bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of environmental microplastics on Porcellana Platycheles (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae), a marine filter-feeder crustacean
Authors: Baracchini Clément , Châtel Amélie , Messager Lucie , Stocker Philippe , Letertre Yolène , Leignel Vincent
Published: March 2024

Assessment of microplastic pollution is a societal concern with negative impacts on fauna and flora. An omnipresence of these pollutants in aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial ecosystems was indicated. In a marine environment, the microplastic accumulation and effects were identified in many organisms (annelids, bivalves, crustaceans, fishes, mammals…). Unfortunately, many microplastic (MP) toxicity experiments used commercial particles (mainly polyethylene or polystyrene), which do not illustrate the diversity of environmental MP. We evaluated the effects of environmental MP on Porcellana platycheles, which is a European singular crustacean (Anomura) being a filter-feeder organism. We carried out direct exposures for 5 and 10 days at two environmental concentrations [10°µg/L (low) and 100°µg/L (high)]. The biomarkers analysed were the antioxidative response level, acetylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation, and energy reserves. Our study revealed a high acetylcholinesterase inhibition reflecting neurotoxicity, and modulation of antioxidative responses illustrated successively by an increase of enzymatic activities at 10°µg/L after 5 days, and a decrease after 10 days of exposures. Inhibition of antioxidative activities at 100°µg/L was also noted. We hypothesised that this “inverse U-shaped” enzymatic activity could be due to 1/ the presence of endocrine disruptors associated with MPs, such as Dibutyl phthalate found in high concentration (126°µg/g) in our MP samples and/or 2/ collapse of the endogenous antioxidative enzymes. In parallel, a depression of glycogen was demonstrated during the experiments indicating an energy investment in maintaining homeostasis. Thus, Porcellana platycheles possesses all the criteria to be considered as a potential sentinel species to detect the microplastic effects.
Studies on carcinogenic PAHs (Pyrene & Benzo(e)Pyrene) in Noida area of NCR & their reduction by Neem & Peepal
Authors: Rani Nidhi
Published: March 2024

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the impacts of Pyrene & Benzo (e) Pyrene PAHs pollutants on the health of peoples residing in Noida area of National Capital Region. This paper also identify the impact of vehicular pollution on human health. This paper also gives some relevant reactions of Neem & Peepal trees for control of air pollution. Practical work was carried for a duration of approx. one years. Sampling of Pyrene & Benzo (e) Pyrene PAHs was carried on every fortnight & data was collected. The present study is very useful to regulatory authorities & administration to understand problems of air pollution in the concerning areas & helpful in prevention of Air Pollution. In Noida City, the sampling locations were selected based on land used pattern i.e residential area, commercial and industrial area during four seasons viz. summer, Monsoon, Post monsoon & Winter. Pyrene & Benzo (e) Pyrene level and their variation were observed during these seasons. The result of concentration of Pyrene & Benzo (e) Pyrene is minimum in( sector 59 )residential area of Noida & maximum concentration observed in (sector 62 )Noida industrial area, which shown in Fig. 1(result & Discussion) in year Jan.2021-Dec.2021. The conclusion of this study is that the concentration of Benzo (a) Pyrene (100.0 ng/ m3) found greater than Pyrene (94.0 ng/ m3) in all sites.
Food addiction, emotion regulation, and self- compassion: the mediating role of executive functions
Authors: Salili Narges Alsadat , Noferesti Azam , Farahani Hojatollah
Published: March 2024

Background
This research aimed to examine the mediating role of executive functions in the relationship between food addiction and emotion regulation as well as self-compassion.
Methods
In this study, in the form of a structural equation modeling, 251 subjects (219 women and 32 men) were chosen via convenience sampling and responded to the following questionnaires: difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS-16), Rice self-compassion, food addiction 2, and behavior rating inventory of executive function for adults (BRIEF-A).
Results
The findings indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship between deficits in emotion regulation and food addiction. Also, executive functions mediated the relationship between emotion regulation, self-compassion, and food addiction. Nevertheless, no relationship was found between self-compassion and food addiction.
Conclusions
Thus, it can be concluded that consolidating the emotion regulation skills and executive functions may contribute to prevention from or improvement of food addiction, thereby preventing the ensuing negative consequences such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Multi-depot Routing Problem with Van-based Driverless Vehicles
Authors: Xiaolong Diao , Xiayu Zhu
Published: March 2024

In order to strengthen the coordination between different delivery participants and between different means of transport, this work proposes one extension of multi-depot routing problems where vans and driverless vehicles are used in combination during the delivery. The operation process mainly includes two parts. One is that, vans carry several driverless vehicles and goods, and drop off or pick up driverless vehicles at stops. Another is that, driverless vehicles departing directly from depots or dropped off by vans deliver goods for customers. During the delivery process, vans and driverless vehicles are in close cooperation through the proposed multi-depot joint distribution and the proposed van-van joint distribution. By the two modes, vans can depart from one depot and return to another depot, driverless vehicles can be dropped off by one van at one stop and be picked up by another van at another stop. This multi-depot routing problem with van-based driverless vehicles is formulated as a mixed integer programming model which can be solved by the designed heuristic algorithm. The sensitivity analyses about the capacity of vans for driverless vehicle and the maximum traveling time of driverless vehicles are also performed. The results reveal that they have limited effects on the delivery cost and the application of the two modes. Moreover, the experimental results demonstrate that the application of two modes is affected by the distribution of depots and stops.
Effect of biochar and its combined fertilizers on the dynamics of soil nitrogen supply in tea plantation
Authors: Zhang Bangwei , Liu Cenwei , Li Qiang , Ye Jing , Lin Yi , Wang Yixiang , Burton David L
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:
Tea plantations are frequently given substantial quantities of nitrogen fertilizers. However, there is the potential for considerable nitrogen loss to occur. This study assesses the nitrogen retention of acidic tea plantation’s soil and the role of biochar in improving nitrogen dynamics, highlighting the need for innovative technologies to streamline and enhance nitrogen supply management.
Methods:
Adopting a modified two-week aerobic incubation and ion-exchange membrane technology, this research offers a novel approach to evaluate soil nitrogen supply and to monitor the nitrogen dynamics of tea plantation soil following early-summer supplementary fertilization.
Results:
The study revealed that the surface soil of tea plantation had the ability to provide 48 mg N·kg-1 soil as inorganic nitrogen for 130 days. The utilization of a small amount of biochar (10 t·ha-1) had no impact on the soil's effective nitrogen availability. Nonetheless, the application of biochar at rates of 20 and 30 t·ha-1 resulted in a significant enhancement in soil effective nitrogen availability as measured using ion exchange membranes, with an increase of 65%–81%. Furthermore, the utilization of biochar-based organic fertilizers, when used at appropriate rates, has the potential to enhance the availability of nitrogen in the soil, thereby increasing its effectiveness.
Conclusion:
The study's findings underscore the efficacy of the employed methodologies in capturing the nuanced impact of biochar on nitrogen retention and availability in tea plantation soils. The use of aerobic incubation and ion-exchange membrane technology has proven effective in elucidating the potential of biochar to significantly improve nitrogen dynamics.
Structural Alterations in Scales of Capoeta capoeta from Heavy Metal-Contaminated River Water
Authors: Kılıç Yağmur , Şişman Turgay
Published: March 2024

Heavy metal pollution, especially in freshwater, is a serious problem for aquatic organisms and human health. In this study, the scales of Capoeta capoeta living in the Karasu River (Turkey), which is estimated to be contaminated with pollutants, especially heavy metals, were examined for structural anomalies. Two stations on the river were selected for this purpose. Fish and surface water samples were taken at the stations. The heavy metal analyzes were carried out in the water and in the fish tissue. Heavy metal pollution was detected in the surface water. It was also observed that some heavy metals (As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn) accumulate in the fish tissue. Significant structural differences were observed on the dorsal surface of the scales, such as interrupted primary radii, damaged circuli, damaged focus, damaged anterior scale margin, broken focus, deformed scale structure, scattered chromatophores, dilatation of primary radii, loss of focus, damaged annuli, symmetry shift in the lateral line canal, eroded circuli, damaged posterior scale margin, double focus, branching in the primary radii, asymmetric circuli, incomplete annuli and interrupted secondary radii in each of the fish collected from the contaminated site. Heavy metals are suspected to be responsible for the structural anomalies in the scales. Based on these observations, it can be said that fish scales can be used as an effective indicator of water quality.
Does abusive supervision increase employees’ helping behavior? Exploring mediating and moderating mechanisms
Authors: Nasab Roghayeh Hekmat , biuki Nahid Amrollahi , Sharifirad Mahammad Sadegh
Published: March 2024

Background: Typically, researchers believe that abusive supervision decreases employees' helping behavior. However, according to the emotional process theory of abusive supervision, subordinates show more helping behavior under certain conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of abusive supervision on employees' helping behavior, with a focus on the mediating role of self-blame and guilt, as well as the moderating effects of core self-evaluation (CSE) and power distance.
Methods: In this study, the PROCESS Macro model was used to investigate the proposed moderated mediation model completely. Confirmatory factor analysis was tested with AMOS. Employees of diverse private and state service-offering organizations in Yazd, Iran, were invited to participate in the study (n=381) using simple random sampling. To gather the data, the abusive supervision scale (Mitchell & Ambrose, 2007), employees’ helping behavior was rated by the scale developed by Dalal and colleagues (2009), State Shame and Guilt Scale (SSGS), Self-blame questionnaire (Troester & Van Quaquebeke, 2021), Core Self-Evaluation Scale (Judge et al., 2003) and Power Distance scale from Dorfman and Howell (1988) were used. The hypothesized model was analyzed according to the procedure of the PROCESS Macro model.
Results: The direct association between abusive supervision and employees’ helping behavior was significantly negative; however, the significant mediation by self-blame and guilt was negative. Moreover, more (less) core self-evaluation intensified (attenuated) the relationship between abusive supervision and self-blame. More (less) power distance decreased (increased) the association between self-blame and guilt.
Conclusion: First, this study enriches the literature on abusive supervision and its aftermath by introducing self-blame and guilt as two mediators that can influence subordinates’ reactions to abusive supervision. Second, unprecedentedly, CSE was tested as a moderator between abusive supervision and self-blame. Third, in response to the previous call for research (Mackey et al., 2017; Tepper, 2007), the moderation of subordinates’ power distance orientation on the relationship between self-blame and guilt was investigated.
Heinrich events drove major intensification of the Indo-Australian monsoon over the last 150,000 years
Authors: Bird Michael , Brand Michael , Comley Rainy , Hadeen Xennephone , Jacobs Zenobia , Rowe Cassandra , Saltré Frédérik , Wurster Christopher , Zwart Costijn , Bradshaw Corey
Published: March 2024

Nearly two thirds of the world’s population depend on monsoon rainfall. Monsoon failure and extreme precipitation have affected societies for millennia. The distribution and amount of monsoon precipitation is predicted to change as the climate warms, albeit with uncertain regional trajectories. Multiple glacial-interglacial terrestrial records of east Asian monsoon variability have been developed, but there are no terrestrial records of equivalent length of the coupled Indo-Australian monsoon at the southern monsoon limit — Australia. Here we present a continuous, absolute-dated, 150,000-year record of monsoon dynamics from a permanent lagoon in the core monsoon region of northern Australia. We show that Australian rainfall is broadly anti-phased with the East Asian monsoon. We identify periods of intense monsoon activity associated with high local insolation in Marine Isotope Stage 5 during ‘megalake’ phases in Australia’s arid interior. We also identify periods of monsoon intensification that are associated with Heinrich events and coincide with weak monsoon events in East Asia. The results suggest that strong asymmetry in inter-hemispheric monsoon rainfall might accompany the current weakening in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. This asymmetry will involve drying in the heavily populated regions north of the equator, and intensification of rainfall in northern Australia.
Description and first insights on a large genomic biobank of lung transplantation
Authors: Limou Sophie , Brocard Simon , Morin Martin , Silva Nayane Dos Santos Brito , Renaud-Picard Benjamin , Coiffard Benjamin , Demant Xavier , Falque Loïc , Pavec Jérome Le , Roux Antoine , Villeneuve Thomas , Knoop Christiane , Mornex Jean-François , Salpin Mathilde , Boussaud Véronique , Rousseau Olivia , Mauduit Vincent , Durand Axelle , Magnan Antoine , Gourraud Pierre-Antoine , Vince Nicolas , Südholt Mario , Tissot Adrien
Published: March 2024

The main limitation to long-term lung transplant (LT) survival is chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), which leads to irreversible lung damage and significant mortality. Individual factors can impact CLAD, but no large genetic investigation has been conducted to date. We established the multicentric Genetic COhort in Lung Transplantation (GenCOLT) biobank upon the rich and homogeneous COLT cohort. GenCOLT collected DNA, high-quality GWAS (genome-wide association study) genotyping and robust HLA data for donors and recipients to supplement COLT clinical data. GenCOLT closely mirrors the global COLT cohort without significant variations in variables like demographics, initial disease and survival rates (P > 0.05). The GenCOLT donors were 45 years-old on average, 44% women, and primarily died of stroke (54%). The recipients were 48 years-old at transplantation on average, 45% women, and the main underlying disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (45%). The mean follow-up time was 67 months and survival at 5 years was 57.3% for the CLAD subgroup and 97.4% for the stable subgroup. After stringent quality controls, GenCOLT gathered more than 7.3 million SNP and HLA genotypes for 387 LT pairs, including 91% pairs composed of donor and recipient of European ancestry. Overall, GenCOLT is an accurate snapshot of LT clinical practice in France and Belgium between 2009 and 2018. It currently represents one of the largest genetic biobanks dedicated to LT with data available simultaneously for donors and recipients. This unique cohort will empower to run comprehensive GWAS investigations of CLAD and other LT outcomes.
An Integrated Supply Chain Risk Mitigation tool - Model, Analysis, and Insights
Authors: Balan Srinivasan , Handfield Robert
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose a two-phase approach that seeks to create insights into disruptions, allowing managers to mitigate supply chain risks using an integrated risk-mitigation tool. In the first phase, the problem is formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) that maximizes the expected long-run revenue induced by supply chain risks, given the current state of the risk score. We map four decision states to four specific managerial actions: "do nothing," "track the supplier," "monitor the supplier," and "change the supplier." If the optimal policy is "do nothing", then the supply chain risk scores are continued to be monitored. In the case of "track the supplier", the firm will track the supplier’s performance internally, however, in the case of "monitor the supplier", the firm will hire an external contractor to monitor the external supply chain risks in the supplier’s country and macroeconomic factors. Lastly, if the optimal policy from phase 1 is to ’change the supplier,’ the best-performing supplier is identified using an integrated best-worst goal programming (BWGP) method as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. This second phase of decision support can help allocate supply contracts to the least risky supplier. We demonstrate the integrated risk-based model and the proposed best-worst goal programming (BWGP) method on a global automation technologies company and share the risk-mitigating capability as a case study. Results based on consistency ratio, conformity, and total deviation show that the BWGP performs better than the other MCDM methods and can be used effectively in the integrated two-phase approach with MDP as a supply chain risk mitigation tool.
The screening evaluation of environmental odors: a new dispersion modelling-based tool
Authors: Pelliconi Martina , Andretta Massimo , Righi Serena
Published: March 2024

Odor pollution is the biggest source of complaints from citizens concerning environmental issues after noise. Often, the need for corrective actions is evaluated through simulations performed with atmospheric dispersion models. To save resources, air pollution control institutions perform a first-level odor impact assessment, for screening purposes. This is often based on Gaussian Dispersion Models (GDM), which can be executed through user-friendly software that doesn’t need high computational power. However, their outputs tend to be excessively conservative regarding the analyzed situation, rather than representative of the real in-site conditions. Hence, regulations and guidelines adopted at an institutional level for authorization/control purposes, are based on Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Models (LPDM). These grant a more accurate modelling of the pollutants’ dispersion but are very demanding regarding both the needed users’ technical skills and high computing power. The present study aims to increase the accuracy of screening odor impact assessment, by identifying the correlation function of the outputs derived from the two simulation models. The case-study is placed in northern Italy, where a single-point source, with various stack heights, was considered. The identified correlation functions could allow institutions to estimate the results that would have been forecasted with the application of the more complex LPDM, applying, however, the much simpler GDM. This grants an accurate tool which can be used to address citizens’ concerns while saving workforce and technical resources.
Z-DNA formation in promoters conserved between human and mouse are associated with increased transcription initiation rates
Authors: Popstova Maria , Herbert Alan , Beknazarov Nazar , Konovalov Dmitrii
Published: March 2024

A long-standing question concerns the role of Z-DNA in transcription. Here we use a deep learning approach DeepZ that predicts Z-flipons based on DNA sequence, structural properties of nucleotides and omics data. We examined Z-flipons that are conserved between human and mouse genomes after generating whole-genome Z-flipon map and then validated them by orthogonal approaches based on high resolution chemical mapping of Z-DNA and the transformer algorithm Z-DNABERT. For human and mouse, we revealed similar pattern of transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and histone marks associated with conserved Z-flipons. We found significant enrichment of Z-flipons in alternative and bidirectional promoters associated with neurogenesis genes. We show that conserved Z-flipons are associated with increased experimentally determined transcription initiation rates compared to promoters without Z-flipons, but without affecting elongation or pausing. Our findings support a model where Z-flipons impact phenotype by regulating the reset of preinitiation complexes.
Molecular architecture of primate specific neural circuit formation
Authors: Shimogori Tomomi , Onishi Kohei , Hoshino Takafumi , Nakanishi Moe
Published: March 2024

The mammalian cortex is a highly evolved brain region, but we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying primate-specific neural circuits formation. In this study, we employed spatial transcriptomics to assess gene expression dynamics in the marmoset cortex during development, focusing on key regions and time points. Spatial transcriptomics identified genes that are sexually, spatially, and temporally differentially expressed in the developing marmoset cortex. Our detailed analysis of the visual cortex unveiled dynamic changes in gene expression across layers with distinct projections and functions. Notably, we discovered numerous axon guidance molecules with spatiotemporal expression patterns unique to the developing marmoset prefrontal cortex (PFC), which control PFC neuronal circuits. Among these molecules, PRSS12 (Protease, Serine, 12 (neurotrypsin, motopsin), when ectopically expressed in the mouse prelimbic cortex, caused similar changes in connectivity as observed in the marmoset A32 area. Furthermore, PRSS12 showed similar expression patterns in both marmoset and human PFC during development, suggesting parallels between marmoset and human brain development. The differential expression of axon guidance molecules in the developing PFC, varying by region, likely contributes to the formation of unique circuits observed in primates.
A modular framework for treatment effect estimation in latent subgroups
Authors: Lindhagen Lars , Garmo Hans , Östlund Ollie
Published: March 2024

Latent subgroups arise when patients are randomized to an intended treatment, that can only be given for certain, treatable, patients. For biological efficacy, the relevant estimand is then the treatment effect in the subgroup of treatable patients, with the obvious issue that this subgroup is latent, identified only in the intervention arm.
We present a modular framework for effect estimation in such latent subgroups. The framework consists of a core and three plug-in models, for subgroup membership and outcomes among treatable and non-treatable patients. The core computes maximum likelihood estimates using the EM algorithm, together with standard errors. It does so without any knowledge about the details of the plug-in models, giving the user great flexibility. The methods are implemented in an R package.
The framework is validated in a simulation, where we also explore the use of predictors. Particularly intriguing are predictors of treatability, partly identifying the latent subgroup from baseline data. The results suggest that this can dramatically increase the power, while being robust against model misspecifications. Finally, the methods are applied to a prostate cancer trial.
Flavones enrich rhizosphere Pseudomonas to enhance nitrogen utilization and lateral root growth in Populus
Authors: Xie Jianbo , Zhang Deqiang , Wu Jiadong , Liu Sijia , Wang Yue , Si Jingna , Chen Sisi , Tan Shuxian , Du Yuxin , Jin Zhelun
Published: March 2024

Plant growth behavior is a function of genetic network architecture. The importance of root microbiome variation driving plant functional traits is increasingly recognized, but the genetic mechanisms governing this variation are less studied. Here, we collected roots and rhizosphere soils from nine Populus species belonging to four sections, generated metabolite and transcription data for roots and microbiota data for rhizospheres, and conducted comprehensive multi-omics analyses. We demonstrated that the roots of robust Leuce poplar enriched more plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, which compared with the poorly performing poplar, agreeing with the ‘Matthew effect’ on poplar-microbe interaction. Moreover, we confirmed that Pseudomonas was strongly associated with tricin and apigenin biosynthesis and identified that gene GL3 was critical for tricin secretion. The elevated tricin secretion via constitutive transcription of PopGL3 and PopCHS4 could drive Pseudomonas colonization in the rhizosphere and further enhance poplar growth, nitrogen acquisition, and lateral root development in nitrogen-poor soil. This study reveals plant-metabolite-microbe regulation patterns contribute to the poplar fitness and thoroughly decoded the key regulatory mechanisms of tricin, and provided new insights into the interactions of the plant’s key metabolites with its transcriptome, rhizosphere microbes.
Improving prognostication of pneumonia among elderly patients: usefulness of suPAR
Authors: Ulaj Artida , Ibsen Arni , Azurmendi Leire , Sanchez Jean-Charles , Prendki Virginie , Roux Xavier
Published: March 2024

Purpose:Elderly patients with suspected pneumonia represent a significant proportion of hospital admissions, which is a prognostic challenge for physicians. Our research aimed to assess the prognosis of patients with pneumonia using soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) combined with clinical data.
Methods:In a prospective observational study including 164 patients >65 years (mean age 84.2 (+/-7.64) years) who were hospitalized for a suspicion of pneumonia, suPAR was assessed for each patient, as was the prognosis score (PSI, CURB65) and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, white blood cells). The prognostic value of the suPAR for 30-day mortality was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Optimal cut-offs with corresponding sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) were determined using the Youden index.
Results:A suPAR >5.1 ng/mL was predictive of 30-day mortality with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 40.4%. A combination of the following parameters exhibited an SE of 100% (95% CI, 100–100) for an SP value of 64.9% (95% CI, 57.6-72.2) when at least two of them were above or below the following cut-off threshold values: suPAR > 9.8 ng/mL, BMI < 29.3 kg/m2 and PSI >106.5.
Conclusion:The suPAR seems to be a promising biomarker that can be combined with the PSI and BMI to improve the prognosis of pneumonia among elderly patients. Prospective studies with larger populations are needed to confirm whether this new approach can improve patient outcomes.
CD109 drives pro-tumorigenic cell properties in human non-small cell lung cancer through interaction with desmoglein-2
Authors: Lückstädt Wiebke , Rathod Maitreyi , Möbus Lena , Bub Simon , Lucius Ralph , Elsner Felix , Spindler Volker , Arnold Philipp
Published: March 2024

Cluster of differentiation 109 (CD109) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored cell surface protein, expressed on epithelial and endothelial cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, and premature lymphocytes. CD109 interacts with different cell surface receptors and thereby modulates intracellular signaling pathways, which ultimately changes cellular functions. One well-studied example is the interaction of CD109 with the TGFβ/TGFβ-receptor complex at the cell surface. CD109 silences intracellular SMAD2/3 signaling and targets TGFβ/TGFβ-receptor to the endosomal/lysosomal compartment. In recent years, CD109 emerged as a tumor marker for different tumor entities and expression of CD109 could be linked to adverse outcome in patients. In this study, we show that silencing of CD109 in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, returns these cells to an epithelial like growth phenotype. On the transcriptional level, we describe changes in cell-cell contact and epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated gene clusters. At the cell surface, we identify desmoglein-2 (DSG2) as a new interaction partner of CD109 and demonstrate CD109 dependent targeting of DSG2 to the apical cell surface, where it forms desmosomes between apical and basal cell poles. Both, CD109 and DSG2 are genetic risk factors, linked to reduced overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients (subtype of NSCLC). In this study, we show the expression of both proteins in the same tumor and suggest a new CD109-DSG2 axis in NSCLC patients that could present a targetable therapeutic option in the future.
GRK6 promotes triple-negative breast cancer metastasis via recruiting the β-Arrestin 2/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling axis
Authors: Wang Wen-Ke , Lin Hui-Yu , Lin Che-Hsuan , Lee Hsun-Hua , Chen Yen-Lin , Lin Yu -Hsien Kent , Sheen-Chen Shry-Ming , Lin Yuan-Feng
Published: March 2024

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) belongs to the worst prognosis of breast cancer subtype probably because of distant metastasis to other organs, e.g. lungs. However, the mechanism underlying TNBC metastasis remains largely unknown.
Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to evaluate the mRNA/protein expression and prognostic significance of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) in BC subtypes. RT-PCR assays were used to test the GRK6 expression in human BC tissues and cell lines. The in vitrocellular migration and in vivo lung colony-forming assays were established to estimate the metastatic potentials of TNBC cells. Western blotting was employed to examine protein phosphorylation, translocation and expression in the designed experiments.
Results: Here we show that GRK6 upregulation is extensively detected in TNBC compared to normal mammary tissues and other BC subtypes and correlates with an increased risk for distant metastasis in TNBC patients. GRK6 knockdown suppressed but overexpression potentiated the cellular migration and lung colony-forming abilities of TNBC cells. Moreover, our data demonstrated that the posttranslational palmitoylation of GRK6 is extremely critical for activating b-Arrestin 2/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/NF-kB signaling axis and fostering the metastatic potentials of TNBC cells. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical inhibition of GRK6 kinase activity dramatically suppressed the activation of b-Arrestin 2, MAPKs and NF-kB and the cellular migration ability of highly metastatic MDA-MB231 cells.
Conclusion: Our results not only provide a novel mechanism for TNBC metastasis but also offer a new therapeutic strategy to combat metastatic TNBC via targeting GRK6 activity.
An Efficient Matching Method for Causal Inference Using Sufficient Dimension Reduction
Authors: Cheng Debo , Xie Yang , Li Jiuyong , Liu Lin , Zhao Haoran , Zhang Yinghao , Feng Zaiwen
Published: March 2024

Estimating the causal effect of a treatment on an outcome of interest, i.e., causal effect estimation, is critical to understanding the mechanism underlying the data in various domains. However, the estimation of causal effects, particularly with high-dimensional data, is challenging due to the presence of high-dimensional catastrophes and complex relationships between variables. While matching is a commonly used method for causal effect estimation from observational data, it fails to address the curse of dimensionality associated with high-dimensional data. In this work, we propose a solution to the dimensionality catastrophe problem using the property of sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) method for the average treatment effect (ATE) and conditional average treatment effect (CATE) estimation. Theoretically, we demonstrate that the reduced covariates corresponding to the outcome variable obtained through SDR is a balance score for ATE and CATE estimation. Based on the proposed theorem, we propose an efficient nearest neighbor Matching method (MIRE) using the Inverse Regression Estimator to learn a low-dimensional set from the original covariates for ATE and CATE estimation. Experimental results on two semi-synthetic datasets show that the proposed MIRE method is sufficient for ATE and CATE estimation from 1 observational data. Furthermore, experiments conducted on real-world data have shown the potential of the proposed MIRE method.
Spatiotemporal variation in carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystem of Hainan Island over a 30-year period and its driving factors
Authors: Pi ZhiHao , Wang Xu , Zang Zhuo , Song XiQang , Zhou GuangYi , Guo Hao , BaoYin ManDa , Zhao HouBen , Li ZhaoJia , Qiu ZhiJun , Wu ZhongMin
Published: March 2024

This study examines long-term carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystems of Hainan Island from 1990 to 2020 using the InVEST model and a geographic detector technique. We analysed changes in land use and forest cover, observing an 85.78%, 87.55%, and 256.96% decrease in undeveloped, shrub-covered, and burned urbanised land, respectively. Urbanised land increased by 4.01% annually. Forested land decreased by 3.62%, agricultural land expanded by 5.27%, and aquatic bodies decreased by 2.05%. The forest ecosystems sequestered 335.09–372.80 TgC of carbon, showing an upward trend from 1991 to 1997, a decline from 1997 to 2004, an increase from 2004 to 2010, a decrease from 2010 to 2015, and overall stability from 2015 to 2020. Spatial clustering analysis revealed substantial clustering of carbon sequestration, with central mountainous regions exhibiting elevated levels, coastal areas having diminished levels, the east experiencing higher levels than the west, and the south showing escalated levels compared to the north. Geographical detector analysis identified NDVI, elevation, and slope as primary drivers of spatial variance in carbon sequestration. Forested area changes and government forestry policies played a pivotal role in enhancing carbon sequestration. The combined effect of NDVI and elevation normalisation on vegetation coverage had the most potent synergistic impact.
Unraveling the Dehydration Temperature Dependent of Mn 2+ -exchanged Zeolite Y (FAU, Si/Al = 1.67) through Crystallographic Study
Authors: Nath Sayantika , Kim Hu Sik , Lim Hyeon Seung , Choo Hyeonuk , Battsetseg Bayarsaikhan , Lim Woo Taik
Published: March 2024

To study the behavior of Mn2+ ions and water molecules in Mn2+-exchanged zeolite Y (Si/Al = 1.67) at different temperatures during dehydration, the single crystals of Mn2+-exchanged zeolite Y were prepared by batch method at room temperature. Five single crystals of Mn2+-exchanged zeolite Y were dehydrated at 297 K (crystal 1), 523 K (crystal 2), 573 K (crystal 3), 623 K (crystal 4), and 673 K (crystal 5), respectively, under dynamic vacuum for 48 h. Their crystal structures were completely determined by single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques in the cubic space group Fdm at 100(1) K. They were refined to the final error indices R1/wR2 = 0.0594/0.1615, 0.0450/0.1229, 0.0445/0.1108, 0.0447/0.1145, and 0.0418/0.1084 (for Fo > 4σ(Fo)) for crystals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. In all five crystals, about 36 Mn2+ ions occupy five crystallographic sites. Mn2+ ion was energetically preferred and the first to be filled at site I in all structures. The Mn2+ ions migrated from one site (sites I’ or II’) to another available site (sites I or II) to better satisfy their coordination requirements upon dehydration. Finally, in the completely dehydrated crystal 5, 36 Mn2+ ions occupy the sites I, I’, II’, IIa, and IIb with the fractional occupancies 15, 2, 2, 12, and 5, respectively. All water molecules associated with Mn2+ ions in the incompletely dehydrated crystals 1 ~ 4 were located in the sodalite cavities. In the structure of crystal 1, about 10.5 water molecules were found per unit cell, each coordinating to Mn2+ ions at Mn(1’b). These water molecules formed clusters as [Mn4(H2O)4]8+. Only 5, 3, and 2 water molecules were found in the structures of crystals 2 ~ 4, respectively, with increasing temperature. Each of these water molecules was bonded to one Mn2+ ion at Mn(2’), forming [MnH2O]2+. The unit cell constant of the zeolite framework decreased, as the number of water molecules decreased with the increasing dehydration temperature.
An aid diagnostic platform to detect the transition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on 48,116 AD and MCI patients
Authors: Song You-Qiang , LI JING , Li Siwen , Shea Yat-fung , Yue Ming , Zhu Pengfei , Zou Quan , Yuan Shuofeng , Chu Leung-Wing
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, necessitating early diagnosis and intervention. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes AD, but not all cases progress to AD, emphasizing the need for predictive biomarkers. We analyzed routine blood test data from 43,981 AD patients and 4,537 MCI subjects in Hong Kong hospitals (2000–2019). Among 31 shared biomarkers, five blood biomarkers (Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Red blood cell related to oxygen carrying capacity, Neutrophils, and White blood cell related to immunity) significantly differentiated MCI from AD. Subjects were divided into four groups (Female 65 ~ 74, Male 65 ~ 74, Female 75 ~ 89, Male 75 ~ 89) to minimize gender and age bias. Models utilizing the five biomarkers along with machine learning yielded the highest accuracy in the Female 65 ~ 74 group (AUC of 0.76 on an independent test set). The other three models were trained with other biomarkers besides these 5 to optimize predictions, capturing models with AUC close to 0.70. We then constructed a platform predicting the risk of MCI converting to AD (MAP, http://lab.malab.cn/~lijing/MAP.html) to help physicians and MCI subjects with early diagnosis and prevention of AD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential for accurate prediction of MCI to AD conversion using routine blood test data and machine learning, offering an economical and practical approach for early AD screening in MCI individuals.
Mucosal‐associated invariant T cell alterations in adults with recent-onset and long-term oral lichen planus
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Chen Siting , Yang Yinshen , Xu Xiaoheng , Xiong Xiaoqin , Meng Wenxia
Published: March 2024

Objectives
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play key roles in many immune-inflammatory diseases. However, their characteristics between the long-term course of oral lichen planus (OLP) and recent-onset OLP remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of MAIT cells in different process of OLP and to explore the immunological background of this disease.
Methods
The frequency, phenotype, cytokine secretion of MAIT cells and its clinical relevance by flow cytometry from the peripheral blood of 14 adults with recent-onset OLP (7-120 days after disease onset) and 16 adults with long-term course (>2 years after diagnosis) compared with 15 healthy blood donors. Statistical analyses were performed using the GraphPad Prism software.
Results
MAIT cells from adults with recent-onset OLP harbored an activated phenotype, as indicated by an increased frequency of CD69+ (p < 0.05) and CD38+MAIT cells (p < 0.01) and elevated production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-17A (p < 0.01), compared with healthy adult donors. In adults with long-term OLP, MAIT cells exhibit an activated and exhausted phenotype, characterized by high expression of CD69 (p < 0.01) and PD-1 (p < 0.001), as well as increased production of the granzyme B released by MAIT cells (p < 0.01). Compared with recent-onset OLP patients, long-term OLP patients show a decrease in the production of CD8+, and CD4−CD8− cells but an increase in PD-1+ production (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The frequency, phenotype, and function of MAIT cells are more altered in adult OLP patients with long-term onset than in those with recent-onset OLP.
Clinical Relevance
With the prolonged course of OLP, MAIT cells play different functional roles.
Exploring Vehicle Scheduling in Web 3.0-based Vehicular Networks with Time Window Constraints
Authors: Zhang Junhong
Published: March 2024

The Vehicle Scheduling Problem (VSP), rooted in the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), poses a significant challenge in modern logistics, particularly within networks linked to manufacturing facilities. These logistics systems often grapple with increased shipping costs and encounter challenges in aligning service times with customer availability. In the context of Web 3.0, which emphasizes decentralized and interconnected systems, there is a growing need to optimize vehicle scheduling to meet the demands of this new paradigm.In response, this study introduces a comprehensive vehicle scheduling model that strategically incorporates both time windows and vehicle load constraints, taking into account the unique characteristics of Web 3.0 logistics networks. To address this model, we employ genetic algorithm methodologies, providing a detailed examination and explanation of the algorithmic processes involved. The genetic algorithm undergoes 100 iterations, refining the solution iteratively. Implementation of the model is executed using the MATLAB toolbox. Simulation computations are conducted, revealing that setting time windows and deadweight defaults to zero minimizes the overall path traversing all service points. This outcome validates the efficacy of the algorithm in mitigating challenges akin to those faced by traveling agents in Web 3.0 logistics scenarios.This research holds practical significance, offering insights that can be applied to optimize logistics routes in real-world production scenarios within the Web 3.0 landscape. The study's findings contribute to the judicious selection and enhancement of logistics operations, addressing cost concerns and refining service quality. The integration of time windows and load constraints proves pivotal in achieving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction within the Web 3.0 context.
Using AI-Powered Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy for Malaria Screening Under Varying Parasite Densities and Anaemic Conditions
Authors: Mshani Issa , Jackson Frank , Mwanga Rehema , Kweyamba Prisca , Mwanga Emmanuel , Tambwe Mgeni , Hofer Lorenz , Siria Doreen , González-Jiménez Mario , Wynne Klaas , Moore Sarah , Okumu Fredros , Babayan Simon , Baldini Francesco
Published: March 2024

Effective diagnosis of malaria, including the detection of infections at very low density, is vital for the successful elimination of this deadly yet treatable disease. Unfortunately, existing technologies are either inexpensive but poorly sensitive - Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and microscopy - or sensitive but costly - Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR). Here, we demonstrate an AI-powered, reagent-free, and user-friendly approach that uses mid-infrared spectra acquired from dried blood spots to detect malaria infections with high accuracy under varying parasite densities and anaemic conditions. Our AI classifier initially trained on 4655 spectra from parasite-spiked blood samples from 70 adult volunteers, in controlled laboratory settings, attained 90% accuracy in detecting infections as low as one parasite per microlitre of blood, a sensitivity unattainable by conventional RDTs and microscopy. These classifiers seamlessly transitioned to field applicability, achieving over 80% accuracy in predicting natural Plasmodium falciparum infections in blood samples collected during a field survey in rural Tanzania. Crucially, the performance remained unaffected by various levels of anaemia, a common complication in malaria patients. These findings suggest that the AI-driven mid-infrared spectroscopy approach has the potential to evolve into a cost-effective and highly sensitive malaria-screening tool adaptable to field conditions, including low-resource settings, thereby accelerating malaria elimination worldwide.
The Behaviours of Square Section Columns Under Earthquake Effect
Authors: Kap Tuncay
Published: March 2024

92% of Turkey is in the earthquake zone, and 95% of the population lives under earthquake risk. Laws and regulations determine the design and implementation of earthquake-resistant structures. The first earthquake regulation in Turkey was published in 1940. After 1940, a new earthquake regulation was published in 1944, 1949, 1953, 1962, 1968, 1975, 1998, 2007, and finally, in 2018. One of the most important problems seen in reinforced concrete buildings exposed to earthquake effects is the displacement of the floors. The drifts in the buildings vary depending on the stiffness, height, and elasticity modules of the load-bearing elements. In this study, a five-storey reinforced concrete building model was designed using five different column sections according to the 2018 earthquake code. C-30 concrete and S-420 steel were used in the designed building models, and the behaviours of these structures under the influence of earthquakes were analysed. In the analysis, the results of the building model with 35x35 cm columns were taken as a reference. It has been observed that the buildings designed with 40x40, 45x45, 50x50, and 55x55 section columns can carry more earthquake loads at the rates of approximately 104, 113, 128, and 141 tons respectively. At the same time, the displacements on the floors decrease by approximately 31, 47, 55, and 61%, respectively. However, changes in other building models were compared and tested with multiple comparison tests at a 95% confidence interval, and the test results were given in tables.
Nonlinear Response Analysis of Plan and Vertical Asymmetric Reinforced Concrete Buildings under Directional Seismic Loadings
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Seeram Madhuri
Published: March 2024

A Nonlinear dynamic analysis of plan and vertical asymmetric RCC structure is performed when the buildings are subjected to seismic forces. The time history analysis is employed to investigate the behavior of the buildings. A MATLAB program is developed to using Newmark’s beta method and Newton-Raphson iteration technique. Three different earthquakes, i.e., Irpinia, 1980; Loma Prieta, 1989 and Chi-Chi, 1999 with magnitudes 6.2, 6.9 and 7.7 respectively are considered. The earthquake angles of 0°, 30°, and 45° are studied. The plan-asymmetry in the building is introduced by imposing uni-axial eccentricities of 6m, 12m, and 18m by shifting the location of the core. The vertical mass and stiffness asymmetry at different building levels is introduced by varying the mass or stiffness in the vertical direction. The peak displacement and the inter-storey drift ratio (ISDR) are evaluated. From the study it is observed that the plan asymmetric structural response has been increased with the increase in eccentricity from 6m to 12m. The eccentricity beyond 12m has not showed any increase in the structural response due to coupling effect. In comparison to stiffness and mass vertical asymmetric buildings, stiffness asymmetry at bottom floor and mass asymmetry at top floor have shown larger response and ISDR in all the earthquakes and angles of study. All the peak responses in plan and vertical symmetric structures are observed at the earthquake angle of 0o. The peak displacements are in the order of 35m in X direction and 80m in the Y direction for the plan asymmetric structures. The vertical stiffness asymmetric structures showed peak response of 140mm and 300mm in the X and Y directions, which showed the displacement beyond the elastic limit. The building with mass asymmetry at top showed about 400mm in the X direction and 550mm in the Y direction. This behaviour clearly shows the material failure. Hence a detailed analysis is recommended in the analysis and design of the asymmetric structures especially to predict the material failure.