bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Securing web applications against XSS and SQLi attacks using a novel deep learning approach
Authors: Tadhani Jaydeep R. , Vekariya Vipul , Sorathiya Vishal , Alshathri Samah , El-Shafai Walid
Published: January 2024

Modern web application development involves handling enormous amounts of sensitive and consequential data. Security is, therefore, a crucial component of developing web applications. A web application's security is concerned with safeguarding the data it processes. The web application framework must have safeguards to stop and find application vulnerabilities. Among all web application attacks, SQL injection and XSS attacks are common, which may lead to severe damage to Web application data or web functionalities. Currently, there are many solutions provided by various study for SQLi and XSS attack detection, but most of the work shown have used either SQL/XSS payload-based detection or HTTP request-based detection. Few solutions available can detect SQLi and XSS attacks, but these methods provide very high false positive rates, and the accuracy of these models can further be improved. We proposed a novel approach for securing web applications from both cross-site scripting attacks and SQL injection attacks using decoding and standardization of SQL and XSS payloads and HTTP requests and trained our model using hybrid deep learning networks in this paper. The proposed hybrid DL model combines the strengths of CNNs in extracting features from input data and LSTMs in capturing temporal dependencies in sequential data. The soundness of our approach lies in the use of deep learning techniques that can identify subtle patterns in the data that traditional machine learning-based methods might miss. We have created a testbed dataset of Normal and SQLi/XSS HTTP requests and evaluated the performance of our model on this dataset. We have also trained and evaluated the proposed model on the Benchmark dataset HTTP CSIC 2010 and another SQL/XSS payload dataset. The experimental findings show that our proposed approach effectively identifies these attacks with high accuracy and a low percentage of false positives. Additionally, our model performed better than traditional machine learning-based methods. This soundness approach can be applied to various network security applications such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls. Using our model, we achieved an accuracy of 99.84%, 99.23% and 99.77% on the SQL-XSS Payload dataset, Testbed dataset and HTTP CSIC 2010 dataset, respectively.
Inhibitory role of copper and silver nanocomposite on important bacterial and fungal pathogens in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Chowdhury Arnab Roy , Kumar Rishikesh , Mahanty Arabinda , Mukherjee Koel , Kumar Sudhir , Tribhuvan Kishor U. , Sheel Rishav , Lenka Srikanta , Singh Binay K. , Chattopadhyay Chirantan , Sharma T. R. , Bhadana Vijai Pal , Sarkar Biplab
Published: January 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa) being among the most important food crops in the world is also susceptible to various bacterial and fungal diseases that are the major stumbling blocks in the way of increased production and productivity. The bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani are among the most devastating diseases of the rice crop. In spite of the availability of array of chemical control, there are chances of development of resistance. Thus, there is a need for the nanotechnological intervention for management of disease in the form of copper and silver nano-composites. The copper (CuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using green route and characterized using different high throughput techniques, i.e., UV–Vis, FT-IR, DLS, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM. The particle size and zeta potential of synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs were found 273 nm and − 24.2 mV; 95.19 nm and − 25.5 mV respectively. The nanocomposite of CuNPs and AgNPs were prepared having particle size in the range of 375–306 nm with improved stability (zeta potential − 54.7 to − 39.4 mV). The copper and silver nanoparticle composites evaluated against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani were found to have higher antibacterial (inhibition zone 13 mm) and antifungal activities (77%) compared to only the copper nanoparticle (8 mm; 62% respectively). Net house trials of nano-composite formulations against the bacterial blight of rice also corroborated the potential of nanocomposite formulation. In silico studies were carried out selecting two disease-causing proteins, peptide deformylase (Xanthomonas oryzae) and pectate lyase (Rhizoctonia solani) to perform the molecular docking. Interaction studies indicatedthat both of these proteins generated better complex with CuNPs than AgNPs. The study suggested that the copper and silver nano-composites could be used for developing formulations to control these devastating rice diseases.
Crystallization from solution versus mechanochemistry to obtain double-drug multicomponent crystals of ethacridine with salicylic/acetylsalicylic acids
Authors: Mirocki Artur , Lopresti Mattia , Palin Luca , Conterosito Eleonora , Sikorska Emilia , Sikorski Artur , Milanesio Marco
Published: January 2024

Salicylic and acetylsalicylic acids and ethacridine have complementary bioactive properties. They can be combined to obtain double-drug multicomponent crystals. Their reactivity in different environments was explored to obtain the possible compounds, stable at different hydration degrees. Solution, liquid-assisted grinding, and dry preparation approaches were applied to the couples of reactants in different stoichiometric ratios. Four compounds were obtained, and three out of them were stable and reproducible enough to determine their structures using SCXRD or PXRD methods. When coupled to ethacridine, salicylic acid gave two stable structures (1 and 3, both showing 1:1 ratio but different hydration degree) and a metastable one (5), while acetylsalicylic acid only one structure from solution (2 in 1:1 ratio), while LAG caused hydrolysis and formation of the same compound obtained by LAG of ethacridine with salicylic acid. While solution precipitation gave dihydrated (1) or monohydrated (2) structures with low yields, LAG of salicylic acid and ethacridine allowed obtaining an anhydrous salt complex (3) with a yield close to 1. The structures obtained by solution crystallizations maximize π(acridine)–π(acridine) contacts with a less compact packing, while the LAG structure is more compact with a packing driven by hydrogen bonds. For all compounds, NMR, ATR-FTIR, and Hirshfeld surface analysis and energy framework calculations were performed.
Energy-use efficiency of organic and conventional plant production systems in Germany
Authors: Chmelíková Lucie , Schmid Harald , Anke Sandra , Hülsbergen Kurt-Jürgen
Published: January 2024

Sustainable and efficient energy use in agriculture helps tackle climate change by reducing fossil energy use. We evaluated German farming systems by analysing energy input and output. Data from 30 organic and 30 conventional farms (12 arable, 18 dairy farms each) between 2009 and 2011 was used. Energy input, output, and the influence of farm type, farm structure, and management intensity on energy-use efficiency (EUE) were analysed for crop production using the farm management system REPRO. Conventional farms (CF) always had higher energy input. The energy input for organic farms (OF) was 7.2 GJ ha−1 and for CF 14.0 GJ ha−1. The energy output of CF was also higher. Reductions were higher in energy input than in energy output. In 73.3% of the farm pairs, OF were more energy efficient than CF. The EUE was comparable with CF on 10% of OF and for 16.7% of CF the EUE was higher suggesting better fossil energy utilization. EUE can be increased when reducing fossil energy inputs through more efficient machinery, reduction of agrochemicals, precision farming, the use of renewable energy or energy retention, and by increasing yields. A reduction of inputs is urgently required to lower the (political) dependence on fossil energy.
The superior colliculus motor region does not respond to finger tapping movements in humans
Authors: Prabhu Nikhil G. , Knodel Nicole , Himmelbach Marc
Published: January 2024

Electrophysiological studies in macaques and functional neuroimaging in humans revealed a motor region in the superior colliculus (SC) for upper limb reaching movements. Connectivity studies in macaques reported direct connections between this SC motor region and cortical premotor arm, hand, and finger regions. These findings motivated us to investigate if the human SC is also involved in sequential finger tapping movements. We analyzed fMRI task data of 130 subjects executing finger tapping from the Human Connectome Project. While we found strong signals in the SC for visual cues, we found no signals related to simple finger tapping. In subsequent experimental measurements, we searched for responses in the SC corresponding to complex above simple finger tapping sequences. We observed expected signal increases in cortical motor and premotor regions for complex compared to simple finger tapping, but no signal increases in the motor region of the SC. Despite evidence for direct anatomical connections of the SC motor region and cortical premotor hand and finger areas in macaques, our results suggest that the SC is not involved in simple or complex finger tapping in humans.
Unlocking cardiac motion: assessing software and machine learning for single-cell and cardioid kinematic insights
Authors: Burattini Margherita , Lo Muzio Francesco Paolo , Hu Mirko , Bonalumi Flavia , Rossi Stefano , Pagiatakis Christina , Salvarani Nicolò , Fassina Lorenzo , Luciani Giovanni Battista , Miragoli Michele
Published: January 2024

The heart coordinates its functional parameters for optimal beat-to-beat mechanical activity. Reliable detection and quantification of these parameters still represent a hot topic in cardiovascular research. Nowadays, computer vision allows the development of open-source algorithms to measure cellular kinematics. However, the analysis software can vary based on analyzed specimens. In this study, we compared different software performances in in-silico model, in-vitro mouse adult ventricular cardiomyocytes and cardioids. We acquired in-vitro high-resolution videos during suprathreshold stimulation at 0.5-1-2 Hz, adapting the protocol for the cardioids. Moreover, we exposed the samples to inotropic and depolarizing substances. We analyzed in-silico and in-vitro videos by (i) MUSCLEMOTION, the gold standard among open-source software; (ii) CONTRACTIONWAVE, a recently developed tracking software; and (iii) ViKiE, an in-house customized video kinematic evaluation software. We enriched the study with three machine-learning algorithms to test the robustness of the motion-tracking approaches. Our results revealed that all software produced comparable estimations of cardiac mechanical parameters. For instance, in cardioids, beat duration measurements at 0.5 Hz were 1053.58 ms (MUSCLEMOTION), 1043.59 ms (CONTRACTIONWAVE), and 937.11 ms (ViKiE). ViKiE exhibited higher sensitivity in exposed samples due to its localized kinematic analysis, while MUSCLEMOTION and CONTRACTIONWAVE offered temporal correlation, combining global assessment with time-efficient analysis. Finally, machine learning reveals greater accuracy when trained with MUSCLEMOTION dataset in comparison with the other software (accuracy > 83%). In conclusion, our findings provide valuable insights for the accurate selection and integration of software tools into the kinematic analysis pipeline, tailored to the experimental protocol.
Multi-objective exponential distribution optimizer (MOEDO): a novel math-inspired multi-objective algorithm for global optimization and real-world engineering design problems
Authors: Kalita Kanak , Ramesh Janjhyam Venkata Naga , Cepova Lenka , Pandya Sundaram B. , Jangir Pradeep , Abualigah Laith
Published: January 2024

The exponential distribution optimizer (EDO) represents a heuristic approach, capitalizing on exponential distribution theory to identify global solutions for complex optimization challenges. This study extends the EDO's applicability by introducing its multi-objective version, the multi-objective EDO (MOEDO), enhanced with elite non-dominated sorting and crowding distance mechanisms. An information feedback mechanism (IFM) is integrated into MOEDO, aiming to balance exploration and exploitation, thus improving convergence and mitigating the stagnation in local optima, a notable limitation in traditional approaches. Our research demonstrates MOEDO's superiority over renowned algorithms such as MOMPA, NSGA-II, MOAOA, MOEA/D and MOGNDO. This is evident in 72.58% of test scenarios, utilizing performance metrics like GD, IGD, HV, SP, SD and RT across benchmark test collections (DTLZ, ZDT and various constraint problems) and five real-world engineering design challenges. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test (WRST) further confirms MOEDO as a competitive multi-objective optimization algorithm, particularly in scenarios where existing methods struggle with balancing diversity and convergence efficiency. MOEDO's robust performance, even in complex real-world applications, underscores its potential as an innovative solution in the optimization domain. The MOEDO source code is available at:https://github.com/kanak02/MOEDO.
The role of the SIRT1-BMAL1 pathway in regulating oxidative stress in the early development of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Shi Jing , Li Weirong , Ding Xiaobo , Zhou Feng , Hao Chenxi , He Miao , Wang Fan , Li Xinyi
Published: January 2024

Oxidative stress is the primary cause of ischaemic stroke and is closely related to circadian rhythm. However, the mechanism by which circadian rhythm regulates oxidative stress in ischaemic stroke remains elusive. The Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1) controls circadian rhythm by activating the transcription of the circadian clock core protein Basic Helix-Loop-Helix ARNT Like 1 (BMAL1) through deacetylation. Studies have shown that the SIRT1-BMAL1 pathway can regulate oxidative stress. To investigate its correlation with oxidative stress, we examined the expression levels and influencing factors of SIRT1-BMAL1 at different times in ischaemic stroke patients and analyzed their clinical indexes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor indicators. The expression levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factor indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), SIRT1, and BMAL1, were detected in ischaemic stroke patients within 4.5 h of onset and in non-stroke patients. Patients were divided into four subgroups based on onset time: subgroup 1 (0:00–05:59); subgroup 2 (06:00–11:59); subgroup 3 (12:00–17: 59); and subgroup 4 (18:00–23:59). Our results showed higher MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and lower SOD, SIRT1, and BMAL1 levels in ischaemic stroke patients compared to control patients (P < 0.05). Among the four subgroups, the content of MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α was highest in patients with ischaemic stroke onset from subgroup 2 (06:00–11:59), while the expression levels of SOD, BMAL1, and SIRT1 were lowest in patients with ischaemic stroke in subgroup 2. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) reached the highest value showing the same trends consistent with MDA, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ and opposite trends consistent with SOD, BMAL1, and SIRT1. However, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), immediate blood glucose, immediate diastolic blood pressure, immediate systolic blood pressure, and homocysteine (HCY) did not show any statistically significant circadian rhythm changes (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the SIRT1-BMAL1 pathway may be involved in early oxidative stress in ischaemic stroke, which may be related to MPO.
Droplet-based logic gates simulation of viscoelastic fluids under electric field
Authors: Santos F. P , Tryggvason G. , Ferreira G. G. S.
Published: January 2024

Nano and microfluidic technologies have shown great promise in the development of controlled drug delivery systems and the creation of microfluidic devices with logic-like functionalities. Here, we focused on investigating a droplet-based logic gate that can be used for automating medical diagnostic assays. This logic gate uses viscoelastic fluids, which are particularly relevant since bio-fluids exhibit viscoelastic properties. The operation of the logic gate is determined by evaluating various parameters, including the Weissenberg number, the Capillary number, and geometric factors. To effectively classify the logic gates operational conditions, we employed a deep learning classification to develop a reduced-order model. This approach accelerates the prediction of operating conditions, eliminating the need for complex simulations. Moreover, the deep learning model allows for the combination of different AND/OR branches, further enhancing the versatility of the logic gate. We also found that non-operating regions, where the logic gate does not function properly, can be transformed into operational regions by applying an external force. By utilizing an electrical induction technique, we demonstrated that the application of an electric field can repel or attract droplets, thereby improving the performance of the logic gate. Overall, our research shows the potential of the droplet-based logic gates in the field of medical diagnostics. The integration of deep learning classification algorithms enables rapid evaluation of operational conditions and facilitates the design of complex logic circuits. Additionally, the introduction of external forces and electrical induction techniques opens up new possibilities for enhancing the functionality and reliability of these logic gates.
PRKCSH serves as a potential immunological and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer
Authors: Wang Qiankun , Wang Xiong , Li Jiaoyuan , Yin Tongxin , Wang Yi , Cheng Liming
Published: January 2024

Protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (PRKCSH) plays a crucial role in the protein N-terminal glycosylation process, with emerging evidence implicating its involvement in tumorigenesis. To comprehensively assess PRKCSH’s significance across cancers, we conducted a pan-cancer analysis using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). We assessed aberrant PRKCSH mRNA and protein expression, examined its prognostic implications, and identified correlations with clinical features, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor immunity across cancer types. We explored PRKCSH gene alterations, DNA methylation, and their impact on patient prognosis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and single-cell analysis revealed potential biological roles. Additionally, we investigated drug susceptibility and conducted Connectivity Map (Cmap) analysis. Key findings revealed that PRKCSH exhibited overexpression in most tumors, with a significant association with poor overall survival (OS) in six cancer types. Notably, PRKCSH expression demonstrated variations across disease stages, primarily increasing in advanced stages among eleven tumor types. Moreover, PRKCSH exhibited significant correlations with TMB in five cancer categories, MSI in eight, and displayed associations with immune cell populations in pan-cancer analysis. Genetic variations in PRKCSH were identified across 26 tumor types, suggesting favorable disease-free survival. Furthermore, PRKCSH methylation displayed a significant negative correlation with its expression in 27 tumor types, with a marked decrease compared to normal tissues in ten tumors. Cmap predicted 24 potential therapeutic small molecules in over four cancer types. This study highlights that PRKCSH, as a potential oncogene, may be a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target of immunotherapy for a range of malignancies.
Switching from robotic-assisted extended transabdominal preperitoneal (eTAPP) to totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia repair for umbilical and epigastric hernias
Authors: Pini Ramon , Mongelli Francesco , Iaquinandi Fabiano , Gaffuri Paolo , Previsdomini Marco , Cianfarani Agnese , La Regina Davide
Published: January 2024

Our study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the robotic-assisted extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair compared to transabdominal preperitoneal (eTAPP) repair with a suprapubic trocar insertion to treat umbilical and epigastric hernias. On a prospectively maintained database, we identified patients who underwent either eTEP or eTAPP for treating umbilical and epigastric hernias. During the study period, 53 patients were included, 32 in the eTEP group and 21 in the eTAPP group. The mean age was 59.0 ± 13.9 years, 45 patients (84.9%) were male, and the mean BMI was 28.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Most hernias were umbilical (81.1%) and primary (83.0%). The operative time for eTEP was slightly shorter than for eTAPP (106 ± 43 min vs. 126 ± 74 min, p = 0.232). Postoperatively, only one case of bleeding and one seroma were recorded. No complication occurred during a mean follow-up of 11.3 ± 6.4 months in the eTEP group and 20.5 ± 9.7 months in the eTAPP group. In conclusion, our study showed that the eTEP with suprapubic approach was safe and feasible in the treatment of epigastric and umbilical hernias. According to our experience, shorter operative time, integrity of the posterior layers and increased overlap size are the main surgical reasons of switching from eTAPP to eTEP.
hBcl2 overexpression in BMSCs enhances resistance to myelin debris-induced apoptosis and facilitates neuroprotection after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Tian Dasheng , You Xingyu , Ye Jianan , Chen Gan , Yu Hang , Lv Jianwei , Shan Fangli , Liang Chao , Bi Yihui , Jing Juehua , Zheng Meige
Published: January 2024

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the accumulation of myelin debris at the lesion exacerbates cell death and hinders axonal regeneration. Transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proven to be beneficial for SCI repair, but they are susceptible to apoptosis. It remains unclear whether this apoptotic process is influenced by myelin debris. Here, we constructed rat BMSCs overexpressing human B-cell lymphoma 2 (hBcl2) alone (hBcl2 group), BMSCs overexpressing hBcl2 with an endoplasmic reticulum-anchored segment (hBcl2-cb) (cb group), and a negative control group (NC group) for transplantation in this study. Immunocytochemistry staining validated the successful expression of hBcl2 in BMSCs within the hBcl2 group and cb group. All BMSCs from each group exhibited the ability to phagocytize myelin debris. Nevertheless, only BMSCs derived from the hBcl2 group exhibited heightened resistance to apoptosis and maintained prolonged viability for up to 5 days when exposed to myelin debris. Notably, overexpression of hBcl2 protein, rather than its endoplasmic reticulum-anchored counterpart, significantly enhanced the resistance of BMSCs against myelin debris-induced apoptosis. This process appeared to be associated with the efficient degradation of myelin debris through the Lamp1+ lysosomal pathway in the hBcl2 group. In vivo, the hBcl2 group exhibited significantly higher numbers of surviving cells and fewer apoptotic BMSCs compared to the cb and NC groups following transplantation. Furthermore, the hBcl2 group displayed reduced GFAP+ glial scarring and greater preservation of NF200+ axons in the lesions of SCI rats. Our results suggest that myelin debris triggers apoptosis in transplanted BMSCs, potentially elucidating the low survival rate of these cells after SCI. Consequently, the survival rate of transplanted BMSCs is improved by hBcl2 overexpression, leading to enhanced preservation of axons within the injured spinal cord.
Lessons from the historical dynamics of environmental law enforcement in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Nunes Felipe S. M. , Soares-Filho Britaldo S. , Oliveira Amanda R. , Veloso Laura V. S. , Schmitt Jair , Van der Hoff Richard , Assis Debora C. , Costa Rayane P. , Börner Jan , Ribeiro Sonia M. C. , Rajão Raoni G. L. , de Oliveira Ubirajara , Costa Marcelo Azevedo
Published: January 2024

Here, we analyze critical changes in environmental law enforcement in the Brazilian Amazon between 2000 and 2020. Based on a dataset of law enforcement indicators, we discuss how these changes explain recent Amazon deforestation dynamics. Our analysis also covers changes in the legal prosecution process and documents a militarization of enforcement between 2018 and 2022. From 2004 to 2018, 43.6 thousand land-use embargoes and 84.3 thousand fines were issued, targeting 3.3 million ha of land, and totaling USD 9.3 billion in penalties. Nevertheless, enforcement relaxed and became spatially more limited, signaling an increasing lack of commitment by the State to enforcing the law. The number of embargoes and asset confiscations dropped by 59% and 55% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. These changes were accompanied by a marked increase in enforcement expenditure, suggesting a massive efficiency loss. More importantly, the creation of so-called conciliation hearings and the centralization of legal processes in 2019 reduced the number of actual judgments and fines collected by 85% and decreased the ratio between lawsuits resulting in paid fines over filed ones from 17 to 5%. As Brazil gears up to crack-down on illegal deforestation once again, our assessment suggests urgent entry points for policy action.
Topological analysis of tetracyanobenzene metal–organic framework
Authors: Al-Dayel Ibrahim , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Khan Meraj Ali
Published: January 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are vital in modern material science, offering unique properties for gas storage, catalysis, and drug delivery due to their highly porous and customizable structures. Chemical graph theory emerges as a critical tool, providing a mathematical model to represent the molecular structure of these frameworks. Topological indices/molecular descriptors are mathematical formulations applied to molecular models, enabling the analysis of physicochemical properties and circumventing costly lab experiments. These descriptors are crucial for quantitative structure-property and structure-activity relationship studies in mathematical chemistry. In this paper, we study the different molecular descriptors of tetracyanobenzene metal–organic framework. We also give numerical comparison of computed molecular descriptors.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α regulates downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7) expression important for neuromuscular junction formation
Authors: Sugimoto Takumi , Sakamaki Chihiro , Kimura Tokushi , Eguchi Takahiro , Miura Shinji , Kamei Yasutomi
Published: January 2024

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ)—formed between a motor nerve terminal and skeletal muscle fiber—plays an important role in muscle contraction and other muscle functions. Aging and neurodegeneration worsen NMJ formation and impair muscle function. Downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7), expressed in skeletal muscle fibers, is essential for the formation of NMJ. Exercise increases the expression of the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in skeletal muscles and restores NMJ formation. In this study, we used skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout or overexpression mice to examine the role of PGC1α in regulating Dok-7 expression and NMJ formation. Our findings revealed that Dok-7 expression is regulated by PGC1α, and luciferase activity of the Dok-7 promoter is greatly increased by coexpressing PGC1α and estrogen receptor-related receptor α. Thus, we suggest PGC1α is involved in exercise-mediated restoration of NMJ formation.
Combination strategy exploration for prior treated recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the era of immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Yaofei , Chen Chun , Liu Guoying , Fang Ting , Lu Nian , Bei Weixin , Dong Shuhui , Li Wangzhong , Xia Weixiong , Liang Hu , Xiang Yanqun
Published: January 2024

To assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and target therapy (anti-angiogenesis or EGFR inhibitors) as a second-line or subsequent treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC), we conducted a retrospective study. In this study, previously treated R/M NPC patients were administered one of the following treatment: ICIs combined with target therapy and chemotherapy (ITC), ICIs combined with target therapy alone (IT), ICIs combined with chemotherapy (IC), or chemotherapy alone (C). The primary endpoint under consideration was progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety measures. A total of 226 patients participated in this study, with 70 receiving the ITC regimen, 48 receiving IT, 48 treated with IC, and 60 undergoing C alone. The median PFS for the four cohorts was 20.67, 13.63, 12.47, and 7.93 months respectively. Notably, ITC regimen yielded the most favorable PFS among these cohorts. The ITC cohort exhibited a comparable tumor response and safety profile to the IT and IC cohorts (p > 0.05), but superior tumor response compared to the C cohort (p < 0.05). The ITC regimen also conferred a significant improvement in OS when comparing to C alone (HR 0.336, 95%CI 0.123–0.915, p = 0.033). The IT and IC regimens achieved a nearly identical PFS (HR 0.955, 95%CI 0.515–1.77, p = 0.884), although the IT regimen was associated with a lower occurrence of SAEs in contrast to the IC regimen (p < 0.05). In addition, the IT regimen demonstrated superior PFS (HR 0.583, 95%CI 0.345–0.985, p = 0.044) and fewer SAEs when compared to C alone (p < 0.05). These findings collectively support the notion that the combination of ICIs, target and chemotherapy exhibits robust antitumor activity in previously treated R/M NPC patients, without a significant increase in adverse events.
Surfactant protein D prevents mucin overproduction in airway goblet cells via SIRPα
Authors: Hata Kentaro , Tsubouchi Kazuya , Suzuki Kunihiro , Eto Daisuke , Ando Hiroyuki , Yanagihara Toyoshi , Kan-o Keiko , Okamoto Isamu
Published: January 2024

Mucin overproduction is a common feature of chronic airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exacerbates their underlying respiratory condition. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) protects against airway diseases through modulation of immune reactions, but whether it also exerts direct effects on airway epithelial cells has remained unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate the inhibitory role of SP-D on mucin production in airway epithelial cells. We prepared air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures of human primary bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), which recapitulated a well-differentiated human airway epithelium. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a key toxicant in cigarette smoke, induced mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) production in ALI-cultured HBECs, airway secretory cell lines, and airway epithelia of mice. Then, the protective effects of SP-D against the BaP-induced mucin overproduction were examined. BaP increased MUC5AC production in ALI cultures of HBECs, and this effect was attenuated by SP-D. SP-D also suppressed the BaP-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and MUC5AC expression in NCI-H292 goblet-like cells, but not in NCI-H441 club-like cells. Signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) was found to be expressed in HBECs and NCI-H292 cells but absent in NCI-H441 cells. In NCI-H292 cells, SP-D activated SH2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), downstream of SIRPα, and knockdown of SIRPα abolished the suppressive effects of SP-D on BaP-induced ERK phosphorylation and MUC5AC production. Consistent with these in vitro findings, intratracheal instillation of SP-D prevented the BaP-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Muc5ac expression in airway epithelial cells in a mouse model. SP-D acts directly on airway epithelial cells to inhibit mucin secretion through ligation of SIRPα and SHP-1-mediated dephosphorylation of ERK. Targeting of SIRPα is therefore a potential new therapeutic approach to suppression of mucin hypersecretion in chronic airway diseases such as COPD and asthma.
Non-invasive fractional flow reserve estimation using deep learning on intermediate left anterior descending coronary artery lesion angiography images
Authors: Arefinia Farhad , Aria Mehrad , Rabiei Reza , Hosseini Azamossadat , Ghaemian Ali , Roshanpoor Arash
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to design an end-to-end deep learning model for estimating the value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) using angiography images to classify left anterior descending (LAD) branch angiography images with average stenosis between 50 and 70% into two categories: FFR > 80 and FFR ≤ 80. In this study 3625 images were extracted from 41 patients’ angiography films. Nine pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN), including DenseNet121, InceptionResNetV2, VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50V2, Xception, MobileNetV3Large, DenseNet201, and DenseNet169, were used to extract the features of images. DenseNet169 indicated higher performance compared to other networks. AUC, Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity, Precision, and F1-score of the proposed DenseNet169 network were 0.81, 0.81, 0.86, 0.75, 0.82, and 0.84, respectively. The deep learning-based method proposed in this study can non-invasively and consistently estimate FFR from angiographic images, offering significant clinical potential for diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease by combining anatomical and physiological parameters.
Yolk proteins of the schistosomiasis vector snail Biomphalaria glabrata revealed by multi-omics analysis
Authors: Habib Mohamed R. , Bu Lijing , Posavi Marijan , Zhong Daibin , Yan Guiyun , Zhang Si-Ming
Published: January 2024

Vitellogenesis is the most important process in animal reproduction, in which yolk proteins play a vital role. Among multiple yolk protein precursors, vitellogenin (Vtg) is a well-known major yolk protein (MYP) in most oviparous animals. However, the nature of MYP in the freshwater gastropod snail Biomphalaria glabrata remains elusive. In the current study, we applied bioinformatics, tissue-specific transcriptomics, ovotestis-targeted proteomics, and phylogenetics to investigate the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily and ferritin-like family in B. glabrata. Four members of LLTP superfamily (BgVtg1, BgVtg2, BgApo1, and BgApo2), one yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), and four soma ferritins (Bg ferritin 1, 2, 3, and 4) were identified in B. glabrata genome. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that, among the putative yolk proteins, BgVtg1 was the yolk protein appearing in the highest amount in the ovotestis, followed by Bg yolk ferritin. RNAseq profile showed that the leading synthesis sites of BgVtg1 and Bg yolk ferritin are in the ovotestis (presumably follicle cells) and digestive gland, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BgVtg1 is well clustered with Vtgs of other vertebrates and invertebrates. We conclude that, vitellogenin (BgVtg1), not yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), is the major yolk protein precursor in the schistosomiasis vector snail B. glabrata.
The enhanced ionic thermal potential by a polarized electrospun membrane
Authors: Sultana Ayesha , Alam Md. Mehebub , Crispin Reverant , Zhao Dan
Published: January 2024

Adding a polarized membrane to ionic thermoelectric devices induces dipole–ion interaction and enhances the thermal voltage by more than double.
ZnO monolayer-supported single atom catalysts for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Rongzhi , Zheng Jin-Cheng
Published: January 2024

Promising Pt, Co or Ir atom decorated ZnO monolayer catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Efficient photocatalytic conversion of xylose to co-produce xylonic acid and CO via a dual S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst between carbon nitride and CuInS2 quantum dot-sensitized ZnIn2S4
Authors: Liu Kangning , Zhang Junqiang , Ma Jiliang , Sun Runcang
Published: January 2024

Heterojunction photocatalysts receive significant interest due to their high performance and easy fabrication.
Ultralow H2O content analysis with a large-geometry secondary ion mass spectrometer
Authors: Cui Zexian , Xia Xiao-Ping , Yang Qing , Zhang Kai , Yang Xiaozhi , Lai Chun-Kit , Zhang Wan-Feng , Zhang Yan-Qiang , Yang Ya-Nan
Published: January 2024

An improved LG-SIMS (CAMECA IMS 1280-HR) procedure for achieving sub-ppm LOD for water analysis by updating the cooling trap.
Construction of a terbium-based metal–organic framework for specific detection of MnO4− in aqueous media
Authors: Weng Guang-Ju , Cheng Kang-Min , Wu Jia-Qi , Li Wei , Lu Jian-Mei , Shao Li-Xiong
Published: January 2024

A Tb-MOF was successfully achieved and can accurately and efficiently detect MnO4− in water with excellent anti-interference and good recyclability.
Biomacromolecule-tagged nanoscale constructs for crossing the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Odom Tyler L. , LeBroc Hayden D. , Callmann Cassandra E.
Published: January 2024

This mini-review highlights the most recent advances in the design and application of synthetic nanoscale constructs that utilize biomacromolecular ligands (peptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates) to target and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Visible-light-induced synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted quinolines from o-vinylaryl isocyanides and oxime esters
Authors: Liu Yu , Ding Chuan , Huang Jia-Jing , Zhou Quan , Xiong Bi-Quan , Tang Ke-Wen , Huang Peng-Fei
Published: January 2024

A visible-light-induced radical cyclization reaction of o-vinylaryl isocyanides and oxime esters to access various 2,4-disubstituted quinolines is disclosed. It exhibits good functional group tolerance and substrate applicability.
A 3D nanofiber network anode expediting mass and proton transport to boost proton exchange membrane water electrolysis
Authors: Geng Maolin , Dou Zhenlan , Zhao Hao , Wang Qiansen , Zhang Chunyan , Zou Zhiqing , Li Jun , Yang Hui , Cheng Qingqing
Published: January 2024

A 3D nanofiber network anode accelerates mass and proton transfer simultaneously, affording superior activity (1.737 V@1.5 A cm−2) and excellent stability over 200 h for a MEA with an IrO2 loading of ca. 0.1 mg cm−2.
Dual modification on hematite to minimize small polaron effects and charge recombination for sustainable solar water splitting
Authors: Verissimo Nathália C. , Pires Fabio A. , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez Ingrid , Bettini Jefferson , Fiuza Tanna E. R. , Biffe Cleyton A. , Montoro Fabiano E. , Schleder Gabriel R. , Castro Ricardo H. R. , Leite Edson R. , Souza Flavio L.
Published: January 2024

A dual-modification strategy enables the design of hematite with synergistic Al3+ bulk doping and Zr4+ interfacial segregation for improved performance as a photoanode.
Construction of MOF-74 analogues through pre-installation of functional ligands: efficient directional functionalization and properties
Authors: Manurkar Nagesh , Su Hao , Arshad Faiza , Li Zhongkui , Li Hui
Published: January 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant interest owing to their tunable structures and versatile properties.
‘We resolve our own sorrows’: screening comfort women in Chinese documentary films
Authors: Zhang Pingfan , Fang Cheng
Published: January 2024

This article adds a critical lens to the vicissitudinous public remembrance of the comfort women in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the oscillating representations of comfort women in Chinese documentary films. First, it probes how the violated bodies of comfort women on the screen constantly challenge and disrupt the entrenched gender norms in the interstices of the PRC’s official paradigms of “national humiliation” and “national greatness.” Then, it examines the distinctive film esthetics and documentary ethics of Chinese director Guo Ke’s documentary films Thirty Two (2014) and Twenty Two (2017), given that the latter harvested record-breaking box office sales and incited heated online discussions of the comfort women issue in China. In particular, this article scrutinizes how Guo’s esthetically appealing, politically non-confrontational, and ethically provocative approach helps constitute survivors’ private, gendered memories and encourages the viewers to contemplate his minimalist narratives. In a broader sense, this article contributes to the discussions of gender, nationalism, war remembrance, and documentary filmmaking in contemporary China.
Molecular composition and the impact of fuel moisture content on fresh primary organic aerosol emissions during laboratory combustion of ponderosa pine needles
Authors: Jaoui Mohammed , Urbanski Shawn P. , Long Russell W. , Landis Matthew S.
Published: January 2024

Environmental context Wildland fire smoke and its impacts on air quality and human health are increasing globally. However, uncertainties in organic emissions from these fires hinder our understanding of downwind atmospheric photochemical processes driving the formation of hazardous air pollutants. In this study, we investigated the impact of fuel moisture content on organic species emission during the combustion of ponderosa pine needles, an important fuel source in the western United States. Rationale Pine needles represent an important fuel source in coniferous forest systems in the western United States. During forest fires, they can be easily ignited and help sustain flame on the ground. Methodology In this study, a comprehensive chemical analysis was conducted to examine oxygenated organic compounds (OOCs) present in PM2.5 (particles ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) formed from burning dry and moist ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) needles (PPN) in the presence and absence of fine woody debris (FWD). The effect of fuel moisture content (FMC), a key parameter that influences smoke formation, has not received much attention. Therefore, we also investigated the effect of FMC on PM2.5 formation and its composition. Thirty three experiments were conducted at the US Forest Service Fire Science Laboratory. PM2.5 was collected onto 47-mm Teflon filters, and silylated extracts were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results More than 50 OOCs were identified, including levoglucosan and mannosan; n-dodecanoic acid and n-hexadecanoic acid; dihydroabietic acid, and dehydroabietic acid; and a series of intermediate volatile and semivolatile organic compounds. Mass spectra of a wide variety of compounds in electron and chemical ionisation mode are provided. Most of these OOCs were identified in this study for the first time in PPN aerosol, although some were previously reported in pine wood and other biomass burning aerosol. Our results show significant changes in the composition and abundance of particles depending on the amount and type of PPN burned. When compared with dry PPN, moist PPN showed decreased emissions of PM2.5 and OOCs, due likely to the presence of water in the system that partially suppressed the production of OOCs. Discussion Incorporating pine needles in atmospheric models as a contributor to smoke particles generated during forest fires is an essential step towards reducing the current uncertainties regarding the influence of these aerosols on chemical/air mass characteristics, regional meteorology, and the climate.
When Women Made Anti-Antisemitism Fiction Popular
Authors: Gordan Rachel
Published: January 2024

During the 1940s, several writers were working on anti-antisemitism novels. Between 1944 and 1946, as she drafted Agreement, Hobson discovered that she was part of such a group, including Margaret Halsey, Jo Sinclair, and Gwethalyn Graham. So were Arthur Miller (Focus, 1945) and Saul Bellow (The Victim, 1947). But it was a small group of women writers who made the genre popular in the 1940s. Their middlebrow fiction received attention from the popular press, and in some cases, consideration for film treatment. Hobson did not know all her fellow anti-antisemitism novelists, personally. But, even in 1944, she understood the significance of their work. At a time when many Americans wondered what they could possibly do to fight bigotry and racism, anti-antisemitism novelists grasped an inspiring truth: popular stories sparked reflection and conversation among readers.
Betting the farm: Rural illiberal State-building in Angola via Chinese loans
Authors: Safarik Brad
Published: January 2024

Angola’s government has historically championed the revival of the agricultural sector as a national priority, though it has remained unclear what role the nation’s peasantry is intended to play. Looking to the future while fixated on the past, the first failed recipe for growth was initially based on nationalizing the colonial export model by incorporating the social and economic forces of the rural economy. The government’s early embrace of authoritarian modernization has since pursued an illiberal rural development model seeking to entrench the state’s control over rural areas and extend elite reproduction capacities, exercised principally through a series of state-owned enterprises. Upon the end of the civil war in Angola in 2002, the timely arrival of Chinese loans and technical assistance allowed the administration of President José Eduardo dos Santos to revitalize this strategy with a return to the establishment of a series of state agro-industrial farms a quarter century later. A historical presidential transition in 2017 upended these strategies of rural governance, leading to a vast privatization scheme of state assets built up over decades. This article reveals how the Angolan state has historically sought to engineer elite minority control over the agricultural sector while marginalizing the vast majority of the main rural economic actor, the peasantry. Likewise, the case study provides insight into the hidden costs of Chinese loans on Angola’s rural economy.
Parent and Youth Athlete Perceptions of Concussion Injury: Establishing a Factor Structure
Authors: Bretzin Abigail C , Schmitt Ara J , Teel Elizabeth , Holmes John H , Wiebe Douglas J , Beidler Erica
Published: January 2024

Objective

The first objective was to establish the respective factor structures of a concussion perceptions inventory that was adapted for youth athletes (ages 8–14 years) and their parents from the Perceptions of Concussion Inventory for Athletes. The second objective was to understand the associations between the concussion perceptions of youth athlete–parent dyads.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, 329 parent–youth athlete dyads completed a respective concussion perception inventory. Mean age of youth respondents was 10.9 ± 1.8 years (70.1% male) and mean age of parent respondents was 40.5 ± 13.6 years (60.9% female).

Results

Exploratory factor analyses revealed unique 7-factor structures for both the youth athlete and parent inventories (youth athlete: anxiety, clarity, treatment, permanent injury, symptom variability, long-term outcomes, and personal control; parent: anxiety, clarity, treatment, permanent injury, symptom variability, and long-term outcomes, and affect others). Weak associations were found between dyads on the 5 factors that were composed of identical items (anxiety, clarity, treatment, permanent injury, and symptom variability).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that this adapted inventory has adequate psychometric properties to be used in the study of the concussion perceptions of youth athletes and their parents. Weak correlations across the concussion perceptions in the dyads suggest that parents and children hold different concussion perceptions and this should be considered in instrument selection of future studies.