bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A monoallelic UXS1 variant associated with short‐limbed short stature
Authors: Rustad Cecilie F. , Backe Paul Hoff , Jin Chunsheng , Merckoll Else , Tveten Kristian , Maciej‐Hulme Marissa Lucy , Karlsson Niclas , Prescott Trine , Sand Elise Sandås , Woldseth Berit , Elgstøen Katja Benedikte Prestø , Holla Øystein L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Serine residues in the protein backbone of heavily glycosylated proteoglycans are bound to glycosaminoglycans through a tetrasaccharide linker. UXS1 encodes UDP‐glucuronate decarboxylase 1, which catalyzes synthesis of UDP‐xylose, the donor of the first building block in the linker. Defects in other enzymes involved in formation of the tetrasaccharide linker cause so‐called linkeropathies, characterized by short stature, radio‐ulnar synostosis, decreased bone density, congenital contractures, dislocations, and more.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed in a father and son who presented with a mild skeletal dysplasia, as well as the father's unaffected parents. Wild‐type and mutant UXS1 were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Enzyme activity was evaluated by LC–MS/MS. In vivo effects were studied using HeparinRed assay and metabolomics.

Results

The son had short long bones, normal epiphysis, and subtle metaphyseal changes especially in his legs. The likely pathogenic heterozygous variant NM_001253875.1(UXS1):c.557T>A p.(Ile186Asn) detected in the son was de novo in the father. Purified Ile186Asn‐UXS1, in contrast to the wild‐type, was not able to convert UDP‐glucuronic acid to UDP‐xylose. Plasma glycosaminoglycan levels were decreased in both son and father.

Conclusion

This is the first report linking UXS1 to short‐limbed short stature in humans.
An analysis of best wavelet approximation problem of a function using Hermite wavelet
Authors: Nigam Hare Krishna , Alam Manif
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we introduce two novel wavelet approximations tailored for functions
exhibiting a restricted second derivative and a bounded
derivative. Employing the Hermite wavelet method, we derive these approximations to address the need for effective representations of such functions. Our findings reveal that these new wavelet approximations offer enhanced accuracy and efficiency in capturing the underlying structure of
, making them valuable tools in various applications requiring precise function approximations with limited derivative constraints.
Residual strength and failure mechanism of CF/PPS composites with delamination damage
Authors: Yu Mingming , Liu Hongxiang , Xiao Rongbin , Liu Xueqiang , Xie Wang , Ge Lili , Fang Lin , Ren Musu , Sun Jinliang
Published: June 2024

Delamination is one form of damage in composite laminates. The effects of delamination damage locations (thickness direction of laminates) on the residual compressive strength and failure mechanism of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) composites are studied by damage morphology, full‐field strain and finite element simulation. The closer the delamination is to the center of the composite, the lower the residual compressive strength. The failure mode of composites is dominated by 0° fiber fracture, which is divided into bulging, delamination propagation, and fracture. The delamination locations significantly affect the first two stages.

Highlights

Constructing delamination damage in composites by interlayer preset defects.

Simulation and damage analysis to reveal the mechanism of compression failure.

The relationship between delamination depth and damage stage is revealed.
Exploration of the anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin profile of Greek red grape skins belonging to Vradiano, Limnio, and Kotsifali cultivars, analyzed by a novel LC‐QTOF‐MS/MS method
Authors: Karadimou Christina , Petsa Elissavet , Ouroumi Niki‐Athina , Papadakis Emmanouil‐Nikolaos , Kontoudakis Nikolaos , Theocharis Serafeim , Mourtzinos Ioannis , Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi Urania , Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Koundouras Stefanos
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Winegrape varieties Kotsifali, Limnio, and Vradiano

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a liquid chromatographic quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) method for the investigation of the anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin content of Greek grape varieties employing target and suspect screening strategies.

Methodology

A novel LC‐QTOF‐MS/MS method was developed and validated to assess the anthocyanin content of Kotsifali, Limnio, and Vradiano grape varieties. Sixteen grape samples were collected from the main growing areas of each variety in Greece. The influence of the grape variety on the anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin composition of three Greek winegrapes was investigated using chemometrics.

Results

Excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99) was achieved for all the target analytes, and recoveries ranged between 90.1% and 119.1%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) and limits of detection (LODs) were calculated over the range of 0.020–0.40 mg/g and 0.010–0.13 mg/g, respectively. The RSD% was lower than 9.1% and 7.3% for intra‐day and inter‐day studies, respectively, indicating satisfactory trueness and precision. Target and suspect screening resulted in the identification of 5 and 26 anthocyanins, respectively.

Conclusions

Kotsifali variety exhibited a higher concentration of anthocyanins compared with Vradiano and Limnio. Higher levels of mean degree of polymerization (mDp) and different percentage levels of prodelphinidins (%P) were established among the varieties.
Hoarding medication and suicide attempts with 1180 tablets of mirtazapine overdose: A case report
Authors: Kageyama Yuki , Sukigara Ayaka , Goto Ayako , Inoue Koki
Published: June 2024

Background

Confirming a patient's consistent adherence to prescribed medication remains a persistent challenge for healthcare professionals. One reason for nonadherence is that patients accumulate their prescribed medicines with the intent of taking large quantities as a suicidal attempt. We present a case involving hoarding and overdosing on the highest quantity of mirtazapine ever reported.

Case Presentation

Our patient, a 44‐year‐old man suffering from depression, was admitted to our emergency department due to an overdose of 1180 mirtazapine tablets, equivalent to 17,700 mg. He exhibited a prolonged disturbance of consciousness, liver enzyme abnormalities, and serotonin syndrome. After 7 weeks in the intensive care unit, he was transferred to a psychiatric ward. Over time, his depressive symptoms improved, as did his suicidal ideation. On the 73rd day of his illness, he was discharged without any lasting effects, although he experienced retrograde amnesia.

Conclusions

In this case, ensuring the patient's medication adherence is paramount. Implementing electronic prescription technologies may offer the potential to enhance healthcare by avoiding medication duplication, preventing stockpiling of duplicated medicine, and preventing overdosing.
Poly(Sitosterol)‐Based Hydrophobic Blocks in Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for the Assembly of Hybrid Vesicles
Authors: Brodszkij Edit , Ryberg Cecilie , Lyons Joseph A. , Juhl Dennis Wilkens , Nielsen Niels Chr. , Sigalas Nikolaos I. , Lyulin Alexey V. , Pedersen Jan Skov , Städler Brigitte
Published: June 2024

Amphiphilic block copolymer and lipids can be assembled into hybrid vesicles (HVs), which are an alternative to liposomes and polymersomes. Block copolymers that have either poly(sitostryl methacrylate) or statistical copolymers of sitosteryl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate as the hydrophobic part and a poly(carboxyethyl acrylate) hydrophilic segment are synthesized and characterized. These block copolymers assemble into small HVs with soybean L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine (soyPC), confirmed by electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The membrane's hybrid nature is illustrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer between labeled building blocks. The membrane packing, derived from spectra when using Laurdan as an environmentally sensitive fluorescent probe, is comparable between small HVs and the corresponding liposomes with molecular sitosterol, although the former show indications of transmembrane asymmetry. Giant HVs with homogenous distribution of the block copolymers and soyPC in their membranes are assembled using the electroformation method. The lateral diffusion of both building blocks is slowed down in giant HVs with higher block copolymer content, but their permeability toward (6)‐carboxy‐X‐rhodamine is higher compared to giant vesicles made of soyPC and molecular sitosterol. This fundamental effort contributes to the rapidly expanding understanding of the integration of natural membrane constituents with designed synthetic compounds to form hybrid membranes.
Enhancing P2/O3 Biphasic Cathode Performance for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: A Metaheuristic Approach to Multi‐Element Doping Design
Authors: Paidi Anil K , Park Woon Bae , Paidi Vinod K , Lee Jinhyeok , Lee Kug‐Seung , Ahn Hyungju , Avdeev Maxim , Chae Keun Hwa , Pyo Myoungho , Wu Junxiu , Sohn Kee‐Sun , Ahn Docheon , Lu Jun
Published: June 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a compelling alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), exhibiting comparable electrochemical performance while capitalizing on the abundant availability of sodium resources. In SIBs, P2/O3 biphasic cathodes, despite their high energy, require furthur improvements in stability to meet current energy demands. This study introduces a systematic methodology that leverages the meta‐heuristically assisted NSGA‐II algorithm to optimize multi‐element doping in electrode materials, aiming to transcend conventional trial‐and‐error methods and enhance cathode capacity by the synergistic integration of P2 and O3 phases. A comprehensive phase analysis of the meta‐heuristically designed cathode material Na0.76Ni0.20Mn0.42Fe0.30Mg0.04Ti0.015Zr0.025O2 (D‐NFMO) is presented, showcasing its remarkable initial reversible capacity of 175.5 mAh g−1 and exceptional long‐term cyclic stability in sodium cells. The investigation of structural composition and the stabilizing mechanisms is performed through the integration of multiple characterization techniques. Remarkably, the irreversible phase transition of P2→OP4 in D‐NFMO is observed to be dramatically suppressed, leading to a substantial enhancement in cycling stability. The comparison with the pristine cathode (P‐NFMO) offers profound insights into the long‐term electrochemical stability of D‐NFMO, highlighting its potential as a high‐voltage cathode material utilizing abundant earth elements in SIBs. This study opens up new possibilities for future advancements in sodium‐ion battery technology.
Recent progress of Rh‐based three‐way catalysts
Authors: Jiang Ruize , Wang Huilin , Liu Li , Geng Baokang , Chu Xiang , Shi Yi , Wang Xiao , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: June 2024

Three‐way catalysts are widely used to control criterion pollutant emissions from the increasing gasoline engines. With the stringent requirements of automotive pollutant emission standards in various countries, Rh has become an irreplaceable component of three‐way catalysts due to its superior NOx elimination, high N2 selectivity, and simultaneous elimination of CO and hydrocarbons. In this review, we systematically review the recent development of Rh‐based three‐way catalysts in terms of potential supports and effective active center construction strategies. We further summarize the key role of Rh metal in the three‐way catalytic mechanism and reaction kinetics. Finally, we conclude the current challenges and future opportunities facing Rh‐based catalysts. It is believed that based on the deep understanding of Rh‐based three‐way catalysts, the design of Rh‐based catalysts with good low‐temperature catalytic performance and low cost is expected to be realized in the future.
Construction of Ultrathin BiVO4‐Au‐Cu2O Nanosheets with Multiple Charge Transfer Paths for Effective Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Wang Chen , Mirzaei Amir , Wang Yong , Chaker Mohamed , Zhang Qingzhe , Ma Dongling
Published: June 2024

In this study, unique BiVO4‐Au‐Cu2O nanosheets (NSs) are well designed and multiple charge transfer paths are consequently constructed. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement during a light off‐on‐off cycle and redox capability tests of the photo‐generated charge carriers confirmed the formation of Z‐scheme heterojunction, which can facilitate the charge carrier separation and transfer and maintain the original strong redox potentials of the respective component in the heterojunction. The ultrathin 2D structure of the BiVO4 NSs provided sufficient surface area for the photocatalytic reaction. The local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of the electron mediator, Au NPs, enhanced the light absorption and promoted the excitation of hot electrons. The multiple charge transfer paths effectively promoted the separation and transfer of the charge carrier. The synergism of the abovementioned properties endowed the BiVO4‐Au‐Cu2O NSs with satisfactory photocatalytic activity in the degradation of tetracycline (Tc) with a removal rate of ≈80% within 30 min under visible light irradiation. The degradation products during the photocatalysis are confirmed by using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and the plausible degradation pathways of Tc are consequently proposed. This work paves a strategy for developing highly efficient visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts with multiple charge transfer paths for removing organic contaminants in water.
Modern machine‐learning for binding affinity estimation of protein–ligand complexes: Progress, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Harren Tobias , Gutermuth Torben , Grebner Christoph , Hessler Gerhard , Rarey Matthias
Published: June 2024

Structure‐based drug design is a widely applied approach in the discovery of new lead compounds for known therapeutic targets. In most structure‐based drug design applications, the docking procedure is considered the crucial step. Here, a potential ligand is fitted into the binding site, and a scoring function assesses its binding capability. With the rise of modern machine‐learning in drug discovery, novel scoring functions using machine‐learning techniques achieved significant performance gains in virtual screening and ligand optimization tasks on retrospective data. However, real‐world applications of these methods are still limited. Missing success stories in prospective applications are one reason for this. Additionally, the fast‐evolving nature of the field makes it challenging to assess the advantages of each individual method. This review will highlight recent strides toward improved real world applicability of machine‐learning based scoring, enabling a better understanding of the potential benefits and pitfalls of these functions on a project. Furthermore, a systematic way of classifying machine‐learning based scoring that facilitates comparisons will be presented.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Chemoinformatics

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Software > Molecular Modeling
Align Algeria’s Energy Diversification Strategies with Energy and Climate Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Chabouni Naïma , Barnet Charlène , Assoumou Edi , Maïzi Nadia , Selosse Sandrine
Published: June 2024

Algeria belongs to a set of nations with a model of socio-economic development that has created a high dependence on hydrocarbon exports, leaving them vulnerable to fluctuations in international market prices. Additionally, its economy has a structural imbalance, marked by weaknesses in agricultural and non-hydrocarbon-oriented secondary sectors. To overcome the pitfalls of hydrocarbon-centered development, we develop three alternative energy pathways designed for Algeria to explore the contributions to SDG 7 (energy) and SDG 13 (climate). These scenarios analyze Algeria’s future power system pathways and focus on the country’s national energy policies related to integrating renewable energy and developing hydrogen production. The TIMES-DZA model was used to assess technological configurations of the power and hydrogen sectors by 2070 and demonstrate these strategies’ impact on CO2 emission reduction, aligning with sustainable development goals, specifically SDG 7 and SDG 13. The results emphasize the critical role of renewable energy and hydrogen in achieving decarbonization in the power sector, advocating for a more inclusive approach that incorporates low-carbon technologies to help Algeria reach a resilient and low-carbon energy future.
Quantum entanglement on black hole horizons in string theory and holography
Authors: Dabholkar Atish , Moitra Upamanyu
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We compute the exact one-loop partition function of ℤN orbifolds of Euclidean BTZ black hole with the aim to compute the entanglement entropy of the black hole horizon in string theory as a function of the mass and spin of the black hole and the AdS3 radius. We analyze the tachyonic contribution to the modular integrand for the partition function known for odd integers N > 1 and show that it admits an analytic continuation resulting in a finite answer for the modular integral in the physical region 0 < N ≤ 1. We discuss the flat space limit and the relevance of this computation for quantum gravity near black hole horizons and holography in relation to the thermal entropy.
G-structures for black hole near-horizon geometries
Authors: Legramandi Andrea , Macpherson Niall T. , Passias Achilleas
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for warped AdS2 solutions of Type II supergravity to preserve $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetry, in terms of bispinors. Such solutions generically support an SU(3)-structure on their internal manifold M8, which can experience an enhancement to a G2-structure. We perform an SU(3)-structure torsion classes analysis and express the fluxes and other physical fields in terms of these, in general. We use our results to derive two new classes of AdS2 solutions. In (massive) Type IIA supergravity we derive an $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric class for which M8 decomposes as a weak G2-manifold foliated over an interval and which is locally defined in terms of a degree three polynomial. In Type IIB supergravity we find a class of AdS2 × S2 × CY2 × Σ2 solutions preserving small $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetry, governed by a harmonic function on Σ2 and partial differential equations reminiscent of D3-D7-brane configurations.
Sicherstellung der hausärztlichen Versorgung in Deutschland – Befunde einer quantitativen Befragung von Allgemeinmediziner*innen
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Angesichts der Gefahr einer Verknappung niedergelassener Allgemeinmediziner*innen stellt sich die Frage, welche Konzepte wirksame Beiträge leisten können, um eine drohende Mangelversorgung abzuwenden. Bis dato fehlt es an Studien, die beleuchten, wie Hausärzt*innen aus ihrer beruflichen Erfahrung zu verschiedenen Ansätzen zur langfristigen Sicherstellung der Primärversorgung stehen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der Studie war es, Positionen, Haltungen und Erfahrungswerte von Hausärzt*innen mit Blick auf eine Sicherstellung der allgemeinmedizinischen Breitenversorgung zu ermitteln.

Methoden

Im Zuge einer Online-Befragung wurden zwischen Februar und Juni 2023 insgesamt 4176 Hausärzt*innen befragt. Über die deskriptive Analyse hinaus erfolgte zur Ermittlung von signifikanten Unterschieden zwischen 2 Gruppen ein t‑Test bei unabhängigen Stichproben.

Ergebnisse

42 % beobachten im Umfeld einen merklichen Schwund allgemeinärztlicher Praxen. 53 % bescheinigen der Hausarztmedizin eine sinkende Attraktivität für den ärztlichen Nachwuchs, was 3 Problembereichen zugeordnet wird: 1) Stellung der hausärztlichen Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen, 2) Voraussetzungen in Aus- und Weiterbildung, 3) Arbeitsbedingungen. Zur Sicherung der Hausarztmedizin sprechen sich die Befragten v. a. für folgende Ansatzpunkte aus: Einrichtung eines Primärarztsystems (85 %), vermehrte Förderung von Interesse und Berührungspunkten in Aus- und Weiterbildung (80 %), Stärkung multiprofessioneller ambulanter Versorgungszentren (64 %), Restrukturierung von Curricula (56 %) und Zulassungskriterien zum Medizinstudium (50 %), Reform der allgemeinmedizinischen Weiterbildung (53 %).

Diskussion

Hausärzt*innen haben eigene Vorschläge und Präferenzen, die Expertisen und Sachverständige ergänzen. Bei der Planung, Implementierung und Evaluation von Maßnahmen zur Stabilisierung der hausärztlichen Versorgung sollten Allgemeinmediziner*innen konsequenter als bislang involviert werden.
Persistent eschar-like wound healing after Q-switched 1064 nm hybrid nanosecond-picosecond laser monochromatic tattoo removal: management and evolution
Authors: Mitrofanoff Lasarus , Marini Susanna , Marini Leonardo
Published: June 2024

Q-switched (QS) Nd: YAG lasers are frequently utilised light sources for tattoo removal due to their precise micro-confined photo-acoustic interaction with exogenous and endogenous pigments. In order to achieve optimal results, several treatment sessions are usually required. However, the number of sessions depend on tattoo size, design complexity, pigment quantity within dermal layers, and anatomical location. Higher energy settings have often been used to reduce treatment sessions to a minimum however, this approach may lead to possible post-laser skin complications such as pathological wound healing. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing early stages of pathological wound healing encountered after high fluence 1064 nm QS laser tattoo removal. Early implementation of a proportional wound care strategy with anti-neoangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties through the unconventional use of potent topical steroids applied in a pulsed fashion resulted in positive control of the tissue repair processes. This approach led to effective wound healing re-modulation achieving near normal skin remodelling and optimal tissue healing which in turn, permitted the completion of necessary QS tattoo removal sessions to accomplish successful and safe tattoo fading whilst maintaining overall patient satisfaction.
The rise of multi-stakeholderism, the power of ultra-processed food corporations, and the implications for global food governance: a network analysis
Authors: Slater Scott , Lawrence Mark , Wood Benjamin , Serodio Paulo , Van Den Akker Amber , Baker Phillip
Published: June 2024

The rise of multi-stakeholder institutions (MIs) involving the ultra-processed food (UPF) industry has raised concerns among food and public health scholars, especially with regards to enhancing the legitimacy and influence of transnational food corporations in global food governance (GFG) spaces. However, few studies have investigated the governance composition and characteristics of MIs involving the UPF industry, nor considered the implications for organizing global responses to UPFs and other major food systems challenges. We address this gap by conducting a network analysis to map global MIs involving the UPF industry, drawing data from web sources, company reports, business and market research databases, and academic and grey literature. We identified 45 such global food system MIs. Of these, executives from the UPF industry or affiliated interest groups held almost half (n = 263, or 43.8%) of the total 601 board seat positions. Executives from a small number of corporations, especially Unilever (n = 20), Nestlé (n = 17), PepsiCo Inc (n = 14), and The Coca-Cola Company (n = 13) held the most board seat positions, indicating centrality to the network. Board seats of these MIs are dominated by executives from transnational corporations (n = 431, or 71.7%), high-income countries (n = 495, or 82.4%), and four countries (United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands) (n = 350, or 58.2%) in particular. This study shows that MIs involving the UPF industry privilege the interests of corporations located near exclusively in the Global North, draw legitimacy through affiliations with multi-lateral agencies, civil society groups and research institutions, and represent diverse corporate interests involved in UPF supply chains. Corporate-anchored multi-stakeholderism, as a form of GFG governance, raises challenges for achieving food systems transformation, including the control and reduction of UPFs in human diets.
HNRNPA2B1 stabilizes NFATC3 levels to potentiate its combined actions with FOSL1 to mediate vasculogenic mimicry in GBM cells
Authors: Wang Hanting , Shi Yiwen , Zhou Xinxin , Zhang Lu , Yang Aodan , Zhou Dabo , Ma Teng
Published: June 2024

Background

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an enigmatic physiological feature that influences blood supply within glioblastoma (GBM) tumors for their sustained growth. Previous studies identify NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 as significant mediators of VEGFR2, a key player in vasculogenesis, and their molecular relationships may be crucial for VM in GBM.

Aims

The aim of this study was to understand how NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 collectively influence VM in GBM.

Methods

We have investigated the underlying gene regulatory mechanisms for VM in GBM cell lines U251 and U373 in vitro and in vivo. In vitro cell-based assays were performed to explore the role of NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 in GBM cell proliferation, VM and migration, in the context of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown alongside corresponding controls. Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays were used to examine VEGFR2 expression levels. CO-IP was employed to detect protein–protein interactions, ChIP was used to detect DNA–protein complexes, and RIP was used to detect RNA–protein complexes. Histochemical staining was used to detect VM tube formation in vivo.

Results

Focusing on NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1, we found each was significantly upregulated in GBM and positively correlated with VM-like cellular behaviors in U251 and U373 cell lines. Knockdown of NFATC3, FOSL1 or HNRNPA2B1 each resulted in decreased levels of VEGFR2, a key growth factor gene that drives VM, as well as the inhibition of proliferation, cell migration and extracorporeal VM activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies and luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that NFATC3 binds to the promoter region of VEGFR2 to enhance VEGFR2 gene expression. Notably, FOSL1 interacts with NFATC3 as a co-factor to potentiate the DNA-binding capacity of NFATC3, resulting in enhanced VM-like cellular behaviors. Also, level of NFATC3 protein in cells was enhanced through HNRNPA2B1 binding of NFATC3 mRNA. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated silencing of NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 in GBM cells reduced their capacity for tumor formation and VM-like behaviors in vivo.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings identify NFATC3 as an important mediator of GBM tumor growth through its molecular and epistatic interactions with HNRNPA2B1 and FOSL1 to influence VEGFR2 expression and VM-like cellular behaviors.

Graphical Abstract

1. NFATC3 binds to the promoter region of VEGFR2 to enhance VEGFR2 gene expression which leads to an increase in VM of GBM.

2. FOSL1 interacts with NFATC3 to further facilitate VEGFR2 gene expression and VM.

3. HNRNPA2B1 enhances NFATC3 mRNA stability to increase VEGFR2 expression and VM.
Examining Young Children’s Computational Thinking through Animation Art
Authors: Leung Suzannie K. Y. , Wu Joseph , Li Jenny Wanyi , Lam Yung , Ng Oi-Lam
Published: June 2024

Educators and researchers are becoming interested in cultivating computational thinking (CT). However, in the Hong Kong context, CT-related studies regarding young children are rarely found. The present study aimed to use an unplugged digital arts activity to examine the CT concepts that children performed and document their CT developmental trajectories. Constructionism theory highlights the importance of children engaging in hands-on activities and developing independent thinking skills. Meanwhile, social constructivism theory emphasizes the role of teachers as scaffolders, supporting children in their learning processes. A sample of children (N = 27, aged 3–6) was recruited from a nursery school in Hong Kong to participate in an animation art workshop. A total of 540 min of video data was recorded and collected for content analysis. The teaching team (N = 4) for this workshop were invited to write up their reflective journals, capturing their observations of the scaffolding strategies employed and their perspectives on how children at various levels demonstrated their understanding of CT concepts throughout the entire process. Within an analytical framework based on powerful ideas, the findings from the observations and field notes revealed that the children’s CT concepts and practices could be linked with the CT conceptual framework. In this study, older children showed a sophisticated competency and a more complicated mind structure in terms of the CT concept. Our findings highlight the importance of designing an age-appropriate curriculum for nurturing the computational thinking of young children through animation art.
Modes of action of Trichoderma virens Gl006 and Bacillus velezensis Bs006: decoding the arsenal of the microbial consortium
Authors: Izquierdo-García L. F. , Moreno-Velandia C. A.
Published: June 2024

The consortium based on Trichoderma virens Gl006 and Bacillus velezensis Bs006 was selected in a previous study because the high effectiveness against Fusarium wilt of cape gooseberry (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. physali—Foph). The compatibility among the strains was determined previously, but the modes of action exerted by the consortium remained unknown. In this study, the modes of action displayed by the Gl006 and Bs006 consortium against the Foph strain Map5 were determined and compared with the modes of action of the single microorganisms. Production of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDE), cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) by Bs006 and gliotoxin by Gl006, and fusaric acid (FA) production by Foph were evaluated in the co-culture of the strains in several culture media. Furthermore, the survival of the strains in the soil, the colonization of plant tissues and the induction of systemic responses through a split root model bioassay were evaluated. While Bs006 showed protease, β-1,3-glucanase, and chitobiosidase enzymatic activities, and production of CLPs, Gl006 showed β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, chitobiosidase, total chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, and protease activities. All the metabolites produced by the single strains were also found in the consortium, but in a culture medium dependent manner. The FA was found in the experiment on the interaction of the consortium with Foph Map5 in the minimal basal medium and in potato dextrose broth. The population of Foph was reduced by the consortium in vitro, under the synthetic media that favored the production of all the CWDE tested. In soil conditions, the consortium reduced the population of Foph by 63% in a synergistic way. Bs006 was recovered from the inner tissues of the plant, where Gl006 prevented the entry of Foph to the roots and reduced the incidence of the disease under the split root model. These results suggest that the consortium of Gl006 and Bs006 displays modes of action through CWDE and CLP´s and indirectly through induction of systemic resistance, which could act complementary since neither of them were enhanced in consortium. Here we characterized a consortium capable of reducing the population of Foph in soil and control the disease in a synergistic way.
Religiosity, Financial Risk Taking, and Reward Processing: An Experimental Study
Authors: Vanheusden Frederique J. , Vadapalli Sundara Kashyap , Rashid Mamunur , Griffiths Mark D. , Kim Amee
Published: June 2024

The present study investigated the extent to which financial risk-taking (FRT) perspectives and religiosity influenced an individual’s performance on financial decision-making tasks under risk and/or uncertainty. It further investigated the potential to measure this interaction using electro-encephalogram (EEG) assessments through reward-related event-related potentials (P3 and FRN). EEG data were collected from 37 participants undergoing four decision-making tasks comprising the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), Iowa Gambling Test (IGT), Mixed-Gamble Loss-Aversion Task (MGLAT), and MGLA-Success Task (MGLAST). The present study found that BART performance may be affected by an interaction of FRT perspectives and religiosity. The physiological effects of task feedback were also distinguished between religious and non-religious individuals objectively with EEG data. Overall, while religiosity and FRT may not significantly influence IGT and MGLA performance, and interact with BART in a complex way, physiological reaction towards feedback after BART performance appears to be strongly affected by religiosity and FRT perspectives.
Gamma emission from interaction of fission neutrons on nickel and zirconium
Authors: Mauerhofer Eric , Ophoven Niklas , Ilic Zeljko , Stieghorst Christian , Révay Zsolt , Meleshenkovskii Iaroslav , Randriamalala Tsitohaina H.
Published: June 2024

Gamma emission induced by the irradiation of nickel and zirconium with fission neutrons was investigated with the FaNGaS (Fast Neutron–induced Gamma-ray Spectrometry) instrument operated at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum. Measurements were done at an angle of 90° with respect to the direction of the fission neutron beam (average neutron energy of 2.18 MeV). We report on the relative intensities and production cross sections of 265 gamma lines (163 for nickel and 102 for zirconium). Consistency with available literature data was evaluated. The cross section of the 90Zr(n,n′)90mZr reaction was determined to be 88 ± 8 mb. For a counting time of 12 h, the detection limits of 0.7 and 1.3 mg were estimated for nickel and zirconium, respectively.
Exploring support and opposition to regulatory approaches for wildfire risk management: requirements, voluntary actions, and tailored local action
Authors: Paveglio Travis B. , Shriner-Beaton A. Rose
Published: June 2024

Formal requirements of wildfire mitigation on private properties are increasingly being considered as one avenue for “scaling up” wildfire management and voluntary mitigation actions to landscape scales. Likewise, enduring segments of wildfire research suggest that residents’ perceptions about potential wildfire risk sources in their landscape, including ignition sources, are critical considerations related to support for mitigation efforts such as formal requirements or cross-boundary fuel reduction initiatives. The research presented in this article utilized mixed-method, residential surveys of property owners in Kittitas County, Washington, to explore influences on support for wildfire mitigation requirements and performance of voluntary mitigations on private lands. We found a high degree of variability in support for regulatory approaches, including relatively low levels of support for building or retrofitting regulations and a moderate level of support for vegetation management regulations. Perceptions about wildfire risk sources or public land management, past performance of wildfire mitigation actions, and support for shared, locally managed mitigations all correlated with support for differing regulatory approaches. We also found that performance of voluntary mitigation actions correlated with increasing wildfire program participation, differed among part-time or full- time residents, and were influenced by proximity to nearby property boundaries. Our results suggest that the most supported strategy in the study area may be the establishment of local, tax funded districts that encourage voluntary mitigation actions tailored to local circumstances. We conclude the paper by comparing our results to existing lessons from wildfire social science.
Modeling cassava root system architecture and the underlying dynamics in shoot–root carbon allocation during the early storage root bulking stage
Authors: Punyasu Nattharat , Thaiprasit Jittrawan , Kalapanulak Saowalak , Saithong Treenut , Postma Johannes A.
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Plants store carbohydrates for later use during, e.g., night, drought, and recovery after stress. Carbon allocation presents the plant with tradeoffs, notably between growth and storage. We asked how this tradeoff works for cassava (Manihot esculenta) pre- and post-storage root (SR) formation and if manipulation of the number of storage organs and leaf growth rate might increase yield.

Methods

We developed a functional-structural plant model, called MeOSR, to simulate carbon partitioning underlying cassava growth and SR formation in conjunction with the root system's three-dimensional (3D) architecture (RSA). We compared the model results to experimental data and simulated phenotypes varying in the number of SR and leaf growth rate.

Results

The simulated 3D RSA and the root mass closely represented those of field-grown plants. The model simulated root growth and associated carbon allocation across developmental stages. Substantial accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) preceded SR formation, suggesting sink-limited growth. SR mass and canopy photosynthesis might be increased by both increasing the number of SR and the leaf growth rate.

Conclusion

MeOSR offers a valuable tool for simulating plant growth, its associated carbon economy, and 3D RSA over time. In the first month, the specific root length increased due to root branching, but in the third month, it decreased due to secondary root growth. The accumulation of NSC might initiate SR development in cassava. Cassava growth is relatively slow during the first 3 months, and a faster crop establishment combined with a greater SR growth might increase yield.
Enhancing visual autonomous navigation in row-based crops with effective synthetic data generation
Authors: Martini Mauro , Ambrosio Marco , Navone Alessandro , Tuberga Brenno , Chiaberge Marcello
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Service robotics is recently enhancing precision agriculture enabling many automated processes based on efficient autonomous navigation solutions. However, data generation and in-field validation campaigns hinder the progress of large-scale autonomous platforms. Simulated environments and deep visual perception are spreading as successful tools to speed up the development of robust navigation with low-cost RGB-D cameras.

Materials and methods

In this context, the contribution of this work resides in a complete framework to fully exploit synthetic data for a robust visual control of mobile robots. A wide realistic multi-crops dataset is accurately generated to train deep semantic segmentation networks and enabling robust performance in challenging real-world conditions. An automatic parametric approach enables an easy customization of virtual field geometry and features for a fast reliable evaluation of navigation algorithms.

Results and conclusion

The high quality of the generated synthetic dataset is demonstrated by an extensive experimentation with real crops images and benchmarking the resulting robot navigation both in virtual and real fields with relevant metrics.
The relationship between healthcare access and change in health-related quality-of-life among the general population of five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alexandrov Nadja , Scott Emily Stella , Janssen Mathieu F. , Lubetkin Erica I. , Yfantopoulos John N. , Bonsel Gouke J. , Haagsma Juanita A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To determine whether (1) healthcare access at onset of the pandemic and (2) age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and pre-existing health status were associated with change in health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study includes a general population sample of five countries.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to respondents from Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic between April 22nd and May 5th of 2020, and 1 year later between May 23rd and June 29th of 2021. The questionnaire included questions on demographic background, health status, and HRQoL. The primary outcome was change in HRQoL as measured by the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Specifically, the EQ-5D-5L index and EQ VAS were used. Healthcare access was quantified with regard to the respondent’s ease of getting an appointment, waiting time, and opportunity to contact the provider and during analysis dichotomized into “sufficient” versus “insufficient”. Linear regression analysis was performed with change in HRQoL as dependent variable and background variables as independent variables.

Results

In total, 6,765 respondents completed the second questionnaire. 19.8% of total respondents reported insufficient healthcare access. Respondents with insufficient healthcare had both more improved and deteriorated HRQoL compared to respondents with sufficient healthcare, whose HRQoL remained unchanged. We did not find significant interactions between age, gender, SES and/or chronic disease status with healthcare access at onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Healthcare access was not associated with cumulative differences in change in HRQoL over a 1-year period in strata of age, gender, SES, and chronic disease status.
Reading and emotional-behavioural development in Finnish children: a longitudinal study of associations
Authors: Robidoux Serje , Eklund Kenneth , McArthur Genevieve M. , Francis Deanna A. , Aro Tuija , Torppa Minna
Published: June 2024

Poor reading has been linked to negative outcomes on a wide range of emotional-behavioural dimensions in children. However, little is known about the time course of these associations. In this study we analyse data from a sample of Finnish children (N = 199; 106 boys) which included measures of reading fluency in grade 1 (age 7 or 8), and emotional (anxiety, depression, and somatization) and behavioural (adaptability, aggression, attention, atypicality, hyperactivity, social skills, and withdrawal) development at ages 4, 5, 6 (pre-school) and 9 (school-aged). In a series of stepwise regression models that controlled for non-verbal IQ and family risk for dyslexia, we tested if pre-school emotional-behavioural measures were associated with school-aged reading fluency, and whether school-aged reading fluency was associated with later emotional-behavioural development. We also tested if these associations were moderated by reported gender. Consistent with previous longitudinal studies, we found that poorer attention before school was associated with poorer reading in the early school years which in turn was associated with higher levels of anxiety and inattention in children in middle school. None of these associations were moderated by gender.
Geological Record of Water and Wind Processes on Mars as Observed by the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera
Authors: Jaumann R. , Tirsch D. , Adeli S. , Bahia R. , Michael G. , Le Deit L. , Grau Galofre A. , Head J. , Bohacek E. , Gross C. , Walter S. H. G. , Hiesinger H.
Published: June 2024

This review paper summarizes the observations and results of the Mars Express Mission and its application in the analysis of geological processes and landforms on Mars during the last 20 years. The Mars Express observations provided an extended data base allowing a comparative evaluation of different geological surface landforms and their time-based delimitation. High-resolution imagery and digital elevations models on a local to regional scale and spectral measurements are the basis for geological analyses of water-related surface processes on Mars. This includes the nature and discharges of valley networks, formation timescale of deltas, volumina of sedimentary deposits as well as estimating the age of geological units by crater size–frequency distribution measurements. Both the quantifying of geological processes and the determination of absolute model ages allows to constraint the evolution of Martian water-related activity in space and time. Comparative age estimation of fluvial, glacial, and lacustrine deposits, as well as their timing and episodicity, has revealed the nature and evolution of the Martian surface hydrological cycle. Fluvial and lacustrine activity phases are spread over a time span from Noachian until Amazonian periods, but detailed studies show that they have been interrupted by multiple and long-lasting phases of cessation and quiescent. In addition, evidence of glacial activity shows discrete phases of enhanced intensity correlating with increased spin-axis obliquity amplitude. The episodicity of geological processes, erosion, deposition, and glaciation on Mars demonstrate a close correlation between individual surface processes and endogenic activity as well as spin-axis/orbital variations and changing climate condition.
Astronomical Observations in Support of Planetary Entry-Probes to the Outer Planets
Authors: Buratti Bonnie J. , Orton Glenn S. , Roman Michael T. , Momary Thomas , Bauer James M.
Published: June 2024

A team of Earth-based astronomical observers supporting a giant planet entry-probe event substantially enhances the scientific return of the mission. An observers’ team provides spatial and temporal context, additional spectral coverage and resolution, viewing geometries that are not available from the probe or the main spacecraft, tracking, supporting data in case of a failure, calibration benchmarks, and additional opportunities for education and outreach. The capabilities of the support program can be extended by utilizing archived data. The existence of a standing group of observers facilitates the path towards acquiring Director’s Discretionary Time at major telescopes, if, for example, the probe’s entry date moves. The benefits of a team convened for a probe release provides enhanced scientific return throughout the mission. Finally, the types of observations and the organization of the teams described in this paper could serve as a model for flight projects in general.
A logic of higher-order preferences
Authors: Jiang Junli , Naumov Pavel
Published: June 2024

If an agent prefers one kind of agents to the other agents, then the agent has first-order preferences. If the agent prefers agents with one kind of preferences to the other agents, then the agent has second-order preferences. The article proposes a sound, complete, and decidable logical system capable of expressing higher-order preferences.
Don’t imagine junk! Positive conceivability and modal illusion in mereology
Authors: Dohrn Daniel
Published: June 2024

There is a widespread practice of using evidence obtained from conceiving/imagining for establishing possibility claims. As a case study. I offer a critical reconstruction of an influential conceivability argument, Bohn’s (Philosophical Quarterly 59:193-201, 2009a, Analysis 70:296–298, 2009b, Analysis 70:296-298, 2010) argument for junk (there are proper parts forming wholes, but there is no whole that is not a proper part itself). The most influential scenario used by Bohn and his successors is purported to be junk but not ensured to be junk. This finding calls for an explanation. I distinguish ways of conceiving/imagining that are insufficient to establish modal claims from positive conceiving/imagining, which is more promising. Positive conceiving/imagining often works by a partial structural isomorphy to its target, and it is sufficiently detailed. In order to be sufficiently detailed, it has to properly integrate theoretical considerations. I outline a concern about extant ways of conceiving/imagining junk: they do not yet include a metaphysical understanding of what it takes for there to be proper parts and wholes without a whole that is not a proper part itself, for instance in terms of a non-gerrymandered principle of composition.