bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Intra‐Skeletal Calcite on the Preservation of Coral Geochemistry and Implications for Paleoclimate Reconstruction
Authors: Weerabaddana Mudith M. , Thompson Diane M. , Reed Emma V. , Farfan Gabriela A. , Kirk Jason D. , Kojima Alice C. , Dettman David L. , de Brum Kalena , Kabua Emma , Edwards Florence
Published: May 2024

The geochemistry of tropical coral skeletons is widely used in paleoclimate reconstructions. However, sub‐aerially exposed corals may be affected by diagenesis, altering the aragonite skeleton through partial dissolution, or infilling of secondary minerals like calcite. We analyzed the impact of intra‐skeletal calcite on the geochemistry (δ18O, Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca, Li/Mg, Li/Ca, U/Ca, B/Ca, Ba/Ca, and Mn/Ca) of a sub‐aerially exposed Porites sp. coral. Each micro‐milled coral sample was split into two aliquots for geochemistry and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to quantify the direct impact of calcite on geochemistry. We modified the sample loading technique for XRD to detect low calcite levels (1%–2%; total uncertainty = 0.33%, 2σ) in small samples (∼7.5 mg). Calcite content ranged from 0% to 12.5%, with higher percentages coinciding with larger geochemical offsets. Sr/Ca, Li/Mg, Li/Ca, and δ18O‐derived sea‐surface temperature (SST) anomalies per 1% calcite were +0.43°C, +0.24°C, +0.11°C, and +0.008°C, respectively. A 3.6% calcite produces a Sr/Ca‐SST signal commensurate with local SST seasonality (∼1.5°C), which we propose as the cut‐off level for screening calcite diagenesis in paleo‐temperature reconstructions. Inclusion of intra‐skeletal calcite decreases B/Ca, Ba/Ca, and U/Ca values, and increases Mg/Ca values, and can therefore impact reconstructions of paleoclimate and the carbonate chemistry of the semi‐isolated calcifying fluid in corals. This study emphasizes the importance of quantifying fine‐scale calcite diagenesis to identify coral preservation levels and assure robust paleoclimate reconstructions.
IGF2BP2 regulates the inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via GSTM5 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nan Yunyi , Chen Minhao , Wu Weijie , Huang Rongrong , Sun Weiwei , Lu Qian , Gu Zhifeng , Mao Xingxing , Xu Hua , Wang Youhua
Published: May 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. RA cannot be fully cured and requires lengthy treatment, imposing a significant burden on both individuals and society. Due to the lack of specific drugs available for treating RA, exploring a key new therapeutic target for RA is currently an important task. Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a crucial role in the progression of RA, which release interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α resulting in abnormal inflammatory reaction in the synovium. A previous study has highlighted the correlation of m6A reader insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) with inflammation-related diseases in human. However, the role of IGF2BP2 in the inflammatory reaction of FLSs during RA progression has not been assessed. In this study, IGF2BP2 expression was decreased in the synovial tissues of RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Intra-articular injection of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector overexpressing IGF2BP2 relieved paw swelling, synovial hyperplasia and cartilage destruction in CIA rats. IGF2BP2 overexpression also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) migration and invasion accompanied by a decreased level of inflammatory factors in vitro. Conversely, IGF2BP2 suppression promoted RA-FLSs migration and invasion with an elevated level of inflammatory factors in vitro. The sequencing result showed that glutathione S-transferase Mu 5 (GSTM5), a key antioxidant gene, was the target mRNA of IGF2BP2. Further experiments demonstrated that IGF2BP2 strengthened the stability of GSTM5 mRNA, leading to weakened inflammatory reaction and reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and 13 (MMP9, MMP13). Therefore, IGF2BP2-GSTM5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic target for RA treatment.
Utility of next generation sequencing in paediatric neurological disorders: experience from South Africa
Authors: van Niekerk Magriet , Moosa Shahida , van Toorn Ronald , Solomons Regan
Published: May 2024

Next generation sequencing (NGS)-based tests have become routine first-line investigative modalities in paediatric neurology clinics in many high-income countries (HICs). Studies from these countries show that these tests are both cost-effective and reliable in diagnosing many complex childhood neurological diseases. However, NGS-based testing in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited due to affordability constraints. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and impact of targeted gene panel sequencing in a selected paediatric cohort attending a tertiary paediatric neurology clinic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This retrospective study included 124 consecutive paediatric patients with neurological disease, aged 6 weeks to 17 years, referred for NGS-based multi-gene panel testing over a 41-month period. Twenty-four different disease group-specific panels were utilized. A caregiver experience questionnaire was administered when a pathogenic variant was identified. The overall study diagnostic yield (DY) was 45% (56/124 patients). The diagnostic yield in this study is similar to previously reported paediatric cohorts in HICs. The high yields for neuromuscular disorders (52%) and early epileptic encephalopathies (41%) suggest that NGS-based panels may be more cost-effective as first-line testing in well-defined phenotypes. The latter finding argues for early inclusion of all children with developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), as early diagnosis leads to better treatment and avoidance of unnecessary investigations.
Biallelic loss of function variants in FUZ result in an orofaciodigital syndrome
Authors: Singh Swati , Nampoothiri Sheela , Narayanan Dhanya Lakshmi , Chaudhry Chakshu , Salvankar Sandesh , Girisha Katta M.
Published: May 2024

Orofaciodigital syndrome is a distinctive subtype of skeletal ciliopathies. Disease-causing variants in the genes encoding the CPLANE complex result in a wide variety of skeletal dysplasia with disturbed ciliary functions. The phenotypic spectrum includes orofaciodigital syndrome and short rib polydactyly syndrome. FUZ, as a part of the CPLANE complex, is involved in intraflagellar vesicular trafficking within primary cilia. Previously, the variants, c.98_111+9del and c.851G>T in FUZ were identified in two individuals with a skeletal ciliopathy, manifesting digital anomalies (polydactyly, syndactyly), orofacial cleft, short ribs and cardiac defects. Here, we present two novel variants, c.601G>A and c.625_636del in biallelic state, in two additional subjects exhibiting phenotypic overlap with the previously reported cases. Our findings underscore the association between biallelic loss of function variants in FUZ and skeletal ciliopathy akin to orofaciodigital syndrome.
HER2-targeting CAR-T cells show highly efficient anti-tumor activity against glioblastoma both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Xueying , Zhao Lifen , Li Wenzhe , Gao Peng , Zhang Nianzhu
Published: May 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Current treatment options for GBM include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, which predominantly slow cancer growth and reduce symptoms, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of no more than 10%. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a new class of cellular immunotherapy that has made great progress in treating malignant tumors. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in GBM and may provide a potential therapeutic target for GBM treatment. In this study, we constructed third-generation CAR-T cells targeting the HER2 antigen in GBM. HER2-CAR-T cells showed effective anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HER2-specific CAR-T cells exhibited strong cytotoxicity and cytokine-secreting abilities against GBM cells in vitro. Anti-HER2 CAR-T cells also exhibited increased cytotoxicity with increasing effector-to-target ratios. Anti-HER2 CAR-T cells delivered via peritumoral injection successfully stunted tumor progression in vivo. Moreover, peritumoral intravenous administration of anti-HER2 CAR-T cells resulted in therapeutic improvement against GBM cells compared with intravenous administration. In conclusion, our study shows that HER2 CAR-T cells represent an emerging immunotherapy for treating GBM.
A global dataset of terrestrial evapotranspiration and soil moisture dynamics from 1982 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chen Huiling , Ma Ning , Shang Shasha , Wang Yunquan , Xu Qinglin , Zhu Gaofeng
Published: May 2024

Quantifying terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) and soil moisture dynamics accurately is crucial for understanding the global water cycle and surface energy balance. We present a novel, long-term dataset of global ET and soil moisture derived from the newly developed Simple Terrestrial Hydrosphere model, version 2 (SiTHv2). This ecohydrological model, driven by multi-source satellite observations and hydrometeorological variables from reanalysis data, provides daily global ET-related estimates (e.g., total ET, plant transpiration, soil evaporation, intercepted evaporation) and three-layer soil moisture dynamics at a 0.1° spatial resolution. Validation with in-situ measurements and comparisons with mainstream global ET and soil moisture products demonstrate robust performance of SiTHv2 in both magnitude and temporal dynamics of ET and soil moisture at multiple scales. The comprehensive water path characterization in the SiTHv2 model makes this seamless dataset particularly valuable for studies requiring synchronized water budget and vegetation response to water constraints. With its long-term coverage and high spatiotemporal resolution, the SiTHv2-derived ET and soil moisture product will be suitable to support analyses related to the hydrologic cycle, drought assessment, and ecosystem health.
Binary dataset for machine learning applications to tropical cyclone formation prediction
Authors: Kieu Chanh , Nguyen Quan
Published: May 2024

Applications of machine learning (ML) in atmospheric science have been rapidly growing. To facilitate the development of ML models for tropical cyclone (TC) research, this binary dataset contains a specific customization of the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/final analysis (FNL) data, in which key environmental conditions relevant to TC formation are extracted for a range of lead times (0–72 hours) during 1999–2023. The dataset is designed as multi-channel images centered on TC formation locations, with a positive and negative directory structure that can be readily read from any ML applications or common data interface. With its standard structure, this dataset provides users with a unique opportunity to conduct ML application research on TC formation as well as related predictability at different forecast lead times.
A point-of-use drinking water quality dataset from fieldwork in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Schubert Alyssa , Harrison Jacob , Kent-Buchanan Linda , Bonds Victor , McElmurry Shawn P. , Love Nancy G.
Published: May 2024

Drinking water quality sensor technology has rapidly advanced, facilitating the collection of rich datasets and real-time analytics. However, sensors have not yet been widely applied to monitor drinking water quality in premise plumbing. Richer quality of data in premise plumbing offers an improved understanding of the quality of drinking water present at the point-of-use. In this paper, online drinking water quality sensor nodes were temporarily installed in twenty-four homes in Detroit, Michigan. The water quality sensor nodes took measurements of five drinking water quality parameters every five minutes for four weeks. Additionally, free chlorine and lead were sampled periodically within each home. Together, these data make up a dataset that captures drinking water quality over time in a legacy city with an oversized drinking water system. This dataset offers more frequent measurements amongst more sample homes than are typically available in premise plumbing or at the tap. The data can be used to investigate temporal trends in drinking water quality, including diurnal patterns and anomaly detection. Additionally, this dataset could be utilized to evaluate water quality in comparison with other cities.
Silver nanoparticles biosynthesis using mixture of Lactobacillus sp. and Bacillus sp. growth and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Al-asbahi Morad G. S. S. , Al-Ofiry Bashir A. , Saad Fuad A. A. , Alnehia Adnan , Al-Gunaid Murad Q. A.
Published: May 2024

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles offers numerous advantages, including ease of production, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. In our research, we focused on the bioformation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a combination of Lactobacillus sp. and Bacillus sp. growth. These AgNPs were then evaluated for their biological activities against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our study involved the isolation of Bacillus sp. from soil samples and Lactobacillus sp. from raw milk in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using various techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial properties of the AgNPs were assessed using the modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results demonstrated that the use of a bacterial mixture for biosynthesis led to faster and more effective production of AgNPs compared to using a single bacterium. The UV–visible spectra showed characteristic peaks indicative of silver nanoparticles, while XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized particles. FTIR results suggested the presence of capping proteins that contribute to the synthesis and stability of AgNPs. Furthermore, TEM images revealed the size and morphology of the AgNPs, which exhibited spherical shapes with sizes ranging from 4.65 to 22.8 nm. Notably, the antibacterial activity of the AgNPs was found to be more pronounced against Staphylococcus aureus than Pseudomonas aeruginosa, indicating the potential of these nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents. Overall, our study highlights the promising antibacterial properties of AgNPs synthesized by a mixture of Lactobacillus sp. and Bacillus sp. growth. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of utilizing different bacterial combinations for enhanced nanoparticle synthesis.
The proteomic profile is altered but not repaired after bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes pigs
Authors: Ferenc Karolina , Marcinkowski Michał , Olszewski Jarosław , Kowalczyk Paweł , Pilžys Tomaš , Garbicz Damian , Dib Naser , Świderska Bianka , Matyba Piotr , Gajewski Zdzisław , Grzesiuk Elżbieta , Zabielski Romuald
Published: May 2024

To reveal the sources of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans, animal models, mainly rodents, have been used. Here, we propose a pig model of T2D. Weaned piglets were fed high fat/high sugar diet suppling 150% of metabolizable energy. Measurements of weight gain, blood morphology, glucose plasma levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) were employed to observe T2D development. The histology and mass spectrometry analyses were made post mortem. Within 6 months, the high fat-high sugar (HFHS) fed pigs showed gradual and significant increase in plasma triglycerides and glucose levels in comparison to the controls. Using OGTT test, we found stable glucose intolerance in 10 out of 14 HFHS pigs. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated significant changes in 330 proteins in the intestine, liver, and pancreas of the HFHS pigs. These pigs showed also an increase in DNA base modifications and elevated level of the ALKBH proteins in the tissues. Six diabetic HFHS pigs underwent Scopinaro bariatric surgery restoring glycaemia one month after surgery. In conclusion, a high energy diet applied to piglets resulted in the development of hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes being reversed by a bariatric procedure, excluding the proteomic profile utill one month after the surgery.
Deer activity levels and patterns vary along gradients of food availability and anthropogenic development
Authors: Delisle Zackary J. , Sample Richard D. , Caudell Joe N. , Swihart Robert K.
Published: May 2024

Animal activity reflects behavioral decisions that depend upon environmental context. Prior studies typically estimated activity distributions within few areas, which has limited quantitative assessment of activity changes across environmental gradients. We examined relationships between two response variables, activity level (fraction of each day spent active) and pattern (distribution of activity across a diel cycle) of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), with four predictors—deer density, anthropogenic development, and food availability from woody twigs and agriculture. We estimated activity levels and patterns with cameras in 48 different 10.36-km2landscapes across three larger regions. Activity levels increased with greater building density, likely due to heightened anthropogenic disturbance, but did not vary with food availability. In contrast, activity patterns responded to an interaction between twigs and agriculture, consistent with a functional response in habitat use. When agricultural land was limited, greater woody twig density was associated with reduced activity during night and evening. When agricultural land was plentiful, greater woody twig density was associated with more pronounced activity during night and evening. The region with the highest activity level also experienced the most deer-vehicle collisions. We highlight how studies of spatial variation in activity expand ecological insights on context-dependent constraints that affect wildlife behavior.
Cancer incidence and digital information seeking in Germany: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wecker Hannah , Maier Daniel , Ziehfreund Stefanie , Fox Fabienne A. U. , Erhard Ian , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Zink Alexander
Published: May 2024

Awareness is vital for cancer prevention. US studies show a strong link between web searches and cancer incidence. In Europe, the relationship remains unclear. This study characterizes regional and temporal relationships between cancer incidence and web searches and investigates the content of searches related to breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and testicular cancer, brain tumors, and melanoma in Germany (July 2018–December 2019). Aggregate data from Google Ads Keyword Planner and national cancer registry data were analyzed. Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rS) examined associations between cancer incidence and web search, repeated measures correlation (rrm) assessed time trends and searches were qualitatively categorized. The frequency of malignancy-related web searches correlated with cancer incidence (rS = 0.88, P = 0.007), e.g., breast cancer had more queries than the lower-incidence cervical cancer. Seasonally, incidence and searches followed similar patterns, peaking in spring and fall, except for melanoma. Correlations between entity incidence and searches (0.037 ≤ rrm ≤ 0.208) varied regionally. Keywords mainly focused on diagnosis, symptoms, and general information, with variations between entities. In Germany, web searches correlated with regional and seasonal incidence, revealing differences between North/East and South/West. These insights may help improve prevention strategies by identifying regional needs and assessing impact of awareness campaigns.
Functional alterations of the brain default mode network and somatosensory system in trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Wang Zairan , Zhao Zijun , Song Zihan , Xu Jiayi , Wang Yizheng , Zhao Zongmao , Li Yongning
Published: May 2024

Mapping the localization of the functional brain regions in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients is still lacking. The study aimed to explore the functional brain alterations and influencing factors in TN patients using functional brain imaging techniques. All participants underwent functional brain imaging to collect resting-state brain activity. The significant differences in regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low frequency (ALFF) between the TN and control groups were calculated. After familywise error (FWE) correction, the differential brain regions in ReHo values between the two groups were mainly located in bilateral middle frontal gyrus, bilateral inferior cerebellum, right superior orbital frontal gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, and left gyrus rectus. The differential brain regions in ALFF values between the two groups were mainly located in the left triangular inferior frontal gyrus, left supplementary motor area, right supramarginal gyrus, and right middle frontal gyrus. With the functional impairment of the central pain area, the active areas controlling memory and emotion also change during the progression of TN. There may be different central mechanisms in TN patients of different sexes, affected sides, and degrees of nerve damage. The exact central mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
Chronicling menstrual cycle patterns across the reproductive lifespan with real-world data
Authors: Cunningham Adam C. , Pal Lubna , Wickham Aidan P. , Prentice Carley , Goddard Frederick G. B. , Klepchukova Anna , Zhaunova Liudmila
Published: May 2024

The intricate hormonal and physiological changes of the menstrual cycle can influence health on a daily basis. Although prior studies have helped improve our understanding of the menstrual cycle, they often lack diversity in the populations included, sample size, and the span of reproductive and life stages. This paper aims to describe the dynamic differences in menstrual cycle characteristics and associated symptoms by age in a large global cohort of period-tracking application users. This work aims to contribute to our knowledge and understanding of female physiology at varying stages of reproductive aging. This cohort study included self-reported menstrual cycle and symptom information in a sample of Flo application users aged 18–55. Cycle and period length and their variability, and frequency of menstrual cycle symptom logs are described by the age of the user. Based on data logged by over 19 million global users of the Flo app, the length of the menstrual cycle and period show clear age-associated patterns. With higher age, cycles tend to get shorter (Cycle length:$${\overline{\text{D}}}$$D¯ = 1.85 days, Cohen’s D = 0.59) and more variable (Cycle length SD:$${\overline{\text{D}}}$$D¯ = 0.42 days, Cohen’s D = 0.09), until close to the chronological age (40–44) suggesting menopausal transition, when both cycles and periods become longer (Cycle length:$${\overline{\text{D}}}$$D¯ = 0.86 days, t = 48.85, Cohen’s D = 0.26; Period length:$${\overline{\text{D}}}$$D¯ = 0.08, t = 15.6, Cohen’s D = 0.07) and more variable (Cycle length SD:$${\overline{\text{D}}}$$D¯ = 2.80 days, t = 111.43, d = 0.51; Period length SD:$${\overline{\text{D}}}$$D¯ = 0.23 days, t = 67.81, Cohen’s D = 0.31). The proportion of individuals with irregular cycles was highest in participants aged 51–55 (44.7%), and lowest in the 36–40 age group (28.3%). The spectrum of common menstrual cycle-related symptoms also varies with age. The frequency of logging of cramps and acne is lower in older participants, while logs of headache, backache, stress, and insomnia are higher in older users. Other symptoms show different patterns, such as breast tenderness and fatigue peaking between the ages of 20–40, or mood swings being most frequently logged in the youngest and oldest users. The menstrual cycle and related symptoms are not static throughout the lifespan. Understanding these age-related differences in cycle characteristics and symptoms is essential in understanding how best to care for and improve the daily experience for menstruators across the reproductive life span.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with microtia
Authors: Yang Yang , Tian Xiaoying , Sun Pengfei , Zhao Xiaoli , Hu Jintian , Pan Bo
Published: May 2024

The main objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with microtia, and to explore cardiac maldevelopment associated with microtia. This retrospective study analyzed a large cohort of microtia patients admitted to Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, from September 2017 to August 2022. The routine electrocardiographic reports of these patients were reviewed to assess the incidence and characteristics of abnormalities. The study included a total of 10,151 patients (5598 in the microtia group and 4553 in the control group) who were admitted to the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Peking Union Medical College. The microtia group had a significantly higher incidence of abnormal electrocardiographies compared to the control group (18.3% vs. 13.6%, P < 0.01), even when excluding sinus irregularity (6.1% vs. 4.4%, P < 0.01). Among the 1025 cases of abnormal electrocardiographies in the microtia group, 686 cases were reported with simple sinus irregularity. After excluding sinus irregularity as abnormal, the most prevalent abnormalities was right bundle branch block (37.5%), followed by sinus bradycardia (17.4%), ST-T wave abnormalities (13.3%), atrial rhythm (9.1%), sinus tachycardia (8.3%), and ventricular high voltage (4.7%). Less common ECG abnormalities included atrial tachycardia (2.1%), ventricular premature contraction (2.4%), and ectopic atrial rhythm (1.8%). atrioventricular block and junctional rhythm were present in 1.2% and 0.9% of the cases, respectively. Wolff Parkinson White syndrome and dextrocardia had a lower prevalence, at 0.6% and 0.9%, respectively. The occurrence of electrocardiographic abnormalities in microtia patients was found to be higher compared to the control group. These findings highlight the potential congenital defect in cardiac electrophysiology beyond the presence of congenital heart defect that coincide with microtia.
An identity-based learning community intervention enhances the lived experience and success of first-generation college students in the biological sciences
Authors: Wu Deborah J. , Gibson Tracie M. , Ziegenbein Linda M. , Phillis Randall W. , Zehnder Caralyn B. , Connor Elizabeth A. , Dasgupta Nilanjana
Published: May 2024

Working-class first-generation (FG) college students are underrepresented in higher education and STEM. Using a longitudinal quasi-experiment, we tested the impacts of a living learning community (LLC) in the biological sciences on FG students in their first year of college (Semester 1: N = 243; Semester 2: N = 199), across three cohorts (2018–2019, 2019–2020 and 2020–2021). Participation in the LLC enhanced FG students’ belonging, confidence, motivation, grades, knowledge of the social relevance of biology, and reduced STEM anxiety compared to a control group of FG students not in an LLC. LLC participation also increased retention in biological science majors one-year post-intervention compared to the control FG group. Moreover, LLC participation closed the academic gap between FG students in the LLC and honors students from college-educated families in a separate honors LLC. Benefits of the LLC intervention remained stable despite the COVID-19 pandemic, when living together became impossible, producing positive effects across cohorts from pre-pandemic to in-pandemic. Our results suggest that affinity-based learning communities—with or without shared housing—in the transition to college enhance academic thriving, persistence, and reduce social class driven achievement gaps in STEM.
COPII cage assembly factor Sec13 integrates information flow regulating endomembrane function in response to human variation
Authors: Anglès Frédéric , Gupta Vijay , Wang Chao , Balch William E.
Published: May 2024

How information flow is coordinated for managing transit of 1/3 of the genome through endomembrane pathways by the coat complex II (COPII) system in response to human variation remains an enigma. By examining the interactome of the COPII cage-assembly component Sec13, we show that it is simultaneously associated with multiple protein complexes that facilitate different features of a continuous program of chromatin organization, transcription, translation, trafficking, and degradation steps that are differentially sensitive to Sec13 levels. For the trafficking step, and unlike other COPII components, reduction of Sec13 expression decreased the ubiquitination and degradation of wild-type (WT) and F508del variant cargo protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) leading to a striking increase in fold stability suggesting that the events differentiating export from degradation are critically dependent on COPII cage assembly at the ER Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) associated recycling and degradation step linked to COPI exchange. Given Sec13’s multiple roles in protein complex assemblies that change in response to its expression, we suggest that Sec13 serves as an unanticipated master regulator coordinating information flow from the genome to the proteome to facilitate spatial covariant features initiating and maintaining design and function of membrane architecture in response to human variation.
An effective method for small objects detection based on MDFFAM and LKSPP
Authors: Xu Zhoutian , Xu Yadong , Wang Manyi
Published: May 2024

Object detection is one of the research hotspots in computer vision. However, most existing object detectors struggle with the identification of small targets. Therefore, the paper proposes two modules: the MDFFAM (Multi-Directional Feature Fusion Attention Mechanism) and the LKSPP (Large Kernel Spatial Pyramid Pooling), to enhance the detector's effectiveness in identifying subtle faults on the surface of mechanical equipment. LKSPP aims to expand the receptive field to capture high-level semantic features through large kernels. Meanwhile, the MDFFAM allows the network to efficiently utilize spatial location information and adaptively recognize detection priorities. In the detection task, MDFFAM effectively captures feature information in three spatial directions: width, height, and channel, with the location information fully utilized to establish stable long-range dependencies. Moreover, LKSPP boasts a larger receptive field and imposes less computational burden compared to the SPPCSPC by YOLOv7. Finally, experiments demonstrate that the proposed module effectively improves the detection accuracy for small targets, surpassing the state-of-the-art object detector, YOLOv7. Remarkably, MDFFAM incurs almost negligible computational overhead.
Conditional deletion of neurexin-2 impaired behavioral flexibility to alterations in action–outcome contingency
Authors: Khoja Sheraz , Chen Lulu Y.
Published: May 2024

Neurexins (Nrxns) are critical for synapse organization and their mutations have been documented in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. We recently reported that conditional deletion of Nrxn2, under the control of Emx1Cre promoter, predominately expressed in the neocortex and hippocampus (Emx1-Nrxn2 cKO mice) induced stereotyped patterns of behavior in mice, suggesting behavioral inflexibility. In this study, we investigated the effects of Nrxn2 deletion through two different conditional approaches targeting presynaptic cortical neurons projecting to dorsomedial striatum on the flexibility between goal-directed and habitual actions in response to devaluation of action–outcome (A–O) contingencies in an instrumental learning paradigm or upon reversal of A–O contingencies in a water T-maze paradigm. Nrxn2 deletion through both the conditional approaches induced an inability of mice to discriminate between goal-directed and habitual action strategies in their response to devaluation of A–O contingency. Emx1-Nrxn2 cKO mice exhibited reversal learning deficits, indicating their inability to adopt new action strategies. Overall, our studies showed that Nrxn2 deletion through two distinct conditional deletion approaches impaired flexibility in response to alterations in A–O contingencies. These investigations can lay the foundation for identification of novel genetic factors underlying behavioral inflexibility.
Ideal cardiovascular health index and high-normal blood pressure in elderly people: evidence based on real-world data
Authors: Ren Yongcheng , Cheng Lulu , Song Yaoyu , Yang Yuting , Xiang Lin , Wei Chaohua , Zhao Tiantian , Yu Shengnan , Zhang Juan , Wang Tiezhen , Yang Lei , Zhang Xiaofang , Yan Wei , Wang Pengfei
Published: May 2024

Limited information is available on the cardiovascular health (CVH) index and risk of high-normal blood pressure (HNBP) in elderly people. Randomized cluster sampling, multivariate logistic regression, and mediating effects analysis were used in this study analyze the relationship between CVH index and HNBP in the elderly. 1089 non-hypertensive residents aged 65 years or older completed the study. The positive rate of HNBP was 75.85% (male vs. female: 76.13% vs. 75.64%, P = 0.852); The ideal rate of CVH (ideal CVH index ≥ 5 items) was 14.51% (male vs. female: 15.91% vs. 13.46%, P = 0.256). Compared with people with 0–2 ideal CVH index, the risk of HNBP in people with 4 ideal indexes and ≥ 5 ideal indexes decreased by 50% and 63%, respectively, and their OR (95% CI) were 0.50 (0.31, 0.81) and 0.37 (0.21, 0.66), respectively. The results of the trend test showed that the risk of HNBP decreased by 32% for every increase in the ideal CVH index (trend P < 0.001) and TyG index does not play a mediating role in this relationship. That is, increasing the number of ideal CVH index may effectively reduce the risk of HNBP in elderly by one-third.
The effects of music combined to paired associative stimulation on motor-evoked potentials and alertness in spinal cord injury patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Holopainen Kirsi , Sihvonen Aleksi J. , Kauramäki Jaakko , Särkämö Teppo , Shulga Anastasia
Published: May 2024

Paired associative stimulation (PAS) consisting of high-intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and high-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation (known as high-PAS) induces plastic changes and improves motor performance in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Listening to music during PAS may potentially improve mood and arousal and facilitate PAS-induced neuroplasticity via auditory-motor coupling, but the effects have not been explored. This pilot study aimed to determine if the effect of high-PAS on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and subjective alertness can be augmented with music. Ten healthy subjects and nine SCI patients received three high-PAS sessions in randomized order (PAS only, PAS with music synchronized to TMS, PAS with self-selected music). MEPs were measured before (PRE), after (POST), 30 min (POST30), and 60 min (POST60) after stimulation. Alertness was evaluated with a questionnaire. In healthy subjects, MEPs increased at POST in all sessions and remained higher at POST60 in PAS with synchronized music compared with the other sessions. There was no difference in alertness. In SCI patients, MEPs increased at POST and POST30 in PAS only but not in other sessions, whereas alertness was higher in PAS with self-selected music. More research is needed to determine the potential clinical effects of using music during high-PAS.
Dab2 (Disabled-2), an adaptor protein, regulates self-renewal of hair follicle stem cells
Authors: Roy Sayoni , Mehta Darshan , Paradkar Akshay , Chovatiya Gopal , Waghmare Sanjeev K.
Published: May 2024

Disabled 2 (Dab2), an adaptor protein, is up regulated in the hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs); however, its role in any tissue stem cells has not been studied. In the present study, we have reported that Dab2 conditional knockout (Dab2-cKO) mice exhibited a delay in the HF cycle due to perturbed activation of HFSCs. Further, Dab2-cKO mice showed a reduction in the number of HFSCs and reduced colony forming ability of HFSCs. Dab2-cKO mice showed extended quiescence of HFSCs concomitant with an increased expression of Nfatc1. Dab2-cKO mice showed a decreased expression of anti-aging genes such as Col17a1, decorin, Sirt2 and Sirt7. Dab2-cKO mice did not show full hair coat recovery in aged mice thereby suggesting an accelerated aging process. Overall, we unveil for the first time, the role of Dab2 that regulate activation and self-renewal of HFSCs.
Dynamic changes in somatosensory and cerebellar activity mediate temporal recalibration of self-touch
Authors: Kilteni Konstantina , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: May 2024

An organism’s ability to accurately anticipate the sensations caused by its own actions is crucial for a wide range of behavioral, perceptual, and cognitive functions. Notably, the sensorimotor expectations produced when touching one’s own body attenuate such sensations, making them feel weaker and less ticklish and rendering them easily distinguishable from potentially harmful touches of external origin. How the brain learns and keeps these action-related sensory expectations updated is unclear. Here we employ psychophysics and functional magnetic resonance imaging to pinpoint the behavioral and neural substrates of dynamic recalibration of expected temporal delays in self-touch. Our psychophysical results reveal that self-touches are less attenuated after systematic exposure to delayed self-generated touches, while responses in the contralateral somatosensory cortex that normally distinguish between delayed and nondelayed self-generated touches become indistinguishable. During the exposure, the ipsilateral anterior cerebellum shows increased activity, supporting its proposed role in recalibrating sensorimotor predictions. Moreover, responses in the cingulate areas gradually increase, suggesting that as delay adaptation progresses, the nondelayed self-touches trigger activity related to cognitive conflict. Together, our results show that sensorimotor predictions in the simplest act of touching one’s own body are upheld by a sophisticated and flexible neural mechanism that maintains them accurate in time.
Independent transcriptional patterns reveal biological processes associated with disease-free survival in early colorectal cancer
Authors: Knapen Daan G. , Hone Lopez Sara , de Groot Derk Jan A. , de Haan Jacco-Juri , de Vries Elisabeth G. E. , Dienstmann Rodrigo , de Jong Steven , Bhattacharya Arkajyoti , Fehrmann Rudolf S. N.
Published: May 2024

Background

Bulk transcriptional profiles of early colorectal cancer (CRC) can fail to detect biological processes associated with disease-free survival (DFS) if the transcriptional patterns are subtle and/or obscured by other processes’ patterns. Consensus-independent component analysis (c-ICA) can dissect such transcriptomes into statistically independent transcriptional components (TCs), capturing both pronounced and subtle biological processes.

Methods

In this study we (1) integrated transcriptomes (n = 4228) from multiple early CRC studies, (2) performed c-ICA to define the TC landscape within this integrated data set, 3) determined the biological processes captured by these TCs, (4) performed Cox regression to identify DFS-associated TCs, (5) performed random survival forest (RSF) analyses with activity of DFS-associated TCs as classifiers to identify subgroups of patients, and 6) performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the robustness of our results

Results

We identify 191 TCs, 43 of which are associated with DFS, revealing transcriptional diversity among DFS-associated biological processes. A prominent example is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), for which we identify an association with nine independent DFS-associated TCs, each with coordinated upregulation or downregulation of various sets of genes.

Conclusions

This finding indicates that early CRC may have nine distinct routes to achieve EMT, each requiring a specific peri-operative treatment strategy. Finally, we stratify patients into DFS patient subgroups with distinct transcriptional patterns associated with stage 2 and stage 3 CRC.
Interplay between transition-metal K-edge XMCD, slight structural distortions and magnetism in a series of trimetallic (CoxNi(1−x))4[Fe(CN)6]3/8 Prussian blue analogues
Authors: N’Diaye Adama , Bordage Amélie , Nataf Lucie , Baudelet François , Rivière Eric , Bleuzen Anne
Published: May 2024

The magnetic properties of a series of trimetallic (Co,Ni)Fe PBAs were studied at the local and macroscopic scales, providing new information on TM K-edge XMCD and on the competing exchange interactions between the Co–Fe and Ni–Fe pairs.
Simultaneous mitigation of multiple pollutants in urban stormwater systems illicitly connected with wastewater systems by an Fe(vi)-based process
Authors: Hu Jinglong , Zhang Ruihua , Wu Zhengdi , Ye Cheng , Yang Wenyuan , Chu Wenhai
Published: May 2024

The illicit connection of wastewater pipes to stormwater pipes might result in the direct discharge of wastewater into natural water and even drinking water sources.
Narrowband emission from fully-bridged triphenylamine derivatives: insights into effects of structure modification and pressure
Authors: Zhang Qing , Liu Tao , Guo Yuhua , Zhang Yujian , Lv Chunyan , Zhang Yue , Cao Zexing
Published: May 2024

Narrowband emission from introducing the combined phenyl and o-carborane units to the bridged triphenylamine derivatives.
Mechanistic understanding of the thermal-assisted photocatalytic oxidation of methanol-to-formaldehyde with water vapor over Pt/SrTiO3
Authors: Deitermann Michel , Sato Takuma , Haver Yannik , Schnegg Alexander , Muhler Martin , Mei Bastian Timo
Published: May 2024

Thermal-assisted photocatalytic methanol conversion with water vapour over Pt/SrTiO3 facilitates formaldehyde formation from surface-absorbed methoxy; formyl is the key intermediate in concurrent reactions, and formate poisons the catalyst.
Visible light photocatalytic synthesis of H2O2 on synergistic phosphorus-doped and defect engineered graphite C3N4
Authors: Xu Xiankui , Zhang Zhonghai
Published: May 2024

Phosphorus-doped and defect engineered graphite C3N4 is prepared and used for efficient visible light photocatalytic synthesis of H2O2.
Spin crossover of a Fe(ii) mononuclear complex induced by intermolecular factors involving chloride and solvent ordering
Authors: Zhang Kenneth , Wallis Matthew J. , Craze Alexander R. , Hayami Shinya , Min Hyunsung , Fanna Daniel J. , Bhadbhade Mohan M. , Tian Ruoming , Marjo Christopher E. , Lindoy Leonard F. , Li Feng
Published: May 2024

Spin transition induced by chloride in a mononuclear tripodal Fe(ii) complex.
A novel neuroprotective peptide YVYAETY identified and screened fromFlammulina velutipesprotein hydrolysates attenuates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Dong Yutong , Hu Qiuhui , Zhao Liyan , Ma Gaoxing , Ma Ning , Zhang Junmiao , Ji Yang , Liu Li
Published: May 2024

YVYAETY screened fromFlammulina velutipes protein hydrolysates can be recogonized as a novel neuroprotective agent.
Manganese dioxide (MnO2) and biomass-derived carbon-based electroactive composite materials for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Patil Pranoti H. , Jadhav Sushilkumar A.
Published: May 2024

This review highlights the importance of MnO2 & biomass-derived carbon materials and composites made from them for energy storage applications.
Analytical electron microscopy analysis of insulating and metallic phases in nanostructured vanadium dioxide
Authors: Krpenský Jan , Horák Michal , Kabát Jiří , Planer Jakub , Kepič Peter , Křápek Vlastimil , Konečná Andrea
Published: May 2024

We utilize analytical electron microscopy with in situ heating to observe the insulator–metal transition in vanadium dioxide and to identify additional vanadium oxides across the sample exhibiting nanoscopic pores and cracks.
Asymmetric total syntheses of aspilactonol F and aspiketolactonol and synthetic studies toward diplofuranoxin
Authors: Khandekar Sagar B. , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: May 2024

An efficient 8- and 10-step divergent asymmetric synthesis of aspilactonol F and aspiketolactonol has been achieved using ring-closing metathesis as the key step.
Influence of fly ash filler on the mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of epoxy polymer composites reinforced with pineapple leaf fibre for biomedical applications
Authors: Nagaraja Santhosh , Anand Praveena Bindiganavile , H. D. Shivakumar , Ammarullah Muhammad Imam
Published: May 2024

This study explores the impact of fly ash (FA) filler on the mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)-reinforced epoxy composites for biomedical applications.
Effective separation of dyes/salts by sulfonated covalent organic framework membranes based on phenolamine network conditioning
Authors: Zhou Zekun , Zhang Zezhen , Feng Shuman , Liu Lulu , Deng Weishan , Wu Lili
Published: May 2024

This study developed a modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane controlled by a phenol–amine network and enhanced with a sulfonated covalent organic framework (SCOF), aimed at improving the efficiency of textile wastewater treatment.
Development of novel transition metal-catalyzed synthetic approaches for the synthesis of a dihydrobenzofuran nucleus: a review
Authors: Ashraf Rabia , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Ali Kulsoom Ghulam , Nazeer Usman , Saif Muhammad Jawwad , Mansha Asim , Chaudhry Aijaz Rasool , Irfan Ahmad
Published: May 2024

The dihydrobenzofuran scaffolds demonstrate a wide range of biological activities. Several transition metals have been employed as catalysts for the efficacious synthesis of these structurally important frameworks.
A new-type high-entropy electrocatalyst with a pyrochlore structure for acid-water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Shi Lei , Miao Xianbing , Yang Liping , Zhou Shiming
Published: May 2024

Owing to their highly tailorable electrochemical characteristics and exceptional reactivity, high-entropy materials represent the next generation of water splitting catalysts.
A high-rate and air-stable cathode material for sodium-ion batteries: yttrium-substituted O3-type Ni/Fe/Mn-based layered oxides
Authors: Jiang Chunyu , Wang Yingshuai , Xin Yuhang , Zhou Qingbo , Pang Yanfei , Chen Baorui , Wang Ziye , Gao Hongcai
Published: May 2024

The electrochemical properties of O3-NaNi1/3Fe1/3−xMn1/3YxO2 cathode materials for sodium ion batteries are significantly improved by using yttrium substitution strategy to realize the micro-modulation of the crystal structure.