bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os noise mitigations for benchmarking web browser execution environment performance
Authors: Toufie Zahir , Kabaso Boniface
Published: October 2024

Web browsers have almost since birth sought to host and run feature-rich, compute-intensive and complex applications, within their execution environments (EEs), thereby achieving performance akin to native desktop applications. Studies that have proposed performance improvements to these Web browser EEs together with their respective benchmarks have endeavoured to use proven methodologies with which they confirmed the scientific rigour of those benchmarks, but have often overlooked operating system (OS) noise and the negative impact that it has on benchmarks. This paper identifies the various types of OS noise that exist within a typical Intel-based computer system that utilises a Linux-based OS. While also reviewing what related studies have done to mitigate against them. A series of mitigations were then proposed for the Linux-based system that was then benchmarked using the PolyBench/C benchmarking suite. Whilst not all OS noise was mitigated against, our results confirm that the OS noise mitigations that were provided, significantly reduced OS noise. Further significance of this study is that a more controlled benchmarking environment is made available, due to focusing the CPU processing almost entirely on the benchmarks only, while also enhancing the precision and accuracy of the benchmarks. In this study, we lay down a foundation that will make future Web browser EE as well as any other type of computer software benchmarking more precise and accurate, thereby improving the scientific rigour of those benchmarks.
Machine Learning Aided Modeling of Granular Materials: A Review
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Kumar Krishna , Feng Y. T. , Qu Tongming , Wang Min
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzy word since Google’s AlphaGo beat a world champion in 2017. In the past five years, machine learning as a subset of the broader category of AI has obtained considerable attention in the research community of granular materials. This work offers a detailed review of the recent advances in machine learning-aided studies of granular materials from the particle-particle interaction at the grain level to the macroscopic simulations of granular flow. This work will start with the application of machine learning in the microscopic particle-particle interaction and associated contact models. Then, different neural networks for learning the constitutive behaviour of granular materials will be reviewed and compared. Finally, the macroscopic simulations of practical engineering or boundary value problems based on the combination of neural networks and numerical methods are discussed. We hope readers will have a clear idea of the development of machine learning-aided modelling of granular materials via this comprehensive review work.
Protective effects of Sphaeranthus indicus floral extract against BPS-induced testicular damage in rats occurs through downregulation of RIPK1/3-MLK-driven necroptosis and Fas-FasL-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Iqbal Shabnoor , Omara Timothy , Kahwa Ivan , Mir Khan Usman
Published: October 2024

Bisphenol S (BPS) is one of the monomers preferred in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. Unfortunately, its estrogenic and genotoxic effects are similar to those of bisphenol A. The protective effects of Sphaeranthus indicus floral extract (SFE) against reprotoxic effects of BPS (50 µg/kg per body weight) in rats exposed to it via drinking water was investigated. Different SFE doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were administered via oral gavage for 10 weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results indicated that SFE was rich in polyphenols, with rutin and quercetin being important bioactive molecules modulating BPS-induced necroptosis and apoptosis. Biochemical analyses unveiled that rats administered BPS only exhibited considerable elevation of biomarkers of nitro-oxidative stress, necroptotic (RIPK1/RIPK3 and MLKL), and apoptotic mediators (Fas/FasL and caspase 3/caspase-8). These events caused changes in sperm characteristics (sperm motility, sperm head, and sperm viability), sperm count, and hormonal profile (thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) of the rats. Histological analysis suggested that there was pronounced sloughing of Sertoli cells, reduced spermatogenic cell density, increased levels of seminiferous tubules, and disorganized morphometric parameters related to seminiferous tubules. The SFE supplementation in rats with BPS-containing water restored nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers, which led to the reduction of necroptosis and apoptosis. Reinstatement of all the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, necroptosis, and apoptosis after SFE supplementations restored the hormonal profile and normal histoarchitecture of the testes. Virtual screening elucidated that the key regulators of the necroptosis are RIPK3-rutin and RIPK1-quercetin complexes. Further studies are needed to assess its pharmacodynamics, kinetics, and effective concentration for daily use in humans.
Fielding the research participant perception survey to evaluate a culturally tailored Latinx cohort study
Authors: Lindo Sierra , Roberts Jamie , Goodrich James , Mella-Velazquez Alejandra , Musty Michael D. , Cheng Alex C. , Kost Rhonda G. , Gonzalez-Guarda Rosa M. , Chatterjee Ranee
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Latinx populations are underrepresented in clinical research. Asking Latinx research participants about their research experiences, barriers, and facilitators could help to improve research participation for these populations.

Methods:

The Salud Estres y Resilencia (SER) Hispano cohort study is a longitudinal cohort study of young adult Latinx immigrants whose design and conduct were tailored for their study population. We administered the Research Participant Perception Survey (RPPS) to SER Hispano participants to assess their experiences in the study. We describe overall results from the RPPS and compare results of surveys administered to SER Hispano participants via email versus telephone.

Results:

Of 340 participants who were contacted with the RPPS, 142 (42%) responded. Among respondents, 53 (37%) responded by initial email contact; and 89 (63%) responded by subsequent phone contact. The majority of respondents were between 35 and 44 years of age (54%), female (76%), and of Cuban origin (50%). Overall, research participants expressed high satisfaction with their research experience; 84% stated that they would “definitely” recommend research participation to friends and family, with no significant difference by method of survey administration (P = 0.45). The most common factor that was chosen that would influence future research participation was having summary results of the research shared with them (72%).

Conclusion:

We found that culturally tailored studies can be good experiences for Latinx research participants; and we found that use of the RPPS can be administered successfully, particularly when administered by more than one method, including telephone, to evaluate and to improve research experiences for this population.
Online, asynchronous training in research for residents
Authors: Blackard Jason T. , Knapke Jacqueline M. , Schuckman Stephanie , Veevers Jennifer , Hardie William D. , Yadav Ruchi , Kahn Alexa , Lee Patrick , Terebelo Sima , Ryan Patrick H.
Published: October 2024

Scholarly activity is a key component of most residency programmes. To establish fundamental research skills and fill gaps within training curricula, we developed an online, asynchronous set of modules called Research 101 to introduce trainees to various topics that are germane to the conduct of research and evaluated its effectiveness in resident research education. Research 101 was utilised by residents at One Brooklyn Health in Brooklyn, NY. Resident knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction were assessed using pre- and post-module surveys with 5-point Likert scaled questions, open-ended text responses, and a multiple-choice quiz. Pre-module survey results indicated that residents were most confident with the Aligning expectations, Introduction to research, and Study design and data analysis basics modules and least confident with the Submitting an Institutional Review Board protocol and Presenting your summer research modules. Post-module survey responses demonstrated increased learning compared to pre-module results for all modules and learning objectives (p < 0.0001). “This module met my needs” was endorsed 91.4% of the time. The median score for the final quiz that consisted of 25 multiple-choice questions was 23. Thematic analysis of open-ended post-module survey responses identified multiple strengths and opportunities for improvement in course content and instructional methods. These data demonstrate that residents benefit from completion of Research 101, as post-module survey scores were significantly higher than pre-module survey scores for all modules and questions, final quiz scores were high, and open-ended responses highlighted opportunities for additional resident learning.
Nonlinear evolution of vortical disturbances entrained in the entrance region of a circular pipe
Authors: Zhu Kaixin , Ricco Pierre
Published: October 2024

The nonlinear evolution of free-stream vortical disturbances entrained in the entrance region of a circular pipe is investigated using asymptotic and numerical methods. Attention is focused on the low-frequency disturbances that induce streamwise elongated structures. A pair of vortical modes with opposite azimuthal wavenumbers is used to model the free-stream disturbances. Their amplitude is assumed to be intense enough for nonlinear interactions to occur inside the pipe. The formation and evolution of the perturbation flow are described by the nonlinear unsteady boundary-region equations in the cylindrical coordinate system, derived and solved herein for the first time. Matched asymptotic expansions are employed to construct appropriate initial conditions and the initial–boundary value problem is solved numerically by a marching procedure in the streamwise direction. Numerical results show the stabilising effect of nonlinearity on the intense algebraic growth of the disturbances and an increase of the wall-shear stress due to the nonlinear interactions. A parametric study is carried out to evince the effect of the Reynolds number, the streamwise and azimuthal wavelengths, and the radial length scale of the inlet disturbance on the nonlinear flow evolution. Elongated pipe-entrance nonlinear structures (EPENS) occupying the whole pipe cross-section are discovered. EPENS with

$h$

-fold rotational symmetry comprise

$h$

high-speed streaks positioned near the wall, and

$h$

low-speed streaks centred around the pipe core. These distinct structures display a striking resemblance to nonlinear travelling waves found numerically and observed experimentally in fully developed pipe flow. Good agreement of our mean-flow and root mean square data with experimental measurements is obtained.
STRICTLY n-FINITE VARIETIES OF HEYTING ALGEBRAS
Authors: HYTTINEN TAPANI , MARTINS MIGUEL , MORASCHINI TOMMASO , QUADRELLARO DAVIDE E.
Published: October 2024

For any

$n<\omega $

we construct an infinite

$(n+1)$

-generated Heyting algebra whose n-generated subalgebras are of cardinality

$\leq m_n$

for some positive integer

$m_n$

. From this we conclude that for every

$n<\omega $

there exists a variety of Heyting algebras which contains an infinite

$(n+1)$

-generated algebra, but which contains only finite n-generated algebras. For the case

$n=2$

this provides a negative answer to a question posed by G. Bezhanishvili and R. Grigolia in [4].
A Singular Enlightenment: C. L. R. James, Anti-Colonialism, and Transatlantic Political Thought
Authors: VÁZQUEZ-ARROYO ANTONIO Y.
Published: October 2024

This article formulates an original account of the Enlightenment through an interpretation of C. L. R. James’s The Black Jacobins, a landmark work of transatlantic anti-colonial thought. It defends a dialectical account of the Enlightenment as a singular transatlantic historical process whose content and critical import changes across space and time. In The Black Jacobins, James shows the Enlightenment’s revolutionary and emancipatory political legacy by staging the dialectic of the Enlightenment in a colonial situation defined by a slave-plantation economy. James illustrates the Enlightenment’s political legacy as a “concrete universal” that has particular and singular aspects, each with its own unique contours. In doing so, the article considers other themes at the center of both historical and contemporary political theory such as how to best conceptualize colonialism; the traveling and misplacement of Enlightened ideas; and the critical importance of the dialectical legacy and critical theory in these efforts.
Participatory Plant Breeding to develop biofortified upland rice for marginal environments
Authors: Castro-Pacheco Sergio Antonio , Rabekijana Ravo , Andriamiarana Mahevanirina , Raveloson Harinjaka , Rakotomalala Joël , Ramanantsoanirina Alain , Garin Vincent , Grenier Cécile , vom Brocke Kirsten
Published: October 2024

In the Highlands of Madagascar, where rice is the main staple food, explosive demographic growth has driven the need for the development of upland rice. In that context, a Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) program conducted by the FOFIFA-Cirad partnership, aims to develop upland rice varieties adapted to farmers’ needs, with superior agronomic performances, and with high grain zinc concentration. In the area, where ferralitic soils with N and P deficiencies prevail, limited fertilizer usage persists due to elevated costs, and upland rice varieties must adapt to these low fertility environments. Thus, this paper aims to identify the adequate selection conditions and methods that allow combining the above-mentioned criteria for selection. So, 56 rice breeding lines, including high-zinc genotypes, were evaluated in field trials with contrasting fertility conditions. A relative selection efficiency analysis demonstrated that selection for yield should be done in moderate fertility environments, while selection for grain zinc concentration could be done across a diverse range of conditions. Through participatory evaluations, we identified that, for this case, grain appreciation was the most important character for deciding whether to select a line, followed by productivity and earliness. We also noted that farmers were more willing to accept a variety if it had higher grain zinc concentration. Finally, we proposed a selection index that combines agronomic, farmers’ and nutritional criteria, with the purpose of selecting lines that fulfill the expectations on these areas. Overall, this paper proposes an adapted methodology for the combination of PPB and biofortification in marginal environments.
Count Otani Kozui’s 1900 northern cruise: A Japanese “explorer tourist” in the Nordic Arctic
Authors: Ingvarsdóttir Kristín
Published: October 2024

In the year 1900, Otani Kozui, along with three travel companions, ventured on a one-month Arctic cruise, visiting the Norwegian fjords, the North Cape, Spitsbergen (Svalbard) and Iceland. The turn of the 20th century was a formative time for early Arctic tourism, and the aura of exploration was still a part of the northern allure. While Otani and his friends were not the first Japanese to cross the Arctic Circle, they were seen among their contemporaries as holding the record for being the first Japanese to cross the 70th parallel, which became a badge of honour in the exclusive Arctic Circle Society that was established in Japan in the early 1930s. As one of Japan’s most important 20th-century explorers, Otani is well known for having collected and studied Buddhist treasures from across Central Asia and the Silk Road. This paper aims to establish the facts surrounding Otani’s Arctic cruise and the Arctic Circle Society, both of which have gone mostly unnoticed by contemporary scholars. The paper also discusses how Otani’s voyage – which contains elements of tourism, study and competition – should be perceived, both in the context of his legacy and the broader historical developments of the era.
Comparing Canada’s 2018 proposed and 2022 final front-of-pack labelling regulations using generic food composition data and a nationally representative dietary intake survey
Authors: Lee Jennifer J , Mulligan Christine , Ahmed Mavra , L’Abbé Mary R
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The objective of the study was to compare the potential dietary impact of proposed and final front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) regulations (published in Canada Gazette I (CG1) and Canada Gazette II (CG2), respectively) by examining the difference in the prevalence of foods that would require a ‘High in’ front-of-pack nutrition symbol and nutrient intakes from those foods consumed by Canadian adults.

Design:

Foods in a generic food composition database (n 3676) were categorised according to the details of FOPL regulations in CGI and CGII, and the differences in the proportion of foods were compared. Using nationally representative dietary survey data, potential intakes of nutrients from foods that would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol according to CGI and CGII were compared.

Setting:

Canada

Participants:

Canadian adults (≥ 19 years; n 13 495)

Results:

Compared with CGI, less foods would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol (Δ = –6 %) according to CGII (saturated fat = –4 %, sugars = –1 %, sodium = –3 %). Similarly, potential intakes of nutrients-of-concern from foods that would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol were reduced according to CGII compared with CGI (saturated fat = –21 %, sugars = –2 %, sodium = –6 %). Potential intakes from foods that would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol were also reduced for energy and nutrients-to-encourage, including protein, fibre, calcium and vitamin D.

Conclusions:

Changes to FOPL regulations may have blunted their potential to limit intakes of nutrients-of-concern; however, they likely averted potential unintended consequences on intakes of nutrients-to-encourage for Canadians (e.g. calcium and vitamin D). To ensure policy objectives are met, FOPL regulations must be monitored regularly and evaluated over time.
Pursuing the efficient operation of the primary healthcare hospitals in Thailand through efficiency assessment using the data envelopment analysis method
Authors: Juthamanee Siripattra , Wattanaburanon Aimutcha , Rodjarkpai Yuvadee , Thongnopakun Saowanee , Puttakul Winai
Published: October 2024

Aims:

This study aimed to assess the operational efficiency of Sub-District or Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals (THPHs) in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and to propose management guidelines for future improvements.

Background:

The current state of Thailand’s public health demonstrates that government policy has prioritized equal access to public health services in all areas. This increases the need for primary public health services, yet resources are limited and cannot be increased to meet the growing demand. The only effective way to address this issue is to develop the efficiency of public health operations.

Methods:

The sample consisted of 104 THPHs in Chachoengsao, a province in Thailand’s EEC. Data for five input and seven output variables were collected between September 18 and November 15, 2023. An online survey was conducted to gather the required data for fiscal year 2022. Data envelopment analysis was used to measure the efficiency of THPHs.

Findings:

The average efficiency index of the 104 THPHs was 0.9066, with about 60% having an efficiency index of 1.00. When classified by size, it was found that the efficiency levels of the THPHs grew with size, considering that the average efficiency index of the small, medium, and large THPHs was 0.8642, 0.9140, and 0.9417, respectively. The proportion of efficient THPHs also increased with size, at 58.14%, 60.00%, and 66.67%, respectively. Regarding efficiency improvement targets, small THPHs had the highest output targets (28.40%), followed by medium THPHs (15.31%) and large THPHs (9.91%). For the inefficient THPHs, some management guidelines were made to improve their future performances.
The Role of Health Beliefs in HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Young Men During the Dutch Catch-Up Campaign in 2023
Authors: Hilverda Femke , Siebers Linda , Vollmann Manja
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with the development of various cancers. An effective way to prevent HPV-related cancer is vaccination. In 2023, the Dutch government started a vaccination catch-up campaign in which, particularly, young men between the ages of 19 and 26 were invited to receive the HPV vaccine free of charge. Aims: This study aimed to estimate the relevance of the determinants proposed by the Health Belief Model (HBM) regarding HPV vaccine uptake among young men. Method: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 155 Dutch young men aged 19–26 years. The HBM determinants of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers were measured along with HPV vaccine uptake as an outcome. The relevance of the HBM determinants for HPV vaccine uptake was determined by confidence interval-based estimation of relevance (CIBER). Results: In total, 54 participants got vaccinated since the start of the campaign. Perceived benefits and barriers were strongly related to vaccine uptake, while most young men perceived many benefits and few barriers. Perceived severity showed a moderate association with vaccine uptake, while most young men perceived the consequences of HPV infections as moderately severe. Perceived susceptibility was not significantly related to vaccine uptake. Limitations: The sample mainly consisted of higher-educated participants and no information about ethnicity was obtained. Only determinants of the HBM were included. Cross-sectional data and self-reports on vaccination status were used. Conclusion: Public health interventions should focus on increasing the perceived severity, while simultaneously reinforcing beliefs about many benefits and few barriers.
Air Pollution Could Make It Harder for Bees to Navigate
Authors: Ware Skyler
Published: October 2024

Fine particulate matter in the atmosphere reduces the degree of polarization of sunlight, which insects use to guide themselves home.
Real-time fake news detection in online social networks: FANDC Cloud-based system
Authors: Cavus Nadire , Goksu Murat , Oktekin Bora
Published: October 2024

Social networks have become a common way for people to communicate with each other and share ideas, thanks to their fast information-sharing features. But fake news spread on social networks can cause many negative consequences by affecting people’s daily lives. However, the literature lacks online and real-time fake news detection systems. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature and to handle the fake news detection problem with a system called FANDC, based on cloud computing, to cope with fake news in seven different categories, and to solve the real-time fake news detection problems. The system was developed using the CRISP-DM methodology with a hybrid approach. BERT algorithm was used in the system running on the cloud to avoid possible cyber threats with the dataset created with approximately 99 million big data from COVID-19-TweetIDs GitHub repository. It was trained in two periods with 100% accuracy during the modeling phase in terms of training accuracy. Experimental results of the FANDC system performed the real-time detection of fake news at 99% accuracy. However, previous studies experimental level success rate in the literature, were around 90%. We hope that the developed system will greatly assist social network users in detecting fake news in real-time.
The impact of hydroclimate-driven periodic runoff on hydropower production and management
Authors: Hao Shuang , Wörman Anders , Brandimarte Luigia
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the impact of hydroclimate-driven periodic runoff on hydropower operations and production, with a focus on how the forecasted biennial periodicity of runoff time series could affect the efficiency of hydropower generation. Hydrologic stochastic processes are utilized to forecast long-term runoff, and seven hydroclimate scenarios are developed to be input into a production management model, allowing for an analysis of how periodic hydroclimate variations influence hydropower management and output. The results reveal that the biennial alternation between wet and dry years is a key factor affecting hydropower operations in the Dalälven River Basin. Notable differences between wet- and dry-year scenarios were observed in terms of power efficiency, production output, and forecasting accuracy. Operating hydropower systems based on dry-year runoff forecasts in wet years results in a 1.63% decrease in production efficiency and a reduction of 9,104 MWh in power generation. Conversely, applying wet-year forecasts in dry years slightly boosts production efficiency by 0.31% and increases power generation by 7,832 MWh. Scenarios that adhere to biennial periodicity offer the highest forecasting accuracy, particularly when applying dry-year forecasts in dry years in winter and spring, which produce the most precise predictions. In contrast, using dry-year forecasts in wet years results in the lowest forecasting accuracy.
Synthesis of furan-2-ones and spiro[furan-2,3ʹ-indoline] derivatives using polyether sulfone sulfamic acid catalysis
Authors: Khatami Seyed-Mola , Khalaj Mehdi , Zarandi Maryam , Zeynali Taha , Shahvelayati Ashraf S.
Published: October 2024

Polyether sulfone sulfamic acid (PES-NHSO3H) was prepared by simple sulfonation of a modified polyether sulfone. The number of acidic sites (SO3H) was determined to be 4.23 mmol H+/g by acid-base titration and 4.29 mmol H+/g by barium sulfate test. PES-NHSO3H was used as an efficient acidic catalytic system for the preparation of functionalized furan-2-ones and 2ʹ,5-dioxo-5 H-spiro[furan-2,3 ʹ -indoline]-3-carboxylate derivatives via the three-component reaction of anilines, aldehydes/1-ethylindoline-2,3-dione, and diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate in high yields (85–97%). The effect of polar and non-polar solvents on the productivity of the reaction was investigated. The catalyst was recovered 11 times without losses in catalytic potential.
Influence of genotype on carcass composition, metric traits of the digestive system and leg bones of laying hens after the egg-production season
Authors: Wegner Marcin , Kokoszynski Dariusz , Piwczyński Dariusz , Tarasiuk Karolina , Bujko Jozef
Published: October 2024

Context The genotype of laying hens is one of the most important factors influencing their carcass composition and anatomical features. Aims The aim of the present study was to compare two genotypes of laying hens, Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White, after the laying period. Methods The experimental material consisted of 26 carcasses obtained after slaughtering spent laying hens at the age of 83 weeks. Key results The genotype of the birds had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on carcass weight, and the proportion (%) of the breast muscle, leg muscle and gizzard weight. Significant correlations were also found between bodyweight and the weight of the stomach, proventriculus, liver and spleen. The origin of the laying hens also had a significant impact on the length of the sections on intestinal segments, namely, jejunum, ileum and colon. Significant differences in the correlations between bodyweight and length of duodenum, jejunum and rectum were also found. The compared hybrids of laying hens differed significantly in the dimensions of the femur and tibia. Lohmann Brown (LB) hens were characterized by higher greatest length, medial length, smallest breadth of the corpus, and greatest breadth of the distal end of the femur compared with Lohmann White (LW) hens. Dimensions of the tibia greatest length, axial length, smallest breadth of the corpus, greatest breadth of the distal end and greatest depth of the distal end in LB hens were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in LW hens. Conclusions The results showed that the genotype of laying hens tested after the laying period influenced carcass weight and muscle percentage, as well as differentiated the birds in terms of dimensions of individual segments of the digestive tract, femur, and tibia bones. Implications The results of this research may be useful for consumers of laying hen carcasses and people interested in poultry anatomy.
Pathogenic mechanism and therapeutic intervention of impaired N
7
-methylguanosine (m
7
G) tRNA modification
Authors: Ma Jieyi , Zheng Siyi , An Chenrui , Han Hui , Li Qiwen , Huang Ying , Xiong Gan , Chen Shuang , Guo Siyao , Wang Zhaoyu , Wei Wei , Shang Yudan , Ji Yushan , Yang Cuiyun , Choe Junho , Yuan Quan , Fan Yong , Zhang Canfeng , Lin Shuibin
Published: October 2024

Mutations modification enzymes including the tRNA N
7
-methylguanosine (m
7
G) methyltransferase complex component WDR4 were frequently found in patients with neural disorders, while the pathogenic mechanism and therapeutic intervention strategies are poorly explored. In this study, we revealed that patient-derived
WDR4
mutation leads to temporal and cell-type-specific neural degeneration, and directly causes neural developmental disorders in mice. Mechanistically,
WDR4
point mutation disrupts the interaction between WDR4 and METTL1 and accelerates METTL1 protein degradation. We further uncovered that impaired tRNA m
7
G modification caused by
Wdr4
mutation decreases the mRNA translation of genes involved in mTOR pathway, leading to elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, and increases neural cell apoptosis. Importantly, treatment with stress-attenuating drug Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA) significantly decreases neural cell death and improves neural functions of the
Wdr4
mutated mice. Moreover, adeno-associated virus mediated transduction of wild-type WDR4 restores METTL1 protein level and tRNA m
7
G modification in the mouse brain, and achieves long-lasting therapeutic effect in
Wdr4
mutated mice. Most importantly, we further demonstrated that both TUDCA treatment and WDR4 restoration significantly improve the survival and functions of human iPSCs-derived neuron stem cells that harbor the patient’s
WDR4
mutation. Overall, our study uncovers molecular insights underlying
WDR4
mutation in the pathogenesis of neural diseases and develops two promising therapeutic strategies for treatment of neural diseases caused by impaired tRNA modifications.
Lateral cell polarization drives organization of epithelia in sea anemone embryos and embryonic cell aggregates
Authors: Atajanova Tavus , Kang Emily Minju , Postnikova Anna , Price Alivia Lee , Doerr Sophia , Du Michael , Ugenti Alicia , Ragkousi Katerina
Published: October 2024

One of the first organizing processes during animal development is the assembly of embryonic cells into epithelia. Common features unite epithelialization across select bilaterians, however, we know less about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive epithelial emergence in early branching nonbilaterians. In sea anemones, epithelia emerge both during embryonic development and after cell aggregation of dissociated tissues. Although adhesion is required to keep cells together, it is not clear whether cell polarization plays a role as epithelia emerge from disordered aggregates. Here, we use the embryos of the sea anemone
Nematostella vectensis
to investigate the evolutionary origins of epithelial development. We demonstrate that lateral cell polarization is essential for epithelial organization in both embryos and aggregates. With disrupted lateral polarization, cell contact in the aggregate is not sufficient to trigger epithelialization and further tissue development. Specifically, knockdown of the conserved lateral polarity and tumor suppressor protein Lethal giant larvae (Lgl) disrupts epithelia in developing embryos and impairs the capacity of dissociated cells to epithelialize from aggregates. In contrast to other systems, cells in
Nematostella lgl
knockdown embryos do not undergo excessive proliferation. Cells with reduced Lgl levels lose their columnar shape and proper positioning of their mitotic spindles and basal bodies. Due to misoriented divisions and aberrant shapes, cells arrange nonuniformly without forming a monolayer. Together our data show that, in
Nematostella,
Lgl drives epithelialization in embryos and cell aggregates through its effect on cell shape and organelle localization.
Emergent behaviors of buckling-driven elasto-active structures
Authors: Xi Yuchen , Marzin Tom , Huang Richard B. , Jones Trevor J. , Brun P.-T.
Published: October 2024

Active systems of self-propelled agents, e.g., birds, fish, and bacteria, can organize their collective motion into myriad autonomous behaviors. Ubiquitous in nature and across length scales, such phenomena are also amenable to artificial settings, e.g., where brainless self-propelled robots orchestrate their movements into spatial-temporal patterns via the application of external cues or when confined within flexible boundaries. Like their natural counterparts, these approaches typically require many units to initiate collective motion, so controlling the ensuing dynamics is challenging. Here, we demonstrate a simple mechanism that leverages nonlinear elasticity to tame near-diffusive motile particles in forming structures capable of directed motion and other emergent behaviors. Our elasto-active system comprises two centimeter-sized self-propelled microbots connected with elastic beams. These microbots exert forces that suffice to buckle the beam and set the structure in motion. We first rationalize the physics of the interaction between the beam and the microbots. Then we use reduced-order models to predict the interactions of our elasto-active structures with boundaries, e.g., walls and constrictions, and demonstrate how they can exhibit remarkable emergent behaviors such as maze navigation. These findings demonstrate that allowing and understanding changes in body morphology can enhance the capabilities of active matter systems and enable the design of robotic materials capable of space exploration, adaptation, and complex interactions with their surrounding environment.
Fluorescence by incoherently pumped polar quantum dot placed in a low-frequency monochromatic field
Authors: Soldatov A V
Published: October 2024

We studied spectral properties of high-frequency fluorescent radiation from a two-level quantum system with broken inversion spatial symmetry, which can be implemented as a model of a one-electron two-level asymmetric polar semiconductor quantum dot whose electric dipole moment operator has permanent unequal diagonal matrix elements. The case of the excitation of this system by incoherent pumping of some sort supplemented with an additional driving monochromatic field, which frequency is much lower than the optical transition frequency of the quantum dot, was considered. An analytical expression for the fluorescence spectrum as a function of the amplitude and frequency of the monochromatic driving field, as well as of the pumping intensity, was derived. We also discussed feasible practical applications of the effects under study in the field of quantum optics and optoelectronics for the generation of high-frequency radiation, possessing stationary equidistant spectrum, and for the control of the radiative properties of such nanodevices as spasers (dipole nanolasers).
Exactly solvable non-unitary time evolution in quantum critical systems I: effect of complex spacetime metrics
Authors: Wen Xueda
Published: October 2024

In this series of works, we study exactly solvable non-unitary time evolutions in one-dimensional quantum critical systems ranging from quantum quenches to time-dependent drivings. In this part I, we are motivated by the recent works of Kontsevich and Segal (2021 arXiv:2105.10161) and Witten (2021 arXiv:2111.06514) on allowable complex spacetime metrics in quantum field theories. In general, such complex spacetime metrics will lead to non-unitary time evolutions. In this work, we study the universal features of such non-unitary time evolutions based on exactly solvable setups. Various physical quantities including the entanglement Hamiltonian and entanglement spectrum, entanglement entropy, and energy density at an arbitrary time can be exactly solved. Due to the damping effect introduced by the complex time, the excitations in the initial state are gradually damped out in time. The non-equilibrium dynamics exhibit universal features that are qualitatively different from the case of real-time evolutions. For instance, for an infinite system after a global quench, the entanglement entropy of the semi-infinite subsystem will grow logarithmically in time, in contrast to the linear growth in a real-time evolution. Moreover, we study numerically the time-dependent driven quantum critical systems with allowable complex spacetime metrics. It is found that the competition between driving and damping leads to a steady state with an interesting entanglement structure.
Fundamentals of Multicomponent High-Entropy Materials
Authors: Cantor Brian
Published: October 2024

Human development has been a continuing attempt to use new materials in ever more sophisticated ways to enhance the quality of human life. For millennia, we have always made things by taking a main material and then mixing it with small alloying additions to achieve the final required properties. But recently, there has been a revolution as we have discovered how to make much more complex mixtures, providing a bewildering number, literally trillions and trillions, of completely new materials, requiring entirely new scientific theories, and massively extending our ability to make useful products. These new materials are called multicomponent or high-entropy materials. This is the first textbook on the fundamentals of these new materials. It concentrates on the main new concepts and theories that have been developed and provides a summary of the state of play for researchers as well as for students and newcomers entering the field. It is written by the scientist who first discovered multicomponent high-entropy materials. It includes contextual chapters on the history and future potential for developing humankind as driven by the discovery of new materials, and core chapters on methods for discovering and manufacturing multicomponent high-entropy materials, their underlying thermodynamic and atomic and electronic structures, their physical, mechanical and chemical properties, and their potential applications.
Extracellular matrix protein 1 binds to connective tissue growth factor against liver fibrosis and ductular reaction
Authors: Sun Chunbao , Fan Weiguo , Basha Sreenivasulu , Tian Tian , Jin-Smith Brady , Barkin Joshua , Xie Hanhui , Zhou Junmei , Yin Xiao-Ming , Ling Chen , Sun Bing , Petersen Bryon , Pi Liya
Published: October 2024

Background:

Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) can inhibit TGFβ activation, but its antifibrotic action remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate ECM1 function and its physical interaction with the profibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in fibrosis and ductular reaction (DR).

Methods:

Ecm1 knockouts or animals that ectopically expressed this gene were subjected to induction of liver fibrosis and DR by feeding 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) or α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT). ECM1 and CTGF were also examined in the livers of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) or ethanol-exposed animals that were fed the western diet for 4 months in the WDA model with liver pathology resembing ALD in patients.

Results:

ECM1 bound to CTGF in yeast two-hybrid systems, cultured liver cells, and cholestatic livers damaged by DDC or α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate. This interaction blocked integrin αvβ6-mediated TGFβ activation, thereby reducing fibrotic responses in vitro. ECM1 downregulation was associated with biliary CTGF induction during human ALD progression. In experimental models, Ecm1 loss enhanced susceptibility to DDC-induced cholestasis with upregulation of Ctgf, αvβ6, alpha-smooth muscle actin, procollagen type I, serum transaminase, and total bilirubin levels in germline knockouts, whereas forced expression of this gene significantly attenuated DR and biliary fibrosis after the feeding of DDC or α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate containing diets. Moreover, ectopic Ecm1 inhibited not only alcohol-associated fibrosis but also TGFβ-mediated deregulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, preventing the production of the fetal p2 promoter-driven isoforms in the WDA model.

Conclusions:

We uncover a novel antifibrotic action by ECM1 that binds CTGF and inhibits integrin αvβ6-mediated TGFβ activation. Targeting its loss has therapeutic potential for the treatment of DR and liver fibrosis in chronic conditions, such as cholangiopathy and ALD.
A bibliometric analysis and visualization of global food addiction over the last decade
Authors: Li Ranhao , Liu Tao , Li Ruibin , Wang Wei
Published: October 2024

Background:

Food addiction is a chronic psychological disorder resulting from repeated consumption of highly palatable foods, leading to physical and mental harm. It involves individuals who struggle to control their intake of high-energy, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, often experiencing withdrawal reactions and intense cravings that trigger binge eating during stress. Recent research has focused on the impact of food addiction on physical health, nutrition, and mental well-being. This study aims to review and analyze current evidence on food addiction to advance research in China.

Methods:

A total of 941 articles on food addiction published between January 2013 and April 2023 were analyzed using the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace software was utilized to identify research trends, collaborations among disciplines, authors, and institutions, as well as key topics and emerging keywords.

Results:

The number of publications on food addiction has steadily increased over the past decade, with the United States leading in research output (393 articles). The University of Michigan and author Gearhardt AN were prominent contributors. Key research topics included obesity, eating disorders, addiction, and overeating. Emerging themes encompassed obesity psychology, food composition, brain function, and behavioral addiction.

Conclusion:

Global research on food addiction primarily focuses on understanding the psychological and neurological underpinnings, metabolic implications, addictive behaviors, and treatment modalities such as sleeve gastrectomy. Future research aims to develop personalized prevention and intervention strategies for food addiction.
Effect of sling exercise training on motor function in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yu’ang , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Zhi , Liu Weiguo , Huang Silang , Liao Huangying
Published: October 2024

Background:

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of sling exercise training on balance and gross motor movement in children with cerebral palsy, and to investigate the effects of different intervention times and ages on treatment outcomes.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials on sling exercise training for children with cerebral palsy published in full text from CNKI, Wanfang datebase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from the time of build to November 2023. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 researchers, and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 and Stata17.0 software.

Results:

A total of 12 studies with 725 patients were included sling exercise training significantly improved balance (I
2 = 0%, mean difference [MD] = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.93–3.92, P < .00001), gross motor function (I
2 = 0%, MD = 5.90, 95% CI: 1.50–10.29, P < .00001), standing function (I
2 = 14%, MD = 2.73, 95% CI: 2.17–3.29, P < .00001) walking and running and jumping function(I
2 = 79%, MD = 5.93, 95% CI: 3.82–8.04, P < .00001) and 10-meter maximum walking speed(I
2 = 58%, MD = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.52–2.42, P = .003) in children with cerebral palsy. Subgroup analyses of balance showed that children in the 5 + age group (I
2 = 0%, MD = 3.73, 95% CI: 2.55–4.91, P < .00001) had better outcomes relative to the 4–5 year old group (I
2 = 23%, MD = 3.49, 95% CI: 2.88–4.09, P<0.00001) and the under 4 year old group (I
2 = 0%, MD = 282.73, 95% CI: 1.57–4.06, P < .00001). Subgroup analyses of walking and running and jumping function showed that a 6-month treatment course(I
2 = 0%, MD = 5.93, 95% CI: 3.82–8.04, P < .00001) had better efficacy relative to a 3-month treatment course(I
2 = 0%, MD = 4.11, 95% CI: 2.84–5.39, P < .00001).

Conclusion:

Sling exercise training significantly improves balance and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, and The average age of 5+ years is a critical period for the development of balance in children with cerebral palsy, and the treatment course is an important factor affecting walking and running and jumping function.
A case report on the choice of venous access after ectopic peripherally inserted central catheter in an upper limb of a patient with a second recurrence of right-side breast cancer
Authors: Tian Tian , Tan Lin , Deng Hongyi , Lu Yi
Published: October 2024

Rationale:

Intravenous catheter placement in the healthy upper extremity is preferred for chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Common venous accesses are peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and totally implantable intravenous port catheters (TIVPs). In this case, a patient with breast cancer had a history of infusion port placement through the left internal jugular vein, with ipsilateral innominate vein stenosis after placement. The patient was re-treated with a PICC placed ectopically through the left upper limb into the intrathoracic vein. After multidisciplinary consultation, a transfemoral PICC combined with intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) was performed to establish venous access. This case can assist PICC catheterization nurses in developing optimal venous access strategies tailored to the specific situations of patients in similar situations. Through adequate evaluations and optimal selection of venous access, the success rate of disposable catheterization can be improved, and the risk of complications reduced.

Patient concerns:

A 53-year-old female with breast cancer had a history of infusion port, with ipsilateral innominate vein stenosis after placement. The patient was re-treated with a PICC placed ectopically through the left upper limb into the intrathoracic vein.

Diagnoses:

An axial computed tomography (CT) image before totally implantable venous access port (TIVP) placement and An axial CT 103 days after TIVP placement shows diffuse stenosis of the left innominate vein, associated with infusion port placement through the left internal jugular vein.

Interventions:

After multidisciplinary consultation, a transfemoral PICC combined with intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) was performed to establish venous access.

Outcomes:

The patient’s lower limb PICC was left in place for 201 days with no complications, completing the full treatment cycle.

Lessons:

This case presents a rare and insightful clinical scenario. For patients with a history of infusion port placement, particularly via the left internal jugular vein, careful analysis of the innominate vena cava and examination of chest wall vein exposure are essential to determining the optimal vascular access strategy.