bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of DAP coated with bacterial strains and their metabolites for soil phosphorus availability and maize growth
Authors: Murad Sadia , Ahmad Maqshoof , Hussain Azhar , Ali Sajjad , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: May 2024

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency in alkaline/calcareous soils is only 20% due to precipitation of P2O5 with calcium and magnesium. However, coating Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is more appropriate to increase fertilizer use efficiency. Therefore, with the aim to use inorganic fertilizers more effectively present study was conducted to investigate comparative effect of coated DAP with PSB strains Bacillus subtilis ZE15 (MN003400), Bacillus subtilis ZR3 (MN007185), Bacillus megaterium ZE32 (MN003401) and Bacillus megaterium ZR19 (MN007186) and their extracted metabolites with uncoated DAP under axenic conditions. Gene sequencing was done against various sources of phosphorus to analyze genes responsible for phosphatase activity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene amplicon of 380bp from all tested strains was showed in 1% w/v gel. Release pattern of P was also improved with coated fertilizer. The results showed that coated phosphatic fertilizer enhanced shoot dry weight by 43 and 46% under bacterial and metabolites coating respectively. Shoot and root length up to 44 and 42% with metabolites coated DAP and 41% with bacterial coated DAP. Physiological attributes also showed significant improvement with coated DAP over conventional. The results supported the application of coated DAP as a useful medium to raise crop yield even at lower application rates i.e., 50 and 75% DAP than non-coated 100% DAP application which advocated this coating technique a promising approach for advancing circular economy and sustainable development in modern agriculture.
Exploring toroidal anvil profiles for larger sample volumes above 4 Mbar
Authors: Zurkowski Claire C. , Yang Jing , Miozzi Francesca , Vitale Suzy , O.’Bannon Earl. F. , Jenei Zsolt , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali , Fei Yingwei
Published: May 2024

With the advent of toroidal and double-stage diamond anvil cells (DACs), pressures between 4 and 10 Mbar can be achieved under static compression, however, the ability to explore diverse sample assemblies is limited on these micron-scale anvils. Adapting the toroidal DAC to support larger sample volumes offers expanded capabilities in physics, chemistry, and planetary science: including, characterizing materials in soft pressure media to multi-megabar pressures, synthesizing novel phases, and probing planetary assemblages at the interior pressures and temperatures of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. Here we have continued the exploration of larger toroidal DAC profiles by iteratively testing various torus and shoulder depths with central culet diameters in the 30–50 µm range. We present a 30 µm culet profile that reached a maximum pressure of 414(1) GPa based on a Pt scale. The 300 K equations of state fit to our P–V data collected on gold and rhenium are compatible with extrapolated hydrostatic equations of state within 1% up to 4 Mbar. This work validates the performance of these large-culet toroidal anvils to > 4 Mbar and provides a promising foundation to develop toroidal DACs for diverse sample loading and laser heating.
Evaluation method for ecology-agriculture-urban spaces based on deep learning
Authors: Li Anqi , Zhang Zhenkai , Hong Zenglin , Liu Lingyi , Liu Yuanmin
Published: May 2024

With the increasing global population and escalating ecological and farmland degradation, challenges to the environment and livelihoods have become prominent. Coordinating urban development, food security, and ecological conservation is crucial for fostering sustainable development. This study focuses on assessing the "Ecology-Agriculture-Urban" (E-A-U) space in Yulin City, China, as a representative case. Following the framework proposed by Chinese named "environmental capacity and national space development suitability evaluation" (hereinafter referred to as "Double Evaluation"), we developed a Self-Attention Residual Neural Network (SARes-NET) model to assess the E-U-A space. Spatially, the northwest region is dominated by agriculture, while the southeast is characterized by urban and ecological areas, aligning with regional development patterns. Comparative validations with five other models, including Logistic Regression (LR), Naive Bayes (NB), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), reveal that the SARes-NET model exhibits superior simulation performance, highlighting it’s ability to capture intricate non-linear relationships and reduce human errors in data processing. This study establishes deep learning-guided E-A-U spatial evaluation as an innovative approach for national spatial planning, holding broader implications for national-level territorial assessments.
Oral administration of coenzyme Q10 ameliorates memory impairment induced by nicotine-ethanol abstinence through restoration of biochemical changes in male rat hippocampal tissues
Authors: Ahmadi-Soleimani S. Mohammad , Ghasemi Seyedalireza , Rahmani Mohamad Amin , Gharaei Moein , Mohammadi Bezanaj Maryam , Beheshti Farimah
Published: May 2024

Substance abuse among adolescents has become a growing issue throughout the world. The significance of research on this life period is based on the occurrence of neurobiological changes in adolescent brain which makes the individual more susceptible for risk-taking and impulsive behaviors. Alcohol and nicotine are among the most available drugs of abuse in adolescents. Prolonged consumption of nicotine and alcohol leads to drug dependence and withdrawal which induce various dysfunctions such as memory loss. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is known to improve learning and memory deficits induced by various pathological conditions such as Diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. In the present study we investigated whether CoQ10 treatment ameliorates memory loss following a nicotine-ethanol abstinence. Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests were done in male Wistar rats undergone nicotine-ethanol abstinence and the effect of CoQ10 was assessed on at behavioral and biochemical levels. Results indicated that nicotine-ethanol abstinence induces memory dysfunction which is associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory response, reduced cholinergic and neurotrophic function plus elevated Amyloid-B levels in hippocampi. CoQ10 treatment prevented memory deficits and biochemical alterations. Interestingly, this ameliorative effect of CoQ10 was found to be dose-dependent in most experiments and almost equipotential to that of bupropion and naloxone co-administration. CoQ10 treatment could effectively improve memory defects induced by nicotine-ethanol consumption through attenuation of oxidative damage, inflammation, amyloid-B level and enhancement of cholinergic and neurotrophic drive. Further studies are required to assess the unknown side effects and high dose tolerability of the drug in human subjects.
Sign language recognition based on dual-path background erasure convolutional neural network
Authors: Zhang Junming , Bu Xiaolong , Wang Yushuai , Dong Hao , Zhang Yu , Wu Haitao
Published: May 2024

Sign language is an important way to provide expression information to people with hearing and speaking disabilities. Therefore, sign language recognition has always been a very important research topic. However, many sign language recognition systems currently require complex deep models and rely on expensive sensors, which limits the application scenarios of sign language recognition. To address this issue, based on computer vision, this study proposed a lightweight, dual-path background erasing deep convolutional neural network (DPCNN) model for sign language recognition. The DPCNN consists of two paths. One path is used to learn the overall features, while the other path learns the background features. The background features are gradually subtracted from the overall features to obtain an effective representation of hand features. Then, these features are flatten into a one-dimensional layer, and pass through a fully connected layer with an output unit of 128. Finally, use a fully connected layer with an output unit of 24 as the output layer. Based on the ASL Finger Spelling dataset, the total accuracy and Macro-F1 scores of the proposed method is 99.52% and 0.997, respectively. More importantly, the proposed method can be applied to small terminals, thereby improving the application scenarios of sign language recognition. Through experimental comparison, the dual path background erasure network model proposed in this paper has better generalization ability.
Mesoscale eddy-strengthened deep-sea topographic Rossby waves in the southwestern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Wenzhuo , Liu Zhifei , Zhao Yulong , Lin Baozhi , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Jingwen , Li Jiaying , Cao Junyuan , Song Hongzhe
Published: May 2024

Topographic Rossby waves (TRWs) dominate the low-frequency variability of deep ocean currents and play a crucial role in energy exchange and material mixing. On the continental slope of the southwestern South China Sea, a deep-water mooring was deployed to observe TRWs for a period of ~ 40 days. The TRWs, with a wavelength of 109 km, account for 41.3% of the subinertial variations. A ray-tracing model was applied to investigate the propagation and energy source. The results showed that the TRWs propagated from the northeast of the mooring location and were most likely caused by the mesoscale eddy disturbances off the Vietnam coast. This study provides a new perspective on examining the impact of mesoscale eddies off Vietnam on abyssal currents.
Evaluation of the clinical use of MGMT methylation in extracellular vesicle-based liquid biopsy as a tool for glioblastoma patient management
Authors: Rosas-Alonso Rocío , Colmenarejo-Fernández Julian , Pernía Olga , Burdiel Miranda , Rodríguez-Antolín Carlos , Losantos-García Itsaso , Rubio Tania , Moreno-Velasco Rocío , Esteban-Rodríguez Isabel , Martínez-Marín Virginia , Yubero Paloma , Costa-Fraga Nicolas , Díaz-Lagares Angel , López-López Rafael , Díaz-Martin Eva , García Juan F. , Sánchez Catalina Vivancos , Gandía-González Maria Luisa , Moreno-Bueno Gema , de Castro Javier , de Cáceres Inmaculada Ibánez
Published: May 2024

Glioblastoma (GB) is a devastating tumor of the central nervous system characterized by a poor prognosis. One of the best-established predictive biomarker in IDH-wildtype GB is O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation (mMGMT), which is associated with improved treatment response and survival. However, current efforts to monitor GB patients through mMGMT detection have proven unsuccessful. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) hold potential as a key element that could revolutionize clinical practice by offering new possibilities for liquid biopsy. This study aimed to determine the utility of sEV-based liquid biopsy as a predictive biomarker and disease monitoring tool in patients with IDH-wildtype GB. Our findings show consistent results with tissue-based analysis, achieving a remarkable sensitivity of 85.7% for detecting mMGMT in liquid biopsy, the highest reported to date. Moreover, we suggested that liquid biopsy assessment of sEV-DNA could be a powerful tool for monitoring disease progression in IDH-wildtype GB patients. This study highlights the critical significance of overcoming molecular underdetection, which can lead to missed treatment opportunities and misdiagnoses, possibly resulting in ineffective therapies. The outcomes of our research significantly contribute to the field of sEV-DNA-based liquid biopsy, providing valuable insights into tumor tissue heterogeneity and establishing it as a promising tool for detecting GB biomarkers. These results have substantial implications for advancing predictive and therapeutic approaches in the context of GB and warrant further exploration and validation in clinical settings.
Island plants with newly discovered reproductive traits have higher capacity for uniparental reproduction, supporting Baker’s law
Authors: Keller Barbara , Alther Barbara , Jiménez Ares , Koutroumpa Konstantina , Mora-Carrera Emiliano , Conti Elena
Published: May 2024

Uniparental reproduction is advantageous when lack of mates limits outcrossing opportunities in plants. Baker’s law predicts an enrichment of uniparental reproduction in habitats colonized via long-distance dispersal, such as volcanic islands. To test it, we analyzed reproductive traits at multiple hierarchical levels and compared seed-set after selfing and crossing experiments in both island and mainland populations of Limonium lobatum, a widespread species that Baker assumed to be self-incompatible because it had been described as pollen-stigma dimorphic, i.e., characterized by floral morphs differing in pollen-surface morphology and stigma-papillae shape that are typically self-incompatible. We discovered new types and combinations of pollen and stigma traits hitherto unknown in the literature on pollen-stigma dimorphism and a lack of correspondence between such combinations and pollen compatibility. Contrary to previous reports, we conclude that Limonium lobatum comprises both self-compatible and self-incompatible plants characterized by both known and previously undescribed combinations of reproductive traits. Most importantly, plants with novel combinations are overrepresented on islands, selfed seed-set is higher in islands than the mainland, and insular plants with novel pollen-stigma trait-combinations disproportionally contribute to uniparental reproduction on islands. Our results thus support Baker’s law, connecting research on reproductive and island biology.
Research on the influencing factors of Chinese agricultural brand competitiveness based on DEMATEL-ISM
Authors: Tang Huanchen , Liu Xiaodong , Li Meiyu
Published: May 2024

Agricultural products are pivotal to the national economy, and a comprehensive analysis of brand competitiveness significantly contributes to the support of agricultural structural adjustment and modernization. Focusing on the Yangtze River Delta region of China, this study develops an evaluation index system encompassing four dimensions: core brand competitiveness, brand management, market competitiveness, and innovation in branding. Utilizing a DEMATEL-ISM model, this research elucidates the intrinsic relationships among factors that influence brand competitiveness, resulting in a four-tier hierarchical model. The analysis delineates key factors at superficial, intermediate, and profound levels that influence brand competitiveness. Notably, regional production bases, along with innovations in brand technology and systems, emerge as profound influencers. Drawing on these findings, the study recommends strategies to enhance production foundations, accurately define development trajectories, spearhead technological innovation to foster collective reform efforts, and advocate for institutional advancements to bolster healthy brand growth.
Study of equivalent circuit of GaN based laser chip and packaged laser
Authors: Wang Junfei , Hu Junhui , Guan Chaowen , Hou Yuqi , Sun Leihao , Fang Songke , Shi Jianyang , Li Ziwei , Zhang Junwen , Chi Nan , Shen Chao
Published: May 2024

High-speed GaN-based lasers play a pivotal role in visible light communication (VLC) systems; however, the causes of the limited modulation response of our fabricated laser diode (LD) are not fully understood. Accordingly, we constructed an equivalent circuit model for both the LD and its packaging. This model enabled us to analyze the series resistance and parallel capacitance of the LD at different injection currents. Experiments and simulations were performed to investigate the intrinsic responses of the LD. The series resistance and parallel capacitance are responsible for S21 roll-off at low frequencies. Determination of the packaging design parameters on the modulation response of a transistor outline (TO)-can packaged LD was investigated which is important to achieve the impedance match in the future. The value of each discrete component was determined by fitting the scattering parameters of the equivalent circuit model to the packaged LD. Reducing the series resistance and parallel capacitance improved the modulation response. Our study firstly illustrates the design and manufacture of violet-blue-green laser transmitters with a large modulation bandwidth for ultra-high-speed VLC from the point of the impedance influence.
Predicting high-level visual areas in the absence of task fMRI
Authors: Molloy M. Fiona , Saygin Zeynep M. , Osher David E.
Published: May 2024

The ventral visual stream is organized into units, or functional regions of interest (fROIs), specialized for processing high-level visual categories. Task-based fMRI scans (“localizers”) are typically used to identify each individual’s nuanced set of fROIs. The unique landscape of an individual’s functional activation may rely in large part on their specialized connectivity patterns; recent studies corroborate this by showing that connectivity can predict individual differences in neural responses. We focus on the ventral visual stream and ask: how well can an individual’s resting state functional connectivity localize their fROIs for face, body, scene, and object perception? And are the neural processors for any particular visual category better predicted by connectivity than others, suggesting a tighter mechanistic relationship between connectivity and function? We found, among 18 fROIs predicted from connectivity for each subject, all but one were selective for their preferred visual category. Defining an individual’s fROIs based on their connectivity patterns yielded regions that were more selective than regions identified from previous studies or atlases in nearly all cases. Overall, we found that in the absence of a domain-specific localizer task, a 10-min resting state scan can be reliably used for defining these fROIs.
Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging-based statistical shape analysis and machine learning-based prediction of patellofemoral instability
Authors: Nagawa Keita , Inoue Kaiji , Hara Yuki , Shimizu Hirokazu , Tsuchihashi Saki , Matsuura Koichiro , Kozawa Eito , Sugita Naoki , Niitsu Mamoru
Published: May 2024

This study performed three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based statistical shape analysis (SSA) by comparing patellofemoral instability (PFI) and normal femur models, and developed a machine learning (ML)-based prediction model. Twenty (19 patients) and 31 MRI scans (30 patients) of femurs with PFI and normal femurs, respectively, were used. Bone and cartilage segmentation of the distal femurs was performed and subsequently converted into 3D reconstructed models. The pointwise distance map showed anterior elevation of the trochlea, particularly at the central floor of the proximal trochlea, in the PFI models compared with the normal models. Principal component analysis examined shape variations in the PFI group, and several principal components exhibited shape variations in the trochlear floor and intercondylar width. Multivariate analysis showed that these shape components were significantly correlated with the PFI/non-PFI distinction after adjusting for age and sex. Our ML-based prediction model for PFI achieved a strong predictive performance with an accuracy of 0.909 ± 0.015, and an area under the curve of 0.939 ± 0.009 when using a support vector machine with a linear kernel. This study demonstrated that 3D MRI-based SSA can realistically visualize statistical results on surface models and may facilitate the understanding of complex shape features.
Potential drug targets for tumors identified through Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Song Na , Shi Pingyu , Cui Kai , Zeng Liqun , Wang Ziwei , Di Wenyu , Li Jinsong , Fan Yanwu , Li Zhanjun , Zhang Jinghang , Su Wei , Wang Haijun
Published: May 2024

According to the latest cancer research data, there are a significant number of new cancer cases and a substantial mortality rate each year. Although a substantial number of clinical patients are treated with existing cancer drugs each year, the efficacy is unsatisfactory. The incidence is still high and the effectiveness of most cancer drugs remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, we evaluated the human proteins for their causal relationship to for cancer risk and therefore also their potential as drug targets. We used summary tumors data from the FinnGen and cis protein quantitative trait loci (cis-pQTL) data from a genome-wide association study, and employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the association between potential drug targets and nine tumors, including breast, colorectal, lung, liver, bladder, prostate, kidney, head and neck, pancreatic caners. Furthermore, we conducted MR analysis on external cohort. Moreover, Bidirectional MR, Steiger filtering, and colocalization were employed to validate the main results. The DrugBank database was used to discover potential drugs of tumors. Under the threshold of False discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05, results showed that S100A16 was protective protein and S100A14 was risk protein for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER-positive) breast cancer, phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was risk protein for colorectal cancer, and melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) was protective protein for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). And there was no reverse causal association between them. Colocalization analysis showed that S100A14 (PP.H4.abf = 0.920) and S100A16 (PP.H4.abf = 0.932) shared causal variation with HER-positive breast cancer, and PDE5A (PP.H4.abf = 0.857) shared causal variation with colorectal cancer (CRC). The MR results of all pQTL of PDE5A and MIA were consistent with main results. In addition, the MR results of MIA and external outcome cohort were consistent with main results. In this study, genetic predictions indicate that circulating S100 calcium binding protein A14 (S100A14) and S100 calcium binding protein A16 (S100A16) are associated with increase and decrease in the risk of HER-positive breast cancer, respectively. Circulating PDE5A is associated with increased risk of CRC, while circulating MIA is associated with decreased risk of NSCLC. These findings suggest that four proteins may serve as biomarkers for cancer prevention and as potential drug targets that could be expected for approval.
Prosocial emotions predict individual differences in economic decision-making during ultimatum game with dynamic reciprocal contexts
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Bong Su Hyun , Yoon Dayoung , Jeong Bumseok
Published: May 2024

Social decision-making is known to be influenced by predictive emotions or the perceived reciprocity of partners. However, the connection between emotion, decision-making, and contextual reciprocity remains less understood. Moreover, arguments suggest that emotional experiences within a social context can be better conceptualised as prosocial rather than basic emotions, necessitating the inclusion of two social dimensions: focus, the degree of an emotion's relevance to oneself or others, and dominance, the degree to which one feels in control of an emotion. For better representation, these dimensions should be considered alongside the interoceptive dimensions of valence and arousal. In an ultimatum game involving fair, moderate, and unfair offers, this online study measured the emotions of 476 participants using a multidimensional affective rating scale. Using unsupervised classification algorithms, we identified individual differences in decisions and emotional experiences. Certain individuals exhibited consistent levels of acceptance behaviours and emotions, while reciprocal individuals' acceptance behaviours and emotions followed external reward value structures. Furthermore, individuals with distinct emotional responses to partners exhibited unique economic responses to their emotions, with only the reciprocal group exhibiting sensitivity to dominance prediction errors. The study illustrates a context-specific model capable of subtyping populations engaged in social interaction and exhibiting heterogeneous mental states.
Mathematical modeling of hypoxia and adenosine to explore tumor escape mechanisms in DC-based immunotherapy
Authors: Ghiyabi Elahe , Arabameri Abazar , Charmi Mostafa
Published: May 2024

Identifying and controlling tumor escape mechanisms is crucial for improving cancer treatment effectiveness. Experimental studies reveal tumor hypoxia and adenosine as significant contributors to such mechanisms. Hypoxia exacerbates adenosine levels in the tumor microenvironment. Combining inhibition of these factors with dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy promises improved clinical outcomes. However, challenges include understanding dynamics, optimal vaccine dosages, and timing. Mathematical models, including agent-based, diffusion, and ordinary differential equations, address these challenges. Here, we employ these models for the first time to elucidate how hypoxia and adenosine facilitate tumor escape in DC-based immunotherapy. After parameter estimation using experimental data, we optimize vaccination protocols to minimize tumor growth. Sensitivity analysis highlights adenosine’s significant impact on immunotherapy efficacy. Its suppressive role impedes treatment success, but inhibiting adenosine could enhance therapy, as suggested by the model. Our findings shed light on hypoxia and adenosine-mediated tumor escape mechanisms, informing future treatment strategies. Additionally, identifiability analysis confirms accurate parameter determination using experimental data.
Land scale division and multifunctional evaluation for Fuping County, China, based on DEM-based watershed analysis
Authors: Yin Haikui , Wang Shutao , Chen Yaheng , Zhou Yapeng , Chen Yuqi , Xu Hao
Published: May 2024

Land is the spatial background and basic carrier of human survival and development. The study of land function evaluation at different scales can promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Taking Fuping County, Hebei Province, China, as an example, this study establishes the theoretical framework of county-level land scale division using a digital elevation model (DEM)-based watershed analysis method and establishes the theory and methodological system of land function evaluation from the perspective of the characteristic scale. The multifunctionality of the land was evaluated using the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA), the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model and comprehensive index evaluation. By using the methods of DEM-based watershed analysis, dominant factor differentiation and layer superposition, a three-level scale system of ‘subwatershed scale-land chain scale-land segment scale’ and a multifunctional multiscale evaluation index system containing 18 evaluation indices were established. The single-function and multifunction evaluation results of land at different scales were obtained by the comprehensive index method and Getis-Ord Gi* index method. The accuracy of land function evaluation results mainly depends on the selection of the measurement scale. The land measurement scale determined by DEM-based watershed analysis is close to the intrinsic scale of land function evaluation. The scale effect of land function in different temporal and spatial ranges is also evident and shows obvious spatial heterogeneity and difference. At larger scales, individual functions show synergistic effects.
Immediate and delayed placement of the intrauterine device after abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lou Ying , Tang Shanshan , Sheng Zhumei , Lian Hongqin , Yang Jingjing , Jin Xuejing
Published: May 2024

This article aims to report the comprehensive and up-to-date analysis and evidence of the insertion rate, expulsion rate, removal rate, and utilization rate of immediate placement of intrauterine devices (IUDs) versus delayed placement after artificial abortion. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were comprehensively searched up to January 12, 2024 for studies that compared immediate versus delayed insertion of IUDs after abortion. The evaluation metrics included the number of IUD insertion after surgical or medical abortions, the frequency of expulsion and removal at 6 months or 1 year, the number of continued usage, pain intensity scores, the number of infections, the duration of bleeding, and instances of uterine perforation during or after IUD insertion. Ten randomized controlled articles were eligible, comprising 11 research projects, of which 3 projects involved the placement of an IUD after surgical abortion, and 8 projects involved the placement of an IUD after medical abortion. This included 2025 patients (977 in the immediate insertion group and 1,048 in the delayed insertion group). We summarized all the extracted evidence. The meta-analysis results indicated that for post-surgical abortions, the immediate insertion group exhibited a higher IUD placement rate than the delayed insertion group. After medical abortions, the immediate insertion group showed higher rates of IUD placement, utilization, and expulsion at 6 months or 1 year. The two groups showed no statistically significant differences in the removal rate, post-insertion infection rate, pain scores during insertion, and days of bleeding during the follow-up period. Compared to delayed placement, immediate insertion of IUDs can not only increase the usage rate at 6 months or 1 year but also enhance the placement rate.
A real-world pharmacovigilance study of FDA adverse event reporting system events for Capmatinib
Authors: Qi Yiming , Li Jing , Lin Sisi , Wu Shuangshuang , Chai Kequn , Jiang Xin , Qian Jiancheng , Jiang Cheng
Published: May 2024

Capmatinib is a potent selective mesenchymal-epithelial transition inhibitor approved in 2020 for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. As real-world evidence is very limited, this study evaluated capmatinib-induced adverse events through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. Four disproportionality analysis methods were employed to quantify the signals of capmatinib-related adverse events. The difference in capmatinib-associated adverse event signals was further investigated with respect to sex, age, weight, dose, onset time, continent, and concomitant drug. A total of 1518 reports and 4278 adverse events induced by capmatinib were identified. New significant adverse event signals emerged, such as dysphagia, dehydration, deafness, vocal cord paralysis, muscle disorder, and oesophageal stenosis. Notably, higher risk of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increases were observed in females, especially when capmatinib was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Compared with Europeans and Asians, Americans were more likely to experience peripheral swelling, especially in people > 65 years of age. Renal impairment and increased blood creatinine were more likely to occur with single doses above 400 mg and in Asians. This study improves the understanding of safety profile of capmatinib.
A validated web-application (GFDC) for automatic classification of glaucomatous visual field defects using Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria
Authors: Thirunavukarasu Arun James , Jain Nikhil , Sanghera Rohan , Lattuada Federico , Mahmood Shathar , Economou Anna , Yu Helmut C. Y. , Bourne Rupert
Published: May 2024

Subjectivity and ambiguity of visual field classification limits the accuracy and reliability of glaucoma diagnosis, prognostication, and management decisions. Standardised rules for classifying glaucomatous visual field defects exist, but these are labour-intensive and therefore impractical for day-to-day clinical work. Here a web-application, Glaucoma Field Defect Classifier (GFDC), for automatic application of Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson, is presented and validated in a cross-sectional study. GFDC exhibits perfect accuracy in classifying mild, moderate, and severe glaucomatous field defects. GFDC may thereby improve the accuracy and fairness of clinical decision-making in glaucoma. The application and its source code are freely hosted online for clinicians and researchers to use with glaucoma patients.
Fast, accurate, and interpretable decoding of electrocorticographic signals using dynamic mode decomposition
Authors: Fukuma Ryohei , Majima Kei , Kawahara Yoshinobu , Yamashita Okito , Shiraishi Yoshiyuki , Kishima Haruhiko , Yanagisawa Takufumi
Published: May 2024

Dynamic mode (DM) decomposition decomposes spatiotemporal signals into basic oscillatory components (DMs). DMs can improve the accuracy of neural decoding when used with the nonlinear Grassmann kernel, compared to conventional power features. However, such kernel-based machine learning algorithms have three limitations: large computational time preventing real-time application, incompatibility with non-kernel algorithms, and low interpretability. Here, we propose a mapping function corresponding to the Grassmann kernel that explicitly transforms DMs into spatial DM (sDM) features, which can be used in any machine learning algorithm. Using electrocorticographic signals recorded during various movement and visual perception tasks, the sDM features were shown to improve the decoding accuracy and computational time compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the components of the sDM features informative for decoding showed similar characteristics to the high-γ power of the signals, but with higher trial-to-trial reproducibility. The proposed sDM features enable fast, accurate, and interpretable neural decoding.
TBC9, an essential TBC-domain protein, regulates early vesicular transport and IMC formation in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Sun Ming , Tang Tao , He Kai , Long Shaojun
Published: May 2024

Apicomplexan parasites harbor a complex endomembrane system as well as unique secretory organelles. These complex cellular structures require an elaborate vesicle trafficking system, which includes Rab GTPases and their regulators, to assure the biogenesis and secretory of the organelles. Here we exploit the model apicomplexan organism Toxoplasma gondii that encodes a family of Rab GTPase Activating Proteins, TBC (Tre-2/Bub2/Cdc16) domain-containing proteins. Functional profiling of these proteins in tachyzoites reveals that TBC9 is the only essential regulator, which is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in T. gondii strains. Detailed analyses demonstrate that TBC9 is required for normal distribution of proteins targeting to the ER, and the Golgi apparatus in the parasite, as well as for the normal formation of daughter inner membrane complexes (IMCs). Pull-down assays show a strong protein interaction between TBC9 and specific Rab GTPases (Rab11A, Rab11B, and Rab2), supporting the role of TBC9 in daughter IMC formation and early vesicular transport. Thus, this study identifies the only essential TBC domain-containing protein TBC9 that regulates early vesicular transport and IMC formation in T. gondii and potentially in closely related protists.
Generation and maintenance of the circularized multimeric IS26-associated translocatable unit encoding multidrug resistance
Authors: Aihara Masamune , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Shirahama Saki , Matsushima Yuichi , Uchiumi Takeshi , Kang Dongchon , Hayashi Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

In gram-negative bacteria, IS26 often exists in multidrug resistance (MDR) regions, forming a pseudocompound transposon (PCTn) that can be tandemly amplified. It also generates a circular intermediate called the “translocatable unit (TU)”, but the TU has been detected only by PCR. Here, we demonstrate that in a Klebsiella pneumoniae MDR clone, mono- and multimeric forms of the TU were generated from the PCTn in a preexisting MDR plasmid where the inserted form of the TU was also tandemly amplified. The two modes of amplification were reproduced by culturing the original clone under antimicrobial selection pressure, and the amplified state was maintained in the absence of antibiotics. Mono- and multimeric forms of the circularized TU were generated in a RecA-dependent manner from the tandemly amplified TU, which can be generated in RecA-dependent and independent manners. These findings provide novel insights into the dynamic processes of genome amplification in bacteria.
Endothelial ROBO4 suppresses PTGS2/COX-2 expression and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Tanaka Masato , Shirakura Keisuke , Takayama Yui , Μatsui Miki , Watanabe Yukio , Yamamoto Takuya , Takahashi Junya , Tanaka Shota , Hino Nobumasa , Doi Takefumi , Obana Masanori , Fujio Yasushi , Takayama Kazuo , Okada Yoshiaki
Published: May 2024

Accumulating evidence suggests that endothelial cells can be useful therapeutic targets. One of the potential targets is an endothelial cell-specific protein, Roundabout4 (ROBO4). ROBO4 has been shown to ameliorate multiple diseases in mice, including infectious diseases and sepsis. However, its mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, using RNA-seq analysis, we found that ROBO4 downregulates prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), which encodes cyclooxygenase-2. Mechanistic analysis reveals that ROBO4 interacts with IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7), a ubiquitin E3 ligase. In this complex, ROBO4 enhances IQGAP1 ubiquitination through TRAF7, inhibits prolonged RAC1 activation, and decreases PTGS2 expression in inflammatory endothelial cells. In addition, Robo4-deficiency in mice exacerbates PTGS2-associated inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, edema, and pain. Thus, we reveal the molecular mechanism by which ROBO4 suppresses the inflammatory response and vascular hyperpermeability, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases.
Improved interfacial stability of all-solid-state batteries using cation-anion co-doped glass electrolytes
Authors: Rajagopal Rajesh , Subramanian Yuvaraj , Kang Sung , Park Jungjae , Ryu Kwang-Sun
Published: May 2024

The electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries needs to be improved by addressing the poor stability against the lithium metal anode and the high interfacial resistance at the cathode–solid electrolyte interface. Here, metal halide-doped Li7P2S8I–type (LPSI) solid electrolytes are synthesized that improve the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries. The solid electrolytes exhibit a higher ionic conductivity value of 7.77 mS cm−1 than bare LPSI solid electrolytes of 3.96 mS cm−1, at room temperature. The metal halide-doped LPSI solid electrolyte is also stable against the lithium metal anode, with a calculated critical current density value of 1 mA cm−2. The fabricated all-solid-state battery shows high electrochemical performance with 99.2% specific capacity retention after 250 cycles at a 0.5 C rate. The results of post galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis confirms that the proposed metal halide-doped LPSI solid electrolyte exhibits improved interfacial stability compared to bare LPSI solid electrolytes.
Measuring global monetary damages from particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions to track sustainable growth
Authors: Mohan Aniruddh , Muller Nicholas Z. , Thyagarajan Akshay , Martin Randall V. , Hammer Melanie S. , Donkelaar Aaron van
Published: May 2024

An integrated framework that tracks global stocks and flows of natural capital is needed to assess sustainable economic growth. Here, we develop a set of globally comprehensive monetary damages from particulate matter air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in 165 countries from 1998 to 2018. Our results show that pollution intensity began to rise after a decade during which the global economy became less pollution-intensive from the late 1990s until the Great Recession. Larger economic production shares and higher pollution intensity in China and India drove this change. Deducting pollution damage from output from the late 1990s until the Great Recession yields higher growth estimates. After the Great Recession, this adjustment for pollution damage attenuated growth. We show that modeling monetary damages instead of physical measures of environmental quality affects inferences about sustainable development. Further, the monetary damages from exposure to particulate emissions peak earlier in the development path than damages due to carbon dioxide emissions. Monetary damages peak later than physical measures of both pollutants. For carbon dioxide, per capita emissions maximize at just over 60,000 dollars while monetary damages peak at nearly 80,000 dollars. In 2018, all but two countries were below this income level. Our results suggest that the global economy is likely to exhibit rising damages from particulates and carbon dioxide emissions in the years to come as nations grow and develop.
Nitrogen-directed unactivated γ-C(sp3)–H functionalization of amides toward 7-membered lactones via photoredox catalysis
Authors: Tan Guang-Qiang , Xu Ke-Dong , Qin Hai-Tao , Liu Feng
Published: May 2024

A concise radical-mediated [5 + 2] annulation reaction is developed for the synthesis of alkene/alkyne-containing 7-membered lactones.
Shielding 2D MXenes against oxidative degradation: recent advances, factors and preventive measures
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumari Nitu , Singh Tej , Seo Yongho
Published: May 2024

This review explores factors influencing MXene oxidation and a range of shielding strategies to prevent MXene oxidation. These strategies include surface passivation, use of antioxidants, organic solvents, inert atmospheres, and ionic liquids, etc.
Stimuli responsive actuators: recent advances
Authors: Du Feng , Wang Shu , Chen Zhihao , Li Quan
Published: May 2024

This review summarizes the recent advances in MXene-based and other materials-based responsive actuators, and their challenges and prospects are discussed.
2D Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Energy Application
Authors: Li Ruofan , Yan Xiaoli , Chen Long
Published: May 2024

Two-dimensional conductive metal–organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs) have attracted research attention, benefitting from their unique properties such as superior electronic conductivity, designable topologies, and well-defined catalytic/redox-active sites. These advantages enable 2D c-MOFs as promising candidates in electrochemical energy applications, including supercapacitors, batteries and electrocatalysts. This mini-review mainly highlights recent advancements of 2D c-MOFs in the utilization for electrochemical energy storage, as well as the forward-looking perspective on the future prospects of 2D c-MOFs in the field of electrochemical energy.

Table of content:

1 Introduction

2 Design Principles of 2D c-MOFs

3 Synthesis of 2D c-MOFs

4 2D c-MOFs for Electrochemical Energy Storage

4.1 Supercapacitors

4.2 Metallic Batteries

4.2.1 Lithium-Ion Batteries

4.2.2 Sodium-Ion Batteries

4.2.3 Zinc-Ion Batteries

4.2.4 Sodium–Iodine Batteries

4.2.5 Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

4.2.6 Potassium-Ion Batteries

5 2D c-MOFs for Electrochemical Energy Conversion

6 Conclusions and Outlook
Metal-Catalyzed Multi-Component Approach to Quinoline-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Han Xianghao , Dong Shuda , Feng Xiao
Published: May 2024

The development of new reaction chemistry is highly desirable to construct new structural and functional covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Benefiting from the extremely large database of metal-catalyzed reaction database, we herein develop a new synthetic strategy that can generate quinoline-linked COFs via a silver-catalyzed three-component one-pot reaction and achieve functionalization by the simple replacement of alcohols. This metal-catalyzed approach to the construction of robust COF structures characterized by extended π-conjugation holds the potential to pave a novel pathway in the synthesis of COF materials endowed with both heightened stability and functionality.
Finding the needle in the haystack: archival research in European political science
Authors: Klein Alexander
Published: May 2024

This short article offers a practical introduction to archival research for political scientists working on European politics. Archival documents are increasingly recognized as a relevant data source for process tracing analyses in small-N or mixed methods studies. Previously classified archival documents are exceptionally trustworthy due to their original confidentiality. Their rich and detailed content facilitates the understanding of causal mechanisms. Still, the hurdles for working with archival sources are high for political scientists. Lack of experience, no special training in handling historic documents, and a shortage of textbooks meeting their demands are a few of the problems political scientists planning archival research face. In the article, I highlight the opportunities of archival research and demonstrate how challenges can be overcome. I emphasize that the archival field trip should only be planned once researchers have gained substantive context knowledge. In their preparation, researchers should use all the resources archives offer and develop measurable expectations from theories.
Chinese bayberry extract regulates the permeability of blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier and ameliorates experimental colitis-related brain comorbidities in mice
Authors: Huang Ziwei , Yan Jialang , Liu Yilong , Fan Fuxiang , Liu Tian , Yin Yuanxiao , Li Junhao , Li Xian , Zheng Yixiong
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Anxiety, depression symptoms, and cognitive decline related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are recognized to have an impact on patients’ health. The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) is important in somatic disease-related psychiatric and cognitive disorders; however, few treatments show efficacy. The objective of this research was to determine the protective effect of Chinese bayberry extract on IBD-related brain comorbidities.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6J mice were induced with dextran sulfate sodium solution to establish an experimental model, followed by the administration of Chinese bayberry extract. Oxidative stress indexes, immunofluorescence of choroid plexus, and BCSFB permeability were further investigated.

Results

Chinese bayberry extract improved behavioral markers and reduced the level of oxidative stress in the brain. In addition, the administration of the bayberry extract increased the tight junction proteins in the choroid plexus and significantly decreased in the permeability of the BCSFB.

Conclusions

Chinese bayberry extract has a potential therapeutic effect on relieving inflammatory bowel disease-related brain comorbidities. The underlying mechanism is associated with a decrease in oxidative stress in the brain and a decrease in the permeability of the BCSFB.