bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambrosia beetles adjust dispersal preferences to their degree of exhaustion
Authors: Nuotclà Jon Andreja , Taborsky Michael
Published: March 2024

Delayed dispersal of sexually mature offspring is a fundamental component of cooperative breeding in fungus farming ambrosia beetles. These beetles dwell in logs of recently deceased trees, where female offspring postpone reproduction and invest in alloparental care before dispersing to found a new nest. The wood quality affects investment of adult offspring in alloparental care and hence the breeder's reproductive success.

This raises the question of whether dispersing breeders choose habitats strategically to optimise breeding prospects and modulate their offspring's helping propensity. To answer this question, here we tested experimentally whether during dispersal, Xyleborinus saxesenii Ratzeburg (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) uses olfactory cues emitted by mutualistic or pathogenic fungi as an information source on prospective habitat quality.

As the mutualistic relationship between the fungi and beetles is obligate, fungus scent should provide a reliable source of information on habitat quality, indicating prior successful colonisation by conspecifics.

We found no evidence for direct pathogen avoidance. However, the beetles clearly responded to scent of their mutualistic fungi, dependent on dispersal state. At the onset of dispersal, females avoided the scent of fungus mutualists, whereas they were attracted to them after being exhausted by an experimentally prolonged dispersal time.

The observed change of preference during dispersal suggests that beetles freshly emerging from their home gallery may choose pristine habitat by avoiding mutualist scent. This might help to avoid competition with conspecifics and potential pathogen and parasite cross contamination. Exhausted beetles, however, may accept these risks and choose successfully colonised habitat to avoid starvation.

State‐dependent adjustment of habitat preferences may be exhibited also in other economically impactful bark and ambrosia beetles, which prompts further study of the olfactory cues used by these beetles during dispersal.
From traditional to clinical approach toward continuing professional development: Academia‐field partnership in teacher education
Authors: Grinshtain Yael , Avidov‐Ungar Orit , Livneh Idit , Shaked Haim , Nikritin Daniel
Published: March 2024

The current study sought to characterize three partnership models in Israeli academic institutions—the traditional, the academia‐classroom, and the clinical field‐focused models. 42 interviews were conducted with educators (teacher educators; mentor teachers; program heads) at 14 Israeli colleges and universities where the programs take place. Differences between the models were found in relation to the role definition of the mentor teacher, the relationship between the pre‐service teacher and the mentor teacher, the contribution of the practicum to the pre‐service teacher, and the connection between theoretical and practical knowledge. Furthermore, the contribution of each of the three models is reflected in the scope of the experiential‐clinical component of the practicum; school‐academia partnerships; and the role of the principal of the training school. The study highlights the value‐added meanings and contributions of the experiential‐clinical component in teacher education programs in general and in the practicum in particular.
Parental digital involvement in online learning: Addressing the digital divide, not redressing digital reproduction
Authors: Hou Yansi , Chen Shuangye , Lin Xiaoying
Published: March 2024

In the digital age, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has enabled learning to happen everywhere, leading to a shift of schooling to the home field and strengthening parents' educational responsibilities. Meanwhile, it may also cause the digital divide and digital reproduction, thereby exacerbating educational inequality. Against this backdrop, this study focused on parental digital involvement in online learning and introduced an emerging concept, digital capital, to understand the differences in parental involvement across socio‐economic backgrounds at the three levels of the digital divide. Drawing from the analysis of 90 Chinese parents' self‐narrated data, this paper identified four types of parental digital involvement according to parents' digital competence and ICT acceptance, and the conversion processes of different forms of capital underlying parental digital involvement were also clarified. The findings from this study expanded the theoretical understanding of inherited cultural capital and social reproduction in online learning in the context of educational digitization.
Structural insight into hormone recognition by the natriuretic peptide receptor‐A
Authors: Ogawa Haruo , Kodama Masami
Published: March 2024

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure and volume. ANP activities are mediated by natriuretic peptide receptor‐A (NPR‐A), a single‐pass transmembrane receptor harboring intrinsic guanylate cyclase activity. This study investigated the mechanism underlying NPR‐A‐dependent hormone recognition through the determination of the crystal structures of the NPR‐A extracellular hormone‐binding domain complexed with full‐length ANP, truncated mutants of ANP, and dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) isolated from the venom of the green Mamba snake, Dendroaspis angusticeps. The bound peptides possessed pseudo‐two‐fold symmetry, despite the lack of two‐fold symmetry in the primary sequences, which enabled the tight coupling of the peptide to the receptor, and evidently contributes to guanylyl cyclase activity. The binding of DNP to the NPR‐A was essentially identical to that of ANP; however, the affinity of DNP for NPR‐A was higher than that of ANP owing to the additional interactions between distinctive sequences in the DNP and NPR‐A. Consequently, our findings provide valuable insights that can be applied to the development of novel agonists for the treatment of various human diseases.
Neural network approach for detecting spatial changes in catch probability of Engraulis ringens during El Niño‐Southern Oscillation events in northern Chile
Authors: Armas Elier , Arancibia Hugo , Neira Sergio , Marín María Carla
Published: March 2024

Engraulis ringens (anchovy) is a small pelagic fish of the Family Engraulidae that inhabits the neretic‐coastal zone from northern Peru to south‐central Chile. It is the main resource species of industrial fishing of northern Chile, representing 80% of the annual landings of the purse seine fleet. The history of this fishery (1985–2023) shows a strong decrease in annual industrial landings, especially during extreme El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The greatest decrease in landings in two decades occurred in 2020, coinciding with a cold La Niña event, which had not been observed in previous La Niña events. We evaluated whether the current decrease in annual landings of E. ringens is associated with oceanographic changes in northern Chile during El Niño or La Niña events. We applied a neuronal network model to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of E. ringens using the catch probability of each boat of the industrial purse seine fleet. The selected oceanographic variables (sea surface temperature, salinity, depth of the mixed layer, sea height and currents) for the 2003–2020 period were obtained from the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS program) and used as predictor variables of the monthly landings of E. ringens. The neural network model explained 97% of the monthly variability of catch probability of E. ringens by the industrial purse seine fleet. The spatial distribution of catch probability of E. ringens was analyzed independently for El Niño (2015), La Niña (2007, 2013, and 2020), and Neutral (2004) years. We found that catch probability extended further west during La Niña events (except for 2020), occupying a greater area, but were limited to a 10 nautical mile coastal strip during the El Niño event. The spatial distribution of catch probability in the Neutral condition was near the coast, although not as restricted as during the El Niño event. The higher catch probabilities in the La Niña event of 2020 were near the coast, in contrast to the previous La Niña events of 2007 and 2013, due to the restriction of the optimal habitat of E. ringens in response to changes in oceanographic conditions. The application of the results of this study will allow understanding and probably anticipating the consequences that extreme ENSO events could have on the catch probability of the industrial anchovy purse seine fleet in northern Chile.
Sintering of Si3N4–SiC–MoSi2 composites additively manufactured by Multi Material Jetting
Authors: Zschippang Eveline , Kunz Willy , Weingarten Steven , Gottlieb Lisa , Wolfrum Anne‐Kathrin
Published: March 2024

The aim of this work was to investigate the sintering behavior of Si3N4–SiC–MoSi2 composites manufactured by the Multi Material Jetting (MMJ) process. Therefore, electrically conductive and insulating Si3N4–SiC–MoSi2 composites were printed using MMJ. Samples were sintered in a gas‐pressure furnace at 6 and 31 atm, respectively. The density, microstructure, and crystalline phase composition were investigated, and the results discussed regarding the phase stability of the Si3N4–SiC–MoSi2 composites. The results show that the nitrogen pressure must be set carefully to avoid the formation of Mo5Si3 or Mo4.8Si3C0.6 on the one hand and to prevent the decomposition of the phases into a Si‐containing melt on the other.
Effect of TiO2 addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3 ceramic joints brazed with Ag‐CuO fillers
Authors: Yang Mengjuan , Zhao Jian , Hu Shengpeng , Zhou Wenlong , Zhou Wei , Fu Wei , Song Xiaoguo
Published: March 2024

In our work, 0.5 mol.% TiO2 was added to Ag‐xCuO (x = 2, 4, 8 mol.%) fillers whose compositions at 1050°C were in the L2 single liquid phase region, the boundary of the miscible phase region, and the L1+L2 miscible phase region, respectively. The role of TiO2 was derived by comparing the quenching microstructure of the fillers on the Al2O3 ceramics and the effect on the interfacial microstructure and shear strength of the joints before and after the addition of TiO2. The results showed that the TiO2 would dissolve into the CuO‐rich L1 liquid phase of the filler, leading it to spread outside the molten droplet. When brazing with Ag‐4CuO‐0.5TiO2 filler, the CuO at the joint interface almost completely disappeared, and the shear strength of the joint was significantly reduced. In contrast, the joint strength showed a small increase when using Ag‐8CuO‐0.5TiO2 filler, as the excess CuO at the interface of the brazed joint was reduced. When the filler composition was in the L2 single liquid phase region, CuO was diffusely distributed throughout the molten droplet. TiO2 was hardly contacted with CuO and its addition had no significant effect on the interfacial microstructure and the shear strength of the joints.
Effect of WC content on microstructure and mechanical properties of (TiZrHfNbTaMo)C‐15 wt.% Co ceramics
Authors: Deng Xiao‐Chun , Kang Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Guo‐Hua
Published: March 2024

The (TiZrHfNbTaMo)C‐15 wt.% Co ceramics with excellent comprehensive properties were successfully prepared by vacuum liquid phase sintering. The effects of WC content on the grain size, microstructure, and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that WC was dissolved into (TiZrHfNbTaMo)C phase to form a seven‐component solid solution, and the independent WC phase disappeared. The addition of WC improved the wettability between the ceramic phase and the metal phase and promoted the densification of the ceramics. In addition, WC played a role in refining grains and inhibiting the grains growth to a certain extent. The comprehensive properties of ceramics were improved by solid solution strengthening and high entropy effect. When the WC content was 5 wt.%, the toughness reached the maximum of 9.41 ± 0.15 MPa·m1/2, and the hardness of the ceramic with 10 wt.% WC achieved the highest value of 18.18 ± 0.20 GPa.
RPL35A drives ovarian cancer progression by promoting the binding of YY1 to CTCF promoter
Authors: Wu Huijuan , Xia Liangbin , Sun Lu , Li Dan , Liu Xiangyu , Song Hualin , Sheng Jindong , Wang Ke , Feng Qinmei
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological malignancies with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. The improvement of the situation of ovarian cancer urgently requires the exploration of its molecular mechanism to develop more effective molecular targeted drugs. In this study, the role of human ribosomal protein l35a (RPL35A) in ovarian cancer was explored in vitro and in vivo. Our data identified that RPL35A expression was abnormally elevated in ovarian cancer. Clinically, high expression of RPL35A predicted short survival and poor TNM staging in patients with ovarian cancer. Functionally, RPL35A knock down inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration, enhanced apoptosis, while overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanically, RPL35A promoted the direct binding of transcription factor YY1 to CTCF in ovarian cancer cells. Consistently, RPL35A regulated ovarian cancer progression depending on CTCF in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RPL35A affected the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells through PPAR signalling pathway. In conclusion, RPL35A drove ovarian cancer progression by promoting the binding of YY1 and CTCF promoter, and inhibiting this process may be an effective strategy for targeted therapy of this disease.
Cities as Actors in the EU Policy Towards China
Authors: Kamiński Tomasz , Ciesielska‐Klikowska Joanna , Gzik Michał
Published: March 2024

City diplomacy between European Union (EU) and Chinese cities has become an increasingly significant layer of bilateral relations. The collaboration between cities is extensive and covers a wide range of thematic areas, with around half of European cities having partnerships with Chinese counterparts, according to a survey of 745 cities. However, despite the commonality of these partnerships, our research has highlighted a disconnect between subnational relations and the upper levels of European policy. Despite some previous initiatives, local actors have not been effectively engaged in EU policy‐making. The European Parliament has called for greater co‐ordination with substate actors, but this call has gone unanswered. This article unpacks the city level of EU relations with China, showing its scope, patterns of co‐operation and potential impact. The authors present theoretical and empirical arguments to support the notion that city diplomacy could have a much more significant impact on EU policy towards China.
Gender diversity is correlated with dimensional neurodivergent traits but not categorical neurodevelopmental diagnoses in children
Authors: Mo Kelly , Anagnostou Evdokia , Lerch Jason P. , Taylor Margot J. , VanderLaan Doug P. , Szatmari Peter , Crosbie Jennifer , Nicolson Robert , Georgiadis Stelios , Kelley Elizabeth , Ayub Muhammad , Brian Jessica , Lai Meng‐Chuan , Palmert Mark R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Gender clinic and single‐item questionnaire‐based data report increased co‐occurrence of gender diversity and neurodevelopmental conditions. The nuances of these associations are under‐studied. We used a transdiagnostic approach, combining categorical and dimensional characterization of neurodiversity, to further the understanding of its associations with gender diversity in identity and expression in children.

Methods

Data from 291 children (Autism N = 104, ADHD N = 104, Autism + ADHD N = 17, neurotypical N = 66) aged 4–12 years enrolled in the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Network were analyzed. Gender diversity was measured multi‐dimensionally using a well‐validated parent‐report instrument, the Gender Identity Questionnaire for Children (GIQC). We used gamma regression models to determine the significant correlates of gender diversity among age, puberty, sex‐assigned‐at‐birth, categorical neurodevelopmental diagnoses, and dimensional neurodivergent traits (using the Social Communication Questionnaire and the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior Rating Scales). Internalizing and externalizing problems were included as covariates.

Results

Neither a categorical diagnosis of autism nor ADHD significantly correlated with current GIQC‐derived scores. Instead, higher early‐childhood dimensional autistic social‐communication traits correlated with higher current overall gender incongruence (as defined by GIQC‐14 score). This correlation was potentially moderated by sex‐assigned‐at‐birth: greater early‐childhood autistic social‐communication traits were associated with higher current overall gender incongruence in assigned‐males‐at‐birth, but not assigned‐females‐at‐birth. For fine‐grained gender diversity domains, greater autistic restricted‐repetitive behavior traits were associated with greater diversity in gender identity across sexes‐assigned‐at‐birth; greater autistic social‐communication traits were associated with lower stereotypical male expression across sexes‐assigned‐at‐birth.

Conclusions

Dimensional autistic traits, rather than ADHD traits or categorical neurodevelopmental diagnoses, were associated with gender diversity domains across neurodivergent and neurotypical children. The association between early‐childhood autistic social‐communication traits and overall current gender diversity was most evident in assigned‐males‐at‐birth. Nuanced interrelationships between neurodivergence and gender diversity should be better understood to clarify developmental links and to offer tailored support for neurodivergent and gender‐diverse populations.
Malnutrition in emergency general surgery: a survey of National Emergency Laparotomy Audit Leads
Authors: Ashmore Daniel L. , Wilson Timothy , Halliday Vanessa , Lee Matthew
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients who are malnourished and have emergency general surgery, such as a laparotomy, have worse outcomes than those who are not malnourished. It is paramount to identify these patients and minimise this risk. This study aimed to describe current practices in identifying malnutrition in patients undergoing a laparotomy, specifically focusing on screening, assessment, nutrition pathways and barriers encountered by clinicians.

Methods

Following piloting and validity assessment, anaesthetic and surgical National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) Leads at hospitals across England and Wales were emailed an invitation to a survey. Responses were gathered using Qualtrics. Descriptive analysis and correlation with laparotomy volume and professional role were performed in SPSSv26. University of Sheffield ethical approval was obtained (UREC 046205). The results from the survey are reported according to the CHERRIES guidelines.

Results

The survey was completed by 166/289 NELA Leads from 117/167 hospitals (57.4% and 70.1% response rates, respectively). Participants reported low rates of nutritional screening (42/166; 25.3%) and assessment (26/166; 15.7%) for malnutrition preoperatively. More than one third of respondents (40.1%) had no awareness of local screening tools; indeed, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) was used by approximately half of respondents (56.6%). Contrary to guidelines, NELA Leads report albumin levels continue to be used to determine malnutrition risk (73.5%; 122/166). Postoperative nutrition pathways were common (71.7%; 119/166). Reported barriers to nutritional screening and assessment included a lack of time, training and education, organisational support and ownership. Participants indicated nutrition risk is inadequately identified and is an important missing data item from NELA. There was no significant correlation with hospital laparotomy volume in relation to screening or assessment for malnutrition, the use of nutritional support pathways or organisational barriers. There was interprofessional agreement across a number of domains, although some differences did exist.

Conclusions

Wide variation exists in the current practice of identifying malnutrition risk in NELA patients. Barriers include a lack of time, knowledge and ownership. Nutrition pathways that encompass the preoperative phase and incorporation of nutrition data in NELA may support improvements in care.
Due Diligence
Authors: DALEY BRENDAN , GEELEN THOMAS , GREEN BRETT
Published: March 2024

We propose a model of due diligence and analyze its effect on prices, payoffs, and deal completion. In our model, if the seller accepts an offer, the winning bidder (or “acquirer”) can gather information and chooses when to complete the transaction. In equilibrium, the acquirer engages in “too much” due diligence. Our quantitative results suggest that the magnitude of the distortion is economically significant. Nevertheless, allowing for due diligence can improve both total surplus and the seller's payoff compared to a setting without due diligence. We use our framework to explore the timing of due diligence, bidder heterogeneity, and breakup fees.
Profiling and functional analysis of circular RNAs in yaks intramuscular fat
Authors: Su Quyangangmao , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Gao Zhanhong , Zhang Fengshuo , Wu ZhenLing , Ji QiuRong , He TingLi , Aloufi Bandar Hamad , El‐Mansi Ahmed A. , Eldesoqui Mamdouh , Sabir Deema Kamal , Gui Linsheng
Published: March 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous RNA regulating gene expression. However, the regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism in yaks involved in circRNAs remain poorly understood. The IMF plays a crucial role in the quality of yak meat, to greatly improve the meat quality. In this study, the fatty acid profiles of yak IMF were determined and circRNAs were sequenced. The results showed that the total of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of adult yak muscle was significantly higher than that in yak calves (p < 0.05). A total of 29,021 circRNAs were identified in IMF tissue, notably, 99 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs were identified, to be associated with fat deposition, the most significant of which were circ_12686, circ_6918, circ_3582, ci_106 and ci_123 (A circRNA composed of exons is labelled ‘circRNA’ and a circRNA composed of introns is labelled ‘ciRNA’). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential circRNAs were enriched in four pathways associated with fat deposition (e.g., the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signalling, fatty acid degradation, sphingolipid metabolism and sphingolipid signalling pathways). We also constructed co‐expression networks of DE circRNA‐miRNA using high‐throughput sequencing in IMF deposition, from which revealed that ci_106 target binding of bta‐miR‐130b, bta‐miR‐148a, bta‐miR‐15a, bta‐miR‐34a, bta‐miR‐130a, bta‐miR‐17‐5p and ci_123 target binding of bta‐miR‐150 were involved in adipogenesis. The study revealed the role of the circRNAs in the IMF deposition in yak and its influence on meat quality the findings demonstrated the circRNA differences in the development of IMF with the increase of age, thus providing a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanism of IMF deposition in yaks.
Healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Italy
Authors: Bacherini Alice , Pierluigi Irene , Balboni Giulia
Published: March 2024

The Italian healthcare system is public and freely available to the population. With a few exceptions, there are no distinctions between the healthcare services and practices (e.g., primary care) designed for the general population and those for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Prevalence data on adults with IDD are lacking and most disability policies and resources are designed for people with disabilities broadly defined, without specification based on disability type or severity level. Recent legislation provides specific supports for individuals with severe disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. This paper describes the legislation and health policies developed for people with disabilities, the organization of the Italian healthcare system, and the organization of disability support services and healthcare services. Strengths (e.g., availability of many financial resources, adoption of biopsychosocial approach to disability, presence of innovative projects to address the healthcare needs of people with IDD) and weaknesses (e.g., lack of distinction among disability types, territorial differences, lack of disability training of healthcare providers) of the current healthcare practices are reported and discussed.
Ireland's approach to health and social care policy and practice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Fennelly Aoife , Tully Michael , Henderson Karen , Rojack Éilis , Jones Tracey , Jackman Catherine
Published: March 2024

Irish health and social care policy has undergone a significant evolution in recent years to address inequalities, improve standards and update models of care to incorporate a rights‐based approach. The following account describes the Irish health and social care system, as delivered in the Republic of Ireland, and details how it operates for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The paper is informed by government policy, legislation, reviews, national plans, parliamentary reports, and population data. Clear progress has been made in shifting from a service‐led to a rights‐based, service‐user led model of care; however, resourcing this fundamental transition in approach to service provision poses challenges for the Irish State.
Kidney adolescent and young adult clinic: A transition model in Africa
Authors: Barday Zibya , Davidson Bianca , Harden Paul , Mukuddem‐Sablay Zakira , Wearne Nicola , Jones Erika S. W. , Cross Daley , McCulloch Mignon
Published: March 2024

Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have challenges unique to this developmental period, with increased rates of high‐risk behavior and non‐adherence to therapy which may impact the progression of kidney disease and their requirement for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Successful transition of AYA patients are particularly important in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where KRT is limited, rationed or not available. Kidney AYA transition clinics have the potential to improve clinical outcomes but there is a paucity of data on the clinical translational impact of these clinics in Africa. This review is a reflection of the 20‐year growth and development of the first South African kidney AYA transition clinic. We describe a model of care for patients with CKD, irrespective of etiology, aged 10–25 years, transitioning from pediatric to adult nephrology services. This unique service was established in 2002 and re‐designed in 2015. This multidisciplinary integrated transition model has improved patient outcomes, created peer support groups and formed a training platform for future pediatric and adult nephrologists. In addition, an Adolescent Centre of Excellence has been created to compliment the kidney AYA transition model of care. The development of this transition pathway challenges and solutions are explored in this article. This is the first kidney AYA transition clinic in Africa. The scope of this service has expanded over the last two decades. With limited resources in LMICs, such as KRT, the structured transition of AYAs with kidney disease is not only possible but essential. It is imperative to preserve residual kidney function, maximize the kidney allograft lifespan and improve adherence, to enable young individuals an opportunity to lead productive lives.
Identification and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species associated with twig dieback of citrus in Western Australia
Authors: Wang Weixia , Taylor Andrew S. , Tongson Eden , Edwards Jacqueline , Vaghefi Niloofar , Ades Peter K. , Crous Pedro W. , Taylor Paul W. J.
Published: March 2024

Up to 32 Colletotrichum species have been reported to be associated with pre‐ or postharvest diseases of citrus globally, while in Australia, six species have been reported to cause citrus leaf and fruit disease. Twig or shoot dieback has recently been observed as an emerging disease in citrus orchards in Western Australia. Colletotrichum species were isolated from diseased twigs showing dieback (withertip) or lesions, with or without gummosis, collected from 12 varieties of orange, mandarin and lemon. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu stricto, Colletotrichum karstii and Colletotrichum novae‐zelandiae were identified using a polyphasic approach that included multigene phylogenetic analysis using sequences of internal transcribed spacer and intervening 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), β‐tubulin (tub2), actin (act) and histone (his3) for isolates in the boninense species complex, and Apn2–Mat1–2 intergenic spacer and partial mating type (Mat1–2) (ApMat) and glutamine synthetase (gs) for isolates in the gloeosporioides species complex, as well as morphological characteristics. C. gloeosporioides was the most prevalent species associated with twig dieback in Western Australia, while C. novae‐zelandiae was reported for the first time in Australia. Pathogenicity tests on shoot twigs from lemon and orange trees confirmed C. gloeosporioides, C. karstii and C. novae‐zelandiae as the cause of twig dieback, with C. gloeosporioides being the most aggressive species. Knowledge of the species causing twig dieback and their lifestyle will assist the development of integrated control methods.
Small codes
Authors: Balla Igor
Published: March 2024

Determining the maximum number of unit vectors in with no pairwise inner product exceeding is a fundamental problem in geometry and coding theory. In 1955, Rankin resolved this problem for all , and in this paper, we show that the maximum is for all , answering a question of Bukh and Cox. Moreover, the exponent is best possible. As a consequence, we obtain an upper bound on the size of a ‐ary code with block length and distance , which is tight up to the multiplicative factor for any prime power and infinitely many . When , this resolves a conjecture of Tietäväinen from 1980 in a strong form and the exponent is best possible. Finally, using a recently discovered connection to ‐ary codes, we obtain analogous results for set‐coloring Ramsey numbers.
Sound diffraction by knife-edges of finite length: Integral solution, dimensionless parameters, and explicit formulas
Authors: Nikolaou Petros , Menounou Penelope
Published: March 2024

Sound diffraction by knife-edges of finite length is considered in the frequency domain. An approximate analytical solution in integral form is derived from a previously published time domain solution. Unlike the well-established finite length diffraction solution by Svensson et al. [Acta Acust. Acust. 95(3) 568–572 (2009)], the presented solution contains no singularities and both solutions agree, except very close to the diffracting edge. It is shown that finite length diffraction can be studied based on two dimensionless parameters: one expressing the receiver's proximity to the shadow boundary and one associated with the edge length. Depending on the dimensionless parameters, a given edge can be considered a short edge, an infinitely long edge or an edge of medium length, each case with different characteristics. Furthermore, a nomograph and the corresponding database are presented. They provide the normalized diffracted field for any source/receiver location, any source frequency, and any edge length. Also, easy to compute explicit mathematical expressions are presented to approximate the analytical integral solution. These expressions, along with the database method, accelerate diffraction calculations by order of magnitude compared to the presented integral solution or the Svensson solution. Finally, predictions from all proposed methods agree reasonably well with experimental data.
Physical Activity Patterns Within Dementia Care Dyads
Authors: Farina Nicolas , McArdle Ríona , Lowry Ruth G. , Banerjee Sube
Published: March 2024

Previous research has explored the physical activity habits of people with dementia and their family carers separately, with little consideration of how physical habits are associated within dyads. In this observational study, we sought to explore the relationship between people with dementia and their carers’ physical activity, at a group level and at a dyadic level. Twenty-six participant dyads (persons with dementia and their carer spouses) were asked to wear an accelerometer for 30 days continuously. Comparisons were made at a group level and a dyadic level. People with dementia did not participate in significantly more moderate to vigorous physical activity (M = 15.44 min/day; SD = 14.40) compared with carers (M = 17.95 min/day; SD = 17.01). Within dyads, there were moderately strong associations between daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (r = .48–.54), but not with overall activity levels (r = .24). Despite physical activity habits remaining relatively low within people with dementia and carers, respectively, moderate to vigorous physical activity levels appear to be correlated within dyads. Understanding mutual influence on physical activity levels within dyads is an important pathway to promote an active lifestyle.
Physiological adventures in
Candida albicans
: farnesol and ubiquinones
Authors: Nickerson Kenneth W. , Gutzmann Daniel J. , Boone Cory H. T. , Pathirana Ruvini U. , Atkin Audrey L.
Published: March 2024

Farnesol was first identified as a quorum-sensing molecule, which blocked the yeast to hyphal transition in
Candida albicans
, 22 years ago. However, its interactions with
Candida
biology are surprisingly complex. Exogenous (secreted or supplied) farnesol can also act as a virulence factor during pathogenesis and as a fungicidal agent triggering apoptosis in other competing fungi. Farnesol synthesis is turned off both during anaerobic growth and in opaque cells. Distinctly different cellular responses are observed as exogenous farnesol levels are increased from 0.1 to 100 µM. Reported changes include altered morphology, stress response, pathogenicity, antibiotic sensitivity/resistance, and even cell lysis. Throughout, there has been a dearth of mechanisms associated with these observations, in part due to the absence of accurate measurement of intracellular farnesol levels (
F

i

). This obstacle has recently been overcome, and the above phenomena can now be viewed in terms of changing
F

i

levels and the percentage of farnesol secreted. Critically, two aspects of isoprenoid metabolism present in higher organisms are absent in
C. albicans
and likely in other yeasts. These are pathways for farnesol salvage (converting farnesol to farnesyl pyrophosphate) and farnesylcysteine cleavage, a necessary step in the turnover of farnesylated proteins. Together, these developments suggest a unifying model, whereby high, threshold levels of
F

i

regulate which target proteins are farnesylated or the extent to which they are farnesylated. Thus, we suggest that the diversity of cellular responses to farnesol reflects the diversity of the proteins that are or are not farnesylated.
Luminosity of accretion disks around rotating regular black holes
Authors: Boshkayev Kuantay , Konysbayev Talgar , Kurmanov Yergali , Luongo Orlando , Muccino Marco , Taukenova Aliya , Urazalina Ainur
Published: March 2024

We study thin accretion disks in the gravitational field of a class of rotating regular black holes. Our objective is to determine the key parameters governing these accretion disks: the radius of the innermost stable circular orbit $$(r_{\textrm{ISCO}})$$

(

r
ISCO

)

and the efficiency $$(\eta )$$

(
η
)

of the accretion disk in converting matter into radiation. We employ a simplified model to describe the disk’s radiative flux, and differential and spectral luminosity. Subsequently, we compare our findings with the expectations from accretion disks around Kerr black holes. Notably, our calculations reveal that both the luminosity of the accretion disk and its efficiency are greater when considering the geometry of rotating regular black holes, particularly for fixed and small values of the spin parameter (j),  in contrast to the predictions obtained using the Kerr metric for a black hole of the same mass. These results offer intriguing insights into the behavior of astrophysical black holes.
Novel solution structures localized in fractional integrable coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhu Feng , Xu Bo
Published: March 2024

Fractional calculus highlights its importance and has been expanded to many fields. This paper focuses on fractional integrable systems and their novel structural solutions to comply with the forefront development of nonlinear waves. Specifically, a system of fractional integrable coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (CNLS) equations are first derived from the associated linear spectral problem equipped with space-time conformable fractional derivatives of different orders. Then, by extending Darboux transformation (DT) and its generalized version to the derived fractional CNLS equations, we obtained fractional single-soliton solutions and double- and triple-semirational solutions that obey the dual power laws of independent variables. Under the dominant influences of space-time fractional orders, some novel solution structures are finally revealed based on the obtained solutions. In terms of characteristics, these spatial structures exhibit inclination, symmetry and spikes. Observing from the perspective of propagation, some of these obtained solutions have time-varying velocities and widths. From the perspective of spatiotemporal structures, some solutions form collapsed quadrangular pyramids. All of these novel solution structures cannot be supported by the integer-order CNLS equations.
Norwegian Sea Oceanic Basin and Prograded Margins Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element
Authors: Faleide Jan Inge , Abdelmalak Mohamed Mansour , Zastrozhnov Dmitrii , Lasabuda Amando P. E. , Hjelstuen Berit Oline Blihovde , Laberg Jan Sverre , Planke Sverre
Published: March 2024

The Norwegian Sea oceanic basins and prograded margins have developed since NE Atlantic break-up in the earliest Eocene. Significant amounts of sediments were fed to the regionally subsiding and widening Norwegian Sea during the Cenozoic as a result of several phases of uplift and erosion of the bounding shelves and their hinterland. Despite an overall passive-margin evolution, the area experienced tectonic events and associated processes that interrupted the regional subsidence, causing contraction/inversion and tilting. The post-break-up depositional history of the mid-Norwegian margin comprises two main stages: (1) middle Eocene–Pliocene margin subsidence and relatively modest sedimentation during a period of climatic decline; and (2) latest Pliocene–Pleistocene full-scale northern hemisphere glaciations that resulted in deep erosion of shelves and hinterlands, and very high sedimentation rates and large-scale continental margin progradation. Slope failures within rapidly deposited glacial sediments affected both prograded margins, releasing large slides that travelled downslope into the oceanic Norway and Lofoten basins. Despite a long exploration history for hydrocarbon prospects in deeper waters and large amounts of data acquisition, no significant discovery has been made.
Communication-Efficient Federated Neural Collaborative Filtering with Multi-Armed Bandits
Authors: Ali Waqar , Ammad-ud-din Muhammad , Zhou Xiangmin , Zhang Yan , Shao Jie
Published: March 2024

Federated learning (FL) has received much attention in privacy-preserving and responsible recommender systems. Recent studies have shown promising results while federating widely-used recommendation methods such as collaborative filtering. A major barrier when bringing FL into production is that the model complexity or the volume of gradients to be transmitted over the communication channel grows linearly as the number of items in a particular system increases. To address this challenge, we propose a communication-efficient neural collaborative filtering method for federated recommender systems. First, to align our solution with other deep neural architectures, we construct standard neural collaborative filtering in federated settings. Second, to solve the underlying model complexity challenge, a multi-armed bandit framework is used that intelligently selects a smaller set of payloads for each iteration of federated model training. The item selection is based on a carefully designed reward function that determines which portion of the overall payloads would be optimal for a particular user. The FL model only comprising of the selected items is transmitted over the network. The FL users train their local models in the regular federated learning way utilizing the payload-efficient global model, requiring no additional optimizations. The results show that using only 10% of the model’s payload, our method can achieve recommendation performance comparable with the standard federated neural collaborative filtering.
Anlotinib Inhibits Cisplatin Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting MCL-1 Expression via MET/STAT3/Akt Pathway
Authors: Wang Lile , Xu Lu , Han Shuhua , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Background. Anlotinib is an effective targeted therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has been found to mediate chemoresistance in many cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of anlotinib mediates cisplatin (DDP) resistance in NSCLC remains unclear. Methods. Cell viability was assessed by the cell counting kit 8 assay. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined using the colony formation assay and transwell assay. The mRNA expression levels of mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression levels of MET, MCL-1, and STAT3/Akt pathway-related markers were examined using western blot analysis. Results. Our data showed that anlotinib inhibited the DDP resistance of NSCLC cells by regulating cell proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, MET and MCL-1 expression could be decreased by anlotinib treatment. Silencing of MET suppressed the activity of the STAT3/Akt pathway and MCL-1 expression. Furthermore, MET overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of anlotinib on the DDP resistance of NSCLC cells, and this effect could be eliminated by MCL-1 knockdown or ACT001 (an inhibitor for STAT3/Akt pathway). Conclusion. Our results confirmed that anlotinib inhibited DDP resistance in NSCLC cells, which might decrease MCL-1 expression via mediating the MET/STAT3/Akt pathway.
A Novel Multigain Switched-Capacitor-Based Topology with Reduced Part Count
Authors: Jena Kasinath , Kumar Dhananjay , B. Hemanth Kumar , Janardhan Kavali , K. Jyotheeswara Reddy , Dash Ritesh , Dhanamjayulu C. , Khan Baseem
Published: March 2024

In photovoltaic power plants, wind farms, and other types of renewable energy generating facilities, the usage of multilevel inverters (MLIs) is a popular and widely used choice. A unique structurally-based step-up self-balanced compact multigain switched capacitor inverter architecture (MGSCIT) is proposed in this study. The proposed MGSCIT uses two switched capacitors and nine switches to generate a seven-level (7L) output voltage with a voltage gain of three times the input. The suggested topology also includes several other important advantages, such as the minimum number of switching components, three-times voltage gain, inherent self-balancing of capacitor voltage, reduced voltage ripples, reduced voltage, and stresses. The negative voltage levels can be generated without the need for a backend H-bridge (HB). The structural design analysis of the proposed MGSCIT, self-balancing mechanism of capacitor voltages, determination of optimum values of capacitance, and control strategy are explained in detail. To demonstrate the benefits of the proposed topology, a fair comparison is offered with the most current 7-level single-source topologies, focusing on the cost function and the number of components per level. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the accuracy of the theoretical analysis, and the prototype built demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the practical findings, with maximum measured efficiency reaching 95.62%. The voltage and current THD are 31.08% and 1.45%, respectively.
Distance-Based Fractional Dimension of Certain Wheel Networks
Authors: Zafar Hassan , Javaid Muhammad , Ashebo Mamo Abebe
Published: March 2024

Metric dimension is one of the distance-based parameters which are used to find the position of the robot in a network space by utilizing lesser number of notes and minimum consumption of time. It is also used to characterize the chemical compounds. The metric dimension has a wide range of applications in the field of computer science such as integer programming, radar tracking, pattern recognition, robot navigation, and image processing. A vertex x in a network W resolves the adjacent pair of vertices uv if x attains an unequal distance from end points of uv. A local resolving neighbourhood set RLuv is a set of vertices of W which resolve uv. A mapping α:VW⟶0,1 is called local resolving function of W if αRLuv≥1 for any adjacent pair of vertices of uv of W and the minimal value of αRLuv for all local resolving functions α of W is called local fractional metric dimension of W. In this paper, we have studied the local fractional metric dimension of wheel-related networks such as web-wheel network, subdivision of wheel network, line network of subdivision of wheel network, and double-wheel network and also examined their boundedness.
Supplementary Tables from DNA-PK–Mediated Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Stimulates Glycolysis to Promote Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignancy and Chemoresistance
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Yanyang , Tian Yu , Yang Wanlin , Wang Yan , Hou Hui , Pan Hanbo , Pei Siyu , Zhu Hongda , Gu Zenan , Zhang Yanyun , Dai Dongfang , Chen Wei , Zheng Mingyue , Luo Qingquan , Xiao Yichuan , Huang Jia
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Tables
Supplementary Data from Chronic Stress Dampens Lactobacillus Johnsonii–Mediated Tumor Suppression to Enhance Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Cao Qiuhua , Zhao Mingrui , Su Yali , Liu Siliang , Lin Yanting , Da Huijuan , Yue Chongxiu , Liu Yiming , Jing Dongquan , Zhao Qixiang , Liu Ning , Du Juan , Zuo Zhanjie , Fu Yao , Chen Anqi , Birnbaumer Lutz , Yang Yong , Dai Beiying , Gao Xinghua
Published: March 2024

Figure S1
Supplementary Data from Chronic Stress Dampens Lactobacillus Johnsonii–Mediated Tumor Suppression to Enhance Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Cao Qiuhua , Zhao Mingrui , Su Yali , Liu Siliang , Lin Yanting , Da Huijuan , Yue Chongxiu , Liu Yiming , Jing Dongquan , Zhao Qixiang , Liu Ning , Du Juan , Zuo Zhanjie , Fu Yao , Chen Anqi , Birnbaumer Lutz , Yang Yong , Dai Beiying , Gao Xinghua
Published: March 2024

Figure S6