bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in price, income and e-cigarette affordability for young people in the USA from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Diaz Megan C , Braganza Karl , Minter Tyler , Hair Elizabeth C , Tauras John A.
Published: October 2024

Background

E-cigarette products are the most popular tobacco/nicotine product used among youth and young adults in the USA. While emerging research has shown that e-cigarette taxes increase their price, no study to date has examined e-cigarette tax burdens nor their affordability for youth and young adults.

Methods

Using real (2021 US dollars) prices per mL of e-liquid data from NielsenIQ and annual real (2021 US dollars) personal income data from Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, we calculate relative income prices and examine average annual percentage changes in affordability using Joinpoint trend analysis from 2015 to 2021. In addition, we use tax data to calculate e-cigarette tax burdens as a percentage of price per 1 mL of e-liquid.

Results

In all states analysed, tax burdens increased from 2015 to 2021. E-cigarette prices decreased considerably from 2019 to 2021; in 2021 the real (2021 US dollars) average price of 1 mL of e-liquid was US$4.45. E-cigarettes on average became more affordable for all age groups and states; however, e-cigarettes tended to be less affordable in states with ad-valorem tax structures. On average, 16–17-year-olds needed 31% of their annual income to purchase 100 mL of e-liquid, whereas 18–19-year-olds, 20–24-year-olds and 25–34-year-olds needed 9%, 3% and 1%, respectively.

Conclusions

E-cigarettes have become more affordable for young people, but less so in states with ad-valorem tax structures. Policy efforts should focus on reducing e-cigarette affordability, especially for youth, through tax-induced increases in e-cigarette prices to levels high enough to outpace income growth.
Transformation of the tobacco product market in Japan, 2011–2023
Authors: Cummings K Michael , Roberson Avery , Levy David T , Meza Rafael , Warner Kenneth E , Fong Geoffrey T , Xu Steve Shaowei , Gravely Shannon , Dhungel Bibha , Borland Ron , O'Connor Richard J , Goniewicz Maciej Lukasz , Sweanor David T
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study updates a previous paper that examined trends in the sale of cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Japan between 2011 and part way through 2019. The current study includes complete unit sales data through 2023.

Methods

Data on cigarette and HTP sales were obtained from public sources available from the websites and stockholder reports for the Tobacco Institute of Japan, Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco. We used joinpoint regression using the parametric method to test for trends in both per capita and total sales for the three outcome variables assessed between 2011 and 2023: (1) cigarette sales, (2) HTP sales and (3) combined cigarette and HTP sales. Joinpoint regression identifies changes in trends and estimates the annual per cent change (APC) for each trend segment.

Results

Between 2011 and 2023, per capita and total cigarette sales declined by 52.6% and 52.7%, respectively. From 2011 to 2015, per capita cigarette sales in Japan decreased −1.5% APC; from 2015 to 2018, the decline accelerated to −10.5% APC and continued to fall −7.3% APC between 2018 and 2023. Between 2016 and 2018, per capita HTP sales increased by 149.0% APC, and since 2018, they have increased by 8.1% APC.

Conclusion

While many factors may account for the decreased sale of cigarettes in Japan over the past 12 years, the increased sale of HTPs appears to be a factor.
Effect of progressive wetting on permanent deformation of fouled ballast under cyclic loading
Authors: Huang Shihao , Qian Yu
Published: October 2024

Climate change in recent decades has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, causing varied moisture contents in the ballasted track, which greatly challenges railway operation and track maintenance. Currently, most research about permanent deformation of fouled ballast are under dry condition or with a moisture content in the individual tested sample, which could not fully represent varied moisture conditions in the field induced by varying rainfall intensities. In this paper, permanent deformation of field-sourced fouled ballast under progressive wetting condition was investigated using large-scale triaxial cyclic tests. The results indicate that, with progressively rising water contents (0% to 12%), the fouled ballast sample maintained their stability; however, the rate of permanent strain increases to a peak value before experiencing a slight decline, aligning with classified shakedown ranges. This observed deformation features can be attributed to both the negative effect of suction loss under progressive wetting and the positive cyclic densification effect of coarse aggregates under repeated loading, an aspect that existing research have not elaborated on. To encapsulate the identified deformation characteristics, this study proposes and validates a new predictive model for the permanent deformation of fouled ballast capturing the feature of progressive wetting.
Comparative analysis of pharmaceutical persistence in Canadian wastewater treatment plants utilizing molecularly imprinted polymers and commercial solid phase extraction sorbents
Authors: Sigonya Sisonke , Mokhena Teboho Clement , Mayer Paul M. , Makhanya Talent Raymond , Mokhothu Thabang Hendrica
Published: October 2024

In this study, the performances of a synthesized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and a commercial solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge were compared in terms of the removal efficiency and quantification of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater samples. Concentration analysis of emtricitabine, tenofovir, naproxen, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and efavirenz was conducted in influent, primary effluent, secondary effluent, and post-chlorination water samples using liquid chromatography–UV detection. Regressions analysis revealed high linearity ( R2 values from 0.9980 to 0.9999) for the compounds, alongside recoveries ranging from 90.9% to 100%. The method detection limits were also determined. Removal efficiencies were computed, with naproxen and ibuprofen demonstrating complete removal (100%), while other compounds displayed different removal efficiency levels. The MIP was found to perform slightly better than traditional SPE cartridges in terms of selectivity, efficiency, and overall performance. This study provides valuable insights into the concentrations of target compounds at various treatment stages, emphasizing the importance of choosing extraction cartridges in wastewater treatment processes.
Functional traits as an indicator of urbanization impact on the scorpion assemblage in Neotropical forest
Authors: Feitosa Matheus L.B. , Correa César M.A. , Souza Felipe S. , Lira André F.A.
Published: October 2024

Currently, natural forests face significant loss of vegetation cover linked to habitat loss due to urban expansion. Therefore, we investigated the effects of changes in different land uses and land cover at the landscape scale resulting from the urbanization process on the functional traits of the body of scorpions in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In 10 forest fragments in Paulista, Pernambuco, we observed that forest cover had a statistically significant negative relationship with the average functional body traits of the scorpion assemblage. Distinct functional body traits were associated with the conditions of the surrounding landscape. Forest units with lower forest cover harbored species with higher average functional body traits, indicating adaptation to the urban scenario. Conversely, in areas with greater forest cover, species with smaller functional body traits predominated, suggesting habitat sensitivity and dependence on less disturbed environments. Our results indicate that scorpions may be indicators of changes in functional body traits due to land use change. These findings highlight significant implications for biodiversity conservation in the Atlantic Forest in the face of urban expansion, emphasizing the role of scorpions as key indicators of changes in functional body traits in response to the altered landscape.
Enhancement of the CD signal of a tartaric acid amide-linked bisporphyrin by zinc cations
Authors: Zhou Mengmeng , Zhu Xiaonan , Hu Chuanjiang , Wang Yong
Published: October 2024

A chiral bisporphyrin containing hydroxy groups in the linker H4(L-TABis) was designed and synthesized. The CD spectra show that the intensity of the CD signal increases approximately 12-fold upon metalation with Zn[Formula: see text] (up to 1450 cm[Formula: see text]M[Formula: see text]. Our investigation suggests that the Zn-OH coordination interactions lead to enhanced CD in [Zn2(L-TABis)]. The DFT-optimized structure of [Zn2(L-TABis)] indicates that the chirality of L-tartaric acid is transferred to the bisporphyrin to form an M configuration with a shorter Zn[Formula: see text]Zn distance and a negative C15-C5-C5′-C15′ torsional angle, which is consistent with the experimental results. This work presents a useful example of enhancing CD by adjusting the interactions between the substituents in the linker and the center metal ions.
Theoretical Calculation of Vacuum Energy Density Based on the Fractal Quantum Gravity Theory
Authors: Li Shuming , Huang Lihua Li , Huang Joyce , Li Shuwei
Published: October 2024

There has been a huge discrepancy between the vacuum energy density calculated based on the existing quantum theories and the observational values. The calculated vacuum energy density is about 120 orders of magnitude greater than its observational values, which is one of the worst theoretical predictions in the history of modern physics. As a promising quantum gravity theory, the newly developed fractal quantum gravity (FQG) theory has introduced the smallest constant of the product of space, time and energy of Space-Time Quantum of Action (STQA). The product of space, time and energy of every particle is integer times of this smallest constant — STQA. Based on the FQG equation, we have calculated the vacuum energy density which is a perfect match with its observational values. This recent development has shed much insight into the intrinsic nature of vacuum and it will continue to provide guidance of future research in the area of dark energy.
The making of slab breakoff
Authors: Davies J. Huw , von Blanckenburg Friedhelm
Published: October 2024

In the early 1990s we met as postdocs in Cambridge just after finishing our PhDs in geophysics and geochemistry. We engaged in an informal discussion on lithospheric mantle melting in convergent orogens that was guided by two questions: (1) how can plutons have a mantle source signature in cold convergence zones; and (2) be located in the downgoing plate? The ‘slab breakoff’ hypothesis emerged. Here we review from our personal perspective how the idea was originally developed. We then provide our view looking back from our role as spectators, given that we have left the topic after the design of the hypothesis.
Efficient Session-based Recommendation with Contrastive Graph-based Shortest Path Search
Authors: Peintner Andreas , Mohammadi Amir Reza , Zangerle Eva
Published: October 2024

Session-based recommendation aims to predict the next item based on a set of anonymous sessions. Capturing user intent from a short interaction sequence imposes a variety of challenges since no user profiles are available and interaction data is naturally sparse. Recent approaches relying on graph neural networks (GNNs) for session-based recommendation use global item relations to explore collaborative information from different sessions. These methods capture the topological structure of the graph and rely on multi-hop information aggregation in GNNs to exchange information along edges. Consequently, graph-based models suffer from noisy item relations in the training data and introduce high complexity for large item catalogs. We propose to explicitly model the multi-hop information aggregation mechanism over multiple layers via shortest-path edges based on knowledge from the sequential recommendation domain. Our approach does not require multiple layers to exchange information and ignores unreliable item-item relations. Furthermore, to address inherent data sparsity, we are the first to apply supervised contrastive learning by mining data-driven positive and hard negative item samples from the training data. Extensive experiments on four different datasets show that the proposed approach outperforms almost all of the state-of-the-art methods.
DTAP: Accelerating Strongly-Typed Programs with Data Type-Aware Hardware Prefetching
Authors: Dong Yingshuai , Ye Chencheng , Liu Haikun , Tang Liting , Liao Xiaofei , Jin Hai , Chen Cheng , Li Yanjiang , Wang Yi
Published: October 2024

Queries on linked data structures, such as trees and graphs, often suffer from frequent cache misses and significant performance loss due to dependent and random pointer-chasing memory accesses. In this paper, we propose a software-hardware co-designed solution for accelerating linked data structures implemented in strongly typed languages. The solution incorporates a compiler extension and a hardware prefetcher. The compiler extension extracts type information from the code, annotates each load instruction, and forwards the type information to the hardware prefetcher. The prefetcher leverages the type information to fetch the referred objects and identify the associated pointers in advance. By doing so, the program can find these objects in the cache when it follows the prefetched pointers, thus minimizing cache misses. In the evaluation, the proposed solution achieves an average speedup of 1.37 × over a set of memory-intensive benchmarks.
Intersystem and Interoperator Agreement of US Attenuation Coefficient for Quantifying Liver Steatosis
Authors: Ferraioli Giovanna , Roccarina Davide , Barr Richard G.
Published: October 2024

Substantial variability in US attenuation coefficient values across systems precludes their interchangeability for diagnosing and monitoring liver steatosis.
Frequency and Magnitude Variation Triple-Ring Pentagonal Microwave Sensor for Permittivity Measurement of Liquid Samples
Authors: Beria Yatish , Das Gouree Shankar , Buragohain Akash , Kalita Partha Protim , Doloi Trishna
Published: October 2024

This article presents a pentagonal complementary split ring resonator (PCSRR) sensor for characterizing materials based on their dielectric properties. The operational frequency of the sensor is chosen to be in the licensed free ISM band of 2.45 GHz for potential future deployment with radio frequency modules. Eleven liquid samples with real and imaginary parts of permittivity ranging from 1–45 and 0–6.7, respectively, have been used as sample specimens to characterize the sensor’s performance. With the highly concentrated electric field, the sensor achieves a high normalized sensitivity of 2.13% and an average sensitivity of 51.89 MHz per unit dielectric constant. Regression models have been further developed for complex permittivity evaluation from the scattering spectrum of the sensor loaded with the liquid samples. Additionally, the variations in the sensor’s capacitance due to different loaded samples have been analyzed, and regression techniques have been employed to develop relationships between permittivity and capacitance.
Point-of-Care Sensor Using Modified Nickel-doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Carbon Paste Electrode for Homovanillic Acid Cancer Biomarker Detection in Urine
Authors: Abdalla Rana , Mahmoud Amr M. , Abou Al-Alamein Amal M. , Galal Maha M. , El Mously Dina A.
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of cancer worldwide has prompted efforts to develop and produce a range of electrochemical biosensors for cancer diagnosis. Efficient cancer diagnosis can be enhanced by the sensitive detection of biomarkers, which can also lower the cost of medical diagnostics. Neuroblastoma is an embryonic cancer arising from neural crest stem cells and is considered the most common malignancy in infants and the extracranial solid tumor in children. In this paper, we describe the construction of a nanoparticle-modified electrochemical sensor for detecting and quantifying homovanillic acid (HVA), a biomarker for neuroblastoma. The electrooxidation of HVA was studied at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with nickel-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ni-ZnO NPs). The use of these nanoparticles enhanced electrochemical sensitivity and the electrocatalytic activity. The differential pulse voltammetric response of HVA was found to be linear in the concentration range of (3.96 × 10−6 to 3.83 × 10−5 M) with a lower detection limit of 1.01 × 10−6 M. The electrode demonstrated good stability in the HVA determination process, with a minor decrease in response after 10 weeks. The proposed sensor was successfully applied to determine HVA in a urine sample with a good detection result and a worthwhile biological impact.
Green Synthesis of Ag-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Using Bael (A. marmelos) Leaves for Wastewater Remediation
Authors: Dhiman Sakshi , Kumari Asha , Sharma Rahul , Jasrotia Rohit , Ahmed Jahangeer , Kandwal Abhishek , Lakshmaiya Natrayan , Raja Vaseem , Sharma Richa , Sharma Kashma , Sharma Anand
Published: October 2024

The microwave-assisted technique proved highly successful in harnessing the Bael (A. marmelos) tree’s natural properties to synthesize Ag-ZnO nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly manner. Through analysis of the various vibration modes evident in the Fourier transform infrared spectra, it became evident that functional groups are present on the nanoparticle surface, showcasing the intricate chemical composition achieved through this innovative synthesis approach. The nanoparticles dimensions, morphology, and surface features were investigated through advanced techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Analysis revealed that the synthesized Ag-ZnO nanoparticles typically ranged between 15 to 20 nm in size. When subjected to ultraviolet radiation, the silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic prowess, effectively decomposing the dye known as methylene blue. The produced Ag-doped ZnO NPs are very good at reducing dye to 88% in about one hour. Characterization, as well as encouraging photocatalytic and antioxidant qualities, indicate the potential use of these synthesized Ag-doped ZnO NPs for environmental as well as vital uses.
Quantification of Interfacial Voids Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy for Mechanism Study on SiCN Bonding and SiN Bonding
Authors: Yang Y. , Brun X. F. , Weber M. H. , Flores M.
Published: October 2024

Hybrid bonding for 3D integration requires reliable direct bonding interface of dielectrics. Lately, the spotlight has focused on SiCN/SiCN bonding considering its superior bonding performance by the dangling bonds-facilitated nanovoid closure mechanisms, but it is reported to be sensitive to reactive species especially under the high temperatures. Recent work proposed SiN/SiO2 asymmetric bonding showing a void-free bonding interface and bond energy higher than 2.5 J m−2 as a promising candidate for direct bonding applications. Interestingly, we observed opposite bonding behaviors between SiCN and SiN in corresponding symmetric bonding pair and asymmetric bonding pair (with SiO2). Thus, a comprehensive fundamental understanding on the bonding of different dielectrics is needed to guide the specifications of the bonding layer for enabling a void-free and highly reliable bonding interface. In this study, we systematically quantified the nanovoids in the bonding interface of SiCN/SiCN, SiCN/SiO2, and SiN/SiO2 through positron annihilation spectroscopy and simulation, dangling bond formation by electron spin resonance, and the film passivation property by quasi-steady-state photoconductance. By correlating the film properties and bonding performance, the model of SiCN bonding is extended towards its SiCN/SiO2 asymmetric bonding, and a new model of the nanovoid closure mechanism in SiN bonding is first-time proposed.
Nursing Faculty Shortage Impact on Nursing Students: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Authors: Antig Asia , Arañez Shaniah , Cañazares Chariemae , Palompon Daisy
Published: October 2024

Background: The nursing education sector has felt the impact of the shortage of nursing clinical instructors (CI) or faculty members. This phenomenon became more profound with the pandemic experience along with the global shortage of nurses in the hospitals.

Objective: The study was conducted to explore the lived experiences on learning among undergraduate nursing students in a higher education institution amidst the nursing faculty shortage.

Methods: The study was undertaken using a descriptive phenomenological design with seven informants, using Colaizzi’s approach for data analysis.

Findings: The findings of the study generated three main themes: disruptions in the learning process and platforms, responses to learning disruptions, and learners’ call to action. It uncovered substantial disruptions in scheduled lectures, activities, and clinical rotations due to the nursing faculty shortage.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical need for immediate and comprehensive measures to address the nursing faculty shortage. Despite compensatory efforts by the institution, the impact on learning experience remains significant. This study calls for prompt and effective strategies to rectify the nursing faculty shortage, ensuring optimal learning experiences for student nurses.
Potential Target Metabolites From Gut Microbiota Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Aslam Sehar , Qasim Muhammad , Noor Fatima , Shahid Muhammad , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Munir Samman , Al-Harthi Helal F. , Mashraqi Mutaib M. , Waqas Umair , Khurshid Mohsin
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, posing significant challenges and economic burdens on healthcare systems. Gut microbiota metabolites have shown promise in cancer treatment, but the specific active metabolites and their key targets remain unclear. This study employed a network pharmacology‐based approach to identify potent metabolites of gut microbiota and their key targets. Active metabolites produced by gut microbiota were retrieved using the database gutMGene, and targets associated with these metabolites were identified using the Swiss Target Prediction tool. HCC‐related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, and overlapping targets were selected through a Venn diagram tool. An integrated metabolites–target–pathway network was analyzed to identify active inhibitors against HCC, including p‐cresol glucuronide, secoisolariciresinol, glycocholic acid, enterodiol, and citric acid. Molecular docking tests were performed to validate the findings and assess the binding affinity of the metabolites with their target proteins. The study identified AKT1, EGFR, ALB, and TNF genes as potential therapeutic targets against hepatic cancer. The metabolites, p‐cresol glucuronide, secoisolariciresinol, glycocholic acid, enterodiol, and citric acid, exhibited significant binding affinity with their respective target proteins. The study also revealed multiple signaling pathways and biological processes associated with the metabolites, demonstrating their preventive effect against HCC. This research utilizes a network pharmacology‐based approach to identify potent metabolites of gut microbiota and their key targets for the treatment of HCC. The findings were validated through molecular docking tests, providing a foundation for future studies on anti‐HCC metabolites and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, this study offers insights into the development of novel anti‐HCC drugs utilizing gut microbiota metabolites.
Impact Force Algorithm and Parameters of Rolling Stone Impact Pier in Mountain Area
Authors: Wang Zi-Jian , Liu Qi , Jiang Yi , Wu Li-Ming , Wang Hao , Wang Yi , Wang Ji-Wu
Published: October 2024

In mountainous bridge engineering, the impact of falling rocks on bridge piers is a critical issue. Although various algorithms have been used to calculate impact forces, there is limited research on the impact force algorithm for rolling stones hitting bridge piers. This study, based on the impulse–momentum theorem and the impact force algorithm proposed by professor Ye Siqiao, derived an impact force algorithm for rolling stones hitting bridge piers at different impact velocities and angles. Additionally, an indoor scaled‐down test was designed to analyze the effects of impact velocity, angle, and position on impact force, and the results were compared with domestic and international algorithms and the calculated values of the formula derived in this paper. The results show that at an impact velocity of 3.45 m/s and an impact angle of 30°, the peak impact force reached 16.37 kN, which is a 22% increase from 12.85 kN at 2.83 m/s and a significant 53.9% increase from 10.56 kN at 2.29 m/s. Furthermore, the impact force decreased by 13.8% and 21.73% as the impact angle increased from 30° to 45° and 60°, respectively. These findings underscore the significant influence of impact velocity and angle on impact force, highlighting the necessity for accurate algorithms in engineering applications. The formula derived in this paper yielded results closest to the peak impact force, with errors between the results under each impact condition and the peak impact force fluctuating within an engineering acceptable range of ~10%, indicating that the formula derived in this paper is more accurate and reasonable for engineering applications.
ITGA1 Promotes Glioma Cell Proliferation and Affects Immune Cell Infiltration in Low‐Grade Glioma
Authors: Ren Yanhong , Xu Jianchang , Zhang Zhengkui , Yu Rutong
Published: October 2024

Background: Low‐grade glioma (LGG) is a commonly occurring type of central nervous system cancer. Integrin α1 (ITGA1), a family member of integrins, is implied in the malignant development of cancers, but the fundamental role of ITGA1 has not been illustrated yet in glioma. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of ITGA1.

Methods: Correlations between ITGA1 and relevant clinical features were analyzed in the LGG datasets based on Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA). Glioma clinical samples and glioma cell lines were identified at the level of mRNA and protein level by Western blot. Cox regression were developed to assess the involvement of ITGA1 expression in predicting survival in LGG patients. Application of GSEA enrichment analysis to reveal ITGA1‐mediated biological functions in LGG. Using TIMER 2.0 to analyze correlations between immune cell infiltration. In addition, ITGA1 high expression was analyzed for correlation with immune checkpoint‐related genes and cumulative survival time.

Results: ITGA1 was significantly more expressed in LGG than in normal samples. Cox regression indicated that ITGA1 was a risk factor independently for prognosis in LGG patients. GSEA enrichment analysis indicated that ITGA1 was engaged in several immunomodulatory processes. ITGA1 expression was shown to be highly correlated with the immune score, stromal score, and estimate score in LGG. ITGA1 was significantly related to the immune checkpoint‐associated gene expression. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of ITGA1 promoted glioma cell invasion.

Conclusion: High ITGA1 expression is correlated with immune infiltration of the low‐grade tumor, leading to poor prognoses in LGG patients.
Shikonin Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Esophageal Cancer EC9706 Cells by Regulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK Axis
Authors: Zhang Junli , Guo Jiayi , Gu Biao , Wang Fen , Li Yi , Shang Ling , Jiang Wendi , Ma Junrao , Wu Wenjuan
Published: October 2024

Shikonin is a plant medicine extracted from Lithospermum, which dominate influential antioxidant and antitumor effect. Here, we report that shikonin was capable of inducing human esophageal cancer EC9706 cell apoptosis and autophagy, in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Shikonin exposure repressed cell viability and migration and invasion capabilities and caused EC9706 cell autophagy and apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK axis. Autophagy inhibition secured EC9706 cells against shikonin‐induced autophagy and apoptosis and reversed the upregulation of AMPK and ULK phosphorylation and downregulation of mTOR phosphorylation provoked by shikonin. In summary, shikonin instigates EC9706 cell apoptosis and autophagy using the target AMPK/mTOR/ULK signal pathway axis, which provides a potential new target to treat human esophageal cancer.
Enhancing Power Generation in Triboelectric Nanogenerators via Integration of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Okbaz Abdulkerim , Yar Adem , Karabiber Abdulkerim , Lin Geng-Sheng , Tong Zhaohui
Published: October 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provide promising power supply solutions by transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy. However, enhancing electrical performance of TENGs is essential for their widespread practical applications and commercialization. In this study, we fabricated TENGs in vertical contact‐separation mode using a tribopositive material—polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) slime—which is biocompatible, flexible, and wearable, decorated with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), and paired with tribonegative silicone. We analyzed the correlation between the electrical performance of the TENGs and the inherent triboelectric properties of the constituent material, including the evaluation of surface roughness, the measurement of the contact potential difference (CPD), and the material’s dielectric constant. The incorporation of GnPs increased the dielectric constant of the composite material and its electron‐donating tendency, thus, increasing the contact potential difference. The GnPs concentration of 1 wt% was identified as the optimal value, resulting in a 42% increase in power density. The 1 wt% GnPs@PVA&Silicone TENG exhibited an open‐circuit voltage of 718 V and a peak power density of 15.3 W/m2. This study sheds light on enhancing the energy harvesting efficiency of TENGs through the utilization of biocompatible tribopositive and tribonegative materials.
Supplementary Table 1 from A NGS-based Blood Test For the Diagnosis of Invasive HPV-associated Carcinomas with Extensive Viral Genomic Characterization
Authors: Sastre-Garau Xavier , Diop Mamadou , Martin Fernando , Dolivet Gilles , Marchal Frédéric , Charra-Brunaud Claire , Peiffert Didier , Leufflen Léa , Dembélé Birama , Demange Jessica , Tosti Priscillia , Thomas Jacques , Leroux Agnès , Merlin Jean-Louis , Diop-Ndiaye Halimatou , Costa Jean-Marc , Salleron Julia , Harlé Alexandre
Published: October 2024

Detailed charecteristics and insertions for all cases
Supplementary Data II from A NGS-based Blood Test For the Diagnosis of Invasive HPV-associated Carcinomas with Extensive Viral Genomic Characterization
Authors: Sastre-Garau Xavier , Diop Mamadou , Martin Fernando , Dolivet Gilles , Marchal Frédéric , Charra-Brunaud Claire , Peiffert Didier , Leufflen Léa , Dembélé Birama , Demange Jessica , Tosti Priscillia , Thomas Jacques , Leroux Agnès , Merlin Jean-Louis , Diop-Ndiaye Halimatou , Costa Jean-Marc , Salleron Julia , Harlé Alexandre
Published: October 2024

SNPs and indels for each cases
Supplemental Figure 6 from The Prognostic Role of MYC Structural Variants Identified by NGS and FISH in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Smadbeck James B. , Abdallah Nadine , Zepeda-Mendoza Cinthya , Binder Moritz , Pearce Kathryn E. , Asmann Yan W. , Peterson Jess F. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Greipp Patricia T. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. , Baughn Linda B.
Published: October 2024

Supplemental Figure 6 shows the influence of various MYC SVs on OS and PFS in either the hyperdiploid or non-hyperdiploid groups of the CoMMpass cohort
Table S2 from A Phase II Trial of the Bruton Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: An Gang , Zhou Daobin , Cheng Shu , Zhou Keshu , Li Jianyong , Zhou Jianfeng , Xie Liping , Jin Jie , Zhong Liye , Yan Lingzhi , Guo Haiyi , Du Chenmu , Zhong Jinhua , Yu Yiling , Wu Binghao , Qiu Lugui
Published: October 2024

Prior systemic therapies and best response to last systemic regimen in Chinese patients with R/R WM.
Supplementary Data from A Phase II Trial of the Bruton Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: An Gang , Zhou Daobin , Cheng Shu , Zhou Keshu , Li Jianyong , Zhou Jianfeng , Xie Liping , Jin Jie , Zhong Liye , Yan Lingzhi , Guo Haiyi , Du Chenmu , Zhong Jinhua , Yu Yiling , Wu Binghao , Qiu Lugui
Published: October 2024

Cover page
Figure S2 from A Phase II Trial of the Bruton Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: An Gang , Zhou Daobin , Cheng Shu , Zhou Keshu , Li Jianyong , Zhou Jianfeng , Xie Liping , Jin Jie , Zhong Liye , Yan Lingzhi , Guo Haiyi , Du Chenmu , Zhong Jinhua , Yu Yiling , Wu Binghao , Qiu Lugui
Published: October 2024

Major response rate by subgroup in Chinese patients with R/R WM, as assessed by the investigator.
SpliceMutr Enables Pan-Cancer Analysis of Splicing-Derived Neoantigen Burden in Tumors
Authors: Palmer Theron , Kessler Michael D. , Shao Xiaoshan M. , Balan Archana , Yarchoan Mark , Zaidi Neeha , Lopez-Vidal Tamara Y. , Saeed Ali M. , Gore Jessica , Azad Nilofer S. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Favorov Alexander V. , Anagnostou Valsamo , Karchin Rachel , Gaykalova Daria A. , Fertig Elana J. , Danilova Ludmila
Published: October 2024

Aberrant alternative splicing can generate neoantigens, which can themselves stimulate immune responses and surveillance. Previous methods for quantifying splicing-derived neoantigens are limited by independent references and potential batch effects. Here, we introduce SpliceMutr, a bioinformatics approach and pipeline for identifying splicing-derived neoantigens from tumor and normal data. SpliceMutr facilitates the identification of tumor-specific antigenic splice variants, predicts MHC-binding affinity, and estimates splicing antigenicity scores per gene. By applying this tool to transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we generate splicing-derived neoantigens and neoantigenicity scores per sample and across all cancer types and find numerous correlations between splicing antigenicity and well-established biomarkers of antitumor immunity. Notably, carriers of mutations within splicing machinery genes have higher splicing antigenicity, which provides support for our approach. Further analysis of splicing antigenicity in cohorts of patients with melanoma treated with mono- or combined immune checkpoint inhibition suggests that the abundance of splicing antigens is reduced post-treatment from baseline in patients who progress. We also observe increased splicing antigenicity in responders to immunotherapy, which may relate to an increased capacity to mount an immune response to splicing-derived antigens. We find the splicing antigenicity to be higher in tumor samples when compared with normal, that mutations in the splicing machinery result in increased splicing antigenicity in some cancers, and higher splicing antigenicity is associated with positive response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. Furthermore, this new computational pipeline provides novel analytical capabilities for splicing antigenicity and is openly available for further immuno-oncology analysis.

Significance:

SpliceMutr shows that splicing antigenicity changes in response to ICI therapies and that native modulation of the splicing machinery through mutations increases the contribution of splicing to the neoantigen load of some The Cancer Genome Atlas cancer subtypes. Future studies of the relationship between splicing antigenicity and immune checkpoint inhibitor response pan-cancer are essential to establish the interplay between antigen heterogeneity and immunotherapy regimen on patient response.
The Significance of Comprehensive Metabolic Phenotypes in Cancer Risk: A Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi , Nguyen Tien Van , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Arisawa Kokichi , Ishizu Masashi , Unohara Taichi , Tanaka Keitaro , Shimanoe Chisato , Nagayoshi Mako , Tamura Takashi , Kubo Yuko , Kato Yasufumi , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Michihata Nobuaki , Nakamura Yohko , Tanoue Shiroh , Koriyama Chihaya , Suzuki Sadao , Nakagawa-Senda Hiroko , Koyama Teruhide , Tomida Satomi , Kuriki Kiyonori , Takashima Naoyuki , Harada Akiko , Wakai Kenji , Matsuo Keitaro ,   for the J-MICC Study Group
Published: October 2024

The present study investigated the relationship between metabolic phenotypes and the risk of cancer in a Japanese population using the criteria of metabolic phenotypes based on an examination and those based on questionnaires. We used data from 25,357 subjects for examination-based analyses and those from 53,042 subjects for questionnaire-based analyses in the Japan Multi-institutional Collaborative Cohort study. Metabolic phenotypes were defined by classifying subjects according to their body mass index (BMI; obesity: BMI  ≥25 kg/m2; normal weight: BMI  <25 kg/m2) and the number of metabolic abnormalities. Metabolic abnormalities were defined according to metabolic syndrome components of the Joint Interim Statement criteria for examination-based analyses and self-reported histories of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension for questionnaire-based analyses. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders were performed for total and site-specific cancer incidence rates according to metabolic phenotypes. Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) was significantly associated with cancer incidence in both examination-based [HR (95% confidence interval), 1.17 (1.01–1.36)] and questionnaire-based analyses [HR (95% confidence interval), 1.15 (1.04–1.26)]. Regarding site-specific cancer in questionnaire-based analyses, metabolically healthy obesity and MUHO were associated with colorectum and liver cancers in all subjects and with breast cancer in female subjects. Subjects with a metabolically unhealthy normal weight had a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, MUHO was associated with corpus uteri cancer in female subjects. This prospective cohort study suggests that metabolic phenotypes are important risk factors for total and some site-specific cancers in Japanese adults.

Significance:

The prospective cohort study in a large Japanese population suggested that metabolic phenotypes are important risk factors for total and some site-specific cancers in Japanese adults. Moreover, the risk of each site-specific cancer may differ according to metabolic phenotypes.
Short-term conservation education influences Ugandan adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes and investment decisions
Authors: Bogese Michael , Ho Jackie Y. , O’Donnell Claire , Otali Emily , Tusiime Patrick , Ross Elizabeth , Kahlenberg Sonya , Machanda Zarin , McAuliffe Katherine
Published: October 2024

Environmental education research methods often focus on measuring changes in people’s attitudes toward conservation. While attitudes are an important indicator of change, it is critical to target incentivised behaviour because conservation efforts often involve behavioural changes that are costly to one’s self (e.g., reducing water use, purchasing pricier alternatives). In the present study, we measured both attitudes and behaviours in a short-term conservation education program near the primate-rich Kibale National Forest in Western Uganda. Adolescents () participated in a three-hour curriculum over three weeks integrated into an after-school wildlife club. After almost 30 years of successful primate conservation education in this region, we chose a novel taxonomic group (bats) for this study. Our pre-registered study had two conditions: an experimental condition, in which students learned about bats as an important local pollinator species, and a control condition, in which students learned about the moon. Only the experimental condition emphasised conservation’s delayed benefits. We compared attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours pre- and post- curriculum. To capture behaviour, we employed an investment task in which participants could invest their own resources in a ‘fund’ to support work relating to bats or the moon, depending on condition. Across both conditions, participants showed positive shifts in attitudes and knowledge from pre- to post-measures and showed increased investments in bat- and moon-related funds. These findings reveal that short-term conservation education influences adolescents’ investment decisions as well as their attitudes and knowledge. Our method can easily be edited for conservation education of any species including endangered primates.
Effects of food level and fecal material on the plasticity of metamorphic traits in Asiatic toad, Bufo gargarizans, in Central China
Authors: Yu Tong L. , Gu Chao F. , Yang Tao , Zhang Meng Y.
Published: October 2024

According to Richards’ hypothesis, the presence of a nonpigmented unicellular alga in the intestinal tract of tadpoles is believed to be the inhibitory factor that affects their growth. It is proposed that thecanimals eat their fecal material containing these algal cells, which are then reintroduced into their systems when the alga is shed with the feces and dropped to the bottom. In this study, we aimed to investigate the plasticity of metamorphic traits in the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) under different combinations of fecal material and food levels. Our findings revealed that B. gargarizans tadpoles reared at high food levels exhibited accelerated larval periods but had smaller metamorphic sizes compared to those reared at low food levels. This suggests that the tadpoles prioritize rapid development at the expense of body mass during metamorphosis. Furthermore, our study discovered evidence supporting the positive effect of fecal material on tadpole growth, as indicated by the investigation of growth rate. Importantly, the presence of feces did not result in smaller body mass on average for Asiatic toad tadpoles compared to those raised in the absence of fecal material. The difference in body mass between fecal material treatments tended to be smaller at low food levels, implying that feces does not inhibit growth in B. gargarizans tadpoles. Therefore, our results contradict Richards’ hypothesis and provide support for a novel mechanism that is selected for in areas where coprophagy is likely to be advantageous, particularly in times of food scarcity.
Gene isolation and expression analysis of galactinol synthase from proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
Authors: Jeevanandhan K. , Rajesh S. , Sujatha K.B. , Dhivya K. , Uma D.
Published: October 2024

Drought is the major devastating stress affecting plant growth and development. The plant develops some physiological and biochemical changes to withstand drought. The raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs) are sugars that have a significant role in abiotic stress tolerance. Galactinol synthase (EC 2.4.1.123; GolS) initiates the primary step of the RFOs synthesis. Their accumulation implies a role for RFOs in abiotic stress adaptation. The galactinol synthase gene from proso millet was isolated and characterized. Full length proso millet galactinol synthase gene of size ~1,200 bp having 3 exons with 2 introns was isolated and predicted using bioinformatics tools. A high sequence similarity was observed at 97.2, 95.6, 91.8 and 85.4% with Panicum hallii, Panicum virgatum, Setaria italica and Zea mays mRNA, respectively. PmGolS gene expression pattern with respect to drought stress was evaluated in proso millet. PmGolS gene was highly expressed, 40.3 and 23.7-fold in vegetative and reproductive stages of drought-stressed plants respectively compared to control. It suggested that PmGolS gene has an active role in drought stress tolerance.
Elektroformica azquil gen. et sp. nov., a new formicine ant from Oligo-Miocene Mexican amber
Authors: VARELA-HERNÁNDEZ FERNANDO , RIQUELME FRANCISCO , ESTRADA-RUIZ EMILIO
Published: October 2024

A novel ant genus and species, Elektroformica azquil gen. et sp. nov. is described from Late Oligocene-Early Miocene Mexican amber. It is placed within the subfamily Formicinae based on the presence of an acidopore. It can be distinguished by its diminutive size, elongated scapes that extend beyond the head’s vertex by approximately double the length of the head, eyes located about 2/3 the distance between the mandible’s base and the head’s vertex. Additional diagnostic features include a distinctive keel-shaped clypeus, a prominently marked promesonotal groove, a discontinuous mesonotum with dorsal and declivitous edges, a curved propodeum lacking differentiated anterior and posterior margins, and a markedly reduced node on a thick petiole. Elektroformica azquil gen. et sp. nov. is in syninclusion with deciduous petals and filaments of a flower identified as cf. Hymenaea mexicana, along with elements closely associated with leaf litter and the soil environment. As an extinct taxon endemic to Oligo-Miocene deposits, Elektroformica azquil gen. et sp. nov. enriches the diversity within the subfamily Formicinae and offers valuable insights into the evolutionary history of formicine ants.
The fossil record of female sexual ornamentation in Empididae (Diptera: Empidoidea), with description of four new species
Authors: GREENWALT DALE E. , SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: October 2024

Females of the subfamily Empidinae (Diptera: Empididae s.s.) often exhibit sexual ornamentation, an adaptation that, within the animal world at large, is most often associated with males, especially in vertebrates. Ornaments of female Empidinae include: 1) legs with rows of relatively large pennate scales, 2) enlarged and/or darkly pigmented wings and 3) inflated abdominal sacs. Ornamentation makes the females appear larger, a characteristic that may make them appear, albeit deceptively, more fecund, and therefore more attractive to potential mates. Given the rarity of female sexual ornamentation, these flies, particularly those of the tribe Empidini, have become a model system for study of this phenomenon. The family’s fossil record consists of 111 known occurrences including several genera from the middle Jurassic. This fossil record however is dominated by two genera, Empis and Rhamphomyia, which account for nearly 60% of all fossil occurrences. Unfortunately, there has been no fossil record of empidine sexual ornamentation other than pennate leg scales. Herein, we review this fossil record and describe the first empidine fossils, all from the Middle Eocene Kishenehn Formation, with enlarged and/or darkly pigmented wings, Rhamphomyia kitadai sp. nov. and R. brunnipennis sp. nov., and two new species of Rhamphomyia which display pennate leg scales, R. decens sp. nov. and R. pennipes sp. nov. Rhamphomyia enena Cockerell, 1921, the oldest known fossil that exhibits pennate leg scales, is redescribed.
Four new species from Venezuela and identification key to Cephalocarpus (Cryptangieae, Cyperaceae)
Authors: COSTA SUZANA MARIA , THOMAS WILLIAM WAYT , AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO ESTANISLAU DO
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we describe four new species of the sedge genus Cephalocarpus (Cryptangieae, Cyperaceae) from the Guiana Shield based on specimens collected before 1985. We provide an identification key to all species of Cephalocarpus. For the new species, we provide illustrations of diagnostic characters, distribution maps and additional comments.