bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung type 3 innate lymphoid cells respond early following
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection
Authors: Das Shibali , Chauhan Kuldeep Singh , Ahmed Mushtaq , Akter Sadia , Lu Lan , Colonna Marco , Khader Shabaana A.
Published: February 2024

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death due to an infectious disease worldwide. Innate lymphoid type 3 cells (ILC3s) mediate early protection during
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) infection. However, the early signaling mechanisms that govern ILC3 activation or recruitment within the lung during
Mtb
infection are unclear. scRNA-seq analysis of
Mtb
-infected mouse lung innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has revealed the presence of different clusters of ILC populations, suggesting heterogeneity. Using mouse models, we show that during
Mtb
infection, interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling on epithelial cells drives ILC3 expansion and regulates ILC3 accumulation in the lung. Furthermore, our data revealed that C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) signaling plays a crucial role in ILC3 recruitment from periphery during
Mtb
infection. Our study thus establishes the early responses that drive ILC3 accumulation during
Mtb
infection and points to ILC3s as a potential vaccine target.

IMPORTANCE

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent accounting for 1.6 million deaths each year. In our study, we determined the role of type 3 innate lymphoid cells in early immune events necessary for achieving protection during
Mtb
infection. Our study reveals distinct clusters of ILC2, ILC3, and ILC3/ILC1-like cells in
Mtb
infection. Moreover, our study reveal that IL-1R signaling on lung type 2 epithelial cells plays a key role in lung ILC3 accumulation during
Mtb
infection. CXCR5 on ILC3s is involved in ILC3 homing from periphery during
Mtb
infection. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the early immune mechanisms governed by innate lymphoid cells that can be targeted for potential vaccine-induced protection.
Shot Noise in Helical Edge States in Presence of a Static Magnetic Defect
Authors: Niyazov R. A. , Krainov I. V. , Aristov D. N. , Kachorovskii V. Yu.
Published: February 2024

The Fano factor, $$\mathcal{F},$$ of the shot noise of the current through the edge states of a two-dimensional topological insulator with contacts of generic type is calculated. A magnetic static defect changes $$\mathcal{F}$$ significantly. For metallic contacts, as the strength of the defect increases, the Fano factor increases from $$\mathcal{F} = 0$$ to its maximum value, $${{\mathcal{F}}_{{{\text{max}}}}} \approx 0.17,$$ and then decreases back to zero value in the limit of strong defect. For tunnel contacts in the limit of weak tunnel coupling, the Fano factor is insensitive to the strength of the defect: $$\mathcal{F} \to 1{\text{/}}2.$$ For weak but finite tunnel coupling strength, $$\mathcal{F}$$ exhibits a periodic series of sharp peaks of small amplitude as a function of the magnetic flux piercing the sample. The peaks transform into Aharonov–Bohm harmonic oscillations with increasing the strength of the tunnel coupling.
Applied pharmacokinetics to improve pharmacotherapy in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units: focus on correct dose selection
Authors: Shaniv Dotan , Allegaert Karel
Published: February 2024

Drug dosing and exposure throughout childhood are constantly affected by maturational changes like weight, age or body surface area. In neonatal and paediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU, respectively), drug dosing and exposure are further impacted by non-maturational changes. These changes are related to factors such as sepsis, cardiac failure, acute kidney injury, extracorporeal circuits or drug-drug interactions (DDIs) resulting from polypharmacy.

This potentially complex situation may alter drug pharmacokinetics to result in greater-than-usual intrapatient and interpatient drug exposure variability. These effects may call for individual dosage adjustments. Dosage adjustments may apply to both loading doses or maintenance doses, which should be used as appropriate, depending on the specific characteristics of a given drug. Phenobarbital and vancomycin dosing are hereby used as illustrations.

To optimise dose selection in NICU/PICU settings, we suggest to consider therapeutic drug monitoring integrated in model-informed precision dosing, and to familiarise oneself with existing paediatric drug formularies as well as DDI databases/search engines. Paediatric clinical pharmacologists and pharmacists can hereby guide clinicians with no prior experience on how to properly apply these data sources to day-to-day practice in individual patients or specific subpopulations of NICU or PICU patients.
Birth weight and head circumference discordance and outcome in preterms: results from the EPIPAGE-2 cohort
Authors: Guellec Isabelle , Brunet Adelaide , Lapillonne Alexandre , Taine Marion , Torchin Héloïse , Favrais Geraldine , Gascoin Géraldine , Simon Laure , Heude Barbara , Scherdel Pauline , Kayem Gilles , Delorme Pierre , Jarreau Pierre-Henri , Ancel Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine whether the relative measurement of birth weight (BW) and head circumference (HC) in preterm infants is associated with neurological outcomes.

Methods

The EPIPAGE-2 Study included 3473 infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation, classified based on their Z-score of BW and HC on the Fenton curves as concordant (≤1 SD apart) or discordant (>1 SD difference). We defined four mutually exclusive categories: discordant smaller BW (sBW) with BW<HC, discordant smaller HC (sHC) with HC−1SD and concordant small measurement (CsM) with BW and HC concordant and both ≤−1SD. Neurological outcomes at 5.5 years were evaluated with standard tests.

Results

2592 (74.8%) preterm neonates were categorised as CM, 258 (7.4%) CsM, 378 (10.9%) sHC and 239 (6.9%) sBW. Compared with the CM children, those born with CsM had significantly higher risks of cognitive deficiency (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.3, 95% CI (1.0 to 2.0)), developmental coordination disorders (aOR 2.6 (1.5 to 4.4)) and need for special school services (aOR 2.3 (1.5 to 3.7)). Those born with sBW had significantly lower risk of cognitive deficiency (aOR 0.6 (0.4 to 0.9)) and the sHC group significantly higher risk of developmental coordination disorders (aOR 1.8 (1.0 to 3.2)).

Conclusions

The relative discordance of these preterm infants’ BW and HC was associated with their neurological outcomes. It merits further exploration as an indirect indicator of development.

Trial registration number

NCT03078439
.
Evaluation of the safety, efficacy and feasibility of ‘at-home’ capsule endoscopy
Authors: Parisi Ioanna , Hosea Angelica Vania , Stoffel Sandro , Nemec Martin , Badat Sohail , Seward Edward , Kaushal Aradhna , Kerrison Robert , Von Wagner Christian
Published: February 2024

Objective

The role of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases has long been established. Recently, colon CE (CCE) has been suggested as an alternative to colonoscopy. CE has been traditionally conducted at endoscopy units. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a switch was made to ‘at-home CE’ (ACE) which has continued to date. This study is an evaluation of ACE, focusing on safety, efficacy, feasibility and patient perceptions.

Methods

The study evaluated the performance of ACE in 105 consecutive patients, considering procedure outcomes, completion rates, complications and patient satisfaction. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess perceptions and preferences of 84 ACE patients and 43 in-hospital CE patients. ACE procedure involved preassessment calls, bowel preparation, equipment setup, virtual verbal consent, capsule ingestion, booster alerts and equipment collection. Descriptive statistics and tests of independence were used for data analysis.

Results

All 105 ACE patients were able to have CE at home, with completion rates for SBCE, CCE and panenteric (Crohn’s) CE at 98.3%, 75.9% and 55.6%, respectively. Patients reported low levels of pain (94.1%), embarrassment (98.8%) and anxiety (82.1%). ACE saved time and money, as 42.9% of patients were able to avoid work absence and 52.4% avoided transportation costs. ACE patients reported high satisfaction with the overall procedure (mean=8.5, SD=1.9), and 83.3% would prefer CE again at home.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that at-home CEs are clinically effective and well received by patients, providing the opportunity to conduct the test in the comfort of patients’ homes.
Advance directives for oral feeding in dementia: a response to Shelton and Geppert
Authors: Menzel Paul T
Published: February 2024

In a recent paper in JME, Shelton and Geppert use an approach by Menzel and Chandler-Cramer to sort out ethical dilemmas about the oral feeding of patients in advanced dementia, ultimately arguing that the usefulness of advance directives about such feeding is highly limited. They misunderstand central aspects of Menzel’s and Chandler-Cramer’s approach, and in making their larger claim that such directives are much less useful than typically presumed, they fail to account for five important elements in writing good directives for dementia and implementing them properly: (1) Directives should be paired with appointment of trusted agents. (2) Appointed agents’ authority can be greatly weakened without advance directives to guide them. (3) Directives’ implementation does not require clinically precise assessment of dementia’s stage. (4) Palliative support is typically required for withholding of oral feeding to be compassionate. (5) The central purpose of stopping feeding is often not the avoidance of suffering but not prolonging unwanted life.
Opioid toxicity after oxycodone/naloxone to oxycodone conversion: case series
Authors: Doherty Mairead , Featherstone Hannah Joan , McAleer Clare , Webb Chloe , O'Reilly Maeve , Twomey Marie , McQuillan Regina
Published: February 2024

Combination preparations of oxycodone/naloxone are marketed to aid in the management of opioid induced bowel dysfunction, with caution advised in prescribing in cases of liver dysfunction.

This case series demonstrates four cases of patients with normal liver function tests who developed significant opioid toxicity on conversion from combination oxycodone/naloxone to oxycodone at equivalent doses, necessitating significant dose reduction.

In each case, a cause for intra-hepatic shunting such as cirrhosis, porto-systemic collaterals or thrombosis were identified, highlighting these as cautionary features when prescribing combination preparations of oxycodone/naloxone and the possible need for dose reduction if converting to oxycodone.
Operation and performance of the MEG II detector
Authors:   MEG II Collaboration, Afanaciev K. , Baldini A. M. , Ban S. , Baranov V. , Benmansour H. , Biasotti M. , Boca G. , Cattaneo P. W. , Cavoto G. , Cei F. , Chiappini M. , Chiarello G. , Corvaglia A. , Cuna F. , Maso G. Dal , De Bari A. , De Gerone M. , Barusso L. Ferrari , Francesconi M. , Galli L. , Gallucci G. , Gatti F. , Gerritzen L. , Grancagnolo F. , Grandoni E. G. , Grassi M. , Grigoriev D. N. , Hildebrandt M. , Ieki K. , Ignatov F. , Ikeda F. , Iwamoto T. , Karpov S. , Kettle P.-R. , Khomutov N. , Kobayashi S. , Kolesnikov A. , Kravchuk N. , Krylov V. , Kuchinskiy N. , Kyle W. , Libeiro T. , Malyshev V. , Matsushita A. , Meucci M. , Mihara S. , Molzon W. , Mori Toshinori , Morsani F. , Nakao M. , Nicolò D. , Nishiguchi H. , Ochi A. , Ogawa S. , Onda R. , Ootani W. , Oya A. , Palo D. , Panareo M. , Papa A. , Pettinacci V. , Popov A. , Raffaelli F. , Renga F. , Ritt S. , Rossella M. , Rozhdestvensky A. , Schwendimann P. , Shimada K. , Signorelli G. , Stoykov A. , Takahashi M. , Tassielli G. F. , Toyoda K. , Uchiyama Y. , Usami M. , Venturini A. , Vitali B. , Voena C. , Yamamoto K. , Yanai K. , Yonemoto T. , Yoshida K. , Yudin Yu. V.
Published: February 2024

The MEG II experiment, located at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Switzerland, is the successor to the MEG experiment, which completed data taking in 2013. MEG II started fully operational data taking in 2021, with the goal of improving the sensitivity of the$$\upmu ^+ \rightarrow {\textrm{e}}^+ \upgamma $$μ+→e+γdecay down to$$\sim 6 \times 10^{-14}$$∼6×10-14almost an order of magnitude better than the current limit. In this paper, we describe the operation and performance of the experiment and give a new estimate of its sensitivity versus data acquisition time.
Surface gravity in spherically symmetric collapsing stars
Authors: Sadeghi A. , Shojai F. , Bahmani F.
Published: February 2024

Here we consider the generalized Oppenheimer–Snyder collapse of a star into a four-dimensional Einstein-Gauss–Bonnet black hole as well as a class of regular black holes labeled by the polytropic index of the stellar matter. We then analyze the nature of the horizon and the corresponding surface gravity outside and inside the star. The Hayward and Nielsen–Visser dynamical surface gravity are in agreement with the one resulting from the Killing vector of the outer static metric. However, these two definitions inside the star do not coincide with the Killing surface gravity outside the star when the star crosses the event horizon. This motivates us to study the surface gravity using Fodor’s approach to have a unique surface gravity at the mentioned moment. Then the extremality condition and the first law of thermodynamics are discussed at the trapping horizon of the star.
Temporal evolution of cosmological density perturbations of the Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter
Authors: Mondal Subhra , Choudhuri Amitava
Published: February 2024

Dark matter is assumed to be composed of scalar boson particles that form Bose–Einstein condensate during the cosmic evolution of the Universe when the temperature of the dark matter is below the critical temperature $$T_{cr}$$

T

cr

. At around a redshift $$z\sim 1200$$

z
∼
1200

, the normal dark matter converted to Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter through a first-order phase transition and continued to complete the condensation process for nearly $$10^6$$

10
6

years, until then, both phases coexist. In this manuscript, considering Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter as a Gross–Pitaevskii–Poisson system, we study the time evolution of density contrast of Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter using cosmological linear perturbation theory following previous works on the subject. The evolution equation contains quantum pressure due to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle and self-interaction pressure terms. We solve the temporal density contrast equation of Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter analytically for both the Thomas-Fermi limit and the non-interacting case where the expansion rule follows similarly to that of the Einstein–de Sitter Universe. In addition, we also numerically analyze the temporal nature of the evolution of density contrast of Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter for the complete equation without applying any approximation. We find that the Bose–Einstein condensate model of dark matter could modify the temporal nature of density contrast evolution due to the presence of self-interaction and quantum pressure terms, which shows significant differences with respect to the conventional standard cold dark matter, and successfully solves the small-scale problems in the context of cosmological structure formation.
Critical computational social science
Authors: Shugars Sarah
Published: February 2024

In her 2021 IC2S2 keynote talk, “Critical Data Theory,” Margaret Hu builds off Critical Race Theory, privacy law, and big data surveillance to grapple with questions at the intersection of big data and legal jurisprudence. As a legal scholar, Hu’s work focuses primarily on issues of governance and regulation—examining the legal and constitutional impact of modern data collection and analysis. Yet, her call for Critical Data Theory has important implications for the field of Computational Social Science (CSS) as a whole. In this article, I therefore reflect on Hu’s conception of Critical Data Theory and its broader implications for CSS research. Specifically, I’ll consider the ramifications of her work for the scientific community—exploring how we as researchers should think about the ethics and realities of the data which forms the foundations of our work.
Phase-sensitive large Kerr nonlinearity in semiconductor quantum wells
Authors: Nath Monika , Mukherjee Rohit , Borgohain Nitu , Hazra Rohit
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation on Kerr nonlinearity in a three-level semiconductor quantum well (SQW) superlattice and validates the existence of large Kerr nonlinearity of the order of [Formula: see text] in the vicinity of an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) window. The Kerr nonlinearity is found to vary with the relative phase of the applied optical fields, and by selecting suitable relative phases, an enhanced Kerr nonlinearity can be obtained. The results may find significant applications in optoelectronic and photonic devices.
CORROSION, WEAR AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LAMINATED Al/TiC COMPOSITES
Authors: DANESHMAND SAEED , VINI MOHAMMAD HEYDARI , LOGHMANIAN SAYED MOHAMMAD REZA , DIZICHEH ALI KARIMI
Published: February 2024

In the recent study, accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and powder metallurgy processes are used as a combined technique to fabricate AA1050/TiC composite strips. Then, corrosion, mechanical, wear properties and microstructural evolution of them have been investigated via TiC Wt.%. All composite samples were fabricated after four cycles to get a uniform scattering of particles inside the metallic matrix. Moreover, density as a physical property and electrical resistivity and conductivity have been investigated vs particles value. The results showed that by increasing the particles value (Wt.%), hardness, density, corrosion and wear resistance of samples improved while their electrical conductivity, bonding strength and elongation decreased. For samples with 10[Formula: see text]Wt.% of TiC and in comparison with the monolithic sample, the hardness and tensile strength of composite samples improved 127% and 63%, respectively. Finally, SEM morphology of worn and corrosive surfaces has been investigated.
Crypto Analysis of the Key Distribution Scheme Using Noise-Free Resistances
Authors: Kish Laszlo B.
Published: February 2024

Known key exchange schemes offering information-theoretic (unconditional) security are complex and costly to implement. Nonetheless, they remain the only known methods for achieving unconditional security in key exchange. Therefore, the explorations for simpler solutions for information-theoretic security are highly justified. Lin et al. [1] proposed an interesting hardware key distribution scheme that utilizes thermal-noise-free resistances and DC voltages. A crypto analysis of this system is presented. It is shown that, if Eve gains access to the initial shared secret at any time in the past or future, she can successfully crack all the generated keys in the past and future, even retroactively, using passively obtained and recorded voltages and currents. Therefore, the scheme is not a secure key exchanger, but it is rather a key expander with no more information entropy than the originally shared secret at the beginning. We also point out that the proposed defense methods against active attacks do not function when the original shared secret is compromised because then the communication cannot be efficiently authenticated. However, they do work when an unconditionally secure key exchanger is applied to enable the authenticated communication protocol.
Block Basis for Modular Coinvariants of Pseudo-Reflection Groups
Authors: Ou Ke
Published: February 2024

We investigate the block basis for modular coinvariants of finite pseudo-reflection groups. We are particularly interested in the case of a subgroup [Formula: see text] of the parabolic subgroups of [Formula: see text] which generalizes the Weyl groups of restricted Cartan type Lie algebra.
Projective Bundles and Blowing-Ups II
Authors: Li Duo
Published: February 2024

We study the blowing-up [Formula: see text] of a smooth projective variety [Formula: see text] along a smooth center [Formula: see text] that is equipped with a projective bundle structure over a variety [Formula: see text]. If the Picard number [Formula: see text] is 1 and [Formula: see text] is at most 4, we classify all such pairs [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is a projective space [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] is 2, we show that [Formula: see text] is a linear subspace in [Formula: see text].
Annihilator Ideals of Indecomposable Modules of Finite-Dimensional Pointed Hopf Algebras of Rank One
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: February 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebra of rank one over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. We describe all annihilator ideals of indecomposable [Formula: see text]-modules by generators. In particular, we give the classification of all ideals of the finite-dimensional pointed rank one Hopf algebra of nilpotent type over the Klein 4-group.
Reassessing the timing of high-strain deformation in the Strangways Metamorphic Complex, Central Australia, by
in situ
mica Rb–Sr and titanite U–Pb geochronology
Authors: Qiu Erkang , Larson Kyle P. , Camacho Alfredo , Zhang Yueqiao
Published: February 2024

Dating the timing of deformation within shear zones is critical to quantifying orogenic processes and developing time-resolved regional tectonic frameworks. Such work requires the integration of detailed microstructural analysis with
in situ
geochronology to quantify when deformation mechanisms were active at the micro-scale. The Proterozoic, granulite-facies Strangways Metamorphic Complex was exhumed during the Devonian to Carboniferous intracontinental Alice Springs Orogeny. New microstructural observations, quartz
c
-axis orientation analyses, mica chemistry, Ti-in-biotite thermometry,
in situ
mica Rb–Sr and titanite U–Pb geochronology outline a detailed history of ductile shearing across the complex. Movement along the north boundary shear zone of Strangways Metamorphic Complex appears to have initiated
c.
382 Ma, preceding peak metamorphism in the area during the Alice Springs Orogeny. Widespread reverse-sense ductile shearing occurred within the Strangways Metamorphic Complex between
c.
365 and 355 Ma, and correlates with rapid cooling of the region. Late-stage ductile deformation is recorded at
c.
335 Ma, likely reflecting the terminal exhumation of the Strangways Metamorphic Complex. Finally, the new
in situ
muscovite and biotite Rb–Sr data collected herein permit comparison with previous two-point mica Rb–Sr isochrons and
40
Ar–
39
Ar dates from the same specimens. In the rocks analysed, the biotite Rb–Sr system returned dates similar to the previous
40
Ar–
39
Ar white mica dates, perhaps indicating a similar effective closure temperature.

Supplementary material:
Test results and previous geochronology data from the Alice Springs Orogeny are available in tabular form at
https://osf.io/yjp24/?view_only=0bf5bec9f5c94a1aa4fb413320ec24e8
Investigation of Zinc and Chromium Substitution Nickel-rich LiNi1−x−yZnyCrxO2 Cathode Materials to Improve the Redox Reaction of Lithium-ion Battery: A First-principles Study
Authors: Usman Ahmad , Murtaza G. , Ayyaz Ahmad , Shafiq Maleeha , Piracha Mohsin Ishfaq , Arif H. S. , Zulfiqar Muhammad
Published: February 2024

First-principles calculations are employed to investigate the structural, electronic, magnetic, thermoelectric, and electrochemical characteristics of Nickel-rich layered cathodes by substitution of Zn and Cr such as LiNi1−x−yZnyCrxO2 (with x = 0.00, 0.16 and 0.32, y = 0.00 and 0.16). The structure of pure LiNiO2 and substituted are organized in a trigonal arrangement inside the P3m1 space group. Using PBE-GGA approximation, the spin-polarized calculation of pure LiNiO2 in a spin-down channel exhibits a band gap of 0.48 eV. Whereas, Zn and Cr substitution results in the band gap reduction to zero, and metallic behavior is observed. Electronic charge density calculation Ni(Zn, Cr)-O reveals covalent bonding. In electrochemical investigation, by the increasing substitution concentration of Zn and Cr in LiNi1−x−yZnyCrxO2 significant improvements are observed at 4.65–3.89 V potential with a good theoretical discharge capacity of 48–246 mAhg−1. The exchange constants N∘α and N∘β demonstrate negative values that validate the ferromagnetic nature of substituted material. The thermoelectric parameters have been determined using the BoltzTraP code and the highest ZT value of 0.35 is obtained for LiNi0.52Zn0.16Cr0.32O2. These results offer a new perspective on the potential of doping techniques for Nickel-rich cathode materials, providing helpful insight for the development of high-performance cathodes for Lithium-ion battery applications.
Establishing chronic models of age-related macular degeneration via long-term iron ion overload
Authors: Huang Hao , Zeng Jingshu , Yu Xinyue , Du Han , Wen Chaojuan , Mao Yan , Tang Han , Kuang Xielan , Liu Wei , Yu Huan , Liu Huijun , Li Bowen , Long Chongde , Yan Jianhua , Shen Huangxuan
Published: February 2024

To explore the possibility of constructing reliable research carriers on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), iron ion overload was applied to establish models in vitro and in vivo. Subsequent investigations into cellular physiology and molecular biology confirmed the presence of senescence in these models. Through this study, we hope to provide a better option of feasible methods for future researches into AMD.
Implications of IFNγ SNP rs2069705 in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: transcriptional activation and B cell infiltration
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Min , Li Honglin , Liu Miao , Su Jianrong , Ji Yuzhu
Published: February 2024

The research employed a combination of bioinformatics analysis, genotyping, and experimental models, providing a multifaceted approach to understanding the complex interactions in pSS. We have uncovered that the rs2069705 SNP significantly affects the transcription of IFNγ, leading to altered immune responses and B-lymphocyte activity in pSS.
CD8+ T-cell metabolism is related to cerebrovascular reactivity in middle-aged adults
Authors: DeConne Theodore M. , Fancher Ibra S. , Edwards David G. , Trott Daniel W. , Martens Christopher R.
Published: February 2024

Peripheral T-cell metabolism is related to in vivo cerebrovascular reactivity in humans. Higher glycolytic metabolism in CD8+ T cells was associated with lower cerebrovascular reactivity to a breath-hold in middle-aged adults, which is possibly reflective of a more proinflammatory state in midlife.
Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f) and Edaphic Factors Affecting the Regeneration of Woody Species and Their Functional Traits in Economic Forest Plantation, Northern Thailand
Authors: Asanok Lamthai , Taweesuk Rungrawee , Kamyo Torlarp
Published: February 2024

Improved understanding of relationships among plant traits, stand characteristics, and soil properties can provide insights into the regenerating tree communities of commercial teak plantations. We investigated whether plant traits could be used to predict the natural regeneration of woody species in teak plantations with different soil and stand conditions. Data were collected in fifty 20 m × 20 m plots that were established in teak plantations of varying ages in northern Thailand. We analyzed differences in stand characteristics, soil properties, and community-level functional traits among sites. The RLQ analysis was performed to explore the associations among species abundances, plant traits, and a combined set of soil variables and stand characteristics. Our results showed that tree species with high leaf dry matter contents and high wood density dominated communities in an older teak plantation and were associated with high OM and N concentrations. Trees with larger leaves are increased in plantations that had experienced their first teak thinning, and were rich in organic matter. Species with high specific leaf areas increased in sites with high teak basal areas and which had experienced more intense thinning on fertile soils. Thick-leaved species had high importance values on sites with high densities of teak and infertile soils. Our results indicated that tree communities with similar conspecific traits were associated with specific soil and stand conditions in teak plantations. A knowledge of these regeneration dynamics may allow forest managers to encourage increased natural regeneration and enhanced diversity in commercial teak plantations.
Assessment of Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Static Loading Pile Based on Cusp Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Yang Jibao , Huang Xing , Ni Hao , Hao Shilong , Liu Fudong , Liu Zhangrong
Published: February 2024

Determining the ultimate bearing capacity of pile is important for reasonable design of the pile. In this paper, a cusp catastrophe theory‐based method was proposed for assessing the ultimate bearing capacity of static loading pile. Firstly, a three‐parameter quartic polynomial in accordance with the standard form of cusp catastrophe model is proposed and used to fit the experimentally obtained Q–S curve. The parameters which allow the polynomial to produce best fitting to the Q–S curve are taken to identify the stability of the pile following a simple procedure. Then, the proposed method was verified against 10 Q–S curves obtained from field tests at Jinqiao‐Meiya and Jinqiao‐Chunyu areas of Shanghai. Results show that the ultimate bearing capacities of the piles identified by the proposed method were comparable to those identified by the JGJ 106‐2014 standard method. Finally, it is found that the stability of the pile identified by the proposed method and the mechanical state of the pile identified by the Golden Section approach were correlated closely.
Acute Genetic Damage Induced by Ethanol and Corticosterone Seems to Modulate Hippocampal Astrocyte Signaling
Authors: Reyes-Ábalos Ana Laura , Álvarez-Zabaleta Magdalena , Olivera-Bravo Silvia , Di Tomaso María Vittoria
Published: February 2024

Astrocytes maintain CNS homeostasis but also critically contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Such functional diversity implies an extensive signaling repertoire including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and nanotubes (NTs) that could be involved in protection or damage, as widely shown in various experimental paradigms. However, there is no information associating primary damage to the astrocyte genome, the DNA damage response (DDR), and the EV and NT repertoire. Furthermore, similar studies were not performed on hippocampal astrocytes despite their involvement in memory and learning processes, as well as in the development and maintenance of alcohol addiction. By exposing murine hippocampal astrocytes to 400 mM ethanol (EtOH) and/or 1 μM corticosterone (CTS) for 1 h, we tested whether the induced DNA damage and DDR could elicit significant changes in NTs and surface-attached EVs. Genetic damage and initial DDR were assessed by immunolabeling against the phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (γH2AX), DDR-dependent apoptosis by BAX immunoreactivity, and astrocyte activation by the glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) and phalloidin staining. Surface-attached EVs and NTs were examined via scanning electron microscopy, and labeled proteins were analyzed via confocal microscopy. Relative to controls, astrocytes exposed to EtOH, CTS, or EtOH+CTS showed significant increases in nuclear γlH2AX foci, nuclear and cytoplasmic BAX signals, and EV frequency at the expense of the NT amount, mainly upon EtOH, without detectable signs of morphological reactivity. Furthermore, the largest and most complex EVs originated only in DNA-damaged astrocytes. Obtained results revealed that astrocytes exposed to acute EtOH and/or CTS preserved their typical morphology but presented severe DNA damage, triggered canonical DDR pathways, and early changes in the cell signaling mediated by EVs and NTs. Further deepening of this initial morphological and quantitative analysis is necessary to identify the mechanistic links between genetic damage, DDR, cell-cell communication, and their possible impact on hippocampal neural cells.
Evaluation of Preferred Automated Driving Patterns Based on a Driving Propensity Using Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Hwang Sooncheon , Lee Dongmin
Published: February 2024

With the rapid advancements in automated driving technologies, there is a growing demand for the commercialization of advanced automated vehicles. Through these technologies, we envision enjoying various types of entertainment in automated vehicles, apart from manual driving. To achieve widespread acceptance of automated driving, appropriated interactions between users and automated driving systems must occur. From users’ perspective, automated driving vehicle must be operated within users’ comfort, safe, and satisfying perception based on their personal driving style such as aggressive and defensive driving. Thus, during the motion planning phase of automated driving, consideration should be given to the implementation of a behavioral algorithm based on user propensity. However, user preferences for automated driving patterns exhibit considerable variation, making it essential to conduct an in‐depth investigation into the preferred automated driving patterns corresponding to users’ propensity. In this study, we confirmed that the characteristics of preferred automated driving patterns can be deduced from comprehensive driving propensities, which were derived by combining inherent driving propensities with simulator‐based driving behavior characteristics using the fuzzy logic method. This study confirmed that in the era of automated driving, the preferred automated driving patterns may vary depending on the propensity from the user’s perspective. Considering these differences, it is meaningful in which it suggests the need for automated driving motions to be implemented based on individual preferences that appear according to human factors such as user propensity.
A Canonical Transformation for the Anderson Lattice Hamiltonian with f–f Electron Coupling
Authors: Zhao Guang-Lin
Published: February 2024

In this work, a new canonical transformation for the Anderson lattice Hamiltonian with f–f electron coupling was developed, which was further used to identify a new Kondo lattice Hamiltonian. Different from the single impurity Kondo effect, the resulted new Kondo lattice Hamiltonian only includes the spin-flip scattering processes between conduction electrons and f-electrons, while the normal process of non-spin-flip scattering is absent in this Hamiltonian, under the second order approximation. The new Kondo lattice Hamiltonian may be used to study some anomalous physical properties in some Kondo lattice intermetallic compounds.
Retama raetam Extract for Testicular Health in Type 2 Diabetic Rats: Insight View on the Steroidogenesis, Antioxidants, and Molecular Docking Scores of Bioactive Compounds against Bax
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Ali Seyed Mohamed , Alasmari Abdulrahman , Panneerselvam Chellasamy , Hajad Alboqami Hamoud , Ahmed Alkeridis Lamya , Almalki Daklallah A. , Sayed Samy M. , Shukry Mustafa , Aioub Ahmed A.
Published: February 2024

The exponential growth of obesity rates is a pressing issue, as it is now firmly established as a primary driver behind the development of metabolic disorders. Natural products are crucial in drug discovery, prompting an increasing need for further research on bioactive compounds to understand molecular and pharmacological mechanisms and expand available clinical treatments for various diseases. We set out to investigate the therapeutic potential of Retama raetam (RR) extract, a natural compound, in alleviating testicular degeneration and improving sperm quality and quantity in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus. An eight-week high-fat diet (HFD) was administered to type 2 diabetic rats, and then a modest dose of 35 mg/kg of STZ was injected intraperitoneally. The experiment planned to assess the influence of RR extract on the steroidogenesis pathway. For twelve weeks, the rats were given medications orally. The testicular degeneration caused by HFD/STZ is shown by decreasing the accessory sexual glands while reducing the quality of sperm characters and testosterone levels with significantly increased pad fat and leptin levels. Furthermore, administration of RR extract effectively counteracted HFD/STZ-induced oxidation through enhancing the antioxidant status of the testicular tissue through significantly increased SOD and GSH accompanied by decreasing MDA. HFD/STZ rats showed decreased expression of CYP17, STAR, 3βHSD, and BCL2 genes, along with increased BAX gene expression. However, treatment with RR in HFD/STZ rats led to decreased BAX expression and increased expression of CYP17, STAR, 3βHSD, and BCL2 genes, indicating a restoration of gene expression values similar to the control group. The binding site of Bax showed a strong affinity for several bioactive compounds found in R. raetam. The findings from this study suggest that Retama raetam (RR) has the potential as a therapeutic adjunct for managing complications related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These findings afford credence to the idea that RR can be useful in treating infertility associated with type 2 diabetes.
Supplemental Figure 2 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Figure 2. Inhibition of HCT116-IFI27 reporter induction by siRNA to AURKB by JAK inhibitor.
Data from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Single-agent checkpoint inhibition is effective in a minority of patients with platinum-refractory urothelial carcinoma; therefore, the efficacy of combining low-dose paclitaxel with pembrolizumab was tested.
Materials and Methods:
This was a prospective, single-arm phase II trial with key inclusion criteria of imaging progression within 12 months of platinum therapy and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ≤1. Treatment was pembrolizumab 200 mg day 1 and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle for up to eight cycles unless progression or unacceptable adverse events (AE). The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) with overall survival (OS), 6-month progression-free survival (PFS), and safety as key secondary endpoints. Change in circulating immune cell populations, plasma, and urinary miRs were evaluated.
Results:
Twenty-seven patients were treated between April 2016 and June 2020, with median follow-up of 12.4 months. Baseline median age was 68 years, with 81% men and 78% non-Hispanic White. ORR was 33% by intention to treat and 36% in imaging-evaluable patients with three complete responses. Six-month PFS rate was 48.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.7–65.2] and median OS 12.4 months (95% CI: 8.7 months to not reached). Common ≥ grade 2 possibly-related AEs were anemia, lymphopenia, hyperglycemia, and fatigue; grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 56%, including two immune-mediated AEs (pneumonitis and nephritis). Responding patients had a higher percentage of circulating CD4+IFNγ+ T cells. Levels of some miRs, including plasma miR 181 and miR 223, varied in responders compared with nonresponders.
Conclusions:
The addition of low-dose paclitaxel to pembrolizumab is active and safe in platinum-refractory urothelial carcinoma.
Significance:
We found that combining pembrolizumab with low-dose paclitaxel may be effective in patients with urothelial carcinoma progressing on platinum chemotherapy, with favorable safety profiles.
α1-Antichymotrypsin Complex (SERPINA3) Is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause but Not Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for Chest Pain of Suspected Coronary Origin
Authors: Nilsen Dennis Winston T. , Aarsetoey Reidun , Poenitz Volker , Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Michelsen Annika Elisabet , Brugger-Andersen Trygve , Staines Harry , Grundt Heidi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: SERPINA3 is an acute-phase protein triggered by inflammation. It is upregulated after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Data on its long-term prognostic value in MI patients are scarce. We aimed to assess the utility of SERPINA3 as a prognostic marker in patients hospitalized for chest pain of suspected coronary origin. Methods: A total of 871 consecutive patients, 386 diagnosed with AMI, were included. Stepwise Cox regression models, applying continuous loge-transformed values, were fitted for the biomarker with all-cause mortality and cardiac death within 2 years or all-cause mortality within the median 7 years as dependent variables. An analysis of MI and stroke, and combined endpoints, respectively, was added. The hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) was assessed in a univariate and multivariable model. Results: Plasma samples from 847 patients were available. By 2-year follow-up, 138 (15.8%) patients had died, of which 86 were cardiac deaths. The univariate analysis showed a significant association between SERPINA3 and all-cause mortality (HR 1.41 [95% 1.19–1.68], p < 0.001) but not for cardiac death. Associations after adjustment were non-significant. By 7-year follow-up, 332 (38.1%) patients had died. SERPINA3 was independently associated with all-cause mortality from the third year onward. The HR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.02–1.28), p = 0.022. Similar results applied to combined endpoints, but not for MI and stroke, respectively. The prognostic value of SERPINA3 was limited to non-AMI patients. No independent associations were noted among AMI patients. Conclusions: SERPINA3 predicts long-term all-cause mortality but fails to predict outcome in AMI patients.
Exposição “Bicho: Quem te viu, Quem te vê!”: Roteiro Didático 4
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Divulgação Científica e Cultural, Oliveira Alisson Cleiton de , Santos Silvia Aparecida Martins dos ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Divulgação Científica e Cultural, Queiroz Salete Linhares ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química de São Carlos
Published: February 2024

A Exposição “Bicho: quem te viu, quem te vê!” resultou de parceria interinstitucional regional estabelecida entre o Centro de Divulgação Científica e Cultural da Universidade de São Paulo (CDCC/USP), o Laboratório de Educação Ambiental do Departamento de Ciências Ambientais da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, o Instituto Florestal e a Fundação Florestal do estado de São Paulo. Sua criação contou com o apoio financeiro da Pró-Reitoria de Cultura e Extensão da USP. De caráter itinerante, a Exposição foi inaugurada em março de 2015 e, até o início da pandemia do Covid-19, em 2020, já havia sido visitada por mais de 125.000 pessoas. A Exposição busca contribuir para a construção de valores relacionados à proteção da diversidade biológica, exibindo, por meio de painéis, registros fotográficos e ilustrações, como se deu a evolução da ocupação dos ambientes naturais da região central do estado de São Paulo e o que restou de tais ambientes. Percorrendo as estações que a compõem, o visitante se depara com animais taxidermizados, como o lobo-guará, a jaguatirica, a onça-parda, o sauá e o macaco prego, que são vítimas frequentes de atropelamento na região. Ao final, espera-se desencadear reflexões sobre as ameaças às quais espécies da fauna regional estão expostas e sensibililzar a população no que tange à sua conservação.
Sala da Eletricidade: Roteiro Didático 7
Authors:   Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Santos Lívia Aceto Ferraz dos , Castro Antônio Carlos de ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Divulgação Científica e Cultural, Queiroz Salete Linhares ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química de São Carlos
Published: February 2024

O CDCC possui um vasto conjunto de artefatos que permite a realização de experimentos que são apreciados pelo público em visitas ao local e, desde a década de 1980, parte deles esteve disponível em espaço denominado de Sala da Física. Em 2012 este espaço foi reestruturado, passando a abordar uma temática específica: energia elétrica. Na Sala da Eletricidade do CDCC, o visitante tem contato com experimentos que tratam sobre fenômenos eletromagnéticos reais, modelados em leis fundamentais da natureza. Seu foco está nos fenômenos, e não nos objetos expostos. A apresentação dos fenômenos e do conteúdo textual, nos painéis que cercam a sala expositiva, foi elaborada com o intuito de permitir a abordagem de tópicos relevantes da relação entre eletricidade e magnetismo, e de aplicações de efeitos eletromagnéticos. A geração, a transmissão e a distribuição da energia elétrica disponível para consumo nas indústrias, empresas e em nossas casas torna-se, assim, um objeto de reflexão, favorecendo a percepção de que as decisões que forem socialmente tomadas no futuro próximo com relação à produção e consumo da energia elétrica terão impacto profundo na vida das pessoas e na sua relação com a natureza.
Monitoring observations of the southernmost breeding population of Long-billed Vultures Gyps indicus (Scopoli, 1786) (Aves: Acciptriformes: Accipitridae) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India
Authors: S. Manigandan  , H. Byju  , P. Kannan
Published: February 2024

The Long-billed Vulture (LBV) population was systematically monitored across four nesting colonies in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) throughout three extended breeding seasons. Breeding success rates between years ranged from 83.33% in 2018–2019 and 62.5% in 2020–2021. Nesting was monitored at the cliff sites, consistent with prior research. Overall population fluctuations were minimal, varying between 21 individuals in 2020–2021, 17 individuals in 2018–2019, and 16 individuals in 2019–2020. There was an apparent impact of forest fires and other human disturbance activities, and certain proactive conservation measures are proposed to help address these. There was indirect evidence of other threats including poison baits targeting wild carnivores and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being widely available for use in domestic livestock. The study endorses the approach of establishing vulture-safe zones, which focus on addressing the local threats. This includes raising awareness about wildfire management, controlling toxic NSAIDs availability that are harmful to vultures, discouraging the illegal use of poison-baits, and highlighting the necessity of monitoring threats posed by power infrastructure. Due to the high mobility of LBVs, all these threats need addressing through large-scale vulture safe zone work (up to 100 km radius) surrounding the breeding colonies to secure the LBV’s long-term survival. These conservation actions are urgently needed.