bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants
Authors: Ford Dianne , Henderson John , Quigley Sophia , Chachra Shruti , Conlon Nichola
Published: September 2023

Reversal or mitigation against an age-related decline in NAD+ has likely benefits, and this premise has driven academic and commercial endeavour to develop dietary supplements that achieve this outcome. We used a novel systems-based approach to improve on current supplements by targeting multiple points in the NAD+ salvage pathway. In a double-blind, randomised, crossover trial, the supplement – Nuchido TIME+® (NT) - increased NAD+ concentration in whole blood. This was associated with an increase in SIRT1 and an increase in nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in peripheral blood mononucleocytes, lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, including a reduction in interleukin 2 (IL2), a reduction in glycated serum protein and a shift in the glycosylation profile of immunoglobulin G (IgG) toward a younger biological age, all of which are likely to promote a healthier aging trajectory.
Area Under the Inspiratory Flow-Volume Curve (AIX): Proposed Normative Values
Authors: Ioachimescu Octavian , Stoller James K.
Published: September 2023

Area under the inspiratory flow-volume loop (AIX) is a spirometric tool that is potentially useful in characterizing upper and/or lower airflow obstruction. We analyzed AIX in 4,980 single-test, pre- or post-bronchodilator normal spirometry tests recorded in non-smoking, healthy individuals in the Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory. The mean (95% confidence interval, CI), standard deviation and median (25th -75th interquartile range) AIX were 16.05 (15.79–16.31), 9.08 and 14.72 (9.12–21.42) L2⋅sec− 1, respectively. The mean (95% CI) and standard deviation of the best-trial measurements for square root of AIX (SqrtAIX, which follow a distribution closer to a gaussian distribution, were 3.84 (3.81–3.87) and 1.14; 4.15 (4.12–4.18) and 1.03 in men, and 2.68 (2.63–2.72) and 0.72 L⋅sec− 1/2 in women. The mean (standard deviation) of pre- and post-bronchodilator SqrtAIX were 3.71 (1.17) and 3.81 (1.19) L⋅sec− 1/2, respectively. The mean (95% CI), standard deviation and lowest 5th percentile (lower limit of normal, LLN) of SqrtAIX/SqrtAEX (%) were 101.3 (100.82-101.87), 18.7%, and 71.8%; stratified by gender, it was 102.2 (101.6-102.8), 18.6, and 72.8% in men, and 98 (96.9–99.2), 18.8, and 68.6% in women, respectively. The availability of area under the inspiratory flow-volume curve (AIX) and the derived indices offers a promising opportunity to assess upper airway disease (e.g., involvement of larynx, trachea or major bronchi), especially because some of these measurements appear to be independent of age, race, height, and weight.
Transcriptome Analysis Identified Dichogamy Regulation Networks in Alpinia mutica
Authors: Huang Ao-Dan , Peng Xiao-Chang , Duan Sheng-Chang , Jiang Li-Ju , Xiang Gui-Sheng , Zhao Jian-Li , Li Qing-Jun , Dong Yang , Wang Wei-Bin
Published: September 2023

In the sexual reproduction of flowering plants, outcrossing has natural advantages in heredity, and is the reproduction method used by most flowering plants. Dichogamy, accompanied by flower sex transition or differential maturation, promotes outcrossing and reduces selfing and interference with male and female functions, impacting the diversity and evolution of flowering plants significantly. However, due to a chronic lack of available research materials, the regulatory mechanism of dichogamy, an important reproductive trait that has been of great interest since Darwin's time, remains unknown. Fortunately, Aplinia mutica, a species of wild ginger that has two sexes within the same population and achieve dichogamy through sex transition, provides superb research material. In this study, differential expression gene analysis and group screening were conducted to identify the underlying causes and potential regulatory networks that may be involved in the flower sex transition and the maturity of two sex organs, anther, and stigma. Our findings revealed that genes such as MYB-TFs, NAC-TFs, FLA11, KSC6, NADPH, PP1CG2, and VTC2; plant hormones such as jasmonic acid (JA), auxin, and brassinosteroids (BR); environmental factors such as light and temperature; and many other factors, such as phosphorylation and other biological processes, may all affect the sex transition process of A. mutica. the regulation of sex transition and dichogamy is a complex process. Since the regulatory mechanism of dichogamy has been an important open question for a long time, our study has made a novel contribution by identifying and examining its transcriptional regulation in plants at the molecular level. This finding holds immense importance for further investigations in this area.
A gut microbial metabolite of linoleic acid ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β signaling in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Kasahara Nanaho , Imi Yukiko , Amano Reina , Shinohara Masakazu , Okada Kumiko , Hosokawa Yusei , Imamori Makoto , Tomimoto Chiaki , Kunisawa Jun , Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Ogawa Wataru , Hosooka Tetsuya
Published: September 2023

The antidiabetic drug pioglitazone ameliorates insulin resistance by activating the transcription factor PPARγ. In addition to its blood glucose–lowering action, pioglitazone exerts pleiotropic effects including amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The mechanism by which pioglitazone achieves this latter effect has remained unclear, however. We here show that pioglitazone administration increases the amount of linoleic acid (LA) metabolites in adipose tissue of KK-Ay mice. These metabolites are produced by lactic acid bacteria in the gut, and pioglitazone also increased the fraction of Lactobacillus in the gut microbiota. Administration of the LA metabolite HYA (10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid) to C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet improved liver histology including steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. Gene ontology analysis of RNA-sequencing data for the liver revealed that the top category for genes downregulated by HYA treatment was related to extracellular matrix, and the expression of individual genes related to fibrosis was confirmed to be attenuated by HYA treatment. Mechanistically, HYA suppressed TGF-β–induced Smad3 phosphorylation and fibrosis-related gene expression in human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2). Our results implicate LA metabolites in the mechanism by which pioglitazone ameliorates liver fibrosis, and they suggest that HYA is a potential therapeutic for NAFLD/NASH.
Age-specific comparisons in the rate of force development of toe pressure strength and its association with the Timed Up and Go test
Authors: Kamasaki Taishiro , Otao Hiroshi , Tanaka Shinichi , Hachiya Mizuki , Kubo Atsuko , Okawa Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Asuka , Fujiwara Kazuhiko , Suenaga Takuya , Kichize Yo , Shimokihara Suguru , Maruta Michio , Han Gwanghee , Mizokami Yasuhiro , Tabira Takayuki
Published: September 2023

Purpose
It has recently been recommended that Rate of Force Development (RFD) be evaluated in addition to maximal muscle strength. There are no studies on RFD of toe pressure strength, and its importance in older adults and the extent to which it is associated with aging needs to be clarified. This study purpose was to examine the association between the RFD of toe pressure strength and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) in an age-specific study.
Methods
This study is a cross-sectional study. Participants in the study included 159 healthy adults (26.3 ± 13.1 years, 52% male) and 88 older adults (75.0 ± 6.2 years, 26% male). The RFD of toe pressure strength was determined from the force-time curve obtained during the toe pressure strength assessment, and the ability to exert maximum muscle force in the shortest possible time was assessed. Regression analysis was performed for each group to test the association between RFD of toe pressure strength and TUG by age.
Results
Healthy adults showed no association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength, and significant association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength was found only in the older adults (standard regression coefficient = − 0.15, p = 0.048).
Conclusion
This study showed a significant association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength in older adults. These findings show that RFD is one of the functions that should be assessed, particularly in older adults. Furthermore, it was suggested that approaching RFD could improve gait, standing, and sitting movements.
Mushroom bioreactor-biomass as bioactive protein source: Synergy of mushroom rural and urban cultivation
Authors: Wan-Mohtar Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad , Azizan Nur Asyiqin Zahia , Tan Rui Yeong , Ilham Zul , Jamaludin Adi Ainurzaman
Published: September 2023

Mushroom rural cultivation consumes averagely 6-month period, while urban cultivation takes only 10 days or less. In this study, mushroom biomass was grinded and converted into a flour to produce mushroom-chicken patties using Lingzhi and Enoki. The inclusion of Enoki in chicken patties (10%, 20% and 30%) indicates higher consumer acceptance significantly (p > 0.05) compared to chicken patties with Lingzhi (10% and 20%). This analysis validated the concept of mushroom biomass as source of bioactive protein. On the other hand, 3kg dried mushroom-bioreactor biomass was produced using a heterotrophic 1m² fabricated-bioreactor, which answers the minimum requirement for protein content for 1 human per year. Together, these explain the significance of mushroom biomass in food security as a protein source and the synergy of mushroom rural-urban cultivation.
Interplay between Hole Superconductivity and Quantum Critical Antiferromagnetic Fluctuations in Electron-Doped Cuprates
Authors: Kim Changyoung , Song Dongjoon , Lee Suheon , Shen Zecheng , Jung Woobin , Lee Wonjun , Choi Sungkyun , Kyung Wonshik , Jung Saegyeol , Ishida Shigeyuki , Yoshida Yoshiyuki , Park Seung Ryong , Eisaki Hiroshi , Wang Yao , Choi Kwang-Yong
Published: September 2023

Antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations are the most promising candidate as the pairing glue of high critical temperature (Tc) superconductivity. However, many-body states and intertwined orders in cuprates have made it difficult to determine how electrons interact with fluctuating spins to form Cooper pairs. Recent experimental and theoretical studies have suggested spin fluctuation-driven quasiparticle band folding, but the relationship between the resultant Fermi pockets and superconductivity remains unclear. Here, we investigated this relationship in electron-doped Pr1−xLaCexCuO4±δ using angle-resolved photoemission and muon spin spectroscopy. By extracting the folded band component in the single-particle nodal band spectrum and analysing the muon relaxation rate, we discovered that Tc is proportional to the quasiparticle weight of the nodal hole pocket in the regime of the fluctuating antiferromagnetic ground state around a presumed quantum critical point. Our experimental and numerical observations highlight the significance of the marked interplay between the electron correlation and antiferromagnetic fluctuations in enhancing the hole pocket and consequently driving superconductivity.
The Role of Small RNAs in Resistant Melon Cultivar against Phelipanche aegyptiaca Parasitization
Authors: Mao Jiancai , Wang Haojie , Yan Miao , Guo Yao , Zhao Kaige , Zhang Hong , Yang Junyan , Li Junhua , Zhai Wenqiang
Published: September 2023

Bidirectional trans-kingdom RNA silencing, a pivotal factor in plant-pathogen interactions, remains less explored in plant host-parasite dynamics. Here, using small RNA sequencing in melon root systems, we investigated miRNA expression variation in resistant and susceptible cultivars pre- and post-infection by the parasitic plant, broomrape. This approach revealed 979 known miRNAs and 110 novel miRNAs across 110 families. When comparing susceptible (F0) and resistant (R0) melon lines with broomrape infection (F25 and R25), 39 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were observed in F25 vs. F0, 35 in R25 vs. R0, and 5 in R25 vs. F25. Notably, two miRNAs consistently exhibited differential expression across all comparisons, targeting genes linked to plant disease resistance. This suggests their pivotal role in melon's defense against broomrape. The target genes of these miRNAs were confirmed via degradome sequencing and validated by qRT-PCR, ensuring reliable sequencing outcomes. GO and KEGG analyses shed light on the molecular functions and pathways of these differential miRNAs. Furthermore, our study unveiled four trans-kingdom miRNAs, forming a foundation for exploring melon's resistance to broomrape.
Factors influencing the spiritual needs of China’s colorectal cancer patients: A structural equation modeling exercise
Authors: Zhang Xuanyue , Tu Jin , Ma HaiXia , Ba Li , Zhang YouMeng , Liu Hanjiao
Published: September 2023

Numerous studies indicate that long-term cancer treatment can significantly stress patients, adversely affecting both their emotional well-being and unaddressed spiritual needs. Despite this, there is a notable lack of research aimed at enhancing the spiritual well-being of these patients. Most studies that do touch on spiritual needs tend to be narrow in scope, focusing only on specific influencing factors. The spiritual needs of colorectal cancer patients in the postoperative rehabilitation phase are particularly under-researched.
This study aims to identify the spiritual needs of colorectal cancer patients and to analyze the factors that influence these needs. We utilized Generalized Structural Equation Modeling to investigate the interrelationships between psychological resilience, social support, spiritual health, anxiety, depression, and spiritual needs. Additionally, the study delves into the potential mediating roles of psychological resilience, social support, anxiety, depression, and spiritual health in the relationship between selected risk factors and observed variables.
In this research, we surveyed1,200 colorectal cancer patients using a range of scales, including the Psychological Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSS), the Spiritual Wellness Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale(HADS), and the Spiritual Needs Scale (SNS). We analyzed the data using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 24.0software. The results indicate that the model is well-fitted, as confirmed by the goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 2.921, TLI = 0.987, CFI = 0.997, NFI = 0.996, RMSEA = 0.046).
The findings obtained highlight the critical need to address the spiritual well-being of Chinese colorectal cancer patients, which continues to be a significant health challenge. Factors such as social support, psychological resilience, spiritual health, anxiety, and depression have both direct and indirect impacts on these needs. As such, healthcare providers and family membersshould consider these factors when offering psychological and social support. This will enable them to provide morecomprehensive spiritual care, thereby enhancing the patients' overall quality of life.
Restoration of gut dysbiosis through Clostridium butyricum and magnesium possibly balance blood glucose levels: an experimental study
Authors: Tayyib Hafiz Muhammad Ubaid , Ali Amjed , Jabeen Shaista , Rehman Habib-ur- , Kamran Hafsa , Bajaber Majed A. , Usman Muhammad , Zhang Xiao
Published: September 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an elevated level of blood glucose due to the absence of insulin secretion, ineffectiveness, or lack of uptake of secreted insulin in the body. The improperly diagnosed and poorly managed DM can cause severe damage to organs in the body like the nerves, eyes, heart, and kidneys. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of probioticClostridium butyricumwith magnesium supplementation to evaluate the effect on gut microbial dysbiosis and blood glucose levels. In an animal house, 24 male albino rats weighing 200–250 g have free access to water and food. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin 60 mg/kg in overnight fasted rats. Diabetic rats were divided into four groups (n = 6). Control group (G0) rats were given Metformin 100 mg/kg/day with a standard basal diet, treatment group 1 was givenClostridium Butyricum2.5x105CFU/day with standard basal diet, magnesium 500 mg/kg/day to group 2, WhileClostridium Butyricum(1.5x105CFU/day) and magnesium (300 mg/kg/day) in combination with a standard basal diet to group 3. Random blood glucose levels were monitored twice a week for 21 days and were represented as mean of each week. The results conclude thatClostridium Butyricum2.5 x105CFU is very effective in balancing random blood glucose levels from 206.6 ± 67.7 to 85.1 ± 3.8 (p = 0.006) compared to other groups (p > 0.005). The results of stool analysis showed thatClostridium Butyricumrestores microbial dysbiosis as evident by the 105CFUClostridium Butyricumload in G1, which was higher than G0, G2and G3which were 103and 104CFU respectively. The findings of this study conclude thatClostridium Butyricumsupplementation improved blood glucose levels and intestinal bacterial load in type II diabetes mellitus.
Could home management of COVID-19 cases alleviate strain on the fragile healthcare system in Damascus, Syria: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Alsalkini Marah , Hanafi Ibrahem , Alkhaledi Ahmad , Awad Khaled , Awad Kassem , Zamzam Haitham
Published: September 2023

The global impact of COVID-19 was devastating, particularly in low-income countries. Conflict zones like Syria, already plagued by political and socioeconomic instability, faced additional hardships, resulting in a fast collapse of the healthcare system. The overwhelmed system necessitated the implementation of home-based management as a practical solution to alleviate strain on hospitals. This study documents the efforts of a volunteer team during the initial COVID-19 wave in Damascus, Syria (August-September 2020) in implementing management through home visits and evaluates its outcomes in terms of recovery, hospitalization, and mortality. Out of the managed 770 moderate and severe cases, approximately 80% reported full or partial recovery from COVID-19, with only 6.6% experiencing persistently low peripheral blood oxygen levels at follow-up. Nonetheless, 28.6% of patients necessitated hospitalization, 14.5% were admitted to intensive care units, and 15.3% died. Age, masculinity, and cardiac comorbidities were associated with a higher need for oxygen support and led to higher hospitalization and mortality rates. This approach effectively steered most patients toward recovery and facilitated the timely identification and management of critical cases until their transition to hospital care when capacities allowed, proving to be a pivotal asset to the healthcare system in the face of such challenging circumstances.
A Quantitative Evaluation Model of Ancient Military Defense Efficiency Based on Spatial Strength—Take Zhejiang of the Ming Dynasty as an example
Authors: Wang Yinggang , Tan Lifeng , Zhang Zao , Liu Huanjie , Liu Jiayi , Zhang Yukun , Mu Mengqi
Published: September 2023

In the study of the defense capacity of ancient military settlements, most existing studies have evaluated the defense capacity of citadels qualitatively from a historiographical perspective. There are fewer quantitative studies on defense efficiency in a specific regional context. This paper takes the coastal defense citadels system of Zhejiang in the Ming Dynasty of China as the research object. It adopts a combination of digital historical data mining and quantitative research to study the defense efficiency of the military defense area in Zhejiang in the Ming Dynasty. This paper first analyzes the defense pattern of Zhejiang's sea defense citadels system in the Ming Dynasty. It determines the control points of defense groups, quantifies the defense group area with a Voronoi diagram, and classifies and assigns the entropy value to the deployment data of guard forts in historical data. Finally, the assigned forces are superimposed on the defense area to obtain the quantified defense efficiency of each defense group, and the defense results are verified. This paper innovatively proposes an "area-force" perspective. It introduces spatial segmentation and quantitative research methods to study the defense efficiency of a specific regional defense group system in ancient times. It proves that this method is feasible and can be applied to the study of other ancient military defense areas. It also expands the scientific perspective of ancient military fortification systems, which can contribute to systematically preserving ancient military settlement heritage on a larger scale.
Water stress tolerance is coordinated with water use capacity and growth under water deficit across six fruit tree species
Authors: Opazo Ismael , Pimentel Paula , Salvatierra Ariel , Ortiz Mauricio , Toro Guillermo , Garrido Marco
Published: September 2023

Compare water stress tolerance traits between different fruit tree species under the same experimental conditions can provide valuable information for understanding the mechanisms underlying water stress tolerance. This work aimed to determine and compare the water stress tolerance of six fruit tree species typically cultivated in Mediterranean regions and evaluate its association with water use and growth under water deficit. Six fruit tree species were used in this study: pomegranate, fig, mandarin, avocado, and two Prunus species ('R40' and 'R20'). Iso-anisohydric behavior (low to high water stress tolerance) was assessed through a multi-trait approach and associated with growth and water use under well-watered and water deficit conditions. Avocado and mandarin were classified as species with more strict stomatal control over water potential, while pomegranate, fig, and Prunus spp. showed less stomatal control. This classification was supported by the multi-traits analysis, which showed that avocado and mandarin, in contrast to the rest of the species, were characterized by higher gas-exchange thresholds (more sensitive). A more isohydric behavior was associated with lower water, but higher root hydraulic conductivity, and a lower growth capacity. Some traits, such as the FTSWthreshold to the drop of relative transpiration, root hydraulic conductivity, and residual soil water content, provide valuable information to discriminate between species or genotypes that are better adapted to water deficits. These traits explain the position of the species in the iso-anisohydric spectrum and allow us to understand and develop better strategies for water management in agricultural systems.
Three-dimensional leaf edge reconstruction using a combination of two- and three-dimensional phenotyping approaches
Authors: Murata Hidekazu , Noshita Koji
Published: September 2023

Background: The physiological functions of plants are carried out by leaves, which are important organs. The morphological traits of leaves serve multiple functional requirements and demands of plants. Traditional techniques for quantifying leaf morphology rely largely on two-dimensional (2D) methods, resulting in a limited understanding of the three-dimensional (3D) functionalities of leaves. Notably, recent advancements in surveying technologies have improved 3D data acquisition processes. However, there are still challenges in producing accurate 3D-representations of leaf morphologies, particularly leaf edges. Therefore, in this study, we propose a method for reconstructing 3D leaf edges using a combination of 2D image instance segmentation and curve-based 3D reconstruction.
Results: The proposed method reconstructed 3D leaf edges from multi-view images based on deep neural network-based instance segmentation for 2D edge detection, SfM for estimating camera positions and orientations, leaf correspondence identification for matching leaves among multi-view images, curve-based 3D reconstruction for estimating leaf edges as 3D curve fragments, and B-spline curve fitting for integrating curve fragments into a 3D leaf edge. The method was demonstrated on both virtual and actual plant leaves. On the virtually generated leaves, we evaluated the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction by calculating standardized Fréchet distance, which reveals that small leaves and high camera noise pose greater challenges to reconstruction. To balance the number and precision of 3D curve fragments, we proposed guidelines for setting the threshold for how only reliable curve fragments are reconstructed based on simulated data. These guidelines suggested that the threshold becomes lower with greater occlusions, larger leaf size, and camera positional error greater than a certain level. We also found the number of images does not affect the optimal threshold except in very few cases. Moreover, the proposed method succeeded in reconstructing holes in the leaf when the number of holes is three or less.
Conclusions: In this study, a nondestructive method for 3D leaf edge reconstruction was developed to address the 3D morphological properties of plants, which have been challenging to evaluate quantitatively. It is a promising way to capture whole plant architecture by combining 2D and 3D phenotyping approaches adapted to the target anatomical structures.
The Construction and Development of a Clinical Prediction Model to Assess Lymph Node Metastases in Oesophageal Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Jian , Tang Yuntao , Wu Jian
Published: September 2023

Background Oesophageal squamous carcinoma(ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, whose prognosis is closely associated with lymph node metastasis(LNM). This study to investigate the correlation between laboratory indicators and LMN, and to establish a visual prediction model for LMN in ESCC. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 183 patients operated on for ESCC. These patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of LMN – The two groups were as follows: group N+(with lymph node metastasis, 60 cases) and group N0(without lymph node metastasis, 123 cases). We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors of LNM, draw the receiver operating characteristic curve, calculate the area under the curve (AUC), establish a column line graph visualisation prediction model and perform internal validation, and to perform calibration curve and decision curve. Results Multifactorial analysis revealed alcohol, red blood cell distribution width(RDW), and deeper infiltration depth as independent risk factors for LNM. The prediction model included the above three factors with an AUC of = 0.700 (95% confidence interval = 0.619–0.782,P < 0.001). The decision curves were higher than both extreme lines indicating that when the threshold probability was 15–48%, the patients included in the prediction model could benefit from the corresponding intervention. Conclusion Alcohol, deeper infiltration depth, and RDW were independent risk factors for LNM of ESCC. A prediction model based on the above three indicators could predict the LNM of ESCC, These indicators are readily available, thereby helping clinicians decision-making.
The Effects of Humidity on the Velocity-Dependence and Frictional Ageing of Nanoscale Silica Contacts
Authors: McClimon J. Brandon , Li Zhuohan , Goldsby David , Szlufarska Izabela , Carpick Robert W.
Published: September 2023

This work examines the effect of environmental humidity on rate-and-state friction behavior of nanoscale silica-silica single asperity contacts in an atomic force microscope, particularly, its effect on frictional ageing and velocity-weakening vs. strengthening friction from 10 nm/s to 100 µm/s sliding velocities. At extremely low humidities (<< 1% RH), ageing is nearly absent for up to 100 s of nominally stationary contact, and friction is strongly velocity-strengthening. This is consistent with dry interfacial friction, where thermal excitations help overcome static friction at low sliding velocities. At higher humidity levels (10–40% RH), ageing becomes pronounced and is accompanied by much higher kinetic friction and velocity-weakening behavior. This is attributed to water catalyzing interfacial Si-O-Si bond formation. At the highest humidities examined (> 40% RH), ageing subsides, kinetic friction drops to low levels, and friction is velocity-strengthening again. These responses are attributed to intercalated water separating the interfaces, which precludes interfacial bonding. The trends in velocity-dependent friction are reproduced and explained using a computational multi-bond model. Our model explicitly simulates bond formation and breaking, and the passivation and reactivation of reaction sites across the interface during sliding, where the activation energies for interfacial chemical reactions are dependent on humidity. These results provide potential insights into nanoscale mechanisms that may contribute to the humidity dependence observed in prior macroscale rock friction studies. They also provide a possible microphysical foundation to understand the role of water in interfacial systems with water-catalyzed bonding reactions, and demonstrate a profound change in the interfacial physics near and above saturated humidity conditions.
Ameliorative Role of Ascorbic acid to Drought Stress in Hordeum Vulgare L. through Modulation of the polyamines, osmolytes and Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Aijaz , Saleem Ammara , Tahir Minahil , Khilji Sheza Ayaz , Sajid Zahoor Ahmad , Rauf Mamoona , Arif Muhammad , Landry Koloko Brice
Published: September 2023

Drought is a severe environmental condition that negatively impacts the metabolic processes of plants, making it one of the most devastating stressors they face. Drought has a significant detrimental impact on grain crops, such as barley. Exogenous application (foliar) of ascorbic acid has been shown to confer tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present research, the ability of ascorbic acid to increase drought stress tolerance was investigated in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Three barley genotypes, a drought-resistant genotype (V3 = Jau-Haider 93) and two drought-sensitive genotypes (V1 = 92044 and V2 = 92112) were grown in plastic pots under soil conditions. There were two levels of water, control i.e., with adequate irrigation and drought stress with 60% of field capacity. Ascorbic acid was applied as a foliar spray (1 mM). Overall, the plant growth of all genotypes was inhibited by drought stress. However, the drought-tolerant variety (V3 = Jau-Haider 93) showed higher growth rates under drought stress. Ascorbic acid as foliar spray supported the barley plant growth under drought stress to ameliorate the adverse effects of stress by maintaining growth, relative water contents, and osmotic adjustment by enhancing antioxidant enzymes, polyamines, proline and phenolics contents.
Vitamin D3 Role in Women Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for Successful Pregnancy
Authors: Atiea Hourah Sh. , Imeer Ali Thoulfikar A. , Al-Bahrani Hussein Ali , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Aljibori Hakim S. Sultan , Alamir Hassan Thoulfikar A. , Al-Anbari Lubna A. , Al-Amiery Ahmed A.
Published: September 2023

Objective: vitamin D role is investigated in this work to establish the effect of its level on the outcome of patients undergoing Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for fertility treatment.
Aim: To study the role of vitamin D on the success of women conceiving under Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Method: In High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Al-Nahrain University, Iraq, has conducted a study from September 2017 to April 2018. A total of 100 infertile women underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for the intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle. Antagonist ovulation induction protocol was used. Serum vitamin D3 level, oocyte maturation, and embryo quality were performed. The relationship between serum vitamin D3, quality of oocytes and embryos, fertilization rate, and pregnancy rate were determined
Results: This study showed that mean serum vitamin D was significantly higher in women who succeeded to get pregnant in comparison to those who unfortunately failed to get pregnant. The variation is 18.10 ±3.51 versus 14.44 ±2.87 ng/ml, respectively. The level of significance was (P = 0.004). There was no significant correlation between serum vitamin D and the quality of oocytes and embryos, fertilization rate
Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant difference in mean serum vitamin D concentration between the group of women with successful pregnancy and the group of women who failed to achieve pregnancy. In addition, with exception of the significant negative correlation with LH. Serum vitamin D can be considered a predictive marker for successful ICSI.
The role of adjuvant radiotherapy for intracranial malignant meningiomas: Analysis of a nationwide database
Authors: Ho Chung-Han , Shieh Li-Tsun , Lin Chia-Hui , Guo How-Ran , Ho Yi-Chia , Ho Sheng-Yow
Published: September 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative radiotherapy on survival outcomes in patients with malignant meningiomas.
Methods
We identified patients with malignant meningioma diagnosed between 2007 and 2018 using the Taiwan Cancer Registry and followed them up using the death registry. Survival was compared between patients with and without adjuvant radiotherapy. The potential confounding factors evaluated in this study included age, sex, comorbidities, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).
Results
The analysis included 204 patients; 94 (46%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. The two groups had similar sex distributions (p = 0.53), mean age (p = 0.33), histologic subtype (p = 0.13), and CCI (p = 0.62). The prognosis of malignant meningioma was poor, with a median overall survival (OS) of 2.4 years. The median OS was 3.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) [1.4–6.1], and 2.0 years (IQR [0.5–3.9]) in the radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy groups, respectively (p = 0.001). However, Kaplan–Meier curves with the log-rank test showed no significant difference in OS between the two groups (p = 0.999). Controlling for age group, sex, histologic subtype, treatment, comorbidities, and CCI, adjuvant radiotherapy did not impart a survival benefit (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6‒1.26); however, only factor of higher comorbidity score (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.04‒3.94) was associated with unfavorable survival.
Conclusion
This population-based retrospective analysis suggests that the role of radiotherapy remains unclear and underscores the need for randomized clinical trials to assess the usefulness of adjuvant radiotherapy in malignant meningioma.
Temporal relationships between photoreceptor degeneration and proliferative response of Müller glia: A comparative study on the effects of different alkylating agents
Authors: Nomura-Komoike Kaori , Nishino Reiko , Fujieda Hiroki
Published: September 2023

Animal models for retinal degeneration are essential for elucidating its pathogenesis and developing new therapeutic strategies in humans. N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) has been extensively used to construct a photoreceptor-specific degeneration model, which has served to unveil the molecular process of photoreceptor degeneration as well as the mechanisms regulating the protective responses of remaining cells. Methyl methanesulphonate (MMS), also known to cause photoreceptor degeneration, is considered a good alternative to MNU due to its higher usability; however, detailed pathophysiological processes after MMS treatment remain uncharacterized. Here, we analyzed the time course of photoreceptor degeneration, Müller glial proliferation, and expression of secretory factors after MNU and MMS treatments in rats. While the timing of rod degeneration was similar between the treatments, we unexpectedly found that cones survived slightly longer after MMS treatment. Müller glia reentered the cell cycle at a similar timing after the two treatments; however, the G1-S transition occurred earlier after MMS treatment. Moreover, growth factors such as FGF2 and LIF were more highly upregulated in the MMS model. These data suggest that comparative analyses of the two injury models may be beneficial for understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying the proliferative response of Müller glia.
PGSOFuse-Net: PCA and GAN Integration for SAROptical Image Fusion
Authors: Bandi Sudheer Reddy , Murugesan Anbarasan , George Merlin Linda
Published: September 2023

To illustrate, radar images, popularly known as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical images are very useful in satellite-based information retrieval. But, the complementary nature of both these data led to misinterpretation of the information in various fields like military surveillance, weather forecasting, and resource management. However, the study of image fusion on optical SAR images has overcome some of the limitations in the remote sensing field with cloud removal, change detection, and infrastructure identification. There have been traditional approaches like wavelet analysis, cosine transform, and sparse representation in image fusion which were not more effective in analysing the nature of SAR and optical images. Hence, the advanced algorithms based on neural networks which are very much effective in image fusion, especially in medical diagnostics, social networks, and surveillance are used in the anticipated study. Recent studies of deep-learning-based approaches specifically Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) architecture suggest decent developments in image fusion. With good developments in Principal Component Analysis for image compression, image segmentation, and image representation in satellite imagery, the suggested work develops a hybrid fusion model which is an innovative combination of Principal Component Analysis and GAN to produce the target image. The effectiveness of the proposed unsupervised algorithm improves the results and preserves the characteristics of both image types. The results specify the importance of the GAN in the SAR optical fusion with the proposed PCA GAN SAR Optical Fusion Network. Subsequently, the assessment of the quality metrics reveals that the current study outperforms prior works and is very useful for future geoinformation.
Foresight Plus: Scalable Serverless Real-Time Spatio-Temporal Traffic Forecasting
Authors: Oakley Joe , Conlan Chris , Demirci Gunduz Vehbi , Sfyridis Alexandros , Ferhatosmanoglu Hakan
Published: September 2023

Building a real-time, cost-effective, spatio-temporal forecasting system is a challenging problem with many practical applications such as traffic and road network management. Most forecasting research focuses on average prediction quality, with less attention paid to building practical pipelines and achieving timely and accurate forecasts when the network is under heavy load. Additionally, transport authorities need to leverage dynamic data sources (e.g., scheduled roadworks) and vehicle-level flow data, while also supporting ad-hoc inference workloads at low cost. The cloud-based system Foresight, developed in collaboration with Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM), is able to ingest, aggregate and process streamed traffic data, as well as dynamic urban events/flow data to produce regularly scheduled forecasts with high accuracy. In this work, we extend our system with several novel enhancements. First, we present an efficient method for extending the forecasting scale, enabling transport managers to predict traffic patterns further into the future than existing methods. In addition, we augment the existing inference architecture with a new, fully serverless design. This offers a more cost-effective inference solution, which seamlessly handles sporadic inference workloads over multiple forecasting models. We observe that Graph Neural Network (GNN) forecasting models are robust to extensions of the forecasting scale, achieving consistent (and sometimes even improved) performance up to 24 hours ahead. This is in contrast to the 1 hour forecasting horizons popularly considered in the literature. Further, our serverless inference solution is shown to be significantly more cost-effective than provisioned alternatives in appropriate use-cases. We identify the optimal memory configuration of serverless resources to achieve an attractive cost-to-performance ratio.
Grid cell firing patterns maintain their hexagonal firing patterns on a circular track
Authors: Hedrick Kathryn , Yim Manyi , Walton Steven
Published: September 2023

In an open two-dimensional environment, grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex are known to be active in multiple locations, displaying a striking periodic hexagonal firing pattern covering the entire space. Both modeling and experimental data suggest that such periodic spatial representations may emerge from a continuous attractor network. According to this theory, grid cell activity in any stable 1D environment is a slice through an underlying 2D hexagonal pattern, which is supported by some experimental studies but challenged by others. Grid cells are believed to play a fundamental role in path integration, and so understanding their behavior in various environments is crucial for understanding the flow of information through the entorhinal-hippocampal system. To this end, we analyzed the activity of grid cells when rats traversed a circular track. A previous study involving this data set analyzed individual grid cell activity patterns separately, but we found that individual grid cells do not provide sufficient data for determining the underlying spatial activity pattern. To circumvent this, we compute the population autocorrelation, which pools together population responses from all grid cells within the same module. This novel approach recovers the underlying six-peak hexagonal pattern that was not observable in the individual autocorrelations. We also use the population autocorrelation to infer the spacing and orientation of the population lattice, revealing how the lattice differs across environments. Furthermore, the population autocorrelation of the linearized track reveals that at the level of the population, grid cells have an allocentric code for space. These results are strong support for the attractor network theory for grid cells, and our novel approach can be used to analyze grid cell activity in any undersampled environment.
Midbrain lesion-induced disconjugate gaze: a unifying circuit mechanism of ocular misalignment?
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian U. , Schappe Laurin , Prasad Sashank , Friedrich Helen , Fox Michael D. , Zwergal Andreas , Zee David S. , Faßbender Klaus , Dillmann Klaus-Ulrich
Published: September 2023

Background: Disconjugate eye movements play a crucial role in depth perception for frontal-eyed species. Midbrain lesions cause disconjugate eye movement deficits, such as skew deviation and hemi-seesaw nystagmus in the vertical plane or esodeviation and convergence-retraction nystagmus in the horizontal plane. While the former have been linked to defective visuo-vestibular interaction, the pathophysiology of the latter remains elusive.
Methods & Results: We report a patient with a solitary focal midbrain lesion, presenting with both vertically and horizontally disconjugate eye movement disorders. Videooculography showed a strong correlation of vertical and horizontal oscillations during fixation but not in darkness. Oscillation intensities and waveforms were modulated by fixation, illumination and gaze position, hinting at shared visual- and vestibular-related mechanisms. Diffusion MRI, combined with co-registration to a cytoarchitectonic MR-atlas, pinpointed the lesion to a functionally ill-defined area of the dorsal midbrain, adjacent to the posterior commissure and nuclei with known roles in vertical gaze control.
Conclusion: A circumscribed region in the dorsal midbrain is a key node for disconjugate eye movements across both vertical and horizontal planes. Lesioning this area produces a unique ocular motor syndrome that mirrors hallmark patterns of developmental strabismus. Further circuit-level studies could offer pivotal insights into shared pathomechanisms.
TreeML-Data; a multidisciplinary and multilayer urban tree dataset
Authors: Yazdi Hadi , Shu Qiguan , Rötzer Thomas , Petzold Frank , Ludwig Ferdinand
Published: September 2023

The significance of urban trees in promoting human health and well-being has been amplified by urbanization and the climate change effects. Simultaneously, advancements in remote sensing techniques have enhanced the opportunities for studying urban trees. The TreeML-Data has been compiled to support these efforts. It consists of labelled point clouds of 40 scanning projects of streets in Munich, 3,755 leaf-off point clouds of individual trees, quantitative structure models (QSM), tree structure measurements, and tree graph structure models of the trees in these streets. The dataset offers valuable data for generating and evaluating models in various scientific disciplines, which include remote sensing, computer vision, machine learning, urban forestry, urban ecosystem, green architecture, and graph analysis. To ensure its quality, the tree structure measurements and QSM have been crosschecked. For instance, the tree diameter at breast height (DBH) in the sample dataset exhibits a deviation of approximately 1.5 cm (4.3 %) when compared to manual measurements. In conclusion, the quality checks confirm its reliability for subsequent studies when compared to manual measurements.
Burrows buffer nest temperatures and offer a stable thermal microclimate for threatened seabird chicks during extreme events
Authors: Richards Cerren , Collins Sydney M. , Fisher Kayla , Blackmore Robert J. , Fifield David A. , Bates Amanda E.
Published: September 2023

Climate change is altering the severity and intensity of extreme weather events. Occupying microhabitats that buffer extreme weather may help species avoid harsh environmental conditions. Monitoring important habitats during extreme weather can highlight species that may benefit from targeted conservation actions. We describe the thermal microclimate and buffering capacity of Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) and Leach’s storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) burrows during extreme events and test for correlation between weather conditions and burrow characteristics on nest microclimate and buffering capacity. Both species’ burrows buffered temperatures during extreme cold weather as nests were 7.4–8.0°C warmer than external temperatures. In extreme warm weather, Leach’s storm-petrel and Atlantic puffin burrows were 9.5°C and 5.4°C cooler than outside temperatures, respectively. External temperature and wind speed were strong drivers of burrow temperature. Thus, the buffering capacity varied depending on the specific extreme events. Moreover, smaller burrow volume and greater canopy cover improved burrow buffering capacity during extreme events. Our results suggest that burrows may provide a direct line of defence for seabird chicks against cold and warming events. Given the complex responses of burrow microclimates to extreme events, quantifying how changes in environmental conditions will impact burrow-nesting seabirds in the future is key.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With Surface Light Chain Expression
Authors: Bapat Kalyani , Mansukhani Dia , Khodaiji Shanaz , Almel Sachin
Published: September 2023

Acute Lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms which can either be having precursor B cell immunophenotype or mature B cell immunophenotype. Surface immunoglobulin light chain restriction is usually a feature of mature B cell neoplasms. A  precursor B cell lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B-ALL) with surface immunoglobulin light chain expression is a rare immunophenotype . We report a case of a 4 year old female with L1 type of blast morphology yet showing surface light chain restriction. Recognizing this rare immunophenotype and arriving at a correct diagnosis has therapeutic implications as treatment regimens differ for precursor B ALL as compared to mature B cell neoplasms.