bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The revised zone of partial preservation (ZPP) in the 2019 International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury: ZPP applicability in incomplete injuries
Authors: Schuld Christian ,   EMSCI study group, Abel Rainer , Curt Armin , Kalke Yorck-Bernhard , Kriz Jiri , Maier Doris , Weidner Norbert , Kirshblum Steven , Tansey Keith ,   ASIA International Standards Committee, Betz Randal , Biering-Sørensen Fin , Burns Stephen P. , Donovan William , Graves Daniel E. , Guest James , Jones Linda , Krassioukov Andrej , Mulcahey Mary Jane , Read Mary Schmidt , Rodriguez Gianna M. , Walden Kristen , Rupp Rüdiger
Published: January 2024

Study design

Consensus process.

Objectives

To provide a reference for the Zone(s) of Partial Preservation (ZPP) in the 2019 International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) and analyze the initial impact of applicability of the revised ZPPs. Revisions include the use of ZPPs in selected incomplete injuries (in addition to prior use in sensorimotor complete injuries). Specifically, the revised motor ZPPs are applicable bilaterally in injuries with absent voluntary anal contraction (VAC) and the revised sensory ZPP for a given side is applicable if deep anal pressure (DAP), light touch and pin prick sensation in S4-5 are absent on that side.

Setting

Committee with 16 ISNCSCI experts and datasets from the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI).

Methods

Occurrence frequencies of applicable ZPPs were determined in an EMSCI cohort consisting of two ISNCSCI examinations from 665 individuals with traumatic SCI.

Results

Motor ZPPs were derived in 35.2% of all datasets of incomplete injuries, while sensory ZPPs are much less frequent (1.0%). Motor ZPPs are applicable in all American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) B datasets (mean ZPP length: 0.9 ± 1.0 segments), in 55.4% of all AIS C datasets (ZPP length: 11.8 ± 8.2 segments) and in 9.9% of the AIS D datasets (ZPP length: 15.4 ± 7.9 segments).

Conclusions

The revised ZPP allows for determining motor ZPPs in approximately 1/3 of all incomplete injuries. The broadened applicability enables the use of ZPPs beyond complete injuries for complementary description of residual functions in more individuals.

Sponsorship

N/A
Systemic anticancer therapy for urothelial carcinoma: UK oncologists’ perspective
Authors: Jones Robert J. , Crabb Simon J. , Linch Mark , Birtle Alison J. , McGrane John , Enting Deborah , Stevenson Robert , Liu Kin , Kularatne Bihani , Hussain Syed A.
Published: January 2024

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common cancer associated with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease. Platinum-based chemotherapy has remained the cornerstone of systemic anticancer treatment for many years, and recent developments in the treatment landscape have improved outcomes. In this review, we provide an overview of systemic treatment for UC, including clinical data supporting the current standard of care at each point in the treatment pathway and author interpretations from a UK perspective. Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is recommended for eligible patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and is preferable to adjuvant treatment. For first-line treatment of advanced UC, platinum-eligible patients should receive cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by avelumab maintenance in those without disease progression. Among patients unable to receive platinum-based chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment is an option for those with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)–positive tumours. Second-line or later treatment options depend on prior treatment, and enfortumab vedotin is preferred after prior ICI and chemotherapy, although availability varies between countries. Additional options include rechallenge with platinum-based chemotherapy, an ICI, or non–platinum-based chemotherapy. Areas of uncertainty include the optimal number of first-line chemotherapy cycles for advanced UC and the value of PD-L1 testing for UC.
CAPG is a novel biomarker for early gastric cancer and is involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Long Yan , Wu JiaQi , Shen Yu , Gan Chenxiao , Zhang Chuandong , Wang Gang , Jing Jiyong , Zhang Chenjing , Pan Wensheng
Published: January 2024

Past studies have shown that the Gelsolin-like actin-capping protein (CAPG) regulates cell migration and proliferation and is strongly associated with tumor progression. We present the first study of the mechanism of action of CAPG in early gastric cancer (EGC). We demonstrate that CAPG expression is upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) especially EGC. CAPG promotes GC proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, CAPG plays a role in GC by involving the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that CAPG may function as a novel biomarker for EGC.
Unusual Sabatier principle on high entropy alloy catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Chen Zhi Wen , Li Jian , Ou Pengfei , Huang Jianan Erick , Wen Zi , Chen LiXin , Yao Xue , Cai GuangMing , Yang Chun Cheng , Singh Chandra Veer , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2024

The Sabatier principle is widely explored in heterogeneous catalysis, graphically depicted in volcano plots. The most desirable activity is located at the peak of the volcano, and further advances in activity past this optimum are possible by designing a catalyst that circumvents the limitation entailed by the Sabatier principle. Herein, by density functional theory calculations, we discovered an unusual Sabatier principle on high entropy alloy (HEA) surface, distinguishing the “just right” (ΔGH* = 0 eV) in the Sabatier principle of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A new descriptor was proposed to design HEA catalysts for HER. As a proof-of-concept, the synthesized PtFeCoNiCu HEA catalyst endows a high catalytic performance for HER with an overpotential of 10.8 mV at −10 mA cm−2and 4.6 times higher intrinsic activity over the state-of-the-art Pt/C. Moreover, the unusual Sabatier principle on HEA catalysts can be extended to other catalytic reactions.
Gene-SGAN: discovering disease subtypes with imaging and genetic signatures via multi-view weakly-supervised deep clustering
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Wen Junhao , Abdulkadir Ahmed , Cui Yuhan , Erus Guray , Mamourian Elizabeth , Melhem Randa , Srinivasan Dhivya , Govindarajan Sindhuja T. , Chen Jiong , Habes Mohamad , Masters Colin L. , Maruff Paul , Fripp Jurgen , Ferrucci Luigi , Albert Marilyn S. , Johnson Sterling C. , Morris John C. , LaMontagne Pamela , Marcus Daniel S. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Wolk David A. , Shen Li , Bao Jingxuan , Resnick Susan M. , Shou Haochang , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Davatzikos Christos
Published: January 2024

Disease heterogeneity has been a critical challenge for precision diagnosis and treatment, especially in neurologic and neuropsychiatric diseases. Many diseases can display multiple distinct brain phenotypes across individuals, potentially reflecting disease subtypes that can be captured using MRI and machine learning methods. However, biological interpretability and treatment relevance are limited if the derived subtypes are not associated with genetic drivers or susceptibility factors. Herein, we describe Gene-SGAN – a multi-view, weakly-supervised deep clustering method – which dissects disease heterogeneity by jointly considering phenotypic and genetic data, thereby conferring genetic correlations to the disease subtypes and associated endophenotypic signatures. We first validate the generalizability, interpretability, and robustness of Gene-SGAN in semi-synthetic experiments. We then demonstrate its application to real multi-site datasets from 28,858 individuals, deriving subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease and brain endophenotypes associated with hypertension, from MRI and single nucleotide polymorphism data. Derived brain phenotypes displayed significant differences in neuroanatomical patterns, genetic determinants, biological and clinical biomarkers, indicating potentially distinct underlying neuropathologic processes, genetic drivers, and susceptibility factors. Overall, Gene-SGAN is broadly applicable to disease subtyping and endophenotype discovery, and is herein tested on disease-related, genetically-associated neuroimaging phenotypes.
Conformational coupling of the sialic acid TRAP transporter HiSiaQM with its substrate binding protein HiSiaP
Authors: Peter Martin F. , Ruland Jan A. , Kim Yeojin , Hendricks Philipp , Schneberger Niels , Siebrasse Jan Peter , Thomas Gavin H. , Kubitscheck Ulrich , Hagelueken Gregor
Published: January 2024

The tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters use an extra cytoplasmic substrate binding protein (SBP) to transport a wide variety of substrates in bacteria and archaea. The SBP can adopt an open- or closed state depending on the presence of substrate. The two transmembrane domains of TRAP transporters form a monomeric elevator whose function is strictly dependent on the presence of a sodium ion gradient. Insights from experimental structures, structural predictions and molecular modeling have suggested a conformational coupling between the membrane elevator and the substrate binding protein. Here, we use a disulfide engineering approach to lock the TRAP transporter HiSiaPQM from Haemophilus influenzae in different conformational states. The SBP, HiSiaP, is locked in its substrate-bound form and the transmembrane elevator, HiSiaQM, is locked in either its assumed inward- or outward-facing states. We characterize the disulfide-locked constructs and use single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to study their interactions. Our experiments demonstrate that the SBP and the transmembrane elevator are indeed conformationally coupled, meaning that the open and closed state of the SBP recognize specific conformational states of the transporter and vice versa.
Enabling nonconjugated polyesters emit full-spectrum fluorescence from blue to near-infrared
Authors: Chu Bo , Liu Xiong , Xiong Zuping , Zhang Ziteng , Liu Bin , Zhang Chengjian , Sun Jing Zhi , Yang Qing , Zhang Haoke , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhang Xing-Hong
Published: January 2024

Near-infrared luminophores have many advantages in advanced applications, especially for structures without π-conjugation aromatic rings. However, the fabrication of red clusteroluminogens from nonconjugated polymers is still a big challenge, let alone the near-infrared clusteroluminogens. Here, we develop nonconjugated luminophores with full-spectrum from blue to near-infrared light (470 ~ 780 nm), based on color phenomenon of nonconjugated polyesters synthesized from the amine-initiated copolymerization of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides. We reveal that amines act as initiators attached to polymer chain ends. The formation of various amine-ester complexes in polyesters induces red to near-infrared light, conceptually, amine-ester complexed clusteroluminescence via intra/inter-chain charge transfer. Significantly, emission colors can be easily tuned by the contents and types of amines, microstructures of polyesters, and their concentration. This work provides a low-cost, scalable platform and strategy for the production of high-efficiency, multicolor luminescent materials.
PSIP1/LEDGF reduces R-loops at transcription sites to maintain genome integrity
Authors: Jayakumar Sundarraj , Patel Manthan , Boulet Fanny , Aziz Hadicha , Brooke Greg N. , Tummala Hemanth , Pradeepa Madapura M.
Published: January 2024

R-loops that accumulate at transcription sites pose a persistent threat to genome integrity. PSIP1 is a chromatin protein associated with transcriptional elongation complex, possesses histone chaperone activity, and is implicated in recruiting RNA processing and DNA repair factors to transcription sites. Here, we show that PSIP1 interacts with R-loops and other proteins involved in R-loop homeostasis, including PARP1. Genome-wide mapping of PSIP1, R-loops and γ-H2AX in PSIP1-depleted human and mouse cell lines revealed an accumulation of R-loops and DNA damage at gene promoters in the absence of PSIP1. R-loop accumulation causes local transcriptional arrest and transcription-replication conflict, leading to DNA damage. PSIP1 depletion increases 53BP1 foci and reduces RAD51 foci, suggesting altered DNA repair choice. Furthermore, PSIP1 depletion increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to PARP1 inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents that induce R-loop-induced DNA damage. These findings provide insights into the mechanism through which PSIP1 maintains genome integrity at the site of transcription.
Multi-scale structures of the mammalian radial spoke and divergence of axonemal complexes in ependymal cilia
Authors: Meng Xueming , Xu Cong , Li Jiawei , Qiu Benhua , Luo Jiajun , Hong Qin , Tong Yujie , Fang Chuyu , Feng Yanyan , Ma Rui , Shi Xiangyi , Lin Cheng , Pan Chen , Zhu Xueliang , Yan Xiumin , Cong Yao
Published: January 2024

Radial spokes (RS) transmit mechanochemical signals between the central pair (CP) and axonemal dynein arms to coordinate ciliary motility. Atomic-resolution structures of metazoan RS and structures of axonemal complexes in ependymal cilia, whose rhythmic beating drives the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, however, remain obscure. Here, we present near-atomic resolution cryo-EM structures of mouse RS head-neck complex in both monomer and dimer forms and reveal the intrinsic flexibility of the dimer. We also map the genetic mutations related to primary ciliary dyskinesia and asthenospermia on the head-neck complex. Moreover, we present the cryo-ET and sub-tomogram averaging map of mouse ependymal cilia and build the models for RS1-3, IDAs, and N-DRC. Contrary to the conserved RS structure, our cryo-ET map reveals the lack of IDA-b/c/e and the absence of Tektin filaments within the A-tubule of doublet microtubules in ependymal cilia compared with mammalian respiratory cilia and sperm flagella, further exemplifying the structural diversity of mammalian motile cilia. Our findings shed light on the stepwise mammalian RS assembly mechanism, the coordinated rigid and elastic RS-CP interaction modes beneficial for the regulation of asymmetric ciliary beating, and also facilitate understanding on the etiology of ciliary dyskinesia-related ciliopathies and on the ependymal cilia in the development of hydrocephalus.
hnRNP A1 dysfunction alters RNA splicing and drives neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Salapa Hannah E. , Thibault Patricia A. , Libner Cole D. , Ding Yulian , Clarke Joseph-Patrick W. E. , Denomy Connor , Hutchinson Catherine , Abidullah Hashim M. , Austin Hammond S. , Pastushok Landon , Vizeacoumar Frederick S. , Levin Michael C.
Published: January 2024

Neurodegeneration is the primary driver of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) resulting in permanent disability, creating an urgent need to discover its underlying mechanisms. Herein, we establish that dysfunction of the RNA binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) results in differential of binding to RNA targets causing alternative RNA splicing, which contributes to neurodegeneration in MS and its models. Using RNAseq of MS brains, we discovered differential expression and aberrant splicing of hnRNP A1 target RNAs involved in neuronal function and RNA homeostasis. We confirmed this in vivo in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis employing CLIPseq specific for hnRNP A1, where hnRNP A1 differentially binds and regulates RNA, including aberrantly spliced targets identified in human samples. Additionally, dysfunctional hnRNP A1 expression in neurons caused neurite loss and identical changes in splicing, corroborating hnRNP A1 dysfunction as a cause of neurodegeneration. Collectively, these data indicate hnRNP A1 dysfunction causes altered neuronal RNA splicing, resulting in neurodegeneration in MS.
Mechanism-centric regulatory network identifies NME2 and MYC programs as markers of Enzalutamide resistance in CRPC
Authors: Panja Sukanya , Truica Mihai Ioan , Yu Christina Y. , Saggurthi Vamshi , Craige Michael W. , Whitehead Katie , Tuiche Mayra V. , Al-Saadi Aymen , Vyas Riddhi , Ganesan Shridar , Gohel Suril , Coffman Frederick , Parrott James S. , Quan Songhua , Jha Shantenu , Kim Isaac , Schaeffer Edward , Kothari Vishal , Abdulkadir Sarki A. , Mitrofanova Antonina
Published: January 2024

Heterogeneous response to Enzalutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitor, is a central problem in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) management. Genome-wide systems investigation of mechanisms that govern Enzalutamide resistance promise to elucidate markers of heterogeneous treatment response and salvage therapies for CRPC patients. Focusing on the de novo role of MYC as a marker of Enzalutamide resistance, here we reconstruct a CRPC-specific mechanism-centric regulatory network, connecting molecular pathways with their upstream transcriptional regulatory programs. Mining this network with signatures of Enzalutamide response identifies NME2 as an upstream regulatory partner of MYC in CRPC and demonstrates that NME2-MYC increased activities can predict patients at risk of resistance to Enzalutamide, independent of co-variates. Furthermore, our experimental investigations demonstrate that targeting MYC and its partner NME2 is beneficial in Enzalutamide-resistant conditions and could provide an effective strategy for patients at risk of Enzalutamide resistance and/or for patients who failed Enzalutamide treatment.
Altered quorum sensing and physiology of Staphylococcus aureus during spaceflight detected by multi-omics data analysis
Authors: Hauserman Matthew R. , Ferraro Mariola J. , Carroll Ronan K. , Rice Kelly C.
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the nares of approximately 30% of humans, a risk factor for opportunistic infections. To gain insight into S. aureus virulence potential in the spaceflight environment, we analyzed RNA-Seq, cellular proteomics, and metabolomics data from the “Biological Research in Canisters-23” (BRIC-23) GeneLab spaceflight experiment, a mission designed to measure the response of S. aureus to growth in low earth orbit on the international space station. This experiment used Biological Research in Canisters-Petri Dish Fixation Units (BRIC-PDFUs) to grow asynchronous ground control and spaceflight cultures of S. aureus for 48 h. RNAIII, the effector of the Accessory Gene Regulator (Agr) quorum sensing system, was the most highly upregulated gene transcript in spaceflight relative to ground controls. The agr operon gene transcripts were also highly upregulated during spaceflight, followed by genes encoding phenol-soluble modulins and secreted proteases, which are positively regulated by Agr. Upregulated spaceflight genes/proteins also had functions related to urease activity, type VII-like Ess secretion, and copper transport. We also performed secretome analysis of BRIC-23 culture supernatants, which revealed that spaceflight samples had increased abundance of secreted virulence factors, including Agr-regulated proteases (SspA, SspB), staphylococcal nuclease (Nuc), and EsxA (secreted by the Ess system). These data also indicated that S. aureus metabolism is altered in spaceflight conditions relative to the ground controls. Collectively, these data suggest that S. aureus experiences increased quorum sensing and altered expression of virulence factors in response to the spaceflight environment that may impact its pathogenic potential.
A potential patient stratification biomarker for Parkinson´s disease based on LRRK2 kinase-mediated centrosomal alterations in peripheral blood-derived cells
Authors: Naaldijk Yahaira , Fernández Belén , Fasiczka Rachel , Fdez Elena , Leghay Coline , Croitoru Ioana , Kwok John B. , Boulesnane Yanisse , Vizeneux Amelie , Mutez Eugenie , Calvez Camille , Destée Alain , Taymans Jean-Marc , Aragon Ana Vinagre , Yarza Alberto Bergareche , Padmanabhan Shalini , Delgado Mario , Alcalay Roy N. , Chatterton Zac , Dzamko Nicolas , Halliday Glenda , Ruiz-Martínez Javier , Chartier-Harlin Marie-Christine , Hilfiker Sabine
Published: January 2024

Parkinson´s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative movement disorder and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a promising therapeutic target for disease intervention. However, the ability to stratify patients who will benefit from such treatment modalities based on shared etiology is critical for the success of disease-modifying therapies. Ciliary and centrosomal alterations are commonly associated with pathogenic LRRK2 kinase activity and can be detected in many cell types. We previously found centrosomal deficits in immortalized lymphocytes from G2019S-LRRK2 PD patients. Here, to investigate whether such deficits may serve as a potential blood biomarker for PD which is susceptible to LRKK2 inhibitor treatment, we characterized patient-derived cells from distinct PD cohorts. We report centrosomal alterations in peripheral cells from a subset of early-stage idiopathic PD patients which is mitigated by LRRK2 kinase inhibition, supporting a role for aberrant LRRK2 activity in idiopathic PD. Centrosomal defects are detected in R1441G-LRRK2 and G2019S-LRRK2 PD patients and in non-manifesting LRRK2 mutation carriers, indicating that they accumulate prior to a clinical PD diagnosis. They are present in immortalized cells as well as in primary lymphocytes from peripheral blood. These findings indicate that analysis of centrosomal defects as a blood-based patient stratification biomarker may help nominate idiopathic PD patients who will benefit from LRRK2-related therapeutics.
Selective gene expression maintains human tRNA anticodon pools during differentiation
Authors: Gao Lexi , Behrens Andrew , Rodschinka Geraldine , Forcelloni Sergio , Wani Sascha , Strasser Katrin , Nedialkova Danny D.
Published: January 2024

Transfer RNAs are essential for translating genetic information into proteins. The human genome contains hundreds of predicted tRNA genes, many in multiple copies. How their expression is regulated to control tRNA repertoires is unknown. Here we combined quantitative tRNA profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing to measure tRNA expression following the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into neuronal and cardiac cells. We find that tRNA transcript levels vary substantially, whereas tRNA anticodon pools, which govern decoding rates, are more stable among cell types. Mechanistically, RNA polymerase III transcribes a wide range of tRNA genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells but on differentiation becomes constrained to a subset we define as housekeeping tRNAs. This shift is mediated by decreased mTORC1 signalling, which activates the RNA polymerase III repressor MAF1. Our data explain how tRNA anticodon pools are buffered to maintain decoding speed across cell types and reveal that mTORC1 drives selective tRNA expression during differentiation.
Measuring the presence and incidence of cholera in Hindustan: New data from primary sources for the colonial era
Authors: Aslam Maqsood , Baudin Thomas , Farvaque Etienne , Marakbi Reda
Published: January 2024

We build a new dataset covering 90 years of Cholera spreading in Hindustan from 1814 to 1904. We gather data from a collection of primary sources issued from medical reports. We propose a harmonization procedure to make these data comparable and corresponding to the current borders of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Our methodology is corroborated when comparing our newly produced data with other accounts, in particular Roger (1926)’s estimations. It opens the door to research aiming at estimating the effect of the successive waves of Cholera on the economic, social and epidemiological dynamics of the region.
ePyDGGA: automatic configuration for fitting epidemic curves
Authors: Alòs Josep , Ansótegui Carlos , Dotu Ivan , García-Herranz Manuel , Pastells Pol , Torres Eduard
Published: January 2024

Many epidemiological models and algorithms are used to fit the parameters of a given epidemic curve. On many occasions, fitting algorithms are interleaved with the actual epidemic models, which yields combinations of model-parameters that are hard to compare among themselves. Here, we provide a model-agnostic framework for epidemic parameter fitting that can (fairly) compare different epidemic models without jeopardizing the quality of the fitted parameters. Briefly, we have developed a Python framework that expects a Python function (epidemic model) and epidemic data and performs parameter fitting using automatic configuration. Our framework is capable of fitting parameters for any type of epidemic model, as long as it is provided as a Python function (or even in a different programming language). Moreover, we provide the code for different types of models, as well as the implementation of 4 concrete models with data to fit them. Documentation, code and examples can be found at https://ulog.udl.cat/static/doc/epidemic-gga/html/index.html.
Verification labels for rovibronic quantum-state energy uncertainties
Authors: Árendás Péter , Furtenbacher Tibor , Császár Attila G.
Published: January 2024

Transition wavenumbers contained in line-by-line rovibronic databases can be compromised by errors of various nature. When left undetected, these errors may result in incorrect quantum-state energies, potentially compromising a large number of derived spectroscopic data. Spectroscopic networks treat the complete set of line-by-line spectroscopic data as a large graph, and through a least-squares refinement the measured line positions are converted into empirical quantum-state energies. Spectroscopic networks also offer a highly useful framework to develop mathematical tools helping to identify possible errors and conflicts within the dataset. For example, wavenumber errors can be detected by checking for violations of the law of energy conservation. This paper describes a new graph-theory tool, which results in so-called verification labels for the quantum states. Verification labels help to express the vulnerability of a calculated empirical energy value and its uncertainty against possible wavenumber errors, providing complementary information to simple statistical uncertainties.
The impact of digital transformation and earnings management on ESG performance: evidence from Chinese listed enterprises
Authors: Wang Lang , Hou Sheng
Published: January 2024

The improvement of enterprise ESG performance is one of the key driving forces to achieve the goal of economic and social green development. There is a gap between knowledge and practice in the ESG performance of Chinese enterprises, and digital transformation (DT) provides new ideas for ESG development. The research purpose of this paper is to explore the impact mechanism of DT on ESG and the specific path of DT to drive ESG. It provides a reference for listed enterprises to rely on DT to empower their sustainable development capability. This paper takes the panel data of A-share listed enterprises from 2011 to 2021 as the sample and measures the core indicators using the text mining method, modified Jones model, and Roy-Chowdhury model. On this basis, using a combination of econometric models and qualitative comparative analysis, we empirically analyze the impact mechanisms of DT on ESG as well as the specific grouping paths that drive ESG performance. The main conclusions are shown as follows. First, DT can significantly reduce ESG, with an impact coefficient of − 0.013, which is significant at the 5% level. It reflects that the DT of enterprises at this stage has certain deficiencies. There is a matching lag in the enterprise's internal organizational resources. The entry of digital technology will have a certain impact on traditional operations, and the high uncertainty of DT adds some hidden costs to the enterprise. Secondly, there is an indirect suppression effect of accrued earnings management (AEM) in the transmission mechanism of DT affecting ESG. It is verified that DT can reduce information asymmetry and inhibit EM activities, thus reducing the impact on ESG. Finally, a total of six configurations achieved high ESG valuations. High technology practice-low performance manipulation; digital intelligence-low performance manipulation; digital intelligence-digital resources; digital resources-inadequate digital infrastructure.; high technology practice-bottom technology deficiency; digital intelligence-high performance manipulation. Through configuration analysis, the suppression effect of EM is further verified. The lack of AEM is usually the core condition of the high-valuation group. Meanwhile, digital intelligence, digital resources, and digital technology practice can drive the improvement of enterprise ESG. The instrumental variables approach and robustness tests support these findings.
In vitro gastrointestinal gas monitoring with carbon nanotube sensors
Authors: Vasquez Sahira , Angeli Martina Aurora Costa , Polo Andrea , Costantini Alice , Petrelli Mattia , Avancini Enrico , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco , Gaiardo Andrea , Valt Matteo , Lugli Paolo , Petti Luisa
Published: January 2024

In vitro simulators of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract are remarkable technological platforms for studying the impact of food on the gut microbiota, enabling continuous and real-time monitoring of key biomarkers. However, comprehensive real-time monitoring of gaseous biomarkers in these systems is required with a cost-effective approach, which has been challenging to perform experimentally to date. In this work, we demonstrate the integration and in-line use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based chemiresitive gas sensors coated with a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane for the continuous monitoring of gases within the Simulator of the Human Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME). The findings demonstrate the ability of the gas sensor to continuously monitor the different phases of gas production in this harsh, anaerobic, highly humid, and acidic environment for a long exposure time (16 h) without saturation. This establishes our sensor platform as an effective tool for real-time monitoring of gaseous biomarkers in in vitro systems like SHIME.
Grassland vertical height heterogeneity predicts flower and bee diversity: an UAV photogrammetric approach
Authors: Torresani Michele , Rocchini Duccio , Ceola Giada , de Vries Jan Peter Reinier , Feilhauer Hannes , Moudrý Vítězslav , Bartholomeus Harm , Perrone Michela , Anderle Matteo , Gamper Hannes Andres , Chieffallo Ludovico , Guatelli Enrico , Gatti Roberto Cazzolla , Kleijn David
Published: January 2024

The ecosystem services offered by pollinators are vital for supporting agriculture and ecosystem functioning, with bees standing out as especially valuable contributors among these insects. Threats such as habitat fragmentation, intensive agriculture, and climate change are contributing to the decline of natural bee populations. Remote sensing could be a useful tool to identify sites of high diversity before investing into more expensive field survey. In this study, the ability of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV) images to estimate biodiversity at a local scale has been assessed while testing the concept of the Height Variation Hypothesis (HVH). This hypothesis states that the higher the vegetation height heterogeneity (HH) measured by remote sensing information, the higher the vegetation vertical complexity and the associated species diversity. In this study, the concept has been further developed to understand if vegetation HH can also be considered a proxy for bee diversity and abundance. We tested this approach in 30 grasslands in the South of the Netherlands, where an intensive field data campaign (collection of flower and bee diversity and abundance) was carried out in 2021, along with a UAV campaign (collection of true color-RGB-images at high spatial resolution). Canopy Height Models (CHM) of the grasslands were derived using the photogrammetry technique “Structure from Motion” (SfM) with horizontal resolution (spatial) of 10 cm, 25 cm, and 50 cm. The accuracy of the CHM derived from UAV photogrammetry was assessed by comparing them through linear regression against local CHM LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data derived from an Airborne Laser Scanner campaign completed in 2020/2021, yielding an $$R^2$$

R
2

of 0.71. Subsequently, the HH assessed on the CHMs at the three spatial resolutions, using four different heterogeneity indices (Rao’s Q, Coefficient of Variation, Berger–Parker index, and Simpson’s D index), was correlated with the ground-based flower and bee diversity and bee abundance data. The Rao’s Q index was the most effective heterogeneity index, reaching high correlations with the ground-based data (0.44 for flower diversity, 0.47 for bee diversity, and 0.34 for bee abundance). Interestingly, the correlations were not significantly influenced by the spatial resolution of the CHM derived from UAV photogrammetry. Our results suggest that vegetation height heterogeneity can be used as a proxy for large-scale, standardized, and cost-effective inference of flower diversity and habitat quality for bees.
FEM simulations for double diffusive transport mechanism hybrid nano fluid flow in corrugated enclosure by installing uniformly heated and concentrated cylinder
Authors: Bilal S. , Shah Imtiaz Ali , Khan Ilyas , Al-Otaibi Shaha , Rahimzai Ariana Abdul
Published: January 2024

Generation of fluid flow due to simultaneous occurrence of heat and mass diffusions caused by buoyancy differences is termed as double diffusion. Pervasive applications of such diffusion arise in numerous natural and scientific systems. This article investigates double diffusion in naturally convective flow of water-based fluid saturated in corrugated enclosure and containing hybrid nano particles composed of Copper (Cu) and Alumina (Al2O3). Impact of uniformly applied magnetic field is also accounted. To produce thermosolutal convective potential circular cylinder of constant radius is also adjusted by providing uniform temperature and concentration distributions. Finite element approach is capitalized to provide solution of utilized governing equations by utilizing Multiphysics COMSOL software. Wide-range of physical parameters are incorporated to depict their influence on associated distributions (velocity, temperature and concentration). Interesting physical quantities like Nusselt number, Sherwood numbers are also calculated against involved sundry parameters. It is note worthily observed that maximum strength of stream lines $${(\psi }_{max})$$

(
ψ

max

)

is 3.3 at $$\phi =0$$

ϕ
=
0

and drops to 1.2 when $$\phi $$
ϕ
is increased to 0.04. Furthermore, in the hydrodynamic case (Ha = 0), it is observed that the velocity field exhibits an increasing trend compared to the hydromagnetic case $$\left(Ha\ne 0\right),$$

H
a
≠
0

,

which is proved from the attained values of stream-function i.e., $${|\psi |}_{max}=11$$

|
ψ
|

max

=
11

(in the absence of a magnetic field) and $${|\psi |}_{max}=3.5$$

|
ψ
|

max

=
3.5

(in the presence of a magnetic field). It is revealed from the statistics of Nusselt number that increase in volume fraction of nano particles from 0 to 0.4, heat flux coefficient upsurges up to 7% approximately. Since, present work includes novel physical aspects of thermosolutal diffusion generated due to induction of hybrid nanoparticles in water contained in corrugated enclosure, so this study will provide innovative thought to the researchers to conduct research in this direction.
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale in Russian adolescents
Authors: Marakshina Julia , Adamovich Timofey , Vasin Georgy , Ismatullina Victoria , Lobaskova Marina , Malykh Artem , Kolyasnikov Pavel , Tabueva Anna , Zakharov Ilya , Malykh Sergey
Published: January 2024

This study involved a psychometric analysis of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). To investigate the Russian version of the PSS-10 for adolescents, 3530 adolescents aged 13–17 years were recruited. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the data corresponded to the expected two-factor configuration. Psychometric properties and factor structure were evaluated. As expected, the PSS-10 included two factors: perceived helplessness and perceived self-efficacy. Internal consistency demonstrated acceptable values (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82 for perceived helplessness, 0.77 for perceived self-efficacy, and 0.80 for the overall PSS score). Measurement invariance across sexes was assessed, and configural and metric invariance were confirmed. The developed diagnostic tool can be used both in the school system to alleviate the negative consequences of academic stress in adolescents and, in the future, in other areas, particularly in clinical practice.
An improved GBSO-TAENN-based EEG signal classification model for epileptic seizure detection
Authors: Kantipudi M. V. V. Prasad , Kumar N. S. Pradeep , Aluvalu Rajanikanth , Selvarajan Shitharth , Kotecha K
Published: January 2024

Detection and classification of epileptic seizures from the EEG signals have gained significant attention in recent decades. Among other signals, EEG signals are extensively used by medical experts for diagnosing purposes. So, most of the existing research works developed automated mechanisms for designing an EEG-based epileptic seizure detection system. Machine learning techniques are highly used for reduced time consumption, high accuracy, and optimal performance. Still, it limits by the issues of high complexity in algorithm design, increased error value, and reduced detection efficacy. Thus, the proposed work intends to develop an automated epileptic seizure detection system with an improved performance rate. Here, the Finite Linear Haar wavelet-based Filtering (FLHF) technique is used to filter the input signals and the relevant set of features are extracted from the normalized output with the help of Fractal Dimension (FD) analysis. Then, the Grasshopper Bio-Inspired Swarm Optimization (GBSO) technique is employed to select the optimal features by computing the best fitness value and the Temporal Activation Expansive Neural Network (TAENN) mechanism is used for classifying the EEG signals to determine whether normal or seizure affected. Numerous intelligence algorithms, such as preprocessing, optimization, and classification, are used in the literature to identify epileptic seizures based on EEG signals. The primary issues facing the majority of optimization approaches are reduced convergence rates and higher computational complexity. Furthermore, the problems with machine learning approaches include a significant method complexity, intricate mathematical calculations, and a decreased training speed. Therefore, the goal of the proposed work is to put into practice efficient algorithms for the recognition and categorization of epileptic seizures based on EEG signals. The combined effect of the proposed FLHF, FD, GBSO, and TAENN models might dramatically improve disease detection accuracy while decreasing complexity of system along with time consumption as compared to the prior techniques. By using the proposed methodology, the overall average epileptic seizure detection performance is increased to 99.6% with f-measure of 99% and G-mean of 98.9% values.
On chip synthesis of a pH sensitive gefitinib anticancer drug nanocarrier based on chitosan/alginate natural polymers
Authors: Alizadeh Hossein , Ahmadi Mazaher , Heydari Shayesteh Omid
Published: January 2024

In this research, using a microfluidic chip, a nanocarrier for the anticancer drug gefitinib was synthesized. Chitosan and alginate natural polymers were utilized for the synthesis of the nanocarrier. The synthesis of the nanocarrier comprises the interaction of secondary amine functional groups of gefitinib molecules with carboxylate functional groups of alginate polymer to form the primary nucleus followed by the formation of the nanocarrier through the self-assembly of chitosan and alginate polymers on a fabricated microfluidic chip. The chip was fabricated by laser engraving poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer sheets. The nanocarrier was characterized by FT-IR, DLS, SEM, and TEM techniques. The synthesized nanocarrier had a size distribution of 5.30 ± 2.60 nm and the encapsulation efficiency percent was 68.4% in the optimum conditions. The loading efficiency was calculated as 50.2 mg g−1 of nanocarrier. Drug release studies showed that the nanocarrier is sensitive to pH and releases more gefitinib in acidic environments. Cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanocarrier was studied on the A549 non-small cell lung cancer, and the MTT test showed that the synthesized nanocarrier has a lower IC50 value than the free drug. Also, the cytotoxicity studies showed that the materials used for the synthesis of nanocarrier do not show significant cytotoxicity. Compared to the previously reported method, the developed microfluidic-assisted method showed advantages such as a faster synthesis procedure and comparable encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity.
Angle modulated two-dimensional single cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for detecting early symptoms of DNA fragmentation in human sperm nuclei
Authors: Kaneko Satoru , Takamatsu Kiyoshi
Published: January 2024

We here developed a novel angle-modulated two-dimensional single cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (2D-SCPFGE). Variations in current-application-time and rotation angle generated different alignments of DNA fibers and segments. After the first run, the specimen was turned by 150° (2D-SCPFGE-0–150) to detect naturally occurring the earliest stage of DNA fragmentation or 75° (2D-SCPFGE-0–75) to analyze artificially induced cleavage. The former revealed that a part of long chain fibers remained at the origin and long segments were still tangled in the bundle of elongated fibers after the first run. The latter visualized the dose-dependent cleavage of DNA by EcoR1. Multicycle 2D-SCPFGE was useful for generating 2D-alignments of single nuclear DNA fibers, which is the first step for visualization of single-strand breaks on stretched fibers. To date, many articles have accepted the pathogenetic significances of DNA fragmentation in human sperm for male infertility and congenital anomaly. It is necessary to perform multivariate analyses of not only earliest-stage DNA fragmentation but also other types of damage, including single-strand breaks, in sequential DNA fibers. 2D-SCPFGE is the fundamental tool for understanding single nuclear DNA damages.
Cancer associated fibroblasts serve as an ovarian cancer stem cell niche through noncanonical Wnt5a signaling
Authors: Fang Yiming , Xiao Xue , Wang Ji , Dasari Subramanyam , Pepin David , Nephew Kenneth P. , Zamarin Dmitriy , Mitra Anirban K.
Published: January 2024

Frequent relapse and chemoresistance cause poor outcome in ovarian cancer (OC) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are important contributors. While most studies focus exclusively on CSCs, the role of the microenvironment in providing optimal conditions to maintain their tumor-initiating potential remains poorly understood. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major constituent of the OC tumor microenvironment and we show that CAFs and CSCs are enriched following chemotherapy in patient tumors. CAFs significantly increase OC cell resistance to carboplatin. Using heterotypic CAF-OC cocultures and in vivo limiting dilution assay, we confirm that the CAFs act by enriching the CSC population. CAFs increase the symmetric division of CSCs as well as the dedifferentiation of bulk OC cells into CSCs. The effect of CAFs is limited to OC cells in their immediate neighborhood, which can be prevented by inhibiting Wnt. Analysis of single cell RNA-seq data from OC patients reveal Wnt5a as the highest expressed Wnt in CAFs and that certain subpopulations of CAFs express higher levels of Wnt5a. Our findings demonstrate that Wnt5a from CAFs activate a noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway involving the ROR2/PKC/CREB1 axis in the neighboring CSCs. While canonical Wnt signaling is found to be predominant in interactions between cancer cells in patients, non-canonical Wnt pathway is activated by the CAF-OC crosstalk. Treatment with a Wnt5a inhibitor sensitizes tumors to carboplatin in vivo. Together, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism of CSC maintenance by signals from the microenvironmental CAFs, which can be targeted to treat OC chemoresistance and relapse.
Measuring out quasi-local integrals of motion from entanglement
Authors: Lu Bohan , Bertoni Christian , Thomson Steven J. , Eisert Jens
Published: January 2024

Quasi-local integrals of motion are a key concept underpinning the modern understanding of many-body localisation, a phenomenon in which interactions and disorder come together. Despite the existence of several numerical ways to compute them—and in the light of the observation that much of the phenomenology of many properties can be derived from them—it is not obvious how to directly measure aspects of them in real quantum simulations; in fact, hard experimental evidence is still missing. In this work, we propose a way to extract the real-space properties of such quasi-local integrals of motion based on a spatially-resolved entanglement probe able to distinguish Anderson from many-body localisation from non-equilibrium dynamics. We complement these findings with a rigorous entanglement bound and compute the relevant quantities using tensor networks. We demonstrate that the entanglement gives rise to a well-defined length scale that can be measured in experiments.
Multi-animal 3D social pose estimation, identification and behaviour embedding with a few-shot learning framework
Authors: Han Yaning , Chen Ke , Wang Yunke , Liu Wenhao , Wang Zhouwei , Wang Xiaojing , Han Chuanliang , Liao Jiahui , Huang Kang , Cai Shengyuan , Huang Yiting , Wang Nan , Li Jinxiu , Song Yangwangzi , Li Jing , Wang Guo-Dong , Wang Liping , Zhang Yaping , Wei Pengfei
Published: January 2024

The quantification of animal social behaviour is an essential step to reveal brain functions and psychiatric disorders during interaction phases. While deep learning-based approaches have enabled precise pose estimation, identification and behavioural classification of multi-animals, their application is challenged by the lack of well-annotated datasets. Here we show a computational framework, the Social Behavior Atlas (SBeA) used to overcome the problem caused by the limited datasets. SBeA uses a much smaller number of labelled frames for multi-animal three-dimensional pose estimation, achieves label-free identification recognition and successfully applies unsupervised dynamic learning to social behaviour classification. SBeA is validated to uncover previously overlooked social behaviour phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder knockout mice. Our results also demonstrate that the SBeA can achieve high performance across various species using existing customized datasets. These findings highlight the potential of SBeA for quantifying subtle social behaviours in the fields of neuroscience and ecology.
Wireless power and information dual transfer system via magnetically coupled resonators
Authors: He Xiangning , Liu Sheng , Wu Jiande , Feng Yue , Wang Ruichi , Li Wuhua , Weng Wanying
Published: January 2024

High-efficiency medium-range wireless power transfer using magnetically coupled resonators requires a wireless data link between the contactless coils to regulate power. Multiplexing the power transfer channel as the information channel is a cost-effective solution for the communication. However, existing technologies cannot transmit data across the medium-range magnetically coupled resonators channel without substantially affecting power transfer. Here we show a power-electronics-converters based wireless power and information dual transfer system in which the information signals are modulated on one dc side of the inverter/rectifier, and transmitted through a conventional medium-range wireless power transfer system, and then demodulated on the other dc side. Using the frequency mixer characteristic of the inverter/rectifier, information is modulated onto the sideband of the power carrier and transmitted through the medium-range channel. Finally, we prototyped a 6.78 MHz system capable of transferring 45 W power across a one-meter distance with 62% efficiency and 60 kb/s bitrate for half-duplex communication.