bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic implications of CD9 in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: insights from a nationwide multicenter study in China
Authors: Leung Kam Tong , Cai Jiaoyang , Liu Yu , Chan Kathy Yuen Yee , Shao Jingbo , Yang Hui , Hu Qun , Xue Yao , Wu Xuedong , Guo Xia , Zhai Xiaowen , Wang Ningling , Li Xue , Tian Xin , Li Zheng , Xue Ning , Guo Yuxia , Wang Lingzhen , Zou Yao , Xiao Peifang , He Yingyi , Jin Runming , Tang Jingyan , Yang Jun J. , Shen Shuhong , Pui Ching-Hon , Li Chi Kong
Published: November 2023

The outcomes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been incrementally improved with risk-directed chemotherapy but therapy responses remain heterogeneous. Parameters with added prognostic values are warranted to refine the current risk stratification system and inform appropriate therapies. CD9, implicated by our prior single-center study, holds promise as one such parameter. To determine its precise prognostic significance, we analyzed a nationwide, multicenter, uniformly treated cohort of childhood ALL cases, where CD9 status was defined by flow cytometry on diagnostic samples of 3781 subjects. CD9 was expressed in 88.5% of B-ALL and 27.9% of T-ALL cases. It conferred a lower 5-year EFS and a higher CIR in B-ALL but not in T-ALL patients. The prognostic impact of CD9 was most pronounced in the intermediate/high-risk arms and those with minimal residual diseases, particularly at day 19 of remission induction. The adverse impact of CD9 was confined to specific cytogenetics, notablyBCR::ABL1+rather thanKMT2A-rearranged leukemia. Multivariate analyses confirmed CD9 as an independent predictor of both events and relapse. The measurement of CD9 offers insights into patients necessitating intervention, warranting its seamless integration into the diagnostic marker panel to inform risk level and timely introduction of therapeutic intervention for childhood ALL.
Does decreased autophagy and dysregulation of LC3A in astrocytes play a role in major depressive disorder?
Authors: He Shen , Shi Yue , Ye Jinmei , Yin Jiahui , Yang Yufang , Liu Dan , Shen Ting , Zeng Duan , Zhang Min , Li Siyuan , Xu Feikang , Cai Yiyun , Zhao Faming , Li Huafang , Peng Daihui
Published: November 2023

Astrocytic dysfunction contributes to the molecular pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the astrocytic subtype that mainly contributes to MDD etiology and whether dysregulated autophagy in astrocytes is associated with MDD remain unknown. Using a single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) atlas, three astrocyte subtypes were identified in MDD, while C2 State-1Q astrocytes showed aberrant changes in both cell proportion and most differentially expressed genes compared with other subtypes. Moreover, autophagy pathways were commonly inhibited in astrocytes in the prefrontal cortices (PFCs) of patients with MDD, especially in C2 State-1Q astrocytes. Furthermore, by integrating snRNA-seq and bulk transcriptomic data, we found significant reductions in LC3A expression levels in the PFC region of CUMS-induced depressed mice, as well as in postmortem PFC tissues and peripheral blood samples from patients with MDD. These results were further validated by qPCR using whole-blood samples from patients with MDD and healthy controls. Finally, LC3A expression in the whole blood of patients with MDD was negatively associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. Overall, our results underscore autophagy inhibition in PFC astrocytes as a common molecular characteristic in MDD and might reveal a novel potential diagnostic marker LC3A.
Negative modulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex protects neurons against ferroptosis
Authors: Marmolejo-Garza Alejandro , Krabbendam Inge E. , Luu Minh Danh Anh , Brouwer Famke , Trombetta-Lima Marina , Unal Osman , O’Connor Shane J. , Majerníková Naďa , Elzinga Carolina R. S. , Mammucari Cristina , Schmidt Martina , Madesh Muniswamy , Boddeke Erik , Dolga Amalia M.
Published: November 2023

Ferroptosis is an iron- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent form of regulated cell death, that has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Inhibition of cystine/glutamate antiporter could lead to mitochondrial fragmentation, mitochondrial calcium ([Ca2+]m) overload, increased mitochondrial ROS production, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and ferroptotic cell death. The observation that mitochondrial dysfunction is a characteristic of ferroptosis makes preservation of mitochondrial function a potential therapeutic option for diseases associated with ferroptotic cell death. Mitochondrial calcium levels are controlled via the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), the main entry point of Ca2+ into the mitochondrial matrix. Therefore, we have hypothesized that negative modulation of MCU complex may confer protection against ferroptosis. Here we evaluated whether the known negative modulators of MCU complex, ruthenium red (RR), its derivative Ru265, mitoxantrone (MX), and MCU-i4 can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptotic cell death. These compounds mediated protection in HT22 cells, in human dopaminergic neurons and mouse primary cortical neurons against ferroptotic cell death. Depletion of MICU1, a [Ca2+]m gatekeeper, demonstrated that MICU is protective against ferroptosis. Taken together, our results reveal that negative modulation of MCU complex represents a therapeutic option to prevent degenerative conditions, in which ferroptosis is central to the progression of these pathologies.
Peroxiredoxin 1 regulates crosstalk between pyroptosis and autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma leading to a potential pro-survival
Authors: Ye Meilin , Liu Ting , Liu Shanshan , Tang Rong , Liu Hongrui , Zhang Fan , Luo Shenglei , Li Minqi
Published: November 2023

Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1), a vital antioxidant enzyme, has been proven to play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancers, but its effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. Here, we performed bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to confirm that Prdx1 was higher in OSCC tissues than in normal tissues. Consistently, RT-PCR and Western blot showed elevated Prdx1 expression in OSCC cell lines compared to human oral keratinocytes (HOK), which could be knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and Lentiviral vector delivery of short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Prdx1 silencing significantly blocked OSCC cell proliferation and metastasis, as evidenced by the CCK8, colony formation, in vivo tumorigenesis experiment, wound healing, transwell assays, and changes in migration-related factors. siPrdx1 transfection increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and provoked pyroptosis, proved by the upregulation of pyroptotic factors and LDH release. Prdx1 silencing ROS-independently blocked autophagy. Mature autophagosome failed to form in the siPrdx1 group. Up-regulated autophagy limited pyroptosis triggered by Prdx1 deficiency, and down-regulated pyroptosis partly reversed siPrdx1-induced autophagy defect. Collectively, Prdx1 regulated pyroptosis in a ROS-dependent way and modulated autophagy in a ROS-independent way, involving the crosstalk between pyroptosis and autophagy.
PDK4 rescues high-glucose-induced senescent fibroblasts and promotes diabetic wound healing through enhancing glycolysis and regulating YAP and JNK pathway
Authors: Ma Zhouji , Ding Youjun , Ding Xiaofeng , Mou Haining , Mo Ran , Tan Qian
Published: November 2023

During the process of wound healing, fibroblasts migrate to the wound site and perform essential functions in promoting cell proliferation, as well as synthesizing and secreting the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, in diabetic wounds, senescent fibroblasts exhibit impaired proliferative capacity and fail to synthesize essential ECM components. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a key enzyme regulating energy metabolism, has been implicated in modulating cellular senescence and fibroblast function. However, its specific role in diabetic wounds remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments using STZ-induced diabetic mice and human dermal fibroblasts. We evaluated cellular senescence markers, including SA-β-gal, P53, P16, P21, and PAI-1, as well as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. Finally, we observed that PDK4 increased in normal wound healing, but its expression was insufficient in diabetic wounds. Significantly, the overexpression of PDK4 demonstrated the potential to accelerate diabetic wound healing and improve the senescence phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, our study elucidated the underlying mechanism by which PDK4 improved the senescent phenotype through the enhancement of glycolysis and regulation of YAP and JNK pathway. The effect was dependent on metabolic reprogramming and subsequent reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was mediated by PDK4. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of PDK4 as a promising therapeutic target for addressing diabetic wounds.
Optimal free-surface pumping by an undulating carpet
Authors: Pandey Anupam , Chen Zih-Yin , Yuk Jisoo , Sun Yuming , Roh Chris , Takagi Daisuke , Lee Sungyon , Jung Sunghwan
Published: November 2023

Examples of fluid flows driven by undulating boundaries are found in nature across many different length scales. Even though different driving mechanisms have evolved in distinct environments, they perform essentially the same function: directional transport of liquid. Nature-inspired strategies have been adopted in engineered devices to manipulate and direct flow. Here, we demonstrate how an undulating boundary generates large-scale pumping of a thin liquid near the liquid-air interface. Two dimensional traveling waves on the undulator, a canonical strategy to transport fluid at low Reynolds numbers, surprisingly lead to flow rates that depend non-monotonically on the wave speed. Through an asymptotic analysis of the thin-film equations that account for gravity and surface tension, we predict the observed optimal speed that maximizes pumping. Our findings reveal how proximity to free surfaces, which ensure lower energy dissipation, can be leveraged to achieve directional transport of liquids.
Cytolytic circumsporozoite-specific memory CD4+ T cell clones are expanded during Plasmodium falciparum infection
Authors: Furtado Raquel , Paul Mahinder , Zhang Jinghang , Sung Joowhan , Karell Paul , Kim Ryung S. , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Liang Li , Felgner Philip , Bauleni Andy , Gama Syze , Buchwald Andrea , Taylor Terrie , Seydel Karl , Laufer Miriam , Delahaye Fabien , Daily Johanna P. , Lauvau Grégoire
Published: November 2023

Clinical immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection develops in residents of malaria endemic regions, manifesting in reduced clinical symptoms during infection and in protection against severe disease but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we compare the cellular and humoral immune response of clinically immune (0-1 episode over 18 months) and susceptible (at least 3 episodes) during a mild episode of Pf malaria infection in a malaria endemic region of Malawi, by analysing peripheral blood samples using high dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF), spectral flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. In the clinically immune, we find increased proportions of circulating follicular helper T cells and classical monocytes, while the humoral immune response shows characteristic age-related differences in the protected. Presence of memory CD4+ T cell clones with a strong cytolytic ZEB2+ T helper 1 effector signature, sharing identical T cell receptor clonotypes and recognizing the Pf-derived circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antigen are found in the blood of the Pf-infected participants gaining protection. Moreover, in clinically protected participants, ZEB2+ memory CD4+ T cells express lower level of inhibitory and chemotactic receptors. We thus propose that clonally expanded ZEB2+ CSP-specific cytolytic memory CD4+ Th1 cells may contribute to clinical immunity against the sporozoite and liver-stage Pf malaria.
Associations of myeloid cells with cellular and humoral responses following vaccinations in patients with neuroimmunological diseases
Authors: Wang Meng , Dehlinger Adeline , Zapata Camila Fernández , Golan Maya , Gallaccio Gerardina , Sander Leif E. , Schlickeiser Stephan , Kunkel Desiree , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja , Sawitzki Birgit , Karni Arnon , Braun Julian , Loyal Lucie , Thiel Andreas , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Meyer-Arndt Lil , Böttcher Chotima
Published: November 2023

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are widely used in neuroimmunological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Although these treatments are known to predispose patients to infections and affect their responses to vaccination, little is known about the impact of DMTs on the myeloid cell compartment. In this study, we use mass cytometry to examine DMT-associated changes in the innate immune system in untreated and treated patients with MS (n = 39) or NMOSD (n = 23). We also investigated the association between changes in myeloid cell phenotypes and longitudinal responsiveness to homologous primary, secondary, and tertiary SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations. Multiple DMT-associated myeloid cell clusters, in particular CD64+HLADRlow granulocytes, showed significant correlations with B and T cell responses induced by vaccination. Our findings suggest the potential role of myeloid cells in cellular and humoral responses following vaccination in DMT-treated patients with neuroimmunological diseases.
Parabacteroides distasonis ameliorates insulin resistance via activation of intestinal GPR109a
Authors: Sun Yonggan , Nie Qixing , Zhang Shanshan , He Huijun , Zuo Sheng , Chen Chunhua , Yang Jingrui , Chen Haihong , Hu Jielun , Li Song , Cheng Jiaobo , Zhang Baojie , Zheng Zhitian , Pan Shijie , Huang Ping , Lian Lu , Nie Shaoping
Published: November 2023

Gut microbiota plays a key role in insulin resistance (IR). Here we perform a case-control study of Chinese adults (ChiCTR2200065715) and identify that Parabacteroides distasonis is inversely correlated with IR. Treatment with P. distasonis improves IR, strengthens intestinal integrity, and reduces systemic inflammation in mice. We further demonstrate that P. distasonis-derived nicotinic acid (NA) is a vital bioactive molecule that fortifies intestinal barrier function via activating intestinal G-protein-coupled receptor 109a (GPR109a), leading to ameliorating IR. We also conduct a bioactive dietary fiber screening to induce P. distasonis growth. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) shows favorable growth-promoting effects on P. distasonis and protects against IR in mice simultaneously. Finally, the reduced P. distasonis and NA levels were also validated in another human type 2 diabetes mellitus cohort. These findings reveal the unique mechanisms of P. distasonis on IR and provide viable strategies for the treatment and prevention of IR by bioactive dietary fiber.
Full-scale ab initio simulations of laser-driven atomistic dynamics
Authors: Zeng Qiyu , Chen Bo , Zhang Shen , Kang Dongdong , Wang Han , Yu Xiaoxiang , Dai Jiayu
Published: November 2023

The coupling of excited states and ionic dynamics is the basic and challenging point for the materials response at extreme conditions. In the laboratory, the intense laser produces transient nature and complexity with highly nonequilibrium states, making it extremely difficult and interesting for both experimental measurements and theoretical methods. With the inclusion of laser-excited states, we extend an ab initio method into the direct simulations of whole laser-driven microscopic dynamics from solid to liquid. We construct the framework of combining the electron-temperature-dependent deep neural-network potential energy surface with a hybrid atomistic-continuum approach, controlling non-adiabatic energy exchange and atomistic dynamics, which enables consistent interpretation of experimental data. By large-scale ab initio simulations, we demonstrate that the nonthermal effects introduced by hot electrons play a dominant role in modulating the lattice dynamics, thermodynamic pathway, and structural transformation. We highlight that the present work provides a path to realistic computational studies of laser-driven processes, thus bridging the gap between experiments and simulations.
Prognostic value of neutrophil count to albumin ratio in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Yao Junjie , Xu Xianbin , Gong Kai , Tu Huilan , Xu Zhaoyu , Ye Shaoheng , Yu Xia , Lan Yan , Weng Haoda , Shi Yu
Published: November 2023

Our study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil count to albumin ratio (NAR) in predicting short-term mortality of patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC). A total of 623 DC patients were recruited from a retrospective observational cohort study. They were admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to December 2015. NAR of each patient was calculated and analyzed for the association with 90-day liver transplantation-free (LT-free) outcome. The performance of NAR and the integrated model were tested by a receiver-operator curve (ROC) and C-index. The 90-day LT-free mortality of patients with DC was 10.6%. NAR was significantly higher in 90-day non-survivors than in survivors (The median: 1.73 vs 0.76, P < 0.001). A threshold of 1.40 of NAR differentiated patients with a high risk of death (27.45%) from those with a low risk (5.11%). By multivariate analysis, high NAR was independently associated with poor short-term prognosis (high group: 5.07 (2.78, 9.22)). NAR alone had an area under the ROC curve of 0.794 and C-index of 0.7789 (0.7287, 0.8291) in predicting 90-day mortality. The integrated MELD–NAR (iMELD) model had a higher area under the ROC (0.872) and C-index (0.8558 (0.8122, 0.8994)) than the original MELD in predicting 90-day mortality. NAR can be used as an independent predictor of poor outcomes for patients with DC during short-term follow-up.
Toward empirical correlations for estimating the specific heat capacity of nanofluids utilizing GRG, GP, GEP, and GMDH
Authors: Deymi Omid , Hadavimoghaddam Fahimeh , Atashrouz Saeid , Nedeljkovic Dragutin , Abuswer Meftah Ali , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein , Mohaddespour Ahmad
Published: November 2023

When nanoparticles are dispersed and stabilized in a base-fluid, the resulting nanofluid undergoes considerable changes in its thermophysical properties, which can have a substantial influence on the performance of nanofluid-flow systems. With such necessity and importance, developing a set of mathematical correlations to identify these properties in various conditions can greatly eliminate costly and time-consuming experimental tests. Hence, the current study aims to develop innovative correlations for estimating the specific heat capacity of mono-nanofluids. The accurate estimation of this crucial property can result in the development of more efficient and effective thermal systems, such as heat exchangers, solar collectors, microchannel cooling systems, etc. In this regard, four powerful soft-computing techniques were considered, including Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG), Genetic Programming (GP), Gene Expression Programming (GEP), and Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH). These techniques were implemented on 2084 experimental data-points, corresponding to ten different kinds of nanoparticles and six different kinds of base-fluids, collected from previous research sources. Eventually, four distinct correlations with high accuracy were provided, and their outputs were compared to three correlations that had previously been published by other researchers. These novel correlations are applicable to various oxide-based mono-nanofluids for a broad range of independent variable values. The superiority of newly developed correlations was proven through various statistical and graphical error analyses. The GMDH-based correlation revealed the best performance with an Average Absolute Percent Relative Error (AAPRE) of 2.4163% and a Coefficient of Determination (R2) of 0.9743. At last, a leverage statistical approach was employed to identify the GMDH technique’s application domain and outlier data, and also, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to clarify the degree of dependence between input and output variables.
Removal of most frequent microplastic types and sizes in secondary effluent using Al2(SO4)3: choosing variables by a fuzzy Delphi method
Authors: Azizi Nahid , Pirsaheb Meghdad , Haghighi Nematollah Jaafarzadeh , Nodehi Ramin Nabizadeh
Published: November 2023

Microplastics (MPs) as an emerging pollutant can affect aquatic organisms through physical ingestion, chemical problems and possible creation of biological layers on their surfaces in the environment. One of the significant ways for MPs to enter the aquatic environment is through the effluent discharge of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, first, the concentration and characteristics of MPs in secondary wastewater effluent, and the influential variables related to the coagulation process, for MPs removal were identified using systematic reviews of previous studies. Then, the most proper MPs characterization and coagulation variables were chosen by experts’ opinions using a fuzzy Delphi method. Therefore, the experiment tested in conditions close to the full-scale wastewater treatments. Finally, in the laboratory removal of MPs by coagulation of polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE), < 125 and 300–600 μm in size, was tested by a jar test applying Al2(SO4)3 in doses of 5 to 100 mg/L plus 15 mg/L polyacrylamide as a coagulant aid. Using R and Excel software, the results were analyzed statistically. It was concluded that the maximum and minimum removal efficiency was 74.7 and 1.39% for small PA and large PE, respectively. Smaller MPs were found to have higher removal efficiency. The MPs type PA achieved greater removal efficiency than PS, while PE had the least removal efficiency.
An empirical study of schema-associated mnemonic method for classical Chinese poetry in primary and secondary education based on cognitive schema migration theory
Authors: Liu Dawei , He Ping , Yan Huifen
Published: November 2023

Classical Chinese poetry, as an indispensable part of China′s national culture, provides valuable resources for improving literary literacy and fostering patriotism among primary and secondary school students. This study, based on cognitive schema migration theory, investigated the effect of a "schema-associated mnemonic method" on the memory efficiency and retention of classical Chinese poetry memorization among the students. Through a controlled experiment, the results revealed that the experimental group (n = 63) outperformed the control one in memorizing classical poetry with higher memory efficiency and retention, which indicates the sustainable application prospects of the method in primary and secondary education. The findings of this research can provide beneficial insights for the effective integration of classical Chinese poetry teaching and educational technologies.
Research on the comparison of impact resistance characteristics between energy absorption and conventional hydraulic columns in fluid–solid coupling
Authors: Zhang Jianzhuo , Guo Hao , Xiao Yonghui , Pan Yishan , Xu Kai , Guo Chenguang , Ni Baojun , Zhao Fengnian
Published: November 2023

Rock burst disaster affects underground mining safety. The energy-absorbing hydraulic support for preventing tunnel impact has been implemented in rock burst mines. In order to compare the impact resistance characteristics of conventional columns and energy-absorbing columns, based on the derivation of energy theory, the CEL fluid–solid coupling simulation algorithm is used to simulate the process of static load 1000 kN superimposed impact load 1500 kN on φ180 mm type conventional column and energy-absorbing column. Combined with the static-dynamic combined test of the 6500 kN impact testing machine on the column, the accuracy and reliability of the CEL simulation column impact response are verified. The results showed that compared with conventional columns, the reaction force of energy-absorbing columns is reduced by 32.55%. The stress and expansion of the cylinder are significantly reduced. The acceleration of the mass movement has been reduced by 59.46%. The addition of the energy-absorbing device enhances the system's energy absorption by 33.46%, thereby reducing the energy absorption of the column itself to 23.58%. Additionally, the deformation of the energy-absorbing device increases the effective displacement by 239.45%. This also prolongs the impact duration, ensuring sufficient time for the safety valve to open, safeguarding the support from damage, and enhancing the overall integrity of the tunnel.
Heart rate variability alterations in takotsubo syndrome and related association with psychological factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cruciani Gianluca , Cavicchioli Marco , Tanzilli Gaetano , Tanzilli Annalisa , Lingiardi Vittorio , Galli Federica
Published: November 2023

Psychological factors may have a precipitant role in takotsubo syndrome (TS). Aberrant Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been reported in TS, suggesting inflexibility of the autonomous nervous system. Nevertheless, results on HRV alterations and their link with psychological factors in TS are conflicting. This work aimed to systematically explore whether TS may be associated with HRV alterations and their association with specific psychological profiles in TS patients. A literature search was conducted across databases (Pubmed, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science) and empirical studies including TS patients which were evaluated in one or more HRV indices were retrieved. HRV and psychological outcomes were extracted. 10 empirical studies with 194 TS patients were included. Results showed significant alteration of HRV in TS patients, with indices compared to controls, and a progressive increase over time. Nevertheless, retrieved data presented mixed results, as also shown by a large heterogeneity in the meta-analytic findings. 2 studies found significant relationships between HRV alterations and trait—rather than state—psychological outcomes (i.e., coping strategies and emotional arousal), pointing to the need to explore the role of psychological vulnerabilities, rather than single traumatic stressors, in the association between HRV and TS.
Temperature variation in caves and its significance for subterranean ecosystems
Authors: Medina Maria J. , Antić Dragan , Borges Paulo A. V. , Borko Špela , Fišer Cene , Lauritzen Stein-Erik , Martín Jose L. , Oromí Pedro , Pavlek Martina , Premate Ester , Puliafico Ken P. , Sendra Alberto , Reboleira Ana Sofia P. S.
Published: November 2023

Climate change affects all ecosystems, but subterranean ecosystems are repeatedly neglected from political and public agendas. Cave habitats are home to unknown and endangered species, with low trait variability and intrinsic vulnerability to recover from human-induced disturbances. We studied the annual variability and cyclicity of temperatures in caves vis-à-vis surface in different climatic areas. We hypothesize that cave temperatures follow the average temperature pattern at the surface for each location with a slight delay in the signal, but we found three different thermal patterns occurring in caves: (1) high positive correlation and a similar thermal pattern to the surface, (2) low correlation and a slight thermal delay of the signal from the surface, and (3) high negative correlation with an extreme delay from the surface. We found daily thermal cycles in some caves, which may potentially control the circadian rhythms of cave organisms. Our results show that caves had lower thermal amplitude than the surface, and that thermal averages within caves approximately correspond to the to the annual average of surface temperature. Caves buffer external temperature and act as refugia for biota in extreme climatic events. Likewise, temperature increases at surface will lead to increment in caves, threatening subterranean biota and ecosystem services.
Symbiodiniaceae photophysiology and stress resilience is enhanced by microbial associations
Authors: Matthews Jennifer L. , Hoch Lilian , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Pablo Marine , Hughes David J. , Camp Emma F. , Seymour Justin R. , Ralph Peter J. , Suggett David J. , Herdean Andrei
Published: November 2023

Symbiodiniaceae form associations with extra- and intracellular bacterial symbionts, both in culture and in symbiosis with corals. Bacterial associates can regulate Symbiodiniaceae fitness in terms of growth, calcification and photophysiology. However, the influence of these bacteria on interactive stressors, such as temperature and light, which are known to influence Symbiodiniaceae physiology, remains unclear. Here, we examined the photophysiological response of two Symbiodiniaceae species (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Breviolum minutum) cultured under acute temperature and light stress with specific bacterial partners from their microbiome (Labrenzia (Roseibium) alexandrii, Marinobacter adhaerens or Muricauda aquimarina). Overall, bacterial presence positively impacted Symbiodiniaceae core photosynthetic health (photosystem II [PSII] quantum yield) and photoprotective capacity (non-photochemical quenching; NPQ) compared to cultures with all extracellular bacteria removed, although specific benefits were variable across Symbiodiniaceae genera and growth phase. Symbiodiniaceae co-cultured with M. aquimarina displayed an inverse NPQ response under high temperatures and light, and those with L. alexandrii demonstrated a lowered threshold for induction of NPQ, potentially through the provision of antioxidant compounds such as zeaxanthin (produced by Muricauda spp.) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP; produced by this strain of L. alexandrii). Our co-culture approach empirically demonstrates the benefits bacteria can deliver to Symbiodiniaceae photochemical performance, providing evidence that bacterial associates can play important functional roles for Symbiodiniaceae.
Equations for smartphone prediction of adiposity and appendicular lean mass in youth soccer players
Authors: Minetto Marco A. , Pietrobelli Angelo , Ferraris Andrea , Busso Chiara , Magistrali Massimo , Vignati Chiara , Sieglinger Breck , Bruner David , Shepherd John A. , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: November 2023

Digital anthropometry by three-dimensional optical imaging systems and smartphones has recently been shown to provide non-invasive, precise, and accurate anthropometric and body composition measurements. To our knowledge, no previous study performed smartphone-based digital anthropometric assessments in young athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibly and validity of smartphone-based estimation of anthropometric and body composition parameters in youth soccer players. A convenience sample of 124 male players and 69 female players (median ages of 16.2 and 15.5 years, respectively) was recruited. Measurements of body weight and height, one whole-body Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and acquisition of optical images (performed in duplicate by the Mobile Fit app to obtain two avatars for each player) were performed. The reproducibility analysis showed percent standard error of measurement values < 10% for all anthropometric and body composition measurements, thus indicating high agreement between the measurements obtained for the two avatars. Mobile Fit app overestimated the body fat percentage with respect to DXA (average overestimation of + 3.7% in males and + 4.6% in females), while it underestimated the total lean mass (− 2.6 kg in males and − 2.5 kg in females) and the appendicular lean mass (− 10.5 kg in males and − 5.5 kg in females). Using data of the soccer players, we reparameterized the equations previously proposed to estimate the body fat percentage and the appendicular lean mass and we obtained new equations that can be used in youth athletes for body composition assessment through conventional anthropometrics-based prediction models.
The exotic behavior of the wave evolution in Lévy crystals within a fractional medium
Authors: Zakeri Z. , Solaimani M. , Lavaei L. , Terohid S. A. A.
Published: November 2023

We investigate a traveling Gaussian wave packet transport through a rectangular quantum barrier of lévy crystals in fractional quantum mechanics formalism. We study both standard and fractional Schrödinger equations in linear and nonlinear regimes by using a split-step finite difference (SSFD) method. We evaluate the reflection, trapping, and transmission coefficients of the wave packet and the wave packet spreading by using time-dependent inverse participation ratio (IPR) and second moment. By simultaneously adjusting the fractional and nonlinear terms, we create sharp pulses, which is an essential issue in optoelectronic devices. We illustrate that the effects of barrier height and width on the transmission coefficient are strangely different for the standard and fractional Schrödinger equations. We observe fortunately soliton-like localized wave packets in the fractional regime. Thus, we can effectively control the behavior of the wave evolution by adjusting the available parameters, which can excite new ideas in optics.
Design and experiment of a soybean shaftless spiral seed discharge and seed delivery device
Authors: Zhu Huibin , Wu Xian , Bai Lizhen , Li Rongdong , Guo Guanyu , Qin Jin , Zhang YuanYuan , Li Hui
Published: November 2023

When the driven stubble-breaking and anti-blocking no-till planter operates in the Southwest China, the stubble-breaking blades will impact with the ground as they cut through the soil and straw stubble, causing the planter to vibrate. This results in poor performances of the seed discharge by seed discharger and the seed guide by the seed guide tube. Based on the principle of spiral conveying, a soybean shaftless spiral seed discharge and seed delivery device was designed. The optimum seed filling size and speed range of the spiral blade were obtained by analyzing the size, force, and motion of soybean seeds of "ZhongHuang 37". The quadratic regression orthogonal rotation test and response surface method were used to analyze the operating parameters of the shaftless spiral seed discharge and seed delivery device by joint EDEM (Discrete Element Method)-RecurDyn simulation. The optimum parameters were obtained: the spacing of spiral was 11.4 mm, spiral outer radius was 5.5 mm, spiral inner radius was 2.9 mm and rotation speed was 10.4 r·s−1. Based on simulation and optimization results, the device was trialed and its field performance was tested. The results showed that at a surface slope of 16.1°, an average surface flatness of 8.9 cm, an average planter vibration frequency of 75.2 Hz, and an average amplitude of 7.2 mm, the average seeding qualification index, multiple index, missing seeding index, and damage index of the shaftless spiral seed discharge and seed delivery device were 92.6%, 5.03%, 2.4% and 0.92%, respectively, which were in line with the local agronomic requirements. The designed soybean shaftless spiral seed discharge and seed delivery device meets the requirements of the quality of no-till seeding and can provide a reference for the design and improvement of seed discharger and seed guide tube under poor ground leveling and long-distance seed delivery conditions.
The plant growth, water and electricity consumption, and nutrients uptake are influenced by different light spectra and nutrition of lettuce
Authors: Soufi Hamid Reza , Roosta Hamid Reza , Hamidpour Mohsen
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different replacement methods of nutrient solution (complete replacement, electrical conductivity (EC)- based replacement, and replacing based on the plant needs) and different LED light spectra (monochromic white, red, blue, and a combination of red/blue) on the uptake of mineral nutrients, water and electricity consumption and biomass production of two varieties of lettuce (Lollo Rossa and Lollo Bionda; Lactuca sativa var. crispa) in the hydroponic systems. The results showed that replacement methods based on the plant needs and based on EC increased shoot fresh mass and yield index in the NFT system. Also, results showed that the combination of red/blue light increased shoot fresh mass and yield index in the NFT system and in the plant factory under treatment by replacement method based on plant needs. Increasing the concentrations of N, K, and Zn and loss of Fe in nutrient solution were observed in all three replacement methods of nutrient solution in the NFT system. Water consumption was decreased under plant nutrition based on plant needs and based on EC. In the plant factory, the application of LED light spectrum also decreased electricity consumption and cost against fluorescent lamps. In general, it is concluded that nutrient solution replacement based on the plant needs and based on EC and the use of different LED light spectra (especially the combination of red and blue light) can be used to reduce the consumption of water and nutrients in the hydroponic cultivation of lettuce.
Digital health application integrating wearable data and behavioral patterns improves metabolic health
Authors: Zahedani Ashkan Dehghani , McLaughlin Tracey , Veluvali Arvind , Aghaeepour Nima , Hosseinian Amir , Agarwal Saransh , Ruan Jingyi , Tripathi Shital , Woodward Mark , Hashemi Noosheen , Snyder Michael
Published: November 2023

The effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in reducing caloric intake and increasing physical activity for preventing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has been previously demonstrated. The use of modern technologies can potentially further improve the success of these interventions, promote metabolic health, and prevent T2D at scale. To test this concept, we built a remote program that uses continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and wearables to make lifestyle recommendations that improve health. We enrolled 2,217 participants with varying degrees of glucose levels (normal range, and prediabetes and T2D ranges), using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) over 28 days to capture glucose patterns. Participants logged food intake, physical activity, and body weight via a smartphone app that integrated wearables data and provided daily insights, including overlaying glucose patterns with activity and food intake, macronutrient breakdown, glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and activity measures. The app furthermore provided personalized recommendations based on users’ preferences, goals, and observed glycemic patterns. Users could interact with the app for an additional 2 months without CGM. Here we report significant improvements in hyperglycemia, glucose variability, and hypoglycemia, particularly in those who were not diabetic at baseline. Body weight decreased in all groups, especially those who were overweight or obese. Healthy eating habits improved significantly, with reduced daily caloric intake and carbohydrate-to-calorie ratio and increased intake of protein, fiber, and healthy fats relative to calories. These findings suggest that lifestyle recommendations, in addition to behavior logging and CGM data integration within a mobile app, can enhance the metabolic health of both nondiabetic and T2D individuals, leading to healthier lifestyle choices. This technology can be a valuable tool for T2D prevention and treatment.
An explainable machine learning-based phenomapping strategy for adaptive predictive enrichment in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Oikonomou Evangelos K. , Thangaraj Phyllis M. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Ross Joseph S. , Young Lawrence H. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Suchard Marc A. , Khera Rohan
Published: November 2023

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) represent the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine but are resource-intensive. We propose and evaluate a machine learning (ML) strategy of adaptive predictive enrichment through computational trial phenomaps to optimize RCT enrollment. In simulated group sequential analyses of two large cardiovascular outcomes RCTs of (1) a therapeutic drug (pioglitazone versus placebo; Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial), and (2) a disease management strategy (intensive versus standard systolic blood pressure reduction in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)), we constructed dynamic phenotypic representations to infer response profiles during interim analyses and examined their association with study outcomes. Across three interim timepoints, our strategy learned dynamic phenotypic signatures predictive of individualized cardiovascular benefit. By conditioning a prospective candidate’s probability of enrollment on their predicted benefit, we estimate that our approach would have enabled a reduction in the final trial size across ten simulations (IRIS: −14.8% ± 3.1%, pone-sample t-test = 0.001; SPRINT: −17.6% ± 3.6%, pone-sample t-test < 0.001), while preserving the original average treatment effect (IRIS: hazard ratio of 0.73 ± 0.01 for pioglitazone vs placebo, vs 0.76 in the original trial; SPRINT: hazard ratio of 0.72 ± 0.01 for intensive vs standard systolic blood pressure, vs 0.75 in the original trial; all simulations with Cox regression-derived p value of  < 0.01 for the effect of the intervention on the respective primary outcome). This adaptive framework has the potential to maximize RCT enrollment efficiency.
Improved estimates of carbon dioxide emissions from drained peatlands support a reduction in emission factor
Authors: He Hongxing , Roulet Nigel T.
Published: November 2023

Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Annex 1 countries must report annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from peatlands drained for extraction. However, the Tier 1 emission factor (EF) provided in the IPCC 2014 Wetland Supplement is based mainly on warm season data from a limited number of sites. Here we evaluate the current IPCC EF and revise it with newly published data. The updated EF is 2.46 ± 0.25 t C ha−1 yr−1, a 12% reduction and a threefold decrease in the confidence interval compared to the current IPCC (2014) EF. We generate a Tier 3 EF, 1.4 ± 0.25 t C ha−1 yr−1 for a typical extraction site in eastern Canada using numerical CoupModel that explicitly considers seasonality and interannual climatic variability, and suggest how to account for seasonality for the previously published EFs. This reduction has implications for comparing alternatives to peat-based growing substrates, the assessment of offsets, and possible punitive carbon taxes or cap-and-trade schemes.
Public discourses and government interventions behind China’s ambitious carbon neutrality goal
Authors: Zhang Fang , Xu Manchi , Yan Yikuan , Huang Keman
Published: November 2023

Mobilizing the public supports on ambitious climate change goals is crucial for climate action. Here we examine what public discourses have emerged in China around its ambitious carbon neutrality goal and how Chinese government has influenced its public opinion. By using deep learning model to analyze approximately one million microblogs from China, we track the evolution of seven climate discourses among the online public discussing China’s carbon neutrality goal, including scientific, moral, economic, co-benefit, energy security, political, and global frames. Among this community, we find a high level of supports towards China’s carbon neutrality goal. Opposers cite global and moral concerns as their main reason for opposition and are increasingly internally divided in China. Those who are neutral are more easily influenced by an economic discourse. Major climate policies are more effective than politics to influence public views on carbon neutrality.
O-GlcNAcylation is essential for therapeutic mitochondrial transplantation
Authors: Park Ji Hyun , Tanaka Masayoshi , Nakano Takafumi , Licastro Ester , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Li Wenlu , Esposito Elga , Mandeville Emiri T. , Chou Sherry Hsiang-Yi , Ning MingMing , Lo Eng H. , Hayakawa Kazuhide
Published: November 2023

Background

Transplantation of mitochondria is increasingly explored as a novel therapy in central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. However, there are limitations in safety and efficacy because mitochondria are vulnerable in extracellular environments and damaged mitochondria can induce unfavorable danger signals.

Methods

Mitochondrial O-GlcNAc-modification was amplified by recombinant O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and UDP-GlcNAc. O-GlcNAcylated mitochondrial proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and the antiglycation ability of O-GlcNAcylated DJ1 was determined by loss-of-function via mutagenesis. Therapeutic efficacy of O-GlcNAcylated mitochondria was assessed in a mouse model of transient focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. To explore translational potential, we evaluated O-GlcNAcylated DJ1 in CSF collected from patients with subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke (SAH).

Results

We show that isolated mitochondria are susceptible to advanced glycation end product (AGE) modification, and these glycated mitochondria induce the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE)-mediated autophagy and oxidative stress when transferred into neurons. However, modifying mitochondria with O-GlcNAcylation counteracts glycation, diminishes RAGE-mediated effects, and improves viability of mitochondria recipient neurons. In a mouse model of stroke, treatment with extracellular mitochondria modified by O-GlcNAcylation reduces neuronal injury and improves neurologic deficits. In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from SAH patients, levels of O-GlcNAcylation in extracellular mitochondria correlate with better clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that AGE-modification in extracellular mitochondria may induce danger signals, but O-GlcNAcylation can prevent glycation and improve the therapeutic efficacy of transplanted mitochondria in the CNS.
Effects of gamma radiation on the electrical properties of InAs/InGaAs quantum dot-based laser structures grown on GaAs and Si substrates by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Huwayz M. Al , Jameel D. A. , de Azevedo Walter M. , Felix Jorlandio F. , Saqri N. Al , Lemine O. M. , Alrub S. Abu , Henini M.
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the impact of gamma radiation on the electrical properties of InAs/InGaAs quantum dot-based laser structures grown on both GaAs (Sample A) and Si (Sample B) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy.
A dissipative particle dynamics simulation of controlled loading and responsive release of theranostic agents from reversible crosslinked triblock copolymer vesicles
Authors: Wang Zhikun , Li Fengting , Wang Li , Liu Yueqi , Li Miantuo , Cui Nannan , Li Chunling , Sun Shuangqing , Hu Songqing
Published: November 2023

To control the transport stability and release efficiency of loaded theranostic drugs in triblock copolymer carriers, the reversible crosslinking ability is of great significance.
First-principles prediction of the thermal conductivity of two configurations of difluorinated graphene monolayer
Authors: Chen Ao , Tong Hua , Wu Cheng-Wei , Li Shi-Yi , Jia Pin-Zhen , Zhou Wu-Xing
Published: November 2023

Temperature dependent thermal conductivity of CFGM and BFGM along two directions and the contributions of acoustic and optical modes.
Designed fabrication of MoS2 hollow structures with different geometries and the comparative investigation toward capacitive properties
Authors: Xu Yuandong , Feng Haoyang , Dong Chaoyang , Yang Yuqing , Zhou Meng , Wei Yajun , Guo Hui , Wei Yaqing , Su Jishan , Ben Yingying , Zhang Xia
Published: November 2023

The hollow MoS2 balls and MoS2 cubes constructed using the template method for the electrode materials of supercapacitors show satisfactory electrochemical properties.
Unveiling the role of electrode polarization in modulating dielectric and electro-optical properties of SnSe dispersed nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Singh Bhupendra Pratap , Mishra Piyush , Hatshan Mohammad Rafe , Singh Dharmendra Pratap , Hwang Shug-June
Published: November 2023

This study explores the impact of electrode polarization on SnSe nanosheets blended with liquid crystal cells and investigates how impurity ions influence the performance of the liquid crystal.