bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting Clinical Capacity and Intervention Sustainability in Resource-Variable Pediatric Oncology Centers in Latin America
Authors: McKay Virginia , Chen Yichen , Prewitt Kim , Malone Sara , Puerto-Torres Maria , Acuña-Aguirre Carlos , Alfonso-Carreras Yvania , Alvarez-Arellano Shilel Y. , Andrade-Sarmiento Leticia A. , Arce-Cabrera Daniela , Argüello-Vargas Deiby , Barragán-García Mariuxy D. C. , Batista-Del-Cid Rosario , Blasco-Arriaga Erika E. , Cach-Castaneda Maria D. C. , Ceballo-Batista Gloria I. , Chávez-Rios Mayra , Costa Maria E. , Cuencio-Rodriguez Maria E. , Diaz-Coronado Rosdali , Fing-Soto Ever A. , García-Sarmiento Teresa D. J. , Gómez-García Wendy C. , Hernández-González Cinthia J. , Jimenez-Antolinez Yajaira V. , Juarez-Tobias Maria S. , León-López Esmeralda M. , Lopez-Facundo Norma A. , Martínez Soria Ruth A. , Miralda-Méndez Scheybi T. , Montalvo Erika , Pérez-Alvarado Carlos M. , Perez-Fermin Clara K. , Quijano-Lievano Monica L. , Salas-Mendoza Beatriz , Sanchez-Fuentes Edwin E. , Serrano-Landivar Marcia X. , Soto-Chavez Veronica , Tejocote-Romero Isidoro , Valle Sergio , Vasquez-Roman Elizabeth A. , Costa Juliana Texeira , Cardenas-Aguirre Adolfo , Devidas Meenakshi , Luke Douglas A. , Agulnik Asya
Published: November 2023

Clinical capacity for sustainability, or the clinical resources needed to sustain an evidence-based practice, represent proximal determinants that contribute to intervention sustainment. We examine the relationship between clinical capacity for sustainability and sustainment of PEWS, an evidence-based intervention to improve outcomes for pediatric oncology patients in resource-variable hospitals. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among Latin American pediatric oncology centers participating in Proyecto Escala de Valoración de Alerta Temprana (EVAT), an improvement collaborative to implement Pediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWS). Hospitals were eligible if they had completed PEWS implementation. Clinicians were eligible to participate if they were involved in PEWS implementation or used PEWS in clinical work. The Spanish-language survey consisted of 56 close and open-ended questions about the respondent, hospital, participants’ assessment of clinical capacity to sustain PEWS using the clinical sustainability assessment tool (CSAT), and perceptions about PEWS and its use as an intervention. Results were analyzed using a multi-level modeling approach to examine the relationship between individual, hospital, intervention, and clinical capacity determinants to PEWS sustainment. A total of 797 responses from 37 centers in 13 countries were included in the analysis. Eighty-seven percent of participants reported PEWS sustainment. After controlling for individual, hospital, and intervention factors, clinical capacity was significantly associated with PEWS sustainment (OR 3.27, p < .01). Marginal effects from the final model indicate that an increasing capacity score has a positive influence (11% for every additional CSAT point) of predicting PEWS sustainment. PEWS is a sustainable intervention and clinical capacity to sustain PEWS contributes meaningfully to PEWS sustainment.
Pandemic insights: what COVID-19 has revealed about traditional rounding structure
Authors: Czapka Michael , Lehmann Christopher
Published: November 2023

Due to social distancing policies and concerns over patient and provider safety, early in the COVID-19 pandemic many healthcare institutions temporarily converted to various, non-traditional rounding models. The abrupt and unprecedented change in workflow has enabled re-assessment of the reasons for the traditional rounding structures in medical education and comparison to newer strategies for rounding which have developed out of necessity during the pandemic. In this Perspectives article, we examine the positive and negative aspects of rounding models borne out of the pandemic and suggest aspects which may be carried forward, as well as future directions for research.
Modeling online customer purchase intention behavior applying different feature engineering and classification techniques
Authors: Satu Md. Shahriare , Islam Syed Faridul
Published: November 2023

In the evolution of digital technology, e-commerce sectors are gradually changing to realize customers’ demands and supply required things with low cost and due time. Recently, various machine learning techniques have been used to investigate different activities of customers and estimate different characteristics and requirements of customers. The goal of this work is to propose a machine-learning model that employs multiple data analytics and machine learning techniques to manipulate customer records and predict their buying intention more precisely. In this study, we collected an online shoppers’ purchasing intention dataset from a public data repository. Different feature transformation methods were employed in the primary dataset and generated its transformed datasets. Besides, we balanced the transformed datasets and detected outliers from them. Then, we applied different feature selection methods into primary and transformed-balanced datasets and again generated several feature subsets. Finally, various state-of-the-art classifiers were employed in primary, transformed, and all of their generated subsets. Then, different outcomes of the proposed model were analyzed and Random Forest was found as the stable classifier that produces more feasible results for any online shoppers’ buying instances. In this work, this classifier provided the best accuracy of 92.39% and f-score of 0.924 for the Z-Score and Gain Ratio transformed subset. In addition, it gave the highest AUROC of 0.975 for the Square Root and Information Gain subset. We also found Z-Score transformation and Information Gain more reliable methods to convert online shoppers’ customer intention dataset and get more feasible results from different classifiers.
Lexical Normalization Using Generative Transformer Model (LN-GTM)
Authors: Ashmawy Mohamed , Fakhr Mohamed Waleed , Maghraby Fahima A.
Published: November 2023

Lexical Normalization (LN) aims to normalize a nonstandard text to a standard text. This problem is of extreme importance in natural language processing (NLP) when applying existing trained models to user-generated text on social media. Users of social media tend to use non-standard language. They heavily use abbreviations, phonetic substitutions, and colloquial language. Nevertheless, most existing NLP-based systems are often designed with the standard language in mind. However, they suffer from significant performance drops due to the many out-of-vocabulary words found in social media text. In this paper, we present a new (LN) technique by utilizing a transformer-based sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) to build a multilingual characters-to-words machine translation model. Unlike the majority of current methods, the proposed model is capable of recognizing and generating previously unseen words. Also, it greatly reduces the difficulties involved in tokenizing and preprocessing the nonstandard text input and the standard text output. The proposed model outperforms the winning entry to the Multilingual Lexical Normalization (MultiLexNorm) shared task at W-NUT 2021 on both intrinsic and extrinsic evaluations.
Assessment of vulnerability to waterlogging in subway stations using integrated EWM-TOPSIS
Authors: Xiang He-Ting , Lyu Hai-Min
Published: November 2023

Waterlogging in subway stations has a devastating impact on normal operation of important urban facilities and can cause harm to passengers and property. It is difficult to assess the vulnerability of metro stations to waterlogging because many complex factors are involved. This study proposes a hybrid model to assess the vulnerability of subway stations to waterlogging by integrating the entropy weight method (EWM) with a technique for order preference based on similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) (the EWM-TOPSIS method). The model is based on analysis of factors influencing the vulnerability of subway stations to waterlogging. The proposed method was applied to a field case (Jinshahu station in Hangzhou, found to be vulnerable to waterlogging at level IV). The results from EWM-TOPSIS, EWM, and TOPSIS were compared. The results using the EWM-TOPSIS method were more accurate and reliable than those using EWM and TOPSIS. However, the reliability of EWM-TOPSIS was determined based on historical data, which cannot capture rapidly changing factors. Based on the assessment results, recommendations were made to promote the overall health and development of urban areas to satisfy the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11).
Preoperative tamsulosin effect on postoperative urinary retention following spinal surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Haddadi Kaveh , Ahmadi Mohammad , Kerigh Behzad Feizzadeh , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Godazandeh Farnaz , Shafizad Misagh , Kargar-Soleimanabad Saeed , Gharanjik Basir , Ehteshami Saeed
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background

Current study aims to investigate pre-surgical medical intervention on the reduction of POUR incidence in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Method

The study was a single center double-blind randomized placebo clinical trial. Participants were individuals over 18 years old who underwent spinal surgery at the Educational and Therapeutic Hospital between 2020 and 2023. Inclusion criteria included the ability to provide informed consent and follow the study schedule, while exclusion criteria included certain medical conditions, current medication use, and inability to take oral medication after surgery.

Results

The study enrolled 100 patients. There was no significant difference in age or gender distribution between the tamsulosin and placebo groups, but the tamsulosin group had a lower prevalence of diabetes. The duration of surgery was shorter in the tamsulosin group, and there was no significant difference in the surgical site. The tamsulosin group had significantly less post-void residual volume on the eighth day of the study, but there were no significant differences in urine output volume during surgery or residual urine volume before or after surgery.

Conclusion

Tamsulosin may be effective in preventing postoperative urinary retention (POUR), but its effectiveness in treating established POUR is uncertain. The Tamsulosin group had significantly lower post-void residual volume after spine surgery. Considering the low risk of adverse effects, Tamsulosin could be considered for high-risk patients. However, patients should be aware of potential risks and seek medical attention if they experience adverse effects. Further research is needed to determine the best dosage and duration of treatment.

Highlights
Heinrich von Kleist
Authors: Mehigan Tim
Published: November 2023

In this book, Kleist is viewed anew as a major contributor to the tradition of post-Kantian thought.
Constructing Birkhoff sections for pseudo-Anosov flows with controlled complexity
Authors: TSANG CHI CHEUK
Published: November 2023

We introduce a new method of constructing Birkhoff sections for pseudo-Anosov flows, which uses the connection between pseudo-Anosov flows and veering triangulations. This method allows for explicit constructions, as well as control over the Birkhoff section in terms of its Euler characteristic and the complexity of the boundary orbits. In particular, we show that any transitive pseudo-Anosov flow has a Birkhoff section with two boundary components.
A global ecological signal of extinction risk in marine ray-finned fishes (class Actinopterygii)
Authors: Bak Trevor M. , Camp Richard J. , Heim Noel A. , McCauley Douglas J. , Payne Jonathan L. , Knope Matthew L.
Published: November 2023

Many marine fish species are experiencing population declines, but their extinction risk profiles are largely understudied in comparison to their terrestrial vertebrate counterparts. Selective extinction of marine fish species may result in rapid alteration of the structure and function of ocean ecosystems. In this study, we compiled an ecological trait dataset for 8,185 species of marine ray-finned fishes (class Actinopterygii) from FishBase and used phylogenetic generalized linear models to examine which ecological traits are associated with increased extinction risk, based on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. We also assessed which threat types may be driving these species toward greater extinction risk and whether threatened species face a greater average number of threat types than non-threatened species. We found that larger body size and/or fishes with life histories involving movement between marine, brackish, and freshwater environments are associated with elevated extinction risk. Commercial harvesting threatens the greatest number of species, followed by pollution, development, and then climate change. We also found that threatened species, on average, face a significantly greater number of threat types than non-threatened species. These results can be used by resource managers to help address the heightened extinction risk patterns we found.
Dispersion effects in porous medium gravity currents experiencing local drainage
Authors: Sheikhi S. , Sahu C.K. , Flynn M.R.
Published: November 2023

We develop a theoretical model to study (dense) two-dimensional gravity current flow in a laterally extensive porous medium experiencing leakage through a discrete fissure situated along this boundary at some finite distance from the injection point. Our model, which derives from the depth-averaged mass and buoyancy equations in conjunction with Darcy's law, considers dispersive mixing between the gravity current and the surrounding ambient by allowing two different gravity current phases. Thus do we define a bulk phase consisting of fluid whose density is close to that of the source fluid and a dispersed phase consisting of fluid whose density is close to that of the ambient. We characterize the degree of dispersion by estimating, as a function of time, the buoyancy of the dispersed phase and the separation distance between the bulk nose and the dispersed nose. On this basis, it can be shown that the amount of dispersion depends on the flow conditions upstream of the fissure, the fissure permeability and the vertical and horizontal extents of the fissure. We also show that dispersion is larger when the gravity current propagates along an inclined barrier rather than along a horizontal barrier. Model predictions are fitted against numerical simulations. The simulations in question are performed using COMSOL and consider different inclination angles and fissure and upstream flow conditions. Our study is motivated by processes related to underground

$\mathrm {H}_2$

storage e.g. an irrecoverable loss of

$\mathrm {H}_2$

when it is injected into the cushion gas saturating an otherwise depleted natural gas reservoir.
Turbulent boundary layer flow over a three-dimensional sinusoidal surface
Authors: Chan C.I. , Chin R.C.
Published: November 2023

The sinusoidal roughness effect is investigated using a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a spatially developing turbulent boundary layer (TBL) over three-dimensional sinusoidal roughness. The validity of Townsend's outer-layer similarity hypothesis is assessed based on comparisons of mean and second-order flow statistics, with a DNS of smooth-wall TBL data set at a similar Reynolds number. The total, Reynolds and dispersive stress tensors are calculated using the double-averaging procedure. The mean and second-order statistical similarities in the outer layer between rough-wall and smooth-wall TBLs are generally observed. The transport between total, turbulent and dispersive kinetic energy is investigated utilising triple-decomposed kinetic energy transports equations. The transport behaviour of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is significantly affected by the local mean shear induced by the surface roughness. However, the TKE transport shows good collapse with the smooth-wall case in the outer region of the flow. On the other hand, the transport of dispersive kinetic energy, including local production, redistribution and dissipation, are confined within the roughness sublayer. The intercomponent transfer between TKE and dispersive kinetic energy is quantified from the triple-decomposed kinetic energy transport equations. The intercomponent energy transfer is associated with the local spatial gradients of the turbulent momentum fluxes generated near the roughness canopy.
Involuntary memory signals in the medial temporal lobe
Authors: Yang Haopei , Martin Chris B. , Köhler Stefan
Published: November 2023

We highlight recent progress in neuroimaging and neuropsychological research on memory mechanisms in the medial temporal lobe that speaks to the involuntary nature of memory retrieval processes. We suggest that evidence form these studies supports Barzykowski and Moulin's proposal that memory signals involved in experiences of familiarity and déjà vu can be generated in the absence of retrieval intentionality.
Cueing involuntary memory
Authors: Robins Sarah , Afifi Maziyar
Published: November 2023

We raise two points about cues, which complicate Barzykowski and Moulin's attempt at a unified model of memory retrieval. First, cues operate differently in voluntary and involuntary contexts. Second, voluntary and involuntary memory can be interconnected, as in cases of chaining.
Sediment Compaction in Experimental Deltas: Toward a Meso‐Scale Understanding of Coastal Subsidence Patterns
Authors: Zapp Samuel M. , Sanks Kelly M. , Silvestre Jose , Shaw John B. , Dutt Ripul , Straub Kyle M.
Published: November 2023

We present the first investigation of subsidence due to sediment compaction and consolidation in two laboratory‐scale river delta experiments. Spatial and temporal trends in subsidence rates in the experimental setting may elucidate behavior which cannot be directly observed at sufficiently long timescales, except for in reduced scale models such as the ones studied. We compare subsidence between a control experiment using steady boundary conditions, and an otherwise identical experiment which has been treated with a proxy for highly compressible marsh deposits. Both experiments have non‐negligible compactional subsidence rates across the delta‐top, comparable in magnitude to our boundary condition relative sea level rise rate of 250 μm/hr. Subsidence in the control experiment (on average 54 μm/hr) is concentrated in the lowest elevation (<10 mm above sea level) areas near the coast and is likely related to creep induced by a rising water table near the shoreface. The treatment experiment exhibits larger (on average 126 μm/hr) and more spatially variable subsidence rates controlled mostly by compaction of recent marsh deposits within one channel depth (∼10 mm) of the sediment surface. These rates compare favorably with field and modeling based subsidence measurements both in relative magnitude and location. We find that subsidence “hot spots” may be relatively ephemeral on longer timescales, but average subsidence across the entire delta can be variable even at our shortest measurement window. This suggests that subsidence rates over a short time frame may exceed thresholds for marsh platform drowning, even if the long term trend does not.
The long noncoding RNA nHOTAIRM1 is necessary for differentiation and activity of iPSC-derived spinal motor neurons
Authors: Tollis Paolo , Vitiello Erika , Migliaccio Francesco , D’Ambra Eleonora , Rocchegiani Anna , Garone Maria Giovanna , Bozzoni Irene , Rosa Alessandro , Carissimo Annamaria , Laneve Pietro , Caffarelli Elisa
Published: November 2023

The mammalian nervous system is made up of an extraordinary array of diverse cells that form intricate functional connections. The programs underlying cell lineage specification, identity and function of the neuronal subtypes are managed by regulatory proteins and RNAs, which coordinate the succession of steps in a stereotyped temporal order. In the central nervous system (CNS), motor neurons (MNs) are responsible for controlling essential functions such as movement, breathing, and swallowing by integrating signal transmission from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord (SC) towards peripheral muscles. A prime role in guiding the progression of progenitor cells towards the MN fate has been largely attributed to protein factors. More recently, the relevance of a class of regulatory RNAs abundantly expressed in the CNS - the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) - has emerged overwhelmingly. LncRNA-driven gene expression control is key to regulating any step of MN differentiation and function, and its derangement profoundly impacts neuronal pathophysiology. Here, we uncover a novel function for the neuronal isoform of HOTAIRM1 (nHOTAIRM1), a lncRNA specifically expressed in the SC. Using a model system that recapitulates spinal MN (spMN) differentiation, we show that nHOTAIRM1 intervenes in the binary cell fate decision between MNs and interneurons, acting as a pro-MN factor. Furthermore, human iPSC-derived spMNs without nHOTAIRM1 display altered neurite outgrowth, with a significant reduction of both branch and junction numbers. Finally, the expression of genes essential for synaptic connectivity and neurotransmission is also profoundly impaired when nHOTAIRM1 is absent in spMNs. Mechanistically, nHOTAIRM1 establishes both direct and indirect interactions with a number of target genes in the cytoplasm, being a novel post-transcriptional regulator of MN biology. Overall, our results indicate that the lncRNA nHOTAIRM1 is essential for the specification of MN identity and the acquisition of proper morphology and synaptic activity of post-mitotic MNs.
Mechanistic insights into glycoside 3-oxidases involved in C-glycoside metabolism in soil microorganisms
Authors: Taborda André , Frazão Tomás , Rodrigues Miguel V. , Fernández-Luengo Xavier , Sancho Ferran , Lucas Maria Fátima , Frazão Carlos , Melo Eduardo P. , Ventura M. Rita , Masgrau Laura , Borges Patrícia T. , Martins Lígia O.
Published: November 2023

C-glycosides are natural products with important biological activities but are recalcitrant to degradation. Glycoside 3-oxidases (G3Oxs) are recently identified bacterial flavo-oxidases from the glucose-methanol-coline (GMC) superfamily that catalyze the oxidation of C-glycosides with the concomitant reduction of O2 to H2O2. This oxidation is followed by C-C acid/base-assisted bond cleavage in two-step C-deglycosylation pathways. Soil and gut microorganisms have different oxidative enzymes, but the details of their catalytic mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that PsG3Ox oxidizes at 50,000-fold higher specificity (kcat/Km) the glucose moiety of mangiferin to 3-keto-mangiferin than free D-glucose to 2-keto-glucose. Analysis of PsG3Ox X-ray crystal structures and PsG3Ox in complex with glucose and mangiferin, combined with mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulations, reveal distinctive features in the topology surrounding the active site that favor catalytically competent conformational states suitable for recognition, stabilization, and oxidation of the glucose moiety of mangiferin. Furthermore, their distinction to pyranose 2-oxidases (P2Oxs) involved in wood decay and recycling is discussed from an evolutionary, structural, and functional viewpoint.
The GET insertase exhibits conformational plasticity and induces membrane thinning
Authors: McDowell Melanie A. , Heimes Michael , Enkavi Giray , Farkas Ákos , Saar Daniel , Wild Klemens , Schwappach Blanche , Vattulainen Ilpo , Sinning Irmgard
Published: November 2023

The eukaryotic guided entry of tail-anchored proteins (GET) pathway mediates the biogenesis of tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum. In the cytosol, the Get3 chaperone captures the TA protein substrate and delivers it to the Get1/Get2 membrane protein complex (GET insertase), which then inserts the substrate via a membrane-embedded hydrophilic groove. Here, we present structures, atomistic simulations and functional data of human and Chaetomium thermophilum Get1/Get2/Get3. The core fold of the GET insertase is conserved throughout eukaryotes, whilst thinning of the lipid bilayer occurs in the vicinity of the hydrophilic groove to presumably lower the energetic barrier of membrane insertion. We show that the gating interaction between Get2 helix α3’ and Get3 drives conformational changes in both Get3 and the Get1/Get2 membrane heterotetramer. Thus, we provide a framework to understand the conformational plasticity of the GET insertase and how it remodels its membrane environment to promote substrate insertion.
TLR7 promotes smoke-induced experimental lung damage through the activity of mast cell tryptase
Authors: Liu Gang , Haw Tatt Jhong , Starkey Malcolm R. , Philp Ashleigh M. , Pavlidis Stelios , Nalkurthi Christina , Nair Prema M. , Gomez Henry M. , Hanish Irwan , Hsu Alan CY. , Hortle Elinor , Pickles Sophie , Rojas-Quintero Joselyn , Estepar Raul San Jose , Marshall Jacqueline E. , Kim Richard Y. , Collison Adam M. , Mattes Joerg , Idrees Sobia , Faiz Alen , Hansbro Nicole G. , Fukui Ryutaro , Murakami Yusuke , Cheng Hong Sheng , Tan Nguan Soon , Chotirmall Sanjay H. , Horvat Jay C. , Foster Paul S. , Oliver Brian GG. , Polverino Francesca , Ieni Antonio , Monaco Francesco , Caramori Gaetano , Sohal Sukhwinder S. , Bracke Ken R. , Wark Peter A. , Adcock Ian M. , Miyake Kensuke , Sin Don D. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: November 2023

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is known for eliciting immunity against single-stranded RNA viruses, and is increased in both human and cigarette smoke (CS)-induced, experimental chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here we show that the severity of CS-induced emphysema and COPD is reduced in TLR7-deficient mice, while inhalation of imiquimod, a TLR7-agonist, induces emphysema without CS exposure. This imiquimod-induced emphysema is reduced in mice deficient in mast cell protease-6, or when wild-type mice are treated with the mast cell stabilizer, cromolyn. Furthermore, therapeutic treatment with anti-TLR7 monoclonal antibody suppresses CS-induced emphysema, experimental COPD and accumulation of pulmonary mast cells in mice. Lastly,TLR7mRNA is increased in pre-existing datasets from patients with COPD, while TLR7+mast cells are increased in COPD lungs and associated with severity of COPD. Our results thus support roles for TLR7 in mediating emphysema and COPD through mast cell activity, and may implicate TLR7 as a potential therapeutic target.
Microscopic theory of colour in lutetium hydride
Authors: Kim Sun-Woo , Conway Lewis J. , Pickard Chris J. , Pascut G. Lucian , Monserrat Bartomeu
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen-doped lutetium hydride has recently been proposed as a near-ambient-conditions superconductor. Interestingly, the sample transforms from blue to pink to red as a function of pressure, but only the pink phase is claimed to be superconducting. Subsequent experimental studies have failed to reproduce the superconductivity, but have observed pressure-driven colour changes including blue, pink, red, violet, and orange. However, discrepancies exist among these experiments regarding the sequence and pressure at which these colour changes occur. Given the claimed relationship between colour and superconductivity, understanding colour changes in nitrogen-doped lutetium hydride may hold the key to clarifying the possible superconductivity in this compound. Here, we present a full microscopic theory of colour in lutetium hydride, revealing that hydrogen-deficient LuH2is the only phase which exhibits colour changes under pressure consistent with experimental reports, with a sequence blue-violet-pink-red-orange. The concentration of hydrogen vacancies controls the precise sequence and pressure of colour changes, rationalising seemingly contradictory experiments. Nitrogen doping also modifies the colour of LuH2but it plays a secondary role compared to hydrogen vacancies. Therefore, we propose hydrogen-deficient LuH2as the key phase for exploring the superconductivity claim in the lutetium-hydrogen system. Finally, we find no phonon-mediated superconductivity near room temperature in the pink phase.
Imaging cellular forces with photonic crystals
Authors: Li Qiwei , Chen Zaozao , Zhang Ying , Ding Shuang , Ding Haibo , Wang Luping , Xie Zhuoying , Fu Yifu , Wei Mengxiao , Liu Shengnan , Chen Jialun , Wang Xuan , Gu Zhongze
Published: November 2023

Current techniques for visualizing and quantifying cellular forces have limitations in live cell imaging, throughput, and multi-scale analysis, which impede progress in cell force research and its practical applications. We developed a photonic crystal cellular force microscopy (PCCFM) to image vertical cell forces over a wide field of view (1.3 mm ⨯ 1.0 mm, a 10 ⨯ objective image) at high speed (about 20 frames per second) without references. The photonic crystal hydrogel substrate (PCS) converts micro-nano deformations into perceivable color changes, enabling in situ visualization and quantification of tiny vertical cell forces with high throughput. It enabled long-term, cross-scale monitoring from subcellular focal adhesions to tissue-level cell sheets and aggregates.
Dietary L-Tryptophan consumption determines the number of colonic regulatory T cells and susceptibility to colitis via GPR15
Authors: Van Nguyen T. , Zhang Karen , Wigmore Rachel M. , Kennedy Anne I. , DaSilva Carolina R. , Huang Jialing , Ambelil Manju , Villagomez Jose H. , O’Connor Gerald J. , Longman Randy S. , Cao Miao , Snook Adam E. , Platten Michael , Kasenty Gerard , Sigal Luis J. , Prendergast George C. , Kim Sangwon V.
Published: November 2023

Environmental factors are the major contributor to the onset of immunological disorders such as ulcerative colitis. However, their identities remain unclear. Here, we discover that the amount of consumed L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), a ubiquitous dietary component, determines the transcription level of the colonic T cell homing receptor, GPR15, hence affecting the number of colonic FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and local immune homeostasis. Ingested L-Trp is converted by host IDO1/2 enzymes, but not by gut microbiota, to compounds that induce GPR15 transcription preferentially in Treg cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Consequently, two weeks of dietary L-Trp supplementation nearly double the colonic GPR15+ Treg cells via GPR15-mediated homing and substantially reduce the future risk of colitis. In addition, humans consume 3–4 times less L-Trp per kilogram of body weight and have fewer colonic GPR15+ Treg cells than mice. Thus, we uncover a microbiota-independent mechanism linking dietary L-Trp and colonic Treg cells, that may have therapeutic potential.
Epidermal growth factor receptor activation is essential for kidney fibrosis development
Authors: Cao Shirong , Pan Yu , Terker Andrew S. , Arroyo Ornelas Juan Pablo , Wang Yinqiu , Tang Jiaqi , Niu Aolei , Kar Sarah Abu , Jiang Mengdi , Luo Wentian , Dong Xinyu , Fan Xiaofeng , Wang Suwan , Wilson Matthew H. , Fogo Agnes , Zhang Ming-Zhi , Harris Raymond C.
Published: November 2023

Fibrosis is the progressive accumulation of excess extracellular matrix and can cause organ failure. Fibrosis can affect nearly every organ including kidney and there is no specific treatment currently. Although Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway has been implicated in development of kidney fibrosis, underlying mechanisms by which EGFR itself mediates kidney fibrosis have not been elucidated. We find that EGFR expression increases in interstitial myofibroblasts in human and mouse fibrotic kidneys. Selective EGFR deletion in the fibroblast/pericyte population inhibits interstitial fibrosis in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction, ischemia or nephrotoxins. In vivo and in vitro studies and single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis demonstrate that EGFR activation does not induce myofibroblast transformation but is necessary for the initial pericyte/fibroblast migration and proliferation prior to subsequent myofibroblast transformation by TGF-ß or other profibrotic factors. These findings may also provide insight into development of fibrosis in other organs and in other conditions.
The evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of google searches
Authors: Marty Robert , Ramos-Maqueda Manuel , Khan Nausheen , Reichert Arndt
Published: November 2023

Real-time data is essential for policymakers to adapt to a rapidly evolving situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from 221 countries and territories, we demonstrate the capacity of Google search data to anticipate reported COVID-19 cases and understand how containment policies are associated with changes in socioeconomic indicators. First, search interest in COVID-specific symptoms such as “loss of smell” strongly correlated with cases initially, but the association diminished as COVID-19 evolved; general terms such as “COVID symptoms” remained strongly associated with cases. Moreover, trends in search interest preceded trends in reported cases, particularly in the first year of the pandemic. Second, countries with more restrictive containment policies experienced greater search interest in unemployment and mental health terms after policies were implemented, indicating socio-economic externalities. Higher-income countries experienced a larger increase in searches related to unemployment and a larger reduction in relationship and family planning keywords relative to lower-income countries. The results demonstrate that real-time search interest can be a valuable tool to inform policies across multiple stages of the pandemic.
Asbestos-related cancer in naval personnel: findings from participants in the British nuclear tests 1952–1967
Authors: Gun Richard T. , Kendall Gerry M.
Published: November 2023

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were present in British and Australian naval vessels throughout the twentieth century. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the incidence of cancer in naval personnel from onboard asbestos exposure. Subjects were four cohorts of subjects who had served in the armed forces of the United Kingdom and Australia in the 1950s and 1960s. All cohorts had previously been studied, three of them in relation to radiation exposures from British nuclear testing. Comparisons of SIRs between services were made to identify cancers attributable to asbestos exposure. Excess mesotheliomas were found in naval personnel in all cohorts. In all but one cohort the lung cancer incidence was highest in navy personnel. Comparison of other smoking-related conditions indicated that the excess in navy personnel was not smoking-related. The relatively high SIRs for mesothelioma and the occurrence of deaths from asbestosis were indicative of high levels of asbestos exposure, with an expectation of cases of asbestos-related lung cancer. The findings are consistent with the occurrence of significant excesses of mesotheliomas. In addition, notwithstanding some inconsistencies in the results between the cohorts, we estimated that approximately 27% of lung cancers in Australian seamen and 12% in British seamen were related to onboard asbestos exposure.
Efficient estimation of population variance of a sensitive variable using a new scrambling response model
Authors: Saleem Iram , Sanaullah Aamir , Al-Essa Laila A. , Bashir Shakila , Al Mutairi Aned
Published: November 2023

This study introduces a pioneering scrambling response model tailored for handling sensitive variables. Subsequently, a generalized estimator for variance estimation, relying on two auxiliary information sources, is developed following this novel model. Analytical expressions for bias, mean square error, and minimum mean square error are meticulously derived up to the first order of approximation, shedding light on the estimator’s statistical performance. Comprehensive simulation experiments and empirical analysis unveil compelling results. The proposed generalized estimator, operating under both scrambling response models, consistently exhibits minimal mean square error, surpassing existing estimation techniques. Furthermore, this study evaluates the level of privacy protection afforded to respondents using this model, employing a robust framework of simulations and empirical studies.
Genome-wide transcriptional profiling and physiological investigation elucidating the molecular mechanism of multiple abiotic stress response in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Pal Poonam , Masand Mamta , Sharma Shikha , Seth Romit , Singh Gopal , Singh Sanatsujat , Kumar Ashok , Sharma Ram Kumar
Published: November 2023

Considering the major source of plant-derived low/non-calorie steviol glycosides (SGs), comprehensive physiological, biochemical, and deep transcriptional investigations were conducted to explicit deeper insight into multiple abiotic stress responses in Stevia rebaudiana. The physiological indicators including photosynthesis, chlorophyll, relative water content, shoot growth, electrolyte leakage, and SG biosynthesis were negatively impacted under drought (DS), followed by salinity (SS) and waterlogging (WS). Global transcriptional analysis revealed significant upregulated expression of the genes encoding for ROS detoxification (GST, SOD, APX, glutathione peroxidase), osmotic adjustment (alpha-trehalose-phosphate and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase), ion transporters (CAX, NHX, CNGS, VPPase, VATPase), water channel (PIP1, TIP) and abiotic stress-responsive candidate genes (LEA, HSPs, and Dehydrins) regulating abiotic stress response in S. rebaudiana. These inferences were complemented with predicted interactome network that revealed regulation of energy metabolism by key stress-responsive genes (GST, HKT1, MAPKs, P5CSs, PIP), transcription factors (HSFA2, DREB1A, DREB2A), and abiotic stress responsive pathways (ABA, ethylene, ion stress). This is the first detailed study to comprehend the molecular regulation of stress response and their interplay under DS, SS, and WS. The key genes and regulators can be functionally validated, and will facilitate targeted gene editing for genetic improvement of crop sustainability under changing environmental conditions in S. rebaudiana.
NDVI as a potential tool for forecasting changes in geographical range of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.)
Authors: Konatowska Monika , Młynarczyk Adam , Kowalewski Wojciech , Rutkowski Paweł
Published: November 2023

Determining the natural range of Acer pseudoplatanus and the future directions of its spread is not clear. Modern technological achievements, including tools related to remote sensing, provide new opportunities to assess the degree of spread and adaptation of species to a changing climate. The aim of the work was to demonstrate the possibility of using NDVI to assess the habitat conditions of sycamore in Poland and the possibility of its natural expansion. The data analysis was divided into 2 parts. The first covered the characteristics of all sycamore stands occurring in Poland. In the second part, the analysis of sycamore stands using NDVI was made. The results of the study show that the highest average NDVI values are found in sycamore stands in the northern part of Poland, which has so far been considered less favorable for sycamore. This may suggest the potential for an increase in the share of sycamore towards the north. The results also confirm the forecasts given in the literature regarding the spread of sycamore towards Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The results also point to Denmark and the western part of the British Isles as potentially favorable habitats for sycamore.
Modelling of transverse vibration of conveyor belt in aspect of the trough angle
Authors: Bortnowski Piotr , Król Robert , Ozdoba Maksymilian
Published: November 2023

The transverse vibration of conveyor belts is a crucial aspect in their proper and safe design, as the correct determination of vibration frequencies is essential to avoid unsafe operating conditions and premature wear of components. This study presents the Moving Compressed Beam (MCB) transverse vibration model, that is based on the interpretation of a conveyor belt as a beam known from the literature. This approach allows you to include in the model the transverse flexural rigidity of a troughed belt-a parameter that is closely related to the belt geometry. While not commonly used in engineering practice, the MSB model was compared with other models during the laboratory tests based on changing of trough geometry. This study emphasizes the significance of considering the transverse flexural rigidity of conveyor belts during the design process, and the MCB model which offers a promising approach in aspect of vibration control.
Diagnostic value of three-dimensional neuroretinal rim thickness for differentiation of superior segmental optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Choe Sooyeon , Jang Mirinae , Kim Young Kook , Park Ki Ho , Jeoung Jin Wook
Published: November 2023

Little is known about the diagnostic utility of three-dimensional neuroretinal rim thickness (3D-NRRT) for differentiating patients with superior segmental optic nerve hypoplasia (SSOH) from normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Since SSOH is defined by characteristic optic nerve head features, investigation of diagnostic usefulness of 3D-NRRT is necessary. In this cross-sectional study, 49 SSOH eyes, 52 NTG eyes, and 41 normal eyes were enrolled. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and 3D-NRRT values, as obtained in the right-eye orientation by optical coherence tomography (OCT), were recorded. On RNFLT clock-hour comparison, the 11–3 clock-hour sectors were significantly thinner for SSOH than for NTG (all P < 0.01). As for 3D-NRRT, whereas the 1 and 2 sectors were significantly thinner for SSOH (P < 0.001, P = 0.004), the 6–11 sectors were significantly thinner for NTG (all P < 0.01). The area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of the superior and nasal quadrants of RNFLT (0.838, 0.729) were significantly greater than those of 3D-NRRT (0.518, 0.588; P < 0.001, P = 0.043). However, the AUROCs of the inferior and temporal quadrants were significantly greater for 3D-NRRT (0.728, 0.760) than for RNFLT (0.527, 0.550; P = 0.008, P = 0.019). The appropriate use of 3D-NRRT can be useful in differentiating SSOH from NTG.
Eliciting transcriptomic and antioxidant defensive responses against Rhizoctonia root rot of sorghum using the endophyte Aspergillus oryzae YRA3
Authors: Rashad Younes M. , Al Tami Mona S. , Abdalla Sara A.
Published: November 2023

Environmental pollution due to the improper use of the chemical fungicides represents a vital ecological problem, which affects human and animal health, as well as the microbial biodiversity and abundance in the soil. In this study, an endophytic fungus Aspergillus oryzae YRA3, isolated from the wild plant Atractylis carduus (Forssk.) C.Chr, was tested for its biocontrol activity against Rhizoctonia root rot of sorghum. The antagonistic potential of A. oryzae YRA3 was tested against Rhizoctonia solani in vitro. A full inhibition in the growth of R. solani was recorded indicating a strong antagonistic potential for this endophyte. To investigate the chemical composition of its metabolites, GC/MS analysis was used and thirty-two compounds in its culture filtrate were identified. Among these metabolites, some compounds with an antifungal background were detected including palmitic acid, 2-heptanone, and 2,3-butanediol. To these antifungal metabolites the antagonistic activity of A. oryzae YRA3 can be attributed. In the greenhouse experiment, treating of the infected sorghum plants with A. oryzae YRA3 significantly reduced severity of the Rhizoctonia root rot by 73.4%. An upregulation of the defensive genes (JERF3), (POD) and (CHI II) was recorded in sorghum roots when were inoculated with A. oryzae YRA3. In addition, an increment in the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as the total phenolic content in the sorghum roots was also recorded. Furthermore, the results obtained from the greenhouse experiment revealed a growth-promoting effect for inoculating the sorghum plants with A. oryzae YRA3. It can be concluded that A. oryzae YRA3 can be a probable biological agent to control this disease in sorghum. However, its evaluation under field conditions is highly needed in the future studies.
Node embedding-based graph autoencoder outlier detection for adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Khan Wasif , Zaki Nazar , Ahmad Amir , Masud Mohammad M. , Govender Romana , Rojas-Perilla Natalia , Ali Luqman , Ghenimi Nadirah , Ahmed Luai A.
Published: November 2023

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB), can have serious consequences for both the mother and infant. Early prediction of such outcomes is important for their prevention. Previous studies using traditional machine learning (ML) models for predicting PTB and LBW have encountered two important limitations: extreme class imbalance in medical datasets and the inability to account for complex relational structures between entities. To address these limitations, we propose a node embedding-based graph outlier detection algorithm to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes. We developed a knowledge graph using a well-curated representative dataset of the Emirati population and two node embedding algorithms. The graph autoencoder (GAE) was trained by applying a combination of original risk factors and node embedding features. Samples that were difficult to reconstruct at the output of GAE were identified as outliers considered representing PTB and LBW samples. Our experiments using LBW, PTB, and very PTB datasets demonstrated that incorporating node embedding considerably improved performance, achieving a 12% higher AUC-ROC compared to traditional GAE. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of node embedding and graph outlier detection in improving the prediction performance of adverse pregnancy outcomes in well-curated population datasets.
Effects of lithium on locomotor activity and circadian rhythm of honey bees
Authors: Erdem Babur , Arslan Okan Can , Sevin Sedat , Gozen Ayse Gul , Agosto-Rivera Jose L. , Giray Tugrul , Alemdar Hande
Published: November 2023

Lithium has been considered a potential acaricidal agent against the honey bee (Apis mellifera) parasite Varroa. It is known that lithium suppresses elevated activity and regulates circadian rhythms and light response when administered to humans as a primary therapeutic chemical for bipolar disorder and to other bipolar syndrome model organisms, given the crucial role of timing in the bee's foraging activity and the alternating sunlight vs dark colony environment bees are exposed, we explored the influence of lithium on locomotor activity (LMA) and circadian rhythm of honey bees. We conducted acute and chronic lithium administration experiments, altering light conditions and lithium doses to assess LMA and circadian rhythm changes. We fed bees one time 10 μl sucrose solution with 0, 50, 150, and 450 mM LiCl in the acute application experiment and 0, 1, 5, and 10 mmol/kg LiCl ad libitum in bee candy in the chronic application experiment. Both acute and chronic lithium treatments significantly decreased the induced LMA under constant light. Chronic lithium treatment disrupted circadian rhythmicity in constant darkness. The circadian period was lengthened by lithium treatment under constant light. We discuss the results in the context of Varroa control and lithium's effect on bipolar disorder.