bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive constructions in different Balochi dialects from a diachronic and an areal linguistic point of view
Authors: Nourzaei Maryam
Published: April 2024

The present study explores the progressive constructions in different Balochi dialects from a diachronic and an areal linguistic point of view. Previous studies on different Balochi dialects (Buddruss 1988; Baranzehi 2003; Farrell 2003; Axenov 2006; Ahangar 2007; Jahani and Korn 2009; Nourzaei et al. 2015; Korn and Nourzaei 2019; Korn 2020, 2017a and 2017b) have described progressive constructions, but discussion from a diachronic and an areal linguistic point of view is largely lacking. I will argue that the diversity of progressive constructions in Balochi dialects is a result of language contact and diffusion rather than an internal historical development that can be explained in terms of grammaticalization. In addition, there is no trace of a morphological progressive construction in written samples of Balochi. The general imperfective marker =a= (verbal clitic) covers ongoing meaning. To the extent that this marker has lost its ongoing meaning and become a general indicative marker in the present domain, the language has filled the progressive gap with new constructions which are basically a result of language and dialect contact. The new progressive constructions are mainly periphrastic constructions that represent either direct or indirect code copying from dominant languages and other Balochi dialects.
The Mandate for Speculation: Responding to Uncertainty in Archaeological Thinking
Authors: Sørensen Tim Flohr , Marila Marko M. , Beck Anna S.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to reframe speculation from being seen as synonymous with unacademic conjecture, or as a means for questioning consensus and established narratives, to becoming a productive practical engagement with the archaeological and responding to its intrinsic uncertainties. In the first part of the article, we offer a review of speculation in the history of archaeological reasoning. In the second part, we proceed to discussing ways of embracing the speculative mandate, referring back to our engagements with the art/archaeology project Ineligible and reflections on how to work with the unknowns and uncertainties of archaeology. In the third and last part, we conclude by making the case for fertilizing the archaeological potential nested in the empirical encounter, creating more inceptions than conclusions, fostering ambiguities, contradictions and new spaces of experiential inquiry. This leads us to suggest that—when working with the archaeological—speculation should be seen not only as a privilege, but also as an obligation, due to the inherent and inescapable uncertainties of the discipline. In other words, archaeology has been given a mandate for speculation through its material engagements.
Immunisation deferral practices surrounding congenital heart surgery
Authors: Gal Dana B. , Cleveland John D. , Vergales Jeffrey E. , Kipps Alaina K.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Perioperative immunisation administration surrounding congenital heart surgery is controversial. Delayed immunisation administration results in children being at risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses and is associated with failure to complete immunisation schedules. Among children with CHD, many of whom are medically fragile, vaccine-preventable illnesses can be devastating. Limited research shows perioperative immunisation may be safe and effective.

Methods:

We surveyed Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative member centres and explored perioperative immunisation practices. We analysed responses using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Complete responses were submitted by 35/46 (76%) centres. Immunisations were deferred for any period prior to surgery by 23 (66%) centres and after surgery by 31 (89%) centres. Among those who deferred post-operative immunisation, 20 (65%) required deferral only for patients whose operations required cardiopulmonary bypass. Duration of deferral in the pre- and post-operative periods was variable. Many centres included exceptions to their policy for specific vaccine-preventable illnesses. Almost all (34, 97%) centres administer routine childhood immunisation to patients who remain admitted for prolonged periods.

Conclusions:

Most centres defer routine childhood immunisation for some period before and after congenital heart surgery. Centre specific practices vary. Immunisation deferral confers risk to patients and may not be warranted in this population. Further research would be necessary to understand the immunologic impact of these practices.
Giant aortic aneurysm repair in a child due to arterial tortuosity syndrome
Authors: Budrys Dominykas , Tarutis Virgilijus , Jonas Karolis
Published: April 2024

Arterial tortuosity syndrome is an extremely rare hereditary connective tissue disorder. We present a case of an incidentally diagnosed aneurysm of the aortic root and the ascending aorta caused by arterial tortuosity syndrome, which was confirmed genetically. The aneurysm was repaired surgically. One year after the procedure, there was no further dilation of the aorta or formation of new aneurysms.
The Gender Publication Gap Revisited: Evidence from the International Political Science Review
Authors: Reidy Theresa , Stockemer Daniel
Published: April 2024

Since the 1990s, there has been consensus in the literature of a submission and publication gap that favors men. Important research in the intervening years has explored the many reasons for this output gap: imbalanced administrative workloads; bias in top journals against female-dominated subfields and methodological approaches; and lower confidence levels among women, sometimes known as the “Matthew effect.” However, in the intervening period, there has been a notable emphasis on recruiting more women into academia, and the importance of publishing for career development has intensified. Journal case studies have highlighted a growth in output by women academics but show that men are still overrepresented. Using a case study of the International Political Science Review (IPSR), we contribute to the emerging body of work that shows that the gender gap has diminished or even been eliminated. We present data on submissions and acceptances by gender, and we base our comparisons in the gender balance of the departments of submitting authors. The results are clear, for IPSR, the gender gap has closed and women now publish on a par with their men colleagues in their department.
Effects of esketamine nasal spray on depressive symptom severity in adults with treatment-resistant depression and associations between the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire
Authors: Kern Sliwa Jennifer , Naranjo Ronaldo R. , Turkoz Ibrahim , Petrillo Mary Pat , Cabrera Patricia , Trivedi Madhukar
Published: April 2024

Objective

To examine the effect of esketamine nasal spray (ESK) plus newly initiated oral antidepressant (OAD) versus OAD plus placebo nasal spray (PBO) on the association between Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores in adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Methods

Data from TRANSFORM-1 and TRANSFORM-2 (two similarly designed, randomized, active-controlled TRD studies) and SUSTAIN-1 (relapse prevention study) were analyzed. Group differences for mean changes in PHQ-9 total score from baseline were compared using analysis of covariance. Associations between MADRS and PHQ-9 total scores from TRANSFORM-1/TRANSFORM-2 were assessed using simple parametric, nonparametric, and multiple regression models.

Results

In TRANSFORM-1/TRANSFORM-2 (ESK + OAD, n = 343; OAD + PBO, n = 222), baseline PHQ-9 mean scores were 20.4 for ESK + OAD and 20.6 for OAD + PBO (severe depression). At day 28, significant group differences were observed in least squares mean change (SE) in PHQ-9 scores from baseline (−12.8 [0.46] vs −10.3 [0.53], P < .001) and in clinically substantial change in PHQ-9 scores (≥6 points; 77.1% vs 64%, P < .001) in ESK + OAD and OAD + PBO groups, respectively. A nonlinear relationship between MADRS and PHQ-9 was observed; total scores demonstrated increased correlation over time. In SUSTAIN-1, 57.3% of patients receiving ESK + OAD (n = 89) versus 44.2% receiving OAD + PBO (n = 86) retained remission status (PHQ-9 score ≤4) at maintenance treatment end point (P = .044).

Conclusions

In adults with TRD, ESK + OAD significantly improved severity of depressive symptoms, and more patients achieved clinically meaningful changes in depressive symptoms based on PHQ-9, versus OAD + PBO. PHQ-9 outcomes were consistent with those of clinician-rated MADRS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02417064, NCT02418585, NCT02493868.
Adjunctive cariprazine for major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gill Hartej , Chen-Li David C.J. , Haikazian Sipan , Seyedin Sam , McIntyre Roger S. , Mansur Rodrigo B. , DiVincenzo Joshua D. , Phan Lee , Rosenblat Joshua D.
Published: April 2024

Converging evidence has suggested that treatment augmentation with a second-generation atypical antipsychotic (SGA) may improve treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients after an incomplete response to a first-line antidepressant. Cariprazine is a recently approved SGA for MDD augmentation. Herein, we evaluate both continuous (ie, change in depressive symptom severity scores over time) and categorical (ie, remission and response rates) outcomes. Following a full-text review, four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our meta-analysis, while five studies were included for a qualitative review. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for all included randomized controlled studies to determine the relative response and remission rates of cariprazine compared to placebo augmentation. The RR for all-cause dropout was also determined as a proxy for overall acceptability. Two studies found a statistically significant treatment response using cariprazine augmentation. One study observed depressive symptom remission for cariprazine compared to placebo. Our random-effects model revealed moderate antidepressant effects of cariprazine, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores of −1.79 (95% CI): −2.89, −0.69). Our pooled response RR and remission RR were calculated as 1.21 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.39, P=0.008) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.17, P=0.91), respectively. The RR for response was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, the RR for remission was not statistically significant. The findings from our meta-analysis include a variable magnitude of effects. Evidence suggests cariprazine may be an effective treatment for MDD; however, further results are needed to clarify this relation.
Smoothness and monotonicity constraints for neural networks using ICEnet
Authors: Richman Ronald , Wüthrich Mario V.
Published: April 2024

Deep neural networks have become an important tool for use in actuarial tasks, due to the significant gains in accuracy provided by these techniques compared to traditional methods, but also due to the close connection of these models to the generalized linear models (GLMs) currently used in industry. Although constraining GLM parameters relating to insurance risk factors to be smooth or exhibit monotonicity is trivial, methods to incorporate such constraints into deep neural networks have not yet been developed. This is a barrier for the adoption of neural networks in insurance practice since actuaries often impose these constraints for commercial or statistical reasons. In this work, we present a novel method for enforcing constraints within deep neural network models, and we show how these models can be trained. Moreover, we provide example applications using real-world datasets. We call our proposed method ICEnet to emphasize the close link of our proposal to the individual conditional expectation model interpretability technique.
Control of multiple-herbicide-resistant waterhemp with acetochlor-based herbicide mixtures in soybean
Authors: Symington Hannah E. , Soltani Nader , Kaastra Allan C. , Hooker David C. , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: April 2024

Waterhemp has evolved resistance to Group 2, 5, 9, 14, and 27 herbicides in Ontario, Canada, making control of this challenging weed even more difficult. Acetochlor is a Group 15, chloroacetanilide herbicide that has activity on many small-seeded annual grasses and some small-seeded annual broadleaf weeds, including waterhemp. The objective of this study was to ascertain if acetochlor mixtures with broadleaf herbicides (dicamba, metribuzin, diflufenican, sulfentrazone, or flumioxazin), applied preemergence (PRE), increase multiple-herbicide-resistant (MHR) waterhemp control in soybean. Five trials were conducted over 2 yr (2021 and 2022). The acetochlor mixtures caused ≤7% soybean injury, except acetochlor + flumioxazin, which caused 19% soybean injury. Acetochlor applied PRE controlled MHR waterhemp 89% at 4 wk after application (WAA). Dicamba, metribuzin, diflufenican, sulfentrazone, or flumioxazin controlled MHR waterhemp 59%, 67%, 58%, 64%, and 86%, respectively, at 4 WAA. Acetochlor applied in a mixture with dicamba, metribuzin, diflufenican, sulfentrazone, or flumioxazin provided good to excellent control of MHR waterhemp; control ranged from 91% to 98% but was similar to acetochlor applied alone. Acetochlor alone reduced MHR waterhemp density and biomass 98% and 93%; acetochlor + flumioxazin reduced waterhemp density and biomass by an additional 2% and 7%, respectively. This research concludes that acetochlor applied in a mixture with flumioxazin was the most efficacious mixture evaluated for MHR waterhemp control.
Water-seeded rice response to pendimethalin applied at different rates and timings
Authors: Becerra-Alvarez Aaron , Al-Khatib Kassim
Published: April 2024

Currently, a limited number of herbicides is available to treat water-seeded rice in California, with widespread resistance to most of those herbicides. Because no resistant grasses showed resistance to pendimethalin, a series of studies were conducted to evaluate water-seeded rice response to pendimethalin. In a field study conducted at the Rice Experiment Station at Biggs, California, in 2020 and 2021, three pendimethalin formulations, a granule (GR), emulsifiable concentrate (EC), and capsule suspension (CS), were applied at 1.1, 2.3, and 3.4 kg ai ha−1 rates, and at 5, 10, and 15 d after seeding onto water-seeded rice. In addition, a greenhouse study was conducted to examine the response of five common California rice cultivars to GR and CS formulation applications. Echinochloa control levels were reduced at 15 d after seeding after use of EC and CS formulations compared with earlier timings. In both years, rice grain yields were increased by 3,014 kg ha−1 after application of pendimethalin at 3.4 kg ai ha−1 when applied at 15 d after seeding compared with 5 and 10 d after seeding, and similar to 1.1 kg ai ha−1 applications. The GR and CS were safer formulations based on a reduction in injury and an increase in grain yields compared to the EC formulation. Differences in seedling vigor across cultivars appeared to incur an advantage after a pendimethalin application. However, most cultivars evaluated for stand reduction and dry biomass demonstrated tolerance to GR and CS formulation applications only after rice reached the 3-leaf stage. In contrast, an application at 1-leaf stage rice reduced stand up to 68%. Application rate, timing, and formulation are important factors to consider if the use of pendimethalin in water-seeded rice is to be pursued.
Elucidating waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) suppression from cereal rye cover crop biomass
Authors: Nunes Jose J. , Arneson Nicholas J. , Smith Damon , Ruark Matt , Conley Shawn , Werle Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) as a cover crop can be an effective nonchemical tool for waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] suppression in crop production. Previous studies have evaluated A. tuberculatus suppression by cereal rye as part of weed management programs but have not investigated the underlying mechanism of suppression by the cover crop. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cereal rye biomass on A. tuberculatus emergence and development, and on soil environmental parameters (temperature, moisture, and light transmittance) that are key triggers of A. tuberculatus germination to elucidate the mechanism of suppression by the cover crop. A dose–response study was conducted under field conditions in Brooklyn and Janesville, WI, from 2021 to 2023. Cereal rye biomass from a fall-planted field was harvested at anthesis in the spring and dried to constant weight at 60 C to provide 0.0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6, and 12.0 Mg ha−1 of dry biomass that was evenly distributed over 1.9 m−2 plots. Increasing cereal rye biomass reduced A. tuberculatus height, biomass, and density. An average ED50 of 5.2 Mg ha−1 of biomass was needed to reduce A. tuberculatus density by 50%. Low levels of biomass (≤2.38 Mg ha−1) augmented A. tuberculatus density due to an increase in soil moisture underneath the mulch compared with bare soil. Cereal rye biomass decreased the amount of sunlight reaching the soil, which resulted in lower mean soil temperature and temperature amplitude throughout the day (9.3 and 2.7 C temperature amplitude at 0 and 12.0 Mg ha−1, respectively). Prevention of A. tuberculatus germination by this thermal effect is likely the main mechanism of A. tuberculatus suppression from the cereal rye cover crop. Our results support biomass from cereal rye cover crop effectively suppressing A. tuberculatus and contributing to the integrated management of A. tuberculatus.
Response of Internal Wave‐Induced Turbulent Dissipation to ENSO in the Western Pacific Warm Pool
Authors: Jiang Jiahan , Han Guoqing , Liu Yu , Lin Xiayan , He Yinghui
Published: April 2024

This paper utilizes a finescale parameterization scheme based on strain spectra and characterizes the temporal and spatial distributions of diapycnal turbulent mixing in the West Pacific Warm Pool. We use Array for Real‐Time Geostrophic Oceanography (Argo) profiles from 2011 to 2022 to generate the turbulent dissipation rate (ε) as a representative of internal‐wave‐induced mixing. We then discuss the influence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on turbulent mixing by considering seafloor topography, thermocline depth, and ENSO phases. Results indicate that ENSO can influence the vertical stratification in the ocean by changing the depth of the thermocline, causing the change of interaction between internal tides and seafloor topography, thereby affecting the intensity and vertical distribution of diapycnal turbulent mixing. During La Niña years, the value of ε is larger compared to that of El Niño years. Compared to rough regions, the thermocline variations induced by ENSO have a more pronounced impact in the smooth regions. The variability in turbulent mixing influenced by ENSO is crucial for heat and substance exchange in the equatorial Pacific.
Sinuosity‐Driven Hyporheic Exchange: Hydrodynamics and Biogeochemical Potentials
Authors: Gonzalez‐Duque Daniel , Gomez‐Velez Jesus D. , Zarnetske Jay P. , Chen Xingyuan , Scheibe Timothy D.
Published: April 2024

Hydrologic exchange processes are critical for ecosystem services along river corridors. Meandering contributes to this exchange by driving channel water, solutes, and energy through the surrounding alluvium, a process called sinuosity‐driven hyporheic exchange. This exchange is embedded within and modulated by the regional groundwater flow (RGF), which compresses the hyporheic zone and potentially diminishes its overall impact. Quantifying the role of sinuosity‐driven hyporheic exchange at the reach‐to‐watershed scale requires a mechanistic understanding of the interplay between drivers (meander planform) and modulators (RGF) and its implications for biogeochemical transformations. Here, we use a 2D, vertically integrated numerical model for flow, transport, and reaction to analyze sinuosity‐driven hyporheic exchange systematically. Using this model, we propose a dimensionless framework to explore the role of meander planform and RGF in hydrodynamics and how they constrain nitrogen cycling. Our results highlight the importance of meander topology for water flow and age. We demonstrate how the meander neck induces a shielding effect that protects the hyporheic zone against RGF, imposing a physical constraint on biogeochemical transformations. Furthermore, we explore the conditions when a meander acts as a net nitrogen source or sink. This transition in the net biogeochemical potential is described by a handful of dimensionless physical and biogeochemical parameters that can be measured or constrained from literature and remote sensing. This work provides a new physically based model that quantifies sinuosity‐driven hyporheic exchange and biogeochemical reactions, a critical step toward their representation in water quality models and the design and assessment of river restoration strategies.
Integrating Model Predictive Control With Stormwater System Design: A Cost‐Effective Method of Urban Flood Risk Mitigation During Heavy Rainfall
Authors: Sun Lanxin , Xia Jun , She Dunxian
Published: April 2024

The integration of green‐gray infrastructures with advanced control approaches is revolutionizing the stormwater system retrofitting, emerging as an innovative strategy to mitigate urban flood risks. However, a major challenge lies in balancing the substantial investments of these infrastructure projects with their environmental benefits, such as reduced flooding volume and lower peak flow. Model predictive control (MPC), a dynamic and intelligent control approach, optimizes these environmental benefits but is underutilized in the system design phase for cost‐effectiveness analysis. This study introduces a multi‐scenario model framework that incorporates MPC and other control approaches into stormwater system designs, including the implementation of controlled storage tanks and green infrastructures. This framework provides comprehensive modeling tools for practitioners to evaluate the flood control benefits and costs across various infrastructure designs and control scenarios, ultimately identifying solutions that are both environmentally and economically viable. A case study conducted in a small urban catchment area in Shenzhen City, China, demonstrates the effectiveness of this framework. The results indicate that MPC outperforms other control scenarios, particularly under heavy or extreme rainfall conditions. Notably, MPC not only provides superior environmental benefits but also yields considerable cost savings, ranging from 1,787 to 9,371 USD per hectare compared to static control, equating to a 5% reduction in cost relative to rule‐based control. Such findings suggest that integrating MPC is a cost‐effective alternative to extensive infrastructure expansion for flood management, which significantly enhances the benefit contribution of controlled infrastructures without substantial additional expenses.
Phase Saturation Control on Vorticity Enhances Mixing in Porous Media
Authors: Velásquez‐Parra Andrés , Marone Federica , Kaufmann Rolf , Griffa Michele , Jiménez‐Martínez Joaquín
Published: April 2024

Mixing controls the fate of any solute entering porous media. Hence, an understanding of the involved processes is essential for assessing subsurface contamination and planning for its protection. However, the three‐dimensional mechanisms dominating solute mixing in the presence of several fluid phases in the pore space, and their dependency on phase saturation degree (fraction of the pore volume occupied by a phase) are unknown. Here, we analyze solute mixing in unsaturated porous media at the pore scale using X‐ray micro‐tomography performed with synchrotron radiation at unprecedented temporal and spatial resolutions for such an investigation. Transport experiments through a synthetic, sand‐like porous medium, followed in 4D using a contrast solution, are performed at different liquid phase saturation degrees. The results reveal larger solute's front deformation at lower saturation, which translates into an enhanced mixing with time. Using different topological indexes, defined based on a description of the liquid phase geometry and of the resulting hydrodynamics, we show an increase in the spatial convergence of flow streamlines at lower saturation, which, in turn, leads to a strengthened helical flow inside the liquid phase. Consequently, this increases the number of shear‐ and vorticity‐dominated deformation regions, as characterized by larger negative and positive Q‐criterion values, respectively. These findings represent a major step toward understanding the control of both saturation and the system's heterogeneity on solute mixing, essential, among others, to assess reactivity in porous media.
An Analytical Framework to Investigate Groundwater‐Atmosphere Interactions Influenced by Soil Properties
Authors: Vogelbacher Anastasia , Aminzadeh Milad , Madani Kaveh , Shokri Nima
Published: April 2024

The interaction between climate and groundwater forms a complex, coupled system that affects land‐atmosphere feedback processes and thus local climatic parameters. We propose an analytical framework that integrates local groundwater information and soil hydrophysical characteristics to identify regions with bidirectional (two‐way) coupling where groundwater is influenced by climatic factors (e.g., precipitation) and may affect local climate (e.g., through surface fluxes). The framework capitalizes on the concept of the evaporation characteristic length to quantify the hydraulic connection of groundwater to the soil surface. To evaluate the framework, we calculate the maximum depth of hydraulic connection (Dmax) between groundwater and the soil surface in Hamburg, Germany. For regions with Dmax exceeding the groundwater depth (d), a bidirectional mode of coupling is defined, while Dmax < d implies a unidirectional coupling mode. Our results indicate that climate driven evaporation changes potentially alter the coupling between groundwater and climate depending on soil texture. Moreover, soil hydraulic properties and shallow groundwater tables could play a crucial role in shifting land‐atmosphere feedback processes by influencing the coupling mode. This research provides insights into the groundwater‐climate interactions under various climatic conditions and soil textures which could contribute to sustainable land‐use management practices, particularly in regions characterized by bidirectional coupling.
Skeletal interoception in osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Dinglong , Xu Jiawen , Xu Ke , Xu Peng
Published: April 2024

The interoception maintains proper physiological conditions and metabolic homeostasis by releasing regulatory signals after perceving changes in the internal state of the organism. Among its various forms, skeletal interoception specifically regulates the metabolic homeostasis of bones. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disorder involving cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium. The subchondral bone undergoes continuous remodeling to adapt to dynamic joint loads. Recent findings highlight that skeletal interoception mediated by aberrant mechanical loads contributes to pathological remodeling of the subchondral bone, resulting in subchondral bone sclerosis in OA. The skeletal interoception is also a potential mechanism for chronic synovial inflammation in OA. In this review, we offer a general overview of interoception, specifically skeletal interoception, subchondral bone microenviroment and the aberrant subchondral remedeling. We also discuss the role of skeletal interoception in abnormal subchondral bone remodeling and synovial inflammation in OA, as well as the potential prospects and challenges in exploring novel OA therapies that target skeletal interoception.
NCAPD3 exerts tumor-promoting effects in prostatic cancer via dual impact on miR-30a-5p by STAT3-MALAT1 and MYC
Authors: Zhang Yi , Shao Yingying , Ren Jia , Fang Yuanyuan , Yang Bolin , Lu Shan , Liu Ping
Published: April 2024

Non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) is a subunit of the non-structural maintenance of chromosomes condensin II complex, which involves chromosome condensation and segregation during mitosis. NCAPD3 has recently been demonstrated as a crucial oncogenic factor. However, the underlying mechanism of NCAPD3 in prostate cancer (PCa) remains not completely clear. In this study, we confirmed that lncRNA MALAT1 was induced by NCAPD3-STAT3, and the expression of miR-30a-5p was controlled by NCAPD3 in PCa cells by miRNA-seq. Through quantitative real-time PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry assay, we demonstrated that miR-30a-5p was lowly expressed in PCa cells and tissues compared to the controls, which was contrary to NCAPD3 expression and markedly downregulated by NCAPD3. Then, MALAT1 was analyzed for the complementary sequence in the potential interaction with miR-30a-5p by using the predicted target module of public databases. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were carried out to verify that MALAT1 functioned as a sponge for miR-30a-5p to reduce miR-30a-5p expression. Meanwhile, MYC acted as a transcriptional repressor to directly bind the promoter of the miR-30a-5p located gene and repress the miR-30a-5p expression. Furthermore, the upregulation of NCAPD3 on cell viability and migration was significantly attenuated in PC-3 cells when miR-30a-5p was overexpressed. NCAPD3 overexpression also accelerated tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model and repressed miR-30-5p. In summary, this work elucidates NCAPD3 inhibits miR-30a-5p through two pathways: increasing STAT3-MALAT1 to sponge miR-30a-5p and increasing MYC to directly inhibit miR-30a-5p transcription, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer.
Transcriptional signature of durable effector T cells elicited by a replication defective HCMV vaccine
Authors: Ye Xiaohua , Shih David J. H. , Ku Zhiqiang , Hong Junping , Barrett Diane F. , Rupp Richard E. , Zhang Ningyan , Fu Tong-Ming , Zheng W. Jim , An Zhiqiang
Published: April 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading infectious cause of birth defects and the most common opportunistic infection that causes life-threatening diseases post-transplantation; however, an effective vaccine remains elusive. V160 is a live-attenuated replication defective HCMV vaccine that showed a 42.4% efficacy against primary HCMV infection among seronegative women in a phase 2b clinical trial. Here, we integrated the multicolor flow cytometry, longitudinal T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and single-cell RNA/TCR sequencing approaches to characterize the magnitude, phenotype, and functional quality of human T cell responses to V160. We demonstrated that V160 de novo induces IE-1 and pp65 specific durable polyfunctional effector CD8 T cells that are comparable to those induced by natural HCMV infection. We identified a variety of V160-responsive T cell clones which exhibit distinctive “transient” and “durable” expansion kinetics, and revealed a transcriptional signature that marks durable CD8 T cells post-vaccination. Our study enhances the understanding of human T-cell immune responses to V160 vaccination.
A serine-conjugated butyrate prodrug with high oral bioavailability suppresses autoimmune arthritis and neuroinflammation in mice
Authors: Cao Shijie , Budina Erica , Raczy Michal M. , Solanki Ani , Nguyen Mindy , Beckman Taryn N. , Reda Joseph W. , Hultgren Kevin , Ang Phillip S. , Slezak Anna J. , Hesser Lauren A. , Alpar Aaron T. , Refvik Kirsten C. , Shores Lucas S. , Pillai Ishita , Wallace Rachel P. , Dhar Arjun , Watkins Elyse A. , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2024

Butyrate—a metabolite produced by commensal bacteria—has been extensively studied for its immunomodulatory effects on immune cells, including regulatory T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. However, the development of butyrate as a drug has been hindered by butyrate’s poor oral bioavailability, owing to its rapid metabolism in the gut, its low potency (hence, necessitating high dosing), and its foul smell and taste. Here we report that the oral bioavailability of butyrate can be increased by esterifying it to serine, an amino acid transporter that aids the escape of the resulting odourless and tasteless prodrug (O-butyryl-l-serine, which we named SerBut) from the gut, enhancing its systemic uptake. In mice with collagen-antibody-induced arthritis (a model of rheumatoid arthritis) and with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (a model of multiple sclerosis), we show that SerBut substantially ameliorated disease severity, modulated key immune cell populations systemically and in disease-associated tissues, and reduced inflammatory responses without compromising the global immune response to vaccination. SerBut may become a promising therapeutic for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Identification of responsive genes to multiple abiotic stresses in rice (Oryza sativa): a meta-analysis of transcriptomics data
Authors: Azad Mahnaz , Tohidfar Masoud , Ghanbari Moheb Seraj Rahele , Mehralian Mohammad , Esmaeilzadeh-Salestani Keyvan
Published: April 2024

Abiotic stresses limit the quantity and quality of rice grain production, which is considered a strategic crop in many countries. In this study, a meta-analysis of different microarray data at seedling stage was performed to investigate the effects of multiple abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, cold situation, high temperature, alkali condition, iron, aluminum, and heavy metal toxicity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium deficiency) on rice. Comparative analysis between multiple abiotic stress groups and their control groups indicated 561 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which 422 and 139 genes were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the process of responding to stresses and stimuli was significantly enriched. In addition, pathways such as metabolic process and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were identified by KEGG pathway analysis. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) uncovered 17 distinct co-expression modules. Six modules were significantly associated with genes involved in response to abiotic stresses. Finally, to validate the results of the meta-analysis, five genes, including TIFY9 (JAZ5), RAB16B, ADF3, Os01g0124650, and Os05g0142900 selected for qRT-PCR analysis. Expression patterns of selected genes confirmed the results of the meta-analysis. The outcome of this study could help introduce candidate genes that may be beneficial for use in genetic engineering programs to produce more tolerant crops or as markers for selection.
Development and validation of prognostic nomographs for patients with cervical cancer: SEER-based Asian population study
Authors: Zeng Siyuan , Yang Ping , Xiao Simin , Liu Lifeng
Published: April 2024

To develop and validate a nomograph to predict the long-term survival probability of cervical cancer (CC) patients in Asia, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) were used to collect information about CC patients in Asia. The patient data were randomly sampled and divided into a training group and a validation group by 7:3. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to screen key indicators, and multivariate Cox regression model was used to establish a prognostic risk prediction model for CC patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were adopted to comprehensively evaluate the nomogram model. LASSO regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage, AJCC T, tumor size, and surgery were independent risk factors for prognosis. The ROC curve results proved that the area under curve (AUC) values of the training group in 3 and 5 years were 0.837 and 0.818, The AUC values of the validation group in 3 and 5 years were 0.796 and 0.783. DCA showed that the 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) nomograms had good clinical potential value. The nomogram model developed in this study can effectively predict the prognosis of Asian patients with CC, and the risk stratification system based on this nomogram prediction model has some clinical value for discriminating high-risk patients.
Simultaneous removal of caesium and strontium using different removal mechanisms of probiotic bacteria
Authors: Endo Rin , Karasawa Satoshi , Aoyagi Hideki
Published: April 2024

When radioactive materials are released into the environment due to nuclear power plant accidents, they may enter into the body, and exposing it to internal radiation for long periods of time. Although several agents have been developed that help excrete radioactive elements from the digestive tract, only one type of radioactive element can be removed using a single agent. Therefore, we considered the simultaneous removal of caesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) by utilising the multiple metal removal mechanisms of probiotic bacteria. In this study, the Cs and Sr removal capacities of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were investigated. Observation using an electron probe micro analyser suggested that Cs was accumulated within the bacterial cells. Since Sr was removed non metabolically, it is likely that it was removed by a mechanism different from that of Cs. The amount of Cs and Sr that the cells could simultaneously retain decreased when compared to that for each element alone, but some strains showed only a slight reduction in removal. For example, Bifidobacterium adolescentis JCM1275 could simultaneously retain 55.7 mg-Cs/g-dry cell and 8.1 mg-Sr/g-dry cell. These results demonstrated the potentials of utilizing complex biological system in simultaneous removal of multiple metal species.
Hybrid genetic algorithm-simulated annealing based electric vehicle charging station placement for optimizing distribution network resilience
Authors: Kumar Boya Anil , Jyothi B. , Singh Arvind R. , Bajaj Mohit , Rathore Rajkumar Singh , Tuka Milkias Berhanu
Published: April 2024

Rapid placement of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is essential for the transportation industry in response to the growing electric vehicle (EV) fleet. The widespread usage of EVs is an essential strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from traditional vehicles. The focus of this study is the challenge of smoothly integrating Plug-in EV Charging Stations (PEVCS) into distribution networks, especially when distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems are involved. A hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing method (GA-SAA) are used in the research to strategically find the optimal locations for PEVCS in order to overcome this integration difficulty. This paper investigates PV system situations, presenting the problem as a multicriteria task with two primary objectives: reducing power losses and maintaining acceptable voltage levels. By optimizing the placement of EVCS and balancing their integration with distributed generation, this approach enhances the sustainability and reliability of distribution networks.
Inhibition of co-occurring weeds and young sugarcane seedling growth by perennial sugarcane root extract
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Wang Shilong , Zhu Jinghuan , Li Lei , Ma Junjun , Zuo Linzhi , Sun Xiaobo , Chen Bi , Yang Zuli
Published: April 2024

Allelopathy is a process whereby a plant directly or indirectly promotes or inhibits growth of surrounding plants. Perennial sugarcane root extracts from various years significantly inhibited Bidens pilosa, Digitaria sanguinalis, sugarcane stem seedlings, and sugarcane tissue-cultured seedlings (P < 0.05), with maximum respective allelopathies of − 0.60, − 0.62, − 0.20, and − 0.29. Allelopathy increased with increasing concentrations for the same-year root extract, and inhibitory effects of the neutral, acidic, and alkaline components of perennial sugarcane root extract from different years were significantly stronger than those of the control for sugarcane stem seedlings (P < 0.05). The results suggest that allelopathic effects of perennial sugarcane root extract vary yearly, acids, esters and phenols could be a main reason for the allelopathic autotoxicity of sugarcane ratoons and depend on the type and content of allelochemicals present, and that allelopathy is influenced by other environmental factors within the rhizosphere such as the presence of old perennial sugarcane roots. This may be a crucial factor contributing to the decline of perennial sugarcane root health.
TCAD simulation study of heavy ion radiation effects on hetero junctionless tunnel field effect transistor
Authors: Aishwarya K. , Lakshmi B.
Published: April 2024

Semiconductor devices used in radiation environment are more prone to degradation in device performance. Junctionless Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (JLTFET) is one of the most potential candidates which overcomes the short channel effects and fabrication difficulties. In this work, 20 nm JLTFET is proposed with Silicon in the drain/channel region whereas source uses different materials, Silicon Germanium (SiGe), Gallium Nitride (GaN), Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Indium Arsenide (InAs). The device performance is examined by subjecting it to heavy ion radiation at a lower and higher dose of linear energy transfer (LET) values. It can be seen that the most sensitive location is the source/channel (S/C) interface for SiGe, GaN and GaAs whereas the drain/channel (D/C) interface for InAs. Further analysis is carried out at these vulnerable regions by matching IONof all materials. The parameters, transient peak current (Ipeak), collected charge (QC), threshold voltage shift (ΔVth) and bipolar gain (β) are extracted using transient simulations. It is observed that for a lower dose of LET, Ipeakof SiGe is 27% lesser than InAs and for higher dose of LET, SiGe shows 56% lesser Ipeakthan InAs. SiGe is less sensitive at lower and higher dose of LET due to reduced ΔVth, tunneling and electron density.
The epidemic forest reveals the spatial pattern of the spread of acute respiratory infections in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Nasution Yuki Novia , Sitorus Marli Yehezkiel , Sukandar Kamal , Nuraini Nuning , Apri Mochamad , Salama Ngabila
Published: April 2024

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a communicable disease of the respiratory tract that implies impaired breathing. The infection can expand from one to the neighboring areas at a region-scale level through a human mobility network. Specific to this study, we leverage a record of ARI incidences in four periods of outbreaks for 42 regions in Jakarta to study its spatio-temporal spread using the concept of the epidemic forest. This framework generates a forest-like graph representing an explicit spread of disease that takes the onset time, spatio-temporal distance, and case prevalence into account. To support this framework, we use logistic curves to infer the onset time of the outbreak for each region. The result shows that regions with earlier onset dates tend to have a higher burden of cases, leading to the idea that the culprits of the disease spread are those with a high load of cases. To justify this, we generate the epidemic forest for the four periods of ARI outbreaks and identify the implied dominant trees (that with the most children cases). We find that the primary infected city of the dominant tree has a relatively higher burden of cases than other trees. In addition, we can investigate the timely ($$R_t$$

R
t

) and spatial reproduction number ($$R_c$$

R
c

) by directly evaluating them from the inferred graphs. We find that $$R_t$$

R
t

for dominant trees are significantly higher than non-dominant trees across all periods, with regions in western Jakarta tend to have higher values of $$R_c$$

R
c

. Lastly, we provide simulated-implied graphs by suppressing 50% load of cases of the primary infected city in the dominant tree that results in a reduced $$R_c$$

R
c

, suggesting a potential target of intervention to depress the overall ARI spread.
Emission and performance analysis of diesel engine running with CeO2 nanoparticle additive blended into castor oil biodiesel as a substitute fuel
Authors: Tamrat Samuel , Ancha Venkata Ramayya , Gopal Rajendiran , Nallamothu Ramesh Babu , Seifu Yared
Published: April 2024

The implications of adding cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles as a fuel additive to a castor oil biodiesel–diesel fuel blend on engine performance and emissions in a single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine under various speed were examined in the current study. The test fuels used were fossil diesel fuels, B5 blend biodiesel (as 5% biodiesel and 95% diesel), B10 blend biodiesel (as 10% biodiesel and 90% diesel), B15 blend biodiesel (as 15% biodiesel and 85% diesel), B20 blend biodiesel (as 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel), and B25 blend biodiesel (as 25% biodiesel and 75% diesel), with cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticle additive (75 ppm). The result of the physio-chemical properties of the oil samples was within the limit of the ASTM standard. The addition of CeO2 nano additive to the biodiesel–diesel blends has demonstrated a significant reduction in emission and increased in engine performance for all biodiesel–diesel blends for the engine operating speed range. From the result B25 have the maximum reduction rate in BSFC and B10 have the minimum reduction rate in BSFC. The average maximum increment of thermal efficiency was 22.2% for B10 with CeO2 inclusion. CO emission increased as engine speed increased. HC emission was reduced for all blend, with and without CeO2 nano additions as speed increased. Maximum NOx emission was seen at the rated speed of 2700 rpm without nano additive and at 2900 rpm with nano additive. CeO2 nano additive reduced the soot opacity by 11.56% for all biodiesel–diesel blends for the engine operating speed range. As the objective of this study the results indicates CeO2 nano additive reduced emissions and improved the performance. So, using sustainable biodiesel–diesel blends made from castor oil with CeO2 nano additive advisable in ideal operating conditions for diesel engines.