bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Varied Cell Death Patterns in Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis and Immunotherapy Based on Single‐Cell Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Song Zipei , Zhang Weiran , Zhu Miaolin , Wang Yuheng , Zhou Dingye , Cao Xincen , Geng Xin , Zhou Shengzhe , Li Zhihua , Wei Ke , Chen Liang
Published: November 2024

Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways hold significant influence in the etiology and progression of a variety of cancer forms, particularly offering promising prognostic markers and clues to drug sensitivity for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. We employed single‐cell analysis to delve into the functional role of PCD within the tumour microenvironment (TME) of LUAD. Employing a machine learning framework, a PCD‐related signature (PCDS) was constructed utilising a comprehensive data set. The PCDS exhibited superior prognostic performance compared with the 140 previously established prognostic models for LUAD. Subsequently, patients were stratified into high‐risk and low‐risk groups based on their risk scores derived from the PCDS, with the high‐risk group exhibiting significantly lower overall survival (OS) rates than the low‐risk group. Furthermore, the risk subgroups were compared for differences in pathway enrichment, genomic alterations, tumour immune microenvironment (TIME), immunotherapy and drug sensitivity. The low‐risk group displayed a more inflamed TIME, potentially leading to a more favourable response to immunotherapy. For the high‐risk group, potential effective small molecule drugs were identified, and the drug sensitivity were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays (qRT‐PCR) confirmed notable upregulation of the expression levels of PCD‐associated genes MKI67, TYMS and LYPD3 in LUAD tissues. In vitro experimental findings demonstrated a marked decrease in the proliferative and migratory capacities of LUAD cells upon knockdown of MKI67. Conclusively, we successfully constructed the PCDS, providing important assistance for prognosis prediction and treatment optimisation of LUAD patients.
Burning Mouth Syndrome May Essentially Be Related To Psychoneuroimmunology: Mechanism Hypothesis
Authors: Mao Fei , Cai Luyao , Pan Dan , Huang Mei , Wang Qing , Chen Qianming , Ai Ruixue , Zhou Yu
Published: November 2024

Background

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic intraoral dysesthesia with elusive aetiology, only few studies have been carried out on immune function in BMS patients. We aimed to investigate the role immune function paly in the pathogenesis of BMS by psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).

Method

We recruited 44 BMS patients and 31 controls. We measured the anxiety and depression levels by the Zung’ Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Zung’ Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. Serological immunity included cellular immunity, humoral immunity and autoantibody. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to quantify pain levels. We used the Pearson correlation analysis to analyse the relationship between pain, psychology and immune function.

Results

BMS exhibited higher levels of anxiety and depression (***p < 0.001 for both). In BMS, the CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells were lower (*p = 0.028, 0.046 and 0.033, respectively), IgE and antinuclear antibody (ANA) was higher (*p = 0.035). The average VAS score among BMS was approximately 3.7. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between VAS, SAS and SDS; negative correlations between these scores of VAS, SAS, SDS and the levels of CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells.

Conclusions

BMS were more painful, anxious, depressive, and immunity dysfunction than controls. We proposed a mechanism hypothesis that the BMS may essentially be an immunological disease.
The association between sleep disturbance and nightmares: Temporal dynamics of nightmare occurrence and sleep architecture in the home
Authors: Balch John , Raider Rachel , Reed Chanel , McNamara Patrick
Published: November 2024

We collected measures of sleep architecture and nightmares from participants (N = 61) wearing the DREEM 3 headband across 2 weeks of data collection to test the hypothesis that there are bidirectional links between insomnia (measured as sleep disturbance) and nightmare events. Nightmares were predicted by increased sleep disturbance the night before the nightmare, but not on the same night or 2 nights before. We also found that nightmare occurrences did not predict increased sleep disturbance on the same night or the following 2 nights, rather nightmares predicted increased sleep disturbance at the between‐subjects level only. We suggest that nightmares are associated with an N3 sleep rebound on the night of the nightmare following a night of sleep disturbance.
Medication‐Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Caused by Drugs With Antiangiogenic Effects—What Should the Clinician Be Aware of and What Course of Treatment Can Be Applied? A Systematic Review of Case Series and Case Reports
Authors: de Oliveira Francisca Jennifer Duarte , Costa Moan Jéfter Fernandes , de Oliveira Costa Carla Samily , de Souza Lélia Batista
Published: November 2024

Objective

This systematic review aimed to summarise the most common drugs with antiangiogenic effects associated with MRONJ, the diseases that patients can present and discuss the appropriate course of treatment.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were screened for case reports up to February 2024. Two independent reviewers selected the articles in a two‐step selection, screening 1.327 articles. The final sample was composed of 32 articles.

Results

Most of the patients were male with a mean age of 58 years. Although the majority of patients had cancer, 20% were treated with drugs with antiangiogenic effects for other diseases. The lesions occurred mainly in the posterior mandible, with dental extraction associated in more than half of the cases. Antibiotic treatment was employed in most cases with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, usually associated with 0.12% chlorhexidine or a 0.2% oral rinse. Bevacizumab was the medication most associated with the lesions (40%).

Conclusion

The dental community needs to be aware of the new drugs that can cause MRONJ through antiangiogenic effects, given that new medications are being reported every day.
Unveiling Genetic Basis Associated With Manganese Content in Turkish Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm Through a Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: Altaf Muhammad Tanveer , Nadeem Muhammad Azhar , Ayten Sefa , Aksoy Emre , Sönmez Ferit , Çiftçi Vahdettin , Baloch Faheem Shehzad
Published: November 2024

Micronutrient deficiencies, such as manganese (Mn), pose significant global health risks, affecting millions of people worldwide and leading to serious health conditions. Biofortifying crops, notably common beans, offer a sustainable solution to combat these deficiencies. This study aimed to uncover the genetic basis associated with Mn content in Turkish common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) germplasm through a genome‐wide association study (GWAS), which is crucial for developing nutrient‐rich bean varieties. Here, we examined variation among 183 common bean accessions, collected from 19 provinces of Turkey and identified the genetic basis linked to seed Mn content. Genotype by environment interaction significantly influenced Mn content (p < 0.05). The mean Mn content was observed 31.69 mg kg−1 across the germplasm. Bingol‐16 had the lowest, while Malatya‐59 had the highest Mn contents. Stability analysis was performed using the ‘STABILITYSOFT’ method and found 10 stable accessions. The cluster constellation plot was generated using JMP statistical software. A total of 7900 DArTseq markers were used for association analysis, identifying 16 markers across four chromosomes (Pv2, Pv5, Pv7 and Pv11). Notably, markers DArT‐3374915 and DArT‐3375187 exhibited consistent associations across different environments, making them promising candidates for Mn‐focused breeding programmes. Gene annotation and interactome analysis, including BLAST searches and protein–protein interaction analysis, revealed associations of candidate genes with Mn concentration regulation, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying Mn accumulation in common beans. Our findings lay a foundation for marker‐assisted breeding efforts in common bean improvement.
Transcriptional and functional characterization in the terpenoid precursor pathway of the early land plant Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Horn A. , Lu Y. , Astorga Ríos F. J. , Toft Simonsen H. , Becker J. D.
Published: November 2024

Isoprenoids comprise the largest group of plant specialized metabolites. 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate synthase (DXS) is one of the major rate‐limiting enzymes in their biosynthesis. The DXS family expanded structurally and functionally during evolution and is believed to have significantly contributed to metabolic complexity and diversity in plants. This family has not yet been studied in Physcomitrium patens or other bryophytes.

Here, we assessed the degree of evolutionary expansion in the DXS family in bryophytes and, more specifically, in P. patens using phylogenetic analysis. Transcriptome profiling was applied to investigate tissue‐specific, developmental, and environmental responses, such as salt stress, in the DXS family. Moreover, the effect of salt stress on terpenoid biosynthesis was monitored through metabolomics.

The phylogenetic analysis of DXS revealed that a structural expansion occurred in bryophytes, but not in P. patens. Functional complementation assay revealed functional activity in all four copies. Comparative transcriptomics showed tissue‐ and condition‐specific divergence in the expression profiles of DXS copies and demonstrated specific stress responses for PpDXS1D, particularly to salt stress. These findings coincide with increased flux in the pathway towards downstream metabolites under salt stress. Additionally, co‐expression network analysis revealed significant differences between the co‐expressed genes of the DXS copies and illustrated enrichment of stress‐responsive genes in the PpDXS1D network.

These results suggest that the DXS family in P. patens is conserved but undergoes differential transcriptional regulation, which might allow P. patens to fine‐tune DXS levels under different conditions, such as abiotic stress.
Effects of Funneliformis mosseae on the growth and rhizosphere bacterial communities of Astragalus adsurgens and Stipa grandis under combined cadmium and salt stress
Authors: Jia Bingbing , Guo Peiran , Wang Yuchen , Lin Jiaying , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Zhechao , Hao Baihui , Wang Jianfeng , Guo Wei
Published: November 2024

The phytoremediation efficiency of heavy metal‐contaminated saline soils is limited by low plant biomass and low accumulation of salt or heavy metals. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can directly promote plant growth or indirectly affect plant growth by regulating rhizosphere microbial communities; however, few studies have investigated the regulation of AMF on rhizosphere bacteria in heavy metal‐contaminated saline soils. This study investigated the effects of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) on the growth and rhizosphere bacteria in Astragalus adsurgens Pall. and Stipa grandis P. Smirn. in cadmium (Cd)‐contaminated saline soils. The results revealed that F. mosseae improved the growth of the two grasses through distinct strategic mechanisms. In A. adsurgens, F. mosseae decreased shoot sodium ion (Na+) and Cd concentrations, increased Na+, Cd, and nutrient accumulations, enhanced the stability of the interaction network of the top 15 bacterial species with significant differences, and resulted in higher resistance of bacteria to external disturbances. F. mosseae increased the relative abundances of Paludibaculum, Pedomicrobium, and Aquicella, which positively correlated with biomass, Na+, and Cd accumulations. In S. grandis, F. mosseae promoted Na+, Cd, and nutrient accumulations and regulated interactions among the top 15 bacterial species with significant differences. Total nodes, total links, and average degree of the network increased, indicating a closer and more complex relationship between bacteria. F. mosseae increased the relative abundance of Devosia, Exiguobacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Aliihoeflea, which positively correlated with biomass, Na+, and Cd accumulations. This study presented data to support plant‐mediated remediation of heavy metal‐contaminated saline soils using AMF symbiosis.
Combined use of NBPT and micronutrients in granulated or coated urea: A new approach to reduce ammonia volatilization losses from soil
Authors: Cassim Bruno Maia Abdo Rahmen , Lisboa Izaias Pinheiro , Degryse Fien , da Silva Rodrigo C. , Prestes Clelber Vieira , Lavres José , Otto Rafael
Published: November 2024

N‐(n‐Butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) is the most widely adopted urease inhibitor, used to reduce ammonia (NH3) volatilization from urea. Micronutrients such as boron (B), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo) are also reported to inhibit urease, serving simultaneously as plant nutrients. However, there is little information on the potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of NBPT and micronutrients on urea protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate NH3 volatilization losses, soil pH and soil mineral nitrogen content (‐N and ‐N) after application of urea coated or granulated with the micronutrients B, Zn, Ni or Mo, individually. Thereafter, the fertilizers were applied combined and not associated with NBPT. Ammonia volatilization was measured in a closed static chamber under controlled conditions. Urea granulated with B and Zn reduced NH3‐N volatilization circa 30% compared with untreated urea, while Mo and Ni had no effect. NBPT stabilizer had the greatest effect on NH3‐N volatilization (44%–59% reduction), but was less effective (only 20%–34% reduction) when urea was coated with B, Zn or Mo. On the other hand, when B and Zn were incorporated via granulation, the efficiency of NBPT was not reduced, likely because of the physical separation. These findings demonstrate that granulating urea with B or Zn combined with an NBPT‐coating can be a valuable strategy to reduce NH3 volatilization losses while also supplying micronutrients and hence potentially increase yields in agricultural production systems.
Okay in intercultural lingua franca interactions between Chinese and British postgraduate students
Authors: Sabbah‐Taylor Angela , Jenks Christopher J.
Published: November 2024

The forms and functions of okay have been investigated extensively in contexts where interlocutors speak the same language (e.g., German, Hungarian, and Swedish). Conversely, comparatively few studies have been conducted on how okay is used among people who do not share the same first language, such as lingua franca encounters. This article narrows this gap by investigating the use of okay in face‐to‐face tandem language learning between Chinese Expanding Circle users of English and British Inner Circle users of English. Using applied conversation analysis on a large corpus of 36 h of video recordings, the findings demonstrate that okay is used by both groups of speakers to manage comprehension in two ways: (1) okay is used to display sufficient understanding and (2) okay is used to display insufficient understanding. Although both groups of speakers use okay to claim sufficient and insufficient understanding, there are small, nuanced ways that the British Inner Circle users of English and Chinese Expanding Circle users of English differ in the use of discourse markers. These findings suggest that much more work is needed to fully understand how discourse markers are used in lingua franca interactions and world Englishes contexts.
Global solutions to semilinear parabolic equations driven by mixed local–nonlocal operators
Authors: Biagi Stefano , Punzo Fabio , Vecchi Eugenio
Published: November 2024

We are concerned with the Cauchy problem for the semilinear parabolic equation driven by the mixed local–nonlocal operator , with a power‐like source term. We show that the so‐called Fujita phenomenon holds, and the critical value is exactly the same as for the fractional Laplacian.
Roughness Investigations on In-Service High-Pressure Compressor Blades—Part I: An Automated Process for High-Fidelity Roughness Measurements
Authors: Vasilopoulos Ilias , Rostamian Mirco , Voigt Matthias , Meyer Marcus , Mailach Ronald
Published: November 2024

The two-part publication deals with roughness investigations on in-service high-pressure compressor (HPC) blades, both in terms of measurements and simulations. In this article (Part I), an automated process for performing detailed surface roughness measurements of the blades has been developed. Specifically, a highly accurate Alicona sensor (20x lens; capable of capturing roughness values down to 0.1μm) was combined with a pick-and-place robotic arm, and the system was trained to conduct roughness measurements on all the different rotor blades of a 10-stage HPC. First, the Alicona measuring device is validated against a NanoFocus device of similar accuracy. Then, a detailed measurement of the roughness on the suction and pressure side of Rotor 2 is demonstrated, using a 100-point grid. This process is further accelerated by using a reduced number of measuring points. The location of those points has been determined by numerical optimization that aims at minimizing the error between a radial basis function (RBF)-based approximation model and the detailed measured roughness distribution. Finally, a summary of the roughness measurements through the entire HPC is given (rotors only; before and after cleaning of the blades at an ultrasonic bath) and the article ends with a discussion of the results.
Effectively tuning the quantum Griffiths phase by controllable quantum fluctuations
Authors: Wang Beilin , Ying Guopei , Guo Linhai , Lin Zhiyong , Liu Haiwen , Zeng Changgan
Published: November 2024

Quantum Griffiths phase (QGP), marked by a quantum Griffiths singularity with a divergent effective critical exponent, has garnered considerable attention in the realm of superconductivity. However, the ability to control QGP remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that QGP at the LaAlO
3
/KTaO
3
(110) interface can be efficiently modulated by the orientation of applied magnetic field: With a perpendicular field, an anomalous QGP emerges in the low-temperature regime, characterized by a decreasing critical field as temperature lowers; conversely, with a parallel field, a normal QGP arises, where the critical field increases with decreasing temperature. Such opposite characteristics stem from the controllable quantum fluctuations and conductivity corrections under distinct magnetic field orientations. Furthermore, we show the effective tuning of the phase boundary by electrostatic gating, attributed to the gate-controlled quantum fluctuations. These findings not only demonstrate how to experimentally manipulate QGP but also provide a comprehensive understanding of how quantum fluctuations can effectively modulate QGP.
Genome drafts of
Lotmaria passim
strains C2 and C3 isolated from honey bees in Spain
Authors: Ruiz José Luis , Marin Arturo , Carreira de Paula Jessica , Gómez-Moracho Tamara , García Olmedo Pedro , Andrés-León Eduardo , Solano Parada Jennifer , Orantes Bermejo Francisco , Osuna Antonio , de Pablos Luis Miguel
Published: November 2024

Lotmaria passim
is a highly prevalent parasite of honey bees. Herein is reported the draft genome sequences of
L. passim
C2 and C3 strains of 27.15 Mbp and 26.94 Mbp, respectively. The genomes were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform and will allow for further comparative and functional genomics studies.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of giant freshwater prawn,
Macrobrachium rosenbergii
of Bangladesh
Authors: Pal Dipta Chandra , Hasan Md. Mahmud , Khan Shakila Nargis , Karim Muhammad Manjurul
Published: November 2024

We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the giant freshwater prawn (
Macrobrachium rosenbergii
) from Bangladesh. The circular genome is 15,766 base pairs long, with a GC content of 38.1%, and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region.
Draft genome sequences for
Neonectria magnoliae
and
Neonectria punicea,
canker pathogens of
Liriodendron tulipifera
and
Acer saccharum
in West Virginia
Authors: Petronek Hannah M. , Kasson Matt T. , Metheny Amy M. , Stauder Cameron M. , Lovett Brian , Lynch Shannon C. , Garnas Jeff R. , Kasson Lindsay R. , Stajich Jason E.
Published: November 2024

The fungal genus
Neonectria
contains many phytopathogenic species currently impacting forests and fruit trees worldwide. Despite their importance, a majority of
Neonectria
spp. lack sufficient genomic resources to resolve suspected cryptic species. Here, we report draft genomes and assemblies for
Neonectria magnoliae
NRRL 64651 and
Neonectria punicea
NRRL 64653.
Complete genome sequence of
Franconibacter pulveris
SL.qac10, a putative QAC-resistant isolate from an indoor built environment
Authors: Liu S. , Leung K. M. , Lai G. K. K. , Griffin S. D. J.
Published: November 2024

Franconibacter pulveris
SL.qac10 was isolated at a school in Hong Kong from swabs of flooring frequently cleaned with a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based disinfectant. Its complete genome, a single chromosome and circular plasmid totalling 4.88 Mbp (56.50% G + C), was established by hybrid assembly.
Identification of a putative novel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-biodegrading gene cluster in a marine
Roseobacteraceae
bacterium
Sagittula
sp. MA-2
Authors: Abe Mayuko , Sakai Miharu , Kanaly Robert A. , Mori Jiro F.
Published: November 2024

The ability to biodegrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the catabolic enzymes responsible for PAH biotransformation in marine bacteria belonging to the family
Roseobacteraceae
remain largely unexplored despite their wide distribution and highly diverse physiological traits. A bacterial isolate within
Roseobacteraceae
originating from coastal seawater,
Sagittula
sp. strain MA-2, that biotransformed phenanthrene and utilized it as a growth substrate was found to possess a putative PAH-degrading gene cluster on one of the eight circular plasmids in its genome. Subsequent comprehensive investigations utilizing bacterial genomes in public databases revealed that gene clusters potentially homologous to this newly found cluster are widely but heterogeneously distributed within
Roseobacteraceae
and a few non-
Roseobacteraceae
(
Paracoccaceae
and
Rhizobiaceae
) strains from saline environments. Catabolic functions of the enzymes encoded in strain MA-2 were predicted through the profiling of phenanthrene biotransformation products by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry and substrate docking simulations using predicted three-dimensional structures of selected proteins, and phenanthrene biodegradation pathways were proposed. Strain MA-2 appeared to biodegrade phenanthrene via two separated, concurrent pathways, namely the salicylate and phthalate pathways. This study serves as the first investigation into the functional genes potentially responsible for PAH biodegradation conserved in
Roseobacteraceae
bacteria, expanding scientific understanding of the physiological repertoire evolved in this ubiquitous marine bacterial group.

IMPORTANCE

The ocean is often characterized as the terminal destination for persistent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) environmental pollutants; however, the ability to biodegrade PAHs and the corresponding enzymes conserved among marine bacteria are less understood compared to their terrestrial counterparts. A marine bacterial isolate,
Sagittula
sp. strain MA-2, belonging to the family
Roseobacteraceae
—a widely distributed and physiologically diverse marine bacterial group—was found to possess a functional gene cluster encoding enzymes potentially responsible for PAH biodegradation in its genome and exhibit the ability to biodegrade the three-ring PAH, phenanthrene. Intriguingly, gene clusters potentially homologous to this cluster were also distributed broadly across genomes from different
Roseobacteraceae
genera in public databases, which has not been previously investigated. The knowledge provided here expands our understanding of the physiology of
Roseobacteraceae
and may be applied to explore biotechnologically useful bacteria that contribute to the remediation of polluted marine environments or high-salinity wastewater.
Virulence-associated variants in
Cryptococcus neoformans
sequence type 93 are less likely to be associated with population structure compared to independent rare mutations
Authors: Jackson Katrina M. , Kabbale Kisakye Diana , Macchietto Marissa , Meya David , Tiffin Peter , Nielsen Kirsten
Published: November 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a pathogenic yeast that is the causative agent of cryptococcal meningitis. While it is well known that the genotype of
C. neoformans
impacts patient outcomes, the reason for this association has not been well elucidated. In this study, we examined the relationship between two subpopulations in the sequence type 93 clade of
C. neoformans
: ST93A and ST93B. We found extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that differentiate ST93A from ST93B. We also found differences in the extent of linkage among SNPs within each subpopulation; LD was more extensive within ST93B than ST93A. SNPs associated with virulence were in long-range linkage disequilibrium with less frequency than recurrent SNPs not associated with virulence. We investigated the karyotype of ST93A and ST93B using contour-clamped gel electrophoresis and long-read sequencing and found that the extensive long-range linkage was not due to chromosomal rearrangements. Overall, we found that the two subpopulations in ST93 are driven by SNPs in LD. We additionally found that recurrent SNPs associated with virulence were less frequently evolutionarily linked and were two times more likely to be independent, congruent mutations rather than tied to phylogeny.

IMPORTANCE

Cryptococcus neoformans
is an important pathogen that is widely distributed and ubiquitous in the environment. The majority of the human population has a latent, controlled infection suggesting that
C. neoformans
is uniquely adapted to cause infection. In spite of this, the reason
C. neoformans
is a pathogen remains unknown; interestingly, most environmental isolates are avirulent but are genetically very similar to disease-causing virulent isolates. Recent evidence from genome-wide association studies shows that small mutations in key virulence-associated genes are associated with the virulence of specific isolates. The data presented here provide an evolutionary framework for those small mutations. The mutations that impact disease are not being collected over long-term evolution. The mutations may instead occur independently during infection. Identifying these genes that are more likely to be mutated during infection will be fundamental for understanding
C. neoformans
virulence.
Spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors disrupt human neutrophil swarming and antifungal functions
Authors: Hopke Alex , Viens Adam L. , Alexander Natalie J. , Mun Seok Joon , Mansour Michael K. , Irimia Daniel
Published: November 2024

Neutrophils communicate with one another and amplify their destructive power through swarming, a collective process that synchronizes the activities of multiple neutrophils against one target. The sequence of activities contributing to swarming against clusters of fungi has been recently uncovered. However, the molecular signals controlling the neutrophils’ activities during the swarming process are just emerging. Here, we report that spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitors severely impair neutrophil swarming responses, resulting in the complete loss of fungal restriction. These findings are enabled by a microscale platform to probe the biology of human neutrophils swarming against uniformly sized clusters of growing
Candida albicans
, a representative opportunistic fungal pathogen. We take advantage of the ability to monitor large arrays of swarms and quantify the effect of multiple chemical inhibitors on different phases of human neutrophil swarming. We show that inhibitors that interfere with PI3Ky signaling disrupt the regulation of the initiation of swarming, while the activation of JNK signaling is essential for the activation of biochemical antifungal functions. Furthermore, we reveal that granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF and GM-CSF) can partially rescue the antifungal functions of neutrophils exposed to SYK inhibitors. These findings advance our understanding of neutrophil swarming biology in humans and lay the foundation for novel therapeutics that may restore neutrophil function during immunosuppression.

IMPORTANCE

Neutrophils can amplify their destructive power through swarming, a crucial process against large targets that individual neutrophils cannot destroy. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling this process are just emerging. Here, we leveraged microscale tools to probe the biology of swarming against fungi. We used multiple chemical inhibitors and mapped SYK, PI3Ky, and JNK signaling roles during human neutrophil swarming against fungal clusters of
Candida albicans
. We also found that treating human neutrophils with GCSF and GM-CSF rescues some neutrophil antifungal function during SYK inhibition. These findings advance our understanding of swarming biology in humans while laying the foundation for developing therapeutics that enhance neutrophil function during immunosuppression.
Bupropion-induced pancytopenia
Authors: Kim Jowon L , Chercover David , Masoudi Hamid , Foltz Lynda
Published: November 2024

Bupropion is not a well established cause of medication-induced pancytopenia. In this report, we discuss a case of agranulocytosis, normocytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia, with concurrent drug-induced rash within 3 weeks of bupropion initiation. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated hypocellularity <10% without dysplastic features or increase in blast cells. Other causes of cytopenias, including infections, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, liver/renal disease, thrombotic microangiopathy, primary bone marrow disorders and secondary marrow infiltrative diseases were ruled out. Pancytopenia resolved after 1 week of bupropion discontinuation and supportive care.
E2F8 facilitates malignant phenotypes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer via increasing MCM7 expression
Authors: Liu Li-Yun , Tian Liang , Gao Ling-Huan , Cui Hai-Jun , Li Xue-Mei , Li Yue-Hong
Published: November 2024

E2F transcription factor 8 (E2F8) is an important regulator of the cell cycle. In this study, we first assessed the expression of E2F8 in bladder cancer and examined its effects in the malignant phenotypes of bladder cancer cell lines. We found that E2F8 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues, and the increased expression was positively associated with higher clinical stage. E2F8 knockdown suppressed bladder cancer cell proliferation, accompanied by the performance of G1 phase arrest and the upregulated Cyclin D1 protein expression. The migrative and invasive capability was reduced in E2F8-depleted bladder cancer cells. Cisplatin resistance is an important cause of bladder cancer relapse. E2F8 downregulation facilitated cisplatin-induced apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. MCM7 is regulated by E2F and has been shown to participate in bladder cancer. There was a positive correlation between E2F8 and MCM7 expression in bladder cancer. We confirmed that E2F8 bound to the promoter region of MCM7 and activated MCM7 transcription. MCM7 overexpression abrogated the suppressive effects of E2F8 knockdown on malignant phenotypes of bladder cancer cells. We also demonstrated that E2F8 knockdown suppressed bladder cancer progression in vivo. In conclusion, we verify that E2F8 functioned in bladder cancer, and might exert its function via MCM7.
Internal cooling system effects to heat transfer and tool wear in turning operations of titanium alloys Ti6Al4V
Authors: Soori Mohsen , Karimi Ghaleh Jough Fooad
Published: November 2024

Internal cooling systems are essential for turning operations to improve the efficiency and quality of the machining process. In this paper, application of the virtual machining system is developed to analyze the effects of internal cooling systems on heat transfer and tool wear in turning operations of titanium alloys Ti6Al4V. The cutting forces as well as cutting temperature along machining paths are simulated in the virtual machining system to predict and analyze the effects of internal cooling system to the heat transfer and tool wear during turning operations. The coolant flow inside the internal cooling channels of a rotating cutting tool is simulated using computational fluid dynamics. Next, utilizing the modified Johnson–Cook model, the cutting temperature during turning operations is determined. The finite element method is employed to predict tool wear by applying the Takeyama–Murata analytical method. To validate the study, experimental works are implemented using turning machine tool. The cutting settings during experimental works are feed rate of 0.3 mm/rev, depth of cut of 2 mm, and cutting speed of 75 m/min. Thus, using the proposed virtual machining system, the performance of internal cooling system can be enhanced to increase cutting tool life and surface quality of machined parts in turning operations.
The analytical resolution of Klein–Gordon equation with vector and scalar for Coulomb plus Yukawa potentials
Authors: Reggab Khalid
Published: November 2024

Similar to how general relativity emerged, quantum mechanics resulted from experimental observations that made us radically rethink our previous assumptions. Scientists who study atoms need to solve these three equations. They are for a system with N electrons affected by the nucleus’s attractive Coulomb force and the repulsive force between each pair of electrons and other potentials. While general relativity has upended our large-scale conception of the universe, quantum mechanics calls into question all our intuition regarding particle physics. The Klein–Gordon (KG) resolution helps determine some physical systems and their properties by finding their bound states and eigenfunctions. These are resolved using analytical and numerical methods, as well as Coulomb and Yukawa potentials. In order to extract some of the first eigenvalues of the quantum mechanical system, we applied the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU) method to the KG equation. The findings are significant for understanding nuclear charge radius, spin, nuclear diffusion and other topics in numerous theoretical physics and quantum chemistry fields because they are more generic and helpful.
Comparative analysis of bandgap characteristics of single-and double-layer ring-like multi-oscillator locally resonant phononic crystals
Authors: Zhang Benben , Miao Linchang , Geng Tianshuang , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2024

Phononic crystals (PCs) harbor the potential to be applied to low-frequency elastic vibration wave control for its intrinsic bandgap property, but the development of conventional single-oscillator locally resonant phononic crystals (SOLRPCs) in the field of low-frequency vibration modulation is restricted by the narrow range of the bandgap. To this end, in this study, single- and double-layer ring-like multi-oscillator locally resonant phononic crystals (referred to as SL-RMLRPCs and DL-RMLRPCs) are constructed to broaden the overall characteristics of the bandgap at the level of the number and width of bandgap. The bandgap characteristic is determined by calculating the energy band structure based on the finite element method, and the intrinsic formation mechanism of the bandgap is investigated with vibrational modal analysis. On this basis, the attenuation behavior of SL-RMLRPCs and DL-RMLRPCs for elastic waves at a finite period is evaluated by means of a frequency response function. Subsequently, a mass–spring equivalent model corresponding to of the SL-RMLRPCs and DL-RMLRPCs structure is developed for theoretically determining the bandgap range. The results indicate that the bandgap characteristics can be effectively improved by employing SL-RMLRPCs and DL-RMLRPCs compared with SOLRPCs, and the number and width of bandgaps of DL-RMLRPCs under multi-oscillator conditions are preferred to those of SL-RMLRPCs. The generation of the bandgap in both SL-RMLRPCs and DL-RMLRPCs originates from the transverse translational vibration and eccentric rotational vibration of the scatterer, which induces a strong coupling effect between the scatterer and the long-wavelength traveling wave in the matrix. Elastic wave frequencies located within the bandgap coverage are significantly hindered and suppressed during propagation. In comparison with SL-RMLRPCs, DL-RMLRPCs provide a more sustained and stable attenuation of low-frequency vibrational elastic waves. The mass–spring equivalent model possesses good accuracy and can quickly determine the bandgap range of SL-RMLRPCs and DL-RMLRPCs theoretically. This study can contribute to the theoretical reference for the optimal design of bandgap multi-range for local resonance composite structures.
Counting the number of connected components of multi-curves through corresponding permutations
Authors: Yaguchi Yoshiro , Yamamoto Ryosuke
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we introduce a new method for counting the number of connected components of multi-curves. Our method is based on associating multi-curves with permutations, where we can see that the number of connected components of a multi-curve is directly related to the number of cycles in a cycle decomposition of the corresponding permutation. Our ultimate goal is to obtain a formula about multi-curves that gives the number of connected components of the curves, and obtaining a formula for the number of cycles of a permutation will also accomplish this goal. While we have several naive methods for counting the number of cycles of permutations, none of them gives us such a formula. As an approach, we develop a new combinatorial technique to count the number of cycles of permutations by introducing a new notation of permutation.
THE ROLE OF PREVENTION AND VACCINATION FOR THE SPREAD OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Authors: ACOSTA-TOVAR ADRIANA , BARRADAS IGNACIO
Published: November 2024

Vaccination and prevention are commonly employed strategies in disease control. However, the influence of sexual preferences on the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains underexplored due to the lack of adequate mathematical models. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the impact of sexual preferences on STIs transmission and providing a tool for implementing more effective control policies. We develop two models that describe STIs transmission dynamics in populations with exclusively same-sex or opposite-sex contacts. Later, we introduce a third, more general model that integrates both scenarios. Sensitivity analysis reveals that prevention often outperforms vaccination in effectiveness. Our findings highlight the critical need for tailoring control policies. In the cases of sexual preferences, it is paramount to pay attention to the group with the highest local basic reproduction number, underscoring the importance of customized strategies in disease management.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, INTERNET OF THINGS, AND BLOCKCHAIN IN EDUCATION: TOWARDS PERSONALIZED, INCLUSIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE LEARNING WITH SOCIAL IMPACT
Authors: AGUILERA RICARDO CARREÑO , MOSQUEDA MARCO ANTONIO ACEVEDO , MOSQUEDA MARIA ELENA ACEVEDO , BELTRAN SERGIO VIDAL
Published: November 2024

By blending the Internet of Things (IoT) into artificial intelligence and blockchain with social issues (decentralized IoT for smart society SSIoTX), education can become more intelligent, accessible, and personalized. Such technologies customize learning for the needs of each learner, allowing progress to be monitored in real-time and modifying the content per cognitive profile determined by cognitive skills. Furthermore, AI, together with SSIoTX, can be of great help to students who have some disability by giving them some sensor devices that make them even more accessible in their education and integrated into classrooms. Additionally, they drive student collaboration and allow teachers to assess how their lesson creates teaching outcomes. SSIoTX can tackle education disparities and make school resources more efficient, contributing to learning environments that are even better and healthier. In summary, it is far from the perspective that blockchain, IoT, and AI technologies have a high social impact since they are bringing education to more and making it inclusive. The paper’s core is developing a deep convolution learning model (YOLO V7) to recognize the cognitive profile patterns based on cognitive skills quizzes on an SSIoTX ecosystem. Cognitive profiles are processing information, problem-solving, and decision-making. Cognitive skills are memory, attention, reasoning, and social cognition. Since the SSIoTX expert system is on the blockchain, a decentralized application (DAPP) has been built in IoTX.
μ-nitrido diiron phthalocyanines: Electron-withdrawing vs electron-donating substituent effect on oxidation reaction catalysis
Authors: Eren Olcay , Şahin Zeynel , Dumoulin Fabienne , İşci Ümit
Published: November 2024

Two μ-nitrido phthalocyanine complexes tetra non-peripherally substituted with either electron-withdrawing hexylsulfonyl chains ([FePc(SO2Hex)4]2N) or electron-donating hexyloxy chains ([FePc(OHex)4]2N) were prepared and fully characterized by FT-IR, MALDI-MS and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques, to investigate the effect of the substitution pattern on their catalytic properties. Iron atoms in both μ-nitrido complexes are in the FeIV–N=FeIV oxidation state, hence under their cationic form, as evidenced by the N3 peak in FT-IR and the fact that they are EPR silent. Both [FePc(SO2Hex)4]2N and [FePc(OHex)4]2N complexes were tested as catalysts for the oxidation of different benzyl alcohols by tBuOOH and gave the corresponding benzoic acids with excellent selectivity and complete conversion. The electron-withdrawing hexylsulfonyl-substituted μ-nitrido complex [FePc(SO2Hex)4]2N exhibited slightly better catalytic activities and selectivity towards the benzoic acid products than the electron-donating hexyloxy substituted μ-nitrido complex [FePc(OHex)4]2N.
A class of skew constacyclic codes over ℤ4 + uℤ4 with derivation
Authors: El Hamdaoui Mohammadi , Ou-Azzou Hassan , Boua Abdelkarim
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we are interested in the class of [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes with derivation over the ring [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is an automorphism of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-derivation (skew derivation). Similar to the case of cyclic codes and their generalizations, we proved a one-to-one correspondence between [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes and the left [Formula: see text]-submodules of [Formula: see text] As an application, we derived many characterizations of these types of codes. Finally, we provided some examples as applications of the theory developed here.
High Prevalence of a Novel Circovirus in the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), a Common Species in Decline
Authors: Mulder Kevin P. , Pasmans Frank , Nieuwerburgh Filip van , Terriere Naomi , Kelly Moira , Bregman Seline , Verbrugghe Elin , Martel An
Published: November 2024

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) declines in western Europe have been associated with the emergence of Hedgehog diphtheric disease (HDD), with a probable multifactorial, yet unidentified etiology. We used metagenomic sequencing of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in hedgehog blood to identify possible causes of HDD. We detected a novel circovirus species in the European hedgehog, providing the first record of a circovirus within the mammalian order Eulipotyphla. The novel circovirus genome exhibits the characteristic circovirus structure, including a functional replicase (REP) and capsid (CAP) gene. Phylogenetic analysis placed all four detected genomes in a monophyletic clade, most closely related to sequences isolated from dogs. Subsequent PCR‐based screening of 188 hedgehog liver samples demonstrated a high prevalence (61%) of this circovirus in hedgehogs brought to wildlife rescue centers, however, without any significant association with HDD. Since circoviruses are well known to interfere with host immunity across mammalian and avian taxa, the high level of circovirus detection in hedgehogs warrants further research into the role of this novel virus in hedgehog health.
An Effective Approach for Resource‐Constrained Edge Devices in Federated Learning
Authors: Wen Jun , Li Xiusheng , Chen Yupeng , Li Xiaoli , Mao Hang
Published: November 2024

Federated learning (FL) is a novel approach to privacy‐preserving machine learning, enabling remote devices to collaborate on model training without exchanging data among clients. However, it faces several challenges, including limited client‐side processing capabilities and non‐IID data distributions. To address these challenges, we propose a partitioned FL architecture that a large CNN is divided into smaller networks, which train concurrently with other clients. Within a cluster, multiple clients concurrently train the ensemble model. The Jensen–Shannon divergence quantifies the similarity of predictions across submodels. To address discrepancies in model parameters between local and global models caused by data distribution, we propose an ensemble learning method that integrates a penalty term into the local model’s loss calculation, thereby ensuring synchronization. This method amalgamates predictions and losses across multiple submodels, effectively mitigating accuracy loss during the integration process. Extensive experiments with various Dirichlet parameters demonstrate that our system achieves accelerated convergence and enhanced performance on the CIFAR‐10 and CIFAR‐100 image classification tasks while remaining robust to partial participation, diverse datasets, and numerous clients. On the CIFAR‐10 dataset, our method outperforms FedAvg, FedProx, and SplitFed by 6%–8%; in contrast, it outperforms them by 12%–18% on CIFAR‐100.
Transmission Law of Pore Water Pressure in Granite Weathered Soil Under High Hydraulic Gradient Conditions
Authors: Wang Qiyun , Zeng Jiajun , Zhang Bingqiang , Gu Danping , Zang Wanjun , Xiao Nanxiong
Published: November 2024

With the development and utilization of large‐scale urban underground space, the interaction between groundwater and underground structures has become a research hotspot. To analyze the pore pressure transfer mechanism of granite weathered soil under high water head conditions, this article uses the consolidation differential equation of saturated soil to solve the pore pressure transfer model for specific boundary conditions. To verify the effectiveness of the theoretical model, a large‐scale head loss test system was constructed to carry out seepage tests of groundwater in granite weathered soil under high water head conditions. Using the experimental results, an expression for the relationship between the permeability coefficient and hydraulic gradient of granite weathered soil was established. Finally, the influence factors in the process of pore water pressure transfer in soil were studied using the pore pressure transfer theory model. The research conclusions can be used for antifloating design and seepage field analysis of underground structures, providing a basic theoretical basis and analytical method for studying the seepage law of soil, which is of great significance for ensuring the safety of underground structures.