bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color VISION for improved ultrasound visualization of brachytherapy needles
Authors: Dupere Justine M. , Brost Eric E. , Hainy Matthew E. , Lee Christine U. , Urban Matthew W. , Stish Bradley J. , Deufel Christopher L.
Published: April 2024

Background

High dose rate brachytherapy is commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Treatment planning is often performed under transrectal ultrasound (US) guidance, but brachytherapy needles can be challenging to digitize due to the presence of poor US conspicuity and imaging artifacts. The plan accuracy and quality, however, are dependent on the proper visualization of the needles with millimeter accuracy.

Purpose

This work describes a technique for generating a color overlay of needle locations atop the grayscale US image. Prototype devices were developed to produce vibrations in the brachytherapy needles that generate a high contrast color Doppler (CD) signal that highlights the needle locations with superior contrast and reduced artifacts. Denoted by the acronym color VISION (Vibrationally Induced Shimmering for Identifying an Object's Nature), the technology has the potential to improve applicator conspicuity and facilitate automated applicator digitization.

Methods

Three prototype vibrational devices with frequencies between 200–450 Hz were designed in‐house and evaluated with needle implants in a phantom and cadaveric male pelvis using: (1) an actuator attached to the front of a prostate needle template; (2) an actuator attached to the top of the needle template; and (3) a hand‐held actuator with a stylet, inserted directly into a needle's inner lumen. Acquired images were postprocessed in MATLAB to evaluate the potential for automated digitization.

Results

All prototype devices produced localized shimmering in implanted brachytherapy needles in both the axial and sagittal planes. The template mounted actuators provided better vibrational coupling and ease of operation than the stylet prototype. The Michelson contrast, or visibility, of the shimmering CD signal was 100% compared with ≤40% for B‐mode imaging of a single needle. Proof‐of‐principle for automated applicator digitization using only the CD signal was demonstrated.

Conclusions

The color VISION prototype devices successfully coupled mechanical vibrations into brachytherapy needles to generate US CD shimmering and accurately highlight brachytherapy needle locations. The high contrast and natively registered signal are promising for future work to automate the needle digitization and provide a real‐time visual overlay of the applicator on the B‐mode US image.
Pipe Tapping Benefits Extend Beyond Competing for a Title
Authors: Payton Randy
Published: April 2024

One, two, three, go! The infamous countdown and thrill of AWWA's Pipe Tapping Competition maintains its luster and longevity some 38 years after its initial debut at AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE).
Preparation of efficient and eco‐friendly solid polymer electrolyte based on anionic polyurethane dispersion, polyethylene oxide, and halloysite nanotube
Authors: Naderkhani Neda , Norouzi Negin , Pourmahdian Saeed , Mokhtari Zahra , Tehrani Ashkan , Zahedi Farzad
Published: April 2024

With the ever‐increasing need for energy storage devices with high energy density, lithium (Li) metal anodes have been revisited. Due to the high reactivity of Li metal and the safety issues associated with liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have gain attention. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) with the highest ionic conductivity (σ) among the polymers faces serious problems. The inability to meet the practical limit of σ due to its high crystallinity, and its low thermomechanical stability above its melting temperature, have limited its large‐scale application. In this research, anionic polyurethane dispersion (PUD) based on poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was synthesized and different PUD:PEO compositions was prepared using water as a solvent. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) was also used to improve the ionic conductivity by providing a new pathway for conducting lithium ions in the composition. The results corroborated that the presence of PUD stabilized the storage modulus of the host polymer above Tm of PEO. The ionic nature of the selected PUDs resulted in a transference number of 0.59 and the presence of HNT increased this value to 0.72. The presence of HNTs also led to a significant increase in σ by about three times compared to the control sample.
A Qualitative Study of Defects with Enhanced Transport Properties of Graphene Exfoliated from Gum Arabic by Rapid Sonication Method
Authors: Anadkat Devang , Dungani Shreya , Pandya Anil , Jaiswal Anmol , Sanchela Anup V.
Published: April 2024

Graphene‐like materials are utilized to make electrical devices, thermal sensors, biosensors, and energy storage batteries. Herein, an efficient and cost‐effective approach is demonstrated by modulating the sonication time duration for producing a few layers of graphene using the emulsification qualities of low‐cost and environmentally friendly gum Arabic. By implementing the modified approach, the production time for graphene synthesis is significantly reduced to a short duration as compared to preliminarily reported methodologies. XRD, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopic results of graphene samples are presented in order to study the nature of defects. The flakes are thin enough (20 nm) to seem semitransparent under the FESEM. From the combination of both I2D/IG and FWHM (2D), a predominant formation of 3–7 graphene layers is observed. It is identified that mainly foreign adatom defects are present, with a density of ≈1010 cm−2, which results in an increasing Hall carrier concentration (≈2 × 1023 m−3) and mobility (≈27 800 cm2 Vs−1). Furthermore, graphene has a higher electrical conductivity of ≈550 S cm−1, which is far better than previously reported. This research opens the way for the mass manufacturing of simple, green, and cost‐effective graphene with better quality and physical attributes.
Optimization of Two‐Zone Step‐Etched Junction Termination Structures for Vertical GaN Power Devices
Authors: Taube Andrzej , Kamiński Maciej
Published: April 2024

One of the key elements of vertical high‐voltage GaN‐based devices is a properly designed junction termination extension (JTE) structure. One of the approaches to the fabrication of JTE structures is the use of p‐type epitaxial layers and their appropriate shaping to obtain high values of breakdown voltage. In this work, optimization of two‐zone (TZ) step‐etched JTE structures for vertical GaN power devices using technology computer aided design simulations is presented. Two constructions of the device are used, with a single‐zone (SZ‐JTE) and TZ‐JTE (TZ‐JTE) structure. The dependence of the breakdown voltage of SZ‐JTE structure is very sensitive to its thickness. The maximum breakdown voltage of 1654 V is obtained for the SZ‐JTE thickness of 110 nm. The use of a TZ‐JTE with an appropriate segment thickness ratio allows for a breakdown voltage above 75% of the theoretical value (≈1500 V) for a much wider range of JTE thicknesses and to achieve higher values of the breakdown voltage, reaching ≈96% of the theoretical value (1887 V). Finally, the performed simulations allow to map the full dependence on the thickness of the TZ‐JTE areas (2D‐map) and to determine the process window leading to the breakdown voltage above 1500 V.
Harnessing the Shannon Entropy‐Based Magnetocaloric Effect in GaAs Quantum Dot under the Influence of Noise‐Anharmonicity Interplay
Authors: Bhakti Bhaskar , Datta Swarnab , Ghosh Manas
Published: April 2024

In the present investigation, the Shannon entropy‐based magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of GaAs quantum dot (QD) is explored under the simultaneous influence of anharmonicity and Gaussian white noise (GWHN). The symmetry of the anharmonic potential (AHP), the manner of incorporation of GWHN, and the QD confinement interplay with great intricacy to tailor the MCE. AHP of odd (even) symmetry reduces (increases) the confinement of the system relative to the anharmonicity‐free system. Generally, the MCE profiles behave in diverse manner under additive white noise and multiplicative white noise and often show deviation from the noise‐free condition. It is also found that additive (multiplicative) noise lowers (raises) the magnitude of MCE in comparison with the noise‐free values.
Comments on ‘standard and reference‐based conditional mean imputation’: Regulators and trial statisticians be aware!
Authors: Cro Suzie , Morris Tim P. , Roger James H. , Carpenter James R.
Published: April 2024

Accurate frequentist performance of a method is desirable in confirmatory clinical trials, but is not sufficient on its own to justify the use of a missing data method. Reference‐based conditional mean imputation, with variance estimation justified solely by its frequentist performance, has the surprising and undesirable property that the estimated variance becomes smaller the greater the number of missing observations; as explained under jump‐to‐reference it effectively forces the true treatment effect to be exactly zero for patients with missing data.
Rejoinder to the letter: “Standard and reference‐based conditional mean imputation: Regulators and trial statisticians be aware!”
Authors: Wolbers Marcel , Noci Alessandro , Delmar Paul , Yiu Sean , Bartlett Jonathan W.
Published: April 2024

We appreciate Cro et al.'s efforts to bring wider attention to the debate surrounding variance estimation for reference‐based imputation methods. However, we believe that the way this debate is presented as “multiple imputation” versus “conditional mean imputation” can be misleading. Both of these imputation methods rely on identical assumptions and provide essentially identical treatment effect estimates. While conditional mean imputation naturally focuses on the frequentist repeated sampling variance, we show here that it can be easily adapted to target a variance with similar properties to Rubin's variance. Therefore, conditional mean imputation combined with jackknife resampling remains a valid and effective deterministic method for handling missing data under missing‐at‐random or reference‐based assumptions regardless of the user's preference for variance estimation. We also reappraise the frequentist variance by arguing that it correctly reflects the strong assumptions of reference‐based imputation. In contrast, we are not aware of any frequentist or Bayesian framework under which Rubin's variance provides correct inference.
Deep learning in marine bioacoustics: a benchmark for baleen whale detection
Authors: Schall Elena , Kaya Idil Ilgaz , Debusschere Elisabeth , Devos Paul , Parcerisas Clea
Published: April 2024

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is commonly used to obtain year‐round continuous data on marine soundscapes harboring valuable information on species distributions or ecosystem dynamics. This continuously increasing amount of data requires highly efficient automated analysis techniques in order to exploit the full potential of the available data. Here, we propose a benchmark, which consists of a public dataset, a well‐defined task and evaluation procedure to develop and test automated analysis techniques. This benchmark focuses on the special case of detecting animal vocalizations in a real‐world dataset from the marine realm. We believe that such a benchmark is necessary to monitor the progress in the development of new detection algorithms in the field of marine bioacoustics. We ultimately use the proposed benchmark to test three detection approaches, namely ANIMAL‐SPOT, Koogu and a simple custom sequential convolutional neural network (CNN), and report performances. We report the performance of the three detection approaches in a blocked cross‐validation fashion with 11 site‐year blocks for a multi‐species detection scenario in a large marine passive acoustic dataset. Performance was measured with three simple metrics (i.e., true classification rate, noise misclassification rate and call misclassification rate) and one combined fitness metric, which allocates more weight to the minimization of false positives created by noise. Overall, ANIMAL‐SPOT performed the best with an average F metric of 0.83, followed by the custom CNN with an average fitness metric of 0.79 and finally Koogu with an average fitness metric of 0.59. The presented benchmark is an important step to advance in the automatic processing of the continuously growing amount of PAM data that are collected throughout the world's oceans. To ultimately achieve usability of developed algorithms, the focus of future work should be laid on the reduction of the false positives created by noise.
Exploratory assessment of the SLAKES method to characterize aggregate stability across diverse soil types
Authors: Adetsu Diana Vigah , Arthur Emmanuel , Fu Yuting , Cornelis Wim , Lamandé Mathieu
Published: April 2024

Classical soil aggregate stability (AS) methods lack standardized protocols and require long measurement times. However, the fairly new SLAKES method purportedly allows for rapid AS estimation with minimal technical equipment. SLAKES has been tested on fine‐textured soils but its suitability for other soil types is unknown. This study investigated SLAKES’ suitability for AS measurements on silty clay, silt loam, and sandy loam soils. For each SLAKES test, three aggregates were immersed in distilled water and imaged for 10 min. SLAKES output includes disaggregation data per aggregate and three coefficients from a Gompertz function that describe slaking dynamics. Four AS descriptors obtained from SLAKES output were investigated: the averaged maximum slaking from a test (aSK), the maximum slaking for each measurement (aggregate) (aFT, from fitting a Gompertz function to SLAKES raw data), the averaged aFT for the measurements in a test (a̅FT), and the slaking index at 10 min per measurement (SI600). The aSK is a direct descriptor included in the SLAKES output, while aFT, a̅FT, and SI600 are indirect descriptors. The SI600 was the most preferred SLAKES AS descriptor since it is a calculated parameter and due to its sensitivity in detecting AS status among all soil types. The sandy loam soil was the most stable from both the raw SLAKES data and fitting, albeit counterintuitive. SLAKES default measurement time was sufficient for the silty clay and silt loam soils but not for the sandy loam soil. Overall, SLAKES was a useful tool for AS measurements on fine‐textured soils but was less suitable for AS measurements on the coarse‐textured soil.
Unraveling the Impact of Pesticide Exposure on Apis Honey Bees: An Investigation on Succinate Dehydrogenase Subunit A (SDHA) Inhibition Mechanisms
Authors: Haran Ramkumar , Sathyaseelan Chakkarai , Sumathi Ettiappan , Jayakanthan Mannu , Vijay Settu , Shandeep Ganeshan , Ramasami Saminathan Vangili , Rajagopalan Srinivasan Madapuji , Kokiladevi Eswaran
Published: April 2024

Concerns about pollinator health and the influence on agricultural ecosystems have developed as a result of pesticide‐caused population declines in honey bees. The research looked at the properties of the SDHA subunit of the enzyme Succinate dehydrogenase, which is important for energy production and mitochondrial function. The goal was to investigate the structural and functional characteristics of SDHA in several Apis bee species, as well as how pesticides can limit its activity. In silico analyses were conducted to understand the structural characteristics of the SDHA subunit, assess evolutionary conservation, analyze deformation energy, and investigate potential pesticide binding. Thirteen pesticides were subjected to molecular docking studies with the Apis SDHA subunit. The study revealed the stability and conserved nature of the SDHA subunit across different Apis sp. Deformation energy analysis highlighted regions of local flexibility, particularly in the active site and interdomain interfaces. Molecular docking analysis indicated that pesticides such as Carboxin, Clothianidin, and Dithianon potentially interfere with FAD binding, while Fipronil and Sulfoxaflor may disrupt both FAD and dicarboxylate binding. This research sheds light on pesticides′ probable inhibitory effects on SDH, a vital enzyme in honey bee energy production and mitochondrial function. The findings highlight the importance of stringent pesticide controls and long‐term pest management measures to protect pollinator numbers and ecosystem health.
New 2H‐Chromene‐Based Hydrazone Derivatives as Promising Anti‐Breast Cancer Agents: Efficient Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Studies
Authors: Shankar Panda Bhabani , Samanta Barsha , Sudha Ambadipudi S. S. S. S. , Nayak Sabita , Lakshma Nayak V. , Ramakrishna Sistla , Mohapatra Seetaram , Mohan Behera Pabitra , Samanta Luna
Published: April 2024

A new series of 2H‐chromene‐based hydrazones (10 a–w,12 a–d, and14 a–d) were efficiently synthesized by the reaction of substituted 2H‐chromene aldehydes (8 a–w) with various hydrazines (9,11, and13) in absolute ethanol under microwave irradiation as well as by lemon juice mediated conventional heating. The structures of synthesized target molecules were identified by spectroscopic analysis methods (1H NMR,13C NMR, FT‐IR, and HRMS). Thein vitroanticancer activity of the new 2H‐chromene‐based hydrazones were evaluated on the three breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7, MDA MB‐231, and MDA MB‐468) by MTT assay. Among these synthesized compounds,10 rand12 bexhibited the most potent antiproliferative activities with IC50values at 9.12±0.45 μM and 10.71±0.67 μM respectively, against MCF‐7 cell. Flowcytometric analysis revealed that these two potent compounds,10 rand12 barrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis of proteins in a dose‐dependent manner. It was further confirmed by Hoechst staining and Annexin V‐FITC assay. Additionally, compounds10 rand12 bwere examined byin silicomolecular docking, which revealed that compound10 rdisplayed excellent binding affinity energy of around −10 kcal/mol with human HER2 receptor. Also, the ADME studies validated the hybrid compounds showing promising physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug‐like attributes. Broadly, these results underscored the potential of 2H‐chromene‐based hydrazone derivatives as promising anticancer agents.
Universal Dielectric Response in Electronically Correlated Functional Oxides CaCu3Ti4O12, LaFeO3, YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 and their Nanocomposites: A Comparative Study
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudipa , Yadav Preeti , Singh Manoj K. , Vasundhara M. , Gayen Arup , Kundu Asish K. , Seikh Md. Motin
Published: April 2024

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO), LaFeO3 (LFO) and YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 (YFCO) were synthesized via conventional sol–gel auto–combustion method using citric acid as gelling agent. The X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the phase purity of the samples. The energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirms the stoichiometry of the pristine phases. The average particle size obtained from the field emission Scanning electron microscopy (FE−SEM) images revealed that CaCu3Ti4O12 exhibits a broad range of particle size starting from a couple of hundreds of nanometer to micrometer, whereas that for LaFeO3 and YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 are about 110 nm and 50 nm, respectively. We have fabricated the new composites: CCTO–LFO, CCTO–YFCO and LFO–YFCO. The grain sizes of the composite phases are consistent with the pristine phases as they are prepared by at lower sintering temperatures and duration. The dielectric properties of these ceramic composites were compared to those of the pristine phases. The temperature and frequency dependent dielectric measurements reveal a wide range of dielectric constant with moderate tan δ values. The temperature dependent dielectric constant of the investigated samples varies from 100 to 1500 at room temperature and the data have been analyzed using universal dielectric response (UDR) model.
Biological Activities, DFT and Molecular Docking Studies of Novel Schiff Bases Derived from Sulfamethoxypyridazine
Authors: Wajid Muhammad , Uzair Muhammad , Muhammad Gulzar , Siddique Farhan , Ashraf Adnan , Ahmad Sajjad , Alasmari Abdullah F.
Published: April 2024

The present study reported the synthesis and biological activities of sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMPR) Schiff bases (SBs) with different aromatic aldehydes. The antimicrobial potential of SBs against various pathogenic strains (S. epidermidis,E. coli,S. agalactiae, S. aureus,S. typhi, K. pneumoniae,C. albicans, andC. tropicalis) was explored by disc diffusion method. The antidiabetic potential was monitored by inhibition ofα‐amylase,α‐glucosidase, and anti‐inflammatory activity was studied by protein denaturation assay. The binding of protein with SBs was determined by MOE docking. The synthesized SBs reveal significant antimicrobial potential against all strains (pvalues<0.0001) better than the parent drug SMPR but less than amoxicillin. The synthesized SBs exhibited reasonable inhibition potential againstα‐glucosidase,α‐amylase, and anti‐inflammatory activity. The derivative10 adepicted antioxidant (IC50value 12.18 μg/mL) and anti‐inflammatory (IC50value 49.37 μg/mL) even better than standard ascorbic acid and diclofenac sodium (IC50values 49.92 and 123.81 μg/mL), respectively. Molecular docking results revealed that synthesized SBs have good binding affinities towards different receptor proteins and results support our experimental results. The electronic properties have been calculated using density function theory (DFT) to determine the chemical reactivity of studied compounds. The low energy gap between Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMOs) revealed the significant chemical reactivity of compounds8 aand10 a, among other compounds.
[CMMIM][BF4] as a Sustainable Catalyst for Spirooxindoles Synthesis via One‐Pot Multicomponent Reaction: Insights into their Photophysical Properties and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Kali Venkatesan , Maiti Barnali
Published: April 2024

This study shows an effective approach for the synthesis of spirooxindole‐pyrans and bis‐spirooxindole‐pyrans derivatives using 5 mol % of [CMMIM][BF4] ionic liquid. The synthesis of a library of 28 derivatives was accomplished with impressive yields, ranging from 81 % to 97 %. The derivatives were successfully characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR, and high‐resolution mass spectral techniques. In addition, the photophysical properties of 17 selected derivatives, including the molar extinction coefficient (ϵ) and the Stokes shift (Δυ̅), have been investigated. The values for spirooxindole‐pyrans vary between 14863 to 47372 and 5516 to 9766 cm−1, respectively. On the other hand, the corresponding values vary from 30871 to 57622 and 9199 to 13351 cm−1 for bis‐spirooxindole‐pyrans. Furthermore, the experimental data is supported by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations. The theoretical studies conducted demonstrated a trend remarkably consistent with the experimental results.
Critical role of endoplasmic reticulum stress on bisphenol A‐induced cytotoxicity in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells
Authors: Kim Sou Hyun , Kang Dong Wan , Kwon Doyoung , Jung Young‐Suk
Published: April 2024

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in plastic and paper products, and its exposure can occur through skin contact or oral ingestion. The hazardous effects of BPA absorbed through the skin may be more severe; however, few studies have investigated the skin toxicity of BPA. This study investigated the effects of BPA on human epidermal keratinocyte cell lines, which is relevant for skin exposure. BPA treatment reduced cell viability in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner and elevated oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), an oxidative stress inhibitor, reduced BPA‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. However, only 10% of the decreased cell viability was restored at the highest NAC concentration. Treatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), which is an ER stress inhibitor, effectively countered the increase in ER stress‐related proteins induced by BPA. Moreover, TUDCA treatment led to a reduction in oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the decrease in ROS levels, maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential, and modulation of stress signaling proteins. Consequently, TUDCA significantly improved BPA‐induced cytotoxicity in a concentration‐dependent manner. Notably, combined treatment using TUDCA and NAC further reduced the BPA‐induced ROS levels; however, no significant difference in cell viability was observed compared with that for TUDCA treatment alone. These findings indicated that the oxidative stress observed following BPA exposure was exacerbated by ER stress. Moreover, the principal factor driving BPA‐induced cytotoxicity was indeed ER stress, which has potential implications for developing therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with similar stress responses.
Attitudes toward COVID‐19 vaccination status disclosure in the provider–patient relationship: Findings from a population survey
Authors: Badahdah Abdallah M. , Viskupič Filip , Wiltse David L.
Published: April 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic ignited heated discussions on social media as well as in the medical, legal, and political communities, about whether health‐care providers should have the right to refuse to see unvaccinated patients. Another discussed idea during the pandemic, though it attracted less attention, was about patients' right to learn about the vaccination status of their health‐care providers. In this paper, we examined public attitudes toward these two rights using data from a cross‐sectional survey conducted in South Dakota in the summer of 2021. We utilized registration‐based sampling to recruit participants. The survey collected data on some of the most significant variables reported in the literature that shape people's attitudes toward COVID‐19 vaccines. Specifically, participants provided information on their age, gender, educational level, household income, COVID‐19 vaccination status, stress induced by the pandemic, and political partisan identification. The health‐care providers' rights as well as the patients' rights were gauged with one item each using a five‐point Likert scale. We analyzed data from 573 respondents (Mage = 56.6 years, SD = 16.48), which showed that older participants, those with higher levels of COVID‐19‐related stress, and vaccinated individuals expressed higher support, while Republicans expressed lower support for the two policies. Gender, education, and income did not influence participants' attitudes. Although the findings might have limited generalizability to populations outside South Dakota, they offer valuable insights for developing comprehensive ethical codes where vaccination status might be at the center stage for clinician‐patient relationships in future pandemic responses.
The curious case of the disappearing piRNAs
Authors: Sarkies Peter
Published: April 2024

Small non‐coding RNAs are key regulators of gene expression across eukaryotes. Piwi‐interacting small RNAs (piRNAs) are a specific type of small non‐coding RNAs, conserved across animals, which are best known as regulators of genome stability through their ability to target transposable elements for silencing. Despite the near ubiquitous presence of piRNAs in animal lineages, there are some examples where the piRNA pathway has been lost completely, most dramatically in nematodes where loss has occurred in at least four independent lineages. In this perspective I will provide an evaluation of the presence of piRNAs across animals, explaining how it is known that piRNAs are missing from certain organisms. I will then consider possible explanations for why the piRNA pathway might have been lost and evaluate the evidence in favor of each possible mechanism. While it is still impossible to provide definitive answers, these theories will prompt further investigations into why such a highly conserved pathway can nevertheless become dispensable in certain lineages.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
Investigation of rare‐metal granites, pegmatites, and metasomatites minerals of Mongolia by scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray electron probe microanalysis methods
Authors: Belozerova Olga Yu. , Antipin Victor S. , Kushch Larisa V. , Odgerel D.
Published: April 2024

The multicomponent technique of x‐ray electron probe microanalysis for rock‐forming and minor minerals of granites, pegmatites, and metasomatites was developed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x‐ray electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) methods. The conditions for excitation and recording of elements analytical lines were chosen taking into account the properties of the investigated material. The distortion of analytical signal due to the effect of mutual overlapping of determined elements analytical lines was corrected using overlap coefficients, previously determined on the samples that did not contain the determined element. An assessment of metrological characteristics of EPMA technique showed, that it satisfies the requirements for the second category of quality of quantitative determinations and the second category of analyses adopted in the International Program for Professional Testing of Geoanalytical Laboratories (GeoPT). This developed technique was used for studying rare‐metal granites, pegmatites, and metasomatites of Central Mongolia (multiphase Baga Gazriin massif).
Fear and Threat
Authors: Hughes David A.
Published: April 2024

Western governments have long used manufactured fear as a means of keeping the population susceptible to propaganda. A “pandemic” is a powerful fear concept; yet, there is no credible evidence of a viral pandemic in 2020. “Covid-19” does not meet any credible (pre-2009) definition of a “pandemic,” and attempts to present “Covid-19” as a new “Spanish flu” are bogus. The exaggerated threat of “Covid-19” was a function of military-grade propaganda, emanating from governments and the media, involving a barrage of terrifying images, messages, and “alert levels.” The BBC played a particularly culpable role in spreading fear. Death statistics were manipulated. Propaganda about hospitals being overwhelmed by “Covid-19” admissions camouflaged a sinister attack on public health. The primary purpose of face masks and PCR tests was to spread fear. Waves of fear/terror were sent by “new variants,” “immunity escape,” and the open letter by Geert Vanden Bossche. The spurious concept of “long Covid” projects the danger out into the future.
Deligne Categories and Representations of the Finite General Linear Group, Part 1: Universal Property
Authors: Entova-Aizenbud Inna , Heidersdorf Thorsten
Published: April 2024

We study the Deligne interpolation categories $$\underline{\textrm{Rep}}(GL_{t}({\mathbb F}_q))$$

Rep
̲

(
G

L
t

(

F
q

)

)

for $$t\in \mathbb {C}$$

t
∈
C

, first introduced by F. Knop. These categories interpolate the categories of finite-dimensional complex representations of the finite general linear group $$GL_n(\mathbb {F}_q)$$

G

L
n

(

F
q

)

. We describe the morphism spaces in this category via generators and relations. We show that the generating object of this category (an analogue of the representation $${\mathbb C}{\mathbb F}_q^n$$

C

F
q
n

of $$GL_n(\mathbb {F}_q)$$

G

L
n

(

F
q

)

) carries the structure of a Frobenius algebra with a compatible $${\mathbb F}_q$$

F
q

-linear structure; we call such objects $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

-linear Frobenius spaces and show that $$\underline{\textrm{Rep}}(GL_{t}({\mathbb F}_q))$$

Rep
̲

(
G

L
t

(

F
q

)

)

is the universal symmetric monoidal category generated by such an $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

-linear Frobenius space of categorical dimension t. In the second part of the paper, we prove a similar universal property for a category of representations of $$GL_{\infty }(\mathbb {F}_q)$$

G

L
∞

(

F
q

)

.
Rates of paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions using a modified Markman’s infusion protocol as primary prophylaxis
Authors: Symons Rebecca , Heath Fiona , Duggan Jennifer , Bui Kim Tam , Byun Lily , Friedlander Michael , Lee Yeh Chen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Markman’s desensitisation protocol allows successful retreatment of patients who have had significant paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions. We aimed to reduce the risk and severity of paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions by introducing this protocol as primary prophylaxis.

Methods

We evaluated all patients with a gynaecological malignancy receiving paclitaxel before (December 2018 to September 2019) and after (October 2019 to July 2020) the implementation of a modified Markman’s desensitisation protocol. The pre-implementation group received paclitaxel over a gradually up-titrated rate from 60 to 180 ml/h. The post-implementation group received paclitaxel via 3 fixed-dose infusion bags in the first 2 cycles. Rates and severity of paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions were compared.

Results

A total of 426 paclitaxel infusions were administered to 78 patients. The median age was 64 years (range 34–81), and the most common diagnosis was ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer (67%, n = 52/78). Paclitaxel hypersensitivity reaction rates were similar in the pre-implementation (8%, n = 16/195) and post-implementation groups (9%, n = 20/231; p = 0.87). Most paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions occurred within 30 min (pre- vs. post-implementation, 88% [n = 14/16] vs. 75% [n = 15/20]; p = 0.45) and were grade 2 in severity (pre- vs. post-implementation, 81% [n = 13/16] vs. 75% [n = 15/20]; p = 0.37). There was one grade 3 paclitaxel hypersensitivity reaction in the pre-implementation group. All patients were successfully rechallenged in the post-implementation group compared to 81% (n = 13/16) in the pre-implementation group (p = 0.43).

Conclusion

The modified Markman’s desensitisation protocol as primary prophylaxis did not reduce the rate or severity of paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions, although all patients could be successfully rechallenged.
An experimental design for comparing interactive methods based on their desirable properties
Authors: Afsar Bekir , Silvennoinen Johanna , Ruiz Francisco , Ruiz Ana B. , Misitano Giovanni , Miettinen Kaisa
Published: April 2024

In multiobjective optimization problems, Pareto optimal solutions representing different tradeoffs cannot be ordered without incorporating preference information of a decision maker (DM). In interactive methods, the DM takes an active part in the solution process and provides preference information iteratively. Between iterations, the DM can learn how achievable the preferences are, learn about the tradeoffs, and adjust the preferences. Different interactive methods have been proposed in the literature, but the question of how to select the best-suited method for a problem to be solved remains partly open. We propose an experimental design for evaluating interactive methods according to several desirable properties related to the cognitive load experienced by the DM, the method’s ability to capture preferences and its responsiveness to changes in the preferences, the DM’s satisfaction in the overall solution process, and their confidence in the final solution. In the questionnaire designed, we connect each questionnaire item to be asked with a relevant research question characterizing these desirable properties of interactive methods. We also conduct a between-subjects experiment to compare three interactive methods and report interesting findings. In particular, we find out that trade-off-free methods may be more suitable for exploring the whole set of Pareto optimal solutions, while classification-based methods seem to work better for fine-tuning the preferences to find the final solution.
Marine heatwave promotes population expansion of the invasive ascidian Symplegma brakenhielmi
Authors: Spyksma Arie J. P. , Miller Kelsey I. , Shears Nick T.
Published: April 2024

The global increase in frequency and severity of marine heatwaves (MHWs) is highlighting the impact these extreme climatic events can have on marine ecosystems. Throughout the summer of 2021/2022 northeastern Aotearoa/New Zealand suffered an unprecedented MHW. Worst impacted areas, such as the semi-enclosed Te Moananui-ā-Toi/Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf, experienced more than three continual months of temperatures at or above the climatological mean maximum (20.7 °C). During this period, we observed a rapid increase in the abundance and cover of the invasive, warm-affinity colonial ascidian Symplegma brakenhielmi on temperate rocky reefs. Population expansion of this species has not previously been linked to MHW events. Benthic monitoring as water temperatures cooled showed a sharp decrease in S. brakenhielmi abundance, but not complete disappearance, and the coverage of individually monitored colonies also declined. There was no observed increase in abundance or cover throughout the summer of 2022/2023, a potential consequence of cooler water temperatures and multiple cyclones. Observed impacts included the growth of S. brakenhielmi over other sessile invertebrate and macroalgal species, as well as on highly mobile spiny lobster, suggesting that this species can have a variety of impacts on temperate rocky reefs. In the future, as ocean temperatures continue to warm, these findings provide insight into what we can expect and highlight how MHW can facilitate the rapid expansion and integration of non-native, warm-affinity species into temperate reef ecosystems.
Indications of reproductive disturbance by the invasive round goby on a native salmonid
Authors: Wallin Kihlberg Isa , Florin Ann-Britt , Efstathiadis Ioannis , Brodin Tomas , Hellström Gustav
Published: April 2024

Invasive species have a wide array of effects on species in their introduced ranges, including sub-lethal effects such as disruption of courtship or parental care, with potential negative influence on fitness of the native species. The invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a door-knocker species to freshwater rivers and streams connected to the Baltic Sea. In the case of establishment of round goby in freshwater it may overlap spatially with native salmonids like Baltic Sea Atlantic salmon and sea trout, and we therefore experimentally studied interactions between round goby and salmon during salmon spawning. We found that salmon spawning behaviour was unaffected by the presence of round goby. However, salmon displayed aggression towards the round goby and the salmon male and female resided closer to each other in the presence of round goby at higher round goby densities, which we interpret to be a protective behaviour. In addition, salmon spawning was delayed in the presence of round goby. Altogether, our results imply that the reproductive success of vulnerable Baltic salmonids may be impaired under a scenario where round goby migrates upstream and establishes in Baltic rivers and streams. Consequently, we see the need for management actions to hinder spread and subsequent establishment of round goby in freshwaters along the Baltic coastline.
Drought-induced turnover of soil microbial biomass increases nutrient subsidies for the reproduction of tropical forest
Authors: Fujii Kazumichi , Hayakawa Chie , Sukartiningsih
Published: April 2024

El Niño-induced drought, which is intensified by climate change, can have huge impacts on soil microbial biomass and plant productivity in tropical forests. We tested whether drought-induced turnover of soil microbial biomass can be a potential source of phosphorus (P), the limiting nutrient, for the reproduction of tropical forest trees (mast fruiting). We measured the seasonal variations in soil microbial biomass P and soil solution P concentrations including the periods before and after drought in a dipterocarp forest in Indonesia. Drought resulted in a decrease in soil microbial biomass C, N, and P, followed by a recovery after re-wetting. There was a sharp peak of soil solution P concentrations during the drought. The significant difference between soil microbial biomass P before and after drought amounted to 2.0 kg P ha−1. The potential P release from microbial turnover is not negligible compared to the additional P demand for fruit production (1.0 kg P ha−1) as well as the annual demand for litter production (2.5 kg P ha−1 year−1). In addition to the accumulation of nutrients for several non-fruiting years and their re-distribution in tree biomass, drought-induced microbial turnover can be nutrient subsidies for dipterocarp reproduction in highly-weathered soils.
Activation of CTU2 expression by LXR promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xue Chao , Wei Zhuo , Zhang Ye , Liu Ying , Zhang Shuang , Li Qi , Feng Ke , Yang Xiaoxiao , Liu Guangqing , Chen Yuanli , Li Xiaoju , Yao Zhi , Han Jihong , Duan Yajun
Published: April 2024

Cytosolic thiouridylase 2 (CTU2) is an enzyme modifying transfer RNAs post-transcriptionally, which has been implicated in breast cancer and melanoma development. And we found CTU2 participated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression here. HepG2 cells as well as xenograft nude mice model were employed to investigate the role of CTU2 in HCC development in vitro and in vivo respectively. Further, we defined CTU2 as a Liver X receptor (LXR) targeted gene, with a typical LXR element in the CTU2 promoter. CTU2 expression was activated by LXR agonist and depressed by LXR knockout. Interestingly, we also found CTU2 took part in lipogenesis by directly enhancing the synthesis of lipogenic proteins, which provided a novel mechanism for LXR regulating lipid synthesis. Meanwhile, lipogenesis was active during cell proliferation, particularly in tumor cells. Reduction of CTU2 expression was related to reduced tumor burden and synergized anti-tumor effect of LXR ligands by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Taken together, our study identified CTU2 as an LXR target gene. Inhibition of CTU2 expression could enhance the anti-tumor effect of LXR ligand in HCC, identifying CTU2 as a promising target for HCC treatment and providing a novel strategy for the application of LXR agonists in anti-tumor effect.

Graphical Abstract

1.) CTU2 enhances proliferation of hepatoma carcinoma cells.

2.) CTU2 is the target gene of LXR, and LXR can transcriptionally activate CTU2 expression.

3.) CTU2 can promote protein synthesis of lipogenic genes.

4.) Inhibiting CTU2 expression can synergistically enhance the inhibitory effects of LXR ligands on HCC growth.
Determinants of Exposure Therapy Implementation in Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Racz J. I. , Bialocerkowski A. , Calteaux I. , Farrell L. J.
Published: April 2024

Exposure therapy (ET) forms a vital part of effective psychotherapy for anxiety-related presentations including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is often underutilised in clinical practice. Using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), this systematic review synthesised existing literature on the determinants of ET implementation for anxiety-related presentations and examined differences across presentations and developmental subgroups. Fifty-two eligible studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, with 389 results (99%) mapped onto the TDF. Results suggested that clinicians’ negative beliefs about the consequences of ET were commonly associated with reduced implementation. It also appeared that whilst broad unspecified ET training may be related to improved implementation for anxiety disorders; greater implementation for complex presentations (i.e., PTSD) likely requires more specialised training involving practical components. A subset of domains (e.g., social/professional role and identity) accounted for most results, whilst some remain unexplored (i.e., optimism; reinforcement; memory, attention, and decision processes) or underexplored (i.e., behavioural regulation). Likewise, specific presentations and developmental subgroups (i.e., PTSD and adults) represented a greater proportion of results in the literature than others (i.e., OCD and youth). Future research exploring ET implementation, across specific presentations and developmental subgroups, would benefit from integrating implementation science frameworks to guide the development of targeted, comprehensive strategies to close the research-practice gap of ET for the treatment of anxiety-related presentations.
FoxG1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease: Modulating NLRP3 Inflammasome via AMPK/mTOR Autophagy Pathway
Authors: Yun Qi , Ma Si-Fei , Zhang Wei-Ning , Gu Meng , Wang Jia
Published: April 2024

An increasing body of research suggests that promoting microglial autophagy hinders the neuroinflammation initiated though the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The function of FoxG1, a crucial transcription factor involved in cell survival by regulating mitochondrial function, remains unknown during the AD process and neuroinflammation occurs. In the present study, we firstly found that Aβ peptides induced AD-like neuroinflammation upregulation and downregulated the level of autophagy. Following low-dose Aβ25–35 stimulation, FoxG1 expression and autophagy exhibited a gradual increase. Nevertheless, with high-concentration Aβ25–35 treatment, progressive decrease in FoxG1 expression and autophagy levels as the concentration of Aβ25–35 escalated. In addition, FoxG1 has a positive effect on cell viability and autophagy in the nervous system. In parallel with the Aβ25–35 stimulation, we employed siRNA to decrease the expression of FoxG1 in N2A cells. A substantial reduction in autophagy level (Beclin1, LC3II, SQSTM1/P62) and a notable growth in inflammatory response (NLRP3, TNF-α, and IL-6) were observed. In addition, we found FoxG1 overexpression owned the effect on the activation of AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway and siRNA-FoxG1 successfully abolished this effect. Lastly, FoxG1 suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome and enhanced the cognitive function in AD-like mouse model induced by Aβ25–35. Confirmed by cellular and animal experiments, FoxG1 suppressed NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation, which was strongly linked to autophagy regulated by AMPK/mTOR. Taken together, FoxG1 may be a critical node in the pathologic progression of AD and has the potential to serve as therapeutic target.
On the Bumpy Road to Responsible Lending in the Digital Marketplace: The New EU Consumer Credit Directive
Authors: Cherednychenko O. O.
Published: April 2024

On 18 October 2023, the EU adopted the long-awaited New Consumer Credit Directive. This directive will replace the 2008 Consumer Credit Directive which has been criticized for two main reasons. First, the information paradigm of consumer protection reflected in the directive has been widely regarded as incapable of protecting consumers against irresponsible lending. Second, the directive has been viewed unfit for ensuring consumer protection in an increasingly digital marketplace. To remedy the shortcomings of the old directive, the revised directive widens the scope of its application, tailors the existing rules to the consumer needs in the online lending environment, and introduces new, more protective rules. But does this suffice to ensure responsible lending in the digital consumer credit markets? To answer this question, this article critically assesses the key changes introduced by the New Consumer Credit Directive, against the backdrop of the large-scale irresponsible lending practices that have troubled the consumer credit markets across Europe over the last decade or more. It concludes that the revised directive represents a major step forward in combating such practices and protecting European consumers against overindebtedness in the digital marketplace. At the same time, however, the effectiveness of the new directive will depend considerably on its implementation and enforcement in the EU Member States.