bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Pharmacological inhibition of CLK2 activates YAP by promoting alternative splicing of AMOTL2”
Authors: Bulos Maya L. , Grzelak Edyta M. , Li-Ma Chloris , Chen Emily , Hull Mitchell , Johnson Kristen A. , Bollong Michael J.
Published: July 2023

Yes-associated protein (YAP), the downstream effector of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway, promotes cellular proliferation and coordinates certain regenerative responses in mammals. Small molecule activators of YAP may therefore display therapeutic utility in treating disease states involving insufficient proliferative repair. From a high-throughput chemical screen of the comprehensive drug repurposing library ReFRAME, here we report the identification of SM04690, a clinical stage inhibitor of CLK2, as a potent activator of YAP driven transcriptional activity in cells. CLK2 inhibition promotes alternative splicing of the Hippo pathway protein AMOTL2, producing an exon-skipped gene product that can no longer associate with membrane-bound proteins, resulting in decreased phosphorylation and membrane localization of YAP. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which pharmacological perturbation of alternative splicing inactivates the Hippo pathway and promotes YAP dependent cellular growth.
The importance of individual beliefs in assessing treatment efficacy
Authors: Fassi Luisa , Hochman Shachar , Daskalakis Zafiris J , Blumberger Daniel M , Cohen Kadosh Roi
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been debate about the effectiveness of treatments from different fields, such as neurostimulation, neurofeedback, brain training, and pharmacotherapy. This debate has been fuelled by contradictory and nuanced experimental findings. Notably, the effectiveness of a given treatment is commonly evaluated by comparing the effect of the active treatment versus the placebo on human health and/or behaviour. However, this approach neglects the individual’s subjective experience of the type of treatment she or he received in establishing treatment efficacy. Here, we show that individual differences in subjective treatment - the thought of receiving the active or placebo condition during an experiment - can explain variability in outcomes better than the actual treatment. We analysed four independent datasets (N = 387 participants), including clinical patients and healthy adults from different age groups who were exposed to different neurostimulation treatments (transcranial magnetic stimulation: Studies 1 and 2; transcranial direct current stimulation: Studies 3 and 4). Our findings show that the inclusion of subjective treatment can provide a better model fit either alone or in interaction with objective treatment (defined as the condition to which participants are assigned in the experiment). These results demonstrate the significant contribution of subjective experience in explaining the variability of clinical, cognitive, and behavioural outcomes. We advocate for existing and future studies in clinical and non-clinical research to start accounting for participants’ subjective beliefs and their interplay with objective treatment when assessing the efficacy of treatments. This approach will be crucial in providing a more accurate estimation of the treatment effect and its source, allowing the development of effective and reproducible interventions.
Sleep and memory consolidation are linked by RNA processing genes in the Drosophila mushroom body
Authors: Li Yongjun , Chouhan Nitin S. , Zhang Shirley , Moore Rebecca S. , Shon Joy , Yue Zhifeng , Sehgal Amita
Published: July 2023

Memory consolidation in
Drosophila
can be sleep-dependent or sleep- independent, depending on the availability of food. Different regions of the mushroom body (MB) mediate these two mechanisms, with the ap α’/β’ neurons required for sleep- dependent memory consolidation in flies that are fed after training. These neurons are also involved in the increase of sleep after training, suggesting a link between sleep and memory. To better understand the mechanisms underlying sleep and memory consolidation initiation, we analyzed the transcriptome of ap α’/β’ neurons one hour after appetitive memory conditioning. A small number of genes were differentially expressed specifically in flies fed after training, but not in trained and starved flies or untrained flies. Knockdown of each of these differentially expressed genes in the ap α’/β’ neurons revealed multiple genes that affect sleep, with notable effects observed for Polr1F and Regnase-1, both of which decrease in expression after conditioning. Knockdown of Polr1F, a regulator of ribosome RNA transcription, in adult flies promotes sleep and increases pre-ribosome RNA expression as well as overall translation, supporting a function for Polr1F downregulation in memory consolidation. Conversely, knockdown of Regnase-1, an mRNA decay protein localized to the ribosome, reduces sleep. Given that Regnase-1 knockdown in ap α’/β’ neurons affects both sleep-dependent and sleep- independent memory, as well as short-term memory, Regnase-1 likely has an early role in the learning process, which may obscure a later function for its downregulation during sleep-dependent memory. These findings indicate that changes in RNA processing play a crucial role in triggering post-training sleep and memory consolidation.
Enrichment of rare codons at 5' ends of genes is a spandrel caused by evolutionary sequence turnover and does not improve translation
Authors: Sejour Richard , Leatherwood Janet , Yurovsky Alisa , Futcher Bruce
Published: July 2023

Previously, Tuller et al. found that the first 30–50 codons of the genes of yeast and other eukaryotes are slightly enriched for rare codons. They argued that this slowed translation, and was adaptive because it queued ribosomes to prevent collisions. Today, the translational speeds of different codons are known, and indeed rare codons are translated slowly. We re-examined this 5’ slow translation ‘ramp.’ We confirm that 5’ regions are slightly enriched for rare codons; in addition, they are depleted for downstream Start codons (which are fast), with both effects contributing to slow 5’ translation. However, we also find that the 5’ (and 3’) ends of yeast genes are poorly conserved in evolution, suggesting that they are unstable and turnover relatively rapidly. When a new 5’ end forms de novo, it is likely to include codons that would otherwise be rare. Because evolution has had a relatively short time to select against these codons, 5’ ends are typically slightly enriched for rare, slow codons. Opposite to the expectation of Tuller et al., we show by direct experiment that genes with slowly translated codons at the 5’ end are expressed relatively poorly, and that substituting faster synonymous codons improves expression. Direct experiment shows that slow codons do not prevent downstream ribosome collisions. Further informatic studies suggest that for natural genes, slow 5’ ends are correlated with poor gene expression, opposite to the expectation of Tuller et al. Thus, we conclude that slow 5’ translation is a ‘spandrel’--a non-adaptive consequence of something else, in this case, the turnover of 5’ ends in evolution, and it does not improve translation.
A novel privacy protection method of residents’ travel trajectories based on federated blockchain and InterPlanetary file systems in smart cities
Authors: Liu Fenghan , Wang Pan
Published: July 2023

The government does have to record and analyze the travel trajectories of urban residents aiming to effectively control the epidemic during COVID-19. However, these privacy-related data are usually stored in centralized cloud databases, which are prone to be vulnerable to cyber attacks leading to personal trajectory information leakage. In this article, we proposed a novel secure sharing and storing method of personal travel trajectory data based on BC and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). We adopt the Hyperledger Fabric, the representative of Federated BC framework, combined with the IPFS storage to form a novel mode of querying on-chain and storing off-chain aiming to both achieve the effectiveness of data processing and protect personal privacy-related information. This method firstly solves the efficiency problem of traditional public BC and ensures the security of stored data by storing the ciphertext of complete personal travel trajectory data in decentralized IPFS storage. Secondly, considering the huge amount of information of residents’ travel trajectories, the method proposed in this article can obtain the complete information under the chain stored in IPFS by querying the index on the chain, which significantly improves the data processing efficiency of residents’ travel trajectories and thus promotes the effective control of the new crown pneumonia epidemic. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed solution is verified through performance evaluation and security analysis.
Evaluation, Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Composite Bread Produced from Wheat, Sweet Potatoes and Cashew Nut Flour
Authors: Tanko O. O. , Hussaina T. O. , Donaldben N. S.
Published: July 2023

The physicochemical properties of Wheat, sweet potato and cashew nut flour blends were studied. The sweet potatoes were washed; peeled; sliced; dried, and milled to Flour. The cashew nuts were also sorted, cleaned and processed into Flour. The Wheat, sweet potato and cashew nut Flour were proportioned into different samples G1 (100:00:00). Control samples were 100 % wheat flour, G2 (80:10:10), G3 (70:20:10) and G4 (60:30:10) respectively. Bread from these different proportions was formulated. The functional, proximate, physical properties and sensory properties were determined. GENSTAT Statistical Software (version 17.0) was used for data analyses. The Data obtained showed the following ranges for Bulk density (0.83-0.84 g/ml), water absorption capacity (3.65-5.78 g/g), oil absorption capacity (1.73-2.76 g/g), swelling index (7.22-7.94) and pH (5.95-6.00). Proximate compositions of the Bread showed the following ranges for moisture (30.14-34.68 %), protein (7.89-13.03 %), fat (8.82-952 %), fibre (1.23-4.34 %), ash (0.56-2.02 %) and carbohydrates (38.86-51.37 %). The physical properties of the Bread ranged from 210.60-247.50 g, 1.27-2.40 mm, 328.70-440 cm3 and 1.33-2.10 for loaf weight, oven spring, loaf volume and specific volume, respectively. Sensory evaluation findings indicated that up to 30 % substitution of sweet potato flour and 10 % cashew nut flour for wheat flour was acceptable in bread formulation.
An Experimental Study of Fish Movement with Turbulent Kinetic Energy along the Pools of A Vertical Slot Fish Pass
Authors: Sirajee M. N.
Published: July 2023

Bangladesh is a land of river which is situated in the delta of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Rivers which are three of the largest rivers of the world. These rivers provide an arterial transportation network for fish movement. Fish migration depends on flow characteristic and surrounding flood plain connected to rivers. In recent time for flood control in monsoon and water storage in lean period a lot of structure has been built along and across the river [77]. As a result the natural sequence of flooding in floodplain of Bangladesh, food chain and life cycle of natural fish and other aquatic species has become under sever threat [64]. In this research an experimental approach has been carried out to understand the turbulence structures of the flow inside a laboratory flume with different local fish species. The structural set up consists of an adverse slope of 6% followed by a mild slope of 3.4%. The adverse slope is 2.54 m in length and the mild slope is 4.45 m in length. Total nine sets of experiments have been conducted. For each set of experiments, data points were distributed on a 10 cm (in the longitudinal direction) x 10 cm (in the transverse direction) grid at 0.6 hydraulic depth and 10 cm (in the longitudinal direction) x 20 cm (in the transverse direction) grid at 0.4 and 0.8 hydraulic depth. In this experimental setup turbulent kinetic energy and fish movement in all four pools will be observed. This experimental study consists of three types of fish species; Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Giberlion catla) and Mrigel (Cirrhinus mrigala) of fry size (1-2 cm body length), fingerline size (7-10 cm) and juvenile size (10-20 cm) have been selected for studying. The flow from slot travels through the center of the pool to the next slot with two recirculation region on either side of the jet. At the pool opening the flow appear almost in the form of a shooting jet. There are similarities with turbulence characteristics in each case. Fishes have avoided high turbulent kinetic energy area in the contour map. The comparison shoes the area with low turbulent kinetic energy was most suitable for fishes to pass the pools or taking rest inside the pools. The results may be useful insight on the turbulence characteristics of flow in the vertical slot fish pass and can be used to study fishes characteristic and also for guidance in the design of fish pass in the future.
Screening of Okra Genotypes against Powdery Mildew under Natural Epiphytotic Conditions
Authors: R. Ashwini , Amaresh Y. S. , Aswathanarayana D. S. , Yenjerappa S. T. , Kulkarni Sunil
Published: July 2023

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a globally crucialannual vegetable belonging to family malvaceae, it is the most broadly distributed vegetable all over the world. Among the fungal diseases affecting okra crops, powdery mildew caused by Erysiphecichoracearum DC. is the most crucial disease-causing considerable yield losses. Host plant resistance is one of the most practical, economical and feasible methods of management of plant diseases. An attempt was made to identify sources of resistance which could be used in developing resistant variety to mitigate loss in farmer’s field.Fifty okra genotypes were screened for their response to powdery mildew under natural epiphytotic conditions during Rabi, 2020-21Results revealed that, out of fifty genotypes screened, none of them showed immune and resistant reactions to powdery mildew. However, one genotype i.e., EC329404 showed a moderately resistance reaction. Twenty genotypes showed a moderately susceptible reaction. While twenty-two genotypes showed susceptible reaction, and one genotype viz., IC42531 showed a highly susceptible reaction. The average ‘r’ value ranged from 0.070 to 0.123. The highest average ‘r-value (0.123) was observed in genotypes IC42524 and EC329405, with the least average ‘r’ value in genotype EC329415 (0.070). For yield, It was found that most of the genotypes screened were potential yielders and recorded good yield despite the pathogen attack. Thus these high-yielding genotypes can be utilised in back cross-breeding along with disease resistant parent (EC 329404) to obtain resistant variety with high-yielding potential.
Stroke in a Retrospective Cohort of Patients with Eclampsia
Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez Juan Gustavo
Published: July 2023

Aims: To identify the incidence, vascular origin, type and outcome of stroke in a retrospective cohort of patients with eclampsia.

Study Design: Cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Specialty Medical Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital No. 3, National Medical Center "La Raza", Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City between January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022.

Methodology: The research was carried out in a retrospective cohort of 43 patients with eclampsia admitted to the ICU. The clinical record, Cranial Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings were consulted to determine the incidence, vascular origin, type and outcome of the stroke. ICU stay and patient mortality were reported. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, chi-square, paired Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon U test). The value P < 0.05 was significant.

Results: Incidence of stroke 27.90% (n=12/43). Findings by CT 41.66% (n=5) and CT with MRI 58.34% (n=7). Vascular origin: arterial 58.34% (n=7), arterial-venous 33.33% (n=4) and venous 8.33% (n=1). Type of stroke: arterial hemorrhagic 50% (n=6), arterial ischemic 58.33% (n=7), subarachnoid hemorrhage 25% (n=3) and venous thrombosis 41.66% (n=5). Presentation: solitary stroke 58.33% and combinations 41.66% (proportion 1.4). Management in the same hospital 58.33% (n=7) and transfers to highly specialized units for serious complications 41.67% (n=5). ICU stay 3.95±1.82 days, it was similar in patients with and without stroke (p=0.226). Maternal mortality 0%.

Conclusion: The incidence of stroke was very high with extremely severe lesions, but without effect on ICU stay and mortality. Team management was necessary in a high percentage of cases.
Application of a Machine-Aided Technique for Instantaneous Gas Leak Detection: A Case Study of Real-Time Modeling for JK-52 Gas Processing Plant
Authors: Usiabulu Godsday Idanegbe , Joel Ogbonna , Nosike Livinus , Okafor Emeka , Aimikhe Victor
Published: July 2023

Many fluid leak detection mechanisms rely on observation of volume changes and physical evidence of leak, which may take hours, days and sometimes weeks or months to be seen. This is a concern in gas plants where the proximity of the leakage may constitute environmental pollution as well as health hazards for personnel in the vicinity.  Economic losses have also resulted from delays in mitigating a gas leak problem due to late detection.

This study applies a machine learning technique to develop an algorithm that can detect gas leak in real-time, where the only possible delay is the lag-time between the inlet gauges at the upstream valve and the outlet gauge at the downstream valve. In this case study of JK-52 gas processing plant, the difference pressure gauge readings were calibrated against the volume of the gas in the inlet section to quantify the leak volume. Because gaseous fluids do not present physical indication of volume, a pressure-based method was used for the detection, where drop in gauge pressure due to de-pressurisation indicate leakage in the absence of recorded gas supply or collection. 

Python coding language, using Jupyter and Pycharm Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), was used for the programming. The machine learning algorithm analyses the incoming streaming pressure versus time datasets from the gauges during the residual and ramp-up flow phases to set the acceptable pressure difference cut-off. A minimun difference in gauge reading may be normal within an acceptable error margin. The change in the consistency of reading within this acceptable window defines the tolerance. The system is set-up to blare an alarm when there is leakage, usually based on a cut-off or tolerance, to be detected by the machine-aided process.
Early and midterm outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with Lifetech Ankura™ thoracic endograft: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Hasanzade Sabir , Ergin Yunus Emre , Gevrek Murat , Tumer Naim Boran , Mavioglu Hayrettin Levent , Iscan Hakki Zafer
Published: July 2023

Aim: Thoracic aortic pathologies describe a wide spectrum of potentially life-threatening diseases almost always in a comorbid aged patient cohort. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a less invasive treatment choice, offering reduced mortality and morbidity compared to open surgery. We decided to reveal our experience over safety and efficacy data with Lifetech Ankura™ Thoracic endografts with early and midterm outcomes, retrospectivelytiology. Material and Methods: Between January 2018 and January 2023, for a 5-year period, 203 patients who experienced TEVAR procedure with Lifetech Ankura™ Thoracic endograft were retrospectively evaluated. For the patients who required revascularization of the vessel branches originating from the aortic segments, all types of assistive techniques were performed. Intentional coverage of Left subclavian artery was also performed mostly in urgent patients. Results: 251 endografts were implanted in 203 patients. The most frequent aortic pathologies were the thoracic aortic fusiform aneurysm (56.6%) and type B aortic dissection (25.6%), respectively. Early (30-day/in-hospital) mortality occurred in 9 patients in total (4.4%). Technical success rate was 100%, and there was no conversion to open surgery. No other major adverse event, including cerebral, cardiac, or renal complication requiring dialysis, was observed. The average intensive care unit time was 16.9±11 hours (2-160), length of stay was 5.1±3.2 days. CSF drainage was performed in 51 patients inserted before the procedure prophylactically (25.1%). All patients who survived the operation were followed for 18.6±9.3 months. In the follow up period, four patients needed extension for endoleaks and two additive petticoat procedures were performed. One patient who had TEVAR due to a malperfused type B aortic dissection in the acute phase experienced RTAD 2 weeks after the initial procedure. Conclusion: TEVAR with LifeTech Ankura™ Thoracic Stent Graft system provides a safe, effective, and durable treatment with successful early outcomes and technical success. Wide spectrum in length and non-identical radiopaque proximal markers seem to facilitate some advanced endovascular skills. Long-term durability of the endograft should be tested.
Evaluation of mid-term results in our patients treated with N-Butyl cyanoacrylate embolization in saphenous vein insufficiency
Authors: Kocaoglu Alper Selim , Ovali Cengiz
Published: July 2023

Aim: The aim of this study is to present our mid-term results obtained from patients with advanced saphenous vein insufficiency treated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE). Material and Methods: In the present study, we included 1013 patients who were treated with CAE because of moderate and severe saphenous vein insufficiency in Eskişehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic between January 2015 and November 2019. The patients were rechecked at 1st, 6th, 12th, 24th and 36th months. Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) results recorded at preoperative and postoperativee period. Doppler ultrasonography (USG) was performed to all patients in all controls. The absence of re-canalized flow in Doppler USG was accepted as the success of the procedure. Results: The mean age of 1013 patients was 51.27±14.30 years (448 men (44.2%) and 565 women (55.8%)). The average procedure time was 12.4±2.1 minutes, the average amount of CA used in the procedure was 1.6 ml (min: 1 ml - max: 2ml). In outpatient controls, complication rates was low, thrombophlebitis occurred in 17 patients (1.7%) and ecchymosis occurred in 9 patients (0.9%). The occlusion rate was 97.6% according to the 1-year follow-up results and 93.3% according to the 3-year follow-up results. The decrease in VCSS and AVVQ scores was statistically significant when the preoperative and postoperative period results compared (p<.05). Conclusion: In the present study, we think that CAE is a safely and effective treatment method for saphenous vein insufficiency. It has low complication, high occlusion rates and provides better comfort to the patients.
Frontmatter
Authors: Istadi Istadi
Published: July 2023

Frontmatter
Backmatter
Authors: Istadi Istadi
Published: July 2023

Backmatter
Symbiotic fungi alter plant resource allocation independent of water availability
Authors: Wall Christopher B. , Kajihara Kacie , Rodriguez Francisca E. , Vilonen Leena , Yogi Danyel , Swift Sean O. I. , Hynson Nicole A.
Published: January 2025

Premise

The ability of plants to adapt or acclimate to climate change is inherently linked to their interactions with symbiotic microbes, notably fungi. However, it is unclear whether fungal symbionts from different climates have different impacts on the outcome of plant–fungal interactions, especially under environmental stress.

Methods

We tested three provenances of fungal inoculum (originating from dry, moderate or wet environments) with one host plant genotype exposed to three soil moisture regimes (low, moderate and high). Inoculated and uninoculated plants were grown in controlled conditions for 151 days, then shoot and root biomass were weighed and fungal diversity and community composition determined via amplicon sequencing.

Results

The source of inoculum and water regime elicited significant changes in plant resource allocation to shoots versus roots, but only specific inocula affected total plant biomass. Shoot biomass increased in the high water treatment but was negatively impacted by all inoculum treatments relative to the controls. The opposite was true for roots, where the low water treatment led to greater proportional root biomass, and plants inoculated with wet site fungi allocated significantly more resources to root growth than dry‐ or moderate‐site inoculated plants and the controls. Fungal communities of shoots and roots partitioned by inoculum source, water treatment, and the interaction of the two.

Conclusions

The provenance of fungi can significantly affect total plant biomass and resource allocation above‐ and belowground, with fungi derived from more extreme environments eliciting the strongest plant responses.
Recent Occurrence of the Critically Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish Pristis pectinata in Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: Carreón‐Zapiain María Teresa
Published: January 2025

Currently, all the extant batoids species from the family Pristidae are listed as critically endangered and their populations are decreasing. Multiple efforts have been made in Mexico to record the presence of Pristis pectinata and Pristis pristis. This is the first record of a living P. pectinata specimen in Mexico since 2016 and the most recent for the state of Tamaulipas since 1970. Interinstitutional and multidisciplinary attempts to increase research and conservation of sawfishes and their critical habitats must be reinforced.
Invariant Spatial Pattern Across Mediterranean Scrublands in the Iberian Pear (Pyrus bourgaeana)
Authors: Morera Brayan , Garrote Pedro J. , Wiegand Thorsten , Ayllón Daniel , Fedriani Jose M.
Published: January 2025

The spatial distribution pattern of plant species is frequently driven by a combination of biotic and abiotic factors that jointly influence the arrival, establishment, and reproduction of plants. Comparing the spatial distribution of a target plant species in different populations represents a robust approach to identify the underlying mechanisms. We mapped all reproductive individuals of the Iberian pear (Pyrus bourgaeana) in five plots (1.39–8.57 km2) differing in the activity of seed dispersers and vertebrate herbivores in southern Iberian Peninsula. We used Thomas point process models to quantify the consistency in the spatial pattern and the level of spatial aggregation of this mammal‐dispersed tree among the five populations. We tested two hypotheses: (i) because the clumped defecation behavior of some dispersers can lead to local tree aggregation, and because denser groups of fruiting trees can limit seed dispersal by attracting frugivores to specific sites, we expected a consistent small‐scale aggregation pattern across all populations; and (ii) because ungulates reduce recruitment by preying on seeds and seedlings, we hypothesize that ungulate activity will show negative relationships with tree density and level of aggregation. Our spatial analysis revealed consistent and highly aggregated small‐scale patterns of all Iberian pear populations, with one critical scale aggregation, a low density of clusters and high variability in the number of trees per cluster. Ungulate activity and the number of trees per cluster showed a marginally significant negative correlation, suggesting that in areas with higher ungulate activity, trees tend to form less dense clusters. Although several of the underlying processes varied greatly among the five study sites, the Iberian pear showed a relatively consistent spatial pattern with just quantitative nuances throughout the entire region. This result has significant implications for the reproductive success of the species, management strategies, and ultimately the long‐term persistence of populations.
Anthropogenic Disturbance and Climate Change Impacts on the Suitable Habitat of Sphenomorphus incognitus in China
Authors: Chen Kai , Ma Li , Jiang Weijun , Wang Lijin , Wei Li , Zhang Hongji , Yang Ruhao
Published: January 2025

Estimating the impacts of anthropogenic activities and climate change on species' spatial distributions is crucial for conservation. In this study, based on 62 valid occurrence records of Sphenomorphus incognitus and 24 environmental factors (19 climate factors, 4 topographic factors, and 1 human activity factor), we utilized the biomod2 combined model platform to predict suitable habitats for S. incognitus under two current scenarios (Scenario 1: natural state; Scenario 2: human interference state) and two future climate scenarios (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5) in 2050s and 2090s. The mean true skill statistic (TSS) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) suggested that the ensemble model yield more precise predictions than those of individual models. Rainfall and slope were identified as the most important factors influencing S. incognitus distribution. Human disturbance has significantly reduced suitable habitat by 44.13 × 104 km2, which is a decrease in 23.95% compared to natural conditions. Spatial analysis revealed substantial fragmentation of suitable habitat due to human activities. The incorporation of anthropogenic factors into the analysis of future climate scenarios has revealed that the area of suitable habitat exhibits divergent trends. Two distinct scenarios have been identified, each of which results in a reduction in the area of the region by 29.58 × 104 km2 and an increase by 27.04 × 104 km2, respectively, by the year 2090. The primary influence persists in human activities. The centroid of suitable habitat shifted toward the southeast under SSP1‐2.6 and toward the northwest under SSP5‐8.5. Our findings highlight the significant impact of anthropogenic factors on S. incognitus habitat and emphasize the need for conservation measures. Future research should incorporate additional socioeconomic data to further investigate the effects of human disturbance on this species.
Preparation of Cellulose‐Based Planar Ag Substrates Synthesised Using Tollens' Process: Steps Towards Green SERS
Authors: Štefková Barbora , Prucek Robert , Panáček Aleš , Kvítek Libor
Published: January 2025

To investigate the possibilities of preparing planar surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates, several types of cellulose‐based commercially available thin‐layer‐chromatography (TLC) layers, microcrystalline cellulose, diethylaminoethyl cellulose and polyethyleneimine impregnated cellulose, were studied as supporting substrates. There is a worldwide need for making various processes, including chemical synthesis, greener. Therefore, cellulose was chosen as the base for SERS substrates for its economic and environmentally friendly characteristics. For the SERS substrates preparation, Tollens' process was used, and as reducing substances, maltose and glucose were used. All the prepared samples were able to detect 10−5 M adenine solution (using 780‐nm laser wavelength), which was chosen as the model analyte to evaluate their SERS efficiency. The highest SERS response was achieved with the sample prepared on microcrystalline cellulose using maltose as the reducing agent. This substrate was subsequently used for determination of adenine limit of detection, with the value of LOD = 10−7 M. Calculated analytical enhancements factor reached up to 108. Moreover, TLC layers represent a semi‐flexible substrate, which can be beneficial for many future applications.
Inspection Game With Imperfect Detection Technology
Authors: Boone J. Haden , Dahan Mathieu
Published: January 2025

In this article, we investigate a generalized two‐player inspection game between an attacker and a defender who allocates multiple resources across a critical system. Specifically, the attacker targets components of the system while the defender coordinates multiple inspection units to monitor disjoint subsets of components and detect attacks. However, detection is assumed to be imperfect and depends on inspected locations as well as targeted components. This feature permits to model of detection efficacy as a function of the detection technology employed, the system's physical properties, and external environmental factors. The defender (respectively, attacker) aims to minimize (respectively, maximize) the expected number of attacks on the system that remain undetected. We solve this large‐scale zero‐sum game by analytically characterizing the marginal inspection and attack probabilities in equilibrium. Our analysis provides novel insights into the players' behaviors and the criticality of system components, revealing a complex dependence on players' resources and the distribution of detection probabilities across monitoring sets. Using a benchmark water pipeline network, we demonstrate how the proposed solutions can be leveraged to provide recommendations for security agencies regarding the type of detectors to acquire and how to coordinate them based on the characteristics of the system to inspect.
Facile Preparation of Poly(AA‐co‐NaAMPS) Hydrogels Toward Toxic Dyes and Heavy Metals Removal via Frontal Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Qiao , Gao Jiangang , Du Xiang‐Yun
Published: January 2025

Wastewater treatment contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources for alleviating water scarcity. The application of polymeric materials as adsorbents for eliminating hazardous substances in water has garnered extensive attention owing to their remarkable adsorption efficiency, stability, and selectivity. Herein, a facile strategy is provided to rapidly synthesize poly(acrylic acid‐co‐sodium 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate) (poly(AA‐co‐NaAMPS)) hydrogels with exceptional adsorptive capacity via frontal polymerization (FP). The FP processes are meticulously examined in terms of initiator dosage and monomer ratio. The as‐prepared hydrogels demonstrate pH‐responsive swelling ability and pH‐dependent adsorption capacity for various dyes and heavy metal ions. Compared with traditional batch polymerization (BP), the hydrogels prepared by FP exhibit superior swelling and adsorption abilities. Additionally, research on the adsorption mechanism for both dyes and heavy metal ions is conducted by fitting the adsorption kinetic data both with Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of hydrogels derived from Langmuir model for dyes of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) is, respectively, 595.3 and 3078.5 mg g−1, while for heavy metal ions of Cr3+ and Cd2+ is, respectively, 1010.8 and 1191.3 mg g−1. This research exploits an alternative approach for the rapid preparation of high‐efficiency hydrogel adsorbents toward wastewater treatment.
Heteroepitaxial (111) Diamond Quantum Sensors with Preferentially Aligned Nitrogen‐Vacancy Centers for an Electric Vehicle Battery Monitor
Authors: Kajiyama Kenichi , Haruyama Moriyoshi , Hatano Yuji , Kato Hiromitsu , Ogura Masahiko , Makino Toshiharu , Noguchi Hitoshi , Sekiguchi Takeharu , Iwasaki Takayuki , Hatano Mutsuko
Published: January 2025

A platform for heteroepitaxial (111) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond quantum sensors with preferentially aligned nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers on a large substrate is developed, and its operation as an electric vehicle (EV) battery monitor is demonstrated. A self‐standing heteroepitaxial CVD diamond film with a (111) orientation and a thickness of 150 µm is grown on a non‐diamond substrate and subsequently separated from it. The high uniformity and crystallinity of the (111)‐oriented diamond is confirmed. A 150‐µm thick NV‐diamond layer is then deposited on the heteroepitaxial diamond. The T2 value measured by confocal microscopy is 20 µs, which corresponds to substitutional nitrogen defect concentration of 8 ppm. The nitrogen‐vacancy concentration and T2* are estimated to be 0.05 ppm and 0.05 µs by continuous wave optically detected magnetic resonance (CW‐ODMR) spectroscopy in a fiber‐top sensor configuration. In a gradiometer, where two sensors are placed on both sides of the busbar, the noise floor is 17 nT/Hz0.5 in the frequency range of 10–40 Hz without magnetic shielding. The Allan deviation of the magnetic field noise in the laboratory is below 0.3 µT, which corresponds to a busbar current of 10 mA, in the accumulation time range of 10 ms to 100 s.
Complete Set of Unitary Irreps of Discrete Heisenberg Group $$ HW_{2^{s}}$$
Authors: Floratos E. , Tsohantjis I.
Published: January 2025

Following the method of induced group representations of Wigner-Mackay, the explicit construction of all the unitary irreducible representations of the discrete finite Heisenberg-Weyl group

$$HW_{2^{s}}$$

H

W

2
s

over the discrete phase space lattice

$$\mathbb {Z}_{2^{s}}\otimes $$

Z

2
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is presented. We explicitly determine their characters and their fusion rules. We discuss possible physical applications for finite quantum mechanics and quantum computation.
Merging textual and numerical databases: a steppingstone for statistical analyses of illegal events
Authors: Romano Maria Francesca , Pavone Pasquale , Baldassarini Antonella , Di Vetta Giuseppe , Morgante Gaetana
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to define a methodological path—merging judgments and official statistical data—to organize complete, objective, and reliable data in a database, thus simplifying the analysis of illegal social phenomena. Judiciary judgments are a new data source: they deal with illegal events that describe social phenomena—even if they are only the "illegal" ones—and contain objective and reliable data and information. Judiciary judgments are also texts, so the first step is a statistical textual analysis and text mining techniques to discover information and organize it in a statistical database. The final database is obtained by integrating numerical data from other information sources. It therefore has statistical properties such as reliability, completeness and updating. Subsequent statistical analyses or modelling are then possible based on the entire set or subsets of data adequately extracted from the implemented statistical database. We present some results obtained from judgments about corruption in order to demonstrate the advantages of linking textual databases (textual analyses on judgments) and numerical databases (from ISTAT). The proposed methodology can benefit different stakeholders, such as researchers, policymakers, and other enforcement actors. It is independent of the specific software used and remains valid when applied to other illegal activities (e.g., organized crime, tax crime, and money laundering). Furthemore, the results may be even more effective if the institutional actors involved have access to judgments at all levels, thus overcoming potential privacy concerns. The methodology could also be used to support evidence-based policy in the fight against crime and illegal activities.
Effect of Temperature-Dependent Properties and Gravity on a Nonlocal Poro-Thermoelastic Medium with MDD via G-L Model
Authors: Said Samia M. , Othman Mohamed I. A. , Eldemerdash Mohamed G.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In the present study, the effect of gravity, memory dependent and temperature-dependent parameter on a nonlocal poro-thermoelastic medium were display to address this problem.

Methods

In this research, analytical expressions of the physical quantities are derived using normal mode method. Numerical outcomes provided depicted graphically upon application force.

Results

The model is demonstrated within the framework of the Green-Lindsay theory. Solutions of the physical quantities are obtained through normal mode method and depicted graphically.

Conclusions

Comparative outcomes from the graphs have been analyzed, offering an estimation of the impacts of gravity, temperature-dependent parameter, and the locality on the behavior of all the physical fields.
Fundus vascular arcades angle reflects choroidal thickness in highly myopic children and adolescents
Authors: Gong Wei , Zhang Bo , Zhou Dengji , Ling Saiguang , Yang Jinliuxing , Chen Jun , Wang Jingjing , Xu Xun , He Xiangui , Gao Wei
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To identify the role of fundus vascular arcades angle (VAA) in reflecting choroidal thickness (ChT) of highly myopic children and adolescents.

Methods

Participants aged 5 to 18 yrs with high myopia (spherical equivalent, SE ≤ −5.0 D) were enrolled and followed up for one year from the Shanghai Child and Adolescent Large-scale Eye Study. The VAA in the range of one papillary diameter (PD) as well as 2PD away from the central point of optic disc was recognized and measured by artificial intelligence from fundus photographs.

Results

Finally, 277 highly myopic participants were included in the analysis. The mean VAA (1PD) was 128.38 ± 9.56°, and the mean VAA (2PD) was 110.25 ± 11.97°. For those with larger VAA, the choroidal thickness around macula (mChT) or papillary (pChT) was thicker (P for trend < 0.05). After adjusting for age and gender, thinner ChT was independently associated with smaller VAA (P < 0.001). For those with more decrease of VAA, the thinning of ChT was more remarkable (P < 0.05). In the regression analysis, more change of pChT was independently associated with more change of VAA (P < 0.01). After adjusting for other related parameters, 1°change of VAA (1PD) or VAA (2PD) accounted for 0.855 mm or 0.719 mm change of pChT.

Conclusions

Fundus VAA was closely associated with choroidal thickness in highly myopic paediatric population. It could serve as an alternative indicator of choroid thickness in the fundus screening for evaluating the risk of pathological changes of high myopia.
TLR7/8/9 agonists and low-dose cisplatin synergistically promotes tertiary lymphatic structure formation and antitumor immunity
Authors: Wu Shuting , Xiang Rong , Zhong Yiwei , Zhao Shushu , Zhang Zhiyu , Kou Zhihua , Zhang Shijie , Zhao Yi , Zu Cheng , Zhao Gan , Xiao Yanling , Ren Sulin , Gao Xiaoming , Wang Bin
Published: January 2025

In situ vaccination (ISV) triggers antitumor immune responses using the patient’s own cancer antigens, yet limited neoantigen release hampers its efficacy. Our novel combination therapy involves low-dose local cisplatin followed by ISV with a TLR7/8/9 agonist formulation (CR108), in which CR108 boosts and sustains the antitumor responses induced by the cisplatin-released neoantigens. In mouse models, the cisplatin+CR108 combination significantly outperformed cisplatin or CR108 alone in abrogating established 4T1 and B16 tumors. The synergistic antitumor effects of cisplatin and CR108 were accompanied by markedly increased tumor tertiary lymphatic structures (TLS) formation, higher levels of type I and III interferons and TNF-α in serum, augmented T and B lymphocyte infiltration, antigen-presenting cell activation, as well as reduced functionally of exhausted T cells. Single-cell sequencing analysis uncovered a potential pathway for TLS to serve as a reservoir for functional antitumor effector T cells. Furthermore, cisplatin+CR108 combo therapy, but neither cisplatin nor CR108 alone, effectively inhibited the growth of treated 4T-1 tumor in an effector T cell-dependent manner. Notably, the combo therapy also suppressed the growth of distant untreated 4T-1 tumors, demonstrating systemic antitumor effects. Moreover, combo-therapy led to full regression of 4T-1 tumors in a large percentage of mice, who became strongly resistant to secondary tumor challenge, a clear indication of antitumor immunological memory. The cisplatin+CR108 combo therapy holds promise in converting “cold” tumors into “hot” ones and eliciting robust antitumor immune responses in vivo.
Randomized experimental test of a reduced-exposure message for an e-cigarette: effects on behavioral intentions and the mediating role of risk perceptions
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Hannon Michael J , McCaffrey Stacey
Published: January 2025

Informing adults who smoke (AWS) that completely switching to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) reduces their exposure to harmful chemicals could prompt them to switch. However, it would be problematic if such reduced-exposure messages prompted ENDS use by adults not currently using tobacco (Former Users and Never Users of tobacco). This study assessed the effect of a reduced-exposure message for JUUL ENDS, presented in a video ad, on behavioral intentions among 3485 AWS, 1756 Dual Users (of cigarettes and ENDS), 1857 Former Users and 5459 Never Users. In a randomized experiment, participants viewed an ad for JUUL with or without a reduced-exposure message. Exposure to the reduced-exposure message significantly increased AWS’ Openness to Try ENDS, while significantly decreasing it among Nonusers, resulting in a significant message × user group interaction. Responses of young adults (18–24 years) did not differ from those of older adults (30+), and message exposure did not increase Young Adult Nonusers’ Openness to Try. The message’s effect on AWS’ Openness to Try was completely mediated by its effects on AWS’ perception of the risk of ENDS use compared to smoking cigarettes. The reduced-exposure message resulted in a pattern of behavioral intentions consistent with a favorable impact on population health.