bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences between 100-meter and 25-meter digital elevation models according to types of relief in Slovenia
Authors: Hrvatin Mauro , Perko Drago
Published: January 2009

Studying relief and landscapes, we often employ digital elevation models. Their applicability is primarily linked to their accuracy. In this paper, we compare the older 100-meter digital elevation model of Slovenia and the more recent 25-meter digital elevation model. We assess applicability relative to differences in surface heights, surface slopes, and surface aspects for all of Slovenia and for four areas with different relief. We compare the frequency of distribution, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, range, and the coefficient of variation. The statistical analysis of the two digital elevation models of Slovenia indicates that the smallest differences exist relative to surface heights, there are larger differences relative to surface aspects, and the largest differences exist relative to surface slopes.
Soil erosion on agricultural land in Slovenia – measurements of rill erosion in the Besnica valley
Authors: Komac Blaž , Zorn Matija
Published: January 2009

The article describes soil erosion in Slovenia. There is little concrete data on soil erosion due to the lack of awareness of this process and the fragmentation of farmland. Long-term measurements of soil erosion have only been done at one location; elsewhere, there have only been short observations and calculations and modeling on the basis of empirical equations. To increase our knowledge of this phenomenon, we took measurements of soil erosion on a field in the Besnica Valley northwest of Kranj.With the decrease of agricultural land use in Slovenia due to natural, social, and economic factors, the amount of material lost to erosion has decreased in the last few decades.For protection from erosion, various preventive methods such as terracing, mulching, and contour plowing are employed. The awareness that protection against erosion is a demanding and long-term task is gradually increasing, but nothing can replace the soil that has been lost due to erosion.
Flooding in the area of Knežak, Bač and Koritnice in November 2000
Authors: Kovačič Gregor
Published: January 2009

In November 2000 a flood occurred in karst polje between the settlements Bač, Knežak and Koritnice in the municipality of Ilirska Bistrica. The continuous surface of the flood extended to 59 hectares. The flood mostly affected Bač, where 23 residential and some other buildings, an industrial facility and road infrastructure suffered damage.
From drawing cognitive maps to knowing the protection zones for drinking water resources
Authors: Smrekar Aleš
Published: January 2009

Using a sample of 900 persons from the urban area of Ljubljansko polje and the suburban area of Iški vršaj, we tried to determine how much local residents knew about the protection zones for drinking water resources. We employed a survey questionnaire and the drawing of cognitive maps. A little fewer than half of the people are aware they live in water protection zones. The proportions of those who are aware of the protection zones in Ljubljansko polje (two fifths) and in Iški vršaj (two thirds) differ considerably. Only 280 persons, just under one third of those surveyed, drew the boundaries of the protection zones on the attached map. In Ljubljansko polje, the greatest concentration of drawn protection zones was a little north of the oldest and largest pumping station at Kleče. The second largest condensation occurred in Iški vršaj in the immediate vicinity of the Brest pumping station.
Land use in selected erosion-risk areas of Tertiary low hills in Slovenia
Authors: Hrvatin Mauro , Perko Drago , Petek Franci
Published: January 2009

In this article we determine the potential erosion risk of sites with respect to surface morphology and how it is related to the distribution of individual types of land use. We investigated the relationship between relief factors affecting erosion risk (elevation, slope, and aspect of the surface) and types of land use (arable land, vineyards, orchards, grassland, woodland, and built-up and other areas) in six 24 km2 sectors in Tertiary low hill areas in Slovenia: Koprska brda, Brkini, Goriška brda, Haloze, Slovenske gorice and Goričko. The areas selected are of particular interest due to the prevalence of rock substrates which are susceptible to erosion. The potential erosion risk was determined by the stream power index. In the Haloze sector, land use was most closely correlated with the aspect of the surface, in Slovenske gorice sector with the surface height, and in the remaining sectors with the potential erosion risk.
Estimation of magnitudes of debris flows in selected torrential watersheds in Slovenia
Authors: Sodnik Jošt , Mikoš Matjaž
Published: January 2009

In this paper the application of different methods for estimation of magnitudes of rainfall-induced debris flows in 18 torrents in the Upper Sava River valley, NW Slovenia, and in 2 torrents in Pohorje, N Slovenia is described. Additional verification of the methods was performed in the torrential watersheds with active debris flows in the recent past (Predelica and Brusnik in the Soča River basin, W Slovenia). For some of the methods, the knowledge of morphometric characteristics of a torrential watershed, torrential channel and torrential fan is enough.  For other methods, a mathematical tool (HEC-HMS) had to be applied in order to develop a hydrologic run-off model of precipitation that can trigger debris flows. Computed debris-flow magnitudes were of the order between 6,500 m3 and 340,000 m3. Their values are a function of torrential watershed parameters, such as: watershed area, Melton number, fan gradient, and torrential channel gradient. The investigated fans were classified into 3 groups with regard to the debris-flow hazard: debris-flow fans (hazard exists), torrential fans (no hazard), and transitional fans (debris flows are possible, but with low possibility). A limit between debris-flow fans and torrential fans is proposed: Melton number 0.3 and torrential fan gradient 4°, that is, 7%. Out of 24 investigated torrential fans, 13 fans were classified into the group of debris-flow fans, 5 fans were classified into the group of torrential fans, and the rest 6 fans were classified into the group of transitional fans.
Somatic and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children and Adolescents in France
Authors: Fernandez Arnaud , Askenazy Florence , Zeghari Radia , Auby Philippe , Robert Philippe , Thümmler Susanne , Gindt Morgane
Published: April 2024

Importance

Somatic symptoms are a major concern among the pediatric population because of frequency and burden. The association between adverse childhood experiences and somatic symptoms in adults is well established but less is known concerning somatic symptoms in young people.

Objective

To explore the frequency and intensity of somatic symptoms in children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2021, at the Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Referral Center in Nice, France. Participants included pediatric outpatients, aged 7 to 17 years, who were referred to the center. Statistical analysis was performed in January 2022.

Exposure

All participants experienced at least 1 traumatic event during life.

Main Outcome and Measure

Somatic and posttraumatic stress symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-13 (PHQ–13) and Child PTSD Checklist (CPC). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and non-PTSD groups were defined based on CPC symptoms severity score. In the hypothesized association between somatic symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), PTSD and non-PTSD groups were compared, correlations between PTSS and severity of CPC were analyzed, and a regression model was performed.

Results

There were 363 participants included (mean [SD] age, 13.58 [0.25] years; 174 [47.9%] female, 189 [52.1%] male). Compared with the non-PTSD group, the PTSD group presented with a higher mean (SD) number of somatic symptoms (7.0 [2.5] vs 4.0 [2.5] symptoms; t360 = 11.7; P < .001), and higher mean (SD) intensity (10.4 [4.6] vs 4.8 [3.7] points; t360 = 12.6; P < .001). Most of the explored somatic symptoms positively correlated with the intensity of PTSS and their functional alterations (eg, PTSS intensity correlated with stomach pain symptoms [r = .30; P < .001]; and with headaches symptoms [r = .44; P < .001]). In the regression model, the combination of migraines, palpitation, nausea, tiredness, and sleep disorders explained 6.5% of the variance in the PTSD group. (F1,341 = 22.651; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, somatic symptoms were positively correlated with PTSS both in frequency and intensity among youths. These results suggest that the systematic screening for somatic symptoms in youths with traumatic exposure should be a routine evaluation procedure.
Endogenous IFN‐γ facilitates Pneumocystis infection and downregulates carbohydrate receptors in CD4+ T cell‐depleted mice
Authors: Wang Yi , Nagase Hisashi , Tagawa Yoh‐ichi , Taki Shinsuke , Takamoto Masaya
Published: April 2024

IFN‐γ plays a critical role in host defense against intracellular pathogens. IFN‐γ is produced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice infected with Pneumocystis, but the role of IFN‐γ in host defense against Pneumocystis remains controversial. It has been previously reported that although exogenous IFN‐γ has beneficial effects on eradication of Pneumocystis, endogenous IFN‐γ has a negative impact on innate immunity in immunocompromised hosts. Surprisingly, CD4+ T cell‐depleted IFN‐γ deficient (GKO) mice exhibit resistance to Pneumocystis. Alveolar macrophages (AM) from GKO mice exhibit higher expression of macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) and Dectin‐1. Concomitantly, they exhibited greater ability to phagocytize Pneumocystis, and this activity was suppressed by inhibitors of these receptors. Incubation with IFN‐γ resulted in a reduction in both the expression of these receptors on AM and their Pneumocystis‐phagocytic activity. These results indicate that endogenous IFN‐γ facilitates Pneumocystis to escape from host innate immunity by attenuating the phagocytic activity of AM via downregulation of MMR and Dectin‐1.
Academia and society should join forces to make anti‐cancer treatments more affordable
Authors: Berns Anton
Published: April 2024

Discovery research is the starting point for the development of more effective anti‐cancer treatments. It requires an interdisciplinary research environment with first‐class infrastructural support in which curiosity‐driven research can lead to new concepts for treating cancer. Translating such research findings to clinical practice requires complementary skills and infrastructures, including high‐quality clinical facilities, access to patient cohorts and participation of pharma. This complex ecosystem has yielded many new but also “me too” treatment regimens, especially in immuno‐oncology resulting in an extremely high pricing of anti‐cancer agents. The costs of antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapies charged by pharma stand out although the concepts and methodologies have been largely developed in academia, financed from public funds. Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) covering a coherent stretch of the cancer research continuum are well‐positioned to make these personalized treatments more affordable, but this will require restructuring of the way the translational cancer research continuum is funded.
Identification of functional and diverse circulating cancer‐associated fibroblasts in metastatic castration‐naïve prostate cancer patients
Authors: Booijink Richell , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Dathathri Eshwari , Isebia Khrystany , Kraan Jaco , Martens John , Bansal Ruchi
Published: April 2024

In prostate cancer (PCa), cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Although circulating tumor cells are studied as prognostic and diagnostic markers, little is known about other circulating cells and their association with PCa metastasis. Here, we explored the presence of circulating CAFs (cCAFs) in metastatic castration‐naïve prostate cancer (mCNPC) patients. cCAFs were stained with fibroblast activation protein (FAP), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and receptor‐type tyrosine‐protein phosphatase C (CD45), then FAP+EpCAM− cCAFs were enumerated and sorted using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. FAP+EpCAM− cCAFs ranged from 60 to 776 (389 mean ± 229 SD) per 2 × 108 mononuclear cells, whereas, in healthy donors, FAP+ EpCAM− cCAFs ranged from 0 to 71 (28 mean ± 22 SD). The mCNPC‐derived cCAFs showed positivity for vimentin and intracellular collagen‐I. They were viable and functional after sorting, as confirmed by single‐cell collagen‐I secretion after 48 h of culturing. Two cCAF subpopulations, FAP+CD45− and FAP+CD45+, were identified, both expressing collagen‐I and vimentin, but with distinctly different morphologies. Collectively, this study demonstrates the presence of functional and viable circulating CAFs in mCNPC patients, suggesting the role of these cells in prostate cancer.
Applied ecology of fear: A meta‐analysis on the potential of facilitating human‐wildlife coexistence through nonlethal tools
Authors: Ramirez J. Ignacio , Kuijper Dries P. J. , Olofsson Johan , Smit Christian , Hofmeester Tim R. , Siewert Matthias B. , Widemo Fredrik , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M.
Published: April 2024

The term “applied ecology of fear” was recently introduced to describe the growing research field that applies the theory of the ecology of fear to manage wildlife behaviour. The management goal is to drive targeted species spatially and temporally away from areas of human interest by inducing cues from real or simulated predators to reduce human‐wildlife conflict.

We aimed to quantify, through a meta‐analysis, if prey anti‐predator response would vary among field trials versus pen‐based studies, predator cue types, predator hunting style and prey feeding type, and be stronger in response to larger predators relative to the prey's size. We also explored what studies found in terms of wildlife habituation to cues.

We used species belonging to the Cervidae family as a case study since deer are among the group of species with the highest degree of human‐wildlife conflict. We retrieved 114 studies from online databases and collected information from 39 of those studies that fitted our research scope.

We found that acoustic cues more frequently led to an anti‐predator response in deer than olfactory or visual cues. Neither predator hunting strategy nor deer feeding strategy or type of study (free‐ranging or pen‐based animals) influenced the extent to which deer responded to cues. Deer more frequently responded to cues that belonged to a larger predator relative to their size. Habituation was reported in less than one‐third of the studies, with a study period ranging from 1 to 90 days, and occurred as soon as 7 days after the start of the study on average.

Our meta‐analysis suggested that acoustic cues hold most potential as a tool to manage deer behaviour. These findings support the development of applied ecology of fear tools that introduce predator cues to reduce human‐wildlife conflicts. Major knowledge gaps remain that limit the effective use of such tools in wildlife management and future research should focus on improving our understanding of habituation to cues, on comparing the effectiveness of different types of cues, on simultaneously using a combination of cue types, and on testing cues at spatial–temporal scales of actual land‐uses.
Characterization of Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus agalactiae in cultured red tilapia Oreochromis sp. in Thailand
Authors: Jantrakajorn Sasibha , Suyapoh Watcharapol , Wongtavatchai Janenuj
Published: April 2024

Objective

Acute mortality with clinical symptoms of streptococcal-like infections was observed in red tilapia Oreochromis sp. cultured in floating cages in Prachin Buri Province, Thailand, during May 2023. Herein, we identified an emerging pathogen, Lactococcus garvieae, as the etiological agent.

Methods

After bacterial isolation from the brain and kidney of diseased fish, identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the VITEK 2 system. Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and phylogenetic analysis were applied to confirm bacterial species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted. Histopathological findings in the brain, kidney, spleen, liver, and heart were evaluated.

Result

From 20 fish samples, L. garvieae (n = 18 isolates) and Streptococcus agalactiae (n = 2 isolates) were identified. A phylogenetic tree of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that Thai isolates of either L. garvieae or S. agalactiae clustered with reference piscine isolates from intercontinental locations. Our isolates showed resistance against quinolones while being susceptible to other antimicrobials. Histopathological changes demonstrated severe septicemic conditions, with more invasive lesions—especially in the heart and liver—being apparent in L. garvieae-infected fish compared to S. agalactiae-infected fish.

Conclusion

This study represents the first reported outbreak of L. garvieae with a concurrent S. agalactiae infection in farmed red tilapia in Thailand.
The impact of advancing the standard of care in radiotherapy on operational treatment resources
Authors: Roumeliotis Michael , Thind Kundan , Morrison Hali , Burke Ben , Martell Kevin , van Dyke Lukas , Barbera Lisa , Quirk Sarah
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate the impact of implementing hypofractionated prescription regimens and advanced treatment techniques on institutional operational hours and radiotherapy personnel resources in a multi‐institutional setting. The study may be used to describe the impact of advancing the standard of care with modern radiotherapy techniques on patient and staff resources.

Methods

This study uses radiation therapy data extracted from the radiotherapy information system from two tertiary care, university‐affiliated cancer centers from 2012 to 2021. Across all patients in the analysis, the average fraction number for curative and palliative patients was reported each year in the decade. Also, the institutional operational treatment hours are reported for both centers. A sub‐analysis for curative intent breast and lung radiotherapy patients was performed to contextualize the impact of changes to imaging, motion management, and treatment technique.

Results

From 2012 to 2021, Center 1 had 42 214 patient plans and Center 2 had 43 252 patient plans included in the analysis. Averaged over both centers across the decade, the average fraction number per patient decreased from 6.9 to 5.2 (25%) and 21.8 to 17.2 (21%) for palliative and curative patients, respectively. The operational treatment hours for both institutions increased from 8 h 15 min to 9 h 45 min (18%), despite a patient population increase of 45%.

Conclusion

The clinical implementation of hypofractionated treatment regimens has successfully reduced the radiotherapy workload and operational treatment hours required to treat patients. This analysis describes the impact of changes to the standard of care on institutional resources.
3D localization of wireless sensor IoT nodes based on weighted DV‐Hop algorithm
Authors: Zhang Kui , Cui Haihua , Yan Xiaomei
Published: April 2024

With the widespread popularity of smart wearable devices and the rise of emerging Internet of Things applications, such as smart cities, smart homes, and smart cars, the demand for Internet of Things devices is growing. The technology for positioning Internet of Things nodes using traditional wireless sensors only provides approximate location information, which is insufficient for high‐precision applications. To achieve accurate sensor node location in a specific area, this study proposes an advanced weighted distance vector jump location algorithm. This paper proposes using optical wireless networks, a new wireless communication technology, to enhance the distance vector jump algorithm. It is considered the core technology in researching the three‐dimensional positioning of wireless sensor IoT nodes. The experimental data validated that by comparing with existing positioning algorithms, the improved algorithm significantly improved the location accuracy, and its average orientation error was significantly lower than other algorithms. In three cases where the wireless sensor communication radius was between 10 and 30 m, the average positioning errors of the improved algorithm were 0.363, 0.264, and 0.258, respectively. Compared with the pre improved Distance Vector Hop algorithm, its accuracy has increased by 41.1%, indicating the better positioning performance. Overall, the improved weighted algorithm significantly improves the positioning effect, providing strong technical support for the three‐dimensional positioning of wireless sensor Internet of Things nodes.
Perylene Diimide‐Based Low‐Cost and Thickness‐Tolerant Electron Transport Layer Enables Polymer Solar Cells Approaching 19% Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhao Yushou , Xu Congdi , Feng Chuang , Li Wenming , Qin Xiaofeng , Lv Menglan , Luo Xuanyan , Qin Xiaolan , Li Aiqing , He Zhicai , Wang Ergang
Published: April 2024

The materials for electron transport layers (ETLs) play a significant role in the performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs) but face challenges, such as low electron transport mobility and conductivity, low solution processibility, and extreme thickness sensitivity, which will undermine the photovoltaic performance and hinder compatibility of large‐scale fabrication technique. To address these challenges, a new n‐type perylene diimide‐based molecule (PDINB) with two special amine‐anchored long‐side chains is designed and synthesized feasibly. PDINB shows very high solubility in common organic solvents, such as dichloromethane (>75 mg ml−1) and methanol with acetic acid as an additive (>37 mg ml−1), which leads to excellent film formability when deposited on active layers. With PDINB as ETLs, the photovoltaic performance of the PSCs is boosted comprehensively, leading to power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 18.81%. Thanks to the strong self‐doping effect and high conductivity of PDINB, it displays an appreciable thickness‐tolerant property as ETLs, where the devices remain consistently high PCE values with the thickness varying from 5 to 30 nm. Interestingly, PDINB can be used as a generic ETL in different types of PSCs including non‐fullerene PSCs and all‐polymer PSCs. Therefore, PDINB can be a potentially competitive candidate as an efficient ETL for PSCs.
“Reactive” Chemical Strategy to Attain Substrate Independent “Liquid‐Like” Omniphobic Solid Anti‐Biofouling Coatings
Authors: Shome Arpita , Martinez Isabel , Pinon Vicente D. , Moses Joseph C , Garren Mark , Sapkota Aasma , Crutchfield Natalie , Francis Divine J. , Brisbois Elizabeth J. , Handa Hitesh
Published: April 2024

Covalent and defect‐free surface‐grafted solid lubricating chains that can impart “liquid‐like” slippery behavior have proven advantageous over lubricant‐infused and textured anti‐wetting surfaces. Herein, the co‐hydrolysis and co‐condensation of a mixture of organosilanes followed by the epoxy‐amine ring opening reaction at the interface results in a highly robust, transparent, and “liquid‐like” solid slippery omniphobic coating (LL‐OSC). The presence of the epoxy‐terminated organosilane a) acts as a molecular spacer in between the low‐surface energy, rigid fluorine terminated silane and b) provides “reactive” epoxy groups for covalent binding to a pre‐functionalized amine surface for potential applicability in droplet transport and manipulation, diagnostics, etc. LL‐OSC exhibits resistance to both solid and liquid abrasions such as sandpaper abrasions, prolonged UV irradiation, DI water and high temperature (30 days), and submersion in chemically contaminated aqueous solutions. This is the first report of a hemocompatible solid slippery coating for inhibiting platelet adhesion, thus, paving way for blood‐contacting medical device applications. The LL‐OSC exhibits remarkable cytocompatibility, repellence to plasma protein, and cells and prevents biofilm formation. Additionally, the substrate‐independent LL‐OSC can be applied onto metals and polymers. This study envisions that the reported durable, solid slippery coating will find widespread applicability in hospital settings, electronic devices, etc.
Dynamic Anion Enables Self‐Healing Single‐Ion Conductor Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Duan Ping‐Hui , Yu Jia‐Ling , Liu Qing‐Song , Wu Gang , Wang Xiu‐Li , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: April 2024

Lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) are regarded as a promising option for high‐energy‐density storage systems. However, lithium dendrite growth in LMBs can damage electrolytes and cause short circuits, which severely limits the practical application of LMBs. It is highly desired to develop an advanced polymer electrolyte with self‐healing capability and the ability to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites for enhancing safety and prolonging the cycle life of the LMBs. Herein, sp3 boron‐based single‐ion conductor polymer electrolytes (B‐SIPEs) with excellent self‐healing capability and interfacial stability are constructed. The rapid bond exchange reactions of dynamic borate anions enable B‐SIPE to fast self‐heal in mild conditions, with a high self‐healing efficiency of 87% within 30 min at an ambient temperature. In particular, B‐SIPE displays a high Li+ transference number (0.88) and excellent lithium dendrite inhibition ability. The Li|B‐SIPE|Li cells exhibit a stable overpotential over 2000 h without short‐circuit. Additionally, the LiFePO4||Li cells with B‐SIPE exhibit superior long‐term cycling performance, with 93.5% capacity retention for 500 cycles. Significantly, B‐SIPE is capable of self‐healing the fracture in LiFePO4||Li cells and recovering the battery performance. These results demonstrate that the advanced self‐healing single‐ion conductor polymer electrolytes effectively promote the reliability and safety of LMBs.
Microphase Separation 3D Printing of Binary Inorganic Polymer Precursors to Prepare Nanostructured Carbon‐Ceramic Multimaterials
Authors: Bobrin Valentin A. , Hackbarth Haira G. , Bonsu Jacob O. , Yao Yin , Bedford Nicholas M. , Kundu Dipan , Zhang Jin , Corrigan Nathaniel , Boyer Cyrille
Published: April 2024

Traditionally, combining carbon and ceramic materials has been challenging due to their different chemical and physical properties. Despite the development of numerous methodologies for their synthesis, these techniques frequently necessitate intricate, multi‐stage protocols and specialized equipment. This study introduces a novel approach for fabricating nanostructured carbon‐ceramic multimaterials through polymerization‐induced microphase separation 3D printing. By combining inorganic precursors, polycarbosilane, and acrylonitrile (AN) within a photocurable resin, heterogeneous nanostructured materials composed of PAN‐preceramic and sacrificial polymer phases are 3D printed. Upon pyrolysis, PAN‐preceramic domains transformed into a carbon‐ceramic matrix while sacrificial polymer domains thermally decomposed to yield nanoscale voids. The utilization of synchrotron X‐ray spectroscopy and microscopy techniques revealed that the phase compositions and microstructure of the resulting multi‐materials are significantly influenced by the initial composition of the resins. The co‐existence of ceramic and carbon phases within a single 3D printed material brought together a combination of properties from both phases, such as the low thermal conductivity of ceramics and the relatively high electrical conductivity of carbon, along with the exceptional chemical resistance. The insights into the microstructure, atomic configuration, and property relationships of the resulting materials have broad implications for the development of multi‐phase nanostructured hybrid materials.
Tau Aggregation‐Dependent Lipid Peroxide Accumulation Driven by the hsa_circ_0001546/14‐3‐3/CAMK2D/Tau Complex Inhibits Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Chai BinShu , Wu Yong , Yang HengHui , Fan BiaoFeng , Cao SiYu , Zhang XiaoFei , Xie YaQing , Hu ZhiXiang , Ma ZhongLiang , Zhang YunKui , Pan Wei , Meng Wei , Meng Jiao , Tian WenJuan , Zhang JiaLi , Li YanLi , Shao Yang , Wang ShaoJia
Published: April 2024

Intraperitoneal dissemination is the main method of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasis, which is related to poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous RNAs with covalently closed loop structures that are implicated in the regulation of tumor development. In this study, hsa_circ_0001546 is downregulated in EOC primary and metastatic tissues vs. control tissues and this phenotype has a favorable effect on EOC OS and DFS. hsa_circ_0001546 can directly bind with 14‐3‐3 proteins to act as a chaperone molecule and has a limited positive effect on 14‐3‐3 protein stability. This complex recruits CAMK2D to induce the Ser324 phosphorylation of Tau proteins, changing the phosphorylation status of Tau bound to 14‐3‐3 and ultimately forming the hsa_circ_0001546/14‐3‐3/CAMK2D/Tau complex. The existence of this complex stimulates the production of Tau aggregation, which then induces the accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPOs) and causes LPO‐dependent ferroptosis. In vivo, treatment with ferrostatin‐1 and TRx0237 rescued the inhibitory effect of hsa_circ_0001546 on EOC cell spreading. Therefore, based on this results, ferroptosis caused by Tau aggregation occurs in EOC cells, which is not only in Alzheimer's disease‐ or Parkinson's disease‐related cells and this kind of ferroptosis driven by the hsa_circ_0001546/14‐3‐3/CAMK2D/Tau complex is LPO‐dependent rather than GPX4‐dependent is hypothesized.
Salinity tolerance, growth and survival of three Artemia franciscana (Kellogg, 1906) populations under laboratory conditions
Authors: Ngarari Morine M. , Hinzano Sheban M. , Opiyo Mary A. , Rugendo Derrick G. , Midumbi David O. , Okalo Francis A. , Nyonje Betty M. , Ngugi Charles C. , Gatune Charles W.
Published: April 2024

In the 1980s, Artemia franciscana from San Francisco Bay (SFB) was introduced into Kenyan saltworks, where it has colonized and established stable populations. However, little is known about its biology, particularly with respect to its parental SFB population. This study compared the salinity tolerances of Kenyan (KEN) population, their SFB progenitors and those of Great Salt Lake (GSL) populations. Growth and survival of these A. franciscana populations were evaluated under varying salinity levels in a laboratory set up. A. franciscana nauplii were cultured at a rate of 1 nauplii/mL in 36 Erlenmeyer flasks and fed microalgae (Chaetoceros sp.) at 1.5 × 106 cells/animal/day for 8 days. Survival was evaluated daily and survivors were fixed in individual vials with Lugol solution. The total length of each fixed A. franciscana nauplii specimen was measured under a compound microscope. All populations were susceptible to salinities greater than 100 g/L. Compared with the parental SFB population, the KEN population exhibited significantly reduced survival and growth at 140 g/L, suggesting a narrower salinity tolerance range. These findings underscore the need for further studies focusing on other physiological parameters, abiotic factors and genetic characterization to confirm whether the KEN population is experiencing ecological adaptation. This will contribute to the optimization of Artemia practices in various salinity environments as a result of climate change.
Heterotic growth of hybrids of Arabidopsis thaliana is enhanced by elevated atmospheric CO2
Authors: Mishio Masako , Sudo Emi , Ozaki Hiroshi , Oguchi Riichi , Fujimoto Ryo , Fujii Nobuharu , Hikosaka Kouki
Published: April 2024

Premise

With the global atmospheric CO2 concentration on the rise, developing crops that can thrive in elevated CO2 has become paramount. We investigated the potential of hybridization as a strategy for creating crops with improved growth in predicted elevated atmospheric CO2.

Methods

We grew parent accessions and their F1 hybrids of Arabidopsis thaliana in ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2 and analyzed numerous growth traits to assess their productivity and underlying mechanisms.

Results

The heterotic increase in total dry mass, relative growth rate and leaf net assimilation rate was significantly greater in elevated CO2 than in ambient CO2. The CO2 response of net assimilation rate was positively correlated with the CO2 response of leaf nitrogen productivity and with that of leaf traits such as leaf size and thickness, suggesting that hybridization‐induced changes in leaf traits greatly affected the improved performance in elevated CO2.

Conclusions

Vegetative growth of hybrids seems to be enhanced in elevated CO2 due to improved photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency compared with parents. The results suggest that hybrid crops should be well‐suited for future conditions, but hybrid weeds may also be more competitive.
Presynaptic density determined by SV2A PET is closely associated with postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 availability and independent of amyloid pathology in early cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Jie , Huang Qi , He Kun , Li Junpeng , Guo Tengfei , Yang Yang , Lin Zengping , Li Songye , Vanderlinden Greet , Huang Yiyun , Van Laere Koen , Guan Yihui , Guo Qihao , Ni Ruiqing , Li Binying , Xie Fang
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is involved in regulating integrative brain function and synaptic transmission. Aberrant mGluR5 signaling and relevant synaptic failure play a key role in the pathophysiological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Ten cognitively impaired (CI) individuals and 10 healthy controls (HCs) underwent [18F]SynVesT‐1 and [18F]PSS232 positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance to assess synaptic density and mGluR5 availability. The associations between mGluR5 availability and synaptic density were examined. A mediation analysis was performed to investigate the possible mediating effects of mGluR5 availability and synaptic loss on the relationship between amyloid deposition and cognition.

RESULTS

CI patients exhibited lower mGluR5 availability and synaptic density in the medial temporal lobe than HCs. Regional synaptic density was closely associated with regional mGluR5 availability. mGluR5 availability and synaptic loss partially mediated the relationship between amyloid deposition and cognition.

CONCLUSIONS

Reductions in mGluR5 availability and synaptic density exhibit similar spatial patterns in AD and are closely linked.

Highlights

Cognitively impaired patients exhibited lower mGluR5 availability and synaptic density in the medial temporal lobe than HCs.

Reductions in mGluR5 availability and synaptic density exhibit similar spatial patterns in AD.

Regional synaptic density was closely associated with regional mGluR5 availability.

mGluR5 availability and synaptic loss partially mediated the relationship between amyloid deposition and global cognition.

With further research, modulating mGluR5 availability might be a potential therapeutic strategy for improving synaptic function in AD.
Blue Long Afterglow and Ultra Broadband Vis‐NIR Emission from All‐Inorganic Copper‐Doped Silver Halide Single Crystals
Authors: Wang Sijia , Liu Runze , Li Juntao , Meng Caixia , Liu Jianyong , Chen Junsheng , Cheng Pengfei , Wu Kaifeng
Published: April 2024

All‐inorganic metal halides with afterglow emission have attracted increasing attention due to their significantly longer afterglow duration and higher stability compared to their organic–inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, their afterglow colors have not yet reached the blue spectral region. Here, we report all‐inorganic copper‐doped Rb2AgBr3 single crystals with ultralong blue afterglow (>300 s) by modulating defect states through doping engineering. The introduction of copper(I) ions into Rb2AgBr3 facilitates the formation of bromine vacancies, thus increasing the density of trap states available for charge storage and enabling bright, persistent emission after ceasing the excitation. Moreover, cascade energy transfer between distinct emissive centers in the crystals results in ultra‐broadband photoluminescence, not only covering the whole white light with near‐unity quantum yield but also extending into the near‐infrared region. This ‘cocktail’ of exotic light‐emission properties, in conjunction with the excellent stability of copper‐doped Rb2AgBr3 crystals, allowed us to demonstrate their implementation to solid‐state lighting, night vision, and intelligent anti‐counterfeiting.
Urease inhibition and molecular docking studies on transition metal complexes of ligands derived from barbituric and thiobarbituric acids
Authors: Shah Syed Raza , Khan Majid , Halim Sobia Ahsan , Ali Wajid , Karim Amir , Khan Ajmal , Shah Zarbad , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Anwar Muhammad Usman
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we have examined eight new first‐row transition metal complexes (1–8). Mutli‐donor ligands based on barbituric and thiobarbituric acids were used in complexation reactions. The synthesized complexes were analyzed using FT‐IR and UV–vis spectroscopy, elemental (CHN) analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. These complexes exhibited significant urease enzyme inhibition with IC50 values in the range of 13.73 ± 1.08–43.21 ± 1.50 μM. We observed excellent binding orientation of these complexes in the active site of Urease. The molecular docking results correlate well with in vitro observations.
Long‐chain polyester dicarboxylic acid‐induced rapid transesterification chemistry of biobased epoxy system for improved self‐repairing performances
Authors: Zhao Shujun , Qu Jiehao , Yin Shengjiong , Liu Xiangdong , Zhu Hu
Published: April 2024

Constructing self‐repairing epoxy materials based on transesterification chemistry can be regarded as a potential path for practical industrial applications given on its simplicity and ease of processing. However, there is still a challenge to improve the slow bonding exchange process for desired healing performances. Herein, this work reports a simple and effective strategy to prepare high‐biomass‐content self‐repairing epoxy materials by introducing polyester oligomer (PEO) dicarboxylic acid as modifier into epoxidized soybean oil and itaconic acid compounds. The PEO is synthesized from glutaric anhydride and 1,4‐cyclohexanediol, as well possess a unique pentamer molecular structure. It not only endows the epoxy system with improved molecular mobility in virtue of its long‐chain structure, but also increases the number the essential ester groups of transesterification process, thus synergistically promoting bonding exchange rate for expected properties. As a result, the employment of PEO decreases the activation energy from 100 to 70 KJ/mol, as well as presents optimized self‐repairing efficiency in storage modulus and tensile strength tests compared to the control group. It may provide a new and practical way to fabricate high‐effective self‐repairing epoxy system for industrial applications.
Fluorescence emission angular dependence on a nanostructured plasmonic grating
Authors: Angelini Margherita , Manobianco Eliana , Pellacani Paola , Floris Francesco , Marabelli Franco
Published: April 2024

Plasmonic gratings provide an advantageous platform for fluorescence sensing due to their compatibility with functionalization techniques, imaging detection, and the potential for signal enhancement. Among traditional fluorescence detection methods, microscopes are commonly used tools. The interaction between dye fluorescence processes and the plasmonic modes of the grating strongly depends on the measurement configuration and is influenced by the dispersion and spectral characteristics of the plasmonic modes. In our study, we investigated the angular behavior of the fluorescence emission from ATTO700 dye by varying the collection angle using a standard optical microscope coupled with a spectrometer. Our results show a clear dependence of fluorescence emission in terms of spectral shape on the collection angle that can be attributed to plasmonic mode dispersion.
Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host genes as prognostic molecular biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Meng , Zhao Zhiwen , Yang Lihua
Published: April 2024

Background

Recently, increasing data have suggested that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) were aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the association between the prognosis of HCC and their expression remained unclear. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to determine the prognostic significance of lncRNA SNHGs in HCC.

Methods

We systematically searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for eligible articles published up to February 2024. The prognostic significance of SNHGs in HCC was evaluated by hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess the clinicopathological features of SNHGs.

Results

This analysis comprised a total of 25 studies covering 2314 patients with HCC. The findings demonstrated that over‐expressed SNHGs were associated with larger tumor size, multiple tumor numbers, poor histologic grade, earlier lymphatic metastasis, vein invasion, advanced tumor stage, portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), and higher alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level, but not with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and cirrhosis. In terms of prognosis, patients with higher SNHG expression were more likely to have shorter overall survival (OS), relapse‐free survival (RFS), and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Conclusions

In conclusion, upregulation of SNHGs expression correlates with shorter OS, RFS, DFS, tumor size and numbers, histologic grade, lymphatic metastasis, vein invasion, tumor stage, PVTT, and AFP level, suggesting that SNHGs may serve as prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
Compulsive shopping behavior and disvalues
Authors: Piper Luigi , de Cosmo Lucrezia Maria , Guido Gianluigi
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze whether disvalues—that is, undesirable traits and emotions that have a negative impact on the individual and are reflected in the Seven Deadly Sins (anger, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, and sloth) and the Dark Triad traits (narcissism, machiavellianism, and psychopathy)—have a predictive power for pathological and uncontrollable shopping behavior (compulsive shopping). Two studies were conducted on as many consumer samples to examine the relationship between disvalues and compulsive shopping behavior and the influence of personality traits on this relationship. The results of Study 1 confirmed that anger, envy, gluttony, and pride, as well as psychopathy directly influence compulsive shopping behavior. In addition, two types of consumers were identified: those who are guided by values (Sober and Light consumers) and those who are guided by disvalues (Vicious and Dark consumers). Only the latter exhibit a high levels of compulsive shopping behavior. Study 2 found that personality traits (in terms of the Big Five factors) moderate the relationship between disvalues and compulsive shopping behavior. More specifically, this relationship is negatively moderated by conscientiousness and agreeableness, and positively moderated by neuroticism.
Flavonoids From the Aerial Parts of Sophora tonkinensis and Their Potential Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Yang Qing‐Qing , Yang Yan‐Fei , Chen Xuan‐Qin , Li Rong‐Tao , Zhang Zhi‐Jun
Published: April 2024

Four undescribed prenylated flavonoids, sophoratones A–D (1–4), and 17 known flavonoids, were obtained from the aerial parts of Sophora tonkinensis. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by detailed interpretation of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ECD calculations. Meanwhile, the ability of these compounds to inhibit the release of nitric oxide (NO) by a lipopolysaccharide induced mouse in RAW 264.7 cells was assayed. The results indicated that some compounds exhibited clear inhibitory effects, with IC50 ranging from 19.91±1.08 to 35.72±2.92 μM. These results suggest that prenylated flavonoids from the aerial parts of S. tonkinensis could potentially be used as a latent source of anti‐inflammatory agents.
Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to Understand the Ubiquitination Landscape
Authors: Gill Jashanjot Kaur , Shaw Gary S.
Published: April 2024

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a fluorescence technique that allows quantitative measurement of protein interactions, kinetics and dynamics. This review covers the use of FRET to study the structures and mechanisms of ubiquitination and related proteins. We survey FRET assays that have been developed where donor and acceptor fluorophores are placed on E1, E2 or E3 enzymes and ubiquitin (Ub) to monitor steady‐state and real‐time transfer of Ub through the ubiquitination cascade. Specialized FRET probes placed on Ub and Ub‐like proteins have been developed to monitor Ub removal by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that result in a loss of a FRET signal upon cleavage of the FRET probes. FRET has also been used to understand conformational changes in large complexes such as multimeric E3 ligases and the proteasome, frequently using sophisticated single molecule methods. Overall, FRET is a powerful tool to help unravel the intricacies of the complex ubiquitination system.
Detection the quality of pumpkin seeds based on terahertz coupled with convolutional neural network
Authors: Sun Zhaoxiang , Li Bin , Yang Akun , Liu Yande
Published: April 2024

Pumpkin seeds are nutritious and have some medicinal value. However, the mold and sprouting are produced during the storage of pumpkin seeds. Food safety and quality problems may be caused if they are not removed in time for processing. The traditional testing methods are cumbersome to operate, complex, and destructive in sample preparation. Therefore, terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) technology was proposed to achieve the detection of the internal quality of pumpkin seeds. Firstly, samples of pumpkin seeds of different qualities were crafted, and they were moldy for 3 days, moldy for 6 days, sprouted and moldy, sprouted and normal pumpkin seeds, respectively. Then, the pumpkin seeds of different qualities were dried, ground, and pressed, and their spectral data were collected. The terahertz spectra of the five types of samples were significantly different. The support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and convolutional neural network (CNN) qualitative discriminant models were established with the raw absorbance spectral data, the preprocessed absorbance spectral data, and the preprocessed and band‐screened absorbance spectral data, respectively, where the CNN model based on the raw spectral data has the highest classification accuracy of 96%. The CNN models do not require advance spectral data processing, simplifying the spectral analysis process. And it achieves best classification results in the accuracy of detection compared to traditional chemometric models. The CNN combined with THz‐TDS method has great potential for application in the detection of agricultural products. It provides a new detection method for the field of quality detection of agricultural products.