bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Is a Society? Building an Interdisciplinary Perspective and Why That's Important
Authors: Moffett Mark W.
Published: February 2024

I submit the need to establish a comparative study of societies, namely groups beyond a simple, immediate family that have the potential to endure for generations, whose constituent individuals recognize one another as members, and that maintain control over access to a physical space. This definition, with refinements and ramifications I explore, serves for cross-disciplinary research since it applies not just to nations but to diverse hunter-gatherer and tribal groups with a pedigree that likely traces back to the societies of our common ancestor with the chimpanzees. It also applies to groups among other species for which comparison to humans can be instructive. Notably, it describes societies in terms of shared group identification rather than social interactions. An expansive treatment of the topic is overdue given that the concept of a society (even the use of such synonyms as primate “troop”) has fallen out of favor among biologists, resulting in a semantic mess; while sociologists rarely consider societies beyond nations, and social psychologists predominantly focus on ethnicities and other component groups of societies. I examine the relevance of societies across realms of inquiry, discussing the ways member recognition is achieved; how societies compare to other organizational tiers; and their permeability, territoriality, relation to social networks and kinship, and impermanence.

We have diverged from our ancestors in generating numerous affiliations within and between societies while straining the expectation of society memberships by assimilating diverse populations. Nevertheless, if, as I propose, societies were the first, and thereafter the primary, groups of prehistory, how we came to register society boundaries may be foundational to all human “groupiness.” A discipline-spanning approach to societies should further our understanding of what keeps societies together and what tear them apart.
Reflections on resilience
Authors: Chen Edith , Jiang Tao , Chen Michelle A. , Miller Gregory E.
Published: February 2024

Resilience research has long sought to understand how factors at the child, family, school, community, and societal levels shape adaptation in the face of adversities such as poverty and war. In this article we reflect on three themes that may prove to be useful for future resilience research. First is the idea that mental and physical health can sometimes diverge, even in response to the same social process. A better understanding of explanations for this divergence will have both theoretical and public health implications when it comes to efforts to promote resilience. Second is that more recent models of stress suggest that stress can accelerate aging. Thus, we suggest that research on resilience may need to also consider how resilience strategies may need to be developed in an accelerated fashion to be effective. Third, we suggest that if psychological resilience interventions can be conducted in conjunction with efforts to enact system-level changes targeted at adversities, this may synergize the impact that any single intervention can have, creating a more coordinated and effective set of approaches for promoting resilience in young people who confront adversity in life.
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wieland Stephania , Melton Sarah , Bastounis Anastasios , Carter Tim
Published: February 2024

Background:

Depression is a common co-morbidity in women with breast cancer. Previous systematic reviews investigating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression in this population based their conclusions on findings from studies with varying and often limited specificity, quality and/or quantity of CBT within their interventions.

Aim:

To determine the effectiveness of a specific, well-evidenced CBT protocol for depression in women with breast cancer.

Method:

Online databases were systematically searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing CBT (aligned to Beck’s protocol) as a treatment for depression in women with breast cancer. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were independently undertaken by two study authors. Both narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were used to analyse the data. The meta-analysis used a random effects model to compare CBT with non-active/active controls of depression using validated, self-report measures.

Results:

Six RCTs were included in the narrative synthesis, and five in the meta-analysis (n = 531 participants). Overall, CBT demonstrated an improvement in depression scores in the CBT condition versus active and non-active controls at post-intervention (SMD = –0.93 [95% CI –1.47, –0.40]). Narratively, five out of six RCTs reported statistically significant improvements in depression symptoms for CBT over control conditions for women with breast cancer.

Conclusion:

CBT aligned to Beck’s protocol for depression appears effective for treating depression in women with breast cancer. However, further research is needed for women with stage IV breast cancer. The clinical recommendation is that therapists utilise Beck’s CBT protocol for depression, whilst considering the complex presentation and adapt their practice accordingly.
Reducing Automatic Intergroup Bias Through Perspective Taking?
Authors: Reichardt Regina , Wildfeuer Nina , Berger Rebekka
Published: February 2024

Abstract: According to previous research, taking the perspective of an outgroup member reduces intergroup bias. These effects were demonstrated on explicit evaluations, explicit stereotyping, and automatic evaluations of the outgroup. We investigated whether perspective taking reduces automatic stereotyping and whether effects on automatic evaluation replicate with a novel paradigm of perspective taking. Across two studies, we found that perspective taking increased self-reported likeability of and perceived similarity to the target of perspective taking. Moreover, perspective taking influenced automatic stereotype-based judgments (Study 1) and automatic evaluations (Study 2) of the target of perspective taking. However, the effects did not generalize to the ethnic group as a whole. We discuss features of perspective taking paradigms that may be key for effectively reducing automatic intergroup bias.
Conspiracy Mentality Versus Belief in Conspiracy Theories
Authors: Sutton Robbie M. , Douglas Karen M. , Trella Carolina
Published: February 2024

Abstract: In this research spotlight, we respond to Nera’s (2024 , this issue) critique of the conspiracy mentality. We agree that the concept of the conspiracy mentality – and its relation to belief in conspiracy theories – requires further clarification. We also agree that the causal relationship between conspiracy mentality and belief in conspiracy theories may be bidirectional. We elaborate on these arguments by adding additional critical points and providing recommendations for researchers. We see the chief value of the construct as making it possible to tease apart (e.g., in covariance analyses) belief in conspiracy theories from the political attitudes that underlie them.
High Peak Current Lightning and the Production of Elves
Authors: Bjørge‐Engeland Ingrid , Østgaard Nikolai , Marisaldi Martino , Luque Alejandro , Mezentsev Andrey , Lehtinen Nikolai , Chanrion Olivier , Fuglestad Anders Nødland , Neubert Torsten , Gordillo‐Vazquez Francisco J.
Published: February 2024

Elves are observed as expanding rings of light in the UV and visible optical bands. They are produced when electromagnetic pulses from lightning discharges interact with the lower parts of the ionosphere. Elves are well known to be associated with high peak current lightning discharges. Here, we use data from the Modular Multi‐spectral Imaging Array (MMIA) of the Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM), and search for observations of Elves when high peak current lightning discharges are detected by Vaisala's Global Lightning Detection network GLD360. We present two groups of events; high peak current detections associated with Elves and high peak current detections not associated with Elves. To understand why some current pulses with high peak currents do not produce observable Elves, we investigate and compare the lightning activity occurring before these two types of events, in terms of both the number of lightning discharges detected by GLD360 and the peak currents of the preceding discharges. Our results, using data from GLD360, suggest that current pulses with peak currents above |120| kA tend to produce Elves nearly always, regardless of the preceding lightning activity. For current pulses with peak currents between |70| and |120| kA, the number of observed Elves might be affected by the preceding lightning activity, or is the result of the characteristics of the storm cells that produce the Elve.
Coupling Deep Learning and Physically Based Hydrological Models for Monthly Streamflow Predictions
Authors: Xu Wenxin , Chen Jie , Corzo Gerald , Xu Chong‐Yu , Zhang Xunchang John , Xiong Lihua , Liu Dedi , Xia Jun
Published: February 2024

This study proposes a new hybrid model for monthly streamflow predictions by coupling a physically based distributed hydrological model with a deep learning (DL) model. Specifically, a simplified hydrological model is first developed by optimally selecting grid cells from a distributed hydrological model according to their soil moisture characteristics. It is then driven by bias corrected general circulation model (GCM) predictions to generate soil moistures for the forecasting months. Finally, model‐simulated soil moisture along with other predictors from multiple sources are used as inputs of the DL model to predict future monthly streamflows. The proposed hybrid model, using the simplified Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) as the hydrological model and the combination of Convolutional Neural Network and Gated Recurrent Unit (CNN‐GRU) as the DL model, is applied to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month ahead reservoir inflows for the Danjiangkou Reservoir in China. The results show that the hybrid model consistently performs better than VIC and CNN‐GRU models with great improvement in Kling‐Gupta efficiency (KGE) values for lead times up to 6 months. Additional tests indicate that hybrid models based on CNN‐GRU outperform those based on LASSO, XGBoost, CNN, and GRU models. Moreover, compared with the distributed hydrological model, the hybrid model greatly reduces the computation burden of rolling prediction. It also saves decision‐makers the time and effort of trying different combinations of predictors, which is indispensable when building DL models. Overall, the new hybrid model demonstrates great potential for monthly streamflow prediction where training data are limited.
Urbanization and Water Management Control Stream Water Quality Along a Mountain to Plains Transition
Authors: Murphy S. F. , Runkel R. L. , Stets E. G. , Nolan A. J. , Repert D. A.
Published: February 2024

Urbanization can have substantial effects on water quality due to altered hydrology and introduction of constituents to water bodies. In arid and semi‐arid environments, streams are further stressed by dewatering as a result of diversions. We conducted a high‐resolution synoptic survey of two streams in Colorado, USA that transition abruptly from granitic/metamorphic forested mountains to sedimentary urbanized plains and are both highly managed for water supply, yet differ in degree of urbanization. A synoptic mass balance approach developed for mine drainage applications was adapted to elucidate effects of urbanization, geology, and diversions on stream chemistry during baseflow conditions. Urbanization was a more important driver of stream concentrations than geology. The urban area was a strong source of bromide, calcium, chloride, and manganese, while lanthanum and dissolved organic carbon were primarily sourced from the mountains. A majority of streamflow was removed by diversions near the mountains/plains interface. Groundwater accounted for 31% of the subsequent flow increase to the urbanized stream, and delivered at least 33% of chloride loading. Constituents that were primarily urban‐derived (bromide, calcium, chloride, and manganese) were 2–3 times higher in the urban region due to diversions; without diversions, stream water quality would have largely retained characteristics of forested streams through the urban reach. This study provides insights into processes that affect water quality in highly managed streams of the semi‐arid western USA.
Robustness of cancer microbiome signals over a broad range of methodological variation
Authors: Sepich-Poore Gregory D. , McDonald Daniel , Kopylova Evguenia , Guccione Caitlin , Zhu Qiyun , Austin George , Carpenter Carolina , Fraraccio Serena , Wandro Stephen , Kosciolek Tomasz , Janssen Stefan , Metcalf Jessica L. , Song Se Jin , Kanbar Jad , Miller-Montgomery Sandrine , Heaton Robert , Mckay Rana , Patel Sandip Pravin , Swafford Austin D. , Korem Tal , Knight Rob
Published: February 2024

In 2020, we identified cancer-specific microbial signals in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) [1]. Multiple peer-reviewed papers independently verified or extended our findings [2–12]. Given this impact, we carefully considered concerns by Gihawi et al. [13] that batch correction and database contamination with host sequences artificially created the appearance of cancer type-specific microbiomes. (1) We tested batch correction by comparing raw and Voom-SNM-corrected data per-batch, finding predictive equivalence and significantly similar features. We found consistent results with a modern microbiome-specific method (ConQuR [14]), and when restricting to taxa found in an independent, highly-decontaminated cohort. (2) Using Conterminator [15], we found low levels of human contamination in our original databases (~1% of genomes). We demonstrated that the increased detection of human reads in Gihawi et al. [13] was due to using a newer human genome reference. (3) We developed Exhaustive, a method twice as sensitive as Conterminator, to clean RefSeq. We comprehensively host-deplete TCGA with many human (pan)genome references. We repeated all analyses with this and the Gihawi et al. [13] pipeline, and found cancer type-specific microbiomes. These extensive re-analyses and updated methods validate our original conclusion that cancer type-specific microbial signatures exist in TCGA, and show they are robust to methodology.
Oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions - challenges and pitfalls for the general dental practitioner
Authors: Binnie Rebecca , Dobson Marianne Louise , Chrystal Anna , Hijazi Karolin
Published: February 2024

Lichen planus is a chronic, mucocutaneous inflammatory condition which, due to its prevalence, will be familiar to the dental profession. However, diverse forms of presentation, important differential diagnosis, potential malignant change and monitoring requirements often result in challenges for those in primary care. This paper looks to examine these challenges and provide information to support those who are involved in recognition and management of patients with lichen planus.
Biological therapies and management of oral mucosal disease
Authors: Healy Claire M. , Galvin Sheila
Published: February 2024

Biologic drugs are drugs made by living organisms and the term is usually limited to monoclonal antibodies or receptors targeting specific cytokines or cells that have been developed in recent decades. These drugs have had an enormous impact on the management of cancers, including head and neck cancers, and immune-mediated inflammatory conditions, for example, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. General dental practitioners will routinely be managing patients who are on these medications for a wide range of systemic conditions. These drugs also have a limited role in the management of immune-mediated oral mucosal disease. In this article, we will introduce the range of biological agents and their systemic indications and then elaborate on their use in oral mucosal disease and the disadvantages associated with their use.
Direct linearly polarized electroluminescence from perovskite nanoplatelet superlattices
Authors: Ye Junzhi , Ren Aobo , Dai Linjie , Baikie Tomi K. , Guo Renjun , Pal Debapriya , Gorgon Sebastian , Heger Julian E. , Huang Junyang , Sun Yuqi , Arul Rakesh , Grimaldi Gianluca , Zhang Kaiwen , Shamsi Javad , Huang Yi-Teng , Wang Hao , Wu Jiang , Koenderink A. Femius , Torrente Murciano Laura , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Roth Stephen V. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Baumberg Jeremy J. , Stranks Samuel D. , Greenham Neil C. , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Zhang Wei , Rao Akshay , Hoye Robert L. Z.
Published: February 2024

Polarized light is critical for a wide range of applications, but is usually generated by filtering unpolarized light, which leads to substantial energy losses and requires additional optics. Here we demonstrate the direct emission of linearly polarized light from light-emitting diodes made of CsPbI3perovskite nanoplatelet superlattices. The use of solvents with different vapour pressures enables the self-assembly of the nanoplatelets with fine control over their orientation (either face-up or edge-up) and therefore their transition dipole moment. As a result of the highly uniform alignment of the nanoplatelets, as well as their strong quantum and dielectric confinement, large exciton fine-structure splitting is achieved at the film level, leading to pure red light-emitting diodes with linearly polarized electroluminescence exhibiting a high degree of polarization of 74.4% without any photonic structures. This work demonstrates the potential of perovskite nanoplatelets as a promising source of linearly polarized light, opening up the development of next-generation three-dimensional displays and optical communications from a highly versatile, solution-processable system.
A novel ferroptosis-related gene signature for overall survival prediction in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Wen Fang , Zhao Fan , Huang Wenjie , Liang Yan , Sun Ruolan , Lin Yize , Zhang Weihua
Published: February 2024

The global diagnosis rate and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) are among the highest. Ferroptosis and iron-metabolism have a profound impact on tumor development and are closely linked to cancer treatment and patient’s prognosis. In this study, we identified six PRDEGs (prognostic ferroptosis- and iron metabolism-related differentially expressed genes) using LASSO-penalized Cox regression analysis. The TCGA cohort was used to establish a prognostic risk model, which allowed us to categorize GC patients into the high- and the low-risk groups based on the median value of the risk scores. Our study demonstrated that patients in the low-risk group had a higher probability of survival compared to those in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the low-risk group exhibited a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and a longer 5-year survival period when compared to the high-risk group. In summary, the prognostic risk model, based on the six genes associated with ferroptosis and iron-metabolism, performs well in predicting the prognosis of GC patients.
NLCECA score: a serum inflammatory-tumor biomarker score to predict survival of advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma after hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
Authors: Fu Shjie , Li Jie , Fan Hua , Zheng Kanglian , Leng Boyu , Cao Guang , Xu Liang , Zhong Yujie , Niu Chuanxin , Wang Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Prognostic features in advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients who received first-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) are unknown. The purpose of our study was to develop an applicable score based on serum inflammatory-tumor biomarkers to predict the survival of advanced pCCA patients who received first-line HAIC. In total, 106 advanced pCCA patients were enrolled as the training cohort. The optimal cutoff values of baseline variables were defined by the receiver operating characteristic method or according to previous publications. According to the results of Cox regression analysis, baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 3.19, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 10 ng/mL, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) > 200 U/mL were identified as independent survival predictors, which were used to develop the NLCECA score (NLR, CEA, and CA19-9). When including the NLCECA score in the multivariate analysis, the NLCECA score was the only independent predictor of survival. The risk of survival decreased by 111.9% for each 1-point increase in the NLCECA score. Additionally, the NLCECA score could also predict survival in another 33 patients in the validation cohort (P < 0.001). In summary, the NLCECA score is a potential biomarker system for predicting the survival of advanced pCCA patients who received first-line HAIC.
Enhancement of the mechanical properties in ultra-low weight SWCNT sandwiched PDMS composites using a novel stacked architecture
Authors: Ananthasubramanian Pavithra , Sahay Rahul , Raghavan Nagarajan
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on enhancing the mechanical properties of thin, soft, free-standing films via a layer-by-layer (LBL) fabrication process called LBL-FP. Soft polymer nanocomposite (PNC) thin films, combining polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) at ultra-low loadings using a unique bottom-up LBL-FP, are examined. Two different structures of layered composites, (i) LBL PNCs- Layered composites with alternating layers of PDMS and SWCNT, (ii) Bulk PNCs- Layered composites with SWCNT dispersed in the bulk of PDMS, are comparatively investigated for their structural and mechanical properties. Silane-functionalized SWCNT strengthens the chemical bonding with PDMS, improving adhesion and dispersion. Mechanical analysis using nanoindentation, delamination, and dynamic analysis highlights the advantages of LBL PNCs with alternating layers of PDMS and SWCNT. Notably, LBL PNC (0.5 wt%) exhibits significant improvements, such as 2.6X increased nanoindentation resistance, 3X improved viscoelasticity, and (2–5)X enhanced tensile properties in comparison with neat PDMS. Due to this, LBL PNCs offer potential for soft, lightweight applications like wearables, electromagnetic interference shielding materials, and strain sensors while advancing composite thin film mechanics. The study emphasizes using a stacked architecture to produce PDMS-SWCNT multilayered PNCs with improved mechanics utilizing ultra-low concentrations of SWCNT. This first-of-its-kind stack design facilitates possibilities for lightweight composites utilizing less fillers. The LBL assembly involves the stacking of alternating layers of different materials, each contributing specific properties to enhance the overall strength and toughness of the structure.
In vivo evaluation of a nanotechnology-based microshunt for filtering glaucoma surgery
Authors: Gniesmer Stefanie , Sonntag Svenja Rebecca , Gapeeva Anna , Cojocaru Ala , Kaps Sören , Adelung Rainer , Sewing Judith , Tura Aysegül , Grisanti Salvatore , Grisanti Swaantje
Published: February 2024

To carry out the preclinical and histological evaluation of a novel nanotechnology-based microshunt for drainage glaucoma surgery. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were implanted with a novel microshunt and followed up for 6 weeks. The new material composite consists of the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetrapodal Zinc Oxide (ZnO-T) nano-/microparticles. The microshunts were inserted ab externo to connect the subconjunctival space with the anterior chamber. Animals were euthanized after 2 and 6 weeks for histological evaluation. Ocular health and implant position were assessed at postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and twice a week thereafter by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using rebound tonometry. A good tolerability was observed in both short- and medium-term follow-up. Intraocular pressure was reduced following surgery but increased to preoperative levels after 2 weeks. No clinical or histological signs of inflammatory or toxic reactions were seen; the fibrotic encapsulation was barely noticeable after two weeks and very mild after six weeks. The new material composite PDMS/ZnO-T is well tolerated and the associated foreign body fibrotic reaction quite mild. The new microshunt reduces the IOP for 2 weeks. Further research will elucidate a tube-like shape to improve and prolong outflow performance and longer follow-up to exclude medium-term adverse effects.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cochlear implants among deaf patients who received cochlear implants
Authors: Li Kunjun , Zhou Ruhuan , Zheng Wenwen , Zhang Yanbing , Qiu Jianxin
Published: February 2024

Despite the growing use of cochlear implants in deaf patients, there is a lack of data on their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward cochlear implants. This study aimed to investigate the KAP toward cochlear implants among deaf patients who received cochlear implants. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and December 2022 among deaf patients who had received cochlear implants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics and KAP scores. A total of 526 participants were enrolled; 54.18% were female, 65.40% were above 60 years old, and 61.03% were surveyed at less than 3 years after implantation. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 8.15 ± 2.18 (possible range: 0–10), 43.63 ± 6.98 (possible range: 12–60), and 41.11 ± 7.42 (possible range: 11–55), respectively, indicating good knowledge, moderate attitude and practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that attitude [odd ratio (OR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.29, P < 0.001] and unemployment (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.17–0.63, P = 0.001) were independently associated with practice. Path analysis showed that knowledge directly influenced attitude (β = 0.93, 95% CI 0.61–1.19, P < 0.001), attitude directly influenced practice (β = 0.53, 95% CI 0.46–0.61, P < 0.001), and knowledge directly (β = 0.77, 95% CI 0.53–1.01, P < 0.001) and indirectly (β = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34–0.66, P < 0.001) influenced practice. Deaf patients who received cochlear implants showed good knowledge, moderate attitude and practice toward cochlear implants. Knowledge should be strengthened to improve attitude and practice toward cochlear implants, which could translate into realistic expectations toward cochlear implants devices and proper care and maintenance.
Periodicity, Elliott waves, and fractals in the NFT market
Authors: Christopher Westland J.
Published: February 2024

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets that exist on a blockchain and have provided new revenue streams for creators. This research investigates NFT market inefficiencies to identify claimed cyclic behavior and cryptocurrency influences on NFT prices. The research found that while linear models are not useful in modeling NFT price series, models that extract periodic behavior can provide explanations and predictions of price behavior. The investigation of autocycles in cryptocurrency and NFT markets did not support the existence of Elliott Wave behavior in any of these blockchain enabled assets. Rather NFT price behavior is strongly tied to the underlying asset and its community of fans. These fans commit to periodic bouts of idiosyncratic trading which cools for a while, and then restarts. The research found no evidence supporting whole market effects across the full price series of individual NFTs. The research strongly supports prior findings that the offsetting movements significantly influence NFT prices and trading volume in Bitcoin and Ether. The research found NFT markets exhibit characteristics resembling a social media platform rather than more traditional asset markets like stock exchanges. It found that traditional linear econometric models cannot predict or explain NFT price series, only that NFT price and volume were weakly correlated. Fractal models consistent with Elliott wave theory do explain some of NFT price behavior, but are not consistent or stable over time. This research confirmed prior research findings that Bitcoin and Ether price movements are correlated with general NFT price and volume series in periods of between 24 and 48 h, with significant numbers of trades into and out of cryptocurrencies at 2 and 8 h.
Expression of the checkpoint kinase BUB1 is a predictor of response to cancer therapies
Authors: Cicirò Ylenia , Ragusa Denise , Sala Arturo
Published: February 2024

The identification of clinically-relevant biomarkers is of upmost importance for the management of cancer, from diagnosis to treatment choices. We performed a pan-cancer analysis of the mitotic checkpoint budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 1 gene BUB1, in the attempt to ascertain its diagnostic and prognostic values, specifically in the context of drug response. BUB1 was found to be overexpressed in the majority of cancers, and particularly elevated in clinically aggressive molecular subtypes. Its expression was correlated with clinico-phenotypic features, notably tumour staging, size, invasion, hypoxia, and stemness. In terms of prognostic value, the expression of BUB1 bore differential clinical outcomes depending on the treatment administered in TCGA cancer cohorts, suggesting sensitivity or resistance, depending on the expression levels. We also integrated in vitro drug sensitivity data from public projects based on correlation between drug efficacy and BUB1 expression to produce a list of candidate compounds with differential responses according to BUB1 levels. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses revealed that BUB1 overexpression in cancer is associated with biological processes related to mitosis and chromosome segregation machinery, reflecting the mechanisms of action of drugs with a differential effect based on BUB1 expression.
Epistasis arises from shifting the rate-limiting step during enzyme evolution of a β-lactamase
Authors: Fröhlich Christopher , Bunzel H. Adrian , Buda Karol , Mulholland Adrian J. , van der Kamp Marc W. , Johnsen Pål J. , Leiros Hanna-Kirsti S. , Tokuriki Nobuhiko
Published: February 2024

Epistasis, the non-additive effect of mutations, can provide combinatorial improvements to enzyme activity that substantially exceed the gains from individual mutations. Yet the molecular mechanisms of epistasis remain elusive, undermining our ability to predict pathogen evolution and engineer biocatalysts. Here we reveal how directed evolution of a β-lactamase yielded highly epistatic activity enhancements. Evolution selected four mutations that increase antibiotic resistance 40-fold, despite their marginal individual effects (≤2-fold). Synergistic improvements coincided with the introduction of super-stochiometric burst kinetics, indicating that epistasis is rooted in the enzyme’s conformational dynamics. Our analysis reveals that epistasis stemmed from distinct effects of each mutation on the catalytic cycle. The initial mutation increased protein flexibility and accelerated substrate binding, which is rate-limiting in the wild-type enzyme. Subsequent mutations predominantly boosted the chemical steps by fine-tuning substrate interactions. Our work identifies an overlooked cause for epistasis: changing the rate-limiting step can result in substantial synergy that boosts enzyme activity.
Quantifying macrocyclization-induced strain utilizing N-phenylimides as conformational reporters
Authors: Emenike Bright U. , Shinn David W. , Spinelle Ronald A. , Yoo Barney , Rosario Ambar M.
Published: February 2024

Incorporating an N-phenylimide unit into macrocycles enabled measurements of macrocyclization strains by comparing the N-phenylimide's conformational changes to similar units attached to a linear-chain control.
Novel C4P2 monolayers: forming Z-scheme heterojunction and Janus structure for high-efficiency metal-free photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Lin Jiahe , Zhang Bofeng
Published: February 2024

Metal-free two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have garnered significant attention in the realm of photocatalytic water splitting, primarily owing to their inherent clean, stable, and efficient photoresponsive properties.
Unraveling CO adsorption behaviors and its poisoning effects on ZrCo surface
Authors: Lan Yuejing , Tang Ru , Ye Rongxing , Su Minan , Lei Qianghua , Li Fei , Tian Xiaofeng , Song Jiangfeng , Zhou Linsen
Published: February 2024

Unraveling CO adsorption behaviors and its poisoning effects on the ZrCo surface.
Modulation of the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid production by gac fruit juice and its fermentation in in vitro colonic fermentation
Authors: Marnpae Marisa , Balmori Vernabelle , Kamonsuwan Kritmongkhon , Nungarlee Uarna , Charoensiddhi Suvimol , Thilavech Thavaree , Suantawee Tanyawan , Sivapornnukul Pavaret , Chanchaem Prangwalai , Payungporn Sunchai , Dahlan Winai , Hamid Nazimah , Nhujak Thumnoon , Adisakwattana Sirichai
Published: February 2024

Gac juice positively impacted the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, whereas its probiotic fermentation had additional effects in enhancing diverse beneficial bacteria, inhibiting pathogens, and boosting more SCFAs.
Facile preparation of V2C@VOx nanosheets with excellent multi-enzyme activity and their colorimetric sensing application
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Liu Cheng , Zhao Yue , Luo Xinyu , Yin Pengjie , Du Fuyou , Zeng Guangsheng
Published: February 2024

The preparation of V2C@VOx nanosheets with excellent enzyme-like activity for colorimetric glucose sensing is reported.
Enhanced Fe(ii)/Fe(iii) cycle by boron enabled efficient Cr(vi) removal with microscale zero-valent iron
Authors: Shen Wenjuan , Gao Yan , Liu Zhan , Zhang Xu , Quan Fengjiao , Peng Xing , Wang Xiaobing , Li Jianfen , Qin Zhenhua , He Yun , Li Hui
Published: February 2024

Recently, researchers have been paying much attention to zero-valent iron (ZVI) in the field of pollution remediation.
Enthalpies and entropies of hydration from Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Jorgensen William L.
Published: February 2024

Changes in free energy, enthalpy, and entropy for transfer of a solute from the gas phase into solution are computed using Monte Carlo simulations in direct and van't Hoff approaches.
A perspective on nitrogen-doped carbon in 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation
Authors: Guan Wen , Fang Tingfeng , Zhang Yunlei , Xu Siwei , Jia Meilin , Liu Bing , Zhang Zehui
Published: February 2024

This manuscript provides basic knowledge regarding nitrogen-doped carbon materials and its application in the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and discusses the future development of nitrogen-doped carbon materials.
Serendipitous N,S-difunctionalization of triazoles with trifluoromethyl-β-diketones: access to regioisomeric 1-trifluoroacetyl-3-aryl-5-(2-oxo-2-arylethylthio)-1,2,4-triazoles as DNA-groove binders
Authors: Aggarwal Ranjana , Kumar Prince , Hooda Mona , Kumar Suresh
Published: February 2024

An expedient construction of DNA groove binder; CF3-containing triazoles via regioselective reaction of trifluoromethyl-β-diketones with 3-mercapto[1,2,4]triazoles.
Intervention treatment reducing cellular senescence inhibits tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic mice following acute kidney injury
Authors: Tesch Gregory H. , Ma Frank Y. , Ozols Elyce , Nikolic-Paterson David J.
Published: February 2024

Senescence of kidney tubules leads to tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). Proximal tubular epithelial cells undergo stress-induced senescence during diabetes and episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI), and combining these injuries promotes the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Since TIF is crucial to progression of DKD, we examined the therapeutic potential of targeting senescence with a senolytic drug (HSP90 inhibitor) and/or a senostatic drug (ASK1 inhibitor) in a model of TIF in which AKI is superimposed on diabetes. After 8 weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, mice underwent bilateral clamping of renal pedicles to induce mild AKI, followed by 28 days of reperfusion. Groups of mice (n=10–12) received either vehicle, HSP90 inhibitor (alvespimycin), ASK1 inhibitor (GS-444217), or both treatments. Vehicle-treated mice displayed tubular injury at day 3 and extensive tubular cell senescence at day 10, which remained unresolved at day 28. Markers of senescence (Cdkn1a and Cdkn2a), inflammation (Cd68, Tnf, and Ccl2), and TIF (Col1a1, Col4a3, α-Sma/Acta2, and Tgfb1) were elevated at day 28, coinciding with renal function impairment. Treatment with alvespimycin alone reduced kidney senescence and levels of Col1a1, Acta2, Tgfb1, and Cd68; however, further treatment with GS-444217 also reduced Col4a3, Tnf, Ccl2, and renal function impairment. Senolytic therapy can inhibit TIF during DKD, but its effectiveness can be improved by follow-up treatment with a senostatic inhibitor, which has important implications for treating progressive DKD.
Listening Preference for Child-Directed Speech Versus Time-Reversed Speech in Moderate-Preterm Infants Compared to Full-Term Infants
Authors: Segal Osnat , Moyal Dana
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether there is a listening preference for child-directed speech (CDS) over backward speech in moderate-preterm infants (MPIs).

Method:

Eighteen MPIs of gestational age of 32.0 weeks (range: 32–34.06 weeks), chronological age of 8.09 months, and maturation age of 6.48 months served as the experimental group. The two control groups consisted of a total of 36 infants—20 full-term infants matched for chronological age and 16 full-term infants matched for maturation age. The infants were tested using the central fixation procedure and were presented with 16 trials of CDS and backward speech. A follow-up was conducted 5 years after the initial experiment using a developmental and a five-item parent questionnaire.

Results:

MPIs did not demonstrate a preference for CDS over backward speech, whereas both control groups demonstrated a listening preference for CDS over backward speech. MPIs showed a delayed use of first words and word combinations and lower scores on the five-item questionnaire compared to term infants. Twelve MPIs (67%) did not demonstrate a preference for CDS over backward speech. Four of them (33%) were later diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions:

The lack of preference for CDS over backward speech in the MPIs group suggests delayed developmental pattern of speech processing compared to full-term peers. Delays in neurological maturation as well as listening experience in an unregulated environment outside the uterus during a sensitive period of brain development may affect the recognition of phonological and prosodic patterns that support listening preference for speech over backward speech.
Working Toward Recommended Terminology in the Canadian Preschool Speech-Language Pathology Context
Authors: Csercsics Alison Lynn , Archibald Lisa M. D. , Cunningham Barbara Jane
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

This quality improvement project aimed to address the inconsistent use of clinical labels across a preschool speech and language program in Ontario, Canada. The study investigated whether a multicomponent knowledge translation (KT) intervention could increase speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') knowledge about the recommended clinical labels, motivate their intentions to use the labels, and facilitate practice change during a 3-month pilot period.

Method:

The diffusion of innovations theory was utilized to identify and address known and suspected barriers and facilitators that could influence the adoption of consistent terminology. The intervention was evaluated using a pre-experimental study design (with pre, post, and follow-up testing) and included two phases: Phase 1 involved the pretraining survey, KT intervention, and posttraining survey, and Phase 2 included an exit survey after a 3-month pilot period.

Results:

Five hundred twenty-nine SLPs in Phase 1 and 387 SLPs in Phase 2 participated. Following the web-based intervention, SLPs demonstrated improved knowledge about the recommended labels with most indicating intentions to communicate the labels going forward. SLPs also reported increased comfort using labels and positive views on their importance and value. After the 3-month pilot period, SLPs' reported use of most recommended labels decreased, as did ratings of comfort, value, and importance. However, most SLPs reported intentions to use the labels going forward.

Conclusions:

Despite having intentions to adopt the recommended labels, the lack of implementation by SLPs suggests the presence of additional barriers impacting their use of the recommended clinical labels in practice. Future work should investigate clinician-identified barriers to inform future implementation efforts.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25254940
Dual‐mode dielectric resonator antenna design with stub‐loaded feeding slot
Authors: Zhang Wanyu , Yang Qian , Yi Hang , Sheng Jingchao , Zhu Ying , Yang Yifan
Published: February 2024

A dual‐mode dielectric resonator antenna based on a microstrip line‐slot coupling feed, operating in both the GMS‐900 and GMS‐1800 frequency bands, is presented. The antenna structure consists of a rectangular dielectric substrate and a cylindrical dielectric resonator, which is fed by a microstrip line‐slot coupling. The cylindrical resonant cavity and the dual‐stub coupling slot are designed so that the HEM111 and HEM311 modes are excited simultaneously, resulting in resonance at the two desired frequency points. The gain of the antenna is 3.74 and 7.63 dBi at 0.9 and 1.8 GHz respectively, and the efficiency of the antenna is greater than 70% in both operating bands.
Hybrid load prediction model of 5G base station based on time series decomposition and GRU network with parameter optimization
Authors: Hua Guoxiang , Sun Yan , Li Weiwei
Published: February 2024

To ensure the safe and stable operation of 5G base stations, it is essential to accurately predict their power load. However, current short‐term prediction methods are rarely applied rationally in pertinent circumstances to the features of base station power load over time. For high accuracy and generalization capabilities, this work proposes a hybrid approach that combines gated recurrent unit (GRU) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and completes ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN). The complex load is decomposed into multiple components to improve the fit of the neural network. To deal with the nonlinearity that constrains the modal aliasing and data noise, CEEMDAN is used to reconstruct the trend and noise sequences. The GRU network is utilized to improve the neural network fitness and obtain long‐term features. In addition, PSO is used to optimize the number of neurons and the learning rate of the GRU. Compared with existing neural network GRUs, the RMSE is reduced by 16.6, the mean absolute error is reduced by 11.97, and the coefficient of R2 is improved by 0.13, indicating that the model has a better fitting effect. The comparisons prove that the proposed model has better accuracy than the existing methods.
Design and fabrication of waveguide‐based graded refractive index Rotman lens with an improved insertion loss at Ka‐band
Authors: Hadei Milad , Dadashzadeh Gholamreza
Published: February 2024

The design and optimisation of a five‐cascade layer Rotman Lens based on waveguide with a graded refractive index at Ka‐band frequency are presented. The proposed lens incorporates 5 layers within the cavity, utilises a modified three focal Rotman lens design methodology to achieve perfect phasing for true time delay beam steering, and optimises each layer's parameters such as refractive index, vertex location, and contour angle to improve insertion loss between input ports and output array elements. This approach enhances energy concentration between input and output ports, reducing spillover to dummy ports. The graded layers are formed using periodic cubic metallic posts with varying heights within a parallel plate waveguide. The results show an average improvement in the insertion loss of 16% and a peak improvement of 48% across the bandwidth when compared to conventional Rotman lenses. The normalised average phase error across the array elements for all beam ports excitation is 4 × 10−3 and the peak degradation of the main beam during beam scanning from 0° to ±22° varies from 0.7 to 1 dB at different frequencies operating in the Ka‐band (24–30 GHz) with potential applications for 5G communications. The simulation results demonstrate good agreement with the measurement results.
Constraining the formation of WASP-39b using JWST transit spectroscopy
Authors: Khorshid N. , Min M. , Polman J. , Waters L. B. F. M.
Published: February 2024

Context. Understanding the formation history of planets is one of the goals of studying exoplanet atmospheres. The atmospheric composition of planets can provide insights into the formation pathways of planets. Even though the mapping of the atmospheric composition onto a formation pathway is not unambiguous, with the increasing sensitivity of modern instruments, we can derive promising constraints.

Aims. In this work, we aim to understand the formation pathway of WASP-39b. We discuss whether the detection of SO2 in its atmosphere would impact our understanding of the formation of the planet and whether it enables us to determine the formation pathway of the planet with greater accuracy.

Methods. We used the JWST transit observation of the planet together with the available HST and Spitzer observations. We used a formation model coupled with a radiative transfer retrieval model to derive the planet's atmospheric characteristics and formation history. Furthermore, we used a photochemical model to derive the impact of photochemistry on the atmosphere of the planet.

Results. In this work, we show that the planet is most likely to have initiated beyond the CO2 ice line of its natal disk. Furthermore, the planet is likely to have have accreted some planetesimals during its formation. We show that the sulfur abundance in the atmosphere of the planet is probably lower than 2.27 × 10−4. This abundance indicates that the planet is likely to exhibit a lower metallicity than suggested by the retrievals. Furthermore, such an abundance for sulfur is more likely if WASP-39b had been formed beyond the CO ice line of its natal disk.