bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-Based Wound Care Programs for Unhoused Individuals
Authors: Goto Taichi , Wang Christina , Kwiat Catherine , Nguyen Christopher , Saligan Leorey N.
Published: October 2023

Wound care management for unhoused individuals is challenging due to the lack of healthcare infrastructure to handle the unique needs of this population. Therefore, we aimed to obtain insights for best practices and to establish a care clinic that is low threshold, community-based and meets the needs of unhoused people. We employed two approaches: (1) conduct a targeted narrative review of the literature of existing or proposed community-based program models that can address the wound care needs of unhoused individuals, and (2) assess cost-effectiveness and describe the results of a survey administered to unhoused clients and their health care providers at a community-based wound care program in Honolulu, Hawai'i. The literature search and screening yielded 11 articles relevant to the topic. Per the literature, existing community-based healthcare programs were successful when: (1) wound care services were incorporated into a broader social/health program, (2) cost-effective, and (3) comprehensive services were provided. Survey results in Honolulu found that the wound care program matched the needs of the targeted population and was cost-effective. Difficulty in following clients until wound closure and the sustainability of the program, particularly the lack of insurance reimbursement for street-based services, were perceived challenges. Additionally, the lack of insurance reimbursement for street-based wound care services continues to impact sustainability. Community-based programs can be successful in addressing the wound care needs of unhoused individuals if they address complex fundamental issues. This paper highlights existing gaps in logistics and policies that must be addressed to meet the specific medical needs of these vulnerable individuals.
Cyber Micronations and Digital Sovereignty
Authors: Hobbs Harry , Hayward Philip , Motum Robert
Published: October 2023

The Internet has spurred the development of thousands of virtual nations. Located entirely online, these micronations claim sovereignty over vast stretches of cyberspace and engage in performative rituals of statehood. They draft constitutions, compose national anthems, sell citizenship, and sometimes, confuse or confound ordinary people. What are these entities and why do their founders and proponents purport to be a state? What legal and ethical challenges do cyber micronations provoke, and how do they challenge orthodox conceptions of the state? This brief communication considers these questions.
Farmers’ perceptions and capacity for 3Rs agro-waste management in a vegetable growing area of Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Khondokar H. , Mukut Md. Mahnur Khan , Rahman Saifur , Chowdhury Ataharul , Mukta Most. Zannatun Nahar , Sarker M. Asaduzzaman , Asfour Amina
Published: October 2023

Agriculture is responsible for giving rise to huge quantities of degradable and non-degradable waste during various farming activities. A deeper understanding of farmers’ perceptions and levels of agro-waste management capacity is essential in developing locally accepted strategies for agro-waste management. This study was framed to analyze vegetable farmers’ perception and capacity for Bangladesh’s 3Rs waste management concept (reduce, reuse, and recycle). A total of 125 farmers were selected following a stratified proportionate random sampling technique and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The findings of this study indicate that intercultural and harvesting practices produce a large variety of bio-degradable and non-degradable waste materials compared to other stages of vegetable production and marketing of produce. The overall score showed that the vegetable farmers’ have a medium (39.2%) to high (60.8%) perception of the 3Rs waste management concept, but they possessed a low perception of recycling agro-waste. However, the overall capacity score for 3Rs waste management was low (67.2%) to medium (31.2%), indicating a low capacity of vegetable growers to recycle different types of waste. This study offers suggestions for a development program that includes special training facilities for vegetable growers to strengthen their waste management capabilities based on the 3Rs concept.
Attenuating surface gravity waves with an array of submerged resonators: an experimental study
Authors: Lorenzo Matteo , Pezzutto Paolo , De Lillo Filippo , Ventrella Francesco Michele , De Vita Francesco , Bosia Federico , Onorato Miguel
Published: October 2023

We report on an experimental study of a device comprising an array of submerged, inverted and periodic cylindrical pendula (resonators), whose objective is the attenuation of surface gravity waves. The idea is inspired by the concept of metamaterials, i.e. engineered structures designed to interact with waves and manipulate their propagation properties. The study is performed in a wave flume where waves are excited in a wide range of frequencies. We explore various configurations of the device, calculating the transmitted, reflected and dissipated energy of the waves. If the incoming wave frequencies are sufficiently close to the natural frequency of the pendula, we find a considerable wave attenuation effect. This behaviour is enhanced by the number of resonators in the array. Moreover, the device is also capable of reflecting the energy of selected frequencies of the incoming waves. These frequencies, predicted by a generalized Bragg scattering mechanism, depend on the spacing between the resonators. The presented results show promise for the development of an environmentally sustainable device for mitigating waves in coastal zones.
Analyse des bulletins de vote rejetés et de l'effet du rallye pour l'unité canadienne lors du référendum québécois de 1995
Authors: Brie Evelyne
Published: October 2023

À la lumière de récents développements en politique québécoise, le présent article jette un regard critique sur deux éléments controversés entourant la légitimité du référendum sur la souveraineté du Québec de 1995, soit (1) le rejet de bulletins de vote le jour du scrutin et (2) l'effet du rallye pour l'unité canadienne tenu le 27 octobre 1995. Cette analyse mobilise des données historiques agrégées d’Élections Québec ainsi que des données individuelles de sondage collectées parCanadian Facts Limiteden octobre 1995 (n = 930). Les résultats ne révèlent aucun prédicteur attitudinal du rejet de bulletins de vote à travers les circonscriptions québécoises. Des analyses suggèrent cependant l'existence d'un impact statistiquement significatif du rassemblement dulove-inqui pourrait avoir profité à la cause fédéraliste à quelques jours du vote, particulièrement à l'extérieur de l’île de Montréal. Cette recherche vise à contribuer au débat public sur la transparence des processus démocratiques en contexte référendaire.
The hidation of the Hwicce: investigating its halving between the eighth century and 1086
Authors: Bassett Steven
Published: October 2023

The total hidage of land in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of the Hwicce at its greatest extent appears to have been halved at an unknown date between the eighth century and the late eleventh. The article examines the relatively small number of surviving original texts of charters and leases which relate to land both in that kingdom and in all other parts of the kingdom of the Mercians into which it was at length subsumed. With other apparent instances of major hidage reductions having been found thereby elsewhere in the latter area, the article then argues that they were all effected either by the West Saxon kings of England in the course of the tenth century or, arguably more likely (even though the evidence is meagre), at a much earlier date by Mercian kings following the piecemeal enlargement of their kingdom by the absorption of formerly independent neighbouring polities.
The Creation of National Treasures in the United Kingdom and the National Treasure Space
Authors: Mastrandrea Vittoria
Published: October 2023

This article examines the determination of cultural objects as “national treasures” in the United Kingdom and proposes a heretofore unidentified theoretical space in which such designations are made. Utilizing Foucauldian genealogies of the museum posited by both Tony Bennett and Eilean Hooper-Greenhill as a frame for spaces in which cultural and national identities are curated (which some commentators suggest are outdated, but prove very helpful in the current enterprise), this article develops the argument that designations of items as “national treasures” are made within a specific institutional space – hereinafter termed the “National Treasure Space.” Through the interpretation of the object in this institutional space, it is possible to characterize it as other than the sum of its parts; certain aspects of the object that exist when it is outside of this space are suspended once it is within. As a result, the problematic determination of the object as a national treasure is exacerbated, impacting important relational elements of the object to its owner(s) (both private and public) and the understanding of the object as significant in its representation of the nation.
Talking to peasants: language, place and class in British fiction 1800–1836
Authors: HODSON JANE
Published: October 2023

This study uses the Dialect in British Fiction 1800–1836 database to chart the changing representation of the language of the labouring poor during the early nineteenth century. It finds that, broadly speaking, while the voices of the labouring poor are sometimes represented in novels at the start of the period, most novels evince little interest in either the linguistic nuances of these characters’ speech, or the access to their lives and thoughts that this speech provides. Around the middle of the period, there is a rapid increase in the fictional representation of the voices of the labouring poor specifically in novels set in rural Scotland and Ireland and – at least in some novels – this is connected to a greater interest in the lives and perspectives of these characters. By the end of the period, while there is a broadening out into extraterritorial varieties and a continuing interest in the voices of the rural labouring poor of Scotland and Ireland, these developments have not translated in any substantial way to an interest in either the rural labouring poor of England or Wales, or the urban labouring poor of any nation or region. Overall, the study demonstrates how fiction can be used to provide an insight into changing attitudes towards speakers and language varieties.
Testing guidelines for distinctness, uniformity and stability in Oxalis
Authors: Dong Na , Wang Xuexuan , Tuo Wanli , Chang Jianchao , Lin Wubaiyu , Wu Kefei , Zhai Junwen , Ahmad Sagheer , Peng Donghui , Xu Qiaoxian , Wu Shasha
Published: October 2023

The genus Oxalis contains important species worldwide with great economic and edible values. However, the testing guidelines have not been furbished, especially in China. Oxalis germplasm, including 60 species and 125 varieties, was collected from home and abroad and extensive field trials and phenotypic observations were conducted along with quantitative taxonomy, observations, correlation analysis and cluster analysis. Under the test guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), general guidelines for testing for distinctness, uniformity, stability (DUS) of new plant varieties, and Japanese test guidelines for DUS of Oxalis, 96 test characteristics (38 qualitative characteristics, 28 quantitative characteristics and 30 pseudo-qualitative characteristics) were determined as DUS test characteristics of Oxalis. Each test characteristic was scientifically graded and accurately described, and standard varieties and characteristic diagrams were provided for some characteristics. The guidelines for testing DUS of new plant varieties of Oxalis provide a standard for examining and testing new varieties of plants.
First experiences of ultrasound vector flow imaging at the	femoropopliteal artery in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Shchetynska-Marinova Tetyana , Gerdes Laurin , Hohneck Anna-Lena , Winter Laura , Amendt Klaus , Schwenke Kay , Gerken Andreas L. H. , Du Yigang , Dürschmied Daniel , Sigl Martin
Published: October 2023

Summary: Background: The femoropopliteal artery (FPA) plays a central role in diagnosing and treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD). FPA lesions are the most frequent cause of intermittent claudication, and no other artery of the lower extremities is recanalised more frequently. Generally, ultrasound is the primary imaging tool in PAD, particularly FPA. With the development of high-frame-rate ultrasound technology in addition to traditional ultrasound modes, vector flow imaging (VFI) has provided deeper haemodynamic insights when used in the carotid artery. Here, we report the use of VFI at the FPA level in routine PAD examinations. Patients and methods: In this single-centre prospective study, we evaluated consecutive patients with PAD using B-mode imaging, colour Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler (PW) and vector flow. Hemodynamic parameters at predefined locations at the carotid artery and FPA were compared. Results: Qualitatively adequate VFI at all sites was possible in 76% of the patients with PAD. With decreasing volume flow from the common carotid artery to the internal carotid artery and from the common femoral artery via the superficial femoral artery to the popliteal artery, the correlation between VFI- and PW-derived-volume flow was high at every site. Based on different techniques, the VFI-derived values were significantly lower than the PW-derived values. The mean wall shear stress was significantly lower at all femoropopliteal sites than at the carotid sites, whereas the oscillatory shear index at the femoral site was higher than that at the carotid sites rather than at the popliteal location. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that vector flow data acquisition in the FPA is feasible in most patients with PAD. Therefore, with knowledge of the method and its limitations, VFI provides haemodynamic information beyond traditional ultrasound techniques and is a promising new tool for flow analysis in PAD.
Understanding Research Engagement Among Academics in the Philippines Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Baquiano Marshaley J.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This study evaluates the Theory of Planned Behavior’s ability to predict and explain academics’ research engagement behaviors using structural equation modeling. The results of a survey of 412 academics from the Philippines show that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly and positively predict intention to engage in research, and intention predicts actual research behavior. The model showed acceptable goodness of fit: SRMR = 0.5, CFI = .94, NFI = .9, RMSEA = .05. The findings provide support for the use of the Theory of Planned Behavior in understanding and predicting research-related behaviors. The results of the study have implications for university research policies and programs.
Low Frequency Magnetic Field Observations of Natural Positive Leaders Featuring Stepwise Propagation
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Lu Gaopeng , Li Xiao , Zhang Hongbo , Fan Yanfeng , Ren Huan , Zhang Chenxiao , Jiang Rubin , Qie Xiushu , Cohen Morris B. , Wang Zhichao
Published: October 2023

We examine the low‐frequency (LF) magnetic pulses recorded for the positive leader in two natural lightning flashes as recorded on the high‐speed video camera. The captured positive leader in both cases propagated in a stepwise manner at least over several milliseconds according to the concurrent sequence of LF magnetic pulses. By comparing with previous studies on positive leaders under different situations, the average inter‐pulse intervals (11.7 and 20.3 μs, respectively) obtained for our natural cases are shorter than that of upward positive leaders in rocket‐triggered (typically >25 μs) and tower‐initiated lightning (62 μs in one case). Hence, the stepwise propagation of positive leaders in natural lightning is likely more frequent than that in object‐induced lightning, reflecting a possible influence of ambient electric field and other meteorological factors on the stepwise feature of positive leader. The stepwise extension might be common for positive leaders developing in various scenarios.
Representation of Modes of Atmospheric Circulation Variability by Self‐Organizing Maps: A Study Using Synthetic Data
Authors: Stryhal J. , Beranová R. , Huth R.
Published: October 2023

Self‐organizing maps (SOMs) represent a popular tool for classifying atmospheric circulation patterns. One of their traditional applications has been to link typical synoptic‐scale patterns to large‐scale teleconnections, or modes of low‐frequency circulation variability. However, recently there have been attempts to interpret an array of SOM nodes directly as a continuum of teleconnections, grounded in SOMs' ability to combine two otherwise distinct approaches to data analysis, that is, exploratory projection (or, dimensionality reduction) and classification. This conceptual shift calls for methodological studies that would improve our understanding of how orthogonal modes of variability, typically used to describe teleconnections, relate to SOM outputs. Here, we define three idealized modes of variability and use their various combinations to generate synthetic data sets. Many variants of SOMs are generated for SOMs of various shapes and sizes. The results show that projection of modes on a SOM array is sensitive not only to data structure, but also to various SOM parameters. The leading mode of variability projects rather strongly on SOMs if its explained variance is markedly higher than that of the second‐order mode; the remaining modes project considerably more weakly, and all modes tend to blend when their explained variance is similar, which leads to underrepresentation of some phases of modes and/or combinations of modes among the SOM patterns. Furthermore, we show that some features of SOM topology that were previously considered a proof of data nonlinearity appear even if the underlying modes of variability are strictly linear.
Detectability of Local Water Reservoirs in Europa's Surface Layer Under Consideration of Coupled Induction
Authors: Winkenstern Jason , Saur Joachim
Published: October 2023

The icy moon Europa is a primary target for the study of ocean worlds. Its subsurface ocean is expected to be subject to asymmetries on global scales (tidal deformation) and local scales (chaos regions, fractures). Here, we investigate the possibility to magnetic sound local asymmetries by calculating the induced magnetic fields generated by a radially symmetric ocean and a small, spherical water reservoir between the ocean and Europa's surface. The consideration of two conductive bodies introduces non‐linear magnetic field coupling between them. We construct an analytical model to describe the coupling between two conductive bodies and calculate the induced fields within the parameter space of possible conductivity values and icy crust thicknesses. Given the plasma magnetic field perturbations, we find that a reservoir cannot be detected during a flyby at 25 km altitude using electromagnetic induction. Potential detection of liquid water reservoirs can be achieved by deploying magnetometers on Europa's surface, where one magnetometer is placed directly on the target region of interest and a second one in the nearby vicinity as reference to distinguish from global asymmetries. With this method, the smallest reservoir that can be detected has a radius of 8 km and a conductivity of 30 S/m. Larger reservoirs are resolvable at lower conductivities, with a 20 km reservoir requiring a conductivity of approximately 5 S/m.
Generative Data‐Driven Approaches for Stochastic Subgrid Parameterizations in an Idealized Ocean Model
Authors: Perezhogin Pavel , Zanna Laure , Fernandez‐Granda Carlos
Published: October 2023

Subgrid parameterizations of mesoscale eddies continue to be in demand for climate simulations. These subgrid parameterizations can be powerfully designed using physics and/or data‐driven methods, with uncertainty quantification. For example, Guillaumin and Zanna (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021ms002534) proposed a Machine Learning (ML) model that predicts subgrid forcing and its local uncertainty. The major assumption and potential drawback of this model is the statistical independence of stochastic residuals between grid points. Here, we aim to improve the simulation of stochastic forcing with generative models of ML, such as Generative adversarial network (GAN) and Variational autoencoder (VAE). Generative models learn the distribution of subgrid forcing conditioned on the resolved flow directly from data and they can produce new samples from this distribution. Generative models can potentially capture not only the spatial correlation but any statistically significant property of subgrid forcing. We test the proposed stochastic parameterizations offline and online in an idealized ocean model. We show that generative models are able to predict subgrid forcing and its uncertainty with spatially correlated stochastic forcing. Online simulations for a range of resolutions demonstrated that generative models are superior to the baseline ML model at the coarsest resolution.
Bispecific CS1-BCMA CAR-T cells are clinically active in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Chenggong , Xu Jia , Luo Wenjing , Liao Danying , Xie Wei , Wei Qiuzhe , Zhang Yinqiang , Wang Xindi , Wu Zhuolin , Kang Yun , Zheng Jin’e , Xiong Wei , Deng Jun , Hu Yu , Mei Heng
Published: October 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) bears heterogeneous cells that poses a challenge for single-target immunotherapies. Here we constructed bispecific CS1-BCMA CAR-T cells aiming to augment BCMA targeting with CS1. Sixteen patients with relapsed or refractory (RR) MM received CS1-BCMA CAR-T infusion. Six patients (38%) had cytokine release syndrome, which was of grade 1–2 in 31%. No neurological toxicities were observed. The most common severe adverse events were hematological, including leukopenia (100%), neutropenia (94%), lymphopenia (100%) and thrombocytopenia (31%). Three patients with solitary extramedullary disease (sEMD) did not respond. At a median follow-up of 246 days, 13 patients (81%) had an overall response and attained minimal residual disease-negativity, and six (38%) reached a stringent complete response (sCR). Among the 13 responders, 1-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 72.73% and 56.26%, respectively. Four patients maintained sCR with a median duration of 17 months. Four patients experienced BCMA+ and CS1+ relapse or progression. One patient responded after anti-BCMA CAR-T treatment failure. Lenalidomide maintenance after CAR-T infusion and the resistance mechanism of sEMD were preliminarily explored in three patients. CAR-T cells persisted at a median of 406 days. Soluble BCMA could serve as an ideal biomarker for efficacy monitoring. CS1-BCMA CAR-T cells were clinically active with good safety profiles in patients with RRMM. Clinical trial registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04662099.
Infliximab in chronic non-infectious paediatric uveitis refractory to previous biologic therapy
Authors: Kreps E. O. , Epps S. J. , Consejo A. , Dick A. D. , Guly C. M. , Ramanan A. V.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To examine the outcome of infliximab treatment in patients with non-infectious paediatric uveitis who have previously failed biologic treatment.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed at Bristol Eye Hospital, UK. Paediatric patients with chronic non-infectious uveitis who had been switched to infliximab due to inadequate uveitis control were identified. Two separate groups were evaluated: group 1 consisted of 20 children (36 eyes) who had been switched to infliximab following treatment failure with adalimumab (=in-class switching), while group 2 (5 patients; 9 eyes) included those who had been switched to infliximab from a non-TNF antagonist after failing several biologics (=across-class switching). The change in anterior chamber (AC) activity between baseline and 6- and 24-months follow-up was the primary outcome measure.

Results

A statistically significant reduction in AC activity was found between baseline and 6-months follow-up (RE: p = 0.002; LE: p < 0.001) and between baseline and 24-months follow-up (RE: p = 0.016; LE: p = 0.011) in group 1. No statistically significant difference was found for either eye in the number of steroid eye drops needed between time points or the difference in visual acuity in time. In group 2, analysis of change of AC activity, number of steroid eye drops and visual acuity failed to reach statistical significance. Treatment failure occurred in four patients (20% of group 1) and adverse events developed in six patients including three patients with acute infusion reactions.

Conclusions

This study supports the efficacy and safety of infliximab in adalimumab-refractory patients with paediatric non-infectious uveitis.
Human consumption of seaweed and freshwater aquatic plants in ancient Europe
Authors: Buckley Stephen , Hardy Karen , Hallgren Fredrik , Kubiak-Martens Lucy , Miliauskienė Žydrūnė , Sheridan Alison , Sobkowiak-Tabaka Iwona , Subirà Maria Eulalia
Published: October 2023

During the Mesolithic in Europe, there is widespread evidence for an increase in exploitation of aquatic resources. In contrast, the subsequent Neolithic is characterised by the spread of farming, land ownership, and full sedentism, which lead to the perception of marine resources subsequently representing marginal or famine food or being abandoned altogether even at the furthermost coastal limits of Europe. Here, we examine biomarkers extracted from human dental calculus, using sequential thermal desorption- and pyrolysis-GCMS, to report direct evidence for widespread consumption of seaweed and submerged aquatic and freshwater plants across Europe. Notably, evidence of consumption of these resources extends through the Neolithic transition to farming and into the Early Middle Ages, suggesting that these resources, now rarely eaten in Europe, only became marginal much more recently. Understanding ancient foodstuffs is crucial to reconstructing the past, while a better knowledge of local, forgotten resources is likewise important today.
Soundscapes and deep learning enable tracking biodiversity recovery in tropical forests
Authors: Müller Jörg , Mitesser Oliver , Schaefer H. Martin , Seibold Sebastian , Busse Annika , Kriegel Peter , Rabl Dominik , Gelis Rudy , Arteaga Alejandro , Freile Juan , Leite Gabriel Augusto , de Melo Tomaz Nascimento , LeBien Jack , Campos-Cerqueira Marconi , Blüthgen Nico , Tremlett Constance J. , Böttger Dennis , Feldhaar Heike , Grella Nina , Falconí-López Ana , Donoso David A. , Moriniere Jerome , Buřivalová Zuzana
Published: October 2023

Tropical forest recovery is fundamental to addressing the intertwined climate and biodiversity loss crises. While regenerating trees sequester carbon relatively quickly, the pace of biodiversity recovery remains contentious. Here, we use bioacoustics and metabarcoding to measure forest recovery post-agriculture in a global biodiversity hotspot in Ecuador. We show that the community composition, and not species richness, of vocalizing vertebrates identified by experts reflects the restoration gradient. Two automated measures – an acoustic index model and a bird community composition derived from an independently developed Convolutional Neural Network - correlated well with restoration (adj-R² = 0.62 and 0.69, respectively). Importantly, both measures reflected composition of non-vocalizing nocturnal insects identified via metabarcoding. We show that such automated monitoring tools, based on new technologies, can effectively monitor the success of forest recovery, using robust and reproducible data.
The momentum of the solar energy transition
Authors: Nijsse Femke J. M. M. , Mercure Jean-Francois , Ameli Nadia , Larosa Francesca , Kothari Sumit , Rickman Jamie , Vercoulen Pim , Pollitt Hector
Published: October 2023

Decarbonisation plans across the globe require zero-carbon energy sources to be widely deployed by 2050 or 2060. Solar energy is the most widely available energy resource on Earth, and its economic attractiveness is improving fast in a cycle of increasing investments. Here we use data-driven conditional technology and economic forecasting modelling to establish which zero carbon power sources could become dominant worldwide. We find that, due to technological trajectories set in motion by past policy, a global irreversible solar tipping point may have passed where solar energy gradually comes to dominate global electricity markets, without any further climate policies. Uncertainties arise, however, over grid stability in a renewables-dominated power system, the availability of sufficient finance in underdeveloped economies, the capacity of supply chains and political resistance from regions that lose employment. Policies resolving these barriers may be more effective than price instruments to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Neural deficits in a mouse model of PACS1 syndrome are corrected with PACS1- or HDAC6-targeting therapy
Authors: Villar-Pazos Sabrina , Thomas Laurel , Yang Yunhan , Chen Kun , Lyles Jenea B. , Deitch Bradley J. , Ochaba Joseph , Ling Karen , Powers Berit , Gingras Sebastien , Kordasiewicz Holly B. , Grubisha Melanie J. , Huang Yanhua H. , Thomas Gary
Published: October 2023

PACS1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) caused by a recurrent de novo missense mutation inPACS1(p.Arg203Trp (PACS1R203W)). The mechanism by which PACS1R203Wcauses PACS1 syndrome is unknown, and no curative treatment is available. Here, we use patient cells and PACS1 syndrome mice to show that PACS1 (or PACS-1) is an HDAC6 effector and that the R203W substitution increases the PACS1/HDAC6 interaction, aberrantly potentiating deacetylase activity. Consequently, PACS1R203Wreduces acetylation of α-tubulin and cortactin, causing the Golgi ribbon in hippocampal neurons and patient-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to fragment and overpopulate dendrites, increasing their arborization. The dendrites, however, are beset with varicosities, diminished spine density, and fewer functional synapses, characteristic of NDDs. Treatment of PACS1 syndrome mice or patient NPCs with PACS1- or HDAC6-targeting antisense oligonucleotides, or HDAC6 inhibitors, restores neuronal structure and synaptic transmission in prefrontal cortex, suggesting that targeting PACS1R203W/HDAC6 may be an effective therapy for PACS1 syndrome.
NIR-dye bridged human serum albumin reassemblies for effective photothermal therapy of tumor
Authors: Shi Zhaoqing , Luo Miaomiao , Huang Qili , Ding Chendi , Wang Wenyan , Wu Yinglong , Luo Jingjing , Lin Chuchu , Chen Ting , Zeng Xiaowei , Mei Lin , Zhao Yanli , Chen Hongzhong
Published: October 2023

Human serum albumin (HSA) based drug delivery platforms that feature desirable biocompatibility and pharmacokinetic property are rapidly developed for tumor-targeted drug delivery. Even though various HSA-based platforms have been established, it is still of great significance to develop more efficient preparation technology to broaden the therapeutic applications of HSA-based nano-carriers. Here we report a bridging strategy that unfastens HSA to polypeptide chains and subsequently crosslinks these chains by a bridge-like molecule (BPY-Mal2) to afford the HSA reassemblies formulation (BPY@HSA) with enhanced loading capacity, endowing the BPY@HSA with uniformed size, high photothermal efficacy, and favorable therapeutic features. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that the BPY@HSA presents higher delivery efficacy and more prominent photothermal therapeutic performance than that of the conventionally prepared formulation. The feasibility in preparation, stability, high photothermal conversion efficacy, and biocompatibility of BPY@HSA may facilitate it as an efficient photothermal agents (PTAs) for tumor photothermal therapy (PTT). This work provides a facile strategy to enhance the loading capacity of HSA-based crosslinking platforms in order to improve delivery efficacy and therapeutic effect.
An experimental dataset on yields of pulses across Europe
Authors: Antichi Daniele , Pampana Silvia , Tramacere Lorenzo Gabriele , Biarnes Véronique , Stute Ina , Kadžiulienė Žydrė , Howard Becky , Duarte Isabel , Balodis Oskars , Bertin Iris , Makowski David , Guilpart Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Future European agriculture should achieve high productivity while limiting its impact on the environment. Legume-supported crop rotations could contribute to these goals, as they request less nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs, show high resource use efficiency and support biodiversity. However, legumes grown for their grain (pulses) are not widely cultivated in Europe. To further expand their cultivation, it remains crucial to better understand how different cropping and environmental features affect pulses production in Europe. To address this gap, we collected the grain yields of the most cultivated legumes across European countries, from both published scientific papers and unpublished experiments of the European projects LegValue and Legato. Data were integrated into an open-source, easily updatable dataset, including 5229 yield observations for five major pulses: chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). These data were collected in 177 field experiments across 21 countries, from 37° N (southern Italy) to 63° N (Finland) of latitude, and from ca. 8° W (western Spain) to 47° E (Turkey), between 1980 and 2020. Our dataset can be used to quantify the effects of the soil, climate, and agronomic factors affecting pulses yields in Europe and could contribute to identifying the most suitable cropping areas in Europe to grow pulses.
The impact of founder personalities on startup success
Authors: McCarthy Paul X. , Gong Xian , Braesemann Fabian , Stephany Fabian , Rizoiu Marian-Andrei , Kern Margaret L.
Published: October 2023

Startup companies solve many of today’s most challenging problems, such as the decarbonisation of the economy or the development of novel life-saving vaccines. Startups are a vital source of innovation, yet the most innovative are also the least likely to survive. The probability of success of startups has been shown to relate to several firm-level factors such as industry, location and the economy of the day. Still, attention has increasingly considered internal factors relating to the firm’s founding team, including their previous experiences and failures, their centrality in a global network of other founders and investors, as well as the team’s size. The effects of founders’ personalities on the success of new ventures are, however, mainly unknown. Here, we show that founder personality traits are a significant feature of a firm’s ultimate success. We draw upon detailed data about the success of a large-scale global sample of startups (n = 21,187). We find that the Big Five personality traits of startup founders across 30 dimensions significantly differ from that of the population at large. Key personality facets that distinguish successful entrepreneurs include a preference for variety, novelty and starting new things (openness to adventure), like being the centre of attention (lower levels of modesty) and being exuberant (higher activity levels). We do not find one ’Founder-type’ personality; instead, six different personality types appear. Our results also demonstrate the benefits of larger, personality-diverse teams in startups, which show an increased likelihood of success. The findings emphasise the role of the diversity of personality types as a novel dimension of team diversity that influences performance and success.
Functional classification of DDOST variants of uncertain clinical significance in congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Kas Sjors M. , Mundra Piyushkumar A. , Smith Duncan L. , Marais Richard
Published: October 2023

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are rare genetic disorders with a spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by abnormal N-glycosylation of secreted and cell surface proteins. Over 130 genes are implicated and next generation sequencing further identifies potential disease drivers in affected individuals. However, functional testing of these variants is challenging, making it difficult to distinguish pathogenic from non-pathogenic events. Using proximity labelling, we identified OST48 as a protein that transiently interacts with lysyl oxidase (LOX), a secreted enzyme that cross-links the fibrous extracellular matrix. OST48 is a non-catalytic component of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, which transfers glycans to substrate proteins. OST48 is encoded by DDOST, and 43 variants of DDOST are described in CDG patients, of which 34 are classified as variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS). We developed an assay based on LOX N-glycosylation that confirmed two previously characterised DDOST variants as pathogenic. Notably, 39 of the 41 remaining variants did not have impaired activity, but we demonstrated that p.S243F and p.E286del were functionally impaired, consistent with a role in driving CDG in those patients. Thus, we describe a rapid assay for functional testing of clinically relevant CDG variants to complement genome sequencing and support clinical diagnosis of affected individuals.
Modeling rainfall-induced 2D inundation simulation based on the ANN-derived models with precipitation and water-level measurements at roadside IoT sensors
Authors: Wu Shiang-Jen
Published: October 2023

This study aims to develop a smart model for carrying out two-dimensional (2D) inundation simulation by estimating the gridded inundation depths via the ANN-derived models (ANN_GA-SA_MTF), named SM_EID_2D model. Within the SM_EID_2D model, the rainfall-induced inundation depths at the IoT sensors (i.e., IOT-based grids) are first estimated to be then used in the estimation of inundation depths at the ungauged grids (VIOT-based grids), the resulting flood extents and spatial distribution of inundation of what could be achieved. To facilitate the reliability of the proposed SM_EID_2D model in the 2D inundation simulation, a considerable number of rainfall-induced flood events are generated as the training datasets by coupling the hydrodynamic numerical model (SOBEK) with the simulated gridded rainstorms. To proceed with the model validation and application, the Miaoli City of North Taiwan is selected as the study area, and the associated hydrological and geographical data are adopted in the generation of the training datasets. The results from the model validation indicate that the proposed SM_EID_2D model could provide the gridded inundation-depth hydrographs with a low bias (about 0.02 m) and a high fitness to the validated data (nearly 0.7); also, the spatial distribution of inundated and non-inundated grids as well as the induced flooding extent provided could be well emulated by the proposed SM_EID_2D model under acceptable reliability (0.7). The proposed SM_EID_2D model is also advantageous for the 2D inundation simulation in the real-time delineated subbasins by assembling the emulated inundation depths at the specific grids.
From himachalenes to trans-himachalol: unveiling bioactivity through hemisynthesis and molecular docking analysis
Authors: Faris A. , Edder Y. , Louchachha I. , Lahcen I. Ait , Azzaoui K. , Hammouti B. , Merzouki M. , Challioui A. , Boualy B. , Karim A. , Hanbali G. , Jodeh S.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we report the first total hemisynthesis of trans-himachalol sesquiterpene, a stereoisomer of the natural cis-himachalol isolated from Cedrus atlantica essential oils, from himachalenes mixture in five steps. Reactions conditions were optimized and structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by IR, mass spectra, 1H, and 13C NMR. The synthesized compounds were investigated for potential activities on various isolated smooth muscles and against different neurotransmitters using molecular docking. The results show that the synthesized compounds display high affinities towards the active site of the protein 7B2W and the compounds exhibit promising activities on various isolated smooth muscles and against different neurotransmitters.
RGB-D salient object detection via convolutional capsule network based on feature extraction and integration
Authors: Xu Kun , Guo Jichang
Published: October 2023

Fully convolutional neural network has shown advantages in the salient object detection by using the RGB or RGB-D images. However, there is an object-part dilemma since most fully convolutional neural network inevitably leads to an incomplete segmentation of the salient object. Although the capsule network is capable of recognizing a complete object, it is highly computational demand and time consuming. In this paper, we propose a novel convolutional capsule network based on feature extraction and integration for dealing with the object-part relationship, with less computation demand. First and foremost, RGB features are extracted and integrated by using the VGG backbone and feature extraction module. Then, these features, integrating with depth images by using feature depth module, are upsampled progressively to produce a feature map. In the next step, the feature map is fed into the feature-integrated convolutional capsule network to explore the object-part relationship. The proposed capsule network extracts object-part information by using convolutional capsules with locally-connected routing and predicts the final salient map based on the deconvolutional capsules. Experimental results on four RGB-D benchmark datasets show that our proposed method outperforms 23 state-of-the-art algorithms.
Impaired cognitive and motor function are coincident with l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lelos Mariah J. , Murphy Ellen M. , Lindgren Hanna S. , Dunnett Stephen B. , Lane Emma L.
Published: October 2023

Dopamine transmission has been implicated in motor and cognitive function. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), dopamine replacement using the precursor drug l-DOPA is the predominant treatment approach, but long-term exposure leads to the onset of dyskinesias (LIDs). Chronic l-DOPA exposure has been associated with changes in gene expression and altered cortico-striatal plasticity. The aim of this research was to assess the functional consequence of long-term l-DOPA exposure on cognitive and motor function using a rodent model of PD. Across two independent experiments, we assessed the impact of chronic l-DOPA exposure, or a control D2R agonist, on motor and cognitive function in intact and in hemi parkinsonian rats, in the absence of drug. Abnormal involuntary movements associated with LID were measured and brain tissues were subsequently harvested for immunohistochemical analysis. Exposure to chronic l-DOPA, but not the D2R agonist, impaired motor and cognitive function, when animals were tested in the absence of drug. A meta-analysis of the two experiments allowed further dissociation of l-DOPA -treated rats into those that developed LIDs (dyskinetic) and those that did not develop LIDs (non-dyskinetic). This analysis revealed impaired cognitive and motor performance were evident only in dyskinetic, but not in non-dyskinetic, rats. These data reveal a functional consequence of the altered plasticity associated with LID onset and have implications for understanding symptom progression in the clinic.
Incidence and risk factors for stroke after hip fracture: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lamo-Espinosa José María , Mariscal Gonzalo , Gómez-Álvarez Jorge , San-Julián Mikel
Published: October 2023

Hip fractures represent a high burden and are associated with mortality in up to 30% of the cases. Stroke complications can be devastating and increase mortality and disability in elderly patients. This study aimed to determine the overall incidence and risk factors for stroke in patients with hip fractures. A systematic search of the literature using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases was carried out. Studies have reported the incidence of stroke in patients > 50 years of age with hip fractures. Data were extracted according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42023384742). Data were combined using Review Manager version 5.4. A random-effects model was adopted if a significant heterogeneity was observed. The primary outcome was the incidence of stroke in patients with hip fractures. The secondary outcomes of interest included the influence on the incidence of demographic factors, associated conditions, habits, and analytical parameters. Of the 635 initially retrieved studies, 18 were included, with 256,197 patients. The mean age of the patients ranged from 55 to 84 years old. The overall incidence of stroke in patients with hip fracture was 6.72% (95% CI 4.37–9.07%. The incidence of stroke by region was highest in the American continent (8.09%, 95% CI 3.60–12.58%; P > 0.001). Regarding associated conditions diabetes significantly increased the risk of stroke (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.41–2.30). Respect to patient characteristics, BMI greater than 24.4 and female gender did not significantly increase the risk of stroke: (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.74–1.56) and (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.91–1.46). Lastly, lower albumin concentrations were a risk factor for stroke in patients with hip fracture (MD − 3.18, 95% CI − 4.06 to 2.31). In conclusion, the incidence of stroke after hip fracture was 6.72%. The incidence of stroke increases over time, and the closely associated risk factors are diabetes and low albumin level.
Oil yield prediction for sunflower hybrid selection using different machine learning algorithms
Authors: Cvejić Sandra , Hrnjaković Olivera , Jocković Milan , Kupusinac Aleksandar , Doroslovački Ksenija , Gvozdenac Sonja , Jocić Siniša , Miladinović Dragana
Published: October 2023

Due to the increased demand for sunflower production, its breeding assignment is the intensification of the development of highly productive oil seed hybrids to satisfy the edible oil industry. Sunflower Oil Yield Prediction (SOYP) can help breeders to identify desirable new hybrids with high oil yield and their characteristics using machine learning (ML) algorithms. In this study, we developed ML models to predict oil yield using two sets of features. Moreover, we evaluated the most relevant features for accurate SOYP. ML algorithms that were used and compared were Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression, K-Nearest Neighbour, and Random Forest Regressor (RFR). The dataset consisted of samples for 1250 hybrids of which 70% were randomly selected and were used to train the model and 30% were used to test the model and assess its performance. Employing MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2 evaluation metrics, RFR consistently outperformed in all datasets, achieving a peak of 0.92 for R2 in 2019. In contrast, ANN recorded the lowest MAE, reaching 65 in 2018 The paper revealed that in addition to seed yield, the following characteristics of hybrids were important for SOYP: resistance to broomrape (Or) and downy mildew (Pl) and maturity. It was also disclosed that the locality feature could be used for the estimation of sunflower oil yield but it is highly dependable on weather conditions that affect the oil content and seed yield. Up to our knowledge, this is the first study in which ML was used for sunflower oil yield prediction. The obtained results indicate that ML has great potential for application in oil yield prediction, but also selection of parental lines for hybrid production, RFR algorithm was found to be the most effective and along with locality feature is going to be further evaluated as an alternative method for genotypic selection.