐L1 expression via ROS‐dependent pathways, with implications for novel combined treatment in gastric cancer
Authors: Kang Xiaoyu , Zhang Lin , Liu Shushang , Wang Fei , Liu Haiming , Zhou Fenli , Wu Fei , Zhang Haohao , Fan Daiming , Nie Yongzhan , Chen Zhangqian
Published: January 2025

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) are two critical molecules involved in the tumor immune microenvironment. However, the impact of platinum drugs, such as cisplatin, on CXCR4 or PD‐L1 expression and the underlying mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown. Moreover, the correlation between their expression levels in GC remains elusive. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and RT‐qPCR were performed to determine the expression pattern of CXCR4 and PD‐L1 in GC. Clinical samples, patient‐derived xenografts, and cell‐derived xenografts were utilized to investigate the effects of platinum drugs on the expression levels of CXCR4 and PD‐L1. Postchemotherapy resected GC tumor tissues showed higher CXCR4 and PD‐L1 expression levels than pretreatment biopsies (p < 0.05). Similarly, GC xenografts treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy exhibited increased CXCR4 and PD‐L1 expression levels compared to saline‐treated controls (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was detected between the expression levels of CXCR4 and PD‐L1 in GC tumor tissues. Increased levels of CXCR4 and PD‐L1 expression, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner upon cisplatin treatment, were observed in GC cells (p < 0.05). Cisplatin‐induced CXCR4 upregulation relies on ROS/HIF‐1α and ROS/NF‐κB pathways, while cisplatin‐induced PD‐L1 upregulation is cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase/stimulator of IFN genes‐dependent and associated with elevated ROS levels in GC cells. CXCR4 expression was found to be positively correlated with PD‐L1 expression in GC. Platinum drugs upregulated the levels of CXCR4 and PD‐L1 expression in GC. A combined strategy targeting CXCR‐4 and PD‐L1 might have clinical prospects for GC patients.
Cumulative barriers to renewable energy development: Can we adjust our perspective and approach to benefit biodiversity?
Authors: Cook Aonghais S. C. P. , Masden Elizabeth A. , Humphreys Elizabeth M. , Pearce‐Higgins James W.
Published: January 2025

Renewable energy development is rapidly increasing in efforts to mitigate climate change. Whilst the impact of individual projects on biological diversity may be limited, there is a risk of significant cumulative impacts across projects, resulting in a conflict between our needs for renewable energy and to preserve biodiversity.

A range of approaches have been developed for cumulative impact assessment (CIA). Biologically realistic approaches advocated in the peer‐reviewed literature have challenging data requirements and are more complex than those widely used by practitioners and regulators to inform assessments.

Projected cumulative impacts are approaching levels where future development of the industry is at risk, with concerns that this is driven by an overly precautionary approach, a direct consequence of insufficient data.

A ‘race to submission’, whereby developers aim to submit their assessments as early as possible in an attempt to avoid being the project that triggers an unacceptable cumulative impact, exacerbates this problem. This leads to situations whereby consented projects may not reflect the optimal balance between minimising biodiversity impacts and delivery of renewable energy targets.

Solution. There is an urgent need to shift the focus of CIA from the anthropogenic activities, which drive the need for assessments, to the populations concerned. This will require international agreement on minimum standards for robust assessment and coordination of data collection. A failure to achieve this may mean that delivering the renewable energy required to minimise the impacts of climate change in an ecologically sustainable manner becomes a regulatory impossibility.
CuO/Cu2O Coatings via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on Ti–4.5Cu Alloy: A Synergistic Approach to Antibacterial Properties and Cytocompatibility
Authors: Shi Chang , Zhang Ming , Qin Gaowu , Zhang Erlin , Bai Bing
Published: January 2025

In this article, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is applied to Ti–4.5Cu alloy to prepare a Cu2O/CuO containing coating to improve the antimicrobial properties and cytocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to characterize the surface microstructure as well as the elemental valence states, and electrochemical tests and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy are used to determine the corrosive properties and Cu‐ion release behavior, and the antimicrobial properties are evaluated by plate counting method and the cytotoxicity is evaluated by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. In the results, it is shown that PEO treatment significantly improves the hardness, hydrophilicity, roughness, corrosion resistance, and accelerated Cu‐ion release. In the plate counting method results, it is shown that the antimicrobial capacity of Ti–4.5Cu alloys is significantly increased to >99.9% after the PEO treatment due to multiple effects of the release of Cu ions and the formation of Cu2O and CuO. Furthermore, PEO treatment promotes the proliferation of L929 cells while the surface morphology after sandblasting has a further value‐added effect on cell adhesion. It is concluded that Cu ion and the surface morphology play a decisive role in the adhesion and proliferation of the cells.
High‐Speed Laser‐to‐Microwave Wireless Transmissions through Dual‐Band Time‐Domain Optoelectronic Metasurface
Authors: Zhang Xin Ge , Wang Bo Yuan , Zhu Bingcheng , Sun Ya Lun , Tian Han Wei , Hu Qiu Cen , Zhang Zaichen , Cui Tie Jun , Jiang Wei Xiang
Published: January 2025

Radio and optical signals are two different carriers with their own distinctive features, and their efficient conversion is pivotal to achieve better performance and wider applications in information transmission. Unlike the conventional radio‐over‐fiber system based on fiber and circuit technologies, herein a laser‐to‐microwave wireless transmission scheme is proposed by dual‐band time‐domain optoelectronic metasurface. By integrating the high‐speed positive‐intrinsic‐negative diodes and meticulously designed photoelectric circuit into the metasurface, the amplitude and phase of the reflected microwaves at different frequency bands can be modulated quickly by laser intensities. Therefore, the on–off keying (OOK) laser can be modulated directly onto the phase shift keying (PSK) and amplitude shift keying (ASK) microwaves on one platform, achieving seamless laser‐to‐microwave transmissions. As a demonstration, a metasurface‐based hybrid wireless communication system is constructed, in which the data can be transmitted through OOK laser signal and received through ASK and PSK microwave signals. Based on the basic signal modulation format, 2.5 Mbps communication rate can be achieved over the hybrid link. This work will be of great benefit to design novel spatial photoelectric devices and wireless communication systems.
Magnetoresistance in 2D Magnetic Materials: From Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Younis Muhammad , Abdullah Muhammad , Dai Sichao , Iqbal Muhammad Ahsan , Tang Wei , Sohail Muhammad Tahir , Atiq Shahid , Chang Haixin , Zeng Yu‐Jia
Published: January 2025

Magnetoresistance effects, such as tunnel magnetoresistance and giant magnetoresistance, play pivotal roles in spintronics, where the coupling between spin and current affects the electrical resistance. These effects are fundamental for various applications, including high‐density information storage, signal transmission, and processing. With the growing demand for magnetoresistance‐based modern devices in the post‐Moore era, researchers are now focusing on developing such devices using 2D magnetic materials. These materials offer several advantages, including a unique layered structure, high integration density, tunable room‐temperature ferromagnetism, and intriguing magnetoresistive properties. This review starts with a brief introduction to 2D magnetic materials and their typical synthesis routes, followed by a preview of some classifications of magnetic materials. In particular, different magnetoresistance effects in 2D magnetic materials and their unique applications in spintronics are critically discussed. Finally, current challenges and prospects of this emerging field are suggested. This work highlights the importance of the pivotal magnetoresistance effect in advancing modern technology, offering vital applications in many fields ranging from magnetic memory to neuromorphic computing.
General Synthesis Strategy of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Gradient Alloys for High‐Performance Optoelectronic Synapses
Authors: Pan Baojun , Zhang Lijie , Lan Shangui , Hong Yukun , Liang Jieyuan , Deng Leihang , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Gao Xu , Xu Jian‐Long , Zhong Ya‐Nan , Miao Jinshui , Ye Yu , Li Lain‐Jong , Wang Shun , Hu Weida , Wang Sui‐Dong , Wang Peijian
Published: January 2025

2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) gradient alloys hold great promise for electronic and optoelectronic applications, benefiting from their structural and compositional diversity as well as potential multifunctionalities. However, critical challenges remain in the controlled synthesis and unexplored uses of 2D TMD gradient alloys compared to single‐composition 2D TMDs. Herein, a “Face‐to‐Face” general synthesis strategy, which enables large‐area, uniform, and highly reproducible preparation of multiple types of 2D TMD gradient alloys in a single configuration through precise control on precursor supply, and the spatial confinement effect is reported. The synthesized single‐layer Mo1‐xWxS2 gradient alloy features a graded energy band and an alloyed region with moderate intrinsic sulfur vacancies, which is beneficial to achieving the high photo‐synaptic response. Optoelectronic synaptic devices utilizing the unique properties of 2D gradient alloys demonstrate various neuromorphic behaviors, such as outstanding‐index 161% paired‐pulse facilitation, stimuli‐dependent transition from short‐term plasticity to long‐term plasticity, emulation of the brain‐like learning processes, and simulation of neuromorphic vision on artificial neural network for handwritten digit recognition with over 95.6% accuracy. The present general synthesis method of 2D gradient alloys and their great potential as high‐performance optoelectronic synapses may open new frontiers for the 2D TMD family.
Coordination of Functional Oligonucleotides Yields a Versatile Nanocomposite Microneedle Patch to Facilitate Local Wound Microenvironment Remodeling via Systemic Hyperglycemia Regulation
Authors: Qian Yuyan , Zhang Beibei , Xu Yao , Liang Junhao , Yang Xingsen , Gu Yifan , Fan Zhen , Li Dong , Hu Yong
Published: January 2025

Hyperglycemia exacerbates bacterial infections, disrupts angiogenesis, and perpetuates chronic inflammation in the wound. Therefore, the effective management of diabetic wounds necessitates a synergistic approach that integrates local wound microenvironment remodeling with systemic hyperglycemia regulation. Herein, an unprecedented hierarchical cobalt pyrophosphate/DNA (Co2PPi/DNA) nanocomposite is reported for this purpose. Unlike the stereotypical assembly of either enzymatically polymerized ultralong nucleic acids with Mg2PPi nanosheets at low assembly ratios or commercial homo‐oligonucleotides devoid of biofunctionalities in the presence of metal ions, this study represents the first demonstration on coordination‐driven high‐efficiency co‐assembly of biofunctional hetero‐oligonucleotides and non‐Mg2PPi nanosheets, specifically glucagon receptor (GCGR) aptamer and Co2PPi nanosheets. To improve the bioavailability of nanocomposites, a dissolvable microneedle patch is applied for their wound delivery. Thereafter, nanocomposites dissociate in the wound for sustained release of Co2+ ions and GCGR aptamer, from which Co2+ ions eliminate colonized bacteria and promote angiogenesis through stabilizing HIF‐1α, meanwhile, aptamer after circulating to liver reduces blood glucose levels by binding to hepatocyte GCGR. Importantly, this hypoglycemic effect promotes antibacterial and pro‐angiogenic efficacy and alleviates the inflammatory responses. This work highlights significant advancements in the coordination of biofunctional hetero‐oligonucleotides into a versatile nanocomposite architecture to remodel local pathological microenvironment facilitated by systemic factor regulation.
O‐Bridged Co‐Cu Dual‐Atom Catalyst Synergistically Triggers Interfacial Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer: A New Approach to Sustainable Decontamination
Authors: Dai Qin , Li Xin , Li Jieyuan , Zhu Qianqian , Yu Guangfei , Wang Yanan , Xing Lei , Wang Jing , Lu Haijiao , Wang Jianhui , Zhang Tianqi , Liu Shuai , Jiao Yanlin , Li Yuchen , Dong Fan , Wang Lidong
Published: January 2025

Heteroatom‐bridged dual‐atom catalysts (DACs), featuring more flexible active sites and intermetallic interaction, provide an opportunity for sustainable environmental remediation. Herein, an innovative oxygen‐bridged Co‐Cu DAC supported on nano‐alumina (CoOCu‐DAC) is fabricated using a straightforward two‐step process. The as‐prepared catalyst significantly enhances both decontamination kinetics and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) utilization efficiency by 1–3 orders of magnitude toward monoethanolamine (MEA, pKa = 9.5) compared to Co single‐atom catalyst (Co‐SAC) and bulk metal catalysts, and largely outperforms previously reported systems. In‐situ ATR‐FTIR and theoretical investigations reveal that the secondary introduction of Cu plays multiple important roles: it activates lattice oxygen to trigger key proton transfer (PT) of MEAH+ via nucleophilic attack at the interface and subsequently favors deprotonated MEA as an efficient electron donor to accelerate electron transfer (ET) by enhancing orbital overlaps for the co‐activation of O2 and PMS. Such a stepwise proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET)‐enhanced catalytic pathway mediated by CoOCu‐DAC is fundamentally different from common route identified in Co‐SAC‐involved Fenton‐like system. The established binary QSAR further substantiates the universality of PCET‐enhanced strategy toward versatile nitrogen‐containing organic compounds. This study offers a new perspective for sustainable water decontamination and other related areas of catalysis based on rationalized design of multifunctional catalysts at atomic level.