bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amyloid β oligomers enhance presynaptic exocytosis via CaV2.1 to drive disease progression in Alzheimer’s models
Authors: Jeans Alexander , Padamsey Zahid , Weglinski Caroline , Taylor Henry , Collins Helen , Allison Sally , Bannerman David , Klein William , Maagdenberg Arn van den , Emptage Nigel
Published: September 2024

Mixed outcomes in clinical trials of amyloid β-lowering agents for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) make the identification of alternative candidate molecular targets for therapy a priority. However, limited understanding of molecular pathways mediating the effects of amyloid β on synaptic and cognitive function hampers these efforts. Here, we uncover an ENaC-CaV2.3-PKC-GSK-3β signal transduction pathway that is engaged by oligomeric amyloid β (Aβo) to enhance presynaptic CaV2.1 voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activity, resulting in pathological potentiation of action potential-evoked synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Normalization of presynaptic function by pharmacological CaV2.1 inhibition or genetic CaV2.1 haploinsufficiency rescues Aβo-induced loss of dendritic spines and synaptic long-term potentiation ex vivo, and prevents spine loss, memory deficits and premature mortality in vivo, demonstrating a critical role for enhanced CaV2.1-driven presynaptic exocytosis in synaptic and cognitive decline. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism driving disease progression in AD, and identify multiple tractable potential therapeutic targets.
Challenges for Fast Radio Bursts as Multi-Messenger Sources from Binary Neutron Star Mergers
Authors: Bhardwaj Mohit , Palmese Antonella , Hernandez Ignacio , d'Emilio Virginia , Morisaki Soichiro
Published: September 2024

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration transients from extragalactic sources, with their origins remaining a topic of active debate. Among the proposed progenitors, binary neutron star (BNS) mergers are compelling candidates for some non-repeating FRBs. However, associating FRBs with BNS mergers cannot be based solely on low chance coincidence probability. This study delineates necessary criteria for associating FRBs with BNS mergers, focusing on the post-merger ejecta environment. To underscore the significance of these criteria, we scrutinise the proposed association between GW190425 and FRB20190425A, considering the requirement for the FRB signal to traverse the dense merger ejecta without significant attenuation to remain detectable at 400 MHz. Our investigation reveals that if the FRB is linked to the gravitational wave event, the GW data support a highly off-axis configuration, with a probability of the BNS merger viewing angle p(θv > 30 degrees) being approximately 99.99%. This strongly excludes an on-axis system, which is required for this FRB to be detectable. We also find far-away FRB emission models inadequate to explain the FRB-GW connection. Thus, we conclude that GW190425 is not related to FRB20190425A. We discuss the implications for future multi-messenger observations, suggesting that BNS merger remnants are unlikely to account for more than 1% of FRB sources. This finding implies that short gamma-ray bursts should not be used to explain the global characteristics of the FRB host population.
In situ formation of a melt-solid interface towards stable oxygen reduction in protonic ceramic fuel cells
Authors: Li Mengran , Feng Desheng , Peterson Vanessa K. , Lin Rijia , D'Angelo Anita , Marenych Olexandra , Yago Anya , Yazid Bin Zulkifli Muhammad , Zhu Tianjiu , Gao Shuai , Wu Yuming , Zhu Zhong , Tian Xiaohe , Du Xiaoyang , Appadoo Dominique
Published: September 2024

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are one of the promising routes to generate power efficiently from various fuels at economically viable temperatures (500–700°C) due to the use of fast proton conducting oxides as electrolytes. However, the power density and durability of the PCFCs are still limited by their cathodes made from solid metal oxides, which are challenging to address the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction and susceptibility to CO2 simultaneously. Here, we report an alternative approach to address this challenge by developing a new melt-solid interface through the in situ alkali metal surface segregation and consecutive eutectic formation at perovskite oxide surface at PCFC operating temperatures. This new approach in cathode engineering is successfully demonstrated over a lithium and sodium co-doped BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ perovskite as the model material. Our experimental results unveil that the unique in situ formed melt-solid surface stabilises the catalytically active phase in bulk and promotes catalytically active sites at surface. Our novel engineered melt-solid interface enhanced the stability of the cathode against poisoning in 10% CO2 by a factor of 1.5 in a symmetrical cell configuration and by a factor of more than two in PCFC single cells.
Complete breakup of liquids into ultrafine droplets by grid turbulence
Authors: Wu Hui , Li Ziwei , Cui Zhiwen , Cheng Zekun , Zhao Shanyu , Huang Ya , Li Shuojin , Zhou Yiqian , Fan Yuchen , Du Peng , Lu Sheng , Zhao Lihao
Published: September 2024

Ultrafine droplets play an important role in materials processing and nanotechnology, with crucial applications in nanoparticle preparation, molecular spraying, water evaporation, nanodrug delivery, nano-printing/coating, among numerous others. While the potential of turbulent gas flow to enhance liquid breakup is acknowledged, the construction of turbulence-driven atomizers for generating ultrafine droplets remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the innovation of grid-turbulence atomization (GTA), which employed a rotating mesh to deliver liquid and an air knife to spray ultrafine droplets. The airflow across the mesh transitions from laminar to grid-turbulence, leading to complete liquid breakup with three-stages: bag formation, stretching, and turbulence-induced breakup. Ultrafine water droplets with a 4.8 µm Sauter mean diameter have been achieved through GTA. The GTA system demonstrates versatility in atomizing various liquids including those with high viscosities of ~ 1000 cP. We further achieved high-quality production of ultrafine powders including milk, coffee, sugar, polymers, and ceramics, based on the combination of GTA and spray-drying. Our strategic methodology establishes pivotal link between turbulence characteristics and materials processing, influencing a wide range of applications and sparking further innovation in the field.
Temperature rising is threatening adolescent mental health
Authors: Hao Zhuang , Yuan Xinhai , Xie Yang
Published: September 2024

Climate change impacts human health throughout the human life cycle. Previous studies have confirmed that climate change, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly affects adults' mental health. However, studies regarding the impact on adolescents are still lacking. This is particularly worrying because adolescents may be more susceptible to the effects of climate change than adults due to their physical and emotional immaturity and vulnerability. Here, we found that increases in average temperatures worsened adolescents' mental health, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, using data from 2010 and 2014 China Family Panel Studies. This effect is robust to alternative measures of mental health. In addition, younger adolescents and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more vulnerable to temperature changes. We recommend developing public policies to help adolescents adapt with temperature changes, particularly for younger adolescents and those from underprivileged families.
Intention to Use Reusable Shopping Bags in an Emerging Economy: A Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) Analysis
Authors: Tran Thien-Vu , Le Manh-Tan , Melad Amancio III
Published: September 2024

Single-use plastic (SUP) bags at supermarkets have detrimentally exacerbated the plastic waste and dump in landfills. Reusable shopping bags are a feasible solution to alleviate plastic production and consumption, particularly in an emerging economy. The study examined the intention to use reusable shopping bags instead of SUP bags, driven by personal norms and planning behavior. Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analysis was employed on a dataset of 536 Vietnamese consumers. The study found that instead of obligation, voluntary contribution to reduce plastic bag pollutant is predominant. Findings also indicate that enhancing public awareness and knowledge regarding environmental protection is significantly important. Some demographic characteristics, such as age, education, members in household, and incomes also moderate the relationship between driving factors and intentions. Finally, this study prescribes some policy implications and practical solutions to reduce and gradually restrict SUP in Vietnam.
Effects of curcumol on ferroptosis and tube forming ability of hepatic sinus endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Huang Na , Zhao Tiejian , Wang Lei , Zheng Yang , Xiao Huaye
Published: September 2024

Objective
To explore the effects of curcumol on ferroptosis and angiogenesis of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, further elucidate the molecular mechanism of curcumol against liver fibrosis, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver disease.
Methods
We used VEGF to construct pathological model group, and divided hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells into blank group, model group, high, middle and low curcumol group. Ferroptosis and angiogenesis were detected by various cell molecular biology experiments.
Results
Curcumol significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, significantly increased the expression of P53 and TFR1 protein, significantly decreased the expression of FTH1 protein, significantly promoted the occurrence of iron death, and significantly inhibited angiogenesis. When we knocked out p53, the effect of curcumol contributing to the onset of ferroptosis was rescued, while curcumol's role in inhibiting angiogenesis was saved, which was the same effect as when we used Ferrostatin-1.
Conclusions
Curcumol targets the P53-TFR1-FTH1 signalling axis and induces massive deposition of iron ions in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, leading to the onset of ferroptosis inhibiting hepatic angiogenesis, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms of its anti-hepatic fibrosis.
Performance of P. pallida on saline sodic Vertisols: as a nature based low-cost phyto-rehabilitation technique in SAT region
Authors: Ningappa Ramesha Mundre , Raizada Anurag , Patil Shekhargouda L. , M Prabhavathi , Biswas Hrittick , P. Ratha Krishnan
Published: September 2024

Globally, 1257 Mha land area deteriorated and degrading due to excess salt accumulation in the soil profile. Reclamation of salt affected soils (SAS), particularly in the agricultural landscapes, is essential to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and restoration of 350 Mha degraded land by 2030. Therefore, identification nature-based feasible techniques are essential to accomplish the restoration goal. In direction, Prosopis pallida was introduced on saline-sodic Vertisols (SSV) and evaluated for its biomass production, changes that brings in soil chemical properties and recovery of understory vegetation. P. pallida established on SSV with > 90% survivability and produced 24 to 35 kg tree− 1aboveground biomass (AGB) in low and high density stands, respectively. The AGB accumulation in high-density stand was 24 Mg ha− 1, that can fetch direct economic benefit of 9000 ha− 1yr− 1. Chemical properties of SSV significantly improved over six years. Mean ECe reduced from 6.16 to 3.78 dS m− 1, mean ESP from 57–49% and mean SAR from 23.3 to 8.0 and soil pH increased from 8.1 to 8.3. Exchangeable sodium significantly reduced and an average of five-fold reduction in sodium was recorded. Similarly, ~ three-fold and ~ four times reduction in soil exchangeable calcium (Ca) and exchangeable magnesium (Mg) was observed, respectively. Further, appearance of herbs, shrubs and tree regeneration, indicates microhabitat improvement and initiation of plant succession. Thus, P. pallida stand was effective in altering soil properties of the SSV and can be identified as a tree for re-habilitation of SSV in the semi-arid tropics (SAT).
Phytochemical Analysis, OHR-LCMS Assisted Metabolite Profiling, and Antifungal Activity of Natural Products from the Medicinal Plant Tragia Plukentii A.R. sm as Antitinea Agents
Authors: Butle Santosh Ramrao , Sharif Sayyad Sumer , Deshmukh Manish Purushottam
Published: September 2024

Background
Tinea, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, affects approximately 25% of the global population, and Trichophyton rubrum is the main causative agent. Although these infections usually appear as superficial skin issues, they can become serious in diabetic or immunocompromised individuals. Despite the traditional antifungal reputation of Tragia plukentii, scientific studies on its phytoconstituent profile via OHR-LCMS analysis and its efficacy against T. rubrum are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Tragia plukentii against T. rubrum and to assess its potential as an alternative treatment for Tinea pedis.
Methods
Tragia plukentii plants were authenticated, and healthy leaves were collected and shade-dried for 10‒15 days. The dried leaves were ground into a fine powder and extracted via the Soxhlet method with solvents of various polarities. The physical and chemical properties of the leaf powder were assessed, and the extracts were analyzed for bioactive phytocompounds via OHR-LCMS. The antifungal activity of the extracts against Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC28188) was evaluated using the cell diffusion method, and the efficacy of the extracts was compared with that of the standard drug terbinafine by measuring inhibition zones.
Results
This study identified 92 and 29 bioactive phytoconstituents in the positive and negative ionization modes of the OHR-LCMS spectrum, respectively, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterols, glycosides, and terpenoids, in glacial acetic acid extract for the first time. The key compounds identified included NP-001787, quercetin, methyl hippuric acid, and xanthohumol, which were validated using mzCloud and the Spider Search Database. Among the six extracts tested, the glacial acetic acid extract showed highly potent antifungal activity with a notably larger inhibition zone of 45 mm, surpassing the standard drug terbinafine (29 mm), and the water (11 mm), cyclohexane (11 mm), and methanol (10 mm) extracts exhibited moderate antifungal activity, whereas the other extracts showed weaker activity.
Conclusions
This study revealed the significant antifungal potential of Tragia plukentii extracts, particularly the glacial acetic acid extract, which exhibited a 45 mm inhibition zone against Trichophyton rubrum, outperforming the standard antifungal drug terbinafine (29 mm). This study also highlighted the importance of OHR-LCMS in generating a detailed phytochemical profile crucial for identifying bioactive compounds.
The trial registration number (TRN):
‘Clinical trial number: not applicable.’
Genome-wide Identification of Torreya grandis AMT Family Genes Revealed the Function and Regulation of the Nitrogen Stress Responsive Gene TgAMT5
Authors: Guan Yuanyuan , Li Yi , Wei Yao , Li Xu , Chen Weijie , Yu Chenliang , Wu Jiasheng
Published: September 2024

Background
Ammonium transporters (AMTs) are a class of transmembrane proteins widely found in plants, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, mediating transmembrane ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) transport, which is one of the crucial pathways for plants to obtain nitrogen from resources. AMTs have been studied in many plants but have not been systematically analyzed in Torreya grandis.
Results
This study first used bioinformatics to identify members of the T. grandis AMT family and then real time quantitative PCR to explore their tissue expression patterns and abiotic stress responses. The physical and chemical properties, secondary structure, and evolutionary relationships of the encoded proteins were ascertained. There were ten members of the gene family, named TgAMT1–TgAMT10, which were located on six chromosomes, with coding sequence lengths of 975–1629 bp. Subcellular localization predicted all members to be located on the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis divided the TgAMTs into two subfamilies, AMT1 and AMT2. There were significant differences in gene structure and conserved motifs among the subfamilies, but Motif 1, Motif 3, and Motif 4 were common to all. The expression of TgAMTs was histologically specific. Additionally, nitrogen morphology also affected TgAMTs expression. TgAMT5 was identified as a potential member involved in the response to NH4+-induced stress. The gene function of TgAMT5 was verified in transgenic A. thaliana and was found to promote plant growth and development, especially root growth, by absorbing ammonium salt through roots. In addition, dual-luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that the transcription factor TgWRKY2 could directly bind to the TgAMT5 promoter and enhance its expression.
Conclusion
This study can provide theoretical basis for the efficient use of nitrogen in Torreya grandis, and lay a foundation for exploring nitrogen uptake and utilization in gymnosperms.
A breeding method for Ogura CMS restorer line independent of restorer source in Brassica napus
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Liang Xingyu , Wang Rui , Gao Yuan , Li Yun , Shi Haoran , Gong Wanzhuo , saleem Saira , Zou Qiong , Tao Lanrong , Kang Zeming , Yang Jin , Yu Qin , Wu Qiaobo , Liu Hailan , Fu Shaohong
Published: September 2024

Background
The Ogura cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line of Brassica napus has gained significant attention for its use in harnessing heterosis. Unlike other CMS lines, the sterility of this line remains unaffected by temperature and environment, making it a reliable option. Additionally, its sterility is thorough and stable. The Ogura cytoplasmic restorer line of Brassica napus is derived from the distant hybridization of radishes and Brassica napus. Since, there is no homologous allele of the restorer gene in Brassica napus, transferring it becomes challenging.
Results
In the current study, the doubled haploid (DH) inducer in B. napus was used as the male parent for hybridization with the Ogura CMS of B. napus. Surprisingly, fertile plants appeared in the offspring. Further analysis revealed that the cytoplasmic type, ploidy, and chromosome number of the fertile offspring were consistent with those of the sterile female parent. Moreover, a SNP chip analysis showed that the nuclear gene similarity between the fertile offspring and the sterile female parent was 89.67%, while the mitochondrial genome was a remarkable 97.7%. This indicated that the restorer gene was successfully produced. To further investigate and locate the restorer gene, the BSA method was employed to construct extreme mixed pools. As a result, the restorer gene was mapped to three positions: A09 chromosome 10.99–17.20 Mb, C03 chromosome 5.07–5.34 Mb, and C09 chromosome 18.78–36.60 Mb.
Conclusion
The experimental results have proved that induction does produce restorer genes. The induction of the Ogura CMS restorer gene through DH induction provides a promising new approach for harnessing heterosis in B. napus.
Phytochemicals Antitumor activity of an aqueous from Vaccinium meridionale in a three-dimensional colon adenocarcinoma model
Authors: Ceballos-Duque Susana María , Maldonado-Celis María Elena
Published: September 2024

Vaccinium meridionale is an Andean Berry with proven antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities in two-dimensional models of colon cancer cells. In the present study, an aqueous extract from Andean berry induces apoptosis in a three-dimensional cell model of colon adenocarcinoma. The aqueous extract's total phenol and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activity were determined; it’s Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was obtained; and its effect on the morphology, cell cycle, apoptosis, and senescence of SW480 cell spheroids was evaluated. The most quantitatively significant phenolic compounds were total tannins and total anthocyanin. The ORAC value was the most active mechanism, followed by ABTS and DPPH values. The IC50 (33.62 ± 1.3 mg/mL and 5.91 ± 1.0 mg/mL) was obtained at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The extract decreased the size of spheroids, induced accumulation of hypodiploid cells in the SubG1 phase, reduced the percentage of senescent cells, and increased annexin-V positive cells involving caspases activation compared to non-treated spheroids. These results showed that V. meridionale aqueous extract exerts its antitumoral effect on colon adenocarcinoma spheroid cells by blocking the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting senescence under the same treatment conditions.
Genetic stability of the CVS-31 standard sample of Lyssavirus rabies after successive passages in mice: mutations in phosphoprotein and glycoprotein genes
Authors: Lima Juliana dos Santos , Barboza Camila Mosca , Cocchi Micheli , Garcia Jaíne Gonçalves , Batista Helena Beatriz de Carvalho Rurthner
Published: September 2024

The Lyssavirus rabies (RABV) is a negative RNA virus of approximately 12kb that encodes five proteins: nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M or M2), glycoprotein (G), and RNA polymerase (L). The aim of the present study was to identify the stability of the P and G genes from the standard sample CVS-31 RABV. Initially, 10% suspensions of the sample were prepared. Groups of 6 Swiss Webster mice were inoculated with this suspension intracerebrally, and after the animals' death, a new suspension was prepared with central nervous system (CNS) of these animals, and then inoculated into a new group of mice. This process was repeated for 10 successive virus passages. The CNS poolin each of the passages was subjected to RNA extraction, reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with specific primers for the P and G genes. The amplicons were sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. Non-synonymous mutations were identified throughout the fourth and sixth successive passage. The identified mutations occurred in the regions of amino acids P233, G20, and G249, which may be regions with unknown or low activity in the proteins studied. Although the mutations identified in this study were not maintained in subsequent passages, it can be concluded that less than 10 passages in mice were sufficient to mutate the RABV genome. However, the mutations did not generate significant changes in the virus, supporting the stability documented in the literature and likely this stability remains in vitro, given the absence of immunological pressure from the animal.
A Self Adaptive Bird Flock Algorithm for Efficient Coverage in MWSNs
Authors: M Mamatha K , M Kiran , P Manjunatha
Published: September 2024

In this article, an Optimized Bird Flocking Algorithm (OBFA) has been proposed to reduce the overlapping sensing areas and to improve the optimal coverage rate of a given Area of Interest (AoI) with less number of Sensor Nodes (SNs) in MWSNs. The methods found in the literature still exhibit overlapping sensing areas , resulting in the sensing of redundant information. Further, one can also observe the low coverage rate of existing methods in MWSNs resulting in uncovered positions in AoI. The proposed OBFA addresses these issues by reducing the coverage holes and increasing the coverage rate of an AoI. For the defined objectives the OBFA exploits the distinguishing features of birds in a flock, namely cohesion, separation, and alignment. The cohesion part of the OBFA makes all SNs to be close enough in the given AoI. While the separation behavior of the OBFA avoids congestion among SNs which is caused by cohesion. The alignment feature of OBFA aligns all the SNs to optimally cover the given AoI. Apart from these three features of the basic Bird Flocking Algorithm, the OBFA also includes a repulsive pairwise force to reduce the overlapping sensing areas in AoI and a position optimization function that uses a distributed information map concept to achieve self-organization among SNs for the maximum coverage of AoI. Further, a selfishness goal introduced in OBFA steers each SN towards 1 the less visited positions of AoI. The proposed OBFA is simulated in MATLAB and the results are compared with other state-of-the-art BFA-based algorithms. It has been found from the results that the proposed OBFA algorithm efficiently covers the given AoI with less time and with less number of SNs with maximum coverage rate of 0.99 as compared to the existing algorithms such as BFA and CSSA with coverage rates of 0.98 and 0.96 respectively.
ZHENG’s Manoeuvre Improves External Cephalic Version Success for Frank Breech
Authors: Zheng Lianghui , Liu Jiaoxia , Shi Jun , Zhang Huale , Liao Qiuping , Chen Tan , Chen Lichun , Chen Ruiyun
Published: September 2024

Objective
High external cephalic version (ECV) success rates are associated with incomplete breech, normal amniotic fluid, multiparity, and the physician’s experience and skill. Conversely, frank breech is associated with a low success rate. This study evaluated whether the ZHENG’s manoeuvre, an improved technique characterized by moving the fetal lower limbs before flexing the head, is associated with a higher ECV success rate for frank breech.
Methods
We conducted a seven-year retrospective, single-centre study on ECV for frank breech. From June 2017 to December 2019, 80 women received the basic technique, while from June 2020 to December 2023, 92 women underwent the ZHENG manoeuvre, with all procedures performed by the same obstetrician following a consistent protocol. The primary outcome was the ECV success rate, and the secondary outcome was the rate of vaginal birth following successful ECV. A generalised additive model was employed, adjusting for cumulative procedure numbers, cumulative time in years, and other maternal and fetal factors.
Results
From 2017 to 2023, the ECV success rate for frank breech increased from 69.2–84.0%. Women who underwent the ZHENG manoeuvre had a non-significant increase in ECV success (82.6% vs. 71.2%, P > 0.05) and a higher vaginal birth rate (69.6% vs. 55.0%, P = 0.049), with significantly improved ECV success in multiparous women and those with a lateral fetal spine (87.7% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.021, and 92.9% vs. 69.2%, P = 0.037, respectively). The ZHENG manoeuvre [aOR = 175, 95% CI (6.41, 4785), P = 0.002], maternal age, cumulative ECV experience, cumulative time in years, and amniotic fluid volume, were significantly associated with an increased ECV success rate (all P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the rate of fetal bradycardia, Apgar scores, and umbilical vein pH.
Conclusions
After adjusting for physician experience and other maternal and fetal factors, ZHENG’s maneuver is a safe, effective technique for improving ECV success in frank breech and is ready for wider use. Further research with multiple practitioners is needed.
Ammonium fluoride-catalyzed sol-gel route applied for curcumin-based pH sensors
Authors: Kazmirczak Paula C. , Cichero Matheus C. , Santos Joao Henrique Zimnoch Dos
Published: September 2024

Curcumin has potential application as a colorimetric sensor and can be used, for example, to monitor the freshness of foods, although some of its physicochemical properties, such as solubility and stability, limit its use. In the present work, a natural curcumin extract was incorporated into organic‒inorganic hybrid silica matrices produced by the sol-gel method using ammonium fluoride as the main catalyst. A series of pH sensors based on the encapsulation of curcumin were prepared using a series of organosilanes (methytriethoxysilane, octyltriethoxysilane, octadecyltrimethoxysilane and 3-(aminopropyltriethoxysilane)) and were used in the synthesis of hybrid silicas. The effectiveness of the employed sol-gel route and the properties of the encapsulated materials were evaluated by a set of complementary analytical techniques, namely, infrared spectroscopy, 29Si solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, nitrogen porosimetry, dynamic light scattering, confocal laser scanning microscopy and diffuse reflectance UV‒Vis spectroscopy. The immobilization of compounds in a solid matrix can cause a shift in the maximum absorption bands in the ultraviolet‒visible region as a result of interactions between the organic molecules and the solid support. The incorporation of curcumin into different silica matrices improved the performance of the sensors to up to 3.5 times greater than that obtained by the free compound when interacting with ammonia vapor.
Leveraging Social Media for Public Health: NLP Implementations for Blood Donation Data Analysis in Japan
Authors: Espinoza Roberto , Kishimoto Kazumasa , Liu Chang , Santos Luciano H.O. , Mori Yukiko , Yamamoto Goshiro , Kuroda Tomohiro
Published: September 2024

Background:: Blood donation is crucial for healthcare systems, yet maintaining an adequate supply is a persistent challenge. Traditional methods to understand public sentiment and donor behavior are often limited. Social media, particularly Twitter, offers a promising alternative for real-time insights. This study explores the viability of using Twitter data to analyze blood donation sentiment in Japan, considering the evolving perspectives of younger generations.
Methods:: We replicated previous study results using the Tohoku BERT model and tested a refined Blood Donation Tweets for User Classification (BDT-UC) dataset and another customized version of the model for better classification. We also compared various topic modeling methods, including Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), and BERT-based models, using two different preprocessing techniques. Finally, we integrated the classification into the Topic Modeling analysis for a final evaluation.
Results:: Our findings indicate that although the refined dataset has an overall lower classification performance, it improved the implementation results, ensuring more balanced labeling across the data. Our refined model had a small reduction in overall precision (from 78.4% in the best evaluated model to 75.8% in the refined model). However, we improved the implementation results, ensuring more balanced labeling across the data. For topic modeling, BERT-based topic models, particularly those preprocessed with the MeCab library, achieved higher coherence and diversity scores than traditional methods. Additionally, there were significant differences when the dataset was processed by user category, with increased coherence and diversity for the undetermined one but notably lower coherence values for the other categories.
Conclusion:: This study underscores the significance of initial classification and preprocessing for effective topic modeling, which impacts the viability of extracting insights from Japanese social media data. The developed methodologies could support more effective analysis of blood donation groups, and better targeted donation campaigns.
A myelinic channel system for motor-driven organelle transport
Authors: Edgar Julia , Chapple Katie , Green Tabitha , Chen Yihsin , Wirth Sarah , Gerwig Ulrike , Aicher Marie Louise , Kim Yeonsu , Brown Angus , Pardo-Fernandez Luis , Crawford Colin , Smith Rebecca Sherrard , McHugh Rebecca , Kassmann Celia , Komarek Lina , Werner Hauke , Kneussel Matthias , Brown Euan , Goebbels Sandra , Nave Klaus-Armin , Lee Jeffrey , Davis Ilan
Published: September 2024

Myelin sheaths comprise compacted layers of oligodendroglial membrane wrapped spirally around axons. Each sheath, if imagined unwrapped, has a cytoplasm-filled space at its perimeter, linking it to the oligodendrocyte soma via a short process. By electron microscopy (EM), this space, which we term the ‘myelinic channel system’ contains microtubules and membranous organelles, but whether these are remnants of development or serve a function is unknown. Performing live imaging of myelinating oligodendrocytes expressing fluorescent reporters, we found that the myelinic channel system serves microtubule-dependent organelle transport. Further, the intra-myelinic movement of peroxisomes was modulated by neuronal electrical activity in these mixed neural cell cultures. Loss of oligodendroglial Kif21b or CNP in vivo led to apparent stasis of myelin organelles and secondary axon pathology. This suggests that oligodendrocytes require motor transport in myelin to maintain axonal integrity.
Whole-Genome analyses of 1,364 breast cancers with clinical records
Authors: Ju Young Seok , Kim Ryul , Yu Jonghan , Lim Joonoh , Oh Baek-Lok , Nam Seok Jin , Kim Seok Won , Lee Jeong Eon , Chae Byung Joo , Kim Ji-Yeon , Park Ga Eun , Kang Bong Joo , Baek Pil Sun , Bae Soo Yeon , Yoon Chang Ik , Lee Young Joo , Kim Dooreh , Shin Kabsoo , Lee Ji Eun , Kang Jun , Lee Ahwon , Connolly-Strong Erin , Lee Sangmoon , Lee Bo Rahm , Lee Yuna , Yi Ki Jong , Kwon Young Oh , Chun In Hwan , Park Junggil , Kim Jihye , Choi Chahyun , Shin Jong Yeon , Lee Hyunjung , Kim Minji , Park Hansol , Jeong Ilecheon , Yi Boram , Lee Won-Chul , Lee Jeong Seok , Park Woo Chan , Kim Sung Hun , Choi Yoon-La , Lee Jeongmin , Park Yeon Hee
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in genomic technologies have become critical tools for deciphering the genetic complexities of cancer tissues, enabling precision medicine strategies aimed at improving patient clinical outcomes. Here we performed a comprehensive analysis of clinically annotated whole genome and whole transcriptome sequences from 1,364 breast cancer cases. Our investigation provides the most detailed genomic landscapes of breast cancer to date, which allowed us to comprehensively correlate genomic changes with clinical characteristics. Our findings include, but not limited to, (1) whole-genome-based homologous recombination deficiency profiles effectively predict responses to adjuvant chemotherapy and first-line CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment, (2) focal ERBB2 amplifications, often arising via extrachromosomal DNA mechanisms, are strongly associated with a positive response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, our study identified (3) recurrent copy number amplifications linked to patient survival, and (4) whole-genome-based intratumoral heterogeneity profiles that can predict patient survival as well as response to anti-HER2 therapies. Our work underscores the power of highly-annotated whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing of a population-scale cancer cohorts for uncovering clinically relevant genomic mutations and novel molecular targets, thereby advancing precision oncology strategies for breast cancer.
Induction of liquid bacterial and solid fungal cultures by conductive electrostimulation
Authors: Kambouris Manousos , Spanou Grigoria , Kritikou Stavroula , Milioni Afroditi , Stathoulias Andreas , Goudoudaki Stavroula , Manoussopoulos Yiannis , Karamperis Kariofyllis , Velegraki Aristea , Patrinos George , Giavasis Ioannis
Published: September 2024

When testing cultures of microorganisms under electrostimulation to explore antimicrobial use for therapy and pasteurization, small, diverse windows of stimulative effects have been noticed. This work strives to explore possible stimulative effects of conductive electrostimulation with alternating current on fungi and bacteria as a proof-of-principle applicable to production of biomass, probiotics, biopharmaceuticals, bacteriotherapeutics, metabolites and other bioproducts or bioprossesses. To do so an iontophoresis device was applied in solid fungal cultures and presentation of mycelial diameter compared to control dishes in growth-time curves; and in liquid bacterial cultures without or with simultaneous or consecutive pasteurization and estimation of the colony forming units after a set time, in comparison with proper controls. Six fungi belonging in four divisions showed conditional stimulative effects when tested in solid cultures. Six bacteria in respective liquid cultures and of different shapes and Gram status also showed, under different conditions, stimulative effects with Electrostimulation if treated solely and alleviating effects if co-treated with mild heat pasteurization protocols. There is no uniform set of parameters for stimulative results of electrostimulation; though it seems that some nutrient substrates are more supportive to stimulative effects compared to others.
Hexanitrogen (N6): A Synthetic Leap Towards Neutral Nitrogen Allotropes
Authors: Schreiner Peter , Qian Weiyu , Mardyukov Artur
Published: September 2024

As the availability of renewable energy varies drastically over space and time, energy storage is a prime challenge for humankind. Current strategies include battery systems or high-energy molecules including hydrogen or ammonia for chemical energy storage. Compounds consisting only of the element nitrogen (polynitrogens or nitrogen allotropes), are deemed the cleanest and ideal energy storage materials due to their immense energy content (about five times higher than hydrogen) and because they release only harmless nitrogen (N₂) upon decomposition1. However, their extreme instability poses a significant synthetic challenge and no neutral molecular nitrogen allotrope beyond N2 has been isolated2,3. Here, we present the room temperature preparation of molecular N6 (hexanitrogen) through the gas-phase reaction of chlorine or bromine with silver azide, followed by trapping in argon matrices at 10 K. We also prepared neat N6 as a film at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K), indicating its unexpectedly high stability (at a temperature that can be handled well) and the scalability of the synthesis. Infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, heavy isotope 15N labelling experiments, and ab initio computations firmly support our findings. The preparation of a metastable nitrogen allotrope beyond N₂ opens new vistas for the development of highly sought-after high-energy materials.
Abnormally Low HbA1c Caused by Hemolytic Anemia, A Case Report and literature review
Authors: Bakhtiari Sajjad , Timbrell Nathan E. , D’Almeida Sènan M.
Published: September 2024

Hemoglobin A1c is a widely used diagnostic tool for monitoring glycemic control in diabetes management. However, its accuracy can be influenced by various factors. We present a case of a 17-year-old boy with abnormally low Hemoglobin A1c levels caused by warm autoantibody-induced hemolytic anemia. This case highlights the importance of considering conditions that may affect erythrocyte survival, and the potential interferences when interpreting Hemoglobin A1c results to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of diabetes.
Produktverpackungen als alltägliche Manifestationen des Umweltdiskurses
Authors: Janich Nina
Published: September 2024

The article outlines the technical, semiotic and discourse-linguistic challenges that arise in the data collection, the data processing and the data analysis of a quite small corpus of current product packaging texts (food/beverages, cleaning agents and hygiene products) of a running DFG-project. These three types of problems are due to the materiality, multimodality and multithematicity of the material analysed. The project which is focused on the German environmental discourse 1990-2020 and which is investigating the tension between individual freedom and social norms expressed in it, thus deliberately leaves the big data level of the originally project context within a bigger research group and switches to the level of hermeneutic-qualitative analyses of selected key texts. The hypothesis underlying this decision is that the environmental discourse is reflected in a condensed form in texts that are committed to corporate sustainability communication and are influencing the discourse space of everyday life in everyone’s household. Initial insights into the material and multimodal nature of the corpus are provided and the first results of the discourse linguistic analysis are offered, whereby the material is always discussed in its special significance "beyond big data". The preliminary results show that the everyday products analysed here are discursive mediators between companies, consumers and the environment, in that responsibility is shifted and displaced several times so that in the end it can to be concluded on all sides: Good for you and good for the planet.
Yiyecek İçecek İşletmelerinde Dijital Değişim: Tüketicilerin QR Kod Menü Deneyimini Anlamak (Digital Change in Food and Beverage Businesses: Understanding Consumers QR Code Menu Experience)
Authors: AYMANKUY Şimal Yakut , DEMİR Şule
Published: September 2024

COVID-19 pandemisiyle birlikte basılı menülerin yerini QR kod menüler almaya başlamıştır. Akıllı telefonlar, dijital tabletler ve diğer elektronik cihazlar aracılığıyla okunabilen QR kod menüler tüketicilere hijyenik/sağlıklı, hızlı ve kolay bir deneyim sunmaktadır. Tüketicilerin bu teknolojiye dayalı algı, tutum ve davranışsal niyetlerinin belirlenmesi müşteri memnuniyeti ve işletme çıkarları açısından önemlidir. Çalışma, tüketicilerin QR kod menülere yönelik tutumları, bu menüleri benimseme durumları, arzu ettikleri özellikler ve gelecekte kullanım niyetlerini incelemektedir. Aynı zamanda kuşaklar arası deneyim farklılarını ortaya koymaya çalışmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda görüşme tekniği kullanılarak 39 tüketiciden veri toplanmış ve veriler MAXQDA (24.2.0) paket programında analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular 7 temadan oluşmakta olup ana temalar ve kuşaklar değişkeni arasındaki ilişkiler, kod matrisi ile incelenmiştir. QR kod menü, basılı menüye göre hijyenik ve sağlıklı olarak algılanmakta ve özellikle Y ve Z kuşağının bu deneyime daha açık olduğu görülmektedir. QR kod menünün kolay/pratik, hızlı ve detaylı gibi pozitif özellikleri olmasının yanı sıra dikkat çekici biçimde negatif özelliklerinin varlığına karşın tüketicilerin gelecekte kullanım niyetini olumsuz biçimde etkilemediği ancak teknik açıdan geliştirilmesi gereken özellikleri olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Teknoloji Bağımlılığı ve Turist Davranışı: Bibliyometrik Bir Analiz (Technology Addiction and Tourist Behavior: A Bibliometric Analysis)
Authors: YAZGAN PEKTAŞ Şerife , ÜNLÜÖNEN Kurban
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışma, 1991-2024 (26 Nisan 2024) yılları arasında teknoloji bağımlılığı ve turist davranışı alanında mevcut literatürü gözden geçirmek, küresel araştırma verimliliğini analiz etmek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Web of Science (WOS) veri tabanından teknoloji bağımlılığı ve turist davranışı anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak elde edilen 2626 makalenin, R-studio yazılımı ile niceliksel analizi; VOSviewer ile ağ görselleştirmesi sonuçları elde edilmiştir. Bibliyometrik analiz, performans analizi ve bibliyometrik haritalama olarak iki bölümde incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, bibliyometrik haritalama; kavramsal yapı analizi, entelektüel yapı analizi ve sosyal yapı analizi şeklinde sınıflandırılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, 2015 yılından itibaren teknoloji bağımlılığı kavramının araştırılmaya başlandığı, salgınla birlikte sosyal medya, sosyal ağlar, covid-19, dijital bağımlılık, kaybetme korkusu, akıllı telefon bağımlılığı anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak araştırmaların yoğunluk kazandığı tespit edilmiştir. Birçok ülkede konuyla ilgili çalışmaların gerçekleştirildiği ABD ve Çin’in en etkili ve en çok katkıda bulunan ülkeler içinde başta olduğu görülmüştür. Yazarlarla işbirliği ağında iki ve üç yazarlı kümelenmelerin olduğu gözlenmiştir. Bu durum, çalışma konusunun çok disiplinli ve yüksek iş birliği potansiyelinin göstergesi olabileceğini düşündürmektedir.
Yerel Yemek Tüketim Motivasyonu ve Hatırlanabilir Yemek Deneyiminin Ziyaretçilerin Öznel İyi Oluş ve Davranışsal Niyetler Üzerinde Etkisi (The Effect of Local Food Consumption Motivation and Memorable Food Experience on Visitors Subjective Well-Being and Behavioral Intentions)
Authors: KODAŞ Betül
Published: September 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı yerli ziyaretçilerin yerel yemek tüketim motivasyonu, hatırlanabilir yemek deneyimi, öznel iyi oluş ve davranışsal niyetleri arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Bu amaca ulaşmak için Mardin’i ziyaret eden ve yerel yemek tüketen yerli ziyaretçilerden amaçlı örnekleme yoluyla toplam 2022 Temmuz ve Kasım ayları arasında 385 veri toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizi için önce tanımlayıcı istatistiksel bilgiler sunulmuş, ölçüm aracının güvenirlik ve geçerlilikleri saptandıktan sonra değişkenler arasındaki ilişkiler yapısal eşitlik modellemesi aracılığıyla test edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak geliştirilen hipotezler desteklenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre yerel yemek tüketim motivasyonunun hatırlanabilir yemek deneyimi, öznel iyi oluş ve davranışsal niyet üzerinde anlamlı etkisi bulunmuştur. Bunun yanı sıra hatırlanabilir yemek deneyiminin ziyaretçilerin öznel iyi oluş ve davranışsal niyetleri üzerinde pozitif yönlü anlamlı etkisinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına dayalı olarak destinasyon paydaşlarına uygulanabilir öneriler sunulmuştur.
ALGILANAN TOPLUMSAL DESTEK ÖLÇEĞİ’NİN TÜRKÇE FORMU PSİKOMETRİK ÖZELLİKLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Aydoğan Didem , Eryigit-madzwamuse Suna , Demir Özgür Osman , Aksu Gökhan , Özdemir Yalçın
Published: September 2024

Son yıllarda yaşanan salgın, deprem, iklim krizi, ekonomik güçlükler gibi zorlayıcı yaşam durumları karşısında algılanan toplumsal desteğin birey, aile ve daha geniş ölçüde toplumlar için sürdürülebilir iyi oluşunu sağlamada oldukça önemli olduğu gözlenmiştir. Bu konuda yapılan çalışmalarda kültürel farklılıkların bulunmasından dolayı kültürel destek ağlarının araştırılmasına ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Herrero ve Gracia (2007) tarafından geliştirilen Algılanan Toplumsal Destek Ölçeği (ATDÖ)’nün Türkçe’ye uyarlanması ve ölçeğin psikometrik özelliklerinin Türkiye’de yaşayan yetişkinler üzerinde incelenmesidir. Araştırmada, evli 381 kişi (213 kadın, % 55.2 ve 170 erkek, % 44) yer almaktadır. Doğrulayıcı faktör analiz sonuçları, ATDÖ’nün; toplumsal aidiyet, topluma dâhil olma ve toplumsal memnuniyet olmak üzere orijinal formundaki gibi üç boyuttan oluştuğunu göstermiştir. Ayrıca çoklu grup doğrulayıcı faktör analizi sonuçları, ATDÖ’nün faktör yapısının cinsiyete göre (kadın ve erkek) ölçme değişmezliğine sahip olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Bunun yanı sıra ATDÖ’nün toplam ve alt boyutları ile “İki Yönlü Sosyal Destek Ölçeği”, “Aile Sosyal Destek Alt Ölçeği” ve “Depresyon, Kaygı ve Stres Ölçeği” ölçekleriyle arasındaki ilişkiler, ölçeğin benzerlik ve ayırt edici geçerliliği için kanıt sağlamıştır. Güvenirlik analizleri sonucu ise ölçeğin Cronbach alfa katsayılarının .80 ila .92 arasında değiştiği görülmüştür. Bulgular, ABD’nin Türk toplumunda düşük, alt-orta ve orta sos yo-ekonomik düzeyde, evli bireylerde kullanılabilecek, geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğunu ortaya koymuştur.