bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the photovoltaic properties of small-molecule-doped porphyrin polymers
Authors: Ban Jianfeng , Yang Zilong , Xu Shaoxiong , Pan Lulu , Wu Dang
Published: November 2024

Doping is a widely used method in semiconductor materials to introduce specific compounds, which plays a crucial role in molecular assembly and functionalization. In this study, the doping of porphyrin small molecules into porphyrin polymers was successfully conducted at various ratios. The results reveal that the UV absorption spectra exhibit absorption peaks ranging from 400 nm to 650 nm. Furthermore, the doped combination demonstrates impressive air stability, as evidenced by the HOMO energy levels being below the critical threshold for conjugated polymers in air (-5.2 eV). This feature guarantees the material’s stability under typical atmospheric conditions. Moreover, the calculated LUMO levels are approximately 0.49-0.53 eV higher than the acceptor PCBM, indicating the potential of the doped material to function as an efficient donor component in solar cells. The successful doping of porphyrin small molecules into porphyrin polymers not only expands the range of available materials but also provides promising prospects for applications in optoelectronic devices. The capability to adjust the doping ratio enables precise customization of the properties of the resulting materials, rendering them suitable for a wide range of technological advancements. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of doped porphyrin polymers as efficient donors in solar cells, highlighting their significance in renewable energy research.
Indian Ocean temperature anomalies modulate the interannual variability of springtime smoke aerosols over the Indochina Peninsula
Authors: Liu Yurun , Gui Ke , Chen Quanliang , Feng Liangliang , Zhao Hujia , Zhang Xutao , Yao Wenrui , Zhao Hengheng , Shang Nanxuan , Chen Zhuo , Li Lei , Zheng Yu , Che Huizheng
Published: November 2024

Smoke aerosols released through frequent springtime fire activity over the Indochina Peninsula (ICP) seriously affect regional air quality, climate, and human health. However, the mechanisms driving the interannual variability of these smoke aerosols are not well understood. By analyzing multi-source historical (1980–2020) smoke aerosols and meteorological reanalysis data, we explore the response of springtime smoke aerosol changes over the ICP to the interannual variability of the Indian Ocean (IO) sea-surface temperature (SST). Our findings show a positive correlation between the variability of springtime smoke aerosol loading and the preceding winter Southeast IO (SEIO) SST anomalies. Warmer SEIO SST tends to weaken the trans-equatorial flow (TEF) and the local Hadley circulation. This weakening of the TEF impedes cyclone development in the Bay of Bengal (BOB), thereby reducing southwest water vapor transport. Simultaneously, enhanced westerly winds over the northern BOB are blocked by the northwestern mountains of ICP. These winds converge and rise on the windward slopes, while descending on the leeward side with diminished humidity. Collectively, these dynamics lead to drier and hotter local meteorological conditions that favored fire-induced smoke aerosol emissions. Our findings highlight the role of the SEIO in regulating smoke aerosol variability and provide a scientific basis for developing strategies to manage smoke aerosol emissions over the ICP.
The two-phase problem for harmonic measure in VMO and the chord-arc condition
Authors: Tolsa Xavier , Toro Tatiana
Published: November 2024

Let

Ω
+

⊂

R

n
+
1

\Omega ^+\subset \mathbb {R}^{n+1}

be a bounded

δ
\delta

-Reifenberg flat domain, with

δ
>
0

\delta >0

small enough, possibly with locally infinite surface measure. Assume also that

Ω
−

=

R

n
+
1

∖

Ω
+

¯

\Omega ^-= \mathbb {R}^{n+1}\setminus \overline {\Omega ^+}

is an NTA (non-tangentially accessible) domain as well and denote by

ω
+

\omega ^+

and

ω
−

\omega ^-

the respective harmonic measures of

Ω
+

\Omega ^+

and

Ω
−

\Omega ^-

with poles

p
±

∈

Ω
±

p^\pm \in \Omega ^\pm

. In this paper we show that the condition that

log
⁡

d

ω
−

d

ω
+

∈
VMO
⁡
(

ω
+

)

\log \dfrac {d\omega ^-}{d\omega ^+} \in \operatorname {VMO}(\omega ^+)

is equivalent to

Ω
+

\Omega ^+

being a chord-arc domain with inner unit normal belonging to

VMO
⁡
(

H

n

|

∂

Ω
+

)

\operatorname {VMO}(\mathcal {H}^n|_{\partial \Omega ^+})

.
Computing 𝑝-adic heights on hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Gajović Stevan , Müller J.
Published: November 2024

We describe an algorithm to compute the local Coleman–Gross

p
p

-adic height at

p
p

on a hyperelliptic curve. Previously, this was only possible using an algorithm due to Balakrishnan and Besser, which was limited to odd degree. While we follow their general strategy, our algorithm is significantly faster and simpler and works for both odd and even degree. We discuss a precision analysis and an implementation in SageMath. Our work has several applications, also discussed in this article. These include various versions of the quadratic Chabauty method, and numerical evidence for a

p
p

-adic version of the conjecture of Birch and Swinnerton–Dyer in cases where this was not previously possible.
Factors Associated With the Prevalence of Hypertension Among Residents in Fujian Province: Based on the Health Ecological Model
Authors: Chang Huajing , Lin Chenhan , Huang Jingru , Lin Daixi , Pan Ni , Chen Chunxian , Xu Changsheng , Xie Liangdi , Han Ying
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influencing factors of adult hypertension in Fujian Province based on the health ecological model (HEM) and to provide the scientific basis for formulating intervention strategies for hypertension.

METHODS

From August 2020 to April 2021, a multistage stratified random sampling method was used to select 9,725 permanent residents aged 18 and above in Fujian Province. Individual information was collected through questionnaires, physical examinations, and laboratory examinations, and the variables involved in the HEM were filtrated into the 5 dimensions: personal traits, behavioral characteristics, interpersonal relationships, living and working conditions, and policy environment. Single- and multifactor logistic regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors of hypertension among residents in Fujian Province. A visual nomogram prediction model was constructed and its prediction ability was verified and evaluated through the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension among residents aged 18 and above in Fujian Province was 34.2%, and the age-standardized prevalence rate was 35.9%. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that in the layer of personal traits, males, older age, overweight or obesity, central obesity, family history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia were associated with a higher risk of hypertension; in the layer of behavioral characteristics, nonphysical activity, and drinking alcohol were associated with a higher risk of hypertension; in the layer of interpersonal relationship, current residence in a rural area was associated with a higher risk of hypertension; in the layer of living and working conditions, higher education, non-farmer, and higher self-assessed economic status were associated with a lower risk of hypertension (all P < 0.05). A nomogram was constructed based on the above factors. Internal validation showed that the AUC values of the training dataset and validation dataset were 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.826–0.844) and 0.843 (95% CI: 0.825–0.860), respectively. The calibration curve showed that the model had good calibration, and the decision curve verified that the model had clinical applicability.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertension among residents in Fujian Province is still at a high level. Most dimensions of HEM contain factors related to the prevalence of adult hypertension. The nomogram prediction model for hypertension constructed in this study can help medical staff identify high-risk groups at an early stage and formulate targeted comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies for hypertension from a multidimensional perspective that combines personal prevention and environmental prevention.
Mate choice and the major histocompatibility complex: a review
Authors: Yan Jibing , Zhang Bingyi , Dunn Derek W , Li Baoguo , Zhang Pei
Published: November 2024

In many vertebrates, individuals choose mates due to benefits accrued via the production of offspring of high genetic quality. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which are associated with individual immunocompetence, provide potential benefits to choosers who mate with individuals that possess specific MHC alleles, have MHC genotypes dissimilar to their own, that are heterozygous for MHC loci, and/or are highly MHC-divergent. We review the evidence of these different modes of MHC mate choice, and the signals by which the MHC status of potential mates is assessed. MHC genes may directly or indirectly regulate individual odours, and thus enable MHC status assessment and mate choice via olfaction. For both visual and auditory signals, however, evidence of an association with MHC genes is relatively weak. Importantly, individual MHC status may be cotransmitted through multiple phenotypes, and different species may focus on different phenotypic signals due to differences in sensory sensitivity. Future research should focus on detecting phenotypic cues (including olfactory, visual, and auditory) that can signal MHC genotypes, as well as on investigating the underlying mechanisms of how MHC genes regulate these signals.
The Elusiveness of ‘Interdependent Obligations’ and the Invocation of Responsibility for their Breach
Authors: Urs Priya
Published: November 2024

Since the adoption in 2001 of the International Law Commission’s ‘Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts’, attention has been increasingly drawn to the enforcement by states individually of multilateral obligations. The Commission, for its part, addressed the invocation of responsibility for breaches of such obligations by distinguishing between the respective entitlements of ‘an injured State’, under article 42, and ‘a State other than injured State’, under article 48. In line with this distinction, the existing debate has focused largely on clarifying the entitlement of ‘a State other than an injured State’ to invoke responsibility for breaches of obligations owed erga omnes partes or erga omnes, in accordance with article 48. In contrast, little or no attention is paid in the discussion to ‘interdependent obligations’, which, while deemed to constitute a subset of obligations erga omnes partes, were deliberately placed by the Commission in article 42(b)(ii) as multilateral obligations whose breach was said to injure ‘all the other States to which the obligation is owed’. This article lends necessary clarity to this ‘curious category’ of obligations with a view to the distinction between article 42(b)(ii) and article 48, both of which address breaches of multilateral obligations, but which set out different routes to the invocation of responsibility.
Time-dependent changes in genome-wide gene expression and post-transcriptional regulation across the post-death process in silkworm
Authors: Yang Lin-Yu , Tang Da-Rui , Luo Shi-Qi , Li Wei-Wei , Jiang Yu-Hang , Lin Lian-Bing , Zhang Qi-Lin
Published: November 2024

Despite death marking the end of life, several gene expression and miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation events may persist or be initiated. The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is a valuable model for exploring life processes, including death. In this study, we combined transcriptomics and miRNAomics analyses of young, old, and post-mortem silkworms across the entire process after death to unravel the dynamics of gene expression and miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. In total, 171 genes exhibited sustained differential expression in post-mortem silkworms compared to the pre-death state, which are primarily involved in nerve signalling, transport, and immune response. Post-mortem time-specific genes were associated with cell cycle regulation, thermogenesis, immunity, and zinc ion homeostasis. We found that the down-regulated expression of 36 genes related to transcription, epigenetic modification, and homeostasis resulted in a significant shift in global gene expression patterns at 2 h post-death. We also identified 5 mRNA-miRNA pairs (i.e. bmo-miR-2795-mhca, 2784-achi, 2762-oa1, 277-5p-creb, and 1000-tcb1) associated with stress hormone regulation, transcription activity, and signal transduction. The roles of these pairs were validated through in vivo experiments using miRNA mimics in silkworms. The findings provide valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying the transcriptional and miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation events in animals after death.
De novo whole-genome assembly and annotation of Coffea arabica var. Geisha, a high-quality coffee variety from the primary origin of coffee
Authors: Medrano Juan F , Cantu Dario , Minio Andrea , Dreischer Christian , Gibbons Theodore , Chin Jason , Chen Shiyu , Van Deynze Allen , Hulse-Kemp Amanda M
Published: November 2024

Geisha coffee is recognized for its unique aromas and flavors and, accordingly, has achieved the highest prices in the specialty coffee markets. We report the development of a chromosome-level, well-annotated, genome assembly of Coffea arabica var. Geisha. Geisha is considered an Ethiopian landrace that represents germplasm from the Ethiopian center of origin of coffee. We used a hybrid de novo assembly approach combining 2 long-read single molecule sequencing technologies, Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences, together with scaffolding with Hi-C libraries. The final assembly is 1.03 Gb in size with BUSCO assessment of the assembly completeness of 97.7% of single-copy orthologs clusters. RNA-Seq and Iso-Seq data were used as transcriptional experimental evidence for annotation and gene prediction revealing the presence of 47,062 gene loci encompassing 53,273 protein-coding transcripts. Comparison of the assembly to the progenitor subgenomes separated the set of chromosome sequences inherited from Coffea canephora from those of Coffea eugenioides. Corresponding orthologs between the 2 Arabica varieties, Geisha and Red Bourbon, had a 99.67% median identity, higher than what we observe with the progenitor assemblies (median 97.28%). Both Geisha and Red Bourbon contain a recombination event on chromosome 10 relative to the 2 progenitors that must have happened before the geographical separation of the 2 varieties, consistent with a single allopolyploidization event giving rise to C. arabica. Broadening the availability of high-quality genome assemblies of C. arabica varieties paves the way for understanding the evolution and domestication of coffee, as well as the genetic basis and environmental interactions of why a variety like Geisha is capable of producing beans with such exceptional and unique high quality.
Latitudinal gradients in zooplankton communities in Norwegian fjords resolved by an integrated morphological and molecular approach
Authors: Ershova Elizaveta A , Berge Terje , Aguirre Gastón E , Reeve Magnus J , Martinussen Monica B , Falkenhaug Tone
Published: November 2024

Fjords are coastal habitats that are often partially isolated from surrounding shelf waters and can contain ecologically unique and diverse ecosystems. Here, we offer a comprehensive overview of zooplankton communities at the end of the productive season across 34 fjord locations along the Norwegian west coast, ranging from 62 to 69°N latitude. We applied an integrated methodological approach that included traditional microscopy, FlowCam image analysis, community DNA metabarcoding, and bulk size-fractionated biomass measurements. Together, these combined data revealed distinct geographical patterns in zooplankton quantity and community composition. Water temperature, which was closely correlated to latitude, and bottom depth were the most important physical parameters driving zooplankton biomass, abundance, community structure, and size distribution. Multivariate analysis of species composition using both microscopy and metabarcoding-derived data identified three distinct assemblages that were strongly correlated to temperature, latitude, and bottom depth. Our comparison of the applied methodologies demonstrated differential strengths and limitations of these methods as monitoring tools for capturing zooplankton community dynamics. Our study underscores the need for continued, multifaceted biological surveys that can help inform effective ecosystem management and conservation strategies in response to climate-related and anthropogenic pressures.
A Potential Platform for Future Vaccine Trials Identifies a High Incidence of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Influenza Infection Among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in South Africa
Authors: Cohen Cheryl , du Plessis Mignon , Martinson Neil , Moyes Jocelyn , Walaza Sibongile , Wolter Nicole , Makhasi Mvuyo , Moosa Fahima , Charles Myrna , Samuels Aaron M , Tempia Stefano , Moloantoa Tumelo , Ncwana Bekiwe , Phalatse Louisa , Buys Amelia , Fry Alicia , Baumgartner Eduardo Azziz , von Gottberg Anne , Kleynhans Jackie
Published: November 2024

Background

Approaches for determining whether influenza vaccination prevents infection, attenuates illness, or both are important for developing improved vaccines. We estimated influenza infection incidence and evaluated symptom ascertainment methodologies in children to inform future vaccine trial design.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study among children aged 6 to 23 months from May to October 2022. Study nurses collected symptom and temperature data and midturbinate nasal swabs twice weekly irrespective of symptoms; caregivers entered symptom data daily and collected nasal swabs weekly. Samples were tested for influenza with polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Of 230 healthy screened children, 93 were enrolled, of whom 87 (94%) completed 6-month follow-up. In total, 95% (4245/4476) of scheduled nurses, 90% (2045/2276) of caregiver swabs, 99% (92/93) of baseline blood collections, and 67% (9245/13 768) of scheduled symptom diaries were completed. Polymerase chain reaction–confirmed influenza incidence was 65% (60/93) for ≥1 infection; 11 (18%) individuals had 2 episodes and 1 (2%) had 3. Of 73 episodes, 55 (75%) had ≥1 symptom and 37 (51%) had fever (measured and/or reported). Median infection duration was 7 days (IQR, 4–9). Human RNase P gene was detected in 99% (2032/2045) of caregiver-collected swabs, through which 5 additional episodes were identified. Per episode, caregivers' diaries of reported and measured fever were 19% (25/73, 34%) and 11% (15/73, 21%) higher than nurse-reported (11/73, 15%) and nurse-measured (7/73, 10%) fever, respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of influenza infection was high and mainly symptomatic, suggesting that this platform could be suitable for future trials of vaccine efficacy and correlates of protection against infection and illness in children.
Putative past, present, and future spatial distributions of deep-sea coral and sponge microbiomes revealed by predictive models
Authors: Busch Kathrin , Murillo Francisco Javier , Lirette Camille , Wang Zeliang , Kenchington Ellen
Published: November 2024

Knowledge of spatial distribution patterns of biodiversity is key to evaluate and ensure ocean integrity and resilience. Especially for the deep ocean, where in situ monitoring requires sophisticated instruments and considerable financial investments, modeling approaches are crucial to move from scattered data points to predictive continuous maps. Those modeling approaches are commonly run on the macrobial level, but spatio-temporal predictions of host-associated microbiomes are not being targeted. This is especially problematic as previous research has highlighted that host-associated microbes may display distribution patterns that are not perfectly correlated not only with host biogeographies, but also with other factors, such as prevailing environmental conditions. We here establish a new simulation approach and present predicted spatio-temporal distribution patterns of deep-sea sponge and coral microbiomes, making use of a combination of environmental data, host data, and microbiome data. This approach allows predictions of microbiome spatio-temporal distribution patterns on scales that are currently not covered by classical sampling approaches at sea. In summary, our presented predictions allow (i) identification of microbial biodiversity hotspots in the past, present, and future, (ii) trait-based predictions to link microbial with macrobial biodiversity, and (iii) identification of shifts in microbial community composition (key taxa) across environmental gradients and shifting environmental conditions.
A Critical Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial Quality in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Wong Gordon C. , Cullen Clara M. , Kim H. Myra , Colwell Amy S. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Assessing the methodological and reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in plastic surgery is crucial in maintaining the standards of evidence-based practice. Previous evaluations underscored deficiencies in reporting and methodology, prompting a call for improvement. This review scrutinizes the methodological and reporting standards of RCTs published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) from 2013 to 2022.

Methods:

We conducted a review of RCTs published in PRS from 2013 to 2022. Methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using the Jadad score and a modified Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB) tool. Additional relevant data were gathered to assess reporting quality, ascertain predictors of methodological quality, and identify temporal trends.

Results:

A total of 146 RCTs were reviewed. The mean Jadad score was 2.96 ± 1.21, and the average RoB score was 5.65 ± 2.14, indicating moderate methodological quality. Trials assessing surgical techniques or medical devices were associated with poorer methodological quality compared to drug interventions. Breast trials showed one of the highest methodological scores but this declined over time. Overall reporting standards were suboptimal, with nearly half of the trials failing to explicitly state primary outcomes or analysis sets. No significant temporal trends were observed.

Conclusion:

RCTs published in PRS between 2013 and 2022 exhibited moderate methodological quality. Our findings underscore the importance of transparent reporting and methodological rigor in advancing evidence-based practices in plastic surgery. By adhering to established methodological standards and reporting guidelines, researchers can enhance the reliability and impact of their studies.
Comparative Efficacy of Masseteric-to-Facial Nerve Transfer With and Without Fascia Lata Grafts in Reanimating Facial Paralysis
Authors: Zhou Yu-lu , Chen Gang , Wang Wen-jin , Ma Hao , Wen Hui-cai , Wang Wei
Published: November 2024

Background:

Masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer excels in dynamic reanimation but lacks in restoring baseline resting tone. Combining with fascia lata grafts is expected to more fully enhance facial symmetry. Comprehensive comparison of the results of masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer versus combined static suspension may providing valuable insights for patients with subacute facial paralysis to select the most appropriate treatment.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, 104 facial paralysis patients were categorized by surgical procedure: 39 received masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer (Group A) and 65 underwent combined with fascia lata graft (Group B), further divided by oral commissure drooping severity into slight (A1, B1) and severe (A2, B2) asymmetry.

Results:

Patients in Group B2 exhibited significantly better static symmetry than those in Group A2, with improvements of 87.87% versus 40% (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in slight-asymmetry patients between Groups A1 and B1. The Terzis Smile Function Grading System showed no dynamic symmetry differences (p > 0.05). For objective evaluation, postoperative outcomes indicated better static symmetry in both Group B, while Group A1 showed improved dynamic symmetry, with no statistical difference between Groups A2 and B2.

Conclusions:

Masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer combined with fascia lata grafts significantly enhanced both static and dynamic symmetry for patients with varying degree of asymmetry, particularly benefitting those with severe asymmetry. Patients with slight asymmetry who underwent the combined procedure achieved satisfactory static symmetry, although with a minor compromise of approximately 1mm in dynamic symmetry compared to those underwent masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer alone.
Higher Mortality Risk From Ovarian Carcinomas, Small Bowel Neoplasms, and B-Cell and Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphomas in Sjögren Syndrome Patients
Authors: Vázquez-Comendador José Manuel , Mateos Seirul-lo María , Martínez-Urbistondo María , Miguel-Ontañón Nuria , González-Guzmán Antonio , Fernández-Guitián Román , Castejón Raquel , Durán-del Campo Pedro , Tutor Pablo , Mellor-Pita Susana , Moreno-Torres Víctor
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the different types of neoplasms and lineages on Sjögren syndrome (SjS) patient mortality.

Methods

Medical records review study based on the Spanish Hospital Discharge Database and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification coding list. The neoplasm-related deaths in SjS patients with the general population during the period 2016–2019 were compared. A binary logistic regression analysis considering age, sex, tobacco use, and alcohol use was performed to determine the impact of SjS on the risk of dying from each neoplasm group and lineage.

Results

In the period studied, 705,557 in-hospital deaths were certified in Spain, 139,531 (19.8%) from neoplasms. Neoplasms surpassed SjS activity as a cause of mortality in primary SjS patients (11.3% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001). SjS patients presented higher mortality rates from small bowel carcinoma (0.3% vs. 1.8%; odds ratio [OR], 5.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–22) and gynecological neoplasms (6.4% vs. 3%; OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.01–4.58), related to ovarian carcinomas (4.6% vs. 1.3%; OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.48–8.97), than the general population. Hematological neoplasm–related deaths were more prevalent in SjS patients than in the non-SjS population (18.3% vs. 8.9%; OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.25–3.31), mostly attributable to the higher proportion of deaths from B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (8.3% vs. 2.5%; OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.54–6.03) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (1.8% vs. 0.1%; OR, 70.17; 95% CI, 16.61–296.36).

Conclusion

SjS patients face an elevated risk of mortality from small bowel neoplasms, ovarian carcinomas, and B-cell and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma compared with the general Spanish population. Apart from developing approaches to mitigate their occurrence, it is crucial to explore thoroughly and consider the implementation of targeted early-detection programs for these specific conditions.
On the structure of multiple stable equilibria in competitive ecological systems
Authors: Taylor Washington , O’Dwyer James
Published: November 2024

For some ecological systems with a large pool of possible species, there can be multiple stable equilibria with different species composition. Natural or anthropogenic disruption can induce a shift between different such equilibria. While some work has been done on ecological systems with multiple equilibria, there is no general theory governing the distribution of equilibria or characterizing the basins of attraction of different equilibria. This article addresses these questions in a simple class of Lotka-Volterra models. We focus on competitive systems of species on a niche axis with multiple equilibria. We find that basins of attraction are generally larger for equilibria with greater biomass; in many cases, the basin of attraction size scales roughly exponentially with the net biomass of equilibria. This is illustrated in two ecologically relevant limits. In a continuous limit with species spaced arbitrarily closely on the niche axis, equilibria with different numbers of species provide new perspective on the notion of limiting similarity. In another limit, akin to a statistical mechanical model, the niche axis becomes infinite while the range of interactions remains fixed; in this limit we prove the exponential relation between basin size and biomass using the Markov chain central limit theorem.
Back-to-the-future motion analysis using machine intelligence predicts the potential risk of mood disorders
Authors: Jung Wongyo , Lee Junesu , Chae Sujin , Kim Daegun , Kim Daesoo
Published: November 2024

Motion encodes emotional value. Decoding the hidden information within the complexity and randomness of motion may aid in the early diagnosis and prevention of mood disorders. In this study, we utilized machine intelligence to predict the risk of mood disorders by analyzing random motion patterns in mice. The support vector machine, trained on motion data collected before chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), predicted a significant correlation between these data and the degree of CSDS-induced social avoidance. Unsupervised clustering revealed key motion biomarkers of stress susceptibility, accounting for approximately 70% of the onset of social avoidance in a new group of mice before exposure to CSDS. These findings suggest that motion analysis using machine intelligence could provide a non-invasive approach for predicting the risk of mood disorders.
Pith cell responses to low red: far-red light in dicot stems
Authors: Li Linge , van de Kaa Yorrit , van der Krabben Lotte , Pierik Ronald , Kajala Kaisa
Published: November 2024

In dense canopies light becomes a limiting factor for plant growth. Many plants respond to neighbor cues by growing taller to improve light capture, a phenomenon known as the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS). The major neighbor detection is via enrichment of far-red (FR) light that leads to a low red : far-red light ratio (R:FR), suppressing phytochrome activity. In tomato, low R:FR induces elongation of the internodes, but study into the role of different cell types in this response has remained limited.

We characterized changes in cellular anatomy of the tomato internode in response to low R:FR, and its accompanying changes in gene expression. We observed changes to the pith traits, including increases in pith layer number, pith cell diameter and longitudinal cell length. We profiled the transcriptome in the entire internodes and in the hand-dissected pith in the central cylinder of the internode in response to low R:FR treatment and identified transcription factors (TFs) of interest that were upregulated in the central cylinder, mostly GATA, TCP, and bZIPs. We then characterized FR-responses in eight dicotyledonous species. Significant pith elongation was observed in species that exhibited a strong internode elongation response. The FR-responsive expression of homologs of target GATA, TCP and bZIP TFs in the central cylinder was conserved within the Solanaceae family.

Overall, we discovered central cylinder gene expression patterns in SAS that are distinct from those of the entire internode, suggesting that some responses are unique and likely specific to vascular cell types such as pith. These patterns were conserved with close relatives of tomato but not in other dicot families we sampled, indicating that different molecular mechanisms drive FR responses in different dicots.
scMoE: single-cell Multi-Modal Multi-Task Learning via Sparse Mixture-of-Experts
Authors: Yun Sukwon , Peng Jie , Lee Namkyeong , Zhang Yanyong , Park Chanyoung , Liu Zunpeng , Chen Tianlong
Published: November 2024

Recent advances in measuring high-dimensional modalities, including protein levels and DNA accessibility, at the single-cell level have prompted the need for frameworks capable of handling multi-modal data while simultaneously addressing multiple tasks. Despite these advancements, much of the work in the single-cell domain remains limited, often focusing on either a single-modal or single-task perspective. A few recent studies have ventured into multimodal, multi-task learning, but we identified a ①Optimization Conflictissue, leading to suboptimal results when integrating additional modalities, which is undesirable. Furthermore, there is a ②Costly Interpretabilitychallenge, as current approaches predominantly rely on costly post-hoc methods like SHAP. Motivated by these challenges, we introducescMoE1, a novel framework that, for the first time, applies Sparse Mixture-of-Experts (SMoE) within the single-cell domain. This is achieved by incorporating an SMoE layer into a transformer block with a cross-attention module. Thanks to its design,scMoEinherently possesses mechanistic interpretability, a critical aspect for understanding underlying mechanisms when handling biological data. Furthermore, from a post-hoc perspective, we enhance interpretability by extending the concept of activation vectors (CAVs). Extensive experiments on simulated datasets, such asDyngen, and real-world multi-modal single-cell datasets, including {DBiT-seq, Patch-seq, ATAC-seq}, demonstrate the effectiveness ofscMoE. Source code ofscMoEis available at:https://github.com/UNITES-Lab/scMoE.
Heat Acclimation in Mice Requires Preoptic BDNF Neurons and Postsynaptic Potentiation
Authors: Chen Baoting , Gao Cuicui , Liu Changhao , Guo Tongtong , Hu Junwei , Xue Jialiang , Tang Kangmin , Chen Yuelai , Yu Tian , Shen Qiwei , Sun Hongbin , Yang Wen Z. , Shen WeiL.
Published: November 2024

Heat acclimation (HA) is a key adaptive response in mammals to repeated heat exposure, essential for fitness and survival1-3. HA improves cardiovascular function, thermal comfort, and exercise capacity4, 5. However, the lack of a genetically tractable model has hindered understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying HA. Here, we show that 10 days of daily 38°C exposure lowers core body temperature (Tcore) and reduces anxiety during subsequent heat exposures in mice. HA increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the medial preoptic area (MPO). BDNF-expressing MPO neurons (MPOBDNF) show increased intrinsic heat sensitivity after HA. These neurons orchestrate downstream targets in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and rostral raphe pallidus (rRPa) to mediate HA effects. BDNF, acting through its receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) in the DMH, facilitates the anxiolytic effect of HA by enhancing excitatory synaptic connections between MPOBDNFand DMH neurons. This study provides new insights into HA mechanisms, setting the stage for future research on heat stress reduction and exercise optimization.
Low-dose calcium supplementation during pregnancy in low and middle-income countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Saronga Happiness P. , Dwarkanath Pratibha , Cui Hening , Muhihi Alfa , Kurpad Anura V. , Sri Poornima V. , Sando Mary M. , Poornima R. , Yelverton Cara , Masanja Honorati M. , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Pembe Andrea B. , Fawzi Wafaie W. , Menzies Nicolas A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Calcium supplementation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth. Few countries have implemented WHO-recommended high-dose calcium supplementation (1500-2000mg/day), due to adherence and cost concerns. However, low-dose calcium supplementation (one 500mg tablet daily) has recently been shown to be similarly efficacious as high-dose supplementation. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of low-dose calcium supplementation during pregnancy, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with low dietary calcium intake.

Methods

Using a mathematical model, we estimated the lifetime health outcomes (cases, deaths and DALYs averted) and costs of low-dose calcium supplementation provided through routine antenatal care to women giving birth in 2024, as compared to no supplementation. We assessed costs (2022 USD) from a health system perspective, including cost-savings from averted care for preeclampsia and preterm birth.

Findings

Low-dose calcium supplementation was estimated to prevent 1.3 (95% uncertainty interval: 0.2, 2.6) million preterm births (a 10% (2, 18) reduction), 1.8 (1.0, 2.8) million preeclampsia cases (a 23% (14, 32) reduction), as well as 5.9 (1.3, 12.9) million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Intervention costs would be $267 (220, 318) million and produce cost-savings of $56 (26, 86) million, with incremental costs per DALY averted of $90 (38, 389) across all countries, and a return on investment of 19.1 (3.8, 39.5). The intervention was cost-effective in 119 of 129 countries modeled when compared to setting-specific cost-effectiveness thresholds. While there was substantial uncertainty in several inputs, cost-effeciveness conclusions were robust to parameter uncertainty and alternative analytic assumptions.

Interpretation

Low-dose calcium supplementation provided during pregnancy is cost-effective for prevention of preeclampsia and preterm birth in most LMICs.
Relatingin vivoRSV infection kinetics to host infectiousness in different age groups
Authors: Li Ke , Bont Louis J. , Weinberger Daniel M. , Pitzer Virginia E.
Published: November 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are a major public health concern for pediatric populations and older adults. Viral kinetics, the dynamic processes of viral infection within an individual over time, vary across different populations. However, RSV transmission in different age groups is incompletely understood from the perspective of individual-level viral kinetics. To explore how individual viral kinetics can be related to RSV transmission, we first fitted a mathematical model to longitudinal viral kinetic data from 53 individuals in pediatric, adult, and elderly age groups using a hierarchical Bayesian framework to estimate important viral kinetic parameters. Using a probabilistic model, we then related the within-host viral load to the probability of transmission for each age group. We found that children had higher peak viral loads and longer shedding periods compared to other age groups, suggesting a higher transmission probability in children over the infectious period. We validated our findings by comparing the estimated secondary attack rate across different age groups to empirical estimates from household transmission studies. Our work highlights the importance of age-specific considerations in understanding and managing RSV infections, suggesting that age-targeted interventions will be more effective in controlling RSV transmission.

We utilized within-host viral load kinetics data to infer the transmission potential of RSV infection across different age groups, revealing the highest transmission probability in the pediatric group.
Mechanism of Arrhythmogenesis Driven by Early After Depolarizations in Cardiac Tissue
Authors: Stein Jack , Greene D’Artagnan , Fenton Flavio , Shiferaw Yohannes
Published: November 2024

Early-after depolarizations (EADs) are changes in the action potential plateau that can lead to cardiac arrhythmia. At the cellular level, these oscillations are irregular and change from beat to beat due to the sensitivity of voltage repolarization to subcellular stochastic processes. However, the behavior of EADs in tissue, where cells are strongly coupled by gap junctions, is less understood. In this study, we develop a computational model of EADs caused by a reduction in the rate of calcium-induced inactivation of the L-type calcium channel. We find that, as inactivation decreases EADs occur with durations varying randomly from beat to beat. In cardiac tissue, however, gap junction coupling between cells dampens these fluctuations, and it is unclear what dictates the formation of EADs. In this study we show that EADs in cardiac tissue can be modeled by the deterministic limit of a stochastic single-cell model. Analysis of this deterministic model reveals that EADs emerge in tissue after an abrupt transition to alternans, where large populations of cells suddenly synchronize, causing EADs on every other beat. We analyze this transition and show that it is due to a discontinuous bifurcation that leads to a large change in the action potential duration in response to very small changes in pacing rate. We further demonstrate that this transition is highly arrhythmogenic, as the sudden onset of EADs in cardiac tissue promotes conduction block and reentry. Our results highlight the importance of EAD alternans in arrhythmogenesis and suggests that ectopic beats are not required.
Long-term effects of xenotransplantation of human enteric glia in immunocompetent rats with brain injury
Authors: Colitti Nina , Rice Edwige , Desmoulin Franck , Combeau Maylis , Parny Mélissa , Robert Lorenne , Buscail Etienne , Bournet Barbara , Vergnolle Nathalie , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Loubinoux Isabelle , Cirillo Carla
Published: November 2024

Background

Acute brain injury is characterized by extensive tissue damage, resulting in neuronal loss and functional deficits in patients. The capacity of nerve tissue to self-regenerate is insufficient to repair damaged tissue, thus therapies based on exogenous cells are urgently needed. Human enteric glia (EG) have interesting intrinsic properties that make them a valuable candidate for regenerative medicine. In this long-term study, we investigated whether human EG treatment induces tissue repair and improves functional recovery in a rat model of brain injury.

Methods

Acute brain injury was induced by malonate injection in the motor cortex of female rats, causing extensive tissue damage and long-lasting sensorimotor deficits. Human EG were isolated from gut tissue, expanded and administered intranasally in awake immunocompetent rats. To determine the long-term safety and efficacy of human EG treatment, longitudinal evaluation of sensorimotor function,post-mortemtissue regeneration and the fate of human EG were assessed thirty-six weeks after intranasal administration.

Results

Transplanted human EG satisfied the safety criteria, non-immunogenic and non-tumorigenic, required for cell therapy; they were well tolerated in immunocompetent rats, and induced sensorimotor improvement. Importantly, thirty-six weeks post-treatment, intranasally delivered human EG were detected in the rat brain, mainly in the injured motor cortex. This indicated that transplanted human EG migrated and successfully engrafted and integrated with the host tissue. Additionally, human EG induced tissue regeneration by enhancing endogenous angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Notably, thirty-six weeks after administration, human EG generated mature neurons that were enveloped by oligodendrocytes and formed synaptic connections with the host tissue.

Conclusions

Transplanted human EG induced tissue repair and showed regenerative potential after brain injury. This is the first study demonstrating the feasibility, safety and efficacy of intranasal administration of human EG for treatment of brain injury.
Macro-financial linkage, endogenous risk premium and monetary policy: evidence from a semi-structural model estimated for Morocco
Authors: Achmakou Lahoucine , Hachimi Alaoui M. El-Hassan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the amplitude of macro-financial linkage for an emerging country like Morocco.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, it presents a semi-structural new-Keynesian model. In the blocks of the former, a risk premium is charged on the lending rate in addition to the policy rate. To identify the macro-financial linkage, the risk premium is considered endogenous. It is represented as a function of the borrower’s probability of default, which is, in turn, a function of the GDP gap. To identify this two-wave relationship, we estimate an ARDL model between 2009Q1 and 2020Q1. Therefore, we integrate the estimation results into the new-Keynesian semi-structural model.

Findings

The results reveal a significant impact of the financial condition on the path of the business cycle. In fact, demand shocks and nonperforming loan shocks (NPLs) are exacerbated by the presence of macro-financial linkage. Under this condition, the amplitude and persistence of the shocks are amplified and extended.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature on the interconnection between the real and financial economies by considering the endogeneity of the credit risk premium and modeling its dynamics.
Impact of ESG ratings on carbon emission reduction performance in context of green development—evidence from Chinese manufacturing listed enterprises
Authors: Yang Fangyi , Guo Jitao , Kong Xiangxin , Wang Chuyi , Wang Zhonghe
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In the context of green development in China, the circumstance in which Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings function has changed. As an important external governance mechanism of sustainable development, ESG ratings can also be a two-edged sword for the implementation of carbon emission reduction. This research examines the connection of ESG ratings and corporate carbon emission reduction in the context of green development. This present study postulates that the impact of ESG ratings on carbon emission reduction performance in the context of green development is inverted U-shaped.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain empirical evidence for the hypotheses proposed, this study makes an empirical test based on the two-way fixed effects model. The data is taken from listed Chinese manufacturing firms between 2012 and 2021.

Findings

The study reveals that there is a significant inverted U-shape relationship between ESG ratings and carbon emission reduction performance in the context of green development. Managerial myopic behaviour plays a positive moderating role in the above relationship. In addition, it makes the inflection point of inverted U-shaped curve move to left. Heterogeneity analyses show that the above inverted U-shaped relationship is more significant for firms that don’t hire CEO with environmental protection background or big four accounting firms.

Originality/value

In the background of green development, this study helps to understand dual influence of ESG ratings on corporate carbon emission reduction deeply. It is beneficial to guide enterprises to utilize ESG ratings mechanism reasonably, thus enhancing the effectiveness of carbon emission reduction. This study provides decision-making reference for government to accelerate low-carbon transformation in microcosmic field.
Exploring the factors of learning organization in school education: the role of leadership styles, personal commitment, and organizational culture
Authors: Kareem Jacqueline , Patrick Harold Andrew , Prabakaran Nepoleon
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to test the conceptual model of the factors of learning organization and explore the degree of mediation of organizational culture in the relationship between leadership styles, personal commitment, and learning organization in school education.

Design/methodology/approach

The learning organization profile (LOP) and OCTAPACE profile served to measure learning organization and organizational culture, respectively. The researchers developed scales to measure principals’ leadership styles and teachers’ personal commitment. Data included 750 school teachers.

Findings

This study found a good fit in the proposed conceptual model. The organizational culture had a significant mediating effect on the path of leadership styles and learning organization and a significant mediating effect on the path of personal commitment and learning organization.

Originality/value

To promote a more comprehensive learning culture, school principals should consider two specific organizational mechanisms: the intangible cultural components (such as corporate values, beliefs, and norms) and the tangible structural components (such as organizational structure and workflow systems). These two domains play a crucial role in creating a conducive learning environment.