bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Efficient Passivity-Based Sliding Mode Controller for Small-Scale Quadrotor UAV for Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Bouhabza Khedidja , Guiatni Mohamed , Bouzid Yasser , Hamerlain Mustapha
Published: June 2024

Quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as versatile platforms applicable to various fields such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and mapping. However, the limited energy capacity inherent in these vehicles poses a significant challenge. This limitation is a critical concern hindering their widespread adoption across diverse applications. Despite various proposed technological solutions addressing the energy consumption issue, the central challenge for the control community lies in developing controllers that ensure stability, robustness, and energy efficiency. In this paper, we present a passivity-based sliding mode controller (P-SMC) designed specifically for quadrotor UAVs. The suggested controller capitalizes on the robustness of the SMC and the energy efficiency of passivity-based control theory. Feedback passification is employed to create a sliding surface with passivity, ensuring stability. The inclusion of a noncontinuity term in the proposed P-SMC guarantees global asymptotic convergence to the sliding surface. To address the multi-faceted nature of the problem, a multi-objective optimization criterion is introduced. This criterion, which combines tracking error and control energy, is solved using the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. The optimization process aims to identify control parameters that strike a balance between tracking accuracy and energy efficiency. Additionally, a conventional sliding mode method is developed to respond to conditions of attempted reach and sliding. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation results considering piecewise constant external disturbances. The outcomes based on the proposed control strategy indicate a notable reduction in energy consumption (ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]), faster reaching times (5–8 times), higher accuracy approximately ([Formula: see text]), and reduced chattering compared to the conventional sliding mode technique.
HGEE: Learning for Trajectory Prediction with Heterogeneous Graph Interaction and External Embedding of Unmanned Swarm Systems in Adversarial Environment
Authors: Shang Peiqiao , Peng Zhihong , He Hui , Wang Wenjie , Pei Xiaoshuai
Published: June 2024

Trajectory prediction of unmanned swarm systems, serving as the foundation for behavioral and intentional cognition, has attracted extensive attention and made considerable progress in adversarial research. The influence of heterogeneous interaction relationships and external factors is crucial for trajectory prediction. Consequently, this paper proposes the Heterogeneous Graph with External Embedding (HGEE) network. We model the latent variables as multi-layer heterogeneous graphs based on prior knowledge of different interaction relationships and propose a method for calculating edge embeddings for heterogeneous graphs. Furthermore, we introduce a method that combines external environmental feature with historical observational trajectory data as the input for the decoder, enabling the model to learn the impacts of obstacles, targets, and desired formations on trajectories. We demonstrate that our approach surpasses state-of-the-art models in interaction inference and trajectory prediction through experiments on our proposed formation datasets based on consensus theory, across five evaluation metrics.
Cloud Gaming: Revolutionizing the Gaming World for Players and Developers Alike
Authors: Bangash Ghazal , Forestier Pierre-Adrien , Zaman Loutfouz
Published: June 2024

This forum features game-practitioner perspectives on the interaction design process, techniques, and evaluation involved in creating playful experiences. We focus on how technology advancement, infrastructure, and constraints shape the player experience.
--- Pejman Mirza-Babaei, Editor
Augmenting Low-Resource Cross-Lingual Summarization with Progression-Grounded Training and Prompting
Authors: Ma Jiushun , Huang Yuxin , Wang Linqin , Huang Xiang , Peng Hao , Yu Zhengtao , Yu Philip
Published: June 2024

Cross-lingual summarization (CLS)
, generating summaries in one language from source documents in another language, offers invaluable assistance in enabling global access to information for people worldwide. State-of-the-art neural summarization models typically train or fine-tune language models on large-scale corpora. However, this is difficult to achieve in realistic low-resource scenarios due to the lack of domain-specific annotated data. In this article, we present a novel cross-lingual summarization model that utilizes progressive training with mBART and employs reinforcement learning to optimize discrete prompts, which addresses low-resource cross-lingual summarization through a two-pronged approach. During training, we introduce a
progressive approach
based on mBART, which allows the pre-trained model to gradually acquire the ability to compress information, develop cross-lingual capabilities, and ultimately adapt to specific summarization tasks. During downstream summarization, we employ a discrete-prompts joint pre-trained model based on
reinforcement learning
optimization to achieve low-resource cross-lingual summarization. Experimental results on four cross-lingual summarization datasets demonstrate state-of-the-art performance and superiority compared to six baselines in low-resource scenarios.
Vertical Interconnections by Electroless Pd Atoms on Immersion Au Surface for Heterogeneous Integration
Authors: Shih Po-Shao , Huang Jeng-Hau , Gräfner Simon Johannes , Kao Chin-Li , Lin Yung-Sheng , Hung Yun-Ching , Kao C. R.
Published: June 2024

Electroless Pd atoms were employed to bond vertical interconnection for chip-stacking applications without pressure and at a temperature below 100 °C. Vertical interconnections were created by channeling an electroless Pd plating solution through microchannels, enabling the reduced Pd atoms to assemble naturally within the gaps between two opposing Cu pillars. Notably, the Pd deposition resulted in epitaxial growth along the orientation of the Cu pillar surface, suggesting improved electrical properties for future high-frequency applications. In this study, highly uniform electroless Pd-bonded Cu pillar joints were fabricated using a patterned microfluidic system. The required bonding time was significantly correlated with the plating temperature. Furthermore, the electroless Pd-bonded joints exhibit a robust strength of approximately 55 MPa. Pd exhibits greater skin depth than other plating materials, which helps reduce signal loss and latency during high-frequency signal transmission. This innovative approach offers promise as a potential candidate for future 5G applications requiring low bonding stress and minimal thermal budget.
Nanocomposites of Co-NiS/GO as a Versatile Catalyst: Enabling Platinum-Free DSSC Counter Electrodes and Enhancing Organic Dye Degradation
Authors: G. Priyadharshini , Geetha D. , Ramesh P. S.
Published: June 2024

This study presents the synthesis of a nanocomposite intended to serve as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), replacing platinum electrodes, as well as functioning as a nanocatalyst for organic dye degradation. Graphene oxide was synthesized using a modified Hummers method, and cobalt-doped nickel sulfide on graphene oxide (Co-NiS/GO) was prepared via hydrothermal synthesis. The samples underwent characterization through various testing methods. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a hexagonal structure with a crystallite size of 30 nm. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray images showed a cornflake-like structure, with elements such as cobalt, nickel, sulfur, carbon, and oxygen present. Chemical valence states were confirmed through X-ray photoelectron specteroscopy analysis. The power conversion efficiency of the Co-NiS/GO counter electrode in DSSCs was investigated, with parameters such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency calculated to be 8.6032 mV, 0.5484 mA cm−2, 61, and 2.83%, respectively, based on I-V studies. Furthermore, the developed Co-NiS/GO nanocomposite was assessed for its photo catalytic dye degradation capabilities using malachite green (MG), achieving a degradation rate of approximately 96% within 180 min.
Intermittent fasting and high-intensity interval training do not alter gut microbiota composition in adult women with obesity
Authors: Batitucci Gabriela , Almeida Otávio G. , De Martinis Elaine C. P. , Solar Isabela , Cintra Dennys E. , de Freitas Ellen Cristini
Published: June 2024

This is the first investigation about alternate-day fasting combined with HITT on the gut microbiota of obese women. The study contributes to the advancement of human science involving IF and HIIT, popular strategies for managing obesity. Previous evidence has explored IF in modulating the microbiota in animal models or specific populations and clinical conditions. Despite the subtle outcomes, this study has relevance and originality in the field of gut microbiota knowledge.
An Immunoinformatic‐Based In Silico Identification on the Creation of a Multiepitope‐Based Vaccination Against the Nipah Virus
Authors: Kaur Beant , Karnwal Arun , Bansal Anu , Malik Tabarak
Published: June 2024

The zoonotic viruses pose significant threats to public health. Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging virus transmitted from bats to humans. The NiV causes severe encephalitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to high mortality rates, with fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%. The first emergence of the disease was found in Malaysia in 1998–1999 and later in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Timor‐Leste, Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and other South and Southeast Asian nations. Currently, no specific vaccines or antiviral drugs are available. The potential advantages of epitope‐based vaccines include their ability to elicit specific immune responses while minimizing potential side effects. The epitopes have been identified from the conserved region of viral proteins obtained from the UniProt database. The selection of conserved epitopes involves analyzing the genetic sequences of various viral strains. The present study identified two B cell epitopes, seven cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and seven helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitope interactions from the NiV proteomic inventory. The antigenic and physiological properties of retrieved protein were analyzed using online servers ToxinPred, VaxiJen v2.0, and AllerTOP. The final vaccine candidate has a total combined coverage range of 80.53%. The tertiary structure of the constructed vaccine was optimized, and its stability was confirmed with the help of molecular simulation. Molecular docking was performed to check the binding affinity and binding energy of the constructed vaccine with TLR‐3 and TLR‐5. Codon optimization was performed in the constructed vaccine within the Escherichia coli K12 strain, to eliminate the danger of codon bias. However, these findings must require further validation to assess their effectiveness and safety. The development of vaccines and therapeutic approaches for virus infection is an ongoing area of research, and it may take time before effective interventions are available for clinical use.
Assessing the Impact of Nano‐Graphene Oxide Addition on Surface Microhardness and Roughness of Glass Ionomer Cements: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Sharafeddin Farahnaz , Shirani Mohammad Mahdi , Jowkar Zahra
Published: June 2024

Background. Nanomaterials, including nano‐graphene oxide (nGO), have emerged as promising modifiers for dental materials. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of incorporating nGO into conventional glass ionomer cement (CGIC) and resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on surface roughness and hardness. Methods. Sixty disk‐shaped specimens (2 × 6 mm) were divided into six groups: CGIC, RMGIC, CGIC with 1 wt.% nGO, CGIC with 2 wt.% nGO, RMGIC with 1 wt.% nGO, and RMGIC with 2 wt.% nGO. Surface roughness (Ra) and Vickers microhardness (VHN) were measured using a surface profilometer and Vickers microhardness tester, respectively. Statistical analysis employed the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests (p  < 0.05). Results. The microhardness of RMGICs significantly increased with 1% and 2% nGO (p = 0.017, P = 0.001, respectively), while CGICs showed a significant decrease in VHN with nGO incorporation (p = 0.001). VHN values of all CGIC groups were significantly higher than those of all RMGIC groups (p = 0.001). Mean surface roughness values for all CGICs were significantly higher than those of RMGIC groups (p = 0.001). Within the RMGIC groups, mean Ra values of RMGIC + 1 wt.% nGO and RMGIC + 2 wt.% nGO groups decreased significantly compared to the RMGIC control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Among CGIC groups, mean Ra values of 1 wt.% and 2 wt.% nGO/CGIC groups were significantly higher than the CGIC control group (p = 0.016, p = 0.001). Conclusion. Incorporating nGO into RMGICs increased surface microhardness while reducing surface roughness, offering potential advantages for clinical applications. Conversely, adding nGO to CGICs increased surface roughness and decreased surface hardness. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of utilizing nGO in RMGICs and their implications in clinical practice.
Multistate Gene Cluster Switches Determine the Adaptive Mitochondrial and Metabolic Landscape of Breast Cancer
Authors: Menegollo Michela , Bentham Robert B. , Henriques Tiago , Ng Seow Q. , Ren Ziyu , Esculier Clarinde , Agarwal Sia , Tong Emily T.Y. , Lo Clement , Ilangovan Sanjana , Szabadkai Zorka , Suman Matteo , Patani Neill , Ghanate Avinash , Bryson Kevin , Stein Robert C. , Yuneva Mariia , Szabadkai Gyorgy
Published: June 2024

Adaptive metabolic switches are proposed to underlie conversions between cellular states during normal development as well as in cancer evolution. Metabolic adaptations represent important therapeutic targets in tumors, highlighting the need to characterize the full spectrum, characteristics, and regulation of the metabolic switches. To investigate the hypothesis that metabolic switches associated with specific metabolic states can be recognized by locating large alternating gene expression patterns, we developed a method to identify interspersed gene sets by massive correlated biclustering and to predict their metabolic wiring. Testing the method on breast cancer transcriptome datasets revealed a series of gene sets with switch-like behavior that could be used to predict mitochondrial content, metabolic activity, and central carbon flux in tumors. The predictions were experimentally validated by bioenergetic profiling and metabolic flux analysis of 13C-labeled substrates. The metabolic switch positions also distinguished between cellular states, correlating with tumor pathology, prognosis, and chemosensitivity. The method is applicable to any large and heterogeneous transcriptome dataset to discover metabolic and associated pathophysiological states.

Significance: A method for identifying the transcriptomic signatures of metabolic switches underlying divergent routes of cellular transformation stratifies breast cancer into metabolic subtypes, predicting their biology, architecture, and clinical outcome.
Patterns of Aneuploidy and Signaling Consequences in Cancer
Authors: Zhakula-Kostadinova Nadja , Taylor Alison M.
Published: June 2024

Aneuploidy, or a change in the number of whole chromosomes or chromosome arms, is a near-universal feature of cancer. Chromosomes affected by aneuploidy are not random, with observed cancer-specific and tissue-specific patterns. Recent advances in genome engineering methods have allowed the creation of models with targeted aneuploidy events. These models can be used to uncover the downstream effects of individual aneuploidies on cancer phenotypes including proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and immune signaling. Here, we review the current state of research into the patterns of aneuploidy in cancer and their impact on signaling pathways and biological processes.
Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: French Jena D. , Haugen Bryan R. , Worden Francis P. , Bowles Daniel W. , Gianoukakis Andrew G. , Konda Bhavana , Dadu Ramona , Sherman Eric J. , McCue Shaylene , Foster Nathan R. , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Farias Ticiana D.J. , Norman Paul J. , Wirth Lori J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Lenvatinib, a potent multikinase inhibitor, improves progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with radioiodine (RAI)-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer; however, most patients experience disease progression, warranting further therapy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in these patients.

Patients and Methods:

We enrolled patients with progressive, RAI-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer who were either naïve to multikinase inhibitors (cohort 1) or who had progressed on lenvatinib (cohort 2). Patients received oral lenvatinib daily (cohort 1, 20 mg; cohort 2, dose at progression) and intravenous pembrolizumab (200 mg) every 21 days.

Results:

In cohorts 1 and 2, 30 and 27 patients were enrolled, respectively. Adverse events were consistent with those observed in other cancers. In cohort 1, the confirmed overall response rate was 65.5%. There were no complete responses (primary endpoint). The 12- and 18-month PFS were 72.0% and 58.0%, respectively, and the median PFS was 26.8 months. In cohort 2, the confirmed overall response rate was 16% (primary endpoint), and the median PFS was 10.0 months (95% confidence interval, 7.0–17.9 months). Tumor histology, driver mutations, and immune-related biomarkers, including PD-L1 expression, thyroid-specific antibody levels, and CD8+ T-cell tumor infiltrate, did not correlate with response to therapy. Increased baseline peripheral blood monocytes and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were associated with a worse PFS in cohort 1.

Conclusions:

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab may enhance the durability of lenvatinib monotherapy in lenvatinib-naïve patients. Furthermore, the addition of pembrolizumab may be a viable salvage therapy for patients who have progressed on lenvatinib.
Long-Term Follow-up of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device for Atypical Hyperplasia and Early Endometrial Cancer Reveals Relapse Characterized by Immune Exhaustion
Authors: Bowen Mikayla B. , Melendez Brenda , Zhang Qian , Yang Richard K. , Fellman Bryan M. , Lawson Barrett C. , Adjei Naomi N. , Celestino Joseph , Wani Khalida M. , Singh Bhavana , Urbauer Diana L. , Lazar Alexander J. , Lu Karen H. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Westin Shannon N. , Yates Melinda S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Nonsurgical treatment options are increasingly needed for endometrial atypical hyperplasia (AH) and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). Despite promising initial response rates, prospective long-term data and determinants for relapse are limited.

Materials and Methods:

Follow-up data from patients in our prospective phase II trial of levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LIUD) for AH/G1EEC were collected from medical records. Spatial transcriptomics (Nanostring GeoMX digital spatial profiling) with in silico cell type deconvolution and pathway analyses were employed on longitudinal biopsy samples from five patients across pre-treatment, on-treatment, and relapse.

Results:

Of 43 participants exhibiting initial response to LIUD, 41 had follow-up data. Sixteen (39%) experienced relapse. Clinical factors associated with shorter response duration included younger age, initial diagnosis of G1EEC, lack of response at 6 months, premenopausal status, and Hispanic ethnicity (P < 0.05), but only 6-month response status remained a significant predictor in a multivariate model (P = 0.023). LIUD increased abundance of NK cells (ΔMCP-counter score = 46.13, FDR = 0.004) and cytotoxic lymphocytes (ΔMCP-counter score = 277.67, FDR = 0.004), as well as lymphocyte cytotoxicity markers PRF1 (log2FC = 1.62, FDR = 0.025) and GZMA (log2FC = 2.47, FDR = 0.008). NK cells were reduced at relapse (ΔMCP-counter score = −55.96, FDR = 0.02). Immune-related pathways (IFNα response and TGFβ signaling) were enriched at relapse (FDR < 0.05). IDO1 expression, reflecting immune exhaustion, was upregulated at relapse (FDR < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Upfront resistance and relapse after initial response to LIUD for AH/G1EEC impacts nearly half of patients, remaining a major hurdle for nonsurgical treatment of AH/G1EEC. Molecular studies evaluating longitudinal biopsies from a small cohort implicate immune mechanisms at relapse, including reversal of progestin-related immunomodulation and increased immune exhaustion.

See related commentary by Johannet and Friedman, p. 5001
Playing Russian Roulette: Parent and Adolescent Perspectives on Tumor Surveillance for Adolescents with Cancer Predisposition Syndromes
Authors: Elias Rachel , Blake Alise , Dean Lori , Flynn Jessica S. , Sachner Leila , Harrison Lynn , McGee Rose B. , Nichols Kim E. , Howard Sharp Katianne M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) surveillance allows for the early detection and treatment of neoplasms; however, the psychosocial impact of tumor surveillance is poorly understood for cancer-affected adolescents with CPS and their parents. To gain further insight, we qualitatively characterized the affective and cognitive experience of adolescents undergoing tumor surveillance.

Experimental Design:

Adolescents with a history of cancer and their parents independently completed semistructured interviews querying their experience with the adolescent’s tumor surveillance. Interviews were coded using emotion coding and content analysis before developing themes using thematic analysis.

Results:

Eight adolescents and 11 parents (seven mothers, four fathers) completed interviews. Parent themes included maternal anxiety, relief following surveillance, fathers’ positive expectations and emotions surrounding surveillance results, coping strategies, and perception of going through surveillance together with their child. Adolescent themes included normalization of surveillance, indifference about surveillance but excitement to return to the hospital, focus on physical and logistic aspects, relief focused on being done with scans, and belief that outcomes would be good. Past scans/surveillance experiences influencing surveillance feelings were a theme across both parents and adolescents.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that tumor surveillance is not causing marked emotional distress for cancer-affected adolescents with CPS. In contrast, mothers of cancer-affected adolescents undergoing surveillance may present with anxiety leading up to tumor surveillance and, for a subset, in between surveillance appointments. These observations highlight a need for ongoing psychosocial screening for families of children with CPS and a role for psychosocial providers in the multidisciplinary management of CPS.
Interidentidades portuguesas em O Esplendor de Portugal, de António Lobo Antunes
Authors: Cruz Kairo Lazarini da
Published: June 2024

This work aims to analyze the novel O Esplendor de Portugal (1997), by António Lobo Antunes, from a postcolonial perspective. From the notion of interidentity (interidentities) articulated by Boaventura de Sousa Santos (2003), according to which the “self-representation of the Portuguese colonizer creates a chaotic disjunction between the subject and the object of colonial representation” (Santos, 2003 , p. 25), I try to understand how the evocation of the geographic, family and identity breakdown experienced by the characters Isilda, Carlos, Rui and Clarisse, Portuguese settlers in Africa in the context of the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002), prefigure, metonymically, interidentity that created the ironic  subversion of the symbolic systems of representation of the colonial ethos of the “Portuguese Empire” echoed in the family microcosm, and, in this way, created under suspicion the notion of “splendor of Portugal ” popularized by the official historiography of the Portuguese Estado Novo (1933-1974).
First record of two species of venomous snakes Bungarus suzhenae and Ovophis zayuensis (Serpentes: Elapidae, Viperidae) from India
Authors: Gerard Jason Dominic , Boruah Bitupan , V. Deepak  , Das Abhijit
Published: June 2024

We report Bungarus suzhenae Chen, Shi, Vogel, Ding & Shi, 2021 and Ovophis zayuensis (Jiang, 1977) for the first time from India. Specimens of B. suzhenae and O. zayuensis were collected during our field surveys in north (Arunachal Pradesh) and south (Nagaland-Manipur border) of the river Brahmaputra. Species identity was supported by partial cytochrome b (cyt b), and 16s mitochondrial gene. We provide a detailed morphological description and a key to the two genera of this region. This report extends the westernmost distribution of B. suzhenae by ca. 300 km from Myanmar, and the southernmost range of O. zayuensis by 170 km from Tibet. Until now eight species of Bungarus and only one Ovophis species have been reported from India. Ovophis species are recently reported to be medically important venomous snakes whose venom properties have not been investigated in depth.
Small AAAs: Recommendations for Rodent Model Research for the Identification of Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Golledge Jonathan , Lu Hong S. , Curci John A.
Published: June 2024

Clinical problem:

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are small with low rupture risk (<1%/y) when diagnosed but slowly expand to ≥55 mm and undergo surgical repair. Patients and clinicians require medications to limit AAA growth and rupture, but drugs effective in animal models have not translated to patients.

Recommendations for increasing translation from mouse models:

Use models that simulate human AAA tissue pathology, growth patterns, and rupture; focus on the clinically relevant outcomes of growth and rupture; design studies with the rigor required of human clinical trials; monitor AAA growth using reproducible ultrasound; and perform studies in both males and females.

Summary of strengths and weaknesses of mouse models:

The aortic adventitial elastase oral β-aminopropionitrile model has many strengths including simulating human AAA pathology and modeling prolonged aneurysm growth. The Ang II (angiotensin II) model performed less well as it better simulates acute aortic syndrome than AAA. The elastase plus TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) blocking antibody model displays a high rupture rate, making prolonged monitoring of AAA growth not feasible. The elastase perfusion and calcium chloride models both display limited AAA growth.
Toll-Like Receptors Mediate Opposing Dendritic Cell Effects on Treg/Th17 Balance in Mice With Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhu Li , Shang Junkui , Li Yinuo , Zhang Zhiying , Fu Peiji , Zong Yan , Chen Shuai , Wang Junmin , Zhang Jiewen , Wang Jian , Jiang Chao
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Dendritic cells (DCs) regulate the immune response associated with T lymphocytes, but their role in stroke remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the causal relationship between DCs and T-cell response in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by focusing on TLRs (toll-like receptors) that may modulate the function of DCs.

METHODS:

We studied the effects of TLR4, TLR2, and TLR9 on DC-mediated T-cell response and the outcomes of ICH using male C57BL/6 and CD11c-DTx (diphtheria toxin) receptor mice. We administered specific agents intraperitoneally or orally and evaluated the results using flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, histopathology, and behavioral tests.

RESULTS:

TLR4 and TLR2 activation induces DC maturation and reduces the ratio of regulatory T to T-helper 17 cells in the brain and periphery after ICH. When either of these receptors is activated, it can worsen neuroinflammation and exacerbate ICH outcomes. TLR9 also promotes DC maturation, stabilizing the number of DCs, particularly conventional DCs. TLR9 has the opposite effects on regulatory T/T-helper 17 balance, neuroinflammation, and ICH outcomes compared with TLR4 and TLR2. Upon stimulation, TLR4 and TLR9 may achieve these effects through the p38-MAPK (p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase)/MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)/GCN2 (general control nonderepressible 2) signaling pathways, respectively. DCs act as intermediaries for TLR-mediated T-cell response.

CONCLUSIONS:

TLR-mediated opposing effects of DCs on T-cell response may provide novel strategies to treat ICH.
Unleashing the Power of Engage Virtual Reality Learning App: A Syntactic Complexity Boost in Intermediate EFL Students' Oral Performance
Authors: Saeedizadeh Erfan , Khodabandeh Farzaneh
Published: June 2024

In light of the growing enthusiasm in harnessing virtual reality (VR) for educational purposes, this study explores the effectiveness of integrating the Engage Virtual Reality Learning App to enhance the syntactic complexity of oral performances among intermediate EFL students. A cohort of thirty intermediate EFL students was enlisted, divided into an experimental group of 15 and a control group of 15. Initially, the groups underwent a homogeneity assessment utilizing the Preliminary English Test (PET). During the intervention phase, the experimental group utilized the Engage Virtual Reality Learning App for speaking practice, while the comparison group received conventional instruction devoid of VR-based components. The analysis employed descriptive statistics for mean scores and standard deviations, supplemented by a one-way ANCOVA analysis to examine group performance and evaluate the impact of the treatment. The results unveiled a significant enhancement in the oral proficiency of the experimental group in terms of syntactic complexity, underscoring the affirmative influence of integrating the Engage Virtual Reality Learning App. These findings underscore the potential of VR-based instruction to augment authentic language experiences, foster sociocultural learning, stimulate cognitive engagement, yield affective benefits, and contribute to overall language acquisition among intermediate EFL learners.
Using the Observed Variations of the Start Date of the Rainy Season over Central America for Its Reliable Seasonal Outlook
Authors: Rodgers Joanna , Misra Vasubandhu , Jayasankar C. B.
Published: June 2024

We introduce a simple method to define the start and the end of the rainiest part of the year as the first and the last day of the year when the daily rain rate is more or less than the annual mean climatological rain rate for a region or at a given grid point of the rainfall analysis, respectively. A novelty of this work is the adoption of a perturbation technique to generate a total of 1001 ensemble members to account for observational and analysis uncertainties. This allows for a probabilistic estimate of the start and retreat dates of the rainy season at the granularity of the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), version 6, rainfall analysis over Central America. The seasonal cycle of the IMERG rainfall analysis is also found to verify with in situ observations in the region. Many large-scale climate drivers affect regional rainfall, often with complex interactions that affect the onset date, retreat date, and magnitude of the seasonal rainfall cycle, making it difficult to predict the length or total quantity of seasonal rainfall using climate drivers alone. Once an onset date is established, however, this metric alone can be more indicative of both the length and total seasonal rainfall anomaly than predicting how the climate drivers will interact to affect the quantity and duration of upcoming seasonal rainfall. The local relationships of the start date with seasonal length and rainfall anomaly are leveraged to produce effective seasonal outlooks of the rainy season for the region by just monitoring the start date variations.

Significance Statement

The start date and retreat date of the rainy season in Central America are defined every year, precisely to a specific date from our proposed definition of it. This is possible because the region exhibits a strong seasonality of the rainfall. As a result, the year-to-year (interannual) variation of the seasonal rainfall during the rainy season is also determined by the variations in the length of the season that are usually overlooked in fixed calendar seasons. We define the start or retreat date of the rainy season as the first or the last day of the year when the daily rain rate exceeds or falls below the average daily rainfall from 2001 to 2022, respectively. We also find that both start and retreat date variations independently influence the length and total seasonal rainfall of the rainy season. Consequently, these relationships are leveraged to provide an outlook of the forthcoming rainy season from the diagnosis of the variations of its onset date, which is shown to be an effective predictor with significant useful seasonal prediction skills.
Exploring the translational landscape of the long noncoding RNA transcriptome in acute respiratory distress syndrome: it is a long way to the top
Authors: Belmonte Thalía , Rodríguez-Muñoz Carlos , Ferruelo Antonio , Exojo-Ramírez Sara M. , Amado-Rodríguez Laura , Barbé Ferran , de Gonzalo-Calvo David
Published: June 2024

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) poses a significant and widespread public health challenge. Extensive research conducted in recent decades has considerably improved our understanding of the disease pathophysiology. Nevertheless, ARDS continues to rank among the leading causes of mortality in intensive care units and its management remains a formidable task, primarily due to its remarkable heterogeneity. As a consequence, the syndrome is underdiagnosed, prognostication has important gaps and selection of the appropriate therapeutic approach is laborious. In recent years, the noncoding transcriptome has emerged as a new area of attention for researchers interested in biomarker development. Numerous studies have confirmed the potential of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcripts with little or no coding information, as noninvasive tools for diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of the therapeutic response across a broad spectrum of ailments, including respiratory conditions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of lncRNAs with specific emphasis on their role as biomarkers. We review current knowledge on the circulating lncRNAs as potential markers that can be used to enhance decision making in ARDS management. Additionally, we address the primary limitations and outline the steps that will be essential for integration of the use of lncRNAs in clinical laboratories. Our ultimate objective is to provide a framework for the implementation of lncRNAs in the management of ARDS.
Employing a mixture of fine-particle PKS, glycerol, and citric acid as an eco-friendly binder for plywood production from rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) veneer
Authors: Choowang Rattana , Luengchavanon Montri , Raknarong Jiraporn
Published: June 2024

Biomass-based adhesives, which are environmentally friendly and sustainable materials enabling low formaldehyde wood composites, have garnered interest. Therefore, palm kernel shells (PKS), available as industrial agricultural residue and rich in lignin, are mixed in form of fine particles with glycerol and citric acid, and tested as a candidate for binder in plywood production. The study focused on examining the effects of two factors: the quantity of adhesive used and the pressing temperature. Glycerol and citric acid are low-cost non-toxic chemicals that activate the functional groups and induce changes in the PKS component during hot pressing. Consequently, the mixtures with PKS as fine particles could cross-link with rubberwood veneer, forming a plywood panel with shear strength and bending strength that meet the requirements outlined in ISO 12466-2: part 2, and in Thai industrial standard (TIS 178-2549) for indoor use. The properties of plywood were primarily influenced by the pressing temperature rather than by the quantity of adhesive. Specifically, the temperatures 180 °C and 200 °C enhanced the extent to which the molten binder penetrated the rubberwood surface, consequently improving the mechanical properties and water resistance of the bonding.
Recent Advances in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Detection, Treatment, and Vaccination: Overview of Current Status and Challenges
Authors: Muzammil Khursheed , Rayyani Saba , Abbas Sahib Ahmed , Gholizadeh Omid , Naji Sameer Hayder , Jwad Kazem Tareq , Badran Mohammed Haneen , Ghafouri Kalajahi Hesam , Zainul Rahadian , Yasamineh Saman
Published: June 2024

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus, and zoonosis, and affects large regions of Asia, Southwestern and Southeastern Europe, and Africa. CCHFV can produce symptoms, including no specific clinical symptoms, mild to severe clinical symptoms, or deadly infections. Virus isolation attempts, antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are all possible diagnostic tests for CCHFV. Furthermore, an efficient, quick, and cheap technology, including biosensors, must be designed and developed to detect CCHFV. The goal of this article is to offer an overview of modern laboratory tests available as well as other innovative detection methods such as biosensors for CCHFV, as well as the benefits and limits of the assays. Furthermore, confirmed cases of CCHF are managed with symptomatic assistance and general supportive care. This study examined the various treatment modalities, as well as their respective limitations and developments, including immunotherapy and antivirals. Recent biotechnology advancements and the availability of suitable animal models have accelerated the development of CCHF vaccines by a substantial margin. We examined a range of potential vaccines for CCHF in this research, comprising nucleic acid, viral particles, inactivated, and multi-epitope vaccines, as well as the present obstacles and developments in this field. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive summary of the endeavors dedicated to advancing various diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies for CCHF infection in anticipation of forthcoming hazards.

Graphical Abstract
Academic or vocational education? A comparison of the long-term wage development of academic and vocational tertiary degree holders
Authors: Kriesi Irene , Sander Fabian
Published: June 2024

Education is a key determinant of wage development. The relationship between education and wages is particularly strong in countries with vocationally oriented educational systems and a clear distinction between general and vocational education, such as Germany and Switzerland. However, whether general and vocational education offer the same returns to education is an ongoing debate. Previous findings from international research are still inconclusive. Against this background and based on theoretical arguments from human capital and signalling theory and the task-specific learning-by-doing approach, our paper examines the long-term wage development of Swiss university and professional education degree holders from the time they obtain their tertiary degree until their late career. It asks how differences between the two groups in wage development may be explained. Our results, produced with regression decomposition methods, show that within the first 20 years after graduation, university degree holders experience steeper wage growth. An important reason for this difference is that university graduates move more often than vocational tertiary degree holders into well-paid labour market positions endowed with formal authority, management responsibility, and a large proportion of cognitive nonroutine tasks.
Predictive ability of multi-population genomic prediction methods of phenotypes for reproduction traits in Chinese and Austrian pigs
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Zipeng , Du Hehe , Pfeiffer Christina , Mészáros Gábor , Ding Xiangdong
Published: June 2024

Background

Multi-population genomic prediction can rapidly expand the size of the reference population and improve genomic prediction ability. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have shown advantages in single-population genomic prediction of phenotypes. However, few studies have explored the effectiveness of ML methods for multi-population genomic prediction.

Results

In this study, 3720 Yorkshire pigs from Austria and four breeding farms in China were used, and single-trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ST-GBLUP), multitrait GBLUP (MT-GBLUP), Bayesian Horseshoe (BayesHE), and three ML methods (support vector regression (SVR), kernel ridge regression (KRR) and AdaBoost.R2) were compared to explore the optimal method for joint genomic prediction of phenotypes of Chinese and Austrian pigs through 10 replicates of fivefold cross-validation. In this study, we tested the performance of different methods in two scenarios: (i) including only one Austrian population and one Chinese pig population that were genetically linked based on principal component analysis (PCA) (designated as the “two-population scenario”) and (ii) adding reference populations that are unrelated based on PCA to the above two populations (designated as the “multi-population scenario”). Our results show that, the use of MT-GBLUP in the two-population scenario resulted in an improvement of 7.1% in predictive ability compared to ST-GBLUP, while the use of SVR and KKR yielded improvements in predictive ability of 4.5 and 5.3%, respectively, compared to MT-GBLUP. SVR and KRR also yielded lower mean square errors (MSE) in most population and trait combinations. In the multi-population scenario, improvements in predictive ability of 29.7, 24.4 and 11.1% were obtained compared to ST-GBLUP when using, respectively, SVR, KRR, and AdaBoost.R2. However, compared to MT-GBLUP, the potential of ML methods to improve predictive ability was not demonstrated.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that ML algorithms can achieve better prediction performance than multitrait GBLUP models in multi-population genomic prediction of phenotypes when the populations have similar genetic backgrounds; however, when reference populations that are unrelated based on PCA are added, the ML methods did not show a benefit. When the number of populations increased, only MT-GBLUP improved predictive ability in both validation populations, while the other methods showed improvement in only one population.
Can large language models understand molecules?
Authors: Sadeghi Shaghayegh , Bui Alan , Forooghi Ali , Lu Jianguo , Ngom Alioune
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Large Language Models (LLMs) like Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) from OpenAI and LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI) from Meta AI are increasingly recognized for their potential in the field of cheminformatics, particularly in understanding Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES), a standard method for representing chemical structures. These LLMs also have the ability to decode SMILES strings into vector representations.

Method

We investigate the performance of GPT and LLaMA compared to pre-trained models on SMILES in embedding SMILES strings on downstream tasks, focusing on two key applications: molecular property prediction and drug-drug interaction prediction.

Results

We find that SMILES embeddings generated using LLaMA outperform those from GPT in both molecular property and DDI prediction tasks. Notably, LLaMA-based SMILES embeddings show results comparable to pre-trained models on SMILES in molecular prediction tasks and outperform the pre-trained models for the DDI prediction tasks.

Conclusion

The performance of LLMs in generating SMILES embeddings shows great potential for further investigation of these models for molecular embedding. We hope our study bridges the gap between LLMs and molecular embedding, motivating additional research into the potential of LLMs in the molecular representation field. GitHub: https://github.com/sshaghayeghs/LLaMA-VS-GPT.
Genome-wide identification of JAZ gene family members in autotetraploid cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa) and expression analysis under salt stress
Authors: Yan Wei , Dong Xueming , Li Rong , Zhao Xianglong , Zhou Qiang , Luo Dong , Liu Zhipeng
Published: June 2024

Background

Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins, which act as negative regulators in the jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway, have significant implications for plant development and response to abiotic stress.

Results

Through a comprehensive genome-wide analysis, a total of 20 members of the JAZ gene family specific to alfalfa were identified in its genome. Phylogenetic analysis divided these 20 MsJAZ genes into five subgroups. Gene structure analysis, protein motif analysis, and 3D protein structure analysis revealed that alfalfa JAZ genes in the same evolutionary branch share similar exon‒intron, motif, and 3D structure compositions. Eight segmental duplication events were identified among these 20 MsJAZ genes through collinearity analysis. Among the 32 chromosomes of the autotetraploid cultivated alfalfa, there were 20 MsJAZ genes distributed on 17 chromosomes. Extensive stress-related cis-acting elements were detected in the upstream sequences of MsJAZ genes, suggesting that their response to stress has an underlying function. Furthermore, the expression levels of MsJAZ genes were examined across various tissues and under the influence of salt stress conditions, revealing tissue-specific expression and regulation by salt stress. Through RT‒qPCR experiments, it was discovered that the relative expression levels of these six MsJAZ genes increased under salt stress.

Conclusions

In summary, our study represents the first comprehensive identification and analysis of the JAZ gene family in alfalfa. These results provide important information for exploring the mechanism of JAZ genes in alfalfa salt tolerance and identifying candidate genes for improving the salt tolerance of autotetraploid cultivated alfalfa via genetic engineering in the future.
Metabolic differences in MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene edited sheep muscle cells during myogenesis
Authors: Chen Mingming , Li Yan , Xu Xueling , Wang Shuqi , Liu Zhimei , Qi Shiyu , Si Dandan , Man Zhuo , Deng Shoulong , Liu Guoshi , Zhao Yue , Yu Kun , Lian Zhengxing
Published: June 2024

Dynamic metabolic reprogramming occurs at different stages of myogenesis and contributes to the fate determination of skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). Accumulating evidence suggests that mutations in myostatin (MSTN) have a vital role in regulating muscle energy metabolism. Here, we explored the metabolic reprogramming in MuSCs and myotube cells in MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene edited sheep models prepared previously, and also focused on the metabolic alterations during myogenic differentiation of MuSCs. Our study revealed that the pathways of nucleotide metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis were weakened, while the unsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis were strengthened during myogenic differentiation of sheep MuSCs. The MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene editing mainly inhibited nucleotide metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in sheep MuSCs, reduced the number of lipid droplets in per satellite cell, and promoted the pentose phosphate pathway, and the interconversion of pentose and glucuronate. The MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene editing also resulted in the inhibition of nucleotide metabolism and TCA cycle pathway in differentiated myotube cells. The differential metabolites we identified can be characterized as biomarkers of different cellular states, and providing a new reference for MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene editing in regulation of muscle development. It may also provide a reference for the development of muscle regeneration drugs targeting biomarkers.