bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SDS3 regulates microglial inflammation by modulating the expression of the upstream kinase ASK1 in the p38 MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Shen Jian , Lai Wenjia , Li Zeyang , Zhu Wenyuan , Bai Xue , Yang Zihao , Wang Qingsong , Ji Jianguo
Published: July 2024

Background

Microglia, the main innate immune cells in the central nervous system, are key drivers of neuroinflammation, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The Sin3/histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex, a highly conserved multiprotein co-repressor complex, primarily performs transcriptional repression via deacetylase activity; however, the function of SDS3, which maintains the integrity of the complex, in microglia remains unclear.

Methods

To uncover the regulatory role of the transcriptional co-repressor SDS3 in microglial inflammation, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify SDS3 target genes and combined with transcriptomics and proteomics analysis to explore expression changes in cells following SDS3 knocking down. Subsequently, we validated our findings through experimental assays.

Results

Our analysis revealed that SDS3 modulates the expression of the upstream kinase ASK1 of the p38 MAPK pathway, thus regulating the activation of signaling pathways and ultimately influencing inflammation.

Conclusions

Our findings provide important evidence of the contributions of SDS3 toward microglial inflammation and offer new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of microglial inflammatory responses.
DAP12 interacts with RER1 and is retained in the secretory pathway before assembly with TREM2
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Theil Sandra , Ibach Melanie , Walter Jochen
Published: July 2024

DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12) is a transmembrane adapter protein expressed in lymphoid and myeloid lineage cells. It interacts with several immunoreceptors forming functional complexes that trigger intracellular signaling pathways. One of the DAP12 associated receptors is the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Mutations in both DAP12 and TREM2 have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, mechanisms involved in the regulation of subcellular trafficking and turnover of these proteins are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that proteasomal degradation of DAP12 is increased in the absence of TREM2. Interestingly, unassembled DAP12 is also retained in early secretory compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), thereby preventing its transport to the plasma membrane. We also show that unassembled DAP12 interacts with the retention in ER sorting receptor 1 (RER1). The deletion of endogenous RER1 decreases expression of functional TREM2-DAP12 complexes and membrane proximal signaling, and resulted in almost complete inhibition of phagocytic activity in THP-1 differentiated macrophage-like cells. These results indicate that RER1 acts as an important regulator of DAP12 containing immunoreceptor complexes and immune cell function.

Graphical Abstract
Truncated tau interferes with the autophagy and endolysosomal pathway and results in lipid accumulation
Authors: Pollack Saskia J. , Dakkak Dina , Guo Tong , Chennell George , Gomez-Suaga Patricia , Noble Wendy , Jimenez-Sanchez Maria , Hanger Diane P.
Published: July 2024

The autophagy-lysosomal pathway plays a critical role in the clearance of tau protein aggregates that deposit in the brain in tauopathies, and defects in this system are associated with disease pathogenesis. Here, we report that expression of Tau35, a tauopathy-associated carboxy-terminal fragment of tau, leads to lipid accumulation in cell lines and primary cortical neurons. Our findings suggest that this is likely due to a deleterious block of autophagic clearance and lysosomal degradative capacity by Tau35. Notably, upon induction of autophagy by Torin 1, Tau35 inhibited nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a key regulator of lysosomal biogenesis. Both cell lines and primary cortical neurons expressing Tau35 also exhibited changes in endosomal protein expression. These findings implicate autophagic and endolysosomal dysfunction as key pathological mechanisms through which disease-associated tau fragments could lead to the development and progression of tauopathy.
Phenotypic characterization and gene mapping of hybrid necrosis in Triticum durum–Haynaldia villosa amphiploids
Authors: Liu Yangqi , Liu Jinhong , Huang Zhenpu , Fan Kaiwen , Guo Xinshuo , Xing Liping , Cao Aizhong
Published: July 2024

Key message

Phenotypical, physiological and genetic characterization was carried out on the hybrid necrosis gene from Haynaldia villosa, and the related gene Ne-V was mapped to chromosome arm 2VL.

Introducing genetic variation from wild relatives into common wheat through wide crosses is a vital strategy for enriching genetic diversity and promoting wheat breeding. However, hybrid necrosis, a genetic autoimmunity syndrome, often occurs in the offspring of interspecific or intraspecific crosses, restricting both the selection of hybrid parents and the pyramiding of beneficial genes. To utilize the germplasms of Haynaldia villosa (2n = 2x = 14, VV), we conducted wide hybridization between durum wheat (2n = 4x = 28, AABB) and multiple H. villosa accessions to synthesize the amphiploids (2n = 6x = 42, AABBVV). This study revealed that 61.5% of amphiploids derived from the above crosses exhibited hybrid necrosis, with some amphiploids even dying before reaching maturity. However, the initiation time and severity of necrosis varied dramatically among the progenies, suggesting that there were multiple genetic loci or multiple alleles in the same genetic locus conferring to hybrid necrosis in H. villosa accessions. Genetic analysis was performed on the F2 and derived F2:3 populations, which were constructed between amphiploid STH59-1 with normal leaves and amphiploid STH59-2 with necrotic leaves. A semidominant hybrid necrosis-related gene, Ne-V, was mapped to an 11.8-cM genetic interval on the long arm of chromosome 2V, representing a novel genetic locus identified in Triticum-related species. In addition, the hybrid necrosis was correlated with enhanced H2O2 accumulation and cell death, and it was influenced by the temperature and light. Our findings provide a foundation for cloning the Ne-V gene and exploring its molecular mechanism.
The Retracing Boomerang Attack, with Application to Reduced-Round AES
Authors: Dunkelman Orr , Keller Nathan , Ronen Eyal , Shamir Adi
Published: July 2024

Boomerang attacks are extensions of differential attacks that make it possible to combine two unrelated differential properties of the first and second part of a cryptosystem with probabilities p and q into a new differential-like property of the whole cryptosystem with probability $$p^2q^2$$

p
2

q
2

(since each one of the properties has to be satisfied twice). In this paper, we describe a new version of boomerang attacks which uses the counterintuitive idea of throwing out most of the data in order to force equalities between certain values on the ciphertext side. In certain cases, this creates a correlation between the four probabilistic events, which increases the probability of the combined property to $$p^2q$$

p
2

q

and increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the resultant distinguisher. We call this variant a retracing boomerang attack since we make sure that the boomerang we throw follows the same path on its forward and backward directions. To demonstrate the power of the new technique, we apply it to the case of 5-round AES. This version of AES was repeatedly attacked by a large variety of techniques, but for twenty years its complexity had remained stuck at $$2^{32}$$

2
32

. At Crypto’18, it was finally reduced to $$2^{24}$$

2
24

(for full key recovery), and with our new technique, we can further reduce the complexity of full key recovery to the surprisingly low value of $$2^{16.5}$$

2

16.5

(i.e., only 90, 000 encryption/decryption operations are required for a full key recovery). In addition to improving previous attacks, our new technique unveils a hidden relationship between boomerang attacks and two other cryptanalytic techniques, the yoyo game and the recently introduced mixture differentials.
A new investigation into whether households are excessively sensitive to predictable changes in income
Authors: Grant Charles
Published: July 2024

Several tests of the permanent income hypothesis have examined whether predictable changes in income affect current consumption growth. The predictable income change is constructed using past variables as instruments in a two-stage regression. However, finding instruments that are truly exogenous but nevertheless predict income growth is very difficult. Moreover, identification requires a large number of time periods. This paper, using the CEX, shows that previous studies have given insufficient attention to properly testing the instruments. Using a longer number of time periods, and a valid set of instruments, the paper finds that households are indeed excessively sensitive to predictable changes in income.
Mutations of numerically exceptional collections on surfaces
Authors: Krah Johannes
Published: July 2024

A conjecture of Bondal–Polishchuk states that, in particular for the bounded derived category of coherent sheaves on a smooth projective variety, the action of the braid group on full exceptional collections is transitive up to shifts. We show that the braid group acts transitively on the set of maximal numerically exceptional collections on rational surfaces up to isometries of the Picard lattice and twists with line bundles. Considering the blow-up of the projective plane in up to 9 points in very general position, these results lift to the derived category. More precisely, we prove that, under these assumptions, a maximal numerically exceptional collection consisting of line bundles is a full exceptional collection and any two of them are related by a sequence of mutations and shifts. The former extends a result of Elagin–Lunts and the latter a result of Kuleshov–Orlov, both concerning del Pezzo surfaces. In contrast, we show in concomitant work (Krah in Invent Math 235(3):1009–1018, 2024) that the blow-up of the projective plane in 10 points in general position admits a non-full exceptional collection of maximal length consisting of line bundles.
Root Rot Management in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Through Integrated Biocontrol Strategies using Metabolites from Trichoderma harzianum, Serratia marcescens, and Vermicompost Tea
Authors: Helmy Karima G. , Abu-Hussien Samah H.
Published: July 2024

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential food staple and source of income for small-holder farmers across Africa. However, yields are greatly threatened by fungal diseases like root rot induced by Rhizoctonia solani. This study aimed to evaluate an integrated approach utilizing vermicompost tea (VCT) and antagonistic microbes for effective and sustainable management of R. solani root rot in common beans. Fourteen fungal strains were first isolated from infected common bean plants collected across three Egyptian governorates, with R. solani being the most virulent isolate with 50% dominance. Subsequently, the antagonistic potential of vermicompost tea (VCT), Serratia sp., and Trichoderma sp. was assessed against this destructive pathogen. Combinations of 10% VCT and the biocontrol agent isolates displayed potent inhibition of R. solani growth in vitro, prompting in planta testing. Under greenhouse conditions, integrated applications of 5 or 10% VCT with Serratia marcescens, Trichoderma harzianum, or effective microorganisms (EM1) afforded up to 95% protection against pre- and post-emergence damping-off induced by R. solani in common bean cv. Giza 6. Similarly, under field conditions, combining VCT with EM1 (VCT + EM1) or Trichoderma harzianum (VCT + Trichoderma harzianum) substantially suppressed disease severity by 65.6% and 64.34%, respectively, relative to untreated plants. These treatments also elicited defense enzyme activity and distinctly improved growth parameters including 136.68% and 132.49% increases in pod weight per plant over control plants. GC–MS profiling of Trichoderma harzianum, Serratia marcescens, and vermicompost tea (VCT) extracts revealed unique compounds dominated by cyclic pregnane, fatty acid methyl esters, linoleic acid derivatives, and free fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids with confirmed biocontrol and plant growth-promoting activities. The results verify VCT-mediated delivery of synergistic microbial consortia as a sustainable platform for integrated management of debilitating soil-borne diseases, enhancing productivity and incomes for smallholder bean farmers through regeneration of soil health. Further large-scale validation can pave the adoption of this climate-resilient approach for securing food and nutrition security.
Variability of the surface boundary layer of reef-building coral species
Authors: Martins Catarina P. P. , Wall Marlene , Schubert Patrick , Wilke Thomas , Ziegler Maren
Published: July 2024

The coral-seawater interface is an important, highly dynamic microenvironment for reef-building corals. Also known as the concentration boundary layer (CBL), it is a thin layer of seawater bordering the coral surface that dictates the biochemical exchange between the coral colony and bulk seawater. The CBL is thus a key feature that modulates coral metabolism. However, CBL variation among small-polyped coral species remains largely unknown. Therefore, we recorded over 100 profiles of dissolved O2 concentration using microsensors to characterize CBL traits (thickness, surface O2 concentration, and flux) of three small-polyped branching coral species, Acropora cytherea, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Porites cylindrica. Measurements were conducted during light and darkness combined with low or moderate water flow (2 and 6 cm s−1). We found that CBL traits differed among species. CBL thickness was lowest in A. cytherea, while P. verrucosa showed the largest depletion of surface O2 in dark and highest dark flux. In addition, we found that O2 concentration gradients in the CBL occurred with three main profile shapes: diffusive, S-shaped, and complex. While diffusive profiles were the most common profile type, S-shaped and complex profiles were more frequent in P. verrucosa and P. cylindrica, respectively, and prevailed under low flow. Furthermore, profile types differed in CBL thickness and flux. Finally, low flow thickened CBLs, enhanced changes in surface O2 concentration, and reduced flux, compared to moderate flow. Overall, our findings reveal CBL variability among small-polyped branching corals and help understand CBL dynamics in response to changes in light and water flow conditions.
Inhibited hydrogen uptake in metasomatised cratonic eclogite
Authors: Aulbach Sonja , Gies Nils B. , Linckens Jolien , Stalder Roland , Viljoen Fanus
Published: July 2024

Water occurs in Earth’s interior mostly as trace hydroxyl in nominally anhydrous minerals. Clinopyroxene is known to be an important water carrier in the uppermost mantle, and eclogite, which forms a subordinate part of the cratonic lithosphere, contains some 50% of jadeite-rich clinopyroxene, making this potentially a significant H2O reservoir in the bulk lithospheric mantle. Mantle metasomatism, in particular by small-volume melts like kimberlite, is known to enrich the lithosphere in highly incompatible components, but its effect on H2O contents in cratonic eclogite remains unclear. We report H2O concentrations for clinopyroxene and garnet in eclogite and pyroxenite xenoliths from several African kimberlites, obtained by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Except one sample showing evidence for minor within-grain variability of H2O concentrations (< 15%), FTIR images demonstrate that H2O is homogeneously distributed in optically clear areas of clinopyroxene fragments mounted for this study. The samples were variably metasomatised by a kimberlite-like melt, as evidenced by elevated MgO contents and abundances of highly incompatible elements (e.g., Sr, Ce, Th). Although metasomatised eclogites and pyroxenites on average show higher H2O abundances than pristine ones, mantle metasomatism decreases the Al2O3 content in clinopyroxene, which is known to enhance hydrogen incorporation in this mineral. As a consequence, hydrogen incorporation is inhibited, and c(H2O) becomes increasingly decoupled from other highly incompatible components, such as LREE. Thus, eclogite – metasomatised or not - does not significantly contribute to the H2O inventory in the bulk cratonic mantle.
Vanishing self-diffusivity in Ginibre interacting Brownian motions in two dimensions
Authors: Osada Hirofumi
Published: July 2024

We prove that the tagged particles of infinitely many Brownian particles in $$ {\mathbb {R}} ^2$$

R

2

interacting via a logarithmic (two-dimensional Coulomb) potential with inverse temperature $$ \beta = 2 $$

β
=
2

are sub-diffusive. The associated unlabeled diffusion is reversible with respect to the Ginibre random point field, and the dynamics are thus referred to as the Ginibre interacting Brownian motion. If the interacting Brownian particles have interaction potential $$ \Psi $$
Ψ
of Ruelle class and the total system starts in a translation invariant equilibrium state, then the tagged particles are always diffusive if the dimension $$ d$$
d
of the space $$ {\mathbb {R}}^{d} $$

R

d

is greater than or equal to two. That is, the tagged particles are always non-degenerate under diffusive scaling. Our result is, therefore, contrary to known results. The Ginibre random point field has various levels of geometric rigidity. Our results reveal that the geometric property of infinite particle systems affects the dynamical property of the associated stochastic dynamics.
Online videos of robotic-assisted cholecystectomies: more harm than good?
Authors: Brian Riley , Gomes Camilla , Alseidi Adnan , Jorge Irving , Malino Cris , Knauer Eric , Asbun Domenech , Deal Shanley B. , Soriano Ian
Published: July 2024

Background

Many surgeons use online videos to learn. However, these videos vary in content, quality, and educational value. In the setting of recent work questioning the safety of robotic-assisted cholecystectomies, we aimed (1) to identify highly watched online videos of robotic-assisted cholecystectomies, (2) to determine whether these videos demonstrate suboptimal techniques, and (3) to compare videos based on platform.

Methods

Two authors searched YouTube and a members-only Facebook group to identify highly watched videos of robotic-assisted cholecystectomies. Three members of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Safe Cholecystectomy Task Force then reviewed videos in random order. These three members rated each video using Sanford and Strasberg’s six-point criteria for critical view of safety (CVS) scoring and the Parkland grading scale for cholecystitis. We performed regression to determine any association between Parkland grade and CVS score. We also compared scores between the YouTube and Facebook videos using a t test.

Results

We identified 50 videos of robotic-assisted cholecystectomies, including 25 from YouTube and 25 from Facebook. Of the 50 videos, six demonstrated a top-down approach. The remaining 44 videos received a mean of 2.4 of 6 points for the CVS score (SD = 1.8). Overall, 4 of the 50 videos (8%) received a passing CVS score of 5 or 6. Videos received a mean of 2.4 of 5 points for the Parkland grade (SD = 0.9). Videos on YouTube had lower CVS scores than videos on Facebook (1.9 vs. 2.8, respectively), though this difference was not significant (p = 0.09). By regression, there was no association between Parkland grade and CVS score (p = 0.13).

Conclusion

Publicly available and closed-group online videos of robotic-assisted cholecystectomy demonstrated inadequate dissection and may be of limited educational value. Future work should center on introducing measures to identify and feature videos with high-quality techniques most useful to surgeons.

Graphical abstract
Grasping the big picture: impact analysis of screening tools for timely referral for device-aided therapies
Authors: Moes H. R. , Dafsari H. S. , Jost W. H. , Kovacs N. , Pirtošek Z. , Henriksen T. , Falup-Pecurariu C. , Minár M. , Buskens E. , van Laar T.
Published: July 2024

Several screening tools are available to assist general neurologists in the timely identification of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) who may be eligible for referral for a device-aided therapy (DAT). However, it should be noted that not all of these clinical decision rules have been developed and validated in a thorough and consistent manner. Furthermore, only a limited number of head-to-head comparisons have been performed. Available studies suggest that D-DATS has a higher positive predictive value and higher specificity than the 5-2-1 criteria, while the sensitivity of both screening tools is similar. However, unanswered questions remain regarding the validity of the decision rules, such as whether the diagnostic performance measures from validation studies are generalizable to other populations. Ultimately, the question is whether a screening tool will effectively and efficiently improve the quality of life of patients with PD. To address this key question, an impact analysis should be performed. The authors intend to set up a multinational cluster randomised controlled trial to compare the D-DATS and 5-2-1 criteria on the downstream consequences of implementing these screening tools, with a particular focus on the impact on disability and quality of life.
Monitoring the curing, degradation and moisture ingress into alkyl 2-cyanoacrylate adhesives using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Raheem Kevin , Cassidy John , Ryan Bernard , Betts Anthony
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed in an attempt to gain insight into the mechanisms of ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (ECA) curing (polymerisation) and bonding on aluminium alloy 2024 metal. EIS can detect ionic movement, adsorption processes, charge transfer and storage occurring at an adhesive/substrate interface and/or in a bulk bond line during curing. Low-frequency capacitance measurements demonstrated sensitivity to surface polymerisation reactions and were modelled using an equivalent circuit model with two time constants in series. At a frequency of 1 kHz, changes in the dielectric polymer could be readily followed with time, confirmed by employing a crown ether to accelerate the polymerisation process. Hydrolytic degradation of poly-ECA bonds at a stainless steel interface was also investigated. An equivalent circuit model containing a number of circuit components comprising pore, charge transfer and diffusional impedances, along with polymer film, double layer and diffusional capacitances (represented by constant phase elements), was developed. Three regions were identified in the frequency domain and ascribed to processes taking place at the polymer/electrolyte and polymer/metal oxide interfaces. In short, EIS can be employed to follow the rate of polymerisation of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate and also the degradation of the resulting polymer in saline solution.
Cognitive differences in product shape evaluation between real settings and virtual reality: case study of two-wheel electric vehicles
Authors: Duan Zhengjie , Zhou Jiajun , Gu Fangzhou
Published: July 2024

Product shape evaluation is an important part of new product development. In the shape design stage, design schemes are often presented through visual images. The presentation of visual images causes evaluators to form different cognitive experiences and evaluation results. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used in the field of industrial design, enriching the presentation forms of design scheme images. Although VR technology has shown the potential to improve evaluators’ perception and cognitive experiences in product shape design, research comparing it with traditional methods remains relatively scattered. This study used two-wheel electric vehicles as an example to examine the difference in evaluators’ cognition of product shape in VR and a real setting (RS). First, we established a semantic scale comprising seven pairs of opposite adjectives to evaluate the shape scheme. Second, we built VR and RS evaluation environments using head-mounted displays and paper renderings, respectively. The participants evaluated the vehicle shape design in alternating viewing and underwent semi-structured interviews on cognitive experience. We analyzed the experimental and interview results based on three aspects of product shape cognition. The results demonstrated that volume cognition was significantly more accurate in VR environments. Furthermore, graphic cognition, particularly regarding shape details, differed partially between environments. VR provided a better sense of immersion and more variable viewing angles than RS. Treatment cognition did not exhibit significant differences between environments, as it depended on human experience rather than visualization. These findings suggest that VR tools are more suited for shaping design evaluations early. Selecting suitable visual presentation tools based on evaluators’ cognitive characteristics at different evaluation nodes to display design schemes is a practical, economical, and efficient strategy.
Psychometric evaluation of the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) in Australians living with gout
Authors: Schulz Marcel , Day Richard O. , Coleshill Matthew J. , Briggs Nancy E. , Aung Eindra
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to examine psychometric properties of the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) in people with gout. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and tested internal consistency (ordinal and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients) and agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1)) in ARMS scores across three timepoints (baseline, 6, and 12 months) in 487 people with gout. The Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s rank, Kendall’s tau-b correlations, and logistic regression were used to examine the criterion-related validity of the ARMS and factors associated with the ARMS. EFA suggested a one-factor structure, explaining 43.2% of total variance. High internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.902 at baseline) and moderate agreement in ARMS scores over time (ICCs > 0.5; p < 0.001) were observed. Lower ARMS scores (indicating better adherence) predicted achieving target serum urate (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.95; p < 0.001), but not urate-lowering therapy (ULT) adherence (Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) ≥ 80%) (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.81–1.05; p = 0.261). Negative correlations between ARMS and PDC were not statistically significant (Kendall’s tau-b, r =  − 0.126, p = 0.078; Spearman’s rho =  − 0.173, p < 0.073). Differences in median ARMS scores (IQR) of 16 (14–20), 13 (12–15), and 17.5 (15–21) in three groups of participants who reported (1) not taking ULT, (2) taking ULT and adherent, and (3) taking ULT but not adherent, respectively, were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Age was the only patient factor independently associated with optimal adherence (ARMS score = 12) (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.50–2.43; p < 0.001). The ARMS is a reliable and valid measure of medication adherence behaviours in people with gout, justifying its use in gout medication adherence research.

Key Points• Valid, practical, and efficient methods of measuring adherence to medications are needed in people with gout.• Commonly used medication adherence questionnaires have limited validity or have not been validated in people with gout.• The Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) has been proven valid and practical in many chronic illnesses but has not been validated in people with gout.• We showed the ARMS is valid and reliable for use in people with gout.
Performance evaluation of nursing homes using finite mixtures of logistic models and M-quantile regression for binary data
Authors: De Novellis G. , Doretti M. , Montanari G. E. , Ranalli M. G. , Salvati N.
Published: July 2024

Evaluating the performance of health care institutions is of paramount interest and it is often conducted using generalized linear mixed models. In this paper, we focus on the evaluation of Nursing Homes for elderly residents in a region of Italy and concentrate on binary outcomes (death and worsening). We propose to use a routinely assessed covariate such as the Resource Utilization Group to account for case-mix. We fit finite mixtures of logistic models to check the assumption of normality of the random effects in the generalized linear mixed model approach and to obtain a clustering of the Nursing Homes with respect to their performance. Since the distribution of the random effects is very skew, we propose to use scores based on robust M-Quantile regression for binary data and estimate their standard error using block-bootstrap. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to evaluate the assumption of missing at random for non-observed data on discharged residents.
A buzzword, a “win-win”, or a signal towards the future of agriculture? A critical analysis of regenerative agriculture
Authors: Wilson Kelly R. , Hendrickson Mary K. , Myers Robert L.
Published: July 2024

As the term regenerative agriculture caught fire in public discourse around 2019, it was promptly labelled a buzzword. While the buzzword accusation tends to be regarded as negative, these widely used terms also reflect an important area of growing public interest. Exploring a buzzword can thus help us understand our current moment and offer insights to paths forward. In this study, we explored how and why different individuals and groups adopt certain key terms or buzzwords, in this case the term “regenerative agriculture”. We used an interpretivist approach to understand how “regenerative agriculture” is being constructed, interpreted, understood, and employed, drawing from 19 semi-structured interviews conducted with farmers, researchers, private companies, and NGO/nonprofits. Several interviewees felt that regenerative agriculture is making an important societal shift in thinking towards addressing major issues like climate change and parity in our food and agricultural systems. However, farmers in particular felt that the term is being greenwashed, coopting the work they do, and even diluting the meaning. We also found that regenerative agriculture is being advanced as mobilizing “win-wins”—for farmers, for consumers, for society—but that this discourse may be veiling the political and economic agendas of the big companies using the term. Our findings further illustrated the debates over standardizing the term regenerative agriculture, with some contending that there should be room for “continuous improvement” but others felt it is meaningless without a definition.
From 2008–2011 Great Recession to COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of resilience metrics in European regions
Authors: Ileanu Bogdan-Vasile , Pana Adrian
Published: July 2024

We aim to clarify the usefulness of different measures of economic resilience in the context of global shocks. In relation to the Great Recession, Oil& European migrant crises, and COVID-19, we compute and validate from a statistical point of view, then characterize five metrics on 317 NUTS2 regions and 21 years. ROC curves and Cox regression compare them by the capacity to predict the post-shock state. Heterogenous behavior characterizes resistance, recovery, and loss. Furthermore, the non-linear resistance performs best in future state prediction, while the composite index has the lowest efficiency as a predictor of the regions’ recovery.
Generative AI and higher education: a review of claims from the first months of ChatGPT
Authors: Jensen Lasse X , Buhl Alexandra , Sharma Anjali , Bearman Margaret
Published: July 2024

The release of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT renewed discussions about how AI would upend higher education. This paper presents a critical analysis of “grey literature” claims made in the first months after ChatGPT was made public, exploring what these discussions might mobilise in practice. We identified articles for inclusion through a systematic search of five prominent higher education sector outlets. The included articles were thematically coded for claims about generative AI and higher education. We identified ten claims: Three about the nature of ChatGPT, four about changing practices of institutions and teachers, and three about new independent practices of students. Overall, the claims present a positive perspective on AI in higher education. While being perceived as a disruption of the status quo, the authors generally frame AI as a catalyst for existing agendas, e.g. assessment reform, personalisation, or inclusion. This suggests a focus on embracing the affordances offered by AI and primarily addressing risks by including AI in curricula. Furthermore, the claims mainly portray students as either plagiarists or victims of a failing educational system. The paper proposes that a more critical interrogation of generative AI, and the involvement of students in the conversation, may be beneficial.
Structural chemistry of mixed-ligand fluoride complexes of uranyl
Authors: Davidovich Ruven L. , Goreshnik Evgeny A.
Published: July 2024

The crystal structures of mixed-ligand sulfato-, selenato-, phosphato-, arsenato-, and chromato-fluoride complexes of uranyl and of mixed-ligand carboxylato-fluoride and mixed-ligand fluoride complexes with neutral donor ligands studied by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method were systematized and discussed. The crystal chemical features of the structures of the mixed-ligand fluoride complexes of uranyl were determined: the coordination polyhedron of the hexavalent uranium atom in the structures of the mixed-ligand fluoride complexes of uranyl (except for three hexagonal-bipyramidal complexes) has a pentagonal-bipyramidal structure: the oxygen atoms of the uranyl group are located on the vertical axis of the pentagonal bipyramid, perpendicular to the equatorial plane in which five atoms are located. In dimeric and polymeric chains of mixed-ligand fluoride complexes of uranyl (with the exception of one compound in which the common bridge in the dimer complex is oxygen atoms), the uranyl units are linked via fluoride bridges. Inorganic and organic ligands, which contained O-donor atoms, combine dimers and polymer chains into layers and three-dimensional formation.
Association of cancer treatment with excess heart age among five-year young breast cancer survivors
Authors: Vo Jacqueline B. , Rosenberg Shoshana , Zhang Bessie X. , Snow Craig , Kirkner Greg , Poorvu Philip D. , Gaither Rachel , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Peppercorn Jeffrey M. , Schapira Lidia , Borges Virginia F. , Come Steven E. , Nohria Anju , Partridge Ann H.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Data evaluating cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by cancer treatment among young women (≤ 40 years) with breast cancer are limited.

Methods

Among 372 five-year breast cancer survivors aged 30–40 years from the Young Women's Breast Cancer Study, we assessed the association of cancer treatments (anthracyclines, trastuzumab, radiation/laterality, endocrine therapy) and excess heart age (difference between predicted 10-year CVD risk as assessed by adapted Framingham Risk Score and chronological age), prevalent elevated excess heart age (≥ 2 years), and worsening excess heart age (change of ≥ 2 excess heart age years) at breast cancer diagnosis and two- and five-year follow-up using multivariable linear and logistic regressions.

Results

Most women had stage I or II (79%), ER + (71%), or PR + (65%) breast cancer. At diagnosis, women had little excess heart age by treatment receipt (range of means = -0.52,0.91 years). Left-sided radiation (β = 2.49,SE = 0.96,p = 0.01) was associated with higher excess heart age at five-year follow-up. For prevalent elevated excess heart age (two-year = 26%;five-year = 27%), women treated with right-sided radiation had increased risk at two-years (OR = 2.17,95%CI = 1.12–4.19), yet at five-years, associations were observed after any radiation (OR = 1.92,95%CI = 1.09–3.41), especially after left-sided (OR = 2.13,95%CI = 1.09–3.41) radiation. No associations were observed between systemic treatments and prevalent elevated excess heart age or any treatments with worsening excess heart age.

Conclusions

Among young breast cancer survivors, radiation, but not other cancer treatments, was associated with elevated excess heart age.

Implications for cancer survivors

CVD risk tools that incorporate cancer treatment, such as radiation, are needed to identify high risk young breast cancer survivors given the long survivorship and long latency of cardiovascular disease.
Efficacy and Safety of Salvage-line Nivolumab Monotherapy for Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Comparison of 240 mg Versus 480 mg Doses
Authors: Murashima Yuko , Yamamoto Shun , Hirose Toshiharu , Kadono Toru , Ikeda Go , Ohara Akihiro , Itoyama Mai , Yokoyama Kazuki , Honma Yoshitaka , Ishiyama Koshiro , Oguma Jyunya , Daiko Hiroyuki , Kato Ken
Published: July 2024

Background

Nivolumab monotherapy is the standard second-line treatment for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy without anti-PD-1 antibody. Fixed dosing with 240 mg every 2 weeks was approved initially, followed by fixed dosing with 480 mg every 4 weeks based on pharmacokinetics data. However, information on the comparative efficacy and safety of the two doses remains limited.

Methods

We compared progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and the incidence of adverse events (AEs) between the two doses in 117 patients who received second-line (n = 85) or later-line (n = 32) nivolumab monotherapy at our institution between January 2016 and December 2021.

Results

In the second-line group, patient characteristics for the 240 mg and 480 mg groups were as follows (240 mg vs. 480 mg): performance status (PS) 0/1/2 was 34/61/5% vs. 54/42/4%, and prior fluoropyrimidine plus platinum therapy (FP) was 81.3% vs. 42.3%. In the later-line group, the characteristics were: PS 0/1/2 was 28/60/12% vs. 14/86/0%, and prior FP was 60.0% vs. 42.8%. ORR was 11.9 vs. 24.0% in the second-line group (p = 0.19) and 0 vs. 14.3% in the later-line group (p = 0.22). Median PFS was 1.7 vs. 4.1 months on second-line (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–1.01, p = 0.056) and 1.4 vs. 1.8 months on later-line (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.23–1.46, p = 0.25); AEs of any grade were observed in 58.3 vs. 69.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of the two doses of nivolumab monotherapy were comparable in patients with advanced ESCC.
Novel elastomeric spiropyran-doped poly(dimethylsiloxane) optical waveguide for UV sensing
Authors: Zimmermann Camila Aparecida , Amouzou Koffi Novignon , Sengupta Dipankar , Kumar Aashutosh , Demarquette Nicole Raymonde , Ung Bora
Published: July 2024

Novel poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) doped with two different spiropyran derivatives (SP) were investigated as potential candidates for the preparation of elastomeric waveguides with UV-dependent optical properties. First, free-standing films were prepared and evaluated with respect to their photochromic response to UV irradiation. Kinetics, reversibility as well as photofatigue and refractive index of the SP-doped PDMS samples were assessed. Second, SP-doped PDMS waveguides were fabricated and tested as UV sensors by monitoring changes in the transmitted optical power of a visible laser (633 nm). UV sensing was successfully demonstrated by doping PDMS using one spiropyran derivative whose propagation loss was measured as 1.04 dB/cm at 633 nm, and sensitivity estimated at 115% change in transmitted optical power per unit change in UV dose. The decay and recovery time constants were measured at 42 and 107 s, respectively, with an average UV saturation dose of 0.4 J/cm2. The prepared waveguides exhibited a reversible and consistent response even under bending. The sensor parameters can be tailored by varying the waveguide length up to 21 cm, and are affected by white light and temperatures up to 70 ℃. This work is relevant to elastomeric optics, smart optical materials, and polymer optical waveguide sensors.

Graphical Abstract
An Alternative to the Water Scarcity in Conventional Summer Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Cultivation: Autumn-Sown and Non-irrigated Under the Aegean Coastal Zone Conditions
Authors: Çınar Volkan Mehmet , Ünay Aydın
Published: July 2024

Summer sugar beet growing regions such as the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye face a shortage of irrigation water. For this reason, we tested autumn sowing sugar beets without irrigation in the Aegean Coastal Zone, where sugar beet cultivation is not practiced. The two-year study was conducted in a split-plot experimental design with four replications. Terranova, Aranka and Dionetta cultivars were sown on 1 December 2020 and 30 November 2021. Ridge sowing was implemented to minimize the possibility of bolting and to prevent them from being affected by excessive December, January and February rainfall. There was no frost-induced seedling loss during the winter growing season and no bolting in the following spring in both years. Growing degree days (GDD) from emerging to harvest (1956 vs. 1497) were higher in the yielding year. Higher solar radiation in the first year (757.30 kWh m−2 vs. 673.80 kWh m−2) during the vegetation period was positively associated with GDD and yield. Ridge sowing and Terranova cultivar performed superbly in terms of root yield, sugar content, SPAD value and Fv/Fm. It was concluded that autumn-sown sugar beet can be grown in the Aegean Coastal Zone as an alternative to the Central Anatolia Region without irrigation with the ridge sowing method.
Examining the determinants of food waste behavior in China at the consumer level
Authors: Lima Ricardo , Yu Aizhi , Liu Qinghua , Liu Jingyi
Published: July 2024

Food loss and waste are global problems for food security, as one-third of all food produced globally does not reach the consumer’s table. These numbers seem unreasonable when the data presented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2021 accounts for more than 800 million undernourished people and about 2.3 billion without access to adequate food throughout the year. This study examines the determinants of food waste behavior at the consumer level in China, the most populous country in the world. The survey used data from 3,857 online questionnaires of families living in selected Chinese metropolitan areas across all provinces. The research methodology used an ordered multinomial logit model to estimate the impact of the explanatory variables on the frequency and amount of household food waste. The results showed that food waste increased with income, age, and education but at a decreasing rate. Additionally, the demographic characteristics of households, food planning, and meal preparation had a statistically significant influence on food waste. The findings of this study, therefore, provide evidence that household food waste is highly dependent on people's behavior, and its reduction may depend on public policies and educational campaigns to make families aware of the problem.
Therapeutic potential of Buddleja Polystachya Fresen (stem and leaves) extracts: antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties for ocular disease management
Authors: Alghamdi Ali Hendi , Khalid Asaad , Ahmed Aimun A. E. , Abdalgadir Haidar , Bashir Mahadi , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Ashgar Sami S. , Alsaid Hamdi M. , Oraiby Magbool E.
Published: July 2024

This study on Buddleja polystachya highlights its phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxic impacts. The study emphasizes the plant’s potential to treat ocular diseases by identifying important compounds involved in the bioactivity through GC-MS analysis. This study explores the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of Buddleja polystachya (stem and leaves) extracts, with a focus on their application in treating bacterial ocular infections and their efficacy against MCF7, HT29, and HepG2 cancer cells. Through comprehensive GC-MS analysis, a diverse array of phytochemicals was identified within Buddleja polystachya stem and leaves extracts, including carbohydrates, phenolic derivatives, fatty acids, and steroidal components. The extracts were then evaluated for their biological activities, revealing significant antimicrobial properties against a range of bacterial strains implicated in ocular infections. The research findings demonstrate that stem extracts derived from Buddleja polystachya demonstrated high to moderate cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines MCF7, HT29, and HepG2. Notably, these effects were characterized by varying IC50 values, which suggest distinct levels of sensitivity. In contrast, leaf extracts exhibited reduced cytotoxicity when tested against all these cell lines, although they did so with a significantly higher cytotoxicity aganist HepG2 cells. The results of this investigation highlight the potential therapeutic utilization of Buddleja polystachya extracts in the management of ocular infections and cancer. These results support the need for additional research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action of these extracts and explore their potential as drugs.
Mapping alternative splicing events in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zheng Yifeng , Zhong Guoqiang , Song Qiuyu , Zhang Haonan , Wang Shanping , Lin Chuangzhen , He Chengcheng , Li Mingsong
Published: July 2024

Although aberrant splicing events of genes are closely related to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), the mapping of abnormal splicing events, especially alternative splicing (AS) event types and the underlying effects, remain investigational. In the present study, we analyzed a public RNA-seq database (GSE138202) and identified 14,314 significant AS events in CRC patients compared to healthy individuals. Most of the key genes such as oncogenes involved in the development of CRC have different AS event types. Moreover, the results demonstrate that certain AS events may play a significant role in the functioning of key genes involved in splicing factors and microRNAs. Furthermore, we observed that the oncogene CDK4 in CRC tends to undergo exon 2 skipping AS events, resulting in a stronger tendency for protein expression to form complexes with CCND1, thereby inhibiting the cell cycle and weakening cell proliferation, while enhancing cell migration capability. These findings not only provide new insights into the mechanism of AS in regulating CRC, but also offers a theoretical basis for targeted splicing therapy in CRC.
Improving automatic cyberbullying detection in social network environments by fine-tuning a pre-trained sentence transformer language model
Authors: Gutiérrez-Batista Karel , Gómez-Sánchez Jesica , Fernandez-Basso Carlos
Published: July 2024

The internet use among children and adolescents has increased massively recently. This situation has promoted harmful situations such as cyberbullying, which is becoming a worldwide problem that entails serious consequences for well-being. The detection of these attitudes is essential to prevent and act accordingly. Groundbreaking techniques based on deep learning, like pre-trained language models, have achieved state-of-the-art results in many downstream Natural Language Processing tasks. This paper presents a simple but effective approach to improve the detection of cyberbullying situations by fine-tuning a pre-trained sentence transformer language model. We experimented on three datasets, and the results surpassed the state-of-the-art results. The approach could help prevent cyberbullying, filter those messages, and detect those children involved in the situation, providing opportunities to develop intervention programs to address this problem.