bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fall or spring aminopyralid applications control Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Authors: Jones Lisa C. , Beckley Cody , Ransom Corey V. , Prather Timothy S.
Published: February 2024

Medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is an invasive winter annual grass of western North American grasslands and rangelands that negatively impacts forage production, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem processes. Growth regulator herbicides, such as aminopyralid, applied in spring reduced invasive annual grass seed viability in greenhouse and California annual grassland experiments. Beginning in fall 2017, we tested combinations of sequential fall (preemergence) and spring (postemergence) aminopyralid applications at low (103 g ae ha−1) and high (206 g ae ha−1) rates at two ecologically distinct sites in the Intermountain West. Preemergence and postemergence aminopyralid applications at low and high rates controlled T. caput-medusae by 76% to 100% the second summer after study initiation. At the Utah site (which is warmer, drier, and more degraded than the Idaho site), the high rate resulted in better control. The first summer, postemergence aminopyralid applications at low and high rates reduced seed viability 47% to 91% compared with nontreated seeds, with the greatest reductions seen in Utah, which was experiencing drought. Across study sites, reduced T. caput-medusae germination in one year was linked to improved control the following year. The Idaho site also had desirable perennial grasses, which we used to investigate non-target effects. In general, there was a correlation between high T. caput-medusae control and higher perennial grass cover, indicating that successful control can make desirable perennial grasses more vigorous in this system. The option of a spring aminopyralid application increases the management window for controlling invasive annual grasses by decreasing seed viability, thereby depleting short-lived seedbanks.
Lateral flexure of Erebus Ice Tongue due to ocean current forcing and fast ice coupling
Authors: Gomez-Fell Rodrigo , Rack Wolfgang , Marsh Oliver J. , Purdie Heather
Published: February 2024

Ice tongues are unconfined by land on their lateral margins and are sensitive to external forcing from the ocean. They are found sporadically around the Antarctic coast but are common in the western Ross Sea. Lateral flexure creates bending stresses within these ice tongues which is likely to contribute to their fragility and may restrict their spatial distribution. A three-year time series (2017–2020) of synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) and differential interferometry (DInSAR) is used to observe the lateral flexure of the 10 km long Erebus Ice Tongue as a result of ocean currents. The fast ice area around the ice tongue was mapped during the same period. It was found that when fast ice was absent (34.7% of the time), the average lateral movement of the ice tongue was twice as high (0.44 m) as when it was embedded in fast ice (0.19 m). A significant correlation (0.45) between flexure and tidal currents was found when fast ice was absent. An analytical model tuned to observations suggests that even without sea ice for stabilisation, the lateral bending stresses induced by the ocean are insufficient to cause calving without additional amplifying factors.
A NOTE ON PROJECTIONS IN ÉTALE GROUPOID ALGEBRAS AND DIAGONAL-PRESERVING HOMOMORPHISMS
Authors: STEINBERG BENJAMIN
Published: February 2024

Carlsen [‘
$\ast $
-isomorphism of Leavitt path algebras over
$\Bbb Z$
’, Adv. Math.324 (2018), 326–335] showed that any
$\ast $
-homomorphism between Leavitt path algebras over
$\mathbb Z$
is automatically diagonal preserving and hence induces an isomorphism of boundary path groupoids. His result works over conjugation-closed subrings of
$\mathbb C$
enjoying certain properties. In this paper, we characterise the rings considered by Carlsen as precisely those rings for which every
$\ast $
-homomorphism of algebras of Hausdorff ample groupoids is automatically diagonal preserving. Moreover, the more general groupoid result has a simpler proof.
Age at first calving and productive performance of primiparous Holsteins
Authors: Braganholo Rafael Ceolim , Bánkuti Ferenc Istvan , dos Santos Fabio Seiji , Pedrosa Victor Breno , Zambom Maximiliane Alavarse , Valloto Altair Antônio , dos Santos Geraldo Tadeu
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the age at first calving in Holstein heifers and its impact on various production parameters. A sample of 737 Holstein heifers born between 2015 and 2018 and finishing their first lactations between 2018 and 2020 was included. Cluster analysis revealed three groups based on age at first calving: high precocity, medium precocity and low precocity. Medium-precocity group exhibited the highest 305-day milk yield and peak milk production. Additionally, the same group demonstrated superior mean production per lactation, 305-day milk protein content, and 305-day milk yield. The lowest somatic cell count was found in the low-precocity group. In conclusion, medium-precocity cows showed better results such as higher 305-day milk yield and peak milk production.
Effect of shortening the dry period on colostrum and milk quality, blood parameters and some reproductive parameters in high-producing Holstein cows of different body condition score
Authors: Javani Javani Nazanin , Riasi Ahmad , Montazeri Esmaeil , Ansari Mahyari Saeid , Choupani Mohammad
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of shortening the dry period in high-yielding cows of different body condition scores (BCS). We report colostrum and milk quality, some serum metabolites, BCS changes, and some reproductive parameters with measurements being made over the first two months of lactation. Cows were grouped based on the length of the dry period (normal: about 50 d and short: about 28 d) and BCS (moderate: 2.75 to 3.5 and high ≥ 3.5). Short dry period decreased colostrum volume and, in combination with high BCS only, caused a decrease in milk production. Short dry period moderate BCS cows had the highest serum insulin concentration on day 14 after calving and highest glucose concentration on day 28, but neither differed significantly when measured over the whole period. By contrast, short dry period cows had significantly lower concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate measured over the whole period. Post-partum loss of BCS was less in short and especially so in the short, moderate BCS group. Following a synchronization protocol at 35 d postpartum. The cows with a short dry period and moderate BCS had lower open days, days to first postpartum estrus and services per conception. It was concluded that short dry periods and moderate BCS had a positive influence on serum metabolites, BCS changes and reproductive parameters.
UK national survey on surgical gowning for tonsillectomy
Authors: Thakrar Jai , Patel Ankit , Joseph Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Objective

Tonsillectomy is a common procedure performed nationally. The personal protective equipment and surgical gowning practices used during this procedure vary widely. We compiled a survey of ENT specialists to gain a national opinion about gowning in tonsillectomy with the aim of determining whether we could make it more environmentally friendly whilst maintaining the highest safety standards.

Method

We developed a nine-question survey that was piloted prior to final implementation. The questionnaire was sent to senior registrars and consultant otolaryngologists in the UK.

Results

The survey was completed by a total of 63 ENT specialists. It was found that 82.54 per cent of clinicians would consider wearing a reusable gown that would be sterilised between each procedure.

Conclusion

Our survey suggests most ENT clinicians would consider using a more environmentally friendly surgical gown and some may even consider wearing no gown at all, although many are understandably concerned about the transmission of infection or blood splatter.
Crystal structure of indacaterol hydrogen maleate (C24H29N2O3)(HC4H2O4)
Authors: Kaduk James A. , Rost Megan M. , Dosen Anja , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: February 2024

The crystal structure of indacaterol hydrogen maleate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. Indacaterol hydrogen maleate crystallizes in space group P-1 (#24) with a = 8.86616(9), b = 9.75866(21), c = 16.67848(36) Å, α = 102.6301(10), β = 94.1736(6), γ = 113.2644(2)°, V = 1273.095(7) Å3, and Z = 2 at 295 K. The crystal structure consists of layers of cations and anions parallel to the ab-plane. Traditional N–H⋯O and O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions into chains along the a-axis. There is a strong intramolecular charge-assisted O–H⋯O hydrogen bond in the non-planar hydrogen maleate anion. There are also two C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the anion and cation. The cation makes a strong N–H⋯O hydrogen bond to the anion, but also acts as a hydrogen bond donor to an aromatic C in another cation. The amino group makes bifurcated N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds, one intramolecular and the other intermolecular. The hydroxyl group acts as a donor to another cation. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™ (PDF®).
Association of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with elevated blood pressure among college students in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Xu Honglv , Zhao Yun , Tan Rui , Li Min , Yu Chunjie , Rui Danyun , Li Jiangli , Xiong Yuan , Zheng Weibin
Published: February 2024

Objective:

Although some studies have examined the association between eating behaviour and elevated blood pressure (EBP) in adolescents, current data on the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and EBP in adolescents in Yunnan Province, China, are lacking.

Setting:

Cluster sampling was used to survey freshmen at a college in Kunming, Yunnan Province, from November to December. Data on SSB consumption were collected using an FFQ measuring height, weight and blood pressure. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between SSB consumption and EBP, encompassing prehypertension and hypertension with sex-specific analyses.

Participants:

The analysis included 4781 college students.

Results:

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were detected in 35·10 % (1678/4781) and 39·34 % (1881/4781) of patients, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, tea beverage consumption was associated with elevated SBP (OR = 1·24, 95 % CI: 1·03, 1·49, P = 0·024), and carbonated beverage (OR = 1·23, 95 % CI: 1·04, 1·45, P = 0·019) and milk beverage (OR = 0·81, 95 % CI: 0·69, 0·95, P = 0·010) consumption was associated with elevated DBP in college students. Moreover, fruit beverage (OR = 1·32, 95 % CI: 1·00, 1·75, P = 0·048) and milk beverage consumption (OR = 0·69, 95 % CI: 0·52, 0·93, P = 0·014) was associated with elevated DBP in males.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that fruit and milk beverage consumption was associated with elevated DBP in males, and no association was observed with EBP in females.
Direct Observation of L‐X Mode of Auroral Kilometric Radiation in the Lower Latitude Magnetosphere by the Arase Satellite
Authors: Zhang Sai , Yin Qinpei , Yang Hongming , Xiao Fuliang , Zhou Qinghua , Yang Qiwu , Tang Jiawen , Deng Zhoukun , Kasahara Yoshiya , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Kumamoto Atsushi , Nakamura Yosuke , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Shinohara Iku , Nakamura Satoko , Kasaba Yasumasa , Hori Tomoaki
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown that auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) can play an important role in the magnetosphere‐atmosphere coupling and has the right‐handed extraordinary (R‐X), left‐handed ordinary (L‐O) and left‐handed extraordinary (L‐X) modes. However, the L‐X mode has not been directly observed in the lower latitude magnetosphere yet, probably because of its very limited frequency range. Here, using observations of the Arase satellite on 6 September 2018, we present an AKR event with two distinct bands (8–20 and 300–1000 kHz) around the location: L = 8 and latitude = −37°. The low (high) band is identified as the L‐X (R‐X) mode based on the polarization and frequency ranges. Simulations of 3‐D ray tracing show that most of ray paths with 14 (11 and 18) kHz pass (miss) the location of Arase, basically consistent with observations. Our study provides direct evidence that the L‐X mode can propagate from high latitudes downward to lower latitudes.
Electron Acceleration at Earth's Bow Shock Due to Stochastic Shock Drift Acceleration
Authors: Lindberg M. , Vaivads A. , Amano T. , Raptis S. , Joshi S.
Published: February 2024

We use the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) to study electron acceleration at Earth's quasi‐perpendicular bow shock to address the long‐standing electron injection problem. The observations are compared to the predictions of the stochastic shock drift acceleration (SSDA) theory. Recent studies based on SSDA predict electron distribution being a power law with a cutoff energy that scales with upstream parameters. This scaling law has been successfully tested for a single Earth's bow shock crossing by MMS. Here we extend this study and test the prediction of the scaling law for seven MMS Earth's bow shock crossings with different upstream parameters. A goodness‐of‐fit test shows good agreement between observations and SSDA theoretical predictions, thus supporting SSDA as one of the most promising candidates for solving the electron injection problem.
Impacts of Hydrology and Extreme Events on Dissolved Organic Carbon Dynamics in a Heavily Urbanized Estuary and Its Major Tributaries: A View From Space
Authors: Cao Fang , Tzortziou Maria
Published: February 2024

Dissolved organic matter and its colored component, Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), play a major role in global carbon budgets, and their fluxes provide an essential link between terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical cycles. Satellite observations can uniquely capture the hydro‐biogeochemical connectivity of terrestrial and aquatic landscapes, across scales. Yet, accurate satellite retrievals of CDOM and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dynamics remain challenging in urbanized estuaries and coasts. Here, we present an advanced unified algorithm for space‐based retrieval of coastal CDOM and DOC dynamics and its application in Long Island Sound—one of the world's most heavily urbanized estuaries that is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change stressors. A rich bio‐optical data set, encompassing a wide range of environmental conditions, was integrated into the algorithm training to retrieve DOC concentrations and CDOM spectral shape (i.e., spectral slope S275–295)—a proxy for DOC quality. The new algorithms were applied to full‐resolution satellite imagery from the Sentinel‐3 Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) after thoroughly evaluating the performance of six ocean color atmospheric correction approaches (ACOLITE, BAC, C2RCC, MUMM, l2gen, and Polymer). Evaluation of the algorithms yielded mean absolute percent differences of 28%, 12%, and 10% for aCDOM(300), S275–295, and DOC, respectively. Application of the algorithms to multi‐year satellite OLCI imagery captured, for the first time, the coupled impact of seasonal transitions, wind regimes, freshwater inputs, anthropogenic disturbances, and hydrological extremes (both intense precipitation and droughts) on DOC fluxes and CDOM quality at the ecosystem scale. Results have important implications for improved predictions of coastal biogeochemical fluxes in complex urban−estuary systems.
Revegetation Changes Main Erosion Type on the Gully–Slope on the Chinese Loess Plateau Under Extreme Rainfall: Reducing Gully Erosion and Promoting Shallow Landslides
Authors: Xu Yangguang , Luo Li , Guo Wenzhao , Jin Zhao , Tian Pei , Wang Wenglong
Published: February 2024

Extreme rainfall events pose a severe challenge to soil and water conservation, even in areas with high vegetation cover on the Loess Plateau. In this study, the artificial extreme rainfalls with cumulative rainfall of 270 mm and intensity of 60 mm · hr−1 were conducted on in‐situ experimental plots (20 × 2.5 m) on a loess gully–slope with gradients of 35°–40° that were treated with different grass coverage: (0%, 30%–40%, 70%–80%, >90%). The ephemeral gully/rill and shallow landslide occurred in plots were analyzed. Revegetation changed the erosion type on gully–slope, reducing gully erosion but promoting shallow landslide due to the change from infiltration–excess runoff to saturation–excess runoff. Under grass coverage of >90%, over 95% of rainfall seeped into the soil, and subsurface flow was generated due to the lower saturated hydraulic conductivity of underlying soil, which increased the possibility of landslides. The average erosion rate (0.36–3.29 g · m−2 min−1; no obvious erosion) in plots with 70%–80% coverage was 95.5% lower than that in bare land plots (27.8–47.5 g · m−2 min−1; ephemeral gully erosion), while due to landslides the average erosion rate in plots with >90% coverage (135.1–184.3 g · m−2 min−1) was 86.5 times higher than that in plots with 70%–80%. For grass, a coverage of 70%–80% was most effective in preventing soil erosion, controlling gully erosion and preventing landslides under extreme rainfall. These results deepen the understanding of the complex relationship between vegetation, gully erosion, and landslides in ecologically sensitive areas.
Dual-inhibition of NAMPT and PAK4 induces anti-tumor effects in 3D-spheroids model of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Kudo Kei , Greer Yoshimi Endo , Yoshida Teruhiko , Harrington Brittney S. , Korrapati Soumya , Shibuya Yusuke , Henegar Leah , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Fujii Takeo , Lipkowitz Stanley , Annunziata Christina M.
Published: February 2024

Ovarian cancer follows a characteristic progression pattern, forming multiple tumor masses enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the abdomen. Most patients develop resistance to standard platinum-based drugs, necessitating better treatment approaches. Targeting CSCs by inhibiting NAD+ synthesis has been previously explored. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), which is the rate limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway for NAD+ synthesis is an attractive drug target in this pathway. KPT-9274 is an innovative drug targeting both NAMPT and p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4). However, its effectiveness against ovarian cancer has not been validated. Here, we show the efficacy and mechanisms of KPT-9274 in treating 3D-cultured spheroids that are resistant to platinum-based drugs. In these spheroids, KPT-9274 not only inhibited NAD+ production in NAMPT-dependent cell lines, but also suppressed NADPH and ATP production, indicating reduced mitochondrial function. It also downregulated of inflammation and DNA repair-related genes. Moreover, the compound reduced PAK4 activity by altering its mostly cytoplasmic localization, leading to NAD+-dependent decreases in phosphorylation of S6 Ribosomal protein, AKT, and β-Catenin in the cytoplasm. These findings suggest that KPT-9274 could be a promising treatment for ovarian cancer patients who are resistant to platinum drugs, emphasizing the need for precision medicine to identify the specific NAD+ producing pathway that a tumor relies upon before treatment.
Generation of G51D and 3D mice reveals decreased α-synuclein tetramer-monomer ratios promote Parkinson’s disease phenotypes
Authors: Nuber Silke , Zhang Xiaoqun , McCaffery Thomas D. , Moors Tim E. , Adom Marie-Alexandre , Hahn Wolf N. , Martin Dylan , Ericsson Maria , Tripathi Arati , Dettmer Ulf , Svenningsson Per , Selkoe Dennis J.
Published: February 2024

Mutations in the α-Synuclein (αS) gene promote αS monomer aggregation that causes neurodegeneration in familial Parkinson’s disease (fPD). However, most mouse models expressing single-mutant αS transgenes develop neuronal aggregates very slowly, and few have dopaminergic cell loss, both key characteristics of PD. To accelerate neurotoxic aggregation, we previously generated fPD αS E46K mutant mice with rationally designed triple mutations based on the α-helical repeat motif structure of αS (fPD E46K→3 K). The 3 K variant increased αS membrane association and decreased the physiological tetramer:monomer ratio, causing lipid- and vesicle-rich inclusions and robust tremor-predominant, L-DOPA responsive PD-like phenotypes. Here, we applied an analogous approach to the G51D fPD mutation and its rational amplification (G51D → 3D) to generate mutant mice. In contrast to 3 K mice, G51D and 3D mice accumulate monomers almost exclusively in the cytosol while also showing decreased αS tetramer:monomer ratios. Both 1D and 3D mutant mice gradually accumulate insoluble, higher-molecular weight αS oligomers. Round αS neuronal deposits at 12 mos immunolabel for ubiquitin and pSer129 αS, with limited proteinase K resistance. Both 1D and 3D mice undergo loss of striatal TH+ fibers and midbrain dopaminergic neurons by 12 mos and a bradykinesia responsive to L-DOPA. The 3D αS mice have decreased tetramer:monomer equilibria and recapitulate major features of PD. These fPD G51D and 3D mutant mice should be useful models to study neuronal αS-toxicity associated with bradykinetic motor phenotypes.
In situ analysis of osmolyte mechanisms of proteome thermal stabilization
Authors: Pepelnjak Monika , Velten Britta , Näpflin Nicolas , von Rosen Tatjana , Palmiero Umberto Capasso , Ko Jeong Hoon , Maynard Heather D. , Arosio Paolo , Weber-Ban Eilika , de Souza Natalie , Huber Wolfgang , Picotti Paola
Published: February 2024

Organisms use organic molecules called osmolytes to adapt to environmental conditions. In vitro studies indicate that osmolytes thermally stabilize proteins, but mechanisms are controversial, and systematic studies within the cellular milieu are lacking. We analyzed Escherichia coli and human protein thermal stabilization by osmolytes in situ and across the proteome. Using structural proteomics, we probed osmolyte effects on protein thermal stability, structure and aggregation, revealing common mechanisms but also osmolyte- and protein-specific effects. All tested osmolytes (trimethylamine N-oxide, betaine, glycerol, proline, trehalose and glucose) stabilized many proteins, predominantly via a preferential exclusion mechanism, and caused an upward shift in temperatures at which most proteins aggregated. Thermal profiling of the human proteome provided evidence for intrinsic disorder in situ but also identified potential structure in predicted disordered regions. Our analysis provides mechanistic insight into osmolyte function within a complex biological matrix and sheds light on the in situ prevalence of intrinsically disordered regions.
A large open access dataset of brain metastasis 3D segmentations on MRI with clinical and imaging information
Authors: Ramakrishnan Divya , Jekel Leon , Chadha Saahil , Janas Anastasia , Moy Harrison , Maleki Nazanin , Sala Matthew , Kaur Manpreet , Petersen Gabriel Cassinelli , Merkaj Sara , von Reppert Marc , Baid Ujjwal , Bakas Spyridon , Kirsch Claudia , Davis Melissa , Bousabarah Khaled , Holler Wolfgang , Lin MingDe , Westerhoff Malte , Aneja Sanjay , Memon Fatima , Aboian Mariam S.
Published: February 2024

Resection and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) are standard treatments for brain metastases (BM) but are associated with cognitive side effects. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses a targeted approach with less side effects than WBRT. SRS requires precise identification and delineation of BM. While artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been developed for this, their clinical adoption is limited due to poor model performance in the clinical setting. The limitations of algorithms are often due to the quality of datasets used for training the AI network. The purpose of this study was to create a large, heterogenous, annotated BM dataset for training and validation of AI models. We present a BM dataset of 200 patients with pretreatment T1, T1 post-contrast, T2, and FLAIR MR images. The dataset includes contrast-enhancing and necrotic 3D segmentations on T1 post-contrast and peritumoral edema 3D segmentations on FLAIR. Our dataset contains 975 contrast-enhancing lesions, many of which are sub centimeter, along with clinical and imaging information. We used a streamlined approach to database-building through a PACS-integrated segmentation workflow.
Wind turbine database for intelligent operation and maintenance strategies
Authors: Marti-Puig Pere , Blanco-M. Alejandro , Cusidó Jordi , Solé-Casals Jordi
Published: February 2024

With the aim of helping researchers to develop intelligent operation and maintenance strategies, in this manuscript, an extensive 3-years Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition database of five Fuhrländer FL2500 2.5 MW wind turbines is presented. The database contains 312 analogous variables recorded at 5-minute intervals, from 78 different sensors. The reported values for each sensor are minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation. The database also contains the alarm events, indicating the system and subsystem and a small description. Finally, a set of functions to download specific subsets of the whole database is freely available in Matlab, R, and Python. To demonstrate the usefulness of this database, an illustrative example is given. In this example, different gearbox variables are selected to estimate a target variable to detect whether or not the estimate differs from the actual value provided for the sensor. By using this normality modelling approach, it is possible to detect rotor malfunction when the estimate differs from the actual measured value.
Brain tumor segmentation using synthetic MR images - A comparison of GANs and diffusion models
Authors: Usman Akbar Muhammad , Larsson Måns , Blystad Ida , Eklund Anders
Published: February 2024

Large annotated datasets are required for training deep learning models, but in medical imaging data sharing is often complicated due to ethics, anonymization and data protection legislation. Generative AI models, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) and diffusion models, can today produce very realistic synthetic images, and can potentially facilitate data sharing. However, in order to share synthetic medical images it must first be demonstrated that they can be used for training different networks with acceptable performance. Here, we therefore comprehensively evaluate four GANs (progressive GAN, StyleGAN 1–3) and a diffusion model for the task of brain tumor segmentation (using two segmentation networks, U-Net and a Swin transformer). Our results show that segmentation networks trained on synthetic images reach Dice scores that are 80%–90% of Dice scores when training with real images, but that memorization of the training images can be a problem for diffusion models if the original dataset is too small. Our conclusion is that sharing synthetic medical images is a viable option to sharing real images, but that further work is required. The trained generative models and the generated synthetic images are shared on AIDA data hub.
Analytical evaluation of circulating tumor DNA sequencing assays
Authors: Li Wenjin , Huang Xiayu , Patel Rajesh , Schleifman Erica , Fu Shijing , Shames David S. , Zhang Jingyu
Published: February 2024

In China, circulating tumor DNA analysis is widely used and numerous assays are available. Systematic evaluation to help users make informed selections is needed. Nine circulating tumor DNA assays, including one benchmark assay, were evaluated using 23 contrived reference samples. There were two sample types (cell-free DNA and plasma samples), three circulating tumor DNA inputs (low, < 20 ng; medium, 20–50 ng; high, > 50 ng), two variant allele frequency ranges (low, 0.1–0.5%; intermediate, 0.5–2.5%), and four variant types (single nucleotide, insertion/deletion, structural, and copy number). Sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and all processes from cell-free DNA extraction to bioinformatics analysis were assessed. The test assays were generally comparable or superior to the benchmark assay, demonstrating high analytical sensitivity. Variations in circulating tumor DNA extraction and quantification efficiency, sensitivity, and reproducibility were observed, particularly at lower inputs. These findings will guide circulating tumor DNA assay choice for research and clinical studies, allowing consideration of multiple technical parameters.
Hippopotamus optimization algorithm: a novel nature-inspired optimization algorithm
Authors: Amiri Mohammad Hussein , Mehrabi Hashjin Nastaran , Montazeri Mohsen , Mirjalili Seyedali , Khodadadi Nima
Published: February 2024

The novelty of this article lies in introducing a novel stochastic technique named the Hippopotamus Optimization (HO) algorithm. The HO is conceived by drawing inspiration from the inherent behaviors observed in hippopotamuses, showcasing an innovative approach in metaheuristic methodology. The HO is conceptually defined using a trinary-phase model that incorporates their position updating in rivers or ponds, defensive strategies against predators, and evasion methods, which are mathematically formulated. It attained the top rank in 115 out of 161 benchmark functions in finding optimal value, encompassing unimodal and high-dimensional multimodal functions, fixed-dimensional multimodal functions, as well as the CEC 2019 test suite and CEC 2014 test suite dimensions of 10, 30, 50, and 100 and Zigzag Pattern benchmark functions, this suggests that the HO demonstrates a noteworthy proficiency in both exploitation and exploration. Moreover, it effectively balances exploration and exploitation, supporting the search process. In light of the results from addressing four distinct engineering design challenges, the HO has effectively achieved the most efficient resolution while concurrently upholding adherence to the designated constraints. The performance evaluation of the HO algorithm encompasses various aspects, including a comparison with WOA, GWO, SSA, PSO, SCA, FA, GOA, TLBO, MFO, and IWO recognized as the most extensively researched metaheuristics, AOA as recently developed algorithms, and CMA-ES as high-performance optimizers acknowledged for their success in the IEEE CEC competition. According to the statistical post hoc analysis, the HO algorithm is determined to be significantly superior to the investigated algorithms. The source codes of the HO algorithm are publicly available athttps://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/160088-hippopotamus-optimization-algorithm-ho.
Long term evaluation of factors influencing the association of ixodid ticks with birds in Central Europe, Hungary
Authors: Keve Gergő , Csörgő Tibor , Kováts Dávid , Hornok Sándor
Published: February 2024

Birds play a crucial role in disseminating ticks that carry pathogens of high veterinary-medical importance. The aim of this study was to analyze data of a long-term tick collection from birds at a single stop-over site in Central Europe, Hungary. Over eight years (2015–2022) 5833 ticks (ten species) were collected from 2395 tick-infested birds. The most abundant species were Ixodes ricinus (n = 3971) and Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 1706). Ixodes ricinus nymphs and larvae were the most frequently occurring on resident and short-distance migratory birds with forest habitat but Ha. concinna was the most abundant species on reed-associated, long-distance migrants. Haemaphysalis concinna occurred mostly on birds feeding above the ground level, while I. ricinus predominated on ground feeding birds. Infestation with I. ricinus nymphs always peaked in the first half of the year, in contrast to larvae which were more abundant on avian hosts in the autumn. At the same time, Ha. concinna larvae and nymphs had their peak numbers in the summer. This is the first long-term study on the tick infestation of birds in Central Europe. The study shows that, migration distance, habitat type, and typical feeding level of birds, as well as characteristics of tick life cycle are all key factors in the role of birds as tick disseminators. It was revealed that Savi’s Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) is the most frequent hosts of Ha. concinna in Central Hungary.
Trypophobia, skin disease, and the visual discomfort of natural textures
Authors: DiMattina Christopher , Pipitone R. Nathan , Renteria Martin R. , Ryan Kriston J.
Published: February 2024

In the last decade, the behavioral sciences have described the phenomenon of trypophobia, which is the discomfort felt by some individuals when viewing images containing clusters of bumps or holes. One evolutionary hypothesis for this phenomenon is that this visual discomfort represents an adaptation which helps organisms avoid skin disease and/or ectoparasites. Even though trypophobic imagery and disease imagery are both examples of visual textures, to date there has been no comparison of the visual discomfort elicited by these two specific kinds of textures within the larger context of the visual comfort elicited by natural texture imagery more generally. In the present study, we administered the Trypophobia Questionnaire (TQ) and recorded the visual comfort ratings elicited by a large set of standard natural texture images, including several trypophobic and skin disease images. In two independent samples, we found that while all observers find skin diseases uncomfortable to view, only those scoring high on the TQ rated trypophobic imagery equally uncomfortable. Comparable effects were observed using both standard ANOVA procedures as well as linear mixed effects modeling. Comparing the ratings of both high-TQ and low-TQ participants to the standard textures, we find remarkably consistent rank-order preferences, with the most unpleasant textures (as rated by both groups) exhibiting qualitative similarities to trypophobic imagery. However, we also find that low-level image statistics which have been previously shown to affect visual comfort are poor predictors of the visual comfort elicited by natural textures, including trypophobic and disease imagery. Our results suggest that a full understanding of the visual comfort elicited by natural textures, including those arising from skin disease, will ultimately depend upon a better understanding of cortical areas specialized for the perception of surface and material properties, and how these visual regions interact with emotional brain areas to evoke appropriate behavioral responses, like disgust.
Trypanosoma cruzi interaction with host tissues modulate the composition of large extracellular vesicles
Authors: Rossi Izadora Volpato , de Almeida Rafael Fogaça , Sabatke Bruna , de Godoy Lyris Martins Franco , Ramirez Marcel Ivan
Published: February 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan that causes Chagas disease (CD), an endemic parasitosis in Latin America distributed around the globe. If CD is not treated in acute phase, the parasite remains silent for years in the host's tissues in a chronic form, which may progress to cardiac, digestive or neurological manifestations. Recently, studies indicated that the gastrointestinal tract represents an important reservoir for T. cruzi in the chronic phase. During interaction T. cruzi and host cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that modulates the immune system and infection, but the dynamics of secretion of host and parasite molecules through these EVs is not understood. Now, we used two cell lines: mouse myoblast cell line C2C12, and human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2to simulate the environments found by the parasite in the host. We isolated large EVs (LEVs) from the interaction of T. cruzi CL Brener and Dm28c/C2C12 and Caco-2 cells upon 2 and 24 h of infection. Our data showed that at two hours there is a strong cellular response mediated by EVs, both in the number, variety and enrichment/targeting of proteins found in LEVs for diverse functions. Qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that proteins exported in LEVs of C2C12 and Caco-2 have different patterns. We found a predominance of host proteins at early infection. The parasite-host cell interaction induces a switch in the functionality of proteins carried by LEVs and a heterogeneous response depending on the tissues analyzed. Protein–protein interaction analysis showed that cytoplasmic and mitochondrial homologues of the same parasite protein, tryparedoxin peroxidase, were differentially packaged in LEVs, also impacting the interacting molecule of this protein in the host. These data provide new evidence that the interaction with T. cruzi leads to a rapid tissue response through the release of LEVs, reflecting the enrichment of some proteins that could modulate the infection environment.
Spatial distribution of intangible cultural heritage resources in China and its influencing factors
Authors: Zhang Zhongwu , Cui Zheng , Fan Tongsheng , Ruan Shiyun , Wu Juemei
Published: February 2024

Exploring the spatial distribution of China’s intangible cultural heritage resources and its influencing factors is an important foundation for their protection and development and a key step toward the integration of culture and tourism. To analyse the geographical distribution patterns of China’s 3610 intangible cultural heritage resources and their influencing factors, we comprehensively applied methods such as spatial analysis and geodetectors. The main findings are as follows: (1) In terms of spatial distribution, China’s intangible cultural heritage resources are unevenly distributed, with an overall agglomeration-type distribution. The distribution in the north‒south direction is more significant, with more resources in the east than in the west and more resources in the south than in the north. (2) In terms of the spatial distribution of various types of intangible cultural heritage sites, North and East China have always been areas with a high kernel density. (3) In terms of spatial trends, there is a clear correlation between the distribution of intangible cultural heritage resources and the state of economic development and historical and cultural heritage, i.e., the more economically developed and culturally rich a region is, the more resources of intangible cultural heritage there are. (4) The causes of the distribution of China’s intangible cultural heritage resources are complicated, the influence of social factors is much greater than that of natural factors, and multidimensional interactions have a relatively significant impact. This study is conducive to the planning and protection of China’s intangible cultural heritage resources at the national and regional levels and provides a reference for the sustainable development of China’s intangible cultural heritage resources.
Exploring the structural, electronic, and hydrogen storage properties of hexagonal boron nitride and carbon nanotubes: insights from single-walled to doped double-walled configurations
Authors: Sakr Mahmoud A. S. , Abdelsalam Hazem , Teleb Nahed H. , Abd-Elkader Omar H. , Zhang Qinfang
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the structural intricacies and properties of single-walled nanotubes (SWNT) and double-walled nanotubes (DWNT) composed of hexagonal boron nitride (BN) and carbon (C). Doping with various atoms including light elements (B, N, O) and heavy metals (Fe, Co, Cu) is taken into account. The optimized configurations of SWNT and DWNT, along with dopant positions, are explored, with a focus on DWNT-BN-C. The stability analysis, employing binding energies, affirms the favorable formation of nanotube structures, with DWNT-C emerging as the most stable compound. Quantum stability assessments reveal significant intramolecular charge transfer in specific configurations. Electronic properties, including charge distribution, electronegativity, and electrical conductivity, are examined, showcasing the impact of doping. Energy gap values highlight the diverse electronic characteristics of the nanotubes. PDOS analysis provides insights into the contribution of atoms to molecular orbitals. UV–Vis absorption spectra unravel the optical transitions, showcasing the influence of nanotube size, dopant type, and location. Hydrogen storage capabilities are explored, with suitable adsorption energies indicating favorable hydrogen adsorption. The desorption temperatures for hydrogen release vary across configurations, with notable enhancements in specific doped DWNT-C variants, suggesting potential applications in high-temperature hydrogen release. Overall, this comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the structural, electronic, optical, and hydrogen storage properties of BN and C nanotubes, laying the foundation for tailored applications in electronics and energy storage.
Association of priori-defined DASH dietary pattern with metabolic health status among Iranian adolescents with overweight and obesity
Authors: Heidari Hajar , Mirzaei Saeideh , Asadi Ali , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Saneei Parvane
Published: February 2024

There was no evidence on the relationship of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) with metabolic health condition in adolescents with overweight and obesity. The purpose of this research was to investigate the association of priori-defined DASH dietary pattern with metabolic health status among adolescents with overweight and obesity in Iran. A cross-sectional survey performed on a representative sample of adolescents with overweight and obesity (n = 203). Dietary intakes were collected via a validated food frequency questionnaire and DASH score was characterized according to eight components. Data of anthropometric measures, blood pressure, circulating insulin, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile were collected. Metabolic health status was defined based on criteria of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and insulin resistance (IR). Based on IDF and IDF/IR criteria, 38.9% and 33.0% of adolescents suffered from metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO). After controlling all confounders, subjects in the highest vs. lowest tertile of DASH diet had respectively 92% and 91% lower odds of MUO based on IDF definition (OR = 0.08; 95%CI 0.03–0.22) and IDF/IR criteria (OR = 0.09; 95%CI 0.03–0.29). Subgroup analysis by sex and body mass index determined that this relationship was more powerful in girls and overweight individuals. Also, in fully adjusted model, highest vs. lowest adherence to DASH diet was linked to decreased odds of hyperglycemia (OR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.03–0.21), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.09–0.73), low HDL cholesterolemia (OR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.12–0.73) and insulin resistance (OR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.02–0.28), as metabolic health components. Greater compliance to DASH dietary pattern was linked to a remarkable lower odd of metabolic unhealthy condition among Iranian adolescents, especially in overweight subjects and girls. More prospective surveys are required to assert these results.
Immune microenvironment heterogeneity of concurrent adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in multiple primary lung cancers
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Huang Yiheng , Han Yichao , Dong Dong , Cao Yuqin , Chen Xiang , Liu Di , Cheng Xueyan , Sun Debin , Li Hecheng , Zhang Yajie
Published: February 2024

The molecular profiles and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of multiple primary lung cancers (MPLCs) presenting as concurrent lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) remain unknown. We aimed to clarify these factors. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), and multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) for five patients with concurrent ADC and SQCC. We found the genetic mutations were similar between ADC and SQCC groups. RNA-Seq revealed that the gene expression and pathways enriched in ADC and SQCC groups were quite different. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSVA) showed that nine gene sets were significantly differentially expressed between the ADC and SQCC groups (p < 0.05), with four gene sets relevant to squamous cell features upregulated in the SQCC group and five gene sets upregulated in the ADC group. Reactome enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the immune function-related pathways, including programmed cell death, innate immune system, interleukin-12 family signaling, and toll-like receptor 2/4 pathways, etc. were significantly enriched. Transcriptomic TIME analysis, with mIHC in patient specimens and in vivo validation, showed tumor-infiltrating immune cells were significantly more enriched and diverse in ADC, especially CD8 + T cells. Our results revealed that the transcriptomic profiles and TIME features were quite different between ADC and SQCC lesions. ADC lesions exhibited a more active TIME than SQCC lesions in MPLCs.
Elastic deformation as a tool to investigate watershed storage connectivity
Authors: Clayton Noah , Knappe Ellen , White Alissa M. , Martens Hilary R. , Argus Donald F. , Lau Nicholas , Borsa Adrian A. , Bendick Rebecca , Payton Gardner W.
Published: February 2024

Storage-discharge relationships and dynamic changes in storage connectivity remain key unknowns in understanding and predicting watershed behavior. In this study, we use Global Positioning System measurements of load-induced Earth surface displacement as a proxy for total water storage change in four climatologically diverse mountain watersheds in the western United States. Comparing total water storage estimates with stream-connected storage derived from hydrograph analysis, we find that each of the investigated watersheds exhibits a characteristic seasonal pattern of connection and disconnection between total and stream-connected storage. We investigate how the degree and timing of watershed-scale connectivity is related to the timing of precipitation and seasonal changes in dominant hydrologic processes. Our results show that elastic deformation of the Earth due to water loading is a powerful new tool for elucidating dynamic storage connectivity and watershed discharge response across scales in space and time.
Rational design of NiO/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites with enhanced triethylamine sensing performance
Authors: Han Yutong , Zhang Wenyu , Ding Yuan , Yao Yu , Zhu Zhigang
Published: February 2024

The fabricated NiO/Ti3C2Tx sensor exhibits a high response value of 950% to 50 ppm TEA with fast response/recovery times of 8/40 s.
Amide-to-chloroalkene substitution for overcoming intramolecular acyl transfer challenges in hexapeptidic neuromedin U receptor 2 agonists
Authors: Narumi Tetsuo , Toyama Daichi , Fujimoto Junko , Kyan Ryuji , Sato Kohei , Mori Kenji , Pearson James T. , Mase Nobuyuki , Takayama Kentaro
Published: February 2024

Amide-to-chloroalkene substitution in CPN-116 increases stability and maintains hNMUR2 agonistic activity and selectivity, overcoming intramolecular acyl transfer on the Dap residue.
Assessing the role of residue Phe108 of cytochrome P450 3A4 in allosteric effects of midazolam metabolism
Authors: Fu Tingting , Zhang Hongxing , Zheng Qingchuan
Published: February 2024

Residue F108 of CYP3A4 is closely related to substrate binding stability, the transition of substrate binding mode, and the characteristics of CYP3A4 channels, playing an important role in MDZ metabolism and allosteric effects.
A fluorescence based dual sensor for Zn2+ and PO43− and the application of soft computing methods to predict machine learning outcomes
Authors: Samanta Shashanka Shekhar , Giri Subhadip , Mandal Sourav , Mandal Usha , Beg Hasibul , Misra Ajay
Published: February 2024

A phenolphthalein-based Schiff base, 3,3-bis-{4-hydroxy-3-[(pyridine-2-ylmethylimino)-methyl]-phenyl}-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one (PAP), has been synthesized and used for selective fluorescence ‘turn on’ and ‘turn off’ sensing of Zn2+ and PO43−, respectively.
A novel electrical depercolation model for stretchable nanocomposite strain sensors
Authors: Tomes Oliver , Soul Aaron , Zhang Han , Bilotti Emiliano , Papageorgiou Dimitrios G.
Published: February 2024

Our new piezoresistive model unleashes the full sensing potential of nanocomposites, enabling accurate calibration across the entire conducting strain range and establishing a new framework for exploring key insights into optimising performance.